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Why You Should Think Twice Before Using Coconut Coir
In The Garden
By ROCHELLE HEATH-HARRIS
Coconut coir is becoming
a favored alternative to environmentally detrimental peat moss in the realm of eco-friendly gardening. However, there are some concerns regarding its use.
Firstly, coconut coir often contains a high amount
of salt. This is due to the harvesting process wherein the coir is frequently
rinsed in saltwater
rather than freshwater.
The high salinity can inhibit
a plant's ability to absorb
water and essential nutrients, necessitating a thorough rinse and drainage of coconut coir before using it.
Additionally, coconut coir is nutrient-inert, meaning it does not naturally provide any nutrients to your plants. Thus, you'll have
to supplement your
plants with fertilizers.
Furthermore, due to its
high cation exchange rate,
coconut coir binds tightly to
certain nutrients like calcium,
iron, and magnesium,
and doesn't release
them to your plants.
Moreover, some bales of coconut coir are treated with chemicals to eliminate pathogens, so it's crucial to carefully check the label if you are committed to
organic gardening.
Lastly, it can be challenging to find coconut coir from a reliable source, and you may have to source it from a distant supplier, which can incur additional cost.