Litter Decomposition

Supplies Needed to make litterbags:

Nylon Net Company (www.nylonnet.com) Knotless Netting - Delta 35 lb. test - 1/32" in either
4 foot (D1324) or 8 foot (D1328) widths. This mesh is approximately 1 mm mesh.

For the bottoms of our litterbags we used white polyester broadcloth to minimize loss through sifting through the mesh. This material has approximately 55 micron mesh, and is commonly available
in fabric stores.

Do not wash either the mesh or the broadcloth prior to use.

Sew bags with polyester core cotton covered thread that is commonly available in fabric stores here, leaving one end open for filling. The final closure is made with non-ferrous Monel staples which will not corrode. They are available from:

Salco, Inc. (http://www.stapleheadquarters.com)
6001 Fisher Road
East Syracuse, NY 13057
(315) 437-7055
(315) 437-7269 FAX

The Staples are for the SALCO model 51-FS stapler also known as the Rapid 51. Order a stapler or two to use, as the staples do not fit common staplers. The staples are Code "2 1/4 Monel" with a leg length of 5/32" in boxes of 5000 with price breaks for quantity. These are designed for photographic film splicing and editing.

Numbering the bags:

We individually number our litter bags by attaching racetrack-shaped aluminum numbered tags we purchase through Forestry Suppliers (http://www.forestry-suppliers.com). Pin flags are also available from this company.

UV Resistant Plastic Cable Ties (4 inch length (10cm) with a width of about 3 mm.) are used to attach the aluminum tags and can be purchased at most electronics or automotive stores.

We use Size 18 Nylon braided Seine Twine to tie our litterbags into harvest lines in the field. This string is strong and durable, resisting 10 years of exposure to the elements without weakening. String that lasts will increase the likelihood of bag recovery years down the road. It is available at most hardware stores and can be found on the internet with a search for "Seine Twine".