Why Coir?

Or more accurately, why coir fibre pith? Coir fibre pith is the material found in the husk of the coconut separating the fibres. The pith is left after the process that removes the fibres for use in the manufacture of rope, doormats, carpets and in the automobile industry.

Coir has excellent air filled porosity which leads to faster plant root development. The lignin content ensures that the material degrades slowly maintaining an ideal water/air ratio over a very extended period. Coir based composts do not slump in the pot as some peat or wood fibre/bark products do.

The excellent irrigation efficiency of coir means that it is quick to re-wet, holds moisture available to the plant within its structure and allows excess water to drain freely. This means that plants grown in coir need less frequent irrigation leading to lower water costs and reduction in the loss of nutrients through leaching. This has the double benefit of lower fertiliser input costs and less harm to the environment.

As coir comes from coconuts growing above ground, the coir fibre pith is free from soil borne diseases. Some studies have shown that there is an increased resistance to pythium and other root diseases. Further studies have shown that the presence of the beneficial fungi, trichoderma, leads to better seed germination and plant development.

The use of coir has several environmental benefits. Coir fibre pith comes from an entirely renewable source and is a by-product from an established industry where it was formerly regarded as a waste product. It does not involve the destruction of peat bogs and valuable natural wildlife habitats. It is more economical in its use of water and reduces the leaching of fertiliser. It is easy to dispose of spent compost which can be used as an ideal soil improver.

Why is coir fibre pith such an ideal growing medium? Just think about its original purpose in life. It drops from a coconut tree with the seed of that tree and forms the ideal compost for that seed to germinate and establish in a hostile environment by naturally controlling the moisture and nutrient levels.

Why NutriMate®?

NutriMate® Complete Nutrient management System is an organic mineral formed from 70 million year old plant and animal remains that have decomposed naturally and arise from fresh water origins. The unique, naturally occurring organic acids in NutriMate® are fundamental to its highly efficient growth stimulation.

NutriMate® contains very high and balanced levels of humic and fulvic acids. These acids are very effective at holding added nutrients within the substrate to prevent leaching and improve the plants ability to utilise the nutrients within the leaf. The improved photosynthesis enables the plant to grow in lower light conditions.

NutriMate® Complete Nutrient Management System is a product of NutriMate Limited, Leyland, Lancashire.