Abstract: A fertilizer spike is insertable into soil utilizing a tool having prongs. The fertilizer spike comprises a fertilizer body comprised of fertilizer material having a base end with an outer surface that converges toward a tip end, in which at least two channels are formed into the fertilizer body, for receiving the prongs of the tool. The fertilizer spike is also provided with a soil abutment surface that is adapted to hold the fertilizer spike in the soil when the tool is pulled away from the fertilizer spike. The prongs release the fertilizer spike as the tool is withdrawn.

Abstract: An irrigation system is provided in accordance with the present invention. The irrigation system is configured to distribute an irrigation fluid into a soil. The irrigation system comprising a first layer having a first aperture and a second layer that is secured to the first layer to form a fluid cavity for receiving the irrigation fluid. The second layer has a second aperture that is aligned with the first aperture to form a soil aperture, which is configured to pass at least a portion of the soil. The irrigation system also comprises a fluid distributor formed between the first layer and the second layer. The fluid distributor is configured to emit the irrigation fluid contained in the fluid cavity into the soil aperture such that that the irrigation fluid is distributed into the soil.

Abstract: A system and method that provides for injection control of a liquid additive in a liquid dispensation system. Included as part of the system is a controller device configured to generate one set of control signals for initiating and terminating liquid dispensation to one or more areas while simultaneously generating at least one second control signal which controls the injection rate of a liquid additive to the liquid being dispense. The liquid dispensation rate may be controlled according to a number of criteria, which are received from an external source from the controller or retrieved from an internal memory. The system may be further configured such that the dispensation rate is modified according to a detected condition.

Abstract: A plant watering device for use in a growing medium comprises: a base with an open top liquid receiving section and a discharge inlet aperture located therein. A medium engaging section is connected to the base and has a discharge outlet aperture in communication with the discharge inlet aperture. A container with a discharge spout has an amount of a liquid contained therein and fittingly mounts on the base to position the spout into the liquid receiving section. A wick component is mounted in the liquid receiver section to receive the liquid from the container and extends between the discharge inlet aperture and the discharge outlet aperture to automatically deliver the liquid to the discharge outlet aperture and into the growth medium at a controlled rate.

Abstract: The invention is an apparatus and method for irrigating a tree or plant with fluids. The apparatus comprises of a pipe whose one end is attached to one end of an on/off stopper. The other end of the stopper is attached to the bottom of a cylindrical shaped section of a container. The container also includes a wedge shaped section with a slot running along one edge. The container and pipe are attached to the tree or plant using two or more attaching devices, which could be double sided Velcro® strips or plastic ties looped through the slot. The pipe could be a transparent bendable plastic pipe, an opaque rigid plastic pipe, or a bendable plastic pipe within a pipe made of a plurality of rigid pieces that telescope within each other. The pipe, stopper, and container can be made of plastic, PVC, metal, or similar material.

Abstract: A watering device comprises a watering container, a cap, a control knob, and an air tube. The cap is fastened with the water container such that an air inlet of the cap and a channel of a tapered projection of the cap are in communication with the hollow interior of the water container. The tapered projection of the cap is provided with at least one water discharging hole in communication with the air inlet of the cap. The control knob is rotatably fastened with an outer end of the air inlet such that the control knob can be turned to block the air inlet. The air tube is fastened at one end with an inner end of the air inlet such that other end of the air tube is extended into the hollow interior of the water container.

Abstract: Apparatus for cultivating plants comprises a vessel (15) for receiving a plant cultivating medium (10), the vessel wall having a number of apertures (30) which are substantially covered over by a water-permeable polymer (35) which controls introduction of aqueous media (25) into the vessel (15). The vessel (15) and polymer (35) sit in a reservoir (20) for the aqueous media (25). The polymer (35) may be water-swellable and may be a hydrogel and preferably is in the form of a film, membrane, layer or sheet having a thickness in the range 0.001 mm to 5.0 mm. The polymer (35) supports transport of the aqueous media (25) through the thickness of the polymer (35) by diffusion so that entry of aqueous media (25) into the vessel (15) by hydraulic or capillary flow is prevented. The diffusion rate is self-controlled by the plant species.

Abstract: Pervaporation device for the desalination of salt water comprising a channel or cavity for holding or transporting salt water and a liquid-water-impermeable, water-vapour-permeable non-porous membrane, which is made of a copolyether amide wherein the polyether and (poly)amide segments are linked via amide bridges.

Abstract: A tree watering device suitable for indicating the level of water pooled near the trunk of the tree for hydrating purposes. In one embodiment, the device comprises a hollow conduit with a perforated end cap on one end and a funnel on the other. The device also comprises a float positioned within the conduit and a rod attached to the float. The float rises and falls within the conduit as the level of the water pooled near the trunk rises and falls. As a result of the float's movement, the rod rises and falls, thereby indicating the level of water hydrating the tree. Due to the length of the device, a user may fill it without excessive bending or reaching, and the funnel inhibits spillage of water when filling the device. Also, the end cap inhibits clogging of the device.

Abstract: A method of deflowering hardwood trees (dicots) comprises the steps of evaluating the physiological maturity of male and female flowers of a dicot, and injecting a solution containing synthetic indolebutyric acid (IBA) into vascular tissue of the tree when male and female flowers approach physiological maturity at or prior to fertilization. In accordance with a preferred method, the injected solution is about 4% synthetic IBA in water, and five milliliters of the solution is injected into the vascular tissue through each of a plurality of injection holes bored at spaced intervals about the circumference of the trunk of the dicot. The method causes delayed shedding of staminate flowers and early abortion or suppression of pistillate flowers, thereby preventing the development of fruit heads and the production of seed known to be a nuisance.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an irrigation device and irrigation system. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a weep or tear type irrigation device and irrigation system.

Abstract: A packaging for flower nutrients or flower food substrate. Said packaging is designed like a stick (1), to be used as a stirring device to dissolve its content in water for cut flowers kept in a vase. The dissolution of said nutrients is by use of said device forcefully enhanced in order to extend vase life-length of the flowers.

Abstract: A method for spraying a liquid on plants by means of a spraying assembly adapted for mounting on a pair of upper and lower wires parallel to each other. The spraying assembly comprises a sprayer having at least one nozzle adapted for fluid communication with a source of the liquid, and a sprayer holder. The sprayer holder comprises a rigid rod and upper and lower holder members mounted on the rod and having clamping means for being clamped to the respective upper and lower wires. One of the holder members has a sprayer seat for fixedly supporting the sprayer in a predetermined orientation relative to the rod.

Abstract: The use of dilute aqueous water-soluble fertilizer compositions are disclosed to enhance the rewetting of water, uniformity and nutrient retention characteristics of initially untreated plant culture media and soil.

Abstract: A watering tube 10 300-400 mm long is insertable at the drip line of a shrub by mounting the tube on the leading end of a driver. The driver and tube are driven into the ground using a sinking hammer 16. The tube has an internal wall taper to permit easy separation of the driver from the tube 10 after sinking.

Abstract: A drip irrigation system is disclosed for delivering an irrigation fluid from an irrigation fluid supply source to one or more plants and includes at least one pressure regulation device in fluid communication with the irrigation fluid supply source, at least one fluid delivery device coupled in fluid communication to the pressure regulation device, and a weighted emitter coupled in fluid communication to the fluid delivery device.

Abstract: A method of draining moisture from a soil includes steps of providing a first surface in contact with the soil, wherein the first surface is permeable and non-absorbent; providing a plurality of granules in contact with the first surface, wherein the plurality of granules is permeable and non-absorbent; and providing a second surface in contact with the plurality of granules, wherein the second surface is permeable and non-absorbent. The method includes dispersing the moisture via the first surface, the granules, and the second surface, distributing the moisture via the first surface, the granules, and the second surface, and draining the moisture via the first surface, the granules, and the second surface. The dispersing, distibuting and draining are caused by gravitational and capillary effect. The method is performed by a potting insert. The potting insert is located in a potting container, below soil in the container.

Abstract: A method for in-season fertilizer nitrogen application based on predicted yield potential and a nutrient response index. The inventive method includes the steps of: determining a nutrient response index for a field; determining the normalized difference vegetation index of an area to fertilize; determining a predicted crop yield for the area; determining an attainable crop yield for the area; determining nitrogen uptake for the vegetation within the area; and determining the amount of fertilizer nitrogen required by said vegetation. In one embodiment, the normalized difference vegetation index is determined by scanning an area to fertilize with a spectral reflectance sensor which provides reflectance values for red light and near infrared light. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is defined by: NDVI=(NIR−red)/(NIR+red) where “NIR” is the reflectance value for near infrared light and “red” is the reflectance value for red light.

Abstract: A plant watering system comprises a base. The base has a periphery. The base also has a central hole. A slot is provided between the central hole and the periphery. The base has an interior wall. The interior wall extends upwardly from the base at the central hole. The base also has an exterior wall. The exterior wall extends upwardly from the base at the periphery. A pair of walls extend upwardly from the base on both sides of the slot. A small supplemental hole extends through the base at a position diametrically opposite from the slot. A pipe has a top portion coupled to the supplemental hole. The pipe also has a bottom portion. The bottom portion extends downwardly from the top portion. In addition, the pipe has apertures. The apertures facilitate the dispensing of water from the container to the pipe.

Abstract: A plant watering device (10) having user-selectable water delivery apertures (18). The plant watering device comprises a dispenser (22) for insertion into a soil (12) surrounding a plant (16). The dispenser is divided into a plurality of zones (28, 30, 32) and defines a chamber (26) for receiving water from a reservoir (46) defined by a container (48) engagable with the dispenser via a receiver (50). Each zone corresponds to a particular type of soil with which the plant watering device may be used and contains a plurality of the apertures. Each aperture includes a removable seal that allows a user to selectively activate that aperture. To use the plant watering device, a user determines the type of soil with which the device will be used and then removes at least one of the removable seals from the apertures within the zone most closely corresponding to the soil type determined by the user.

Abstract: An irrigation spray device has a substantially cylindrical peg for insertion into a water supply tube. A longitudinal water supply groove extends along the peg, with a water deflecting plate at one end of the groove for deflecting water traveling downwardly along the groove into an outwardly directed spray. The water deflecting plate has a smooth, convex curved or part-conical shape for forming a smooth, continuous, cone-shaped spray. The supply groove may be U-shaped for improved uniformity.

Abstract: A flowerpot includes a shoulder adapted to be formed on an inner periphery of the second pot and a watering system provided to be received in the second pot and supported by the shoulder of the second pot. The watering system has channels to communicate an inside of the watering system with the inside of the second pot and a passage defined inside the watering system for receiving therein the nozzle of the pump. When the water is pumped out of the first pot by the pump via the bellow, the water is pumped inside the watering system and after the water inside the watering system is full, the water spills out of the watering system from the channels of the watering system to evenly water the plant in the second pot.

Abstract: A watering device comprises a watering container, a cap, a control knob, and an air tube. The cap is fastened with the water container such that an air inlet of the cap and a channel of a tapered projection of the cap are in communication with the hollow interior of the water container. The tapered projection of the cap is provided with at least one water discharging hole in communication with the air inlet of the cap. The control knob is rotatably fastened with an outer end of the air inlet such that the control knob can be turned to block the air inlet. The air tube is fastened at one end with an inner end of the air inlet such that other end of the air tube is extended into the hollow interior of the water container.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable aerating root pruner (IARP) formed from a pair of thin walled substantially identical rigid sheet members which are dismountably fitted together to form a stake-like conduit each of which sheet members has a plurality of apertures therein which creates a grate-like structure with a high ratio of total open area to total surface area, one end of each of which is tapered to form, when the sheet members are fitted together to form the IARP, an edge or point which facilitates insertion of the IARP into planting medium and the end portion of the other end of each thereof lacks the apertures and is adapted to project above the surface of the planting medium. The sheet members can be flat separate elements which form a box-like conduit or semi-cylindrical and joined together by hinges and which form a cylindrical conduit.

Abstract: A deep root watering unit is provided for improved irrigation and aeration of tree roots and the like, particularly with respect to trees planted in non-native or hostile environments such as planters, tree wells in paved areas, clay soils and arid climates. The root watering unit includes a porous sleeve extending downwardly from an upper atrium housing, wherein the watering unit is adapted for in-ground installation adjacent to tree roots or the like. The atrium housing defines a hollow atrium chamber equipped with internal support members for mounting different types of irrigation water dispensing devices, such as a bubbler head or emitter device, for delivering irrigation water downwardly into the porous sleeve and further there through to the adjacent plant roots. A cap grate is removably mounted over the top of the atrium housing to accommodate access to the atrium chamber and the selected water dispensing device mounted therein.

Abstract: A process for determining the health of crops in a field and for correcting deficiencies in the health of the crops is disclosed. The process includes georeferencing aerial photographs of at least a portion of the field, the aerial photographs having a particular spatial resolution; determining the green plane in the aerial photographs thus taken; preparing a relative greenness map of the field based upon the nitrogen reference area, the relative greenness map providing crop status information having spatial resolution equivalent to the spatial resolution of the aerial photographs; converting the relative greenness map to a nitrogen recommendation map having spatial resolution equivalent to the spatial resolution of the photographs; and applying nitrogen to the field according to the nitrogen recommendation map, whereby the nitrogen is applied to the field without loss of spatial information. A process for treating crops is also disclosed.

Abstract: An irrigation/fertilization filter apparatus for continuously supplying liquid to plants and trees, which comprises a reservoir for containing the liquid having a single exit aperture on its bottom; a cover releasably fitted to the reservoir, which may be adapted with a hose attachment for connection to an external water source; an inlet control for regulating the amount of liquid entering the reservoir; and an outlet control for regulating the rate at which liquid exits the reservoir. The outlet control is situated within the reservoir and consists of a layer of particulate matter, a durable primary filter member, and a porous support, which sits directly on the reservoir's bottom.

Abstract: A unitary device for securing the root ball of newly planted trees and/or shrubs into proper position, for stabilizing the trees and/or shrubs to prevent shifting or toppling while the tree and/or shrub root systems are first developing. The device includes a horizontal cross member, and a couple of prongs perpendicularly depending from the horizontal cross member, all formed from a single piece of rod or tubing material. At the time of planting, after the root ball of the tree is set into an appropriate hole and the tree is in proper position, the free ends of the prongs of the device are driven into the ground such that the outer prong is retained in the firm portion of the soil, and the inner prong engages the root ball. The outer prong is of a sufficient length to be held securely in the soil, and the inner prong is both arranged in position and sized in length to engage the root ball securely.

Abstract: An underground root cultivating irrigating device by siphon principle is disclosed. The device is embedded underground. The device comprises a vacuum water tank, a switch, and a water supply tank and other components. The level of inlet water is controlled by the buoyancy of a lifting pontoon. By the punching force of a collision pontoon, the opening and closing of a switch stud so that water may be supplied automatically. By the siphon principle of atmosphere, water supplies to the water supply tank is controlled automatically. Then, according to the wetness of earth, the drainage speed of water is adjusted, so that the irrigating is performed with less power and time.

Abstract: An irrigation device is provided, the device comprising a container for water consisting of a plurality of surfaces, each surface substantially being either a hydrophilic membrane or impervious to water in all forms, and wherein at least one of the surfaces is substantially a hydrophilic membrane and at least one of the surfaces is substantially impervious to water in all forms.

Abstract: Solid surfactant-impregnated, water-soluble fertilizer compositions are disclosed together with aqueous concentrates made therefrom. The use of dilute aqueous compositions made from said concentrates to enhance the rewetting of water uniformity and nutrient retention characteristics of initially untreated plant culture media is also disclosed. The fertilizer composition solids are friable and are composed of from 65 to 99 weight percent water-soluble fertilizer; and from 1 to 35 weight percent of a surfactant system comprising water-soluble nonionic surfactant and alkyl polyglycoside in a weight ratio of from less than 2:1 to 1:5. When these solid compositions are dissolved in water to form concentrates having from 20 to 50 weight percent fertilizer, the concentrates are both single phased and extremely stable.

Abstract: An irrigation/fertilization filter apparatus for continuously supplying liquid to plants and trees, which comprises a reservoir for containing the liquid having a single exit aperture on its bottom; a cover releasably fitted to the reservoir, which may be adapted with a hose attachment means for connection to an external water source; an inlet control means for regulating the amount of liquid entering the reservoir; and an outlet control means for regulating the rate at which liquid exits the reservoir. The outlet control means is situated within the reservoir and consists of a layer of particulate matter, a durable primary filter member, and a porous support, which sits directly on the reservoir 's bottom.

Abstract: A root-level plant watering and feeding device has a hollow annular liquid dispersion member that circumscribes a center opening of sufficient size to completely encircle a buried root system of a plant and an elongate hollow tubular fill tube connected with the dispersion member which has an upper portion extending upwardly therefrom terminating in an open top end. A removable cap encloses the open top end. The dispersion member has an upper and lower row of longitudinally spaced perforations through its side wall that face toward the center opening. The dispersion member is positioned underground in a substantially horizontal plane with its center opening completely encircling the buried root system in radially spaced relation with the fill tube extending upwardly therefrom and its open top end disposed above the ground surface.

Abstract: An automatic houseplant watering apparatus for homes and offices to work with existing planter and decorative containers without modification, comprising a programmable timer, a water reservoir, a micro submersible pump, a connecting tube, a soaker line, multiple anchoring stakes, and a siphon tube. The watering schedule can be programmed for any day of the week, any time of the day, and any duration of watering. The water reservoir can be refilled periodically without changing the watering schedule. The siphon can be used to connect an auxiliary water tank to the water reservoir for several months of extended vacation.

Abstract: An irrigation system for a potted plant in which a reservoir is mounted onto the upper lip of the pot. The reservoir communicates a slow feed of water into the pot to provide water to the plant through a wick mechanism which slowly drains the reservoir into the pot. The preferred embodiment is a single round reservoir that fits around the entire rim of the planter. Other embodiments of the invention provide for a segmented reservoir which also extends around the entire rim and which uses multiple reservoirs which are “snapped” or otherwise secured to each other to form a ring.

Abstract: A novel device, system and method for promoting the growth, development and harvest of desired plants while suppressing the growth of weeds is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a tapered container with an opening at the upper, wider end of the device and an opening at the lower, narrower end of the device. The device also has one or more openings along the surface of the device between the upper end and the lower end. In an exemplary embodiment of the method, a bag of growing medium is placed over the ground and a device is inserted into the bag so that the lower end penetrates both sides of the bag and enters the ground below and the opening at the lower end communicates with the ground. The opening at the upper end of the device should be at or above the upper surface of the bag and at least one or more openings in on the surface of the device should be in communication with the growing medium contained within the bag.

Abstract: A fluid injection apparatus and associated method for supplying a pressurized fluid to a permeable portion of a tree. A fluid injection apparatus comprising a receptacle engageable with the tree forms a chamber around the permeable portion of the tree. A reservoir supplies fluid to a pump which selectively transfers the fluid from the reservoir to the chamber, pressurizing the fluid in the chamber. A tree stand comprising a tree clamp and supporting legs can comprise the fluid injection apparatus. The apparatus enables the method of supplying a pressurized fluid to the permeable portion of a tree comprising: providing a fluid-retaining chamber around a permeable portion of the tree; providing a reservoir containing a supply of the fluid; and selectively pumping the fluid from the reservoir to pressurize the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mulch having a preprogrammed biodegradability comprising at least two different layers of biodegradable polymer coated onto a sheet of a cellulosic material, one of these layers being a layer of polylactide. The mulch is particularly useful to control weeds in agriculture, horticulture, and forestry industries. The biodegradability of the mulch can further be preprogrammed according to the type of soil, the climatological zone, and the specific applications wherefore it is intended to be used. The present invention is also directed to methods for preparing and using the multilayer coated mulch.

Abstract: A resource conservation method, including commodity market exchanges in furtherance thereof, is provided. Carbon dioxide is acquired from at least one carbon dioxide source for recycling the carbon dioxide. Valuable consideration is received for the acquisition of the carbon dioxide, with carbon dioxide provided, for valuable consideration, from a supply of the acquired carbon dioxide to growing plants for adsorption thereby in furtherance of photosynthesis. Water generally consumed by the growing plants is reduced and thus conserved, whereby financial incentives motivate carbon dioxide recycling and water conservation, thereby bringing arid land into productive use.

Abstract: A combination support and irrigator for a planting having an upwardly extending trunk is disclosed. The device includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end and defining an interior chamber. The lower end is adapted to be positioned on a ground support surface while an opening at the upper end of the housing is dimensioned to circumscribe the trunk of the planting and limit the deflection of the trunk. A plurality of stakes extend downwardly from a lower end of the housing and are adapted for insertion into the ground support surface. At least one of the stakes includes a fluid passage extending between a distal end of the stake and the interior chamber of the housing so that a liquid contained within the housing flows from the housing chamber, through the stake and into the ground support surface.

Abstract: A hanging planter includes a bowl-like lower portion and a ring-like upper portion, with the upper portion nesting within the rim of the lower portion to provide a plant holding assembly. The upper edge of the lower portion and lower edge of the upper portion are crenelated, with the mating edges defining a series of plant growth openings therethrough when the two components are assembled. The crenelations are preferably of variable depths in each section, to define at least two different levels of plant growth openings through the sides of the assembly, with the upper edge of the upper portion defining a third plant growth opening for the device. Plants are selected according to their growth habits, with trailing plants being placed low in the planter, long flowering plants being placed at an intermediate level, and more upright plants being placed atop the others. The result is an essentially unbroken array of plant life covering the present planter, after the plants have grown out.

Abstract: An irrigation apparatus is disclosed herein which comprises: a tubular injector having an outwardly and radially extending peripheral shoulder, an upper portion extending above the shoulder to an upper inlet, and a lower portion having a plurality of outlet holes and extending below the shoulder to a lower end so that at least a lowermost section of the lower portion is tapered; and a reservoir having an open top and a substantially closed bottom with an opening sized to exteriorly and removably mate with the upper portion of the tubular injector.

Abstract: A herbicide applicator is in the form of an extended tube with a bell on the bottom to restrict the spray of herbicides. The tube includes a pump at the bottom which is connected to a nozzle within the bell. The pump is operated by a rod extending to the top of the tube. The rod is spring biased in a down position. The pump is operated by lifting the rod at the top and releasing the rod. The spring in the pump forces a measured amount of herbicide upon the release.

Abstract: A pot body is mounted in a transparent water container and defining a first water chamber on the inside and a second water chamber on the outside, a soil holder is mounted in the pot body above the first water chamber to hold soil for growing plants, and a flexible tube is connected to a bottom through hole of the pot body and controlled by a float to close/open a split on it subject to the level of water in the first water chamber, enabling water to flow from the second water chamber to the first water chamber for plants growing in soil in the soil holder when the water in the second water chamber drops below a lower limit level.

Abstract: A method and system to facilitate deep phytoremediation by planting a tree deeper than is traditionally done and then supplying at such depths the air; water; nutrients; and, optionally, the gaseous exchange needed for the development of root systems. Either forced air or the germination and growth of mycorrhizae spores not creates, in compacted soil, macro pores through which root hair can pass. The trunk of the tree can optionally be coated with either vitamin B1 or mycorrhizae spores or a combination of these substances to encourage root growth even further. To prevent water from flowing to the bottom of the hole in which the tree has been planted and air from flowing to the top of such hole, clay layers are optionally used to separate different areas where root growth is desired. Conversely, to preclude root growth in areas where such growth is not desired, either the trunk of the tree is wrapped, in such areas, with a material that is impervious to roots or such areas are backfilled with gravel.

Abstract: Unique methods for improving growth and maintenance of warm and cool season grasses are provided by treatment with prescribed irrigation solutions to improve water penetration and to increase soil oxygen, while, at the same time reducing water usage and inhibiting pathogens. In a presently preferred embodiment, the inventive method comprises the steps of producing a gaseous mixture of negatively charged ionized air including from about 50 parts per million to about 4,000 parts per million ozone, from about 1,000 parts per million to 20,000 parts per million oxygen ions, and from 2,000 to about 50,000 parts per million nitrogen oxides from ambient air; effecting direct contact between the ionized air gaseous mixture and a supply of water by means of a submicron injector to produce a substantially dissolved gaseous solution for irrigation of a wide variety of warm and cool season grasses.

Abstract: A substance dispensing conserver includes a container with an outer cover non-permeable to water flow over a period of time, but ultimately the cover is biodegradable. Within the interior of the container, the substance to be dispensed is provided, with a diffusion member for enabling the substance to leach or diffuse out of the container.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing device, includes a container for holding a supply of a liquid to be dispensed; a liquid feed tube having one end exposed to the interior of one end of the container for feeding liquid by gravity through the opposite end of the liquid feed tube when the container is inverted with the one end of the container facing downwardly and the opposite end of the liquid feed tube located at a lower elevation than the level of the liquid in the container; an air inlet leading from the atmosphere into the interior of the one end of the container so as to be immersed by the liquid therein when the container is filled with a liquid and inverted; and an air inlet control device effective, when the container is inverted, to block the outflow of liquid from the interior of the container via the air inlet, but to permit atmospheric air to enter, via the air inlet into the interior of the container at a very slow rate and to bubble through the liquid within the container, whereby dispensing of the liquid from

Abstract: A Christmas tree watering apparatus which allows the tree to be watered without crawling under the tree. The apparatus includes a funnel, an upspout, two lengths of pipe, and a downspout, all supported by a stand which rests on the floor and has a loop which fits around one of the pipes to hold the apparatus in position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a subirrigation system designed for deployment within an absorbent soil medium beneath one or more plants. The system comprises one or more reservoirs that may be partially filled with an irrigating liquid. The top of each reservoir has a plurality of holes to allow for drainage and air exchange and at least one trough, which extends down into the reservoir. The trough floor has a plurality of holes so that irrigating liquid in the reservoir may pass into the absorbent soil medium which fills the trough and upward by capillary movement to the roots. Systems for linking, automating and controlling the subirrigation process are disclosed.