GB2365738A

GB2365738A - Bag containing seed and method of use

Info

Publication number: GB2365738A
Application number: GB0020111A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Mckenzie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-08-16
Filing date: 2000-08-16
Publication date: 2002-02-27
Also published as: GB0020111D0

Abstract

A method of planting crops/trees/shrubs in arid areas without preparation to the land as in conventional practises in agriculture. The method involves the use of a biodegradable bag which may be rectangular, square or hexagonal in shape. The bag may contain a seed, root growth medium and fertilizer. The bag may be used in combination with a drip irrigation system.

Description

<Desc/Clms Page number 1> PLANTAPACS - Seeds Establishment/Vegetable Growing/Trees in Arid/Desert regions of the globe This invention relates to a novel way in establishing rapid growth of trees, vegetables and seeds in sand and arid areas of the World.

By using an economical way of conserving water using drip irrigation system the user requires little, if any, knowledge of producing productive crops in desert/arid regions, also ensuring germination of the crop that has been designated to be established.

A further application of the system can be used in spray irrigation but in so doing reducing the time of spray intervals thus conserving water in a11 its applications of use.

There are only two factors in the usage of the system that are imperative. Prior to the application the water table level must be checked and shown to be at least two metres below the planting surface area, and that the measurable salt levels in the water to be used does not rise above 2,500p.p.m. ensuring good germination.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which figures 1/5 illustrate.

1) The correct planting method.

2) Types of crops, trees and vegetables.

3) The plants and system and ecologically enhanced systems. 4) The irrigation methods.

5) The application and instructions.

A further embodiment of the invention reduces any waste in excess materials and is designed to self dispose of its original form leaving no litter after application.

A further embodiment of the invention is the use of planting any type of seed

for the establishment of trees ensuring good germination by reducing the level of measurable salts at the same time as fully cultivating the crop without having to prepare the ground, thereby reducing the use of fertilisers and the preparation required in this type of operation and sowing, labour time and effort by the user.

A further novel embodiment of the invention is a method of conserving water for the required time of germination before the breakdown of the Plantapac is instigated by the use of a specific type of paper and having the correct thickness or gauge of bag used.

A further novelty of the invention is the bag being a rectangular/square /hexagonal form in order to prevent the plant roots going in to a ball system at the early stages of germination prior to the breakdown of the bags structure as a spherical bag would have.

The novelty of the invention is the crop can be tailor made to fit the user and there are built in safety factors that ensure the maximum effect can be established even with neglect from the user in the early stages of germination, with regard to allowing the drip irrigation system to be switched off for a considerable period before damage that is irreparable to the crop takes place. A further novelty of the invention illustrates a method that if the user fails to lift the top of the bag the designated crop allows the top to be pushed free allowing freedom in growth and germination to take place of the newly established plant.

The perforated top of the bag allows easy filling and directs the drip irrigation to the desired seed, it also eradicates the top part of the bag being filled with sand during heavy winds which, of course, would alter the measurable salt levels being detrimental to the germination of the plants and the overall efficacy of the products germination success rate on certified seeds.

A further novelty of the invention is that the seed to be germinated is packed and isolated by the two sets of fertiliser therefore reducing the measurable level of salts to the seed, thus allowing a faster germination of the seed. On the top half of the bag is a slow releasing fertiliser and at the bottom of the bag fertiliser that allows the root establishment and cell structure therefore enhancing the plant.

Using a clear plastic funnel and different particle size of sands and using ground coloured chalk with continuous drips of water, it was found that the coloured chalk washed through the funnel at a rapid progression. The embodiment of this invention eradicates fertiliser loss in arid regions allowing the root of the plant to get to the fertilisers.

A specific embodiment of the invention is the seed or crop that is designated

for planting is encompassed with a fibrous peat sphagnum moss or any other suitable material to encompass the seed.

With the moisture content of less than 5% in the peat material allowing the seed to be pre-packed for long periods, prior to planting or until the desired crop is due for establishment and desired destinations and application of water before activation of germination.

The specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of examples in figures 1- 5.

Claims

CLAIM 1/. A method of growing any type of seeds/trees/shrubs, specialist cash crops in arid areas of the world by using drip irrigation or pipe fed spray irrigation. 2/. A method of ensuring good germination in a11 crops conserving water and fertiliser applications in barren areas without having to prepare the ground i.e. sand/silt/dust bowls. 3/. A method of isolating the seed/trees from hostile conditions and retaining water. 4/. A method of self farming for the novice living in arid areas of the world with little or no experience in agriculture or horticulture practise. 5/. A method of isolating the fertilisers reducing soluble salt levels ensuring rapid germination of crops and increasing productive yields in any seed crops where seed is certified germination. 6/. A compact way of shipment without heavy need of tractors/agricultural machinery as required in the conventional practise in agriculture. 7/. A rectangular/hexagonal/square paper bag with a preferred range of gauge for strength but designed to disintegrate at a given time to allow expansion of the roots and establishment of transition. 8/. A sleeve by width by 3.125 cm, which inserts in the top of the bag, which has reinforced lip which is 0.156 larger than the bag to ensure a good seal and is rigid and composed of cardboard substance. 9/. A top with a perforated seal which acts as a funnel. For the drip irrigation eliminating sand fill in windy conditions and retaining contents of bag.

<Desc/Clms Page number 5>

10/. A top which allows the plant to grow if the top seal of the bag is not removed after a three week period by slowly lifting out with the plant growth and expansion by time with water. 11I. A rectangular paper bag or hexagonal in shape with a flat bottom between a range of '/Z x 3/4x 3/4" and 3" x 3" x 3". (1.25 cm x 1.87 x 1. 87 and 90cm x 90cm x 90cm) 12/. A preferred range of the invention a flat bottom bag hexagonal/ rectangular between 7.5cm x 5cm x 20cm. 13/. For all or most types of seed. (6.25cm x 7.5cm x 17.5cm). 14I. A bag range of 12.5cm x 20cm x 30cm for shrubs and smaller afforestations. 15/. A biodegradable bag, which breaks down after a period during germination of seed to allow expansion of the plant roots. The water having washed the surrounding soils of high measurable levels of soluble salts or soil seep. 16/. By gradual transition to the environment and the gradual perculation of the water allowing the plant to flourish in arid and hostile areas and being able to ensure good future yields of any types of crops/trees/shrubs where the seed carries a certified germination certificate. 17/.
2.5cm x 2.5cm x 5cm to a range of 90cm x 90cm x 90cm.