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How do you sterilize coco coir?
You can sterilize growing mediums such as coco coir by placing them in an oven heated to 180 degrees F for 30 minutes. This effectively kills pathogen eggs and larvae as well as harmful fungi. Microwave. You can heat-sterilize small amounts of moistened coir in the microwave for three to five minutes.
Is coco coir pasteurized?
Although coco coir is already resistant to bacteria, pasteurizing it before use won’t harm it and will ensure a healthy growing season. Other mediums can be added to coir during the pasteurization process and, depending on the mix of substrates, the length of time it is exposed to heat can vary.
Is coco coir organic matter?
Unlike stone wool or peat moss substrates, coco coir may be a more sustainable choice for a growing medium. It is a byproduct of coconut harvesting, made of entirely organic substances, has good moisture retention and is a biodegradable and renewable resource.
Does coco coir break down in soil?
Coconut coir retains water and breaks up soil just like peat moss. But unlike peat moss, coconut coir is a renewable byproduct, has a more balanced pH, and doesn’t break down as quickly.
Can I boil coco coir?
They’re right. All you do is pour boiling water over the amount of compressed coco coir you wish to use until it has absorbed all the water it can. You should see a bit of water that isn’t absorbed by the coir when you’ve added enough. Let it sit for at least 2-3 hours or until the temp is below 33C (90F).
Do you need to wash coco coir?
High quality Coco Coir should be washed thoroughly until an E.C of below 1mS/cm is reached. Even after washing, there will still be Sodium and Potassium in the fibres of the Coco Coir which can only be removed through buffering.
How do you boil coco coir?
All you do is pour boiling water over the amount of compressed coco coir you wish to use until it has absorbed all the water it can. You should see a bit of water that isn’t absorbed by the coir when you’ve added enough. Let it sit for at least 2-3 hours or until the temp is below 33C (90F).
How do you pasteurize coco coir bricks?
This method uses a five-gallon bucket with a lid and a thermometer. Coir is broken up, then inserted into the bucket. Spring or purified water is heated to 160-180 degrees Fahrenheit and poured over the coir. Then the bucket is capped with a lid to retain heat and allowed to sit for one to two hours.
What are the disadvantages of coir?
It does have some disadvantages. While providing a woven texture like rock wool, it is not so tightly woven so it tends to dry out faster. The natural fibers will break down faster than just about any other growing medium, so you will be replacing it at least once a year, possibly more frequently.