Abstract: A process for producing hydrophilic growing media, preferably soil plugs, having improved properties and minimal plant toxicity. The method involves forming a resilient, integral, dimensionally stable, cohesive, homogenous mass by contacting an aggregate with a hydrophilic urethane prepolymer, glycol, plasticizer and water. The glycol acts as a coalescing agent between the prepolymer, plasticizer and water and enables flexible open cell soil plugs to be produced over a wide range of mixes. Upon curing, the prepolymer binds the aggregate material together. The mixing of the aggregate, prepolymer, glycol and water is conducted under conditions which entrain air in the media and do not adversely affect the growth of seedlings or plants.

Abstract: A method of setting a pole in the ground. A cavity is prepared in the ground extending down from ground level. The pole has an end placed in the cavity. Organic fiber pellet material, expansible with the addition of water thereto, is introduced to the cavity and the cavity filled. Water is then added to produce a porous organic cake firmly holding the post in place.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for the measurement of the photosynthesis of a whole small plant, which comprises:

Abstract: A method for growing ornamental plants by hydroponic cultivation, includes the steps of arranging a piece of a tree in a water tank, adhering support members to the tree, the support members being water permeable which are free to deform, placing plants on the support members, the roots of the plants being integrated with the soil, and supplying water to the support members so as to implement hydroponic cultivation of the plants on the tree.

Abstract: A water-retaining support for plants comprising a hydrogel-forming polymer (A) having a calcium ion absorption of 0-100 mg per 1 g of the dry weight thereof, having a chlorine ion content of 0.07-7 mmol per 1 g of the dry weight thereof and having a water absorption magnification in ion-exchanger water at 25° C. of 1.0×101 to 1.0×102; or a plant body-growing water-retaining material comprising a molded product of a mixture of such a polymer (A) and a plant body-growing support (B). The water-retaining support for plants and the plant body-growing water-retaining material are those which have an excellent water-retaining property and they substantially do not cause inhibition of root generation or inhibition of root elongation.

Abstract: A plant growing device comprising a container (1), characterised in that it contains a hydroponic growing medium (2), and is covered by a lid (3), supplied with perforations (4) for the supports (5) of said plants, in that said supports (5) are filled with agar (13).

Abstract: The present invention provides an aqueous artificial medium comprising a water-absorbing polymer, which is suitable as a medium for cultivation in soil or hydroponic cultivation of plants. That is, the present invention provides an aqueous artificial medium and a polymer composition, comprising 0.01 to 10% by weight of a water-absorbing polymer and 0.001 to 10% by weight of a cationic polymer which is insoluble in water or an aqueous salt solution. Further, the present invention provides an aqueous artificial medium and a polymer composition, further comprising a porous water-supplying support having a communicating hole.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the manufacture of mineral wool plant growth substrate having a coherent hydrophilic matrix of mineral wool fibres connected by cured binder, comprising the steps of: providing mineral wool fibres; applying to the mineral wool fibres as a binder a phenol-formaldehyde resin and a furan resin; forming a matrix of the mineral wool fibres; and curing the binder and to the obtainable mineral wool plant growth substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil substitute useful in supporting plant growth. More particularly, the present invention relates to biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymer fibers for use in plant cultivation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a soil substitute useful in supporting plant growth. More particularly, the present invention relates to biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymer fibers for use in plant cultivation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plant cube, comprising a block of mineral fibres, having a top surface, a bottom surface and four side surfaces, which block comprises a laminated structure of in parallel orientated mineral wool fibres, wherein preferably the laminated structure comprises substantially vertically orientated fibres, or wherein preferably the laminated structures comprises substantially horizontally orientated fibres.

Abstract: A floral container having a water-impermeable external layer for a floral grouping comprising a holding material and having a water-impermeable external surface layer. The holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping, botanical item or propagule and supporting the botanical item, floral grouping or propagule. A sheet of material may be extended about a portion of the holding material and a crimped portion or bonded portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion or the bonded portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the holding material to provide a decorative cover. A bond or other tying device may also be used to bond the sheet of material to the flower pot.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrophilic growing media, preferably plugs, providing growing media having improved properties and a minimal amount of binding agent. The method forms a resilient, integral, dimensionally stable cohesive, homogeneous mass by contacting an aggregate with a hydrophilic urethane prepolymer and water. Upon curing, the prepolymer binds the aggregate material together. The mixing of the aggregate, prepolymer and water is conducted under specific, carefully controlled conditions, which enables the use of less prepolymer than would otherwise be necessary to obtain a given strength and stable air space. As result, trays can be filled without necessity of retooling.

Abstract: A solid body for growing plants, especially plant seedlings, which can be used for plants of any desired size, has a compact structure, and is highly advantageous with respect to storage and handling the solid body is made of coco peat having an insertion area for plants on its top side.

Abstract: A block is made of a hydrophilic or hydrophobic plastic foam body (1) into which natural flowers, branches, twigs, fruit or the like can be stuck and held. The plastic foam body (1) is provided with a water-tight casing (2) made of plastics or lacquers. A water storage space (3) connected with the outside through a filling pipe (4) is provided in the bottom area of the block between the casing (2) and the plastic foam body (1).

Abstract: Mineral wool plant substrate formed of a coherent matrix of mineral wool having 99.9 to 75 wt % mineral wool and 0.1 to 25 wt % of an organic substance. Clay may be included in the matrix. The matrix may be in the form of a pellet.

Abstract: An aqueous gel medium for growing a plant which comprises an upper block and a lower block, wherein the lower block has a hole for growth of a root of the plant.

Abstract: A floating hydroponic biofiltration device for use in a body of oxygenated water containing plant-eating fish, includes, in series, (a) a float and a terrestrial plant hydroponically mounted in a float aperture, the float aperture being essentially devoid of soil, (b) a relatively open mesh of substantial depth below the float, the mesh being open at the sides thereof to enable passage of oxygenated water from the body of water therethrough, and (c) a relatively tight matting defining tortuous vertically extending passageways therethrough for the plant roots, the matting anchoring the plant roots and at least partially excluding plant-eating fish from a portion of the plant roots passing therethrough. Preferably the device additionally includes, beneath the matting, a netting to exclude large plant-eating fish from approaching from below the bottom of the matting.

Abstract: A novel and improved method for relieving hydrophobicity of peat moss, bark and rockwool used in horticultural media for plant propagation using an effective level of a composition consisting of certain copolymerized alkane oxides as described. A more effective method of delivering these materials based on a composition of hydrous, amorphous silica using the compositions of the present invention is described.

Abstract: A process for planting aquatic plants underwater on the bottom of estuarys where an aquatic plant which is ready for transplanting is positioned in a holder having a device for retaining the transplantable plant and a thin base. When the holder is brought into contact with the underwater bottom the thin base engages the underwater bottom and secures the holder including the plant in underwater bottom. A watercraft having apparatus for positioning the holder incorporating the aquatic plant on the bottom of an estuary is also provided for. With this apparatus and the holder of this invention aquatic plants can be planted on the bottom of estuary in a semiautomated fashion. The holder also incorporates an organic buttom which retains the aquatic plant during the planting process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coherent growth substrate based on a synthetic matrix containing clay in a quantity of 0.1-2.5% by weight such that at a suction pressure of pf=2 the moisture content is lower than 15% by volume, preferably for use as a grow-block and for a grow-slab.

Abstract: There is disclosed a planter pouch comprising a bag shaped, flexible, plastic bladder having an open top and containing a polymeric growth medium. The open top is secured between a rigid collar and a cylindrical cap, the cap being provided with a plurality of slits through which the stalks of living plants can be inserted until their roots are embedded in the polymeric growth medium. The planter pouch permits living plants contained therein to grow without adding water for prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant growth substrate, comprising a coherent, hydrophilic matrix of mineral wool fibres mutually connected via binder based on furan resin, and to use of a coherent, hydrophilic matrix of mineral wool fibres mutually connected via binder based on furan resin, as a plant growth substrate.

Abstract: A fiber reinforced, pourable, soil substrate for supporting vegetation, comprising substantially undecayable, loose, individual, untwisted or carded plastic fibers in the form of filaments having lengths of from about 1 cm to about 10 cm; a slowly decomposable, difficultly decayable, organic, fibers and the balance easily decayable organic constituents and aggregates. The substrate has a thickness of from about 0.5 cm to about 30 cm.

Abstract: The invention relates to a growth substrate comprising at least one layer of short transversally extending mineral wool fibers and at least one surface layer of mineral wool fibers, wherein preferably the layer of short transversally extending mineral wool fibers is interposed between two surface layers of mineral wool fibers, or wherein preferably the layer of short transversally extending mineral wool fibers is interposed between two surface layers of horizontally extending mineral wool fibers.

Abstract: A melted gelatin (specific example agar) is employed to saturate a plastic foam disk and, after solidification, to provide a medium to promote seed germination and plant growth. After germination, the seed and gelatin saturated disk are transferred to a growth container for additional plant growth prior to transfer of the plant to soil. The growth containers are divided into upper and lower chambers by transverse bamboo rods (FIGS. 3 and 5) or piano wire lengths (FIG. 4) with the gelatin saturated disk and seedling(s) placed in the upper chamber and the lower chamber provided with water, water containing plant food, agar, or nutrient gelatin.

Abstract: A novel and improved method for relieving hydrophobicity of peat moss, bark and rockwool used in horticultural media for plant propagation using an effective level of a composition consisting of certain copolymerized alkane oxides is described. A more effective method of delivering these materials based on a composition of hydrous, amorphous silica using the compositions of the present invention is described.

Abstract: A method of using a paper packing product (10) to store/ship a plant (12) with exposed roots (14). The method comprises the steps of: providing a multitude of narrow, elongated strips of paper material; wetting the paper strips; and packing the paper strips around the exposed roots (14) of a plant (12). In this manner, a root-packed plant is created which comprises a plant with unsoiled roots and a paper packing product packed around the unsoiled roots. Preferably, the paper strips include a plurality of transverse folds against the natural resilience of the material to form a longitudinally compressed strip and these strips are intertwined and interconnected to form a resilient mass. The preferred paper material is untreated thirty pound kraft paper and the strips are approximately 1/8 inch wide and approximately four to six inches long in an unfolded state.

Abstract: a porous solid material for plant propagation which includes granules of a porous expanded mineral, such as perlite or vermiculite, distributed within a porous, open-cell foamed hydrophilic water-retentive polyurethane matrix. The material may be molded into sheets of break-off units for seed germination and propagation.

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 culture method of growing plants or plant seedlings on a culture medium provided on a support substrate which is comprised of an upper layer made of small stone and activated charcoal integrally solidified by synthetic resin in such a manner as to maintain water permeability therein and a lower layer in the form of a water permeable reinforcement layer integrally formed with the upper layer.

Abstract: A micropropagation method of growing plantlets in a liquid medium inside a container under sterile conditions comprises placing a rigid capillary block inside the container, in which the support block has a support region with upper and lower sides and a plurality of narrow diameter capillary holes extending through and opening to the upper and lower sides of the block's support region. The bottom side of the support block has feet that elevate the bottom side of the support region above the bottom of the container. A liquid-absorbing plant growth sheet such as filter paper rests on the upper surface of the block support region in contact with the capillary holes.

Abstract: A floral container having a water-impermeable external layer for a floral grouping comprising a holding material and having a water-impermeable external surface layer. The holding material is constructed of a material capable of receiving a portion of a floral grouping, botanical item or propagule and supporting the botanical item, floral grouping or propagule. A sheet of material may be extended about a portion of the holding material and a crimped portion or bonded portion is formed in the sheet of material with the crimped portion or the bonded portion cooperating to hold the sheet of material about the holding material to provide a decorative cover. A bond or other tying device may also be used to bond the sheet of material to the flower pot.

Abstract: Apparatus for plant cell tissue culture including a plant growth enclosure having a bottom surface formed of a porous material, a buoyant element, separate from the plant growth enclosure and arranged to be placed thereunder in a body of liquid for supporting the plant growth enclosure, and spacer apparatus associated with at least one of the plant growth enclosure and the buoyant element for maintaining a predetermined separation between the buoyant element and the porous material.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for dispensing a fertilizer in a pond. The apparatus includes a flotation structure which is generally surrounded by a porous material, such as a net sack. An opening is provided in the flotation structure through which fertilizer is dumped to deposit the fertilizer in the net sack wherein it is dissolved by water flowing through the net sack at the bottom of the flotation structure.

Abstract: A systemic plant interface replaces the roots of a growing plant by providing a perforate surface which mates to growing xylem tissue of a vascular plant and provides fluid communication and support necessary to sustain the aerial portions of a viable plant.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agroblock comprising an inorganic soil type, such that the agroblock is substantially form-retaining at any moisture content and that at a suction pressure of pF 2 the moisture content amounts to at least 15% by volume. Preferably the agroblock comprises a homogeneous mixture of mineral wool and said inorganic soil type, wherein the quantity of mineral wool amounts to 0-90% by weight, and the amount of soil type amounts to 100-10% by weight.

Abstract: A low density (5-12 Kgs/M.sup.3), rigid, unicellular (i.e. closed cell) expanded polyurethane foam is perforated through at least part of its thickness by mechanical means, resulting in a hydrophilic, heterocellular (open cell) foam, whereby to facilitate the passage of emergent plant roots and also to provide groups of enlarged voids (in contrast to the fine cell structure of the unmodified foam) so as to facilitate water absorption and retention.

Abstract: A method of growing a plant, which comprises growing the plant mat consisting of an open-cell polyurethane foam comprising from 10 to 50% by weight of ethyleneoxy residues and having a density in the range of from 15 to 30 kilograms per cubic meter and a mean number of cells per centimeter in the range of from 10 to 25, a polyurethane foam for use in the method, and a process for preparing the polyurethane foam.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the mineral wool culture of plants, whereby water and any fertilizers that may be comprised therein are supplied to, and if necessary discharged from, the mineral wool in which the plant grows, whereby in said mineral wool the suction pressure is adjusted using a capillary system connected for liquid communication with mineral wool, with which capillary system water and any required nutrients are actively supplied to and/or discharged from said mineral wool, in order to readjust the predetermined suction pressure; and to a device for the mineral wool culture of plants, comprising: mineral wool in which the plants can grow; means for supplying water and any fertilizers that may be comprised therein to said mineral wool; and means for discharging water and any fertilizers that may be comprised therein from said mineral wool, wherein a capillary system connected for liquid communication with said mineral wool, to which system are linked means for adjusting the suction pressu

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate for out-of-ground cultivation by using a substrate consisting of mineral fibers. The substrate according to the invention is of limited dimensions and is used for the cultivation phase corresponding to the development of seedlings. This substrate, being of generally parallelepipedic shape, exhibits on its lower face added feet or pedestals that project therefrom and isolate the substrate from the ground on which its rests. The substrate according to the invention makes it possible to improve cultivation conditions.

Abstract: Plants are hydroponically grown in a cellular water table provided with divergent grow lines along which plants are moved in plant holders. The grow lines are arranged to provide spacing between adajcent rows of plants as plants mature. Within each grow line is a variable pitch screw arrangement which provides for increased spacing between adjacent plants in a grow line as the plants mature. Four-way spacing is provided for both the leaves of the plants and their roots as the plants are suspended over the cellular water table. Maintenance of the system is facilitated by a crawl space beneath the water table which allows access to removable bottom panels of the individual cells within the water table. Plants are cultivated and serviced from the top by a man carrier system. CO.sub.2 enriched air and/or pesticides are supplied directly to the undersides of the plants by a conduit system provided within each grow line.

Abstract: A substrate for out-of-ground cultivation is made of a felt of mineral fibers obtained by continuous longitudinal compression, at a rate between 1.5 and 15, of a sheet of mineral fibers in which the fibers are arranged in layers or strata parallel to the upper and lower faces of this sheet. The compression takes place before the heat treatment of the sheet for setting the binder.

Abstract: Process and installation for making a composite product, obtained by removing the fibre from wood chippings or other cellulose raw material, especially for above-ground cultivation purposes. The chippings (3) are place in a two-screw (2) fibre-removing machine (1), the overall characteristics being adjusted in such a way as to obtain, at the outlet of the machine (1), a mixture (31) based on isolated fibres and agglomerated bunches of fibres, of varying lengths and grain dimensions. An adhesive binder is inserted at a set feed-rate in the sleeve (11) during fibre removal so that it spreads through the fibre mixture in a discontinuous manner. By controlling the temperature the hardening of the binder can be delayed until the product emerges from the machine (1). Also covered is the product obtained in the form of a rigid block inserted in a sealed jacket.

Abstract: A substrate of limited dimensions consisting of mineral fibers for out-of-ground cultivation is used for the cultivation phase corresponding to the development of seedlings. This substrate, of general parallelepipedic shape, exhibits small surface protuberances on its lower face which separate it from the ground on which it rests. The protuberances can be feet disposed on the lower face of the substrate, or edges formed by providing the substrate with a concave lower face. The substrate according to the invention makes it possible to improve out-of-ground cultivation conditions.

Abstract: The invention relates to techniques for above-ground cultivation, and, more precisely, cultivation elements designated with the name of "substrate".The cultivation cubes according to the invention are comprised of mineral fibers that are interconnected and whose distribution is without preferred order, no matter what direction they are viewed from.The substrates according to the invention promote better colonization of the material by the roots.

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: Substrates for soil-free culturing are formed from a felt of mineral fibres having a hydroretentivity gradient such that the hydroretentivity decreases in the direction of gravity. The hydroretentivity gradient may be brought about by a gradient in the fineness of the fibres such that the average diameter of the fibres increases in the direction of gravity or the density of the fibres.

Abstract: A sheet material (4) for use in cultivating plants comprising a body having a coilable flexible, fluid-permeable structure and a plurality of passages (7,9) formed in and extending from one surface (3) to the another (5) of said body. The passages serve to induce root tips to grow and contain fertilizers. The body has at least one surface formed with projections and/or recesses. Preferably, the surface having projections and/or is provided with a ceramic powder discharging infrared rays of wavelength in the range of about 5 to 15 micrometers, a elution-rate controlling growth regulation fertilizer and a small amount of a chosen element. In use, a given length of the sheet material is wrapped around the plant.