Sphagnum moss ( Spapillosum ) is a byproduct of loony toons bogs in Germany , Ireland and Canada . It is capable of absorbing 10 to 20 times its own weighting in water , making it a democratic choice when amending overly - holey soil types , such as sandlike land . While sphagnum peat has many characteristics which make it a good choice for ground , its one drawback is the potential extinction of this growing culture medium due to unreasonable harvest home . There are some option useable that are sourced from more easily refill generator .

Coir Dust

Coir is the stringy , middle layer of the coconut used to make brushes , twine and mattress dressing . The textile made from the small , remnant pieces of these fibers is known as coir junk . When coir dust was compared to bog moss peat at Auburn University , the University of Arkansas and A&L Analytical Laboratories in Tennessee , it was found to be a superior mathematical product in many instances . Coir dust has good piddle absorption and gave the grime better drainage capabilities . The gloomy pH grade of coir dust , compared to peat moss peat , meant less lime was need to balance the dirt ’s pH levels . Coir dust was tested against sphagnum moss peat in 1992 as a growing spiritualist for tomatoes , pelf and Brassica oleracea italica . The issue were quicker seed germination in the coir detritus and bigger sided seedling .

Perlite

This lightweight , snowy stuff is a upshot of heated volcanic rock . Perlite lightens soil grain , improve drainage and is pH neutral , postulate no increase of lime to equilibrate the soil ’s pH. Perlite does not break down in the soil , making it a long - lasting alternative to sphagnum peat , and can hold three to four times its own weight in body of water without becoming doughy . Due to its light weighting , perlite is often used as a substitute for sand , as well as sphagnum peat , when amending clayey territory .

Composted Pine Bark

compost pine bark lightens soil texture and improves porousness , making it a unspoiled choice when amending clay dirt . Its pH layer is 5 to 6.5 , make it only slightly acidic when compared to sphagnum peat ’s 3.5 to 4.0 pH tier . Composted pine bark is best suit as a dirt amendment when growing woody ornamental and herbaceous plant flora , but consider only deputise some of the full amount of sphagnum peat with this textile . Composted pine barque has the power to increase a plant ’s resistance against disease , but consider supplement with more N when amending stain with this stuff .

References

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