Coco Peat Price In Kenya

Grekkon Limited’s coco peat price in Kenya is per kg of dry material. As the largest coco peat supplier in Kenya, we keep the moisture level to the lowest level for greater value. The fiber content varies according to the growers need because we tailor this. Our coco peat for sale in Kenya is available from 5kg bags, and our cost of coco peat in Kenya is as wholesale or retail

Advantages of coco noir

• It is easy to make
• When well treated, it has near zero diseases and pests
• It is easily available
• Seedlings established in, or plants grown hydroponically in coco peat grow 50% faster than in soil. This is because it is highly porous allowing for vigorous root growth and rot air supply
• It has a high water holding capacity
• It is environmentally friendly because it is a 100% natural product
• Coco peat neutralises soil acidity

Coco peat growing medium in a hydroponic unit

Disadvantages of coco noir

•  It is a more expensive option than soil
•  If not well treated, it can harbor pests and diseases
• Getting the right EC and moisture levels is difficult
• It is rich in sodium and potassium salts
• It requires treatment

How to make coco peat soil

1. Collect coconut husks (mature green coloured ones, not the brown dry shells)
2. Cut them up to smaller pieces
3. Clean them in water to remove dirt and other debris
4. Sun dry them
5. Run them in the grinding machine
6. Sieve the product to separate the coco peat from the fibers. The choice of sieve depends on the amount of fiber needed in the final product

We process our coco peat in Kilifi and Kwale counties, empowering hundreds of coconut farmers who supply our processing plant with raw material. Our production process provides the best coco peat for sale in Kenya. The final material is applied my hundreds of farmers for production of seedlings and mature crop growing. The table below provides details of our final coco peat material after processing

Coco Peat Price In Kenya:

Cost of Coco Peat and Material Specs Tabulation

A 5kg block of treated coco peat is Kes 600

* the fiber content is tailored to the growers need. Seedling nurseries require <3%, while potted plants or a growing crop will do up-to 30%

Our coco peat price is discounted for large volume purchases

High fiber

Low fiber

Coco Peat Price In Kenya

FAQs

I. How do you treat coco peat before planting?

Step 1.

Soak it overnight in water. Unwashed coco peat has high levels of sodium, potassium and chloride which make it highly saline. High salinity = high pH (>7.0). High salinity locks up many nutrients making them unavailable to the crop

Step 2.

Dissolve 2.5g of calcium nitrate for every liter of water. This is arrest excess sodium or potassium chloride salts in it, and to increase nitrogen. Again, plants grown in coco peat tend to become deficient in calcium or magnesium as they grow

Step 3.

Rinse it in running water until the brown coloration disappears

In nurseries, coco peat is input in seedling trays, while in greenhouses, this is in troughs.

Seedlings germinated on low fiber

A crop grown on high fiber coco peat

II. How much does 1kg coco peat expand?

1kg of coco peat expands to 5kgs

III. Can I plant directly in coco peat?

No because it does not have nutrients for the crop. This is only possible under hydroponic growing where nutrients are supplied to the crop often. Coco peat alone is used for germinating seeds

IV. What are the disadvantages of coco peat?

• it is high in potassium
• if not properly sanitised, it will harbour pests and diseases
• it is more costly to germinate wit than soil
• during processing, it is difficult to attain the right pH and moisture content

V. How long can coco peat last?

Coco peat begins to break down after 10 years. It is therefore be reused over 4 years, because it resists accumulation of crop harmful bacteria and fungi

VI. Can we mix coco peat and soil?

Yes, at a ratio of 3 parts of  soil to 1 part of coco peat. This is done as a soil amendment measure; to loosen the top soil

VII. Can seeds germinate in coco peat only?

Yes, coco peat is perfect medium for seeds germination. This is because it re-wets very easily

Soil mixing with coco peat. Observe a soil to coco peat ratio of 3:1

VIII. How much water do you put in coco peat only?

Apply water at a ration of 3.5litres for every 5kgs of coco peat

IX. Can I use coco peat only instead of soil?

Yes in hydroponic crop production. Crops under hydroponic production grow 50% faster than they would in soil

X. Which plants grow well in coco peat?

Potted plants, and ornamentals such as ferns, cactus, orchids, bromeliads, anthuriams and others

XI. Do you need to wash coco peat?

Yes to remove excess salts. Clean it in running water until the water is clear

XII. Is growing in coco peat better than in soil?

It is better, but expensive because nutrients and water have to be added frequently. Coco peat has little and few nutrients of its own, and it dries out fast. Hydroponic plants grown with coco peat grow faster, they have higher yields, they enjoy a neutral pH, and their roots extend easily

XIII. How often do you water coco peat?

Every 4 to 5 days

XIV. What is the best fertiliser for coco peat?

Granular NPK fertiliser with a ratio of 2-1-1 is best. Apply both fast and slow nitrogen releasing fertilisers

Pond Liner Calculator

In this pond liner calculator article, we answer the following frequently asked questions

1. How is a dam liner calculated?

The formulae adopted depends  the shape of the water pan. The water reservoir’s dam liner is calculated differently for a circular or oval water pan vis a vis that of a square/ rectangular one. Similarly, a square water tank has a different formulae from a circular one. A water pan with slanting edges has a different formulae from that with straight edges. Whether the water reservoir or tank is for irrigation, domestic or industrial application, the formulae is the same

I. Square/ rectangular water reservoir or tank pond liner calculator

a. Square/ rectangular pond liner calculator for straight edges: Total length in meters: (length + 2depth + 2meters). Total width in meters: (width + 2depth +2meters). The additional 2meters on each side are for the overlap which is tucked in a trench for water reservoirs. For tanks, it’ll be 0.5M. Multiplying the total length with the total width gives the pond liner area in meters

Pond liner installation in a water reservoir with straight edges

Tucking is in a trench all around the water pan

How to trench and tuck your pond liner

b. Square/ rectangular pond liner calculator for slanted edges: Total length in meters: (base length + 2slanting depth + 2meters). Total width in meters: (base width + 2slanting depth +2meters). Multiplying the total length with the total width gives the pond liner area in meters

Pond Liner Calculator: Table

If your totals include a decimal say 120.3sq, round it up to the nearest whole number, in this case 121M sq. The +0.6M in the ‘circular liner’ and is the overlap. So is the 2M in the straight side liner’

“D” is the maximum depth which is the center-most point of the reservoir

II.  Circular pond liner calculator

Diameter + (2height/ depth) + (1meter). The 1meter is the external allowance that goes outside the tank as shown in the image below

A liner in a cylindrical tank

2. How do I calculate how much pond liner I need?

The size of the pond liner is according to the water pan or water tank area. The size of the water pan or tank is by volume, shown as; length by width by depth/ height. The liner size is by area, shown as; length by width. For this conversion, the formulas shown above work

The larger the water pan or tank, the larger the pond liner required

Dam Liner Company In Kenya

Grekkon Limited is the foremost dam liner company in Kenya. From material selection, to welding and installation, our professional teams train growers on all these aspects. It ensures that they make the right choice and why

This is according to the size and nature of their irrigation water reservoirs and tanks. These dam liners in Kenya are UV treated, HDPE geomembrane material in varying thicknesses and weights as tabulated below

The UV treatment reduces radiation damage which is high in tropical countries

A roll of 0.75mm dam liner

Dam Liner Prices In Kenya

Our dam liner cost in Kenya is broken down into; material, welding, and installation. Once a grower procures a dam liner, s/he will have it welded if the width exceeds 8M. If the farmer chooses for us to install, then the cost of installation applies.

How Are Dam Liners Calculated?

Before determining the dam liner size, one must understand the size of the reservoir or tank. This is by measuring the length, width, and depth/ height (for rectangular or square shaped reservoirs/ tanks). For circular or cylindrical tanks/ reservoirs, measure the diameter, and the depth/ height. The reason this is key is because our dam liner material comes in rolls. To make out the shape of the water pan or tank, the dam liner is cut  in large bits from the roll and joined together. This is to create the 2 dimension size of the water reservoir or tank. For example; if the width of the dam liner on the roll is 8M, and the water pan requires a width of 15M. Then 2 pieces, one measuring 8M and another 7M in width from the roll are cut and joined to create the 15M width

How Do I Calculate How Much Dam Liner I Need?

The dam liner calculator is adapted to the shape of the irrigation water reservoir as illustated in the 3 different shapes below

1. Sloped sides reservoir

The slope of the dam wall is shown as slanting length (SL) or slanting width (SW) in the dam liner calculator tabulation shown later in this page

2. Cylindrical circular tanks

3. Straight side reservoirs

Pond Liner Calculator: Table

If your totals include a decimal say 120.3sq, round it up to the nearest whole number, in this case 121M sq. The +0.6M in the ‘circular liner’ and is the overlap. So is the 2M in the straight side liner’

“D” is the maximum depth which is the center-most point of the reservoir

Dam Liner Calculator

How much overhang should a pond liner have?

An overhang is the extra liner material that holds the main liner in the reservoir or tank. This excess material is held against the external wall of the tank, or tucked in a trench all around the reservoir to support the dam liner in place. It is covered with soil or stones in the trench.  Another alternative to trenching is to lay sand bags on it. The weight of the sand bags holds the dam liner in place

After excavation, it is necessary to compress the mould of soil roundabout the water pan before making a trench

See below

Dam Liner Installation

Our dam liner rolls are 8M wide. So for any width beyond this, the additional size has to be welded on. Welding is carried out fully in the ware house for small liners, and partly in the field for large liners. This is to reduce bulkiness during transportation to site

When installing a dam liner in a reservoir, trench round about the reservoir. This anchor trench is where the liner will be tucked for support

The video below shows a farmer in Nandi county recounting the benefits he has received 2 years later after having his dam liner installed by Grekkon Limited

How To Weld Dam Liners

1. Factory welding. Depending on the dam liner size, weld it whole or partially in the factory. The weight and volume of the welded material must be easily portable on site.  The latter factor guides on how much of the dam liner material will be put together in the factory
2. Site  or field welding. This is done on site at the point of dam liner installation. It is the joining together of the partially welded dam liner pieces from the factory. Site welding is done when the entire dam liner could not be wholly put together in the factory. This is as a result of weight or bulkiness, which limits lifting and transportation of the bulky and heavy material. The weight size of the portable material depends on the thickness of the dam liner. The thicker it is, the less it is
3. A wedge welding machine or a heat gun/ heat blower is the equipment that does dam liner welding. A wedge machine is what does it in the factory. The heat gun is highly portable, and so is best for field joinery

Dam liner welding involves melting the liner material under high temperature at the point of joining them. Once melted, the 2 layers are laid one over the other and as they harden, become one unit

Factory wedge welding of a 1mm  thick dam liner

Joining 2 dam liner pieces with a heat gun

Both equipment run on electric power. In off grid electricity locations, Grekkon Limited provides a generator to power the heat gun or wedge welding machine

Dam Liner Company In Kenya: Summary

Every dam liner size is available from our outlets countrywide. Besides supplying and installing liners, our technical team advises growers on;

1. The right size of reservoir for a particular acreage
2. How to properly excavate your reservoir
3. How to select the right dam liner according to ; the reservoir size, surface texture, and one’s budget

Water Sprinklers

Water sprinklers for sale in Kenya by Grekkon Limited are categorised by size. The sprinkler size determines the place of use, as a result of the unit amount of water it gives. Water sprinklers in Kenya are either plastic or metallic. This affects the price and longevity, but not the water volume.

1. Garden Sprinklers

These have an inlet diameter of 1″, 3/4″ and 1/2″. Garden sprinklers have low water volume, and are for home gardening. This includes; kitchen gardens, small scale farms, lawns, hedges, and flower beds. Their irrigation diameter is 3M to 14M according to inlet size and make.

Examples

1.1. Butterfly sprinklers

1.2. Mega net sprinklers

1.3. Impact sprinklers

Metallic impact sprinklers

Plastic impact sprinklers

1.4. Pop up sprinklers

1.5. Lawn sprinkler

1.6. Sprinkler jet micro sprinkler

Garden Water Sprinklers Prices in Kenya

A commonly asked question; How much does a sprinkler cost in Kenya?

The table below answers this

2. Rain gun sprinklers

These are larger sprinklers to irrigate small to large acreage of commercial crop. They vary in size and make.

2.1. Flange type rain guns

They are giant rain guns that evacuate large amounts of water, and work under high pressure. They are in large plantations

A flange type rain gun in a large field

2.2. Atom rain gun

2.3. PY type rain gun

2.4.  Plastic rain gun

Rain gun price in Kenya

Plastic Rain Gun Sprinkler

Our plastic rain gun sprinkler in Kenya is the Shrub body style whose application is both domestic and industrial. Grekkon Limited’s low pressure plastic rain guns are 1-1/2″ in size. It is a double nozzle with additional detachable nozzles as; 6mm, 8mm, 12mm, and 16mm

This irrigation sprinkler is lighter than it’s metallic counterpart, but with a shorter longevity. It makes it highly portable to reach any point in your farm. It is black in color because it is made from high density polyethylene material (HDPE). This material is UV- treated to reduce it’s degradation by the sun, thus extending the sprinkler’s working life. UV treatment is an important quality in tropical climates where radiation is high. Every tropical grower ought to consider this because it impacts the working life of the rain gun sprinkler

This irrigation rain gun for sale works with water pumps to provide requisite pressure. The necessary water pump specs are:

• It will be electric, diesel or petrol powered
• It must provide a minimum pressure of 3 bars,and a discharge of 8 cubic liters per hour
• The outlet pipe is 1-1/2″ and above. A delivery, HDPE or PVC irrigation pipe evacuates the water from the pump to the sprinkler.

The rotation is up to 360 degrees. A farmer will adjust the rotation area manually as necessary using the pins below the nozzles. All metallic parts are rust proof and the rubbers are easy to replace once they wear out. Our plastic rain gun sprinkler features a  friction collar and a trip lock, and are also provided with a jet breaker for uniform water application

Types of rain gun sprinklers

1. Plastic

2. Metallic; PY type, Atom and the flange type rain gun sprinklers. Learn more here; https://grekkon.com/rain-gun-sprinklers-2/

Plastic Rain gun sprinkler specifications and price

Plastic Rain gun

Product benefits

• This is ideal for newly cleared areas
• It reduces irrigation time
• Low labour cost
• High efficiency
• Improves humidity or creates a micro-climate
• It is easy to maintain and use
• Irrigates a much wider area than conventional smaller impact sprinklers

Disadvantages of rain gun irrigation

• It consumes a large amount of water
• The need for a high amount of power makes it costly to operate

FAQs

1. How much horsepower (Hp) is required for a rain gun?

This depends on the rain gun sprinkler size. The larger it is, the greater the discharge, and so the greater the power needed. Another factor is the number of rain guns set to run at a go. Generally, it is from 8.5Hp

2. Is rain gun good for irrigation?

Yes it is. However, do not irrigate on crops that are highly susceptible to fungal infections with overhead irrigation. Examples are; tomato, potato, capsicums, and others

Drip Irrigation System Layout

Grekkon Limited’s drip irrigation system layout is done for all farm sizes, and all crops. There 3 ways in which the company gathers data to develop a drip irrigation system layout

1. Farmers provide detailed sketches as directed by the company from which a drip irrigation system layout is developed. This sketch will include; the farm dimensions in meters, the water source type, distance to the water source from the farm, details of any existing irrigation infrastructure, any existing roads or pathsways, any none farmable sections (rocky areas, wet lands, built up locations etc), planting beds layout, the direction(s) of slope, and the total vertical elevation
2. Provide the farm’s map coordinates from which the company assesses the farm layout using satellite technology
3.  Conduct a physcal site assessment visit. This is only carried when 2 above cannot be done

The company only charges for the 3rd service to cover the logistical costs

A sample drip irrigation system layout for a 40 acre farm by Grekkon Limited

The company’s irrigation engineers will conduct a physical visit on a prospective farm to determine the following

i. The water source. The company measures the water volume, and analysis the quality. The volume determines the irrigation system to use, the size of the water pump, and the acreage covered. For intance, a farmer with a borehole yielding 15 cubic litres per hour is best positioned to irrigate using drip irrigation. His irrigated acreage will not exceed 30 acres for optimal water utilisation. On the other hand, a farmer by a large permanent river or lake water source will irrigate hundreds of acres using any irrigation method preferred. The water quality determines the type of filtration system to install.

A screen filter is for water under low pressure with a negligible amout of suspended dirt or other particles.  A disc filter is preferred for water under high pressure, with a negligible to a modest amount of suspended dirt orcother particles. A sand filter is for dirty water under high pressure

 A simple drip irrigation kit by gravitational flow system layout

ii. The dimensions of the farm in meters. to provide the total  acreage. The acreage will determine the pipe diameter sizes, the water pump’s flow rate, and the sub-division of the irrigation blocks

iii. Slope. The elevation of the farm gives the vertical head or lift needed. This is important in determining the pressure rating of the water pump to install, the pipe diameters, the planting beds layout (these should be done against the slope), and the size of the irrigation blocks

iv. Any existing irrigation infrastructure; to determine what can be used or incorporated into the new system

v. Provide advise on security measures for key company installations such as; large water pumps, solar modules, solar inverters, control panels, cables, and other high value accessories

Key Requirements To Install A Drip Irrigation System

1. A water source
2. A water pump and piping mechanism to move this water from the source to the tank or directly to the drip irrigation system.
3. Water storage tank if you’re using gravity to irrigate
4. A tank connector
5. Pipes for the mainline and sub-main line.
6. Mainline and sub mainline fittings
7. Drip irrigation water filter
8. Drip irrigation pipes
9. Accessories
10. Ball valves

 Steps To Follow In Designing A Drip Irrigation Layout

1. Determine where the water pump or water tank will be placed. Water tanks are used for small acreage gravity flow irrigation, and should be placed at highest elevation to allow ease of water flow by gravity
2. The main line originates from the water tank or water pump. The size of the main line determines the volume of irrigation water delivered to the farm in every irrigation session. The larger the farm, the greater the diameter of the mainline
3. The water filter is connected along the main line
4. A venturi fertigation system where needed is along the main line. The venturi fertigation system is a chemifertigation centre that allows drenching of chemicals and fertiliser through the drip irrigation system
5. The air release valves are along the main line. Air release valves are installed where the water pressure is high. This is in steep elevations, or if the water is chanelled via a high pressure water pump. They prevent air locks in the irrigation system. Air locks dramatically reduce, or cease water flow in the system
6. A sub main line will be connected to the main line along its way using hydrants. Hydrants are points from which irrigation in a block is controlled from. They can be automated using solenoid valves, or manually operated through ordinary valves. The decision to have sub main lines is a factor of the farm size. In small drip irrigation set ups, the drip pips are directly connected to the main line. In larger acreage, the drip line originate from the sub mainline
7. The main line is always larger in diameter than the sub main line. The diameter of the sub main line is determined by the size of the main line. The larger the latter, the larger the sub main line is
8. The hydrants are positioned at the beginning or end of every irrigation block
9. Planting beds are done against the slope. This is to slow down erosion, and allow better water percolation in the soil during the rainy season. The width of the planting bed is determined by the crop type
10. Drip lines lie along the length of the planting beds. The number of drip lines per bed depends on the crop type. E.g 2 drip lines are installed for tomato, 3 drip lines for onion or garlic, and 4 drip lines for some herbs and spices

A 3 row drip layout per bed installed in Birikani area of Kajiado county