peat

Also known as turf

AI overview

Peat is a dark, carbon-rich material that forms from partially decomposed plant matter in wet environments like bogs and marshes. It has been historically harvested as a fuel source and remains important for horticulture and energy production, though its extraction raises environmental concerns due to its role in storing carbon and supporting unique ecosystems.

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Wikidata facts

Image: Peat (49302157252).jpg

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Commons category: Peat
Commons gallery: Peat
OpenStreetMap tag: resource=peat

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via Wikidata · CC0

~32 min read

Article

39 sections

Contents

Formation
Types of peat material
Peatlands distribution
General uses
Fuel
Agriculture
Drinking water
Metallurgy
Flood mitigation
Freshwater aquaria
Balneotherapy
Peat archives
Bog bodies
Environmental and ecological issues
Peat drainage
{{anchor|Fires|Peat Fires}} Peat fires
Erosion: Peat hags
Protection
Restoration
Characteristics and uses by nation
Latvia
Finland
Sweden
Ireland
Russia
Netherlands
Estonia
India
Sikkim
United Kingdom
England
Northern Ireland
Scotland
Wales
Canada
See also
Notes
References
External links

Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter. It is unique to natural areas called peatlands, bogs, mires, moors, or muskegs. Sphagnum moss, also called peat moss, is one of the most common components in peat, although many other plants can contribute. The biological features of sphagnum mosses act to create a habitat aiding peat formation, a phenomenon termed 'habitat manipulation'. Soils consisting primarily of peat are known as histosols. Peat forms in wetland conditions, where flooding or stagnant water obstructs the flow of oxygen from the atmosphere, slowing the rate of decomposition. Peat properties such as organic matter content and saturated hydraulic conductivity can exhibit high spatial heterogeneity.