Responsible Peat Sourcing & Restoration - Benefits & Practices
Peat is a crucial component in soil and potting mixes, valued by home gardeners and commercial growers for its ability to enhance soil quality and retain moisture. Beyond its practical applications, peat offers environmental benefits such as carbon sequestration and wildlife support. Recognizing peat as a finite natural resource with ecological importance, we emphasize responsible sourcing practices. Many of our Canadian peat moss production sites hold Veriflora certification for Responsibly Managed Peatlands, reflecting our dedication to preserving and restoring these ecosystems. Strict Canadian regulations govern the use and conservation of peatland resources.
Scotts Canada actively collaborates with universities through the Peatland Ecology Research Group (PERG), a partnership among scientists, the peat industry, and government agencies. This collaboration enhances our understanding of peatland ecology and informs best practices for restoration. PERG’s mission focuses on advancing knowledge about peatlands and wetlands, promoting ecological restoration, and supporting responsible peatland management.
Recent studies have highlighted significant findings:
Scotts Canada actively collaborates with universities through the Peatland Ecology Research Group (PERG), a partnership among scientists, the peat industry, and government agencies. This collaboration enhances our understanding of peatland ecology and informs best practices for restoration. PERG’s mission focuses on advancing knowledge about peatlands and wetlands, promoting ecological restoration, and supporting responsible peatland management.
Recent studies have highlighted significant findings:
- A plant cover of typical bog species, including sphagnum mosses, can regenerate within three to five years.
- After eight years, restored bogs achieve sphagnum moss productivity and organic matter accumulation rates comparable to undisturbed sites.
- Within 10 to 15 years, the carbon balance of restored peatlands aligns with that of natural ecosystems.
We are also committed to fostering respectful relationships with Canadian Indigenous communities in regions where we harvest sphagnum peat moss. For instance, we support an Aboriginal Knowledge Study in New Brunswick, documenting the historical use of peatlands by the Mi’kmaq communities. This initiative includes excavations to preserve cultural artifacts and interviews to compile historical and traditional knowledge, with a report completed in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peat Sourcing
Why is peat moss so popular among gardeners?
Peat moss is highly effective in promoting plant health. It is lightweight, free from weeds, pests, and pollutants, and enhances nutrient and water availability—key factors for successful gardening. Its consistent quality also makes it ideal for growing media mixes.
Can peat harvesting be sustainable?
Yes, sustainable peat harvesting is possible. Certifications like the SCS Global Services’ Responsibly Managed Peatlands program ensure best practices are followed. This certification involves annual audits, site visits, worker interviews, and emphasizes post-harvest restoration of peatlands.
What is peatland restoration?
Peatland restoration aims to revive the ecological functions of peatlands, including biodiversity, water regulation, and carbon storage.
How does ScottsMiracle-Gro promote responsible peat harvesting?
ScottsMiracle-Gro complies with Veriflora standards and government regulations to conserve peatlands. Additionally, Scotts Canada contributes to research with PERG, focusing on peatland management, biodiversity, hydrology, greenhouse gas dynamics, and sphagnum farming.
Click here to know more about ScottsMiracleGro's commitment to corporate responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions About Peat Sourcing
Why is peat moss so popular among gardeners?
Peat moss is highly effective in promoting plant health. It is lightweight, free from weeds, pests, and pollutants, and enhances nutrient and water availability—key factors for successful gardening. Its consistent quality also makes it ideal for growing media mixes.
Can peat harvesting be sustainable?
Yes, sustainable peat harvesting is possible. Certifications like the SCS Global Services’ Responsibly Managed Peatlands program ensure best practices are followed. This certification involves annual audits, site visits, worker interviews, and emphasizes post-harvest restoration of peatlands.
What is peatland restoration?
Peatland restoration aims to revive the ecological functions of peatlands, including biodiversity, water regulation, and carbon storage.
How does ScottsMiracle-Gro promote responsible peat harvesting?
ScottsMiracle-Gro complies with Veriflora standards and government regulations to conserve peatlands. Additionally, Scotts Canada contributes to research with PERG, focusing on peatland management, biodiversity, hydrology, greenhouse gas dynamics, and sphagnum farming.
Click here to know more about ScottsMiracleGro's commitment to corporate responsibility.
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