Abstract: A container liner comprising a backing, a porous covering, a seed carrier interposed between the backing and the covering, and a plurality of seeds embedded in the seed carrier such that upon germination the seeds will sprout through the porous covering to form a soft, natural, protective cushion for objects, such as candies or Easter eggs. The container liner is sufficiently flexible so that the container liner can be easily manipulated to substantially conform to the interior contour of a container, such as a decorative basket.

Abstract: To realize a root-preventing sheet with outstanding shape maintaining properties while being thin and light that even when affixed has no wrinkles, is difficult to tear, has excellent applicability, durability and adhesiveness and demonstrates definite root-preventing effects at low cost.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a composite article including at least one seed for planting and a method of forming the composite article. The composite article includes a substrate element and a cover element spaced from the substrate element. An adhesive layer is disposed between the substrate element and the cover element for coupling the substrate element and the cover element to one another. The composite article further includes at least one seed abutting the adhesive layer and disposed between the substrate element and the cover element. The cover element is configured to be separated from the adhesive layer for exposing at least a portion of the seed. The present disclosure also provides a method of forming the composite article and a method of planting the seed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a seed sticker for seeding and planting flowers or sprouts easily and quickly in a small vessel such as a pot at home or in a flower garden and a manufacturing method thereof. The present invention is characterized by a seed sticker inside of which a seed is enshrined comprising: a transfer paper 10 wherein a coating layer 11 is formed on the surface of the transfer paper; an adhesive layer 20 which is formed on the surface of the coating layer 11; a seed pellet 30 which is enshrined on the surface of the adhesive layer 20; a red clay soil sheet 40 which is accumulated over the upper part of the seed pellet 30; and a polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) sheet which is accumulated over the upper part of the red clay soil sheet 40 and covers both the seed pellet and the red clay soil sheet and the edge of which is bonded to the adhesive layer 30. It is possible to cultivate a desired kind of plant into desired forms by producing the seeds in a sticker form as disclosed above.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of propagating, and an article useful in association with, or produced by, the method of propagating. Plants are produced in mats by steps including: providing a bottom net made of a material that is pervious to moisture, positioning a sheet of a fabric, depositing a layer of planting medium on said fabric, spreading viable wildflower seed over said medium, moistening said medium and said seeds, germinating seeds in the medium, such that roots of seedlings from said seeds intermesh with the fabric forming a sod mat; wherein the bottom net is sufficiently pervious to permit essentially unimpeded root contact with earth below the bottom net.

Abstract: A seed label including a label layer removably attached to a clear film layer by an adhesive layer, and at least one seed disposed between the label layer and clear film layer. The label layer may be made of a biodegradable material. The adhesive layer may be a dry release-clean release adhesive layer. The label layer may include water-based ink printing thereon. The adhesive layer may be a water-based adhesive. The seed label may be removably affixed to a package. The seed label may be disposable in a container for germinating the seeds. A method of manufacturing a seed label, includes providing a label layer, automatically placing at least one seed on one side of the label layer, and automatically attaching the label layer to a clear film layer by an adhesive layer, with the seed disposed between the label layer and clear film layer.

Abstract: A germinating unit (1) includes at least one seed (3) as well as additives. The germinating unit includes a carrier material (2) penetrable by a root tip (4) and/or a sprout (5) extending from the seed. The carrier material (2) can fix the orientation of the seed. Several germinating units can be joined to form a seed tape (6). The seed tape includes a longitudinal tissue (7). The carrier material portions (2a, 2b, 2c) cover or include their respective seed(s) (3a, 3b, 3c). When the seed(s) have been inserted in the carrier material through a cut in said carrier material or through insertion of a tube therein, said seed(s) maintain(s) its/their position relative to the germinating unit because said carrier material squeezes about or retains said seed(s).

Abstract: A seed tape comprising an elongated pliable strip of paper material having seeds positioned thereon with fertilizer positioned therebetween or adjacent thereto. In the preferred embodiment, insecticide is also provided on the seed tape. The spacing and type of seeds on the strip is dependent on the location in a field where the strip will be planted. The type and amount of fertilizer is also positioned on the strip dependent upon the location in the field where that particular portion of the strip will be planted.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for coating the surface of substrates such as a sheet, film, foam, fiber, etc., with a curable liquid resin or solution of curable resin, then in one embodiment, stably attaching a superabsorbent polymeric powder to such resin, and then curing the resin to form a coated superabsorbent product. Such substrates may include polymeric materials. Other process embodiments utilizing curable and thermoplastic resinous powders may be used instead of curable liquid resins and resulting products are included in the invention. The coated product may be utilized for water and nutrient retention in combination with irrigation, erosion control, to direct plant root growth, and to clean up standing water and petroleum spills.

Abstract: A device and method for growing vegetation. The device and method can be used for repairing a divot in a grass lawn. The device includes a packet having a water-soluble film surface that contains a mixture of soil and seeds. An example device includes a water-containing device in the packet. When the packet is placed on the ground, such as the divot, and subjected to water, the film dissolves so that the mixture comes into contact with the ground and the seeds can begin to germinate and grow.

Abstract: A container liner comprising a backing, a porous covering, a seed carrier interposed between the backing and the covering, and a plurality of seeds embedded in the seed carrier such that upon germination the seeds will sprout through the porous covering to form a soft, natural, protective cushion for objects, such as candies or Easter eggs. The container liner is sufficiently flexible so that the container liner can be easily manipulated to substantially conform to the interior contour of the container.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to packaging materials for packaging articles. The packaging materials may include a substratum with a printed pattern disposed thereon that provides a grass-like appearance, and/or the packaging materials may include a plurality of individual strips, strands, or units of material bondably connected thereto.

Abstract: Disclosed are bicomponent fibers with aliphatic polyester forming a first component and a polyolefin forming a second component wherein the polyolefin contains an adjuvant improving the biodegradability of said polyolefin. Textile sheets comprising these bicomponent fibers are comparable in their mechanical properties to polyolefin based textile sheets while these are more efficiently decomposed by the action of microorganisms as polyolefin based textile sheets.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for replacing the individual receivers used with a seismic interferometry process with an array of seismic receivers and then manipulating the array data in order to measure and modify the typical non-uniform directionality function of the background seismic energy. The non-uniform directionality function is a significant cause of noise with seismic interferometry. Furthermore, the array of receivers may be used to significantly enhance the preferred reflection energy and damp undesirable near surface energy. The directionality function may be modified by using an array of receivers for the virtual source location of seismic interferometry to measure the non-uniform directionality function, generating multiplication factors, and applying the multiplication factors to convert the measured directionality function into a desired directionality function.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatic positioning and/or orientation of an object. The method includes applying a substance or component to an object, or takes advantage of a substance or component already on or associated with an object. The substance or component has a characteristic that can be utilized to automatically attract the substance or component. That characteristic is used to position, move, and/or orient the object automatically, without requiring manual handling. The object can then be further processed or handled. In one embodiment, the substance or component is a magnetically active substance or component. The attraction can be actuated by a magnet.

Abstract: A decorative element includes a first layer and a second layer. The decorative element is disposed on an article, both the article and the decorative element being biodegradable. The first layer includes a protective material and the second layer includes at least one seed embedded therein. The first layer is disposed adjacent the second layer. An adhesive comprising a biodegradable material secures the decorative element to the article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a culture medium on which plants can be grown. This method is characterized by a) mixing I: a particulate base material, chosen from at least one of organic and inorganic materials, with II: a thermoplastic biologically degradable binding agent, b) heating at least the binding agent in order to at least partly fluidize it, c) cooling the mixture so as to substantially solidify the binding agent and whereby at least a part of the base material becomes bonded by means of the binding agent. The method according to the invention provides an environmentally safe and plant-friendly culture medium that is biologically degradable and retains its shape well.

Abstract: A crop production apparatus including a flexible sheet of non-degradable or biodegradable material and a seed impregnated or carrying lower layer formed from a water-absorbent biodegradable material bonded or otherwise attached to the upper layer and removable therefrom.

Abstract: A light-weight plant sheet including plant pieces between a base sheet and a top sheet is able to make growth by tearing the base sheet and top sheet, each having a mesh structure. The top sheet contains a paste to adhere the top sheet to the base sheet and to hold the plant pieces, and such a paste comes out of the fibers of the sheet when wet during the manufacturing process. When the plant sheet is placed on the desired surface, the plant pieces can grow using water and nutrition provided from the surface of the construction site and absorbed by the top sheet and the base sheet.

Abstract: A seed tape includes successively arranged germinating units including at least one carrier strip and at least one auxiliary layer of biodegradable, flexible, non-woven or film-like material arranged on the carrier strip, whereby the auxiliary layer is locally interrupted a short distance along the seed tape, and whereby each germinating unit includes a mixture of granulated carrier, at least one granulated additive and an adjuvant in addition to one or more seeds. The mixture plus the seed(s) are kept together to form at least one core portion including an incision, in the germinating unit, and whereby the seed tape can be cut into separate germinating units prior to irrigation and/or bedding out, the core portion made of the mixture including locally adhered fibers of one or more thermoplastic materials which form a coherent, open network for keeping the granules of the mixture together.

Abstract: A container liner comprising a backing, a porous covering, a seed carrier interposed between the backing and the covering, and a plurality of seeds embedded in the seed carrier such that upon germination the seeds will sprout through the porous covering to form a soft, natural, protective cushion for objects, such as candies or Easter eggs. The container liner is sufficiently flexible so that the container liner can be easily manipulated to substantially conform to the interior contour of the container.

Abstract: A vegetation growth-enhancing erosion control blanket is formed from an elongated rectangular excelsior/wood wool mat. The mat is held together with threads stitched therein. When the finished blanket is placed atop the ground, the blanket serves to shield the earth area from wind and water erosion forces. As the ground vegetation grows, it ultimately replaces the blanket which decomposes and furnishes the ground vegetation with a nutritive mulch.

Abstract: A seed mat structure enables seeds to germinate relatively quickly, have fast maturation rates and be hardier. Seeds and at least one soil amendment component are positioned with a first layer on a second layer. The first layer comprises a reticulate fabric including a grid with openings allowing passage of water. Fibers extending into grid openings facilitate adherence of the seeds within the openings and retention in the grid. The second layer is hygroscopic, and could, for example, comprise absorbent paper towel or heavy tissue. Both layers of the mat are preferably biodegradable. The mat may have zones, each zone being dedicated to a different type of seed or seeds. In a further embodiment, a planting system is provided in which a set of soil amendments external to the seed mat is provided including selected components proportioned to the size of the seed mat and optimized for the seed mat components.

Abstract: A germinating unit (1) includes at least one seed (3) as well as additives. The germinating unit includes a carrier material (2) penetrable by a root tip (4) and/or a sprout (5) extending from the seed. The carrier material (2) can fix the orientation of the seed. Several germinating units can be joined to form a seed tape (6). The seed tape includes a longitudinal tissue (7). The carrier material portions (2a, 2b, 2c) cover or include their respective seed(s) (3a, 3b, 3c). When the seed(s) have been inserted in the carrier material through a cut in said carrier material or through insertion of a tube therein, said seed(s) maintain(s) its/their position relative to the germinating unit because said carrier material squeezes about or retains said seed(s).

Abstract: A seed placement device (10) that is comprised of a seeding strip (12) and a boring tool (32). The seeding strip (12) has a multiplicity of equidistant holes (26) extending therethrough, and the boring tool (32) has an upper end (34), a shank (36) and a lower end (38) that terminates in a point (40). The seed placement device (10) is designed to quickly and easily allow a person to place a multiplicity of seeds (90) in the ground (92). Once the seeding strip (12) is placed in a desired location on the ground (92), a person inserts the boring tool (32) through each of the holes (26) and into the ground (92), thus creating a series of equidistant cavities (94), into each of which at least one seed (90) can be placed.

Abstract: Provided is an artificial plant growth medium that is useful as a substitute for naturally produced soil in supporting plant growth. The artificial plant growth medium includes a cohesive mass of polymer fiberballs. The artificial plant growth medium may include a cohesive mass of fiberballs that are composed of biodegradable and/or non-biodegradable polymer fibers for use in plant cultivation. The artificial plant growth medium provides the optimal balance of water, and air to support plant growth.

Abstract: Modular biodegradable garden environment control system and method including apparatus to limit soil exposure to light nearby one or more plants, including one or more layers of a biodegradable material.

Abstract: A liquid fiber mulching mat of a non-woody fiber and the production method thereof are disclosed. The production method of a liquid fiber mulching mat for a non-woody fiber includes steps of providing a biopulp of a non-woody fiber plant, a polymer and water, mixing the biopulp, the polymer and water well for preparing a fiber pulp of the non-woody fiber plant, and applying the fiber pulp of the non-woody fiber plant on a surface of an article for forming the liquid fiber mulching mat. Besides, a solid fiber mulching mat of a non-woody fiber is disclosed. The fiber mulching mat can be used in farms for protecting the weeds and used in mountainside land for preventing soil collapse. Also the fiber mulching mat can be used in arid area for decreasing water evaporation and preventing desertification and dust storm.

Abstract: A hangtag is provided wherein the hangtag material has viable seeds embedded therein or attached thereto so that, when the hangtag is planted, the seeds can grow to produce plants and preferably flowers. Also provided are methods of making and planting the hangtag.

Abstract: A container liner comprising a backing, a porous covering, a seed carrier interposed between the backing and the covering, and a plurality of seeds embedded in the seed carrier such that upon germination the seeds will sprout through the porous covering to form a soft, natural, protective cushion for objects, such as candies or Easter eggs. The container liner is sufficiently flexible so that the container liner can be easily manipulated to substantially conform to the interior contour of the container.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for selecting banana clones that are characterized by increased bunch weight and by increased total fruit yield, which process is based on somaclonal variation and comprises the steps of initiating tissue cultures from apical meristem explants, and propagating and rooting the same; hardening, potting, and growing in vivo, plants propagated in the previous step; forming a mat from a cluster of plants grown in the previous step originating from the same clone; planting the mats from the previous step in a field, and growing them under conditions of abiotic stress, the conditions including the growth of the mats in an area wherein the average winter night temperature is below 10° C.

Abstract: The invention is about a new Seed Mat Block for plant cultivation and the corresponding construction process. It is a space-saving device and is designed to grow plant in a convenient way, for which users have to do nothing but watering. The invention is characterized by the following features; The Seed Mat Block for plant cultivation consists of a seed mat and a case in which the seed mat is contained. On the seed mat, plant seeds are arranged between the 1st shape mat consisting of uniform-shaped media mat and the 2nd shape mat. Seeing the case, there is an open unit on the top which allows new buds to shoot out of the case, while there is an absorbing unit at the bottom which is designed to supply the seed mat with water from outside and help the seed germination.

Abstract: Aggregates of cellulose-containing particles, such as particles of waste paper and optional other vegetation or waste particles are used as a carrier for additives such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers and nutrients. The particles can be also used as a carrier for insect repellants, preferably naturally occurring insect repellants, to repel insects from rooms, buildings, plants, and outdoor areas, and to carry adhered seeds onto an area to be planted with seeds.

Abstract: A seed tape including successively arranged germinating units (1a, 1b, 1c) is made of at least one carrier strip (2) as well as at least one layer (3) of biodegradable, gas-permeable material placed on said carrier strip. Each germinating unit (1a, 1b, 1c) includes a mixture of carrier (7), at least one additive (8) and optionally an adjuvant(s) (9) in addition to one or more seeds (10). The layer (3) of biodegradable, gas-permeable material is flexible and non-woven. The additive or additives (8) are water-absorbing. In this manner the seed tape is particularly suited for being subjected to a pregermination procedure because it possesses a very high capacity of retaining water without disintegrating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-plowing method for establishing vegetation on at least partially denuded land comprising the steps of: (a) laying out a continuous layer of nutrient matrix directly on said at least partially denuded land, said layer of nutrient matrix containing water and nutrient contents necessary for the growth of plants; (b) sowing plant seeds on the top surface of said at least partially denuded land before said layer of nutrient matrix is laid out, or sowing plant seeds into said layer of nutrient matrix after it is laid out, or mixing plant seeds with the constituents of said layer of nutrient matrix and laying out together with said layer of nutrient matrix; (c) establishing an artificial vegetable cover on said at least partially denuded land by supplying said plant seeds water and nutrient contents in said layer of nutrient matrix to sustain their growth.

Abstract: A striplike body of vegetation which is used to cover roofs with thin layers of vegetation. The inventive body of vegetation is comprised of structural matting arranged on at least one base. The structural matting can be filled with a substrate and germinative plant material, especially seeds, shoots, spores or parts of shoots. The base consists of a feltlike nonwoven material which is only slightly permeable with respect to wind but which has a substantial water storage capacity. According to the invention, the striplike body of vegetation is characterised in that at least the base is permeable with respect to wind as a result of the introduction of holes.

Abstract: A mixture of a carrier, a binder and additives is used for germinating units containing seeds or the like growth-suited parts of a plant, and the units are available either separately or coherently in form of seed or plant tapes. The carrier comprises one or more substances selected from the group consisting of vermiculite, perlite, zeolite, cellulose materials, burned clay, rock wool or the like substances. The binder comprises polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol or other plant-compatible binders, such as water or water-containing polysaccharides or mixtures thereof. The additives comprise plant protecting agents, plant nutrients, surfactants, water-absorbing substances, water-carrying substances and other additives with favourable effects on germination and plant growth.

Abstract: The invention describes a HF-reducing green roof. This green roof comprises a support construction consisting of a layer of textile fibers and/or a substrate (12), a vegetation layer (14) of low plants, and a flat or three-dimensional structure of electrically conductive filaments. This structure supplements the support construction or forms part thereof. The intermediate spaces between adjacent electrically conductive filaments (10) are smaller than one quarter of the wavelength of the electromagnetic HF-radiation to be shielded.

Abstract: A seed tape (1) includes successively arranged germinating units (2a, 2b, 2c) made of a planar material. These germinating units are coherent or secured to a carrier strip (3) of at least one layer of biodegradable material. Each germinating unit (2a, 2b, 2c) is intended to be bedded out in the ground (12) or a growth substrate and includes a mixture of carrier (7), at least one additive (9) and optionally adjuvants (8) in addition to one or more seeds (6). The additive or additives (9) include water-absorbing materials, such as superabsorbing polymers. Each germinating unit (2a, 2b, 2c) is provided with at least one narrow zone (5) of water-repellent material across its surface adjacent or at least up to the upper edge of said unit. The material of the narrow zone penetrates the planar material of the germinating unit (2a, 2b, 2c) throughout the entire thickness thereof.

Abstract: An artificial seedbed is disclosed comprising a foundation of virgin, re-processed or waste pulp formed by an aqueous based compression system, a dry non-woven air-blown system containing a cellulose-based binder or adhesive or a dry non-woven needle punched system containing a cellulose-based binder or adhesive. The seedbed can contain seeds, fertilizers, growth hormones, hydrogels, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, or any other additive to promote the germination and the growth of the seeds and surrounding landscape.

Abstract: An artificial seedbed used in growing vegetation. The artificial seedbed comprises a base layer formed of a biodegradable product having a porosity and wet density that permit a root of the desired vegetation to penetrate the base layer and establish the vegetation for growing. The artificial seedbed also comprises an intermediate layer comprising a plurality of seeds for use in growing the desired vegetation. A cover layer cooperates with the base layer to form an envelope about the intermediate layer. The cover layer can be coextensive with the base layer and secured to the base layer by a bonding agent. The cover layer is formed of the same or different biodegradable product as the base layer. The material used in the cover layer permits the sprouting vegetation to penetrate it during the growing process.

Abstract: A multi-purpose paper, a manufacturing method thereof, and an application thereof are provided. The method of manufacturing the multi-purpose paper comprises steps of (a) providing a papermaking material and obtaining a clean paper pulp by treating the papermaking material, (b) adding at least one functional additive into the clean paper pulp to form the multi-purpose paper, and (c) processing the multi-purpose paper to form thereon an uneven surface structure. The cultivating paper has the combined functions of weed control, pest control, supplying the required nutrients to plants to help develop the root system, maintaining moisture and breath for the root system. The multi-purpose paper can be carriers of agricultural antagonistic microorganisms and serve as the basic functional substrate for weed control, pest control, sowing, growing seedlings, fertilization, fertilizer saving, manpower saving and organic cultivating.

Abstract: A packed tape (1) comprises a folded tape (2) and a package (3) preferably made of plastic film. The tape (2) is zigzag folded into an oblong stack in such a manner that some (2a) of the bendings of the tape flush with the ends of the stack whereas the remaining bendings (2b) are positioned at varying distances therefrom. The resulting tape, especially a seed tape, is suited for being pulled out through a dispensing opening in a germinating box on a bedding machine.

Abstract: Hatchlings are raised initially on a strip of sheet material which is laid on the floor of a containment pen by a vehicle having a support on the vehicle for receiving a roll of a sheet material and a hopper on the vehicle for receiving a feed material for the hatchlings. The strip is laid from the roll in flat form on the floor and held in place by a thin layer of the feed dispensed through a nozzle of the hopper as the vehicle is moved forwardly with the layer having a constant width substantially across the full width of the strip leaving narrow feed free bands at the side edges.

Abstract: An item for the cultivation of agricultural crops, in particular vegetables, aromatic plants and herbs, comprises a mat or belt made of biodegradable material that can be placed directly over the soil and has mulching properties. The mat or belt has incorporated in it a plurality of plant structures from which the agricultural crop grows or is propagated. More specifically, the item according to the invention comprises a layer (12) made of biodegradable material having a lower surface constituting the face that comes into contact with the soil in which the crop plant grows, and a second layer (14) made of biodegradable material which during use, is placed over the first, soil contact layer and constitutes the means for retaining the plant propagative structures, and through which the plants grow above ground.

Abstract: A multi-purpose paper, a manufacturing method thereof, and an application thereof are provided. The method of manufacturing the multi-purpose paper comprises steps of (a) providing a papermaking material and obtaining a clean paper pulp by treating the papermaking material, (b) adding at least one functional additive into the clean paper pulp to form the multi-purpose paper, and (c) processing the multi-purpose paper to form thereon an uneven surface structure. The cultivating paper has the combined functions of weed control, pest control, supplying the required nutrients to plants to help develop the root system, maintaining moisture and breath for the root system. The multi-purpose paper can be carriers of agricultural antagonistic microorganisms and serve as the basic functional substrate for weed control, pest control, sowing, growing seedlings, fertilization, fertilizer saving, manpower saving and organic cultivating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil-less sand based root zone medium for the production of sod. The present invention is also directed to a method for the production of sod using a soil-less sand based root zone medium and a sod mat produced by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A seedling raising sheet device, a method of making same and a method of using the device for use in conveniently laying out a garden are disclosed. The device includes an elongated biodegradable paper strip, a plurality of distance markers, an adhesive layer, a plurality of seeds, a fertilizer, a plurality of stakes, and a sticker sheet. The paper strip, plurality of distance markers, adhesive layer, plurality of seeds, and fertilizer are interconnected together to form a linear means for planting the plurality of seeds within a furrow of a garden.

Abstract: A vegetation element for sodding artificial surfaces (such as roofs) or natural soil surfaces is described. The vegetation element comprises a vegetation carrier consisting made of a mineral and/or organic material for vegetation, and it has an optional bottom carrier layer. The vegetation carrier is provided with a seed mat made of a flexible, biodegradable material, and the seed mat contains seeds that are distributed uniformly at separate locations, where they are secured and held in place by the seed mat. The seed mat may be arranged on the surface of the vegetation carrier as well as on the bottom side of the vegetation carrier or in between.

Abstract: A tape (1) with germinating units (9) comprising growth-suited parts of a plant, such as seeds, meristems or the like parts (10), which are able to develop into plants in the tape (1).The tape and the germinating units comprise at least one or two, respectively, biodegradable material layers (2, 4), such as paper, and are suited for a mechanical bedding out with the plants vertically arranged in a furrow in the ground. The tape (1) comprises furthermore a mixture (5) of a carrier (12) and additives permanently or loosely bound to said carrier in each germinating unit (9). The additives are suited for protecting the plant (10) against undesired effects and for controlling the moisture conditions about the plant and the development and growth of said plant in the tape (1).