Peat
Peat is widely used in professional horticulture for its unique and optimum physical, chemical and biological properties in plant cultivation. Kronen is only using certified raised bog peat of highest quality. Depending on the degree of decomposition, peat is commonly separated into white sphagnum peat H2-H4 and (frozen) black sphagnum peat (H5-H8).
Depending on the degree of decomposition, there are many intermediate levels in between. While the less decomposed white peat increases air capacity and drainage, the more decomposed black peat improves water holding capacity and buffering later in the substrate mixture. Each individual peat type requires very specific methods in terms of harvesting, drying and preparation. Kronen takes care that all peat raw materials reach their best quality in the end for different application.
The whole process from raised peat bog acquisition to peat harvesting is following strict environmental regulations to avoid damage to nature. Renaturing after-use peat extraction sites and integrating rapidly renewable resources are of high priority to the Kronen Group.
Black sphagnum peat (frozen through)
The extraction of black peat starts in late autumn and is a complex process in itself. The excavated fresh and wet material is being laid out on the fields so that the frost penetrates and expands the material during winter. The peat is harvested between spring and summer with 70% humidity. This process increases the water and air capacities of the black sphagnum peat raw material.
White peat fibres
White peat fibres are the result of processing block peat. Fibrous white peat material is mainly contained in block peat. These white peat blocks are carefully crushed and screened by the use of the latest high-tech screening systems. The fibrous peat material is then cut and screened for different grades: medium and coarse. By adding raised white peat fibres, the substrate is showing high structural stability as well as improved air capacity and drainage, especially important for bigger pots and containers.
White sphagnum milled peat
The most common way to extract peat is by milling. With this system the top layer of the peat bog is being milled when weather conditions are dry. Once the loose peat has dried back to a water content of 55% it is being harvested either by a vacuum or a mechanical harvester. This cycle is repeated a couple of times during the dryer periods of the year.
Raised white block peat
Peat blocks are being cut out of the upper layer of the peat bog. These blocks are dried and turned mechanically or by hand to reach a water content of 45%. After one year the blocks are being collected, crushed and screened for different grades.