The hype around Coir (coco peat) as an addition to traditional peat and bark is on the rise. This natural and renewable resource is derived from coconut husks and is gaining momentum as growers strive for more sustainable and cost-effective growing media solutions.
PrimeHort is spearheading the conversation on Coir and hopes to build awareness in the nursery sector of using Coir to save money without compromising on quality.
In terms of an artificial substrate, Coir has very good properties. But awareness is relatively low among growers. Traditional potting mix suppliers use pine bark as the base product due to its availability. Of course it’s ‘tried and true’ too – bark, pumice and a bit of pearlite, that’s what growers have always known.
Coir is a relatively new substrate, despite being around since the mid 1990s and for about 15 years in New Zealand. As a readily available substrate, it is a smart alternative to peat, particularly as peat continues to be over mined and cannot be renewed quickly (if ever). The over harvesting of peat has led to mining of younger peat which is more acidic and less ‘broken-down’ than older peat. Supply threat is also driving up the cost of peat. Unlike peat, which is not as easily decomposed, Coir is fully biodegradable.
Coir is sustainable and readily available. As a by-product of the coconut industry, it does not contribute to deforestation. The abundance of Coir makes it an eco-conscious choice for nurseries looking to reduce their environmental impact. A coconut husk’s natural resilience also means Coir can be reused for multiple growing cycles, further enhancing its eco-friendly profile.
Some of the benefits of incorporating Coir for healthier plant development include its unique fibrous structure which promotes excellent aeration within the growing medium, preventing compaction and allowing for strong root development. The optimal water retention of Coir ensures consistent moisture levels, reducing the risk of over or under-watering.
Key features of Coir include:
- pH between 5.5-6.5
- EC below 0.5mS/cm
- High air filled porosity
- Excellent water retention without waterlogging
- Minimal media slumping in the pots
- Sustainable raw product
- Relatively low cost raw product
- Lighter than other media
PrimeHort are a leading NZ supplier of this cost-effective growing media. We are keen to empower growers to create their own customised potting mixes as well as work with suppliers who are incorporating Coir into their potting mixes. Stock levels of Coir and controlled-release fertilisers are firmly secured, along with machines to automate the process and reduce labour costs.
But what matters most to growers? The merits must stack up for an industry fraught with rising costs. Quality must also swing in its favour. On canvassing our customers, we hear the following, “we understand bark and pumice – but if a product is just as good and no more expensive – we’re keen to try”. So Coir Trials are now underway.
Take action with a FREE Coir Trial.
Coir Trials are led by PrimeHort and are free of charge for our grower customers.
An indication of how plants are likely to perform in Coir should start to show within 8 weeks. Trials are currently underway in a range of native and amenity species. While managed by us, all trials are compared directly against a grower’s existing potting mix, so it’s a very direct exercise where the results can’t lie! But it also means if something needs tweaking, then we will coordinate the tailoring of blends and fertilisers for our customers.
By comparing the results of Coir against existing growing media and fertilisers, growers can gauge the tangible benefits of making changes. This risk-free approach allows growers to see firsthand the positive impact on plant health, growth rates, and overall crop yield.
Trial options include:
- 100L of 100% Coir pith with fertilisers added.
- 100L of 100% Coir 60:40 with fertilisers added.
- 100L of 50% Coir 60:40 and 50% CAN bark fines with fertilisers added.
Andrew Wearmouth is running the trials. A familiar name to many. During the last 13 years, Andrew worked for Kauri Park (NZ’s most prominent native tree nursery) where he pursued a passion for plant breeding, including developing and managing the Manuka breeding program of high UMF Manuka plant genetics. Beginning in 2014, this valuable program continues to run today.
Our nursery automation specialist, Joel Wearmouth is also setting up nurseries for the blending of Coir with a DaRos Soil Mixer machine and the hydration of compressed blocks using a Coir Processing machine, again with a goal of helping growers save time and reduce labour costs.
RURAL DESIGN and KIWI COLOUR NURSERY say yes to a Coir Trial!
COIR Fact check:
- Cost-Effective
- Readily Available
- Excellent Water Retention & Aeration
- Easy Handling
- FREE Trials Available
- Automation-Friendly
- Sustainable
- pH Neutral
- Customised
Contact us today to discuss Coir for your operation.
