Ellepot South Africa has been working with leading forestry nurseries in South Africa for the past two years and are encouraged by the feedback from foresters who have used the product. Nurseries manufacture Ellepots on site and grow their plants in a degradable paper sleeve which is planted directly into the soil. This drastically reduces transplant shock, leading to improved establishment in field. “The clear message from foresters is that Ellepots are easier to handle and transplant better, especially in adverse conditions“ says Ellepot South Africa director Shaun Biggs.
The Ellepots perform particularly well in comparison to standard plastic trays when plants are handled roughly and planting conditions are hot and dry. Both the above scenarios are becoming more frequent due to the mechanised planting techniques being used today and the effects of climate change.
In addition to the above benefits, the roots are air pruned in the nursery, leading to a higher root mass and better root architecture. “Air pruning is one of the key advantages of the system over plastic containers, as it results in a better root structure, faster tree growth and less windthrow in the compartment” says Biggs.
According to Biggs, “We are confident that the Ellepot System is the best solution for establishing forestry plants in South Africa and we appreciate the work being done by our nurseries to adapt and improve the system to the South African environment”.
Image left: Ellepot GXN – An example of a GxN clonal hybrid grown in the Ellepot System
Image right: E.dunnii Transplanting – Reduced transplant shock leads to faster root development and pit consolidation. Here is an example of the root development seen with an Ellepot Eucalyptus dunnii seedling 5 days after transplanting
For more information, please contact:
- Your plant nursery
- or visit the Ellepot website www.ellepot.com
- or contact Adrian Hembling: sales@ellepot.co.za / 066 481 6746
For more information on Ellepot’s work in the forestry sector – here is a link to some leading client stories. www.ellepot.com/clients-stories/forestry/
Source: Ellepot
