What is peat soil and what are its advantages and disadvantages?

1. What is soil

Peat soil, also known as peated soil, refers to the soil accumulated and settled in mountains, valleys, rivers and lakes. Because this type of soil has been accumulating water for a long time, many plants are not completely decomposed, thus forming a peat layer. Peat soil is mainly obtained from swamp peatlands and sphagnum peatlands. Peat soil is suitable for growing flowers, but this type of soil is a non-renewable resource.

2. Advantages and Disadvantages

1. Advantages: Peat soil has many advantages. This soil contains sufficient nutrients and is rich in humus. It can provide sufficient nutrients for the growth of plants. It also has a strong ability to retain water and fertilizer, reducing the rate of water loss and avoiding soil barrenness.

2. Disadvantages: The use of peat soil does not only have advantages, but also has many disadvantages. If it is used for too long, it will cause the soil to become compacted, affecting normal growth. In the long run, the plants may become weak and die. And from an environmental perspective, large-scale development will destroy the growth environment.

3. How to distinguish

There are good and bad peat soils, and you need to distinguish the good ones when buying. For peat soil of the same specifications, you should choose relatively light ones, which contain leaves, flowers, plants, etc. and are rich in humus. You can also feel it with your hands. If you grab a handful and then loosen it quickly, this type of soil is better.