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Development of a 100% Biodegradable Stabilized Plant Propagation Medium using Corn-Based Polymer

Award Information
Agency: Department of Agriculture
Branch: N/A
Contract: 2007-33610-18007
Agency Tracking Number: 2009-01115
Amount: $79,999.00
Phase: Phase I
Program: SBIR
Solicitation Topic Code: N/A
Solicitation Number: N/A
Timeline
Solicitation Year: N/A
Award Year: 2007
Award Start Date (Proposal Award Date): N/A
Award End Date (Contract End Date): N/A
Small Business Information
11 Twin Rivers Drive
Wiscasset, ME 04578
United States
DUNS: N/A
HUBZone Owned: No
Woman Owned: No
Socially and Economically Disadvantaged: No
Principal Investigator
 T. Kennedy
 (207) 882-0200
 kennedy@rynel.com
Business Contact
 James Detert
Title: President and CEO
Phone: (207) 882-0200
Email: detert@rynel.com
Research Institution
N/A
Abstract

Stabilized plant propagation media are used throughout the agricultural industry for mechanized
planting, to ease transplant and shipping of young plants and to increase efficiencies in
greenhouses and nurseries. Rynels Grow-Tech division manufactures a growing medium used by
foresters and commercial growers to start seeds or cuttings, but it is only partially organic due to a
polyurethane component. Grow-Techs customers have requested a 100 percent organic product that
degrades completely. Preliminary research shows there is great demand for a moderately priced
green stabilized medium. However, there are few fully-biodegradable, fully-stabilized growing
media available commercially.
This proposal describes an approach for developing a fully biodegradable yet completely
stabilized plant growing medium from corn-based polymer. Our research will complement other
research to create biodegradable agricultural products, will result in new applications for cornbased
polymer and will build upon the body of knowledge regarding bio-polymer resins. Phase I
addresses the chemical and engineering components of developing a new growing medium while
Phase II will address horticultural efficacy and commercialization in greater depth. Successful
completion of this project will result in a 100 percent biodegradable stabilized media for use in
commercial forestry efforts, greenhouses and nurseries at a competitive price.

* Information listed above is at the time of submission. *

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