turfgebaseerd

Turfgebaseerd is a Dutch adjective meaning based on turf, i.e., peat. In Dutch-language contexts the term is used to describe products, systems or processes in which peat is the primary raw material or energy source. The concept is most commonly encountered in three domains: energy and fuel, horticulture, and construction or material applications where peat-derived components play a role.

In energy and fuel contexts turfgebaseerd refers to peat-based combustion products such as peat briquettes or pellets that have historically been used for domestic heating and, to a lesser extent, power generation. In horticulture, turfgebaseerd describes growing media that derive predominantly from peat and are used to produce potting soils and substrates for nurseries, often in blends with other materials to adjust properties like water retention and aeration. In construction or geotechnical contexts, peat-containing soils or peat-derived materials can influence characteristics such as drainage and stability, though this usage is less central than fuel or growing media applications.

Environmental considerations are central to discussions of turfgebaseerd. Peatlands are significant carbon stores, and peat extraction plus combustion releases carbon dioxide and can harm biodiversity and hydrology. Consequently, peat-based products face sustainability scrutiny, and many regions implement policies to reduce peat use and transition to alternative materials. In horticulture, there is ongoing development and uptake of peat-free substrates using components such as composted bark, coconut coir, wood fiber, or mineral wool, driven by conservation and climate goals.

See also: peat, veen, turf, peat substrate, peat-free.