Abstract: A method of growing commercially valuable crops to improve crop production is disclosed. The method comprises creating a hole in the earth, preparing the hole to influence the downward growth of the root system of a tree planted therein, planting a tree in a rooting medium in the hole, growing commercially valuable crops on the tree by providing water and nutrients to the tree, and harvesting commercially valuable crops from the tree.

Abstract: A method of growing commercially valuable crops to improve crop production is disclosed. The method comprises creating a hole in the earth, preparing the hole to influence the downward growth of the root system of a tree planted therein, planting a tree in a rooting medium in the hole, growing commercially valuable crops on the tree by providing water and nutrients to the tree, and harvesting commercially valuable crops from the tree.

Abstract: A remediation-assisting material or structure is arranged in the vicinity of a root system and the hole prepared for the root system. The hydraulic gradient created by the root system draws contaminated water through the remediation-assisting material or structure to enhance remediation of contaminants within the groundwater. To facilitate the establishment of a hydraulic gradient, and perhaps to concentrate the same, the hole prepared for the root system is made in such a way that surface water will not penetrate the hole and feed the root system in lieu of the root system being fed by the groundwater, as extracted by capillary action.

Abstract: Modular cubes with numerous cylindrical cavities include a rooting medium and tree in each cavity, whereby a long and narrow root system is established for each such tree within the confines of the respective cylindrical cavity. Individual cavities are provided for each individual tree, though multiple trees can be in a single cavity. The system could be closed, using all of the water supplied to the tree, or open where unused water is drained from the cavities. A drainage medium can be provided with the rooting medium so that the rooting medium is not lost during drainage of water. The cubes with the vegetation are used to remediate a contaminated site, including discharged industrial waste water. Alternatively, the vegetation might be harvested with its long root system and transplanted at a contamination site, the transplantation being made in any suitable manner, i.e., within the ground, within a cavity of a like cube, or in any other expedient for effecting remediation of the site.

Abstract: A method of growing trees for transplantation develops a long and narrow root system for ready rooting activity when transplanted at a remediation site. The trees can be grown in a lined hole with an optional basin, or cap, or otherwise lined at the bottom. The liner can be removed with the root system and associated soils for ease of transportation, and for use in continuing to encourage a downward vertical growth of the root system after transplantation. The trees can also be grown out of the ground in vertical or horizontal tubes which receive, under controlled conditions, water and nutrients. The medium in which tree can be grown out of the ground includes hydroponic media and soil.

Abstract: Root growth and development of vegetation used to remediate contaminated soil and/or groundwater is directed to targeted zones by a casing lining the hole in which the vegetation is planted. A flexible, self-sealing casing encourages strong and healthy root development of the root system deep in the soil horizons, resulting in an increase in the remedial capacity of the vegetation through the preferential development in or near the zone of soil or groundwater contamination.