Yield, water use and nutrient uptake of a tomato crop grown on coconut coir dust

Summary

This field trial examined the agronomic performance of tomato crops cultivated in coconut coir dust, a renewable and recycled growing medium alternative to peat. The study measured yield, irrigation water efficiency and nutrient uptake, contributing to evidence on the viability of coconut coir as a substrate for commercial horticultural production. Results would inform growers on the productivity and resource efficiency of this substrate choice.

Regional applicability

Coconut coir is not locally produced in the United Kingdom and would require importation, raising sustainability questions despite its status as a recycled byproduct. However, findings on substrate performance metrics are transferable to UK protected horticulture systems; UK growers increasingly use coir as a peat alternative under environmental pressures, so yield and water-use data from this trial may inform cultivation practice adaptation.

Key measures

Crop yield, water use, water use efficiency, nutrient uptake (likely nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and potentially micronutrients)

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated tomato crop performance (yield, water use efficiency and nutrient uptake) when grown on coconut coir dust as a growing medium. Comparative assessment of horticultural metrics under this alternative substrate system.

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