What is meant by peat soils?

Peat is the surface organic layer of a soil that consists of partially decomposed organic matter, derived mostly from plant material, which has accumulated under conditions of waterlogging, oxygen deficiency, high acidity and nutrient deficiency.

What is peat explain?

Peat (/piːt/), also known as turf (/tɜːrf/), is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation or organic matter. … Peat forms in wetland conditions, where flooding or stagnant water obstructs the flow of oxygen from the atmosphere, slowing the rate of decomposition.

What is peat soil made of?

Peat soil is a type of soil made from decomposed organic materials that form over thousands of years. Peat soil has a high percentage of organic matter content from plant materials like decaying sphagnum peat moss. Peat soil accumulates in wetland ecosystems called peatlands or peat bogs.

What is peat soil and why is it important?

It acts as a carbon store, it is a great habitat for wildlife, it has a role in water management, and preserves things well for archaeology. Peat is of great importance to our planet: as a carbon store – peat holds more carbon than the combined forests of Britain, France and Germany.

Which plants grow in peat soil?

Cropping. Drained fen or light peat soils are among the most fertile arable soils. Crops such as potatoes, sugar beet, celery, onions, carrots, lettuce and market garden crops are commonly grown.

What is peat and organic soil?

Soil scientists define peat as organic soil with organic content of greater than 35%. To a geotechnical engineer, however, all0 soils with an organic content of greater than 20% are known as organic soil, while “peat” is an organic soil with organic content of more than 75%.

What is another name for peat?

What is another word for peat?

bogmarsh
swampfen
marshlandmire
morassslough
mossquagmire

How is peat soil formed?

Peat formation is the result of incomplete decomposition of the remains of plants growing in waterlogged conditions. … As a result, partially decomposed plant remains accumulate and become compacted, forming peat that changes the substrate chemical and physical properties leading to a succession of plant communities.

Where is peat soil found in India?

Peaty Soils These types of soils are mainly found in Orissa, the s under-bans in West Bengal, parts of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Kottayam, Alleppey, districts of Kerala. They are dark almost black in color with abundant organic matter.