Behaviour of microorganisms on coconut fibre

Among the various existing methods of cultivation, coconut fibre is a widely used substrate. It allows a high retention of water and nutrients thanks to its structure.

The most relevant features that allow the use of microorganisms in coconut fibre to be more effective are:

• High water retention capacity (up to 9 times its weight), which allows a great aeration and oxygenation of the crop, promoting a great root development. Therefore, microorganisms are able to adapt to the coco fibre more quickly if a biofertilizer product is applied, thus starting the effect of the product in less time.
• Better water and nutrient management during the production period, which means that the health of the plants does not suffer in times of increased stress. Thanks to the action of the microorganisms, the plant does not spend energy on transforming these nutrients, but they do the work by themselves.
• Coconut fibre does not compact and allows for easy rehydration, ensuring a quick recovery of the soil structure. This results in the formation of micropores where the microorganisms will remain, preventing their loss while increasing the potential to transform the substrate, making it richer and more structured.

Image 1. Substrate based on coconut fibre (jardineriaon.com)

How does TOTEM act on coconut fibre?

It acts directly on two main areas:

1. In the coconut fibre:

TOTEM settles in the coconut fibre thanks to the high content of sugars of this substrate, such as lignin, cellulose and hemicellulose.

Once settled, TOTEM transforms all nutrients, such as potassium (K) and phosphorus (P), into resources that are easily absorbed by the plant. The microorganisms conforming it are involved in the production of enzymes, responsible for releasing the nutrients retained in the coconut fibre, and in the production of siderophores, responsible for chelating metals such as Fe.

The main advantages of applying TOTEM to the coconut fibre are:

• Biostimulation of the native coconut fibre flora and improvement of those beneficial microorganisms.
• Energy saving by the plant to nourish itself, which translates into greater growth of the crop.
• Reduced post-transplantation stress, thanks to an improved rooting, which ensures better plant grip.

2. Directly in the rhizosphere:

When TOTEM is applied, it attaches to the root of the plant and triggers several plant growth-promoting activities which are listed in the image below:

TOTEM contains microorganisms that have been developed in a fermentation process aimed at rooting. Therefore, when applied to the soil, the main objective is that both the TOTEM bacteria and their ferments are released into the substrate and adhere to the root, boosting its development.

“Because of a good rooting, the final yield will be improved by the application of TOTEM.”

HOW DO YOU APPLY TOTEM TO COCONUT FIBRE?

Carry out the 1st and 2nd application every 7-10 days at a dose of 3L/ha to boost the initial rooting phase and TOTEM will settle in the micropores of the coconut fibre. From this moment on, it is recommended to apply every 15-20 days to improve the crop yield.

As an example: