Question

Moss peat is used as a packing material and for sending flowers and live plants to distant places because
(a) It serve as a disinfectant
(b) It is easily available
(c) It is hygroscopic
(d) t reduces transpiration

Answer 1

This is the capacity of a peat moss to react to the moisture content of the air by absorbing or releasing water vapor into the air until a state of equilibrium is reached.

Correct answer:
Moss peat is used as a packing material and for sending flowers and live plants to distant places because it is hygroscopic. Moss peat is a bryophyte also called sphagnum or bog moss.
Because of the presence of a remarkable water holding capacity moss peat is used as a packing material in the transportation of flowers, live plants, tubers, bulbs, seedlings, etc. These are also used in seed-beds and in moss-sticks.

Additional Information:
-The sphagnum moss grows on the surface layer just above the peatland, soil or a swamp.
-For the soilless culture peat moss is a very good growing medium.
-Since peat moss is an organic matter it can not be provided with plenty of oxygen and nitrogen as it starts decomposing and gets compressed around the roots of the plant.
-The peat moss is a very sterile material. It is useful for seed starting. It's antiseptic qualities naturally prevent the seeds from the bacteria and fungi.
-The peat moss provides good aeration, fine texture, excellent drainage, but is low fertile and very Ideal for germination.
-Peat moss is very suitable for the growth of vegetables and fruits that require an acidic environment because it's pH is low.
-Peat moss has uniform composition, contains very few nutrients and is poor in the presence of microorganisms.
-Peat moss is mined in a sustainable and controllable manner and it does not have weed seeds.

So, the correct answer is,'It is hygroscopic'.

Note:
-Peat moss is the fibrous product of sphagnum moss which is dark brown in colour.
-Peat moss is used as soil amendment, soilless mix, seed starting, for mushroom casting, etc.
-Peat moss has a remarkable ability to absorb plenty of water and retain it for a longer period of time. This helps in creating a great place for seed starting and as it mixes with other growing materials.