Surviving low nutrient, low light conditions: peatland plants

Plants in peatlands survive low nutrients and low light thanks to their perennial life cycle, which ensures a large biomass above and below ground.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

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Biomimetic Application Ideas

Selecting agricultural crops in nutrient-poor locations or under trees as in agroforestry.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Virtually all true mire vascular plants are perennial. This is a most effective way to ensure a large biomass, both below and above ground. In a nutrient-poor environment, a relatively large root biomass is required to obtain enough resources, and this cannot easily be built up within one season. Also, the large above-ground biomass which may be necessary for light capture in wooded mires can be built only by perennials." (Rydin and Jeglum 2006:50)

About the inspiring organism

Plantae
Plantae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Selecting agricultural crops in nutrient-poor locations or under trees as in agroforestry.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Agriculture

References

Rydin, H.; Jeglum, J. K. 2006. The Biology of Peatlands. Oxford University Press. 343 p.

Surviving low nutrient, low light conditions: peatland plants

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