According to rough estimates of scientists, as of today, the reserves of peat on our planet are about five hundred billion tons. At the same time, a significant proportion of them are concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere. The reason for this is quite simple and is related to climatic features, namely, indicators of rainfall and average annual humidity. In this article, we will talk about what peat is, as well as about its types, characteristics and applications.
General concept
First of all, it should be noted that it is one of the types of solid minerals that is most often used in the production of fuel. It is formed in a swampy area and is the result of a massive accumulation of various organic elements that are not completely decomposed. As a rule, the thickness of the deposits of its layers is not less than thirty centimeters. It should be noted that peat is a mineral that is more than half carbon. In addition to it, the composition includes calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, nitrogen, as well as humic acids and plant fibers. Modern science distinguishes two of its main types - lowland and high peat.
Areas of use
The fossil has found quite extensive application. In particular, in the field of agriculture, the use of peat is associated with obtaining fertile fertilizers, the processes of landscaping city streets, mulching the soil, and so on. In the livestock industry, it often acts as bedding for livestock. In addition, it is used in the form of fuel, as well as for the production of medicines.
Main characteristics
As already noted, the many useful properties of peat allow it to be used in a variety of areas of human activity. In particular, the fossil provides a significant improvement in the air-water state of soils, thereby increasing their fertility and productivity. Along with this, we must not forget about the nuance that before use in floriculture or horticulture, it should be weathered, which will eliminate acids harmful to many plants. This takes an average of about three years. Moreover, the substance provides high moisture capacity of various soil mixtures produced on its basis.
Fossil plays a very important role in nature. The fact is that photosynthesis products and atmospheric carbon accumulate in it. Among other things, the substance acts as a kind of natural water filter, since the properties of peat can remove various impurities from its composition, which include even heavy metals. This is its environmental function.
Lowland peat
The first of the above types of fossil is characterized by a low level of acidity. It contains many nutrients, which makes it an excellent fertilizer. Peat extraction of this type is usually carried out in swamps formed in river floodplains or near the foot of slopes. Its useful properties are associated with constant saturation with water due to adjacent reservoirs and precipitation. A fossil can be poorly decomposed, medium decomposed, or highly decomposed. The latter option is considered the best solution for fertilizing the soil.
Horse view
Peat peat is a variety that was formed due to decomposition of cotton grass, pine or sphagnum under the influence of precipitation. In most cases, it appears in the form of fuel or an integral part of various materials used for thermal insulation of rooms. In addition, with the help of it, the soil is often mulched. A characteristic feature of the species is the absence of pests, pathogens, and also weed seeds in its composition. In this regard, the fossil is often found in greenhouses and greenhouses. Be that as it may, one cannot but note the fact that it is poor in nutrients and acidic enough. This makes it possible to use it as fertilizer only for certain types of plants.
Education
Speaking about what peat is, one cannot but note the formation order of this fossil. It arises as a result of the dying off of plants in a swampy area, which then decay under the influence of an excess amount of moisture and in the absence of oxygen. The substance is brown or black in color and is fibrous in structure. Under natural conditions, there is a large proportion of water in it.
Key parameters
Peat deposit is a concentration of various in nature and type of interlayers of matter that is located on a certain area. In the event that its depth in an undrained state reaches a mark of seventy centimeters, it is considered a geological reserve. It should be noted that peat is a raw material, which in the process of its formation acquires a unique content of phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and other mineral substances. In addition, different deposits differ in such indicators as humification, ash content and percentage of humidity.
The concept of humification means the percentage ratio of carbon contained in peat, as well as fertile and nutrient elements to its total mass. If this indicator does not exceed 20 percent, the deposit has a minimum degree of decomposition, when it is in the range of 20 to 35 percent - medium, and in other cases - high.
Relative humidity of peat means the amount of water in the total mass in percent, and absolute - the same value, expressed in grams.
Ash content is another important parameter that characterizes peat. This value shows in percent the ratio between the content of mineral components and the amount of dry matter.
Risks and hazards associated with peat
There are certain dangers behind the development of peat bogs. First of all, they are connected with the fact that the process of drainage may accelerate the release of previously absorbed carbon dioxide. In addition, many of us have heard of peat fires. Studies show that by themselves they never arise, because they are a consequence of human activity aimed at draining and mineralizing peatlands.