Peat - UK Soil Association Organic Standards 2005

Padel, Susanne and Lowman, Steve (2005) Peat - UK Soil Association Organic Standards 2005. [Organic rules - Differences between other regulations/standards and EEC No 2092/91]

Full text not available from this repository.

Summary

Among a number of other prohibited soil inputs, it is prohibited to use peat as a soil conditioner. Soil Association Organic Standards. Paragraph 4.7.10.

Difference

Soil Association standards have further restrictions than EU Regulation 2092/91 regarding the use of peat as a soil conditioner. Effectively, it may be used only in propogating media. EU Regulation permits peat for use in horticulture (market gardening, floriculture, arboriculture, nursery).

Justification

Soil Association standard's prohibition on the use of peat as a soil conditioner is intended to reduce the damage to peat bogs. These are important habitats for wildlife, supporting many bird, invertebrate and plant species, some of which depend on peat bogs for their survival. Peat extraction for horticulture has been the main cause of the damage to British peat bogs in the past 50 years. Only 6% of British peat bogs remain undamaged. This damage could be repeated in other countries if its widespread use continues.

EU Regulation

Annex I. Principles of organic production and processing > Care of environment - not in EC Reg > Biodiversity and landscape
Annex I. Principles of organic production and processing > A.Plant and plant products > Fertilizing - Annex I A2
Annex II. Permitted substances for the production of organic foods > Substances for plants and plant production - Annex 2 > Fertilizers and soil conditioners - Annex II A

Archive Staff Only: edit this record