Comparative Analysis of Constituents of Plants Grown in Cocopeat and Soil

IJEP 46(1): 38-46 : Vol. 46 Issue. 1 (January 2026)

Full Text

Vailina Dsouza, Puja, Rithika R. and Malathi R.*

Kristu Jayanti College (Deemed to be University), Department of Life Science, Bengaluru – 560 077, Karnataka, India

Abstract

Overuse of chemical fertilizers interferes with the biological components of the soil, leading to soil acidification, stunted plant growth, altered soil pH, pest proliferation and increased greenhouse gas emissions. This further elevates the concentration of harmful ions in the soil, inhibiting crop growth and causing a decline in soil fertility. The objectives of the study were to examine the effect of different growing media on a selected plant model (finger millet). To supplement the growing media, naturally occurring coconut coir was converted into cocopeat. Cocopeat has the ability to retain moisture and functions as a soil substitute for plant growth. Different ratios of soil and cocopeat were prepared as growing media. The various media included 100% topsoil, 100% cocopeat and a 50:50 mixture of topsoil and cocopeat. After three months, several biochemical parameters were assessed. These parameters included relative water content, total protein content, total reducing sugars, total chlorophyll and ascorbic acid. Results showed that the 50:50% mixture of topsoil and cocopeat exhibited the best growth performance, while the 100% soil medium showed the least.

Keywords

Growing media, Plant growth, Growth performance, Cocopeat, Soil, Dirt-free media, Infertile topsoil

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