Page 54 - ADOC Sustainability Report
P. 54
ADOC 2021 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
The Use Bio-Coco Peat as an Alternative Soil Additive to Peat Moss
For the ongoing mangrove planting program at Mubarraz Field, we are currently using peat moss as a soil additive for the growth
of mangrove seedlings in the mangrove nursery. In 2021, we undertook an investigation to test if coco peat can be used as an
alternative to peat moss. Coco peat was made from coconut fibers and has similar soil-enhancing properties to peat moss.
Coco peat can be harvested and processed sustainably which makes it a good alternative to peat moss. Industrial harvesting of
‘Peat-moss’ is causing environmental damage to wetland ecosystems in Eastern Europe.
The experiment was conducted in the mangrove nursery at Mubarraz Island in August 2021.
A series of pots with different soil mixtures were planted with mangrove propagules and watered along with the normal
seedlings. After one month, seedling germination were compared between the different treatments. After three and six months,
plant characteristics were measured to compare the effect of coco peat and peat moss on the mangrove seedlings.
The results of the bio-coco peat experiment will be included in the next reporting year.
Mixing of soil
with peat moss
and coco peat
Pot preparation
Arrangement as
per instruction
with tags
Pot samples
ready for future
requirements
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