Where Peat Soil Is Found

Peat soils occur in all regions, but they are more widespread in the temperate and cold zones of the Northern Hemisphere. There are 12.2 M ha (million hectare) peatlands in Africa, 23.5 M ha in Asia and the Far East, 7.4 M ha in Latin America, 4.1 M ha in Australia, 117.8 M ha in North America and 75.0 M ha in Europe.

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 type of soil is peat soil?

Peat soils are classified as histosols. These are soils high in organic matter content. Peat formation is influenced by moisture and temperature. In highly saturated anaerobic soils, decomposition of plant material by micro organisms is slowed down, resulting in high carbon accumulation.

Sophia Al-Mansoor

Sophia Al-Mansoor

Global Business & E-Commerce Reporter

Sophia analyzes international trade, startup ecosystems, retail transformation, and supply chain logistics for modern digital publications.

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