Growing on coconut fiber is common in many countries. Other than rockwool, reuse of the product is possible and the discarding costs are significantly lower. Moreover, many buyers of fruits and vegetables value their product being grown on a plant-based substrate, and appreciate that a ‘waste product’ of coconuts is being used for the production of vegetables. But, how does this growth work? Wim van Wingerden of Botanicoir informs us on the use of coco.
Uniformity
When using coir as substrate it is important for the slabs to contain a consistent mix. The water content of the coconut fiber mats is also very important for controlling the crop. Wim: "A mix of 70/30 is often advised. Depending on the mixing percentages the grower gets drier or wetter mats."
Botanicoir though has moved away from these figures quite some years ago allready. "We do make clear which mix is available to the grower and what the possible humidity of the slabs is. The grower gets a clear description of which parts the coconut fiber mats actually consist of. Depending on the size of the parts and in what percentages they are used, the grower gets the best mat for his crops."
Washing and buffering
It is also important to wash the coconut fiber properly. If this is not done in the correct manner, too much sodium and chloride will remain in the mats. It is also possible to buffer the coconut fiber mats. Wim: "This means that when using calcium nitrate, the coconut fiber parts will contain even less of these elements. The drain water will be cleaner and almost immediately available for reuse."
It is also important to wash the coconut fiber properly. If this is not done in the correct manner, too much sodium and chloride will remain in the mats. It is also possible to buffer the coconut fiber mats. Wim: "This means that when using calcium nitrate, the coconut fiber parts will contain even less of these elements. The drain water will be cleaner and almost immediately available for reuse."
More generative
For many growths generative control is necessary for a large part of the year. For this purpose a coconut fiber mix has been developed with the name Dry XD, Wim shows. "This mat has a beautifully open structure in which the water content (in % of the mat volume) is around 46%. Experiences with this mat have shown that control is much better, and that the extra oxygen supply leads to improved root development with more root hairs."
It is also important that the coconut fiber contains as little too fine parts as possible. "This makes the water content of the material much more constant throughout the season."
Wim: "Many grower experiences show there are no disadvantages of coconut fiber from a growth point of view. Various tests and growers registration have shown that there is no difference in production between coconut fiber and other substrates."
For more information, questions, or remarks:
Wim van Wingerden
Botanicoir Holland
Telephone: +316 51 04 27 40
Telephone: +316 51 04 27 40