RMCG is delivering the Hort Innovation project; MT17016 - Coir waste management for hydroponics in berries. It is funded through strawberry and Rubus industry levies with matching contributions from the Australian Government.
They would like to hear from growers to be able to answer the following:
- The main areas/regions where coir is used in large amounts (Australia, internationally)
- The type and composition of coir waste that is currently used
- Whether it is stockpiled and expected to accumulate in berry producing areas
- Required turnover rates of coir i.e. how many seasons is the same substrate used
- What is the condition of the coir after use i.e. is there a difference between ex strawberry and ex Rubus waste?
- The type of plastic containers used with coir
- Issues to do with contamination of used coir (e.g. plastic, pathogens, pests, pesticides, other contaminants etc)
- How is plastic used with coir currently disposed of?
- Has anybody tried to use compostable planter bags or pots?
- How is coir waste disposed of currently, where it is going, what it is reused for in Australia and internationally?
- Costs involved in disposal and alternatives to disposal?
- How could coir waste be better managed and what longer term opportunities could be created with the berry industry.
Please contact Doris Blaesing if you have information about the above. RMCG would also like to hear from other industries using coir for hydroponic production.
For more information:
RMCG
+61 438 546 487
dorisb@rmcg.com.au
www.rmcg.com.au