Studies on pH, Conductivity, and Moisture Retention Capacity of Coir Pith for Its Application as the Plant Growing Medium

Abstract

Coir pith, a biomass residue, is generated as a byproduct during extraction of coir fiber from coconut husk. It is considered as a waste in coir industry. Larger quantity production of coir pith may cause environmental pollution because of improper management of the coir pith which is not naturally degradable. Present paper deals with the utilization of the coir pith as a plant growing medium. Different parameters such as pH and conductivity of the coir pith were tested to confirm the source of micronutrient in it for the plants. These parameters were controlled by washing in subsequent stage. The retentivity of the coir medium was also tested to check water holding capacity of the medium. The obtained results showed that the parameters are not only depending on the washing but also on the size of the coir pith particle.

Keywords

• coir pith
• washing
• ph
• conductivity
• moisture retentivity
• growing medium