Abstract: A fluid collection and distribution system (irrigator) configured from a flexible or semi-flexible material which can conform to various sizes and shapes of terrain. According to various embodiments of the irrigator, seep holes may be provided. Additionally, the irrigator may be configured from a porous material. In various embodiments, the irrigator contains through holes for various plant life to take root through and for facilitating drainage. The irrigator may have multiple, distinct passages for the collection and/or distribution of multiple fluids and or gases. In addition, a irrigator forming device is provided for forming the irrigator. Still further, an irrigator cutting device is provided for customizing and repairing the irrigator.

Abstract: A method and machine for changing or renewing the color and/or light reflection, transmission, and absorption characteristics of an existing layer of synthetic agricultural mulch or prolonging the usefulness of said existing mulch by applying a layer of new mulch to the preexisting mulch in a cultivated field using heat welding/fusion or adhesive or mechanical fastening for attachment of new mulch to existing mulch and at least one blower for clearing debris from the existing mulch prior to application of new mulch, with the machine being able to be drawn by a tractor, laborer, or draft animal.

Abstract: A soil improver composition produced by digesting a mixture comprising leguminous plant material, igneous rock powder of particle size less than 350 microns, a biodegradable surfactant and water with composting microbes to produce said soil improver composition.

Abstract: A stabilized turf (10) particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat (18) interposed between upper (24) and lower (16) layers of growth media, the mat (18) having a horizontally disposed, biodegradable primary backing (22) and generally upwardly extending fibers (20) secured thereto, wherein the fibers (20) extend above the upper layer (24) of growth media. Natural grass plants (26) extend upwardly above the upper layer (24), with the roots extending down through the backing (22) and into the lower layer (16). The mat (18) stabilizes root growth, particularly during initial grow in. The biodegradability of the primary backing (22) results in a loss of all or most of its horizontal structural integrity within a predetermined time period. The primary backing (22) may be treated with a decomposition agent to control the predetermined time period for decomposition, a stabilizing agent to assist in holding the upright fibers (20) or a growth agent for the natural turf grass.

Abstract: A frame and structure supported by the frame for the covering and concealing of undesirable objects protruding from the soil when landscaping a rural property where such objects as septic tanks and covers, breathers well caps and buried sprinkler system heads are to be covered. The structure is provided with covering which can be interwoven with real or artificial flora or can be decorative in nature and is constructed from lightweight materials when combined which make the covering readily removable for gardening or lawn mowing purposes.

Abstract: A landscaping control fabric to allow gardeners and landscapers to custom design various outdoor planting projects by the use of a unique landscaping control fabric containing plural layers of time releasing growth enhancing and control products. Such products, contained on mucilage media on a water pervious mesh layer, may be selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, fungicides, water saver crystals, vegetation foods, pre-emergent weed killers, and post-emergent weed killers, are placed about selected vegetation.

Abstract: A stabilized natural turf surface particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat interposed between upper and lower layers of growth media, the mat having a woven biodegradable backing and upwardly extending artificial fibers secured thereto, wherein the fibers extend well above the top of the upper layer. Natural grass plants grow in the upper layer, with the crowns being located in the upper layer of growth media and the roots extending down through the backing and into the lower layer. The mat helps to stabilize root growth, particularly during the first few years. The biodegradability of the backing results in its eventual decomposition, so that after a predetermined time the turf surface may be aerated all the way down to the lower layer without adversely affecting the mat and the mat can be top dressed beginning immediately after turf growth occurs. The biodegradability also prevents the creation of an agronomic barrier between the upper and lower layers.

Abstract: A method and machine for changing or renewing the color and/or light reflection, transmission, and absorption characteristics of an existing layer of synthetic agricultural mulch or prolonging the usefulness of the existing mulch by applying a layer of new mulch to the pre-existing mulch in a cultivated field using heat welding/fusion or adhesive or mechanical fastening for attachment of new mulch to existing mulch and at least one blower for clearing debris from the existing mulch prior to application of new mulch, with the machine being able to be drawn by a tractor, laborer, or draft animal.

Abstract: A biodegradable mat is disclosed for protecting and enhancing the growth of plants. The mat is in circular, sinusoidal or linear form and comprises a plant food, soil fertilizer, soil enricher, soil supplement, insecticide, fungicide, herbicide and/or animal repellant. The circular mat has a hole in the center for the stem of a plant and a radial slit extending from the hole to the circle circumference. The mat is placed on the ground adjacent and around the stem of a plant. It is then covered with a layer of soil and/or mulch and moistened to release the active ingredients.

Abstract: A method of controlling noxious weeds, particularly nutsedge (Cyperus spp) by soil solarization, comprising covering the soil with an effective thickness of a transparent, thermoplastic IR retentive film for a sufficient period of time to either kill or suppress the weeds. Also a field management method for the growing of cash crops susceptible to interference by noxious weeds comprising the steps of forming planting beds of soil; subjecting the soil to soil solarization; painting the film to terminate the solarization period; and transplanting cash crop.

Abstract: Compressed mixtures of coconut coir pith and peat moss are prepared from decompressed coconut coir pith and peat moss. The compressed mixtures are capable of being decompressed to form fluffed plant growth media having improved fluffed yield and enhanced wettability characteristics.

Abstract: A novel device, system and method for promoting the growth, development and harvest of desired plants while suppressing the growth of weeds. 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 stabilized natural turf surface particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat interposed between upper and lower layers of growth media, the mat having a woven biodegradable backing and upwardly extending artificial fibers secured thereto, wherein the fibers extend well above the top of the upper layer. Natural grass plants grow in the upper layer, with the crowns being located in the upper layer of growth media and the roots extending down through the backing and into the lower layer. The mat helps to stabilize root growth, particularly during the first few years. The biodegradability of the backing results in its eventual decomposition, so that after a predetermined time the turf surface may be aerated all the way down to the lower layer without adversely affecting the mat and the mat can be top dressed beginning immediately after turf growth occurs. The biodegradability also prevents the creation of an agronomic barrier between the upper and lower layers.

Abstract: The mulch comprises a sheet of paper having a thickness between 2 and 4 mils and a basis weight between about 40 g/m.sup.2 and 60 g/m.sup.2. The sheet has at least one face coated with a layer of polylactide, which is used in an amount such that it weighs between about 2 g/m.sup.2 and 15 g/m.sup.2. The preparation is carried out by depositing on the sheet an amount of a hot extruded liquid layer of polylactide such that when it solidifies, it weighs between about 2 g/m.sup.2 and 15 g/m.sup.2, and allowing the layer to solidify and adhere to the sheet, whereby forming the mulch.

Abstract: Mulch flakes made from finely divided paper and/or wood, and a surfactant. The flakes include surfactant which allows them to very quickly absorb about nine times their weight in water. This quick absorbency feature allows the flakes to be added more quickly to jet-agitated hydro-mulching tanks. Once sprayed on the ground, the flakes substantially reduce water run-off and soil erosion as compared to other mulches.

Abstract: A vegetation element for the greening of artificial expanses, made from a mixture of organic substrate particles, nutrients and synthetic material components; this mixture, by the addition of plastic foam components and binders being combined to form a uniform firm element. According to the invention, the vegetation element is characterised in that the mixture comprises a component of organic substrate particles exceeding 20% by weight, with the mixture being foamed-out with binders, with plant material able to germinate, such as seeds, sprouts, rhizomes or similar being added to the mixture, and in that at least one surface pointing away from the top surface of the vegetation element comprises a fire retardant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for intensifying the surface stabilization of soil susceptible to erosion by introduction of water-based adhesion-promoting impregnating compounds based on esters of polyvinyl alcohol with C.sub.1-5 monocarboxylic acids and mixtures thereof with higher monocarboxylic acids (binders) using surface-active and biologiclly compatible wetting agents. The process is characterized in that impregnation of the soil is carried out in several stages and in that an aqueous preparation containing the wetting agents is used at least in the first impregnating stage. Binder is preferably used in a comparatively small quantity in this pre-impregnation stage.

Abstract: A soil covering medium of the mulch type or the like, constituted by vegele fibers having a cumulative weight of lignin and resin greater than or equal to about 25% by weight relative to the dry weight of the fibers and a length greater than or equal to about 0.5 mm as to at least about 70% of the fibers, the fibers being formed of individual filaments or fibrils.

Abstract: Apparatus for dispensing a sheet of film material (5) from a roll (2) and laying the film material (5) on the ground subsequent to sowing seeds by a seed sower (3), the apparatus comprising a main framework (6), a secondary framework (10) connected to the main framework (6), a pair of spaced-apart ground engaging wheels (15) rotatably mounted on the secondary framework (10), a receiving means for the roll (2), the ground engaging wheels (15) being located for engaging the roll (2) adjacent the ends (18) thereof for rotating the roll (2) and acting as a dispensing and laying means for dispensing film (5) from the roll (2) and laying the film (5) over the ground.

Abstract: A stabilized turf (10) particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat (18) interposed between upper (24) and lower (16) layers of growth media, the mat (18) having a horizontally disposed, biodegradable primary backing (22) and generally upwardly extending fibers (20) secured thereto, wherein the fibers (20) extend above the upper layer (24) of growth media. Natural grass plants (26) extend upwardly above the upper layer (24), with the roots extending down through the backing (22) and into the lower layer (16). The mat (18) stabilizes root growth, particularly during initial grow in. The biodegradability of the primary backing (22) results in a loss of all or most of its horizontal structural integrity within a predetermined time period. The primary backing (22) may be treated with a decomposition agent to control the predetermined time period for decomposition, a stabilizing agent to assist in holding the upright fibers (20) or a growth agent for the natural turf grass.

Abstract: Mulching pellets made from fmely divided paper and wood, a clay binder, a highly water absorbent natural polymer, and a surfactant. The pellets absorb at least four times their weight in water. The pellets substantially reduce water run-off and soil erosion as compared to other mulch pellets.

Abstract: A soil top dressing resulting from the method of taking a quantity of sand comprised of a plurality of sand particles; coating the sand particles with a liquid plasticizer material comprised of a mixture of water and at least one from the group of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, silicon rubber latex or glycerol, adding a quantity of clay comprised of a plurality of clay particles, along with a quantity of the plasticizer material to the coated sand particles; adding a quantity of kelp to coat said sand coated particles; and coating the kelp with calamovilla longifolia.

Abstract: Biodegradable mulch mat comprising an air and water-permeable, light-impermeable, open celled, composite of granules and fibers in a binder matrix prepared from a foam precursor. Biodegradable fibers include cellulosic fibers such as shredded wood, straw, paper, corn stalks, cotton fiber and mosses; protein fibers such as hair; and synthetic polymer fibers such as vinyl polymer fibers and polyamide fibers. Granules include milled hard vegetation such as corn cob, nut shells, seed hulls, seeds, gourds and bark. The mulch mats can also comprise pigments, fungicides, soil builders such as vermiculite, perlite, sand, diatomaceous earth and gypsum; nutrients such as nitrate, potassium and phosphorus compounds; soil conditioners such as limestone, sulfur and iron sulfate. Useful binders include polysaccharides, glycosides, vegetable gums, vinyl polymers, waxes and crosslinkable oils. Useful surfactants include saponins, e.g. extract of Yucca shidigera, and amine surfactants.

Abstract: A stabilized natural turf surface particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat interposed between upper and lower layers of growth media, the mat having a woven biodegradable backing and upwardly extending artificial fibers secured thereto, wherein the fibers extend well above the top of the upper layer. Natural grass plants grow in the upper layer, with the crowns being located in the upper layer of growth media and the roots extending down through the backing and into the lower layer. The mat helps to stabilize root growth, particularly during the first few years. The biodegradability of the backing results in its eventual decomposition, so that after a predetermined time the turf surface may be aerated all the way down to the lower layer without adversely affecting the mat and the mat can be top dressed beginning immediately after turf growth occurs. The biodegradability also prevents the creation of an agronomic barrier between the upper and lower layers.

Abstract: A sod comprising a root support matrix that itself comprises a mixture of soil and/or sand and shredded carpet pieces has a beneficial plant adjuvant disposed on the shredded fabric pieces, preferably in the form of shredded carpet pieces. The beneficial plant adjuvant is initially suspended in an aqueous solution of water and a degradable, slow-release, water-soluble liquid polymer that when dried forms a coating on the surface of the shredded carpet pieces.

Abstract: A pourable, granular paper mulch product including a granular solid comprising at least about 85% paper by weight and at least about 6% water by weight, and having a settled density of at least about 15 pounds per cubic foot is prepared by comminuting paper, mixing the comminuting paper with water to form a pulp, extruding the pulp through a die orifice, chopping the extrudate to a length of less than about 1/8 inch to form granules, and drying the granules to achieve a final moisture content of from about 6% to about 13% by weight. The granular paper mulch product exhibits excellent flow characteristics, and can be easily applied to a damaged area of lawn such as by pouring the patch composition directly from a box.

Abstract: A liquid fixing agent prepared by dissolving in dilute acetic acid chitosan and natural polysaccharide (such as cellulose, pectin, and alginic acid). It is used to fix planted soil (in a terrarium) by application to the surface of soil, followed by drying. Fixed soil prevents ornamental plants from falling or moving in the container during transportation and also remains in place even when the container is inclined.

Abstract: A sod plug mulcher is towed behind a sod plugger preferably on a golf course, park land, or grass playing surfaces. The sod plugger punches holes in the turf and creates sod plugs. The sod plug mulcher catches the sod plugs and processes them into a fine mulch. The sod plug mulcher has a roller assembly to flatten the sod plugs. Then a series of spinning hammer blades chop the flattened sod plugs into a mulch inside a rotating drum. A spreader tray then throws the mulch back onto the golf course.

Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch.

Abstract: A mulching paper sheet having satisfactory mechanical strength, elongation, weathering resistance and biodegradation resistance while being used for plant culture, includes a paper sheet substrate formed mainly from a cellulosic pulp; a biodegradation-retarding agent comprising humic acid and/or a water-insoluble metal salt of humic acid and coated on or impregnated in the substrate; and optionally an antimicrobial agent contained in at least the longitudinal side edge portions of the paper sheet substrate.

Abstract: Mulch flakes made from finely divided paper and/or wood, and a surfactant. The flakes also contain fertilizer. They are sized to approximately match the size of typical grass seed. This allows them to be mixed with seed and evenly spread with the seed over bare turf grass areas, to more effectively fill in the bare areas.

Abstract: The present invention relates to synthetic wood chips and methods for making the same. The synthetic wood chips are made from rubber particles, such as ground up tires, and a colorant which colors the rubber particles to look like natural mulch. The synthetic mulch is available in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, however, it is preferred for the synthetic mulch to look like wood chips, tree bark, or pea gravel.

Abstract: A covering material for agricultural soil contains starch or a derivative or fraction thereof as binder together with a structure-improving amount of an acid and/or an oil, and a finely divided vegetable filler such as straw. The oil is for instance palm oil or linseed oil in an amount of 1-25 wt. %. The acid is preferably 0.2-4% by weight of phosphoric acid or citric acid. The material may further comprise fungicides, bentonite and/or rubber latices.

Abstract: A landscaping system for minimizing downward penetration of weed roots. A polymer film having upper and lower surfaces and a selected porosity is positioned such that soil is disposed below and contacting the lower surface of the film. Mulch is disposed above the film, and contacts the upper surface of the film. There are projections formed in the film that extend away from the upper surface of the film and toward the mulch. The projections have a frustro-conical shape, or in other words are shaped like frustra, with sidewalls configured for deflecting roots growing along the film in an upward direction away from the film. The projections terminate at an apex, and are formed on the film at a selected density per unit area of the film. Apertures are formed in the film at the apex of the projections. The apertures have a selected diameter which is sufficiently large to allow passage of liquid water through the film.

Abstract: Improved solutions for watering plant roots and methods of application, the solutions containing in parts by volume (1) humectant from 25 to 75, (2) thickener from 0.2 to 1.5, (3) binder from 0.2 to 5, (4) wetting agent from 0.2 to 2.0 and (5) water 75 to 25.

Abstract: A novel agricultural mulch and improved method of arranging the mulch on a growing field with furrows is disclosed wherein the mulch is made of an extensible paper substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface with side sections near the edges of the substrate capable of being turned up and bent back over the top surface of the paper substrate as the mulch is laid down over the growing field; the bottom surface of the paper substrate will be exposed for receiving soil from the field to anchor the mulch and protect it against the weathering of rain, sun and wind.

Abstract: An improved method of establishing plantings in sod mats which are capable of being transported as a unit and reestablished without significantly disturbing the root system of the plants. The sod mats established from grass turf sod, by utilizing the matted, dead grass roots of turf sod as a biodegradable medium for anchoring the roots of the growing plants, the plant roots being intermeshed with the matted grass roots. The sod mat allows for the production of a diversity of sod mat products, including annual and perennial ornamental plants, herbs, and edible plants, among others. While the plants can be grown to various sizes depending on market desires and mature plant height, the sod mats are capable of rapidly establishing sufficient stability to withstand lifting and transportation, thus providing a significant improvement over sod-like mats of the prior art.

Abstract: An improved landscape fabric is disclosed consisting of a sheet of thermoplastic material in which a plurality of alternating hollow ridges and valleys are formed. Each of the ridges is defined by a pair of upright sidewalls and an interconnecting top. A plurality of spaced apertures are formed through each of the upright walls at its juncture with an adjacent valley, being disposed to permit the flow of water and air therethrough to the underside of the sheet while inhibiting the passage of light therethrough. The improved fabric has extensibility and flexibility during installation, permitting it to conform to the area to be covered without having to be fabric itself.

Abstract: A degradable agricultural mulch, mat or ground cover including cotton linters fibers, hardwood kraft pulp fibers, softwood kraft pulp fibers, and a water holdout material which is strong enough to be laid mechanically and is 100% photo- or biodegradable.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a film (A) consisting of a mixture comprising at least one polyamide and at least one polyolefin, the said film being placed on agricultural land into which a fumigant is injected. According to a first variant, the invention also relates to a film comprising the above layer (A) and a layer (B) consisting essentially of a polyolefin. According to a second variant, the invention also relates to a film comprising the above layer (A) placed between two layers (B). A coextrusion binder may optionally be placed between the layers (A) and (B) in the two variants. The invention also relates to a process for the treatment of soils by fumigation.

Abstract: A plant sod mat utilizing a planting medium of spent mushroom growth material and a porosity increasing material and methods of preparing mushroom compost and of preparing spent mushroom growth media for use in plant sod mats. A plant sod mat utilizing spent mushroom growth media may comprise two layers of the spent mushroom growth media separated by a sheet of polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fabric. The plant sod mat may also utilize root binding fabrics comprising polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene.

Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch. A water-absorbent polymer-based material is dispersed throughout the fiber mulch to increase its water absorption capacity.

Abstract: A novel hydroxide complex with condensed silicate represented by the formula (I)?Al.sub.2 (Li.sub.(1-x).M.sup.2+.sub.x)(OH).sub.6 !.sub.2 (Si.sub.y O.sub.2y+1.sup.2-).sub.1+x.mH.sub.2 O (I)wherein M.sup.2+ is a divalent metal, m, x and y are numbers respectively in the ranges of 0.ltoreq.m<5, 0.ltoreq.x<1 and 2.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.4, a process for preparing the same, an infrared absorber containing the same as an effective ingredient, and an agricultural film containing said infrared absorber.

Abstract: A process for growing a light weight, transportable sod-mat and for facilitating the implantation of such a mat on a lawn bed comprises germinating lawn-grass seeds (5) in a thin layer of growing medium (4) spread over a mat of non-woven polypropylene (3) laying on an impermeable membrane (2). After germination, the mat and the inseminated growing medium is installed over a layer of porous material such as decomposed granite covering a conditioned subsoil. Drip irrigation lines are run through the upper region of the porous material.

Abstract: A river bottom fish control apparatus, which includes a mesh grid netting for providing a substrate for plants and other benthic organism growth and for decreasing turbidity in a body of water. The mesh grid netting includes a flexible plastic having mesh openings and apertures forming flaps located at spaced intervals. The apertures are relatively larger than the mesh openings. The apertures may form crescent-shaped flaps having an apex end and a hinge end and may have a recessed portion removed from the apex end of the flaps or a thin strip removed contiguous to the length of the aperture.

Abstract: A product for forming a stable resilient surface layer which comprises a particulate aggregate having particles of a plurality of sizes and including fiber strands and a selected amount of water-absorbent, water-activated adhesive particles having a swell volume when absorbing water in a range of 25% to 45%. When subjected to sufficient water the water-absorbent particles swell and bind the aggregate and fiber strands forming a high shear strength, flexible resilient layer.

Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch. A water-absorbent polymer-based material is dispersed throughout the fiber mulch to increase its water absorption capacity.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved agricultural mulch films and methods for their use.

Abstract: A grass guard for forming a vegetationless border around a perimeter of an object, such as a lawn sprinkler head, is described. One particular embodiment consists of a two layer construction. The top layer is a plastic sheet simulating grass. The bottom layer is made of a heavy grit bonded into a uniform body with a polymer. The layers form a relatively thin, weather resistant, plastically compliant disk with a center hole for stretch, self-adjusting fit over a pre-installed sprinkler head. The device is also easily cut through with a knife to fit various head locations. The bottom layer has an outside vertical edge with a top rounded corner enclosing the top layer to prevent edge delamination or fraying. An adhesive is provided to bond the grass guard to the neck of the sprinkler head to eliminate gap formation around the head. A hammering board can be used to facilitate the installation.

Abstract: A method of conditioning soil and an organic soil conditioner particularly useful in treating athletic fields derived by drying and grinding plants from the Plantago family. The soil conditioner is applied to the surface of tilled soil and thereafter worked into the soil, deep-watered, allowed to dry and packed. Time-released fertilizer may be included in the soil conditioner if desired.