Abstract: First and second sheets of material laminated by preferably sealing the same both peripherally and intermediate the side edges thereof to form first and second packages. Prior to sealing, seeds are disposed within the first package, while in the second package there is disposed all of the elements necessary to insure sprouting of the seeds and includes a propagation-grade soil mixture. The packages are severed with the first package, when properly trimmed, forming a sprouting container within which the sprouting elements and seeds are placed and thereafter watered to insure sprouting of the seeds.

Abstract: A method of cultivating turf involving use of a first base of close mesh material such as hessian, cotton or synthetic material or a cotton/synthetic mix molded plastics material or knitted, woven or welded plastics such as polyolefin monofilament. Beneath the first base is disposed a second material layer, the material of this second layer being such as to allow roots to grow therethrough and, at harvest, to be withdrawn therethrough. Materials suitable for the second layer include soft textured continuouss materials such as spun polyester or knitted or woven plastics materials. Beneath the second material layer is a sand or sand/aggregate bed which is supported on a perforated plastics sheet. Seeds mixed in a pulp material are disposed on the first base, watered, grown to harvest, and the turf removed with the first base, the second material remaining for re-use.

Abstract: A partition mat includes a flexible fluid impermeable first web mounting a fabric mesh web thereover in a coextensive relationship, with a compacted peat moss third web mounted over the second web and below a fabric fourth web, with the peat moss including a matrix of seed members mounted therewithin, whereupon application of water to the construction effects growth through the fourth web, with the second and fourth webs accommodating expansion of the peat moss web. The apparatus in modified form may be formed in a roll, including a mounting flange for securement to a support flange to permit mounting of the organization to sloped underlying surfaces.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a biodegradable latex web material which is suitable as a replacement for plastic in a wide variety of uses due to its good overall strength and its ratio of wet strength to dry strength. The material includes a web of cellulose fibers which, prior to treatment with a saturant, has a breaking length in the dry state ranging from about 0.80 to about 6.20 km. Optionally, the web can contain synthetic fibers to improve the tear strength of the material. In order to obtain tensile strengths which are comparable to plastics, the fibrous web is saturated with a latex composition which may be natural, synthetic or a combination of natural and synthetic polymers. In addition to latex, other additives may be incorporated into the saturant for special end use properties. The latexes used will have glass transition temperatures (Tg) of between about -50.degree. C. and about 20.degree. C.

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 in a thin layer of growing medium spread over a mat of non-woven polypropylene laying on an impermeable membrane. 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 novel method is described for growing tall fescue sods on a solid base in large rolls. Whole culm straw is placed 1-2 inches deep over the solid base, typically plastic sheeting. Thirty to forty cubic yards of composted materials are then applied to the straw, filling the voids and interstices to produce a coherent matrix. This is seeded with tall fescue, then irrigated, fertilized, and mowed in a conventional manner. Unharvested wheat seed left in the straw germinates along with the tall fescue and forms a vigorous primary rooting system which rapidly effects a bona fide sod about one-half inch thick and approximately one-half the weight of a conventional mineral sod. The synthetic sod is harvested in large rolls, typically as much as five feet wide and comprising 20-50 square yards. These big rolls are laid at the installation site by the grading tractor, obviating the need for a fork lift, pallets, and laying crew, as used in conventional sodding.

Abstract: A seed planter unit includes a frame adapted for connection to a prime mover, a furrow opener carried on the frame for opening a furrow in the grond in response to advancing movement of the frame, a seed tape dispenser operative to support an elongated biodegradable seed laden tape, structure for directing the tape downwardly from the dispenser into ground engagement behind the furrow opener and a first press wheel carried on the frame at a position to roll over the dispensed tape and hold it in a generally stationary position against the ground in response to advancing movement of the frame. Soil covering discs and a second press wheel may follow the first press wheel for burying and stabilizing the seed tape within the ground. Fertilizer and agricultural chemicals may be incorporated into the seed tape or separately dispensed tapes for controlled application adjacent the planted crops.

Abstract: A lawn edging device, for defining borders of lawns and gardens, that is adapted to hold plant seeds, so that when the plants mature their roots will extend through the device and help anchor the device in position in the ground. The device is an elongated article formed of a resilient, extruded, molded plastic material, and it includes a pair of thin vertical wall members that are joined at their lower ends to form a trough-like opening for holding seeds. At least one of the walls have openings at its lower end that allow roots of the plants to pass out of the device as the seeds germinate.

Abstract: In a tape or packaged tape provided along the length thereof with pockets disposed transversely to the tape and with a desired spacing, said pockets are containing viable plant material such as seeds, other kinds of sproutable germs, cuttings, meristems, or tissure culture fixed thereto and intended for development into seedlings or bedding plants within the packaged tape before being transplanted as a continuous tape. The pockets comprise two wall-forming layers being fixed to each other at intervals and being adapted to enable the necessary supply and regulation of air and water for the development of the plant material inside the tape without the coexistence of any further growth medium thereabout. One of the layers prevents the roots of the plants from penetrating through said layer, and one of the layers is adapted to allow the roots to penetrate into or adhere to said layer, thereby securing the plants inside the pockets. The pockets are open at the top and bottom thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for planting seeds with a marked dibble, a marked seed spacer and a marker row spacer. Corresponding markings on a dibble, a seed spacer and a row spacer define the ideal planting depth, seed spacing and row spacing for seed types. Seed spacing is achieved by extending the seed spacer between juxtaposed corresponding markings on the row spacer and creating a hole in the garden soil at a point determined by additional corresponding markings on the seed spacer. Hole depth is determined by further corresponding markings on the dibble.

Abstract: A method for conserving water in lawn maintenance is described. According to the method, a layer of of a water-absorbent, nonbiodegradable material is provided between the ground and a layer of sod. This absorbent layer retains water which may be reached by the roots of the plants in the sod layer. This layer may also be used to retain lawn chemicals. The lawn produced by the foregoing method is also described.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a seeding and seedling growing sheet and a seeding and seedling-growing method comprising using the sheet, which are to be used for seeding and growing seedling of grain, vegetable, flower and the like, and which are suitable for efficiently seeding at a desirable position and a desirable density with a higher positional precision and for promoting the growth at germination, by employing the seeding and seedling-growing adhesive sheet comprising a sheet support body composed of water-soluble or water-dispersible paper or water-soluble polymer film, an adhesive agent containing a powdery ferromagnetic substance being coated in spots or in stripes on the support body, and by applying the seeding and seedling-growing method comprising using the adhesive sheet.

Abstract: A sheet seed structure primarily for use in hydroponic systems. The sheet structure includes a substrate of biodegradable and digestible material such as cellulose. The seed is deposited on the substrate and is retained thereon by a sugar or starch adhesive. The sheets are of predetermined size and provided with indicia. At time of use, the appropriate seed sheet is selected and removed from the package and placed in the growing chamber of the hydroponic unit. The seed is sterilized and is charged with a biologically active material such as a probionic.

Abstract: A turf anchor stake having a flat shank with a pointed lower end and a headed upper end or two flat shanks connected by a crossbar can be driven through divots into the soil beneath the divots to hold such divots in place until their edge root structure knits with surrounding root structure. To facilitate driving of the stakes the lower ends of the shanks are pointed and lateral projections from the lower end portions of the shanks deter withdrawal of the shanks and lifting of the divots or turf.

Abstract: A net for grassing obtained by knitting and weaving wefts having an appointed width in a texture less than said width by means of a large number of warps and having mountain portions and valley portions randomly formed on a right side and a reverse side thereof.Earth and sand and sprayed materials can be prevented from being washed away in the first stage of the protective construction for a face of slope.

Abstract: A dual actuation staple insertion apparatus, for sequentially inserting a plurality of staples through a selected material, into the ground when actuated by a downward force from an operator upon opposing handles, foot actuation member or both. The apparatus comprises a housing with a bottom, sides and a top forming a chamber therebetween, with open end portions. A tubular member is secured to the housing, and a drive means is slidably received in the tubular member. A biasing member is disposed upon the drive means above the tubing, and acts against a stop to raise the drive means to an upper operating position. A staple advancing means urges the plurality of staples into position beneath the drive means, in preparation for the next staple insertion.

Abstract: An improvement in a sewage disposal system and method of the type in which sewage is distributed to an effluent absorption area in the earth for dissipation to the earth includes placing a layer of peat moss over the effluent absorption area to essentially cover the effluent absorption area and interposing a porous sheet, preferably of geotextile fabric, between the layer of peat moss and the effluent absorption area.

Abstract: Soil amendment techniques are described utilizing solid rubber particles to be mixed with soil to improve porosity and reduce compaction. The rubber particles are preferably derived from shredded scrap tires. The size of the rubber particles may vary, and the amount of rubber mixed with the soil may also vary. The soil amendment techniques are especially useful for reducing compaction of soil under turf (e.g., football fields, soccer fields, golf courses, steeplechase courses, pathways, and the like). The soil amendment also improves soil porosity. Sod grown on soil including rubber particles, and later placed on soil which also includes rubber particles, will reduce certain types of athletic injuries to humans as well as horses. Also, the inclusion of rubber particles in soil improves the use efficiency of water and fertilizer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a grow-mat for cultivating plants, and to the production thereof, which grow-mat comprises a layer of mineral fibres cross-linked to one another by cured binding agent and treated with hydrophilic wetting agent, characterized in that in said grow-mat the principal direction of said mineral fibres extending in said layer extends in the longest dimension of said mat, in which preferably in both upright longitudinal surfaces of the grow-mat a curing oven profile is present, and/or the layer is a primary layer and at least two of said primary layers forming a secondary layer are present in a horizontal longitudinal plane of said grow-mat.

Abstract: A novel method is described for growing tall fescue sods on a solid base in large rolls. Whole culm straw is placed 1-2 inches deep over the solid base, typically plastic sheeting. Thirty to forty cubic yards of composted sewage sludge are then applied to the straw, filling the voids and interstices to produce a coherent matrix. This is seeded with tall fescue, then irrigated, fertilized, and mowed in a conventional manner. Unharvested wheat seed left in the straw germinates along with the tall fescue and forms a vigorous primary rooting system which rapidly effects a bona fide sod about one-half inch thick and aproximately one-half the weight of a conventional mineral sod. The synthetic sod is harvested in large rolls typically as much as five feet wide and comprising 20-50 square yards. These big rolls are laid at the installation site by the grading tractor, obviating the need for a fork lift, pallets, and laying crew as used in conventional sodding.

Abstract: The present invention provides mat-like lawngrass for transplantation, which comprises runner-like lawngrass obtained by fraying out sods and sandwiched between a net and a cover member and is obtained by placing the runner-like lawngrass with an adequate density on a net and then covering the runner-like lawngrass with a cover member consisting of a net or a sheet, as well as a method of manufacture of the same mat-like lawngrass and a method of transplanting lawngrass using the same mat-like lawngrass.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing and propagating wildflower sod mats, suitable for outdoor or indoor propagation. The improvement comprises a sod mat which is formed of a sheet or sheets of porous synthetic material, a layer of planting medium and viable wildflower seeds, so that upon germination, the root mass of the seeds intermesh with the porous synthetic material, forming the sod mat. In such form, the sod mat may be cut is economical and easily transported or stored for eventual planting. Thus the consumer is provided with an established sod mat, with viable germinated seedlings.

Abstract: A method of growing sod and sod product produced thereby wherein mushroom mulch is used as a growing medium. A seed bed is formed by sowing seeds on the upper surface of a mulch layer. A porous net is placed over the mulch layer to form an anchorage system for the sod root system. Also, a second mulch layer is laid over the sown seeds to protect the seeds and prevent any undesired drying out of the mulch material in closest proximity to the seeds.

Abstract: It is highly desirable to reinforce the grassed surface layer of a sports ground in order to reduce damage to the surface, e.g. from horse racing or from playing football. In order to provide a good surface layer, a biaxially-orientated, integrally-extruded plastics material mesh structure layer is laid on a base of sand strengthened with small, flexible, randomly-placed, plastics material mesh pieces. A top dressing is put on top of the mesh structure layer, grass is seeded or planted, and a machine is then used after the grass has grown to slit the mesh structure layer into pieces 1 which may be e.g. 100.times.100 mm or 150.times.150 mm, each having a number of complete mesh openings. If a piece is caught by a horse's hoof or by an footballer's stud, it may be ripped out, but the whole mesh layer is not ripped out.

Abstract: In a tape or packaged tape provided along the length thereof with pockets disposed transversely to the tape and with a desired spacing, said pockets being open at the top and the bottom and containing plants such as seedlings and beddingplants ready for transplantation together with the pockets as a continuous tape. The tape including the pockets and the plants is quite flat and bendable, windable spirally and foldable flat upon itself into a package. The pockets comprise two wall-forming thin layers of material fixed to each other at intervals and being adapted for the supply and regulation of the air and water necessary for the development and growth of the plants inside the packaged tape without the coexistence of any further growth medium thereabout.

Abstract: A device for planting seed tape including a support structure which moves along the surface of the soil. The seed tape is advanced relative to the movement of the support structure and is cut repetitively at selected intervals. The severed seed tape is forced into the soil a predetermined distance. The seed tape employed with the device includes a relatively flat portion of material having first and second surfaces. The seed is held to the first surface of the portion of material. The seed tape further includes an opening through the same spaced from the seed held to the first surface of the portion of material.

Abstract: The invention comprises a mulch sheet to be placed on the soil around the stalk of a plant. The mulch comprises aluminum flakes bonded to a woven mesh which aluminum flakes will reflect rays of the sun upward to the underside of the leaves and the mat will hold moisture in the ground which has seeped into the ground through the porous mat. The aluminum flakes are applied to the upper tacky surface of a thermoplastic woven mat and are pressed into the tacky surface to hold them in position after the thermoplastic, fibrous mat cools to freeze the flake in place. In additional embodiments, it is sometimes appropriate to make a pod containing a seed which will be secured to the underside of the matting in the open hole. A layer on the underside of the mat could include a layer of fertilizer.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a seedbed of meltblown material having incorporated therein seeds. It is preferred that in addition to the incorporation of seeds that there is also incorporated absorbent material such as cellulose fibers and superabsorbent materials such as hydrogels.

Abstract: A machine suitable for use in spreading and laying a seed mursery strip, especially, a lawn nursery strip over the ground is equipped with means for spreading and laying the seed nursery strip over the ground; means for firming the thus-laid seed nursery strip; and means for clawing the top soil of the ground in front of the spreading and laying means and then evenly sprinkling the thus-clawed top soil as top dressing soil over the thus-firmed seed nursery strip. The seed nursery strip can thus be automatically and stably spread and laid even if they have somewhat weak tensile strength and at the same time, top dressing soil can be applied over the thus-laid nursery strips.

Abstract: A composition particularly adapted for use as a growing medium for grass. The composition, which includes prescribed proportions of water-absorptive wood fiber and non-water-absorptive cellulose particles (preferably rice hulls), is convenient to use and holds vast quantities of water for nourishing the germinating and growing grass plants. The composition's consistency inhibits its formation into an air-impervious sheet, which otherwise could reduce its effectiveness. In addition, when allowed to dry, the composition is extremely light in weight, which makes it easier to handle during harvesting and relatively inexpensive to transport.

Abstract: A base layer of straw is deposited on an impervious surface and grass seed, either dry or in a slurry, is deposited on such base layer. In one embodiment, comminuted straw particles are included in a slurry of grass seed and water to form a top layer on the base layer. The base layer of straw may comprise loose or pelletized straw and apparatus forming a part of the invention may be employed which has elements for laying an impervious plastic sheeting and for dispensing pelletized straw on the plastic sheeting and for dispensing grass seed on the straw, all in one pass of the apparatus.

Abstract: A wheeled trailer for installing a perforated film erosion barrier from a perforated foil supply roll into the earth and along an elongated furrow path. The wheeled trailer includes frame means for supporting the system for movement along the path, with a plow shoe being disposed forwardly of the frame to create a open furrow to receive one edge of an elongated perforated film, and with a pivotal boom being provided at the rear portion of the frame for supporting a furrow-covering disc. A hydraulic ram and cylinder are provided for arranging the path of the furrow-covering disc, with the furrow-covering disc depositing soil into the furrow for covering and burying one edge of the elongated perforated film.

Abstract: A device for planting seed tape including a support structure which moves along the surface of the soil. The seed tape is advanced relative to the movement of the support structure and is cut repetitively at selected intervals. The severed seed tape is forced into the soil a predetermined distance. The seed tape employed with the device includes a relatively flat portion of material having first and second surfaces. The seed is held to the first surface of the portion of material. The seed tape further includes an opening through the same spaced from the seed held to the first surface of the portion of material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to film-forming compositions for enveloping grains and seeds, comprising by weight:15 to 85% of a cellulosic film-forming substance,10 to 70% of at least one alpha cellulose,1 to 30% of at least one plasticizer suitable for comsumption.

Abstract: A continuous molding machine (10) for forming two chains (55) of soil plugs (50) for use in germinating seeds or otherwise growing plants. A continuous sheet of paper (22) is corrugated to conform to a series of mold elements (14) and a reaction mixture (32) of polymerizing agent and soil slurry is added over the paper to conform to the mold element shape. Another sheet of paper (38) is added over the top of the mixture (32) and the entire assembly is then passed under a series of pressure belts (42, 44, 46) during which time the mixture (32) is cured. The chain of soil plugs (50) which emerges from the pressure belts (42, 44, 46) is encased on both sides by paper (22, 38) and may be cut to provide a pair of separate soil plug chains (55).

Abstract: To manufacture a seed mat, a conveyor moves a layer of straw from a distribution bin where it is distributed against the top run of the conveyor belt which carries it underneath low pressure glue sprayers. After the glue is sprayed on, starter fertilizer granules are gravity fed on and a layer of paper is applied on top of it with a pressure roller. Glue is lightly sprayed on top of the paper and seed properly distributed in a fashion so that it may be visibly observed for quality control. After the seeds have been distributed in the glue, another layer of paper is placed on top of it and the mat runs through a drying oven to remove excess moisture at a temperature of between 100 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for between one minute and three minutes.

Abstract: A germinator is formed by locating a plastic sheet cover around a textile material, preferably plant-"Fibertex".RTM., being in contact with a seed, a sprout or a cutting.As a consequence of its distinct capillary effect the textile material ensures the sufficient amount of moisture during the beginning germination of a seed, and after bedding out of the germinated plant the surrounding plastic sheet cover protects the root or the roots against drying up for the first few days after the bedding out.

Abstract: A seed planting device is disclosed comprising a generally flat strip 1 pointed at one end for insertion into the ground with a seed 3 mounted on the underside of a tongue 7 bent outwardly from the plane of the strip.

Abstract: This invention relates to a growth substrate bed suitable for growing plants, which is easy to handle and transport. Such a bed consists of a bag-shaped casing made of some suitable material, preferably plastic, and its contents consisting of water-expansible preferably granular, growth substrate material. Suitable growth substrate material are pressed peat pellets. The bag is partly filled with said materials to such an extent that after the watering the material will fill the bag completely. In order to preserve a uniform distribution of the material in the partly filled bag during handling and transportation before watering, the bed is rolled up, preferably in its longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A combination greeting card, ornament and seed germination receptacle which comprises an initially flat, scored blank that is foldable into a three-dimensional hollow ornament. A greeting message is printed on the blank and the latter in its flat form is adapted to be received in a mailing envelope and mailed as a greeting card. A relatively low profile seed germination packet is mounted on the blank and is located so that when the blank is folded into a three-dimensional ornament the latter forms an enclosure for the packet. The enclosure is provided with window openings located so that light can enter the enclosure and aid in the seed germination. The ornament with the seed packet therein can be hung on a Christmas tree or placed on any flat surface such as a table or mantle.

Abstract: A fibrous web for planting seeds consists essentially of a mat of randomly oriented, unmodified, natural straw-like cellulosic fibers, viable seeds, water soluble adhesive and fertilizer on a tissue paper backing. A method of sowing an area of soil with seeds comprising laying the aforementioned web over the area. Apparatus for producing the aforementioned web comprises a conveyor belt, means for driving the conveyor belt, means for placing tissue paper backing on the conveyor belt, means for depositing onto the tissue paper backing on the conveyor belt while it is driven dry, fluffed randomly oriented, unmodified, natural cellulosic fibers to form a layer thereof on the conveyor belt, means for leveling the fluffed layer to form a mat, means for spraying an aqueous solution of water soluble adhesive onto the mat, means for depositing seed and fertilizer onto the wet adhesive bearing mat and means for drying the wet mat containing adhesive, seed and fertilizer.

Abstract: A new apparatus for the application of liquid chemicals to soil is disclosed. A hand tool opens a slit in the soil by means of an injector blade and places a chemical-laden filament in the slit. The chemical-laden filament is dispensed from a floating spool in a fluid reservoir, through a conduit and to the soil. A handle provides both support for the reservoir and the injector knife as well as a working means for opening the soil.

Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of pulped fibers and a slag characterized by an open pore structure.

Abstract: A carpet for providing pre-grown turf or the like is provided. The carpet comprises two layers of non-woven cloth of which at least one of the layers is made substantially from flax fibers. Intermediate the layers of non-woven cloth is a layer of grass seeds.

Abstract: A fibrous web for planting seeds consists essentially of a mat of randomly oriented, unmodified, natural straw-like cellulosic fibers, viable seeds, water soluble adhesive and fertilizer. A method of sowing an area of soil with seeds comprising laying the aforementioned web over the area. Apparatus for producing the aforementioned web comprises a conveyor belt, means for driving the conveyor belt, means for depositing onto the conveyor belt while it is driven dry, fluffed randomly oriented, unmodified, natural cellulosic fibers to form a layer thereof on the conveyor belt, means for leveling the fluffed layer to form a mat, means for spraying an aqueous solution of water soluble adhesive onto the mat, means for depositing seed and fertilizer onto the wet adhesive bearing mat and means for drying the wet mat containing adhesive, seed and fertilizer.

Abstract: An improved seed marker tab comprising an elongated flat tab element proportioned to have one end thereof inserted in the soil to a predetermined level with the other end thereof projecting above the soil. The tab is formed of stiff, relatively thin, self-supporting material and the end portion that is inserted in the soil has preferably an indentation or pod formed in one end thereof. Openings provided at the back of the pod for receiving seeds specifically determine number and location of seeds mounted on the tab. Filler material covers the seeds overlying the openings to complete the assembly. The improved seed marker tab results from a new process whereby vacuum means are used to hold the seed in place while the tab assembly is completed.

Abstract: A novel method is proposed for growing ground covers as sods. Advantage is taken of the growth habits of these types of plants to grow and expand laterally by planting them in permanent row/hill nurseries between which is placed plastic sheeting covered with an appropriate growing medium. The row/hill nurseries grow laterally into these areas and knit the growing medium into a sod which is harvested by cutting along the edge of the plastic sheeting. The latter may be harvested with the sod to protect it in shipment or left behind in place, covered with more growing medium, and the process repeated. The method, in comparison to the conventional method of planting ground covers by rooted cuttings one at a time, requires less labor to install, provides instant weed-free cover complete with mulch, and requires less watering and initial care.

Abstract: Methods of producing fodder are disclosed in which a layer of peat is sown with seeds of quick-growing variety producing strong root systems.The layer of peat is allowed to remain undisturbed for a period of days after which the peat with the then germinated seeds is suitable for use as fodder.In one embodiment the layer of peat is disposed on a surface impermeable to plant roots.The seeds may be introduced into the peat before or after formation of the layer.

Abstract: A laminated mat for growing lawns or other vegetation on soil comprises a base sheet of water-pervious, bio-degradable web material. Joined to the base sheet by an adhesive binder is a bed formed of dried gel particles, seeds, and dried compressed peat particles. Secured to the bed of seeds, gel, and peat particles is an upper laminate comprising a fibrous, porous veil which protects and retains the bed therebelow. The upper veil is water pervious to pass water therethrough to the bed of gel particles, peat particles, and seeds. The gel particles absorb up to 200 times their weight in water, facilitating wetting of the peat particles and seeds, and creating sufficient weight in the mat to resist high wind lift forces. The bio-degradable veil also easily expands to retain the web, expanded peat and gel particles and the seeds entrained thereby.