If you have peaty soil, you are most likely dealing with wetland conditions. Cultivating plants is challenging. However, certain crops and plants can do well, and a soil amendment such as biochar can correct some of the issues, allowing your garden to flourish.
It’s important to choose the right biochar as a soil amendment for your garden’s needs. At Wakefield BioChar, we offer premium biochar, a compost and biochar blend, and our premium compost.
Peaty Soil
What causes peaty soil? As noted, peaty soil originates in wetlands. It consists partly of an accumulation of organic material on the surface, such as dead plants, mosses, and other vegetation. One of the most common components is sphagnum moss, also known as peat moss.
Due to the soil’s high acidity levels, organic materials take a long time to break down, and waterlogged conditions further delay decay. Most authorities consider soil with surface organic layers exceeding 30 percent to qualify as peat.
While geography and climate influence peaty soil, the characteristics of it generally include the following:
- High water holding capacity
- Low pH
- Poor nutrient availability
- Low oxygen availability
- Reduced decomposition rate
- Low bulk density
The Key Features of Peaty Soil
Here’s how to recognize peaty soil characteristics:
- Dark color–Peaty soil is very dark, sometimes almost black.
- Rich organic content–The surface accumulation of organic content in peaty soil, such as partly decayed vegetation, is substantial.
- Spongy texture–Peaty soil is generally fine, but its texture soaks up water.
- High water retention–It often remains waterlogged even if it has not rained recently.
- Acidity levels–When you conduct soil tests, the results of peaty soil should come back as highly acidic.
- Nutrient profile–Because it takes organic material such a long time to decompose in peaty soils, it limits nutrient availability.
Peaty soil strengths for cultivation include the following:
- The pros of growing plants in peaty soil include excellent moisture retention. These are wet soils, so watering is needed less frequently.
- Peaty soils are natural sources of organic nutrients.
- Harmful microorganisms seldom live in peat.
The challenges of peaty soil include the following:
- Excess moisture and the risk of root rot are some of the significant challenges with peaty soils. Drainage is often an issue.
- Because peaty soils have lower pH levels, it potentially limits what you can plant.
Biochar and Peaty Soil Enhancement
So, what is biochar, and how does it enhance peaty soil? Biochar consists of organic biomass heated at high temperatures in a oxygen free environment via pyrolysis. The result is a carbon-rich soil conditioner that improves various soil types, including peat. At Wakefield BioChar, our products are made from heating natural wood scraps, an entirely sustainable process.
Biochar can enhance the availability of plant nutrients in peaty soil and increase beneficial soil microorganisms in peatlands. It can also help balance moisture levels and improve drainage.
Biochar vs. Peat Moss
Peat moss has long been used as a soil amendment and is a staple of many potting mixes. However, the United Kingdom is banning peat-based gardening products by 2030 because of the ongoing destruction of peatlands to harvest the product. This process also releases carbon dioxide, the greenhouse gas responsible for global warming and climate change.
Biochar is an eco-friendly alternative to replace peat moss as a soil amendment. Each pound of biochar sequesters two pounds of carbon dioxide, thus slowing down climate change.
Learn More from Wakefield BioChar
No matter the soil type, biochar can improve it, including seriously degraded and contaminated soils. At Wakefield BioChar, we help you have healthier plants with less work. By using biochar, you play a role in combatting climate change.
Better Soil. Better World.