From Husk to Substrate – The Mechanical Transformation
Coco Chips
Cocopeats
Fiber Lounges
Parameter | Target Range | Test Method |
EC (1:5 Extract) | < 0.5 mS/cm | EC Meter |
pH | 5.5 – 6.5 | Digital pH Meter |
Water EC | < 0.3 mS/cm | TDS / EC Meter |
Tannin Color | Light brown to clear | Visual Observation |
Parameter | Target Range | Test Method |
EC (1:5 Extract) | < 0.5 mS/cm | EC Meter |
pH | 5.5 – 6.5 | Digital pH Meter |
Water EC | < 0.3 mS/cm | TDS / EC Meter |
Tannin Color | Light brown to clear | Visual Observation |
Aspect | Control Measure |
Water Use | Filtered and reused for multiple wash cycles. |
Water Use | Settled, monitored, and reused where possible. |
Chemical Handling | Operators use PPE and containment trays. |
Certification | OMRI, CAAE, and ECOCERT compliant process. |
Stage | Parameter Checked | Test Method / Instrument | Acceptable Range | Frequency of Check / Remarks |
Husk Selection | Moisture content | Moisture meter | < 20% | Ensures husks are semi-dry for crushing |
Husk Selection | EC (Electrical Conductivity) | Portable EC meter | < 2.0 mS/cm (raw husk) | Reject saline husks |
Crushing / Defibering | Fibre-pith ratio | Random sampling | Fibre 30–35%, Pith 50–55%, Chips 10–15% | Monitor uniformity |
Screening & Grading | Particle distribution | Sieve analysis | Fine 0–1 mm, Medium 1–5 mm, Coarse 6–12 mm | Match substrate type |
Washing & Leaching | EC of water extract | EC meter (1:5 ratio) | < 0.5 mS/cm | Ensure low salt levels |
Drying | Moisture content | Moisture meter | < 15% | Prevent fungal growth |
Compression & Packaging | Block weight | Digital scale | ± 100 g tolerance | Uniform product weight |
Final QC | Expansion volume | Soak test | 70–80 L per 5 kg block | Rehydration capacity |
Instrument | Purpose |
Digital EC Meter | Measures soluble salts (electrical conductivity) |
Digital pH Meter | Checks substrate acidity/alkalinity |
Digital pH Meter | Instant moisture percentage |
Infrared Thermometer | Checks machine heat |
Weighing Scale (Digital) | Measures weight consistency |
Sieve Analysis Set | Determines particle distribution |
TDS Meter | Confirms salt level in wash water |
Magnetic Detector | Identifies metal particles |
Expansion Cylinder | Measures rehydrated volume |
Air Porosity Test Setup | Measures AFP & WHC |
Method | Description |
EC & pH (1:5 test) | 1 part cocopeat + 5 parts distilled water → stir 15 mins → filter → test EC/pH |
WHC test | Saturate sample → drain 30 min → weigh retained water |
AFP test | Fill container with water, measure air displacement after drainage |
Ca/Na Buffer Test | Chemical analysis using atomic absorption or ion chromatography |
Expansion Test | Rehydrate 5 kg block → measure expanded volume (L) |
Moisture % | Weight loss on drying at 105°C (lab method) or moisture meter reading |
To achieve safe and stable moisture levels (≤ 15%) using 100% sun drying on cement yards, ensuring product quality, purity, and sustainability.
Parameter | Target Range | Instrument / Method | Purpose |
Moisture | ≤ 15% | Digital Moisture Meter | Prevent microbial growth |
Color | Uniform reddish-brown | Visual Inspection | Indicates proper drying |
Odor | Neutral | Sensory Check | Confirms freshness |
Cleanliness | Dust-free, no soil contact | Visual Check | Maintains purity |
Aspect | Control Measure |
Drying Yard | Cemented yard with proper drainage and no soil contact |
Runoff Water | Collected and reused after sedimentation |
Dust Control | Mild water misting during windy conditions |
Worker Safety | Masks, gloves, and footwear provided |
Contamination Control | Separate drying zones for washed and unwashed pith |



Parameter | Target Range | Test Method |
Moisture | 12 – 15 % | Moisture meter |
Bulk Density | 80 – 110 kg/m³ | Cylinder volume test |
Air-Filled Porosity | 30 – 45 % | Lab AFP test |
Water-Holding Capacity | 45 – 55 % | Soak–drain test |
Parameter | Target / Standard | Instrument / Method | Frequency |
Block Weight | 5 kg ± 100 g | Digital scale | Every block |
Compression Ratio | 4 : 1 – 5 : 1 | Volume vs. weight | Hourly |
EC / pH | EC < 0.5 mS/cm, pH 5.5 – 6.5 | EC/pH meter (1 : 5) | Each batch |
Expansion Volume | 70 – 80 L per 5 kg block | Rehydration test | Each lot |
Appearance | Uniform color, clean edges | Visual | Continuous |
Aspect | Control Measure |
Noise & Vibration | Hydraulic press enclosed, shock-absorbing base |
Dust Control | Suction ducts or water misting near feeder |
Worker Safety | PPE – gloves, ear protection, mask |
Waste Material | Reused in next batch or composted |
Energy Efficiency | Hydraulic oil recycling and timed operation |
Product Type | Size | Typical Use |
5 kg Block | 30 × 30 × 12 cm | Greenhouse substrate, export |
650 g Brick | 20 × 10 × 5 cm | Retail packs & home gardening |
Grow Bag | 100 × 18 × 12 cm | Blueberry, tomato, cucumber cultivation |
Loose Mix | Custom | Nursery & horticultural blends |