Sphagnum farming in Germany – a review of progress

In ombrotrophic, nutrient-poor peatlands, the cultivation of peatmoss (Sphagnum spp.) is a promising paludiculture option. Since 2001 we have been studying peatmoss cultivation (‘Sphagnum farming’) in greenhouse and field experiments, paying special attention to propagation, propagule storage, establ...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: G. Gaudig, F. Fengler, M. Krebs, A. Prager, J. Schulz, S. Wichmann, H. Joosten
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: International Mire Conservation Group and International Peatland Society 2014-02-01
Series:Mires and Peat
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Online Access:http://mires-and-peat.net/media/map13/map_13_08.pdf
Description
Summary:In ombrotrophic, nutrient-poor peatlands, the cultivation of peatmoss (Sphagnum spp.) is a promising paludiculture option. Since 2001 we have been studying peatmoss cultivation (‘Sphagnum farming’) in greenhouse and field experiments, paying special attention to propagation, propagule storage, establishment, productivity and regeneration. Our studies show that Sphagnum farming in Germany may provide a sustainable high-quality alternative to fossil white peat as a raw material for horticultural growing media. Sphagnum farming is, furthermore, a climate-friendly and sustainable land use option for abandoned cut-over bogs and degraded bog grassland.
ISSN:1819-754X