The Significance of Composting

The Mediterranean Sea is home to the seagrass type Posidonia Oceanica, often referred to as “the green lung of the sea”. The leaves that die, or are damaged by boats and anchors, are washed up on the beaches and are a hindrance for tourism, as thousands of tonnes collect on tourist beaches.

Currently, this dead seagrass is collected and left to decay in landfills, releasing significant carbon emissions in the form of methane - a particularly potent greenhouse gas (GHG).

Composting this seagrass aerobically (as opposed to the anaerobic degradation within landfills) significantly reduces the amount of methane released, and makes use of the wasted biomass to produce a product that improves soil health, thus increasing rates of carbon sequestration in the soil.

The Posidonia Compost project turns plant tissue waste, that is a nuisance on the beaches, into a commercial product of high quality – organic compost. This is beneficial for the environment, helps the municipalities comply with EU environmental regulations and returns organic waste to nature as a product that both stabilises the soil and provides nutrients for plants and crops.

The importance of peat free fertilisers

Using peat in compost and fertilisers can have several negative impacts on the environment and ecosystems:

Habitat destruction: Peat lands are unique ecosystems that provide critical habitats for various plants, animals, and micro-organisms. When peat is extracted for commercial use, it often leads to the destruction of these sensitive habitats, disrupting the balance of local ecosystems and threatening species that depend on them.
Carbon emissions: Peat lands store a significant amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases. When peat is harvested or disturbed, it releases stored carbon into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming and climate change. Peat extraction can turn these carbon sinks into carbon sources, exacerbating the greenhouse effect.
Loss of biodiversity: Peat lands are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species that are uniquely adapted to these environments. Destroying peat lands for commercial use can result in the loss of biodiversity and cause the extinction or displacement of several species that depend on these ecosystems.
Water quality and quantity: Peat lands play a crucial role in regulating water flow and maintaining water quality. They act as natural sponges, storing water during wet periods and releasing it slowly during dry periods, helping to prevent flooding and ensuring a steady supply of water. When peat lands are drained for peat extraction, it disrupts these natural water management functions, leading to issues like water scarcity, reduced water quality, and increased risk of flooding.
Soil degradation: Peat is a valuable component of healthy soils as it enhances soil structure and water retention. Removing peat for use in compost and fertilisers can deplete the soil's organic matter, leading to degraded soil quality, reduced fertility, and decreased agricultural productivity.
Nutrient imbalances: While peat can be a source of organic matter, it lacks essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that are necessary for plant growth. Using peat-based compost or fertilisers exclusively may result in nutrient imbalances in the soil, negatively impacting plant health and productivity.
Alternative ecosystems disruption: The demand for peat extraction may lead to the conversion of other ecosystems, such as forests or wetlands, to peat extraction sites. This can disrupt other ecosystems and reduce their ability to provide valuable ecological services.

To mitigate these negative impacts, it is essential to reduce or eliminate the use of peat in compost and fertilisers. Instead, adopting sustainable alternatives like Posidonia compost made from locally available organic materials or other eco-friendly fertilisers can help promote healthier soils and ecosystems while reducing environmental harm.