Peat bogs are wetlands in which a superficial accumulation of semi-decomposed organic material, known as peat, occurs. This material is mainly of plant origin, and has accumulated over thousands of years. In its natural environment it does not decompose because it is saturated with water. For this reason, peat bogs are said to be CO2 sinks. They accumulate biomass, sequestering the highest percentage of organic carbon on the planet. They also provide a variety of services to the ecosystem, such as regulating hydrological cycles, preserving plant and animal species, and have great scientific and archaeological value.

For years, peat bogs have been seriously degraded. They are drained to use the land for other purposes, or peat is extracted for use as fuel or substrate for agriculture. This causes large emissions of CO2 into the atmosphere, and generates serious and irreversible environmental imbalances.

From the agriculture and gardening sector, how can we help to conserve these ecosystems?

Replacing peat in substrate formulation: Current technological advances and scientific research allow us to develop more eco-logical and sophisticated products without the need to extract non-renewable resources. From these products (such as wood fibers, coconut fibers, aged bark, compost, among others), we can replace peat totally or partially, reducing its consumption and extraction.

In this way, all those involved in the use of growing substrates can do their part for a healthier ecosystem.