| abstract |
The present invention enables/provides an improved seed/seedling mat (10), in particular a rice seedling mat, intended to optimise mat utility. The invention further provides materials with particular characteristics, and the use of such materials in seedling mats (10), as well as component layers made from such materials, and which may be incorporated into seedling mats (10). One such component is a compressed mulch mat, which serves as a seed cover component (02) within an assembled seedling mat (10), and acts to shield seeds (05) from environmental factors (e.g. ambient radiation, temperature, birds and insects) while promoting consistent seedling germination and growth and potentially also providing moisture and nutrition. The invention also employs hot melt adhesive (04) in the preparation of a seed/seedling mat (10), as well as in the preparation of components for such a seedling mat (10). The invention further extends to methods of making such seedling mats (10), and/or component layers, and in particular to methods of making rooting substrate (06) components and/or seed cover (02) components for use within such seedling mats (10). |