Abstract: A novel agricultural mulch is disclosed comprising a paper substrate having coated thereon on the top and bottom side film forming latexes resistant to water permeability. The superior paper mulch according to the invention is degradable but possesses most of the beneficial aspects of polyethylene-type mulches.

Abstract: A soil conditioning composition is provided which is suitable as a direct substitute for sphagnum peat moss. The composition is composed primarily of waste paper products which have been processed to form small clumped particles. As such, the composition sufficiently exhibits the textural and physical properties of sphagnum peat moss, such that it can be readily mixed into soil in order to promote moisture retention in the soil, as well as enhance aeration of the soil. Furthermore, the composition includes bone meal as a primary constituent. The clumped particles and bone meal are processed such that the bone meal forms a cohesive layer over each of the individual clumped particles, so as to further promote the moisture-retention capability of the particles. Furthermore, the bone meal advantageously contributes fertilizer grade phosphorus the composition.

Abstract: An agricultural growth control device (2) includes an organic, biodegradable, layer (6) and an impermeable sheet (4) affixed to the underside of the organic layer to form a unitary ground collar (8). The ground collar defines at least one hole (10) to allow growth of a plant (P) therethrough while suppressing the growth of weeds or grass around the plant. The impermeable sheet is preferably formed from a slurry of cellulosic fiber and water and the organic layer is preferably formed from a slurry of fiber, water and finely chopped organic material, such as straw, manure, leaves or almond wood chips. The fiber and chopped organic material provide a semi-rigid mulch cover for suppressing weeds around the plant. The mulch cover is easily positioned around the plant and, once it is so disposed, will be relatively impervious to severe weather, such as heavy rainfall and winds. The chopped organic material, particularly almond wood chips, enhance the appearance of the mulch cover.

Abstract: Mulching system using opaque artificial mulching material (1) in perforated embodiments. Perforated embodiments have predetermined pattern of precisely spaced uniform holes (10) preperforated during manufacture. Preperforations allow pre-seeding before mulch is applied to effect weed prevention for densely planted wide row crops. Will also automatically provide proper spacing and eliminate need for thinning crop. Preperforation provides protection from root maggots. Some embodiments have abrasive substance (7) on top side, or abrasive substance (8) on bottom side, or on both sides to repel and destroy both slugs and snails. This is accomplished by abrasive substance (7 or 8) lacerating skin of slugs or destroying digestive tract through ingestion of abrasive substance (7 or 8), other embodiments can have weatherproof sticky substance-clear or insect attractant colored (11) applied to mulching material (1) and covered by removable protective film (9).

Abstract: A planting hole burning apparatus and method of forming a row of spaced planting holes through a plastic film positioned atop a seed growing bed. The apparatus includes ground engaging wheels which support a frame. A heat dispenser rotor is connected to the frame for rotation about an axis transverse to the direction of travel of the apparatus in use. The rotor is made to rotate at a speed proportional to the ground speed of the apparatus and such that a distal end of the rotor moves arcuately in very close proximity to the plastic film at the bottom of the arc. Gearing and rotor length are selected so that the arcuate speed of the distal end of the rotor during its rearward travel at the bottom portion of its swing is equal to the ground speed of the apparatus. Various means for heating one or more distal ends of the rotor for burning the planting holes through the plastic film while rotating in close proximity to the plastic film are provided.

Abstract: A system for injecting prehydrated hydrophilic polymer material into the ground includes a plurality of outlet nozzles which receive prehydrated hydrophilic polymer material from a supply tank and inject the material into the ground. Airless fluid ejector guns are connected to the outlet nozzles and control the flow of material through the nozzles. The prehydrated hydrophilic polymer material is pressurized by a powered piston pump and then delivered to the airless guns. The airless guns are actuated in a sequence which establishes a flow of pressurized prehydrated hydrophilic polymer material through some of the outlet nozzles while terminating flow of pressurized prehydrated hydrophilic polymer material through other of the outlet nozzles.

Abstract: A hydration system having one or more units (10, 10', 10") for providing a continuous flow of water to newly placed concrete has a plurality of spaced elongated soaker tubes (12) extending parallel to a longitudinal axis (14) of the unit. Respective manifold tubes (16-19) are attached to each end of soaker tubes (12) and a supply coupler (32) is in turn attached to the manifold tubes at one end of the unit and an additional coupler (34) is attached to the manifold tubes at the opposite end of the unit. An upper impervious layer (28) is disposed over the tubes (12, 16-19) and a lower pervious layer (28) is disposed under the tubes (12, 16-19). Layers (26, 28) are attached to each other along the outer periphery of the unit and on opposite sides of the tubes by rivets (30) or stitching (42).

Abstract: A vegetation barrier for the prevention of vegetation growth directly beneath and immediately around a fence. The barrier employs one or more barrier segments receivable beneath the lower edge of a fence. Each segment includes a first aperture disposed near one of its two longitudinal ends, and a second aperture disposed near the opposite longitudinal end of the segment. The apertures have different widths in the transverse direction, such that the segments are adapted to be used with fences constructed with posts having either of two sizes, such as the standardized sizes of about 15/8 inches and about 21/2 inches used in residential and commercial fence constructions. Multiple barrier segments can be installed on fences with differing spacing between posts by adjusting the amount of overlap between members.

Abstract: A biodegradable mulch product comprising sheets or finely divided particles of cellulosic fibrous material bonded together with a bonding agent comprising a water-based bonding adhesive and compressed to form a laminar layer, said compressed laminar layer being cut into mulch-size pieces that simulate natural tree mulches in appearance, density and rate of biodegradation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for controlling and preventing the growth of plant roots using a water-permeable, non-woven fabric made of synthetic fibers coated or otherwise impregnated with a water-insoluble polymeric binder in which is dispersed a water-insoluble inorganic copper compound in an amount effective to stop root growth. The polymeric binder is bound to the fabric and retains and confines the copper compound to the fabric. The coated fabric is used to stop or prevent the growth of undesirable rootlets or radicles which come in contact thereto.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a machine which is attached to the compactor to lay film over the face of a landfill. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a machine and the method for laying a polyolefin film over the face of a landfill and distributing available solids such as dirt, clay, gravel or other solid material inside the edges and across the surface of the film to hold the film against the face of the landfill.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a shallow ditch in wood shavings on the floor of a chicken house and laying a web of paper over the ditch while forcibly pushing the central portion of the web into the ditch with the remainder of the paper disposed at the shoulders of the ditch. The apparatus includes a plow depending downwardly from a frame and a beam pivoted to the frame which supports a wheel behind the plow. A roll of paper may be carried by spindles on the frame between the plow and the wheel. The wheel, in operation, is positioned on the upper surface of a web of paper unwound from the roll to permit the roll to unwind while simultaneously pushing the paper into the ditch.

Abstract: A method for preventing the growth of vegetation around structures extending from the ground is disclosed. The method consists of providing a substantially flat, flexible mat of a polymeric material having a substantially uniform thickness. An aperture is provided in the mat so that the mat can be positioned around a structure extending from the ground. A slit may also be formed in the mat to facilitate the positioning of the mat around the structure. The mat has a substantial weight to prevent lifting of the mat from the surface around the structure without staking or securing the mat to the structure or ground. Because the mat has a low profile or thickness, mowers may be easily passed over the mat without damaging the mat or the mower.

Abstract: A new and improved herb, vegetable, flower, and groundcover sod mat suitable for many landscape applications. The improvement comprises growing either plant seeds, seedlings, plant plugs, rooted cuttings, or root divisions in a planting medium so that the roots of the plant material entangle with a polyolefin sod reinforcement to form a tough, lightweight, flexible sod mat. The sod mat can be produced in many strengths and weights, with many diverse planting mediums, with multiple species of plants. The polyolefin sod reinforcement can contain prodegradants which promote environmental friendliness. Sod mat may be sold in rolls or rectangular mat.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a fertilizer and a process for producing the same which incorporates flyash, which is a by-product from the coal fired utility industry, with an organic fertilizing component comprising manure. The flyash and manure are mixed with the resulting mixture compressed by passing the mixture through a roller press thereby forming a sheet and then fracturing the sheet into chips or other particulate form. The water content of the mixture is controlled in an effort to produce particulates having high dry strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vegetation-inhibiting product for young plantings. The product includes paper sludge in a quantity of 30-99% by weight; composted organic waste in a quantity of 0.5-70% by weight; fiber material in a quantity of 0.1-20% by weight; and wood particles in a quantity of 0-70% by weight.

Abstract: New and improved sod mats of grasses, nutritional plants and ornamental plants have been developed for many garden and landscape applications. The improvement comprises growing plants whose roots penetrate and entangle with an improved nonwoven sod reinforcement to form versatile sod mats. Nonwoven sod reinforcements contain apertures to facilitate uniform water infiltration and root wetting. The sod mats can be produced with many diverse planting mediums and in both large and small sizes. Sod mats may be sod in rolls or in rectangular mats.

Abstract: An antibacterial and anti-pupation composition which includes at least 60 weight % shredded cortex of Japanese cedar, shredded cortex of Japanese cypress, or a mixture thereof; and a nonionic or anionic surfactant in an amount sufficient to maintain the cortex of Japanese cedar or Japanese cypress water-permeable and water-retentive when dry.

Abstract: Processed coconut outer husk chops, including coconut outer husk chops produced by compressing coconut outer husk at substantially right angle to the directions of coirs and chopping the compressed coconut outer husk. A reference sample of a resulting coconut outer husk chop which was left at 20.degree. C. at 50% relative humidity for three days contains 0.01-2 wt % tannin and 0.15-0.6 wt % Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3. Each processed coconut outer husk chop is sufficiently porous, and has a shape holding power, a good drainage, a low tannin content and a high iron content. A process for producing processed coconut outer husk chops is disclosed. The processed coconut outer husk chops are suited to a planting material, an inert medium for hydroponics and a microorganism propagating bed for propagating a decontaminating microorganism nurtured with a malodorous substance and trace pollutant in air.

Abstract: Process for producing novel mulching pellets from waste paper scrap by incorporating particulate water-insoluble, swellable, gel-forming polymer into the pellet-forming composition. The formed pellets swell and disintegrate after being spread and impregnated with water, to increase their area of ground-coverage, to release any included nutrients or seeds, and to deposit polymer particles having water-absorbing properties.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing and baling plastic webs from agricultural fields including a carriage, a conveyer for receiving and conveying a plurality of plastic webs with sufficient force to remove the webs from the ground, a guide for guiding the webs to the conveyer while removing substantial amounts of dirt and debris therefrom, a hopper for receiving the plastic webs from the conveyer, a baler for compacting the plastic webs into bales, and an hydraulic drive for driving the conveyer and the baler.

Abstract: A method for killing the parasite plant mistletoe and other photobiotic plants is disclosed. Opaque, heat-absorbing material is provided. The opaque, heat absorbing material is located about a parasitic plant and secured thereabout. The material is left about the plant until the plant dies from lack of light and from elevated temperatures. The material and the dead parasitic plant are then removed from the host plant.

Abstract: The laying of a vegetation mat in close contact with a clad surface is achieved. The vegetation mat has a net, which prevents freezing or flow-away of vegetation material without the need for stretching a separate net. The mat comprises a layer of vegetation material selected from the group consisting of soil improvement material, fertilizer, organic material, vegetation seeds and combinations thereof, a front and back sheet, which are capable of being at least partly decomposed and are coupled together to wrap the vegetation material. A net having a mesh size permitting the budding and growth of the vegetation seeds, is provided on the front surface of the front sheet.

Abstract: A sheet material, typically paper or cardboard, contains a natural, chemically untreated fibrous material and a secondary long-staple fiber material in a weight ratio comprised between (50-90):(10-50). It further contains fiber fines, at least one retention agent for these fines and at least one sheet strength improving agent. The sheet may be manufactured on paper making machines after preparing a mash from the components listed above and refining. The sheet material is intended to replace paper or cardboard normally made from chemically treated, expensive raw materials.

Abstract: A mulch pad in preformed or pourable state comprises a mixture of rubber granules, buffings, and fibers ground from used tires, a curable binder and coloring, catalyst and anti-gloss agents. Also, a U.V. light stabilizer and anti-oxidants can be added to the mixture. A preformed pad has a central trunk receiving aperture and a partially pre-cut, relockable slit which can be torn and then rejoined for disposition of the pad around a tree. The pad is porous and prevents moisture and air transmission to underlying root system while insulating them.

Abstract: New specialty sod mats are described. The sod mats use a nonwoven sod reinforcement of low strength to provide ease of handling, good sod mat propagation characteristics and easy dispersal into the soil by rototilling or other means when the mats are no longer useful as sods. Specialty sod mats of grasses, ornamental plants, and nutritional plants are disclosed. The method of propagation is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved ground cover. The ground cover is comprised of mulch and a binder. The mulch is molded into the shape desired and held together by the binder. The mulch is comprised of a plurality of small pieces. The binder surrounds the mulch and holds the mulch together. The mulch bound together is both gas and water permeable. Also, the bound mulch is biodegradable and harmless to soil and plants. The mulch may contain leachable plant nutriments. The mulch is opaque so as to retard weed growth and able to retain water.

Abstract: There is a need for degradable films, particularily in agricultural mulch applications. The present invention provides for films having a controlled life from 30 to 160 days. The film comprises photodegradable sheet material having a thickness from 0.1 to 10, preferably, from 0.2 to 5, most preferably from 0.3 to 1.0, mils and comprising a polyolefin sheet and from 50 to 1,000 parts per million of cerium salt of a C.sub.16-20 fatty acid and from 1,000 to 20,000 parts per million of titanium dioxide having a particle size less than 0.05 microns.

Abstract: A ground covering mat creating a safe working environment around certain pedestals containing electrical and/or telephone equipment and for preventing the growth of vegetation around ground-anchored structures in general. Such structures include fire hydrants, pedestals for containing telephone or electrical circuitry, and gas vents. The mat includes a main body defined by an outer perimeter. The mat is constructed from synthetic fibers saturated with a resin containing ultraviolet inhibitors and a fire-retardant. The mat is resilient so as to conform to the shape of the ground for which it covers. The mat is designed to be substantially non-biodegradable. In a preferred embodiment, the mat has a concentric series of scored profiles defining successively larger interior sections. The scored profiles facilitate a user in cutting a central open area corresponding in with the size of the ground anchored structure.

Abstract: A growth medium that is capable of supporting plant life includes a water retention component and soil. The water retention component can be a water retaining grain polish, bran or cut, short mineral wool fibers. A method of making the growth medium includes the steps of providing the water retention component and the soil, applying the water retention component to the soil and admixing the water retention component into the soil to distribute the water retention material within the soil to improve the water retaining capabilities of the soil. Vegetation matter, especially when mixed with animal excrement, will also contribute to the water retention property of the growth medium in addition to its slow release nutrient.

Abstract: Inclusion of a certain finely powdered by-product of the citrus fruit processing industry, notably a waste product consisting of processed peel, stems, seeds, and pulp, with relatively inexpensive, finely-powdered soluble iron sulfate [FeSO.sub.4 or Fe.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3 ] significantly improves the efficiency of iron source fertilizer materials for iron-sensitive plants growing on iron-deficient soils and can maintain supply of available iron to growing plants for substantially extended periods of time. These compositions may be band applied in powdered or granular form in or near the seed row at or prior to planting or spot placed in the root zone of growing plants in soil.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a synthetic cultivation medium comprised of fibrous glomerates and a method for manufacturing the same. Absent a soil component, the synthetic cultivation medium is manufactured from scrap, man-made textiles, chiefly those made from polyacrylonitrile or polyester fibers. In manufacturing the cultivation medium, scrap textiles are shredded into short fibers and chemically refined and bleached. Prior or subsequent to the chemical refinement and bleaching, the short fibers are agitated into glomerates of intertwined fibers.

Abstract: A new, improved herb, vegetable, flower, and groundcover sod mat suitable for many landscape applications. The improvement comprises growing either plant seeds seedlings, plant plugs, rooted cuttings or root divisions in a planting medium so that the roots of the plant material entangle with a nylon sod reinforcement to form a tough, lightweight, flexible sod mat. The sod mat can be produced in many strengths and weights, with many diverse planting mediums, with multiple species of plants. The nylon sod reinforcement will degrade if it is uncovered by some accident and exposed to sunlight. Sod mats may be sold in roll form or a rectangular mats.

Abstract: New sod mats are described. The sod mats are reinforced with a coherent sheet of stable fibers and degradable matrix material. The sod reinforcements are easy to manufacture and handle. The sod mats have good of handling characteristics, good sod mat propagation characteristics, good "shelf life" stability, and are more easily dispersed into the soil by rototilling or other means when the mats are no longer useful as sods. Sod mats of grasses, ornamental plants, and nutritional plants are disclosed. The method of propagation is disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a synthetic wood article formed as an irregularly shaped substrate. The substrate is made from at least one plastic and preferably from post-consumer plastics such as, for example, from disposed of PET bottles or PE trash bags. The article may have the appearance of a wood chip, bark, shredded wood, or sawdust. The substrate is formed by chipping, shredding, or pulverizing a solid piece of plastic which has been extruded. The substrate may have multi layers thereby presenting a wood grain appearance. A plurality of such articles may be used as a synthetic wood mulch.

Abstract: A device for mechanically checking the growth of noxious weeds within the growing containers of potted plants is shown. The device includes a mat of porous construction adapted to fit within the open top of a pot and engage a side wall thereof for inhibiting weed growth by shading the pot interior from light. A retainer, for positioning atop the mat, frictionally engages a side wall of the pot and retains the mat securely within the open top thereof. The pot may be provided with an overhanging and inwardly directed lip proximate the top of its side wall for engaging the retainer and locking such in place. In an alternative embodiment of the device, the retainer is formed as a ring, having an inverted U-shaped cross section, integrally joined to the outer edge of the mat for frictionally securing the mat to the pot. The device may also be provided with one or more chemical treatments such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, and fertilizers for promoting the growth of specified plant materials.

Abstract: A method for the improvement of appearance and performance characteristics of turf surfaces includes the steps of applying from about 0.1 to about 0.5 percent by weight of discrete fiber materials (14) selected from the group consisting of man-made fiber forming substances to turf growing and turf containing areas (10) and then working the discrete fiber materials into the areas. Working may allow a first portion of the fiber materials to be carried beneath the surface (11) of the area so as to promote reinforcement and anchoring of the turf (12) at the root zone level and a second portion to be at least partially exposed above the surface of the area, so as to remain visible with the turf. A related method for the improvement of appearance and performance characteristics of turf surfaces is also provided for turf propagated in previously barren surfaces.

Abstract: A plant carrier for cultivating plants, seedlings, seeds, or the like, has at least one layer of plant-growing material, an upper layer of natural fiber, and a lower layer of natural fiber sandwiching the plant growth layer in between, and thread means for stitching and sewing the upper and lower natural fibers layers together is improved by natural fiber layer means combining the upper and lower fiber layers along at least portions of their edges to produce a hose-like cover that is filled with said plant layer of plant growing material.

Abstract: A netting of cords which are connected to each other by knots or in any other suitable way carries seedlings in the form of sprouted or unsprouted seeds which are confined in and/or otherwise at least partly embedded in and/or simply adhere to the cords. The cords can further carry particles of fertilizer and/or the cords can consist at least in part of decomposable material which then serves as a fertilizer for the seedlings. The netting is spread out over a selected piece of at least partially denuded flat, horizontal or hilly land and is or can be anchored to the ground. The thus applied netting is then watered and/or fertilized or is simply exposed to the elements to promote sprouting and further growth of the seedlings.

Abstract: Disclosed are improvements relating to injection of water-absorbent polymers, including a blend containing fine granules, using one or more air-blown, plowblade applicators. The process creates a "blanket" of moisture-retaining particles for the plant roots. A further aspect of the invention includes drawing a plowblade through the soil at an appropriate shallow angle and speed to establish a wave in the soil, together with the use of a deflector and control over the air pressure, all of which maximizes diffusion and distribution of the injected particles.

Abstract: A mulch product and method of making same wherein the resultant mulch product includes a shredded fine portion, a bulky portion, and a stringy binding portion. When water soaks through the distributed mulch product, a relatively impervious mat is formed which is resistant to ordinary environmental effects. The mulch is preferable manufactured from an insect and rot resistant wood. The mulch product is manufactured using a swinging hammer type of wood hog using a surrounding screen having a plurality of holes of not less than approximately 2 inches across.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the quality of fruits and vegetables grown on trees and/or on plants by covering a substantial portion of the soil surrounding the plant or tree with a spunbonded nonwoven film-fibril sheet material that has been produced by a flash-spinning process. Preferably, the sheet comprises a plexifilamentary film-fibril sheet fabricated from a polyolefin such as polyethylene or polypropylene. When the spunbonded nonwoven film-fibril sheet material is used in this manner, it unexpectedly enhances fruit quality by providing excellent water resistance, moisture vapor permeability and air permeability.

Abstract: A flat weed guard cover system is presented which has at least two pieces. Each separate cover has a cut-out section and one or more flaps near the cut-out section. In use, a first weed guard cover is placed around a vertical structure with the structure protruding through the cut-out section and the flaps surrounding the vertical structure. A second cover section is then placed over the first with the vertical structure again protruding through the cut-out section of the second cover and the flaps of the second cover on top of the flaps of the first cover. The flaps may be sealed together by Epoxy glue or any other suitable manner. The edges of the cover may be secured to the ground by means of landscape staples. Different geometric shapes and different positions for the cut-out are also presented. The covers inhibit growth of weeds or other plant material around the vertical structure.

Abstract: A seed delivery device comprises a flat, flexible seed of bio-degradable material, a plurality of apertures formed through said sheet to present a waffle-like configuration to allow passage of water and sun therethrough, and a plurality of seeds bonded to one side of said sheet between said apertures, wherein said sheet may be positioned adjacent the earth to cause growth of the seed through the sheet. The seed delivery device is formed of paper-mache, wherein said apertures are rectangular, symmetrically positioned relative to one another, and tapered. The seed delivery device also comprises nutrients impregnated into said sheet.

Abstract: A new method of preparing a new aminoureaformaldehyde fertilizer composition which exhibits high cold water insoluble nitrogen (CWIN) levels and high Availability Indices (AI). The method utilizes the discoveries that ammonia compounds, usually ammonium salts, inhibit the urea-formaldehyde polymerization reaction and decrease the formation of hot water insoluble nitrogen (HWIN), and that the ammonium compounds take part in the reaction to form controlled release compounds which are both cold water soluble and insoluble. The process is carried out at elevated temperatures between 60 and 125.degree. F., so that it may be completed in an order of magnitude less time than either the dilute or concentrated conventional commercial ureaform processes, requiring between 2 and 20 minutes for completion. In the process, between 3 and 25 percent of the total nitrogen is supplied as ammonia nitrogen with the remainder from urea, respective formaldehyde to urea to ammonia mol ratio is 1.0, between 1.0 and 2.

Abstract: Turf can be grown by mixing an artificially-granulated soil and turfgrass seeds, sprinkling the resultant seed-soil mixture on a ground and then covering a surface of the thus-sprinkled mixture with an artificially-granulated soil of the same type as the first-mentioned artificially-granulated soil to a thickness at least equal to the average grain size of the seeds but not greater than 5 mm. The artificially-granulated soils contain 0.01-2.00 wt. % of a fertilizer as calculated in terms of effective components of the fertilizer, is pH 6-7 and has an average grain size 0.5-1.5 times the average grain size of the turfgrass seeds. To prepare the seed-soil mixture, the soil is mixed with the turfgrass seeds at a rate of 30-300 g of the soil per gram of the seeds. The seed-soil mixture may be subjected to germination-hastening treatment before being sprinkled on the ground.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the compostability of waste products (i.e., products which have been discarded after use such as diapers) containing one or more propylene polymer materials by exposure to high-energy ionizing radiation in an oxidizing atmosphere, such as air, to improve the rate of the biological degradation of the propylene polymer material(s). The irradiated waste product is then contacted with living microorganisms in the presence of sufficient moisture for their growth and of an oxygen-containing gas to produce a useful compost humus.

Abstract: A mat with seed is produced by adhering turf seeds onto a nonwoven fabric. Water-soluble adhesives are prevented from being absorbed by the nonwoven fabric to ensure uniform turf surfaces of good appearance. The water-soluble nonwoven fabric is superior in dispersibility, and comprises long fibers having a reduced width and bound with a binder comprising a water-soluble resin and a very small quantity of water repellent reagent such that the long fibers are intertwined in one direction only by foams of water-soluble starch material having a diameter of 7 mm or less.

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

Abstract: An erosion control blanket is made of recycled, biodegradable slit and expanded sheets of paper. A plurality of layers are provided and are oriented such that the slope of the baffles in the grid pattern of the paper may be disposed in a positive or negative direction relative to the slope. The upper layers promote runoff of water for reducing erosion. The lower layers trap the water which passes through the blanket, passing it into the soil, and trap loose soil particles. The open grid pattern provided by the slit and expanded paper provides ample air space for promoting the germination and growth of seeds.