The Benefits of Indonesia’s Cocopeat Block
Cocopeat is an organic hydroponic growing medium made from coconut fiber powder. The process of making cocopeat is by grinding coconut fiber until smooth. Then, we can mix other ingredients in a 50:50 ratio before using it as a planting medium.
With a PH between 5.0 to 6.8, cocopeat is very good for plant growth. It has become one of the most profitable coconut exporter Indonesia commodities. To get to know cocopeat better, here are the benefits of cocopeat for agriculture that you need to know.
Soil-like Texture
Cocopeat has refined grains that make it have a ground-like texture. Therefore, this growing medium is very suitable as an alternative for developing hydroponics. However, cocopeat does not have nutrients like soil. Therefore, when using it, it is necessary to mix other ingredients as a source of nutrition.
Can Absorb Water Well
Cocopeat also has a high water absorption capacity. It can even store ten times more water than soil. Choosing cocopeat blocks as a hydroponic growing medium will prevent plant roots from drying out quickly. Thus, plants can grow well because they are well-hydrated.
Environmentally Friendly
Cocopeat is very environmentally friendly because it comes from organic materials. Thus, this planting medium can perfectly decompose in the soil when it is no longer used as a hydroponic medium. In addition, after going through a specific process to recycle it, cocopeat can also be used as a new planting medium.
More Pest Resistant
Another reason cocopeat is became one of profitable coconut exporter Indonesia commodities that is suitable as a hydroponic medium is that when compared to soil, cocopeat is more pest resistant. The pests that usually live in the soil do not like this planting medium. Therefore, it will allow the plants to grow better and minimize pest damage.
Easier to Use
Cocopeat is also very suitable as a medium for learning to grow hydroponically for beginner gardeners. Because the texture is almost the same as the soil, almost all kinds of plants can grow well in this medium. However, the most important thing is to know the exact ratio of the mixture that needs to be added.
Those are some advantages of cocopeat block compared to other planting media. With all these advantages, no wonder that cocopeat block is one of the most profitable commodities for coconut exporter Indonesia. Not only for the domestic market, the demand for cocopeat is now also coming from the international market.
As a note, you may need to sterilize the cocopeat before using it. Although it does not contain pests, cocopeat is not sterile from pathogens. In addition, cocopeat is not suitable for plants whose roots do not like getting wet, such as cabbage and broccoli.