🌳 BioSilTech 300 vs SilTech 300: two approaches compared in the protection of young forest plants

Author: Prof. Michel LeBoeuf – Specialist in forestry design and agro-environmental systems

1. Introduction

The protection of young forest seedlings is a crucial step for the long-term success of any reforestation, compensatory reforestation or agroforestry intervention.

It is well known that plants, in the first 3–6 years, are subject to:

• damage by wildlife (Capreolus capreolus, Cervus elaphus, Lepus europaeus),
• competition with herbaceous and shrubby vegetation,
• water stress and temperature changes,
• anthropogenic or mechanical disturbances.

The use of tubular shelters is a proven technique to promote the establishment of the plant and increase its survival. However, the choice of the type of protection has a decisive impact not only on the initial costs, but on the entire management cycle of the intervention .

2. Two solutions, one goal: protection

🔹 SilTech 300

Shelter made of rigid plastic material (PP/HDPE), height 120 cm , with a potential lifespan of more than 7 years. It must be removed to avoid:

• strangulation and mechanical damage to the growing plant,
• release of plastic fragments into the soil,
• non-compliance with environmental regulations.

🔸 BioSilTech 300

Innovative compostable biopolymer shelter, also 120 cm , designed for a useful durability of 4–6 years , followed by a complete biodegradation process in soil within 24 months.
Currently undergoing technical testing according to ISO 17556 , which evaluates aerobic biodegradability under real field conditions.

3. Realistic economic-operational analysis – 1 hectare

Simulation for 1,000 plants/ha in a hilly or marginal area , with complex access times and logistics.

Direct costs per hectare

📌 Technical note: The recovery cost is calculated considering:

• productivity: 8 shelters removed/hour/person (height 120 cm, high resistance)
• 3 operators for 6 hours/day
• hourly cost of qualified operator: €22/h
• transport to disposal plant and documentation procedures

4. Agronomic interpretation of data

“Looking only at the purchase price of a shelter is a methodological error. It is like evaluating a car by looking only at the initial cost, ignoring maintenance, fuel and reliability.”

Comparing the entire life cycle, it emerges that SilTech 300 requires a complex and costly post-project phase , which can be:

• difficult to organize for surfaces >5 ha,
• subject to operational errors and risks of non-compliance,
• impactful from an environmental and landscape point of view.

BioSilTech 300 , instead:

• does not require any intervention after the implant ,
• it does not pollute the soil , leaving only compostable biomass,
• reduces administrative burden and bureaucracy.

5. Real economic difference: minimal, but strategic

📈 Net difference per hectare: €8,050

But be careful:
✅ In multi-hectare projects, the simplified technical management of BioSilTech 300 compensates for the initial expenditure already after the second year , especially in areas:

• difficult to access,
• bound by environmental plans (Natura 2000 Network, FSC),
• financed by PSR, LIFE, AIA/VIA compensations.

6. Conclusion: More value, less complications

BioSilTech 300 is not just a physical protection for the plant.
It is a conscious design choice that reduces:

• future mechanical operations,
• exposure to logistic variables,
• environmental risks,
• and above all: the complications .

📌 The difference is not in the price, but in the medium-long term vision.

📬 Do you want to test BioSilTech 300 directly on your project?

👉 Visit www.arbri.eu
✉️ Write to info@arbri.eu to receive:

• free technical quote,
• Excel template sheet for custom simulations,
• updated documentation on ongoing ISO tests.