Description:GREEN METHOD OF PRODUCING COCO PEAT PLANT GROWTH SUBSTRATE WITH LOW ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY AND APPARATUS THEREOF
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to coco peat plant growth substrate, particularly to the method of producing coco peat and in more particular to the production of coco peat with low electrical conductivity through green or environmental friendly method.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Coir fibers are one of the major agricultural byproducts generated in India. Coir is abundantly available, low cost and also has unique properties. Although coir is used for civil, horticulture applications and to develop various value added bioproducts, considerable amounts of coir remain unutilized. India accounts for 2/3rd of coir produced in the world with annul production of 3, 50,000 tons. Processing of husks into coir fibers generates coco peat (coir pith) as a byproduct.
[003] Coco peat has become one of the most essential and desired material for horticultural applications. Coco peat retains water, avoids evaporation, assists in germination, prevents soil erosion and also protects soil health and the seeds and plants from external factors. India is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of coco peat. If all the coconut husks available in India are processed, it is estimated that about 2.25 million tons of coir pith could be obtained annually.
[004] Coco peat or Coir pith has got many enviable characteristics, making it a highly potential resource if used after proper composting. Coco peat has very high moisture retention capacity of 600- 800 per cent and can be as high as 1100 per cent of dry weight. It has high potassium content and low bulk density (0.18g/cc) and particle density (0.8g/cc). High CEC, which varies from 20-30 meq/100 g, enables it to retain large amounts of nutrients and the absorption complex has high contents of exchangeable K, Na, Ca and Mg. All these characteristics make it ideal for use as a mulch and soil amendment, especially for dry and sandy areas with low water retention. With the development of commercial horticulture and reduction in the availability of sphagnum peat, coco peat has become internationally recognized as an ideal soil amendment and component of soilless container media for horticultural plants. Coco peat finds its use in propagation methods, hardening of tissue and embryo cultured plants, hydroponic system of plant cultivation, cultivation of glass house plants, soil conditioning, lawn making among others.
[005] Although coco peat is a premium product and offers considerable value addition to coir, generates employment and revenue, there are major limitations to the production of coco peat as horticultural substrate. Coco peat contains very high Carbon: Nitrogen ratios and high amounts of lignin which affects plant growth. The C: N ratio and lignin content have to be brought down to the permissible limits before coco peat can be used as horticultural substrate. Typically, coco peat is repeatedly washed with water and sundried for several weeks and months to breakdown the lignin and other compounds and reduce the conductivity. Such washing is inevitable but leads to generation of waste water with high levels of pollutants and the process also takes considerable time and resources. Currently, most of the water after washing the coco peat is released into the environment. This has led to severe ground pollution and is affecting the neighbouring crops and natural environment. Several states are considering restricting or banning the open washing of coco peat. Hence, it is imperative to develop alternatives to avoid washing of coco peat.
[006] The inventor of the present invention has identified a method to reduce the conductivity of coco peat to the desired level without the need for washing. The method involves physical treatment of the coco peat with or without chemicals in an apparatus designed and developed by the inventor where the major breakdown of the phenolics and carbohydrates occurs leading to reduction in conductivity. The present method is completely green and can be done in indoor environments. The entire method takes less than 12 hours and there are no generation of byproducts.
[007] Coco peat is an ideal substrate for horticultural applications and provides a green and sustainable source to reduce water consumption and enhance plant growth. The high conductivity and presence of various salts makes it necessary to process (wash) coco peat and hence developing a green and inexpensive method or process to treat coco peat and make it suitable for horticultural applications is of utmost important and essential. The instant invention satisfies this need as it discloses a Green method for producing coco peat plant grow substrate and also the Apparatus with which the entire method or process is carried out to obtain coco peat with the desired level (less than 500 µS/cm) of electrical conductivity.
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[008] The main object of the invention is to develop a novel method for producing coco peat plant growth substrate with less electrical conductivity through a green or environment friendly method.
[009] It is another object of the invention to provide a method that is simple, cost-effective. efficient and industrially scalable.
[0010] It is further object of the invention to develop an apparatus to carry out the green method of producing coco peat with less electrical conductivity.
[0011] Other objects of the invention will be apparent from the description of the invention herein below.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] A green method of producing coco peat plant growth substrate with low electrical conductivity and apparatus in which the method is carried out are disclosed in the present invention.
[0013] An aspect of the present invention provides the method of producing coco peat plant growth substrate with low electrical conductivity comprising spraying chemicals or enzymes on the coco peat with high electrical conductivity and exposing the chemical or enzyme treated coco peat to controlled light, temperature and humidity conditions for 4-12 hours to obtain coco peat with low electrical conductivity.
[0014] Another aspect of the present invention provides the Coco peat treatment apparatus or Coco peat treating chamber (Fig 1) in which the green method of lowering the electrical conductivity in coco peat is carried out where the apparatus (100) comprises power supply (101), fixed frame (102), motorized rotating drum (103), paddles (104), spray unit (105), light unit (106), sensor unit (107), heating unit (108) and sample area (109).
[0015] Other features and aspects will be apparent from the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] For a better understanding of the invention, few embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying figure, purely by way of example and non-limiting in which:
Figure 1 is the Coco peat treatment apparatus (100) in which the green method of lowering the electrical conductivity in coco peat is carried out in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] For the better understanding of the objects, technology and advantages of the present invention, the instant invention will be further explained in detail with respect to embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only to be used for explaining the present invention but not used to limit the present invention
[0018] Raw coco peat has high conductivity which has to be reduced for horticultural applications. Current methods of reducing the conductivity by washing leads to considerable pollution and also requires longer time and higher resources. More importantly, it is not possible to effectively control the quality of coco peat when subject to open air washing and drying. Hence, it is all-important and essential to develop a method to avoid washing of coco peat and have a quick and economical approach to reduce the electrical conductivity of the coco peat.
[0019] In an aspect, the present invention relates to the method of producing coco peat plant growth substrate with low electrical conductivity through green or environment friendly approach.
[0020] In an embodiment, the method of producing coco peat plant growth substrate with low electrical conductivity comprising the steps of :
(a) spraying chemicals or enzymes on the coco peat with high electrical conductivity; and
(b) exposing the chemical or enzyme treated coco peat to controlled light, temperature and humidity conditions for 4-12 hours to obtain coco peat with low electrical conductivity.
[0021] In an embodiment, the chemical is selected from titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide, sodium hydroxide, urea, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid or sodium nitrate.
[0022] In an embodiment, the enzyme is lignin or cellulose degrading enzyme but not limited to ligninases or cellulases.
[0023] In an embodiment, the weight percentage of chemical is from 0.1 to 10 % on weight of the coco peat.
[0024] In an embodiment, the weight percentage of enzyme is from 0.5 to 10% on weight of the coco peat.
[0025] In an embodiment, the light is UV light or visible light.
[0026] In an embodiment, the intensity of UV light is from 100 to 10000 lumens
[0027] In an embodiment, the intensity of visible light is from 1000 to 25000 lumens
[0028] In an embodiment, the temperature is from 25 to 70°C.
[0029] In an embodiment, the humidity is from 50 to 90%.
[0030] In an embodiment, the present method reduces the electrical conductivity of the coco peat from 2700 to less than 600 µS/sec.
[0031] In another aspect, the present invention discloses the Coco peat treatment apparatus or Coco peat treating chamber (Fig 1) in which the green method of lowering the electrical conductivity in coco peat is carried out.
[0032] In an illustrative embodiment with reference to Figure 1, the Apparatus (100) comprises power supply (101), fixed frame (102), motorized rotating drum (103), paddles (104), spray unit (105), light unit (106), sensor unit (107), heating unit (108) and sample area (109).
[0033] In an illustrative embodiment with reference to Figure 1, the power supply 101 is an AC (single/3 phase) 220v power supply that powers the apparatus/chamber and the components. The power unit has a digital display system to indicate the amount of current and voltage being supplied. It also houses the display unit of other sensors.
[0034] In an illustrative embodiment with reference to Figure 1, the fixed frame 102 comprises an inner frame which accommodates the light and spray units. The light and spray units are assembled onto the frame (102) which is stationary.
[0035] In an illustrative embodiment with reference to Figure 1, the motorized rotating drum 103 is an outer casing or covering made of metal and connected to shafts that enables the entire apparatus to rotate. The drum has outlets to draw the connects for the sensors, spraying units etc. This outer casing has an appropriate opening to introduce untreated coco peat and collect the treated coco peat. Accessories to facilitate addition and removal of the coco peat are also a part of the drum.
[0036] In an illustrative embodiment with reference to Figure 1 , the paddles or separators 104 in the sample area ensures that the coco peat placed on them does not stay stationary and gets uniformly exposed to the light, chemicals, enzymes and water. Paddles can be made of wood, metal, plastic or any other material suited for the purpose.
[0037] In an illustrative embodiment with reference to Figure 1, the spray unit 105 comprises nozzles, sensors and control units to spray chemicals, enzymes or water onto the coco peat placed on the paddles or separators in the sample area. The unit contains controllers which enables us to change the amount, speed (rate) and density at which the spraying happens. The nozzles of spray unit can be of different shapes and sizes as desired for the purpose.
[0038] In an illustrative embodiment with reference to Figure 1, the light unit 106 comprises UV or visible light for providing required light onto the coco peat placed on the paddles or separators in the sample area.
[0039] In an illustrative embodiment with reference to Figure 1, the sensor unit 107 comprises sensors to determine the temperature, humidity, conductivity etc. Single or multiple sensors are placed depending on the amount and rate at which the results are necessary.
[0040] In an illustrative embodiment with reference to Figure 1, the heating unit 108 comprising coils, rods or any other assembly that can provide heat and increase the temperature inside the apparatus or chamber. Single or multiple units are introduced depending on the size of the unit and amount of coco peat treated per hour.
[0041] In an illustrative embodiment with reference to Figure 1, sample area 109 is the area where coco peat is placed and exposed to the treatment controlled light, temperature and humidity conditions. This area has the paddles or separators to ensure that the coco peat is uniformly exposed to heat, chemicals, light etc.
[0042] In an illustrative embodiment with reference to Figure 1 , the coco peat with high electrical conductivity between 2500 and 3000 µS/sec is placed in the sample area 109 on the paddles or separators 104 where the electrical conductivity in coco peat is reduced to less than 600 µS/sec through the method comprising the steps of (a) spraying chemicals or enzymes through the spray unit 105 on the coco peat with high electrical conductivity wherein the chemical is selected from titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide, sodium hydroxide, urea, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid or sodium nitrate ;wherein the weight percentage of chemical is from 0.1 to 10 % on weight of the coco peat ; wherein the enzyme is lignin or cellulose degrading enzyme but not limited to ligninases or cellulases.; wherein the weight percentage of enzyme is from 0.5 to 10% on weight of the coco peat; and
(b) exposing the chemical or enzyme treated coco peat to controlled light through light unit 106, temperature through heating unit 108 and humidity conditions through spray unit 105 for 4-12 hours wherein the light is UV light or visible light; wherein the intensity of UV light is from 100 to 10000 lumens; wherein the intensity of visible light is from 1000 to 25000 lumens; wherein the temperature is from 25 to 70°C; wherein the humidity is from 50 to 90%.
[0043] The above description of the invention, together with the below accompanying examples should not be construed as limiting the invention because those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will be able to devise other forms thereof within the ambit of the appended claims.
EXAMPLES
Example 1: Method of producing coco peat with low electrical conductivity of the present invention
[0044] 1a: Coco peat available in the market is purchased from commercial vendors. Initial conductivity of the coco peat is 2843 µS/sec. About 100 gram of this coco peat is placed in the Apparatus (Fig 1) and is exposed to UV light of intensity (2500 lumens) for about 4 hours. The coco peat is periodically mixed by hand to ensure uniform treatment with light. After 4 hours, the conductivity of the coco peat is measured and found to decrease to about 1546 µS/sec.
[0045] 1b: The above treated coco peat whose conductivity is decreased to 1546 µS/sec from 2843 µS/sec is re-treated under UV and visible light for about 12 hours. After treatment, the conductivity is decreased marginally to 1400 µS/sec.
[0046] 1c: Coco peat of 500 gram is taken and water (500ml) is sprayed onto the coco peat through spray unit. The moist coco peat is exposed to UV light of 5000 lumens for about 4 hours. After treatment, the coco peat is dried and the conductivity is found to be 1030 µS/sec from the initial 2843 µS/sec. It is supposed that moisture would assist in degradation and reduction in conductivity.
[0047] 1d: TiO2 is sprayed onto the coco peat (2% on weight of the coco peat) and exposed to UV light of 5000 lumens for 4 hours. After treatment, the conductivity is decreased to 848 µS/sec. Later, the coco peat is dried and re-exposed to UV light of 2000 lumens for 12 hours. No further decrease in conductivity is noticed.
[0048] 1e: The pH of coco peat is adjusted between 3 and 4 or between 8 and 9 by spraying acetic acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide, ammonium hydroxide. Later, the coco peat is exposed to UV and/or Visible light of 4000 lumens for 4 hours. Considerable reduction in conductivity from 2800 µS/sec to 750 µS/sec is observed. The decrease is faster for coco peat treated with alkaline pH compared to acidic pH.
[0049] 1f: Titanium dioxide TiO2 (2% on weight of the coco peat) is sprayed onto acid or alkali treated coco peat and exposed to UV light of 4000 lumens intensity for 2 hours. After treatment, the coco peat is dried and the conductivity is measured. It is noticed that the conductivity has decreased to 453 µS/sec.
[0050] 1g: Urea is sprayed onto the coco peat (5% on weight of coco peat) and exposed to visible light of 4000 lumens for 12 hours. Conductivity is decreased to 1900 µS/sec from 2842 µS/sec.
[0051] 1h: Coco peat is combined with urea (5% on weight of coco peat) and exposed to natural sunlight for 12 hours. Conductivity is found to decrease only to 2400 µS/sec from 2842 µS/sec.
[0052] 1i: Coco peat is placed in the sample area and exposed to UV light of 10000 lumens for 4 hours. Water is sprayed onto the cocopeat periodically to maintain the humidity at about 80%. After 4 hours, the conductivity is found to be 600 µS/sec
[0053] 1j: Enzyme – Ligninase @ 5% on weight of the coco peat is sprayed onto the coco peat, the pH is adjusted to 5 by spraying diluted acetic acid or hydrochloric acid onto the coco peat and exposed to UV light of intensity 5000 lumens for 4 hours. Later, the coco peat is dried and when tested for conductivity it has decreased to 390 µS/sec from 2850 µS/sec
[0054] 1k: Enzyme –Cellulase @ 5% on weight of the coco peat is sprayed onto the coco peat, the pH is adjusted to 5 by spraying diluted acetic acid or hydrochloric acid and exposed to UV light of intensity 5000 lumens for 4 hours. Later, the coco peat is dried and when tested for conductivity it has decreased to 1863 µS/sec from 2843 µS/sec.
[0055] 1l: Enzyme Pectinase 2.5 % and TiO2 1% on weight of coco peat is sprayed on the coco peat in sample area and the treated coco peat is exposed to visible light of 15000 lumens for 8 hours. The conductivity has decreased to 654 µS/sec.
[0056] 1m: TiO2 1% on weight of coco peat is sprayed on the coco peat in sample area and humidity is adjusted to 75% using water. The treated coco peat is exposed to UV light 2500 lumens for 4 hours. The temperature of the chamber is maintained at 55 °C by heating using heating coils or rods. . The conductivity has decreased to 445 µS/sec from 2845 µS/sec.
[0057] 1n: Enzyme Pectinase 2.5 % on weight of coco peat is sprayed on the coco peat in the sample area and pH is adjusted to 5 by spraying diluted acetic acid or hydrochloric acid followed by spraying of TiO2 2% on weight of coco peat. The treated coco pat is exposed to day light for 24 hours at temperature of 25°C and humidity of 60%. The conductivity has decreased to 2158 µS/sec from the initial 2842 µS/sec.
[0058] While the invention has been described in connection with an illustrative embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as may be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

, Claims:We claim:
1. A method of producing coco peat plant growth substrate with low electrical conductivity characterized in that, the method comprising the steps:
(a) spraying chemicals or enzymes on the coco peat with high electrical conductivity, wherein the chemical is selected from titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide, sodium hydroxide, urea, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid or sodium nitrate ; wherein the enzyme is lignin or cellulose degrading enzyme but not limited to ligninases or cellulases; and
(b) exposing the chemical or enzyme treated coco peat to controlled light, temperature and humidity conditions for 4-12 hours to obtain coco peat with low electrical conductivity,
wherein the electrical conductivity is reduced from 2700 to less than 600 µS/sec.
2. The method of producing coco peat plant growth substrate with low electrical conductivity as claimed in claim 1, wherein the weight percentage of chemical is from 0.1 to 10 % on weight of the coco peat and the weight percentage of enzyme is from 0.5 to 10% on weight of the coco peat.
3. The method of producing coco peat plant growth substrate with low electrical conductivity as claimed in claim 1, wherein the light is UV light or visible light; wherein the intensity of UV light is from 100 to 10000 lumens; wherein the intensity of visible light is from 1000 to 25000 lumens.
4. The method of producing coco peat plant growth substrate with low electrical conductivity as claimed in claim 1, wherein the temperature is from 25 to 70°C and the humidity is from 50 to 90%.
5. A coco peat treatment apparatus (100) for lowering the electrical conductivity in coco peat comprises spray unit(105) , light unit(106), sensor unit(107) and heating unit (108) wherein the spray unit comprises nozzles, sensors and control units to spray chemicals, enzymes or water; wherein light unit comprises UV or visible light for providing required light; wherein the sensor unit comprises sensors for measuring temperature, humidity; wherein the heating unit comprises heating coils or rods for providing required temperature.
6. The coco peat treatment apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein the apparatus lowers the electrical conductivity in coco peat through the method comprising the steps:
(a) spraying chemicals or enzymes through the spray unit 105 on the coco peat with high electrical conductivity in the sample area 109 wherein the chemical is selected from titanium dioxide, zinc dioxide, sodium hydroxide, urea, hydrochloric acid, acetic acid or sodium nitrate ;wherein the weight percentage of chemical is from 0.1 to 10 % on weight of the coco peat ; wherein the enzyme is lignin or cellulose degrading enzyme but not limited to ligninases or cellulases.; wherein the weight percentage of enzyme is from 0.5 to 10% on weight of the coco peat; and
(b) exposing the chemical or enzyme treated coco peat to controlled light through light unit 106, temperature through heating unit 108 and humidity through spray unit 105 for 4-12 hours wherein the light is UV light or visible light; wherein the intensity of UV light is from 100 to 10000 lumens; wherein the intensity of visible light is from 1000 to 25000 lumens; wherein the temperature is from 25 to 70°C; wherein the humidity is from 50 to 90%;
wherein the electrical conductivity is reduced from 2700 to less than 600 µS/sec.