what is the Coco Peat?
Coco Peat is the non-fibrous, spongy, light weight, corky material that holds together the coir fibre in coconut husk. It was in early 90’s that the horticultural use of coco peat was discovered and the material demand has been in the rise ever since. Globally known by the name Coco Peat, they are also known as Coco Coir in the US and Coir Pith in the Middle-East. It is a 100% organic, natural and bio-degradable substance which was the by-product of Coconut Fibre Extraction process, but not any more. It is now the co-product of coconut fibre extraction process.
Applications of Coco Peat
Cocopeat in Horticulture
- As a substrate or growing medium in Greenhouses
- As an amendment to improve the soil texture, soil aeration and moisture retention capacity
- Coco Peat, being sustainable and eco-friendly, is used as a substitute to Peat Moss as Peat Moss harvesting is found to be contributing to Global Warming
- Composted Coco Peat is used as an Organic Manure
- As an ingredient in potting soil to improve the moisture retention capacity and buffering capacity of the potting soil
- In nurseries for seed germinations and growing seedlings as they can retain moisture and maintain an ideal condition for seed germination
- Coco peat, being light weight and being able to retain moisture, are used by hobby growers as substrate in roof gardening
Cocopeat for Animal Bedding and Mulching
- Coco Peat along with Coco Chips are widely used as Animal Bedding for Horse Stables
- Coco Chips finds application in Animal Bedding for Exotic Pets like Lizards, Spiders, Frogs and Snakes
- Coco Chips is used as a mulch in Landscaping
What makes Coco Peat Ideal for Horticulture Purpose?
- High moisture retention capacity, capable of retaining upto 800% of moisture (by its dry weight)
- High cation exchange capacity varying from 20 to 30 meq/100g
- Improves soil aeration, allowing roots to breath
- Improves soil buffering capacity as coco peat is mostly tolerant to pH variations
- Thanks to its spongy nature, coco peat can store and release nutrients to the plants on demand
- Coco peat can be reused for upto 5 years after which it can be used for composting or added directly into the soil
- Most importantly coco peat is from a 100% natural and replenish-able source – the coconut husk – which makes it the best choice as an alternative to peat moss
Advantages of Coco Peat
- Eco-friendly and Sustainable growing medium
- High moisture retention capacity
- High cation exchange capacity
- Improves soil aeration
- Improves soil buffering capacity
- Mostly tolerant to pH variations
- Can buffer water soluble nutrients
- Can be reused for upto 5 years after