Abstract: A system and method for illuminating livestock within an agricultural dwelling. The system has a plurality of lighting assemblies that are electrically connected to a dimming device. The lighting assemblies are dimmed from a white color to predetermined wavelength to result in a predetermined behavior of the livestock. The predetermined wavelength and behavior includes a red wavelength that is undetected by the livestock thus resulting in the predetermined behavior of the livestock sleeping while workers can continue to work or function within the agricultural dwelling.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed towards methods, systems and apparatuses for preventing plastic out-gassing in plant tunnels. The methods, systems and apparatuses utilize various sensors and elements to maintain a proper plant growth environment while minimizing the outgassing.

Abstract: A method of protecting plants from underground dwelling mammals provides for the insertion of devices having pointed elongated members adjacent the root systems of the plants. A device for this purpose has a plurality of pointed elongated members joined by a handle section.

Abstract: A method for protecting crop plants from harmful organisms, which comprises the step of covering one or more of the plants with a device, comprising a stabilizing structure and a meshed fabric, where the meshed fabric is impregnated with a pesticide and is penetrable by light, air and water.

Abstract: A container cover device including a pliable sheet comprising a perimeter configured to be secured to an upper portion of a container so as to prevent spillage of contents of the container if the container were tilted, said pliable sheet having a first side and a second side, an opening provided in the pliable sheet extending from the first side to the second side of the pliable sheet, and a slit extending from the opening to the perimeter, thereby defining a first end and a second end of the container cover device, wherein the first end and the second end are configured to be removably engageable with one another, wherein the container cover device inhibits and/or prevents vegetative growth around an object configured to extend through the opening in the container cover device. A system and method are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of modulating the development stage of strobili growing on a gymnosperm tree comprises: (a) installing a protective covering over one or more strobili bud(s), wherein the type of protective covering is selected to delay or advance strobili development; and (b) maintaining the protective covering over the strobili bud(s) for a time period sufficient to delay or advance the development stage of the covered strobili buds in comparison to the development stage of naturally growing, uncovered, control strobili.

Abstract: A vine support system includes a multiple vine stakes, each vine stake adjacent and supporting a vine trunk. A plurality of shade hotels are removably mounted to the vine stakes, each shade hotel incorporating a securing bail. A shade element is removably supported by each shade hotel and restrained by the securing bail.

Abstract: A bag constructed of a weed suppression material for packaging a ground cover material. When the bag is in a closed configuration, the bag serves as a container for shipping, handling, and storage of the ground cover material. When the bag is opened and unfolded, and the ground cover material within the bag is spread over the opened and unfolded bag, the bag serves as a layer of weed suppression material on top of underlying soil and beneath the ground cover.

Abstract: Crop protection netting for covering trees or other plants for insect or bird exclusion is of a knitted mesh construction, including knit intersections in the netting and connecting yarn portions between the yarn intersections which extend substantially linearly between intersections. The netting is lightweight and strechable in multiple directions.

Abstract: A movable greenhouse and track system may include a track configured to be anchored to a first plot of farming land and a second plot of farming land. The movable greenhouse and track system may further include a greenhouse is capable of being anchored to the track and an anchoring member. The greenhouse may include a series of hoops forming an interior area; a member attached to the hoops for keeping the interior area of the greenhouse a certain temperature different than a temperature from an area exterior to the greenhouse; and a member for facilitating movement of the greenhouse along the tunnel of the track. The interior area of the greenhouse may include the first plot of farming land. After a predetermined time, the member for facilitating movement allows the greenhouse to be moved from the first plot of farming land to the second plot of farming land.

Abstract: A canopy sheet material for use over growing plants such as grape or berry or other fruit vines has higher water permeability in a longitudinally extending substantially center lengthwise part (33) than in lengthwise side parts (34). In use rain falling on the canopy runs down the side parts (34) and drains through the center part (33) to approximately the center of each tree or vine which keeps water away from the fruit under the less water permeable side parts (34).

Abstract: A pot cover has a pair of cover elements that are interlockable to together form a pot cover body. The pot cover body is formed by a plurality of annular cover elements that are concentrically arranged on a horizontal plane to together provide a top surface, an opposed bottom surface, an inner perimeter edge, and an outer perimeter edge. A plurality of concentric spaces are formed between each of the plurality of annular cover elements, and a plurality of radially extending connector strips interconnect the plurality of annular cover elements to hold the annular cover elements in the horizontal plane. The connector strips may be cut between two of the annular cover elements to remove at least one of the annular cover elements.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method of modulating the development stage of strobili growing on a gymnosperm tree comprising: (a) installing a protective covering over one more strobili bud(s), wherein the type of protective covering is selected to delay or advance strobili development; and (b) maintaining the protective covering over the strobili bud(s) for a time period sufficient to delay or advance the development stage of the covered strobili buds in comparison to the development stage of naturally growing, uncovered, control strobili.

Abstract: The invention relates to a removable plant protection system, comprising a wall module including an upwardly extending wall segment that is arranged for throwing a shadow on a soil area near the wall module when the sun reaches its highest orbit point and for allowing a sun beam on the soil area at a time period on the day when the elevation of the sun is relatively low.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved planting pots and methods. Specifically, the invention provides methods and apparatuses that assist gardeners in transplant cultivation, plant protection and containment, garden organization, decoration, and plant identification.

Abstract: A device for preventing plant growth around a post, comprising an opaque sheet, an opening in the sheet, and a slit extending entirely from the opening to the perimetric edge. A fastener structure is arranged to fasten one of the edge portions to an other of the edge portions in a relationship wherein the edge portions overlap thereby effecting a slope of the sheet downwardly from the opening to the perimetric edge and wherein the opening is shaped to have a first shape when the edge portions are not overlapping and to have a second shape to conform to the post when the edge portions are fastened in the overlapping relationship.

Abstract: A method for improving seed germination efficiency by reducing seedling loss caused by desiccation, temperature extremes, wind and water displacement, and consumption by animal and insect predators. The method comprises covering the medium for the seed growth with a layer of material which allows light transmission and provides a thermal barrier, and in addition applies a compacting force which brings the seed in better contact with the growing medium. The material also provides a barrier to protect the seed from animal and insect predators. The layer of material used preferably consists of a clear plastic membrane supporting the presence of a sufficient amount of water to allow the transmission of light, provide a thermal barrier, compact the seeds to the growing medium, and deter access from animals and airborne insects. The technique is applicable to all forms and seed germination including grass and vegetable gardens.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a functional mulching film for rice direct seeding, and a mulching film manufactured by the same method. The mulching film is installed in a paddy field and formed to suppress weed growth and contains a fertilizer for enhancing rice growth and a powder ore for reinforcing the fertility of the soil.

Abstract: A device for preventing plant growth around a post, comprising an opaque sheet, an opening in the sheet, and a slit extending entirely from the opening to the perimetric edge. A fastener structure is arranged to fasten one of the edge portions to an other of the edge portions in a relationship wherein the edge portions overlap thereby effecting a slope of the sheet downwardly from the opening to the perimetric edge and wherein the opening is shaped to have a first shape when the edge portions are not overlapping and to have a second shape to conform to the post when the edge portions are fastened in the overlapping relationship.

Abstract: The invention relates to insecticide-impregnated nets made of textile fibers, which nets have a small mesh size, and their use for the protection against pests.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shading device (10) for a greenhouse (15), with a shading element (20) and at least one lighting element (50,50?), wherein the shading element (20) comprises an outer side (21) and an inner side (22), the shading element (20) is formed from interwoven electrically conductive first thread elements (30,30?) and electrically insulating second thread elements (40), the first thread element (30,30?) comprises a reflective mean (33), reflecting an ambient light (60), the lighting element (50,50?) is arranged at the inner side (22) of the shading element (20) and connected with the first thread element (30,30?), and the lighting element (50,50?) is driven by an electrical current, conducted by the first thread element (30,30?), resulting in the emission of an artificial light (51), illuminating a plant (80) growing in the greenhouse (15).

Abstract: A process for photomorphogenically enhancing plants is presented wherein a natural or artificial light source emits light through a transmittive material. The material is optionally borosilicate glass with a steep edge situation at or near 280 nm so as to selectively filter out light in the UVC or low UVB regions. The glass allows high transmissibility such that as much as 98% of all light at or above the edge situation passes thorough the material. The percent transmission and edge situation may be defined by glass thickness or by combining multiple types of glass. The light is then contacted with a plant whereby a photomorphogenic response is elicited.

Abstract: A method and device are described for protecting structures having a central longitudinal portion and radially extending arms, including plants such as palm trees from wind damage. The device may be positioned around a structure and includes a flexible material configured to wrap around a central longitudinal portion and radially extending arms, such that a lower edge of the flexible material is positioned near a lower portion of the radially extending arms and when wrapped around the structure, a portion of the radially extending arms is pushed toward the central longitudinal portion of the structure and two side edges of the flexible material are proximate one another. The device fastens around the structure and is configured to secure the radially extending arms against the central longitudinal portion of the structure and to reinforce the central longitudinal portion of the structure thereby protecting the structure against wind damage.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to isolate at least a part of a plant from passage of things or materials of certain size or characteristics. In one aspect, a shroud or sock (10) of material can be removably placed over at least a part of the plant (3) with a releasable closure (13). The material is highly permeable to air and moisture and is substantially light transmissive. However, it has a pore size which blocks the undesirable materials or things (e.g., pollen or insects). The material can have a relatively light weight so that it can be optionally suspended by the plant (3) without significant effect on the growth or health of the plant. The material can have substantial tensile strength to resist deformation, tearing, or puncture during normal handling or in moderate to high winds. It can be utilized to provide a barrier over a part of a plant, substantially an entire plant, or a plurality of plants.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a pre-selected design on an outer surface of a pre-selected piece of fruit by a natural ripening process. The apparatus includes at least one sticker having a predetermined design. The at least one sticker is engageable with and attachable to such outer surface of such pre-selected fruit prior to such pre-selected fruit ripening. The at least one sticker prevents an area covered thereby from changing color as such pre-selected fruit ripens and a remaining outer surface thereof does change color.

Abstract: An apparatus and method cultivate trees by preventing freezing and frost damage and inhibiting root stalk sprouts. The apparatus is a frustoconical cover that rests on the ground to cover the root ball of the tree. The stalk and leaves are extended from a hole in the frustum. Water such as mist is injectable within the cover to prevent cold and frost damage.

Abstract: A weed inhibitor and weed barrier securing base having an aperture for earth working, and reusable aperture cover which may be removably affixed to the base. Anchors, removably affixed to the base, secure the base to both underlying soil and weed barrier. Further weed barrier securement is provided by additional short posts which protrude through the weed barrier from the base. When in place, the removable aperture cover inhibits plant growth in the area where the weed inhibitor is disposed as a useful weed inhibitor in areas not designated for plant growth. Removal of the aperture cover permits earth working and plant growth within the aperture.

Abstract: The belowground tree anchoring apparatus (10) includes a blanket (12), a plurality of stakes (16), and a plurality of ties (14). The blanket (12) fits over the root ball (B) at the base of the trunk (R) of the tree (T) and has a center opening and an elongated, radial slit (22) for facilitating this arrangement. The blanket (12) has a plurality of peripheral tie attachment holes, which may be reinforced with grommets. The stakes (16) are driven into the planting hole (H) at the bottom of the hole (H), and each stake (16) is connected to the blanket by a tie (14), and each tie (14) is attached to the blanket (12) at one of the peripheral grommets. When the ties (14) are fully tensioned, the blanket (12) holds the root ball (B) tightly to the ground.

Abstract: A method for protecting trees or plants from consumption or damage by animals constitutes the use of sharp and physically agitating material over the trees or plants. In one example of the invention a sharp object like barbed wire is used to wrap around the plant where it is vulnerable.

Abstract: An apparatus to promote plant growth in vast desert areas is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a blocking plate pivotally jointed to at least two support posts. The blocking plate is operated by an electrical motor to turn wheels secured to a rotary rod to extend or pull back cables connecting the blocking plate and the wheels in order to swing the blocking plate between an approximately horizontal position and one or two approximately vertical positions in order to protect the plants underneath and promote plant growth. The apparatus can include a solar cell layer in the blocking plate, or attach a wind turbine at the top of one of the support posts to generate electrical energy from the extreme desert sunlight and windstorm. Further, rain gutters can be formed onto the blocking plate to collect and distribute rainwater.

Abstract: A method of controlling noxious weeds comprising removing the noxious weed, encouraging the germination of the seed remaining after removal of the plant, covering the area containing the seed until the seed germinates into a seedling, allowing the seedling to die under the cover then removing the cover either physically or by incorporating it into the soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an agricultural use of a breathable polyolefin film (1), filled with CaCO3 and/or MgO-based fillers, having a water vapor permeability, based on ASTM D 6701-01 standards, of at least 500 g/m2 H2O/24 h and having an air permeability, based on ATICELCA MC 19-74 and TAPPI T 460 om-88 standards, below 100 min/cc of air, and having an average basis weight of 10 to 60 g/m2.

Abstract: A method of desert environmental control using the apparatus as disclosed herein that can be installed in huge expanse of desert area, evenly spaced in a square matrix type formation, forming a protective layer against sunlight, and turning the sun's natural energy into electrical power by the solar panel or photo-voltaic cells that can be placed upon the shade panel as disclosed herein, creating a friendly environment that promotes plants growth and thus turning arid desert land into human friendly land at a cost lower than other current systems.

Abstract: A method and device are described for protecting structures having a central longitudinal portion and radially extending arms, including plants such as palm trees from wind damage. The device may be positioned around a structure and includes a flexible material configured to wrap around a central longitudinal portion and radially extending arms, such that a lower edge of the flexible material is positioned near a lower portion of the radially extending arms and when wrapped around the structure, a portion of the radially extending arms is pushed toward the central longitudinal portion of the structure and two side edges of the flexible material are proximate one another. The device fastens around the structure and is configured to secure the radially extending arms against the central longitudinal portion of the structure and to reinforce the central longitudinal portion of the structure thereby protecting the structure against wind damage.

Abstract: A weed control system has an opaque portion and a growth promoting portion. The opaque portion blocks passage of light therethrough and blocks passage of seedlings growing from weed seeds in a ground region. The growth promoting portion is adapted to be disposed between the opaque portion of the system and the ground region. The growth promoting portion promotes germination of the weed seeds and the resulting weed seedlings die as the opaque portion prevents any light from reaching the seedlings.

Abstract: The soil mulching process, includes the following stages: mixing together at least two liquid starting substances able to react together to give rise, within a determined time period, to an inert solid final substance while still in the liquid state, pouring the obtained mixture onto the soil surface in a quantity such as to obtain on the soil surface, when the reaction between the components is complete, a layer of the solid substance of a thickness which prevents light passage through it.

Abstract: A method of cultivating a plant is disclosed which meets certain aesthetic and other requirements. A plant (8) is stripped of any unwanted growth from its stem (9) leaving the upper foliage (10) in place. The thus stripped stem (9) is then passed through the full length slot (2) of a first sleeve (1) to retain the stem (9) within the sleeve (1). A hollow frusto-conical retainer (3) is then positioned with its smaller end in communication with the upper end of the sleeve (1), the upper foliage (10) being passed through a slot (4) to be encapsulated within the retainer (3). The retainer (3) is then rotated to misalign the respective slots (2), (4). The sleeve (1) and retainer (3) are then moved upwards until the upper foliage (10) is also encapsulated within the first sleeve (1). The retainer (3) is then removed and a wire (11) is attached to the upper end of the sleeve (1). A second sleeve (5) is then slid over the wire (11) and first sleeve (1).

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel method for growing plants, including shade plants and sun plants. According to the invented method, plants are provided with light that includes indirect light and direct light, the ratio therebetween is greater than in natural light, at least in the PAR region. Such light may be provided to the plants by growing them under suitable shade nets. Such nets are typically translucent.