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:
Feb. 09, 1993
Filed:
Oct. 24, 1991
Sidney R Siemer, Fresno, CA (US);
Louis L Wood, Rockville, MD (US);
Gary J Calton, Elkridge, MD (US);
Aqua Source Inc., Elkridge, MD (US);
Abstract
This invention discloses methods for manufacture and use of poly(ammonium acrylate) and polyacrylamide hydrogels in agricultural applications. Such hydrogels are applied to the soil or the plants by spraying. Spraying is advantageous over other methods of application, such as mixing with soil and broadcasting because of enhanced plant contact, evenness of distribution, and reduced labor. The gels are prepared for spraying by adding water to provide a readily deformable polymer which will pass through a spray apparatus. The hydrogels sprayed may include additives including micronutrients, maconutrients, pesticides, microbes, plant growth regulators, surfactants, and freezing point modifiers. Use of the hydrogels saves irrigation water and ameliorates salting of irrigated cropland. Sprayed hydrogels may also be used to protect crops from freezing and to protect foliage from desiccation.