Know More About A Coco Coir
A coco coir is a natural fiber made from the thick husks of coconuts. Coco coir is gathered and used to make gardening items such as coir fiber, chips, and pith. It’s a popular soil supplement as well as a rich hydroponic growing base because of its great growth potential. Even if you’ve never heard of coco coir, you’ve probably seen it in potting soil or other growing mediums. Coir is popular among producers because it supports healthy harvests and increases plant growth, but there are side effects of it. Let’s dive deeper!
What Are The Drawbacks From A Coco Coir?
While coco coir is beneficial in many ways, it does have some disadvantages.
Lack Of Nutrients
Although a coco coir contains some nutrients, it does not have the same nutrient profile as typical soil. As a result, adding supplements to your coco coir is nearly always necessary. Many gardeners automatically use a calcium-magnesium mix. It is also necessary to add iron to your soil.
Expensive
A coco coir of high quality is not cheap. Many gardeners buy raw coco coir and use it to make potting soils. It’s simple and inexpensive to improve your soil.
Contains Excess Salt
To preserve and mature coco coir, manufacturers may use salt. Some coco coir is soaked in salt water before being distributed, whereas high-quality coco coir is rinsed with fresh water. Before you use your coco coir, give it a good rinse. This will aid in the release of any salt or chemical agents employed in the coco coir treatment. Keep in mind that every sort of growing medium has a subpar version. By purchasing from a reputable manufacturer, you can prevent typical problems. So, have you ever wonder how is the coco coir made? Keep reading.
A Coco Coir Made
Coco coir is a byproduct of coconuts, as previously stated. The fibers removed from the coconut’s exterior layer are frequently mashed into a pulp or compressed into a brick.
By Harvesting
Coconuts take approximately a year to reach their full maturity. Even still, each coconut palm tree yields 50 to 100 coconuts every year on average. These coconuts are only accessible on a monthly basis. They are, however, usually collected every 45 to 90 days. Depending on the plantation, harvesting procedures differ drastically. Coconut bunches are cut from the tops of trees by certain farmers using a long scythe.
Husking
Husking is the method of removing the pulp from the husk. Coconuts’ insides are used to generate oil and plant milk. The husk that remains is used to make coir and other natural fibers. To mechanically divide and peel harvested coconuts, most palm estates employ highly sophisticated husking machines.
Retting
Coconut husks are cured through a process known as retting. Retting ripe coconuts is done using fresh water. Retting immature coconuts is done with saltwater. Retting is the process of separating coconut fibers, or coir, from coconut shells using moisture and bacteria. Coconuts are submerged in cement tanks or natural bodies of water during the retting process. They’re loaded down and left for days, if not weeks, at a time. The husk separates from the coconut’s outer skin during this time.
Fiber Removal
Following the retting process, the coco coir must be defibered. The coir is passed through a spiking machine, which separates the coconut fibers from the rest of the coconut. Traditionally, skilled employees would accomplish this process. The fibers are frequently compacted into little bricks once they have been removed. The dust left over, commonly known as coconut coir pith, is collected and used to make growing mediums.
Summary
A coco coir is made by well to stimulating your plant growth. But, besides the disadvantages, you must be careful to use this. If you are doing well, the disadvantages are not showed.