You may not know this but the husk of the coconut, also known as coir, is made into many products that are used daily like carpets, ropes, doormats, mattresses, car seat covers, brushes, bristles, etc. This fibrous material is tough and highly resistant to seawater. A big bag of coconut husk can cost as little as $10 at the garden or pet supplies store. But in Ghana, it is thrown away even though it can generate jobs for the youth.
Moss Substitute
In horticulture, coir is a substitute for sphagnum moss because it is free of bacteria and fungal spores.
Snail Deterrent
Coarse coir fiber, used as landscape mulch, helps to repel snails and slugs from delicate plantings, unlike bark mulch.
Pathogenic Fungi Control
Coconut coir from Mexico has been found to contain large numbers of colonies of the beneficial fungus Aspergillus terreus, which acts as a biological control against plant pathogenic fungi.
Potting Medium
Coconut husks make excellent growing mediums because they interact with nutrients and hold onto calcium and magnesium while slowly releasing potassium and nitrogen. Furthermore, coconuts are naturally high in lignins, a compound that encourages the development of beneficial bacteria.
Mulch
Coconut husk mulch is considered a more environmentally friendly product than peat moss because coconut husks are a waste product that can be quickly renewed.
Adding Traction
When coir is broken or sawn up, it can be scattered in muddy spots for some traction and fill.
Grow Mushrooms
Coir is also used as a substrate to grow mushrooms. The coir is usually mixed with vermiculite and pasteurized with boiling water. Previously prepared spawn jars are then added, where this spawn is the mushroom’s mycelium. It will colonize the coir/vermiculite mix, eventually fruiting mushrooms.
Terrarium Substrate
Coir can be used as a terrarium substrate for reptiles or arachnids.
Aquarium Filter
Coconut fiber possesses the best fungus inhibiting effect of natural fiber known, even in the form of activated carbon.
As fuel
Dried husk makes a great fire for campfires and a bed of coals after, which is very suitable for BBQ cooking.
Smoking Meat
Burning well-soaked coconut husk chips make excellent smoked bacon and slow-roasted pork belly.
Mosquito Repellent
The smoke produced from this is harmless since it is natural, and is effective in repelling mosquitoes.
Source: Mybrytnewsroom/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
