Abstract: This invention relates to a hydraulic valve (10) and an interconnected hydraulic valve system, (10, 12). Two coaxially disposed pipes (14, 20) are positioned vertically to form an annular space (11) there between. A flange (22) provided with a external seal (23) cooperates with an end of the outer pipe (20). Openings (18) formed in the inner pipe (14) regulates water flow. The inner pipe is also sealingly interconnected with a main supply pipe (12) for entry of water through opening (16). An electrical motorized hoist (26) provides for activation and operation of the hydraulic valve system.

Abstract: A plant container (50) having an inner member (52) containing a volume of earthen material (54) and an outer member (56) of IR reflective material. The inner member and outer member may be combined into a composite sheet of material (18) having an inner layer of material (28) providing strength and an outer layer of material (26) providing heat reflection and UV protection. The outer layer of material may be a white plastic containing titanium dioxide while the inner layer of material may be a less expensive material. In one embodiment, a prior art IR-absorbing black plastic or clay container is wrapped with a sheet of composite plastic material (18) having a white titanium dioxide-containing outer layer 26.

Abstract: This invention relates to a hydraulic valve (10) and an interconnected hydraulic valve system, (10, 12). Two coaxially disposed pipes (14, 20) are positioned vertically to form an annular space (11) there between. A flange (22) provided with a external seal (23) cooperates with an end of the outer pipe (20). Openings (18) formed in the inner pipe (14) regulates water flow. The inner pipe is also sealingly interconnected with a main supply pipe (12) for entry of water through opening (16). An electrical motorized hoist (26) provides for activation and operation of the hydraulic valve system.

Abstract: The system includes a plurality of flood plains. Each flood plain contains a plurality of plants and each plant is held in a pot. The flood plains are excavated at different elevations from an upper most elevation to a lower most elevation. The flood plains are sequentially flooded for a resident time period with a selected volume of water directed from a water source. As the flood plains are excavated to different elevations, gravity, and a series of flood gates, control the water flow from one flood plain to a next lower flood plain. Each flood plain has a top surface and an underlying bed comprising a soil and clay composition. The surface of each bed is contoured to adequately drain water from one flood plain to the next. This clay mixture firms the bed to adequately support vehicles and laborers to prevent depressions in the bed which may adversely affect water flow in and out of a flood plain. Each of the flood plains is lined with a water impermeable membrane.