| 摘要 |
A biodegradable plant shell comprises a mixture of particulate organic base material such as shredded southern pine bark or rice hulls in combination with peat moss, manure, top soil, time-release nutrients or other organic materials, and a water responsive biodegradable organic tackifier or glue. The components are mixed and compressed in the shape of a plant pot or shell having relatively thick walls. The shell retains its shape until used but disintegrates readily when the shell is planted in a moist environment. The walls permit root permeation, provide desirable water retention, and provide nutrition during plant development. The shells are sized to mate with standard sizes of temporary nursery pots and are inserted in the ground as a nutrient and water retention liner for a new plant. A series of shells of graduated sizes can fit inside each other to facilitate transplanting of plants during nursery development. Shells can be planted easily with a power auger employing special tapered bits with depth control paddles designed to fit the shells.
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