Characteristics of high-ash types of peat and leonardite of the steppe zone of Ukraine and their role in modern agricultural production
One of the fundamental sources of raw materials for the production of highly effective organic and organomineral fertilizers is perennial leonardite and, to a lesser extent, peat deposits. It has been scientifically proven that, when properly applied, high-quality fertilizers are as effective as traditional manure and significantly superior in strength and duration of action. The use of organomineral and mineral fertilizers enriches the soil with organic matter, increasing its absorption capacity, buffering capacity, and water-holding capacity. These properties are urgently needed by many soil types in Ukraine today, especially light-textured soils in arid regions.
Historically, the Dnipropetrovsk region was considered a slightly wetland area, but large-scale hydraulic engineering works (construction of the Dnieper-Orel and Dnieper-Donbass canals) exposed thick peat deposits. A detailed study of these deposits revealed that most of them are lowland (eutrophic) peat with a high degree of decomposition, which is of great interest for agricultural chemistry.
AGROCHEMICAL INDICATORS OF STEPPE PEAT
To ensure proper agricultural use of the peatlands, a comprehensive survey of the deposits was conducted. The agrochemical parameters of the studied samples are presented in the table below.
Table 1. Agrochemical characteristics of peat in the Dnipropetrovsk region
| Name of the tract | pH (aqueous) | Ash content, % | Humic acids, % | Ammonia absorption capacity, % | Total nitrogen, % | Nitrogen hydrolysis (in 0.5 N H₂SO₄), % | Total phosphorus, % | Phosphorus hydrolysis (in 0.5 N H₂SO₄), % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floating | 7.3 | 55-60 | 5-6 | 0.5-0.6 | 1.0-1.2 | 0.03-0.04 | 0.4-0.5 | 0.01-0.02 |
| Round | 7.4 | 50-55 | 8-10 | 0.6-0.7 | 1.0-1.4 | 0.03-0.05 | 0.5-0.7 | 0.01-0.02 |
| Plavs | 7.4 | 55-65 | 5-6 | 0.5-0.6 | 1.0-1.2 | 0.02-0.03 | 0.2-0.3 | 0.01-0.02 |
| Lozovatoe | 7.4 | 40-50 | 5-6 | 0.5-0.6 | 1.0-1.5 | 0.03-0.04 | 0.1-0.2 | 0.04-0.05 |
| Kvysunivka | 7.3 | 50-60 | 3-4 | 0.4-0.5 | 1.0-1.4 | 0.03-0.04 | 0.1-0.2 | 0.04-0.05 |
| Pestunovo | 6.8 | 30-40 | 5-6 | 0.5-0.6 | 2.0-2.5 | 0.05-0.06 | 0.9-1.0 | 0.05-0.06 |
| Dovbyshevo | 7.4 | 30-40 | 8-9 | 0.6-0.7 | 2.0-2.5 | 0.04-0.05 | 0.4-0.5 | 0.09-0.10 |
| Horse corner | 7.3 | 30-40 | 10-12 | 0.8-0.9 | 1.5-2.0 | 0.03-0.04 | 0.7-0.8 | 0.04-0.05 |
| Berkutovo | 7.3 | 50-55 | 4-5 | 0.5-0.6 | 1.0-1.5 | 0.02-0.03 | 0.2-0.3 | 0.02-0.03 |
| Balovka | 7.4 | 30-40 | 5-7 | 0.4-0.5 | 1.4-1.9 | 0.02-0.03 | 0.4-0.5 | 0.02-0.03 |
As the data shows, steppe zone peats have significantly higher ash content compared to peats in the northern regions (Polesia). The high total nitrogen (up to 2.5%) and phosphorus (up to 1.0%) contents indicate that these peats possess enormous potential reserves of nutrients. However, the low proportion of hydrolyzable (available) forms requires the use of specialized technological methods for their mobilization in fertilizer production.
BOTANICAL COMPOSITION AND GENESIS
The properties of peat are inextricably linked to the natural and historical conditions of its formation. Eutrophic (lowland) peat of the steppe zone formed under conditions of rich water and mineral nutrition, resulting in its richness in ash elements.
Analysis of the microscopic composition showed that, according to the botanical profile, the studied deposits belong predominantly to the reed and, partially, sedge-reed species.
- Dominant flora: Common reed ( Phragmites communis ) forms the basis of the biomass (60-80%).
- Admixtures (up to 20%): Sedges ( Carex limosa, C. lasiocarpa ), cattail ( Typha latifolia ), reeds ( Scirpus lacustris ), hypnum mosses and ferns.
- Degree of decomposition: Medium- and well-decomposed peat predominates (from 22% to 40.5%), which makes it an optimal raw material for deep extraction of humic substances.
MINERALOGICAL VALUE OF LEONARDITE
The increased ash content (up to 70% in the lower horizons) of leonardite is due to the high content of mineral components brought by water flows and wind.
Spectral analysis of the ash revealed that, in addition to silica (quartz, aluminosilicates), leonardite contains significant amounts of macronutrients necessary for balanced plant nutrition (phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, iron). A key discovery was the presence of physiologically active micronutrients: cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), and molybdenum (Mo).
Given their rich chemical and botanical composition, as well as the high degree of decomposition of organic matter, lowland high-ash peat and leonardite are valuable natural raw materials for biotechnological processing.
Agro.Bio Expert Comment: Based on fundamental research into the properties of Ukrainian lowland peat and leonardite, Agro.Bio creates modern, premium-class humic products. Using high-tech extraction methods, the colossal potential reserves of nutrients and humic acids in natural raw materials are converted into a form readily available to plants. Using Agro.Bio products restores the soil's natural fertility, improves its structure, and guarantees consistently high yields, even in the challenging climate of the steppe zone.