Coco-Peat, a Sustainable Vertical Gardening Option for Urban Areas
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.8424487Keywords:
Cocopeat, Vertical Gardening, Living Walls, Organic Soil, Growing MediumsAbstract
Purpose: The aim of this research is to analyze the locally available organic medium coconut known as khopra which eliminates the need for additional nutrients or fertilizer and makes an excellent choice for vertical gardening.
Design/Methodology/Approach: The experimental design approach was used in this study. Cocopeat was used as a pot mixing medium for the plantation of vertical gardening. Wall was analyzed to see the impact of cocopeat on flora.
Findings: Cocopeat offers a few preferences for vertical gardening in urban areas, such as efficient water retention, lightweight nature, nutrient retention, pH neutrality, improved aeration, and sustainability. It provides an effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional soil-based growing mediums, allowing for the successful cultivation of plants in limited spaces.
Implications/Originality/Value: It is concluded that the utilization of coco peat as both a growing medium and soil. This is a commendable strategy, as coco peat can offer the necessary sustenance and structural support for the healthy growth of plants. Using coco-peat in the soil means pesticides or nutrients are not required to enhance or optimize plant growth. Another advantage of Cocopeat is that it remains lightweight even after watering and allows air to circulate and retain moisture more effectively. Regular soil is not an ideal choice for this experiment considering the above-mentioned factors.
References
Alzrog, A. M., Mohamed, A. S., Zakaria, R. B., & Alias, A. K. B. (2021). 01. Effect of planting media (rice
husk and coco peat) on the uptake of cadmium and some micronutrients in chilli (Capsicum annum
L.). Pure and Applied Biology (PAB), 2(3), 76-82.
ArefI, I., & Keivanizadeh, E. (2015). Reviewing The Green Walls And Their Effects On The Formation Of
Sustainable Architecture. Fen Bilimleri Dergisi (CFD), 36(4).
Arnette, A. N., Brewer, B. L., & Choal, T. (2014). Design for sustainability (DFS): the intersection of supply
chain and environment. Journal of cleaner production, 83, 374-390.
Kalaivani, K., & Jawaharlal, M. (2019). Study on physical characterization of coco peat with different
proportions of organic amendments for soilless cultivation. Journal of Pharmacognosy and
Phytochemistry, 8(3), 2283-2286.
Kamauddin, M. J., Ottoman, N. S. I. A., Bakar, M. H. A., Johari, A., & Hassim, M. H. (2019). Performance
of water treatment techniques on cocopeat media filled grow bed aquaponics system. In E3S Web of
Conferences (Vol. 90, p. 02001). EDP Sciences.
Félix, M. J. & Silva, P. (2018). The transformation of wasted space in urban vertical gardens with the contribution
of design to improving the quality of life. International Journal for Quality Research, 12(4).
Francis, R. A., & Lorimer, J. (2011). Urban reconciliation ecology: the potential of living roofs and
walls. Journal of environmental management, 92(6), 1429-1437.
Lin, B. B., Philpott, S. M., & Jha, S. (2015). The future of urban agriculture and biodiversity-ecosystem services:
Challenges and next steps. Basic and applied ecology, 16(3), 189-201.
Marjenah, M., Kiswanto, K., Purwanti, S., & Sofyan, F. P. M. (2016). The effect of biochar, cocopeat
and sawdust compost on the growth of two dipterocarps seedlings. Nusantara Bioscience, 8(1).
Perini, K., & Rosasco, P. (2013). Cost–benefit analysis for green façades and living wall
systems. Building and Environment, 70, 110-121.
Sheweka, S., & Magdy, A. N. (2011). The living walls as an approach for a healthy urban environment. Energy
Procedia, 6, 592-599.
Sweatha, S. M., & Balakrishna, M. (2014). Coco peat-An alternative artificial soil ingredient for the
earthworm toxicity testing. Journal of Toxicology and Environmental Health Sciences, 6(1), 5-12.
Treder, J., & Nowak, J. (2002). Use subfloor coconut cultivation discount plants. Adv. Agri. Sci. Problem Iss. 485:
-358 (in Polish with English abstract).
Weerasinghe, K. G. N. H., Jayasinghe, K. G. D. N., & Halwatura, R. U. (2020). Development of Edible
Vertical Gardening System and Societal Impact of Vertical Gardening through a Systematic
Literature Review. 2020 From Innovation to Impact (FITI), 1, 1-5.
