GB935007A - Method of and device for preserving grass and other growing plants during periods of drought - Google Patents

Abstract

A slab of exfoliated vermiculite bonded with a cementitious binder and containing plant nutrients, fertilizers and optionally trace elements, which will not reduce the compression strength at 28 days below 10 lbs./sq. inch for use as a water retaining subsoil nutrient reservoir to maintain plant growth during drought (see Group I), is made by dry mixing the constituents, preferably 1 part vermiculite to 2 parts binder by weight, adding water to yield a spreadable mix, filling into moulds and curing the hardened slabs in, e.g. air for 1 month or carbon dioxide and water vapour. The fertilizer in the form of ammonia may be incorporated in a cast, cured slab by absorption. Fertilizers named are hoof, horn or bone meal and a urea formaldehyde composition. The example employs portland cement as binder and the urea formaldehyde fertilizer.ALSO:Slabs of cement bonded exfoliated vermiculite containing plant nutrients fertilizers and optionally trace elements (cf. Groups III and V) are placed beneath the top soil on which plants e.g. grass, are growing within reach of the roots, or have placed on them top soil and are seeded, to act as a reservoir for water and nutrients in times of drought. The active ingredients incorporated must not reduce the compressive strength of the slab below 10 lbs./sq. inch after 28 days and specifically named are absorbed ammonia, hoof, horn or bone meal, and a urea formaldehyde fertilizer.ALSO:A slab of exfoliated vermiculite bonded with a cementitious binder and containing plant nutrients, fertilizers and optionally trace elements, which will not reduce the compression strength at 28 days below 10 lbs./sq. inch for use as a water retaining subsoil nutrient reservoir to maintain plant growth during drought (see Group I), is made by dry mixing the constituents, preferably 1 part vermiculite to 2 parts binder by weight. adding water to yield a spreadable mix, filling into moulds and curing the hardened slabs in e.g. air for 1 month or carbon dioxide and water vapour. The fertilizer in the form of ammonia may be incorporated in a cast, cured slab by absorption. Fertilizers named are hoof, horn or bone meal and a urea formaldehyde composition. The example employs Portland cement as binder and the urea formaldehyde fertilizer.