Method to produce substitute for peat moss

A method to produce a substitute for peat moss comprising:

• mixing adsorptive cellulosic carrier material with an inoculum containing lignin cellulose degrading microorganisms in a fermenter in an effective amount sufficient to allow for rapid growth throughout the fermenter and a liquid feedstock consisting essentially of a manure, or municipal waste or a blend of these to form a mixture having a moisture content of up to 25% by weight and wherein liquid and dissolved nutrients are absorbed into the carrier material and solids are concentrated and bacteria grows on a surface of the carrier material,
• transferring said mixture to a chamber to isolate the mixture from atmospheric oxygen, prevent loss of moisture, and maintain the mixture at even temperature throughout,
• increasing the temperature of said mixture in said chamber to a temperature of 135.degree. to 175.degree. F. and forming a moist atmosphere containing ammonia and maintaining the mixture at this temperature until said cellulosic material changes from a natural color to a dark brown color, then
• aerating said mixture to reduce the temperature and to remove water vapor, ammonia and other gases found in the mixture in an exhaust gas and continuing aeration until the mixture is dried to less than 25% by weight moisture and causes microorganisms or bacterial community that has developed to become dormant and then removing said mixture from said chamber containing carrier material having substantially same physical shade and size as initially mixed for use as a substitute for peat moss.