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.
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