What does it mean to say that peat moss "burns" soil? I have heard this said twice with no explanation.

Question

Thanks a lot for helping me.

Answer 1

They might be referring to its acidity,which some might liken to "burning". Where I live, the soil is naturally acidic, and, though the nurseries sell it to unsuspecting snowbirds, I would never recommend it for that and one other reason: You have to labor long and hard to wet it through and through. If you don't, any dry pocket will remain there, maybe forever, and any root venturing into such a dry pocket is sure to die.

Answer 2

I know some fertilizers "burn" plants and can make soil sterile.

I have never heard of peat moss doing this.

It is acidic to a degree, but nothing that I would consider something that would burn anything. In fact, I've started a lot of cutting in peat moss only or a 50%/50% mix of peat moss and sand. It has never been a problem.

There are a group of "anti-peat-moss" people who believe the harvesting of peat moss in Canada causes serious ecological damage. They like to emphasize the negative qualities of peat moss, perhaps that is what is going on.

Answer 3

I am not 100% but I think what it means is that Peat Moss usually grows in an acidic wetland area. It may be the peat moss burns soil due to the acidic nature of its chemical nature. I have not done a lot of research but I do remember something like that.

Answer 4

peat moss is a source of nitrogen that is released into the soil as it breaks down. Ideally you want soil that has nitrogen available for the plants without having too much. Balance is the key. If you have too much nitrogen you get a situation where plants will actually die, as anyone who has ever overfertilized can attest to. The other part of the fertilizer equation is potassium and phosphate, which plants also need. Peat moss also has another quality that bears mentioning, it holds water. Mixing amendments into the soil requires moderation and balance. The rewards of happy plants that require no insect control and thrive make figuring it out worthwhile.

Answer 5

here's the real reason. Peat moss, or any other organic matter is high in nitrogen. Nitrogen promotes healthy new growth and strong root formation, but needs lots of water to be effective. It will pull the water from surrounding areas. it will actually start to leach the water from the roots of the plants, causing a 'burning' effect....If you use high nitrogen content fertilizers, make sure you water alot...and i mean alot....good luck