Pineapples (Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.) cultivation on drained peats could affect the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere and also the leaching of dissolved organic carbon (DOC). Carbon dioxide emission needs to be partitioned before deciding on whether cultivated peat is net sink or net source of carbon. Partitioning of CO2 emission into root respiration, microbial respiration, ...

The activity of extracellular phenol oxidases is believed to play a critical role in decomposition processes in peatlands. The water logged, acidic conditions, and recalcitrant litter from the peatland vegetation, lead to exceptionally high phenolics in the peat. In order to quantify the activity of oxidative enzymes involved in the modification and break down of phenolic compounds two types of...

The addition of a bed of peat, approximately 600 mm deep, as a treatment mechanism for reducing the impact of septic tank effluent (STE) on the receiving environment (land or water) has been shown to be significant. By regular dosing of a Biogreen peat filter through a pressurised distribution system to maintain an aerobic environment, reductions in typical STE contaminants can be achieved. At...

Studies of the properties of soil organic matter are essential for understanding the humification reactions and soil diagenesis processes. The aim of this study is to analyse properties of peat and peat humic acids as well as factors influencing their variability. Humic acids isolated from an ombrotrophic bog peat profile were used as study objects. Relations among peat age, decomposition and h...

Production of plants and mushrooms in substrate based partly on anaerobic digestate from biogas production (30%) peat (70%) was studied experiments performed using oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) basil (Ocimum basilicum). Biogas included order to decrease use fertilizer. In separate experiments, combined greenhouse fresh substrate, bags or spent plant production, were studied. terms yield...

Silicon (Si) is a beneficial element that usually ample in mineral soil solution, but it minimally bioavailable from soilless substrates. Several Si additives are commercially available, the rate of dissolution not well-characterized. The ideal additive would steadily release over crop lifecycle. We report long-term (120 days) substrates and substrate additives. Studies involving gently agitate...

Consumers appreciate microgreens for their vast variety of colors and flavors. Usually, they are grown employing peat, a substrate that is used in large quantities. In order to identify more sustainable propagation protocol reduce the amount peat consumed, alternative protocols were evaluated. Jute biodegradable with lower post-harvest costs because it does not leave particles on microgreens. T...