Greater coir homogeneity delivers moisture and yield benefits

Cocogreen’s unrivalled improvements in the homogeneity of the coco peat throughout coir strawberry grow bags and trough slabs are delivering consistent moisture levels leading to improved yields.

“By offering a quality homogenous environment there is greater distribution of water and nutrients throughout the coir enabling the strawberry plants to utilize the full volume of substrate,” explains Thomas Ogden of Cocogreen. “Our products are giving growers greater control over moisture levels and peace of mind that it is consistent throughout the depth and length of our quality slabs and bags.”

A fully vertically integrated coir substrate manufacturer and supplier, Cocogreen has full control from the coconut plantations in Sri Lanka to the finished substrate, now supplied to 26 markets around the world. By using homogenous premium grade coir the physical properties – water holding capacity and air filled porosity - is constant throughout its slabs and strawberry bags (50-60% moisture content) promoting fast, strong and fine root growth. 

“Following large scale efficiency savings, our convenient Pop Up coco peat coir products have become more affordable,” says Thomas Ogden. “Specifically designed for cane fruit crops, the new cost per unit is highly price competitive compared with buying a traditional pot and filling with a loose growing media. Allowing quick layout in the field or polytunnel, they also offer efficiency gains by reducing labour costs. Drainage arrangements can be customised and different mixes, including a freer draining one for raspberries, are available. Feedback from raspberry and blackberry growers trialling this range is extremely positive.”

Setting new standards, Cocogreen is the first and only coir manufacturer to be fully accredited in quality, environmental and social areas of its business. This year the company has gained ISO9001 accreditation across its Sri Lankan production facilities and became the first quality coir substrate manufacturer to join LEAF (Linking Environment and Farming). Most recently Cocogreen has been credited with the new Social Accountability Standard SA8000. Based on conventions of the UN and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) among others, SA8000 measures social compliance with elements including child labour, working hours and remuneration. 

Visit Cocogreen at Fruit Focus in the United Kingdom on 23 July 2014 at booth 320. For more information about this exhibition, visit www.fruitfocus.co.uk

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