The Advantages to a Drip System for Coco Coir

Using a drip system for coco coir has significant benefits for gardeners. A drip irrigation system consists of tubes or hoses with perforations or large holes that distribute water evenly along the length of those tubes or hoses. These are low-pressure systems that deliver water uniformly to your plants’ root zones. Coir’s water retention abilities make it perfect for such an efficient method of supplying plants with water. 

Advantages of Using Drip Systems

Drip irrigation systems work off the principle of using just enough water to gain the desired results. This watering method has many advantages. It prevents overwatering by delivering the correct amount of water directly to the ground or root zone where it is needed most. The plant can then use the water quickly and efficiently. Using less water also reduces the risk of mold or fungus growing and helps prevent the surrounding areas from getting overwatered, as well. 

When excess water runoff is no longer a factor, valuable nutrients won’t wash away but will instead remain with the plants. This equates to less time and money spent fertilizing the plants while still yielding favorable results. 

Drip irrigation systems are reasonably easy to assemble and install and don’t require a professional landscaping company’s help. Depending on your budget and requirements, these systems can range from simple to very complex. The complexity of the system varies depending on the plants’ watering needs. You can create separate zones that cater to each plant type’s specific requirements. Most of these systems run manually, but you can add a level of automation to eliminate worry and time spent watering.

There are two common types of drip irrigation systems. The recovery or recirculating system allows for any water that isn’t absorbed by the plant’s roots to flow from the medium back into the reservoir feeding the system. This recycles any nutrients that come from the runoff and is best-suited for smaller operations. 

The nonrecovery or noncirculating system is just as it sounds. It uses an ever-fresh water supply that usually works with automation to ensure the least amount of runoff possible, but it doesn’t allow for recycling excess water. This type of system can be used on a small scale but is best-suited for large commercial applications. 

Drip Systems and Coco Coir

Now let’s look at why combining a drip irrigation system with coco coir makes sense. Coco coir’s water retention properties work in tandem with a drip system to maximize plants’ water usage with very little to no wasted water. Because coco coir also has excellent air retention properties, this creates a balanced amount of water and air exposure to the roots. If there happens to be excess water, the drainage properties of coco coir will cause it to run off, leaving the nutrients behind in the medium. All these traits make for an ideal environment in which plants can flourish. 

Using a drip system for coco coir is a cost-effective way to produce and maintain a garden while helping preserve the environment.