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Moisture is easy to overlook on a coco peat specification sheet, but it directly affects what you get for your money. Water in a block adds weight without adding growing media.
What moisture content means
Moisture content tells you how much of the block’s weight is water. Our specification is 10 – 15% for Fine and 15 – 25% for Standard and Coarse.
When you compare suppliers, ask whether the figure is a percentage of the total weight. That is the basis used in the example below.
How moisture changes what you receive
Take a 5 kg block and calculate the water and the dry material:
| Moisture | Water | Dry material |
|---|---|---|
| 15% | 0.75 kg | 4.25 kg |
| 25% | 1.25 kg | 3.75 kg |
Both blocks weigh 5 kg, but the block at 25% holds 0.5 kg less dry material. Over a full order, that adds up. It is one reason to compare suppliers on the volume you get, not only the weight.
Why moisture matters beyond weight
Consistency. Blocks made at a consistent moisture level tend to behave more consistently when pressed and expanded.
Storage. Coco peat should be kept dry. Material that takes on damp during storage or transit can develop mould, so check moisture on arrival and store blocks under cover.
Testing. Weight, moisture and expansion are linked. If a block reads heavier than expected, moisture is the first thing to check. Our quality page shows these checks in practice.
How to test moisture
There are two common ways.
Moisture meter. A probe meter gives a quick reading on the block. It is useful for routine checks, and for comparing one batch with another using the same meter.
Drying method. For a more reliable figure:
- Weigh a sample and note the starting weight.
- Dry it in an oven until the weight stops changing.
- Weigh it again.
- Moisture % = (starting weight − dry weight) ÷ starting weight × 100
Your lab can advise on the temperature and time to use. Use the same method each time so your results can be compared.
What to ask a supplier
- What is the moisture range for this grade?
- Is it a percentage of total weight?
- How is it measured?
- How should blocks be stored?
To see how this connects to volume, read how to calculate expansion volume. Or compare the figures for every grade in our specifications.
