Paper pots

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Some Facts About Paperpots

PAPERPOTS are biodegradable paper containers intended for the raising of seedlings and cuttings.

They are made of special paper reinforced with synthetic fibers

Decomposition of the PAPERPOT paper is advanced by factors of temperature; moisture; pH; nitrogen and oxygen content of the growing medium; i.e. by circumstances where many micro-organisms function well - where good plant-raising conditions prevail.

Decomposition is therefore mainly influenced by aerobic microorganisms and the optimal conditions for this process are:-

• Temperature: 25°C
• Humidity: 60-70%
• pH: 6-7
• Nutrients: + Nitrogen

Generally, conditions in most Nurseries are almost optimal for the humification process to begin.

During the decomposition of the cellulose, a fine net of synthetic fibers within the paper keeps the root-soil compact enough to withstand handling at planting time.

In some instances, decomposition may not seem to be taking place.  This would be due to less than optimal plant raising conditions or incorrect paper grade for the intended growing time.

Excessive decomposing would mainly be due to incorrect paper grades for the required growing period.

When producing vine plants, shrubs, or tree seedlings, it is necessary that the PAPERPOT holds together for many months, spanning the initial raising period in the Nursery where the humification process is greatest.  Selection of FS grade paper is therefore recommended and it is important that the humification process has progressed as far as possible at the Nursery before transplanting.

UV radiation assists the decomposing cycle, penetrating into the soil to a sufficient degree to humify the PAPERPOT - the 'net' is dissolved into fibers and does not restrict root development.

Pots filled with light sphagnum peat and maintained in favorable growing conditions will withstand handling as follows,

From day 1 Filling

• B grade paper 3-6 weeks
• V grade paper 6-9 weeks
• F grade paper 3-12 months

It is generally accepted that a mixture of sand and clay retards the decomposition of paper, whilst it is accelerated by leaf compost and abundant fertilization with nitrogen - therefore, decomposition can be accelerated by means of extra nitrogen fertilization, if necessary, provided that the plants under cultivation can tolerate it.  Nitrogen can also be applied before planting.

If ground heating is used it must be understood that decomposition may be faster than the stated values.

Low pH (4.0 - 5.5) also speeds up the weakening of synthetic fiber components.  If the pH has been below 4.5 during the raising period, one must be prepared for more rapid decomposing of the PAPERPOT material.

PAPERPOTS are glued together with water-soluble glue.  Moist pots separate from each other.  When they dry in their set they will stick together again.  To ensure easy separation, fill the pots up to the brim with the growing mix so that when they are watered you can be sure that the pots are evenly moist from the lower edge to the brim - also water the sets of pots the evening before transplanting.

When moving moist sets of pots on flats, the edges of the sets must be supported to prevent the falling or dropping of pots from the outermost rows.

Decomposing of pots can be retarded by separating individual pots from their sets, allowing air to circulate around each pot, but care must be taken to ensure the pots do not get too dry.

PAPERPOTS allow for the uniform watering of all plants in the set.  As the pots are made of paper, moisture is maintained evenly throughout the set and is not confined to individual plant 'cells'- the result is even plant growth over the total set

Where large PAPERPOT sets are used, it may be necessary to protect the outermost rows of pots from the air drying effect.  This can best be done by retaining the sets in wooden frames or laying a protective covering up alongside the exposed rows of pots.

Unused PAPERPOTS must be kept in a dry area with humidity of 50-70% and a temperature of +50° to +25°C.  Storage on concrete or earth floors must be avoided.

To ensure filling that is compact enough,  it will be necessary to remove the too-fine and too-coarse particles from the growing medium to be used.  The recommended sieve size is one-third of the diameter of the pot size.

When a filled pot is pressed with a finger and with reasonable force, the hollow should not exceed 30%, and the reversed peat should fill at least three-quarters of the container when released.

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