Going coconuts for coir fibre pots

The City of South Perth’s nursery has begun a trial, using 100 per cent biodegradable pots made from natural fibres as an innovative solution to plastic pots.

Moulded from coconut husks, the coir fibre pots come in an array of shapes and sizes, and are used for a variety of planting purposes such as growing native tube stock which is used in revegetation projects.

The City has already potted thousands of the natural fibre pots in preparation for next winter’s planting season. The City’s nursery is one of the largest local government nurseries in metropolitan Perth supplying stock for planting throughout the City and to the Town of Victoria Park. 

The organic properties of coir fibre means that the pots and plants can be planted as one, the roots will grow through into the soil while the pot breaks down to become part of the organic structure of the soil.  This takes away the risk of root damage when removing young plants from the pots. 

Coir fibre pots have the potential to become a viable alternative to plastic forestry tubes and become a standard pot of choice for revegetation projects across WA.

Horticulturalist and ABC Radio gardening presenter Sabrina Hahn is an advocate of the pots and is working with Sri Lankan manufacturer AgTechno Australia PTY to introduce Australia to the benefits of coir fibre.

Coir fibre

• Coir fibre is obtained from coconut husks and is the basis for 100% renewable environmentally friendly products. 
• Naturally, coir fibre has great tear strength, high water absorption, and is 100% biodegradable. 
• Coir fibre as an excellent raw material for soil erosion, soil control, filtration, slope stabilisation, drainage sediment and many horticultural applications. 
• Sri Lankan manufacturer AgTechno Australia Products supports the sustainable economic prosperity of local villages providing schooling, houses, and work to the local communities. 
• Coir is a natural growing medium extracted from a 100% renewable resource.