Fiber soil conditioner for promoting growth of crops or plants

Abstract

Systems and methods for enhancing crop and plant growth using glass fibers as soil-based additives are disclosed. By replacing a volume portion of the soil with fibers, the plant available water (PAW) of the improved soil is increased.

Description

Cross-reference to related applications

[0001] This application claims priority and any benefit to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 516,884, filed August 1, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Technical Field

[0002] The overall inventive concept relates to systems and methods for using fibrous media as soil conditioners to promote the growth of crops or plants. Background Technology

[0003] Glass fiber has been widely used in building materials, biomaterials, and composites. Glass fiber possesses manipulable and controllable fiber diameter, aspect ratio (i.e., the ratio of fiber length to fiber diameter), and morphology, as well as chemical and surface properties, which depend on the processes used to manufacture it. These properties allow glass fiber, including rock wool and slag wool, to benefit agricultural applications. For example, glass fiber has been used in mat manufacturing to control soil erosion from heavy rains and slippage caused by sandy soils; its success can be attributed to its high aspect ratio. Other conventional materials used to promote plant / crop growth (e.g., soil conditioners) include, for example, superabsorbent polymers (SAP), silica, biochar, and mulch. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the foregoing, systems and methods for using glass fibers to increase plant available water (PAW) in soil to promote crop or plant growth have been disclosed. Additionally, fibrous media can provide other benefits, such as supporting seed germination and facilitating the transport of nutrients for crop or plant growth. The fiber-based materials of the present invention, including systems and methods utilizing these materials, achieve results comparable to or better than conventional methods and materials, and achieve this at reduced cost, with reduced dosage, and / or simultaneously avoid one or more of the disadvantages associated with conventional methods and materials.

[0005] The general inventive concept relates to fiber-based materials for introduction into soil to increase plant available water (PAW) and thus promote crop or plant growth. This disclosure discloses a series of glass compositions and various forms of auxiliary organic materials for realizing these fibers, primarily focused on agricultural applications.

[0006] To further illustrate various aspects of the overall inventive concept, several exemplary embodiments of fiber-based materials (e.g., clumps, pads) are disclosed.

[0007] In one exemplary embodiment, a soil conditioner for promoting plant growth is disclosed. The soil conditioner comprises: a plurality of discrete glass fibers having an average fiber diameter in the range of about 1 µm to about 5 µm; wherein the soil conditioner has a density of about 240.28 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 720.83 kg / m 3 The density is within a certain range; and the soil conditioner is operable to increase the level of plant-available water in the soil (e.g., by about 30% or more).

[0008] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fibers have an average fiber diameter ranging from about 2 µm to about 4 µm; and the soil conditioner has a density of about 272.31 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 688.79 kg / m 3 The density within the range.

[0009] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fibers have an average fiber diameter of about 3 µm; and the soil conditioner has a density of about 320.37 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 640.74 kg / m 3 The density within the range.

[0010] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fibers have an average fiber diameter of about 3 µm; and the soil conditioner has a strength of about 304.35 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 656.76 kg / m 3 The density within the range.

[0011] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fiber comprises about 20% to about 75% by weight of SiO2, about 1% to about 15% by weight of Al2O3 and about 2% to about 25% by weight of Na2O.

[0012] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fiber has a Si to (Si+Al) ratio greater than about 0.7.

[0013] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fibers are formed into multiple clumps having an average maximum linear size ranging from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. In some exemplary embodiments, each of these clumps has a spherical shape, and the maximum linear size is the diameter of the spherical shape.

[0014] In some exemplary embodiments, these glass fibers form a nonwoven mat having a width, length, and thickness. In some exemplary embodiments, the width is in the range of about 10 mm to about 1 m; the length is in the range of about 10 mm to about 1,000 m; and the thickness is in the range of about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

[0015] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fibers of the pad are held together by an adhesive. In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fibers of the pad are held together by mechanical entanglement.

[0016] In some exemplary embodiments, the soil conditioner also includes additives applied to the surface of the glass fiber.

[0017] In some exemplary embodiments, the additive is at least one of a herbicide, insecticide, nematicide, and fungicide. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive is a hormone. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive is an agricultural biological agent. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive is a surfactant.

[0018] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fiber of the soil conditioner comprises a certain amount of hydrophilic fiber and a certain amount of hydrophobic fiber.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment, a soil conditioner for promoting plant growth is disclosed. The soil conditioner comprises: a plurality of discrete glass fibers; wherein these fibers contain about 20 wt% to about 75 wt% SiO2, about 1 wt% to about 30 wt% Al2O3, and about 1 wt% to about 25 wt% Na2O; wherein the fibers have a Si to (Si+Al) ratio greater than about 0.5; wherein the fibers have an average fiber diameter in the range of 1 µm to 5 µm; and wherein the soil conditioner has a density of about 240.28 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 720.83 kg / m 3 The density is within a certain range; and the soil conditioner is operable to increase the level of plant-available water in the soil (e.g., by about 30% or more).

[0020] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fiber also contains about 0.01% to about 20% by weight of CaO.

[0021] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fiber also contains about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of MgO.

[0022] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fiber also contains about 0.01% by weight to about 15% by weight of Fe2O3 or FeO.

[0023] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fiber also contains about 0.01% to about 30% by weight of B2O3.

[0024] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fiber also contains about 0.01% to about 25% by weight of K2O.

[0025] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fiber also contains about 0.01% to about 10% by weight of P2O5.

[0026] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fiber also contains about 0.01% by weight to about 10% by weight of MnO or MnO2.

[0027] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fibers of the pad are held together by an adhesive.

[0028] In some exemplary embodiments, the glass fibers of the pad are held together by mechanical entanglement.

[0029] In some exemplary embodiments, the soil conditioner further comprises an additive applied to the surface of the glass fiber. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive is at least one of the following: herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, and fungicides. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive is a hormone. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive is an agricultural biological agent. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive is a surfactant.

[0030] In some exemplary embodiments, the additive makes the glass fiber more hydrophilic. In some exemplary embodiments, the additive makes the glass fiber more hydrophobic.

[0031] In one exemplary embodiment, a method for promoting plant growth is disclosed. The method includes: placing a seed corresponding to the plant in a quantity of soil; and placing a soil conditioner comprising a plurality of discrete glass fibers in the soil near the seed; wherein the soil conditioner replaces about 15 vol% to about 50 vol% of the soil; wherein the fibers comprise about 20 wt% to about 75 wt% SiO2, about 1 wt% to about 30 wt% Al2O3, and about 1 wt% to about 25 wt% Na2O; wherein the fibers have a Si to (Si+Al) ratio greater than about 0.5; wherein the fibers have an average fiber diameter in the range of about 1 µm to about 5 µm; and wherein the soil conditioner has a density of about 240.28 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 720.83 kg / m 3 The density is within a certain range; and the soil conditioner is operable to increase the level of plant-available water in the soil (e.g., by about 30% or more).

[0032] Other aspects and features of the overall inventive concept will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after reviewing the following description of various exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The overall inventive concept, its embodiments, and advantages are described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example:

[0034] Figure 1A This is a front view of a glass fiber slab for promoting plant growth according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0035] Figure 1B This is a perspective view of a fiberglass mat for promoting plant growth according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0036] Figure 2 It is a graph showing the relationship between the density of the glass fiber medium and its water-holding capacity when no suction pressure is applied.

[0037] Figure 3 It is a graph showing the relationship between the fiber diameter, agglomerate density, and the product of agglomerate diameter in a glass fiber medium, as well as the ratio of fiber surface area to agglomerate surface area.

[0038] Figure 4 This is a graph showing the soil moisture characteristic curve (SWCC), which highlights the parameters of field capacity, wilting point, and plant available water (PAW).

[0039] Figure 5 This shows the normalized plant-available water (PAW) with glass fiber (with a nominal diameter of 3µm and 320.27kg / m²). 3 A graph showing the change in the volume percentage of bulk density. Detailed Implementation

[0040] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. The term “about” as used herein to modify any numerical value covers a specific numerical value without modification, and an appropriate deviation from the value to still achieve the specific purpose associated with that value (e.g., increasing PAW).

[0041] All references, publications, patents, patent applications, and commercial materials mentioned herein are incorporated herein by reference for all purposes, including for describing and disclosing methods reported in publications that can be used in conjunction with this invention. Nothing herein shall be construed as an admission that this invention is not entitled to such early disclosure due to prior art.

[0042] Several exemplary embodiments will be described in detail. It should be understood that this disclosure is merely illustrative of the general inventive concept. Embodiments covering the general inventive concept may take various forms, and the general inventive concept is not intended to be limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0043] The overall inventive concept encompasses fiber-based soil conditioners. The fiber medium can take any suitable form.

[0044] In one exemplary embodiment, the fiber (e.g., glass fiber) medium 100 is a mass 102, such as Figure 1A As shown. The mass 102 is generally an irregularly shaped body. This irregularly shaped body may have rope-like and / or spherical portions. In some cases, the mass 102 has a degree of spherical shape. The mass 102 has a mass diameter n. d This represents the maximum length that spans or passes through the mass. In some exemplary embodiments, the mass diameter n d Within the range of 1 mm to 10 mm. For more irregularly shaped clumps (e.g., with significant rope-like portions), the clump diameter n d The range is from 10mm to 38mm or from 10mm to 51mm. Bulk 102 is formed of glass fibers, which may or may not be held together with adhesives (as described below). For example, the bulk can be formed in a manner similar to loosely filled insulating products (using chopped / ground glass fibers).

[0045] In one exemplary embodiment, the fiber (e.g., glass fiber) medium 120 is a pad 122, such as Figure 1B As shown. Pad 122 is generally a planar body. This pad is typically a nonwoven pad. For example, the pad can be formed in a manner similar to fiberglass wadding insulation. Pad 122 can have any practical dimensions (i.e., thickness, width, and length). Pad 122 is typically cut from a forming roll 126 of fibrous material (illustrated by dashed line 124). Because the dimensions of the fibrous material are limited only by the manufacturing and storage processes of that fibrous material, the dimensions of pad 122 can vary considerably. In some exemplary embodiments, the thickness of pad 122 ranges from about 1 mm to about 50 mm. In some exemplary embodiments, the width of pad 122 ranges from about 10 mm to about 1 m. In some exemplary embodiments, the length of pad 122 ranges from about 10 mm to about 1,000 m. Typically, the dimensions of pad 122 will depend on the intended application of the pad. For example, if pad 122 is placed in a furrow created by an agricultural implement, pad 122 could have dimensions of 10 mm × 50 mm × 1,000 m.

[0046] Despite these exemplary embodiments, the general inventive concept envisions that the fibrous medium can take any form suitable for use as a growth medium in a given intended application (e.g., agriculture). By way of example, the fibrous medium can simply be a quantity of loose fibers, a bundle of tangled (e.g., needle-punched) fibers, a quantity of crimped glass fibers (often referred to as "glass wool"), etc. Typically, the fibrous medium will act as an inorganic soil conditioner.

[0047] The fiber media (e.g., fiber media 100, 120) covered by the general inventive concept will generally comprise glass fibers formed from a composition comprising: about 20% to about 75% by weight of SiO2; about 1% to about 30% by weight of Al2O3; and about 1% to about 25% by weight of Na2O.

[0048] Glass compositions used to form fibrous media (e.g., fibrous media 100, 120) are generally suitable for melting in both laboratory and manufacturing scales using various types of furnaces (e.g., electric furnaces, gas furnaces, or combinations thereof). The liquidus temperature and rheological operating range of glasses used in different manufacturing processes can be adjusted by manipulating the glass chemical composition within a given range. Typical melting temperatures for glass compositions range from 2,100 °C. Up to 2,800 This depends on the chemical composition of the glass. Glass compositions can melt at a given temperature for anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the rheological properties and spatial composition of the molten glass within the furnace.

[0049] Fiberization processes (i.e., processes for forming fibers from molten glass) can be performed using continuous and discontinuous methods, including drawing from precious metal spinnerets, rotary processes using internal centrifuges, cascade processes using external centrifuges, flame blowing processes, or combinations of one or more of these fiberization techniques. For example, a fiberization process may involve both flame blowing and rotary processes to achieve desired fiber diameters, morphologies, and surface areas, as well as other physical properties and appearances of interest.

[0050] Glass fibers are drawn from the equipment and blown generally downwards within the forming chamber for deposition onto a forming conveyor. While the glass fibers are forming, a chemical agent (e.g., a wetting agent composition) is applied to the outer surface of these glass fibers using a suitable spray applicator, resulting in a uniform distribution of the chemical agent throughout the glass fiber bundle. The chemical agent can be applied to the fibers as a solution or dispersion in an organic or aqueous medium. Typically, the composition is applied to the fibers as an aqueous solution. The temperature of the glass and the surrounding forming area is usually high enough to evaporate moisture from the aqueous solution before the fibers have been collected. The chemical agent may also be applied to the surface of the glass fibers at subsequent steps in the manufacturing process (after the initial fiber collection).

[0051] Chemical agents (e.g., binder compositions) such as resins may also be applied to the glass fibers during the manufacturing process to hold the fibers (i.e., fiber clusters) together. The necessity, type, and amount of the binder composition will generally depend on the form of the fiber medium, such as loose fibers, aggregates (e.g., clumps 102), sheet-like structures (e.g., pads 122), etc.

[0052] Alternatively, in some exemplary embodiments, no adhesive is used to hold the glass fibers together. As an example, the glass fibers may be held together by mechanical entanglement (e.g., needle punching).

[0053] If the fibrous media is bonded with an adhesive, any suitable adhesive can be used. In some exemplary embodiments, the adhesive is based on a thermosetting adhesive. The adhesive can be a phenol-urea-formaldehyde (PUF), phenol-formaldehyde (PF), or a formaldehyde-free adhesive. Examples of formaldehyde-free adhesives include, but are not limited to, adhesives based on polyesters, polyamides, and melanoidins. Polyester- and polyamide-based adhesives may contain: monomeric carboxylic acids or polymeric carboxylic acids; monomeric polyols or polymeric polyols; and monomeric amines or polymeric amines, preferably primary or secondary amines. Melanoid-based adhesives may be based on reducing sugars and amine or ammonia components. In some exemplary embodiments, the adhesive is based on a thermoplastic adhesive. Optionally, the adhesive may be primarily water-insoluble or primarily water-soluble. The adhesive may include processing aids such as oils, silanes, silicones, and surfactants. Alternatively, the fibrous media may be primarily adhesive-free and contain only processing aids, wherein the processing aids may include oils, silanes, silicones, and surfactants.

[0054] In some exemplary embodiments, one or more additives (e.g., functional components) may be incorporated into the wetting agent and / or binder or associated processing aids. In this case, the wetting agent and / or binder acts as a release agent for the additives. In practice, specific additives can be used to control the release rate of other additives.

[0055] In some exemplary embodiments, the additives include protective additives for plants, such as herbicides, insecticides, nematicides, and / or fungicides, which leach into the seeds or soil when the plant absorbs water.

[0056] In some exemplary embodiments, the additives include plant growth additives, such as nutrients or hormones.

[0057] In some exemplary embodiments, the additive includes one or more agricultural biological agents.

[0058] In some exemplary embodiments, the additives include soil enrichment additives, such as surfactants that enhance the water-holding capacity of the soil (also known as "moisturizers", "soil loosening agents" or "wetting agents").

[0059] In some exemplary embodiments, the additives include additives (e.g., surfactants) that make the glass fibers more hydrophilic, which in turn enhances the water retention capacity and subsequent water release capacity of the fiber media.

[0060] The average surface area of ​​glass fiber can range from 0.01 m². 2 / g to 20m 2 / g, which depends on the forming process and the glass chemical composition used to achieve that process. Furthermore, the morphology of the resulting fibers or fiber bundles can be arranged, twisted, cross-linked, and woven according to post-fibering processing techniques and the desired product form. Glass fibers will typically have a relatively large fiber diameter distribution ranging from about 0.1 µm to about 40 µm. However, glass fibers used in fiber media will typically have an average fiber diameter in the range of about 1 µm to about 10 µm (or in the range of about 1 µm to about 5 µm), which is controlled by the fiberizing process and the glass rheological properties at a specified operating temperature.

[0061] A high surface area to volume ratio enables the deposition of functional chemical components (e.g., nutrients, pesticides [for weeds, insects, fungi]) on the glass surface, which will be released / activated upon hydration through water permeation. The surface area to volume ratio is related to the bulk density and glass density (which is essentially constant, e.g., 2,500 kg / m³). 3 The function of A / V and fiber diameter is as follows: A / V = 4 × (bulb density / glass density) × (1 / fiber diameter). For soil-based applications, glass fiber media will typically have a density of approximately 240.28 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 720.83 kg / m 3 The density falls within the range of approximately 38,444 m. -1 (Assuming 240kg / m) 3 (low density and high fiber diameter of 10µm) to approximately 1,153,328m -1 (Assuming 720kg / m) 3 The surface area to volume ratio is within the range of high density and low fiber diameter of 1µm.

[0062] Due to the high porosity of glass fiber media (e.g., >95% open pore volume in some cases), this glass fiber media is able to retain a large amount of liquid water within its volume when saturated. Similarly, the porosity of glass fiber media varies with its density. As noted above, for soil-based applications, glass fiber media will typically have a porosity of approximately 240.28 kg / m³.3 Approximately 720.83 kg / m 3 The density falls within the range of approximately 3.76 cm⁻¹. 3 / gm to approximately 0.99cm 3 Porosity in the range of / gm. At least for those embodiments that use adhesives to hold the glass fibers together, the porosity of the glass fiber medium can be easily controlled.

[0063] The fibrous medium is hydrated when placed in the soil and initially releases water (long-term hydration) and any desired chemical components (transport) into the soil at the soil-medium interface through repeated rehydration cycles.

[0064] The effectiveness of this water release from the fibrous medium can be assessed, for example, by measuring plant available water (PAW). Figure 4 Figure 400 (taken from R. Weil and N. Brady) The Nature and Properties of Soils (15th edition, 2017), which illustrates the Soil Moisture Characteristic Curve (SWCC), shows that PAW is the difference between field capacity (i.e., the maximum amount of water the soil can hold) and the wilting point (i.e., the point at which the plant can no longer extract water from the soil). Field capacity is determined by mass and is measured as the total % water content after complete saturation and free drainage for 24 hours (or estimated by the water retention rate of the soil under a suction pressure of 10 kPa). The permanent wilting point is determined using a sunflower assay for the permanent wilting point. This method is designed to measure the soil moisture content when the plant reaches the permanent wilting point (PWP). This point is where the plant wilts and can no longer recover its swelling after being placed in a saturated atmosphere for 12 hours. This method uses the dwarf sunflower bioassay. PWP can also be estimated by the water retention rate of the soil under a suction pressure of 1,500 kPa.

[0065] Figure 4 The SWCC shown illustrates soil water content as a function of soil water potential (also known as matrix pressure or matrix potential). The curves show the maximum water content held by the soil under low matrix pressure (smaller negative values) and the minimum water content held by the soil under high matrix pressure (larger negative values). Several physical properties exist corresponding to approximate matrix pressure, namely saturation, field capacity, permanent wilting point, and plant-available water.

[0066] During rainfall or irrigation, soil pores are filled with water. If all soil pores are filled with water, the soil is said to be saturated. Since there is no air in the soil when it is saturated, plants will suffer. Although there are exceptions, many crops cannot withstand saturated soil conditions for more than a few days (e.g., 2 to 5 days). The period of saturation in topsoil typically does not last very long. After rainfall or irrigation stops, some of the water present in the larger pores of the soil will move downwards. This process is called drainage or infiltration.

[0067] Field holding capacity is often used interchangeably with the terms water holding capacity and water retention capacity. Field holding capacity is the amount of soil moisture or water content held in the soil after excess water has been drained and the rate of water movement downwards has been substantially reduced (this typically occurs 2 to 3 days after rain or irrigation in permeable soils with uniform structure and texture).

[0068] The permanent wilting point is the point at which no water is available to the plant. The permanent wilting point varies depending on the plant variety, but it is typically around 1,500 kPa (15 bar). At this stage, the soil still contains some water, but the plant's roots have difficulty extracting water from it. Plants require a stress level approaching 1,500 kPa to extract water. At this limit, most plants will die without additional water being supplied to the soil.

[0069] Soil can be viewed as a reservoir for plants. When the soil is saturated, the reservoir is full. However, some water is rapidly drained below the root zone before it can be used by the plant. When this water is drained, the soil is at field capacity. Plant roots draw water from the remaining water in the reservoir. When the soil reaches its permanent wilting point, any remaining water is no longer available to the plant. The actual water available to the plant (i.e., plant-available water) is the amount of water stored in the soil at field capacity minus the amount of water that will remain in the soil at the permanent wilting point. The amount of available water is influenced by soil texture and structure.

[0070] Generally speaking, fiber media can be used in the region of interest ( Figure 4 Improved water retention is achieved in the fibrous medium (as shown), which translates to increased water availability for plants compared to the base soil alone.

[0071] In some exemplary embodiments, fibrous media can achieve comparable or better PAW levels with lower dosages than some conventional soil conditioners (e.g., silica, biochar, mulch).

[0072] In some exemplary embodiments, fibrous media can achieve comparable or better PAW levels at a lower cost than some conventional soil conditioners (e.g., SAP).

[0073] In some exemplary embodiments, fibrous media can avoid various drawbacks associated with conventional soil conditioners, such as soil pH sensitivity (e.g., SAP) and high material variability (biochar).

[0074] In the measurement of SWCC (this will refer to) Figure 5 As described in Figure 500, the embodiment incorporating a glass fiber medium (with an average fiber diameter of 3µm and a strength of 320.37 kg / m²) 3 (Density) as a soil conditioner. Reference Figure 4 Graph 400 illustrates SWCC and its importance. Measurements in this study were obtained using a pressure / vacuum extraction technique, in which samples are positioned on a porous ceramic plate and water is extracted from the samples by operating the plate under negative pressure relative to the soil. Once equilibrium is reached, the mass of the sample is determined and then compared to its dried mass, where the difference is the mass of water held at that suction level. Measurements in this work cover a pressure range from 10 kPa suction to 1,500 kPa. This pressure range was chosen because, as noted above, it represents field water holding capacity at the lower end and permanent wilting point at the higher end.

[0075] In the experiment, the effects of soil conditioner samples covering 0% to 100% by volume of glass fiber media (including 15%, 30%, and 50%) were evaluated, with basal soil containing no conditioner represented as 0% on the x-axis and the case where all soil was replaced with glass fiber media represented as 100% on the x-axis. Therefore, for a given volume, the x-axis ranges from 100% basal soil coverage to 100% glass fiber media coverage. In plot 500, the PAW of the basal soil (containing no glass fiber media of any kind) was normalized to a value of 1.0 on the y-axis. Therefore, using this normalized scale and correlating the data points generated from the aforementioned samples, it was determined that the effect of glass fiber media as a soil conditioner is linearly proportional to the volume of glass fiber media. This relationship is determined by… Figure 5 The dashed line in the figure illustrates this. As shown in graph 500, the glass fiber medium exhibits a potential to hold PAW that is nearly three (3) times greater than that of soil (in this case, sandy loam).

[0076] Surprisingly, both the (average) fiber diameter and the density of the glass fiber medium were found to be important for achieving improved PAW (e.g., greater than that of soil without any amendments). Specifically, the efficacy of eight (8) different glass fiber medium samples was evaluated, as shown in Table 1. Specifically, samples with a fiber diameter of approximately 3 µm and a density of approximately 64 kg / m³ were evaluated. 3 The first sample had the following density; it had a fiber diameter of approximately 3 µm and a density of approximately 160 kg / m³. 3The second sample had the following density; it had a fiber diameter of approximately 3µm and a density of approximately 320 kg / m³. 3 The third sample had the following density; it had a fiber diameter of approximately 3 µm and a density of approximately 640 kg / m³. 3 The fourth sample had the following density; it had a fiber diameter of approximately 11 µm and a density of approximately 64 kg / m³. 3 The fifth sample had the following density; it had a fiber diameter of approximately 11 µm and a density of approximately 160 kg / m³. 3 The sixth sample had the following density; it had a fiber diameter of approximately 11 µm and a density of approximately 320 kg / m³. 3 The seventh sample had a density of approximately 11 µm and a fiber diameter of approximately 640 kg / m³. 3 The density of the eighth sample. As used herein, HT refers to one ten-thousandth of an inch, where 1.0 µm is equal to approximately 3.94 HT.

[0077]

[0078] Table 1

[0079] Therefore, as shown in Table 1, soil conditioners containing glass fiber media made of fine denier fibers (e.g., having an average diameter of about 3 µm or about 12 HT) do not necessarily result in increased PAW compared to soils without any conditioner. See Measurement #1 and Measurement #2. Similarly, soil conditioners containing glass fiber media with an average diameter of about 320.37 kg / m³... 3 (Approximately 20 pcf) to approximately 640.74 kg / m 3 Soil conditioners containing glass fiber media with densities in the range of approximately 40 pcf do not necessarily result in increased PAW compared to soils without any conditioner. See Measurements #7 and #8. However, soils containing fine denier fibers (e.g., with an average diameter of approximately 3 µm or 12 HT) and with a density of approximately 320.37 kg / m³... 3 (Approximately 20 pcf) to approximately 640.74 kg / m 3 Soil conditioners with glass fiber media in the density range of approximately 40 pcf resulted in increased PAW compared to soil without any conditioner. See Measurements #3 and #4. Therefore, the fiber media implementations described or suggested herein represent improved soil conditioners capable of achieving increased PAW, based on this synergistic relationship between the specific fiber diameter and specific density of the fiber media to achieve the necessary pore size to support increased PAW.

[0080] The main forces acting on water in the soil matrix are gravity (which guides water downward) and capillary action (which retains water within the matrix). This capillary action (or capillary pressure) is caused by the surface tension of the liquid and the pore size that holds the liquid. This is described by Laplace's formula (1), which is derived from the force balance at the meniscus of a circular cross-section and is given by:

[0081]

[0082] Where: P c It is capillary pressure. It is the inter-surface surface tension, r p θ is the effective radius of the interface, and θ is the wetting angle of the liquid on the capillary surface.

[0083] For plant-based applications The surface tension will primarily be that of water (0.072 N / m, unless a surfactant is used), and θ will represent the surface energy of the material at hand, which in this case is glass. Glass is known to have high surface energy and therefore a low wetting angle, so θ is expected to be low, resulting in cosθ approaching one and maximizing capillary pressure.

[0084] The effective pore size of the fiber mesh can be estimated based on the unit free element method, where the cross-section of the circular fiber is surrounded by a liquid ring (a ring of liquid surrounding the fiber) attributable to that fiber. The effective pore radius of the glass fiber mesh can be readily shown by equation (2) through force balance using the weight of the water column due to gravity and the force from the surface tension at the air-water-fiber interface:

[0085]

[0086] Where: r f It is the fiber radius, ρ f It is the density of individual glass fibers (e.g., 2,500 kg / m³). 3 ), and ρ w It is the density of the fiberglass mesh.

[0087] Combining formulas (1) and (2), the direct relationship between capillary pressure and the physical properties of the glass fiber mesh is given, which is expressed by formula (3):

[0088]

[0089] Figure 4Figure 400 illustrates that an ideal soil conditioner made of glass fiber should be able to release water under pressures between approximately 10 kPa (field holding capacity) and approximately 1,500 kPa (permanent wilting point). Releasing water below this pressure range will allow for easy free drainage, while releasing water above this pressure range will retain water too firmly for plants to extract it. Formula (3) achieves the fiber radius (r) that will generate the target capillary pressure. f ) and net density (ρ w Estimation of combinations.

[0090] Assume the following values: surface tension (0.072 N / m), wetting angle (θ≈0), and individual fiber density (2,500 kg / m²). 3 Table 2 shows the fiber diameter (D). f ) and net density (ρ w The combination requires that the combination deliver a specific capillary pressure (P). c The successful density (320 kg / m²) shown in Table 1 is calculated for a net density (representing the minimum) of 10 kPa (field holding capacity based on soil application) and a fiber diameter of 3 µm. 3 -640kg / m 3 )support.

[0091]

[0092] Table 2

[0093] Therefore, the overall inventive concept covers an effective glass fiber medium for promoting crop / plant growth. The average diameter of the fibers forming the glass fiber medium is in the range of about 1 µm (about 3.94 HT) to about 7 µm (about 27.58 HT), more preferably in the range of about 2 µm (about 7.87 HT) to about 4 µm (about 15.75 HT), and most preferably about 3 µm (about 11.81 HT). Additionally, the density of the glass fiber medium is about 240.28 kg / m³. 3 (approximately 15 pcf or lb / ft) 3 Approximately 720.83 kg / m 3 Within the range of approximately 45 pcf, more preferably within approximately 272.31 kg / m 3 (Approximately 17 pcf) to approximately 688.79 kg / m 3 (Approximately 43 pcf), or even more preferably approximately 304.35 kg / m 3 (Approximately 19 pcf) to approximately 656.76 kg / m 3 The range is approximately 41 pcf, and more preferably approximately 320.37 kg / m³. 3(Approximately 20 pcf) to approximately 640.74 kg / m 3 Within the range of approximately 40 pcf.

[0094] As noted above, various forms of fibrous media (e.g., fibrous media 100, 120) can be realized downstream of the fibrous section, including clumps 102 (see [link to documentation]). Figure 1A ) and pad 122 (see Figure 1B ).

[0095] Glass fibers can be blown into a forming chamber, where they are deposited onto a traveling conveyor with minimal structure or in varying patterns to form a pad. The coated fiber pad, including a binder as a chemical agent, is then transferred from the forming chamber to a transfer zone where it expands vertically due to the resilience of the fibers. The coated pad is then transferred to a curing oven (where heated air is blown through it) or a curing mold (where heat can be applied under pressure) to cure the binder and rigidly attach the fibers together. The pad product can then be used as a planting medium, as described herein.

[0096] Other types of fiber products include fibers that are not bonded or held together by an adhesive. In this case, the fibers are blown into a forming chamber, where they are deposited in a minimally woven or varied pattern onto a traveling conveyor (to form a pad) or into a transport conduit. The fiber pad is then transferred from the forming chamber to a transfer zone, where the fibers can expand due to their resilience.

[0097] The expanded fibers can then be fed through a shredder (e.g., a hammer mill) for cutting and separation, where chemical reagents may be added. Once formed, the fibers can be crushed, cut, chopped, or broken into lengths suitable for plant growth applications. Several devices and methods are available for producing short fiber sheets, and are known in the art. The resulting fiber product can be in the form of clumps, which are generally spherical in shape and have a diameter ranging from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. These clumps can be used directly as a soil additive.

[0098] The form of the fibrous media used (e.g., clumps 102, mats 122) will generally depend on the specific application. Some suitable applications include, but are not limited to, a variety of agricultural applications, a variety of landscaping applications, and a variety of horticultural applications. Generally speaking, fibrous media can be used in any suitable soil-based agricultural or botanical application, including for turf and lawn grasses.

[0099] By increasing PAW in improved soil, fibrous media can enable crops and plants to grow in areas previously considered too dry to support their growth. By increasing PAW in improved soil, fibrous media can support the cultivation of crops and plants with significantly less water. By increasing PAW in improved soil, fibrous media can enable certain crops and plants that cannot thrive naturally in soil to flourish.

[0100] In some embodiments, various inventive concepts can be utilized in combination with each other. Furthermore, any specific component described relating to a particular disclosed embodiment should be understood to be applicable to all disclosed embodiments, unless the introduction of such a component would contradict the terminology expressed in that embodiment. The scope of the overall inventive concept presented herein is not intended to be limited to the specific exemplary embodiments shown and described herein. Based on the given disclosure, those skilled in the art will not only understand the overall inventive concept and its accompanying advantages, but will also discover obvious variations and modifications thereof. Therefore, it is sought to cover all such variations and modifications and any equivalents that fall within the spirit and scope of the overall inventive concept as described and / or claimed herein.

Claims

1. A soil conditioner comprising a plurality of discrete fibers, wherein the fibers have an average fiber diameter in the range of about 1 µm to about 5 µm; The soil conditioner described herein has a concentration of approximately 240.28 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 720.83 kg / m 3 The density within the range; and When the soil conditioner replaces about 15% by volume of the soil, the soil conditioner is operable to increase the plant-available water level of the soil by at least about 30%.

2. The soil conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the fiber is glass fiber.

3. The soil conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the glass fiber comprises about 20% to about 75% by weight of SiO2, about 1% to about 15% by weight of Al2O3 and about 2% to about 25% by weight of Na2O.

4. The soil conditioner according to claim 2, wherein the glass fiber has a Si to (Si+Al) ratio greater than about 0.

7.

5. The soil conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the fibers have an average fiber diameter in the range of about 2 µm to about 4 µm; and The soil conditioner described herein has a concentration of approximately 272.31 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 688.79 kg / m 3 The density within the range.

6. The soil conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the fibers have an average fiber diameter of about 3 µm; and The soil conditioner described herein has a strength of approximately 320.37 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 640.74 kg / m 3 The density within the range.

7. The soil conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the fibers have an average fiber diameter of about 3 µm; and The soil conditioner described herein has a concentration of approximately 304.35 kg / m³. 3 Approximately 656.76 kg / m 3 The density within the range.

8. The soil conditioner of claim 1, wherein the fibers form a plurality of clumps having an average maximum linear size in the range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm.

9. The soil conditioner of claim 8, wherein each of the aggregates has a spherical shape and the maximum linear dimension is the diameter of the spherical shape.

10. The soil conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the fibers form a nonwoven mat having width, length and thickness.

11. The soil conditioner according to claim 10, wherein the width is in the range of about 10 mm to about 1 m; The length is in the range of approximately 10 mm to approximately 1,000 m; and The thickness is in the range of about 1 mm to about 50 mm.

12. The soil conditioner of claim 10, wherein the fibers of the mat are held together by an adhesive.

13. The soil conditioner of claim 10, wherein the fibers of the mat are held together by mechanical entanglement.

14. The soil conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the soil conditioner further comprises an additive applied to the surface of the fiber.

15. The soil conditioner according to claim 14, wherein the additive is at least one of the following: herbicide, insecticide, nematicide, and fungicide.

16. The soil conditioner according to claim 14, wherein the additive is a hormone.

17. The soil conditioner according to claim 14, wherein the additive is an agricultural biological agent.

18. The soil conditioner according to claim 14, wherein the additive is a surfactant.

19. The soil conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the fiber comprises a certain amount of hydrophilic fiber and a certain amount of hydrophobic fiber.

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