Yes, coco peat can be used as a substitute for peat moss in Nigeria. Coco peat also known as coco coir is a byproduct of coconut husk used as a growing medium for the growing of plants. Coco peat can also be used as a soil amendment. Coco peat is the most preferable growing medium for the raising of vegetables’ seedlings in Nigeria.
Peat moss is a product made from sphagnum and other organic materials that decompose in peat bogs over several hundreds and thousands of years. Peat moss like coco peat can be used as a growing medium and soil amendment material.
Why coco peat should be used as a substitute for peat moss in Nigeria
The following are some of the reasons why coco peat can be used as a substitute for peat moss in Nigeria:
Coco peat is more environment friendly like peat moss. The mining of peat moss destroys the environment. Countries like Canada are looking at stopping the extraction of peat moss because of its environmental destruction effects.
Coco peat is easily available in Nigeria unlike peat moss. Coco peat can be procured from any agro-inputs vendors in Nigeria. Peat moss is very scarce in Nigeria.
Peat moss is more acidic than coco peat. This can negatively impact the growth of plants if the pH is not amended. Some peat moss materials have pH less than 3.5. This is too acidic for any plant. Coco peat has a pH of 5.5 – 6.5; this is identical to the pH of the soil in Nigeria.
Peat moss is significantly more expensive than coco peat. A lot of Nigerian small scale farmers cannot afford peat moss because of its cost. On the other hand, coco peat is more affordable than peat moss. This has made more acceptable than peat moss in Nigeria.
Peat moss is not renewable unlike coco peat. Peat moss can take several thousand years before it is formed. Once mined, it will take several thousands of years for new peat moss to be formed. This is not eco-friendly. Coco peat is renewable as it is produced from coconut husk.
Most of the peat moss materials used for horticulture and gardening are mined in Canada, Russia and other countries far away from Nigeria. This makes them too expensive to export to Nigeria. Coco peat materials on the other hand can be made by coconut farmers in Nigeria. The Republic of Benin, a country that neighbors Nigeria also produces a lot of coco peat materials.
Do you need coco peat or peat moss in Nigeria? If yes, why not contact us through 08025141924.
You can buy coco peat here or call 08025141924.
Read our other articles on price of coco peat in Nigeria