According to tentative estimates of scientists, as of today, peat reserves on our planet are about five hundred billion tons. At the same time, a significant proportion of them is concentrated in the Northern Hemisphere. The reason for this is quite simple and is related to climatic features, namely, indicators of precipitation and average annual humidity. This article will discuss what peat is, as well as 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 forms in swampy areas and is the result of a massive accumulation of various organic elements that have not completely decomposed. As a rule, the thickness of the deposits of its layers is not less than thirty centimeters. It is impossible not to note the fact that peat is a mineral, which consists of more than half of carbon. In addition to it, the composition includes calcium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, nitrogen, as well ashumic acids and vegetable fibers. Modern science distinguishes two main types of it - low-lying and high-moor peat.
Uses
The fossil has found quite extensive use. In particular, in the field of agriculture, the use of peat is associated with the production of fertile fertilizers, the processes of greening city streets, mulching the soil, and so on. In the livestock industry, it often acts as a bedding for livestock. In addition, it is used as a fuel, as well as for the production of medicines.
Key Features
As already noted, the numerous 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 condition of soils, thereby increasing their fertility and productivity. At the same time, we must not forget the nuance that before use in floriculture or horticulture, it must be weathered, which will eliminate acids harmful to many plants. This takes an average of three years. Moreover, the substance provides a high moisture content of various soil mixtures produced on its basis.
Fossil plays a very important role in nature. The fact is that it accumulates the products of photosynthesis and atmospheric carbon. Among other things, the substance acts as a kind of natural water filter, since the properties of peat make it possible to remove various impurities from its composition, which include evenheavy metals. This is its ecological function.
Land peat
The first fossil mentioned above is low in acidity. It contains many nutrients, which makes it an excellent fertilizer. The extraction of this type of peat is usually carried out in swamps formed in floodplains or near the foot of the slopes. Its useful properties are associated with constant saturation with water due to adjacent reservoirs and precipitation. A fossil can be slightly decomposed, moderately decomposed, or strongly decomposed. It is the latter option that is considered the best solution for fertilizing the soil.
Horse view
High peat is a variety that was formed as a result of the decomposition of cotton grass, pine or sphagnum under the influence of precipitation. In most cases, it acts as a fuel or as a component of various materials used for thermal insulation of premises. In addition, it is often used to mulch the soil. A characteristic feature of the species is the absence of pests, pathogens, and weed seeds in its composition. In this regard, the fossil is often found in greenhouses and greenhouses. Be that as it may, one cannot fail to note the fact that it is poor in nutrients and quite acidic. This makes it possible to use it as a fertilizer for only some types of plants.
Education
Speaking about what peat is, one cannot fail to note the order of formationthis fossil. It arises as a result of the death of plants in a swampy area, which then rot under the influence of an excess amount of moisture and in conditions of a lack of oxygen. The substance is brown or black in color and is fibrous in structure. Under natural conditions, it contains a large proportion of water.
Key parameters
A peat deposit is a concentration of interlayers of matter of different nature and type, which is located on a certain area. In the event that its depth in the undrained state reaches seventy centimeters, it is considered a geological reserve. It should be noted that peat is a raw material that, in the process of its formation, acquires a unique content of phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium and other minerals. In addition, different deposits differ in such indicators as humification, ash content and moisture percentage.
The concept of humification means the percentage of carbon contained in peat, as well as fertile and nutritious 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 from 20 to 35 percent - medium, and in other cases - high.
The relative humidity of peat means the amount of water in the total mass as a percentage, and the absolute humidity is the same value expressed in grams.
Ash content is another important parameter,which characterizes peat. This value indicates the percentage of 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 peatlands. First of all, they are connected with the fact that during the drying process, the release of previously absorbed carbon dioxide can be accelerated. In addition, many of us have heard about peat fires. Studies show that they never occur on their own, because they are the result of human activities aimed at draining and mineralizing peatlands.
