Root trainer
Many
What this achieves is to encourage the roots to grow a denser system of root hairs. How it does this is to have the pots designed so as to air prune the roots. The advantage is when the plant is planted into its home environment it has a stronger root base to start with.[1]
When
When raising multiple
History
Owing to numerous problems (stability, restricted growth, etc.), the issue of root circling in root pruning containers had to be addressed. Some, even today, promote cutting, slicing, or shaving root systems of plants grown in conventional containers prior to planting to stop circling. However, this is only partially effective and, like mechanical field pruning, it creates open wounds, allowing pathogens an opportunity to attack.
Most understood the root system is extremely important to its overall performance once planted out[5] and have tried changing container designs. One of the first designs was simply using an open-bottomed, waxed cardboard milk carton container. The results were promising. When the taproot eventually reached the base, it would become exposed to air, dehydrate and die at the tip, stimulating roots to branch behind this point, much like pruning a hedge. However, all roots were forced downward so there was still plenty of room for improvement to gain side branching.
A container with
Interior ribs were added to
One container designer tried “root suffocation pruning.” When a root grows into a reservoir of water at the bottom, it is
Some containers even use chemicals to cause root branching. Some herbicides have been uses as well as copper, but copper creates toxicity issues for the plant.
The evolution of root pruning containers continues and currently rests in three types.
1. Knit fabric inground containers work well. Roots grow through specifically sized holes but are girdled and cannot expand. The
2. Another high-tech fabric container is used above ground. A white
3. Finally, millions of trees are grown yearly using the latest design of containers for air-root-pruning. There are several types on the market, but the original root pruning container system uses a design of ribs, ledges, and holes to actively direct roots to openings. These containers range from propagation sizes of a few cubic inches to hundreds of gallons.[6] With timely shifts, the root pruning momentum can be continued throughout production to equip plants with a root system that ultimately gives the best chance to be securely anchored and succeed in the final planting.
References
- ^ "eucalyptus passion.com". Archived from the original on 2011-07-10. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
- ISBN 9780643095762, archivedfrom the original on 2021-11-22, retrieved 2021-11-22
- ISBN 9789058092199
- ^ C. Mohanan, J.K. Sharma, Improvement of seedling production system in forestry sector and its impact on seedling health (PDF), Kerala Forest Reserve Institute, archived (PDF) from the original on 2011-07-20, retrieved 2010-10-06
- ^ "Advanced Australian Native Trees & Shrubs". Allansforest Nursery. Archived from the original on 2011-02-25. Retrieved 2010-10-09.
- ^ "Root trainers, Ronaash, modular cell trays for seeds, open seed trays, easy seed growing recommended by Thrive". www.carryongardening.org.uk. Archived from the original on 2016-03-14. Retrieved 2021-11-22.
- Whitcomb, C. E. Plant Production in Containers II. 1984. Revised 2003.