peat moss endangered

Continued formation of peat is threatened by global warming, as well as extensive mining, since drying out of the top layer kills the sphagnum moss layer above the decomposing material. Because it takes such a long time for peat to form, mining it means depleting an almost non-renewable resource.

Why is peat moss being banned?

Millions of gardeners will be banned from using peat compost under new plans to protect Britain's bogs. ... Environment minister Richard Benyon said the ban would protect rare plants and animals in peatlands and prevent the release of half a million tons of greenhouse gases from disturbed bogs each year.

Is there a shortage of peat moss?

After a lengthy discussion with the store employees, I discovered there is a worldwide peat moss shortage. ... Due to severe wet weather conditions in this region, especially the eastern provinces of Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Canadian peat moss production is down dramatically.

Is peat moss sustainable?

Peat Moss is abundant and environmentally sustainable. Peat Moss grows more than 60 times faster than it is harvested. Canada has more than 281 million acres of peatlands (25% of the world's supply). Harvested peat moss improves plant and soil health wherever applied.

Is peat moss dangerous?

Fungal Disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that people who have contact with peat moss containing the fungus Sporothrix schenckii have the potential of contracting sporotrichosis. The fungal spores from the moss enter the blood stream through a cut or open would and infect the person.

Should I mix peat moss with soil?

Even though peat moss can hold water well up to 10 times of its weight and is a great supplement to the soil. ... So when starting seeds with peat moss alone, be sure to get it moisture enough. Or it's a good idea to mix it with soils and some other soilless media.

Why should you not use peat?

The peat that is used to produce the garden compost is mainly derived from peat bogs. ... The intensive mining of peat has adverse effects on the climate, and destroys valuable ecosystems. Many rare and endangered species live in and around peat bogs and these are having their way of life threatened.

What can I use instead of peat moss?

There are plenty of peat moss alternatives, including coconut coir, compost, bark or wood fibre, pine needles, leaf mold, and manure.

What's the problem with peat?

The carbon in peat, when spread on a field or garden, quickly turns into carbon dioxide, adding to greenhouse gas levels. 3. The unique biodiversity of peat bogs is lost. Rare birds, butterflies, dragonflies and plants disappear.

What does adding peat moss do to soil?

Peat moss helps the soil hold nutrients by increasing what is called the CEC or "cation exchange capacity." Peat moss has a low pH, so if you use much, lime should be added as well. Plants that do well in acidic soils, termed "ericaceous" such as blueberries and rhododendrons, benefit from peat moss.

Can peat moss make you sick?

It may surprise you that sphagnum peat moss can make you sick with the “rose gardener's disease” (Sporotrichosis), which is caused by the Sporothrix fungus. ... Skin infection, through cuts and scrapes, is the most common way to get the disease.

How long will peat moss last?

Since it doesn't compact or break down readily, one application of peat moss lasts for several years. Peat moss doesn't contain harmful microorganisms or weed seeds that you may find in poorly processed compost.

Do tomatoes like peat moss?

The sterile environment that peat moss provides is perfect for growing plump and tasty tomatoes, according to Epic Gardening. The sphagnum peat moss potting mix helps the seedlings to grow strong roots. ... Break up large chunks of the dry material so that it is more manageable and the roots of the tomatoes can thrive.

Does peat moss help drainage?

Peat moss improves the quality of garden and potting soil. It resists compaction and so provides aeration to soil beds, a necessity in heavy soils that otherwise would hold too much water instead of draining properly. Although peat moss aids drainage, it also absorbs moisture so the soil doesn't dry out too quickly.

Does peat moss help grass grow?

Peat moss is organic matter that improves the germination rate of grass seed when you incorporate it into your soil. ... Peat moss holds water and nutrients needed for growth in light sandy soils. Adding organic matter to your lawn before planting grass makes the soil easier to work into a light seeding bed for a new lawn.

Is peat moss good for clay soil?

To improve clay soil—or any soil, add organic matter. Compost, peat moss, or aged manure will improve the texture of clay soil aiding drainage and aeration.

What is the alternative to peat?

Alternatives to peat. Peat alternatives are now being developed using materials such as bark, wood fibre, coir (pictured), biosolids, bracken and green compost.

Can you make your own peat?

You can make your own peat pellets using gelatin as the binder, instructions here. ... Though the author doesn't mention it, the small amount of gelatin that will be present in the pellets is also a source of nitrogen for the seedlings.

How do you mix peat moss in soil?

How to Use Peat Moss in the Garden

Application. Properly applying peat moss to soil mixes and as an amendment is important for the success of your garden. ...
As A Soil Amendment You can apply peat moss in a 2:1 ratio as a soil amendment, with two parts soil to one part peat moss. ...
As A Seed Starter

Why is burning peat bad?

There is concern about the environmental impact as peat fields are flammable, drainage degrades ecosystems, and burning of peat releases carbon dioxide.

Why is peat soil bad?

Peatlands store a third of the world's soil carbon, and their harvesting and use releases carbon dioxide, the major greenhouse gas driving climate change. The biggest environmental risk from peatlands is if they catch fire, which happened spectacularly in 2015 in Indonesia on land cleared for plantations.

Does peat regenerate?

Peat bogs: a disappearing habitat

And because peat takes a very long time to form, once the bogs are damaged, they can take up to 100 years to regrow.