Saprophytic Nematodes

Sphagnum cells have thin walls with large cavities, which are used to absorb and transport water. an important characteristic of the sphagnum cells is that they have lignified walls built up in the form of rings, spirals an plates.  These prevent the cells from collapsing when they dry out.  The cells are so strongly built, but even after they have become peat, they can still absorb and transport water.as the water evaporates, the cells fill with air, because the lignified walls prevent them from collapsing.  It is easy to understand what this means to plants growing in sphagnum peat and to the supply of oxygen and water.  By keeping the peat, suitably wet optimum conditions of moisture and aeration can be maintained.

Properties of Peat Moss

The water retention of peat moss is further aided by the fact that sphagnum cells have lots of holes through which water gets into the cells and from there to all parts of the plant. This is not a phenomenon connected to the life activity of the moss but a plain mechanical capillary system which functions well after the death of the moss.Calculations showed that this capillary system can raise water up to 50 cm above the level of free water.The leaf and stem cells of peat moss are surface active.  This means that they can take up nutrients in the same way as root hairs and surface cells of higher plants.  Peat moss can absorb store and release large amounts of nutrients.  The residue of other plants only acquire this ability after decomposing.  Peat moss does not need to decompose and is ready for use as a growing medium.

Ellepots made with Kekkila Peat will prove to be a clean, easy, safe and hygienic way to improve your propagation system.  It is also a very practical means for receiving and growing plant material.