Abstract: Compressed coconut coir pith granules having unique physical and horticultural characteristics are provided along with methods for producing such compressed products by subjecting coconut coir pith to compaction utilizing a roll compactor and subsequently granulating the compacted material.

Abstract: Plant biomass particles coated with a bioactive agent such as a fertilizer or pesticide, characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to a grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. In particular, the L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers, the W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers, and the L×W dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: Wood particles having fibers aligned in a grain, wherein: the wood particles are characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L; the L×H dimensions define two side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers; the W×H dimensions define two cross-grain end surfaces characterized individually as aligned either normal to the grain or oblique to the grain; the L×W dimensions define two substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces; and, a majority of the W×H surfaces in the mixture of wood particles have end checking.

Abstract: A combination hydro straw mulch is used for hydroseeding and hydromulching for seed establishment and erosion control. The formulation of the mulch is preferably, but not limited to, approximately 85% hammermilled straw, approximately 10% hammermilled paper, and approximately 5% processed jute fibers. The hammermilled straw is preferably Kentucky Bluegrass straw. The hammermilled paper particles are used for its water holding capacity. The paper aids in pumpability and reduces the amount of water required for pumping a quantity of mulch. The processed jute fibers tangle the straw fibers on the ground to produce a secure ground covering. The hydro straw mulch of the present invention may include other additives as well. Tackifiers and flocculants aid pumpability and help tack the straw fibers to the ground and aid in water infiltration and water clarity. A surfactant ensures wettability. Other additives include green dye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biodegradable landscape fabric comprising spunlaced cellulosic fibers which comprise 0% to 75% wood pulp fibers and 25% to 100% regenerated cellulosic fibers without fiber binding materials and may further comprise a colorant.

Abstract: An industrial feedstock of plant biomass particles having fibers aligned in a grain, wherein the particles are individually characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L, wherein the L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers, the W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers, and the L×W dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces, and wherein the particles in the feedstock are collectively characterized by having a bimodal or multimodal size distribution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a material used as thermal and/or sound insulation material, consisting essentially of microfibers from stem fibers of banana fruit trees. Said material has surprising sound and thermal insulation properties, and more particularly heat and cold resistance properties.

Abstract: Methods for applying a treatment, such as colorant, to an installed landscaping material (such as wood chips or mulch), reducing the need to replace worn or weathered material. The methods include applying a pre-treatment to protect elements proximate the landscape material that are not to be treated, applying a treatment liquid to the landscaping material by spraying, and then rinsing any elements proximate the landscape material that may have be inadvertently and undesirably treated. Also described is a sprayer apparatus for applying treatment liquid to a landscaping material. The sprayer apparatus includes first and second spray outlets and an agitator therebetween. In use, the landscape material to be treated is first sprayed, the material is agitated (e.g., turned), and a second spray of treatment liquid is applied to the landscape material.

Abstract: A pliable sheet material suitable as a ground cover, said material comprising or including a core region of a bonded matrix of paper shreds, a kraft paper liner on at least one side of the core region bonded to the matrix, and a kraft paper including sheet assembly that includes a tear resistant material selected from a mesh material, woven material or non-woven material and which sheet assembly is bonded to the matrix of the core region on the other side.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a mulching sheet which easy to biodegrade and can be produced at a low cost. A cotton waste sheet is prepared with randomly accumulated cotton waste and impurities selected from a group consisting of cottonseeds, stems, leaves and calyxes of cotton tree. Water is sprayed to the cotton waste sheet. Thereafter, the cotton waste sheet is passed between a pair of calender rolls each taking a form of a Japanese drum, while being heated, to press the cotton waste sheet in the thickness direction. The cotton waste is thereby closed, and the obtained mulching sheet has a high tensile strength. Furthermore, the impurities in the cotton waste sheet are crushed or flatted. The mulching sheet is a mixture of parts made of flatted impurities and parts made of cotton waste.

Abstract: An all-natural fiber biodegradable generally planar mat for use in the germination, growth enhancement and propagation of plants and trees and the suppression of weed growth is provided. The present invention comprises a generally planer layer of at least one or a combination of natural fibers including, but not limited to, human hair, animal hair, coconut fiber, seaweed, kelp, cotton, corn silk and peat moss, and alternatively may incorporate a plurality of man-made fibers. Such mat may be constructed using needle punching, hydro-entanglement, or aero-entanglement. The generally planar mat in a wide variety of constructions is used in various methodologies of promoting seed germination, root growth, spot growth on existing plantings, landscaping under-laminate, soil additive, and as a weed control and pest deterrent in the horticultural field.

Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a visual attenuation composition applicable to a landscape to visually attenuate or camouflage the landscape to approximate color characteristics of the surrounding terrain. The visual attenuation composition includes a colorant selected from the group consisting of a pigment, a dye, and combinations thereof, and optionally includes an additive selected from the group consisting of a flocculent, a tackifier, a stabilizer, and combinations thereof. The visual attenuation composition may further include a liquid medium such as water to form a slurry suitable for spray application. The visual attenuation composition described herein can be combined with a soil treatment product to impart desirable color and colorfastness. Alternatively, the soil treatment product can be first applied to the landscape prior to the application of the visual attenuation composition.

Abstract: A hydraulically-applied mulch matrix comprising non-porous particles, porous particles and mixtures thereof combined with a mechanically and or chemically bonded fiber mulch mixed within a high viscosity slurry to keep the particles in suspension for dispersion onto soil surfaces with mulch spraying equipment for enhanced erosion control and higher level plant establishment.

Abstract: A self-contained hydroseeding packet comprised of seed, mulch, fertilizer and optional color, that when combined with water dissolves in a slurry for use in a portable hydroseeding system.

Abstract: A new class of plant biomass feedstock particles characterized by consistent piece size and shape uniformity, high skeletal surface area, and good flow properties. The particles of plant biomass material having fibers aligned in a grain are characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially parallel to the grain and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. In particular, the L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers, the W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers, and the L×W dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel top and bottom surfaces.

Abstract: A sheet for pest control, wherein said sheet is of polymeric material and comprises at least two layers; a top layer and a bottom layer, wherein the bottom layer contains a herbicide and one or more pesticides selected from among fungicides and insecticides, and the top layer optionally containing an insecticide and/or fungicide. Other aspects of the invention include a polymeric composition used in the preparation of the sheets and a method for pest control in agriculture, horticulture and gardens.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a mulching sheet which easy to biodegrade and can be produced at a low cost. A cotton waste sheet is prepared with randomly accumulated cotton waste and impurities selected from a group consisting of cottonseeds, stems, leaves and calyxes of cotton tree. Water is sprayed to the cotton waste sheet. Thereafter, the cotton waste sheet is passed between a pair of calender rolls each taking a form of a japanese drum, while being heated, to press the cotton waste sheet in the thickness direction. The cotton waste is thereby closed, and the obtained mulching sheet has a high tensile strength. Furthermore, the impurities in the cotton waste sheet are crushed or flatted. The mulching sheet is a mixture of parts made of flatted impurities and parts made of cotton waste.

Abstract: An over wintering method for storing mature root crops in soil in the ground in a geographic area with a seasonal climate, where the winter months are consistently below zero degrees Celsius overnight, including the steps: (a) during the fall months, positioning an impermeable material above a row of mature root crop; (b) distributing an insulating material above the impermeable material sufficient to provide an insulating layer of at least 30 centimeters in depth across the row; (c) up to six months following step (b), removing the impermeable material and the insulating material, and harvesting the root crop.

Abstract: Compressed coconut coir pith granules having unique physical and horticultural characteristics are provided along with methods for producing such compressed products by subjecting coconut coir pith to compaction utilizing a roll compactor and subsequently granulating the compacted material.

Abstract: A novel class of flowable biomass feedstock particles with unusually large surface areas that can be manufactured in remarkably uniform sizes using low-energy comminution techniques. The feedstock particles are roughly parallelepiped in shape and characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially with the grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. The particles exhibit a disrupted grain structure with prominent end and surface checks that greatly enhances their skeletal surface area as compared to their envelope surface area. The L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers. The W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers.

Abstract: A novel class of flowable biomass feedstock particles with unusually large surface areas that can be manufactured in remarkably uniform sizes using low-energy comminution techniques. The feedstock particles are roughly parallelepiped in shape and characterized by a length dimension (L) aligned substantially with the grain direction and defining a substantially uniform distance along the grain, a width dimension (W) normal to L and aligned cross grain, and a height dimension (H) normal to W and L. The particles exhibit a disrupted grain structure with prominent end and surface checks that greatly enhances their skeletal surface area as compared to their envelope surface area. The L×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel side surfaces characterized by substantially intact longitudinally arrayed fibers. The W×H dimensions define a pair of substantially parallel end surfaces characterized by crosscut fibers and end checking between fibers.

Abstract: A multipurpose pellet is provided comprising: from about 0.1% to about 100% by weight of a vegetable fiber chosen from cotton, bamboo fiber, rice fiber, esparto, papaya, coir, sisal, kapok, jute, ramie, flax, roselle hemp, hemp, kenaf, abaca, soybean fiber, okra fiber, vine fiber, banana fiber, rattan and nettlesjute; and from about 99.9% to about 0% by weight of cellulosic material.

Abstract: Compressed coconut coir pith granules having unique physical and horticultural characteristics are provided along with methods for producing such compressed products by subjecting coconut coir pith to compaction utilizing a roll compactor and subsequently granulating the compacted material.

Abstract: A compressed wafer mulch, the compressed wafer mulch including corn stover fibers, paper fibers, compost or a mixture thereof, and a method of making the same.

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 process and system for producing sterilized shredded material such as mulch or compost introduces a sterilant during a grinder stage for forming the shredded material, wherein the sterilant is presented by introduction with water via a spray bar at the grinder stage. The grinder stage may have a preliminary first (initial) grinder stage. The process may include shearing wood parts to a uniform size prior to the first grinder stage. The resulting shredded material can be irradiated or subjected to external heat. Testing of the resulting output shredded material can be conducted to determine the presence of mold spores, or the like and, if found, for redirecting the shredded material to the grinder stage associated with the sterilant.

Abstract: In one aspect there is provided a blended mulch product which can be mixed with water and spray-applied to a ground surface to form an erosion control medium, the blended mulch product comprising: about 75% to about 92% by weight ligno-cellulosic fibers; about 1% to about 10% by weight substantially straight synthetic fibers; and a tackifier; wherein the substantially straight synthetic fibers maintain their substantially straight form in the blended mulch product and the erosion control medium. Also provided are slurries in which the blended mulch product is mixed with water to produce the slurry, the slurry is spray-applied to a ground surface and the slurry dries on the ground surface to form an erosion control medium.

Abstract: A landscape material includes a plurality of fibers. Each of the fibers includes a generally uniform length, such as in a range of from about 3.0 inches to about 10.0 inches, and a generally uniform cross sectional area, so that the landscape material generally is lighter in weight and more uniform in appearance than landscape material of the prior art. The landscape material optionally includes an additive such as a colorant. A method for making landscape material is also provided. The method includes the steps of providing a wood section and cutting the wood section into a plurality of ribbons. Each of the ribbons has a generally uniform cross sectional area, and the ribbons are reduced to fibers, each of which has a generally uniform length.

Abstract: A method for making a hydraulically applied mulch using a natural biofiber material preferably comprising of 100% cotton byproduct or a mixture of cotton byproducts and other biomaterials selected such as, hay, grass, kenaf, straw, coconut, bamboo, hemp, bagasse and plant residue (cereal grains, rice, soybeans, grass seed, wood, sawdust, wood pulp, paper, or mixtures thereof). These fibers bear a natural waxy coating. The method includes the optional step of introducing the shredded biofiber composition into a first steaming chamber to stem the biofiber composition, followed by shredding the biofiber composition, and then introducing the shredded biofiber composition into a second steaming chamber to steam, break down and create porosity in the waxy coating of the fibers causing the fibers to become more hydrophilic. The biofibers are steamed followed by drying causing them to curl or physically deform.

Abstract: A combination hydro straw mulch is used for hydroseeding and hydromulching for seed establishment and erosion control. The formulation of is preferably, but not limited to, approximately 85% hammermilled straw, approximately 10% hammermilled paper, and approximately 5% processed jute fibers. The hammermilled straw is preferably Kentucky Bluegrass straw. The hammermilled paper particles are used for its water holding capacity. The paper aids in pumpability and reduces the amount of water required for pumping a quantity of mulch. The processed jute fibers tangle the straw fibers on the ground to produce a secure ground covering. The hydro straw mulch of the present invention may include other additives as well. Tackifiers and flocculants aid pumpability and help tack the straw fibers to the ground and aid in water infiltration and water clarity. A surfactant ensures wetability. Other additives include green dye.

Abstract: Vegetables are grown by (a) applying an effective amount of a fumigant to the soil where the vegetables will be grown; (b) placing a barrier mulch film over the fumigated soil; (c) planting vegetables in the soil under the barrier mulch film; (d) maintaining the barrier mulch film in place over the soil for substantially the entire growing season to reduce weeds and to control temperature; and (e) harvesting the vegetables. The barrier mulch film contains: (i) an upper layer comprising a polyolefin and a sunlight reflecting/absorbing agent; (ii) a second layer comprising an adhesive; (iii) a third layer comprising a barrier plastic; (iv) a fourth layer comprising an adhesive; and (v) a lower layer comprising a polyolefin and a sunlight absorbing agent.

Abstract: A ground cover or landscaping material that includes a plurality of loose particles that are combined with a water activated adhesive component. When the water activated adhesive component is activated by contacting the ground cover or landscaping material with water the adhesive cures and secures the loose particles together. The water activated adhesive allows for the use of light weight particles that would be easily displaced when exposed to wind and rain or blow by lawn mowers or leaf blowers, absent being fixed together by the adhesive. Suitable particles include mulch, wood chips and synthetic materials.

Abstract: A landscaping film, including a film sheet having a plurality of perforations defined therethough and discrete deposits of a weed control agent at locations on the film corresponding to the locations of the perforations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soil cover, a method for preventing weed growth by using a soil cover, the use of potato steam peels and the use of a cork fraction of potato steam peels for preventing weed growth. A soil cover according to the invention comprises potato steam peels or a part, derivative or analogue thereof. In a different embodiment, a soil cover according to the invention comprises a cork fraction of potato steam peels or a part, derivative or analogue thereof.

Abstract: A hydraulically-applied mulch matrix comprising non-porous particles, porous particles and mixtures thereof combined with a mechanically and or chemically bonded fiber mulch mixed within a high viscosity slurry to keep the particles in suspension for dispersion onto soil surfaces with mulch spraying equipment for enhanced erosion control and higher level plant establishment.

Abstract: A method is taught for increase crop yield and weight per acre comprising the steps of providing a degradable mulch film, then laying the degradable mulch film over a cleared field, and covering a portion of the degradable mulch film with soil. The mulch film is made up a below ground degradable film (B) an above ground degradable film (A), film B is co-extruded with film A and another film B to have a BAB structure where the films B and film A have a single layer feel. Film B is a plastic resin treated with an acid and having an additive that supplies a source of oxygen, and a metal stearate. Film A is a plastic resin an additive for aiding decomposition and an additive to retard decomposition.

Abstract: A coating is provided for a landscaping material, comprising a hybrid network of high functionality structured oligomeric siloxane and a polyalkylene glycol coupled with a co-product of monopropylene glycol and propylene oxide. The coating may be coupled with a pigmented colorant and be further mixed with a water-based carrier. The coating is contemplated to increase the efficiency of the mulch as compared to plain mulch material and other coating materials. A testing apparatus, including a retention basin and water measuring basin, are also defined as a means to determine the efficiency of the mulch material and its corresponding coating.

Abstract: Value-added compositions such as mulches, insulation, and animal bedding may be produced from cotton waste. These compositions are formed from mixtures of at least two cellulosic, biofiber components, wherein one or both of the components are fiberized. The compositions of this invention include mixtures of: a. a first cellulosic component of cotton byproducts, and b. a second cellulosic component which is visible to the naked eye, and which includes hay, grass, kenaf, straw, plant residue remaining following the harvest of crops such as cereal grains, rice, soybeans, and grass seed, wood, sawdust, wood pulp, paper, or mixtures of any of the above, wherein one or both of the first or second cellulosic component are fiberized and the fibers of the fiberized component are intermixed with and entangled about the other component in a 3-dimensional matrix.

Abstract: A hydromulch container medium including a container and a root system disposed in the container. A hydraulically compactable mulch is interspersed between the root system and the container to form a semi-solid container medium around the root system.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating a mulch bed by applying an adhesive composition using portable apparatus including a disposable translucent container supported by a shoulder strap and connected to a wand distributor. The container is filled with liquid adhesive composition having a consistency similar to milk. A wand distributor is attached to the container port and includes a rigid conduit stem interconnecting the container port and a distribution head. The shoulder strap is positioned on the shoulder of a user to support and transport the container. The user operates a gravity flow valve and grasps the rigid stem to move the distributor head and apply the adhesive composition to an area of a mulch bed to prevent undesirable movement of the mulch material.

Abstract: Compressed coconut coir pith granules having unique physical and horticultural characteristics are provided along with methods for producing such compressed products by subjecting coconut coir pith to compaction utilizing a roll compactor and subsequently granulating the compacted material.

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 hydraulically-applied mulch matrix comprising non-porous particles, porous particles and mixtures thereof combined with a mechanically and or chemically bonded fiber mulch mixed within a high viscosity slurry to keep the particles in suspension for dispersion onto soil surfaces with mulch spraying equipment for enhanced erosion control and higher level plant establishment.

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: A hydromulch root ball includes a root system and hydraulically compactable mulch interspersed into the root system. The hydraulically compactable mulch is interspersed into the root system by soaking the root system in an aqueous mixture of water and mulch, then draining the water away from the root system to hydraulically compact the mulch into and around the root system.

Abstract: A hydromulch root ball includes a root system and hydraulically compactable mulch interspersed into the root system. The hydraulically compactable mulch is interspersed into the root system by soaking the root system in an aqueous mixture of water and mulch, then draining the water away from the root system to hydraulically compact the mulch into and around the root system.

Abstract: The present method is an improved method of applying particulate groundcover around plants. This method involves the steps of providing a plurality of substantially planar flexible sheet-members each including an outer surface and an opposite inner surface and first and second opposed edges, die inner surface having a first-edge-adjacent portion with a first surface-fastener patch thereon, the outer surface having a second surface-fastener patch thereon extending from near the second edge toward the first edge; wrapping each sheet-member about the leafy portion of a plant into a substantially cylindrical shape and temporarily securing together the first and second patches thereof to expose the base of the plant stem and surrounding ground; applying groundcover around and between the plants including to the bases of the stems thereof; and decoupling the first and second patches of each sheet-member and removing the sheet-members to allow the leafy portions of the plant to spread over the groundcover.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing multi-colored mulch pads include providing a mold; mixing together a rubber component, a binder and a first coloring agent to form a matrix having a first colored surface; and introducing a second coloring agent onto the matrix to create a multicolored skirt having a second colored surface opposite the first colored surface.

Abstract: In one aspect there is provided an erosion control medium formed from a blended mulch product which can be mixed with water and spray-applied to a ground surface to form the erosion control medium, comprising: about 75% to about 92% by weight ligno-cellulosic fibers; about 1% to about 10% by weight substantially straight synthetic fibers; and a tackifier; wherein the substantially straight synthetic fibers maintain their substantially straight form in the blended mulch product and the erosion control medium. Also provided are slurries in which the blended mulch product is mixed with water to produce the slurry, the slurry is spray-applied to a ground surface and the slurry dries on the ground surface to form an erosion control medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soil cover, a method for preventing weed growth by using a soil cover, the use of potato steam peels and the use of a cork fraction of potato steam peels for preventing weed growth. A soil cover according to the invention comprises potato steam peels or a part, derivative or analogue thereof. In a different embodiment, a soil cover according to the invention comprises a cork fraction of potato steam peels or a part, derivative or analogue thereof.