The ever-popular cocopeat still used in hydroponics systems

It is well-known that Coco peat is a derivative of the husk of the coconut - the fruit of Cocos nucifera trees. Coco peat consists of coir pith, coir fibre and husk chips in proportions, blended specifically for different applications in horticulture. It has unique properties, which make it highly suitable as a hydroponics growing medium.

Aclose-up look at the cork-like leader in coir media, having secured cells of the pith and fibrous supply to their seven factories in Sri material reveals a porous Lanka, India and Malaysia for a number of structure, which provides an years into the future. Galuku have done enormous reservoir for holding water. an enormous amount of research and Pore space amounts to about 90% of the development, specifically in commercial material volume. hydroponic horticulture, and today Coco peat as a result, has a high water growers are achieving the same yields in holding capacity (WHC) and a high water coco peat as what they do in rock wool. retention efficiency (WRE), while at the A wide range of products is available same time maintaining a high air-filled to suit the growers needs in whatever porosity (AFP). It is this climate they grow unique combination, Coco peat has a high throughout the world, which makes it a good water holding capacity including for organic hydroponics growing medium. After drying it also rewets relatively easily. (WHC) and a high water retention efficiency (WRE), while at the growers. Coconut coir has been available as a growing medium for a number The high lignin content same time maintaining of years, with the initial of the material ensures a high air-filled grade available being a that it maintains a porosity (AFP). It is this fine material designed for good physical stability with a very slow decomposition process, unique combination, which makes it a good use in seed raising and for basic potting mixes. This grade had a very which means that it can hydroponics growing high WHC, a high salt be used for extended medium. content and a low AFP periods of time and for (10-12%) which made multi-use applications, making it very it unsuitable as a hydroponic medium - cost effective. the management of the water content is The supply of coconut coir is reliable too difficult and there is too little air for due to the size and organization of the oxygenation of the root zone. coconut industry with major coco peat The lack of success with this material suppliers such as Galuku, the world resulted in a resistance to the use of coco peat as a substrate, a misplaced fear, which still exists in some quarters today. AFP refers to the air space within the medium when the medium is at full water holding capacity (as a %). WHC is the volume of the medium that is occupied by water at full water holding ability (measured as a %). The ideal AFP and WHC for hydroponics are 35-45% and 40-60% respectively, depending upon the climate and crop grown. So, even at full WHC water-logging does not occur in the correct blends. Reputable suppliers have developed high performance grades of coco peat which bear little resemblance to the original material with blended grades having AFP and WHC tailor-made to suit requirements. Controlled steering of the growth of plants is now possible with the grower able to manage water and air content on a daily or seasonal basis, with increased production and water savings a reality. Containment systems with UV protected plastic such as Easyfil planter bags, Hydro CS slabs, Gerbera discs and the like have also been developed to reduce labour costs in growing systems and to improve hygiene. Source: M von Holdt