Cocopeat is a multi-purpose growing medium made out of coconut husk. The fibrous coconut husk is pre-washed, machine dried, sieved and made free from sand and other contaminations such as animal and plant residue. Cocopeat is a very good alternative to traditional peat moss and Rock wool. Its air-filled porosity and high water holding capacity make it, an ideal growing medium for plant crops. It is 100% organic and eco friendly, free from soil-borne pathogen and weed. It has a pH of 5.7 – 6.5, EC level <1 mS/cm is ideal for plant growth.

Coco Peat Powder for All Seeds and Plants

After the fibers are removed from the coconut shell, coir dust remains. Known as coyote, this coir dust is an excellent growing medium and has been used by many as a fertilizer for plants. It is full of nutrients and will do wonders in your home garden. You can use it to grow orchids, roses, and other garden plants. It is good for starting seeds, and it does not splinter, shrink, or become waterlogged when watered.

To use as a fertilizer in your garden, mix coir dust in water, till the soil, and water thoroughly. It will be better to apply the coir dust in dry conditions to avoid moisture problems.

It is considered to be an ideal growing media for vegetable production. It has many advantages such as higher yield and more productive, and it is easy to harvest. It is used for growing root crops, leaf vegetables, herbs, fruits, and vegetables.

Coco peat is an organic compost that is highly effective as a soil conditioner, fertilizer, mulch and in horticultural use. It is a highly stable product that does not require any chemical additions to achieve the required performance. Coco peat is available in different form including pellets, granules, blocks and bricks.

Applications

Use in landscape gardening Coco peat can be used in the following ways.

 As mulch

 Coco peat mulch acts as a mulch, retards weed and pests, prevents the penetration of water, improves soil structure and enhances the appearance of ornamental plants in the landscape. As a mulch, the application rate is usually in the range of 1 to 10 t ha-1. The mulch is applied to reduce compaction, and to increase the number of microfauna, which in turn, will reduce pest infestation. The use of coco peat as a mulch is usually recommended in cold climates where application of fertilizers in spring or early summer is not effective.

 As soil conditioner

 Coco peat is an excellent soil conditioner which enhances the ability of the soil to absorb water and nutrients. It is a highly stable product that does not require any chemical additions to achieve the required performance. The use of coco peat as a soil conditioner will also help to improve the plant growth and productivity. Application rate of coco peat as a soil conditioner is usually 0.5 to 10 t ha-1. It is recommended to be used in soil that has been well prepared and well tilled.

 as a fertilizer

 Coco peat is a good fertiliser as it contains the right combination of N, P, K and micronutrients, making it very effective in supporting the growth of vegetables and horticultural crops. Depending on the application rate, the addition of coco peat may result in nitrogen fixation, reduction in the rate of water evaporation, and increase in soil fertility. Coco peat is usually applied in the range of 5 to 25 t ha-1.

 as green manure

 As a green manure, coco peat can be used for soil replenishment and to enrich the soil structure. This should be incorporated into the soil and work-in-place (WI) for maximum benefits. Pests, fungal pathogens, weeds and plant diseases.

 As a pest deterrent, coco peat can be used to prevent pest entry and damage.

 As a soil conditioner, coco peat is particularly good at reducing the surface sheen of most soils which causes root rots and other diseases. Coco peat is particularly good at improving the drainage of many soils such as sandy soils which can be prone to root rot. The addition of coco peat will reduce surface compaction of soil and hence reduce soil borne diseases. The reduced rate of evaporation will also help to reduce the risk of a drought occurring in the summer. The inclusion of coco peat can be as high as 50% of the total peat moss and is a great companion plant for vegetables and salads. As a herbicide, coco peat is also used to help prevent weeds from growing as this may cause injury to a variety of crops. It is best used in the long term, at a rate of 25 t ha-1.

 Environmental Benefits 

In recent times, more people have been focusing on the environmental cost of traditional agricultural products. As the price of organic products is high, the use of coco peat has increased in order to offer an affordable alternative. Coco peat is made from coconut husk, which is the natural by-product from coconut farming. Coconut is one of the highest organic crop and also is a great source of fibre and vitamins for human consumption. The processing of coconut husk yields approximately 20% coco peat, which is used for soil conditioning and drainage. As the fibre content is approximately 20%, this makes the peat an excellent mulch and it retains water for longer periods of time.

 Planting 

Coco peat can be used as a planting material for tree crops and flowers. It is used in various ways:

 Coco peat mulch - This is commonly used as a mulch which is made up of 25% coco peat and 75% garden soil. This helps to protect a plant by decreasing the heat, and increasing its water holding capacity. This can be used on annuals, shrubs, small trees and vegetables.

 Coco peat compost - This is created by mixing 25% coconut peat with 75% garden soil. This is then mixed with fertiliser, manure, compost, etc. This is then applied to your garden or landscaped areas.