Cocopeat as Alternative to Soil-Less Cultivation

A news feature in The Hindu on April 28 describes the use of cocopeat as alternative to soil-less gardening.  Cocopeat is a mixture of dust as well as the unuseable fibre ends, considered “waste” is coir fiber production.  Coir fiber is primary product from coconut husk. 

Several entreprenuers are now eyeing an opportunity to use the cocopeat for a variety of products and it has come to be used in a big way for hydroponic (soil-less) cultivation. Home gardening enthusiasts see it as as sustainable alternative to soil. Hydroponic plants grown in cocopeat grow 50% faster than they would in soil. It also eliminates the need for fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides as peat itself carries ample nutrients. Being porous, it provides better aeration for the roots.