Very dark peat (sedge peat) is the deepest and oldest layer in peat bogs. Over the years, the high pressure exerted by the upper layers resulted in a high degree of decomposition (greater than H7 on the von Post scale), and such peat is noticeably more compact than light (blonde) or brown peat. No plant residues are visible.
Very dark peat (sedge peat) is extracted in the spring or summer, and laid out in thin layers to dry. Cold is very important for this peat, because cold produces the peat’s unique properties, increasing its ability to absorb water and increasing its optimum air capacity.
The main advantages of very dark peat (sedge peat) are: it retains both water and nutrients, reduces fertiliser usage by 30-40%, reduces watering frequency by 50%, and improves seed germination and seedling development. This peat also contains high levels of organic matter which improves the soil.
