Processing coco peat involves several distinct steps, primarily focused on preparing coconut husks for use. Based on common manufacturing practices, the process involves collecting coconuts, curing them, removing the husk, and then soaking the husks to clean and neutralize them.
Coco Peat Processing Steps
The typical process for manufacturing coco peat is a sequential series of actions taken after harvesting coconuts.
Here's a breakdown of how manufacturers commonly process coco peat:
- Collect Coconuts: The process begins with collecting mature coconuts directly from the trees.
- Curing Period: The collected coconuts are then stored. This storage acts as a six-week curing process for the coconuts.
- Peeling the Husk: After curing, the outer fibrous layer, known as the husk, is peeled away from the inner coconut.
- Soaking and Washing: The husks are then soaked in water. This crucial step lasts for six to 12 months. The soaking serves two main purposes: to wash salt from the husks and to make the coco pith pH neutral, preparing it for horticultural use.
This method ensures that the resulting coco peat product is relatively low in salt and has a suitable pH level, making it a valuable medium for various applications like gardening and horticulture.
