GB2441956A - Seed planting and nutrition sheet - Google Patents
Seed planting and nutrition sheet Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2441956A GB2441956A GB0618354A GB0618354A GB2441956A GB 2441956 A GB2441956 A GB 2441956A GB 0618354 A GB0618354 A GB 0618354A GB 0618354 A GB0618354 A GB 0618354A GB 2441956 A GB2441956 A GB 2441956A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- seeds
- liquid soluble
- seed planting
- soluble element
- nutrition device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 235000016709 nutrition Nutrition 0.000 title claims abstract description 37
- 230000035764 nutrition Effects 0.000 title claims abstract description 37
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 57
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 28
- 239000004372 Polyvinyl alcohol Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 229920002451 polyvinyl alcohol Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 229940068984 polyvinyl alcohol Drugs 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 235000019422 polyvinyl alcohol Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 13
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 9
- 150000004676 glycans Chemical class 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 229920001282 polysaccharide Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 239000005017 polysaccharide Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 4
- 229920001277 pectin Polymers 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000001814 pectin Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 235000010987 pectin Nutrition 0.000 claims abstract description 3
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 claims description 14
- 230000000295 complement effect Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000007767 bonding agent Substances 0.000 description 5
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000001737 promoting effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000227653 Lycopersicon Species 0.000 description 2
- 235000007688 Lycopersicon esculentum Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003337 fertilizer Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004009 herbicide Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002347 injection Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007924 injection Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004014 plasticizer Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000007493 shaping process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 1
- YZHUMGUJCQRKBT-UHFFFAOYSA-M sodium chlorate Chemical compound [Na+].[O-]Cl(=O)=O YZHUMGUJCQRKBT-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 238000003860 storage Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C1/00—Apparatus, or methods of use thereof, for testing or treating seed, roots, or the like, prior to sowing or planting
- A01C1/04—Arranging seed on carriers, e.g. on tapes, on cords ; Carrier compositions
- A01C1/044—Sheets, multiple sheets or mats
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C1/00—Apparatus, or methods of use thereof, for testing or treating seed, roots, or the like, prior to sowing or planting
- A01C1/04—Arranging seed on carriers, e.g. on tapes, on cords ; Carrier compositions
- A01C1/046—Carrier compositions
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G13/00—Protecting plants
- A01G13/02—Protective coverings for plants; Coverings for the ground; Devices for laying-out or removing coverings
- A01G13/0256—Ground coverings
- A01G13/0268—Mats or sheets, e.g. nets or fabrics
- A01G13/0275—Films
Landscapes
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Toxicology (AREA)
- Pretreatment Of Seeds And Plants (AREA)
Abstract
A seed planting and nutrition device 10 for holding plant seeds 14, comprising a biodegradable liquid soluble element including poly vinyl alcohol (PVA); a plurality of seeds 14 held on or in the liquid soluble element; and a feed substance 16 provided on or in the liquid soluble element. As the liquid soluble element dissolves in use, the seeds 14 are released and the feed substance 16 is also released providing nutrition for the seeds 14. The liquid soluble element is preferably a folded strip or sheet having upper and lower layers, the seeds being sandwiched between the layers. The liquid soluble element is preferably includes a polysaccharide such as pectin. A method of using the device 10 is also provided.
Description
A SEED PLANTING AND NUTRITION DEVICE
The present invention relates to a seed planting and nutrition device for holding and automatically feeding seeds when watered.
Much time and effbrt, especially in the agricultural field, has been put into developing machinery for planting seeds in reasonably uniform predetermined spaced relationship. If machinery is not utilised, seed planting has to be performed manually, which is time-consuming and back-breaking work.
Once the seeds are planted, a feed substance, such as fertiliser or other growth promoting additive is then typically applied to the ground or soil in which the seeds are located.
The present invention seeks to overcome these difficulties whilst dispensing with the need for specialised, high cost machinery.
According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a seed planting and nutrition device for holding plant seeds in spaced relationship, the device comprising a biodegradable liquid soluble element including poly vinyl alcohol (PVA); a plurality of seeds held on or in the liquid soluble element in predetermined spaced relationship; and a complementary feed substance provided on or in the liquid soluble element, so that in use, as the liquid soluble element dissolves, the seeds are released and the feed substance is released automatically providing nutrition for the seeds.
Preferable andlor optional features of the first aspect of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 10, inclusive.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of planting seeds, the method comprising the steps of: a) locating a seed planting and nutrition device, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, on top of a lower layer of soil; b) covering the seed planting and nutrition device with an upper layer of soil; and c) watering the upper layer of soil sufficiently to wet the seed planting and nutrition device, so that, as the liquid soluble element dissolves, the seeds are released and the feed substance is released thereby automatically feeding the seeds.
Preferably, in step (a), the liquid soluble element of the seed planting and nutrition device is unrolled or unfolded onto the lower layer of soil, so that the plurality of seeds automatically assume a predetermined spaced relationship.
The present invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a first embodiment of a seed planting and nutrition device, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in Figure 1; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic view of the seed planting and nutrition device in use and in accordance with the second aspect of the invention; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of the seed planting and nutrition device releasing a feed substance following contact with water;
S
Figure 5 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of a seed planting and nutrition device, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention; and Figure 6 is a diagrammatic cross-sectional view of a third embodiment of a seed planting and nutrition device, in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.
Referring firstly to Figures 1 to 4 of the drawings, there is shown a seed planting and nutrition device 10 which comprises a planar or substantially planar liquid soluble film sheet 12, a plurality of seeds 14, and a feed substance 16.
The liquid soluble sheet 12 is typically water soluble and is or includes poly vinyl alcohol (PVA), which easily biodegrades without environmental damage. As such, the liquid soluble sheet 12 can be entirely formed from PVA, or may be formed from a blend of compounds including PVA. For example, a suitable blend is PVA and polysaccharide, such as Pectin. The polysaccharide increases the strength of the sheet 12, and also increases the biodegradability of the PVA. Plasticisers can also be included to increase the flexibility of the sheet 12. The liquid soluble sheet 12 is thus filly biodegradable, resulting in only naturally occurring and thus environmentally friendly products when broken down.
During production of the liquid soluble sheet 12, which can be, for example, blow moulded, extruded, andlor injection moulded, a feed substance 16 is mixed in. The feed substance 16 is typically a fertiliser or growth promoting additive, and is specifically chosen to complement the plurality of seeds 14 to be used. For example, if the seeds are tomato seeds, then the feed substance will be tomato feed.
Once the feed substance 16 is mixed in, and before the liquid soluble sheet 12 fi.illy sets or cures, the plurality of chosen seeds 14 are positioned on the liquid soluble sheet 12 so that they bond or adhere to the sheet 12 during the final stages of the setting or curing process.
It is also envisaged that the seeds 14 can be mixed in during the production of the liquid soluble sheet 12, at a similar stage in the process at which the feed substance 16 is added. However, care must be taken not to induce growth in the seeds 14 prior to location in the ground.
Furthermore, locating the seeds 14 on the liquid soluble sheet 12 allows a predetermined uniform or substantially uniform spaced relationship between adjacent seeds 14 to be imparted, such as alignment in rows and columns. Such a spaced relationship is less assured if the seeds 14 are mixed in at the time of adding the feed substance 16.
In a modification, the liquid soluble sheet, once set or cured, can be coated with an adhesive or bonding agent (not shown). The bonding agent may act as a film, covering the plurality of seeds and thus bonding them to the liquid soluble sheet.
Alternatively, the bonding agent can be applied to a surface of the liquid soluble sheet, with the seeds then being located thereon and consequently retained in place following setting of the bonding agent. The bonding agent is also fully water soluble.
In use, the sheet 12 is rolled or folded for transportation and storage. Once at a desired location, a top layer of soil 18 is first removed, typically forming furrows 20 as shown in Figure 3, and the liquid soluble sheet 12 is unrolled or unfolded onto a lower layer of soil 22 so as to extend along and over the furrows 20. The plurality of seeds 14 are thus automatically positioned to lie in spaced relationship along the furrows 20. The top layer of soil 18 is re-applied over the liquid soluble sheet 12, and watering is commenced.
As can be appreciated from Figure 4, following exposure to moisture, such as through watering, growth of the seeds 14 is initiated and the liquid soluble sheet 12 dissolves, thereby releasing the feed substance 16 into the surrounding soil and providing localised and targeted growth promoting nutrition for the seeds 14.
Although furrows 20 are suggested, since these can be easily produced with existing agricultural equipment, providing a layer of top soil is applied to cover or substantially cover the seeds 14 to provide for a normal moist and enclosed environment to promote growth, then the seed planting and nutrition device 10 can be positioned almost anywhere and in any configuration. It is also quite feasible to dictate the required spacing of the seeds 14 when they are being applied to the liquid soluble sheet 12, so that specific spacings and area coverage are produced.
It is also possible to form the seeds 14 into patterns as they are being applied to the liquid soluble sheet 12, thus allowing ornamental displays to be easily laid. It is envisaged that the placement of the seeds 14 on the liquid soluble sheet 12 can be computer controlled, thus allowing substantially any arrangement and pattern to be implemented.
Regarding Figure 5, a second embodiment of a seed planting and nutrition device 110 is shown. This device corresponds closely to the first embodiment described above, and the various modifications mentioned previously are also applicable. As such, similar numbers refer to similar parts, and further detailed description is omitted.
In this embodiment, a plurality of seeds 114 are encased or sandwiched between upper and lower layers 124, 126 of a liquid soluble sheet 112, impregnated with complementary feed substance 116. The upper and lower layers 124, 126 are integrally formed. The liquid soluble sheet 112 is formed as a single blank, the plurality of seeds 114 are placed in the required predetermined spaced relationship over half of the liquid soluble sheet 112, and the liquid soluble sheet 112 is then folded over onto itself, trapping the seeds 114 in position between the now formed upper and lower layers 124, 126. The adjacent perimeter edges 128 of the liquid soluble sheet 112 are connected together, for example by heat sealing, to prevent separation of the layers and thus undesirable release of the seeds 114.
Turning now to Figure 6, a third embodiment of a seed planting and nutrition device 210 is shown. This device again corresponds closely to the first embodiment described above, and the various modifications mentioned previously are also applicable. As such, similar numbers again refer to similar parts, and further detailed
description is omitted.
This embodiment differs only from the second embodiment in that upper and lower layers 224, 226 of the liquid soluble sheet 212, again impregnated with the complementary feed substance 216, are formed separately. A plurality of seeds 214 are positioned in predetermined spaced relationship on the lower layer, and the upper layer is superposed on the lower layer. The adjacent perimeter edges 228 are again connected, such as by heat sealing, to prevent untimely release of the seeds 214.
In the second and third embodiments, further welding can take place on or across the liquid soluble sheet and between adjacent seeds to prevent undesirable movement of the seeds between the upper and lower layers.
Although a liquid soluble sheet has been referred to, obviously a strip can be used. It is also envisaged that bulkier liquid soluble elements can be used, instead of the sheet or strip. Such a bulkier liquid soluble element might be in the form of a cylindrical roll, or a thick pad. In this case, the liquid soluble element can have multiple layers, so that a plurality of layers of seeds, still in spaced relationship, are provided. The seeds can thus adopt a three dimensional arrangement.
The liquid soluble element can include other substances, in addition to the feed substance, such as weed killer, thus providing localised and targeted removal of weeds as the seeds grow.
Although it is suggested that the feed substance and any other substance is mixed in during the production of the water soluble element, it is feasible that such substances can be, alternatively or additionally, provided on a surface of the water soluble element.
The liquid soluble element is cuttable to allow shaping and specific sizing by a user.
It is thus possible to provide a seed planting and nutrition device which is simple and cost-effective to produce, easy to implement without requiring intricate and specialised agricultural machinery, and which significantly reduces labour time. It is also possible to do away with a separate procedure of applying a feed substance to encourage growth of the seeds. The feed substance is targeted and localised, thus reducing wastage.
The embodiments described above are given by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention, as defmed by the appended claims.
Claims (13)
- I. A seed planting and nutrition device for holding plant seeds in spaced relationship, the device comprising: a biodegradable liquid soluble element including poly vinyl alcohol (PVA); a plurality of seeds held on or in the liquid soluble element in predetermined spaced relationship; and a complementary feed substance provided on or in the liquid soluble element, so that in use, as the liquid soluble element dissolves, the seeds are released and the feed substance is released automatically providing nutrition for the seeds.
- 2. A seed planting and nutrition device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid soluble element is a planar or substantially planar strip or sheet with the plurality of seeds held integrally thereon.
- 3. A seed planting and nutrition device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of seeds are implanted in the liquid soluble element during production of the liquid soluble element.
- 4. A seed planting and nutrition device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the liquid soluble element is a strip or sheet, and comprises upper and lower planar or substantially planar layers, the plurality of seeds being held in spaced relationship sandwiched between the upper and lower layers.
- 5. A seed planting and nutrition device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the upper and lower layers are formed from separate strips or sheets which are joined together to sandwich the plurality of seeds.
- 6. A seed planting and nutrition device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the liquid soluble element is a planar or substantially planar strip or sheet which is folded to form the upper and lower layers.
- 7. A seed planting and nutrition device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the feed substance is impregnated into the liquid soluble element.
- 8. A seed planting and nutrition device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the seeds are positioned on or in the liquid soluble element in uniform or substantially uniform spaced relationship.
- 9. A seed planting and nutrition device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquid soluble element includes a blend of PVA and a polysaccharide.
- 10. A seed planting and nutrition device as claimed in claim 9, wherein the polysaceharide is Pectin.
- 11. A seed planting and nutrition device substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
- 12. A method of planting seeds, the method comprising the steps of: a) locating a seed planting and nutrition device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims on top of a lower layer of soil; b) covering the seed planting and nutrition device with an upper layer of soil; and c) watering the upper layer of soil sufficiently to wet the seed planting and nutrition device, so that, as the liquid soluble element dissolves, the seeds are released and the feed substance is released therebyIIautomatically feeding the seeds.
- 13. A method as claimed in claim 12, wherein, in step (a), the liquid soluble element of the seed planting and nutrition device is unrolled or unfolded onto the lower layer of soil, so that the plurality of seeds automatically assume a predetermined spaced relationship.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0618354A GB2441956A (en) | 2006-09-19 | 2006-09-19 | Seed planting and nutrition sheet |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB0618354A GB2441956A (en) | 2006-09-19 | 2006-09-19 | Seed planting and nutrition sheet |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB0618354D0 GB0618354D0 (en) | 2006-10-25 |
GB2441956A true GB2441956A (en) | 2008-03-26 |
Family
ID=37310131
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB0618354A Withdrawn GB2441956A (en) | 2006-09-19 | 2006-09-19 | Seed planting and nutrition sheet |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
GB (1) | GB2441956A (en) |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101773044A (en) * | 2010-03-04 | 2010-07-14 | 四川省励自生态技术有限公司 | Non-woven water-soluble vegetating net |
CN103098589A (en) * | 2013-03-06 | 2013-05-15 | 赵萍 | Method for carrying out fermentation treatment on tomato seeds by complex enzyme |
CN104838871A (en) * | 2015-05-27 | 2015-08-19 | 常州市风雷精密机械有限公司 | Film mulched seeding method and integrated film used therein |
CN105210497A (en) * | 2015-10-21 | 2016-01-06 | 河北科技师范学院 | A kind of method of plant seed mixture process |
CN109845551A (en) * | 2019-01-18 | 2019-06-07 | 甘肃省农业科学院旱地农业研究所 | A kind of degradable liquid-state mulch film and its application method |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN114788483B (en) * | 2022-05-27 | 2023-06-23 | 中垦种业股份有限公司 | Wheat high-yield high-efficiency cultivation method |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2648165A (en) * | 1945-06-04 | 1953-08-11 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | Seed carrier |
GB2123663A (en) * | 1982-07-13 | 1984-02-08 | Itt Ind Ltd | Seed packaging |
WO1996033601A1 (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 1996-10-31 | Sedlak Michal | Ecological seed carrier |
GB2376402A (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2002-12-18 | Procter & Company The | Multi layered seed mat |
-
2006
- 2006-09-19 GB GB0618354A patent/GB2441956A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US2648165A (en) * | 1945-06-04 | 1953-08-11 | Minnesota Mining & Mfg | Seed carrier |
GB2123663A (en) * | 1982-07-13 | 1984-02-08 | Itt Ind Ltd | Seed packaging |
WO1996033601A1 (en) * | 1995-04-26 | 1996-10-31 | Sedlak Michal | Ecological seed carrier |
GB2376402A (en) * | 2001-04-27 | 2002-12-18 | Procter & Company The | Multi layered seed mat |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN101773044A (en) * | 2010-03-04 | 2010-07-14 | 四川省励自生态技术有限公司 | Non-woven water-soluble vegetating net |
CN103098589A (en) * | 2013-03-06 | 2013-05-15 | 赵萍 | Method for carrying out fermentation treatment on tomato seeds by complex enzyme |
CN104838871A (en) * | 2015-05-27 | 2015-08-19 | 常州市风雷精密机械有限公司 | Film mulched seeding method and integrated film used therein |
CN105210497A (en) * | 2015-10-21 | 2016-01-06 | 河北科技师范学院 | A kind of method of plant seed mixture process |
CN109845551A (en) * | 2019-01-18 | 2019-06-07 | 甘肃省农业科学院旱地农业研究所 | A kind of degradable liquid-state mulch film and its application method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB0618354D0 (en) | 2006-10-25 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US6735902B1 (en) | Tape with germinating units and packing thereof, as well as a method and an assembly for their production | |
GB2441956A (en) | Seed planting and nutrition sheet | |
EP3060038B1 (en) | Protective seed case | |
JP5231678B2 (en) | Seed sticker and method for producing the same | |
WO2001064017A1 (en) | Sheet for growing grass seeds and grass seed mat using same | |
EP1599093A2 (en) | Seedbed for growing vegetation | |
CN208836490U (en) | Rice shoot pad | |
US5274951A (en) | "Grass waffle" or "seed waffle" | |
AU2003208939A2 (en) | Artificial seedbeds and method for making same | |
KR200491385Y1 (en) | Seedling mat | |
US20090178334A1 (en) | Seed mat system | |
JPH01296909A (en) | Tacky adhesive sheet for sowing and seedling raising and sowing and seedling-raising process using the same sheet | |
CA2847710A1 (en) | Seed mat | |
JP2008222554A (en) | Pest control tape and pest control method | |
KR101368471B1 (en) | Multching film for direct seeding and preparation thereof | |
JP2002045040A (en) | Method for raising paddy rice seedling | |
JP4300295B2 (en) | Planting sheet, planting sheet manufacturing method and planting method | |
GB2225693A (en) | Seeding system | |
JPH0549310A (en) | Method for sowing seed and rearing seedling using seeding sheet | |
ES2947492T3 (en) | Process for preparing a seed holder | |
US20090013595A1 (en) | Modular Biodegradable Garden Environment Control System and Method | |
CN111448140A (en) | Method and device for producing packages with flower bulbs | |
JPH05255646A (en) | Tacky sheet for seeding | |
JP2003212703A (en) | Grass growth-suppressing board | |
AU2014201840A1 (en) | Weed Mat |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |