Peat Sand Filters
Peat Qualities:
- High cation exchange capacity
- High C:N:P ratio (microbial)
- High organic matter content (80-98%)
- Moderately decomposed, fibric or hemic (reed-sedge)
- Stays in place
Notes:
The peat-sand filter system was originally developed for waste-water treatment applications and consists of a fabricated soil filtration bed that combines the benefits of peat with those of a grass cover crop and a sand underlayer. The type of peat utilized in the filtration bed is extremely important, and the the best alternatives are those where the peat has not been decomposed. A fibric peat, where the undecomposed fibrous organic matter is easily identifiable is the preferred type. A hemic peat, where more material is decomposed, may also be utilized. Under no circumstances should a sapric peat, made up of mostly decomposed matter, be used.