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Peatamine is a term used in certain contexts to refer to the process of creating peat, a carbon-rich soil formed from partially decomposed vegetation in wetlands. This decomposition occurs in waterlogged environments where oxygen is limited, which slows down the breakdown of organic matter. Over long periods, layers of this organic material accumulate, forming peat.

Peatlands, the areas where peat forms, are significant ecosystems that play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle. They are estimated to store vast amounts of carbon, often more than all the world's forests combined. The slow decomposition process means that carbon is locked away in the peat, preventing it from returning to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.

The formation of peat is a slow process, with accumulation rates typically measured in millimeters per year. The type of vegetation present, the water table level, and the climate all influence the rate and characteristics of peat formation. Different types of peat exist, classified based on the dominant plant material, such as sphagnum peat, sedge peat, and reed peat.

Historically, peat has been harvested for various purposes, including fuel, soil amendment in horticulture, and as a component in growing media. However, the extraction of peat can have significant environmental consequences, including the release of stored carbon and the destruction of peatland habitats. This has led to increased efforts to conserve peatlands and develop sustainable alternatives for peat-derived products.