Soil Ecology and Research Group
last update August 24, 2001
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Soil Ecology and Research Group last update August 24, 2001 |
Abstract
Shipping bareroot seedlings wrapped in a moist fabric, a nursery technique known as "jellyrolling," offers restorationists a cost-effective, labor-saving way to outplant tree and shrub seedlings. Widely used by foresters, "jellyrolling" lets restorationists handle plants more easily, thereby reducing shipping and planting costs. For example, an ice chest filled with 300 jellyrolled plants and ice weighs only 13.5 kg (30 pounds) while a rack of 98 sand-filled supercells weighs 22.5 kg (50 pounds). Moreover, workers can plant jellyrolled seedlings up to twice as fast as the heavier, bulkier containerized seedlings.
Jellyrolling is a simple process. First, workers cut either burlap or a commercial fabric (Kimtex) to an appropriate length, and then dampen the material. After removing the seedlings from their containers and freeing the roots from the surrounding soil, they place 8 to 15 plants on the cloth. Next, they roll the material around the plants, folding over the ends to enclose either the roots or the entire plant. A loose rubber band helps keep the roll intact.
Shipping and planting jellyrolled plants is also easy. Workers can transport the jellyrolled plants in an ice-filled cooler. Rolls keep best when left in a cooler located in a shady place. When ready to plant, workers unroll the fabric and remove plants as needed.
As part of the Desert Revegetation Group at San Diego State University, I evaluated the effectiveness of jellyrolling to protect desert tree and shrub seedlings from root damage and moisture stress. In 1992, I set up a lab experiment to determine whether bursage (Ambrosia dumosa) seedlings became more moisture-stressed if they were jellyrolled or left in supercell containers. After the first few hours, measurements with a pressure bomb showed that the jellyrolled plants were more moist than the containerized plants. By the end of 24 hours (a typical shipping period), jellyrolled plants had similar water potentials to containerized plants (p > 0.1124). Jellyrolls appear to provide a short-term hydrating effect (as foresters have claimed) and adequate long-term protection from desiccation and root damage. For example, some species such as bursage, creosote bush (Larrea divaricataI), and bladderpod (Isomeris arborea) have tolerated up to a week in jellyrolls.
Outdoor experiments seem to confirm the results of this laboratory test. For instance, survival data from jellyrolled plantings at Anza-Borrego and Red Rock Canyon State Parks compared favorably with seedlings planted from containers. A large experiment involving nearly 300 cat claw (Acacia graggii) seedlings planted on an overburden pile at Mojave desert mine had excellent (96 percent) survival of both container and jellyrolled plants. Researchers found that two months after planting, the jellyrolled car claws were similar in size and health to seedlings planted from supercells.
The Desert Revegetation Group has experimented with several different species of desert trees and shrubs with generally good results. These species include bladderpod, bursage, creosote bush, cat claw, and cheese bush (Hymenoclea salsola). However, we recommend that before anyone undertakes a large-scale planting, they should test the suitability of the plants for jellyrolling because species with brittle or fragile roots may not respond well.
The burlap or Kimtex fabric used in jellyrolling are inexpensive, reusable,
and recyclable. Restorationists can purchase, for $17.50, a 19.5 inch wide by
129 foot ong roll of Kimtex from International Reforestation Suppliers, P.O.
Box 5547, Eugene, Oregon 97405 or call them at (800) 321-1037.
