1. Objective of protection
The Forestry Commission Guidelines specify that a shelter tube must remain in place for at least 3-4 growing seasons , that is, until the trunk has passed the bite line of small mammals and can withstand the wind without support.
2. Technical comparison
| Parameter | Biodegradable net BioLAPIN | Paper/Kraft |
|---|---|---|
| Ventilation and microclimate | Mesh 2-3 mm: T°, RH and CO₂ same as outside; no condensation and mould | Greenhouse effect: daytime temperature +3.6 °C compared to the environment in closed tubes; can reduce photosynthesis and promote powdery mildew |
| Light transmission | ≈ 83 % PAR: balanced growth and regular lignification | 15-40% PAR (full wall): elongated internodes, less robust stems |
| Protective duration | Biopolymer: ≥ 5 years | Waxed paper/pressed fibre: ≤ 2 years , decreasing to 1.5-2 years in windy or humid sites |
| End of life | In situ biodegradation → H₂O + CO₂; no recovery | In situ biodegradation; no recovery |
3. Economic analysis (planting 1,000 seedlings, 4-year cycle)
| BioLAPIN net 60 cm | Kraft paper 60cm | |
|---|---|---|
| Unit price (2025 price list) | €1.62 | €0.95 |
| Estimated useful life | 4-5 years | 2-3 years |
| Replacements over 4 years | 0 | 1 |
| Materials Expenditure | €1,620 | €1,900 |
| Replacement labor* | 0 € | €250 |
| Total cycle | €1,620 | 2 150 € |
| Network savings | — | - 530 € |
* Conservative estimate €0.25/piece for removal, disposal and installation of the new pipe.
4. Agronomic implications
- Survival – In tests on Quercus and Thuja , net tubes maintained natural T°/RH; solid-wall tubes raised max T° up to 3.6 °C, with a higher incidence of mildew and uneven growth research.fs.usda.gov .
- Natural growth – More diffused light (≈ 83% PAR) promotes larger diameters and lower risk of post- MDPI removal crash.
- Controlled biodegradation – ISO 17556 certified biopolymer formulations show progressive decomposition without microplastic residues.
5. Environmental considerations
| Factor | Biodegradable net BioLAPIN | Paper |
|---|---|---|
| CO₂ incorporated | 0.2kg/piece ScienceDirect | 0.12 kg/piece (but +CO₂ if replaced) |
| Microplastics | None | None, but risk of cardboard fragments scattered |
| End of life collection | Not necessary | Not necessary |
6. Operational conclusions
Protecting the plant with biodegradable BioLapin netting is preferable because:
- Guaranteed protection for the entire critical period (4-5 years) without replacements.
- Optimal microclimate : constant ventilation eliminates the thermal peaks typical of closed paper/plastic tubes.
- Better cost-effectiveness ratio : the higher initial investment (≈ +70%) is offset by lower maintenance costs, with an average saving of €530/1,000 plants at the end of the cycle.
- ESG alignment : reduced transport, no end-of-life recovery, soil-biodegradable certified materials.
Agronomic recommendation: for forestry systems, orchards or vineyards where pipe recovery is not feasible, the biodegradable mesh shelter represents today the most efficient, sustainable and economically sound solution.
