AU2015100419A4 - Erosion control and growth medium - Google Patents

Abstract

Erosion control and growth medium Abstract An erosion control and growth medium (14) comprising more than 5% by weight of a coco derived product (10, 12). Add water to hydro-mulcher IF_ 10 Add coir fibres to hydro-mulcher ________IF_________ 12 14 Add coco peat to hydro-mulcher Add tackifier to hydro-mulcher 15 Add seeds to hydro-mulcher 16 Add fertiliser to hydro-mulcher Spray erosion control and growth medium on ground

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 Innovation Patent Specification Title: Erosion control and growth medium Applicant(s): Aussie Erosion Pty Ltd Inventor(s): Stephen Berry Agent: © COTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys The following is a full description of the invention which sets forth the best method known to the applicant of performing it.

2 Erosion control and growth medium Technical Field [0001] The present disclosure relates to an erosion control and growth medium. In particular, the present invention relates to an erosion control and growth medium for use in both residential and commercial applications. Background of the Invention [0002] Erosion can be caused by various forces such as water flow, rain, wind, construction or other such natural or man-made forces. [0003] Erosion control and ground stabilisation are important in various applications to prevent deterioration and shifting of the upper surface of the earth, and to encourage the growth of vegetation such as grass. [0004] In locations where the soil is sandy, friable or otherwise unstable, it can be difficult to control erosion. This can occur for several reasons. For example, predominantly sand based earth provides sub-optimal support for most plant life, and even if plants can be chosen which can survive in a predominantly sandy soil mix, the roots are often unable to sufficiently bind the soil together, in order to prevent wind and rain driven erosion. [0005] It can be particularly difficult to achieve soil or ground stabilisation in certain conditions such as locations where the terrain is steeply sloping. Such sloping terrain provides additional problems for stabilisation, and the pronounced effects of water run-off can act to erode and dramatically change the shape of the land in a short period of time. [0006] Rain drops are known to act quickly to erode a soil strata which is not protected by an upper vegetation layer, such as a lawn. Even a single heavy rain event can cause a large amount of damage in a relatively short period of time. [0007] In sporting fields, parks and other such lawn covered spaces, it can be difficult to maintain full and thick lawn coverage, especially in locations of high pedestrian traffic, such as around football goals, and cricket pitches. Once the grass has been damaged by overuse, the ability for the grass to regenerate can be significantly inhibited by continued foot traffic, or repeated sporting use, especially in wet or muddy conditions.

3 [0008] When the top soil is eroded, the ability for subsequent vegetation to regrow can be significantly hampered, as the nutrient rich top soil is generally the most supportive layer for vegetation. The process of mechanically adding a new layer of nutrient rich top soil is cost and labour intensive, and obtaining a quality, smooth surface can be particularly difficult. [0009] In addition, the risk of further damage due to other rain events is significant if the underlying cause of the erosion has not adequately been addressed. [0010] There are various mechanical stabilisation structures which can be installed on top of the ground. Such structures often include a flexible plastic matrix or wire mesh arrangement. Such stabilisation devices can be effectively employed to prevent rock fall and subsidence. However, they are generally of limited effectiveness against soil loss. In addition, such stabilisation techniques are typically costly to purchase and install. [0011] Erosion control mats and blankets are available to protect soil loss due to erosion. Such mats are generally fabricated from natural fibres or polymers. Whilst erosion control matting can assist to reducing erosion, the products are typically costly and time consuming to install. [0012] Hydro-seeding or hydro-mulching is a planting process that involves spraying a slurry of mulch and vegetation seeds in a mixture over a surface where planting, such as a lawn, is desired. This provides a mulch base for the seeds to grow in, and hence improves the likelihood of the seeds growing. In addition, before the vegetation becomes well established, and bonded to the topsoil layer, the hydro-mulch provides some erosion protection. Object of the Invention [0013] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative. Summary of the Invention [0014] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an erosion control and growth medium comprising: more than 5% by weight of a coco derived product. [0015] The coco derived product preferably includes coco-peat and coir fibres, further wherein the coco-derived product is adapted to be mixed with fertiliser and/or seeds and/or a bonding agent and/or water.

4 [0016] The erosion control and growth medium preferably includes: between about 5% percent and 40%percent by weight coco-peat; and between about 95% percent and 60% percent by weight coir fibres. [0017] The length of each coir fibre is preferably between about 5 mm and 30 mm. [0018] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of producing an erosion control and growth medium, the method including the steps of: loading coco-peat into a hydro-mulcher; loading coir fibres into the hydro-mulcher; adding seeds to the hydro-mulcher; adding a bonding agent to the hydro-mulcher; adding fertiliser to the hydro-mulcher; and mixing the contents of the hydro-mulcher. Brief Description of the Drawings [0019] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which: [0020] Fig. 1 is schematic flow diagram depicting a process for preparing and applying an erosion control and growth medium. Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments [0021] Coir fibres 10 are a natural fibre which are extracted from between the internal shell and the outer skin of a coconut. Coir fibres 10 are typically between about 10 cm to 30 cm in length. There are two varieties of coir fibres 10. Namely, brown and white coir fibres 10. Brown coir fibre 10 is harvested from ripened coconuts and is thick, strong and abrasion resistant. Brown coir fibre 10 contains more lignin and less cellulose than fibres such as cotton, so are stronger but less flexible. In contrast, white coir fibre 10 is harvested from coconuts before they are ripe. The white coir fibre 10 is white or light brown in colour and is smoother and finer. The present invention may utilise either white or brown coir fibres 10. [0022] Coir fibre 10 is inherently rich in sodium and potassium. Accordingly, coir fibre 10 may be treated before horticultural use by soaking the fibre in a calcium solution. [0023] Coco-peat 12, also known as coir pith or coir dust, is a further product derived from coconut husks. Coir waste from coir fibre industries is washed, heat-treated, screened and graded before being processed into coco peat 12 products of various granular sizes and denseness. Coco-peat 12 is typically processed into compressed blocks or briquettes, which 5 are best suited for handling and transportation. Coco-peat 12 provides a water holding capacity of approximately 63% by weight, which is a significant improvement when compared to standard soil having only around a 20% by weight water holding capacity. [0024] The above described coconut derived products, namely coir fibre 10 and coco-peat 12 are combined in a hydro-mulch 14, which (along with other ingredients) produces an erosion control and growth medium 14. The erosion control and growth medium 14 preferably includes at least 5% of the coconut derived product, (namely coir fibre 10 or coco-peat 12). [0025] The erosion control and growth medium 14 provides a bonded fibre matrix which defines a continuous layer of elongated fibre strands which are held together by a bonding agent 15 (tackifier-glue). A suitable tackifier may include guar, polyacrilimyde, co-polymers or bio-degradable glues. [0026] The fibre length of the coir fibre 10 is preferably in the range of 0-40mm [0027] Most preferably, the typical length of each coir fibre 10 is preferably about 5-30 mm. [0028] The percentage by weight of coir fibres 10 in the erosion control and growth medium 14 is in the range of about 60% to about 95%. [0029] The percentage by weight of coco-peat 12 in the erosion control and growth medium 14 is in the range of about 40% to about 5%. [0030] Coir fibre 10 has an extremely high water holding capacity. This is of benefit during the growth and development of vegetation, such as grasses. In addition, on account of the high water holding capacity of the coir fibres 10, the erosion control and growth medium 14 permits the holding of more fertiliser and nutrients, again benefiting the growth and development of vegetation such as grasses. [0031] Less water is required to maintain the grass, reducing the cost to upkeep grasses grown using the erosion control and growth medium 14. [0032] Advantageously, coir fibre 10 is a comparatively low cost product, which assists to reduce the overall cost of the erosion control and growth medium 14. [0033] Once the erosion control and growth medium 14 has been mixed in a hydro mulcher 20, with seeds 16 (such as turf grass seeds) and fertiliser 18, the erosion control and growth medium 14 is then sprayed on the location where the grass or other suitable seeded vegetation is intended to be planted.

6 [0034] A colouring medium or pigment may be added to the erosion control and growth medium 14, to assist a user to quickly and readily identify areas that have already been sprayed/treated. [0035] Advantageously, The erosion control and growth medium 14 is considered to be renewable as the constituent coco products 10, 12 are made out of coconut waste, and no trees are therefore cut down to produce the product. [0036] The erosion control and growth medium 14 eliminates (or at least greatly reduces) direct rain drop impact on soil (it has no holes greater than one millimetre in size), it allows no gaps between the product and the soil and it has a high water-holding capacity. A bonded fibre matrix will not form a water-insensitive crust that can inhibit plant growth, and it will biodegrade completely into materials known to be beneficial to plant growth. [0037] Advantageously, the coco products 10, 12 generally have a slightly acidic Ph. level which is good for many turf species of grass. [0038] Advantageously, some coir fibres 10 within the erosion control and growth medium 14 can last many years in outdoor conditions. This attribute assists with grass growth during periods of dry weather. [0039] Advantageously, coco-peat 12 is an excellent substrate for root development. The drying duration of coco-peat 12 is generally slower than many other soils. [0040] Advantageously, coir fibre 10 improves soil drainage while also helping to retain moisture in quick-draining soils. Coir fibre 10 provides an ideal environment for microbial life to flourish. [0041] Advantageously, the inclusion of coir fibre 10 in the erosion control and growth medium assists to moderate soil temperature. In particular, this can act to cut temperature fluctuation in by as much as 50%. [0042] The ratio of coir fibre 10 vs coco-peat 12 and the length of the fibres can be varied dependent on site specific environmental factors. Such factors may include the slope of the site, soil type, intended grass or vegetation type, rainfall etc. [0043] The coir fibre 10 and coco-peat 12 may be supplied mixed with fertiliser, a bonding agent, and seeds. As such, a batch of the erosion control and growth medium may be ordered to the consumer's preferred specification. [0044] Alternatively, the consumer can purchase the erosion control and growth medium without seeds and/or fertiliser, and add them to the hydro mulcher on site.

7 [0045] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims (5)

1. An erosion control and growth medium comprising: more than 5% by weight of a coco derived product.

2. The erosion control and growth medium of claim 1, wherein the coco derived product includes coco-peat and coir fibres, further wherein the coco-derived product is adapted to be mixed with fertiliser and/or seeds and/or a bonding agent and/or water.

3. The erosion control and growth medium of claim 2, including: between about 5% percent and 40%percent by weight coco-peat; and between about 95% percent and 60% percent by weight coir fibres.

4. The erosion control and growth medium of claim 3, wherein the length of each coir fibre is between about 5 mm and 30 mm.

5. A method of producing an erosion control and growth medium, the method including the steps of: loading coco-peat into a hydro-mulcher; loading coir fibres into the hydro-mulcher; adding seeds to the hydro-mulcher; adding a bonding agent to the hydro-mulcher; adding fertiliser to the hydro-mulcher; and mixing the contents of the hydro-mulcher. Aussie Erosion Pty Ltd By Patent Attorneys for the Applicant ©COTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys