JP3208498U - Seedling mats - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides an improved seedling mat intended to optimize the usefulness of the mat. A substantially planar rooting support that supports seed root growth and is self-supporting, wherein the seed adhesion is for fixing the seed in or on the upper surface region of the rooting support. A rooting support (06) coated with an agent on one surface and a seed coating component, wherein said seed coating component covers said seed and allows seedlings to grow therethrough and said seed coating component; A plurality of seeds (05) dispersed in or on the top region of a rooting support and adhered thereto by a seed adhesive, wherein the seed coating component is self-supporting and compressed An organic material comprising a self-supporting layer, wherein the organic material comprises a material selected from the group consisting of coir, rice husk, guar gum, and bagasse. [Selection] Figure 1B

Description

  The present invention enables / provides improved seed / seedling mats, especially rice seedling mats intended to optimize the utility of the mats. The present invention further provides materials having certain properties, the use of such materials in seedling mats, and component layers made from such materials and that can be incorporated into seedling mats. One such component is a compression multimat, which functions as a seed coating component in an assembled seedling mat and is an environmental factor (eg ambient radiation, temperature, birds, and insects) Promotes consistent seedling germination and growth, and optionally supplies moisture and nutrients, while protecting seeds from The present invention also uses hot melt adhesives in the preparation of seed / seedling mats and the components of such seedling mats. The present invention relates to a method for producing such a seed / seedling mat and / or component layer, in particular a rooting support component and / or a seed coating component for use in such a seedling mat. Further expansion to the manufacturing method.

  In agriculture (and general horticulture), seedlings are generally first grown in a dedicated environment, such as a nursery, a greenhouse, or a dedicated seedbed area. This makes it easier to control certain environmental factors so that their initial growth potential and quality are improved. After this, seedlings are transplanted into the field / garden for longer growth.

  Seed mats facilitate initial establishment and propagation of seedlings, storage, and convenient seed / seedling nursery / greenhouse transfer, followed by long-term cultivation and growth (eg, in paddy fields).

  Matt-type products with seeds are known on the market. WO 01 / 60144A1 discusses issues related to seedling seedlings and discloses an example that is only intended to provide a lightweight alternative to seed bed soil and that requires vacuum forming for its production. .

  In order to improve its usefulness, seed / seed mats (hereinafter referred to as seed mats herein) should address various aspects regarding seed / seedling handling and propagation. For example, it is desirable to simultaneously balance seed (seedling) protection and environment, mat integrity (eg, to facilitate handling and transplantation), and growth promotion / regulation in and after the mat.

  A wide variety of mats exist in the prior art with seeds and various component layers. Many of them use aqueous adhesives throughout their production. The use of such adhesives can result in high moisture content in the seedling mats being manufactured, which (i) requires time and / or special equipment to dry the mats Because of (ii) the space required to store such mats while drying and / or (iii) undesirably early seed germination due to the high humidity present in the mats It turns out that.

  The present invention addresses these issues in two ways: (i) the use of hot melt adhesives and (ii) the production of seed coating components in a compressed and pre-dried form, whereby mats Of seeds / seedlings that grow in mats containing such seed coating components are minimized and the undesirable initiation of seed germination caused by the high water content in the assembled prior art mats is minimized Unexpected beneficial effects on growth. This resulted in an improved seedling mat intended to optimize the utility of the mat. The present invention further provides for the use of specific materials and materials having specific properties in the seedling mat and in the product (component) layer that can be incorporated into the seedling mat.

Accordingly, in a first aspect, the present invention is a seedling mat:
A substantially planar rooting support that supports seed root growth and is self-supporting, with one surface having a seed adhesive for fixing seeds in or on the upper surface region of the rooting support A rooting support coated thereon;
A seed coating component that allows seedlings to cover and to grow seedlings passing therethrough;
A plurality of seeds dispersed in or on the upper surface region of the rooting support and adhered thereto by a seed adhesive;
The seed coating component is self-supporting and includes an organic material that has been compressed into a self-supporting layer, wherein the organic material includes a material selected from the group consisting of coir, rice husk, guar gum, and bagasse I will provide a.

  In a further aspect, the present invention is a seed coating component for a mat for a seedling, comprising an organic material that is self-supporting and compressed into a self-supporting layer, wherein the organic material is coir, chaff, guar gum And a seed coating component comprising a material selected from the group consisting of bagasse.

  In a further aspect, the present invention is a rooting support component for a seedling mat, comprising a substantially planar stone wool layer coated on one surface with a hot melt adhesive, said stone wool Provides a rooting support component having substantially vertical perforations.

  Those skilled in the art understand that when the above-described invention relates to a seedling mat and its components, the terms “rooting support” and “rooting support component” can be used interchangeably herein, where appropriate. Let's be done.

  As used herein with respect to any component, the term “self-supporting” can be treated as a separate product without disassembly and has structural integrity such that no additional support elements are required. Means a component formed in This is different from, for example, a multi or loose layer of soil that cannot be treated as a separate layer without the use of some other support element. Thus, the rooting support component and / or the seed coating component of the present invention is robust enough to be handled by hand.

  As previously mentioned, the rooting support is self-supporting, thereby supporting seed root growth in the support after germination. The rooting support should preferably allow strong, healthy, white roots to develop, and thus allow roots to settle after transplantation. The rooting support should also support the structural integrity of the assembled mat, for example by being continuous without fragmentation.

  Preferably, the rooting support comprises mineral wool (also called stone wool). Specific examples are Rockwool (R) (supplied by Grodan) and Cultylene stone wool. Thus, since the mat is flexible, it can be easily rolled up and mounted on a commercially available transplanting machine. Mineral wool / stone wool can be spun in the vertical, horizontal, or multi-direction (ie, there is no preferential direction of fibers as in, for example, Cultine's X-Fiber ™ technology).

The rooting support may be perforated or not (eg, to promote root growth in the rooting support). The perforations may be substantially vertical and may extend partially or completely through the support. The partial perforations can extend, for example, about 0.1-1 cm, more preferably about 0.5-1 cm in the support. The perforations may be about 0.5-1 mm in diameter and are preferably present at a density of about 1-4 (including values at both ends) perforations / cm ² root support. Preferably, the support comprises vertically spun and perforated stone wool. Preferably, the perforations extend about 0.5 cm in the support.

  Optionally, the rooting support is about 0.5-2.6 cm thick, for example about 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 1.5 cm, 2 cm, or 2.6 cm thick, preferably The rooting support is about 1 to 2.6 cm thick, more preferably 1.5 to 2 cm thick, conveniently (about) 1.5 cm or 2 cm thick.

  The rooting support component (and thus any subsequent assembled seedling mats) may be of any suitable dimensions for seed growth in the seedbed and subsequent transplantation into the field, but is preferably rectangular. It is. Conveniently, the width of the rooting support component / seed mat is within the range of 20-50 cm, preferably about 25-40 cm, more preferably about 25-30 cm (including values at both ends) The length of the support component / seed mat is in the range of 50-100 cm, preferably about 50-75 cm, more preferably about 55-60 cm (including values at both ends). This may facilitate the use of a mechanical transplant device for transplanting the seedling mat. Further, the rooting support component / seed mat can be made with a longer length (eg, several times the above length, eg, 2 times, 3 times, 4 times, 5 times, etc.) Can be used in such a form for storage, transportation, and / or initial growth of seedlings in a nursery environment and then cut into shorter lengths to facilitate transplantation. Preferably, the width of the rooting support component / seed mat is about 25-30 cm and the length of the rooting support component / seed mat is about 55-60 cm. In certain embodiments, the surface area of the rooting support component / seed mat is about 28 cm × 58 cm.

  As described herein, the rooting support is preferably hot on one surface (corresponding to the top surface of the rooting support in the assembled seedling mat of the present invention in use). A seed adhesive, which is a melt adhesive, is coated. In one embodiment, the root support component of the present invention further comprises a separation layer disposed over the hot melt adhesive layer. In a further embodiment, the seed can be attached to the rooting support component prior to adding the separation layer, and in such an embodiment, the separation layer is disposed over the seed and the adhesive layer. By fixing the seed, the seed adhesive increases the utility of transporting the mat (or the sowing root support component).

  The use of hot melt adhesives reduces the overall moisture content in the seedling mat, thereby facilitating its manufacture (because it reduces the time and space required to dry the seed mat) and improves its quality. Improved (e.g. by minimizing unwanted early germination of seeds caused by more moisture present particularly in mats produced using aqueous adhesives as seed adhesives).

  Furthermore, using such an adhesive, the surface of the rooting support is coated, whereby the seeds are glued into the assembled seedling mat so that such mats in the form of components Easy to manufacture. Thus, the rooting support component can be manufactured, for example, at a different location than the rest of the seedling mat and can be combined with the rest of the seedbed, for example.

  Hot melt adhesive means a thermoplastic adhesive that is applied in molten form at a temperature in excess of 100 ° C. and solidifies upon cooling. Preferably, the use temperature of the hot melt adhesive is 150 ° C. to 200 ° C. (including values at both ends), more preferably 155 ° C. to 190 ° C. (including values at both ends), more preferably 160 ° C. to 185 ° C. (both ends). Most preferably in the range of 160 ° C. to 175 ° C. (including values at both ends). Examples of halt-melt adhesives suitable for use in the present invention include ethylene-vinyl acetate adhesives, ethylene-acrylate adhesives, polyolefin adhesives, polyamide and polyester adhesives, polyurethane adhesives. Agents, styrene block copolymer adhesives (also referred to as styrene copolymer adhesives and rubber adhesives). A hot melt adhesive that is a pressure sensitive adhesive is particularly useful in the present invention because it facilitates the manufacture of component parts of seedless mats without seeds. For example, one surface of a rooting support can be coated with such an adhesive, and such an adhesive remains somewhat tacky even when solidified and does not adhere until pressure is applied. This is particularly advantageous because the seed can be attached later when the adhesive is at a temperature that minimizes or even avoids the risk of seed damage due to heat, eg, room temperature. The degree of stickiness is sufficient to keep the seeds in place during transport in embodiments where the seeds are sown on the rooting support component.

  Accordingly, styrene copolymers and rubber-based hot melt adhesives are particularly preferred because such pressure sensitivity can be obtained. Examples include thermoplastics having a softening point in the range of 75 ° C to 90 ° C, a use temperature of 160 ° C to 175 ° C, and a typical viscosity of 14-20 poise at 160 ° C and 9-14 poise at 175 ° C. Blends of rubber, resin, and plasticizer, such as H1125 / 6 ™, H1155 ™ (Sealock); softening point in the range of 88 ° C to 98 ° C, service temperature of 160 ° C to 170 ° C, and 170 ° C And a blend of a styrenic block copolymer having a viscosity of 6500 ± 1700 cPs and a synthetic resin, such as D74 ™ (Powerbond Adhesives Ltd). Thus, in one embodiment, the hot melt adhesive used has a softening point in the range of 75 ° C to 90 ° C, a use temperature of 160 ° C to 175 ° C, and 14 to 20 poise at 160 ° C and 9 to 9 at 175 ° C. A blend of thermoplastic rubber, resin, and plasticizer having a typical viscosity of 14 poise, and in a further embodiment the hot melt adhesive has a softening point in the range of 88 ° C to 98 ° C, 160 ° C to A blend of a styrenic block copolymer and a synthetic resin having a use temperature of 170 ° C. and a viscosity of 48-82 poise at 170 ° C.

  By use of a hot melt adhesive, in particular a pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive, for example as described in the examples herein, the hot melt adhesive is optionally perforated coated on one surface. Of the rooting support component comprising the treated stone wool is facilitated in the form of a component.

  As described above, when manufactured in the form of a component, the adhesive-coated rooting support can further include a separating layer to facilitate packaging, storage, and / or transportation. Such a separation layer is removed before use / assembly to obtain an intact seedling mat. Suitable separating layers include silicone paper, wax paper, rice paper, potato starch paper, and PVOH film.

  To make the rooting support component of the present invention, the mineral wool rooting support is cut to the desired dimensions, optionally using any suitable method, particularly as described herein. Drilling is performed using such a punching machine. The hot melt adhesive can be applied using any suitable application means, for example, on a small scale, a hot melt glue gun and a suitable nozzle can be used, and on a large scale, ITW Dynatec DDS Delta Fx ™ Fiberized spray. An applicator or similar can be used (eg, Nordson AltaBlue ™ TT series melters with AltaSpray ™ gun and Signature Nozzle). A suitable separation layer (eg, silicon paper, wax paper, or as previously described herein) can then be placed on the adhesive-coated rooting support. The separation layer serves to prevent adhesion of the rooting support components to each other / wrapping material when stored and / or transported. The rooting support component can then be packaged for storage and / or transport or can be used immediately. Optionally, the rooting support component can be placed in a rooting barrier that can further form part of the packaging material as described below. In embodiments where pre-seeded rooting support components are produced, seeds can be attached to the seedling mat as described below before attaching the separation layer.

In the seedling mat or pre-seeded root support component of the present invention, the seeds are sown on the root support and adhered thereto with a seed adhesive. Such seeds are preferably not germinated. In certain embodiments, such seeds are rice seeds. The seeds of any suitable inbred or hybrid rice varieties can be used (eg IR64, NK3325, Koshihikari, TR-10 and ADT-34). Prior to incorporation in the mat, the seeds are pretreated with, for example, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, nematicides, molluscicides, safeners, plant growth regulators, micronutrients, and / or fertilizers can do. In one embodiment, the seeds are pretreated with thiamethoxam (Cruiser®, Syngenta). Preferably about 100-150 g of seed is used for a mat of about 58 cm x 28 cm. Conveniently, about 150 g is used for such mats for inbred seeds and about 100 g is used for such mats for hybrid seeds. Thus, the (rice) seed density is conveniently in the range of 1-20 seeds / cm ² (inclusive values), preferably 1-15 seeds / cm ² (inclusive values). More preferably, it is 1 to 10 seeds / cm ² (including values at both ends). One skilled in the art will appreciate that seed density depends on the weight of a thousand grains of any particular variety. For example, in the case of rice seeds of variety IR64, the preferred sowing density is in the range of 1-5 seeds / cm ² (including values at both ends), and in the case of rice seeds of variety NK3325, the preferred sowing density is 1-7. It is within the range of individual seeds / cm ² (including values at both ends).

  As described above, in the assembled seedling mat of the present invention, the seed coating component provides consistent seedling germination and growth while protecting the seed from environmental factors (eg ambient radiation, temperature, birds, and insects). Function as a multi-mat that also supplies moisture and nutrients. Production of the seed coating component in a compressed and pre-dried form facilitates mat assembly and minimizes the undesirable initiation of seed germination caused by the high water content in the assembled prior art mat. Unexpectedly beneficial effects are obtained on seed / seed growth growing in mats containing such seed coating components.

  The seed coating component needs to be able to grow seedlings through the component during use so that it is suitable for use in a seedling mat. As previously mentioned, the seed coating component comprises an organic material selected from materials consisting of coir, rice husk, guar gum, and bagasse. A further distinction is made from the materials used in the prior art in that they preferably contain no soil, wood pulp, straw and / or cotton.

  The coir can be screened and / or prewashed, buffered (eg up to pH 6.0) and dried before use to obtain a standard particle size (eg ≦ 2.8 mm). Rice husk and bagasse may be ground (ground) or not ground (not ground).

  Preferably the seed coating component comprises coir, coir and guar gum, coir and bagasse, or coir and chaff.

  When the seed coating component comprises coir and guar gum, a preferred weight ratio of coir to dry guar gum is 10: 1.

  Where the seed coating component comprises coir and bagasse, it may be any weight ratio of coir to bagasse from about 1: 1 to 9: 1. Preferred weight ratios (coir to bagasse) include 1: 1, 3: 2, 7: 3, 4: 1, and 9: 1. 3: 2 is particularly preferred. The use of ground bagasse is also particularly preferred.

  When the seed coating component comprises coir and rice husk, the preferred weight ratio of coir to rice husk is about 10: 1 to about 1: 1, preferably about 5: 1 to about 1: 1, more preferably about 4: 1. Within the range of about 2: 1.

  Optionally, an organic material can be used with the adhesive prior to compression. Adhesives suitable for use in making seed coating components include aqueous adhesives such as VAE (vinyl acetate), polyvinyl acetate (PVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and acrylic adhesives. For example, PVOH adhesives such as E3443C ™ (Sealock) and VAE adhesives such as E1215C ™ (also Sealock) are preferred, with PVOH being particularly preferred.

  It is particularly preferred to include such adhesives in seed coating components including coir, coir and bagasse, or coir and rice husk. In such embodiments, the weight ratio of organic material to adhesive is in the range of about 5: 1 to 5: 2. Conveniently, this ratio is from about 4: 1 to about 3: 1.

  Optionally, the organic material is an agrochemical, biological treatment agent, and / or nutrient (herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, molluscicide, nematicide, safener, plant growth Can be combined with one or more additional substances selected from regulators, micronutrients and / or fertilizers). In particular, organic materials can be combined with fertilizers.

The organic material is optionally mixed with an adhesive and / or further substances described herein and then using any suitable press, 100-250 kgf / cm ² , preferably 120-220 kgf / cm ² . Compressed at a pressure within the range. If an adhesive is included, the seed coating component can be dried prior to storage / packaging / transport and / or prior to subsequent use in the seedling mats described herein. A separation layer can be placed over the seed coating component to facilitate packaging, storage, and / or transportation. Suitable separating layers include, for example, those made of silicon paper, wax paper, rice paper, potato starch paper, and PVOH film.

  The seed coating component may be any suitable size for later use in the seedling mat, but is preferably square or rectangular. Conveniently, the width of the seed coating component is in the range of 20-50 cm, preferably about 25-40 cm, more preferably about 25-30 cm (including values at both ends), and the length of the seed coating component Is in the range of 20-100 cm, preferably about 20-75 cm, more preferably about 25-60 cm (including values at both ends). Seed coating components can be made with larger lengths and / or widths (eg, on the order of several times the length, eg, 2, 3, 4, 5, etc.), initially stored and / or Or it can be used in such form for transport and then cut into smaller sizes for ease of use in seedling mats. Preferably the width of the seed component is about 25-30 cm and the mat length is either about 25-30 cm or about 55-60 cm. In certain embodiments, the surface area of the seed coating component is about 27 cm × 28 cm or 28 cm × 58 cm.

  The depth of the seed coating component is less than 10 mm, preferably less than 5 mm, more preferably less than 3 mm. In one embodiment, the depth of the seed coating component is in the range of 2-3 mm. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the depths described apply to the seed coating component as manufactured and / or immediately after incorporation into a seedling mat as described below. In assembled seedling mats during use, i.e. when water is added and / or seeds are germinating / emergence and seedlings grow, this process results in a depth exceeding the aforementioned values. Can be.

  The seed coating component described herein is then placed on the sowing root support.

  If appropriate / desirable, the mat can include a seed coating adhesive for attaching the seed coating components described herein to the underlying layer. Suitable seed coating adhesives include hot melt adhesives as described above for seed adhesives. This can be applied on the seed. In one alternative, only physical forces may be advantageous to maintain the seed coating component in other cases. In one further alternative, the seed adhesive can also function as a mulch adhesive.

  Preferably, the seedling mat of the present invention further includes a root-preventing structure in which the rooting support is accommodated, and the root-preventing structure is formed by lateral and / or lower root growth beyond the periphery of the rooting support. Configured to suppress. The root-proof structure should support the mat structure and facilitate the handling of the mat. The root-preventing structure can be placed on the side of the rooting support and / or around the bottom region. This prevents the seedling roots from growing in the soil in the seedbed and / or entangled with the seedling roots in the adjacent mat. Preferably, the root prevention structure extends around all sides of the rooting support and surrounds the lower surface of the rooting support.

  Preferably, the root-preventing structure has a structural rigidity that serves to support and constrain the rooting support, the seed coating component, and / or the top coating (described below). This facilitates handling of the mat both in situ and during transport, for example by preventing the fall of seed coating components and / or top coating.

  Depending on, for example, compatibility and how easily the root guard structure can be separated, the root guard structure can be considered separately or integrally with another mat component. For example, during / after manufacture, the seedling mat can be formed / placed in a plastic tray that can function as a root-preventing structure during seedling growth and facilitate handling, for example. The mat can then be simply removed from the plastic tray for later implantation.

  The root-preventing structure can be provided with a plurality of channels adjacent to the rooting support. In this regard, the channel can facilitate the growth of roots in a particular direction. For example, the root-preventing structure can be provided with a plurality of substantially parallel channels extending on the top surface of the bottom region. This can reduce root damage when the seedling is later mechanically pulled out of the mat and transplanted to the field. The channel may be substantially parallel to the mat end, eg, the short side of the rectangular mat. The channel can conveniently be seen together in the root guard structure.

  In one embodiment, the root guard structure is a tray having a bottom region and upstanding side walls. The tray is preferably formed from plastic material or (structural) cardboard.

  Cardboard provides a degree of flexibility, which can be useful when the mat is used in an automatic implantation device. Furthermore, after the seedling growth period, the cardboard can be disassembled, making it easier to wind up and handle the mat for subsequent transplantation. Thus, the cardboard is advantageously relatively thin. The root-preventing structure can also function to reduce changes in the moisture of the mat during storage.

  Optionally, the seedling mat can further comprise a top coating over the seed coating component. This allows the seed coating component to be protected from, for example, pests and associated moisture during handling of the generally assembled mat. In one embodiment, the top coating is water soluble and / or has perforations. The top coating can comprise paper or (polymer) film, such as rice paper, potato starch paper, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH) film, or adhesive film. Liquid chemical coatings can also be used.

  Conveniently, the top coated PVOH film may be 10-300 microns thick (including values at both ends). Preferably, the thickness is in the range of about 30 microns to 45 microns (including values at both ends).

  A top coating adhesive can be used between the seed coating component and the top coating.

  The chemical nature and content of the adhesive used in the seed coating component and / or the top coating layer may be the same or different from each other and still function as needed while the seed / seedling health Need to be carefully controlled to promote the situation. Conveniently, the seed coating component (if another adhesive is used in addition to the seed adhesive) and / or the adhesive used for the top coating is for example VAE (vinyl ethylene acetate), polyvinyl acetate ( PVA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH), and aqueous adhesives such as acrylic adhesives. In a further embodiment, the adhesive used for the seed coating component and / or top coating may be a hot melt adhesive as previously described herein. In making the mat, the adhesive can be applied by any suitable method such as, for example, sprays, rolls, foams, and slurries.

  Adhesives (such as aqueous adhesives such as PVOH adhesives or hot melt adhesives) can also be used as the top coating.

  Conveniently, one or more seedling mat components (including rooting supports, root protection structures, adhesives, seeds, seed coating components, and / or top coatings) may contain one or more types of plant protection Chemical, agrochemical, biological treatment, and / or nutrient (herbicide, insecticide, fungicide, molluscicide, nematicide, safener, plant growth regulator, micronutrient, And / or fertilizer, etc.).

  To make one embodiment of the seedling mat of the present invention, the rooting support component is cut to the required size (if necessary). If an integrated root guard structure is not used, the support can be placed, for example, in a plastic tray. Alternatively, no rooting barrier is used. Next, a seed adhesive, preferably a hot melt adhesive, is applied to the rooting support component (eg, by spraying) and the pretreated (rice) seed is dispersed on the support. Optionally, the multi-adhesive is sprayed on / above the seed. A seed coating component is then attached over the seed. Next, if necessary, the top coating adhesive can be sprayed onto the top surface of the seed coating component and the top coating can be attached. The mat is then dried as it is prior to storage or use.

Accordingly, in a further aspect, the present invention is a method of making a seedling mat as defined herein, comprising:
(A) coating seed adhesive on one surface of a substantially planar rooting support that supports seed root growth and is self-supporting, wherein the seed adhesive is preferably hot melt bonded An agent, a step;
(B) sowing seeds on a surface coated with an adhesive of a rooting support component;
(C) mounting a seed coating component on the sown seed, the seed coating component being self-supporting and comprising an organic material that has been compressed into a self-supporting layer, wherein the organic material is coir And a material comprising a material selected from the group consisting of rice husk, guar gum, and bagasse.

  After assembly, the dried mat can be stored or used immediately to grow (rice) seedlings in a nursery / greenhouse. The mat with the seedlings can then be transplanted to (water) rice fields. Commercial machines are typically used for seedling transplants, so that small “paddings” of mats are also transplanted.

  Various aspects and embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail by way of example in the drawings. It will be understood that modification of detail may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

2 schematically shows two embodiments of a rooting support component as seen from a side cross-section. This figure shows the rooting support (09) which is substantially planar and surrounded by a straight line. The root support component of part A is a substantially planar root support formed from vertically spun stone wool having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.6 cm, preferably 1.5 to 2.0 cm. Includes body (06). One surface of the rooting support (06) is covered with a layer of hot melt adhesive (04), which functions as a seed adhesive (see also part B or FIG. 2). A silicon paper separating layer (08) is present on the exposed surface of the hot melt adhesive (04). The root support component (09) of part B is substantially planar formed of vertically spun stone wool having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.6 cm, preferably 1.5 to 2.0 cm. Rooting support (6) is included. One surface of the rooting support (06) is covered with a layer of hot melt adhesive (04), which functions as a seed adhesive that secures the seed (05) to the rooting support. On the exposed surface of the hot melt adhesive (04) and seed (05) is a separation layer (08) of silicon paper. 1 schematically shows a basic seedling mat structure as seen from a side cross-section. This figure shows the mat for seedlings (10) which is substantially planar and surrounded by a straight line. The mat comprises a substantially planar rooting support (06) formed from vertically spun stone wool having a thickness of 0.5 to 2.6 cm, preferably 1.5 to 2.0 cm. The rooting support (06) is housed in a root prevention tray (07). The tray has a flat bottom and upstanding side walls. The side wall of the root-proof tray surrounds the rooting support (06). Rice seeds (05) are dispersed on the upper surface of the rooting support. The seed (05) is fixed to the rooting support by the seed adhesive (04) on the upper surface of the rooting support (06). A plurality of vertical perforations (not shown) are formed in the upper surface region of the rooting support. These extend at a depth of 0.5-1 cm, preferably 1 cm, and provide a path for root growth downward. Above the seed is a seed coating component (02) that is adhered to the underlying component by seed adhesive (04) and / or physical force. Above the seed coating component (02) is a protective overcoating (01) of rice paper (optional).

Example 1 Use of Hot Melt Adhesive as Seed Adhesive in Seedling Mats The suitability of three different types of hot melt adhesives as seed adhesives in seedling mats was investigated and used as a control seed adhesive. Compared with the use of PVOH E3433C ™ (aqueous adhesive obtained from Sealock, Scott Close, Walworth Industrial Estate, Andover, Hampshire, SP105 5NU, UK).

  A 58 cm × 28 cm and 1.5 cm thick vertically spun stone wool was prepared by Grodan (Rockwool BV, Industrieweg 15, 6045 JG Roermond, PO Box 1160, 6040 KD Roermond, The Netherlands (The Netherlands) Bronze by Perforation Machine Ltd. Bradford, UK: 1353 bronze pins arranged on a bronze cylinder, each pin is 13 mm in height, Is about 8 mm and the diameter of each pin is 1.02) by pressing the punch into the stone wool from above and passing twice through the entire surface. Shaped perforation of depth Made.

  After drilling, each stone wool mat was placed in a black plastic tray (approximate dimensions 30 × 60 × 3.0 cm), one tray per treatment.

  For treatments A to L (including both ends), use ITW Dynatec DDS Delta Fx ™ Fiberized spray applicator and set the hot melt adhesive on top (with perforations) ) Coated on the surface.

ITW Dynatec DDS Delta Fx ™ Fiberized Rooting Support at a speed suitable to achieve either 5 g / m ² or 20 g / m ² hot melt adhesive application using a conveyor belt It passed under the spray applicator. The hot melt adhesive was applied to the perforated surface. Using this method, rooting support components were made using three different hot melt adhesives: Sealock H1125 / 26 ™, Sealock H1155 ™, and Power Bond D74 ™.

  For the control, using 310 nozzles in a hand-held Graco Easymax battery-powered atomizer, using a quantity of 5.33 g adhesive / second for 10 seconds, PVOH uniformly over the top (with perforated) surface of stone wool E3443C ™ adhesive was applied.

Table 1 Seed adhesive application parameters. In the case of treatment AL (including both ends), the hot melt adhesive was uniformly applied on the upper surface (perforated surface) of the stone wool rooting support. ^* H1125 / 6 (TM) and H1155 (TM) are obtained from Sealock (as above) and D74 (TM) is from Powerbond Adhesives Ltd, 253 Scotia Road, Tunstall, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 6AB, United Kingdom) obtained.

In each treatment, 150 g of IR64 rice seed was evenly spread on the seed adhesive to obtain a seed density of about 4 seeds / cm ² . Following this, a layer of PVOH E3443C ™ adhesive was applied as a multi-adhesive (2 seconds uniform application in an amount of 5.33 g / second), followed by application of 25 g of sieved coir. An additional multi-adhesive layer (PVOH E3443C ™ adhesive, even application for 5.3 seconds at a rate of 5.33 g / sec for 2 seconds) was applied over the first layer of coir and 25 g of sieved coir first. Two layers were applied over this. A final layer of PVOH E3443C ™ adhesive was applied as a top coating over the second layer of coir (4 second application, 5.33 g / second).

  It can be seen that treatments A-L (including both ends) contained 42.67 g of aqueous adhesive, whereas the control contained 85.33 g of aqueous adhesive. Therefore, by using a hot melt adhesive as a seed adhesive, the water content of the assembled seedling mat is halved.

  The seedling mat was moved to the greenhouse and placed in an indoor setting with the following conditions: 28 ° C. daytime temperature, 18 ° C. night temperature, 14 hour photoperiod, 70% relative humidity). All mats were immediately watered by overhead watering, and water was also supplied by flooding the tray with tap water until the water surface was directly below the top surface of the stone wool layer. After 20 minutes, water was drained from the tray. Subsequently, all mats were watered every other day using this method.

  Seedling mats were grown in the greenhouse for a total of 12 days. The seedlings reached the growth stage 3.4 and were visually evaluated according to the criteria described in Table 2 below.

^*葉色チャートはInternational Rice Research Instituteより入手され、これは窒素施用の場合に葉色を監視するために典型的に使用される道具である。 Table 2. Evaluation of compatibility of various hot melt adhesives as seed adhesives in seedling mats. Seedlings were grown to 3.4 leaf stage on test mats using various hot melt adhesives as seed adhesives. The following seedlings were measured after the seedling reached the 3.4 leaf stage: I: average seedling height (cm); II: greening uniformity (%); III: average leaf color chart ^* (unit) IV: Growth uniformity (%); V: Root lift (%); VI: Root growth (%); VII: Root whiteness (%). For all test mats including the control, no root mat and tray stickiness was observed, and all mats were robust enough to be rewound.

^{* The} leaf color chart is obtained from the International Rice Research Institute, which is a tool typically used to monitor leaf color in the case of nitrogen application.

  Seedling mats made using all three hot melt adhesives and a control aqueous adhesive as seed adhesives performed equally well in supporting healthy seedling and root growth. Seedlings grown on mats where the seed adhesive was a hot melt adhesive were found to exhibit less root lift than the control. Root lift does not penetrate into the (stone wool) support, but instead grows more on the surface, thereby lifting rice seeds, leading to uneven growth.

Example 2 Large Scale Production of Rooting Support Components Vertically spun stone wool with dimensions of 58 cm × 28 cm and a thickness of 1.5 cm was obtained from the aforementioned Grodan. Using a handheld drilling machine (as described above), this drilling machine is pressed against stone wool from above and passed twice through the entire surface to form a drilling about 0.5-1.0 cm deep in the support did.

Using a conveyor belt, the rooting support is placed under the ITW Dynatec DDS Delta Fx ™ Fiberized spray applicator at a rate of 5 m / min to achieve a hot melt adhesive application rate of 5-7 g / m ^2. I passed. Rooted support components were made using three different hot melt adhesives using the conditions described in Table 3 below.

Table 3 Hot melt adhesive application parameters. A hot melt adhesive of the type described was applied to the ITW Dynatec DDS Delta Fx Fiberized spray applicator using a 1.16 cc pump.

  After application of the adhesive, a sheet of silicon paper was placed on the rooting support coated with adhesive. The rooting support components were then packaged and transported to the nursery site for assembly of the finished seedling mat.

  Using a relatively high application temperature with a relatively low air pressure results in an open web spray pattern of hot melt adhesive, which favorably maintains optimal wicking / permeability into the rooting support used later. I found out that

Example 3: Compatibility of different types of organic materials for making seed coating components 3.1 Preparation of seed coating components A seed coating component having the composition described in Table 4 below was prepared. PVOH E3433 ™ adhesive was obtained from Sealock (Scott Close, Walworth Industrial State, Andover, Hampshire, SP 105 NU, UK).

Table 4 Composition of seed coating components for components measuring approximately 27 cm x 28 cm. Coir was pre-washed, buffered to pH 6.0, dried and screened to a particle size of ≦ 2.8 mm. Bagasse was crushed until a particle size of 180-1200 μM was obtained. The rice husks were crushed (Robot Coupe floor standing cutter, Model R20 for 2 minutes).

These ingredients were mixed and compressed using an apple press at about 120 kgf / cm ² for several minutes. The compressed seed coating component was removed from the press and allowed to dry overnight at room temperature before being incorporated into a seedling mat.

  The dried seed coating component had the properties listed in Table 5 below.

Table 5 Properties of dry seed coating components

3.2 Assembly of seedling mats Vertically spun stone wool with dimensions of 58 cm x 28 cm and a thickness of 1.5 cm was produced by Grodan (Rockwool BV, Industryweeg 15, 6045 JG Roermond, PO Box 1160 , 6040 KD Roermond, The Netherlands (Rockwool (registered trademark)), and hand-held drilling machine (Aircraft Spruce, Aircraft Spruce, CA225) Was pressed into the stone wool from above and passed once through the surface to form a perforation about 0.5-1.0 cm deep.

After drilling, each stone wool mat was placed in a black plastic tray (approximate dimensions 30 × 60 × 3.0 cm). Power Bond d74 (trademark) d v hot d bond (trademark) v ow d on hot melt using a Reka TR 60 LCD handheld nebulizer (Rheological Ltd., Moor Mead Road, Twickenham, Middlesex, TW1 1JN, UK) and a swirl jet nozzle at 3 bar pressure. Ltd, 253 Scotia Road, Tunstall, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire, ST6 6AB, United Kingdom) and an upper (perforation) was applied onto the surface to give a coating amount of seed adhesive 5 g / m ^2.

150 g of IR64 rice seed was evenly spread on the seed adhesive to obtain a seed density of about 4 seeds / cm ² .

  Two seed coating components were placed on top of each sowed stone wool mat / tray. Each treatment was performed once (2 seedling mats / one tray per treatment). For all treatments, the seedling mats were moved to a greenhouse and placed in an indoor setting with the following conditions: 28 ° C. day temperature, 18 ° C. night temperature, 14 hours photoperiod, 70% relative humidity). All mats were immediately watered by overhead watering, and water was also supplied by flooding the tray with tap water until the water surface was directly below the top surface of the stone wool layer. After 20 minutes, water was drained from the tray. Subsequently, all mats were watered every other day using this method. Seedling mats were grown in a greenhouse.

3.3 Results After 18 days, the seedlings were visually evaluated according to the criteria described in Table 6 below.

Table 6. The following seedling measurements were taken at 15-18 days of growth; 0: growth stage: I: average seedling height (cm); II: greening uniformity (%); III: leaf color chart (Unit); IV: Uniformity of growth (%); V: Root lift (%); VI: Root growth (%); VII: Whiteness of root (%). For all test mats including the control, no root mat and tray stickiness was observed, and all mats were robust enough to be rewound.

Example 4: Study of the use of different ratios of coir: bagasse in seed coating components From the above Example 3, it can be seen that the seed coating components containing coir and bagasse performed well in rice seedling mats. . Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the effects of fluctuations in the ratio of coir to bagasse in seed coating components.

  The following ratios of sifted coir to ground bagasse were used: Treatment 1: 3: 2; Treatment 2: 7: 3; Treatment 4: 4: 1; Treatment 5: 9: 1. In each treatment, seed coating components were made using 50 g organic material + 16 g PVOH E3433C ™ adhesive according to the method described in 3.1 above.

  A seedling mat was assembled as described in 3.2 above, and seedlings were grown. The results obtained are summarized in Table 7 below.

Table 7 The following seedling measurements were taken at 13 days of growth; 0: growth stage: I: average seedling height (cm); II: greening uniformity (%); III: leaf color chart (units) IV: Growth uniformity (%); V: Root lift (%); VI: Root growth (%); VII: Root whiteness (%).

Example 5 Performance of Seed Covering Component Containing Coir and Rice Husk Compared to Use of Loose Coir Multie Use of Effect of Seed Coating Component Containing Sieve Coir and Ground Rice Husk in Mat for Rice Seedling (Treatment 1-4) 9-12, and 17-20) are described as loosely screened coir and aqueous adhesive layers (loose (ie uncompressed) multi in the results, LM); treatments 5-8, 13-16, 21 To 25).

5.1 Preparation of Seed Covering Component A seed coating component was prepared as follows. Prewashed, buffered to pH 6.0, and dried coir was screened to obtain a particle size of ≦ 2.8 mm. For each seed coating component (approximately 28 cm × 29 cm), 40 g of sifted coir was mixed with 20 g of ground rice husk and 16 g of PVOH E3433C ™ adhesive. The mixture was compressed at about 15 psi for a few minutes using an apple press. The compressed seed coating component was removed from the press and allowed to dry overnight at room temperature before being incorporated into a seedling mat.

5.2 Fabrication of rooting support component 58 cm x 28 cm and 1.5 cm thick vertically spun stone wool was obtained from Grodan (previously; Rockwool (R)) and hand-held perforation machine (Performation Machinery) Made of bronze by Ltd. Bradford, UK: 1353 bronze pins arranged on a bronze cylinder, the height of each pin is 13 mm, the pin spacing is 8 mm, the diameter of each pin is 1.02 Was drilled into the stone wool from above and passed twice through the surface to form a perforation about 0.5-1.0 cm deep.

  After drilling, each stone wool mat was placed in a black plastic tray (approximate dimensions 30 × 60 × 3.0 cm), one tray per treatment.

  For treatments 1-24 (including both ends), use the ITW Dynatec DDS Delta Fx ™ Fiberized spray applicator and use the parameters listed in Table 8 below to top the hot melt adhesive (with perforations) It was applied on the surface.

Table 8 Seed adhesive application parameters. In the case of treatment 1-24 (including both ends), the hot melt adhesive was uniformly applied on the upper surface (perforated surface) of the stone wool rooting support.

ITW Dynatec DDS Delta Fx ™ Fiberized Rooting Support at a speed suitable to achieve either 5 g / m ² or 20 g / m ² hot melt adhesive application using a conveyor belt It passed under the spray applicator. The hot melt adhesive was applied to the perforated surface. Using this method, rooting support components were made using three different hot melt adhesives: Sealock H1125 / 26 ™, Sealock H1155 ™, and Power Bond D74 ™.

  For treatment 25, use 310 nozzles in a hand-held Graco Easymax battery-powered nebulizer and use for 8 seconds in an amount of 5.33 g of adhesive / second, uniform over the top (perforated) surface of the stone wool mat. Was coated with PVOH E3433C ™ adhesive.

5.3 Assembly of seedling mat In each treatment, 150 g of IR64 rice seeds were evenly spread on the seed adhesive to obtain a seed density of about 4 seeds / cm ² .

  In the case of treatments 1-4, 9-12, and 17-20, the seed coating components produced as described in 5.1 above were placed on the sowing root support (seeded rooting). Two seed coating components measuring 28 cm x 29 cm were used per support mat).

  For treatments 5-8, 13-16, 21-25, a uniform layer of PVOH E3443C ™ adhesive (as a multi-adhesive) was applied using a 310 nozzle on a Graco Easymax battery powered sprayer (5. Sprayed at a rate of 33 g / second for 2 seconds), followed by application of 25 g screened coir. An additional multi-adhesive layer (PVOH E3433C ™ adhesive, even application for 5.3 seconds at a rate of 5.33 g / sec for 2 seconds) was applied over the first layer of coir and a 25 g screened coir first. Two layers were applied over this. A final layer of PVOH E3433C ™ adhesive was applied as a top coating over the second layer of coir (4 second application, 5.33 g / second).

Table 9. 1.5 cm deep vertically spun (V) perforated stone wool was used as rooting support and seedlings were grown to 3.4 leaf stage on mats coated with the described seed adhesive. IR64 seeds were sown on the adhesive and covered with either a loose mulch (LM-see above) or a seed coating component (CM) containing rice husk and coir. After the seedlings reached the 3.4 leaf stage, the following seedlings were measured: I: average seedling height (cm); II: greening uniformity (%); III: average leaf color chart (unit); IV: Growth uniformity (%); V: Root lift (%); VI: Root growth (%); VII: Root whiteness (%). For all test mats including the control, no root mat and tray stickiness was observed, and all mats were robust enough to be rewound.

  For all treatments, the seedling mats were moved to a greenhouse and placed in an indoor setting with the following conditions: 28 ° C. day temperature, 18 ° C. night temperature, 14 hours photoperiod, 70% relative humidity). All mats were immediately watered by overhead watering, and water was also supplied by flooding the tray with tap water until the water surface was directly below the top surface of the stone wool layer. After 20 minutes, water was drained from the tray. Subsequently, all mats were watered every other day using this method.

  The seedling mat was grown in the greenhouse for a total of 12 days, after which the seedling reached the growth stage 3.4. Next, they were visually evaluated according to the criteria described in Table 9 above.

Example 6: Performance of seedling mats in a nursery environment 6.1 Preparation of rooting support components containing hot melt adhesives 58 cm x 28 cm and 1.5 cm thick vertically spun stone wool (Rockwool ( (Registered Trademark), Grodan, supra, and press the punch from above onto stone wool using a handheld punch (Aircraft Spruce, Aircraft Sprague West, 225 Airstream Circle, Corona, CA 92880, USA). Perforations with a depth of about 0.5-1.0 cm were formed by passing the entire surface once or twice.

ITW Dynatec DDS Delta Fx ™ Fiberized Rooting Support at a speed suitable to achieve either 5 g / m ² or 20 g / m ² hot melt adhesive application using a conveyor belt It passed under the spray applicator. The hot melt adhesive was applied to the perforated surface. Using this method, rooting support components were made using three different hot melt adhesives: Sealock H1125 / 26 ™, Sealock H1155 ™, and Power Bond D74 ™. After application of the adhesive, a sheet of silicon paper was placed on the rooting support coated with the adhesive. The rooting support components were then packaged and transported to the nursery site for assembly of the finished seedling mat.

6.2 Test A
Perpendicularly spun stone wool with dimensions 58 x 28 x 1.5 cm obtained from Grodan (supra) is perforated as described above and supplied to the nursery in component form (ie as described above) one of Sealock H1125 / 6 on the upper perforated surface (R) or Sealock H1155 (TM) pre-coated with either 5 g / m ² or 20 g / m ^2, placed on the silicon paper to remove before use Or an in-situ coating of E3433C ™ PVOH adhesive on the top perforated surface. 150 g of ADTT45 rice seed (treated with thiamethoxam [Cruiser® 350FS, Syngenta] at a seed ratio of 70 g / 100 kg) was evenly sown on a rooting support coated with adhesive, and then Seeds are covered with a seed coating component containing a sieved coir to ground chaff in a ratio of 2: 1 (made as described in 5.1 above; per seeded rooting support mat , Two seed coating components with dimensions of 28 cm × 29 cm were used) or covered with a loose coir multi-layer as follows:
On each seeded rooting support and on the surface of the entire mat, using either a Wagner W450 SE compressed air nebulizer (Wagner, UK) or a Graco Easymax battery powered nebulizer, 10 g of E3433C ™ PVOH Adhesive was sprayed and then 25 g of Coir (prewashed, dried, buffered to pH 6.0, then applied after sieving) using a Kubota SR-K610IN seeder. A second layer of 10 g E3433C PVOH adhesive was sprayed onto the coir and a second layer of 25 g coir (as before) was applied on top using a Kubota seeder. A third layer of 20 g E3433C ™ PVOH was sprayed onto the second layer of coir and the resulting mat was air dried. This type of seed coating is described as loose (ie uncompressed) multi (LM) in the results.

After production, the mat was placed outside the nursery. All mats were sprinkled overhead with a fertilizer treatment containing 500 g basic fertilizer / m ³ (supra) and 20 g ZnSO ₄ / m ³ in an amount of 1 liter / tray. After feeding the fertilizer, a layer of black netting was placed over all treatments to protect it from the birds. The mat was flooded with water and drained twice a day from the second day. When the rice growth stage reaches the 3.2 leaf stage, the mat is wound up and transplanted to a rice field prepared in advance using Kubota transplanter (supplier: Kubota). did.

6.3 Study B
This test was performed substantially as described above for Test A. The difference is that further mats were made using a pre-made rooting support coated with the hot melt adhesive Power Bond D74 ™, and after making all the mats outside the nursery, Over-the-water sprinkling in liter / tray volume.

6.3 Results Prior to winding and implantation, the mats of both tests were visually evaluated with respect to the aforementioned reference numbers. The results are shown in Table 10 below.

  6.3.1 Summary of Test A Results: Mats made with seed-coating components including compressed coir and rice husks than mats made with a loose coir loose mulch interspersed with aqueous adhesive layers High green dense seedlings were obtained. The average increase in seedling height at the 3.2 leaf stage was 1.5 cm. No root lift was observed on mats made with seed-covered components including compressed coir and chaff. Mats made with seed-coating components including compressed coir and rice husks gave better transplantation efficiency than mats made with a loose multi-layer of coir interspersed with aqueous adhesive layers.

  6.3.2 Summary of Test B Results: All mats yielded healthy seedlings with good root growth and root whiteness. Mats made with seed-covered components including compressed coir and rice husks yielded higher, darker green seedlings than mats made with a loose layer of coir interspersed with aqueous adhesive layers. No root lift was observed on mats made with seed-covered components including compressed coir and chaff.

^* 葉色チャートはInternational Rice Research Instituteより入手され、これは窒素施用の場合に葉色を監視するために典型的に使用される道具である。nd = 測定せず。 Table 10 Results of tests A and B: 3.2 leaves of seedlings on mats coated with the indicated seed adhesive using 1.5 cm deep vertically spun (V) perforated stone wool as rooting support Growing up to the period. ADT45 seeds were sown on the adhesive and covered with either a loose mulch (LM—see above) or a seed coating component (CM) containing rice husk and coir. The following seedlings were measured after the seedling reached the 3.2 leaf stage: A: days until the 3.2 leaf stage; B: seedling height (cm); C: greening uniformity (%); D: Average of leaf color chart ^* (unit); E: Growth uniformity (%); F: Root growth (%); G: Root whiteness (%); Root lift (%).

^{* The} leaf color chart is obtained from the International Rice Research Institute, which is a tool typically used to monitor leaf color in the case of nitrogen application. nd = not measured.

Claims (15)

A seedling mat:
A substantially planar rooting support that supports seed root growth and is self-supporting, comprising one seed adhesive for fixing seeds in or on the upper surface region of the rooting support. A rooting support coated on the surface;
A seed coating component that allows the growth of seedlings covering and passing through said seed;
A plurality of seeds dispersed in or on the top region of the rooting support and adhered thereto by a seed adhesive;
The seed coating component is self-supporting and includes an organic material that has been compressed into a self-supporting layer, wherein the organic material includes a material selected from the group consisting of coir, rice husk, guar gum, and bagasse Mat.   The seedling mat according to claim 1, wherein the seed adhesive is a pressure-sensitive hot melt adhesive.   A blend of styrenic block copolymer and synthetic resin wherein the pressure sensitive hot melt adhesive has a softening point in the range of 88 ° C to 98 ° C, a use temperature of 160 ° C to 170 ° C, and a viscosity of 6500 ± 1700 cPs at 170 ° C. Thermoplastic rubbers and resins having a softening point in the range of 75 ° C to 90 ° C, a service temperature of 160 ° C to 175 ° C, and a typical viscosity of 14-20 poise at 160 ° C and 9-14 poise at 175 ° C And blends of plasticizers and blends of styrenic block copolymers and synthetic resins having a softening point in the range of 88 ° C to 98 ° C, a use temperature of 160 ° C to 170 ° C, and a viscosity of 48 to 82 poise at 170 ° C The seedling mat according to claim 3, which is selected from the group consisting of:   The seedling mat of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the seed coating component comprises coir and bagasse, and the ratio of coir to bagasse is from about 60:40 to about 90:10 on a weight basis. .   The seedling mat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the seed coating component includes coir and rice husk.   6. The seedling mat of claim 5, wherein the ratio of coir to rice husk is from about 10: 1 to about 1: 1 on a weight basis.   The mat for seedlings according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rooting support comprises vertically spun mineral / stone wool.   The mat for seedlings according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rooting support has a thickness of about 1 to 2.6 cm.   The seedling mat according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the rooting support is provided with substantially vertical perforations extending preferably about 0.5 to 1 cm in the support.   The rooting structure of claim 1, further comprising a root-preventing structure in which the rooting support is housed configured to inhibit lateral and / or underlying root growth beyond the periphery of the rooting support. The mat for seedlings as described in any one.   The seedling mat according to claim 10, wherein the root-preventing structure is a tray having a bottom region and an upstanding side wall.   A seed covering component of a seed mat, comprising an organic material that is self-supporting and compressed into a self-supporting layer, wherein the organic material is selected from the group consisting of coir, rice husk, guar gum, and bagasse A seed coating component, comprising   The seed coating component of claim 12, wherein the organic material comprises coir and bagasse in a ratio of about 60:40 to about 90:10 on a weight basis.   The seed coating component of claim 12, wherein the organic material comprises coir and rice husk.   15. The seed coating component of claim 12 or 14, wherein the ratio of coir to rice husk is from about 10: 1 to about 1: 1 on a weight basis.

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