Abstract: A novel agricultural mulch and improved method of arranging the mulch on a growing field with furrows is disclosed wherein the mulch is made of an extensible paper substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface with side sections near the edges of the substrate capable of being turned up and bent back over the top surface of the paper substrate as the mulch is laid down over the growing field; the bottom surface of the paper substrate will be exposed for receiving soil from the field to anchor the mulch and protect it against the weathering of rain, sun and wind.

Abstract: An improved method of establishing plantings in sod mats which are capable of being transported as a unit and reestablished without significantly disturbing the root system of the plants. The sod mats established from grass turf sod, by utilizing the matted, dead grass roots of turf sod as a biodegradable medium for anchoring the roots of the growing plants, the plant roots being intermeshed with the matted grass roots. The sod mat allows for the production of a diversity of sod mat products, including annual and perennial ornamental plants, herbs, and edible plants, among others. While the plants can be grown to various sizes depending on market desires and mature plant height, the sod mats are capable of rapidly establishing sufficient stability to withstand lifting and transportation, thus providing a significant improvement over sod-like mats of the prior art.

Abstract: A sterilized laminated mat for growing vegetation comprising a biodegradable base fabric, a plurality of seeds adhered to the base fabric, a sterilized hydrating medium secured to the base fabric, and a cover fabric secured to the hydrating medium to maintain structural integrity of the device. The device may also comprise fertilizer added as discrete units, or as a uniform layer, to the base fabric or incorporated into the hydrating medium. The seeds, hydrating medium and cover fabric are all secured with biodegradable, water soluble organic adhesives. Preferably, all components of the device are sterilized, with the exception of the seeds if such sterilization would have deleterious effects on germination.

Abstract: An improved playing surface including a synthetic turf base positioned atop a foundation. The synthetic turf base includes synthetic grass fibers secured to a backing material. The synthetic turf base also includes a surface layer of growth medium intermixed with the synthetic grass fibers. Natural grass is planted in the surface layer of growth medium wherein the natural grass includes natural grass blades and roots. The backing is provided with perforations or openings sufficient in number to permit the roots of the natural grass to extend through the backing into the sub-base of the foundation. The improved playing surface may include synthetic grass fibers of varying lengths, longer synthetic grass fibers can be formed of contrasting colors in order to provide line and boundary indicators. A mesh-type material is placed underneath the adjoining layers of backing material in order to reinforce the interface between separate sections of backing material.

Abstract: Multi-layered vegetation element for the greening of large rooftops, with the individual layers being mechanically interconnected by threads. A porous fibrous web is envisaged as the lowest layer, followed by a layer of stone wool and a layer incorporating seeds and living plant matter. A retention layer or protective layer serves as the uppermost layer. As an alternative embodiment, the porous fibrous web at the bottom is followed by a layer of mineral wool, which in turn is topped by a mixed cocos and plant layer being a cocos layer with an admixture of seeds and living plant matter.

Abstract: A construction element, such as a supporting element for a retaining wall, has a casing which is at least partially permeable. The casing contains a block-shaped, granulated, bulk or porous filling material. The casing has two layers including a relatively rigid grating part (GT) for strength and a relatively flexible, finer meshed netting part (NT) for containment of filling material. The casing is designed as a closed hollow body which is coupled to the filling (FL) so as to form a substantially self-supporting construction element which is completely prefabricated.

Abstract: An improved direct seeding shelter is disclosed. The shelter comprises a base, a side wall, a top including a cylindrical portion and a displaceable cover that is operable, in a first position, to prevent a seed from passing from the interior of the shelter to the exterior of the shelter, through the shelter top. The shelter can be pre-seeded by inverting the shelter, positioning the displaceable cover in the first position, depositing at least one seed into the shelter and into the cylindrical portion, positioning a seed retainer in the cylindrical portion so that the retainer is frictionally engaged therein and is operable with the displaceable cover to define a seed pocket. Direct or spot seeding with the pre-seeded shelter is easily carried out by setting the shelter in the soil and depressing the at least one flap to dislodge the seed retainer. The dislodged seed and the seed retainer fall by gravity to the seeding spot.

Abstract: An innovative liquid mulch apparatus 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: A plant sod mat utilizing a planting medium of spent mushroom growth material and a porosity increasing material and methods of preparing mushroom compost and of preparing spent mushroom growth media for use in plant sod mats. A plant sod mat utilizing spent mushroom growth media may comprise two layers of the spent mushroom growth media separated by a sheet of polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene fabric. The plant sod mat may also utilize root binding fabrics comprising polyester, polypropylene or polyethylene.

Abstract: A floral assembly, which may be included in a card, is made of absorbent paper in the shape of a flower having an upper end flared as a bloom-shaped seed pocket and the lower end is a stem-shaped support. The pocket contains seeds for germination and may be easily opened to free them for growth. When the stem is immersed in water, it serves as a wick to moisten the upper part of the assembly and helps start the seeds germinating.

Abstract: A process for growing a light weight, transportable sod-mat and for facilitating the implantation of such a mat on a lawn bed comprises germinating lawn-grass seeds (5) in a thin layer of growing medium (4) spread over a mat of non-woven polypropylene (3) laying on an impermeable membrane (2). After germination, the mat and the inseminated growing medium is installed over a layer of porous material such as decomposed granite covering a conditioned subsoil. Drip irrigation lines are run through the upper region of the porous material.

Abstract: A river bottom fish control apparatus, which includes a mesh grid netting for providing a substrate for plants and other benthic organism growth and for decreasing turbidity in a body of water. The mesh grid netting includes a flexible plastic having mesh openings and apertures forming flaps located at spaced intervals. The apertures are relatively larger than the mesh openings. The apertures may form crescent-shaped flaps having an apex end and a hinge end and may have a recessed portion removed from the apex end of the flaps or a thin strip removed contiguous to the length of the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing substantially all of the soil from a section of grass sod by soaking the section of sod with water to loosen the soil and to remove an initial portion of the soil, then brushing the root and soil side of the grass sod to brush substantially all of the remaining soil off of the grass sod, and finally rinsing the sod to rinse off any remaining soil. The brush sweeping against the roots of the sod raises the root ends upwardly and scratches the roots, both of which stimulate the roots for improved growth into the recipient soil site.

Abstract: A mechanically-bonded, water-absorbent fiber mulch including natural and crimped synthetic fibers that are intimately mixed to form a mechanically-bonded fiber mulch. A water-absorbent polymer-based material is dispersed throughout the fiber mulch to increase its water absorption capacity.

Abstract: A flexible hygroscopic mat of low weight per unit volume for the landscaping of surfaces, such as the roofs of buildings is provided. Such mat comprises a rock wool mat having a thickness of approximately 2.0 to 3.5 cm and weight per unit volume between approximately 30 and 80 kg/m.sup.3 that enables it to be rolled up and living plants having roots that provide mechanical strength to the overall hygroscopic mat to form a finished product that is capable of being unrolled and applied to a roof or similar surface. The hygroscopic mat while rolled up can be readily transported to the site where it is to be installed. Also, commonly no further landscaping is required once the flexible hygroscopic mat is placed on a roof or similar surface.

Abstract: A seed carrier and marker includes an elongated peg having an upper end and a lower end, a soil level index between the ends of the peg for indicating a recommended depth to place the peg into soil, a seed, and placement structure for positioning the seed at about a predetermined position a selected distance below the soil level index, the placement structure including a water-degradable film for resisting movement of the seed away from the predetermined position. The water-degradable film is preferably fabricated of a water-soluble polymeric material with an adhesive on one side for adhering to the peg. The positioning structure can include a compartment defined by the lower end of the peg. The peg can be fabricated of a degradable material, such as a bio-degradable material or a photo-degradable polymeric material.

Abstract: A turf product having a base (11), a root zone material and a reinforcement material (15) located thereon and turf growing in the root zone material (13), the base preferably being the upper surface of a pallet (10). The invention also includes a method and means whereby the turf can be located temporarily in position whilst on pallets and one in which the turf can be placed on the ground surface by locating the turf on a pallet in the required position and then removing the pallet from thereunder.

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 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: An improved surface includes a synthetic turf base positioned atop a foundation. The synthetic turf base includes imitation grass blades secured to a backing. The synthetic turf base also includes a surface layer of material supported by the backing and intermixed with the imitation grass blades. Natural grass is planted in the surface layer of material wherein the natural grass includes natural grass blades and roots. The backing is provided with perforations or openings sufficient in number to permit the roots of the natural grass to extend through the backing into the sub-base of the foundation. The natural grass improves the overall desirability of the surface by improving its durability, increasing its life span, reducing the cost of installation, reducing the cost of maintenance, improving comfort for users, and improving the benefits to the ecology.

Abstract: New sod mats are described. The sod mats are reinforced with a coherent sheet of stable fibers and degradable matrix material. The sod reinforcements are easy to manufacture and handle. The sod mats have good of handling characteristics, good sod mat propagation characteristics, good "shelf life" stability, and are more easily dispersed into the soil by rototilling or other means when the mats are no longer useful as sods. Sod mats of grasses, ornamental plants, and nutritional plants are disclosed. The method of propagation is disclosed.

Abstract: An animalian figurine (10) has an outer covering (11) which contains a body of plant life nutrient material (13) and a bed of plant seeds (14). The plant seeds are positioned adjacent a scalp portion (16) of the covering so that the grass stalks sprouting therefrom grow through a scalp portion to simulate hair.

Abstract: This invention relates to sod and turf having modified planting mediums and a synthetic sod reinforcement. The sod mats are propagated quickly and are very effective in use. The sod mats are especially effective for soil stabilization and sports fields.

Abstract: A new and improved herb, vegetable, flower, and groundcover sod mat suitable for many landscape applications. The improvement comprises growing either plant seeds, seedlings, plant plugs, rooted cuttings, or root divisions in a planting medium so that the roots of the plant material entangle with a polyolefin sod reinforcement to form a tough, lightweight, flexible sod mat. The sod mat can be produced in many strengths and weights, with many diverse planting mediums, with multiple species of plants. The polyolefin sod reinforcement can contain prodegradants which promote environmental friendliness. Sod mat may be sold in rolls or rectangular mat.

Abstract: A novel mulch/medium/matrix method that stabilizes sods grown on a solid base in large rolls in contiguous beds is described. A vegetative or organic mulch is placed over a solid base which is typically plastic sheeting. A suitable growing medium is infiltrated into the mulch, filling the voids and interstices to produce a coherent matrix which is stable in severe thunderstorms. Seed or sprigs are placed into the matrix either before or after the application of the growing medium which is then irrigated, fertilized, and eventually mowed in the conventional manner. The primary rooting of the growing material intertwines the mulch/medium/matrix and binds and knits it into a sod. As the mulch gradually decomposes, it is replaced by primary rooting forming a thin, bona fide sod which can be one half the weight of a conventional mineral sod. The sod is harvested in large rolls, typically four feet wide and comprising 20-50 square yards.

Abstract: New and improved sod mats of grasses, nutritional plants and ornamental plants have been developed for many garden and landscape applications. The improvement comprises growing plants whose roots penetrate and entangle with an improved nonwoven sod reinforcement to form versatile sod mats. Nonwoven sod reinforcements contain apertures to facilitate uniform water infiltration and root wetting. The sod mats can be produced with many diverse planting mediums and in both large and small sizes. Sod mats may be sod in rolls or in rectangular mats.

Abstract: A gathered planting net for the cultivation of flower bulbs, especially tulips, narcissi and such, has a carrier lying flat in the transport state and a tubular net provided thereon. The tubular net is held on the carrier with at least one closing band, where the closing band penetrates the interior of the tubular net and of the carrier in the direction of an axis of the tubular net and also extends over the outside of the tubular net. The carrier includes a ring-shaped cutting of cardboard, carton or the like. It has folds parallel to the direction of the axis of the tubular net for the defined setting up of the carrier with the tubular net provided thereon and for mounting the carrier in the opened state onto the net carrier of the planting machine.

Abstract: The laying of a vegetation mat in close contact with a clad surface is achieved. The vegetation mat has a net, which prevents freezing or flow-away of vegetation material without the need for stretching a separate net. The mat comprises a layer of vegetation material selected from the group consisting of soil improvement material, fertilizer, organic material, vegetation seeds and combinations thereof, a front and back sheet, which are capable of being at least partly decomposed and are coupled together to wrap the vegetation material. A net having a mesh size permitting the budding and growth of the vegetation seeds, is provided on the front surface of the front sheet.

Abstract: This invention provides a light weight seeding sheet consisting of a flexible reticulate sheet, such as plastic mesh or burlap cloth, permeable by blades of vegetative crops, a bonding agent applied to one side of the reticulate sheet holds a uniform distribution of particles of fertilizers, seeds, and other plant growth additives in pre-measured amounts per unit area of the reticulate sheet. Seeds, fertilizers, and other chemical additives may be covered with a water soluble or a water dispersible parting means, such as a tissue paper or a water soluble polymer film. The parting means prevents sticking of the bonding agent to the unseeded face of the reticulate sheet when the light weight seeding sheet is wound into a roll. Because the light weight seeding sheet thus constructed does not contain any fillers, it is very flexible and may be easily cut to shape, is light weight, and simplifies planting. Many rolls of the sheet sufficient to cover large areas may be easily transported.

Abstract: A method for cleaning sod being transported on a perforate conveyor belt which includes at least one vibratory position and a powered brush position for removing the earth from the sod. This method and apparatus may be attached to a farm vehicle at the sod harvesting site or free-standing at a remote location. This present invention removes the earth in a substantially dry condition so that the earth may be returned directly to the harvest site or conveyed to another location, A subsequent water bath stage is disclosed for the removal of unwanted dust on the sod.

Abstract: A sheet material, typically paper or cardboard, contains a natural, chemically untreated fibrous material and a secondary long-staple fiber material in a weight ratio comprised between (50-90):(10-50). It further contains fiber fines, at least one retention agent for these fines and at least one sheet strength improving agent. The sheet may be manufactured on paper making machines after preparing a mash from the components listed above and refining. The sheet material is intended to replace paper or cardboard normally made from chemically treated, expensive raw materials.

Abstract: A novel multi-layer sod and the method for making said sod is disclosed. The sod contains recycled waste products including pieces of carpet and compost.

Abstract: The process which is suited to a mechanized implementation substantially comprises the following stages:1) forming in a continuous manner on the soil a sleeve enclosing a culture substratum comprising graded particles by laying in a continuous manner on the soil in succession at least a first plastics film sealing tight at the roots, a layer of the culture substratum with a predetermined thickness and a width smaller than that of the first film, and at least one second film with a width greater than that of the culture substratum layer, and ensuring in a continuous manner as the sleeve is formed, fastness, by adhesion or welding, of the longitudinal edges of the first and second films.2) laying on the sleeve seeding comprising seed grains or cuttings and an additional culture substratum heavily moistened comprising a semi-liquid mud.After the plants have grown, the culture sleeve can be gathered up mechanically in sections or rolls then divided into small units.

Abstract: New specialty sod mats are described. The sod mats use a nonwoven sod reinforcement of low strength to provide ease of handling, good sod mat propagation characteristics and easy dispersal into the soil by rototilling or other means when the mats are no longer useful as sods. Specialty sod mats of grasses, ornamental plants, and nutritional plants are disclosed. The method of propagation is disclosed.

Abstract: A process and fabric for controlling soil erosion which comprises an erosion control mat formed of a scrim having a lightweight web secured thereto to be utilized by applying the erosion control mat to a soil surface. A method of producing such erosion control mat is also disclosed.

Abstract: A new and improved herb, vegetable, flower, and groundcover sod mat suitable for many landscape applications. The improvement comprises growing either plant seeds, seedlings, plant plugs, rooted cuttings, or root divisions in a planting medium so that the roots of the plant material entangle with a polyolefin sod reinforcement to form a tough, lightweight, flexible sod mat. The sod mat can be produced in many strengths and weights, with many diverse planting mediums, with multiple species of plants. The polyolefin sod reinforcement can contain prodegradants which promote environmental friendliness. Sod mat may be sold in rolls or rectangular mat.

Abstract: A new, improved herb, vegetable, flower, and groundcover sod mat suitable for many landscape applications. The improvement comprises growing either plant seeds seedlings, plant plugs, rooted cuttings or root divisions in a planting medium so that the roots of the plant material entangle with a nylon sod reinforcement to form a tough, lightweight, flexible sod mat. The sod mat can be produced in many strengths and weights, with many diverse planting mediums, with multiple species of plants. The nylon sod reinforcement will degrade if it is uncovered by some accident and exposed to sunlight. Sod mats may be sold in roll form or a rectangular mats.

Abstract: New sod mats are described. The sod mats are reinforced with a coherent sheet of stable fibers and degradable matrix material. The sod reinforcements are easy to manufacture and handle. The sod mats have good of handling characteristics, good sod mat propagation characteristics, good "shelf life" stability, and are more easily dispersed into the soil by rototilling or other means when the mats are no longer useful as sods. Sod mats of grasses, ornamental plants, and nutritional plants are disclosed. The method of propagation is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the improvement of appearance and performance characteristics of turf surfaces includes the steps of applying from about 0.1 to about 0.5 percent by weight of discrete fiber materials (14) selected from the group consisting of man-made fiber forming substances to turf growing and turf containing areas (10) and then working the discrete fiber materials into the areas. Working may allow a first portion of the fiber materials to be carried beneath the surface (11) of the area so as to promote reinforcement and anchoring of the turf (12) at the root zone level and a second portion to be at least partially exposed above the surface of the area, so as to remain visible with the turf. A related method for the improvement of appearance and performance characteristics of turf surfaces is also provided for turf propagated in previously barren surfaces.

Abstract: An anchoring arrangement for lawn edging material of the type used for defining borders of lawns and gardens. The edging material is formed of a resilient, extruded, molded plastic material and includes a relatively thin vertical wall member, which preferably has a retaining flange projecting laterally outward from a lower end thereof. The primary feature of the invention is the provision of hollow tubes that extend through the edging material and are adapted to hold plant seeds until they germinate and mature, so that the roots of the plants will anchor the material in place in the ground.

Abstract: A netting of cords which are connected to each other by knots or in any other suitable way carries seedlings in the form of sprouted or unsprouted seeds which are confined in and/or otherwise at least partly embedded in and/or simply adhere to the cords. The cords can further carry particles of fertilizer and/or the cords can consist at least in part of decomposable material which then serves as a fertilizer for the seedlings. The netting is spread out over a selected piece of at least partially denuded flat, horizontal or hilly land and is or can be anchored to the ground. The thus applied netting is then watered and/or fertilized or is simply exposed to the elements to promote sprouting and further growth of the seedlings.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus for use on and carried by a powered vehicle for laying out and taking up a long length, wide width flexible sheeting material as may be used to cover a sanitary landfill site, the apparatus having a framework adapted for mounting engagement on the vehicle and characterized by a pair of transversely extending arms which carry a journalled arbor assembly between them. The arbor assembly is powered for rotational motion and is controlled by an operator in a manner to either load a flexible sheeting material onto a mandrel of the arbor assembly or off-load flexible sheeting material from the mandrel as the vehicle travels over a ground surface area.

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: A method and apparatus for cleaning sod being transported on a perforate conveyor belt which includes at least one vibratory position and a powered brush position for removing the earth from the sod. This method and apparatus may be attached to a farm vehicle at the sod harvesting site or free-standing at a remote location. This present invention removes the earth in a substantially dry condition so that the earth may be returned directly to the harvest site or conveyed to another location. A subsequent water bath stage is disclosed for the removal of unwanted dust on the sod.

Abstract: A seed delivery device comprises a flat, flexible seed of bio-degradable material, a plurality of apertures formed through said sheet to present a waffle-like configuration to allow passage of water and sun therethrough, and a plurality of seeds bonded to one side of said sheet between said apertures, wherein said sheet may be positioned adjacent the earth to cause growth of the seed through the sheet. The seed delivery device is formed of paper-mache, wherein said apertures are rectangular, symmetrically positioned relative to one another, and tapered. The seed delivery device also comprises nutrients impregnated into said sheet.

Abstract: A mat with seed is produced by adhering turf seeds onto a nonwoven fabric. Water-soluble adhesives are prevented from being absorbed by the nonwoven fabric to ensure uniform turf surfaces of good appearance. The water-soluble nonwoven fabric is superior in dispersibility, and comprises long fibers having a reduced width and bound with a binder comprising a water-soluble resin and a very small quantity of water repellent reagent such that the long fibers are intertwined in one direction only by foams of water-soluble starch material having a diameter of 7 mm or less.

Abstract: A compacted agglomerate in the form of a pillow-shaped briquette. It contains finely pulverized paper and a fertilizer in the form of a granular powder or liquid. The pulverized paper may be paper dust. A dye may also be added to provide a more colorful product.

Abstract: A mat for plant cultivation comprises upper and lower portions of non-woven fibers, substantially all of which are preferably natural, biodegradable fiber; an intermediate layer of bi-laterally stable plastic mesh, of high strength relative to the non-woven fiber layers, is structurally joined to the fiber portions, as by needling. The mat includes seed, and may include fertilizer and/or water absorbing material.A method of soil improvement comprises providing a mat having upper and lower portions of non-woven fibers, substantially all of which are natural, biodegradable fibers, with an intermediate bi-laterally stable plastic mesh layer structurally joined to the non-woven fibers. The mat is placed on the ground, such as a bare hill, for initially diminishing soil erosion by water run-off, the mat being optionally seeded after placement. The mat provided may be placed on poor soil, and after plant growth, the plants and mat may be plowed under, optionally in a repetitive cycle, to improve the soil.

Abstract: A new, improved herb, vegetable, flower, and groundcover sod mat suitable for many landscape applications. The improvement comprises growing either plant seeds seedlings, plant plugs, rooted cuttings or root divisions in a planting medium so that the roots of the plant material entangle with a nylon sod reinforcement to form a tough, lightweight, flexible sod mat. The sod mat can be produced in many strengths and weights, with many diverse planting mediums, with multiple species of plants. The nylon sod reinforcement will degrade if it is uncovered by some accident and exposed to sunlight. Sod mats may be sold in roll form or a rectangular mats.

Abstract: A plant-growing nonwoven mat comprising a layer of hollow synthetic organic fibers having in their lumens water-soluble plant adjuvants, such as plant nutrients, fungicides, algaecides, weed killers, pesticides, and the like, provides slow release of the adjuvants to enhance and protect plant growth.