Abstract: A support member and method for supporting the base of a tree. The support member tightens around the base of the tree to support the tree and includes a support member body that can suspend the state where the base of the tree is tightened in a time-dependent manner after a lapse of years corresponding to growth of the tree. The method includes the step of placing the support member around the base of the tree wherein the support member has a support member body that is capable of self-terminating support at the base of the tree in the time-dependent manner to correspond to growth of the tree.

Abstract: Planting containers of substantial sizes are made by rolling up previously prepared mats of natural fibers that are biodegradable and contain a growing medium in the mats. A rolled-up coil of such mats is held together by stitching or netting or wire mesh or the like. The mats are rolled onto a removable core. Once the coil is finished and the core is removed, the resulting space inside the coil will be closed at the bottom by a plug also of biodegradable material.

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: A liquid fixing agent prepared by dissolving in dilute acetic acid chitosan and natural polysaccharide (such as cellulose, pectin, and alginic acid). It is used to fix planted soil (in a terrarium) by application to the surface of soil, followed by drying. Fixed soil prevents ornamental plants from falling or moving in the container during transportation and also remains in place even when the container is inclined.

Abstract: A container for growing and transplanting flowers and plants. The container includes a rigid outer shell, having enclosed sides, an enclosed bottom and an open top, and an inner planting pot formed from a decomposable material and having enclosed sides, an enclosed bottom and an open top. The inner planting pot is releasably receivable within the rigid outer shell such that when the inner planting pot is received within the rigid outer shell the bottom of the inner planting pot is supported on the bottom of the rigid outer shell. The enclosed sides of the rigid outer shell are sloped inwardly from its open top to its enclosed bottom. The enclosed sides of the inter planting pot are sloped inwardly from its open top to its bottom to a greater degree than the slope of the sides of the rigid outer shell. An annular air space is created between the inter planting pot and the rigid outer shell when the inner planting pot is received within the rigid outer shell.

Abstract: A Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) accessory for improving the performance of an excess water shedding root shaping plant container (100) is disclosed. Guard (30) is placed on top of the container's protrusion (120). This arrangement reduces soil moisture under a seedling's (70) stem and thereby protects it from damping-off disease. Guard (30) can be used in combination with an insertable protrusion (20) to provide similar protection for a seedling planted in a conventional plant container (10). The Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) is made from a durable component and a biodegradable component. The durable component is comprised of a quantity of small, rigid, durable, nonabsorbent, non-biodegradable, non-toxic objects, such as stones (35). The biodegradable component is comprised of a biodegradable, nonabsorbent, non-toxic cement, such as wax (37). The cement binds the objects together into an easily handled whole. The Metamorphic Damping-off Guard (30) changes its properties over time.

Abstract: A seed mat provides an optional lower plastic mesh layer overlain by a lower scrim layer overlain by a seed layer optionally containing biodegradable beneficiating additives overlain by a fiber layer optionally overlain by an upper scrim layer with the fiber layer or upper scrim layer, if present, overlain by an upper plastic mesh layer. The mat is formed on a conveyor by 1) creating the fiber layer on the conveyor; 2) creating the upper scrim layer, if optioned, by placing dry cellulosic tissue over the fiber layer, wetting the tissue, applying vacuum beneath the fiber layer to consolidate the tissue on the underlying fiber layer and drying; and 3) extruding an upper plastic mesh layer on the fiber layer or the upper scrim layer if present.

Abstract: Protective enclosures for seeds provide a self-contained environment for protecting the seeds in their early growth stages in arid or hostile environments. A protective enclosure (10) for one or more seeds (15) comprising an outer shell (11), said shell (11) being permanently or temporarily liquid-impermeable in at least one direction, and a hygroscopic material (14) contained within the the shell (11) surrounding at least one seed (15), said material (14) being capable of absorbing and storing liquid.

Abstract: A method of planting gel-coated seeds comprising previously making the seeds sprout a root and then sowing the seeds with the tip of the root facing downward.

Abstract: Peat moss having water repellency when it is dry is used as culture soil by subjecting it to a water repellency preventing treatment. In addition, a seedling-growing peat board with few germs and impurities, being lightweight and easy to handle, and particularly suitable for use as bed soil of a seed bed, is provided. The culture soil contains peat moss which is water repellent when dry, and a water-absorbing clay adhered to the surface of the peat moss. This is accomplished by treating water to render it absorbable by peat moss, suspending a water-absorbing clay in the treated water, contacting the peat moss with the suspension to absorb the suspension onto the surface of the peat moss, and drying the peat moss.

Abstract: Continuously assembled pots, configured in square or hexagonal cylinders for raising and transplanting seedlings are formed by developing non-adhered portions of a band, which is formed by adhering two sheets of film such as paper or the like. The portion of the band corresponding to a connector portion which connects the pots is folded at a given length, and has an elongated or unfolded length larger than the width of one side of a pot. The folded portion of the band is adhered to itself and to a pot with a water soluble paste, so that the continuously assembled pots are separated by water during raising and pulled out continuously from one end thereof in a line.

Abstract: A systematic device for germinating plant seeds under controlled conditions is disclosed, consisting in its illustrated embodiment of a water-bearing container (1), biodegradable pods (2), clear cover (6) with an air hole (8), pod alignment plate (3), moisture indicator (9), germination mix (4), seed (5), fertilizer amendment (11), carrying handle (10) and watering tube (7). A new use of a paper coin envelope is disclosed as a method for germinating seeds and growing seedlings for direct introduction into an alternative growing medium without the necessity for transplantation.

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

Abstract: A plant feeder having a water reservoir and a water conduit connected to the reservoir at one end. The other end of the water conduit is adapted to be positioned adjacent the roots of a plant to be fed. The water conduit has a water permeable plug with water soluble plant food therein whereby water can percolate through the conduit from the reservoir to the roots dissolving plant food on its way, and air and insects are blocked from migrating to the roots.The method provides placing the other conduit end of the plant feeder of the invention below the roots of a recently transplanted plant, percolating water from the reservoir to the roots through water soluble plant food, and blocking the migration of air and insects to the roots through the conduit.

Abstract: A rubber composition or a rubber composite which is biodegradable in soil and is used to hold pot soil to the roots of plants to facilitate transplanting, said rubber composition containing a natural or synthetic rubber component and a water-soluble additive which does not bind to the rubber component and thus can elute into the soil.

Abstract: A horticultural container is disclosed which is composed of molded pulp fiber and which contains an organic thiocyanate microbicide, the container being resistant to degradation when exposed to soil burial or greenhouse conditions.

Abstract: A planting tray for direct deployment of trays and plants is described. The tray is ideally formed of a sturdy, biodegradable material. The tray has a flat member with a specific matrix of openings formed therein. A plurality of baskets, in a specific deployment, are affixed to the flat member. The baskets have a plurality of perforations, so that the roots of plants, deployed in soil within the basket, can grow out therethrough. Thus, the tray with plants can be embedded within the ground without the need for transplanting. The deployment of the baskets affixed to the flat member is such that two trays of the present invention may be intermeshed for spaciously efficient deployment.

Abstract: Apparatus for the greenhouse cultivation of flower bulbs wherein the bulbs are placed in pockets (6) made in a hydrophilic mineral wool felt (5). The pockets (6) are formed at regular intervals and open only on one face of the felt. The opening formed in each pocket is of a slightly smaller size than the maximum diameter of a bulb (3) intended to be received in the pocket. The depth of each pocket is sufficient for the bulb (3) positioned therein to penetrate the pocket at least to the level of its largest section.

Abstract: Herein disclosed is a band for forming a seedling raising bottomed pot aggregate, in which multiple rows of a plurality of pots are aggregated. The bottoms of the pots are formed by making specific planar structures in a material paper having a constant width and by adhering, combining and cutting the paper. The pot aggregate can be easily manufactured by expanding the band. The bottoms are extended from the lower sides of the side walls of the cubes and are folded inward at a right angle from the adjoining extensions. These adjoining extensions are adhered on one of the diagonals of the bottoms, and the extensions on the other diagonal are overlapped.

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: The invention relates to a wall material for a cell-structure plant growing container comprising several layers out of which at least one is of a decayable material, such as paper, and which is characterized in that it comprises at least three material layers bonded together, all the layers being permeable to water and nutrients and the middle layer being formed by a nonwoven or reticulate material impregnated with a growth control agent or comprising firmly attached to its both sides a growth control agent, or a layer of decayable material, such as paper, in which the side facing said middle layer is coated with a growth control agent. The invention is also concerned with the use of said wall material, and to a cell-structure plant growing container made of the material.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terephthalate copolymerized with a non-aromatic diacid, such as adipic and glutaric acids, and containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative.

Abstract: The invention provides novel polyesters, fibers and films, nonwovens from the fibers and disposable products of the polyesters such as diapers. The products are degradable under the conditions typically existing in waste composting processes, have low ingredient costs and yet provide strength and toughness properties adequate for end uses such as in disposable diapers. The polyesters are based upon polyethylene terphthalate copolymerized with a cycloaliphatic diacid, preferably hexahydroterephthalic acid, and containing alkali metal or alkaline earth metal sulfo groups, such as a metal 5-sulfoisophthalic acid derivative.

Abstract: An assembly of pots for raising and transplantation of seedlings, the assembly made of paper or a paper-like thin film, in which the side wall of each pot is provided, by means of a cut, with tongue-like pieces which can be easily lifted-up toward the outside of the pot by the pressure of seedling roots while in the soil after transplantation, therefore, making the extension of roots from the tongue-like portion both vigorous and untangled with respect to adjacent potted seedlings.

Abstract: The invention is a method for treating a plant growth medium containing a plant so that the growth medium remains intact around the roots during transplanting operations. This involves treating the growth medium shortly before transplanting with an adhesive-forming substance which will bond the particles of the growth medium to form an intact plug. The adhesive-forming substance must be physiologically innocuous. Materials such as warmed solution of agar or soluble alginates have been found to be very suitable. When an alginate is used, it is rendered into an insoluble gel by secondary application of a chemical salt such as calcium nitrate. The method is particularly useful for growing seedlings or cuttings which must be transplanted while the root structure is still delicate and subject to damage from handling.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multiple pot comprising individual pots interconnected by connector portions so as to be capable of being pulled out. The multiple pot is used to raise and transplant seedlings of plants. The invention also relates to a method of fabricating the pot. The pot is designed especially to promote growth of roots across the side walls of the individual pots after transplantation. Also, the resistance encountered when the multiple pot is unfolded is reduced. Further, the individual pots are uniform in size. These feature arise from the facts that the connector portions are formed by applying a waterproof paste discontinuously and that a water-soluble paste is not applied around the edges of the individual pots created when the multiple pot is unfolded. Hence, a coating of the paste is formed in none of these portions. The multiple pot is fabricated by continuously carrying out three steps.

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: Disclosed herein is agricultural paper to be made into pots for raising seedlings. It is made up of a first layer made chiefly of natural pulp and a second layer made of synthetic fibers having a basis weight of 3-15 g/m.sup.2, said first layer and second layer being joined to each other by the wet papermaking process which intertwines the fibers of the two layers at their joining interface. The second layer is formed by fusion bonding composite synthetic fibers of polymers having different plasticizing temperatures.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plant growth medium obtained by forming a mixture of a conventional powdery plant culture medium and a gel-formable material into a sheet and then solidifying the sheet or by forming a mixture of such a conventional culture medium, a gel-formable material and a water-holding material into a sheet, granules, pellets, tablets or powder and then solidifying the thus-formed mixture. By simply adding water to the plant growth medium and reconstituting same, the plant growth medium can be used for the germination, growth, transplantation, cutting and the like of a plant.

Abstract: A method and associated apparatus for planting seeds and growing plants wherein the seeds are planted in a germinating soil mix in a group of adjoining enclosures placed upon a substrata of virgin soil or other plant nutrient medium, the plant roots growing directly into the substrata, with no replanting. The enclosure group provides a plant spacing reference, so that the growing area is efficiently used, and the germinating soil mix may be sterile so that cultivation for weed control after planting is not necessary. For storage compactness and economy, expandable honeycomb paper may be utilized for the enclosure group.

Abstract: A tubular sleeve for a plant germination substrate consists of a a polymer mass and nonwoven, bonded fiber material treated with fungicides, in which cellulose fibers predominate. The rest of the synthetic fibers have a size of 1.3 to 17 dtex and give the fiber material a porosity of 1000 to 1600 l/s.m.sup.2 (air passage at 1.0 mbar). The fiber material is bonded by a binding agent and additionally contains fertilizer embedded in the polymer mass.

Abstract: A plant growing medium has a fabricated fibrous product having a density below 4.5 pcf, and preferably below 3.0 pcf, as a root supporting structure. The product comprises a pack of fibers, the fibers having a three-dimensional orientation and at least some of the fibers being glass fibers, and binder binding the fibers to each other at substantially every place of fiber-to-fiber contact.

Abstract: A delivery unit of plant tissue of the present invention comprises a vessel in which meristematic tissue having the ability to grow into an entire plant body through differentiation is received. The body of the vessel is made of water-soluble substance and the interior thereof is covered with a water-insoluble substance. Hydrogel is charged in the vessel and the meristematic tissue is held by the hydrogel in a state in which its root or rooting portion is embedded therein or it is placed on the hydrogel. The vessel has a structure of a closed type with a cap or an open type. When the delivery unit of plant tissue is seeded in a medium, the water-soluble substance of the vessel body is dissolved by water contained in the medium and the bud and root grown out of the meristematic tissue breaks the thin film made of a water-insoluble substance which is provided in the interior of the vessel so as to further grow out.

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 tree ball tying apparatus is disclosed comprising a tripartile inverted, truncated conically shaped holder whose included angle is less than 60.degree. and is made of sheet metal attached to a stand by its rearmost part. The two forward parts are hinged, latchable doors which swing open or may be closed and latched in the conical shape. Cordage is woven around hooks and pins in the peripheries of the cone's base and truncation to form a sling over which is placed a degradable material such as burlap. A tree, whose ball is conically cut with typically a 60.degree. included angle, is removed from the ground and installed ball first onto the burlap and sling and set down sling and burlap first into the holder whose included angle is less than that of the ball thereby holding it above the truncation. Thereafter the burlap is folded around the tree trunk and tied with the loose ends of the sling and the tree removed from the holder with its ball wrapped and tied.

Abstract: This invention is a system for field disposal of human feces through the use of composting containers that prevent the spread of intestinal bacteria, including virulent pathogens, which otherwise would occur when wilderness visitors practice shallow burial of feces. This is accomplished by providing biodegradable containers and following a pre-set method of disposal.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with the problem of how best to infect roots of a plant with the beneficial mycorrhizal fungus. Merely mixing the inoculum of the fungus with soil or other growth medium is time-consuming and not very effective. The invention lies in the idea of positioning across the path of growth of the roots a carrier material, carrying the inoculum. The roots are then allowed to contact and penetrate the carrier material, so that they pick up the inoculum and become infected. The carrier material is integral and self-supporting. Preferably it is a sheet of cellulosic fibres coated with a layer containing the inoculum, which can also contain cellulosic fibres. Preferably peat-inoculum is used. The invention is useful in improving the growth of plants, particularly those grown in containers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a system for transportation of materials such as industrial wastes from a source thereof to a temporary storage and/or a permanent disposal site or the like, utilizing batch containers of maximum space-saving configurations and taking advantage of the fact that such waste materials invariably densify volume-wise during handling such as during transit from the source to the storage facility. The containers of the invention are of temporarily shape-competent fiberboard type construction or the like; but are in any case fabricated of material which is moisture-vulnerable, whereby subsequent to transport and disposal thereof they soften down and allow the contents of contiguous containers to spread out and settle down and thereby close any previously existing empty spaces therebetween.

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: An article of furniture including a recessed portion for accomodating a removable planter as well as a storage area or areas for receiving a plurality of diverse items.

Abstract: Apparatus for continuously and rapidly forming trays of highly uniform elastomeric soil plugs comprises means for continuously mixing a water-containing soil slurry with a water-reactive pre-polymer compound, means for supplying the soil slurry and the pre-polymer compound to the mixing means at respective controlled rates, and means for delivering the mixed soil slurry and pre-polymer compound to a dispensing station for dispensing into mold receptacles; the receptacles are disposed in a closed path and carried by transport means seriatim past the dispensing station. Releasable bias means biases a tray mold member against a base mold member within each receptacle so as to extrude soil-pre-polymer mixture into plug-molding cavities of the tray mold member. The bias means is released after the plugs within the tray mold member have cured.

Abstract: A cultivation ball is formed from at least one envelope, which is sealed or substantially sealed, containing the cultivation substrate; the plant is disposed in the ball, being separated from the substrate by at least one wall of the envelope or envelopes, and each envelope is made from a material through which the roots of the plant can pass once the ball has been set to grow. The substrate-containing envelope can be produced industrially at high rates of production, and is easily applied to the plant.

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

Abstract: This invention provides a container (10) for planting seeds or seedlings either manually, mechanically, or by air drop. The container (10) includes at least one tubular cone (22) formed by fluid hardened by freezing and having a tapered lower end (24), an open upper end (26), and an inner cavity for receiving soil (30) and a seed (80) or seedling (32).

Abstract: A helicopter mounts special dispensing containers, the dispensing containers supporting racks for stacking planting device transport and dispensing trays within which a series of planting devices are nested for discharge at an open end thereof. The planting devices constitute composite multi-section molded hollow cone bodies of powder molded urea-formaldehyde resin including one nutrient enriched section or band at the seedling side root area, the bodies carrying internally, a compacted growing medium within which is positioned a seedling either grown therein or transplanted therein. The bodies may bear a molded nose cone and may also bear by way of a collar, a propelling wing to increase the drive velocity of the body for forced penetration of the earth formation being planted. The individual planting devices are pushed from the planting device transport and dispensing trays at a rate depending upon the helicopter speed, altitude and planting density desired.

Abstract: Process and apparatus for the production of a seeded artificial growth medium comprises continuously feeding a flexible carrier sheet which may comprise a non-woven fibrous material or a sheet of foamed plastics material, applying seeds to the upper surface of the continuously moving sheet, moving a sheet of flexible foamed plastics material in synchronism with the carrier sheet, bringing the sheet of foamed plastics material into juxtaposition with the upper surface of the carrier sheet after application of the seeds and continuously adhering the sheets together, preferably by flame lamination.

Abstract: A hydroponic assembly in the form of a tray having spaced through-openings serving as growing stations, the tray being supported by a trough containing a body of nutrient solution. At each growing station there is a wafer of dry growing medium having a seed-receiving surface on its top side and having a wick communicating with its underside and extending downwardly into the nutrient solution, the growing medium being of the type capable of expanding three-dimensionally into a porous root-supporting block as the solution is fed via the wick by capillary action. The land surface surrounding each opening is formed into a well or receptacle for maintaining the porous block seated and generally aligned with the opening. A transparent cover of hollow inverted shape defines an enclosed space developing high humidity for sprouting of the seeds and growth of the resulting seedlings, the cover, tray and trough being interfitted.

Abstract: A planter adapted for small as well as large scale seed planting since the principal parts may be extruded or otherwise formed in any appropriate lengths, the planter being characterized particularly by having means for condensation and direction of the condensed soil water onto a limited area where the seeds are planted in a fertilized mulch, the planter producing hothouse conditions therewithin, base portions of the planter being self-destructing by reason of solution by soil water to prevent interference with root growth, and weed control being provided for by chemical weed retardant originally contained in aprons on each side of the planter, the lower layers of these aprons being soluble in soil water to release the chemical weed retardant.