Post on 14-Dec-2015
What is pot in pot (PIP) production?
A method of producing of shade trees, intermediates, and shrubs using a combination of field growing and container production techniques.
PIP acres in production has been increasing steadily since the 1990’s.
More plants are grown per acre using PIP than field production (Physical and Economic Requirements for Pot-in-pot Nursery Production; McNiel, et al).
How does PIP production work?
Two different pots are used:Socket pot: set into the ground so that 3-6
inches of the container lip is above grade.Insert pot: this pot contains the growing
medium and plant. The insert pot “plugs” into the socket pot.
Advantages of PIP
Insulates the roots from temperature fluctuations.In traditional, above ground, container
production it is a well documented fact that high media temperatures kill roots. Media temperatures can exceed 140º F. in the sun.
Advantages of PIP
Allows for in-place overwintering.In traditional container production plants are
typically consolidated into quonset houses that are covered with white poly.
Decreases production time from liner to finished product.Water and fertilizer inputs are controlled by the
grower.
Advantages of PIP
Reduced water usage.Most PIP nurseries are drip irrigated.
Eliminates blow over.Traditional container grown plants with large
canopies tend to blow over.Blow over results in a loss of media and top-
dressed fertilizers.
Advantages of PIP
Year-round harvesting.Reduced harvesting labor compared to
field production.Field grown plants are generally harvested
when they are dormant.Digging plants out of the field is labor intensive.
Advantages of PIP
Prevents root loss associated with field harvesting.
Reduced shipping costs compared to field grown B&B plants.
Disadvantages of PIP
Higher initial cost of installation.Up front expenses include grading, tiling,
purchasing socket and insert pots, irrigation system installation, and liners.
Drainage concerns.PIP is recommended on sandy soils. It can be
accomplished on heavier soils providing they are properly drained.
Without proper drainage, the socket pots may fill up with water.
Disadvantages of PIP
Root escape into the socket pot and surrounding soil.Roots may grow through the drainage holes of
both the insert and socket pots.
Solving Root Escape
Apply a copper compound (Spin Out) to the bottom one-third or one-half of the socket pot.
The copper compound will kill the root tips when they reach it.
Insert Pot
Spin Out treated Socket Pot
Solving Root EscapeUse BioBarrier. BioBarrier is a cloth-like
material impregnated with Treflan herbicide.
A piece is cut to fit inside the bottom of the socket pot
The Biobarrier releases a gas that will prune the roots of the plant before they can grow out the drainage holes of the insert pot.
Requires a good seal between pots.
Insert Pot
Socket Pot
BioBarrier
Solving Root Escape
Use Spin Out-treated fabric bags such as Tex-R Agroliners inside the insert pot.
Spin Out treated fabric liner
Insert Pot
Socket Pot
Disadvantages of PIPInsert and socket pots
may stick together making removal difficult.
The bottom of the insert pot may sag, creating an uneven base.
The plants may be exposed to the drying effects of winter’s winds.
Limited flexibility in spacing plants.
Insert Pot
Socket Pot
Growing Media
Pine bark is the main component with particles in the 3/8 – 1/2 inch size.
A common media consists of:4 parts pine bark1 part peat mossNo sand.
Irrigation
Pond or well.Filtered.Drip irrigation using:
Micro-sprinklersSpray stakes
Coverage is important. The entire medium surface must be wetted. This is especially true if you top-dress fertilizers.
Larger pots may require 2 or more nozzles.
Irrigation Schematic
1 inch black poly lateral irrigation
line
Spaghetti tube Spray stake or
micro-sprinkler
Insert pot
Socket pot