Project Details

[Return to Previous Page]

Biodegradable Stake Base

Company: Plantra, Inc.

Major(s):
Primary: MATSE
Secondary: BME
Optional: ESC

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

In practice, SunFlex Grow Tubes are placed over small seedlings to provide a greenhouse microclimate necessary to protect and grow small trees until they can survive on their own. The grow tube is intended to remain in place and upright for 7-10 years or until the seedling stem diameter fills the diameter of the grow tube, whichever occurs first. It is recommended that the grow tube and support stake be removed from the field after the seedling tree is large enough to survive on its own. However, the current stake design, while excellent to promote healthy, balanced tree growth, is difficult to remove due to root system encapsulation and soil attraction and binding to the stake surface. Difficulty removing the support stake often results in some stakes remaining in the field or breaking during removal. This project focuses on creating a two-piece grow tube support system comprised of a biodegradable stake base below and and re-usable fiberglass support stake above. The biodegradable stake base would allow for easy removal and reuse of the fiberglass stake and remain in the field to become fully degradable over time. Important: Definitions of “biodegradability” and “composability” vary and where possible, established standards for these definitions should be included in project analysis.