Reforestation Using "JIFFY 7" Peat Pellets

Interest in planting tree seedlings in containers is growing rapidly in Canada. Many different kinds of containers are being tested, and a few are used extensively. One that has received little attention so far is the "Jiffy 7" peat pellet. Preliminary comparative data have now been obtained for growing seedlings in this pellet and in plastic tubes at the Forest Research Laboratory, Fredericton. The "Jiffy 7" peat pellet, (manufactured by jiffy -Pot Ltd. of Grorud, Norway, patent No. 108.315), is made completely of peat, with fertilizer added, enclosed in a plastic net and compressed for easier handling, shipping, and storage. Soil mixing, sterilization, or soil filling are not required : the pellets are simply soaked in water and then seeds, small seedlings, or stem cuttings are placed in the tops. No additional fertilizer is needed for several weeks. Plant roots penetrate the net covering of the "Jiffy 7" (fig. 1) as readily as they grow out through peat pots, and because the whole container is planted, shock-free transplanting is achieved. In the dry compressed form, each pellet is about 4.6 cm. (1.2 inch) in diameter, 0.9 cm. (0.2 inch) deep, and weighs from 10 to 14 g. (0.4 oz.). After soaking in water (9-12 minutes), the pellet retains approximately the same diameter but swells to about seven times its compressed depth to a height of 5 cm. (1.3 inch). Wet weight for individual pellets varies from 72 to 86 g. (2.5 to 3.0 oz.). Price delivered is about $20 (Canada) per thousand.

Download this file:

Download this file

Details

Author(s): J. Skoupy, E. L. Hughes

Publication: Tree Planters' Notes - Volume 22, Number 1 (1971)

Volume: 22

Number: 1