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.

摘要

椰髓是从椰壳中提取椰壳纤维的副产品，是一种生物质残渣. 在椰壳工业中被认为是一种废物. 由于椰糠不易自然降解，管理不当，大量生产椰糠可能造成环境污染. 本文论述了椰髓作为植物生长介质的利用. 通过测定椰髓的pH值、电导率等参数，确定椰髓中微量元素的来源. 这些参数在后续阶段由洗涤控制. 同时对椰壳培养基的持水性能进行了测试. 实验结果表明，这些参数不仅与洗涤程度有关，而且与椰髓颗粒的大小有关.

KEYWORDS:

• Coir pith
• washing
• pH
• conductivity
• moisture retentivity
• growing medium

关键词:

• 椰髓
• 洗衣服
• 酸碱度
• 导电性
• 保湿性
• 生长培养基