Coconut can be used for various purposes, including horticultural ones. The coconut product used for horticultural purposes is coconut coir or coco fiber soil. In this post, we tell you 5 interesting facts about the fiber soil. From what it is, its production process, types, to pros and cons.
What It Is
The term “coconut coir” refers to the part located between a coconut’s seed external coating and its shell. Back then, this part was only seen as a wasted product. It is not until the early 19th century that many people how versatile and useful of a material the coconut coir is.
How It Is Produced
Before it can be used as a growing medium, coconut coir must be processed first. First, the coir is removed from the husk of the coconut. This is done by soaking the coconut in water (freshwater or tidal waters).
- Once the water bath is finished, the coir is dried. This process may last for over a year.
- After the drying process is done, it is then organized into bales.
- The bales are processed into various formats.
- Finally, the finished product is packed.
Types
When coconut coir is processed so it is usable for horticultural purposes, it is turned into three types: coco peat/pith, coco fiber, and coco chips. Many hobbyists use the term “coco fiber” to refer to any of these types.
- Coco peat/pith
Coco peat or pith is finely-ground coconut coir. As coco peat, coco fiber soil is very absorbent. This is why coco peat is great at maintaining moisture and absorbing nutrients.
Although it is very absorbent when it comes to water and nutrients, the same thing can’t be said about oxygen. This type of coconut coir lacks oxygen retention, which is why if used as a standalone growing medium, it can result in the roots of the plants suffocating.
- Coco fiber
Coco fiber is a type of coconut coir that looks like strings. Coco fiber is the opposite of coco peat. It is not very absorbent, but it can add air pockets into the growing medium. So, if your growing medium is lacking air pockets, adding coco fiber can help.
Beware, however. Compared to the other two types of coconut coir, coco fiber breaks down faster. Meaning, the air pockets that the fibers add will decrease over time as the fibers break down.
- Coco chips
Coco chips are a type of coconut coir that looks like flaky wood. It is the perfect balance between coco peat and coco fiber.
On one hand, it is quite absorbent, which helps to keep the plants hydrated. On the other, it adds air pockets into the growing medium.
Pros of Coco Fiber Soil
- Nice transition from soil gardening
Coco coir and soil are similar. This is why transitioning from soil gardening is a lot easier.
- Provides a good environment for plants to thrive
It offers a growing medium that enables roots to work through. This encourages healthy root development.
- Retains moisture quite well
It can absorb as much as 10x of its weight in water.
- Environmentally safe
It breaks down over time and is also renewable.
- Neutral pH
Its pH ranges between 5.5 and 6.8
- Protects against insect
Insects don’t like settling in coconut coir.
Cons of Coco Fiber Soil
- An inert growing medium
The coir contains no nutrients within it.
- Needs rehydration
Before using, you must first rehydrate the coir to make it usable.
- May need additional supplementation
Adding supplementation may be needed for your plants to thrive.
All things considered, coco fiber soil is an excellent growing medium. Yes, it does have its flaws. But its strengths can’t just be overlooked. What do you think? Want to give it a try? If you do, you can buy it here.