In line with the program of the Department in providing technology information for better farm practices, the Department is enjoining all its field units, agriculturists and farm technicians to recommend and encourage the farmers to use coco peat for mulching and soil conditioning to avoid or reduce water stress in plants.

Significant research works have confirmed the capability of coco peat to provide the soil with favorable aeration to the crop, better soil moisture during long periods, and additional macro, secondary and micronutrients, hence avoiding growth and yield-limiting conditions. This has been consistently shown in global and local research and field results, including those undertaken by PCA scientists and researchers. Thus, coco peat has been shown to benefit plants in terms of growth and early and stable fruiting of trees, thereby optimizing yields and reducing production cost.

Aside from being a biodegradable and convenient carrier of organic nutrients for plants, coco peat has been proven for its absorptive retention for water eight times its weight, thus, reducing the need for frequent watering while enhancing the moisture holding capacity of the soil for a much longer period.

In anticipation of a long dry spell brought by another "El Niño" phenomenon, all regional offices and attached agencies and bureaus of the Department are hereby enjoined to adopt and recommend the application of coco peat and other coconut husk material as effective soil conditioner for farm use.

Pertinent to this directive, the attached Administrative Order No. 43 Series of 2000, prescribing the use of seedling containers or receptacles made from indigenous organic materials, like coconut husk, coir, coco peat and other plant fiber, is hereby reiterated.

This ORDER shall take effect immediately.

Adopted: 25 March 2002