The Benefits of Peat-Free Compost

THE BENEFITS OF PEAT-FREE COMPOST Peat, like oil, is a finite resource, meaning that it will run out if we continue to use it. The government aims to eradicate peat from amateur composts by 2020, and from professional growing methods by 2030. This means that it is necessary to use sustainable alternatives, many of which are already available from suppliers. As amateur gardeners use 69% of the total peat extracted in the UK, it is vital that the benefits of these altematives are made clear. The wetter the THE PROBLEM WITH PEAT conditions are, the faster the peat will form, but this process takes THOUSANDS Peat is the accumulation of decaying plant material, OF YEARS. which forms in waterlogged conditions where plants cannot completely decay due to a lack of oxygen. This includes the sterile, acidic conditions of bogs and fens. Peat forms at a rate of about As the UK's largest store of carbon, 1mm PER YEAR. peat bogs help keep emissions from the atmosphere. When these are released through peat extraction, it contributes to GLOBAL WARMING. It is extracted at a rate of up to 22cm PER YEAR. If this continues, there will soon be no peatland left. Over 70% of the UK's drinking water comes from waterlogged peat areas. Over the last century, 90% of peat bogs in the UK have been lost, If they disappear altogether, water supplies will be affected. along with a great deal of unique wildlife. 1. Some rare birds and plants can only survive in these habitats, and these ecosystems may be threatened if peat continues to be used on this scale. As a result, some bogs have been made into conservation areas. We consume almost 3 million cubic metres OF PEATLAND EVERY YEAR, most of which is through compost or grow bags. GOING PEAT-FREE THE FIVE MAIN ALTERNATIVES TO PEAT ARE: WOOD WOOD GREEN BARK COIR FIBRE BY-PRODUCTS COMPOST Recycled garden compost is made from 100% DOMESTIC GARDEN WASTE COLLECTED BY COUNCILS. These materials can be used as alternatives to peat in the following ways: Soil conditioner Mulch Lawn conditioner Potting mix Mixing compost into Add a layer of Mixing equal Mixing equal the soil can improve compost on top amounts of sharp amounts of soil sand and fine and compost for pots will help retain structure and add of the soil to add nutrients. nutrients and compost will improve the look of the lawn. encourage plant more water and growth. encourage growth. Peat alternatives WHY SWITCH reduce the need for landfill, as TO PEAT-FREE? they ensure that garden waste is recycled into a An increased consumer interest in peat-free composts wll USEFUL encourage less peat extraction in the UK. This prevents the PRODUCT. damage and destruction of lowland bogs. Peat alternatives are also beneficial for gardens, as peat-free soil conditioner improves soil structure, adds essential nutrients and helps soil to retain more water. Using altemative composts will protect the unique mixture of wildlife that thrives in many bogs, fens and moors. In the Thome Moors and Hatfield Moors in Yorkshire, OVER 3,000 INSECT SPECIES, 800 FLOWERING PLANTS as well as hundreds of mosses, liverworts, lichens and fungi have been found. PEAT-FREE TIPS There are certain things to remember WHEN USING PEAT-FREE COMPOSTS. PEAT-FREE FERTILISER ORGANIC Fertilisers contain different Avoid 'organic' products. Check the information nutrients, so always use the Ensure your product is on the label of your product recommended fertiliser for labelled as peat-free. for how sustainable it is, your product to achieve the If it doesn't say it, it as well as instruction for best results. probably isn't! how to use. THE FUTURE OF PEAT Although government targets aim to completely stop the extraction of peat for use in composts and gardening by 2030, only 38% of the peat used in the UK IS EXTRACTED HERE. Over half of the peat used in the UK comes To become completely peat-free, the UK from the Republic of Ireland. A small will need to stop importing peat products, amount comes from countries in Northern as this perpetuates the supply-demand Europe such as Finland and Latvia. chain in other countries. Peat may still be required for gardening if carnivorous plants are involved, as these originate from bogs and so need peat to develop fully. SOURCES http://www.wrap.org.uk/sites/files/wrap/Retailers%E2%80%99 %20guide%20to%20reducing%20peat%20in%20growing%20media.pdf http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/today_in_your_garden/ethical_peat.shtml https://www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/profile?PID=441 courtesy of www.compostdirect.com creative ccommons