Influence of Particle Size on Physical and Chemical Properties of Coconut Coir Dust as Container Medium

Abstract

The influence of particle size (diameter between <0.125 mm and >2 mm) on the physical, physico-chemical and chemical properties of a coconut coir dust from Mexico was studied. Particle size significantly affected the physical properties, especially the air–water relationships. Air content increased and water-holding capacity (total and readily available) decreased with increasing particle diameter. The easily-available water content did not reveal a clear pattern of variation, showing the largest value in the fraction 0.125–0.25 mm. Particle size equivalent to 0.5 mm brought about an important and highly significant change in the physical properties studied. Coconut coir dust particle size also affected the physico-chemical and chemical characteristics, but to a lesser degree. Both the electrical conductivity and the available macro- and micro-element concentrations were significantly higher in the smaller size ranges, the largest values being obtained in the finest particle size fraction (<0.125 mm).