What are the benefits of coir in substrate mixtures?

There is a tendency between the growers to look for a differentiation in their way of producing. Their objective is to obtain higher quality plants at a lower cost, reducing the number of wastes. In fact, they are contributing to the evolution of precision agriculture by equipping themselves with infrastructures and new technologies for this purpose. In this sense, the choice of the type of substrate plays a fundamental role.

Does coir fiber make the ideal substrate possible?

The increasing introduction of coir as a substrate alone or mixed with other typologies provides excellent properties for the development of crops. Coir as a growing media is being essential for the progress of different activities such as nurseries, hothouses and consumer agriculture.

Currently, many production companies use coir in their mixtures, being able to distinguish the physical, chemical and biological properties that coir contribute to the substrate. The knowledge of these properties is very important to guarantee productive success.

Sometimes producers define the substrate with a percentage of coir as “the ideal substrate”, but it is well known that it does not exist. The definition of an ideal substrate depends on various circumstances, for instance, clime conditions, plant species, place of cultivation (outdoor or greenhouse), nutritional requirements, type of container, irrigation and fertilization system, technical qualification, etc.

Once each situation has been evaluated, the type of substrate is designed defining the raw materials to be used (coir, peat and / or perlite), type of granulometry and percentages of each of the elements that make up the mixture.

The benefits of coir

Among the advantages that coir provides in substrate mixtures, we can highlight:

1. Homogeneous substrate with high CEC (Cationic Exchange Capacity).
2. Greater substrate aeration and water availability at low tensions.
3. High availability of nutrients to the plant.
4. Excellent rehydration of the grow media thanks to the contribution of 30% coir.
5. Greater durability and stability of the substrate.
6. Continuous supply guarantee.
7. Reduction of fungal and weed problems.
8. Authorized for the export of the plant material produced.

Choosing coir as a raw material to incorporate it into the substrate and considering the advantages mentioned above, will achieve:

1. Higher production speed.
2. Higher quality plants.
3. Lower percentage of wastes.
4. Greater shelf life.
5. Lower production costs.

As manufacturers of coir substrates and products for soilless production, we have acquired the required technical knowledge when it comes to define a new substrate recipe.

If you want our technical advice or have some doubts, please contact us and one of our technicians will assist you.