Present and Future Root-Wrapping Materials

Abstract

This paper is a study of the disadvantages of frequently-used root-wrapping materials, their historical perspective-and nursery and landscape gardeners' viewpoints, based on a questionnaire. It also discusses likely future root-wrapping materials.
In view of the aging of the workforce, and the shortage of young workers, nursery gardeners are looking for materials and procedures that will make this work easier.
There are Prefectural and Governmental standards (specifying root-wrapping materials for use at planting time) in 41% of all Prefectures in Japan, and in these Prefectures the rootwrapping material is removed before planting. In other Prefectures where there are no standards, the wrapping material is not removed at planting time 62% of the time when straw is used, 58% of the time when hemp cloth is used, and 50% of the time when hemp bags are used.
Reasons given for removing the wrapping material are that the wrapping can prevent proper root formation, and removing it delays rotting; reasons given for not removing the wrapping material are that it retains soil and fertilizer, and the plant “was supplied with the roots wrapped”.
In view of this confusion, it seems to be important to organize an exchange of opinions in order to create rules for guidance at the national level.