- German Potting Soil Sees Sharp Drop in Peat Content, Aligning with Climate Goals
WIESBADEN, Germany – The amount of peat used in potting soils sold across Germany fell sharply in 2024, according to data released on December 1, 2025, by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis).
This reduction supports the German federal government’s climate protection plan, which calls for a significant decrease in peat use to preserve natural peatlands.
While the proportion of potting soil containing peat remained high at 77% of the 4.6 million cubic meters sold, the average peat content within those products dropped from 47% in 2023 to 38% in 2024.
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This shift resulted in an 18.4% overall reduction in the total volume of peat used in potting soil for hobby gardens, which decreased from 1.7 million cubic meters in 2023 to 1.4 million in 2024. The government’s policy aims to curb peat extraction for horticulture and landscaping due to the crucial role peatlands play as carbon sinks.
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