The coconut tree produces a fruit which has an inner coconut surrounded by a substantial outer layer, the husk. Fibers in the husk are held together by a pithy material which is mechanically removed leaving fibers which are spun for making ropes, matting etc.

The extracted light brown granular pithy material together with some fiber is stacked in large heaps. The surface of the heap is allowed to dry in the sun and coir is then collected, screened and compressed in different forms. Part of this otherwise waste material is used locally for growing containerized plants.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Coir Fiber Pith

Coir fiber pith, although often considered as a straight replacement for peat, differs from peat in a number of ways. Coir is a lignin-based material with a moderate to high air filled porosity depending on the age of the material and fiber content and has a pH normally between 5.4 and 6.8. It has a high content of naturally - occurring water extractable potassium with lower levels of sodium and chlorine altogether contributing to an overall conductivity generally applied to the surface of coir readily reaches downwards.

Physical Properties of Growing Media

pH

5.4 - 6.8

Electrical conductivity

>200 µS/cm2

Organic Carbon(dry basis)

45-50%

Cation Exchange Capacity

>100 mEq/100 g

C:N ratio

80/1

Total organic matter

94-98%

Ash (dry basis)

3.60%

Lignin

65-70%

Cellulose

20-30%

Hemicelluloses

8.50%

Pentosan / Lignin ratio

0.32%

Biological Propertiesof Coir Fiber Pith

Coconut is normally free from diseases d, since coir is allowed to dry in hot sunny conditions before harvesting, sterilization has not been found to be necessary for most uses. Any coconut disease organisms present are unlikely to affect crops normally grown in Europe and other countries in the northern hemisphere of the globe by hydroponics methods; furthermore, antagonism between fungal organisms is considered to offer a potential advantage over synthetic sterile media.

Coco peat provides an excellent environment for a variety of plants because it is versatile. The blend of coco peat, coco fiber and coco chips can be adjusted to provide the best structure depending on the plant. CoCo peat allows air, nutrients and water to reach the root surface, which is essential for rapid and vigorous growth.

The structure of the substrate is also ideal for holding water and nutrients, and releasing them to the plant over a prolonged period. Its excellent water holding capacity means that less water and fertilizer are wasted.

Coir contains a high percentage of lignin, which provides a natural resistance to bacteria and disease, such as pythium. The lignin content also promotes the development of favourable microorganisms around the root zone.

The coco peat characteristics have helped growers to produce healthier crops and increased yield.