EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Peat moss is obtained from Sphagnum which is a type of moss. It is produced by partial decomposition of vegetative matter. It is also used as fuel and in gardening. Due to its high water holding capacity, it is also used as packaging material for trans-shipment of living material.

Detailed explanation-2: -Decomposed and dried Sphagnum is known as peat or peat moss. It is used as a soil conditioner as it helps the soil to increase the water holding capacity.

Detailed explanation-3: -Even though peat moss can hold water well up to 10 times of its weight and is a great supplement to the soil. But when it becomes completely dry, it takes a long time to get the moisture.

Detailed explanation-4: -Moss peat is decayed dried sphagnum moss. It is hygroscopic, i.e. it has the ability to hold water either by absorption or adsorption. Its use as a packing material for sending flowers and live plants to distant places helps to keep flowers and plants fresh.

Detailed explanation-5: -Sphagnum can hold up to 20 times its weight in water, so moisture is retained around the roots for subsequent uptake by the plant. Sphagnum moss holds enough moisture and stores positively charged nutrients like calcium, magnesium and potassium for later use rather than them being flushed through the pot.