The Correct Way to Use Coconut Husk Bricks
Coconut husk bricks, as a new type of eco-friendly planting substrate, have become a popular choice among gardening enthusiasts due to their loose and breathable properties. However, many新手 gardeners tend to overlook the pre-treatment process when using them, leading to root rot or poor plant growth. This article will systematically explain the full process from basic treatment to scientific soil mixing, helping plant roots achieve the best growing environment.
Three Basic Steps for Coconut Husk Brick Treatment
Container Selection and Material Preparation
Choose a plastic or foam box with a capacity of 30 liters or more to ensure it can fully expand the standard specification (30cm×30cm) coconut brick. It is recommended to wear gardening gloves during the operation and prepare water at a temperature of around 25°C, as cold water can affect the expansion efficiency of the fibers.
Water Permeation and Fiber Activation
Using high-pressure water flow can accelerate the decomposition of the brick, but the angle of the water flow must be controlled to prevent splashing. When the volume expands to 5-8 times the original brick, stir in multiple directions with a stick to ensure that the internal fibers are completely separated. Keep the container semi-sealed during the resting stage to prevent insects from laying eggs.
Desalination Treatment and Moisture Control
Three rinses can remove more than 90% of the salt: the first squeeze retains 30% moisture, the second soak retains 50% water content, and finally adjust to a state where it forms a ball when held and crumbles when released. It is recommended to use the treated coconut husk within two weeks.
Scientific Soil Mixing Scheme Design
Matrix Mixing Golden Rule
The universal formula suggests: coconut husk: humus soil: perlite = 4:3:3, add 5kg of decomposed sheep manure and 2kg of bone meal per cubic meter. For acid-loving plants, mix in 5% pine phosphate, and for succulents, increase the proportion of akadama soil to 40%.
Critical Sterilization and Disease Prevention Process
Combine high-temperature steam sterilization with chemical treatment: after mixing the substrate, lay it flat in the sun to dry for 3 days, mix in multi菌灵 (1g/kg) and bacillus subtilis (0.5g/kg), which can effectively prevent root rot and bakanae disease.
Advanced Maintenance Techniques
After the coconut husk matrix is processed, it is recommended to plant robust plants like green vines for testing first, and observe the root development after 2 weeks. Regularly supplement with EM菌液 to maintain microbial balance, and add 1% wood ash every quarter to adjust the pH value. Through scientific soil mixing, the growth rate of foliage plants can be increased by 40%, and the fruit-setting rate of flowering plants can be improved by 25%.