Bhubaneswar, Aug. 20: Scientists at the Regional Research Laboratory (RRL) here have discovered agricultural uses for coir pith — the troublesome dust from coconut shells that is generally found in the vicinity of coir factories.

The experts, after five years of research, have realised, among other things, that the pith can be used as a conditioner for soil.

The pith was a menace for the workers in coir industries as disposing it was troublesome. Setting fire to dumps of the waste was the process being followed until now. But even burning was not a desirable option as it led to carbon fumes and soot settling around the area. With about 200 coir factories in the state, tonnes of the dusty material were creating an unfavourable situation.

P.S. Mukherjee, one of scientist involved with the project, said: “Coirpith, with high water-holding capacity (about 600 per cent of its weight) and high hydraulic conductivity, can be very good soil conditioners, especially in drought-prone areas.” The slow water release mechanism and saline resistant property of the pith could help farmers.

Another scientist, H.S. Ray, pointed out that by covering the upper layer of farmlands with coir pith, more water could be retained. “The upper layer of cropland in drought-prone areas could be covered with a thick layer of pith, which will retain water and promote growth of underground tubers like turmeric. Our experiments have derived 70 per cent better yield by using pith,” he said.

The scientists have also discovered that the micro-nutrients in the pith, when mixed with fly ash and factory residues, are good purifier of dyes and textiles.

The Coconut Development Board had supported the research and the findings will be implemented in various areas after consultation with state-owned Krishi Vigyan Kendras.