Peat as a fertilizer: instructions for using it on potatoes

Peat has long been popular as a fertilizer. Gardeners have begun using it in their plots for various crops, as the benefits of organic fertilizer are undeniable. It has become an indispensable friend for any gardener when it comes to providing ideal conditions for crops to thrive and increasing yields.It can be used in conjunction with other organic fertilizers. This often maximizes the product's effectiveness and provides additional benefits to plants.

Description and characteristics of peat as a fertilizer

1. It is an accumulation of partially decomposed vegetation or organic matter that is unique to natural areas called peatlands or bogs.
2. It consists of decomposed remains and colloidal mass.
3. In its natural state, peat has a water content ranging from 80 to 90%.
4. Due to varying degrees of decomposition of plant residues and soft sediments, it accounts for more than 30% of the organic matter content.
5. Peat at a lesser stage of decomposition is light brown and sandy beige. While decomposed peat contains many plant remains, it is dark brown, black, and hard. This type of peat contains a lot of humic acid.

Organic matter in peat consists of:

• cellulose;
• hemicelluloses;
• lignin;
• humic acid;
• bituminous substances.

Humic acid content ranges from 10 to 30%, and up to 70%. Inorganic materials in peat include clay, quartz, and other mineral impurities. Because it contains a high amount of organic matter and is stable, has good permeability, fertilizer retention, and a light texture, peat is used as a bioorganic fertilizer in flower growing, especially in greenhouses and pots.

Application rates

On average, one square meter requires 45 kg of peat. The advantage is that it gives gardeners more flexibility, allowing them to determine when to apply fertilizer and adjust its amount. It's impossible to overdo it with fertilizing.

Use in a greenhouse

Peat is renowned for its excellent moisture absorption, which is especially important for greenhouses, where humidity levels are constantly high. Any excess moisture will be absorbed by the peat. Using peat as an effective fertilizer in a greenhouse can minimize the number of pathogenic microbes in the soil. When crops are grown indoors, it is pathogens that pose a threat to plants.

Peat compost

This affordable fertilizer is made using plants such as lupine, chrysanthemum, burdock, nettle, and chamomile. It contains a large number of components essential for plant development, which will be preserved during decomposition.

What are the benefits of peat?

1. Due to its high mineral content, peat compost is suitable for amending soil and stimulating plant growth, which increases the content of humus, nitrogen and other microelements.
2. Fertilizer, as one of the organic ones, contains biological materials.
3. Thanks to processing, peat compost has a great impact on improving the condition of the soil.
4. Widely used in agriculture. Due to its high humic acid and organic matter content, it improves soil composition and promotes plant growth.
5. Microelements such as Cu, Zn, B, and Mn are involved in plant formation, growth, and reproduction. Therefore, it makes sense to use such material for the production of bioorganic fertilizers. It promotes the transformation of elements and improved nutrient absorption. The high humic content of peat is beneficial for many crops.

Peat extract

An electrohydraulic treatment produces an extract. The liquid fertilizer is absorbed by plant roots more quickly, making the use of an extract enriched with all the additional beneficial compounds popular among many gardeners.

Peat oxidate

A popular product used to increase crop yields. It improves crop quality. The nutritional value of fruits fertilized with peat oxidate is significantly increased. This product is environmentally friendly and poses no risk to humans.

Advantages and disadvantages

1. When using peat bioorganic fertilizer, the soil has increased permeability and cushioning.
2. Furthermore, the product retains water and reduces damage from external factors. The balanced soil system provides ideal conditions for microorganisms.
3. Peat contributes large amounts of organic matter to the soil. After interacting with air, soil, and water, other organic matter is produced. Thus, the organic matter content increases.
4. Provides nutrients over a long period of time. It contains many micronutrients, such as N, H, C, S, O, P, etc. These micronutrients are essential for plants and can be absorbed by roots, leaves, and stems.
5. Thus, fertilization increases the presence of useful substances in the soil, nutrients in plants and reduces their loss.
6. After adding a certain amount of peat fertilizer to the soil, there is no need to add other organic compounds for a long time.

Instructions for using peat

There are no strict rules for applying peat fertilizer. The main thing is to avoid using less than the average application rate per square meter. Peat can be used at any time of year and at different stages of plant development. It is used both in the garden, for various flowers and trees, and for agricultural green crops.

Peat as a fertilizer for potatoes

It's impossible to say which is better: peat or compost. Each fertilizer has its own characteristics, but more and more gardeners are choosing peat as a potato fertilizer. While it may not produce good results immediately, it remains effective for several years. Furthermore, potatoes grown with peat, rich in nitrogen, develop faster. They become high-quality, nutritious, and attractive.

Reviews

Igor

I used peat to fertilize my plot three years ago, and I can still see the effect of its application.

Christina

I use peat compost regularly. I like how different crops respond to it. I'm always pleased with the results.

Paul

This is a universal fertilizer that I've been using for several years now. It helps me achieve good yields on many crops.

Novel

This is an irreplaceable fertilizer in the garden and vegetable garden; peat acts equally effectively on various plants.