Coconut Coir Is a Type of Fiber Extracted From Coconuts and Has Several Domestic and Farming Uses

Coconut coir is used all over the world, especially in regions such as the United States, Singapore, and Italy. Coconut coir is a natural fiber extracted from the outer husk of coconuts. Today, coir is used in a variety of products, including floor mats, doormats, mattresses, and brushes. The fibrous material is found between the hard internal shell and the outer coat of the coconut. Coconut coir has several benefits that make it a popular choice for a variety of household uses. This article explores the many ways coir can be beneficial for the home.

The most common use of coconut coir in gardening is as a soilless potting medium. Using coir with a high lignin content can help plants retain water longer. Also, coir does not shrink off of the sides of the pot when it becomes dry, which makes it easier to rewet. Though coconut coir is not as effective as peat, it can provide better drainage and nutrient retention than peat. The prevalence of farmlands in regions such as the U.S. has increased the usage of coconut coir. For instance, according to the United States Department of Agriculture, currently, there are around 2.1 million farms and ranches.

After soaking in saltwater or freshwater for several months, coir often has a high pH level. This can cause plant stunting and multiple deficiencies. Another concern is that coconut coir is sensitive to Leucocoprinus greenhouse fungus, which kills off fungus-friendly plants. However, the good news is that coir does contain beneficial microbes that have been proven beneficial in interior spaces and tropical greenhouse environments. Unlike some synthetic materials, coir can support soil-enhancing microbes.

The process of coconut coir production is complex and varied. First, dried coir fibers are sorted and stored in piles. After some months of storage, coconut coir fibers are shredded, then processed into various products. Some producers even bleach the coir pith with sterilizing agents. These processes cause premature breakdown of peat, convert nitrogen to toxic nitrates, and render coir unsuitable for plant cultivation. To get the best out of a coconut coir pith, however, producers should follow a standard of organic composting or steam sterilization.