82 - Peat

Hello friends, Welcome to the Rock Repository at the Department of Geology, Shivaji Science College, Nagpur

I am Peat ,an Organo-Sedimentary rock ,  composed primarily of partially decomposed plant material. I form in waterlogged conditions where the lack of oxygen slows down my decomposition process. Over time, this accumulation of organic material creates deposits of me.  I am predominantly made up of organic material, typically consisting of decomposed mosses, sedges, and other plant debris. I form in waterlogged conditions where oxygen levels are low, hindering the complete decomposition of organic matter. I am naturally acidic due to the presence of organic acids formed during decomposition.

 One of my distinctive properties is my ability to retain water, making me an essential component of wetland ecosystems. I have a spongy texture and can hold a significant amount of water even when not fully saturated. I have been identified in certain areas of the Western Ghats, particularly in the states of Kerala and Karnataka. Parts of Northeast India, such as Assam and Meghalaya, also contain deposits of me, often associated with swampy or marshy areas. Coastal areas of India, including the Sundarbans in West Bengal, may also have deposits of mine formed in mangrove swamps and salt marshes.

 I am widely used as a component in horticultural substrates and potting mixes. My ability to retain moisture and nutrients makes me valuable for improving soil quality and promoting plant growth Historically, I have been used as a fuel source for heating and cooking in regions where I am abundant. However, this use has declined in favour of more efficient and cleaner energy sources. In some cultures, I have been used for my medicinal properties.

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