Use of Coco Peat for Soil Conditioning and Drought Mitigation

Coco peat improves soil aeration, providing a favorable environment for crop growth.
It enhances soil moisture retention during extended dry periods.
It supplies additional macro, secondary, and micronutrients essential for plant growth.
Local and international studies, including research by the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), consistently confirm these benefits.
Use of coco peat notably promotes early and stable fruiting in trees, thus optimizing crop yields and reducing production costs.

Coco peat is biodegradable and serves as an effective carrier of organic nutrients.
Exhibits an absorptive capacity for water eight times its weight.
Reduces the frequency of watering needed by increasing soil moisture holding capacity over longer durations.

In preparation for prolonged dry spells caused by the El Niño phenomenon, all regional offices and agencies under the Department are directed to adopt and promote the use of coco peat and other coconut husk materials as soil conditioners.
The directive aligns with Administrative Order No. 43 Series of 2000, which advocates the use of seedling containers made from indigenous organic materials such as coconut husk, coir, and coco peat.

The Department’s Administrative Order takes immediate effect upon issuance.
The directive is signed and adopted by the Secretary of Agriculture, emphasizing full institutional support for the sustained utilization of coco peat in farming practices.