Use of Compostable Pots for Potted Ornamental Plants Production

During the last three years (2004-2007), in the framework of the EU project LIFE ENV/IT/463 (BIOMASS) several trials were carried out in Liguria aimed at evaluating the efficiency of biodegradable pots for ornamental plants. Biodegradable pots are manufactured with innovative bioplastics, manufactered by Novamont S.p.A. Trials were carried out in different growing seasons, in open field and under greenhouse. The trials were aimed at evaluating the development of potted plants (sweet basil, rosemary, sage, thymus, cyclamen, daisy and lavender), monitoring possible phytotoxic problems and measuring changes in the mechanical properties of the pots. Some activities were carried out involving directly growers by supplying them with a starch based pots. Due to the successful results obtained during the implementation of the project, local growers' associations, as well as producers of biodegradable polymers and traders promoted this innovation, in order to reduce the use of non biodegradable polymers in the agricultural sector.