Polymeric media amendment
OwnerDeborah L. Miller, John C. Millerinventors
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Abstract
A medium for enhancing growth and availability of water and nutrients during plant growth, comprising a synthetic resin and a support material, the resin consisting essentially of a substantially-linear, non-gelling, water-soluble polymer capable of forming a water absorbing network with the support material, such that the polymer is dispersed within the material upon exposure to water and retains and transports water and nutrients for seedling growth. Use of such polyacrylamides benefits growth by retaining water, reducing evaporation loss, improving yields and enhancing nutrient uptake.
Claims17
A medium for enhancing the growth of seedling transplants and availability of water and nutrients comprising a support material selected from the group consisting of peat moss, compost, reclaimed compost, vermiculite, bark, synthetic sponges, perlite and combinations thereof, having dispersed therewithin, a substantially linear water soluble polymer capable of forming a water retaining network with the support material, and which support material upon exposure to water and nutrients retains water and nutrients for seedling growth.
A method for promoting the development of seedling transplants comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a support material for plant growth selected from the group consisting of peat moss, compost, reclaimed compost, vermiculite, bark, synthetic sponges, perlite and combinations thereof;
- b) dispersing within said support material a substantially linear water soluble polymer capable of forming a water soluble network within said material;
- c) applying water and seeds to said material such that water and nutrients are absorbed by said polymer and the support media and are made more available for plant seedling growth, and then,
- d) germinating the seeds into seedling transplants.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.