Black peat is a very dense, fine particle peat moss that is highly decomposed. … It is usually blended with other types of peat depending on the type of crops grown. It is popular with mushroom producers for mushroom casing mixes. It is also used as a soil conditioner for consumer products and sold as peat humus.

What is the difference between black peat and white peat?

White peat forms the uppermost layer of the bog and is, therefore, exposed to only very low pressure, so that the degree of compaction is small. … Black peat is extracted in spring or summer and must be laid out to dry in thin layers prior to harvesting. Black peat is also an important raw material for growing media.

What is the purpose of peat?

Peat moss is an important component of most potting soils and seed starting mediums. It holds several times its weight in moisture, and releases the moisture to the plants roots as needed. It also holds onto nutrients so that they aren’t rinsed out of the soil when you water the plant.