METHOD OF PROVIDING SEEDSTOCKS OF SPHAGNUM

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of providing a seedstock of Sphagnum. The method comprises providing in vitro Sphagnum, applying the Sphagnum to a growth surface, and cultivating the Sphagnum in vivo on the growth surface. The method also comprises harvesting the cultivated Sphagnum from the growth surface, and then chopping the harvested Sphagnum to provide a seedstock of Sphagnum for cultivation, the seedstock comprising a plurality of fragments of the in vivo Sphagnum. The present invention also relates to Sphagnum and seedstocks of Sphagnum obtainable by the method.

Claims

1. A method of providing a seedstock of Sphagnum, comprising: providing in vitro Sphagnum; applying the Sphagnum to a growth surface; cultivating the Sphagnum in vivo on the growth surface; harvesting the cultivated Sphagnum from the growth surface; and chopping the harvested Sphagnum to provide a seedstock of Sphagnum for cultivation, the seedstock comprising a plurality of fragments of the in vivo Sphagnum.

2. (canceled)

3. (canceled)

4. (canceled)

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the providing in vitro Sphagnum comprises chopping in vitro Sphagnum into a plurality of fragments of in vitro Sphagnum.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the providing in vitro Sphagnum comprises mixing the plurality of fragments of in vitro Sphagnum with a first fluid solution to provide a suspension of in vitro Sphagnum.

7. (canceled)

8. (canceled)

9. (canceled)

10. (canceled)

11. (canceled)

12. (canceled)

13. (canceled)

14. (canceled)

15. (canceled)

16. (canceled)

17. (canceled)

18. The method according to claim 1, further comprising mixing the plurality of fragments of in vivo Sphagnum with a fluid solution such that the seedstock comprises a suspension of in vivo Sphagnum.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the fluid solution comprises water and a thickening agent dissolved in the water.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the thickening agent is a cellulose-based or starch-based thickening agent.

21. The method according to claim 20, wherein the thickening agent comprises hydroxyethyl cellulose.

22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the fluid solution comprises between 5 g and 10 g of hydroxyethyl cellulose per L of water.

23. The method according to claim 1, further comprising applying the seedstock of Sphagnum provided by the chopping the harvested Sphagnum to a growth surface.

24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising cultivating the Sphagnum of the seedstock in vivo on the growth surface.

25. The method according to claim 24, further comprising harvesting the Sphagnum of the seedstock from the growth surface to provide harvested Sphagnum.

26. The method according to claim 25, further comprising drying the harvested Sphagnum and providing a growing medium comprising the harvested Sphagnum.

27. The method according to claim 25, further comprising chopping the harvested Sphagnum from the seedstock provided by the chopping the harvested Sphagnum to provide a second seedstock of Sphagnum for cultivation, the second seedstock comprising a plurality of fragments of second generation in vivo Sphagnum.

28. The method according to claim 27, further comprising mixing the plurality of fragments of second generation in vivo Sphagnum with a second fluid solution such that the second seedstock comprises a suspension of in vivo Sphagnum.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein the second fluid solution comprises water and a thickening agent dissolved in the water.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the thickening agent is a cellulose-based or starch-based thickening agent.

31. The method according to claim 30, wherein the thickening agent comprises hydroxyethyl cellulose.

32. The method according to claim 31, wherein the second fluid solution comprises between 5 g and 10 g of hydroxyethyl cellulose per L of water.

33. A seedstock of Sphagnum obtainable by the method according to claim 1.

34. (canceled)

35. A seedstock of Sphagnum obtainable by the method according to claim 27.

36. (canceled)

Description

[0168] Embodiments of the disclosure are described below, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying Figures and Examples.

[0169] FIG. 1 shows a photograph of a strand of in vitro Sphagnum.

[0170] FIG. 2 shows a photograph of a strand of in vivo Sphagnum.

[0171] FIG. 3 shows a table of the number of innovations counted when Sphagnum was applied to a surface in Example 1.

[0172] FIG. 4 shows a photograph of coverage of Sphagnum for Trial 1 of Example 1.

[0173] FIG. 5 shows a photograph of coverage of Sphagnum for Trial 2 of Example 1.

[0174] FIG. 6 shows a photograph of coverage of Sphagnum for Trial 3 of Example 1.

[0175] FIG. 7 shows a table of the number of innovations counted when Sphagnum was applied to a surface outdoors in Example 2.

[0176] FIG. 8 shows a graph of the percentage cover of the Sphagnum in Example 2.

[0177] FIG. 9 shows a photograph of coverage of Sphagnum for Trial 1 of Example 2.

[0178] FIG. 10 shows a photograph of coverage of Sphagnum for Trial 2 of Example 2.

[0179] FIG. 11 shows a photograph of coverage of Sphagnum for Trial 3 of Example 2.

[0180] FIG. 12 shows a table of the proportion of fragments of Sphagnum having a length of at least 5 mm for Trial 1 of Example 3.

[0181] FIG. 13 shows a table of the proportion of fragments of Sphagnum having a length of at least 5 mm for Trial 2 of Example 3.

[0182] FIG. 14 shows a table of the proportion of fragments of Sphagnum having a length of at least 5 mm for Trial 3 of Example 3.

[0183] FIG. 15 shows a table of the lengths of fragments of Sphagnum having a length of at least 5 mm for Trial 1 of Example 4.

[0184] FIG. 16 shows a table of the lengths of fragments of Sphagnum having a length of at least 5 mm for Trial 2 of Example 4.

[0185] FIG. 17 shows a table of the lengths of fragments of Sphagnum having a length of at least 5 mm for Trial 3 of Example 4.

[0186] FIG. 18 shows a table of the stem diameters of Sphagnum for Trial 1 of Example 5.

[0187] FIG. 19 shows a table of the stem diameters of Sphagnum for Trial 2 of Example 5.

[0188] FIG. 20 shows a table of the stem diameters of Sphagnum for Trial 3 of Example 5.

[0189] FIG. 21 shows a table of the wet weight, dry weight, and water content of fragments of Sphagnum for Trial 1 of Example 6.

[0190] FIG. 22 shows a table of the wet weight, dry weight, and water content of fragments of Sphagnum for Trial 2 of Example 6.

[0191] FIG. 23 shows a table of the wet weight, dry weight, and water content of fragments of Sphagnum for Trial 3 of Example 6.

[0192] FIG. 24 shows a table of the distance between branches for Trial 1 of Example 7.

[0193] FIG. 25 shows a table of the distance between branches for Trial 2 of Example 7.

[0194] FIG. 26 shows a table of the distance between branches for Trial 3 of Example 7.

[0195] FIG. 27 shows a photograph of establishment of Trial 1 of Example 8.

[0196] FIG. 28 shows a photograph of establishment of Trial 2 of Example 8.

[0197] FIG. 29 shows a graph of growth rates of Sphagnum of Trials 1 and 2 of Example 9.

[0198] FIG. 30 shows a table of the time for suspensions to flow of Example 10.

[0199] FIG. 31 shows a table of the time for suspensions to flow of Example 11.

EXAMPLES

Example 1

Suspensions of Sphagnum

Materials and Methods

[0200] Suspensions of Sphagnum were prepared in accordance with the present disclosure. Three trials were performed. Trial 1 was in vitro Sphagnum taken immediately from the laboratory after 3 months of growth. Trial 2 was first generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse, where in vitro Sphagnum was applied to produce the in vivo Sphagnum. Trial 3 was also first generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse, but the Sphagnum was unchopped.

[0201] The strands of Sphagnum of Trial 1 and 2 were chopped into typical lengths of around 5 to 30 mm by a machine. In Trial 3, the strands were not chopped, and had a typical length of around 50-100 mm.

[0202] A fluid solution was then prepared by preparing a nutrient stock solution. Hortimix 15-5-15 was used, commercially available from Hortifeeds, UK. The nutrients were then diluted in water to provide 0.75 g of Hortimix 15-5-15 per L of water.

[0203] A thickening agent was then dissolved in the nutrient solution. The thickening agent was hydroxyethyl cellulose, in the form of Natrosol™ HX, commercially available from Ashland, USA. 8 mg of hydroxyethyl cellulose was used per L of solution.

[0204] The fragments of Sphagnum of each trial were then mixed with the solution. This suspended the fragments of Sphagnum within the thickened solution. The suspension was then sprayed onto a surface at an application rate of 2 L per m.sup.2 and cultivated in an indoor heated greenhouse for 4 weeks. Irrigation was supplied by applying water to keep damp, and no further nutrients were applied.

[0205] A photograph was taken of each of the three trials. A standardising ring was placed on the Sphagnum surface in the photograph for calibrating size. By measuring the size of the ring in the photograph, an adjustment ratio was calculated for calibration. The width and length of the photograph was then measured for each trial, and these values were multiplied together to provide a measured area for each photograph. This area was then multiplied by the adjustment ratio to provide the true area in the photograph.

[0206] The number of innovations were then counted in each trial. In particular, the number of small innovations and the number of large innovations were counted individually to provide a total number of innovations. Small innovations were defined as those lacking significant branches. By dividing the number of innovations by the area, the total number of innovations per m.sup.2 was calculated. By dividing the number of innovations per m.sup.2 by 2 L (the rate of application), the number of innovations per L of suspension was calculated. The results are shown below in FIGS. 3 to 6.

Results

[0207] The numerical results are shown in a table in FIG. 3. FIGS. 4 to 6 show the photographs of the innovation results of Trials 1 to 3, respectively. In Trial 1, the total number of innovations per L of suspension for the in vitro Sphagnum was 9,525. In Trial 1, the number of large innovations per L of suspension for the in vitro Sphagnum was 521.

[0208] In Trial 2, the total number of innovations per L of suspension for the in vivo Sphagnum was 8,312. In Trial 2, the number of large innovations per L of suspension for the in vivo Sphagnum was 794.

[0209] In Trial 3, the total number of innovations per L of suspension for the unchopped in vivo Sphagnum was 6,067. In Trial 3, the number of large innovations per L of suspension for the unchopped in vivo Sphagnum was 828.

[0210] The unchopped in vivo Sphagnum shows a significant drop in the number of innovations compared to the chopped in vivo Sphagnum, showing that the capitula inhibits the number of growing points along the stem. By chopping the Sphagnum into appropriate sizes, the number of innovations can be maximised.

[0211] Although the number of innovations of in vitro Sphagnum is larger than in vivo Sphagnum, the number of large innovations is much more in the in vivo trial. This shows that the in vivo Sphagnum becomes more robust and produces larger innovations which helps initial establishment. Large innovations are particularly important for initial survival in poor conditions, such as on peatlands.

[0212] When considering the total establishment in terms of the number of innovations and the size of those innovations, the in vivo Sphagnum of Trial 2 shows a significant improvement over the in vitro Sphagnum of Trial 1 and the unchopped Sphagnum of Trial 3.

Example 2

Outdoor Growth—Suspensions of Sphagnum

Materials and Methods

[0213] Suspensions of Sphagnum were prepared in accordance with the present disclosure. Three trials were performed, with three replicate samples for each trial. Trial 1 was in vitro Sphagnum taken immediately from the laboratory. Trial 2 was first generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after approximately 6 months of growth in a greenhouse, where in vitro Sphagnum was applied to produce the in vivo Sphagnum. Trial 3 was second generation in vivo Sphagnum, which was first generation in vivo Sphagnum subsequently chopped and grown again in the greenhouse for a further 6 months.

[0214] The strands of Sphagnum of each trial were chopped into typical lengths of around 5 to 30 mm by a machine. A fluid solution was then prepared by preparing a nutrient stock solution. Hortimix 15-5-15 was used, commercially available from Hortifeeds, UK. The nutrients were then diluted in water to provide 0.75 g of Hortimix 15-5-15 per L of water. A thickening agent was then dissolved in the nutrient solution. The thickening agent was hydroxyethyl cellulose, in the form of Natrosol™ HX, commercially available from Ashland, USA. 8 mg of hydroxyethyl cellulose was used per L of solution. The fragments of Sphagnum of each trial were then mixed with the solution. This suspended the fragments of Sphagnum within the thickened solution.

[0215] The suspension was then sprayed onto a growth surface in the form of a tray holding a growing medium, at an application rate of 3 L of suspension per m.sup.2. The tray had a surface area of 2016 cm.sup.2. The Sphagnum was then cultivated outside for 5 weeks. Irrigation was supplied by applying water to keep the Sphagnum damp, and no further nutrients were applied.

[0216] After the 5 weeks of growth outdoors, a photograph was taken of each of the three trials. The number of innovations per quarter tray were then counted in each trial. In particular, the number of small innovations and the number of large innovations were counted individually to provide a total number of innovations. Large innovations were generally where capitula had begun to grow well. Small innovations were defined as those lacking significant branches. Small innovations had a typical size of 0.25 cm.sup.2, whereas large innovations had a typical size of 2.25 cm.sup.2. The area of the small innovations and large innovations for each trial was then calculated by multiplying the number by the average size. The area of the innovations was then summed and divided by the known area of the tray, providing the percentage coverage of innovations over the area. The results are shown below in FIGS. 7 to 11.

Results

[0217] The numerical results are shown in a table in FIG. 7. The percentage coverage results are shown in a graph in FIG. 8. FIGS. 9 to 11 show the photographs of the innovation results of a replicate of Trials 1 to 3, respectively. In Trial 1, the number of small innovations per quarter tray (504 cm.sup.2) for the in vitro Sphagnum was 54.3 with an error, based on the variation in the replicate trials, of 2.0. The number of large innovations per quarter tray for the in vitro Sphagnum was 0.0 with an error of 0.0. The percentage coverage of small and large innovations was 2.7% with an error of 0.1%.

[0218] In Trial 2, the number of small innovations per quarter tray for the in vivo Sphagnum was 126.0 with an error of 20.1. In Trial 2, the number of large innovations per quarter tray was 30.7 with an error of 1.8. The percentage coverage of small and large innovations was 19.9% with an error of 1.3%.

[0219] In Trial 3, the number of small innovations per quarter tray for the second generation in vivo Sphagnum was 70.3 with an error of 5.4. In Trial 3, the number of large innovations per quarter tray was 52.3 with an error of 4.8. The percentage coverage of small and large innovations was 26.9% with an error of 2.2%.

[0220] The percentage coverage from innovations increases significantly between the in vitro Sphagnum of Trial 1 and the in vivo Sphagnum of Trial 2 that had undergone the method of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 10, not only is the total coverage larger, but there are more larger innovations (capitula) than FIG. 9. This reduces the time for establishment and further improves the survival rate. This confirms that, especially in poor conditions such as outdoor establishment, the in vivo Sphagnum achieves better initial establishment and obtains a higher coverage. This is particularly important for applying Sphagnum for restoration of peatlands, as typically Sphagnum will have to be applied to a harsh environment, so survival in the absence of shelter, heat, and nutrients, for example, is hugely beneficial.

[0221] The coverage and number of large innovations is further increased with Trial 3, as shown in FIG. 11. The further indoor cultivation and chopping steps imparted to the second generation Sphagnum further toughens the Sphagnum to make it more resilient, leading to better establishment.

Example 3

Number of Fragments of Sphagnum

Materials and Methods

[0222] Trial 1 was in vitro Sphagnum taken immediately from the laboratory after 4 months of growth. Trial 2 was first generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse, where in vitro Sphagnum was applied to produce the in vivo Sphagnum. Trial 3 was second generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse, where the first generation in vivo Sphagnum was harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse and applied to produce the second generation in vivo Sphagnum. Samples of 1 g of Sphagnum were harvested. Water content was standardised by compressing the Sphagnum with a force corresponding to 16 g/cm.sup.2 to provide a standardised mass per volume. Three samples were taken for Trial 1, and five samples were taken for Trial 2 and 3.

[0223] The samples were floated in water and all fragments having a length of at least 5 mm were selected for counting. The remaining material was strained in a sieve and removed with tweezers for weighing.

[0224] The weight of the fragments having a length of at least 5 mm was measured, and the number of fragments was counted. The weight of the fragments of less than 5 mm was also measured. The weight was standardised by draining until no more water drained by gravity, and then weighing. The proportion of fragments having a length of at least 5 mm by weight for each sample was then calculated. This process was repeated for each sample in each trial. The mean and standard deviations for each trial were then calculated. The number of fragments having a length of at least 5 mm per L of suspension was then calculated for each trial by multiplying the average number of fragments counted per sample and multiplying by 100 to provide the number of fragments per 100 g (approximately per L of suspension). The results are shown in FIGS. 12 to 14.

Results

[0225] The numerical results are shown in tables in FIGS. 12 to 14 for Trials 1 to 3, respectively. In Trial 1, the mean proportion of fragments of at least 5 mm by weight for the in vitro Sphagnum was 57%. In Trial 1, the mean number of fragments of at least 5 mm per L of suspension for the in vitro Sphagnum was 6,633.

[0226] In Trial 2, the mean proportion of fragments of at least 5 mm by weight for the first generation in vivo Sphagnum was 48%. In Trial 2, the mean number of fragments of at least 5 mm per L of suspension for the first generation in vivo Sphagnum was 4,360.

[0227] In Trial 3, the mean proportion of fragments of at least 5 mm by weight for the second generation in vivo Sphagnum was 77%. In Trial 3, the mean number of fragments of at least 5 mm per L of suspension for the second generation in vivo Sphagnum was 3,840.

Example 4

Lengths of Fragments of Sphagnum

Materials and Methods

[0228] Trial 1 was in vitro Sphagnum taken immediately from the laboratory after 4 months of growth. Trial 2 was first generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse, where in vitro Sphagnum was applied to produce the in vivo Sphagnum. Trial 3 was second generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse, where the first generation in vivo Sphagnum was harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse and applied to produce the second generation in vivo Sphagnum. Samples of approximately 1 g of Sphagnum were harvested. Water content was standardised by compressing the Sphagnum with a force corresponding to 16 g/cm.sup.2 to provide a standardised mass per volume. Three samples were taken for each of the trials.

[0229] The samples were floated in water and all fragments having a length of at least 5 mm were selected for counting.

[0230] The lengths of the fragments of at least 5 mm in length in each sample were measured by using a fine scale steel ruler. The mean length of the fragments for each sample was then calculated. The mean length of the fragments for each trial was then calculated. The results are shown in FIGS. 15 to 17.

Results

[0231] The numerical results are shown in tables in FIGS. 15 to 17 for Trials 1 to 3, respectively. In Trial 1, the mean length of fragments of at least 5 mm for the in vitro Sphagnum was 10.7 mm. In Trial 2, the mean length of fragments of at least 5 mm for the first generation in vivo Sphagnum was 8.3 mm. In Trial 3, the mean length of fragments of at least 5 mm for the second generation in vivo Sphagnum was 15.7 mm.

Example 5

Diameters of Stems of Sphagnum

Materials and Methods

[0232] Trial 1 was in vitro Sphagnum taken immediately from the laboratory after 4 months of growth. Trial 2 was first generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse, where in vitro Sphagnum was applied to produce the in vivo Sphagnum. Trial 3 was second generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse, where the first generation in vivo Sphagnum was harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse and applied to produce the second generation in vivo Sphagnum. Samples of approximately 100 g of Sphagnum were harvested. Ten sample strands were selected at random from these for each of the trials.

[0233] The diameter of the stems of the strands in each sample were measured. The stem diameter is measured as the thickness of the stem, preferably perpendicular to the length of the stem. A microscope was used to measure the diameter of the stem in pixels, and this was converted into a diameter is mm. The microscope used has a standard magnification of 449 pixels per mm. In other cases, such as for larger diameters, this can be measured by using a length measuring tool such as callipers. Three measurements were taken over the length of each strand. The mean diameter for each sample was then calculated by summing the measurements and dividing by the number of measurements (three).

[0234] The mean diameter of the stems for each trial was then calculated. The mean can thus be calculated by summing the average diameter of each sample and dividing the total sum by the number of samples (ten). The results are shown in FIGS. 18 to 20.

Results

[0235] The numerical results are shown in tables in FIGS. 18 to 20 for Trials 1 to 3, respectively. In Trial 1, the mean diameter of fragments for the in vitro Sphagnum was 0.27 mm. In Trial 2, the mean diameter of fragments for the first generation in vivo Sphagnum was 0.49 mm. In Trial 3, the mean diameter of fragments for the second generation in vivo Sphagnum was 0.48 mm.

[0236] The mean diameter increased significantly between the in vitro Sphagnum and the first generation in vivo Sphagnum. This demonstrates the rapid increase is stem thickness due to cultivating in vivo. The increase in stem thickness produces a much more robust fragment that is more adapted for water and nutrient uptake and water holding capacity, and provides for more effective initial establishment.

Example 6

Weight of Fragments of Sphagnum

Materials and Methods

[0237] Trial 1 was in vitro Sphagnum taken immediately from the laboratory after 4 months of growth. Trial 2 was first generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse, where in vitro Sphagnum was applied to produce the in vivo Sphagnum. Trial 3 was second generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse, where the first generation in vivo Sphagnum was harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse and applied to produce the second generation in vivo Sphagnum. Three samples were taken for each of the trials.

[0238] The wet weight of the sample of fragments was measured. The water content was standardised by compressing the Sphagnum to a standard mass per volume by applying a force of 16 g/cm.sup.2 and allowing drainage.

[0239] The dry weight of the sample of fragments was then measured. The dry weight is defined as the weight of the Sphagnum when no more water can be removed. This was performed by drying the Sphagnum at 25° C. in a humidity of less than 50% until no further weight loss was recorded. In other examples, the Sphagnum can be heated at 110° C. for 24 hours.

[0240] The percentage water content of the samples was then calculated by dividing the wet weight by the dry weight. The results are shown in FIGS. 21 to 23.

Results

[0241] The numerical results are shown in tables in FIGS. 21 to 23 for Trials 1 to 3, respectively. In Trial 1, the mean dry weight of fragments for the in vitro Sphagnum was 1.43 g. The mean percentage water content was 98%. In Trial 2, the mean dry weight of fragments for the first generation in vivo Sphagnum was 2.95 g. The mean percentage water content was 97%. In Trial 3, the mean dry weight of fragments for the second generation in vivo Sphagnum was 3.06 g. The mean percentage water content was 97%.

Example 7

Distance Between Branches

Materials and Methods

[0242] Each of the three trials involved samples of first generation in vivo Sphagnum harvested after 6 months of growth in a heated indoor greenhouse, where in vitro Sphagnum was applied to produce the in vivo Sphagnum. Each of the trials used Sphagnum palustre. Five sample stems were taken for each trial.

[0243] The distance between branches on each stem was measured using callipers to the nearest 0.5 mm. At least six measurements were taken on each stem. The measurements were started approximately 1 cm below the capitula. The results are shown in FIGS. 24 to 26.

Results

[0244] The numerical results are shown in tables in FIGS. 24 to 26 for Trials 1 to 3, respectively. In Trial 1, the average distance between branches was 5.27 mm. In Trial 2, the average distance between branches was 4.95 mm. In Trial 3, the average distance between branches was 5.00 mm. Overall, the average across each trial is 5.08 mm. This supports providing fragment sizes of at least about 5 mm to provide a branch as a potential innovation.

Example 8

Comparison vs Wild Sphagnum—Borth

Materials and Methods

[0245] Trials were conducted at Cors Fochno, Borth, Wales. Trial 1 was wild Sphagnum harvested and translocated to the trial site. Trial 2 was Sphagnum grown in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, Trial 2 was Sphagnum grown from second generation in vivo Sphagnum. Each trial contained three species: S. papillosum (left of FIGS. 28 and 29), S. capillifolium (middle), and S. palustre (right), and each species had three replicates. The trials were on a raised peat bog and left outdoors for 5 months. After 5 months of growth photographs were taken and the percentage growth by increase in area was calculated.

Results

[0246] The photographs are shown in FIGS. 27 and 28 for Trial 1 and 2, respectively. In Trial 1, the Sphagnum is visually seen to have grown slowly. The percentage increase in growth was 37%.

[0247] In Trial 2, the Sphagnum grew much faster and was much quicker to establish. All three species are observed to have grown successfully, and each sample grew better than Trial 1. The percentage increase in growth was 285%. This provides over 7 times the growth rate of the wild Sphagnum of Trial 1.

[0248] This shows that, not only does the Sphagnum grown according to the present disclosure provide an improvement compared to growing in vitro Sphagnum, but it also provides an improvement compared to wild Sphagnum.

Example 9

Comparison vs Wild Sphagnum—Kinder Scout

Materials and Methods

[0249] Trials were conducted at Kinder Scout, Derbyshire Peak District, England. Trial 1 was wild Sphagnum harvested and translocated to the trial site. Trial 2 was Sphagnum grown in accordance with the present disclosure. In particular, Trial 2 was Sphagnum grown from second generation in vivo Sphagnum. The trials were left outdoors for 24 months. After intervals of 12 months of growth, the percentage increase in area was measured for each trial.

Results

[0250] The values are shown in the graph of FIG. 29. In Trial 1, the percentage increase in area was constantly below that of Trial 2. After 24 months, the percentage increase in area for Trial 1 was approximately 60%, whereas for Trial 2 it was over 150%.

[0251] This shows that the Sphagnum grown according to the present disclosure provides an improvement in rapid establishment and also long term growth rates compared to wild harvested Sphagnum.

Example 10

Viscosity Properties

Materials and Methods

[0252] Suspensions of Sphagnum were prepared in accordance with the present disclosure. A control was tested, which contained the suspension without the Sphagnum. Trial 1 and Trial 2 were the same suspension, with approximately 100 g per L of Sphagnum in the suspension. The suspensions comprised a fluid solution of a thickening agent of hydroxyethyl cellulose dissolved in water. The thickening agent was Natrosol™ HHX present at 7.25 g per L. Trial 2 was the same suspension as Trial 1, but obtained after several hours after initial mixing to test any temperature fluctuation effects.

[0253] A tray was used to observe the speed of horizontal flow of the suspensions. The tray had an internal length of 34 cm and a width of 27 cm. The tray was divided into a holding region and a flowing region by a divider in the form of a polystyrene pad extending across a width of the tray. The holding region was defined as the region between the divider and the end of the tray. The holding region had an area of approximately 192 cm.sup.2. A finish line was marked on the tray at a distance of 15 cm from the holding region.

[0254] The tray was placed on a level surface, which was ensured by use of a spirit level. For each trial, 500 ml of the suspension was placed into the holding region of the tray. The temperature of the suspension was measured to be 14° C. across each trial. The divider retained the suspension in the holding region. The divider was then raised to allow the suspension to flow freely across the tray. A timer was immediately started when the divider was raised. The timer was then stopped when the leading edge flow line of the suspension had entirely crossed the finish line. The time elapsed was then recorded.

[0255] The suspension was then removed from the tray, and the tray was replaced back onto the level surface and the divider lowered into position. This process was repeated three times with different samples of the same suspension to provide four sample times for each suspension. An average of the four samples was then calculated.

Results

[0256] The time for the suspension to flow out of the holding region and across the finish line provides an indication of the viscous properties of the suspension. The more viscous the suspension, the longer it will take for the suspension to cross the finish line.

[0257] The values are shown in the table of FIG. 30. Control provided an average time of 15.5 seconds. Trial 1 provided an average time of 30.5 seconds. This shows the Sphagnum significantly increases the viscosity of the suspension. This also provides a measure of the desired viscosity of a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure. Trial 2 provided an average time of 29.2 seconds, consistent with Trial 1.

Example 11

Viscosity—Temperature Effect

Materials and Methods

[0258] Suspensions of Sphagnum were prepared in accordance with the present disclosure. Trial 1 and Trial 2 were suspensions comprising a fluid solution of a thickening agent of hydroxyethyl cellulose dissolved in water. Trial 1 contained a thickening agent of Natrosol™ HHX present at 7.25 g per L. Trial 2 was the same suspension as Trial 1, but instead contained a thickening agent of Natrosol™ HX present at 9 g per L. Each trial was tested at different room temperatures including 10° C., 15° C., and 20° C.

[0259] Each of the trials were then subject to the timing experiment of Example 10.

Results

[0260] The values are shown in the table of FIG. 31. Trial 1 provided a time of 43.8 seconds at 10° C., 39.1 seconds at 15° C., and 32.5° C. at 20° C. Trial 2 provided a time of 46.6 seconds at 10° C., 35.6 seconds at 15° C., and 38.0 seconds at 20° C. This shows that the time between the different compositions (i.e. between different thickening agents) can be similar for different temperatures. In other words, similar viscosity properties can be achieved through appropriate selection of concentration of thickening agent.

[0261] Further aspects of the present disclosure are set out in the following clauses: [0262] 1. A suspension of Sphagnum, comprising: [0263] a fluid solution comprising: [0264] water; and [0265] a thickening agent dissolved in the water, wherein the thickening agent comprises a cellulose-based or a starch-based thickening agent; and [0266] a plurality of fragments of Sphagnum suspended in the fluid solution. [0267] 2. The suspension according to clause 1, wherein the thickening agent comprises a cellulose ether. [0268] 3. The suspension according to clause 1 or 2, wherein the thickening agent comprises hydroxyethyl cellulose. [0269] 4. The suspension according to clause 3, wherein the fluid solution comprises between 5 g and 10 g of hydroxyethyl cellulose per L of water. [0270] 5. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the thickening agent comprises an extract from a plant. [0271] 6. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the thickening agent does not comprise algin. [0272] 7. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the thickening agent does not comprise agar. [0273] 8. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the fluid solution comprises nutrients. [0274] 9. The suspension according to clause 8, wherein the nutrients comprise calcium. [0275] 10. The suspension according to clause 9, wherein the nutrients comprise between 1 mg and 50 mg of calcium per L of water. [0276] 11. The suspension according to any of clauses 8 to 10, wherein the nutrients comprise at least one of: magnesium, nitrogen, potassium, and/or phosphorus. [0277] 12. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the fluid solution does not solidify for at least 6 hours at a temperature between 5° C. and 25° C. [0278] 13. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the suspension is adhesive to a growing substrate comprising soil, sand, compost, peat and/or dried Sphagnum. [0279] 14. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the suspension provides capillary contact with a surface to which it is applied to enable fluid transfer between the surface and the suspension. [0280] 15. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the suspension is capable of being sprayed through a nozzle having a diameter of between 5 mm and 10 mm. [0281] 16. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the fluid solution has a viscosity of between 1000 mPa.Math.s and 4000 mPa.Math.s at 25° C. [0282] 17. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the fragments of Sphagnum are cultivated in vitro. [0283] 18. The suspension according to clause 17, wherein the fragments of Sphagnum have subsequently been cultivated in vivo. [0284] 19. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the fragments of Sphagnum have a mean length of between 5 mm and 50 mm. [0285] 20. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein at least 50% by mass of the fragments of Sphagnum have a length of at least 5 mm. [0286] 21. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the suspension comprises at least 1000 fragments of Sphagnum having a length of at least 5 mm per L of fluid solution. [0287] 22. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the suspension comprises a total mass of fragments of Sphagnum of at least 50 g per L of fluid solution. [0288] 23. The suspension according to any preceding clause, wherein the fragments of Sphagnum have a mean stem diameter of between 0.1 mm and 1 mm. [0289] 24. A method of producing a suspension of Sphagnum, the method comprising: [0290] providing a plurality of fragments of Sphagnum; [0291] preparing a fluid solution comprising: [0292] providing water; and [0293] dissolving a thickening agent in the water, wherein the thickening agent comprises a cellulose-based or a starch-based thickening agent; and [0294] mixing the plurality of fragments of Sphagnum with the fluid solution to suspend the plurality of fragments of Sphagnum in the fluid solution. [0295] 25. The method according to clause 24, wherein the suspension comprises the suspension according to any of clauses 1 to 23.