WHY REDUCE PEAT USE?
The urgent need to protect peatlands and rethink horticulture
Peat is widely used in horticulture due to its excellent growing properties—but its extraction comes at a high environmental cost. The continued reliance on peat threatens Europe’s climate goals, its biodiversity, and the resilience of our food systems.
By reducing peat use, we can protect vital carbon sinks, restore damaged ecosystems, and build a more sustainable future for European horticulture.
The Problem at a Glance
Peatlands in decline
Europe’s peatlands store twice as much carbon as all the forests in the world combined—yet they are being drained and destroyed. This leads to a devastating loss of biodiversity, soil degradation and the collapse of unique ecosystems.
Peat fuels climate change
Peatlands cover just 3% of the Earth’s surface. Continued extraction directly undermines efforts to reach net-zero targets.
Horticulture depends on peat
Peat remains a widely used growing medium across Europe. As food production demands grow, so does the pressure on peat resources—underlining the importance of advancing sustainable alternatives.
Demonstrating Change Across Europe
Real-world trials in key horticultural regions
WHAT ARE THE OBSTACLES?
What’s holding horticulture back from going peat-free—and how PEATLESS is changing that
Despite growing awareness, many growers still face real-world challenges when trying to reduce peat use. From performance concerns to economic risks, the transition isn’t simple.
PEATLESS is here to unlock progress—through practical innovation, local support, and policy-ready evidence.
Technical
Alternative substrates often struggle to match peat’s performance. Materials vary in availability, consistency, and quality—making large-scale replacement a challenge.
Socio-Cultural
Growers need trusted knowledge, hands-on training and proven results to feel confident. Habits and perceptions take time (and evidence) to shift.
Economic
High upfront costs, thin profit margins and little policy support make it risky for growers and producers to change the status quo.
Are you a grower, advisor or curious innovator?
Join the Grower Community on WhatsApp
Get real-time updates, share experiences, and ask questions in our dedicated WhatsApp group—built for those on the frontline of the peat-free transition.
Available channels in talian, Spanish, German and Dutch (coming soon).
Click below and join your preferred channel!
Testing Peat Alternatives in Pistoia Nurseries: Early Results and Next Steps
PEATLESS field trials in Pistoia are comparing alternative substrates with a conventional peat-based control across three ornamental species. Early observations show no plant mortality, while highlighting the importance of irrigation, pH and electrical conductivity management.
Developing Compost-Based Growing Media for Ornamental Nurseries in Italy
PEATLESS is assessing locally available compost to develop peat-reduced and peat-free growing media for ornamental nurseries. AVI and CIC screened seven compost products and analysed alternative formulations containing up to 70% compost.
From laboratory trials to public engagement: how PEATLESS is advancing alternatives to peat
PEATLESS partners are testing renewable materials and by-products as alternatives to peat for mushroom cultivation and ornamental plants. Their work combines technical trials, regulatory analysis and public engagement.
