Coco peat (also known as coir pith) is a multi-purpose growing medium made of coconut husk. It is considered a good alternative compared to traditional peat moss. Coir pith is divided into two kinds: high and low EC coco peat. If you are curious about their meaning, continue to read this article by Tropicoco to find out more about the EC figure of coco peat. 

What does EC in coco peat stand for? 

EC is a shortened form of Electrical Conductivity. The purpose of this index is to measure the amount of salt and nutrients present in a substrate. Low EC coco peat means the level of salt within the product is low. On the other hand, high EC coir pith indicates the amount of salt is substantial. Since most plants can only grow using coir pith with low EC, it is important that you choose the one that has an overall EC level less than 0,8. 

What you need to know about low EC coco peat

Low EC coco peat is the type of coir pith that has been washed before selling. Nowadays, people mainly use this material as their growing medium. Over the years, this product has performed beyond expectation and proven itself beneficial in the garden. It is one of the most versatile growing mediums that can be used on various plants, both in agriculture and floriculture. 

The main reason for its success is because it is super easy to use. Even a person with no planting experience can yield the best harvest when using this growing medium. Another advantage of this product is that the medium is 100% organic and free from toxic chemicals. For this reason, low EC coir pith is eco-friendly and will not harm the environment in the long run. 

What about high EC coco peat? 

High EC coco peat can also be known as unwashed coir pith. Even though this type of coir pith is not suitable for growing plants, it still has other usages that are as beneficial as low EC coco peat. Nowadays, high EC coir pith is commonly used for bedding in animal farms. Due to its moisture-absorbing quality and soft-bed cushioning effects, the product is an ideal bedding material. 

Not only that, this kind of bedding is easy to lay, remove, and free from fine dust particles. It is also a sterilized material that can prevent molds, pathogens, and bad odor from happening when using it for a long time. 

How to measure the EC index in coco peat? 

If you want to measure the EC index in coir pith precisely, here are the steps you need to follow:

• Prepare a portion of coco peat 
• Add three parts of spring water or demineralized water into the portion 
• Stir well and leave it for about 15 minutes
• Release the solution from coco peat
• Measure the EC of the solution by dipping the EC meter in it (ECc)
• Continue to measure the EC of the demineralized water (ECw)
• Use this following formula to calculate: EC of coir pith = ECc – ECw (mS/cm or μS/cm)

Note: The lower the EC index, the better the coir pith has been processed. Also, to become a growing medium, the coco peat’s EC value must be below 0,5 mS/cm. You can study the table down below for more information.

Where to buy low EC coco peat in Vietnam? 

If you are planning to purchase low EC coco peat, Tropicoco is your best choice. All of Tropicoco’s coco peat have been treated carefully and guaranteed to have a low index of EC (<0.5ms/cm). Not only that, the products are 100% natural and environmentally friendly. If you want to “go green” in your garden, Tropicoco is exactly where you should visit. 

Another advantage when shopping at Tropicoco is that the brand is open to fast shipping worldwide. Even if you are miles across the world, Tropicoco makes sure to deliver your order at speed. Also, if you have any questions about the product, Tropicoco’s customer service team will help you solve them right away. Without a doubt, you will certainly have the best shopping experience at Tropicoco!  

Conclusion

This article has explained to you the meaning of high and low EC coco peat. Make sure to follow Tropicoco Vietnam to update the latest information about coco coir products. If you have any questions, contact Tropicoco down below to be further assisted. 

Contact information

Tropicoco – The best substrate

Address: No.20 Ngan Long Villa, Nguyen Huu Tho Street, Nha Be District, Ho Chi Minh City

Email: giathe@tropical.vn

Hotline: +84 983230879

Open Hours: Mon-Sat: 8.00AM-5.00PM; Sunday: Closed