METHODS FOR CULTIVATING SPHAGNUM

Abstract

The invention provides a method for cultivating Sphagnum that has been applied to a surface of a field, the method comprising controllably irrigating the Sphagnum, wherein the controllably irrigating comprises applying water to a surface of the Sphagnum and/or to the surface of the field. The invention also relates to Sphagnum obtainable by a method of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for cultivating Sphagnum that has been applied to a surface of a field, the method comprising controllably irrigating the Sphagnum, wherein the controllably irrigating comprises one or more of applying water to a surface of the Sphagnum and applying water to the surface of the field.

2. (canceled)

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controllably irrigating does not comprise saturating the field with water to submerge at least a portion of the Sphagnum with water.

4. (canceled)

5. (canceled)

6. (canceled)

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the field has a water table, and wherein the controllably irrigating does not increase a level of the water table.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controllably irrigating comprises applying between 3.5 and 35 L of water per m.sup.2 per week.

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein a weight of water to a dry weight of the Sphagnum are in a ratio of between 5:1 and 60:1.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein a weight of water to a dry weight of the Sphagnum are in a ratio of between 8:1 and 45:1.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein a weight of water to a dry weight of the Sphagnum are in a ratio of between 10:1 and 40:1.

17. The method according to claim 1, wherein a weight of water to a dry weight of the Sphagnum are in a ratio of between 12:1 and 35:1.

18. (canceled)

19. (canceled)

20. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controllably irrigating ensures that at least a portion of the surface of the Sphagnum remains in contact with air in order to permit gaseous exchange.

21. (canceled)

22. (canceled)

23. (canceled)

24. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controllably irrigating comprises applying water from above the Sphagnum.

25. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controllably irrigating comprises spray irrigation.

26. The method according to claim 1, wherein the controllably irrigating comprises drip irrigation.

27. The method according to claim 1, wherein the method is carried out for at least 12 hours, 1 day, 1 week or 1 month.

28. The method according to claim 1, further comprising covering the Sphagnum.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein a mesh cover is applied to the Sphagnum.

30. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the use of a sensor that measures evaporation of the water, wherein an irrigation parameter is altered when the evaporation of the water is sensed.

31. The method according to claim 1, further comprising harvesting the Sphagnum.

32. The method according to claim 31, further comprising providing a growing medium comprising the harvested Sphagnum.

33. (canceled)

34. A method for cultivating Sphagnum that has been applied to a surface of a field, the method comprising controllably irrigating the Sphagnum, and covering the Sphagnum with a cover.

35. (canceled)

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44. A method for cultivating Sphagnum that has been applied to a growth surface, the method comprising controllably irrigating the Sphagnum, wherein the controllably irrigating comprises one or more of applying water to a surface of the Sphagnum and applying water to the growth surface.

45. (canceled)

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Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0123] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following Figures and Examples.

[0124] FIG. 1 shows a conventional system for growing Sphagnum under paludiculture conditions on a site 100. FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional side view of a site 100, for example a peat bog environment such as an area of drained peat bog, peat bog grassland used for agriculture, or cut-over bog. The conventional system relies on raising the water table to a point at or just below the surface and maintaining such a level. Such an environment is often used to replicate the conditions in which Sphagnum grows in the wild. The site 100 comprises a central area 102 having a surface 104 on which Sphagnum 106 is grown. The site 100 is prepared by digging a ditch 108 positioned on at least one side of the central area 102. On the opposing side of the ditch 108 to the central area 102, the site 100 includes a bank 110. The site 100 also includes an underground pipe 112 comprising at least one outlet along its length. In some examples, the site 100 comprises a plurality of underground pipes 112 arranged between a plurality of ditches 108. In FIG. 1, the underground pipe 112 is arranged between the two ditches 108 such that it is in fluid communication with each ditch 108. Sphagnum 106 is then applied to the surface 104 of the central area 102. For example, Sphagnum 106 is translocated from another peat bog, and is spread onto the surface 104 by hand. The site 100 has a natural water table 114 below the surface 104 of the site 100. The ditch 108 is provided to hold water which is subsequently pumped into the site 100, as described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2. The bank 110 provides a barrier for containing water within the ditch 108. Water within the ditch 108 can drain into the ground. The underground pipe 112 is connected to the ditch 108 such that water held in the ditch 108 passes through the underground pipe 112, and under the surface 104. The outlets along the underground pipe 112 are configured to release water underground below the surface 104. In alternative examples, the ditch 108 is configured to directly release water into the ground, and the underground pipe 112 need not be provided. The operation of this system will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 2.

[0125] FIG. 2 shows the same conventional system for growing Sphagnum under paludiculture conditions as in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 shows a site 200 having the same arrangement in FIG. 1, except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. The ditch 208 is identical to the ditch 108 described above with reference to FIG. 1, except that it has been at least partially filled with water. Water is pumped into the ditch 208 in order to raise the water table 114. The underground pipes 112 are provided underneath the surface 104 to supply water to raise the water table 114. The underground pipes 112 are connected to the ditches 208 to receive water from the filled ditches 208. The underground pipes 112 are configured to release water through the outlets (illustrated as gaps in the lines defining the pipes 112 in FIG. 2) at a position underground to saturate the ground and raise the water table 114. Water may also drain directly from the ditches 208 into the surrounding ground. As water moves from the ditch 208 into the underground pipes 112 and subsequently into the ground, the water level within the ditch 208 will decrease. As such, water must be continually pumped in to the ditches 208 to maintain water within the ditch 208. Additionally, water may evaporate from the surface of the water in the ditch 208, wasting water and requiring further supply of water. This evaporation also leads to release of methane, which is damaging to the environment. The water is pumped in until enough water is supplied to the ground to substantially saturate the surrounding region of the ground to raise the water table 114. To raise the water table 114, the ground immediately above the water table 114 must be saturated with water. If a continuous portion of the ground above the water table 114 is fully saturated, the water table 114 will effectively rise. The arrows 216 show the rising level of the water table 114 (illustrated by a dotted line in FIG. 2). This process is described in with reference to FIG. 3 below. This process requires significant amounts of water.

[0126] FIG. 3 shows the same conventional system for growing Sphagnum under paludiculture conditions as in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2. FIG. 3 shows a site 300 having the same arrangement in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. The site 300 comprises a raised water table 314 which is raised until it is positioned close to the surface 104. The raised water table 314 is raised relative to the natural water table 114 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is the result of pumping in water to raise the water table, as described above with reference to FIG. 2. The water table 314 is raised to the same level as the surface of the water in the ditches 208. The water in the ditches 208 will drain into the surrounding ground to raise the water table 314, and will continue to do so up to the level of the water in the ditches 208 if water is continually supplied. This has the effect that the water table 314 surrounding the ditches 208 is raised relative to the ground away from the ditches 208. In some cases, the water table 314 between and away from the ditches 208 is lower than close to the ditches 208. As such, the water table 314 is difficult to maintain precisely and can vary along the surface 104. This provides variable water supply to different parts of the Sphagnum 106 and leads to inconsistent growth. In some cases, this is supplemented by underground pipes 112 releasing water to saturate the ground. The water table 314 is maintained by supplying water to the underground pipes 112 to saturate the ground. This is achieved by providing the banks 110 around the site 300, and providing ditches 208 between the banks 110 and the central area 102, which are filled with water. The water table 314 is attempted to be maintained at its raised level by maintaining water in the ditches 208 for supply to the underground pipes 112, for example by continually pumping in water, such that the ground of the site 300 up to the water table 314 is kept saturated.

[0127] FIG. 4 shows a plan view of an example embodiment of a system for cultivating Sphagnum in accordance with the present invention, showing drip irrigation. FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of the present invention. The field 400 comprises a surface 404 having a width 418 and a length 420. In contrast to FIGS. 1-3, in the present invention a portion of the top of the surface does not need removing. Sphagnum 406 is arranged on the surface 404. In FIG. 4, the surface 404 is a peat surface. FIG. 4 shows Sphagnum 406 arranged in clumps, such as small hummocks or plugs which are applied to the surface 404. Over time, as the Sphagnum 406 grows, the clumps will merge to form a carpet of Sphagnum 406, for example covering the entire surface 404. In alternative embodiments, an entire carpet of Sphagnum 406 may be applied initially, covering the entire surface 404. The field 400 has a natural water table (not shown). The field 400 also has a drip irrigation system comprising a plurality of irrigation pipes 422. In some examples, and as illustrated in FIG. 4, the irrigation pipes 422 are arranged on the surface 404. However, in some examples the irrigation pipes 422 may be provided above the surface 404, for example resting on the surface of the Sphagnum 406 once a sufficient carpet has formed. Each drip irrigation pipe 422 comprises a plurality of outlets 424 arranged at intervals along the length of the pipe 422. The outlets 424 are configured to emit water from the drip irrigation pipes 422 onto the surface 404 and/or the Sphagnum 406. This provides irrigation or watering of the Sphagnum 406. In some examples, the drip irrigation pipes 422 can be replaced or supplemented with spray irrigation, as described below in reference to FIG. 5. During operation, water is supplied to the irrigation pipes 422. The water is emitted from the outlets 424 of the irrigation pipes 422 to the surface 404 at the top of the peat surface, which can be absorbed by the Sphagnum 406 through capillary action, and/or the water is emitted to the Sphagnum 406 directly.

[0128] FIG. 5 shows a side view of an example embodiment of a system for cultivating Sphagnum in accordance with the present invention, showing drip irrigation. FIG. 5 is an example embodiment of aspects of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 5 shows a system for cultivating Sphagnum by controllably irrigating comprising applying water to a surface of the Sphagnum and/or a surface of the field. In particular, the irrigating does not raise the water table. FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of the same system for cultivating Sphagnum as in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 shows a field 500 having the same arrangement as in FIG. 4, except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. The field 500 comprises a surface 404, identical to the surface 404 in FIG. 4. FIG. 5 is a cross-section showing the width 418 of the field 500. The field 500 comprises Sphagnum 506 arranged in rows. As in FIG. 4, in this particular example, the Sphagnum 506 is arranged in clumps, although other arrangements are envisaged, as described above. The cross-section in FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of one clump of Sphagnum 506 from each row. The clumps of Sphagnum 506 are shown as larger than the clumps shown in FIG. 4 simply to denote that FIG. 5 corresponds to a later time than FIG. 4, after the clumps of Sphagnum 506 have grown. At a certain point in time, adjacent clumps of Sphagnum 506 within each row will merge together and a full carpet of Sphagnum 506 will be formed covering the entire surface 404, although this is not shown in FIG. 5. The field 500 also comprises drip irrigation pipes 422, which are identical to the drip irrigation pipes 422 shown in FIG. 4. The drip irrigation pipes 422 are shown arranged in rows, where the cross-section in FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of each pipe 422. The field 500 also has a natural water table 514, which may be similar to the natural water table 114 in FIG. 1. The precise level of the natural water table 514 may be affected by environmental factors such as rainfall. Typically, the natural water table 514 may be arranged between 0.5-5 metres below the surface 404, depending on the field 500. When the method is carried out as described above with reference to FIG. 4, the irrigation pipes 422 supply water to the Sphagnum 506. In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the irrigation pipes 422 are configured to controllably irrigate the Sphagnum 506 to apply water to a surface of the Sphagnum 506 and/or to the surface 404 of the field. Furthermore, the irrigation does not raise the water table 514. That is, the irrigation does not raise the water table 514, unlike the conventional system shown in FIGS. 1 to 3. The water from the irrigation system does not cause substantial saturation of the ground between the natural water table 514 and the surface 404. That is, a portion of the ground between the natural water table 514 and the surface 404 is not fully saturated. This condition may be maintained throughout the method of growing Sphagnum 506. For example, this may be maintained for at least one year. As a result, a portion of the ground above the natural water table 514 will not be saturated. This portion may extend a height above the natural water table 514 of approximately 20-60 cm. For example, at least 20-60 cm of ground between the surface 404 and the natural water table 514 will not be saturated. The height of this portion is variable with time of year, weather conditions, the surrounding landscape and soil type. In some examples, the portion has a height of 5-100 cm.

[0129] FIG. 6 shows a side view of an example embodiment of a system for growing Sphagnum in accordance with the present invention, showing spray irrigation. FIG. 6 is an example embodiment of aspects of the present invention. In particular, FIG. 6 shows a system for cultivating Sphagnum by controllably irrigating comprising applying water to a surface of the Sphagnum and/or a surface of the field. In particular, the irrigating does not raise the water table, wherein the water table is not changed by the irrigation. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a similar system for growing Sphagnum as in FIG. 5, but with spray irrigation. FIG. 6 shows a field 600 having the same arrangement as in FIG. 5, except where explained below, and the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features. The field 600 comprises a surface 404, identical to the surface 404 in FIG. 5. FIG. 6 is a cross-section showing the width 418 of the field 600. The field 600 comprises Sphagnum 506 arranged in rows. As in FIG. 6, in this particular example, the Sphagnum 506 is arranged in clumps, although other arrangements are envisaged, as described above. The field 600 comprises irrigation, which is spray irrigation 622 in contrast to the drip irrigation 422 shown in FIG. 5. Spray irrigation 622 involves arranging pipes in the same way to the drip irrigation 422 shown in FIG. 4. However, instead of outlets 424 arranged along the length of the pipes for emitting the water, the spray irrigation 622 comprises sprinklers shown in FIG. 6. These sprinklers spray water onto the Sphagnum 506 from above. In a similar way to the drip irrigation 422, the spray irrigation 622 does not raise the water table 514. On a larger scale, where growth of Sphagnum is more established and there is a full carpet of Sphagnum, spray irrigation 622 may involve using a mobile gantry to provide overhead irrigation.

[0130] FIG. 7 shows productivity (in m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1; that is cubic metres per hectare per annum) of Sphagnum species grown under greenhouse (GH) conditions (cold or warm) or outside, in accordance with the present invention (black bars), compared to productivity grown by conventional paludiculture methods of Wichmann et al. (white bars), as indicated.

[0131] FIG. 8 shows productivity (in m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1) of Sphagnum species grown under greenhouse conditions, as indicated.

[0132] FIG. 9 shows the growth by percentage increase in coverage for Sphagnum grown with: no cover; a mesh cover; a plastic cover; or a straw cover. The irrigation method was via spray (grey bars) or drip irrigation (white bars).

[0133] FIG. 10 shows average height of Sphagnum in a centre of a growing bed (in mm) over time when Sphagnum was grown on either a fleece surface (solid line) or a peat surface (dashed line).

[0134] FIG. 11 shows a percentage coverage for Sphagnum grown on a peatland field with: no cover; a mesh cover; a plastic cover; or a straw cover.

[0135] FIG. 12 shows a percentage coverage for Sphagnum grown on an organo-mineral field with: a mesh cover; or a plastic cover.

EXAMPLES

Comparative Example 1

Conventional Methods for Cultivating Sphagnum

[0136] S. Wichmann et al. (2017) Mires and Peat, Vol. 20, Article 03, pp. 1-19, describes a conventional method of Sphagnum farming using paludiculture, which does not employ controllable irrigation according to the present invention. A first trial on a former bog grassland was performed by Wichmann et al. The trial on bog grassland was performed at Rastede (Lower Saxony, NW Germany) and consisted of two phases: (a) preparing the site; and (b) initiating the Sphagnum culture. This involved forming Sphagnum production strips, narrow ditches for irrigation around each production strip, and bunds or banks to be used as causeways. 30-50 cm of the layer of top soil was removed using a tracked excavator. Narrow ditches (approximately 50 cm wide and 50 cm deep) were constructed along with bunds, and pumps and underground pipes for irrigation were installed. The Sphagnum fragments were spread onto the production strips. The ditches were filled with water and the water table was raised immediately. Sphagnum papillosum was the species of Sphagnum used.

[0137] This method provides a high water table which is raised and maintained by the use of ditches and underground pipes. This achieved productivity levels of 3.25 t ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1 of average annual dry mass harvest, with a bulk density of 30 g L.sup.−1, which corresponds to 108 m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1. This has been plotted in FIG. 7 (“Former Bog”).

[0138] A second trial using a floating mat system was performed by Wichmann et al. Buoyant mats supporting Sphagnum were floated on a surface of an artificial water body. Floating mats from panels of polystyrene foam (2 cm thick) were wrapped in an absorbent textile (polypropylene fleece) to allow water supply to the Sphagnum from underneath. The Sphagnum fragments were applied to the surface of the mats and covered with a thin straw mat. Sphagnum papillosum was the species of Sphagnum used.

[0139] This method provides water directly below the surface of the Sphagnum by floating on a surface of a body of water. Water is transported to the Sphagnum around the mat by capillary action through the textile. This achieved productivity levels of 6 t ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1 of average annual dry mass harvest for floating mats. As the bulk density was also 30 g L.sup.−1, this corresponds to 200 m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.1 and is shown in FIG. 7 (“Floating Mat”).

Example 2

Methods for Cultivating Sphagnum According to the Invention

Materials & Methods

[0140] Sphagnum was cultivated in accordance with a method of the present invention. In more detail, BeadaGel™ (commercially available from BeadaMoss®, UK) was spread at 3 l/m.sup.2 on a peat surface of a field. Four species were used: Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum capillifolium, and Sphagnum squarrosum. Water was supplied with overhead (spray) irrigation (applied at 2.6 l/m.sup.2 whenever the surface of the Sphagnum appeared dry). The water contained a nutrient composition comprising Hortifeeds NPK 15-5-15. This gave a final nutrient content comprising: 2.92 mg/L of sodium, 13.17 mg/L of magnesium, 106.50 mg/L of potassium, 36.96 mg/L of calcium, 0.41 mg/L of manganese, 0.09 mg/L of copper, 0.55 mg/L of zinc, 4.30 mg/L of sulfur, 0.19 mg/L of boron, 24.57 mg/L of phosphorus, 0.98 mg/L of iron, 0.05 mg/L of molybdenum, 0.16 mg/L of chloride, 0.00 mg/L of nitrite, 10.36 mg/L of sulphate, 378.62 mg/L of nitrate, and 17.36 mg/L of ammonium. Hortifeeds 15-5-15 is commercially available from Hortifeeds, UK. Growth was carried out for a period of 12 months before harvesting. Once harvested, volume was assessed by using the Growing Media industry standard method: BS EN 12579:2000 “Soil Improvers and Growing Media”.

Results

[0141] FIG. 7 shows that in comparison to the results of Wichmann et al. Sphagnum grown in accordance with the present invention demonstrated productivity levels of approximately 600-1400 m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1. In more detail, the results in FIG. 7 show the results for Sphagnum grown using spray irrigation in a warm greenhouse (i.e. heated in winter), a cold greenhouse (i.e. unheated), and outside grown (i.e. in a field—e.g. as per Wichmann et al). Therefore, the results show that the improvement in growth occurs in numerous Sphagnum culture conditions.

[0142] The results also show the improvement in growth is not limited to one particular species of Sphagnum and can be extrapolated across the genus. Improved growth was achieved in the four different species, namely Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum palustre, Sphagnum capillifolium, and Sphagnum squarrosum.

[0143] Of particular interest is the comparison between the productivity of the Sphagnum species in the “Outside” conditions of the present invention and the productivity of Sphagnum papillosum of Wichmann et al (“Former Bog” and “Floating Mat” in FIG. 7). The methods according to the present invention achieved a productivity of 1184 m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1 in comparison to the productivity of 108 m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1 on the former bog and 200 m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1 on the floating mats in Wichmann et al. This provides a significant improvement in growth compared to Wichmann et al.

Example 3

Materials & Methods

[0144] Sphagnum was cultivated in accordance with a method of the present invention. BeadaGel™ (commercially available from BeadaMoss®, UK) was spread at 3 l/m.sup.2 on a peat surface in a glasshouse. Six species were used: Sphagnum capillifolium, Sphagnum fallax, Sphagnum magellanicum, Sphagnum papillosum, Sphagnum squarrosum, and Sphagnum palustre. The glasshouse was at a minimum temperature of 5° C. and ventilated at 20° C., and water was applied with overhead (spray) irrigation (applied at 2.6 l/m.sup.2 whenever the surface of the Sphagnum appeared dry). The water contained a nutrient composition comprising Hortifeeds NPK 15-5-15. This gave a final nutrient content comprising: 2.92 mg/L of sodium, 13.17 mg/L of magnesium, 106.50 mg/L of potassium, 36.96 mg/L of calcium, 0.41 mg/L of manganese, 0.09 mg/L of copper, 0.55 mg/L of zinc, 4.30 mg/L of sulfur, 0.19 mg/L of boron, 24.57 mg/L of phosphorus, 0.98 mg/L of iron, 0.05 mg/L of molybdenum, 0.16 mg/L of chloride, 0.00 mg/L of nitrite, 10.36 mg/L of sulphate, 378.62 mg/L of nitrate, and 17.36 mg/L of ammonium. Hortifeeds 15-5-15 is commercially available from Hortifeeds, UK. Growth was carried out for a period of 12 months before harvesting. Once harvested, volume was assessed by using the Growing Media industry standard method: BS EN 12579:2000 “Soil Improvers and Growing Media”.

Results

[0145] FIG. 8 shows that Sphagnum palustre has a productivity of 1126 m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1 in this trial, while Sphagnum papillosum has a similar productivity of 886 m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1. Sphagnum papillosum has a higher productivity even than Sphagnum fallax (886 m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1 for Sphagnum papillosum compared to 651 m.sup.3 ha.sup.−1 a.sup.−1 for Sphagnum fallax).

[0146] Based on these results, it is technically credible that Sphagnum papillosum would have shown similar improved growth properties in the method of Example 2. Moreover, it would be expected that Sphagnum papillosum would perform better than Sphagnum fallax in the experiment the results of which are presented in FIG. 7. Thus, these data further demonstrate that the improvement in growth compared to conventional methods is applicable across the Sphagnum genus.

Example 4

Materials & Methods

[0147] Sphagnum was cultivated in accordance with a method of the present invention. In more detail, BeadaGel™ (commercially available from BeadaMoss®, UK) was spread at 3 l/m.sup.2 on a peat surface of a field. Sphagnum palustre was used. Water was supplied with overhead (spray) irrigation (applied at 2.6 l/m.sup.2 whenever the surface of the Sphagnum appeared dry). The water contained a nutrient composition comprising Hortifeeds NPK 15-5-15. This gave a final nutrient content comprising: 2.92 mg/L of sodium, 13.17 mg/L of magnesium, 106.50 mg/L of potassium, 36.96 mg/L of calcium, 0.41 mg/L of manganese, 0.09 mg/L of copper, 0.55 mg/L of zinc, 4.30 mg/L of sulfur, 0.19 mg/L of boron, 24.57 mg/L of phosphorus, 0.98 mg/L of iron, 0.05 mg/L of molybdenum, 0.16 mg/L of chloride, 0.00 mg/L of nitrite, 10.36 mg/L of sulphate, 378.62 mg/L of nitrate, and 17.36 mg/L of ammonium. Hortifeeds 15-5-15 is commercially available from Hortifeeds, UK. Growth was carried out for a period of 31 months before harvesting.

[0148] The harvest weight was measured, which is the wet weight of Sphagnum including the water it was holding. The dry weight was measured, which is the weight of Sphagnum once dried, without water. The dry weight was calculated after the Sphagnum had been heated until there was no further weight loss. This can be ensured by heating at 110° C. for 24 hours. The weight of water held by the Sphagnum is thus the difference in the harvest weight and the dry weight. Thus, the weight of water of the harvested Sphagnum was then calculated. The saturated weight of the Sphagnum was also measured by saturating the Sphagnum with water until it could hold no more water. The weight of the water of the saturated Sphagnum was then calculated. The ratios of the weight of water to the dry weight of Sphagnum were then calculated for the weight of water when the Sphagnum was harvested and the weight of water when the Sphagnum was saturated.

Results

[0149] The results are displayed below in Table 1. The maximum ratio achieved by saturating the Sphagnum is 43.80. A range of water content suitable for cultivation of Sphagnum may be expressed as a ratio of weight of water to dry weight of Sphagnum of between 5 and 60 (preferably less than 43.80) in order to cultivate the Sphagnum and to ensure that a surface of the Sphagnum remains in contact with air in order to permit gaseous exchange. In other words, the ratio is below saturation to facilitate growth and provide partial saturation. A preferred range is between 12 and 35.

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Ratios of weights compared to dry weights of Sphagnum. Harvest Sphagnum Weight/g 104 Dry Sphagnum Weight/g 11.74 Harvest Water Weight/g 92.26 Saturated Sphagnum Weight/g 526 Saturated Water Weight/g 514.26 Ratio Harvest Water Weight to Dry Sphagnum Weight 7.86 Ratio Saturated Water Weight to Dry Sphagnum Weight 43.80

Example 5

Materials & Methods

[0150] Sphagnum was cultivated in accordance with a method of the present invention. In more detail, small plug-sized hummocks of Sphagnum, using BeadaHumok™ (commercially available from BeadaMoss®, UK) were planted in onto a bog grassland where the grass had been killed by herbicide and cultivation. Sphagnum palustre was used. BeadaHumok™ were planted by hand at a density of 30 units per m.sup.2 and water was applied using an irrigation system to controllably irrigate the Sphagnum in accordance with the invention. Water was applied at 2.6 l/m.sup.2 whenever the surface of the Sphagnum appeared dry. The water contained a nutrient composition comprising Hortifeeds NPK 15-5-15. This gave a final nutrient content comprising: 2.92 mg/L of sodium, 13.17 mg/L of magnesium, 106.50 mg/L of potassium, 36.96 mg/L of calcium, 0.41 mg/L of manganese, 0.09 mg/L of copper, 0.55 mg/L of zinc, 4.30 mg/L of sulfur, 0.19 mg/L of boron, 24.57 mg/L of phosphorus, 0.98 mg/L of iron, 0.05 mg/L of molybdenum, 0.16 mg/L of chloride, 0.00 mg/L of nitrite, 10.36 mg/L of sulphate, 378.62 mg/L of nitrate, and 17.36 mg/L of ammonium. Hortifeeds 15-5-15 is commercially available from Hortifeeds, UK. A trial was conducted using spray irrigation, and another trial was conducted using drip irrigation. Four replicate plots of size 2 m×2 m were used for each of the four treatments, under each of the irrigation systems. The treatments were ‘no cover’ and 3 different cover materials: straw (applied at 0.3 kg/m.sup.2); perforated white plastic; and a very fine woven insect mesh of 0.3×0.7 mm 120 g/m.sup.2. The initial size of the hummocks was measured and growth in terms of percentage increase in coverage area was assessed again two months later.

Results

[0151] FIG. 9 shows the percentage increase in area covered by each treatment over the two month period. The results for the spray irrigation system are shown in grey bars, while the results for the drip irrigation are shown in white bars. The data in FIG. 9 show that covering the Sphagnum with a cover improves growth. In particular, covering the Sphagnum with a mesh or plastic cover improves growth significantly, and using a mesh cover is particularly advantageous. The data in FIG. 9 show that using a woven mesh cover along with spray irrigation is particularly advantageous and leads to over a 500% increase in growth by coverage, while using no cover provides only approximately 60% increase in growth by coverage for spray irrigation.

Example 6

Materials & Methods

[0152] Sphagnum was applied to a peat surface and a peat surface with a fleece cover and grown under the same conditions. Sphagnum was cultivated in accordance with a method of the present invention. In more detail, BeadaGel™ (commercially available from BeadaMoss®, UK) was spread at 3 l/m.sup.2 on a peat surface of a field. The species used was Sphagnum capillifolium. Water was supplied with overhead (spray) irrigation (applied at 2.6 l/m.sup.2 whenever the surface of the Sphagnum appeared dry). The water contained a nutrient composition comprising Hortifeeds NPK 15-5-15. This gave a final nutrient content comprising: 2.92 mg/L of sodium, 13.17 mg/L of magnesium, 106.50 mg/L of potassium, 36.96 mg/L of calcium, 0.41 mg/L of manganese, 0.09 mg/L of copper, 0.55 mg/L of zinc, 4.30 mg/L of sulfur, 0.19 mg/L of boron, 24.57 mg/L of phosphorus, 0.98 mg/L of iron, 0.05 mg/L of molybdenum, 0.16 mg/L of chloride, 0.00 mg/L of nitrite, 10.36 mg/L of sulphate, 378.62 mg/L of nitrate, and 17.36 mg/L of ammonium. Hortifeeds 15-5-15 is commercially available from Hortifeeds, UK. Growth was carried out for a period of 43 weeks.

Results

[0153] FIG. 10 shows that cultivation on a peat surface lead to improved Sphagnum growth when compared to a fleece surface (e.g. as used conventionally for growing Sphagnum on water bodies on ‘floating mats’). Thus, it was concluded that growing Sphagnum on a surface of a field was optimal.

Example 7

Materials & Methods

[0154] Sphagnum palustre was cultivated in accordance with a method of the present invention. In more detail, Sphagnum was applied onto a field with peatland soil, and a field with organo-mineral soil. Sphagnum palustre was used. Water was applied using an irrigation system to controllably irrigate the Sphagnum in accordance with the invention. Water was applied at 2.6 l/m.sup.2 whenever the surface of the Sphagnum appeared dry. The water contained a nutrient composition comprising Hortifeeds NPK 15-5-15. This gave a final nutrient content comprising: 2.92 mg/L of sodium, 13.17 mg/L of magnesium, 106.50 mg/L of potassium, 36.96 mg/L of calcium, 0.41 mg/L of manganese, 0.09 mg/L of copper, 0.55 mg/L of zinc, 4.30 mg/L of sulfur, 0.19 mg/L of boron, 24.57 mg/L of phosphorus, 0.98 mg/L of iron, 0.05 mg/L of molybdenum, 0.16 mg/L of chloride, 0.00 mg/L of nitrite, 10.36 mg/L of sulphate, 378.62 mg/L of nitrate, and 17.36 mg/L of ammonium. Hortifeeds 15-5-15 is commercially available from Hortifeeds, UK. Irrigation was applied using spray irrigation and drip irrigation. The treatments were ‘no cover’ and 3 different cover materials: straw (applied at 0.3 kg/m.sup.2); perforated white plastic; and a very fine woven insect mesh of 0.3×0.7 mm 120 g/m.sup.2. The Sphagnum was cultivated for 18 months, and the coverage of the Sphagnum for each treatment was observed. The coverage of Sphagnum over the area was measured as a percentage cover at intervals over a 7 month period. The greenhouse gas balance was measured in intervals to determine when net zero and sequestration were achieved.

Results

[0155] FIG. 11 shows the percentage coverage of Sphagnum for the peatland field trial. FIG. 12 shows the percentage coverage of Sphagnum for the organo-mineral field trial. FIGS. 11 and 12 show that each of the covers provided better growth than no cover.

[0156] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, providing a plastic cover achieved significantly better results than no cover, and better results than straw.

[0157] In the peatland trial, the Sphagnum with the plastic cover was observed to be greener than no cover or straw, and this was believed to be due to the shading effect of the plastic. Establishment was very good, and 100% coverage was achieved after 9-10 months. Observed growth under hot and dry conditions was particularly good due to the shading and good humidity and water retention. Weed ingress was much less than straw and no cover. In the organo-mineral trial, in FIG. 12, 100% coverage was achieved in 10-12 months.

[0158] As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, providing a mesh cover achieved significantly better results than no cover, better results than straw, and even better results than a plastic cover.

[0159] In the peatland trial, the Sphagnum with the mesh cover performed similarly to the plastic cover but with faster establishment. Weed ingress was much lower than no cover and straw, and similar to the plastic cover. The mesh was far more robust than the plastic cover, and did not deteriorate, even over the 18 month period. Therefore, the mesh cover does not need replacing, providing a significant advantage, especially on large scale sites. Meanwhile, the mesh was observed to perform well under low light levels. In the organo-mineral trial, the establishment was excellent, and the growth was superior to other treatments.

[0160] Both the plastic and the mesh covers achieved a greenhouse gas balance (net zero) within 9 months after application, and provided significant sequestration in 10 months. This provides a dramatic effect for Sphagnum farming, and shows the advantages of such covers compared to no cover.

[0161] The two irrigation systems (drip and spray) were also compared on the different sites (peatland and organo-mineral). Drip irrigation was found to perform well on organo-mineral soil as this was relatively impermeable compared to peatland (i.e. not cracked), and so the water was able to spread over the surface without soaking into the soil, reducing wastage. During periods of irrigation interruption, the water on the surface acted as an extra buffer which provided an advantage.

[0162] Spray irrigation performed better on peatland soil as this was very permeable. The drip irrigation led to large water losses on permeable soil, which meant the spray system was more efficient and resulted in better growth for the same amount of water applied. The spray irrigation kept the Sphagnum sufficiently moist at the growing points (capitula at the top of the Sphagnum) without use of excessive amounts of water because the irrigation was supplied from above to the upper surface of the Sphagnum. The spray irrigation also does not rely on capillary action from the surface of the field to the top of the Sphagnum (e.g. capitula), meaning that water supply and thus growth does not deteriorate when the Sphagnum becomes taller and capillary action becomes less efficient over the larger distance.

[0163] All publications mentioned in the above specification are herein incorporated by reference. Various modifications and variations of the described methods and system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to such specific embodiments. Indeed, various modifications of the described modes for carrying out the invention which are obvious to those skilled in agriculture, horticulture, and plant technology or related fields are intended to be within the scope of the following claims.