[7][8] Sphagnum and the peat formed from it do not decay readily because of the phenolic compounds embedded in the moss's cell walls.

Peat moss can also acidify its surroundings by taking up cations, such as calcium and magnesium, and releasing hydrogen ions.

Additionally there are larger hyaline or retort cells that are barrel shaped and have a pore at one end to allow for water absorption and improved water-holding capacity.

[11] Gametophytes have substantial asexual reproduction by fragmentation, producing much of the living material in sphagnum peatlands.

[13] Carpets of living Sphagnum may be attacked by various fungi, and one fungus that is also a mushroom, Sphagnurus paluster, produces conspicuous dead patches.

[16] High-speed photography has shown vortex rings are created during the discharge, which enable the spores to reach a height of 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8 in), further than would be expected by ballistics alone.

[19] Human activities like slash-and-burn and cattle grazing are believed to promote the growth and expansion of Sphagnum moss.

[24] Sphagnum mosses occur mainly in the Northern Hemisphere in peat bogs, conifer forests, and moist tundra areas.

"[30] PittMoss, a peat moss alternative made from recycled newspaper, has emerged as a sustainable substitute in growing media.

Semi-open cell polyurethane materials available in flaked and sheet stock are also finding application as sphagnum replacements with typical usage in green wall and roof garden substrates.

[33] In the 2010s, Sphagnum peat in Chile has begun to be harvested at a large scale for export to countries like Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and the United States.

[35] Between 2018 and 2024, Chilean law allowed for the manual extraction of Sphagnum using only pitchforks or similar tools as an aid.

[37][38] Some environmental organisations expressed regret as the original law project presented in 2018 sought the extablish a definitive ban on the harvest.

[38] Along Rubens River in Magallanes Region there are some historically important harvesting fields of peat in Sphagnum peatlands.

[39] Sphagnum peatlands in Chile disturbed by peat extraction have been found to host various invasive plant species including Rumex acetosella, Carex canescens, Holcus lanatus and Hieracium pilosella.

[40] The construction of each wind turbine usually implies the removal of vegetation and the alteration of the soil, changing by the way also of the local hydrology.

[46] This "farming" is based on a sustainable management program approved by New Zealand's Department of Conservation; it ensures the regeneration of the moss, while protecting the wildlife and the environment.

During transportation, helicopters are commonly employed to transfer the newly harvested moss from the swamp to the nearest road.

This is often desired when dealing with very sandy soil, or plants that need increased or steady moisture content to flourish.

[citation needed] Anaerobic acidic sphagnum bogs have low rates of decay, and hence preserve plant fragments and pollen to allow reconstruction of past environments.

[51][52] Preparations using Sphagnum such as Sphagnol soap have been used for various skin conditions including acne, ringworm, and eczema.

The soap was used by the British Red Cross during both World Wars to treat facial wounds and trench sores.

[53] Since it is absorptive and extremely acidic, it inhibits growth of bacteria and fungi, so it is used for shipping seeds and live plants.

[56] In China, Japan and Korea, long strand dried sphagnum moss is traditionally used as a potting medium for cultivating Vanda falcata orchids.