초록 ▼

A novel mulch/medium/matrix method that stabilizes sods grown on a solid base in large rolls in contiguous beds is described. A vegetative or organic mulch is placed over a solid base which is typically plastic sheeting. A suitable growing medium is infiltrated into the mulch, filling the voids and

A novel mulch/medium/matrix method that stabilizes sods grown on a solid base in large rolls in contiguous beds is described. A vegetative or organic mulch is placed over a solid base which is typically plastic sheeting. A suitable growing medium is infiltrated into the mulch, filling the voids and interstices to produce a coherent matrix which is stable in severe thunderstorms. Seed or sprigs are placed into the matrix either before or after the application of the growing medium which is then irrigated, fertilized, and eventually mowed in the conventional manner. The primary rooting of the growing material intertwines the mulch/medium/matrix and binds and knits it into a sod. As the mulch gradually decomposes, it is replaced by primary rooting forming a thin, bona fide sod which can be one half the weight of a conventional mineral sod. The sod is harvested in large rolls, typically four feet wide and comprising 20-50 square yards. These big rolls are laid at the installation site by the grading tractor, obviating a fork lift, pallets, and a large laying crew characteristic of conventional sodding.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for producing and stabilizing sods having substantially less weight than conventional sods, the method comprising: (a) placing a layer of selected vegetative mulch upon a root impervious barrier sufficient to form a continuum, said mulch comprising an additional amount of a vegetative growi

A method for producing and stabilizing sods having substantially less weight than conventional sods, the method comprising: (a) placing a layer of selected vegetative mulch upon a root impervious barrier sufficient to form a continuum, said mulch comprising an additional amount of a vegetative growing material; said vegetative growing material selected from the group consisting of plugs, stolons, springs, and mild sod; (b) infiltrating a suitable growing medium into the interstices of the mulch to form a stable mulch/medium/matrix; (c) planting seeds into the mulch/medium/matrix; (d) applying a fine mulch to the top of the matrix to further stabilize the sod; (e) applying a nurse crop to the matrix for further stabilization; (f) allowing the seeds and vegetative planting material to produce primary rooting sufficient to bind the mulch/medium/matrix into a strong sod; (g) growing the sod sequentially in contiguous beds that are sized in economical units that lend themselves to daily production; (h) harvesting a sod.