Authors:
Jan Häbler, Felicitas Bechstein
Book:
Proceedings of the 14th International Peat Congress
Venue:
Stockholm
Keywords:
catamaran, harvest, harvester, moss, sphagnum
Documentfile:
Häbler, Bechstein 2012: Development of a Technology for Harvesting Peat Moss on Floating Mats
Summary:
Theme V. Restoration, rehabilitation and after-use of disturbed peatlands
SUMMARY
Within the joint project PROSUGA, members of seven institutions are developing a method of cultivating Sphagnum on water surfaces to gain a substrate for use in horticulture. Nearly 1,900 m² of floating mats were planted with peat moss. In its sub-project, the IASP is designing a harvester catamaran. Between the two hulls, the floating mats are pulled into a motorized mat feeder, lifting the mats for a clean cut. Finally the crops are removed and the mats are released at the water surface. The catamaran harvest has proven successful and is currently being optimized.