ZA200205624B

ZA200205624B - Mulch composition and method.

Info

Publication number: ZA200205624B
Application number: ZA200205624A
Authority: ZA
Inventors: Joseph Paternoster; Harold Jensen
Original assignee: Driwater Inc
Priority date: 2002-07-15
Filing date: 2002-07-15
Publication date: 2003-01-29

Description

@® - MULCH COMPOSITION AND METHOD

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention:

The present invention relates to a mulch for use in seeding. More specifically, the present invention relates to a composition and method for providing a seeding mulch having extended moisture retention time. 2. Description of Related Art:

The problem of maintaining a soil moisture content sufficient to sustain a growing plant has long been recognized. Sprayable mulches have been used to provide protection for the seed to promote the germination of seed on the soil surface. In a mulch, relatively large particles, such as wood fibers, straw, and sawdust, are mixed with water to form a slurry. A typical slurry mixture includes approximately 100 gallons of water for each 50 pounds of solid mulch. with fertilizer and seed added in amounts recommended by the suppliers. The stu is ther pumped througn 2 nose anc nezzie and spravec onic tne soi. surface

Binding agents, knowr as “tackifiers” are typically addea to binc the siurry. The structural integrity of much is enhanced dv the additon of the tackifier Such an enhanced mulch is used to advantage for erosion control. Under normal conditions, sprinkler irrigation must be established within onc day after the application of the mulch and seed.

Seeds can additionally be incorporated into the slurry mixture. The mulch protects {he seeds from the weather and from being consumed, for example, by birds or insects. The

® . mulch also protects the soil surface by preventing the topsoil from eroding during adverse . weather conditions such as wind or rain storms. The water retained by the mulch nourishes the seeds to promote germination. ) The water retention of prior art mulches is limited by the absorptive capacity of the solid mulch material. The thickness of the mulch applied to the soil surface must be increased to increase the amount of retained water. However, this increased thickness can inhibit the growth of vegetation.

The amount of water retained by the prior art mulches is also determined by the weather. For example, in arid, windy areas, the mulch dries rapidly. If an irrigation system, such as sprinkler irrigation, is not established quickly, the mulch can dry out before the seed has germinated. The dried mulch can then either blow away in the winds, or form a hardened surface that inhibits the growth of new vegetation.

Moisturizing agents have been used to solve the problems inherent to manual and automatic watering systems. A moisturizing agent releases moisture into its immediate vicinity. One such moisturizing agent is described in Avera, Moisturizing Agent, U.S. Pat.

No. 4,865,640. The Avera moisturizing agent is a gel-like product that appears dry to the touch and semi-solid in appearance. This moisturizing agent can contain approximately 98% of water bound 1 soi:c form

The solid bound water 1s gradually converted to liquid water when piaced mn the microbial environmen: of natura. soils. The bacteria and other microorganisms that .iguefy this bound water do not migrate nto the gel but act on its exposed surface. The liquefaction rate of moisturizing agents such as that taught by Avera can therefore be controlled by controlling the amount of moisturizing agent surface area that is exposed to the soil.

® . It would therefore be an advantage to provide a mulch that retains sufficient water - content to insure maximum seed germination. It would be a further advantage to provide a mulch that distributes water to the soil surface at a controlled rate.

SUMMARY QF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a mulch composition having extended moisture retention time and a method for use thereof. The mulch composition according to embodiments of the present invention comprises water, mulch, and moisturizing agent. Seed and fertilizer can be added according to the particular requirements for the mulch composition. The preferred embodiment comprises 93.95% water, 5.85% mulch, and 0.20% moisturizing agent by weight as a percentage of the weight of the water used, and fertilizer and seed in any selected amounts. In this preferred embodiment, the moisturizing agent comprises a cellulose gum (preferably 92.95% cellulose gum), a cross-linker (preferably 7.00% aluminum sulfate), and a surfactant (preferably .05% Smashing White® Water Softener & Detergent Booster).

The moisturizing agent according to the preferred embodiment is added to the mulch composition in lieu of a tackifier. The moisturizing agent releases water into the soil surface at a controlled rate while binding the mulch composition together.

The present invention retains moisture for a ionger amount of time than the prior art mulches. Maximum seed germination can therefore oe promotec. In addition. the present invention provides cffective dust and erosion control properties.

® } DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a seeding mulch composition having extended moisture ) retention time and a method for use thereof. The present invention retains moisture for a longer amount of time than the prior art mulches. Maximum seed germination can therefore be insured.

For purposes of this application, the following definitions will be used. The term “mulch” describes a material that is used to coat soil. Mulch can retain water for distribution to the soil and can also inhibit the erosion of the underlying soil. Mulch can include fibrous matter such as wood fiber or shredded newsprint. Mulch can also include other materials such as fertilizer and seed. The term “mulch composition” is used to describe the present invention, namely, a mixture of a mulch and a moisturizing agent. The term “moisturizing agent” is used to refer to a substrate that gradually releases water and optionally air when interacting with biological organisms present in the environment of the object, for example, plant tissue, receiving the water and air. One such moisturizing agent is disclosed in U.S.

Pat. No. 4,865,640. A moisturizing agent releases water and, optionally, air into the soil surface at a controlled rate, for example, when interacting with biological organisms typically “ound In S01.

The mulch composition. according to embodiments of the present invention comprises water, muich. anc moisturizing agent. The amount of much can range rom 4.39% to ~.2 % and the amount of hydro mix moisturizing agent can range from .05% to .35%. The mulch composition according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises 93.95% water, 5.85% mulch, and 0.20% moisturizing agent by weight as a percentage of the weight of the water used, and fertilizer and sced in any selected amounts. As an example, the

® . mulch composition according to the preferred embodiment can comprise 800 Ibs. of water . (100 gallons), 50 Ibs. of mulch (1 standard size bag), and 1.6 Ibs. moisturizing agent.

In the preferred embodiment, the mulch is preferably Excel® Fibermulch or i Fibercel™ Mulch, both of which are currently manufactured by the American Excelsior

Company of Arlington, Texas. However, the teachings of the present invention can also be applied to any suitable mulch.

Seed and fertilizer can also be added to the mulch composition as required for particular applications. For example, a mulch composition for use in erosion control can comprise .375 Ib to 1.1 Ibs of seed per 800 lbs of water (100 gallons). A mulch composition for pasture land can comprise .75 Ib of seed per 800 lbs of water and a mulch composition for lawns can comprise 10.75 lbs per 800 Ibs of water. The amount of fertilizer added to the mulch composition can vary from 4 to 8 Ibs per 800 lbs of water.

The moisturizing agent used in the preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a dry mixture of: 92.95% cellulose gum; 7.00% aluminum sulfate; and : 03% Smashing White® Water Softener & Detergent Booster (“Smashing White).

For purposes of this application, this preferred moisturizing agent will be referred to herein as the “hydro mix moisturizing agent.” The term “hydro mix moisturizing agent’ 1s for descriptive purposes only and is not intended to limit in any way the scope of the claimed invention. The hydro mix moisturizing agent is advantageous because, when added to the

. other components of the mulch composition, such as mulch, seed, fertilizer, and water, the - hydro mix moisturizing agent has excellent tackifier and water retention properties.

Table I lists examples of the mulch composition according to different embodiments of the present invention. 5

TABLE 1

EXAMPLE WATER MULCH FERTILIZER | HYDRO (in Ibs) (in lbs) MIX 800 Ibs = 100gal specifications | specifications 2 1 so | so | = FL 01% 3 | so | so |} «| 0.15% 4 | so | so | = 1% | 02% — 5 | so | so | [0 | 02% 6 | so | so | = 1 «1 03%

The amount of seed and/or fertilizer, if any, in the mulch composition according to the present invention has little effect, if any, on the integrity of the mulch composition. However, the function of the hydro mix moisturizing agent does vary according to its percentage in the mulch composition. Thus, for Examples 1 and 2 of Table 1, the hydro mix moisturizing ) . . . . ’ agent functions primarily as a tackifier. A tackifier functions essentially as a glue that holds the mulch composition together, thereby reducing, if not preventing, the effects of wind and water erosion on the mulch composition. However, a tackifier typically has little or no effect on the water retention properties of the mulch composition.

As the percentage of hydro mix moisturizing agent increases as shown in Examples 3 through 6 of Table 1, the hydro mix additionally serves to retain water in the mulch composition, in addition to its function as a tackifier. The water retention property of the

@ . mulch composition of Example 3 is fair, the water retention property of the Example 4 . mulch composition is good, that of Example 5 is excellent, while the water retention property of Example 6 is superior. ) In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the hydro mix moisturizing agent is added to the mulch composition in lieu of an additional tackifier, such as guar. In the mulch composition according to the preferred embodiment, the hydro mix moisturizing agent comprises approximately 0.1% to 0.3% by weight as a percentage of the weight of the water used (3.6 - 10.8 grams hydro mix per 8 Ibs of water) and preferably 0.3%, as shown in

Example 6 of

Table I.

In this range, the hydro mix moisturizing agent does not form a gel. As a result, the hydro mix moisturizing agent component of the mulch composition tends to bead and run off a surface on which the mulch composition is sprayed and would not remain mixed with the other components of the mulch composition. Therefore, in the preferred embodiment, a surfactant is added to the moisturizing agent to break the surface tension of the hydrated hydro mix moisturizing agent. Breaking the surface tension causes the hydro mix moisturizing agent to flow and to coat the surface on which it is sprayed. The hydro mix

J moisturizing agent remains mixed with the other components of the mulch composition to slow the rate of water evaporation from the mulch composition, thereby extending the period of moisture retention.

The Smashing White, which is distributed by the AMWAY Corporation, functions as the surfactant for the preferred embodiment of the mulch composition. While the hydro mix moisturizing agent preferably includes .05% of thc Smashing White, in alternative

@ . _8- embodiments the percentage of Smashing White can range from approximately .03% to .08% . by weight.

One skilled in the art will readily recognize that other surfactants can also be used ) with the present invention. For example, in one embodiment, only the active ingredients of

Smashing White, Sodium Sesquicarbonate and Sodium Tripolyphosphate, are added to the hydro mix moisturizing agent.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, Nova Clean, which is manufactureed by Micro Nova and which includes the active ingredient Novasan, is used instead of or in combination with the Smashing White. In this embodiment, the percentage of

Novasan or the Novasan /Smashing White mixture is also preferably .05%. However, the percentage of

Nova Clean can range from approximately .03% to .08% by weight.

While the hydro mix moisturizing agent according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention includes 92.95% cellulose gum, in alternative embodiments the percentage of cellulose gum can range from approximately 85% to 95%. When the cellulose gum is wet, it becomes sticky and clings to the mulch. The aluminum sulfate component of the hydro mix moisturizing agent functions as a “cross-linker” to cause the molecules of water to cling

J to the molecules of cellulose gum. While the preferred embodiment of the hydro mix comprises 7.00% aluminum sulfate, in alternative embodiments the percentage of aluminum sulfate can range from approximately 5.00% to 15%. In yet other embodiments of the invention, in lieu of the aluminum sulfate, the cross-linker can be a hydrated metallic salt such as zinc sulfate, indium sulfate, cadmium sulfate, and gallium sulfate in the same percentage as aluminum sulfate.

Claims

® What is claimed is:

[. A mulch composition, comprising: a mulch; and a moisturizing agent for incorporation into the mulch; and wherein water can be added to the mulch composition and retained for controlled distribution.
2. The mulch composition according to claim 1 further comprising fertilizer and seed.
3. The mulch composition according to claim 1, comprising: mulch in an amount ranging from approximately 4.4% to 7.3% by weight, moisturizing agent in an amount ranging from approximately 0.05% to 0.35% by weight as a percentage of the volume of added water by weight; and water in an amount ranging from approximately 92.4% to 95.4% by weight.
4. The mulch composition according to claim 3, comprising: mulch in the amount of 5.85% by weight; } moisturizing agent in the amount of 0.20% by weight as a percentage of the volume of added water by weight; and water in the amount of 93.95% by weight.
5. The mulch composition according to claim 1, wherein the mulch comprises ingredients selected from the group consisting of wood fiber, straw, sawdust, and recycled newsprint.
} 6. The mulch composition according to claim 5, wherein the mulch comprises 100% wood . fiber.
7. The mulch composition according to claim 5, wherein the mulch comprises about 70% wood fiber and about 30% recycled newsprint.
8. The mulch composition according to claim 1, wherein the moisturizing agent comprises: (a) cellulosic compound; (b) a cross-linker; and (c) a surfactant.
9. The mulch composition according to claim 8, wherein the moisturizing agent comprises: (2) cellulose gum ranging from approximately 85% to 95%; (b) aluminum sulfate ranging from approximately 5.00% to 15%; and (c) surfactant ranging from approximately 0.03% to 0.08%.
10. The mulch composition according to claim 9, wherein the moisturizing agent comprises: ! (a) 92.95 % cellulose gum; (b) 7.00% aluminum sulfate; and (c) .05% Smashing White Water Softener.
11. The mulch composition of claim | further comprising a tackifier.
12. The mulch composition of claim 11 in which the tackifier comprises guar.

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13. The mulch composition according to claim 8, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Smashing White Water Softener, Nova Clean, Novasan, Original Palmolive Liquid, Sodium Sesquicarbonate, and Sodium Tripolyphosphate.
14. A moisturizing agent comprising: (a) cellulosic compound; {b) a cross-linker; and (c) a surfactant.
15. The moisturizing agent according to claim 14, further comprising: (a) cellulose gum ranging from approximately 85% to 95%; (b) aluminum sulfate ranging from approximately 5.00% to 15%; and (c) surfactant ranging from approximately 0.03% to 0.08%.
16. The moisturizing agent according to claim 15, further comprising: (a) 92.95 % cellulose gum; / (b) 7.00% aluminum sulfate; and (c) .05% Smashing White Water Softener.
17. The moisturizing agent according to claim 14, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Smashing White Water Softener, Nova Clean, Novasan, Original Palmolive Liquid, Sodium Sesquicarbonate, and Sodium Tripolyphosphate.

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18. The moisturizing agent according to claim 14, wherein the cross-linker is a hydrated } metallic salt. )
19. The moisturizing agent according to claim 18, wherein the cross-linker is selected from the group consisting of aluminum sulfate, zinc sulfate, indium sulfate, cadmium sulfate, and gallium sulfate.
20. A method for providing a moisturizing agent comprising the step of mixing a cellulosic compound, a cross-linker, and a surfactant.
21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of mixing cellulose gum ranging from approximately 85% to 95%, aluminum sulfate ranging from approximately

5.00% to 15%, and surfactant ranging from approximately 0.03% to 0.08%.
22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Smashing White Water Softener, Nova Clean, Novasan, Original Palmolive Liquid, Sodium Sesquicarbonate, and Sodium Tripolyphosphate. )
23. The moisturizing agent according to claim 20, wherein the cross-linker is a hydrated metallic salt.
24. The moisturizing agent according to claim 23, wherein the cross-linker is selected from the group consisting of aluminum sulfate, zinc sulfate, indium sulfate, cadmium sulfate, and gallium sulfate.

®

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25. A method for retarding fire, comprising the steps of: hydrating a moisturizing agent; and applying the hydrated moisturizing agent to a surface to be protected.
26. A method for irrigating soil, comprising the steps of: hydrating a moisturizing agent; and applying the hydrated moisturizing agent to a surface to be protected.
27. A method for providing a mulch composition, comprising the steps of: adding water to a tank; adding mulch fiber to the water; adding powdered moisturizing agent to the water; and mixing the water, mulch fiber, and moisturizing agent. } 28. The method of claim 27, further comprising the steps of: adding seed to the water after the step of adding mulch fiber and before the step of adding moisturizing agent; and adding fertilizer to the water after the step of adding the seed.
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29. The method of claim 27, wherein the powdered moisturizing agent comprises: . (a) cellulose gum ranging from approximately 85% to 95%; (b) aluminum sulfate ranging from approximately 5.00% to 15%; and ) (c) surfactant ranging from approximately 0.03% to 0.08%.
30. The method of claim 29, wherein the powdered moisturizing agent comprises: (a) 92.95 % cellulose gum; (b) 7.00% aluminum sulfate; and (c) .05% Smashing White Water Softener.
31. The mulch composition produced according to the method of claim 27.
32. A mulch composition, comprising: a mulch comprising ingredients selected from the group consisting of wood fiber straw sawdust, and recycled newsprint; and moisturizing agent of from approximately 0.05% to 0.35% by weight as a percentage of the volume of added water by weight for incorporation into the mulch, the moisturizing ) agent comprising; (a) cellulose gum ranging from approximately 85% to 95%; (b) aluminum sulfate ranging from approximately 5.00% to 15%; and (c) surfactant ranging from approximately 0.03% to 0.08%; wherein water can be added to the mulch composition and retained for controlled distribution.

®
33. The mulch composition according to claim 32, wherein the moisturizing agent comprises: . (a) 92.95 % cellulose gum; (b) 7.00% aluminum sulfate; and (c) .05% Smashing White Water Softener.
34, The mulch composition according to claim 32, wherein the mulch comprises 100% wood fiber.
35. The mulch composition according to claim 32, wherein the mulch comprises approximately 70% wood fiber and approximately 30% recycled newsprint. ‘
36. The mulch composition according to claim 32, comprising: mulch in an amount ranging from approximately 4.5% to 7.00% by weight; moisturizing agent in an amount ranging from approximately 0.05% to 0.35% by weight as a percentage of the volume of added water by weight; and water in an amount ranging from approximately 92.35% to 95.45% by weight. )
37. The mulch composition according to claim 36, comprising: mulch in the amount of 5.85% by weight as a percentage of the volume of added water by weight; moisturizing agent in the amount of 0.20% by weight as a percentage of the volume of added water by weight; and water in the amount of 93.95% by weight.
38. The mulch composition according to claim 32, further comprising seed.
39. The mulch composition according to claim 32, further comprising fertilizer. )

AMENDED CLAIMS [received by the International Bureau on 20 June 200] (20.06.01); : original claims 1, 14, 20, 26 and 27 amended; remaining claims unchanged (4 pages)]

1. A mulch composition, comprising: : a mulch; and a moisturizing agent for incorporation into the mulch; and wherein water can be added to the mulch composition such that the moisturizing agent binds the water [and retained for] to enable controlled distribution of the water.

2. The mulch composition according to claim 1 further comprising fertilizer and seed.

3. The mulch composition according to claim 1, comprising: mulch in an amount ranging from approximately 4.4% to 7.3% by weight; moisturizing agent in an amount ranging from approximately 0.05% to 0.35% by weight as a percentage of the volume of added water by weight; and water in an amount ranging from approximately 92.4% to 95.4% by weight.

4. The mulch composition according to claim 3, comprising: j mulch in the amount of 5.85% by weight; moisturizing agent in the amount of 0.20% by weight as a percentage of the volume of added water by weight; and water in the amount of 93.95% by weight.

5. The mulch composition according to claim 1, wherein the mulch comprises ingredients selected from the group consisting of wood fiber. straw, sawdust, and recycled newsprint. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

13. The mulch composition according to claim 8, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Smashing White Water Softener, Nova Clean, Novasan, Original Palmolive Liquid, Sodium Sesquicarbonate, and Sodium Tripolyphosphate.

14. A moisturizing agent comprising: (a) cellulosic compound; (b) across-linker; and (c) a surfactant; wherein the moisturizing agent is capable of binding water.

15. The moisturizing agent according to claim 14, further comprising: (a) cellulose gum ranging from approximately 85% to 95%; (b) aluminum sulfate ranging from approximately 5.00% to 15%; and (c) surfactant ranging from approximately 0.03% to 0.08%.

16. The moisturizing agent according to claim 15, further comprising: (a) 92.95 % cellulose gum; } (b) 7.00% aluminum sulfate; and (c) .05% Smashing White Water Softener.

17. The moisturizing agent according to claim 14, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Smashing White Water Softener, Nova Clean, Novasan, Original Palmolive Liquid, Sodium Sesquicarbonate, and Sodium Tripolyphosphate. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

18. The moisturizing agent according to claim 14, wherein the cross-linker is a hydrated metallic salt. - 19. The moisturizing agent according to claim 18, wherein the cross-linker is selected from the group consisting of aluminum sulfate, zinc sulfate, indium sulfate, cadmium sulfate, and gallium sulfate.

20. A method for providing a moisturizing agent capable of binding water comprising the step of mixing a cellulosic compound, a cross-linker, and a surfactant.

21. The method according to claim 20, further comprising the step of mixing cellulose gum ranging from approximately 85% to 95%, aluminum sulfate ranging from approximately

5.00% to 15%, and surfactant ranging from approximately 0.03% to 0.08%.

22. The method according to claim 20, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of Smashing White Water Softener, Nova Clean, Novasan, Original Palmolive Liquid, Sodium Sesquicarbonate, and Sodium Tripolyphosphate. J

23. The moisturizing agent according to claim 20, wherein the cross-linker is a hydrated metallic salt.

24. The moisturizing agent according to claim 23, wherein the cross-linker is selected from the group consisting of aluminum sulfate, zinc sulfate, indium sulfate, cadmium sulfate, and gallium sulfate, AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

25. A method for retarding fire, comprising the steps of: hydrating a moisturizing agent; and - applying the hydrated moisturizing agent to a surface to be protected.

26. A method for irrigating soil, comprising the steps of: hydrating a moisturizing agent to provide a moisturizing agent containing bound water; and applying the hydrated moisturizing agent to a surface to be protected.

27. A method for providing a mulch composition, comprising the steps of: adding water to a tank; adding mulch fiber to the water; adding powdered moisturizing agent to the water; and mixing the water, mulch fiber, and moisturizing agent; wherein the moisturizing agent binds the water.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising the steps of: adding seed to the water after the step of adding mulch fiber and before the step of adding moisturizing agent; and adding fertilizer to the water after the step of adding the seed. AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

J

STATEMENT UNDER ARTICLE 19 (1) ) In light of the amendments attached hereto (see substitute pages), it is respectfully - submitted that Spittle does not disclose the claimed limitation of a moisturizing agent that binds water or is capable of binding water.

Spittle discloses a “mechanically-bonded, water- absorbent fiber mulch [wherein] ... [a] water-absorbent polymer-based material is dispersed throughout the fiber mulch to increase its water absorption capacity.” [Spittle, abstract, emphasis added.] Basically, Spittle absorbs, whereas the present invention binds.

Spittle does not disclose a moisturizing agent that undergoes a change when impregnated with water such that the water is bound by the moisturizing agent (i.e., bound in solid or semi-solid form). The polymer-base water absorbent material of Spittle merely absorbs the water intended for later release and maintains it inside the mulch composition in a saturated state, and the mulch arrangement has no influence over subsequent water distribution, such as the increased water loss hastened by many environmental effects.

The Spittle mulch and its water-saturated polymer material, which does not include water bound to any of its sub- components, do not posses the advantageous characteristic of being highly resistant or immune to such adverse environmental factors.

In other words, the polymer-based water- absorbent material (powder) does not provide controlled distribution, but rather is merely capable of increased water retention, so as to inhibit water run-off for example. [Spittle, col. 3,11. 14-16.] Specifically, the mulch of Spittle, having polymer crystals expanded/swollen with water, will dry out and lose its moisture-retaining benefits when exposed to high heat, strong winds, arid conditions and other such environmental factors.

The inventive mulch composition requires a moisturizing agent that binds water or is capable of binding water, wherein with the bound water is gradually converted to liquid water when placed in the desired natural soil environment.

When present in the mulch or when

@

mixed with the water, the moisturizing agent of the present invention will accept and bind ) with the water to form a solid or semi-solid water-retaining compound.

This moisturizing agent and bound water substance can range in consistency from a thin syrup to that of semi- - solid gel. [Application, p. 9,1. 11; p. 2,11. 16-17.] The moisturizing agent acts to bind the water; this prevents the effects of wind, water erosion, and other environmental effects from drying the bound water out of the mulch, providing a controlled distribution in spite of such factors. [Application, p. 6, 11. 14-16.] It is respectfully submitted that the claims, as amended, involve an inventive step that is novel to one skilled in the art in light of the cited reference. }