Peat is a completely natural substance, obtained due to the half-life of plant residues in conditions of high humidity (swamp). In a peat substratum, the total volume of peat can take from 50 to 100% of the total volume.
The most valuable peat is the top peat, it is an extremely useful and nutritious organic substance. It is the substrate based on peat used as a substitute for soil for many plant species.
Some plants desperately need a peat substrate. For example, orchids: when composing a substrate for them, you need to remember that it must be sufficiently moisture-consuming and breathable. The substrate with peat, bark and sphagnum for phalaenopsis (orchids) meets these requirements to the fullest.
Features of peat nutrient substrate
The most common tofood is sphagnum moss. And sphagnum peat bogs are the most common sources of peat and substrate. In this sphagnum has its own characteristics, which are characteristic of the peat formed by them.
The main feature of sphagnum peat bogs is a large capillarity and, accordingly, moisture capacity. The most water-intensive sphagnum are capable of absorbing moisture 50 times more than their dry mass. It is logical that peat absorbs moisture very well.
In addition, the peat substrate maximally meets the needs of plants in micro- and macroelements, because it is often used for growing plants in pots and containers, as well as for greenhouse cultivation of crops. In it, the processes of germination of seeds are accelerated, therefore such a substrate is often chosen for forcing seedlings.
Disadvantages of peat substrate
Peat as a substrate is not universal for all plant species. The acid environment inherent in peat substrates does not fit all representatives of the flora.
To reduce acidity in the substrate or peat tablets, chalk or lime is often added. But this, in turn, can cause an excessive content of calcium in the substrate, which adversely affects the development of plants, because it leads to a lack of phosphorus and some trace elements.
In addition, in the process of neutralizing acidity, the activity of humic substances of peat may decrease, and this reduces the efficiency of peat and makes it impossible to use the useful properties of peat to the fullest.
And one more thing: because of the loose and porous structure of the peat substrate, it quickly loses moisture, because plants require more frequent watering. Due to a strong evaporation of moisture and a drop in temperature, the root system may suffer, especially under draft conditions.