Abstract: An engineered wood based soil mulch product is described that is a blend of geometrically regular wood elements. The blend has at least two components that differ by at least one dimension. Element length is within the range of about 50-300 mm with a maximum width of about 30 mm. The product is preferably formed from wood veneer having a maximum thickness of about 7.5 mm. Individual elements may be formed as long strands, as rectangles, other polygons, or with curvilinear edges. Mixtures of elements having differing geometric form are acceptable and in some cases advantageous.

Abstract: A mulch for use in association with the germination of seed comprising paper particles and corn particles. The paper and corn particles are intimately mixed into a substantially uniform mulch. The mulch may be compressed into a pellet form. Additionally, the invention includes a method of manufacturing the mulch.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a multi-purpose functional agricultural mulching paper is disclosed. The method comprises steps of (a) providing a papermaking material, (b) treating the papermaking material to form a cleaned paper pulp, and (c) adding at least one functional additive into the cleaned paper pulp and treating the cleaned paper pulp to form the multi-purpose functional agricultural mulching paper. The multi-purpose functional agricultural mulching paper of the present invention can be applied in week control, pest control, bacterial control, plant disease control, growing seedling, fertilizer supply and seed sowing to increase the economic benefits.

Abstract: Seed tape (1) for a controlled germinating process is made of at least two paper layers (1′ and 1″) and is intended to be used while placed edgewise. Each germinating unit includes a seed (5), additives (6) and a carrier (8). Each germinating unit (1a, 1b, 1c, 1d) is formed as a planar member. The longitudinal axis of each planar member extends substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the tape. The additives are places in discrete locations around the seed. The seed, the additives and the carrier are adhered to the inner face of at least one paper layer (1′), which is air-permeable. A narrow stripe (10) of water-absorbing, super-absorbing polymer (SAP) is placed on the adhesive layer of at least one paper layer (1′ or 1″). The resulting seed tape is particularly suited for providing a controlled moist microclimate around the seeds during a two-step germinating process.

Abstract: An engineered wood based soil mulch product is described that is a blend of geometrically regular wood elements. The blend has at least two components that differ by at least one dimension. Element length is within the range of about 50-300 mm with a maximum width of about 30 mm. The product is preferably formed from wood veneer having a maximum thickness of about 7.5 mm. Individual elements may be formed as long strands, as rectangles, other polygons, or with curvilinear edges. Mixtures of elements having differing geometric form are acceptable and in some cases advantageous.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multilayer plastic sheeting designed for mulching and/or as a barrier for retaining treating agents, particularly soil sterilants, and for preventing said treating agents from being diffused in the atmosphere. In accordance with the invention, the covering sheet comprises a layer of polyamide or of mixtures of pure polyamides or of mixtures of a polyamide and one or more different polymers or of mixtures of several polyamides and one or more different polymers. Multilayer structures may be also provided in which at least one of the two outermost layers consists of at least one sheet, film, or the like of polyamide, or of mixtures of pure polyamides, or of mixtures of a polyamide and one or more different polymers or of mixtures of several polyamides and one or more different polymers.

Abstract: A protective heat absorbing and heat reflective composite comprising an open mesh weave of thermoplastic material, the weave having warp and weft strips forming a substantially thin uniform layer having opposed major surfaces, the layer having on one surface thereof a heat absorbing lace coating and on the other surface thereof a heat reflective discontinuous or intermittent coating.

Abstract: A pellet formed from coconut coir can be used for a variety of purposes including absorbing spilled liquids, as an animal litter, as a soil conditioner and as a seed carrier, growth medium. Preferably, the pellets are made from at least 50 percent by volume coconut coir and may include an additive such as a binding agent, a fertilizer, an insecticide, a weed killer, a fire enhancer, clay and seeds. The pellets allow for easier transport of the coir and for more controlled application of coconut coir to a predetermined site.

Abstract: A mulch composition having extended moisture retention time and a method for use thereof are provided. In a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a hydro mix moisturizing agent is added to a seeded mulch. The preferred embodiment comprises 93.95% of water, 5.85% of mulch, and 0.2% moisturizing agent by weight as a percentage of the weight of the water used, and fertilizer and seed in any selected amounts. In this preferred embodiment, the moisturizing agent comprises a cellulose gum, a cross-linker, and a surfactant. The moisturizing agent retains water in the mulch composition and releases water into the soil surface at a controlled rate while binding together the mulch composition. Moisture is retained for a longer amount of time than the prior art mulch compositions to promote maximum seed germination. The mulch composition according to the present invention additionally provides effective dust and erosion control properties.

Abstract: A method is provided for mulching an agricultural soil bed using a biodegradable protein mulch material. The method includes the preparation of a film forming solution of a film forming protein material. The film forming protein solution is then sprayed directly onto a surface of an agricultural soil bed. The solution dries to form a thin film of protein material on the surface of the agricultural soil bed. The protein material may comprise a plant protein, a milk protein, an animal protein, a whey protein, casein, an egg protein or gelatin. Following a harvest, the mulch material, which is biodegradable, may simply be plowed under.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflective plant treatment material comprising at least one pigment and having high reflectance of UV (280-400 nm), visible (400-700 nm) and near infrared (700-800 nm) radiation, but allowing at least part transmission of radiation of 800-2500 nm, and to use of the material and method of treating plants.

Abstract: A plant-protection mat, particularly in the form of a perforated disk which, in the use position above the root bale of a plant, is intended as soil covering. The perforated disk is formed from a coconut fiber nonwoven having coconut fibers bonded by latex. The coconut fibers of the perforated disk, on the one hand, are fixed by way of contour-forming stiffening edges and, on the other, the perforated disk in the region of the upper and lower covering zones, has pore structures with different opening widths.

Abstract: Accelerated degradation of mulching paper, formed from cellulose fibers impregnated with a hydrophobic resin to provide weather resistance, comprises spraying the paper with an enzyme solution which degrades both the resin and the cellulose.

Abstract: A substrate comprising a paper layer and at least one biodegradable polymer layer extruded thereon is provided. The paper layer may have an extruded polymer layer on each side, it may have multiple polymer layers extruded on one side, or both. Additives appropriate for the particular use of the substrate may be added to one or more of the polymer layers.

Abstract: A ground-cover for protecting the ground and crops growing thereon and a method for making the ground-cover is provided. The ground-cover is formed by an opaque layer matching the shape of the ground, comprising natural, vegetable or animal fibers, opaque to light, optionally with at least an opacifier, and a biodegradable binder with an aqueous base to agglomerate the fibers and the opacifier.

Abstract: A mulch film for enhancing agricultural growth is disclosed. A layer of aluminum is vacuum metallized on a surface of a polymeric film substrate. The substrate is preferably black or white. The substrate is preferably a monolayer or a coextruded layer. In one embodiment, the polymeric film substrate is formed by coextrusion of a high density and a low density polyurethane. The substrate preferably has a thickness of at least 1.0 mil. There are also disclosed embodiments of the invention where stripes or portions of the substrate are intentionally shielded from having a layer of aluminum deposited thereon in various configurations. In yet another embodiment, substantially all of the surface of the substrate is vacuum metallized with a layer of aluminum. In yet another embodiment, the substrate is a transparent polymeric film having a color. Additionally, there is disclosed a method of forming the embodiments of the invention as described above.

Abstract: An artificial pine needle used as a synthetic ground cover comprised of an extruded monofilament strand having a substantially C-shaped cross section. The artificial pine needle consists of a blend of polyolefin resin material, such as biodegradable recycled polypropylene, and additive for imparting proper color, luster, and effective resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Additional concentrates may be added for imparting scents such as pine or citronella, and coatings on the inward surface of the artificial needle may be applied to provide a means for delivering fertilizers or pesticides.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric, multilayer, photoselective film for use in agriculture, comprising at least two layers, an upper layer facing the sky an a lower layer facing the ground, each of the layers being of a different color, and each being light-transmissive, wherein the upper layer is of a color which repels insects, and the lower layer is of a color whereby the solar radiation transmitted by the film and reaching the ground is of such a spectral composition as will largely deprive weeds of essential photosynthetically active radiation, while having a spectral component that will be absorbed by, and will heat, the ground.

Abstract: An artificial seedbed is disclosed comprising a foundation of virgin, re-processed or waste pulp formed by an aqueous based compression system, a dry non-woven air-blown system containing a cellulose-based binder or adhesive or a dry non-woven needle punched system containing a cellulose-based binder or adhesive. The seedbed can contain seeds, fertilizers, growth hormones, hydrogels, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, or any other additive to promote the germination and the growth of the seeds and surrounding landscape.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a mulch and an herbicide (i.e., dithiopyr) useful for weed control.

Abstract: Aggregates of cellulose-containing particles, such as particles of waste paper and optional other vegetation or waste particles are used as a carrier for additives such as insecticides, herbicides, fertilizers and nutrients. The particles permits a “timed release” of the additives. The particles can be employed as a building insulation to prevent infestations of roaches, termites, ant, or other insects in the building when they contain insecticides. The particles can also be employed to promote revegetation of denuded areas, such as highway right of ways when they contain fertilizers and nutrients.

Abstract: A protective heat absorbing and heat reflective composite comprising an open mesh weave of thermoplastic material, the weave having warp and weft strips forming a substantially thin uniform layer having opposed major surfaces, the layer having on one surface thereof a heat absorbing lace coating and on the other surface thereof a heat reflective discontinuous or intermittent coating.

Abstract: Accelerated degradation of mulching paper, formed from cellulose fibers impregnated with a hydrophobic resin to provide weather resistance, comprises spraying the paper with an enzyme solution which degrades both the resin and the cellulose.

Abstract: A mating disruption method for the control of insect pests comprises releasing a sex pheromone in a field wherein an adsorption of the sex pheromone to a soil in the field is decreased.

Abstract: A synthetic grass surface includes widely spaced rows of ribbons projecting from a flexible backing sheet. Thermal regulating means are attached to the backing sheet in the spaces between the rows of the ribbons. A relatively thick infill layer is disposed on the top of the backing sheet, thereby burying the thermal regulating means and holding the ribbons upright. The infill layer may include a growing medium for plant growth. In one embodiment, electric cables are integrated into the synthetic grass surface in order to heat the surface for de-icing or to maintain plant root warmth. In another embodiment, perforated flexible pipes are integrated into the synthetic grass surface to moisten the surface, thereby cooling the surface when the moisture evaporates. The thermal regulating system of the invention is energy-efficient and economical to install and operate.

Abstract: A substrate comprising a paper layer and at least one biodegradable polymer layer extruded thereon is provided. The paper layer may have an extruded polymer layer on each side, it may have multiple polymer layers extruded on one side, or both. Additives appropriate for the particular use of the substrate may be added to one or more of the polymer layers.

Abstract: A mulch for use in association with the germination of seed comprising paper particles and corn particles. The paper and corn particles are intimately mixed into a substantially uniform mulch. The mulch may be compressed into a pellet form. Additionally, the invention includes a method of manufacturing the mulch.

Abstract: Bark chips articles for use as mulch for houseplants. A mulch composition is formed of Douglas Fir bark that has been chipped to have a longest dimension in the range of about 0.5 cm to about 3 cm (averaging a length of about 1 cm). The bark chips have been treated chemically so that they will not float when doused with water. A process of making the mulch composition includes selection of appropriate bark material from which the chips are to be formed, chipping the bark, and sterilizing it prior to one or more chemical treatment processes.

Abstract: An artificial pine needle used as a synthetic ground cover comprised of an extruded monofilament strand having a substantially C-shaped cross section. The artificial pine needle consists of a blend of polyolefin resin material, such as biodegradable recycled polypropylene, and additive for imparting proper color, luster, and effective resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Additional concentrates may be added for imparting scents such as pine or citronella, and coatings on the inward surface of the artificial needle may be applied to provide a means for delivering fertilizers or pesticides.

Abstract: A mulch for use in association with the germination of seed comprising paper particles and corn particles. The paper and corn particles are intimately mixed into a substantially uniform mulch. The mulch may be compressed into a pellet form. Additionally, the invention includes a method of manufacturing the mulch.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sprayable self sustaining mulch for protecting crops comprising an aqueous based mixture based on a sprayable vegetable filler and a binder consisting of poly(vinylalcohol). The composition is applied by spray means to form a protective layer on the soil.

Abstract: A landscape fabric is disclosed that maximizes the use of natural and irrigated water. The landscape fabric includes at least one layer of fluid pervious material, and a plurality of hydration dams attached to the surface of the pervious material. The hydration dams capture irrigation and natural water run-off, which provides more efficient moisture control to the underlying surface and landscape plantings.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflective plant treatment material comprising at least one pigment and having high reflectance of UV (280-400 nm), visible (400-700 nm) and near infrared (700-800 nm) radiation, but allowing at least part transmission of radiation of 800-2500 nm, and to use of the material and method of treating plants.

Abstract: Composite material for the screening of radiation, comprising a polymer, an additive and the customary stabilizers and processing aids necessary for the particular polymer. The additive is preferably an interference pigment.

Abstract: A hydrotalcite compound which has the excellent ability to absorb infrared rays and has excellent light transmission when contained in an agricultural film; a process for producing the compound; and an infrared absorber and an agricultural film both containing the compound. The hydrotalcite compound is characterized by retaining as the interlayer anions at least one kind of anions selected among ions of silicon-, phosphorus-, and boron-containing polymeric oxyacids and another kind of anions.

Abstract: A novel device, system and method for promoting the growth, development and harvest of desired plants while suppressing the growth of weeds is described. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is a tapered container with an opening at the upper, wider end of the device and an opening at the lower, narrower end of the device. The device also has one or more openings along the surface of the device between the upper end and the lower end. In an exemplary embodiment of the method, a bag of growing medium is placed over the ground and a device is inserted into the bag so that the lower end penetrates both sides of the bag and enters the ground below and the opening at the lower end communicates with the ground. The opening at the upper end of the device should be at or above the upper surface of the bag and at least one or more openings in on the surface of the device should be in communication with the growing medium contained within the bag.

Abstract: Compressed mixtures of blends of coconut coir pith and selected horticulturally acceptable non-coir/non-peat materials such as composted yard waste; composted bark; composted manure; sand; peat humus; composted agricultural waste; composted animal byproducts; treated sewage sludge; animal and/or vegetable-based landfill waste; wood and lignocellulose derivatives; vermiculite; perlite, glass beads; foamed plastics, and mixtures thereof are prepared in a manner such that, upon decompression, a total volume of decompressed coir pith and decompressed non-coir/non-peat material is produced which exceeds the sum of the initial volumes of coconut coir pith and non-coir/non-peat material in the blends.

Abstract: The invention provides an aqueous soil treatment composition comprising water and, (a) a calcium compound, (b) a water-soluble anionic polymer which has intrinsic viscosity of less than 30 dl/g and is formed from water-soluble monomer or monomer blend of which less than 40% by weight is anionic monomer.

Abstract: A sheet for sprouting of grass seed and for safeguarding early grass growth and an improved mat containing such sheet for growing lawns or other vegetation on soil. The sheet for sprouting of grass seeds has an upper layer of a transparent vinyl plastic or polyethylene which has a plurality of specifically sized ventilation openings. The ventilating openings are varied, depending upon the sowing season of the grass seeds, from approximately 3.5 cm to 4.5 cm distance apart, and 9 mm to 15 mm in diameter. A plurality of sheets exist below the vinyl sheet and a comprised of a viscous cellulose fiber sheet, a planting sheet containing the seeds and fertilizer and a fibrous ground protective sheet. Optionally, a further sheet may be added for weed or insect control, and some of the sheets may be in combined form.

Abstract: A process for reducing an existing landfill includes the steps of digging up solid waste deposited in the existing landfill, removing plastic made garbage bags to dispose the solid waste packed therein, removing recyclable material from the solid waste, shipping out the recyclable material to a recycling plant, separating nondecomposable material and decomposable material from the solid waste, composting the decomposable material, and disposing of the nondecomposable material.

Abstract: Completely biodegradable mulch products which form a mechanically-bonded yet open fiber mulch matrix contain natural fibers and interlockable crimped natural fibers, the crimped natural fibers being crimped by a process which induces a water-resistant permanent crimp.

Abstract: Flaked mulch products having a density similar to that of seed which is to be established, comprise an agglomerated and compacted natural raw material whose density is adjusted to within 50% of the seed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reflective plant treatment material comprising at least one pigment and having high reflectance of UV (280-400 nm), visible (400-700 um) and near infrared (700-800 nm) radiation, but allowing at least part transmission of radiation of 800-2500 nm, and to use of the material and method of treating plants.

Abstract: A mulching structure for covering the soil around the stem of a growing plant and over the roots thereof to screen sunlight from the adjacent soil and thus minimize the growth of weeds. The mulching structure also allows water from irrigation or rain to flow therethrough to the soil. The mulching structure includes a first wall made out of a substantially impermeable material. The first wall is provided with a first wall aperture extending therethrough. The mulching structure also includes a second wall made out of a substantially impermeable material. The second wall has a second wall aperture extending therethrough. A wall spacing structure extends between the first and second walls for maintaining the latter in a spaced relationship relative to each other. The mulching structure is so configured as to allow through flow of the water between the first and second wall apertures while preventing through passage of the light rays from the first wall outer surface to the second wall outer surface.

Abstract: A mat for use in horticultural applications is formed of shredded paper. The mat is formed by treating the paper with an adhesive, depositing the paper onto a conveyor, compressing the paper between rollers, and drying the paper using dryers. The mat may also incorporate seed or other additives such as fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.

Abstract: A method of treating plant biomass material involves treating the material with sesquioxide mineral forming constituents to form protective coatings on surfaces of the material and to alter the bulk physical and chemical properties of the treated material. The material is treated with an aqueous solution of soluble iron and/or aluminum thus improving microbial stability and quality of the materials.

Abstract: Biodegradable, agricultural mulches are prepared by coating paper with a cross-linked drying oil or a cross-linked, functionally modified drying oil. These mulches are inexpensive to produce, and are also water-resistant, mechanically stable and highly effective as weed barriers. The reactivities of various drying oils permit the development of a broad spectrum of coating systems and coating properties. In one embodiment of the invention, it is contemplated to complete cross-linking of coated paper in the field through either oxidative or photoinitiated processes.

Abstract: A method and machine for changing or renewing the color and/or light reflection, transmission, and absorption characteristics of an existing layer of synthetic agricultural mulch or prolonging the usefulness of the existing mulch by applying a layer of new mulch to the pre-existing mulch in a cultivated field using heat welding/fusion or adhesive or mechanical fastening for attachment of new mulch to existing mulch and at least one blower for clearing debris from the existing mulch prior to application of new mulch, with the machine being able to be drawn by a tractor, laborer, or draft animal.

Abstract: A landscaping dressing for application to spread mulch, pine needles, and similar natural fiber soil covering comprising a blend of linseed oil and soybean oil. The dressing will restore faded mulch and reduce fading of fresh mulch. Plant derived oils such as eucalyptus and neem oil may be included in the dressing.

Abstract: Mulch mat comprising an air and water-permeable, light-impermeable, open celled, composite of granular material and biodegradable fibers in a binder matrix prepared from a foam precursor. Disclosed biodegradable fibers include cellulosic fibers such as shredded wood, straw, shredded paper, wood pulp, cotton fiber, shredded corn stalks and moss; protein fibers such as hair and gelatin; and synthetic polymer such as vinyl polymer fibers and polyamide fibers. Disclosed granular material includes milled hard vegetation such as corn cob, nut shells, seed hulls, seeds, bark and gourds; soil builders such as vermiculite, perlite, sand, diatomaceous earth and gypsum; nutrients such as nitrate compounds, potassium compounds and phosphorus compounds; soil conditioners such as limestone, sulfur and iron sulfate. Useful binders include polysaccharides, polyglycosides, vegetable gums, vinyl polymers, waxes and crosslinkable oils. Useful surfactants include saponin, e.g. extract of Yucca shidigera, and amine surfactants.