Question

Peat, obtained from Sphagnum moss, is used as
A. Fuel
B. Manure
C. Corrosive
D. Both (a) and (b)

Answer 1

Hint: Sphagnum is the genus of mosses. Mosses are nonvascular plants also known as Bryophytes. Sphagnum is commonly known as peat moss. Peat has multiple uses as it provides nutrients to them and also it is used to derive energy which could be used in vehicles.

Complete answer: Sphagnum plants can hold a huge amount of water inside their cells. Plants hold approximately 16 to 26 times water of their dry weight. Depending on the species, water holding capacity varies. The empty cells help to preserve water in drier conditions. Decomposed and dried Sphagnum is known as peat or peat moss. It is used as a soil conditioner as it helps the soil to increase the water holding capacity. It also increases nutrient absorption by capillary forces and cation exchange capacity. Peat is mainly useful in gardening. It is often essential when dealing with very sandy soil, or plants that require stable moisture content to flourish. Sphagnum is one of the most common components of peat. The biological structures of Sphagnum act to create a habitat helping peat formation, a phenomenon termed 'habitat manipulation'. Peat is also used as a fuel source in certain regions of the world. Some organizations classify peat as fossil fuel and not as a renewable fuel.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note: Peat is also known as turf. Soils consisting primarily of peat are known as histosols. Dry peat is used as fuel and is used as an alternative to firewood for domestic heating purposes. In rural regions, peat is used for cooking.