Abstract: This disclosure provides systems, methods, and devices related to the study of ecological processes. In one aspect, a device includes a base, a substrate, and an enclosure. The substrate is in contact with a first surface of the base. The substrate and the base define a root chamber. The enclosure is in contact with a second surface of the base. The base and the enclosure define a growth chamber. The base defines a stem port connecting the root chamber and the growth chamber. The base further defines a first port in fluid communication with the root chamber and a second port in fluid communication with the root chamber. The device is operable to contain a plant, roots of the plant being in the root chamber, a stem of the plant passing through the stem port, and leaves of the plant being in the growth chamber.

Abstract: A storage tank according to the present invention has a concrete bottom plate laid on a bottom part of a hole dug in the ground, a storage assembly provided on the bottom plate and accommodated in the hole, a concrete quadrangular tubular side wall provided around the storage assembly on the bottom plate, and a side-wall formation member configured to form the side wall into a square frame shape. The storage assembly has a plurality of square tabular partition plates, tubular spacers connected to the partition plates, and an outermost layer part provided on the outermost side of the storage assembly. The side-wall formation member has quadrangular tubular multi-step inner molds formed of a plurality of first plate members, a plurality of vertical reinforcing bars inserted into the multi-step partition plates, and a quadrangular tubular single-step outer mold which holds a plurality of second plate members by a plurality of separators.

Abstract: A structural cell system for supporting hardscape, allowing tree root growth, and managing stormwater underneath the hardscape. The system may include: a base having a plurality of receptacles and a plurality of support members interconnecting the receptacles; a plurality of legs each sized and shaped to be attachable to the base within one of the receptacles so as to extend from the base, and to be attachable to another of the legs so that pairs of legs attached to each other collectively extend from the base; and a top attachable to the legs. Outer edges of the base, the top, and the legs attached thereto define a volume, and are configured to support at least that portion of the hardscape overlying the top as well as a commercial vehicle traffic load thereon, while maintaining soil in a substantially uncompacted state throughout at least approximately ninety percent of the volume.

Abstract: A weed control root barrier includes a polymeric sheet material having spaced apart nodules or disks comprising a polymer containing a herbicide. The sheet is porous to permit free passage of water. It may be a non-woven fabric of non-biodegradable polyolefin material. Diffusion of the herbicide directly into the soil is controlled by a barrier material coated on selected portions of the nodules or disks. In one embodiment, essentially all the herbicide in the nodules or disks is directed into the soil via long term migration through and away from the sheet. The barrier layer is coated on portions of the nodules or disks facing the back surface of the carrier to block release of the herbicide to areas of the soil where it is not needed. Exposed surface portions of the nodules can be coated with the barrier material, leaving uncoated sides of the nodules from which herbicide may be released into the soil along a narrow zone of protection generally parallel to the front face of the carrier.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus (100) for irrigating and directing the growth of the roots of planted trees. In an embodiment, the apparatus is a generally hollow structure for encircling the roots of a planted tree, the structure having an enlarged base opening configured to allow the roots of the tree to grow downwardly, a narrower neck (108) opening configured to accommodate the trunk of the tree, and a wall (102) sloping from the enlarged base opening to a narrower wall top. An irrigation channel (110) integrally formed into the structure whereby, in use, the irrigation channel channels water around the structure to irrigate the roots of the planted tree. In an embodiment, the wall top defines a continuous shoulder (106) around the structure. An irrigation channel is formed between the continuous shoulder and the neck opening, whereby, in use, the irrigation channel channels water around the structure to irrigate the roots of the planted tree.

Abstract: A tree and plant watering system relating to improved transfer of water to trees and plants (both new and existing) is provided. The system comprises soil penetrators, soil anchors, and area extenders to enhance water capacity and to provide ease of water transfer to root systems. Additionally, the system provides plant growth ladders to assist upward plant growth and root apertures to assist root growth.

Abstract: One embodiment provides a modular green roof tray, house plant growth media and horticulture growth media, and a tree protection mat for weed and moisture control made from recycled disposable diapers. The growth medium and tree protection mat contain superabsorbent materials from diaper that can absorb waters and greatly reduce irrigation so to provide a drought resistant feature. One embodiment also provides a manufacturing process to perform 100% recycling of disposed diapers.

Abstract: Systems and associated apparatus and methods are described for growing plants in a dense and efficient manner in an indoor environment using artificial light. The systems are configured to hold a high density of plants at a relatively close, substantially fixed distance from a light fixture that provides artificial light for growth of the plants. As the plants grow, the plants are transferred to one or more following stations or stages, each of which is configured to hold the now larger plants at the same relatively close, substantially fixed distance from a light fixture. By providing multiple stages to accommodate plant growth, and maintaining the close positioning of the plants to the light fixtures, the impact of the artificial light on the growth of the plants is maximized and the efficiency of the electrical energy use is increased.

Abstract: A polyolefin sheet material carries layered segments of a polymer which contains a herbicide such as a 2,6-dinitroaniline. The sheet material can be porous to permit free passage of water. It may be either a perforated sheet or a woven or non-woven material. A desired material is a non-woven fabric of non-biodegradable polyolefin material, such as a geotextile, for example. In order to obtain a root growth-repelling property, the herbicide is blended with a polymer which is attached or bonded to or embedded in the geotextile, or other polyolefin carrier sheet material, in the form of spaced apart layered segments. Diffusion of the herbicide directly into the soil is prevented by a barrier material positioned on, coated on, or otherwise bonded to the layered segments, to encompass surfaces of the segments which are otherwise exposed on the sheet material.

Abstract: A greening roll includes water-temperature-light controlling part, root growing part, water/root regulating part and seed-stacking part which is located in the water-temperature-light controlling part. The water-temperature-light controlling part is located on the top surface of the greening roll, the water/root regulating part is located on the lower surface of the greening roll, the root growing part is located in the cavity composed by the water-temperature-light controlling part and the water/root regulating part, and the seed-stacking part is located in the cavity of the water-temperature-light controlling part. The water-temperature-light controlling part further includes top-located irradiation reflecting part, temperature-water regulating part, light-preventing part and seed-stacking cavity.

Abstract: An improved root ball container having a base member and a surrounding sidewall member forming a cavity therein for containing the root ball of a tree or other plant. The opening at the top of the sidewall member is smaller than the length or diameter of the base member, thereby providing stability to the plant during storage, growing and transport. The container may be moisture permeable or solid, and may consist of flexible or rigid sidewall and base members. The base may feature a platform member to further elevate the base member and root ball above the ground surface to prevent root damage during growing and/or storage of the tree or plant root ball enclosed by the root ball container.

Abstract: A landscaping ground cover system and method is disclosed having a ground mat. The ground mat has one or more fill boundaries defining a plurality of fill areas. At least one of the plurality of fill areas has a fill label corresponding to a pre-defined ground cover fill material to be filled into the corresponding fill area. The fill boundaries may form a graphic design on the mat.

Abstract: A modulated cell adapted to form a structural frame of said cells for supporting a load bearing feature of a roadway, pavement or walkway while at the same time providing a rooting area within the structural frame for a tree root network. The cell has a main body with vertical integral legs with a top plate having regions upon its upper skirting for a snap fit fastening arrangement for receiving the ends of said legs of a resting cell thereupon said top plate to mount one cell vertically upon another and the top plate has its peripheral edge an interlocking means for laterally joining together with adjacent cells so the modulated cells can be mounted vertically and laterally one upon the other and side by side.

Abstract: A weed control root barrier includes a polymeric sheet material having spaced apart nodules or disks comprising a polymer containing a herbicide. The sheet is porous to permit free passage of water. It may be a non-woven fabric of non-biodegradable polyolefin material. Diffusion of the herbicide directly into the soil is controlled by a barrier material coated on selected portions of the nodules or disks. In one embodiment, essentially all the herbicide in the nodules or disks is directed into the soil via long term migration through and away from the sheet. The barrier layer is coated on portions of the nodules or disks facing the back surface of the carrier to block release of the herbicide to areas of the soil where it is not needed. Exposed surface portions of the nodules can be coated with the barrier material, leaving uncoated sides of the nodules from which herbicide may be released into the soil along a narrow zone of protection generally parallel to the front face of the carrier.

Abstract: A device for protecting a plant includes a body having an open top and an open bottom. The body may be tapered. The body can be pushed into tilled soil around a plant by a person pressing down on the upper edge of the body. The device is used to protect a plant from damage from nearby hoeing, tilling, mowing or other tool use. The device prevents an animal from digging directly next to the roots of a plant. The device localizes water and fertilizer usage to the soil immediately around plant 4.

Abstract: A method and device for containing or encompassing the roots of the plant comprises a base sheet of material containing at least one selected area on the sheet facing the roots, the at least one selected area containing selected nutrients for promoting plant and/or root growth.

Abstract: A molded body for improving the cultivating conditions of plants includes at least one tapering projection. The molded body is disposed such that the projection extends into a plant substrate from the bottom. The projection is a highly porous material for providing an exchange of water by capillary forces and/or air, between the interior and the area surrounding the projection. The molded body comprises a depression provided opposite the projection and serving as a water reservoir that is spaced apart from the plant substrate.

Abstract: To realize a root-preventing sheet with outstanding shape maintaining properties while being thin and light that even when affixed has no wrinkles, is difficult to tear, has excellent applicability, durability and adhesiveness and demonstrates definite root-preventing effects at low cost.

Abstract: A protection barrier for a half-buried or buried object includes a sheet of longitudinal plastic material, the transversal dimension of which is unstable upon heating, the sheet including at least one root-repellent agent and/or insecticide agent so as to form a material barrier against roots and/or insects either living or moving in the ground.

Abstract: A polyolefin sheet material carries layered segments of a polymer which contains a herbicide such as a 2,6-dinitroaniline. The sheet material can be porous to permit free passage of water. It may be either a perforated sheet or a woven or non-woven material. A desired material is a non-woven fabric of non-biodegradable polyolefin material, such as a geotextile, for example. In order to obtain a root growth-repelling property, the herbicide is blended with a polymer which is attached or bonded to or embedded in the geotextile, or other polyolefin carrier sheet material, in the form of spaced apart layered segments. Diffusion of the herbicide directly into the soil is prevented by a barrier material positioned on, coated on, or otherwise bonded to the layered segments, to encompass surfaces of the segments which are otherwise exposed on the sheet material.

Abstract: Structural cells that are placed beneath hardscape. The cells are strong enough to structurally support the hardscape, effectively bearing its weight along with the weight of any load it carries. Furthermore, even though the cells are strong enough to offer structural support of a hardscape, the cells are also designed to be relatively lightweight, stackable, and open, allowing approximately 90% of their volume, or more, to be free volume that can contain uncompacted soil, tree roots, and the like. The cells achieve these attributes through a design that includes a flexible bottom frame, and support members. These support members have a cross-sectional shape that allows for axial rigidity while also preventing any interlocking between support members when cells are stacked. In one embodiment, this cross-sectional shape is a generally quadrifoil shape.

Abstract: A plant container and sidewall comprising a nonporous root-tip-trapping region and a porous air-root-pruning region combined to form the sidewall. The most preferred configuration has the root-tip-trapping region forming a contiguous upper portion of the sidewall and the air-root-pruning region forming the lower portion of the sidewall. Preferably, the root-tip-trapping region will form between ½ and 9/10 of the sidewall, most preferably between ? and ¾ of the sidewall. The advantages of the unique sidewall construction include preventing root circling, promoting water conservation, eliminating perched water tables, and providing proper aeration. These advantages promote plants that are healthier overall and grow faster.

Abstract: The invention is a plant container for growing and transplanting plants. More, specifically, the invention is for a plant container that is made of a multi-layered root impenetrable material with a plurality of closure mechanisms that allows a user to more easily remove and transplant a plant as well as monitor plant root growth.

Abstract: A root growth barrier and method for use with transplantable plants is provided. The barrier is a bilayer, comprising an inner layer of a root-tip-trapping material bonded to an outer layer of a root-impenetrable material. The inner layer faces the roots of a plant and serves to trap root tips to promote root branching. When a black or dark-colored inner layer is bonded to a white or light colored reflective outer layer, soil temperatures are lower and water retention is promoted. Such a barrier may be used as a freestanding container for plants or be manufactured into preformed rolls for use in plant pots and containers.

Abstract: A walkway adjacent trees is made up of modular sections of perforated plates supported on hinged frames that are supported on spaced piers. Retaining edges of biodegradable material serve to maintain a shallow trench beneath the perforated plates into which leaves or mulch are periodically added. This provides a root-friendly zone under the walkway for tree roots that are watered through the perforated plates and may grow without damaging the walkway. A fringe of plantings maintains the trench level when the biodegradable material disintegrates.

Abstract: A tree liner is formed from a composition of a sheet of brown coir to which a latex mixture is applied, preferably by spraying. The tree-liner may be inserted in a wire basket and used to wrap, cover and/or protect the roots of young trees and bushes during the lifting, preparation, packaging and shipping process from the nursery to the final user. The tree-liner comprises approximately 80% coir and 20% latex composition by weight. There is also provided a standalone plant container formed from a sheet of the same coir/latex composition. The composition may also be used for bedding, insulation and other various applications.

Abstract: Embodiments provide methods and apparatuses for supporting various stages of plant growth through layered soils. In embodiments, a soil adapted for supporting a first plant growth phase (e.g. germination) may be proximal, adjacent, or partially surrounded by a second soil adapted for supporting a subsequent growth phase (e.g. a vegetative phase) such that the roots of the plant encounter the second soil as the plant progresses from the first growth phase to the second growth phase. Some embodiments may provide one or more additional soil layers positioned proximal to the second soil, with the additional soil layers adapted to support additional subsequent plant growth phases. Apparatuses suitable for practicing embodiments of such methods are further provided.

Abstract: An apparatus bounds and retains the medium in which a transplantable plant is grown, and promotes the production of lateral root tips by such a plant at all levels in the growth medium. The apparatus includes a sheet having a plurality of hollow protuberances formed with proximal protuberance openings that communicate with distal protuberance openings. The protuberances provide pathways that mimic the natural tendency of the plant roots, so as to decrease the likelihood of the root tips evading the protuberances and promote root-tip growth towards the distal protuberance openings whereby air-root pruning is assured.

Abstract: To realize a root-preventing sheet with outstanding shape maintaining properties while being thin and light that even when affixed has no wrinkles, is difficult to tear, has excellent applicability, durability and adhesiveness and demonstrates definite root-preventing effects at low cost.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved plant culture container structure that includes a container having a containing groove; a plurality of vertical root guiding lines disposed with a specific vertical distance from each other and formed on an internal wall of said container; and one or more horizontal root guiding lines disposed around the internal wall of the container and coupled to the internal wall of said container, for restricting the root of the plant to grow downward to strengthen and secure the plant into the soil.

Abstract: A walkway adjacent trees is made up of modular sections of perforated plates supported on hinged frames that are supported on spaced piers. Retaining edges of biodegradable material serve to maintain a shallow trench beneath the perforated plates into which leaves or mulch are periodically added. This provides a root-friendly zone under the walkway for tree roots that are watered through the perforated plates and may grow without damaging the walkway. A fringe of plantings maintains the trench level when the biodegradable material disintegrates.

Abstract: A plant growth array device includes an aerial growth chamber configured to receive aerial shoot portions of a plurality of plants and a root growth chamber configured to receive root portions of the plurality of plants. A dividing member is between the aerial growth chamber and the root chamber and has a plurality of apertures for receiving the plurality of plants therein. The plurality of apertures are configured so that the root portions grow substantially in a common orientation.

Abstract: A protective apparatus for insulating the root system of a plant includes a side wall made of a material with insulating characteristics. The side wall may be a pair of reflective sheets separated by an air space. The top of the protective apparatus may be a porous material also with insulating characteristics. The protective apparatus will insulate the root system and will prevent the temperature of the root ball and root system from dropping to dangerous levels.

Abstract: A hydromulch root ball includes a root system and hydraulically compactable mulch interspersed into the root system. The hydraulically compactable mulch is interspersed into the root system by soaking the root system in an aqueous mixture of water and mulch, then draining the water away from the root system to hydraulically compact the mulch into and around the root system.

Abstract: A tree root ball wrapping apparatus (100) includes a circular platform (109, 113) for supporting a separable, open-frame, root-containment structure (103, 105, 107) having an inverted conical shape. A group of pivot joints (201, 203, 205, 207) are located at an upper section of the root-containment structure for separating the root-containment structure into half sections. In practice, the group of pivot joints can be opened during tree transplantation for providing removal of a root ball from the wrapping apparatus by opening the sections at the group of pivot joints for easily facilitating removal of the wrapping apparatus (100) from within a transplantation hole.

Abstract: A root barrier for guiding the growth of tree roots is comprised of many distinct developments. The elongated sheet of flexible material has a top horizontal edge, a bottom edge parallel to the top edge, an internal plane and an external plane, and multiple vertical folds extending across the elongated sheet from the top edge to bottom edge. The folds are aligned parallel to one another along the length of the sheet, and each includes two vertical walls connected by a third wall, establishing a distal U-bend or corrugation. The elongated sheet can be sized by scoring, then cutting or snapping one of the bends of the folds. This will result in the corrugations on opposite ends of the sheet fitting tightly within one another, creating a hold that effectively replaces the traditional clip function.

Abstract: A air root pruning container for plants includes a side wall made of a plurality of segments extending in layers above a base wall with each segment having a larger radius as measured from a central axis than the subjacent segment and with the segments being separated from adjacent segments to provide air root pruning openings between the segments; each segment includes outwardly curved wall portions so that the interior wall surfaces will guide root development to an opening.

Abstract: A structural cell system is disclosed for supporting hardscape areas in a way that enables tree root growth and accommodates filtering, retention, storage and infiltration of storm water while preventing hardscape damage. The system includes a plurality of structural cells capable of being positioned below a hardscape. The structural cells are designed to have openings that are sized to accept tree roots. The system has one or more permeable barriers around the structural cells with a way for water to flow into the plurality of structural cells flow out of the structural cells.

Abstract: A multi-purpose paper, a manufacturing method thereof, and an application thereof are provided. The method of manufacturing the multi-purpose paper comprises steps of (a) providing a papermaking material and obtaining a clean paper pulp by treating the papermaking material, (b) adding at least one functional additive into the clean paper pulp to form the multi-purpose paper, and (c) processing the multi-purpose paper to form thereon an uneven surface structure. The cultivating paper has the combined functions of weed control, pest control, supplying the required nutrients to plants to help develop the root system, maintaining moisture and breath for the root system. The multi-purpose paper can be carriers of agricultural antagonistic microorganisms and serve as the basic functional substrate for weed control, pest control, sowing, growing seedlings, fertilization, fertilizer saving, manpower saving and organic cultivating.

Abstract: A molded body for improving cultivation conditions for plants, which is suitable inter alia for arrangement in a plant holder. The molded body has a tapered projection and is arranged in such a way that the projection protrudes into the plant substrate in the plant holder. The projection has elements allowing an exchange of substances between the interior and the surroundings of the projection. This allows the targeted introduction of air, water, nutrients and auxiliary substances into the plant substrate and the root conglomerates. The molded body has a recess which acts as a water reservoir that is separate from the plant substrate. The molded body is water-permeable in the upper part and essentially impermeable to water at the bottom, in the tip of the projection.

Abstract: A plant container including at least one section of flexible material having an inner and an outer surface. The inner surface is formed at least in part by a lattice of recesses, and at least some of the recesses converge toward a hole through the material. The outer surface is formed at least in part by a lattice of protuberances at the same relative positional arrangement as the recesses. Each section is formed as a parallelogram having two acute angles and two obtuse angles. Each section is arranged to form a cylinder with adjacent ends overlapping and the protuberances on the outer surface of one end nesting within the recesses of the inner surface of the adjacent end at the overlap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant pot comprising a hollow frustoconical body (1) tapering from its top edge towards its bottom edge, the body including at least two guide ribs (3). The pot further comprises a concave base (4) having a vertex (8) that points away from said top edge. Furthermore, the disposition of aeration and drainage holes (6) which are in contact with the air which flows between the bottom of the pot and the ground, causes the roots to dry and thus prevents them from tangling.

Abstract: An apparatus bounds and retains the medium in which a transplantable plant is grown, and promotes the production of lateral root tips by such a plant at all levels in the growth medium. The apparatus includes a sheet having a plurality of hollow protuberances formed with proximal protuberance openings that communicate with distal protuberance openings. The protuberances provide pathways that mimic the natural tendency of the plant roots, so as to decrease the likelihood of the root tips evading the protuberances and promote root-tip growth towards the distal protuberance openings whereby air-root pruning is assured.

Abstract: A plant container and sidewall comprising a nonporous root-tip-trapping region and a porous air-root-pruning region combined to form the sidewall. The regions may be configured in various patterns including rows, columns, dots, and checkerboard. However, the most preferred configuration has the root-tip-trapping region forming a continuous upper portion of the sidewall and the air-root-pruning region forming the lower portion of the sidewall. Preferably, the root-tip-trapping region will form between ½ and {fraction (9/10)} of the sidewall, most preferably between ⅔ and ¾ of the sidewall. The advantages of the unique sidewall construction include preventing root circling, promoting water conservation, eliminating perched water tables, and providing proper aeration. These advantages promote plants that are healthier overall and grow faster.

Abstract: A planting system for regulating the supply of water to a plant comprises a linear (28) for containing a volume of plant growing medium (30), such as soil, and drainage means adapted to drain water from the plant growing medium (30) contained within the liner (28) and convey the drained water to a desired location. A paving system (10) comprises a permeable layer (12) providing an upper surface; at least one supporting substrate layer (20) thereunder which is permeable to liquid, a containment membrane (28) of impermeable material containing said substrate layer (20) for controlled retention of water therein and duct means for allowing the passage of water from the substrate layer (20) to a plant growing medium (30).

Abstract: Support system for trees and the like having a base adapted to be placed in the ground around the roots of a tree for directing the roots to grow in a downward direction, a socket on the base for supporting a post in a fixed position, a post which is mounted in socket and extends above the ground, a guide which is engagable between the post and a portion of the tree above the ground to train the tree for growth in a predetermined manner, and an irrigation system on the base for delivering water to the roots beneath the surface of the ground.

Abstract: A plant-protection mat, particularly in the form of a perforated disk which, in the use position above the root bale of a plant, is intended as soil covering. The perforated disk is formed from a coconut fiber nonwoven having coconut fibers bonded by latex. The coconut fibers of the perforated disk, on the one hand, are fixed by way of contour-forming stiffening edges and, on the other, the perforated disk in the region of the upper and lower covering zones, has pore structures with different opening widths.

Abstract: A root growth barrier and method for use with transplantable plants is provided. The barrier is a bilayer, comprising an inner layer of a root-tip-trapping material bonded to an outer layer of a root-impenetrable material . The inner layer faces the roots of a plant and serves to trap root tips to promote root branching. When a black or dark-colored inner layer is bonded to a white or light colored reflective outer layer, soil temperatures are lower and water retention is promoted. Such a barrier may be used as a freestanding container for plants or be manufactured into preformed rolls for use in plant pots and containers.

Abstract: A slope guard device having one or more panels formed of impervious material, interlocking along their periphery to form a rigid annular unit capable of encircling a planted area on a slope. The panels define an inner side adjacent to roots, and an outer side remote from roots, said panels of varying heights to allow a user to customize a slope profile to a slope where taller panels support the slope above the planted area. Vanes extend from the panels and project inwardly from the inner side of the panels. The vanes direct root growth. Vents are attachable to some of the vanes each having an open upper end and open lower end, said vents providing additional structural support for the slope guard. The vents guide steel stakes that can be driven into the ground.

Abstract: An organic substrate for controlling vegetation is manufactured from recycled waste paper, cotton fiber and cotton gin waste, and gypsum. The recycled waste products are combined to form a slurry mixture for processing by conventional paper making machinery into a substrate that may be used in sheet form or comminuted pieces to control weed growth in horticultural applications and serve as a carrier substrate for germinating seeds and growing select vegetation species.