Various Horticultural Applications of Coco-peat by Tito J. Rimando Paper Presented FSSI Conference on Responding to Challenges and Creating Opportunities for Coco-Coir Imperial Suites, Timog Ave., Q.C. October 27, 2009

COIR (thick mesocarp)‏ What is cocopeat? COCONUT HUSK COIR (thick mesocarp)‏ 1/3 of husk 2/3 of husk Long fibers Waste grade coir - Medium & short length fibers Because it is very similar to peat in appearance it is also referred to as Coco peat (or coir pith, coir fiber pith). Coir dust (0.2-2.0 mm)‏

How is cocopeat sold? Usually shipped in compressed bales, briquettes, slabs or discs. The end user usually expands and aerates the compressed cocopeat by addition of water. One kilo of cocopeat can expand to 15 liters of moist cocopeat.

Why promote cocopeat? Similar or even better physical and chemical properties than most brands of sedge or sphagnum peat.  Cocopeat is a perfect alternative to peat

Cocopeat vs. Peat Based on data obtained in several laboratories abroad -- comparative test data for peat (mostly of the Canadian sedge or sphagnum peat and cocopeat from Sri Lanka) showed that cocopeat proved to be a viable alternative to peat. Cocopeat equaled or even exceeded peat in many of the plant growth performance trials for various peat-based and cocopeat-based growing potting mixes. Thus, it could be used anywhere you would use peat.

Advantages of cocopeat More consistent and uniform, free from sticks, weeds, pathogens and other extraneous matter. More physically resilient. Greater biostability. More hydrophilic (attracts water) and rehydrates more rapidly.

Advantages of cocopeat Plants grown in cocopeat based mixes tend to have healthier root systems. May contain some useful substances that serve as a deterrent to some pathogenic organisms. Renewable resource with no ecological drawback to its use.

Table 1. Particle size distributions for Philippine-produced coir dust from different sources.

Cocopeat of Philippine origin Figure 1. Growth of Dieffenbachia maculata ‘Camille’ in three soil-less mixes containing either Philippine coir dust or Canadian sphagnum peat.

Cocopeat of Philippine origin Figure 2. Growth of Dracaena marginata in three soil- less mixes containing either Philippine coir dust or Canadian sphagnum peat.

Uses of cocopeat Seed starting and propagation medium Medium or formulation of soil mixes for bedding plants,plants in containers Temporary support medium for indoor landscapes, Medium for vermiculture Spawn medium for mushroom culture

Uses of cocopeat In vernalization, moist cocopeat used as storage for bulbs to conserve moisture. As storage medium, burying in sterile moist cocopeat, for some fruits and vegetables e.g. tomatoes and eggplants to retard wilting and shrinkage (useful as substitute for cold storage). Rooting medium, under mist, for coffee water sprout cuttings – 100% rooting in <25 days.

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