Coco

Products from the husk of the coconut are used for many years in the substrate industry.
In many countries there is a market for coco fiber (used in matrasses, ropes, mats etc.) and after producing the fibers, the rest product is fine.
Where this was a waste material in the past, nowadays we are using this in big volumes to grow our plants on.
Besides separating the fiber from the pith, we can also cut the husk in small pieces to get a course material like chips.

In the husk a high EC is usually found, containing mainly Sodium, Potassium and Chloride.
Washing the coco is therefore a must if it will be used as a substrate.
For more sensitive cultures also the Sodium and the Potassium which is on the complex has to be exchanged by minerals like Calcium or Magnesium and washed afterwards.

This is just a brief note.

If you want to know more about the origin, the fabrication, the use, the advantages and disadvantages of coco for you: don’t hesitate to write us a mail at info@substrate-consulting.nl