Coconut fiber (or coir) can be found within the inner shell of the coconut. The product is widely sold as a soil amendment to replace non-renewable peat moss in the garden. Coir is able to provide similar garden benefits compared to peat. Coconut fiber can as well be used in home decor and construction. Read this article below to learn more about this amazing material. 

A short introduction to coconut fiber

Coir fiber comes from the husk of the coconuts. Nowadays, it can be used in many fields, from gardening to construction. The material is a more environmentally friendly option than peat moss. This is why many gardeners and farmers have started to use coconut fiber as their main soil amendment. 

There are two types of coir that can be used to make coir fiber: brown and white. Brown coir is the most common that comes from the inner shell of ripe coconuts. It is dark in color and incredibly strong. White coir, on the other hand, comes from unripe green coconuts. People usually soak it in water for more than 10 months for the fibers to separate. Although white coir is not as strong as brown coir, it offers more flexibility. 

List of coconut fiber’s greatest properties 

Neutral pH level

Unlike peat moss, which is highly acidic, coconut fiber has a neutral pH level. Most garden flowers and vegetables grow best in neutral to slightly alkaline conditions. When you use peat moss to amend your garden bed, you may have to put in agricultural lime to fight the high acidity. However, with coir fiber, people do not have to buy further pH amendments. This advantage will help you save your budget effectively.

Coconut fiber prevents drainage 

Coconut fiber improves soil drainage while also helps to retain moisture in quick-draining soils. Since coir fiber breaks down slowly, it creates air pockets that allow excess water to drain away from plant roots. The coir holds moisture so that the drainage doesn’t occur too quickly and dry out the soil. These dual drainage and retention properties allow coir to improve moisture management in both heavy clay soils as well as dry, sandy beds.

Coconut fiber improves soil quality

Coir fiber does not contain many nutrients on its own, so it cannot add an excessive amount of nutrients to the soil. This is beneficial to herbs that require a lower nutrient soil to develop in. Another benefit of coir fiber in farming is that it improves soil quality. Because it is naturally organic and breaks down over time, it will add organic matter to the soil. As time goes by, the ground will become loose and friable, which most farmers and plants prefer.

Coconut fiber promotes sustainability

Coconut fiber is a natural byproduct of coconuts. Because coconut trees grow new coconuts every year, this allows the material to be sustainable. As a result, coir fiber is the perfect replacement for non-renewable peat moss. Also, it usually takes a long time for coir to break down in the soil fully. For this reason, coconut fiber is more sustainable in gardening as people can reuse it multiple times. 

Ropes and netting essentials

Because of its strength and flexibility, white coconut fiber is typically used for manufacturing ropes and nets. Coir fiber also has a solid resistance to salt water, making it the perfect medium for assembling fishing nets and marine ropes for boats.

Capable of making household items and furniture

Nowadays, many people use coir to make rugs and doormats. This natural fiber is strong and can remove dirt from shoes. Because coconut fiber is rot resistant, it is excellent for outdoor use. It is suitable to make household brushes, such as toilet brushes and brooms as well. People also use coir fiber to make natural mattresses that are durable. 

Ideal to use in construction 

The use of coconut fiber in concrete instead of sand has proven beneficial in some circumstances. Not only is the material more renewable, but concrete made with coir also offers thermal conductivity, permeability, and low drying shrinkage. These characteristics make it perfect for drainage applications. Even though coir-based concrete has a lower strength than sand concrete, it is still strong enough for secondary structural use. 

Where to buy high-quality coconut fiber in Vietnam 

If you are looking for a reliable supplier for coconut fiber, visit Tropicoco now for an excellent shopping experience. Tropicoco’s coir fiber is 100% non-toxic and eco-friendly. Not only that, Tropicoco has one of the best customer services nowadays. It is a certainty that you will have a delightful experience when shopping at Tropicoco. 

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