The Use of Wood Fiber for Reducing Risks of Hydrophobicity in Peat-Based Substrates

Peat substrates are well known to become hydrophobic during desiccation, thus degrading their water retention properties. Synthetic wetting agents commonly incorporated limit the risk of hydrophobicity, but companies searching for more sustainable alternatives. To that end, effect wood fiber addition in peat-based mixes was measured using contact angles and hydration curves. The study carried out on two raw materials (white milled peat fiber) binary mixes. results showed a shift from hydrophilic character with decrease ability rewet relation intensity drying, whereas remained hydrophilic. Increasing content improved rehydration efficiency, lower synthetic agent addition. Our highlighted nature demonstrated an additional benefit use growing media.