Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a seedbed of meltblown material having incorporated therein seeds. It is preferred that in addition to the incorporation of seeds that there is also incorporated absorbent material such as cellulose fibers and superabsorbent materials such as hydrogels.

Abstract: Agricultural mulch sheeting which provides soil moisture retention and weed control during the growing season, yet is readily degradable when harrowed into the soil after harvest, comprises a creped natural kraft paper coated on both sides with a polyvinylidene chloride latex dispersion. The coating on one side of the sheet includes carbon black which provides the opacity to prevent weed growth while also yielding a reversible sheet which may be installed to absorb or reflect the sun's rays. The mulch may also include a sleeve of the same material sealed to the upper surface of the main sheet to form a conduit for irrigating water which seeps into the underlying soil through a row of puctures in the sheet.

Abstract: A machine for laying shelter film along a planting row supports the film roll at least in part on wheels disposed to press the opposite edges of the film into furrows in the ground. The film is thus carried by the wheels from the roll to the ground. A cantilever member is mounted centrally and ahead of the wheels to temporarily support the film when it is deposited over a series of arches.

Abstract: To prepare an effective potting media from waste plant products, a mixture of high carbon and high nitrogen organic material is mixed with a phosphoric acid solution to maintain a pH of between 5.5 and 7.1 under aerobic conditions, with or without soil. Ground wheat straw or other high carbon plant materials and ground alfalfa hay or other high nitrogen plant materials are used in the preferred embodiment in ratios of between three parts ground wheat straw or other high carbon plant materials for each seven parts of ground alfalfa hay or other high nitrogen plant materials to seven parts ground wheat straw or other high carbon plant materials for each three parts ground alfalfa hay or other high nitrogen plant materials. The mixture of wheat straw and alfalfa hay has a pH in the range of 7.0 to 8.1. Phosphoric acid 0.04 M is added periodically for approximately one month if the pH of the mixture is higher than desirable for the plant type.

Abstract: A stable, concentrated solution intended for subsequent aqueous dilution and application to sodium contaminated soils for the productive reclamation thereof is prepared by a process comprising:(a) preparing an initial aqueous solution having a concentration in the range of from about 1 to 4%% by weight of a water soluble calcium or magnesium salt and dissolving therein from about 1 to 2% by weight of a water soluble polymer having an average molecular weight of at least about 1,00,000;preparing a substantially saturated aqueous solution of the water soluble calcium or magnesium salt empolyed in step (a); and(c) mixing from about 5 to 20% by volume of the polymer-containing solution of step (a) with from about 80 to 95% by volume of the substantially saturated solution of step (b) to obtain the stable, concentrated solution.A particularly preferred salt is calcium nitrate and particularly preferred polymers are high molecular weight anionic polyacrylamide polymers.

Abstract: A base layer of straw is deposited on an impervious surface and grass seed, either dry or in a slurry, is deposited on such base layer. In one embodiment, comminuted straw particles are included in a slurry of grass seed and water to form a top layer on the base layer. The base layer of straw may comprise loose or pelletized straw and apparatus forming a part of the invention may be employed which has elements for laying an impervious plastic sheeting and for dispensing pelletized straw on the plastic sheeting and for dispensing grass seed on the straw, all in one pass of the apparatus.

Abstract: An agricultural mulch film is prepared by mixing conventional plant nutrients with a water-soluble polymer such as polyvinyl alcohol. The mixture is cast in the liquid form and allowed to dry to form a thin film. The dried film is then coated with a thin layer of a water-resistant resin such as polyvinyl acetate to form a composite mulch film. The release of the nutrients contained in the mulch film is controlled by the addition to the water-soluble polymer mixture of either (1) a nitrification inhibitor along with urea, or (2) a water-soluble urea-formaldehyde condensation product. The release of the nutrients is also controlled somewhat by the water-resistant resin coating. Other additives may be added to the mulch film to produce a multi-purpose product.

Abstract: A device intended to hold or contain a plant in planting comprises a sleeve having broken-through wall parts extending in the length direction of the sleeve from an upper edge of the sleeve to a lower edge. The lower edge may be formed with at least one tip to facilitate penetration of the sleeve into the soil.When planting on soil cover, the device further comprises an anchoring device surrounding the sleeve. The device includes an upper edge part and a lower edge part which are united with each other by strips extending in the length direction and showing kerf situated in a lateral plane, preferably a central plane.

Abstract: An aqueous suspension of activated charcoal provides an inexpensive method for detoxifying large areas of soil and turf contaminated with organic pesticides.

Abstract: Aquatic plant growth can be reduced or eliminated in a pond or lake by placing a silicone rubber-coated fabric over the area where such plants want to be eliminated.

Abstract: A method of promoting the emergence of field-planted, small-seeded crops comprises sowing the seeds in an agricultural field and applying an emulsion which includes an animal fat material to the soil directly over the sown seeds.

Abstract: An infrared radiation absorbing film suitable for agricultural purposes comprising a first layer of olefin resin containing an amorphous hydrated aluminosilicate gel and optionally, additional layers of an olefin resin encompassing said first layer.

Abstract: Method of treating a soil particularly for maintaining or increasing the percentage of organic matter therein. This method which is carried out by simple surface composting, after spreading shredded forest residue and animal manure, is very interesting in that it associates the use of an agricultural technique known for its simplicity and low cost with the use of two basic materials produced each year in enormous quantities as industrial by-products for which no disposal means have been found.

Abstract: An infrared radiation absorbing film suitable for agricultural purposes comprising a first layer of olefin resin containing an amorphous hydrated aluminosilicate gel and optionally, additional layers of an olefin resin encompassing said first layer.

Abstract: A part circle metal frame having a mat secured thereto which is centrally foldable about a skid bar for catching shrub trimmings in an unfolded position beneath a shrub, for removing the shrub trimmings from beneath the shrub on the skid bar and for transporting the shrub trimmings to a refuge container with the frame and mat folded to form a pouch having a rigid frame.

Abstract: A method for improving the water conservation properties of soil. The method increases the ability of the soil to absorb and retain water and acts to stabilize the loosening of break-up of the soil.

Abstract: Device for the permanent nutrition of pot plants and containing a granulated slow-release fertilizer comprising at least one fertilizing element selected from nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, consisting of a flat support, on the upper surface of which adhere the granules, and a water-permeable sheet covering the flat support so as to enclose the granules.

Abstract: Olefin polymer films are produced comprising amounts of one or more permeability reducing fatty acid derivative compounds. The resultant films have improved barrier abilities as evidenced by reduced methyl bromide diffusion rates. The films are very suitably employed as soil fumigation tarpaulins or soil covering materials. Improved methods for confining chemical treatment agents are also taught.

Abstract: The invention relates to controllably degradable polymer compositions, especially suitable for making film products, comprising a vinyl polymer, and at least one first complex which is a non-ionic organosoluble antioxidant complex of a chain-breaking, peroxide-decomposing, metal ion deactivating or ultraviolet light stabilizing compound and of a metal such that the metal complex is a photoactivator and at least one second complex which is a non-ionic organosoluble ultraviolet light stabilizing complex of a metal such that the metal complex is a photostabilizer, the concentrations of the two complexes being co-ordinated to produce a desired embrittlement time for the composition.The first complex is an iron complex and the second a nickel complex or a cobalt complex.

Abstract: An aquatic weed barrier is disclosed which comprises a film having a plurality of incisions therein. Each incision is shaped to form at least one flap adjacent the incision. The film has a light transmittance of less than 50% in the 200 to 650 nm wavelength range.

Abstract: The machine is coupled to a standard tractor, and normally slides over the ground on a skid plate as the vehicle moves forward. A film roll is supported on the machine in a position to be unwound, and the film is progressively deposited on the ground behind the skid plate. Groove-forming structure under the skid plate are disposed centrally inward from the edges of the film roll, and following wheels depress the edges of the film into the groove. Scraper plates then move earth into the grooves, entrapping the edges of the film.

Abstract: An agricultural plastic film improved in retention of infrared radiation which comprises an olefin resin film produced by forming a composition comprising 100 parts by weight of an olefin resin (A) and 2 to 25 parts by weight of a compound oxide (B) comprising SiO.sub.2 and at least one member of the oxides of metals selected from Groups II, III and IV of the periodic table, the ratio of the refractive index (n.sub.A) of said olefin resin to that (n.sub.B) of said compound oxide, n.sub.A /n.sub.B, being within a range of 0.99 to 1.02, into film.

Abstract: A fibrous web for planting seeds consists essentially of a mat of randomly oriented, unmodified, natural straw-like cellulosic fibers, viable seeds, water soluble adhesive and fertilizer on a tissue paper backing. A method of sowing an area of soil with seeds comprising laying the aforementioned web over the area. Apparatus for producing the aforementioned web comprises a conveyor belt, means for driving the conveyor belt, means for placing tissue paper backing on the conveyor belt, means for depositing onto the tissue paper backing on the conveyor belt while it is driven dry, fluffed randomly oriented, unmodified, natural cellulosic fibers to form a layer thereof on the conveyor belt, means for leveling the fluffed layer to form a mat, means for spraying an aqueous solution of water soluble adhesive onto the mat, means for depositing seed and fertilizer onto the wet adhesive bearing mat and means for drying the wet mat containing adhesive, seed and fertilizer.

Abstract: A system for holding down horticultural plastic sheet provides a fastener and tool for driving and removing the fastener; the fastener may be an inverted "L" shape or in "T" shape or in inverted "W" shape according to embodiment with the lower portion wedge shaped and the upper portion held in a form-fitting socket in the head from which it can be removed by sliding in either of two directions or by springing apart of jaws of the tool to release the fastener; special cleat structure helps secure plastic sheet to the earth; in the "T" shaped embodiment and the "W" shaped embodiment, the fastener can hold two or more plastic sheets adjacently laid.

Abstract: A process for making pelletized mint mulch utilizes the mint plant residue from production of mint oil as a primary feed stock. The mint residue, known as mint slugs, is first dried, chopped, and sifted to remove fine materials from the fibrous or stemmy portions of the mint slugs and to shorten the mint stem fibers to a length predominantly in the one-half to one-inch range. The chopped fibrous portions of the mint slugs are pelletized and the resultant pellets are crumbled. Pelletizing compresses the mint fibers greatly reducing their bulk and crimping them to promote separability. Crumbling fractures the pellets so that they will more readily break apart and absorb water. Crumbled mint mulch is applied to bare soil surfaces in dry form by conventional broadcasting apparatus. The pellets can also be mixed into a slurry form for spray application by a hydro-mulching machine.

Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of pulped fibers and a slag characterized by an open pore structure.

Abstract: A subterranean, visually unobserveable, landscaping device for watering and fertilizing plant, tree, and shrub roots. The device is especially useful with weed inhibiting ground covers placed around the plant growth.A special compartment inhibits weed growth by laterally surrounding the hole in a ground cover and stores fertilizer that is dispensed incrementally over a period of time through interaction with water flow through the device.

Abstract: In the transplanting of seedlings, such as, tomato plants, soil prepared to receive the plant seedlings has a mulch layer of sheet material spread over the area in which the plants are to be grown and spaced holes are formed through the sheet material and into the soil with a seedling then introduced into each hole. Thereafter, a generally tubular protector is inserted through the sheet material into the soil surrounding each seedling so that the peripheral exterior of each protector is closely surrounded by the sheet material at the perimeter of each hole with an upper portion of each protector extending above the sheet material to enclose the stem portion of the seedling and a lower portion of each protector embedded in the soil beneath the sheet material to surround the root formation of the seedling. Each protector may have a downwardly tapering form where it encloses the seedling.

Abstract: Plastic films containing pesticides and useful as coverings for agricultural cultivations which also effectively protect the cultivations from both vegetable and animal pests (parasites) are disclosed, as are methods for obtaining and using the coverings.

Abstract: A device formed as an integral plastic piece having an inner tubular portion to surround the stalk of the tomato plant and an outer support portion which defines a circumferential trough surrounding the inner tubular portion. The inner tubular portion is placed around the stalk of the tomato plant, with the lower edge of the tubular portion being implanted into the ground. The upper growth portion (i.e., vines) of the tomato plant and the tomatoes are conveniently retained in the trough.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of treating or cultivating soil consists of a mobile chassis which when propelled over the ground, has means for removing a predetermined amount of soil from the ground to create an open trench therein, tilling the removed soil and mixing additives therewith and further mixing the soil and forceably replacing the soil into the trench.

Abstract: A dry seeding mulch having finely shredded or ground particles of waste paper mixed with a dry powdered chemical wetting agent and injected, after bagging, with a concentrated dye mixture which imparts color to the entire bag of mulch when mixed with water by the ultimate user. The mulch is produced by grinding or shredding waste paper into finely divided particles and mixing the finely divided particles of waste paper with a dry chemical wetting agent in the form of a powder. The dry mixture of paper particles and powdered chemical wetting agent is bagged for shipment and then injected with a concentrated chemical dye which produces only localized coloring at the point of injection. The entire contents of bag are colored by the dye when the ultimate user to whom the bag has been shipped mixes the dry mulch with water.

Abstract: An agricultural inoculant composition used as a seed, plant, foilar spray, field spray, and compost inoculant. The agricultural inoculant composition includes both a peat humus base composition having predetermined quantities of peat moss, leather meal, granite meal, Calcium Phosphate, tobacco meal, animal manure, kelp, greensand, liquid seaweed, and bacterial inoculant. Additionally, a liquid seaweed base composition is mixed with the peat humus base composition and the liquid seaweed base composition includes a combination of liquid seaweed, carbohydrates and polysaccharides, vitamins, as well as liquid alfalfa. The agricultural inoculant has been found to increase both the quality and yield of various types of plant products when such is used either as a seed or plant inoculant.

Abstract: A novel method is proposed for growing ground covers as sods. Advantage is taken of the growth habits of these types of plants to grow and expand laterally by planting them in permanent row/hill nurseries between which is placed plastic sheeting covered with an appropriate growing medium. The row/hill nurseries grow laterally into these areas and knit the growing medium into a sod which is harvested by cutting along the edge of the plastic sheeting. The latter may be harvested with the sod to protect it in shipment or left behind in place, covered with more growing medium, and the process repeated. The method, in comparison to the conventional method of planting ground covers by rooted cuttings one at a time, requires less labor to install, provides instant weed-free cover complete with mulch, and requires less watering and initial care.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the environment protection and, more specifically, to microbiological processes for recultivation of industrial refuse heaps.The process of the present invention involves treatment of the heaps with fertilizers resulting from purification of production-communal waste waters, followed by treatment with a humic preparation containing a culture of the mold fungus Aspergillus niger. Then plowing of the ground is effected with a subsequent sowing with seeds of perennial plants. The heap surface sown with said seeds is inoculated with a bacterial preparation containing a culture of ammonifying and nitrifying bacteria.During the period of the plant sprouting and tillering inoculation is effected by means of a bacterial preparation containing a culture of azotobacter and phosphate-dissolving bacteria. All these bacteria are recovered from said refuse heaps, wherefore they are already adapted thereto.

Abstract: A planter is provided which automatically deposits equally-spaced, sprout-bearing plugs of specially prepared nutriet soil into the ground. The planter can also be equipped with a supply tank and pipe for adding a measured quantity of gel containing water and seeds with the sprout-bearing plugs. The planter is also equipped with a melting member or piston which is heated. The piston is mounted on a counterweighted arm and moves up and down by means of a solenoid. The piston, which is suitably internally heated by an air-fuel mixture, contacts and melts an oblong hole in plastic sheeting when such sheetings was laid down on a field when it was prepared for planting. The plugs are then planted through these holes.

Abstract: Soil including a setting agent such as fiber-soil-cement or the like is sprayed onto a slope so that corrugations extending substantially in parallel to the horizon are formed. Grooves and ridges of the corrugated surface provide conditions for allowing plants to grow on the protected slope.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a sprayable hydromulch which is effective in reclaiming land, and which is particularly useful in planting seed to establish ground cover on reclaimed strip mining areas.

Abstract: A planter adapted for small as well as large scale seed planting since the principal parts may be extruded or otherwise formed in any appropriate lengths, the planter being characterized particularly by having means for condensation and direction of the condensed soil water onto a limited area where the seeds are planted in a fertilized mulch, the planter producing hothouse conditions therewithin, base portions of the planter being self-destructing by reason of solution by soil water to prevent interference with root growth, and weed control being provided for by chemical weed retardant originally contained in aprons on each side of the planter, the lower layers of these aprons being soluble in soil water to release the chemical weed retardant.

Abstract: A mulcher having a roll of film, a ridger for making a planting ridge to be covered by the film, means for keeping the film taut over the ridge while soil is placed on the film edges, and the film roll is rollably supported to insure dispensing of the film from a fixed position throughout the mulching.

Abstract: A peat paper used to improve the quality of the soil in connection with planting, sowing or weed-control. The paper consists of peat fibres (4), cellulose fibres (1), and a bonding agent. The disclosure also teaches the method of producing said peat paper. The peat paper is characterized in that in a lower layer the cellulose fibres (1) support the peat fibres (4) and in that the cellulose fibres and peat fibres (1,4) are bonded together by means of the bonding agent in a dry-formation process so as to form paper-like sheets or webs. The resulting peat paper is soft and owing to its method of production controlled amounts and/or layers of additives, such as fertilizers, seeds, hormones, and similar additives may be incorporated into the paper.

Abstract: A method of mulching comprising mulching plants or soil with antistatic films of a synthetic polymer obtained by the method consisting essentially of continuously printing over at least part of the surface of at least one side of the film of synthetic polymer with aluminum powder by suspending in solvent a composition consisting essentially of aluminum powder and a polyamide resin, setting the suspension down onto the film, and permitting the solvent to evaporate. The films obtained have a surface resistivity of less than 10.sup.10 ohms/cm. The mulching of plants with these films prevents virus degeneration of the plants by virus-carrying aphides, and the mulching of the soil limits the increase of soil temperature in warm environments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for improving a soil structure by stabilization of aggregates and to the reagents used therefor. The reagents used are graft polymers obtained from crude lignosulfonate and monomer selected from the group consisting of vinyl cyanide (acrylonitrile), vinyl acetate, hydrolized vinyl acetate and acrylamide or combinations thereof, at a pH range of between 2 and 6 in the presence of an initiator.The reagents obtained according to the invention are true solutions and are characterized by their low viscosity. They can be used in solution, emulsion or suspension either by spraying alone or admixed with fertilizers, pesticides or combined with the operation of planting and soil stabilization.The reagents can be easily manufactured, being stable for prolonged periods of time. They possess outstanding properties as soil conditioners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to seed carriers which are preferably in the form of seed-containing sheets to be laid out on the ground. The seed carriers are produced continuously on a large scale by the utilization of forming wire machines commonly used for papermaking. The seed carrier is formed in part of a peat material which is fibre-graded, in that colloids and small particles have been removed, and/or of a peat material having a degree of humidification of 1 to 3 according to von Post's scale, and in part of a fibre material interconnecting the peat fibres. The seed carrier according to the invention may be used for growing all kinds of crop, preferably in growing plants in dry districts, for instance desert areas, where it will form a cover which promotes the retention of moisture in the underlying soil.

Abstract: A resin composition in the form of a covering film or sheet comprising (A) 100 parts by weight of a thermoplastic olefinic resin and (B) about 1 to about 20 parts by weight of an acetal resin; and a method for maintaining an agricultural locus at temperatures suitable for the growth of plants, using above covering film or sheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a fibrous mass from peat, in which, after a primary sorting operation, the peat-material suspension is liquid-concentration regulated by supplying thereto an amount of liquid depending on the degree of humidification of the dug-up peat, and then supplying the suspension under pressure to at least one screening member having a permeability depending on the peat-fiber concentration of the peat-material after the concentration regulation.

Abstract: Soil is stabilized and strengthened by application of solutions of calcium polysulfides. Compositions useful for soil stabilization comprise aqueous solutions of calcium polysulfide or aqueous mixtures of calcium polysulfides and dispersed organic polymers. Emulsifiers provide soil penetration.

Abstract: Plastic films containing pesticides and useful as coverings for agricultural cultivations which also effectively protect the cultivations from both vegetable and animal pests (parasites) are disclosed, as are methods for obtaining and using the coverings.

Abstract: A viscous liquid containing dye and possibly further additives is added to a package of hydraulic mulch material for hydraulic mulching. The viscous liquid and its additives are suitable to be later uniformly mixed through the hydraulic mulch during subsequent mixing and agitation with water prior to application, thereby eliminating the need for precoloring of the mulch material.

Abstract: A barrier to minimize the percolation of moisture under fruit drying trays and the like, the barrier having a continuous panel of substantially impervious material folded to form walls positionable in peripherally conforming relation to a tray and being of sufficient rigidity to permit them to be inserted downwardly into the soil to form a subsurface barrier to moisture in the conforming relation.