Evaluation of Physical and Chemical Properties of Processed Sphagnum Palustre Biomass as a Possible Additive in Horticultural Substrates

Raphael Müller (Korresp. Autor*in), Stephan Glatzel

Veröffentlichungen: Beitrag zu KonferenzSonstiger Konferenzbeitrag

Abstract

Provisioning of raw material is an important ecosystem service provided by restored and rewetted peatlands. Using materials produced on re-established peatland sites can help to increase the interest of stakeholders to expedite further restoration measurements. Therefore, the cultivation and extraction of peat moss, the so-called Sphagnum farming, offers a promising way of paludiculture. In this study physicochemical properties of harvested and rocessed Sphagnum palustre were evaluated to identify possible uses in horticultural substrates. Effects of processing steps on the maximum water holding capacity (MWC) of Sphagnum palustre were evaluated, followed by a comparison of specific mixtures including peat and coir in different volumetric
ratios. The wettability of the materials was analysed using standardised hydration experiments.Mixtures were fertilised and incubated for four weeks. Measurements using bomb calorimetry, thermogravimetry and elemental analysis of H, C, N, S and O were carried out for treated and untreated substrates. Results show that different processing steps reduce the MWC of processed Sphagnum biomass significantly compared to fresh moss, except for one treatment. All mixtures that include processed Sphagnum biomass have higher MWC than mixtures without it and rewetting of mixtures including Sphagnum is faster and more efficient. Fertilisation of processed
Sphagnum decreased the stability of organic matter leading to a loss of total carbon, a shift of thermogravimetric peaks towards lower temperatures and a reduction of gross heat values. Processed Sphagnum biomass shows advantageous physical properties that enhance water holding and rewetting characteristics of mixtures while the stability of Sphagnum palustre decreases
rapidly after fertilisation.
OriginalspracheEnglisch
Seiten6
Seitenumfang11
PublikationsstatusVeröffentlicht - Mai 2021
VeranstaltungThe 16th International Peatland Congress - Creative Hub, Tallinn & Online, Tallinn, Estland
Dauer: 2 Mai 20217 Mai 2021
https://www.peatlandcongress2021.com/

Konferenz

KonferenzThe 16th International Peatland Congress
KurztitelIPC2021
Land/GebietEstland
OrtTallinn
Zeitraum2/05/217/05/21
Internetadresse

ÖFOS 2012

  • 105904 Umweltforschung
  • 401905 Nachwachsende Rohstoffe
  • 105906 Umweltgeowissenschaften

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