Weed control structure, weed control structure kit and installation method thereof

Abstract

To provide a weed-proof structure that keeps a constant spatial distance from a ground surface, whereby a crack does not occur because a budding weed cannot penetrate the weed-proof structure, suppresses photosynthesis, thereby preventing weeds from growing and over-growing.SOLUTION: A weed-proof structure in which a net-like structure is covered by a light-shielding material has a spatial distance between the weed-proof structure and a ground surface which is kept to more than 5 cm and 30 cm or less by an anchor.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a weed control structure that prevents the overgrowth of weeds, a weed control structure kit, and a method for installing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Weed control methods that cover the ground surface with covering materials have traditionally been applied using weed control sheets or sprayed mortar. However, weed control sheets are prone to tearing, and sprayed mortar is prone to cracking. Furthermore, gaps are likely to form in areas that come into contact with structures such as buildings and utility poles during construction, allowing weeds to grow and flourish through these gaps, which has been a problem.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a weed control sheet stretched over a frame in which multiple vertical and horizontal pipes are connected with joints to form a ring, multiple intermediate pipes are arranged intermittently between the vertical pipes at both ends so that they are lined up in the same direction, and multiple support pipes are extended downward in an adjustable length.It is said that even if the ground is uneven, the weed control sheet can be placed in a balanced manner without the entire sheet floating off the ground or the frame material tilting.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a weed-control mortar spraying method, which involves adding and kneading materials consisting of cement, reinforcing fibers, and fine aggregate to a solution (A) containing a lignin-based composition and calcium chloride as its main components, and then adding and kneading a solution (B) prepared mainly from a lignin-based composition and sodium silicate to form mortar, which is then sprayed onto an object to be sprayed and allowed to solidify. According to this method, since the mortar is sprayed onto an object to be sprayed and allowed to solidify, it is possible to provide a weed-control mortar spraying method that imparts excellent weed-control properties, is less likely to crack, and has good strength, and is said to have many advantages, such as ease of application to vast areas of ground surface and a relatively short work period. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-145606 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2011-26165 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, weed control sheets are prone to cracking when external pressure increases due to trampling or sedimentation, and once cracked, weeds quickly begin to proliferate. This possibility increases over time, particularly in areas where the weed control sheet is in contact with the ground surface. Furthermore, when a thin weed control sheet is in contact with the ground surface, weed species with strong germination abilities, such as bamboo grass, Imperata cylindrica, and reeds, may penetrate the weed control sheet (see Figure 21). Furthermore, the weed control sheet itself deteriorates over time, requiring replacement as it deteriorates. Furthermore, with the sprayed weed control mortar method described in Patent Document 2, sand and organic matter begin to accumulate on the mortar surface over time. Because the mortar is in contact with the ground surface, it is difficult for the mortar to dry, which can lead to weed seeds carried by the wind obtaining moisture from the sediment, germinating, growing, and overgrown. Furthermore, even if the sprayed mortar itself is unlikely to crack, there is a risk that the soil on the ground surface in contact with the underside of the mortar may be washed away by rainwater, which may cause the mortar to crack. There is also a risk that the mortar may be lifted by frost in winter, causing the mortar to crack.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a weed control structure that is installed at a certain spatial distance from the ground surface, and that prevents emerged weeds from penetrating the weed control structure, thereby preventing cracks from occurring, and that keeps the weeds shaded, thereby suppressing photosynthesis and preventing the growth and proliferation of weeds. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The above problem is solved by providing a weed control structure in which a mesh structure is covered with a shading material, and the spatial distance between the weed control structure and the ground surface is maintained in the range of more than 5 cm to 30 cm by anchors.

[0009] In this case, it is preferable that the thickness of the weed control structure is in the range of 0.5 cm to 5 cm, and in a preferred embodiment, at least a portion of the weed control structure covered with the shading material may be replaced with a light-transmitting material.In addition, in this case, it is a preferred embodiment that the spatial distance is formed by holding the weed control structure on anchors driven into the ground, and in a preferred embodiment, at least one end of the weed control structure is positioned outward from the vertical axis of the anchor driven into the ground.

[0010] A preferred embodiment of the weed control structure kit is a weed control structure kit consisting of a weed control structure in which a mesh structure is covered with a shading material and anchors, characterized in that the weed control structure kit is installed on the ground surface so that the spatial distance between the weed control structure and the ground surface is maintained by the anchors in the range of more than 5 cm to 30 cm.

[0011] The above problem can also be solved by providing a method for installing the weed control structure, which is characterized in that after driving anchors into the ground, a mesh structure is installed on the anchors, and the mesh structure is covered with a shading material to form the weed control structure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] The weed control structure of the present invention maintains a certain spatial distance from the ground surface, preventing emerged weeds from penetrating through the weed control structure, preventing cracks and weeds from forming. Since weeds are kept shaded, photosynthesis is suppressed, preventing weed growth and overgrowth. Even after rainfall, the weed control structure maintains a certain spatial distance from the ground surface, allowing it to dry quickly and preventing weed seeds that have drifted to the surface of the weed control structure from absorbing water and germinating. Furthermore, even in the presence of structures such as utility poles and buildings, the mesh structure can be appropriately processed and attached around the structure, effectively preventing weeds from penetrating through without creating gaps. Therefore, the weed control structure of the present invention can prevent the growth and overgrowth of weeds for at least two years. Furthermore, the weed control structure of the present invention is composed of a lightweight mesh structure covered with a shading material, and anchors maintain a certain spatial distance from the ground surface, making it easy to disassemble and remove as needed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a U-shaped anchor and a T-shaped anchor are driven into flat ground. [Figure 2] This is a photograph showing a U-shaped anchor and a T-shaped anchor driven into flat ground. [Figure 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a U-shaped anchor and a T-shaped anchor driven into flat ground. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the state in which a rib russ is installed on an anchor. [Figure 5] This is a photograph showing the state of rib lath installed on the anchor. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a rib lath installed on an anchor. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a weed control structure obtained by applying mortar to rib lath. [Figure 8] This is a photograph showing the state in which mortar has been applied to rib lath. [Figure 9]The photographs show the weed control structure obtained by applying mortar to rib lath, showing the condition on the 2nd, 7th, and 14th days after installation. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of a weed control structure obtained by applying mortar to rib lath. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a cross section of an embodiment when mowing near the end of a weed control structure. [Figure 12] This is a photograph showing the state of rib lath installed so as to be in contact with a concrete block wall. [Figure 13] This is a photograph showing the state of rib lath installed so that it touches both sides of a wire mesh fence. [Figure 14] This is a photograph showing a weed control structure obtained by installing rib lath on both sides of a wire mesh fence and applying mortar to the rib lath. [Figure 15] This is a photograph showing a weed control structure installed on a slope in a mountain forest. [Figure 16] This is a photograph showing the weed control structure one month after it was installed on a slope in a mountain forest. [Figure 17] This is a photograph showing a weed control structure installed on a slope in a mountain forest one month after installation, showing an area where part of the mortar has been replaced with acrylic panels, and the weed control structure as viewed from the side. [Figure 18] This is a photograph showing the condition of a weed control structure obtained by applying mortar to rib lath, with a spatial distance of 0 cm from the ground surface, 14 days after installation. [Figure 19] This photograph shows the condition of a commercially available weed control sheet approximately four months after it was installed on the ground surface. [Figure 20] This is a photograph showing the condition around the sheet pins approximately two months after a commercially available weed control sheet was installed on the ground surface with sheet pins. [Figure 21] This photograph shows the condition of a commercially available weed control sheet approximately two years after it was installed on the ground surface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The weed control structure of the present invention is a weed control structure comprising a mesh structure covered with a shading material, and is characterized in that the spatial distance between the weed control structure and the ground surface is maintained within a certain range by anchors.

[0015] In the present invention, the spatial distance between the weed control structure and the ground surface refers to a range of more than 5 cm to 30 cm. When the ground surface is uneven, this means that the distance from the highest protrusion to the lower surface of the weed control structure is maintained within a range of more than 5 cm to 30 cm. In other words, the distance from the highest protrusion to the lower surface of the weed control structure must be maintained within a range of more than 5 cm to 30 cm. Depending on the shape of the ground surface, it is acceptable for there to be localized areas where the distance exceeds 30 cm. As is clear from a comparison of the Examples and Comparative Examples described below, when the spatial distance is 0 cm and 5 cm, emerged weeds grow and penetrate the weed control structure, causing cracks in the weed control structure. These cracks allow further weed growth, resulting in no weed control effect. In contrast, when the spatial distance is 10 cm, 15 cm, or 20 cm, the space between the weed control structure and the ground surface is not completely shaded, allowing weeds to photosynthesize to a certain extent and growing somewhat, but the weeds do not penetrate the weed control structure, and cracks do not form in the weed control structure. This is because, taking into account that plants have very strong growth potential in the early stages after germination, a certain spatial distance is intentionally maintained from the ground surface to the weed control structure to prevent the plants from growing strong enough to penetrate the weed control structure, thereby suppressing photosynthesis in the stems and leaves and preventing the growth and proliferation of weeds.In this way, it can be seen that the significance of the present invention, which adopts a configuration that keeps the spatial distance in the range of more than 5 cm to 30 cm, is great.

[0016] As mentioned above, if the space is 5 cm or less, the desired weed control effect cannot be obtained, so the space is usually more than 5 cm, preferably 6 cm or more, more preferably 8 cm or more, and even more preferably 10 cm or more. On the other hand, if the space is more than 30 cm, the amount of sunlight entering the space increases, which may result in insufficient weed control effect, so the space is preferably 25 cm or less, more preferably 22 cm or less, and even more preferably 20 cm or less.

[0017] The mesh structure used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can hold a shading material in the mesh gaps, can maintain a certain distance from the ground surface, and is strong enough to prevent deflection. The material can be metal or plastic, and metal laths such as flat lath, knotted lath, corrugated lath, and ribbed lath are preferably used. Hot-dip galvanized steel sheet or stainless steel sheet are preferably used as the metal lath material. Here, flat lath is a flat lath that has not been subjected to secondary processing such as molding. Knotted lath is a flat lath that has been knotted in the same direction. Corrugated lath is a flat lath that has been corrugated in a certain direction. Ribbed lath is a flat lath that has been manufactured by leaving a blank plate at regular intervals during flat lath production and then adding angled ribs in the same direction to the remaining blank plate (sometimes referred to as "rib lath A"), or a steel plate that has been cut and then ribbed and stretched (sometimes referred to as "rib lath C") during secondary processing. These metal laths are specified in JIS A5505:2020. Among these, rib laths having ribs as their ribs are more suitable for use as a mesh structure because they have good stability when placed on an anchor.

[0018] The anchors used in the present invention are not particularly limited as long as they can be driven into the ground and hold the mesh structure in place. They may be made of metal or plastic. Metal is preferable in terms of durability, and reinforcing bars and deformed reinforcing bars are more preferably used as anchors because they are inexpensive and durable. The shape of the anchors is not particularly limited, but at least one anchor selected from the group consisting of U-shaped, T-shaped, and L-shaped anchors is preferably used in terms of ease of holding the mesh structure on the anchors, and at least one anchor selected from the group consisting of U-shaped and L-shaped anchors is more preferably used in terms of cost reduction without welding the anchors together. The diameter of the anchor is usually 5 mm or more, preferably 6 mm to 20 mm, and more preferably 8 mm to 16 mm.

[0019] The shading material used in the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it can cover the mesh-like structure. From the viewpoints of ease of application and good durability, at least one material selected from the group consisting of cement, mortar, and concrete is preferably used. Mortar typically contains cement, fine aggregate, and water, while concrete typically contains cement, coarse aggregate, fine aggregate, and water. The weed-control structure of the present invention is the mesh-like structure covered with the shading material. The method for covering the mesh-like structure with the shading material is not particularly limited, and known methods such as coating and spraying can be used. The mesh-like structure may be covered with the shading material and then held in place with anchors, or the mesh-like structure may be held in place with anchors and then covered with the shading material. In a preferred embodiment, the spatial distance is formed by holding the weed-control structure on anchors driven into the ground.

[0020] The weed control structure of the present invention maintains the spatial distance with anchors, but the anchor installation positions are not particularly limited. However, because a certain spatial distance is maintained from the ground surface, sunlight enters through the edges of the weed control structure, causing weeds to grow at those edges. Therefore, a preferred embodiment employs at least one edge of the weed control structure positioned outside the vertical axis of the anchor installed in the ground. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the vertical axis of the anchor is positioned inside the weed control structure, which is preferable because it prevents the mower blade from hitting the vertical axis of the anchor when mowing weeds growing near that edge. The edge of the weed control structure refers to any location on the side of the weed control structure (see reference numeral 31 in FIG. 11). For example, if the weed control structure is rectangular, any location on the side of the rectangular shape would be the edge, and if the weed control structure is cylindrical, any location on the side of the cylindrical shape would be the edge. If the ground near the end of the weed control structure is made of concrete or the like and there are no weeds, the end of the weed control structure may be bent so that it touches the ground surface.

[0021] The thickness of the weed control structure of the present invention is not particularly limited, but is generally preferably 0.5 mm or more, and more preferably 0.5 cm to 5 cm. If the thickness is less than 0.5 cm, the strength of the weed control structure will be insufficient, and there is a risk that weeds will penetrate through the weed control structure. The thickness is more preferably 0.8 cm or more, and even more preferably 1 cm or more. On the other hand, if the thickness exceeds 5 cm, the weight of the weed control structure will increase, leading to higher costs and the risk of requiring more effort when dismantling and removing it. The thickness is more preferably 4 cm or less, and even more preferably 3 cm or less.

[0022] The weed control structure of the present invention has the mesh structure covered with the light-shielding material, but at least a portion of the weed control structure covered with the light-shielding material may be replaced with a light-transmitting material. This allows plant roots to remain in the space between the light-transmitting material and the ground surface, maintaining thriving plants in the space, making it possible to prevent soil erosion and the like. As will be apparent from the examples described below, the inventors observed a weed control structure installed on a slope one month later and confirmed that weeds had grown in the space near the acrylic plate, which is a light-transmitting material, but not in other spaces. In other words, from the perspective of preventing landslides, installing the weed control structure on a slope or embankment is a preferred embodiment.

[0023] The light-transmitting material is not particularly limited, and suitable examples include plastic materials such as acrylic resins such as polymethyl methacrylate, polycarbonate resins, polyethylene terephthalate resins, and polyimide resins, and glass.

[0024] The method for installing the weed control structure of the present invention is not particularly limited. It may be a method in which anchors are driven into the ground, a mesh structure is installed on the anchors, and the mesh structure is covered with a shading material to form a weed control structure, or a method in which a mesh structure is first covered with the shading material to form a weed control structure, anchors are driven into the ground, and the weed control structure is installed on the anchors. If there are structures such as utility poles or buildings, installing a mesh structure processed into a desired shape around the structure and then covering it with a shading material has the advantage of eliminating gaps, and from this perspective, it is more preferable to use a method in which anchors are driven into the ground, a mesh structure is installed on the anchors, and the mesh structure is covered with a shading material to form a weed control structure.

[0025] As mentioned above, when installing the weed control structure of the present invention, a method of covering the mesh structure with a shading material on-site is preferably used, but a method of bringing the weed control structure covered with a shading material to the site and installing it by fixing the underside of the weed control structure with anchors is also acceptable. From this perspective, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is a weed control structure kit comprising a weed control structure in which the mesh structure is covered with a shading material and anchors, and which is characterized by being installed on the ground surface so that the spatial distance between the weed control structure and the ground surface is maintained by the anchors in the range of more than 5 cm to 30 cm. In this case, another preferred embodiment is a weed control structure in which at least a portion of the weed control structure covered with a shading material has been replaced with a light-transmitting material. Furthermore, when the mesh structure is covered with a shading material on-site, one preferred embodiment of the present invention is a weed control structure kit comprising a mesh structure, a shading material, and anchors, which is installed on the ground surface so that the spatial distance between the weed control structure formed by covering the mesh structure with the shading material and the ground surface is maintained by the anchors in the range of more than 5 cm to 30 cm. Another preferred embodiment is when the kit further comprises a light-transmitting material.

[0026] The installation location of the weed control structure of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a location where weed growth and overgrowth are to be prevented. It can be installed in any desired location, such as flat land, slopes, embankments, roadsides, irrigation channels, fallow fields, vacant lots, and around houses, buildings, and industrial facilities. As described above, in a weed control structure in which at least a portion of the weed control structure covered with the light-shielding material has been replaced with a light-transmitting material, plant roots grow in the space between the light-transmitting material and the ground surface, maintaining plant growth and overgrowth in the space, albeit weakly, thereby effectively preventing soil erosion and other problems. Therefore, a preferred embodiment is to install the weed control structure on a slope or embankment. Furthermore, the installed weed control structure is composed of a lightweight mesh structure covered with a light-shielding material, and is maintained at a certain spatial distance from the ground surface by anchors, making it easy to dismantle and remove as needed. [Example]

[0027] The present invention will be described in more detail below using examples. However, the following embodiments are merely illustrative and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments in any way.

[0028] Example 1 U-shaped anchors and T-shaped anchors made of 10 mm diameter deformed steel bars were prepared, and the T-shaped anchors were driven into flat ground at both ends, with the U-shaped anchor being driven between these T-shaped anchors (see Figures 1 to 3). The spatial distance from the ground surface to the top of the horizontally placed anchors was 10 cm. The required number of rib lath sheets (manufactured by Ogawa Shoten Co., Ltd., 180 cm long x 60 cm wide x 6 mm thick (including rib height)) were installed as a mesh structure on the driven anchors and secured in place with wire or the like (see Figures 4 to 6). Mortar was applied to the rib lath as a shading material to create a weed control structure (see Figures 7 to 10). The weed control structure was 1 cm thick.

[0029] Examples 2-3 and Comparative Examples 1-2 Each weed control structure was installed in the same manner as in Example 1, except that the spatial distance from the ground surface to the top of the horizontally placed anchors was changed to 0 cm, 5 cm, 15 cm, and 20 cm, respectively (see Figure 9). The cases of 0 cm and 5 cm correspond to Comparative Examples 1 and 2, and the cases of 15 cm and 20 cm correspond to Examples 2 and 3. In the weed control structures with a spatial distance of 0 cm and 5 cm, weeds penetrated the weed control structure, and locations where cracks occurred were confirmed (see Figure 18).

[0030] Example 4 L-shaped anchors made of deformed rebar with a diameter of 10 mm were prepared and cast at regular intervals so that they were in contact with the concrete block wall. The spatial distance from the ground surface to the top of the horizontally placed anchors was 10 cm. Rib lath (manufactured by Ogawa Shoten Co., Ltd., length 180 cm x width 60 cm x thickness (including rib height) 6 mm) was cut appropriately and the required number of sheets were placed on the cast anchors as a mesh structure and fixed in place with wire or the like (see Figure 12). Mortar was applied to the rib lath as a shading material to set up the weed control structure. At this time, the thickness of the weed control structure was 1 cm.

[0031] Example 5 T-shaped anchors and U-shaped anchors were cast on both sides of the wire mesh fence, and the required number of rib lath sheets (manufactured by Ogawa Shoten Co., Ltd., 180 cm long x 60 cm wide x 6 mm thick (including rib height)) were placed on the cast anchors as a mesh structure and secured with wire or the like (see Figure 13). Mortar was applied to the rib lath as a shading material to set up the weed control structure (see Figure 14). At this time, the weed control structure was 1 cm thick, and the spatial distance between the weed control structure and the ground surface was 10 cm.

[0032] Example 6 U-shaped and T-shaped anchors made of 10 mm diameter deformed rebar were prepared, and the T-shaped anchors were driven into the forest slope at both ends, with another U-shaped anchor being driven between the T-shaped anchors. The spatial distance from the ground surface to the top of the anchors, which were placed parallel to the slope, was 10 cm. The required number of rib lath sheets (manufactured by Ogawa Shoten Co., Ltd., 180 cm long x 60 cm wide x 6 mm thick (including rib height)) were placed on the driven anchors as a mesh structure and secured with wire or other fasteners. Acrylic plates (10 cm long x 10 cm wide, 4 mm thick) were placed at regular intervals on the rib lath as a light-transmitting material. Mortar was applied as a light-blocking material to the rib lath except where the acrylic plates were placed, thereby completing the weed control structure (see Figure 15). The weed control structure was 1 cm thick. When the weed control structure was observed one month after installation, weeds were found growing in the space near where the acrylic panels were placed, but no weed growth was observed in other spaces (see Figures 16 and 17).

[0033] Reference example 1 When a commercially available weed control fabric was installed on the ground surface, approximately four months after installation, weeds were confirmed to have sprouted, grown, and overgrown where the fabric was attached (see Figure 19). When weeds grow in this way, the fabric becomes uneven, making it easy for soil to accumulate, allowing weed seeds to germinate, grow, and overgrow. Furthermore, when mowing around a weed control fabric where weeds have grown and overgrown, there is a risk that the fabric will get caught in the mower blades and tear.

[0034] Reference example 2 When a commercially available weed control fabric was installed on the ground surface using sheet pins, approximately two months after installation, weeds were confirmed to have sprouted and grown around the sheet pins and where the weed control fabric was attached (see Figure 20). When weeds grow in this way, the weed control fabric becomes uneven, making it prone to soil accumulation, which can lead to the germination, growth, and overgrowth of weed seeds that have been blown in. Furthermore, when mowing around a weed control fabric with weeds growing on it, there is a risk that the weed control fabric will get caught in the mower blades and be torn.

[0035] Reference example 3 When a commercially available weed control sheet was installed on the ground surface, it was confirmed that Imperata cylindrica had penetrated the weed control sheet approximately six months after installation. Figure 21 is a photograph showing the condition approximately two years after installation. When a weed control sheet that is not very thick is installed on the ground surface, weed species with strong germination ability, such as bamboo grass, Imperata cylindrica, and reed, penetrate the weed control sheet. The weed control sheet itself deteriorates over time, so it must be replaced as it deteriorates. [Explanation of symbols]

[0036] 1. Anchor 11 U-shaped anchor 12 T-shaped anchor 13 Vertical axis of anchor 2. Mesh structure (rib rass) 3 Weed control structures 31 Edge of weed control structure 4. Clearance 5. Grass cutting blade

Claims

1. A weed control structure in which a mesh structure is covered with a shading material, A weed control structure, characterized in that the spatial distance between the weed control structure and the ground surface is maintained in the range of more than 5 cm to 30 cm by holding the weed control structure on anchors driven into the ground.

2. 2. The weed control structure according to claim 1, wherein the thickness of the weed control structure is 0.5 cm to 5 cm.

3. The weed control structure according to claim 1 or 2, wherein at least a part of the weed control structure covered with the light-shielding material may be replaced with a light-transmitting material.

4. 3. The weed control structure according to claim 1, wherein at least one end of the weed control structure is positioned outward from a vertical axis of an anchor driven into the ground.

5. A weed control structure kit comprising a weed control structure formed by covering a mesh structure with a shading material and anchors, the weed control structure kit being characterized in that it is installed on the ground surface so that the spatial distance between the weed control structure and the ground surface is maintained in the range of more than 5 cm to 30 cm by holding the weed control structure on anchors driven into the ground.

6. 3. A method for installing a weed control structure according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that after driving anchors into the ground, a mesh structure is installed on the anchors, and the mesh structure is covered with a shading material to form the weed control structure.

Images