Tapered seed planting devices for enabling water and vegetation to penetrate a hydrophobic layer after a forest fire

Abstract

A device and method for introducing new vegetation into a forest floor includes seeds, seedlings, and/or saplings carried within a plurality of tapered shells having polygonal cross sections, possibly mixed with soil, sand, gravel, fertilizer, SAP granules, and/or water. The tapered shells are inserted into the ground through the hydrophobic layer by dropping or propelling them from an aircraft, or manually pressing on them. One or more holes proximate the bottoms of the tapered shells enable rain water and germinating roots to penetrate into soil beneath the hydrophobic layer. A perforated lid can prevent the seeds or seedlings from being ejected upon impact with the forest floor. A weighted tip can improve penetration of the tapered shells into the forest floor. A plurality of tapered shells can extend downward from a tray or frame. The tapered shell and/or perforated lid can be made from biodegradable materials.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.