Development and construction of an air-pruning ...

Julia Walker

For more detailed information, kindly visit Air Pruning Roots Suppliers.

ESRM 412 – Native Plant Production

Spring 2005 – Prof. Kern Ewing

Discover the benefits of air-pruning systems in plant propagation, including enhanced root structures, improved plant health, and increased success in restoration projects.

Guidebook for Native Plant Propagation:

Development and construction of an air-pruning propagation bench, and its proper use

Why use such a system?

Using an air-pruning propagation system is an efficient, cost-effective method of propagating cuttings, seedlings, or container plants for various projects.

Air pruning naturally occurs when roots are exposed to air without high humidity. This exposure "burns" off the root tips, leading to the continuous production of new, healthy branching roots. Without air pruning, roots grow around the container in a restricted pattern, often resulting in spiraled, twisted roots that lead to poor water and nutrient uptake and an overall unhealthy plant. Damaged root systems can cause yellowing leaves, reduced growth, and eventual plant failure. In contrast, a well-branched root system enhances a plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients, promoting better establishment and growth when transplanted.

Comparison of poor root structures to a well developed root structure:

• Strangled
• Twist
• Pot-bound
• Spiral
• Well developed

Advantages of air-pruning:

• Promotes branched root systems
• Encourages new roots to sprout
• Prevents roots from spiraling
• Prevents plants from becoming pot-bound
• Allows plants to remain in pots, plugs, or plant bands longer

How do you most effectively utilize an air-pruning bench?

The setup of an air-pruning bench can vary based on climate and plant material. Benches can be located outside, in a hoop house, or in a greenhouse, with careful monitoring of humidity and airflow, especially in enclosed structures.

Watering should be conducted from above, either manually, using a drip irrigation system, or with a mist system. For propagating cuttings or seedlings, a mist irrigation system might be most effective. These systems can be assembled using supplies from a local hardware store or purchased as kits from online retailers.

When using plug trays or plant bands for propagation, each should have sufficient openings to allow air to reach the roots for effective air pruning. Plant bands, which are open-bottomed paper sleeves, are recommended because they decompose when planted and encourage root pruning.

It is crucial to monitor moisture levels when using plant bands to prevent the paper sleeves from wicking away too much water from the plant. A soil mix with high water-holding capacity is beneficial for maintaining adequate moisture levels while supporting extensive root development.

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Air-pruning is particularly effective for propagating trees, as it extends the plant material's "shelf-life," prevents root circling, and improves transplant establishment success. As the tree grows, it will develop a dense root ball filled with fine, carbohydrate-rich white roots that are ready to expand once planted.

How do you know the roots are air-pruning properly?

No roots should be visible outside or beneath the container. If small white roots are visible, consider:

• Increasing airflow with fans
• Raising the bench higher
• Decreasing humidity by improving ventilation

The propagation bench:

Different designs can be effective for an air-pruning bench, but basic requirements include an open, raised metal surface that allows free air circulation. The bench should be 16-24 inches high to ensure adequate airflow beneath. Generally, a standard height for a propagation bench is 36 inches, which is accessible for individuals in wheelchairs. The frame can be constructed from treated lumber, metal, concrete, or plastic, with each material offering different benefits.

Materials List:

• Coated wire - 14 gauge, 1-inch grid
• Treated lumber frame, 2-inch by 4-inch
• Cinder block legs

Construction:

To construct an inexpensive and sturdy bench, create a wooden frame supporting a wire mesh surface. The dimensions may vary depending on specific needs, but here’s a basic example:

• Lay a 16-inch cinder block horizontally on the floor
• Set another 16-inch cinder block vertically on the center of the bottom block
• Place a 16-inch piece of 1x4 treated lumber across the upper block
• Rest the frame on these legs, positioned 4 feet apart at the bench edges

The frame should be 4 feet deep and as long as required. Using 2x4 treated lumber to build a simple frame, attach the mesh metal surface. Raising the bench height can be done by adding more cinder blocks. This design will yield a bench with the recommended height of 16-24 inches.

Resources:

1) http://www.renaldo.org/renaldosales/ag/airprune.html
2) http://www.wvu.edu/~agexten/hortcult/greenhou/grencons.htm
3) http://www.greeningaustralia.org.au/GA/NAT/TipsAndTools/Library/Growingseedlings.htm
4) http://courses.washington.edu/ehuf462/Lecture_Notes/Advantages_and_Disadvantages_of_Planting_Material_Form.doc
5) http://www.haxnicks.co.uk
6) http://www.rootmaker.com/faqs.php
7) http://www.cherrylake.com/Resources/RoomToGrow.pdf
8) http://www.superoots.com

How Air-Pot® Works

The design of the pot wall guides each root towards an air hole, where the air dehydrates the tip, prunes it, and stimulates further root branching. This process continues until a mass of healthy, fibrous roots develops.

The air holes ensure perfect drainage and growing medium aeration, creating ideal conditions for beneficial bacteria to release more nutrients to the plant.

For more details, please visit seed plug trays wholesale.