Coir Pith as Horticultural Growing Medium

Coir pith (coco peat) is the spongy material surrounding coir fibres in the coconut husk, compressed into 5 kg bricks (250×250×100 mm) that expand 8–10× when hydrated to yield 70–80 litres of growing medium. Coir pith physical properties: bulk density 0.07–0.12 g/cm³, water holding capacity 600–800%, air porosity 20–30%, and pH 5.5–6.8 (naturally buffered, requires minimal adjustment for most crops). Electrical conductivity 0.2–0.8 mS/cm (low salt content versus peat moss 0.5–2.0 mS/cm) makes coir suitable for sensitive seedlings. Slow biodegradation (C:N ratio 80:1, lignin 40–45%) provides 3–5 year growing medium longevity. Global coir pith market is valued at $350 million, growing at 9% CAGR as sustainable replacement for peat moss (non-renewable, 5–15 cm/century regeneration) in horticulture and hydroponics.