Soil Conditioning Patents (Class 47/58.1SC)
  • Publication number: 20150143746
    Abstract: A material may include a substrate, such as sand, treated with a binder, for securing a layer of hydrating particles thereto. Typical binders may include lignicite, or other naturally occurring materials such as sugars, molasses, corn syrup, gelatin, water, a combination, or the like. Substrates may include natural organic materials or inorganic materials. Various materials can serve as a powdered, polymeric coating. Commonly called acrylamides or polyacrylamides by industrial suppliers, certain polymers have been found to serve well by being comminuted to powder and adhered to the substrate granules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 28, 2015
    Inventor: Tommy K. Thrash
  • Publication number: 20150135587
    Abstract: A composition is provided as a treatment to be added to landscaping material. The treatment includes glycerin and is applied to the landscaping material at a rate of about 0.3 pounds treatment per cubic yard (178 grams per cubic meter) of landscaping material. The treatment formulation may be at least 50% by weight glycerin mixed with a water carrier. The landscaping material may be any typical mulch material, such as a plurality of wood chips or other fibrous organic material. A colorant or other coating may be applied to the landscaping material along with the treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Rebecca Lister, Terry Potter, Laura Beth Phillips
  • Publication number: 20150121751
    Abstract: A material for assisting in at least one of germination, protection, hydration, and thriving of seeds and the plants originating therefrom treats a seed with a tackifier or binder, such as corn syrup or the like, which secures a layer of hydrating polymer particles thereto. Nutrients, protectants, and the like may be absorbed in the polymer before or after coating of a seed thereby. Weighting materials, extenders, flowing agents, and the like may assist in the functioning or handling of the coated seeds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2015
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Calder Hendrickson, Todd Naff
  • Publication number: 20150113873
    Abstract: Soil/seed hydrophilization polymers comprising: monomer Ab comprising at least one betaine group or at least one cationic group; and optionally, monomer Ba comprising at least one non-ionic group or at least one anionic group, wherein the polymer is water-soluble or water-dispersible; and provided that if the monomer Ab comprises a cationic group, the monomer Ba must be present and comprise an anionic group. Also disclosed are methods for treating soil comprising contacting the hydrophilization polymer with the soil, with improvements including increase in hydrophilicity of the soil, increase in root characteristics, increase in germination rates, as compared to soil without the hydrophilization polymer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: RHODIA OPERATIONS
    Inventors: Marc BALASTRE, Stanley J. KOSTKA, Mica McMILLAN
  • Publication number: 20150101247
    Abstract: A method for remediating soil which is contaminated by an individual or a mixture of Cd and Pb with a hyperaccumulator Emilia sonchifolia L. includes steps of: planting seeds or seedlings of Emilia sonchifolia L. in soil which is contaminated by an individual or a mixture of Cd and Pb; watering regularly to maintain the soil moist; after Emilia sonchifolia L. flowers or completely matures, removing all of or an aboveground part of the plant from a contaminated spot of the soil and disposing the removed plant properly; repeating the above steps until a Cd and Pb content of the soil fall within an environmental security standard. Besides being adaptable and widely available, the Emilia sonchifolia L. is both a Cd hyperaccumulator and a Pb hyperaccumulator by respectively satisfying four indexes of the Cd hyperaccumulator and the Pb hyperaccumulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventors: Ruiren Zhou, Weitao Liu, Qixing Zhou
  • Publication number: 20150040473
    Abstract: Crop-specific automated irrigation include environmental medium and management of nutrients. Operation of an irrigation apparatus can be regulated according to specific water demand of a crop. The water demand can be assessed by evaluating water content conditions of the environmental medium comprising the crop, medium characteristics, and/or nutrient delivery and transport characteristics at the medium. Regulation of operation of the irrigation apparatus can comprise control of one or more of water supply to the apparatus, positioning and/or movement of the irrigation apparatus, or configuration of sensing devices for collection of information suitable for such regulation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: Earthtec Solutions LLS
    Inventor: David Lankford
  • Publication number: 20150027042
    Abstract: A fertilizer product for delivering starter fertilizer to crops in soils as an alternative to traditional phosphorus applications to enhance rapid early plant development. Specifically, the fertilizer product comprises a synergistic mixture of: from about 0.5 to about 1 part Mg: from about 2.4 to about 2.8 parts P2O5: from about 1.4 to about 2.8 parts Zn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Inventors: Mark Goodwin, Kerry Green
  • Patent number: 8931210
    Abstract: A material may include a substrate, such as sand, treated with a binder, for securing a layer of hydrating particles thereto. Typical binders may include lignicite, or other naturally occurring materials such as sugars, molasses, corn syrup, gelatin, water, a combination, or the like. Substrates may include natural organic materials or inorganic materials. Various materials can serve as a powdered, polymeric coating. Commonly called acrylamides or polyacrylamides by industrial suppliers, certain polymers have been found to serve well by being comminuted to powder and adhered to the substrate granules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Aquasmart Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Tommy K. Thrash
  • Patent number: 8931209
    Abstract: A material for assisting in at least one of germination, protection, hydration, and thriving of seeds and the plants originating therefrom treats a seed with a tackifier or binder, such as corn syrup or the like, which secures a layer of hydrating polymer particles thereto. Nutrients, protectants, and the like may be absorbed in the polymer before or after coating of a seed thereby. Weighting materials, extenders, flowing agents, and the like may assist in the functioning or handling of the coated seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2015
    Assignee: Aquasmart Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Calder Hendrickson, Todd Naff
  • Patent number: 8925244
    Abstract: A method of controlling the movement of biosolids before, during, and after land application. This method aids in management of the problematic movement (i.e., runoff and leaching) of biosolids' components that have been shown to be harmful to human and/or environmental health through both direct and indirect routes of exposure. This method requires that water-soluble polyacrylamide(s) (WSPAM) be combined with the biosolids prior to land exposure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Assignee: Encap LLC.
    Inventors: Michael Dennis Krysiak, Daniel Paul Madigan
  • Publication number: 20140364314
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing tolerance to abiotic stress and/or reducing the consequence of abiotic stress in a plant or part thereof comprising contacting a plant or part thereof with a composition comprising an effective amount of dicarboxylic acid or derivative thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Charles Christian Kupatt
  • Publication number: 20140352213
    Abstract: Described are preferred methods and compositions for controlling weeds in soil that involve the use of a bleaching herbicide such as fluridone in combination with at least one other additional selected herbicidal agent, which is preferably a PPO-inhibitor such as fomesafen or flumioxazin. Also described are safening effects of bleaching herbicidal agents such as fluridone on other herbicides, and of other herbicides on bleaching herbicidal agents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Inventors: Tyler J. Koschnick, Jessica Koczan
  • Publication number: 20140352212
    Abstract: The present application relates to methods and compositions and compositions for watering plant roots, and more particularly, to water soluble granular compositions for application to grass and other root bearing plants, the granules including a wood, mineral and binder granule impregnated with a root watering composition having a humectant as its principle constituent, and methods of application and use of the granular compositions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: December 4, 2014
    Applicant: Ecologel Solutions, LLC
    Inventor: Richard K. Irwin
  • Patent number: 8893430
    Abstract: A soil-amendment product for preparing a damaged or degraded soil ecosystem to establish a self-sustaining floral/vegetative rhizosphere contains a mixture of composted organic biomass, fiber, charcoal, and small amounts of inoculants to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms including mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Embodiments also contain a water-holding agent such as a starch-based polymer that is effective to prevent water from flowing downhill or seeping away from the surface. Methods of application and other uses for the soil-amendment product are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Sunmark Environmental Services
    Inventor: Robin J. Cook
  • Patent number: 8881453
    Abstract: A material for assisting in at least one of germination, protection, hydration, and thriving of seeds and the plants originating therefrom treats a seed with a tackifier or binder, such as corn syrup or the like, which secures a layer of hydrating polymer particles thereto. Nutrients, protectants, and the like may be absorbed in the polymer before or after coating of a seed thereby. Weighting materials, extenders, flowing agents, and the like may assist in the functioning or handling of the coated seeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2014
    Assignee: Aquasmart Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Calder Hendrickson, Todd Naff
  • Publication number: 20140298722
    Abstract: A composite, time-delayed, polymer-coated, granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling, plugging, and disking equipment used for aeration, soil amendment, or both. Whether potted or outdoors, whether relying on a third-material binder or a small, hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder, the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils. Water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule. Addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings, yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water-jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Applicant: AQUASMART ENTERPRISES, LLC
    Inventor: Tommy K. Thrash
  • Publication number: 20140283447
    Abstract: The invention relates to the field of seed germination and growing of plants. A composition comprising a clay, an inert material, optionally a fibrous material, and a fourth component is provided, characterized in that said fourth component comprises a cation selected from the group consisting of Al, Zr and Ti and an anion selected from the group consisting of oxyhydroxide, oxychloride, nitrate, sulfate, chloride, hydroxide and alkoxide, and wherein the concentration of said fourth component ranges from 0.1 to 70 percent by weight (w %), preferably 0.5-25 w %, more preferably 1-10 w %, of the total weight of the clay, the inert material, and optionally the fibrous material, together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2014
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicant: Eurochem N.V.
    Inventors: Jiri Havrda, Bart Andre Maria Van Hulle
  • Publication number: 20140259907
    Abstract: Embodiments of a system and method are described. In one embodiment, the system is generates ions for use in treating vegetation to optimize growth of the vegetation. The system includes an ion generation region having a pair of dissimilar metal plates. The ion generation chamber receives a liquid and routes the liquid past the dissimilar metal plates to capture ion transfer between the dissimilar metal plates. The ions form a charged solution. The system also includes a collection region having a collection bed for storing the charged solution, and a fertigation region for dispersing the liquid. Other embodiments of the system are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: G-RO TECHNOLOGIES, LLC
    Inventors: Stephen Gorton, Frank J. Brown
  • Patent number: 8819989
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gelatinous moisturizing substrate for controllably delivering water and oxygen to the root zone of growing plants with micro nutrients, auxins, preservatives and surfactants added comprising a mixture, by percent weight, 97.6% water, 2.0% carboxy methol cellulose, 0.15% aluminum sulfate, 0.04% sodium benzoate, 0.04% potassium sorbate, 0.0167% zinc sulfate (22.23% zinc), 0.07% acetic acid (99%.0 pure) and 0.005% sodium sesquacarbonate. The composition maintains substrates viscosity. As a result, the moisturizing agent releases water, oxygen and the added nutrients, preservatives and surfactant into the root zone of the growing plant at a controlled rate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Jean Schultz Trust
    Inventors: Joseph Paternoster, Glenn Smith, Harold Jensen, Jett Langston
  • Patent number: 8813423
    Abstract: The invention relates to a plant growing system having (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-long performance; and (c) growing media. The planting growing system may also include a moisture control agent or a plant protection agent. Despite the high EC values of the growing system, the combination of materials that make up the growing system nevertheless produces superior performing plants with darker green, healthier-looking leaves; superior growth, fill and spread; more abundant production of flowers and fruits; and a more developed, sustaining root system. Moreover, these plants are far less susceptible to the effects of pests such as fungi (e.g., Fusarium and Rhizoctonia), pythium, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and other pests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignees: Syngenta Participations AG, OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert W. Harriman, Tim J. McNamara, Joseph L. Craig, Joseph M. Dipaola, Alexander P. Prohodski
  • Patent number: 8739464
    Abstract: A composite, time-delayed, polymer-coated, granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling, plugging, and disking equipment used for aeration, soil amendment, or both. Whether potted or outdoors, whether relying on a third-material binder or a small, hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder, the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils. Water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule. Addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings, yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water-jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Aquasmart Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Tommy K. Thrash
  • Publication number: 20140109476
    Abstract: A method for applying a water soluble soil stabilizer to soil wherein the soil stabilizer is added to a solid carrier.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Inventors: Michael Dennis Kyrsiak, Daniel Paul Madigan
  • Publication number: 20140069005
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions for treating fungal diseases of plants. In one embodiment, an anti-fungal aqueous composition can comprise: a nitrogen source material having a total nitrogen content in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 0.5 wt % of the total weight of the composition, a phosphate source material having total phosphate content in an amount of about 0.05 wt % to about 0.15 wt % of the total weight of the composition, a potassium source material with a soluble potash content in an amount of about 0.05 wt % to about 0.15 wt % of the total weight of the composition, and a sulfur source material in an amount of about 0.005 wt % to about 0.02 wt % of the total weight of the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Publication date: March 13, 2014
    Inventor: Steven R. Teerlink
  • Publication number: 20140060132
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition containing a stabilized solvent ketone, ester, or glycol liquid concentrate of at least one N-alkyl thiophosphoric triamide and at least one surfactant. The invention also relates to methods of using the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: HELENA HOLDING COMPANY
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Roberts
  • Patent number: 8661729
    Abstract: A method for improving the performance of fracturing processes in oil production fields may rely on polymer coated particles carried in the fracturing fluid. The particles may include heavy substrates, such as sand, ceramic sand, or the like coated with polymers selected to absorb water, increasing the area and volume to travel more readily with the flow of fluid without settling out, or allowing the substrate to settle out. Ultimately, the substrate may become lodged in the fissures formed by the pressure or hydraulic fracturing, resulting in propping open of the fissures for improved productivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventors: Calder Hendrickson, Tommy K. Thrash
  • Publication number: 20140047881
    Abstract: The invention relates to a composition containing a concentrate of at least one N-alkyl thiophosphoric triamide and at least one surfactant. The invention also relates to methods of using the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 20, 2014
    Applicant: HELENA HOLDING COMPANY
    Inventor: Johnnie R. Roberts
  • Publication number: 20130318870
    Abstract: A Floating Salt Farm is an offshore system in which its purpose is to produce crystallized salt and bittern using the evaporation process. This present application is regarding three different applications of the bittern produced using the Floating Salt Farm: (1) An osmotic power (or salinity gradient power) plant is used jointly with the Floating Salt Farm to generate electricity at offshore locations by using produced bittern and extracted seawater; (2) The bittern and/or crystallized salt to be used to melt ice and snow are produced with the Floating Salt Farm by using seawater, in which has been affected by volcanic activities and has substantial silica content (silicon dioxide); (3) In a halophyte farm, where there may not be saline water readily available, the bittern produced using the Floating Salt Farm is applied to the saline soil to adjust its salinity level to maintain proper conditions for halophytes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Publication date: December 5, 2013
    Inventor: JAE HYUN LIM
  • Publication number: 20130295634
    Abstract: A novel carbon absorption material is described which is formed from anaerobic digestate. The material has a hollow tubular structure and is particularly advantageous in converting hydrogen sulfide in biogas and in absorbing the converted sulfur and sulfur compounds from biogas into its structure. The material after use as a hydrogen sulfide absorbent has value as a horticultural or agricultural product or as a sulfur impregnated activated carbon. The process for producing this novel carbon absorption material is described. In an embodiment, the process described uses in particular, a humidified inert gas over a temperature range of between about 500° C. to 900° C. to convert anaerobic digestate to an active carbon absorbent. The thermal treatment is relatively mild and retains the fibrous structure of the source material while removing cellulosic and hemicellulosic components from the anaerobic digestate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Applicant: DJA TECHNOLOGIES INC.
    Inventors: Donald W. Kirk, John W. Graydon, Andrew J. White
  • Patent number: 8567121
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods, using a computer and software system, for providing real time running forecasts during an agronomic period of a capacity for absorbing nutrients by a plurality of fields according to an agronomic standard, and/or for providing a running real time forecast for a plurality of fields of capacity for absorbing nutrients by current status versus agronomic limit of a targeted substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: CAFOweb, LLC
    Inventors: Jay Lazarus, Reddy Rammohan Ganta
  • Patent number: 8544206
    Abstract: A growing medium includes a bulking agent and a water-retentive polymer blended together and compressed at a volume-to-volume ratio ranging from about 2:1 to about 10:1, being substantially free of a water-soluble binder material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Inventor: Patti D. Rubin
  • Patent number: 8510986
    Abstract: A material for maintaining hydration in plants, whether potted or in natural soils may include a substrate treated with a binder, securing a layer of hydrating particles thereto. Typical binders may include lignicite, or other naturally occurring materials such as sugars, molasses, corn syrup, gelatin, water, a combination, or the like. Substrates may include natural organic materials or inorganic materials. Various materials can serve as a hydrating, particulate coating. Polyacrylamide has been found to serve well in holding water near plants in a soil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Aquasmart Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Tommy K. Thrash
  • Publication number: 20130145687
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of improving germination rates of plants or crops, and of preventing or arresting water evaporation loss from targeted soil areas by use of soil additives, which allow for improved water utilization by crops, plants, grasses, vegetation, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2011
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Applicant: RHODIA (CHINA) CO LTD
    Inventors: Galder Cristobal, Pascal Metivier, Jean-Christophe Castaing, Pengfei Ji, Zhiyun Chen
  • Patent number: 8453377
    Abstract: A material and method for maintaining a suitably dry sporting surface in natural soils may include a substrate treated with a layer of hydrating particles thereto. Various materials can serve as a hydrating, particulate coating. Polyacrylamide has been found to serve well and provide absorption to remove moisture that normally accumulates from a storms passing over a playing field. Soil treatment makes the soil surface ready to play on almost immediately. An amount of the amendment may be added to soil, mixed in, and watered before use, to provide more consistent properties such as natural bounce, reduced compaction, and reduced dust. The polymer may be embedded in mats to soak up standing water after storms, after which the amendment can be mixed into the soil to effectively tie up water that may otherwise create mud with the soil. Rain remediation may be done, whether or not the amendment was used for field preparation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Aquasmart Enterprises, LLC
    Inventors: Tommy K. Thrash, Jeremiah L. Foley
  • Publication number: 20130133251
    Abstract: A composite, time-delayed, polymer-coated, granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling, plugging, and disking equipment used for aeration, soil amendment, or both. Whether potted or outdoors, whether relying on a third-material binder or a small, hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder, the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils. Water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule. Addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings, yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water-jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: AQUASMART ENTERPRISES, LLC.
    Inventor: Tommy K. Thrash
  • Publication number: 20130104455
    Abstract: A method and system using remote sensing to estimate soil amendment prescriptions for portions of an agricultural field. The prescriptions are based upon limited soil sampling data that are extrapolated across the entire field according to the greenness of the crop. The prescriptions are delivered by mechanical device or irrigation system that is equipped with a global positioning system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Inventor: David P. Groeneveld
  • Patent number: 8429849
    Abstract: Compressed coconut coir pith granules having unique physical and horticultural characteristics are provided along with methods for producing such compressed products by subjecting coconut coir pith to compaction utilizing a roll compactor and subsequently granulating the compacted material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: OMS Investments, Inc.
    Inventors: Marcus Bertin, Eric Nelson, Mark Yelanich
  • Publication number: 20130097924
    Abstract: A material for maintaining hydration in plants, whether potted or in natural soils may include a substrate treated with a binder, securing a layer of hydrating particles thereto. Typical binders may include lignicite, or other naturally occurring materials such as sugars, molasses, corn syrup, gelatin, water, a combination, or the like. Substrates may include natural organic materials or inorganic materials. Various materials can serve as a hydrating, particulate coating. Polyacrylamide has been found to serve well in holding water near plants in a soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Aquasmart Enterprises, LLC
    Inventor: Tommy K. Thrash
  • Publication number: 20130047504
    Abstract: Bedding material for livestock or Hydromulch for soil treatment is produced by extruding straw mixed with bio-char through a conventional cubing system. The cubing process generates friction in turn changing the properties of the straw making the straw particles highly absorbent while binding the bio-char and any dust into the mixture. The mixture can be used for bedding where the bio-char acts as an absorbent. The mixture can also be used in soil remediation by spreading over the soil in dry or Hydromulch where the bio-char acts to filter contaminants and can act as a binder for an fertilizer admixed into the mixture for seeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Danielle Gauthier, Maria Gala, Eugene Gala, Stephane Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20130035231
    Abstract: Formulations having a selective, mycoherbicide activity for killing ungerminated seeds of invasive grass species are provided. An agricultural, mycoherbicide formulation is taught for killing ungerminated seeds of invasive grass species. The formulations can comprise, for example, a slow-growing strain of Pyrenophora semeniperda, a fast-growing strain of Pyrenophora semeniperda, or a combination thereof, and an agriculturally acceptable carrier. As such, the teachings include a composition comprising a mixture of a slow-growing strain of Pyrenophora semeniperda and a fast-growing strain of Pyrenophora semeniperda. The mixture of strains can be used to provide a mixture of virulence that is useful for killing carryover seed banks, with regard to both type and level of virulence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2012
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicants: Gonzaga University, The United States of America as Represented by the Secretary of Agriculture
    Inventors: Susan Elizabeth Meyer, Suzette Clement, Julie Beckstead
  • Patent number: 8316581
    Abstract: A growing medium includes a bulking agent and a water-retentive polymer blended together and compressed at a volume-to-volume ratio ranging from about 2:1 to about 10:1, being substantially free of a water-soluble binder material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventor: Patti D. Rubin
  • Patent number: 8316580
    Abstract: A method for applying a water soluble soil stabilizer to soil wherein the soil stabilizer is added to a solid carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Dennis Krysiak, Daniel Paul Madigan
  • Publication number: 20120291348
    Abstract: A method of soil retention uses a soil additive that increases water retention of basic potting soil. The soil additive, either premixed with or added to soil, is biodegradable, ultra-absorbent, and generally safe for the environment. When water is added to the soil additive mixture, moisture is retained within the additive to be disbursed throughout the soil and thereby to the plant within the soil, over a prolonged period of time, e.g. fourteen days to twenty eight days, depending on ambient conditions and the plant.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventors: Denis A. Hood, James M. Cucinotta
  • Patent number: 8256160
    Abstract: A growing medium includes a bulking agent and a water-retentive polymer blended together and compressed at a volume-to-volume ratio ranging from about 2:1 to about 10:1, being substantially free of a water-soluble binder material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Inventor: Patti D. Rubin
  • Patent number: 8250806
    Abstract: Microbial blend compositions and method for their use are provided. The subject compositions comprise a plurality of distinct microbial species that all share the following characteristics: (i) are antagonistic against a plurality of microbial pathogens; (ii) are non-pathogenic towards plants and animals; (iii) are tolerant of high temperatures; (iv) grow rapidly; and (v) proliferate on a complex substrate. In many embodiments, the compositions further include a carrier, e.g., a liquid or solid carrier medium. In practicing the subject methods, the compositions are applied to at least one of soil and plant tissue, and in certain embodiments are applied in conjunction with a complex substrate. Also provided are methods of preparing the subject compositions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Inventor: Thomas T. Yamashita
  • Publication number: 20120167459
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods of removing liquid from a porous substrate on which plant embryos are disposed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: WEYERHAEUSER NR COMPANY
    Inventors: Patrick M. Brownell, Robert A. Starr, Ramon C. Dezutter
  • Publication number: 20120144739
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for sterilizing the soil for growing Korean ginseng by using an electron beam, which eliminates fungi harmful to ginseng's growth and development, and also relates to a system including: a conveyor which transfers the soil for growing Korean ginseng; a soil supplier which loads a predetermined amount of soil onto the conveyor to a predetermined height; an electron beam irradiator which applies electron beam to the soil for growing Korean ginseng being transferred by the conveyor to eliminate fungi contained in the soil for growing Korean ginseng; and an antagonistic rhizobacteria supplier which adds antagonistic rhizobacteria to the sterilized soil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: GBioMix Co., LTD.
    Inventors: Hyeon-Jea SHIM, Min-Young KANG, Yong-Dol SHIN
  • Patent number: 8196346
    Abstract: A composite, time-delayed, polymer-coated, granulated material for maintaining hydration in plants is formulated to delay acceptance of water in order to operate in drilling, plugging, and disking equipment used for aeration, soil amendment, or both. Whether potted or outdoors, whether relying on a third-material binder or a small, hydrated portion of the polymer itself as a binder, the material may be injected or otherwise placed below the surface of soils. Water is eventually absorbed sufficiently to expose the bulk of the hydrating particles attached to each granule. Addition of the granulated material as a soil amendment resists dehydration normally occurring in plants between waterings, yet its initial delay in hydrating supports water-jet injection and soil integration by resisting premature expansion from hydration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2012
    Inventor: Tommy K. Thrash
  • Publication number: 20120076873
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to consume raw food cultivated in appropriate soil. The constitution of the health food is: consuming cereals including rices and wheats with or without husk, millets, pulses, tubers, leaf vegetables, fruit vegetables, rosette crops, root vegetables, citrus fruits, fruits, melons, seaweeds, and liverworts etc. as is; or consuming powders thereof, or by soaking in water so as to process to a degree that cell are not destructed (or if cells are destructed, the whole of leaf vegetables including root, stem, and leaf or a portion thereof are consumed as e.g. juice) and consuming without processing treatment including heating, boiling in water, or steaming; or these cereals, millets, or pulses are soaked in water to allow sprouting, and consumed at around the time of sprouting without processing treatment including heating, boiling in water, or steaming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Chikatsugu Sugiyama
  • Publication number: 20110302836
    Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for the cultivation, conservation, maintenance and installation of prado express in greenhouses or closed premises to obtain natural grass carpets in less time and with a better quality, destined to cover private and public areas in general in a fast, easy and economic way.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Inventor: Mario Alberto
  • Publication number: 20110289832
    Abstract: The present invention features a multi-step organic lawn care program that comprises four or more specified treatments that are applied at specific times throughout the year. Each step serves specific functions that assist in the maintenance and improvement of turf. Each treatment is intended to be applied at a prescribed time to ensure maximum benefits to the turf. The treatments are preferably applied in a liquid format are generally effective at detoxifying a surface that has been treated with chemical fertilizers. The treatments may be applied in conjunction with other products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: Fire Belly Organic Lawn Care
    Inventor: Thomas John Kelly