Coconut Coir: The briquette is made from the husk of coconuts, specifically the fibers and pith (also known as cocopeat). These are processed and compressed into a briquette form for ease of storage and handling.
Moisture Content: Typically, coir briquettes have a low moisture content when dry (around 10-20%), and they will expand significantly when hydrated with water.
Weight: The briquette weighs 650 grams when compressed.
Expansion: Once hydrated, a 650g coir briquette typically expands to about 2.5-3 liters of loose, fluffy cocopeat. The volume increase will depend on the exact brand and the coir quality.
pH Range: Coir briquettes usually have a neutral to slightly acidic pH, ranging between 5.5 and 6.5. This makes it suitable for a wide range of plants, including most garden plants, vegetables, and flowers.
Low to Medium EC: Coir briquettes generally have a moderate EC (Electrical Conductivity) level. The EC level can range from 0.5 to 1.5 mS/cm, depending on the processing. However, most briquettes are considered to be on the lower end of the scale. Higher EC values are sometimes found in coir that has not been sufficiently washed to remove salts.
Impact: For sensitive plants, it's essential to either rinse the briquette to remove excess salts or combine it with other growing mediums.
Uses :
=> Soil Amendment: Coir briquettes can be used to improve soil structure by enhancing water retention, aeration, and drainage. This is especially useful for plants that require well-draining soil.
=> Hydroponics & Aquaponics: The briquettes can be used as part of a hydroponic growing system. They hold water well, making them suitable for plants that require constant moisture.
=> Seed Starting: Coir briquettes are commonly used to create a clean, sterile environment for starting seeds. They offer good aeration and allow roots to grow freely.
=> Container Plants: Ideal for use in container gardening, where the growing medium needs to be light, well-draining, and able to retain moisture.
