peat humus

Peat humus originates from hypnum moss, reed sedge peat, or woody peat. Peat humus is in such an advanced state of decomposition that the original plant remains cannot be identified.

Peat humus is dark-brown to black with a low moisture-holding capacity. Unlike the other peats, peat humus contains a small amount of nitrogen (2 to 3.5 percent). Peat humus, also known as black peat or Michigan peat, is quite heavy compared to the other peats. Its pH varies greatly (from 4 to 8), and it is characteristically sticky when wet.

Two types of black peat are found in the trade. The first, amorphous peat humus is highly acidic and virtually structureless. Any water it holds is mostly unavailable to plants. When it dries, amorphous peat humus becomes lumpy. It turns to dust when broken apart.

The second type of black peat, granular peat humus, contains humates which form aggregate particles. The aggregates give granular peat humus a high air capacity and make it permeable to water. This humus is used for improving very sandy or gravelly soil. Overall, the lack of water-holding and soil-loosening capacities of peat humus make it unsuitable for most horticultural purposes.

The type of peat extracted by "Record" Ltd. from the deposits in the Rovny region, Ukraine, is called the high-moor peat. This peat is widely and successfully used for enrichment of soil, in greenhouse facilities, for growing of champignons, sprouts, ornamental plants. Its useful characteristics were highly acknowledged by the home gardeners and professional nursery growers and landscape designers.