Root growth barrier and method
AssigneeLacebark, Inc.
InventorCarl E. Whitcomb
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A root growth barrier and method for use with transplantable plants is provided. The barrier is a bilayer, comprising an inner layer of a root-tip-trapping material bonded to an outer layer of a root-impenetrable material . The inner layer faces the roots of a plant and serves to trap root tips to promote root branching. When a black or dark-colored inner layer is bonded to a white or light colored reflective outer layer, soil temperatures are lower and water retention is promoted. Such a barrier may be used as a freestanding container for plants or be manufactured into preformed rolls for use in plant pots and containers.
Claims65
A root growth barrier, comprising a layer of a root-tip-trapping material bonded to a layer of a root-impenetrable material.
An apparatus, comprising:
- a root-impenetrable container for growing a plant;
- and
- a root-tip-trapping material bonded to an inner wall of the container.
A method of growing a plant in a pot comprising the steps of:
- disposing a bilayer root growth barrier consisting essentially of a root-tip-trapping inner material bonded to a root-impenetrable material;
- disposing a growth medium adjacent to the root growth barrier;
- and
- adding a plant to the growth medium.
A method of growing a plant in-ground, comprising the steps of:
- placing growth medium in a container comprising a bilayer consisting essentially of a biodegradable root-impenetrable outer material bonded to an inner root-penetrable material;
- and
- adding a plant to the growth medium.
A root growth barrier, consisting essentially of:
- a layer of a root-tip-trapping material bonded to a layer of a root-impenetrable material.
A root growth barrier, comprising:
- a polymer sheet having a surface bonded to a porous fabric.
A root growth barrier, comprising:
- a polyethylene sheet;
- and
- a porous fabric layer bonded to a surface of the polyethylene sheet, wherein the porous fabric layer is selected from spun bonded and needle punched fabric, woven fabric, and knitted fabric.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.