Looking for advantages of coco peat for hydroponics?
Coco peat or also known as coco fibre is a natural 100% organic substance extracted from coconut fibre. Cocopeat is know for being used as a for gardening, a growing medium to improve soil texture, aeration and moisture.
Coco peat is increasing in popularity for it benefits make it a first choice for home gardeners and it automatically encourages them to replace it as an organic soil replacement.Its considered ecofriendly and sustainable, and used a substitute for other harvesting products.
Coco Peat is commonly used for Hydroponics. It is white or light brown in color, and has a light fluffy texture. Coco peat is available in different forms which includes coco bricks, coir dust and coco chips.
If you are unaware of Hydroponics; it is a nutrient growing of plants with or without soilless substrate to provide growth and support. The word hydroponics is derived from “hydro” (water) and “ponos” (labor). It’s a process which has been used from thousands of years but it has been evolved after the plastic and green house industry.
The plants get the essential required nutrients from the water-based solutions that reaches the roots;therefore, it makes the presence of soil unnecessary. Hydroponics has its own advantages and disadvantages as comparted to cultivation in soil. They are two commonly used systems been practiced in hydroponics which includes active system and passive system.
In future hydroponics would soon be considered as the most sustainable alternate for food production and farming. By using Coco peat for home gardens growers are helped with suitable conditions for plant growth. Let’s walk over the see how Coco Peat can be beneficial for Hydroponics.
5 Advantages of Coco Peat for Hydroponics
100% Organic & Natural (Eco-Friendly)
As discussed earlier, Coco Peat is a completely organic natural product extracted from Coconut. In thisfast-driven world, and increase of industrializationit is important to move towards eco friendly alternates. As coco peat is produced from Coconut’s Husk a bi-product or waste product of the coconut industry, It is smartly and efficiently used to reduce waste.
Cocopeat can be used multiple times and is a bio gradable substance, holding It characteristics for a long time. The traditional peat is made from wetlands and bogs which can take hundreds of years to from. The organic and natural nature helps preventing adverse environmental impact promoting sustainably and eco friendly practice. With addition of protecting the environment, you are protecting your family & pets from the hazardous chemicals playing a key part to reduce pollution.
Nutrients & Water Retention
One of the major advantages and characteristics of Coco peat is its retention of water. Even though coco peat is considered water proof, but its water absorbing qualities allows the texture to hold water which is gradually released as per required by the plant. It prevents plants to get soaked from water saving from fungal diseases and protecting roots.
Coco peat ensures that the plant does not suffers from excessive watering or being deprived by water, providing a perfect balance, helping plants grow healthier. Cocopeat consist of nutrients like potassium and phosphorous which helps in plant’s growth providing strong roots. Coco peat is also preferred for hydroponics because of its capabilities to absorb nutrients.
PH Balance
PH levels hold an integral part in plants growth. As discussed earlier about its water retention capabilities, Coco peat also provides the perfect drainage. The PH value characteristics of Peat is 5.8-6.5 which is suitable for all plants. A value below range of 7 highlights acidity, were as value above 7 indicates alkalinity. So, as we mentioned the PH value of coco peat, we can say that is perfectly balanced and ideal for most plant species to grow.
It is also important to keep track of the PH value as at every stage of a plants growth different level are need which should be closely monitored. By having a proper understanding of PH levels, you can help the plants to grow in the best possible environment by adjusting it according to maximize its impact of nutrients microbial activity.
Solid Improvement & Aeration
Coco peat is considered as a perfect soil amendment. It helps in increasing the PH value of the soil ensuring the plant is getting enough nutrients to grow healthy and strong. Coco peat helps in providing more porous soil, which permits air and water to move openly giving improved growth. Coco peat can also me mixed with your existing soil to benefit with its advantages. The improved growth of roots due to coco peat makes results in better growth providing higher yields.
Usage &easy accessibility
There are several reasons why Coco peat for hydroponics I highly preferred. The accessibility of availability of coco peat also makes it as a preferred choice for everyone. It is commonly available online or directly form the market. It is available in variety of shapes and sizing suiting different applications.
As it can be compressed to 1/5th or even less of its volume, it available in different mediums making it easier to transport and ship reducing the storage and handling cost make it cost efficient. Another key benefit of its usage is that less space is required and you can increase your production. Its an efficient way to utilize your small space. Coco Peat is considered very easy to reuse and rewet.
Dry coco peat can quickly absorb water and making it readily available for usage in a short span of time. Breaks can be soaked in water to dissolve by adding warm water for around two hours. It can be usable directly or by mixing in a proportion with different soil mix for usage.
By using multiple combination of coco peat different mediums like chips, coir dust, and bricks you can customize accordingly for the type of plant you are looking to grow. Mixing it with coconut husk provides multiple characteristics and benefits for your plant’s growth.
Contact Earth Scape a leading coco peat manufacturers in Sri Lanka to order coco peat.
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Editorial Staff
Editorial Staff at Earthscape who are experts about coir products.