ISHS Acta Horticulturae 26: III Symposium on Peat in Horticulture
INTRODUCTION |
| Author: | P. Dr. F. Penningsfeld |
| Abstract:
A Symposium of the working group 'Peat in Horticulture' was held in Dublin, Republic of Ireland, which was attended by some 80 members and in its course 32 interesting lectures were delivered. Similar to the first Symposium held in Helsinki, Finland, 1967 and the second held in Bad Zwischenahn, West Germany, 1969, the most important of these reports are published here. If one compares the contents and size of the three separate publications, one gathers the impression that peat and bog cultivation play an increasingly important role in horticulture. This is especially true for the Republic of Ireland, which contains 640,000 ha of bog area (nearly 10% of its total area). Its peat is primarily used in fuel manufacture, in part it is, however, used for white peat production. In the course of the Symposium a peat factory (Cull na Mona, Plant of Bord na Mona) was visited. This factory produces 765,000 bales of peat annually. An escalation of its output is planned. The reserves of peat are large and the material is of good quality. A further excursion led to Lullymore, Co. Kildare, a research station of the 'Irish Agricultural Institute', whose task it is to make use of cut-over bogs for horticultural purposes. Apart from growing vegetables, which flourish excellently, they also cultivate nursery stocks (Rhododendron, Conifers, etc.) as well as bush fruits, which show great promise especially in the temperate climate of the region. Another excursion was made to the central research station 'The Irish Agricultural Institute at Kinsealy', 13 km from Dublin. Here the Symposium participants had the opportunity to talk with experts in their specialised fields and inform themselves about large-scale practice, results obtained from previous investigations and experiments now in progress. The Institute, now ten years old, has up-to-date equipment and is well staffed with scientific personnel. Many valuable new findings can be expected to come from this Institute in the ensuing years. Visits to vegetable growers and nurseries who are working with peat as cultivating substrate under direct guidance of the Institute completed the picture. An excellent exhibition organised by Mr. J.C.R. Seager, covering many aspects of the origin, classification and uses of peat helped to obtain a good and comprehensive impression. On the last day of the Symposium, famous Irish gardens (Powerscourt and Mt. Usher) as well as the 'National Botanic Gardens' at Glasnevin were viewed. Here numerous huge old specimens of conifers and deciduous trees of the subtropics, which are proof of the temperate climate influenced by the Gulf Stream, left a lasting impression. During the Symposium the constituent meeting of the new Commission 'Plant Substrates' was held in the course of which the formation of further working groups was discussed. Up to now the working groups 'Peat in Horticulture' and 'Soilless Culture' constituted the Commission. The following are now to be added:
Noteworthy was the excellent organisation of the entire Symposium for which Dr.
D.W. Robinson, Vice Chairman of the Commission and his co-workers especially Mr.
P.A. Gallagher, assumed responsibility.
The Conference centre at St.
Patrick's College, Drumcondra was very well chosen as accommodation, meals and lectures were all provided for under one roof and the extensive programme could be accomplished in the relatively brief time available.
To mention, last but not least the cordial hospitality of our hosts will be remembered by all participants.
We express our sincere thanks to Bord na Mona as well as to all members of the Irish Agricultural Institute. | |
