The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 21, 1976
Filed:
Feb. 19, 1976
Frederick H Riedel, Cloquet, MN (US);
Conwed Corporation, St. Paul, MN (US);
Abstract
A dark perforated flexible plastic sheet bonded on top of a fertilizer-containing cellulosic fiber blanket in contact with the earth shields the blanket and the soil beneath from the drying effects of the free circulation of air while allowing entry of water. The fiber blanket is composed of cellulosic fiber mat. The fiber mat rests upon the ground thereby discouraging growth in the areas of contact. Spaces for plant growth are provided between adjacent areas of fiber blanket. Plant growth is encouraged in these spaces by the absorption of solar energy by the plastic film transmitted to the earth beneath, the moisture in the blanket by the unperforated areas of the plastic sheet and by the release of fertilizer from the adjacent fiber mat as the moisture leaves the blanket and enters the soil. A second embodiment of the invention includes the continuation of the plastic sheet over the space between adjacent area of fiber blanket. A miniature greenhouse is thus formed in the intermediate areas which encourage plant germination and growth. The fiber is plowed into the ground at the end of the growing season after stripping off the plastic sheet. The plowed-in fiber improves the soil by adding to its organic content.