The use of coir for reducing risks of peat-based substrate hydrophobicity

The wettability of peat, coir and peat:coir mixes (90:10, 80:20 and 70:30 v v^‑1) were analyzed from contact angle measurements and hydration efficiency tests, and also compared to the effects of wetting agents. Results showed a change from a hydrophilic to an increasing hydrophobic character of peat in relation to the intensity of drying, whereas coir remained hydrophilic. Although its influence is lower than those measured with wetting agent, coir addition in peat-based substrates improved the ability to rewet (i.e. to reduce the risks of hydrophobicity occurring during drying).