Air-Pot U
The Air-Pot U is a continuous suspended trough of Air-Pot material for the cultivation of small trees and shrubs. The height of the Air-Pot U above the ground makes the trees much easier to work with, in any weather, and greatly reduces the need to use fungicides and pesticides. Irrigation and delivery of nutrient are built into the system and run off can be collected for recycling.
The U system is used in conjunction with a filling and harvesting machines for extremely efficient production. The Air-Pot material is pulled from the frame and the trees separated as they come off. Growing in the Air-Pot U ensures the development of a healthy non- spiralling root system, leading to better uptake of nutrients and water, faster growth and healthier plants.
The improved root structure allows the trees to establish instantly in the next stage of their development. Transplanted after a year in the U, trees have put on up to 50% more growth than the same species transplanted from the field. Ready for sale in two rather than three years.
Installation and Production costs
The Air-Pot U is a custom manufactured and installed system and can only be priced on an individual project basis.
As a guide, depending on your input to the construction and manufacturing, the system (including irrigation) costs between €90 and €140 per metre to install. The compost filling machine and the harvesting machine can be supplied by Logitech or Teus Scholtus. The capital investment in the system can easily be recouped in 6-7 years. Please contact us for more information.
Cost of production per plant can be as little as €2.50 depending on the bare root variety. This cost includes:
- Root stock
- Scion stock
- Grafting
- Planting
- Cold Storage
- Plant pole
- Harvesting
- Nutrients and water