Benefits of reusing coconut fiber
Save time and money on gardening
By reusing the same substrate used as a growing medium, you save the cost of repurchasing a new one. Additionally, the time spent purchasing and preparing is also exempt from the process of preparing for a new growth cycle .
Environmentally friendly gardening solution
Coconut fiber alone is biodegradable, but it will practically take up to 7 years depending on the quality. So by reusing them, they won’t end up in soil waste and will avoid taking up a lot of space, effectively reducing the amount of waste thrown into the environment.
See more:
- How to cushion coconut fiber ? Guide to cushioning condensed coconut fiber
- How to Prepare Coconut Fiber for the Garden and Indoor Plants
- How to use coconut fiber bricks : A complete guide
- Alternatives to peat : Main alternatives to peat for gardening
Factors to consider before reusing coconut fiber
Understand the structure of coconut fiber
Based on physical attributes to decide whether to reuse coconut fiber or not. Coconut fiber tends to degrade at a faster rate after the first reuse, the main reason being washing and buffering. As they approach the end of their use cycle, they become smaller and more compact in structure, losing their sponge-like characteristics. This causes them to gradually lose their aeration, providing less drainage and less water retention. Therefore, when reusing your coconut fiber for the third or fourth time, if provided, you should add 10-20% fresh coconut fiber or perlite for a successful harvest.
Evaluation of the pathogen history of Coco Coir
Another thing to keep in mind is pathogen history. It is important to keep this in mind, as they affect the condition and reaction of the plant, even in small quantities. Therefore, be very discerning when choosing reused coconut fiber based on its pathogen history.
How to correctly reuse coconut fiber
Reconditioning coconut fiber for reuse
Follow the simple steps below:
- Harvest from pots, grow bags, hydroponic systems, remove plant roots or debris. Enzymes can be used to assist in this process.
- Rinse the coconut fiber with plenty of water and then soak it in water for 24-48 hours to completely remove salts and impurities.
- Buffer and control the pH. Make changes to the pH if it is not in balance.
- Optional sterilization.
- Dry the coconut fiber with the necessary means and then store it for future use in a container or bag.
By reconditioning your coir, you not only save money but also reduce waste, making it a sustainable option for your gardening needs. This is just the basic process, feel free to optimize it with anything that suits your convenience.
Important Considerations for Successful Reuse
Cycle after cycle, the longer they are reused, the less efficient the coconut fiber becomes as leftover minerals and chemicals accumulate, including salt, and too much salt is fatal by blocking other nutrients, causing the Deficiencies can kill the crop if not obtained.
Additionally, as the product is reused, it loses some of its lignin structure. Because of this, most growers only reuse coconut fiber two or three times before replacing it. Meanwhile, some growers choose to mix new coconut fiber with old fiber to prolong its life. Generally, up to a certain point of reuse, coconut fiber will begin to break down and will not be as able to retain roots or maintain an optimal moisture level.
Using advanced nutrient enzymes to break down dead root material
At some point when using coconut coir you will need to break down the root material, this is where enzymes come in. By breaking down old, dead root material, you free up the space of the coconut fiber, freeing them and allowing them to reform into a sponge. similar structure, providing the intended benefits.
Enzymes transform root material into sugars, adhering to substrates. Once enzymes transform root material into sugars, beneficial microbes in the rhizosphere consume the sugars for energy. They then create more enzymes, continuing the cycle and cleansing the root zone.
Conclusion: Give coconut fiber a second life in your garden
If cared for properly, coconut fiber can last as long as you want, but not forever. Of course, you can use your coconut coir once and buy a new one when you’re done, but if you’re an environmentally conscious gardener and want to be super green, then you have the option and now the knowledge. to do it.