Abstract: Aqueous agricultural foam marker compositions for delineating treated from untreated areas comprise foamable compositions of an anionic surfactant which is an &bgr;-olefin sulfonate, an alkyl or alkyl-ether sulfate, a long chain alkylbenzene sulfonate or a sulfosuccinate; a linear C14 or C16 alkanol or mixtures thereof; one or more solvents; and optionally a foam stabilizing polymer. The foam produced from the compositions have increased foam life, a pour point of 10° C. or lower, and are producable over a wide range of soft/hard water conditions.

Abstract: A heating system for a tower mounted wind machine is provided. The heating system includes a burner that is rotatably mounted on the tower, in the air stream of the wind machine. The burner receives a combustible fuel conducted through a rotatable manifold on the central tower. The wind machine is a conventional type, generating the air stream by the rotation of a propeller. The wind machine is received on the top of a central tower. The manifold also mounts to the central tower, proximate the wind machine. The manifold has an inner ring and an outer ring. The inner ring mounts in a fixed position to the central tower, and the outer ring circumferentially mounts on the inner ring. The outer ring is rotatable relative to the inner ring. The inner ring includes a fuel inlet, and the outer ring includes a fuel outlet. The burner combusts the fuel that is conducted through the manifold to heat the air stream.

Abstract: An economical and compact air handler specially configured for use in agricultural applications is provided. The agricultural air handler includes a shroud formed to surround a rotating shaft having a propeller attached to each end of the shaft. The propellers draw air through an air inlet located proximate the top of the shroud. Each propeller blows the air out of an end of the shroud. A shaft drive rotates the shaft. The shaft drive can be powered by a source outside the shroud, or a source contained within the shroud. The power source can include a hydraulic pump driven by the power take-off of a tractor. An air stream is blown from the shroud. The air stream is directed in an approximately vertically planar flow pattern to remove water ponded within the stem cup of a agricultural crop, such as cherries. The air handler can be used as a freeze protecting heat exchanger or for the application of liquid or dust formulations of agri-chemicals.

Abstract: An infrared absorber which comprises containing as an effective ingredient a hydroxide complex salt represented by the formula [Al2(Li(1−x).+M2+(x+y)(OH)(6+2y)]n(An−)(1+x).mH2O (wherein M2+ is a divalent metal, An− is an anion having a valence of n, and m, x and y are numbers respectively in the ranges of 0≦m<5, 0.01≦x≦0.5 and 0≦y≦0.5), which has a high ability to absorp infrared rays and a refractive index close to that of the resin so that it has a good dispersibility with the resins when incorporated in the resin and the shaped film therefrom is excellent in the heat insulation property and transparency so that it is suitable as an agricultural film.

Abstract: A device and method for cooling a vegetation covered surface, such as a golf putting green. Said method includes providing an air stream, injecting water into said air stream, and projecting the combined air/water mixture over and onto the surface to be cooled. The air/water mixture generally takes the form of a mist which is able to cool the air space directly above the ground surface, and further provides the advantage of providing cooling and moisture to the vegetation without saturating the subjacent soil. Alternately, the device may be used with only the fan portion operational, or with only the water injection operational.

Abstract: A heater apparatus for a wind machine and particularly for heating a wind stream generated by the wind machine, the wind machine rotatably mounted upon a central tower. The generated air stream can be directed toward a target such as an orchard, vineyard or crop. The wind machine rotates upon a pinion attached to the wind machine. The pinion rotates within a housing, and the housing is immovably mounted to the central tower. The housing includes a pinion cavity, which receives the pinion. The pinion is rotatable within the housing, and the pinion is co-rotatable with the wind machine about a common axis of rotation upon the central tower. A manifold is formed within the pinion cavity, between the pinion and the housing and is further bounded by an upper seal and a lower seal. A fuel is receivable into the manifold, the fuel conducted into the manifold through a housing port. The housing port penetrates through the housing and is open to the manifold. The housing port conducts the fuel into the manifold.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of applying the compositions to plants are disclosed. The compositions include a polymer component that releases heat over a range of dropping ambient temperatures beginning at about 32° F. By exhibiting a broad freezing temperature transition range, the compositions, when applied to plants, effectively reduce the threshold temperature at which substantial frost and/or freeze damage to plants will occur.

Abstract: Disclosed are horticultural substrates coated with a particulate membrane and a method for controlling pests and providing enhanced horticultural effect by applying a particulate membrane to the surface of the horticultural substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for saving crops by preventing premature bud formation on various agriculturally-valuable flora. The method consists in maintaining the temperature of an effective amount of the roots of a plant below that temperature at which bud formation normally ensues. The system and method is especially well suited for unusual warm spells which occur during seasonal changes and for staggering crop portions in order to effectively manage the harvest.

Abstract: A process for conditioning a golf green which preferably is constructed in accordance with the specifications of the United States Golf Association. In this process, air is blown at a flow rate of from about 250 to about 1000 cubic feet per minute onto the top surface of the golf green while simultaneously withdrawing air from said vent side of the main feeder line at a flow rate of from about 250 to about 1,000 cubic feet per minute.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new and improved, environmentally acceptable and negligibly corrosive deicing composition comprising steepwater solubles produced, for example, as by-products from a wet milling process of corn, which by-products are biodegradable. The invention also relates to the use of a deicing composition to reduce the buildup of snow and ice on roads, bridges and other outdoor surfaces.

Abstract: A method to produce heating for use in agriculture uses a stream of hot air produced by a centrifugal ventilator fan. Heat exits or air vents are used to discharge the air. Mobility is provided by mounting the fan to an agricultural tractor.

Abstract: A process for preventing or retarding frost formation on substrates such as grass or leafy plants is disclosed. The process involves spraying the surfaces of these substrates with a frost prevention composition comprising a mixture of water, a water-soluble freezing point depressant, such as propylene glycol, and a water dispersible thickening agent for such composition, such as a crosslinked polyacrylic acid polymer. The composition is preferably applied just prior to expected frost onset and serves to lower the freezing point of dew which accumulates on such substrates which have the frost-prevention composition adhered to the substrate surfaces.

Abstract: A selective inverted drain has an upright cylindrical duct the base whereof may flare out in trumpet or funnel shape and fixed or adjustable legs. An atmospheric fluid dynamizing device is in the portion between the lower half of the upright cylindrical duct and the flared out portion thereof.

Abstract: A method for destroying plants by superheating air, compressing it and using it to melt the plant's waxy cuticular coating while utilizing foam made in the process as an insulating agent. The melting of the waxy layer causes dehydration and death to the plant. The foam has a temperature close to the boiling point of water and surfactant combination. This requires that not only the water but also the compressed air be heated above the boiling point of water to achieve a foam whose temperature is approximately 212.degree. F.

Abstract: A foam marking apparatus and method for applying foam to both pre-emergence and post-emergence crops in order to demark the boundaries of a spray application. The foam marking apparatus includes a foam generating system, a distribution line, and a foam sock applicator. The foam sock applicator includes a body having at least one opening and a flexible finger which aids in the application of the foam.

Abstract: A method for controlling weeds and undergrowth and for treating plants in agricultural settings is disclosed. The method is characterized by first applying a spray of hot water to the plant, and then applying a foam blanket to the sprayed plants, whereby heat from the hot water spray is held against the plants.

Abstract: Plants during an initial growth period are protected by a plurality of plastics drinks bottles arranged in a pattern surrounding an area in which the plant is growing. The drinks bottles are engaged by a locating device in the form of a flat sheet with a plurality of openings therein with each bottle being inserted into an opening to engage the locating device to hold the bottles in the pattern surrounding the area. The locating device is a central opening through which the plant can grow and a generally circular outer peripheral edge.

Abstract: An orchard heat exchanger comprises an engine-driven shaft having an air propeller on each end. The assembly is enclosed in an open-ended horizontal cylindrical shroud, which has a large converging-diverging air inlet at the top, and is trailer mounted. The orchard heat exchanger has the capability of being elevated to treetop level. In a first embodiment, the engine-propeller-shroud assembly may be rotated in a horizontal plane. In a second embodiment, there is no horizontal rotational capability, but the cylindrical shroud is fitted with directional louvers at each end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of protecting vegetation from frost or freeze by providing a coating of a composition containing partially hydrated cellulosic fibers. The coating composition optionally includes an adhesive and/or a foaming surfactant. The method is particularly useful in protecting fruit-bearing and blossoming trees from frost or freeze. The present invention also relates to a composition of cellulosic fibers for use in the protective method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a cryoprotectant for plants. The method for producing a cryoprotectant for plants includes the steps of, mixing citrus pectin in boiling distilled water, cooling the solution of the mixing step, diluting phosphoric acid (H.sub.3 PO.sub.4) in distilled water, mixing the solution of the cooling step with the solution of the diluting step, reacting the solution of the mixing step, combining calcium phosphate (CaH(PO.sub.4) with the solution of the reacting step, and adding calcium hydroxide to the solution of the combining step mixing and adding a nutrient solution to complete the formulation of the cryoprotectant.

Abstract: A portable wind machine comprising a vehicle movable along the ground and a support carried by the vehicle and extending upwardly substantially above the vehicle. A transverse member is coupled to the support at a location substantially above the vehicle, and it extends transversely of the support on both sides of the support. The transverse member is pivotable between a travel position in which the transverse member extends generally along the vehicle in generally a direction from fore to aft of the vehicle and an operational position in which the transverse member extends laterally of the vehicle. First and second propellers are mounted on the transverse member on opposite sides of the support for rotation about first and second rotational axes, respectively. A tilt angle between each of the rotational axes and a vertical plane is adjustable. At least one power source is provided for rotating the propellers.

Abstract: A system is provided for introducing fluids into a wind stream. Such fluids may be used to cool the orchard during the late summer and early fall, to aid in prevention of frost damage during the spring, or to distribute agricultural chemicals. This invention ensures that the fluid is introduced into the wind stream in the most efficient manner, thus ensuring economical use of fluids and minimizing any detrimental environmental effects of their use. The fluid introduced into the wind stream is of such a fine character that the fluid is broken up into a mist which will carry over a great distance, such as a fog.

Abstract: A composition for forming an essentially biodegradable foam for application to a substrate to provide a barrier between the substrate and the atmosphere formulated from a mixture in water of specified materials in certain proportional relationships. Its use in preparing such a foam barrier is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of treatment of plants for frost protection. In this method the plants are treated with 1 to 5 kg/ha of an active material of the formula[R--O--PH(.dbd.O)--O-].sub.n M.sup.n+.

Abstract: A method of increasing the resistance of plants to damage by freezing conditions by treating the plants, prior to exposure to such conditions, to or with a composition containing a choline salt of a monocarboxylic or polycarboxylic acid which is absorbed into the plant vascular system where it exerts it cryoprotective effects. Aqueous and powder compositions containing the choline salt combined with glycerin, propylene glycol and/or a water soluble nonionic surface active polyethoxylated polyoxpropylene block copolymer.

Abstract: A tree freeze protection and irrigation system includes a support stand having a plurality of prongs and having a foot step positioned between two said prongs for driving the support stand into the earth adjacent to a tree. The support stand has a water line coupling for attaching a water line thereto and has a passageway therethrough. A rigid pipe is removably attached at one end to the support stand and coupled to the passageway through the support stand and extends in a generally vertical direction when the prongs are anchored in the earth. A spray head is attached on the other end of the rigid pipe for dispersion of the water over a tree. Tree attaching members are provided for attaching the rigid pipe to an adjacent tree so that a free protection and irrigation system can spray a liquid directly above and onto a tree like a shower nozzle. The rigid pipe may include a plurality of rigid pipe sections for varying the length of the rigid pipe in accordance with the height of the tree.

Abstract: This invention is a fluid injection spray system for use with wind machine in order to protect orchard crops from heat or frost and to dispense agricultural chemicals. In one embodiment fluid is dispensed from nozzles on risers which are arrayed about the wind machine tower. The flow of fluid to the risers is sequentially controlled. In another embodiment, fluid is dispensed from nozzles mounted on conduits on a rotating gear box. Fluid is provided from the tower via a rotating valve.

Abstract: Compositions comprising urea peroxide are effective for treating plants for fungal, bacterial, and viral infections and for infestations of mites and insects. The compositions reduce populations of ice nucleating bacteria on plants, thus protecting the plants from frost damage. The compositions are applied to the aerial portions of plants, e.g., leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, branches, vines, and trunks.

Abstract: The invention includes an apparatus for protecting plants from frost. A jet urbine engine has an input into which a first liquid and a second liquid are injected into the exhaust stream of the engine. The jet engine also has an exhaust nozzle supplying an aerosol of the first liquid microencapsulated in the second liquid. The aerosol is dispersed about the plants to be protected from frost thereby to form a mist which acts as a protective radiation barrier for the plants. The invention also includes a method for protecting plants from frost.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for protecting plants against the effects of a drop in ambient temperature by causing the formation and preservation of dew or rime, according to the circumstances. The apparatus comprises a "dew box" which measures the ambient temperature and the dew point temperature, a set of comparators for triggering the start of spraying and the start of water heating as a function of ambient temperature, and a control system, including a calculating device, for regulating the temperature of the spraying water.

Abstract: An apparatus is set forth including a surrounding shield formed with a central aperture positionable about a central stalk or trunk portion of a shrub or tree growth. The apparatus includes four pie-shaped segments that are interlocked relative to one another utilizing lug members receivable within key-shaped openings of adjacent walls of the pie-shaped segments. The segments include a floor formed with a matrix of apertures therethrough. Each pie-shaped segment is defined by a perimeter wall defining a cavity with a pie-shaped container segment of complementary configuration received within a forward portion of the cavity, wherein the container segments are defined by a perimeter wall of a height greater than that defined by the pie-shaped segment walls for receiving additional plants therewithin is surrounding relationship relative to a main plant or alternatively receive fluid fertilizer and the like for treatment of the root system of an associated central plant.

Abstract: Sheet of yieldable plastic foam, suitably supported by laminating to support film, or by providing an unfoamed skin on its surface makes an effective protective wrap for trees and for metal coils. Young orange trees can have trunks wrapped with many turns of very yieldable thick foam sheet treated to prevent the passage of radiant energy as by a metallized polyethylene terephthalate support film, provides very effective protection against freeze damage. Only one or two turns of thinner laminate protects grape arbors against undesired budding in winter. Foam backed with cross-tensilized polyethylene sheets provides excellent protective covering for metal coils.

Abstract: A frost protective device for citrus trees having a pad of thick, dark colored, water repellent urethane foam which may be wrapped in a cylinder around the budunion or branch of a citrus tree and secured in position using Velcro.RTM. or a similar fastener. Each protective device has a plurality of insulated pockets which receive individual exothermic heat sources such as dry-chemical warmers capable of producing high temperatures for a period of 1-3 days.To protect young trees from high initial temperatures and prolong the effective duration of the heat sources, other measures are utilized in combination with the protective device. One measure is controlling the exposure of the dry chemical packet to oxygen by varying the air flow properties of the insulating pocket or the air-tight wrapper initially enclosing the heat source, thereby regulating the resulting oxidation.

Abstract: Plant host acceptable microorganisms, which are ice nucleation deficient and use at least one nutrient from the plant also used by ice nucleating native microorganisms, are applied to a plant part at an early stage in the growth cycle. The multiplication of the native ice nucleating microorganisms is inhibited, so that under normal frost conditions encountered in the field, frost damage is substantially diminished. The non-nucleating microorganisms may be obtained by special selection procedures, selecting from naturally occuring microorganisms or mutagenized microorganisms, where additionally the organisms may be transformed to provide for other desirable properties.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for protecting crops such as fruit tree groves from frost damage in the form of a vertical tower fixed to the earth against gyration, a rotor on top with two airfoil blades extending upward at a conical angle and drive means drivingly connected to the rotor through a vertical shaft, said tower projecting substantially above the level of the trees to be protected and sufficient to pick up air in the inversion layer and deliver it to the ground in a generally cylindrical mass to provide a ground effect causing the air to spread out radially along the surface beneath a grove's foliage and then flow upwardly through the foliage.

Abstract: A method for preventing frost damage to plants, comprising applying a bactericide to the surfaces of the plants in an amount sufficient to effectively eliminate several species of ice-nucleation active (INA) bacteria, thereby reducing the temperature at which frost damage occurs.

Abstract: A mulch strip consists of an elongated base sheet formed from a flexible plastic material having a pair of parallel fluid reservoir tubes extending along the length of the base strip, down opposite side edges of the strip. Each of the fluid reservoir tubes is provided with a hose fitting for connection with a conventional garden hose for filling the reservoir tubes with water. In use, the water filled tubes serve to hold the mulch strip in place, and form a channel for retaining rain water on the surface of the strip. The fluid reservoir tubes also collect heat and serve to keep the ground beneath the strip warm after sunset. A plurality of concentric perforations are spaced along the length of the base sheet for the insertion of plants into the ground through the base sheet. Spaced peg holes are provided around the periphery of the base sheet which allow pegs to be inserted through the holes to retain the mulch strip in place.

Abstract: A plant protecting and growth enhancing device is disclosed for use in providing an environment immediately surrounding a plant to protect the plant from atmospheric changes during its early life of growing. The plant protector is a rigid, conical, transparent device that is adapted to contain a fluid that may absorb thermal energy from an outside source and may release that absorbed thermal energy at another time. The device is adapted to be placed over a seedling plant as the plant is planted and is capable of protecting the plant from frost or other possible detremental conditions until the plant has a chance to become established. The fluid within the device may be drained onto the plant when the device is no longer needed.

Abstract: A system and method for protecting a ground plot of foliage plants or the like from freezing contemplates a series of ground-level sprinklers throughout the plot and a shade cloth covering of the type having uniformly dispersed openings therein. Elevated sprinklers are provided above the shade cloth and ground-level sprinklers. During periods of freezing ambient temperatures, water is sprinkled through the elevated sprinklers whereby the water freezes in the openings of the covering and holds heat released during operation of the ground-level sprinklers under the covering. When the water droplets freeze into a thin sheet of ice on the covering, the ground-level sprinklers are turned on.

Abstract: A vertical-axis centrifugal fan is operated in an orchard or crop area to draw warm upper air downward, and urge it laterally outward to displace lower strata of cold air to prevent freezing. The rotor is axially open on top, and closed on the bottom to establish this flow without ducting.

Abstract: A water heating and distributing system for affording freeze protection to plants and trees characterized by its utilization of a helical conduit for transporting the water to be heated in close proximity to a burner whereby the water's temperature is raised about 20.degree.-25.degree. F. The system further includes a plurality of jet spray heads disposed downstream of the heater in close proximity to the plants and trees to be protected, whereby a relatively fine mist, or fog, of heated water is applied for freeze protection.

Abstract: An anti-freezing coating material for application to the exposed surfaces of plants subject to freezing. The material consists of a foam composed of a fluid matrix surrounding gas bubbles and having viscosity permitting the foam to be spread by a tool or by spraying onto the plant. A specific foam is a mixture of egg whites and fruit pectin beaten to a stiff foam.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method for utilizing the thermal energy in the soil to protect against damage to plants, such as citrus trees, from cold weather and to promote the growth of plants. The device comprises a heat pipe having an evaporator section which extends into the soil in the vicinity of the root system of the plants and extracts heat from the soil. The heat is then transferred to a condenser section which extends above ground and radiates and convects the heat to the plant. This also refrigerates the root system of the plant to extend the dormancy period. Also disclosed is a method for providing a supply of water to a plant, comprising the use of a heat pipe to create a temperature gradient around the root system of the plant, whereby water from the surrounding soil is caused to flow toward the plant.

Abstract: A device and method for protecting plants, especially citrus trees, from damage resulting from freezing temperatures. A heat conducting device, which derives its heat from circulating water, is placed adjacent a tree trunk. The heat conducting device and the tree trunk are placed within a thermal barrier and the top of the thermal barrier is sealed around the tree trunk to define an air space thereabout. Water is circulated through the heat conducting device and heat is supplied to the air space. Water leaving the heat conducting device may be poured onto the ground or sprayed over the tree to provide additional protection to the plants during a freeze.

Abstract: Pollination of alfalfa enhanced by flying a helicopter over a field of alfalfa with propane burners mounted on the helicopter and directed to heat air in vicinity of alfalfa blossoms. Heat causes blossoms to open and agitation by downdraft enhances spread of pollen through field to increase pollination and seed yield.

Abstract: A fog generator comprises a duct which is preferably vertical and very tall, an air mover for moving air down through the duct, an air director which includes a spout to direct the air emerging from the duct in a substantially horizontal stream in a chosen direction away from the duct and a fog generator which generates a fog into the moving air preferably after the air has left the spout. The spout is preferably rotatable in a horizontal plane. The invention enables a generated fog to be placed where required by the air stream in which it is entrained rather than relying on natural wind drift.

Abstract: A plant protection system which utilizes a housing and a heat source is disclosed. In one embodiment, the invention includes a truncated cone shaped housing which is positioned on the ground so as to surround the tree or other plant. The heat source may, for example, include a water pipe and spray emitter located within the housing to provide water in spray form near ground level adjacent the tree. A deep well may be used as the water source, thus providing water at a temperature higher than the ambient temperature. As the warm water spray rises within the housing, heat is transferred to the interior of the housing. An extension having side walls in the form of an inverted cone may be secured to the upper end of the housing to provide a further heating effect. Any of various designs and constructions for the housing and the extension may be employed. The heating means may also be provided from any of various sources and materials.

Abstract: Protection of plants against freeze damage by treatment with about 0.05 to about 2.5 wt. % aqueous solution of water soluble nonionic surface active polyoxyethylenated polyoxypropylene block copolymers, optionally also containing urea.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for servicing trunked plants such as citrus trees in which water, in heated or unheated form, is delivered by a manifold system to the base of each tree, conducted upwardly in a hose helically upwardly encircling the tree to a collar encircling the tree at an intermediate location on the trunk, and discharged from a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings in the collar and allowed to flow by gravity back down the trunk. In unheated form, the water irrigates and nourishes the tree trunk. In heated form, the water warms the tree trunk and protects the tree trunk from frost damage. The heated tree trunk and heated water will also heat the air next to the tree trunk. This heated air will rise upward and outward to heat some major branches and foliage beyond the tree trunk area.