Peat Industry: It’s Time to Separate Facts from Myths

In Lithuania, the topics of peat use, and wetland protection are increasingly part of public discourse. It is essential that this conversation is grounded in accurate, reliable information and based on both historical context and the current realities of the peat industry.

Today, peat extraction in Lithuania takes place exclusively in historically drained, industrial peatlands that have long since lost the ecological functions typical of natural wetlands. These areas are regulated by national legal frameworks, and once extraction ends, operators are required to implement reclamation measures – restoring landscapes, biodiversity, or even natural habitats.

It is also important to note that peat extraction is carried out on only about 2% of Lithuania’s total wetland area. This is a limited and strictly controlled activity, with clearly defined environmental safeguards.

Wetland degradation is often mentioned in discussions about the peat industry. However, historical and current evidence shows that most of Lithuania’s natural wetlands were drained during the 20th century for agricultural expansion and land reclamation. Today’s peat operations do not affect these natural ecosystems and are instead conducted in previously altered zones that may be suitable for ecological restoration.

Proposals to completely ban the use of peat, especially in amateur horticulture, have also been brought forward. These proposals raise concerns due to their questionable proportionality and practicality, particularly in the absence of widely available, reliable, and environmentally sustainable alternatives. Real progress toward reducing peat use can only be achieved through long-term investment in scientific research, innovation, and the testing of viable substitute materials.

One of the most frequently cited alternatives – composted biomass from wet meadows – currently falls short of the quality requirements set by professional horticulture and growing media producers. These materials often have unstable compositions, may contain substances harmful to plants, and their processing can result in greenhouse gas emissions, calling their environmental advantage into question.

A sustainable transition is only possible through collaboration between scientists, public institutions, and industry stakeholders. Such cooperation is key to developing growing media that are both environmentally responsible and effective in practical use, supporting both environmental and agricultural goals.