About Peat
Hygrotech is the sole supplier of Mikskaar peat in South Africa. The peat is imported from Estonia, and Mikskaar is a major supplier of high‑quality peat substrates. Mikskaar peat originates from Sphagnum fuscum plants, which are soft, moss‑like plants that die and are preserved under snow for many years. Over time, layers upon layers are formed from decomposed Sphagnum spp. These layers are then harvested from bogs. Bogs are large areas that are water‑saturated and covered with snow during winter. There are two types of peat harvested, namely light and dark peat.
Light Peat
- Less composted
- 5x higher water retention
- Light in weight, softer material
- Slow release of water
- Re-wettable
- C : N = 60 : 1
Dark Peat
- More composted
- Lower water retention
- Heavier, harder material
- Quick release of water
- Not re-wettable
- C : N = 80 : 1
Base Substrate
Mikskaar peat consists of 95% organic material and contains natural humic and fulvic acids, which contribute favourably to seedlings and plants as a growing medium. Most vegetable seedling nurseries in South Africa use peat in their growing mixtures because it is light in weight, has a high water‑holding capacity, and has natural root‑stimulating and root‑development properties. Mikskaar is a sterile and pathogen‑free peat.
- pH 5,2 – 6,0
- EC < 0.05
- Sphagnum spp.
- Structure:
- 0-5mm, 0-6mm, 0-10mm, 0-20mm, 0-40mm
- 5-10mm, 5-20mm, 5-40mm
(Written by Pieter Vorster, Fertagchem Technical Manager, Gauteng)
