SBIR Phase I: Engineered Biodegradable Pods used to Create an Optimal Growing Enviornemnt for Seedlings

This SBIR Phase I project will develop a biodegradable fabric "pod" for use in reforestation of areas after fires or logging. The company is applying it's expertise in fiber weaving to manufacture an innovative device that allows the growth of seedlings on top of the soil and eliminates the need for manual planting. This project will examine the feasibility of using the biodegradable pods that contain all the necessary soil, fertilizers, and nutrients needed as an alternative to traditional plastic growing containers. The broader/commercial impact of the project will be an increase in the efficiency and reduction of the cost of reforestation projects throughout the US. This will likely have dramatic impact on forestry businesses and ecological diversity in the nation's forest land. Planting labor would be reduced and products would allow effective aerial or vehicular distribution in difficult to access areas. Loss of North American forests has accelerated recently due to a variety of reasons such as pine bark beetle infestations and climate change. Replacing lost trees will become an urgent need in the future. The project will result in the eventual replacement of trees lost through natural processes and human activities.