Peat soil, an acidic organic substrate
What is peaty soil?
Peaty soil is formed from decomposed organic matter, known as peat. It is an acidic substrate native to wet, oxygen-poor environments.
Characteristics of peaty soil
Peat is capable of retaining moisture. It stores water in the winter and releases it in the summer. While peat soil is rich in organic matter, it contains few nutrients.
As with siliceous earth, it must be enriched with lime to make it suitable for cultivation.
As with siliceous earth, it must be enriched with lime to make it suitable for cultivation.
How can you identify peat soil?
The color of peat soil varies depending on its age:
· Light-colored peat is the youngest. It has a fibrous texture.
· Brown peat can be up to 5,000 years old;
· Black peat is the oldest. It is also the richest.
To distinguish peat soil from humus soil, observe its consistency. Peat soil is spongy, while humus-rich soil is light.
· Light-colored peat is the youngest. It has a fibrous texture.
· Brown peat can be up to 5,000 years old;
· Black peat is the oldest. It is also the richest.
To distinguish peat soil from humus soil, observe its consistency. Peat soil is spongy, while humus-rich soil is light.
