Abstract: A method of starting rapid grass growth, including mixing dry adhesive and grass seed in a blender, subjecting the mixture to an electrostatic charge to cause the adhesive to cling to the seed, adding fertilizer to the seed and grass mixture, grinding cellulose material to chip it into small particles and simultaneously feeding into the grinder the adhesive, seed and fertilizer mixture, the heat of grinding serving to activate the adhesive to bind the materials to each other to form a grass starting composition, blowing the composition onto land to be planted, and watering the composition.

Abstract: A moisturizing mat, and process for making it, are disclosed. The moisturizing mat is suitable for use as a base to promote trickle watering of plants in greenhouses. The mat comprises a wood pulp/fabric layer having an impervious plastic film backing layer. The moisturizing mat is produced by a process including the steps of (a) depositing wood pulp on a first fibrous layer, (b) placing a second fibrous layer on top of the wood pulp, (c) bonding the product of step (b), and (d) bonding an impervious plastic film to one face of the product of step (c).

Abstract: Reduction of encrustation of a soil where tender crops are germinated by treating the seed bed with an effective amount of a quaternary ammonium cationic polymer, either polydiallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride or a polymer of dimethylamine/epichlorohydrin dissolved in water.

Abstract: A laminated mat for growing lawns or other vegetation on soil comprises a base sheet of water pervious, bio-degradable web material. Joined to the base sheet by an adhesive binder is a bed of seeds and dried, compressed peat particles. Secured to the bed of seeds and peat particles is an upper laminate comprising a fibrous, porous veil which protects and retains the bed therebelow. The upper veil is water pervious to pass water therethrough to the bed of peat particles and seeds. The bio-degradable veil also easily expands to retain the wet, expanded peat particles and the seeds entrained by the peat particles and the veil.

Abstract: The admixing of highly absorbent starch-containing polymeric compositions with higher fatty alcohols containing 12 carbon atoms per molecule to 24 carbon atoms per molecule, thereby reducing and/or inhibiting the evaporation of fluid from the highly absorbent starch-containing polymeric compositions.

Abstract: Soil is stabilized to resist erosion due to weather exposure by depositing a latex coagulating amount of an aqueous solution of a polyvalent metal salt on the soil surface followed thereafter by depositing on that so treated surface a soil stabilizing amount of an aqueous polymer latex coagulable by said salt.

Abstract: A method of potting plants to optimize the environmental growth conditions thereof, and a combination that results from the practice of the method. A plurality of loose fibers comprising the fiber fraction from the break up of used tires which fiber fraction is normally a disposal problem is placed in the interior of a pot adjacent to the bottom thereof. Soil and the roots of the plant being potted are disposed over the loose fibers and a combination results including the pot, loose fibers, soil and plant. The loose fibers from the break up of used tires prevents the loss of soil through drainage holes in the bottom of the pot while providing for proper drainage, provide micronutrients and otherwise provide optimum growth conditions for the potted plant. Thus, worthwhile use is made of an otherwise worthless product.

Abstract: An installation for cultivating plants on a soil, characterized in that it comprises at least one heat-exchanger, each of said exchangers being constituted by an elongated flat flexible hose with a then wall resting on the soil, and feed means for circulating liquid of a preselected regulated temperature through each of said hoses.

Abstract: Sandy terrains are fixed against displacement by the wind of the sandy soil using at least one non-woven textile filament network. Erosion of the soil is thereby prevented or at least significantly reduced. The network is preferably formed from a tow of artificial or synthetic textiles in the form of continuous threads which are separated first into locks which are fixedly positioned in the ground and then the locks are separated or opened to form a regular or irregular open network.Application of the non-woven network for fixing the surface soil of sandy zones prevents erosion and improves the planting and development of vegetation and crops.

Abstract: Stable suspensions of solid particles are formed by dispersing the particles in a pseudoplastic aqueous medium containing in solution xanthan gum and at least one non-ionic water-soluble polymer, exemplified by guar gum, in proportions providing an unexpectedy high ratio of yield point to plastic viscosity. The medium is especially useful in the planting of seeds which may be pre-germinated.

Abstract: Remnants of cedar timbers, including bark, sawdust, wood chips and the like are spread in a layer upon soil to enhance the growth of vegetables, especially tuberous vegetables, such as potatoes. The cedar remnants provide nutrients for vegetables, retard the growth of weeds, aid in the retention of moisture and inhibit the propagation of harmful insects.

Abstract: Wet soil containing up to about 40% by wet weight of water is stabilized into a relatively dry, compactable soil mass for use as backfill in excavations by admixing lime and an alkali metal salt of a starch-polyacrylonitrile or starch-polymethacrylonitrile graft copolymer with the soil, allowing the resulting admixture to stand for a short period of time to produce a relatively dry, compactable soil mass, and thereafter using the soil mass as backfill. The aforementioned graft copolymer can also be used as backfill around electrically conductive, grounding members by combining the graft copolymer with a binder or relatively water impervious material, such as a bentonite clay, and interposing the clay/graft coploymer mixture between the grounding member and the surrounding soil.

Abstract: Polyethylene or EVA copolymer film which includes up to about 15% by weight of an additive preferably a mixture of alunite - aluminum hydroxide is disclosed for particular use as a cover for agricultural purposes. The disclosed film has improved properties which provide growth of plants and/or crops by reducing thermal losses to the atmosphere and by minimizing shadow formation. The physical characteristics of the film are equal to or better than conventional films.

Abstract: The invention provides a machine for performing cultivation under plastics, wherein there is a framework, a ploughshare to make a furrow in the ground, a support bearing a roll of plastic sheet and arranged in such a way that the sheet is positioned on the ground above the furrow, means for perforating the sheet before positioning same on the ground, perforations being made in the sheet vertical to the burrow.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing soil, such as sub-bases, bases and wear courses of roads and airport runways, sand dunes and other loose, particulate material, which includes mixing an epoxy resin ester of unsaturated fatty acids with soil, preferably at the optimum moisture content of the soil, in ratios of as little as one part of chemical to 200 parts of soil, with the amount depending on the use. Optionally, small but effective quantities of cement may be added to the composition in the range of about 2 to 20% of the weight of the soil. A soil coating or top dressing may be applied to the resultant structure if desired.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for planting seed tape wherein a seed tape planter is pulled through the field during a planting operation, and planting seed tape is accomplished by forming a seed bed, dispensing seed tape onto or into the formed seed bed, opening furrows or cavities on each side of said formed seed bed, dispensing a covering material over said formed seed bed and the dispensed seed tape, urging the edges of said covering material into the open furrows or cavities, and closing the furrows or cavities by back filling the same with the displaced dirt or soil from the furrows or cavities so as to cover the edges of said covering material such that the back filled dirt or soil acts to hold the covering material about said formed seed bed.

Abstract: A mulch product comprising an open-mesh fabric having knittedly inter-connected longitudinal and transverse yarn elements and a multiplicity of parallel strips of paper or other suitable material secured to a surface of the knitted fabric so as to form a laminated product wherein displacement between the strips and the knitted fabric in a direction parallel to the longitudinal elements of the knitted fabric is substantially prevented when the fabric is stretched in a direction at right angles to the longitudinal yarn elements and wherein one or both edge portions of the strips are free to move away from the fabric.

Abstract: A method for increasing the productive yield of crops by heat retention, comprising covering or mulching the crops with a polyolefin film containing from about 1 to 15% based on the weight of the polyolefin of an essentially dehydrated kaolinite containing from about 51 to 57% by weight silica, 40 to 46% by weight alumina and less than 3% impurities.

Abstract: Thermal energy retaining means for use in covering soil adjacent growing plants and including a water tight elongated tubular sleeve enclosure having support means at opposed ends thereof. The support means consist of planar means or generally inverted "U" shaped configuration, and each comprising a pair of generally parallelly disposed legs spaced apart by an upper fixed cross-member. A second cross-member, slidably coupled to the legs of the inverted "U" shaped bracket is provided which extends generally parallel to the upper cross-member to form a jaw to receive the tubular sleeve material therebetween. After filling with water, the width of the tubular sleeve material is placed within the jaw of the hanger means, the hanger means then being rotated about the sleeve so as to seal the ends of the sleeve and adjust the axial length thereof.

Abstract: A method of promoting the growth of plants which comprises applying to the surface of a plant growth medium to be exposed to a source of ultraviolet radiation a light-degradable mulching film for agricultural use, comprising a resin composition, whose resin components consist essentially of(1) from 5 to 50 percent by weight of polyisobutylene oxide resin,(2) the balance of a second resin component selected from the group consisting of at least one polyolefin resin and a mixture of at least one polyolefin resin and at least one polydiene resin.The resin composition can be made into a mulching film which, when exposed to the sunlight, photolytically degrades into a pulverized condition within a selected period of time.

Abstract: Erosion of soil is inhibited by forming a wind and rain resistant mat thereon by the method whereby a water soluble cellulose ether is dispersed in a latex containing at least 2.0 percent solids of an interpolymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer, a conjugated diolefin and an unsaturated carboxylic acid and an organo sulfonate; the composition diluted, plant fibers dispersed therein and the so formed dispersion deposited on the soil in the form of a covering layer.

Abstract: A growing medium for seeds, cuttings, plants and the like contains partially combusted bark particles obtained from bark-burning boiler furnaces of pulp processing concerns. The bark particles possess physical and chemical properties ideally suited for use in growing media, especially so-called "soilless" growing media for container-growing. The combusted bark particles are combined with other materials conventionally utilized in horticultural growing media.

Abstract: A mulch having finely divided fibers of paper coated with a wetting agent and preferably dyed a pleasing color such as green. To produce the mulch, finely divided fibers of paper are coated with a mixture of a solvent or carrier such as water, a wetting agent, and a dye. The finely divided fibers of paper are contacted with the mixture such as by tumbling the fibers of paper while spraying the mixture into the drum.

Abstract: Hexamethylenediamine adipate, NH.sub.3.sup.+ --(CH.sub.2).sub.6 --NH.sub.3.sup.+ COO.sup.- --(CH.sub.2).sub.4 --COO.sup.- (Nylon Salt), is a nitrogen-containing soil conditioner. Degradation of hexanediamine in the soil by bacteria and fungi releases ammonia which may be interconverted with nitrate to supply nitrogen for the growing plant.

Abstract: A flexible, opaque mulch carpet for inhibiting weed growth while promoting plant growth has a central backing layer of non-rotting, synthetic, open mesh, fabric of relatively high tensile strength sandwiched between an upper layer and a lower layer formed of ground bark particles unified by, and each encapsulated in, a resin binder, preferably PVC. The thin coating of resin binder on the particles bonds the particles together, and bonds the layers together through the mesh, but the particles are uncompressed and water can percolate through the interstices between the coated particles. Iron oxide in the mix makes fast the color of the particles.

Abstract: A vegetation clipping catcher for receiving clippings is herein disclosed. Which vegetation clipping catcher includes a support rail and a plurality of rings slideably mounted on the support rail. A rib is respectively connected to each of the slideable rings of the plurality. An apron is connected to the ribs. The apron has a central aperture formed therein. The central aperture is adapted for receipt of a stem of a shrub which is to be trimmed. A portion of the apron is formed into a flap immediately adjacent the central aperture. The flap is releasably connected to a closure portion of the apron.

Abstract: Particulate, free-flowing, insoluble swellable polymers are provided which are comprised of a mixture of an insoluble, swellable hydrogel and inert filler. The mixtures are free-flowing powders or granules which can absorb many times their weight of water and hence are useful as a soil amendment.

Abstract: A vegetation suppressing, ground covering agronomic mulch sheet adapted for the prevention and/or control of undesirable plant growth is disclosed. The sheet is comprised of a web having a maximum light transmittance of about 60% and a minimum air permeability of about 200 1/m.sup.2 s at a pressure differential of 10 mm water.

Abstract: Irrigation of a body of soil or other plant-growing medium appropriate for growing plants in hothouses, florist shops and the like is controlled by interposing between the body of soil, which may be in a container having a water-permeable bottom, and a body of water-receptive material to which water is supplied, preferably at a controlled rate, a capillary sheet of impermeable and preferably opaque plastic having a multiplicity of regularly spaced capillary openings therein through which water migrates in travelling from the water-receptive material into the body of soil. The water-receptive material may comprise and preferably consists of a silica sand catalytic plastic sheet having on one side thereof a coating of silica sand particles interspersed by a network of capillary spaces that are conducive to lateral spread of water supplied thereto, said silica sand catalytic sheet also being beneficial in installations wherein a body of soil is in direct contact therewith.

Abstract: A dark perforated flexible plastic sheet bonded on top of a fertilizer-containing cellulosic fiber blanket in contact with the earth shields the blanket and the soil beneath from the drying effects of the free circulation of air while allowing entry of water. The fiber blanket is composed of cellulosic fiber mat. The fiber mat rests upon the ground thereby discouraging growth in the areas of contact. Spaces for plant growth are provided between adjacent areas of fiber blanket. Plant growth is encouraged in these spaces by the absorption of solar energy by the plastic film transmitted to the earth beneath, the moisture in the blanket by the unperforated areas of the plastic sheet and by the release of fertilizer from the adjacent fiber mat as the moisture leaves the blanket and enters the soil.A second embodiment of the invention includes the continuation of the plastic sheet over the space between adjacent area of fiber blanket.

Abstract: A method of promoting the growth of plants which comprises applying to the surface of a plant growth medium to be exposed to a source of ultraviolet radiation a light-degradable mulching film for agricultural use, comprising a resin composition, whose resin components consist essentially of1. from 5 to 50 percent by weight of polyisobutylene oxide resin,2. the balance of a second resin component selected from the group consisting of at least one polyolefin resin and a mixture of at least one polyolefin resin and at least one polydiene resin.The resin composition can be made into a mulching film which, when exposed to the sunlight, photolytically degrades into a pulverized condition within a selected period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided to conserve moisture for growing crops. An over-the-field carrier is provided with harvesting means for severing a prior year's crop stubble from a field. The leaf and stalk material are separated and the leaf material is retained for feed while the stalk material is returned to the field for building up the organic matter in the soil and also controlling erosion. Cultivating means may be incorporated on the carrier to work the soil and enhance the effectiveness of the recycled stalk material. In areas where sufficient moisture is a major concern slotting apparatus is incorporated onto the carrier to form a longitudinally and vertically extending slot through the field. This slot is then filled with the separated stalk material which is effective in retaining water entering the slot. An inclined and compacted watershed area is formed on either side of the slot by grader blades and rollers.

Abstract: Films and containers are made from polymers of propylene such as polypropylene which contains a small amount of stabilizer whereby the rapid degradation rate of polypropylene can be controlled so that it will degrade after predetermined exposure to sunlight. This renders such products especially suited for agricultural mulch films, where they need not be removed after a growing season, and for throw-away containers where they will decompose in garbage dumps or if discarded as litter. The thermal history of the polymer will also affect its degradation rate.The rate is measured in terms of thermally adjusted Langley units (TALU) since it has been found that the ambient temperature affects decomposition as well as the Langley units of solar radiation exposure.

Abstract: A method and article for horticultural protection of plant growths during the maturation thereof whereby the volume exchange of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and moisture is controlled in accordance with the demands thereof during maturation.

Abstract: Economical foams have been prepared from selected formulations containing whey solids, animal glue, surfactants, viscosity-builders, and activated charcoal. These foams are lightweight and act as carriers for the charcoal. Easy handling and dispersibility of the activated charcoal was accomplished by a combination of surfactants, either one being used as a wetting agent to control the activated charcoal and the other added to the remainder of the formulation. When applied broadcast on the soil, these foams are useful in removing from the soil residual toxic herbicides and pesticides which can cause significant damage to a sensitive succeeding crop.

Abstract: This invention relates to a horticultural aid in the growing of plants of all kinds in beds, pots, tubs or baskets.The horticultural aid includes the provision of a loose felted web or organic or inorganic fibres or mixtures thereof, applying an adhesive and/or bonding substance to the web, compressing the web to a thickness and compactness suitable to form a ground cover mat for plant beds or soil cover in tubs or pots. Alternatively the web may, after having the adhesive and/or bonding substance applied thereto be formed into tubs, pots, baskets or liners for baskets and the like in which plants may be grown or propagated.

Abstract: There is disclosed an agricultural mulch in sheet form pierced by a recurring, closely spaced slit pattern which provides normally closed passage points between the open air and ground at any random point in the growing area for germinating plants and rain water. The slit pattern can provide structural integrity for the sheet laterally, longitudinally, diagonally or various combinations thereof, and can additionally provide flaps which can be oriented to protect the emergent plants from cold winds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are plastic film compositions for agricultural mulch which will withstand outdoor weathering conditions for a desired time and then rapidly disintegrate. The film composition comprises starch, poly(vinyl alcohol), glycerol, and a water-resistant coating.

Abstract: A soil treating composition for mixing with water to form an aqueous solution for treating soil is characterized by including a synthetic latex material in a mixture including hydroxy ethyl cellulose, metal salts and powdered citric acid. For compacting earthen type soils, the mixture also includes fermented wort, non-ionic surfactants and vanilla extract. For erosion control, the fermented wort, non-ionic surfactants and vanilla extract are not essential.

Abstract: A water-borne craft is supported by laterally spaced pontoons, wherein an open-topped receptacle mounted in the open space between the pontoons is movable between a fully elevated position wherein the bottom of the receptacle is at or above the water line of the craft and a fully lowered position wherein the bottom of the receptacle is submerged beneath the water line and the open top of the receptacle is above the water line. Water and materials are introduced into and mixed in the receptacle when in a fully lowered position, after which the mixture is pumped from the receptacle and discharged under pressure through a nozzle.

Abstract: A mulch comprises a paper sheet covered substantially completely on one side thereof with a water-impervious material and treated at marginal regions only of the opposite side thereof with a water-insoluble fungicide. The marginal regions of the mulch may be treated as the mulch is fed from a supply roll and laid upon the ground, with the water-impervious side facing downward. The treated marginal regions are covered with soil to anchor the mulch and to provide a long-term mulch without substantial deterioration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a growth medium which is to be used for covering the surface of the ground and which consists of or contains a mixture of an inorganic mineral binder based on cement, an organic fibrous material and fertiliser.

Abstract: A mulch comprises a paper sheet covered substantially completely on one side thereof with a water-impervious material and treated at marginal regions only of the opposite side thereof with a water-insoluble fungicide. The marginal regions of the mulch may be treated as the mulch is fed from a supply roll and laid upon the ground, with the water-impervious side facing downward. The treated marginal regions are covered with soil to anchor the mulch and to provide a long-term mulch without substantial deterioration.

Abstract: Novel blends comprising biodegradable thermoplastic dialkanoyl polymer, e.g., poly(alkylene adipate), and additional material such as naturally occurring biodegradable product, e.g., tree bark; and to the novel shaped articles therefrom. In one aspect, the invention is directed to novel shaped containers fabricated from material comprising biodegradable thermoplastic dialkanoyl polymer, said containers possessing a germination medium, and optionally, a seed or seedling in such medium.

Abstract: Straw mats useful for covering soil to prevent wind and rain erosion are made by randomly distributing straw into a layer and binding the stalks together at their points of contact with at least about 75 pounds per ton of straw of a water resistant adhesive comprising a polymer of an alkenyl aromatic monomer, an open chain conjugated diene and an unsaturated carboxylic monomer blended with a water soluble cellulose ether and with an organo sulfonate.