Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to a sub-surface irrigation system configured to operate in a plant-responsive mode, and further configured to make certain adaptations in response to plant stress. Stress adaptations may include, for example, selectively increasing source pressure of irrigation fluid, heating or chilling the irrigation fluid, and/or injecting fertilizer and/or non-fertilizer amendments into the irrigation fluid.

Abstract: Applying sustainable approaches in the landscape of public and private projects in a desert region (arid or semi-arid regions such as Saudi Arabia) is crucial to preserve natural resources such as water. It is possible to design a desert public university campus to save 82% of water consumption while having a modern landscape. This modern landscape is more acceptable to the campus population than a traditional desert landscape. This is a sustainable native soft and solid landscape for usage in public and private spaces in arid and semi-arid regions. It supports the national and international direction towards transforming into green societies while saving natural resources, i.e., water. Decision-makers, landscape engineers, agriculture engineers, architects' engineers, and any interested person or specialist organization can design their own ideas landscapes following the soft and solid materials quantities and ratios herein with approximately 2.26 L/m2 water consumption rate.

Abstract: A method of monitoring at least one aspect in a vegetation wall system and an apparatus for doing the same. The method comprising measuring, by a sensor, a first component and a second component in the vegetation wall system; determining, by a processor, a change in the at least one aspect based on: the first component, the second component, and an amount of time between the measurement of the first component and the second component; determining whether the change in at least one aspect is outside a threshold range; and in response to determining the change in the at least one aspect is outside the threshold range, determining an anomalous condition exists.

Abstract: A garden seed planter that displays a color for identifying the type of garden product that will be produced by a plant from a seed contained in a starch capsule of the garden seed planter. In a preferred lollipop form embodiment at least a portion of the garden seed planter starch capsule has a colored coating that is substantially the same color as the garden product produced by the plant to be grown from the seed, and there is a planter stake attached to the seed capsule having a portion that also displays substantially the same color as the garden product.

Abstract: An information processing device includes: an image acquiring section that acquires image data of an image of a plant; a form recognizing section that recognizes at least either (i) a shape of the plant or (ii) an end portion of the plant, based on the image data acquired by the image acquiring section; and a deciding section that decides at least one of (a) a level of water content in a medium of the plant, (b) whether water-supply to the plant is necessary or not, and (c) an amount of water-supply to the plant, based on a feature of at least either the shape of the plant or the end portion of the plant that is recognized by the form recognizing section.

Abstract: A device having a fertilizer base that is configured to be operable for distributing fertilizer to a surrounding soil. A collapsible or retractable umbrella is into engagement with the fertilizer base, wherein the umbrella is configured to provide shade for the plant. A bottom portion of a shaft section engages the fertilizer base and a top portion of the collapsible or retractable umbrella. The shaft section includes a tilting shaft that is operable to be tilted to provide partial or full shade to the plant proximal to the fertilizer base according to a sun's orientation or the plant's required amount of sunlight. An adapter coupling is configured to facilitate the engagement or separation of the shaft section with the fertilizer base and allow a user to add fertilizer to the cartridge area without uninstalling the device.

Abstract: A multiple cell horticulture propagation tray arranged in rows of star-shaped cells forming a substantially rectangular shaped tray having the cells formed therein, combined with inserted cylindrically shaped growing media plugs comprising primarily of peat moss with an amount of biochar, and enveloped to retain moisture within the growing media plugs

Abstract: A plant watering device designed and configured to efficiently provide water to either potted plants or to in-ground garden plants. The plant watering device having a hollow elongated cylindrical member and at least one series of linearly aligned apertures having sequential decreasing diameters along a length of a lower section of the hollow elongated cylindrical member which is inserted into a plant root zone. The hollow elongated cylindrical member of the invention being structured to receive at least one aqueous liquid from at least one aqueous liquid source.

Abstract: An internal irrigation circuit board (10) comprises: a body (1), with a planting niche (2) adjacent to a drip irrigation channel (3) holding at least one drip irrigation hose (5), with the drip irrigation channel (3) functioning in cooperation with the planting niche (2) through a connecting channel (4) arrayed concurrently with the drip irrigation channel (3), the connecting channel (4) conveying water accumulated in the drip irrigation channel (3) to the planting niche (2).

Abstract: The present invention provides an effective pest control solution for indoor cannabis applications. The interior atmosphere is controlled to expose the live cannabis plants or post-harvest plant products to low oxygen levels (higher than 1% but lower than ambient air) and high carbon dioxide levels for one or more periods of less than 48 hours. This combination is effective to prevent or eliminate pests without harming the plants.

Abstract: An irrigation device for facilitating growth of a plant includes a mat that is air and water permeable and has an opening through which a plant extends. A drip tube is disposed within the mat between upper and lower surfaces thereof. The drip tube has an open end connectable to a water source, and a series of apertures or emitters along the length thereof permitting water to exit the drip tube and through the lower surface of the mat to the ground surrounding the plant.

Abstract: The present invention is a shade apparatus with central hub an shade components.

Abstract: A productivity measuring, modeling and illustrating system receives input data pertaining to the productivity of an organization to generate various productivity views using a productivity maturity model. The productivity maturity model is based on suggested actions for increasing the productivity which are received in the input data. The productivity maturity model computes various productivity gains and provides productivity levels for the productivity levers associated with the organization. Various productivity views generated to display the productivity information include a summary view that displays the productivity gains and productivity levels using different filters.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for the indoor and outdoor cultivation of larger fruiting plants. Improved lighting techniques, plant layouts, and space utilization are provided to improve the quality and yields of harvested products from large fruiting plants on a per plant and unit area basis. The uniformity of artificial light is improved from the top to the bottom of tall plants and vines, and overcome the lack of light penetration through the canopy of the plant by changing the orientation of lights from a horizontal to vertical alignment along the side of the plant verses over the top of the canopy, as well as increasing the number of light sources to reduce shading. Plants are trained to grow in specific directions and orientations in a grid system to enable an optimal and uniform light distribution and to improve space utilization in a given growing area.

Abstract: A sowable golf ball, including a biodegradable shell to protect an interior thereof, a rubber winding disposed within at least a portion of the biodegradable shell to facilitate bouncing on an object or a surface by the biodegradable shell, and a seed compartment disposed within at least a portion of the rubber winding to store a plurality of seeds therein.

Abstract: A control module for a water harvesting system can be operatively connected to a water level sensor in a water collection cistern, the pump/master valve (P/MV) output port of an irrigation controller, a pump start relay that controls a pump coupled to the cistern, and a pair of master valves that are coupled to station valves for delivering water to a plurality of sprinklers. The control module uses a processor, a plurality of switching circuits, and an operational program stored in a memory to cause the landscape vegetation to be watered with water from the water collection cistern or a municipal water supply, depending on the level of water detected in the water collection cistern. The control module can include a display that can indicate a graphic depiction that represents an actual level of the water in the water collection cistern.

Abstract: Aqueous liquid formulations contain one or more anionic polymers, a high concentration of boron compounds, and a boron dispersant or solvent. The compositions are operable to maintain the boron content thereof in stable dispersion for at least 72 hours. The dispersant or solvent is selected from saturated aliphatic diols, glycols, hydroxyl-rich compounds, alpha-hydroxy acids, and mixtures thereof. Preferred polymers include dicarboxylic repeat units and optional sulfonate repeat units. The formulations have heretofore unattainable high boron contents, and are useful in agricultural contexts.

Abstract: Processing and analyzing observational data is disclosed. A set of data comprising at least a first tile and second tile is received. A first determination is made, for a first pixel position, which tile has a pixel with the highest value for that first pixel position. A second determination is made, for a second pixel position, which tile has a pixel with the highest value for that second pixel position. A composite image is generated using data obtained from the respective tiles in accordance with the two determinations.

Abstract: An apparatus and method to regulate the fluid level in a plant watering device is described. In an embodiment, the plant watering device comprises a fluid reservoir that is supported by an adapter/fluid regulator that sits within a hollow permeable plant stake. The plant stake is designed to be pressed into soil adjacent to a plant growing in the soil. The adapter sits within the plant stake and acts as a valve with multiple settings that control the depth of water in the plant stake. Exposing the permeable plant stake to various levels of water affects the rate of permeation through the stake and thereby regulates the watering rate for the plant.

Abstract: A hydroponic irrigation system reduces the time spent actively circulating a nutrient solution through one or more growing beds to provide an ebb-and-flow irrigation cycle. Nutrient solution is pumped from a nutrient tank to each growing bed via a liquid transport unit, having a liquid tube connected to a pump located in the nutrient tank at one end, with the other end anchored in the growing medium in the growing bed. A controller coordinates the operation of the pumps, selectively operating each pump to supply nutrient solution until the growing bed is saturated to a specified depth, after which the pump returns the nutrient to the tank, either passively via gravity or by actively pumping, to drain the nutrient solution from the growing bed back into the nutrient tank. The pumps can be activated sequentially, with the sequence initiated at selected time intervals to suit the plants being grown.

Abstract: An upright open face flexible irrigation bag having a first edge with a first set of zipper teeth and a second edge with a second set of zipper teeth and a slider for in situ securing the first set of zipper teeth to the second set of zipper teeth around a sapling and an emitter wherein the emitter includes flow control through either a restrictive nozzle or an emitter valve or both with both the emitter valve and the restrictive nozzle located external to the irrigation bag and proximate a ground edge of the upright irrigation bag with the irrigation bag including an emitter valve for compensating in a water pressure head in the irrigation bag.

Abstract: A garden seed planter that displays a color for identifying the type of garden product that will be produced by a plant from a seed contained in a capsule of the garden seed planter. In a preferred lollipop form embodiment at least a portion of the garden seed planter capsule has a colored coating that is substantially the same color as the garden product produced by the plant to be grown from the seed, and there is a planter stake attached to the seed capsule having a portion that also displays substantially the same color as the garden product.

Abstract: Methods and systems for crop management are disclosed. An example method can comprise receiving first information associated with an environmental management zone. The first information can relate to one or more of a land characteristic and a management practice. The first information can comprise a soil type of the environmental management zone. An example method can comprise, receiving historical weather data relating to the environmental management zone. An example method can comprise receiving real-time weather data relating to the environmental management zone. An example method can comprise executing a growth model to predict a nitrogen range for the environmental management zone based on one or more of the first information, the historical weather data, and the real-time weather data. The nitrogen range can comprise probabilities for one or more of a current time period and a future time period in the growing season.

Abstract: A refrigerator appliance includes a dispensing assembly mounted to a dispenser recess for providing a flow of water. The dispensing assembly includes a flexible hose that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position and a retraction mechanism for urging the flexible hose toward the retracted position. A dispensing nozzle is fluidly coupled to an end of the flexible hose and is mounted to an external container by a mechanical clip. The flow of water may be activated by a button or voice activation system.

Abstract: A soilless plant cultivating container includes an elongate body of generally wave shaped form and having a flow channel defined therethrough; and a receptacle defined in a sidewall of the body in fluid communication with the flow channel to receive and support a plant therein.

Abstract: A water diverting device is used for fitting inside a porous surrounding wall of a vertical drainage pipe which is deeply inserted into the soil for collecting water from the ground level. The water diverting device includes a tubular wall having at least one slit, and a base wall having at least one drainage port. The drainage port is located at a higher level than a lower slit edge of the slit so as to have a lower level of water accumulated for passing through the slit and an upper open end segment of the porous surrounding wall, thereby soaking the soil near the ground level.

Abstract: A glazing includes a glazed element, at least one profiled seal portion and at least one insert which is located at least partially inside the profiled seal portion, the insert having along a main portion which is in the profiled seal portion, in cross-section, a section which is closed on itself in the form of a loop and which forms a hollow member, wherein the main portion includes at least at one end a stopper which closes the end.

Abstract: Contaminating material is extracted from a body of water by providing a floating bed on which plants such as Cat Tails can be grown with their roots hanging into the body of water over an area where extraction of contaminating material from the body of water is required, growing the plants to take up the contaminating material from the body of water and harvesting the upstanding plant mass by moving the bed to a harvesting machine which cuts away the plant mass leaving at least part of the root mass to continue growing into a new season. The bed can be returned to a location for the next season.

Abstract: Water-retaining gel compositions, methods of making water-retaining gel compositions, and the uses thereof for enhancing soils, preparing plant growth media and facilitating the growth of plants therein are disclosed.

Abstract: The embodiments herein relate to a method for delivering nutrients to the plants in a hydroponic system. The method comprises delivering a nutrient solution, planting a plurality of plants in a plurality of plant receivers, combining a plurality of angled joints with a single side of one plastic pipe with rest of the plastic pipes, combining a plurality of T-fitting/connectors with the plurality of plastic pipes, closing an end of the plastic pipes with a plurality of pipe caps and delivering water to the plurality of pipes using a customizable water pipe. The method further comprises adjusting the plurality of plastic pipes with an adjustable pipe brace and circulating the nutrient solution in the reservoir to the plurality of plant receivers using an electrical pump.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide a hydroponic system having a self-contained reservoir. The system comprises, a plurality of plastic pipes, a plurality of plant receivers, a plurality of angled joints, a plurality of T-fitting/connectors, a plurality of pipe caps, a customizable water pipe, an adjustable pipe brace, and an electrical pump. A method is provided for delivering the nutrient solutions to the plants through a hydroponic system. The method comprises, assembling the hydroponic system, selecting a plurality of plants to be grown in the hydroponic solution, delivering nutrient solution to the roots of the selected plant from the reservoir, and customizing the hydroponic system.

Abstract: A trunk mounted Christmas tree water level measuring and alarm device includes a housing configured to be mounted to the tree trunk of a Christmas tree through at least one variable length attaching strap. A first water level sensor rod extends down from the housing and configured to extend into a water reservoir of a tree stand supporting the Christmas tree at a low water level. Another sensor rod may extend to a high water level. The housing including a power supply and at least one water level alarm configured to activate when the sensor rod(s) indicate a water level in the water reservoir below the low water level or, optionally, above the high water level. The housing further includes a light sensor and an alarm override wherein the alarm is overridden when the light sensor indicates the presence of less than a preset threshold of light around the housing.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a system for the metabolization of organic substances, comprising at least one housing with an elongated space. The housing has at least one inlet opening at the top end portion for the introduction of liquids with organic substances therein and at least one outlet opening for liquids at the bottom end portion. The inlet opening and the outlet opening are in communication with the elongated space, where the elongated space extends from the top end portion to the bottom end portion of the housing. Further, the system for metabolization comprises at least one planting opening provided on the housing between the inlet opening and the outlet opening for the accommodation of a support element for plants, the planting opening being in communication with the elongated space, and a porous filler material provided in the elongated space.

Abstract: A weed/grass control and fertilizing device is shown and described. In one embodiment, the device comprises a bladder socket having a bottom surface blocker, a screen and a water-permeable barrier. The bladder socket includes at least one sleeve and may be installed around a trunked tree. In other embodiments, a replaceable fertilizer cartridge may be positioned within the sleeve. The result are devices and methods for harmonizing weed/grass control and fertilizing of trunked plants.

Abstract: A deep root watering unit is described herein that includes an elongated hollow sleeve member and a grate-retaining housing mounted at an upper end of the sleeve member. A cap configured as a grate can be attached to the top portion of the housing. The deep root watering unit is advantageously configured to facilitate insertion and removal of the cap, irrigation adjacent to the housing, and/or distribution of fluid to adjacent irrigation devices.

Abstract: A potted plant holder features a number of post pieces that assemble to form a post structure that supports a number of hubs thereon, which in turn each support a number of branch-like supports. A reduced diameter end of each post piece nests within the other end of another post piece for easy assembly. Each branch has a simple wire structure with a bent end configured to form two parallel legs jutting perpendicular to the branch length for receipt of the legs in an outer opening of the hub around the post. A pot-size adapter features a ring of smaller diameter than an integral pot-supporting ring of the branch and hangers that suspend the smaller ring therefrom. A watering system features ring-shaped conduits that fit over the different levels of branches and branch conduits running outward along the branches of each level from the respective ring-shaped conduit.

Abstract: An irrigation device comprising a moisture responsive barrier is provided. At least a portion of the barrier has perforations, at least some of the perforations are associated with a water swellable material. The perforations are configured to open as the water swellable material loses moisture and dries out and are configured to close as said water swellable material is exposed to and absorbs water, such as during a watering step.

Abstract: A watering system for providing a flora-nourishing substance to flora. The system comprises a nourishment receiving and delivery mechanism for receiving and delivering the flora nourishing substance; and at least one percolation bore disposed adjacent to the flora and at least partially filled with a material for absorbing the nourishing substance.

Abstract: An environment-friendly planting device with automatic percolation and irrigation of hermetic liquid includes a planting container and draining and irrigating pipes. An inner part of the planting container is orderly provided with a first layer having ceramic aggregates and sand, a second layer having medical stones, sand and perlites, and an organic substrate layer from bottom to top. The first layer and the second layer are for storing water. The first layer has a first draining and irrigating pipe having a U-shaped inner cavity. The second layer has a second draining and irrigating pipe having a U-shaped inner cavity as a snorkel. The first draining and irrigating pipe and the second draining and irrigating pipe respectively have a first end connected to a vertical water inlet pipe, and a second end sealed. A bottom of the water inlet pipe is sealed. The organic substrate layer is for cultivating plants therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a potassium sulphate powder wherein about 80 wt % or more of the powder has a particle size of about 0.2 mm or lower, preferably about 0.13 mm or less. The particle size preferably is such, that about 80 wt % or more is about 0.02 mm or higher, more preferably about 0.04 mm or higher. This potassium sulphate powder dissolves easily in water, more in particular, 50 gram of said potassium sulphate powder dissolves in 1 liter of water without stirring within 1 minute, preferably within 30 sec. This potassium sulphate powder is very suitable as foliar fertilizer, in particular for broad acre crops. Further, the invention relates to the use of foliar potassium fertilizer, to enhance the uptake of potassium from the soil.

Abstract: A modular wick for accommodating garden beds of various sizes comprises a generally planar platform Connectors are provided proximate to an outer edge of the platform that allow for connection with an adjacent wick. Each of the wick comprises at least one well that is filled with a wicking medium. Apertures are provided in the walls of the wells to allow water to enter into the wicking medium. By connecting the wicks together, various sizes can be formed.

Abstract: A plant watering device is disclosed. The device has a preferentially water permeable membrane arranged to separate a supply of water from a root system of a plant. The membrane is arranged to allow water to permeate to water the roots.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for irrigation is disclosed. The Save-A-Tree-System Apparatus is an apparatus for sub-surface irrigation which uses a rigid or semi-rigid tube with a plurality of fluid emitters disposed in the tube, which is buried in order to deliver irrigation to the root-zone of plants, which can be connected in series to efficiently direct irrigation to multiple locals, and which has an internal reservoir for the application of fertilizer, pesticide, fungicide, or the like, to an individual location to supplement system-wide treatment. Irrigation water or treated water is delivered from a source to the Save-A-Tree-System Apparatus via a connecting hose. A pressure regulator, filter and/or directional flow check valve may also be installed between the source and a Save-A-Tree-System Apparatus as needed to control the irrigation water that is delivered to the apparatus. The Save-A-Tree-System Apparatus may also simultaneously provide both aboveground and sub-surface irrigation and aeration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing irrigation to plants are provided. The system generally includes a fluid distribution structure having a barrier layer and a hydrophilic layer. The fluid distribution structure can additionally include a plurality of channels. Each channel can be associated with a non-woven material or other volume providing element overlayed by a filter layer. A fluid supply tube may be provided at a first end of the fluid distribution structure, and a drainage tube may be disposed along a second end of the fluid distribution structure. Where the fluid distribution structure includes channels, a supply tube and a drainage tube, the channels generally extend between the supply tube and the drainage tube. Fluid collected by the drainage tube can be recirculated to the supply tube, or can be collected or disposed of.

Abstract: An irrigation device having a flexible container for holding water while delivering the water directly into the soil with the irrigation device having a filler neck to facilitate filling and inhibit backflow therethrough with a cap that can quickly seal the filler neck after the irrigation device is filled and a handhold useable to hold the filler neck in an elevated condition during the filling and closing of the flexible container.

Abstract: This invention provides a truncated, ground-embeddable conical irrigation ring having an integral weed-abatement collar. The slight conical nature of the ring allows for nested stacking of the devices. A first embodiment device has an annular collar with a circular outer perimeter. The weed-abatement collar is wide enough to prevent most weeds from beginning growth outside the ring, creeping over the edge thereof, and into the plant growing region within the ring. The ring prevents water that is provided to a plant growing within the ring from seeping outwardly into soil were no plant growth is wanted. A second embodiment has a hexagonally-shaped weed-abatement collar that allows for honeycomb arrangements of multiple devices which completely cover the ground between irrigation rings. A third embodiment also has a hexagonally-shaped weed-abatement collar. Half of the collar perimeter is equipped with a light-blocking underlapping shelf.

Abstract: A self contained watering apparatus may be buried within the soil in a conventional decorative pot or outdoors in the ground adjacent a plant(s) to be watered. A container for water serves as the source of water and includes a tube for refilling the container. An electric pump, which may be within the container or above the container, pumps water from within the container and discharges the water through a conventional spray nozzle or drip irrigation nozzle. A battery provides electric power to the pump and a settable timer regulates the electrical connection between the battery and the pump.

Abstract: A stationary system for gas treatment of top soil to kill plant pests including either underground or above ground piping netting for facilitating the flow of gas towards the roots of the plant, preferably via one or more injection nozzles. The system may be adapted to be in combination with water/fertilizers irrigation system, such that both (i) plant growth is promoted and (ii) plant pathogen kill by a compressible gas is provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes a lawn spike that is configured to distribute a solution of water, fertilizer, or pesticides into the soil. The device includes a proximal end and a spiked distal end, whereby the proximal end includes a reservoir and a removable cap, and the spiked distal end includes an elongated shaft having a plurality of apertures and a distal tip configured for insertion into the soil surface. In use, the device is inserted into the ground with a mallet or similar device and the cap is removed. The reservoir is filled with a solution, which then gravity fed into the spiked distal end for distribution through the apertures of the elongated shaft and into the soil. The present invention distributes pesticides, plant food, or water into the ground, helps to fertilize soil to ensure proper plant growth, and controls the drainage of the solution into the ground.

Abstract: A water supply device put on the soil or buried in the soil in which the plants are planted. The water supply device includes a first part, a second part and a pipe. The first part is an annular part with a notch. The first part has a water storage space for storing water therein. The second part is located within the notch of the first part and has a room for storing fertilizer therein. The pipe is arranged along the first part and connected between the water storage space and the room. The pipe has a plurality of apertures distributed over the wall thereof. By using principles of differential-pressure and siphon, the water and fertilizer automatically move and are supplied to the plants so as to save time, expenses and efforts.