COCOPEAT AS A GROWING MEDIUM

In cultivation, soil is not the only reliable growing medium. There are other growing media, and one of them is cocopeat. Cocopeat is considered one of the hydroponic growing media that is organic, as it is made from coconut fiber dust.

Coconut fiber dust is quite easy to find around the house, so it's not uncommon to see this planting method applied in every household. Because Coco peat is dust, its presence can be obtained by finely grinding coconut husks. One of the benefits of using Cocopeat as a hydroponic growing medium is its ability to retain water and contain a considerable amount of chemical elements.

Cocopeat has a pH between 5.0 and 6.8, making it very suitable for the growth of any plant. This hydroponic growing medium is usually mixed with other materials such as burnt rice husks in a 50:50 ratio to increase aeration in the growing medium.

There are many benefits to using it, whether mixed with soil or used alone. Cocopeat is also often chosen as a soil substitute.

Cocopeat has the property of absorbing and retaining water easily. It also has pores that facilitate air exchange and the entry of sunlight. Its Trichoderma molds content, a type of enzyme from fungi, can reduce soil-borne diseases. Thus, Cocopeat can keep the soil loose and fertile.

Although touted as a quality alternative growing medium to soil, it lacks the nutrients present in soil. Therefore, Cocopeat requires additional fertilizer for enrichment.

Advantages of Cocopeat

As an organic growing medium, Cocopeat has several advantages over other growing media. These advantages include:

1. Soil-like texture

Cocopeat's texture resembles soil, and its fine grains enable plants to adapt well, just as they would if planted in soil. The main difference between Cocopeat and soil lies in their nutrient content; Cocopeat lacks nutrients found in soil. Therefore, when planting with Cocopeat, plants need to be watered with both water and nutrient solutions.

2. Excellent water absorption

Cocopeat is a growing medium with high water absorption capacity and can retain more water than soil. Cocopeat can retain and maintain water ten times better than soil, which is excellent for plants grown hydroponically. Because it can retain water well, plant roots do not dry out easily and remain well-hydrated.

3. Environmentally friendly

Made from organic materials, Cocopeat is environmentally friendly and can degrade well in soil when no longer in use. Additionally, Cocopeat can be recycled into new growing media through certain processes.

4. More resistant to pests

Some types of pests, such as those originating from soil, do not thrive in Cocopeat. This can protect plants better and guard them against pest attacks.

5. Easier for beginners

Growing plants with Cocopeat is recommended for those who are just starting to learn hydroponic gardening. Cocopeat is easy to use when first planting because of its soil-like texture and form.

Disadvantages of Cocopeat

Despite its many advantages, Cocopeat also has some drawbacks, including:

1. Not sterile from pathogens

Although Cocopeat does not contain pests, it still needs to be sterilized before use by washing and drying it thoroughly. Cocopeat we are selling has been washed for 1 day before we send them to your country.

2. Less suitable for plants with sensitive roots

Because Cocopeat can retain water longer, this growing medium should not be used for plants with roots that do not like wet conditions, such as cabbage or broccoli.

3. Lacks nutrients or is inert

Despite its soil-like appearance and texture, remember that Cocopeat does not contain any nutrients. Therefore, when used as a growing medium, it needs to be supplemented with nutrient solutions and supplements that support plant growth.