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ECO HUB - Peat free compost

Peat also known as turf is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or
organic matter. It is unique to natural wetland areas called peatlands, bogs, and
mires, and covers about 3% of the earth’s surface. Peatlands are not common in
South Africa, but the Mbafeni Mire is unique and 45000 years old, one of the
world’s oldest active peat-accumulating wetlands.

The global carbon stored in peat is estimated to be about 30% of the world’s soil
carbon, and the more that this erodes, the more carbon is released into the
atmosphere. In the past, it has been common practice to use peat in compost sold
commercially. Peat is a wonderful medium for holding water. It also improves soil
quality when mixed with soil by raising humic content and holding the structure
open for healthy root growth.

Historically there was thought to be plenty of peat for this use and for burning as
a fuel. But, peat extraction is no longer sustainable for garden composts and other
uses. Unfortunately, peat moss grows very slowly. Even if these bogs were flooded
again it would take hundreds of years before the peat was able to regrow and be
harvested.
Peatland is a unique ecology, home to a huge array of flora and fauna, and many
of these species are found nowhere else. There is so little peat marsh left in some
areas that many species are in danger of becoming extinct. Fortunately there are
many peat-free alternatives that work well as garden compost substitutes. Peat free
compost is made from other types of composted biomass like garden waste and
bark; coir-based (i.e. fibre from the outer husk of the coconut) mixes containing
biochar; and composted bracken and wool waste. So make sure the compost you
buy is ‘Peat free’. by S.C (Photos by Pixabay below)

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