What is Coconut Brick Soil?
In home gardening, more and more flower friends are beginning to pay attention to coconut brick soil, a new type of cultivation substrate. As an environmentally friendly material processed from natural coconut shells, coconut brick soil is not only affordable but also its unique physical properties have sparked widespread discussion among planting enthusiasts. What exactly are the mysteries of this seemingly magical cultivation medium? This article will delve into the characteristics and application techniques of coconut brick soil from five dimensions.
Principles of Coconut Husk Matrix Processing
Analysis of Coconut Brick Soil Essence
The predecessor of coconut brick soil is coconut fiber that has undergone high-temperature and high-pressure treatment. After 12 processes such as crushing, fermentation, and desalination, the coconut shell is finally compressed into a brick shape. Each standard coconut brick (about 650g) can expand to 8-10 liters of loose matrix when water is added. This physical transformation makes it an ideal lightweight cultivation medium.
Manufacturing Process
High-quality coconut bricks need to undergo a 90-day natural fermentation process, where microorganisms decompose to remove lignin, preserving the cellulose structure. Professional manufacturers will use a three-level water washing process to control the EC value (soluble salt concentration) to below 0.5mS/cm, ensuring the safety of the matrix.
Measured Data on Air Permeability
Analysis of Porous Structure
Laboratory tests show that fully soaked coconut brick soil can reach a porosity of over 85%, with large pores (>50μm) accounting for 35%. This structure not only ensures the oxygen needed for root respiration but also maintains moderate water retention. Compared to traditional garden soil, its air capacity is increased by 3-5 times.
Actual Planting Performance
In the rose cultivation experiment, plants using pure coconut brick soil had 42% more new roots than those using ordinary nutrient soil, but it is important to note that there will be a significant nutrient deficiency after 30 days. It is recommended to mix it with perlite (2:1), which can maintain the advantage of breathability and extend the fertilizer effect cycle.
Precautions for Use
Techniques for Salt Control
The EC values of coconut bricks sold on the market vary significantly (0.3-1.2mS/cm). It is recommended to soak in water for 2 hours before use and drain, repeating this process three times to remove over 80% of the salt. Adjusting the pH value to the range of 5.5-6.5 is more conducive to the growth of most plants.
Supplementary Fertilization Plan
Since coconut brick soil contains only 0.04% nitrogen, it is recommended to mix in 20% decomposed sheep manure + 10% worm castings, or apply a diluted water-soluble fertilizer 800 times weekly. For plants that require poor soil, such as succulents, 5% rice husk charcoal can be added to adjust the nutrient concentration.
Through systematic analysis, it can be seen that coconut brick soil is indeed one of the preferred choices for high-quality cultivation substrates. Its excellent air permeability is especially suitable for plants with strict root environment requirements, such as orchids and succulents. By properly mixing organic fertilizers and minerals, its physical properties can be better utilized. It is recommended that flower friends adjust the formula according to the plant characteristics, regularly test the EC value of the matrix, and truly make this natural material an ideal carrier for plant growth.