Abstract: A tape (1) with germinating units (9) comprising growth-suited parts of a plant, such as seeds, meristems or the like parts (10), which are able to develop into plants in the tape (1).The tape and the germinating units comprise at least one or two, respectively, biodegradable material layers (2, 4), such as paper, and are suited for a mechanical bedding out with the plants vertically arranged in a furrow in the ground. The tape (1) comprises furthermore a mixture (5) of a carrier (12) and additives permanently or loosely bound to said carrier in each germinating unit (9). The additives are suited for protecting the plant (10) against undesired effects and for controlling the moisture conditions about the plant and the development and growth of said plant in the tape (1).

Abstract: A turf reinforcement mat (TRM) comprises a lofty polymer grid having integrally attached thereto a fibrous mat. The turf reinforcement mat is preferably produced by needle punching a fibrous mat containing low melt temperature thermoplastic fibers and a lofty polymer grid followed by heating to an elevated temperature to fuse fibers of the fibrous mat to strands of the lofty polymer grid. The integral TRM does not necessitate stitching to hold the various layers together in the integral product.

Abstract: Seed tape (1) for a controlled germinating process is made of at least two paper layers (1′ and 1″) and is intended to be used while placed edgewise. Each germinating unit includes a seed (5), additives (6) and a carrier (8). Each germinating unit (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is formed as a planar member. The longitudinal axis of each planar member extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tape. The additives are places in discrete locations around the seed. The seed, the additives and the carrier are adhered to the inner face of at least one paper layer (1′), which is air-permeable. A narrow stripe (10) of water-absorbing, super-absorbing polymer (SAP) is placed on the adhesive layer of at least one paper layer (1′ or 1″). The resulting seed tape is particularly suited for providing a controlled moist microclimate around the seeds during a two-step germinating process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of sod utilizing a porous foundation, such as a geotextile. The present invention is also directed to a method for the production of sod using a soil-less sand based root zone medium and a sod mat produced by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: A biodegradable playing surface (100) including a synthetic turf base (104) positioned atop a foundation (102) is provided. The synthetic turf base includes an at least partially biodegradable backing (112) having a plurality of openings (116), and synthetic fibers (110) secured to the biodegradable backing. The synthetic turf base also includes a surface layer of growth medium (118) applied on top of the biodegradable backing to reach a predetermined depth. Natural grass (120) is planted in the surface layer of growth medium. The biodegradable backing degrades over time so as to increase the size and number of the openings through the backing. This allows the roots of the natural grass to increasingly grow amongst the synthetic fibers and through the backing, so as to firmly integrate the synthetic turf base to the foundation.

Abstract: This invention provides a seed germination medium comprising an upper layer formed from a tissue paper having a weight of approximately 10-30 g/m2, the tissue paper being coated or impregnated with a waterproofing agent such that the tissue paper is permeable to gases but substantially impermeable to water in liquid form; a lower layer formed from a water-absorbent biodegradable material; seeds being disposed beneath the upper layer; and the upper layer optionally having a plurality of perforations therein to assist disruption of the upper layer to enable seedlings germinating from the seeds to grow therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil-less sand based root zone medium for the production of sod. The present invention is also directed to a method for the production of sod using a soil-less sand based root zone medium and a sod mat produced by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of propagating, and an article useful in association with, or produced by, the method of propagating. Plants are produced in mats by steps including: providing a bottom net made of a material that is pervious to moisture, positioning a sheet of a fabric, depositing a layer of planting medium on said fabric, spreading viable wildflower seed over said medium, moistening said medium and said seeds, germinating seeds in the medium, such that roots of seedlings from said seeds intermesh with the fabric forming a sod mat; wherein the bottom net is sufficiently pervious to permit essentially unimpeded root contact with earth below the bottom net.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vegetation element (10) for greening artificial or natural surfaces with dicotyledonous plants (18). The vegetation element consists of a support (14), soil improvement substrate (16) and dicotyledonous plants (18) and is configured such that it can be rolled up. According to the invention the vegetation element is characterized in that the support is a net (28), a woven or knitted fabric, a randomly bonded nonwoven or a fibre mixture which can be deposited on natural or artificially produced mineral soil (12). The soil (12) is prepared aseptically and the soil improvement substrate (16) is incorporated into an upper layer (24) of the soil (12) by compression or mixing, whereby the pH of the substrate (16) differs from the pH of the soil (12) and is adjusted to meet the physiological needs of the dicotyledonous plants (18). As a result a mixed layer (20) of soil (12) and substrate (16) is formed which has a line (22) separating it from the unmixed soil situated underneath.

Abstract: A seedling-growing sheet (1) is in the form of a laminate body (2) consisting of a band-like support member (3) and a porous sheet body (4) laminated on the support member (3). A large number of receptacles (6) for housing rice seeds (15) are formed in the sheet body (4) of the laminate body (2). These receptacles (6) are arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the support member (3). Formed in the laminate body (2) are cutting perforations (8) consisting of a large number of cut lines (9) along which planting pieces (10) each having at least one receptacle (6) are cut away from the laminate body (2). These cutting perforations (8) are arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the laminate body (2).

Abstract: A germinating unit for germination of seeds comprises two material layers (2, 3) of paper and a seed (4) placed between said two material layers. A mixture (5) of a carrier and additives is placed between the material layers, said additives being permanently or loosely bound to said carrier by means of a binder. The seed (4) and the mixture (5) are bound to at least one of the material layers (2, 3). The two material layers are interconnected preferably at their rim portions (1′) by being glued or pressed together by way of stamping. A germinating tape can be formed by means of a row of coherent germinating units. As a result the germinating unit and the germinating tape are produced in a very simple an cost-saving manner, and furthermore it is very environmentally acceptable. In addition, the germination can be efficiently controlled, and it is easy to mechanically bed out the germinating unit in the soil at a desired interval and a desired depth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil-less sand based root zone medium for the production of sod. The present invention is also directed to a method for the production of sod using a soil-less sand based root zone medium and a sod mat produced by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: Seed tape (1) for a controlled germinating process comprises successively arranged germinating units (1, 1b, 1c). The seed tape is made of at least two paper layers (1′ and 1″) and is intended to be used while placed edgewise. Each germinating unit includes a seed (5), additives (6) and a carrier (8). Each germinating unit (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is formed as a planar member. The longitudinal axis of each planar member extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tape. The additives (6) and the carrier (8) are available in form of granulates and are placed in discrete locations around the seed (5), air applying between said seed and the additives (6) and the carrier (8). The seed, the additives and the carrier are adhered to the inner face of at least one paper layer (1′), which is air-permeable.

Abstract: A sod mat easily transportable to a selected site and laid out as a lawn. The sod mat has mesh and sprouted grass plants with roots sufficiently intertwined with the mesh to form a movable sod mat. The mesh has a multiplicity of holes. Each hole is sized and shaped so that roots can grow through the mesh but seeds do not fall through the mesh. The sod mats may include synthetic soil over the mesh, with the sprouted grass plants interspersed throughout.

Abstract: A seedling-growing sheet (1) is in the form of a laminate body (2) consisting of a band-like support member (3) and a porous sheet body (4) laminated on said support member (3). A large number of receptacles (6) for housing rice seeds (15) are formed in the sheet body (4) of the laminate body (2). These receptacles (6) are arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the support member (3). Formed in the laminate body (2) are cutting perforations (8) consisting of a large number of cut lines (9) along which planting pieces (10) each having at least one receptacle (6) are cut away from the laminate body (2). These cutting perforations (8) are arranged apart from each other in the longitudinal direction of the laminate body (2).

Abstract: A seed-germination medium, or seed tape, comprising an upper layer formed from a biodegradable material which is permeable to gases but substantially impermeable to water in liquid form; a lower layer formed from a water-absorbent biodegradable material; seeds being disposed beneath the upper layer and the upper layer having a plurality of perforations therein to enable seedlings germinating from the seeds to grow therethrough.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sheet for growing a plant in cultivation comprising a base material in the form of a sheet and a polymer for forming saccharide-free hydrogel disposed on at least one of the surfaces of the sheet. The polymer for forming saccharide-free hydrogel has a crosslinked structure.

Abstract: A sheet for sprouting of grass seed and for safeguarding early grass growth and an improved mat containing such sheet for growing lawns or other vegetation on soil. The sheet for sprouting of grass seeds has an upper layer of a transparent vinyl plastic or polyethylene which has a plurality of specifically sized ventilation openings. The ventilating openings are varied, depending upon the sowing season of the grass seeds, from approximately 3.5 cm to 4.5 cm distance apart, and 9 mm to 15 mm in diameter. A plurality of sheets exist below the vinyl sheet and a comprised of a viscous cellulose fiber sheet, a planting sheet containing the seeds and fertilizer and a fibrous ground protective sheet. Optionally, a further sheet may be added for weed or insect control, and some of the sheets may be in combined form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil-less sand based root zone medium for the production of sod. The present invention is also directed to a method for the production of sod using a soil-less sand based root zone medium and a sod mat produced by the method of the present invention.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of propagating, and an article useful in association with, or produced by, the method of propagating. Plants are produced in mats by steps including: providing a bottom net made of a material that is pervious to moisture, positioning a sheet of a fabric, depositing a layer of planting medium on said fabric, spreading viable wildflower seed over said medium, moistening said medium and said seeds, germinating seeds in the medium, such that roots of seedlings from said seeds intermesh with the fabric forming a sod mat; wherein the bottom net is sufficiently pervious to permit essentially unimpeded root contact with earth below the bottom net.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base layer for a combined synthetic and natural turf comprising a fabric of which at least a part of the weft and/or warp threads is manufactured from a biodegradable material and/or is wholly absent so that the fabric contains apertures, and synthetic turf fibers which are least partially cowoven with the fabric and of which one or both ends form synthetic grass blades. These ends only protrude from the fabric at those locations where the non-degradable warp and weft threads intersect. The base layer is used in combined synthetic and natural turfs comprising a foundation, optionally a first layer of growth substrate and a base layer according to the invention which is provided with a second layer of growth substrate in which grass plants grow. The invention further relates to a method for laying a combined turf using the base layer of the invention.

Abstract: A soil- and grass seed-less sod precursor containing a non-woven bio-cellulosic fiber mat and grass sprigs. The sod precursor can be used to produce a soil-free sod which is useful for manufacturing athletic fields, golf courses and lawns.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vegetation support (10) consisting of a mat of entangled organic fibers (14) which form said vegetation support (10). A substrate (20) is introduced into the hollow spaces of the mat (12) and a plant material (22) able to germinate, especially seeds, spores, sprouts or the like, is planted on an upper side (16) of the mat (12). The fibers (14) of the mat (12) are secured against detachment from the mat (12). The inventive vegetation support (10) is characterized in that the mat (12) fibers (14) are coconut fibers and that a plant-compatible binding agent (28) is used to prevent the fibers (14) from becoming detached from the mat (12). The binding agent is applied to the surfaces of at least a part of the fibers (14) and ensures that the fibers (14) of the mat (12) are at least partly glued to each other.

Abstract: A soil- and grass seed-less sod precursor containing a non-woven bio-cellulosic fiber mat and grass sprigs. The sod precursor can be used to produce a soil-free sod which is useful for manufacturing athletic fields, golf courses and lawns.

Abstract: An improvement in a method of propagating, and an article useful in association with, or produced by, the method of propagating. Plants are produced in mats by steps including: providing a bottom net made of a material that is pervious to moisture, positioning a sheet of a fabric, depositing a layer of planting medium on said fabric, spreading viable wildflower seed over said medium, moistening said medium and said seeds, germinating seeds in the medium, such that roots of seedlings from said seeds intermesh with the fabric forming a sod mat; wherein the bottom net is sufficiently pervious to permit essentially unimpeded root contact with earth below the bottom net.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods of preparing a sports surface comprising a transportable turf grass. A sand based root zone medium is employed for the production of the transportable turf grass on a barrier at a place other than the sports site. The present invention is also directed to the sports surfaces made by the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: A method for planting and stabilizing soilless sods is taught, beginning with planting pure stock of the desired cultivar in sterile media over plastic sheeting. The pure stock, once it has matured into a sod, it is harvested and milled into vegetative planting material. The milled material is suspended in a liquid slurry in an agitating tank and discharged into a trailing planter assembly that spreads the slurry evenly over unrolling plastic sheeting where it acts not only as planting material but, in sufficient quantities, also as a stabilizing protective mulch that maintains the integrity of the young sod crop in severe storms. Unlike sprigs or stolons the milled planting stock is produced from whole plant tissue and is comprised of many plantlets with intact root, stem, and leaf tissue. A bushel of milled turf plantlets is much more dense than a bushel of sprigs or stolons and comprises meristems from all parts of the plant including roots, crowns, and rhizomes.

Abstract: A vegetation body in the form of sheeting is disclosed, consisting of a structural mat, in particular a looped mat which is arranged on at least one substrate, and the structural mat can be filled with a substrate material and with a plant material capable of germinating, in particular seeds, sprouts, spores or spore parts. The vegetation body in the form of sheeting according to this invention is characterized in that the structural mat is arranged on the substrate in such a way that a first side edge area of the structural mat extends over a first side edge of the substrate, and an opposite second side edge area of the substrate extends beneath a second side edge of the structural mat, so that the structural mat and the substrate overlap one another.

Abstract: A stabilized turf (10) particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat (18) interposed between upper (24) and lower (16) layers of growth media, the mat (18) having a horizontally disposed, biodegradable primary backing (22) and generally upwardly extending fibers (20) secured thereto, wherein the fibers (20) extend above the upper layer (24) of growth media. Natural grass plants (26) extend upwardly above the upper layer (24), with the roots extending down through the backing (22) and into the lower layer (16). The mat (18) stabilizes root growth, particularly during initial grow in. The biodegradability of the primary backing (22) results in a loss of all or most of its horizontal structural integrity within a predetermined time period. The primary backing (22) may be treated with a decomposition agent to control the predetermined time period for decomposition, a stabilizing agent to assist in holding the upright fibers (20) or a growth agent for the natural turf grass.

Abstract: The invention relates to a base layer for a combined synthetic and natural turf comprising a fabric of which at least a part of the weft and/or warp threads is manufactured from a biodegradable material and/or is wholly absent so that the fabric contains apertures, and synthetic turf fibers which are least partially cowoven with the fabric and of which one or both ends form synthetic grass blades. These ends only protrude from the fabric at those locations where the non-degradable warp and weft threads intersect. The base layer is used in combined synthetic and natural turfs comprising a foundation, optionally a first layer of growth substrate and a base layer according to the invention which is provided with a second layer of growth substrate in which grass plants grow. The invention further relates to a method for laying a combined turf using the base layer of the invention.

Abstract: A seed top of foamed cells is constructed such that a porous sheet having open cells is affixed to one surface of a thin support band extending in a band-like configuration with its widthwise direction being an up-and-down direction, and accommodation recesses for accommodating seedling seeds are provided in the porous sheet. It is possible to reduce the size and weight of the seedling raising sheet used for raising seedlings and to eliminate the need for soil in raising seedling, thereby enabling an industrial mass-production of the seedling raising sheet.

Abstract: A landscaping control fabric to allow gardeners and landscapers to custom design various outdoor planting projects by the use of a unique landscaping control fabric containing plural layers of time releasing growth enhancing and control products. Such products, contained on mucilage media on a water pervious mesh layer, may be selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, fungicides, water saver crystals, vegetation foods, pre-emergent weed killers, and post-emergent weed killers, are placed about selected vegetation.

Abstract: A stabilized natural turf surface particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat interposed between upper and lower layers of growth media, the mat having a woven biodegradable backing and upwardly extending artificial fibers secured thereto, wherein the fibers extend well above the top of the upper layer. Natural grass plants grow in the upper layer, with the crowns being located in the upper layer of growth media and the roots extending down through the backing and into the lower layer. The mat helps to stabilize root growth, particularly during the first few years. The biodegradability of the backing results in its eventual decomposition, so that after a predetermined time the turf surface may be aerated all the way down to the lower layer without adversely affecting the mat and the mat can be top dressed beginning immediately after turf growth occurs. The biodegradability also prevents the creation of an agronomic barrier between the upper and lower layers.

Abstract: A stabilized natural turf surface particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat interposed between upper and lower layers of growth media, the mat having a woven biodegradable backing and upwardly extending artificial fibers secured thereto, wherein the fibers extend well above the top of the upper layer. Natural grass plants grow in the upper layer, with the crowns being located in the upper layer of growth media and the roots extending down through the backing and into the lower layer. The mat helps to stabilize root growth, particularly during the first few years. The biodegradability of the backing results in its eventual decomposition, so that after a predetermined time the turf surface may be aerated all the way down to the lower layer without adversely affecting the mat and the mat can be top dressed beginning immediately after turf growth occurs. The biodegradability also prevents the creation of an agronomic barrier between the upper and lower layers.

Abstract: A vegetation element for the greening of artificial expanses, made from a mixture of organic substrate particles, nutrients and synthetic material components; this mixture, by the addition of plastic foam components and binders being combined to form a uniform firm element. According to the invention, the vegetation element is characterised in that the mixture comprises a component of organic substrate particles exceeding 20% by weight, with the mixture being foamed-out with binders, with plant material able to germinate, such as seeds, sprouts, rhizomes or similar being added to the mixture, and in that at least one surface pointing away from the top surface of the vegetation element comprises a fire retardant.

Abstract: A turf product for use in erosion control is provided as a turf product matting of a fibrous material in combination with a reinforcing mesh for giving directional stability thereto. Turf is located above the matting and the reinforcing mesh with its root system passing thereinto. The turf is initially grown above the matting and the reinforcing mesh with its root mass passing therethrough onto an impervious surface. The impervious surface acts as a barrier to root transmission, so that the roots tend to mat above the impervious surface, and when the turf product is moved to its required location for use, the roots are then permitted to pass into an underlying surface.

Abstract: An innovative liquid mulch method for the production of thin, lightweight and fastly growing sod over an impervious surface such as plastic sheeting are provided. The apparatus of the invention includes, among other components, a transportable agitating tank and a trailing planter assembly that facilitates the liquid mulch method of manufacturing sods.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns affixing various seeds, such as grass seeds, to surfaces or cavities of specially manufactured fertilizer carriers formed into various shapes, e.g. star crosssections, tri-lobe or multi-lobe profiles, or cup-like or similar cavity-containing shapes. This shape and the manner of manufacturing of the fertilizer provides grooves and cavities or areas to which the seed can be affixed to the fertilizer and protected against damage during shipping and handling. The fertilizer carrier also acts as a nutrient source for the seed while the seed is most vulnerable, i.e. during its emergence from the seed coat and the first few days after emergence.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a growing container in which plants are hydroponically grown on a support medium is disclosed. The growing container includes a plurality of openings in which seals are installed. The seals include holes through which the plants grow. When seeds are planted, a hollow tube is placed through the seal hole to maintain the seed in position. After the seed germinates, it grows through the tube. As continued growth expands the plant's stem to the size of the tube, the tube breaks apart and does not constrain future plant growth. Moreover, as the plant grows further, the seal hole expands to accommodate the plant stem. The seal surrounds and contacts the plant stem to reduce evaporation of nutrient solution from the growing container and to keep insects and contamination out of the growing container. A holding container is positioned above the growing container and coupled to the growing container through a manifold arrangement.

Abstract: A seed-containing growth medium comprising a flexible carrier sheet and a cover sheet overlying the carrier sheet, a plurality of non circular containment zones being defined by contact points between the carrier sheet and cover sheet, at least a selected number of non circular containment zones containing a seed, wherein the physical characteristics of the carrier sheet are different from those of the cover sheet at least in the following respects: the carrier sheet has a higher water retentive capacity than the cover sheet and the cover sheet is more easily penetrated than the carrier sheet.

Abstract: A container liner comprising a waterproof backing, a porous covering, a seed carrier interposed between the backing and the covering, and a plurality of seeds embedded in the seed carrier such that upon germination the seeds will sprout through the porous covering to form a soft, natural, protective cushion for objects, such as candies or Easter eggs. The container liner is sufficiently flexible so that the container liner can be easily manipulated to substantially conform to the interior contour of the container.

Abstract: A sod comprising a root support matrix that itself comprises a mixture of soil and/or sand, and shredded carpet fragments, wherein the shredded carpet fragments are from about one-tenth percent (0.1%) to about five percent (5.0%) by weight of the matrix; and a plurality of plants growing in said root support matrix, said plants having roots entangled with said shredded carpet fragments. The shredded carpet fragments comprise a mass of entangled face yarns some of which yarns have bits of carpet backing material attached thereto, wherein at least about ninety percent (90%), and more preferably at least about ninety-five percent (95%), of the bits of carpet backing material have no one dimension greater than about one-quarter (0.25) inch.

Abstract: A vessel for growing a plant, comprising: a base material 11 in the form of a vessel which is capable of accommodating therein at least a part of a plant; and a hydrogel-forming polymer 12 having a crosslinked structure disposed inside of the vessel-form base material 11 is disclosed. When such a vessel is used, a transfer operation for the plant can be automated, and any damage caused by transferring the plant can be reduced.

Abstract: A stabilized natural turf surface particularly suitable for athletic fields includes a mat interposed between upper and lower layers of growth media, the mat having a woven biodegradable backing and upwardly extending artificial fibers secured thereto, wherein the fibers extend well above the top of the upper layer. Natural grass plants grow in the upper layer, with the crowns being located in the upper layer of growth media and the roots extending down through the backing and into the lower layer. The mat helps to stabilize root growth, particularly during the first few years. The biodegradability of the backing results in its eventual decomposition, so that after a predetermined time the turf surface may be aerated all the way down to the lower layer without adversely affecting the mat and the mat can be top dressed beginning immediately after turf growth occurs. The biodegradability also prevents the creation of an agronomic barrier between the upper and lower layers.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns affixing various seeds, such as grass seeds, to surfaces or cavities of specially manufactured fertilizer carriers formed into various shapes, e.g. star cross-sections, tri-lobe or multi-lobe profiles, or cup-like or similar cavity-containing shapes. This shape and the manner of manufacturing of the fertilizer provides grooves and cavities or areas to which the seed can be affixed to the fertilizer and protected against damage during shipping and handling. The fertilizer carrier also acts as a nutrient source for the seed while the seed is most vulnerable, i.e. during its emergence from the seed coat and the first few days after emergence. In an alternative construction, a carrier matrix formed of an organic polymer or proteinaceous compound is coated with seeds or other edible fragments to provide a food for birds.

Abstract: A vegetation element for creating sod on artificial surfaces (such as roofs) is described. The vegetation element comprises a vegetation carrier consisting of synthetic and/or organic material for a vegetation, with the vegetation carrier consisting of at least one layer. The bottom layer of the vegetation carrier is attached to waterproof sheeting intended for sealing a roof to be sodded or designed as a rootproofing layer to prevent the roots from growing through.

Abstract: Using a seedbed with seeds, labor-saving farming can be realized, and a small amount of seedbeds can be provided as necessary in home gardening or small-scale farming. In large-scale farming, the seedbed with seeds reduces the labor required to replant young plants from the seedbeds into the ground using the existing tools and materials in production and marketing. Furthermore, simple and labor-saving seedbeds can be provided regardless of the amount of plants to be grown. The seedbed with seeds includes plant seeds, cotton-wool-like organic fiber bundle which is fluffy like cotton wool because of the twist and wave of the fiber although pieces of the fiber are arranged almost in the same direction; and a water-soluble paper. The plant seeds are inserted into the cotton-wool-like bundle. The cotton-wool-like bundle containing the plant seeds is compressed, as long as air and water are appropriately supplied, in the direction vertical to the direction of the fiber.

Abstract: A seedling culture mat comprising a mat which comprises a fibrous substrate or a water-soluble film or paper, a nonionic water-absorbing polymer in a film, tape, fiber or powder form which is anchored to the mat and seeds which are applied on the mat.

Abstract: The subject is a novel apparatus for cultivating organovegetables, which includes an organic medium layer, a vegetable seeds paper membrane, a position-fixing membrane and an insect-proof screen membrane, and which is formed by laminating in order the organic medium layer, the vegetable seeds paper membrane, the position-fixing membrane and the insect-proof screen membrane. These components of the novel apparatus can be prepared into upright rolls which can be cut and applied according to the cultivating area. The novel apparatus is used in combination with an organic medium layer therein so that it is not restricted by land condition.

Abstract: A novel method is proposed for the vegetative propagation of grasses and some dicots comprised first of growing sods of the desired cultivar over plastic sheeting in a sterile medium. When the planting has matured into a sod, it is harvested in strips which are milled and screened into milled turf pieces or plantlets that are approximately 1 to 3 inches long. In comparison to a sprig or stolon, a milled turf piece or plantlet is produced from a complete piece of sod grown over plastic in which the complete root system has been contained. The milled turf product includes plantlets with complete root, stem and leaf tissue all ready to grow. Bushel for bushel, the milled turf product is more dense with more growing points or meristems and per area it provides quicker grow-in.