Surface modification to regulate plant growth

Abstract

It provides a means for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth. The present invention relates primarily to the use of a mixture for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth, on or within a substrate by hardening said substrate. The present invention further relates to a method for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth, on or within a substrate, and to a mixture for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates firstly to the use of a mixture as defined herein for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth, on / in a substrate by hardening said substrate. The present invention further relates to a method for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth, on / in a substrate, comprising or consisting of the steps as defined herein, and to a mixture as defined herein for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth.

[0002] Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, in particular from the examples, as well as from the appended claims. [Background technology]

[0003] Uncontrolled weed growth is a constant and growing problem in agricultural, urban and municipal, and home garden areas, resulting in yield losses in the agricultural sector, for example. As global food demand increases, yield losses are unacceptable for the food supply chain. Uncontrolled weed growth is perceived as a safety threat to municipal roads, and is highly unsightly and unsightly on walkways and other surfaces.

[0004] For this reason, weeds are subject to treatment and / or removal, and are controlled by thermal methods, such as flame methods, or by manual or automated methods. The use of chemical agents (herbicides) to prevent or reduce weed growth or kill existing plants is also widely used. However, most herbicides are classified or suspected to be (acutely) toxic, carcinogenic, and / or cause short- and long-term environmental problems. Furthermore, we are currently seeing the emergence of an increasing number of resistant species to herbicides. Therefore, herbicides must be used in increased amounts or in new combinations, which further increases the above-mentioned negative aspects and costs of use. Overall, with all of the methods mentioned so far, treated areas are quickly reoccupied by weeds due to uncontrolled seed inflow and / or residual seeds in the soil.

[0005] Chemical agents that prevent or reduce plant growth usually interact with specific biosynthetic pathways within the plant and are therefore selective toxins for that particular plant. Due to their specific chemical structure, these chemicals pose a risk to other plants, humans, and / or the entire ecosystem. They may contain toxic elements, such as tin or fluorine. The use of herbicides containing these elements also leads to their accumulation in the environment, reducing or inhibiting the biodegradation of such products. Most chemical herbicides must be certified and applied by skilled workers. Depending on their water solubility and degradation characteristics, the products or metabolites of the herbicide are washed off and thus exposed to the environment.

[0006] Thermal processes and manual or automated weeding are labor- and / or time-intensive, require a fast response time upon weed emergence and / or growth, the presence of humans and / or machines in the workplace can damage desired plants, and effects are usually short-lived, often requiring multiple repetitions.

[0007] Several solidification methods exist for suppressing weed growth. Most of these methods are based on cementitious systems, such as silicate cement, magnesia binder, aluminate cement, or a mixture of slag and calcium oxide. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the formation of a hardened layer on the ground surface using a weed control composition consisting of a mixture of cement and sodium silicate. These methods have in common that the cementitious binder is usually contaminated with heavy metals such as nickel and chromium (VI), which are highly regulated in agricultural applications. In addition, with the continuous use of such binders, these heavy metals accumulate in agricultural soils and plants, which is unacceptable to farmers and customers.

[0008] Weed control mats or nets that reduce weed growth have also been described (e.g., in US Pat. No. 5,629,399), but their large-scale application is labor-intensive. Incomplete removal, e.g., due to mechanical stress in the field, and small pieces carried away by the wind, leads to the accumulation of plastic in the environment (so-called white pollution).

[0009] It was therefore a primary object of the present invention to provide a means for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth, which overcomes the problems described above. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0010] [Patent Document 1] JP 06-245680 (A) [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2019-024348(A) Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, the above object is achieved by providing a composition comprising the following ingredients, which prevent or reduce plant growth, preferably weed growth, on / in a substrate by hardening said substrate: (a) one or more alkali silicates selected from the group consisting of lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, rubidium silicate, cesium silicate, and mixtures thereof; (b) one or more performance modifiers, preferably as defined herein below; (c) optionally, one or more curing agents, preferably as defined herein below; This is achieved by the use of a mixture comprising or consisting of:

[0012] During the investigations underlying the present invention, it was surprisingly found that the mixtures described herein effectively prevent or reduce plant growth, preferably weed growth, on and / or within a substrate by applying the mixture to the substrate and hardening the substrate.

[0013] The hardening of the substrate during use according to the invention is caused by a reaction or interaction between the substrate and all components of the mixture (or between the substrate and one or more components of the mixture) and / or between the components of the mixture and each other, resulting in the formation of one or more layers or zones of increased hardness on and / or in and / or throughout the substrate (hereinafter "on / in"). The increased hardness of the substrate achieved by use according to the invention is such that it results in the formation of one or more plant, preferably weed penetration-resistant layers or zones on / in the substrate, thus preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth, on / in said substrate.

[0014] As indicated above, within the framework of this description, the terms "hardening of a substrate" and "forming a hardened layer or area on / inside the substrate" refer to the formation of one or more plant, preferably weed, penetration-resistant layers or areas on / inside the substrate. Within the scope of this description, the hardened layer or area on / inside the substrate obtained by the use or method according to the invention may alternatively or additionally be softer and / or more elastic and / or denser than the corresponding untreated layer or area of ​​said substrate (insofar as the increased softness and / or elasticity and / or cohesion leads to the formation of a plant, preferably weed, penetration-resistant layer or area on / inside the substrate). A well-performing mixture used according to the invention preferably—after reaction—provides a balance between the breaking strength and the elasticity of the hardened layer or area formed.

[0015] Within the framework of this description, reference to a plant, preferably a weed penetration-resistant layer or zone on the surface / interior of a substrate preferably indicates that it is not the initial emergence of plants, preferably weeds, on the surface / interior of the substrate that is prevented or reduced by the use according to the present invention, but rather that the growth of plants, preferably weeds, is prevented or reduced by the formation of one or more hardened layers or zones (described above) that resist plant, preferably weed penetration on the surface / interior of the substrate. Plants, preferably weeds, may germinate but do not grow to the surface of the substrate because their growth is hindered by the formation of a plant, preferably weed penetration-resistant layer or zone on the surface / interior of the substrate at the initial seeding stage. Furthermore, plants, preferably weeds, cannot absorb enough light and cannot grow due to the formation of a plant, preferably weed penetration-resistant layer or zone on the surface / interior of the substrate. Plants, preferably weeds, must penetrate the surface of the substrate to reach the area illuminated by light for photosynthetic activity. Since the surface penetration of growing plants, preferably weeds, is completely prevented or reduced by the use according to the invention, plant growth, preferably weed growth, is prevented or reduced, and therefore the application of any chemical agents, such as herbicides, which would interfere with biochemical processes inside the plant or its seeds and lead to the disadvantages described above can be advantageously excluded.

[0016] In a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system, z describes the direction from the shoot toward the light, while the x and y directions describe the horizontal coordinates. Penetration of a body, preferably a plant body or weed body, through a medium or substrate means that the respective body can move through said medium or substrate. If penetration is not possible, the energy and / or force of the body attempting to penetrate is not sufficient to change the geological properties of said medium or substrate.

[0017] To exhibit effective plant, preferably weed, penetration resistance, the hardened substrate produced by the use according to the present invention does not necessarily have to exhibit a high breaking force. Instead, a hardened layer or region on the surface / inside of the substrate may exhibit a stress-strain tensor and / or elasticity tensor that describes the deformation behavior of such a layer or region when subjected to stress, preventing penetration of plants, preferably weeds, into the surface of the substrate. These tensors are changed due to the use according to the present invention compared to the stress-strain tensor and / or elasticity tensor of the substrate (e.g., soil) before use of the mixture. The stress-strain tensor and / or elasticity tensor of a substrate (e.g., soil) that resists plant, preferably weed, penetration typically exhibits the following properties: linear elasticity up to high stresses (e.g., higher than the translational energy of weeds to germinate and / or grow), and high z-direction stiffness, resulting in a high critical yield load (e.g., a yield load higher than the energy of weeds to germinate and / or grow). This preferably leads to a balance between the breaking force and the modulus of elasticity of the formed layer, which preferably results in effective plant control, preferably weed control.

[0018] The breaking force of a hardened layer or zone on the surface / inside of a substrate produced by the present invention corresponds to the breaking force (in Newtons (N)) that must be applied to break said layer or zone. The breaking of a hardened layer or zone occurs when permanent plastic deformation of the layer or zone results in a physical separation of the body into several parts, and therefore the layer or zone cannot be modeled as a single material element. This is called yielding of the hardened layer or zone. The breaking force (maximum force measurement) can be determined using a method based on the standardized test method for determining strength in cement, DIN EN 196-1:2005-05. According to the manufacturer, the breaking force is measured using a digital (breaking) force measuring instrument. A test specimen is pressed into the specimen (until yielding) using a crank test stand, and the applied force is continuously measured. The average breaking force is calculated from several measurements (>3). The average breaking force of the hardened substrate (obtained by the use according to the invention) is preferably between 0.5 and 1000 N, more preferably between 1 and 300 N, most preferably between 1.5 and 100 N. The breaking force is applied in the -z direction (reverse z-direction), the plants and / or weeds and / or their shoots growing in the z direction. Therefore, for measuring the breaking force, a measurement in the z direction is more preferred.

[0019] The stiffness and critical load in the z-direction can be measured using a pull-out test. A metal body with a cylindrical shape (h = 2.12 mm, d = 35 mm) is placed in the location where seeds / sprouts are usually placed, with a 6 mm diameter and a 50 mm high crossbar (T-shaped in side view). For example, sieved agricultural soil is placed on top of this cylinder to the desired soil height. After application of the mixture defined herein and incubation for the desired time, preferably 7 days, the crossbar is connected to a device capable of measuring stress and strain in the z-direction. The metal body is slowly pulled out of the soil sample, and the stress / strain behavior is measured. The stress and / or strain of the hardened layer or area is observed until it reaches nonlinear elastic behavior. Preferably, to obtain effective weed penetration resistance, it increases by at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 50%, and most preferably at least 100% compared to the untreated soil control. Most preferably, the cylinder is pulled through a hole (d = 45 mm) present in the sample holder during the test. The sample holder is placed on the hardened soil and fixed in place.

[0020] Most preferably, the work done on the body until yield is increased by at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 50%, and most preferably at least 100% compared to an untreated soil control.

[0021] Most preferably, the use according to the invention results in hardening of / in the substrate, changing the Atterberg limits (e.g., shrinkage limit, plastic limit, and liquid limit, which is the critical water level) of said substrate by at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, more preferably at least 50%, and most preferably at least 100% compared to the untreated substrate, resulting in efficient plant control, preferably weed control. The Atterberg limits may be determined using relevant tests, preferably reference tests, such as ASTM D4318-17e1 and / or ISO / TS 17892-12:2004, or any other test suitable for determining Atterberg limits. Thus, it is preferred if hardening of / in the substrate changes the adhesion, mechanical properties, and / or behavior of said substrate, resulting in efficient plant control, preferably weed control.

[0022] Preferably, the hardening of the substrate by the use according to the invention, i.e. the formation of a plant, preferably weed penetration resistant layer or area on / in the substrate, exhibits a degree of efficiency greater than 0%, preferably greater than 25%, more preferably greater than 50%, more preferably greater than 75%, most preferably greater than 90% compared to an untreated substrate.

[0023] In the present context, the term "plant" refers to land plants (kingdom Plantae), including all gymnosperms, angiosperms, preferably monocotyledons and dicotyledons, mosses and ferns, i.e., a clade of land plants characterized by a common, functionally understood feature complex. The main groups are Marchantiopsida, Anthocerotopsida and Bryopsida, the latter of which is often classified in the paraphyletic groups Mosses, Lycopods (Lycopods), Horsetails (Equisetum) and Pteridophytes, the ferns sect. Filicopsida sensu stricto, and the monophyletic group Spermatophyta (Spermatophyta), which includes angiosperms and gymnosperms of various developmental lineages.

[0024] In the present context, the term "weeds" refers to all plants (including mosses and ferns) of native or undesirable accessory vegetation that develop from the seed potential of the soil through runners, preferably root and stem runners, plant fragments or seed inflow (as initial shoots or regeneration shoots), especially in agricultural or urban areas, grasslands or (home) gardens, and that are preferably not specifically cultivated there. Synonyms for weeds are wild herbs and wild plants. In the present context, the terms "cultivated plants" and / or "desired plants" refer to plants whose growth or presence is desired.

[0025] 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 belongs.

[0026] If a compound belongs to both the term "performance modifier" (see component (b) of the mixture as defined herein) and the term "hardening agent" (see component (c) of the mixture as defined herein), the compound is to be allocated to both components. In such cases, the weight or concentration of the compound is to be allocated in a 50:50 ratio between the performance modifier (component (b) of the mixture as defined herein) and the hardening agent (component (c) of the mixture as defined herein).

[0027] According to a preferred embodiment, the mixture used according to the invention is a non-cementitious mixture, ie it does not contain any cement, preferably it does not contain any silicate cement and / or aluminate cement.

[0028] According to another preferred embodiment, the mixture used according to the invention is not a joint filling mixture or joint filling sand (i.e. a mixture or sand used to fill gaps between blocks or stones to create, for example, walkways, driveways or roads). Joint filling mixtures or sands usually contain a high proportion of sand.

[0029] Current technology uses alkali silicates in joint sand to inhibit weed growth in joints (WO 2005 / 025316(A1) and EP 2570028). In these cases, the prevention or reduction of weed growth is caused by low availability of plant-essential elements such as potassium and magnesium and / or high alkalinity generated by the alkali silicates in the joint filler sand, not by hardening of the substrate. According to manufacturer information, the joint filler sand must be placed 40 mm deep into the joint to be filled, limiting its use to joints only 1-5 mm wide. Therefore, based on the amounts and specifications used, the application of this sand is not applicable to large-scale applications, such as agricultural applications.

[0030] Those skilled in the art know that the properties of a mixture are affected by all of the components of the mixture. For example, aggregates such as gravel, sand, or silt cannot be easily replaced and / or removed from a concrete or mortar mixture while maintaining the same material properties. Therefore, it was surprising that the use of the mixture described herein allows for mechanical plant, preferably weed, prevention or reduction by hardening the substrate (e.g., various agricultural soils).

[0031] A preferred embodiment of the present invention comprises a substrate comprising the following ingredients to prevent or reduce plant growth, preferably weed growth, on / in a substrate by hardening said substrate: (a) one or more alkali silicates selected from the group consisting of lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, rubidium silicate, cesium silicate, and mixtures thereof; (b) one or more performance modifiers; (c) one or more curing agents; The present invention relates to the use of a mixture comprising or consisting of:

[0032] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is a composition comprising the following ingredients to prevent or reduce plant growth, preferably weed growth, on / in a substrate by hardening said substrate: (a) one or more alkali silicates selected from the group consisting of lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, rubidium silicate, cesium silicate, and mixtures thereof; (b) one or more performance modifiers; (c) optionally, one or more curing agents; and water (preferably tap water).

[0033] Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is a composition comprising the following ingredients to prevent or reduce plant growth, preferably weed growth, on / in a substrate by hardening said substrate: (a) one or more alkali silicates selected from the group consisting of lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, rubidium silicate, cesium silicate, and mixtures thereof; (b) one or more performance modifiers; (c) one or more curing agents; and water (preferably tap water).

[0034] Preferably, the mixture used according to the invention contains a total amount of component (a) of 10 to 90 wt-% (weight percent), preferably 15 to 85 wt-%, preferably 20 to 80 wt-%, more preferably 25 to 75 wt-%, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0035] Preferably, the mixture used according to the invention contains component (b) in a total amount of 10 to 90 wt-%, preferably 15 to 85 wt-%, preferably 20 to 80 wt-%, more preferably 25 to 75 wt-%, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0036] Preferably, when present, the mixture used according to the invention contains 1 to 70 wt-%, preferably 2 to 60 wt-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt-%, more preferably 10 to 40 wt-% of component (c), based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0037] Preferably, the one or more alkali silicates of component (a) of the mixture used according to the invention have a low particle size (diameter), preferably exhibiting a maximum in the particle size distribution of less than 500 μm, more preferably less than 250 μm, most preferably less than 125 μm.

[0038] Particle size can be determined by using light and / or X-ray scattering methods such as laser granulometry, small angle X-ray scattering, and / or electron microscopy. For solid alkali silicates, light scattering and electron microscopy are preferred, while for liquid alkali silicates, X-ray scattering and light scattering are preferred.

[0039] In the context of this description, the silicon alkali mixture ratio (SAMR) is the number of moles of silicon n(Si) divided by the total number of moles of alkali oxides (expressed as n(X2O) where X=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs) contained in the mixture used according to the invention, as defined herein. SAMR=n(Si) / [n(Li2O)+n(Na2O)+n(K2O)+n(Rb2O)+n(Cs2O)]

[0040] According to a preferred embodiment, the SAMR in the mixtures used according to the invention is between ≧0.5 and ≦150, preferably between ≧0.75 and ≦100, more preferably between ≧1.0 and ≦50, more preferably between ≧1.25 and ≦25, more preferably between ≧1.5 and ≦12.5, more preferably between ≧1.75 and ≦6, and most preferably between ≧2.0 and ≦3.5.

[0041] According to a preferred embodiment, the mixtures defined herein are used in the location where plant growth, preferably weed growth, should be reduced or prevented. Therefore, removal of the substrate from said location on / in which plant growth, preferably weed growth, should be reduced or prevented is preferably not required to prevent or reduce plant growth, preferably weed growth, and therefore is preferably not part of the use according to the present invention.

[0042] According to another preferred embodiment, removal of the substrate on / in which plant growth, preferably weed growth, is to be reduced or prevented from its initial location is followed by a step of mixing said substrate with a mixture as defined herein in a different location (e.g. in a mixer) and a step of (re)application of the resulting substrate-mixture combination at the initial location (or alternatively at another location) where plant growth, preferably weed growth, is to be reduced or prevented.

[0043] Furthermore, in the context of the uses according to the invention described herein, advantageously, compaction of the substrate on / in which plant growth is to be reduced or prevented, or of the substrate-mixture combination, is not necessary to achieve prevention or reduction of plant growth, preferably weed growth, and is therefore preferably not part of the uses according to the invention.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a reaction occurs during use that changes the solubility of one or more components of the mixture or of the resulting reaction product, thus allowing the formation of one or more water-resistant layers or areas on / in the substrate that are not easily washed away.

[0045] A preferred embodiment of the present invention is that one or more hardened layers or areas formed on / in the substrate are -9 Greater than 10 0 m / sec, preferably 10 -9 Greater than 10 -3 m / s, more preferably 10-8 Greater than 10 -3 The present invention relates to the use of a mixture as defined herein having a (water) permeability coefficient of m / sec.

[0046] In the context of this description, the term "permeable hardened layer or area" means -6 Greater than 10 0 The term "semi-permeable layer or area" means a layer or area having a (water) permeability coefficient of 10 m / s. -9 Greater than 10 -6 The term "impermeable layer or area" means a layer or area having a (water) permeability coefficient of 10 m / s. -11 (below) ~10 -9 means a formation or area having a (water) permeability coefficient in m / sec. Common methods for determining the permeability coefficient include laboratory methods (e.g., ram core probing in a laboratory followed by determination of water-saturated permeability) and field methods (e.g., determination of shaking rate using a double ring infiltrometer).

[0047] Preferred embodiments of the use according to the invention result in high durability of the hardened layer or zone formed on / in the substrate and thus long-term plant, preferably weed, growth prevention or reduction.

[0048] Preferably, the components of the mixture used according to the invention are applied (premixed or partially premixed or one after the other) directly to the surface of the substrate, preferably in solid form.

[0049] The combination of alkali silicate (component (a)) and performance regulator (component (b)) in the use according to the invention is particularly advantageous since the resulting plant, preferably weed-resistant layer or area is crack-free.

[0050] According to a preferred embodiment, one or some or all of the performance modifiers of component (b) are (i) a (bio)polymer, Cellulose and its derivatives, starch and its derivatives, lignin and its derivatives, preferably lignin sulfonates, kraft-lignin and lignin carboxylates, pectin and its derivatives, xanthan and its derivatives, guar ethers and its derivatives; Chitin and its derivatives, algin and its derivatives, chitosan and its derivatives, cyclodextrin and its derivatives, dextrin and its derivatives; Natural glues, hydrogel builders, vegetable lime, latex, rubber and their derivatives; proteins and peptides containing one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids; industrial waste liquids, preferably corn steep liquor, lactose mother liquor, protein dissolution liquid and molasses, vegetable meal, preferably corn gluten meal, pea meal, fruit meal and industrial substances, residual polymeric substances and industrial by-products, preferably selected from the group consisting of protein wastes from yeast production, meat production, fruit production, vegetable production, egg production, dairy industry and paper manufacturing; Starch ethers, starch esters, starch carboxylates, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, cellulose carboxylates, yeast and their derivatives or extracts; liquid or dry polymer dispersions or polymers comprising organic acids, preferably sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids, peroxycarboxylic acids and thiocarboxylic acids and their salts, sulfoxides, cyanates, thiocyanates, esters, ethers, thioethers, oxides, thiooxides, amines, imines, hydrazines, pyrazons, amides, sulfates, nitriles, aldehydes, thioaldehydes, ketones, thioketones, oximes, alcohols, thiols, radicals, halogens, silanes, siloxanes, phosphates, phosphonates, alkyls, aryls, aryls and their derivatives, preferably polymer dispersions or polymers which are biodegradable, (Bio)polymers selected from the group consisting of: (ii) (Poly)saccharides, extracellular substances and derivatives thereof selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides containing lactose, glucose, fructose, saccharose and / or galactose, and microbial exopolysaccharides preferably containing lactose, saccharose, glucose, glucosamine, mannose, glycerin, gluconate, fructose and / or inulin; (iii) organic acids and derivatives thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids, preferably formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, benzoic acid and salicylic acid, dicarboxylic acids, preferably oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid and maleic acid, fatty acids, keto acids, preferably pyruvic acid and acetoacetic acid, fruit acids, preferably malic acid and tartaric acid, hydroxy acids, preferably lactic acid, α-hydroxy acids and β-hydroxy acids, tricarboxylic acids, preferably citric acid, more preferably carboxylates and esters of the foregoing; (iv) amino acids and derivatives thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids, preferably their esters and amides; (v) substances that modify the reaction mechanism, preferably retarders, accelerators, bleeding control agents, hydrophilizing agents, hydrophobizing agents, air-entraining agents, viscosity control agents, swelling agents, accelerators, retarders, thickeners, plasticizers, seeding materials and nanoparticle structuring materials; (vi) viable microorganisms, preferably bacteria capable of forming polymers, nonviable microorganisms and their parts; (vii) Chemical and natural herbicides; fungicides; molluscicides; insecticides; emulsifiers; thixotropic agents; is selected from the group consisting of:

[0051] Preferably, the performance modifier (component (b)) in the mixture used according to the invention influences the reaction mechanism leading to the hardening of the substrate. The reaction mechanism may be organic, inorganic or physical in nature and may result, for example, in shrinkage reduction (shrinkage reducers), expansion (expansion agents), acceleration (accelerators), retardation (retarders), viscosity modification (e.g. plasticizers, thickeners), water retention (e.g. bleeding control agents, water retention agents), water absorption (e.g. hydrophobizing agents), air entrainment (e.g. air entertainers, oxygen absorbers). The respective effects may be analyzed by means of established methods in cement research (see, for example, Bauchemie, Plank et al., Chemische Technik—Prozesse und Produkte, Volume 7: Industrieprodukte, Winnacker / Kuechler, 5th edition (2004) or the relevant DIN standards, e.g., DIN 1164-1). Since the mixtures described herein are preferably solid systems (based on alkali silicates), "cement" in the specified specifications must be replaced by alkali silicates, preferably solid alkali silicates (reference system), and mixtures of the same alkali silicates with a substance classified as one of the performance modifiers, the mixture containing preferably 1 wt.-%, more preferably 5 wt.-%, and most preferably 10 wt.-% of the substance being tested as a performance modifier, based on the total weight of the mixture of binder and the substance being tested. This specification must be adapted and implemented as described above by those skilled in the art. If the results of parameters related to the designed effect (e.g., shrinkage reduction, expansion, acceleration, retardation, plasticization, thickening) of the mixture of binder and the classified substance differ by more than 10% from the reference system, the classified substance is considered to change the reaction mechanism, i.e., to be a performance modifier.Preferred standards that may be used are, for example, ASTM C157M-17 and ASTM C596-18 for shrinkage and expansion (substances which change the length by more than 10% relative to a reference system are shrinkage reducers or expansion agents), DIN EN 480-2 for acceleration and retardation (substances which change the setting time by more than 10% relative to a reference system are retarders or accelerators), DIN EN 480-4 for water retention (substances which change the amount of water which can be added without bleeding by more than 10% relative to a reference system are bleeding control agents), DIN EN 480-5 for water absorption (substances which change the amount of water taken up by more than 10% relative to a reference system are hydrophilizing or hydrophobizing agents), DIN EN 480-11 for air content (substances which change the amount of air taken up by more than 10% relative to a reference system are air-entraining agents), DIN EN 480-6 for viscosity. 480-15 (a substance that changes the viscosity by more than 10% relative to a reference system is a viscosity modifier), C230M-20 for spreading and flow (a substance that changes the spreading and / or flow by more than 10% relative to a reference system is a plasticizer), and ASTM D7334-08(2013) for hydrophobization (a substance that changes the contact angle by more than 10% relative to a reference system is a hydrophobizing or hydrophilizing agent). By altering the reaction mechanism, the presence of a performance modifier in the mixture used according to the invention preferably leads to more effective plant control, preferably weed control, than a control without the performance modifier.

[0052] Most preferably, the viable microorganism is a bacterium capable of forming organic polymers.

[0053] According to another preferred embodiment of the use according to the invention, the viable and / or non-viable microorganisms do not have the ability to form carbonates.

[0054] According to another preferred embodiment, the mixture used according to the invention does not contain any organism capable of forming carbonates and / or capable of inducing and / or catalyzing carbonate formation.

[0055] According to another preferred embodiment, the mixture used according to the invention does not contain any enzyme capable of forming carbonate and / or capable of inducing and / or catalyzing carbonate formation.

[0056] According to the most preferred embodiment, the mixture used according to the invention does not contain any organisms or any enzymes capable of forming carbonates and / or capable of inducing and / or catalyzing carbonate formation.

[0057] According to another preferred embodiment of the use according to the invention, one or several or all of the performance modifiers are selected from the group consisting of cellulose and derivatives thereof, starch and derivatives thereof, lignin and derivatives thereof, preferably sulfate lignin, kraft lignin and lignin carboxylates, pectin and derivatives thereof, xanthan and derivatives thereof, guar ethers and derivatives thereof; chitin and derivatives thereof, algin and derivatives thereof, chitosan and derivatives thereof, cyclodextrin and derivatives thereof, dextrin and derivatives thereof; natural glues, hydrogel builders, vegetable limes, latex, rubbers and derivatives thereof; proteins and peptides containing one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids; starch ethers the polymer dispersion or polymer is selected from the group consisting of: starch esters, starch carboxylates, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, cellulose carboxylates, yeast and derivatives or extracts thereof; organic acids, preferably sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids, peroxycarboxylic acids and thiocarboxylic acids and their salts, sulfoxides, cyanates, thiocyanates, esters, ethers, thioethers, oxides, thiooxides, amines, imines, hydrazines, pyrazons, amides, sulfates, nitriles, aldehydes, thioaldehydes, ketones, thioketones, oximes, alcohols, thiols, radicals, halogens, silanes, siloxanes, phosphates, phosphonates, alkyls, aryls, aryls and derivatives thereof, preferably biodegradable polymer dispersions or polymers.

[0058] According to another preferred embodiment of the use according to the invention, one or several or all of the performance modifiers are selected from the group consisting of cellulose and derivatives thereof, starch and derivatives thereof, lignin and derivatives thereof, preferably lignin sulfonates, kraft lignin and lignin carboxylates, pectin and derivatives thereof, xanthan and derivatives thereof, guar ethers and derivatives thereof; chitin and derivatives thereof, algin and derivatives thereof, chitosan and derivatives thereof, cyclodextrin and derivatives thereof, dextrin and derivatives thereof; natural glues, hydrogel builders, vegetable limes, latex, rubber and derivatives thereof; proteins and peptides containing one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids; starch ethers, starch esters, starch carboxylates, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, Liquid or dry polymer dispersions or polymers containing organic acids, preferably sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids, peroxycarboxylic acids and thiocarboxylic acids and their salts, sulfoxides, cyanates, thiocyanates, esters, ethers, thioethers, oxides, thiooxides, amines, imines, hydrazines, pyrazons, amides, sulfates, nitriles, aldehydes, thioaldehydes, ketones, thioketones, oximes, alcohols, thiols, radicals, halogens, silanes, siloxanes, phosphates, phosphonates, alkyls, aryls, aryls and their derivatives, preferably biodegradable polymer dispersions or polymers; substances that change the reaction mechanism, preferably retarders, accelerators, bleeding control agents, hydrophilizing agents, hydrophobicizing agents, air-entraining agents, viscosity modifiers, swelling agents, accelerators, retarders, thickeners, plasticizers, seeding materials and nanoparticle structural materials.

[0059] According to another preferred embodiment, one or some or all of the curing agents, if present, are (viii) inorganic salts selected from the group consisting of alkali salts, alkaline earth salts, metal salts and transition metal salts, preferably calcium, magnesium, aluminum and iron salts, more preferably calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium cyanamide, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium cyanamide, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, iron chloride, iron sulfate and phosphate salts and derivatives thereof; and / or (ix) inorganic acids, preferably sulfuric acid, hydrogen halides, nitric acid and phosphoric acid; and / or (x) an inorganic binder selected from the group consisting of cement, preferably silicate cement, aluminate cement, magnesia cement and phosphate cement, calcium sulfate, preferably gypsum, calcium oxide and phosphate binders; and / or (xi) inorganic materials including minerals selected from the group consisting of clay, calcium carbonate and its derivatives, calcium aluminosilicate, microsilica, aluminum oxide, kaolin, bentonite, and foam glass granules; is selected from the group consisting of:

[0060] Preferably, calcium carbonate and / or calcium bicarbonate (see inorganic salts) are provided by tap water, which may be a component of the mixture used according to the invention.

[0061] Preferably, one, some or all of the hardeners in the mixture used according to the invention, if present, are: (viii) inorganic salts selected from the group consisting of alkali salts, alkaline earth salts, metal salts and transition metal salts, preferably calcium, magnesium, aluminum and iron salts, more preferably calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium cyanamide, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium cyanamide, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, iron chloride, iron sulfate and phosphate salts and derivatives thereof; and / or (ix) inorganic acids, preferably sulfuric acid, hydrogen halides, nitric acid and phosphoric acid; and / or (x) an inorganic binder selected from the group consisting of cement, preferably silicate cement, aluminate cement, magnesia cement and phosphate cement, calcium sulfate, preferably gypsum, calcium oxide and phosphate binders; is selected from the group consisting of:

[0062] Most preferably, one, some or all of the curing agents in the mixture used according to the invention, if present, are: (viii) inorganic salts selected from the group consisting of alkali salts, alkaline earth salts, metal salts and transition metal salts, preferably calcium, magnesium, aluminum and iron salts, more preferably calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium cyanamide, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium cyanamide, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, iron chloride, iron sulfate and phosphate salts and derivatives thereof; and / or (ix) inorganic acids, preferably sulfuric acid, hydrogen halides, nitric acid and phosphoric acid; is selected from the group consisting of:

[0063] Preferably, the substrate comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of sand, soil, humus, crushed stone, gravel, clay, silt, sawdust, paper, cardboard, chipboard, softwood, limestone and coal.

[0064] More preferably, the substrate comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of soil, humus, crushed stone, gravel, clay, silt, sawdust, paper, cardboard, chipboard, softwood, limestone and coal.

[0065] Preferably, the substrate is an area of ​​land selected from the group consisting of garden areas, areas where paving blocks and stones are combined, cultivated land, orchards, vineyard areas, nursery areas, parks, developed areas or parts of urban areas, unpaved roads, footpaths, railway tracks, areas used industrially and areas between and in front of the aforementioned areas of land.

[0066] More preferably, the substrate is an area of ​​land selected from the group consisting of garden areas, cultivated land, orchards, vineyard areas, nursery areas, parks, developed areas or parts of urban areas, unpaved roads, footpaths, railway tracks, areas used industrially and areas between and in front of the aforementioned areas of land.

[0067] Preferably, the mixtures used according to the invention are in the form of a liquid, a gel, a paste, a powder, granules or aggregates or intermediate forms thereof.

[0068] In the context of this description, powder and / or pulverulent means that 95 wt.-% of the mixture used according to the invention passes through a sieve with a mesh size of 4 mm (according to DIN EN 12620 Aggregates for Concrete, based on the total weight of the mixture). Preferably, the content of liquid components, preferably water, in the mixture used according to the invention, which is in powder form, is 25 wt.-% or less, more preferably 15 wt.-% or less, more preferably 10 wt.-% or less, more preferably 5 wt.-% or less, most preferably 2.5 wt.-% or less, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0069] In the context of this description, granulate means that 95 wt. % of the mixture used according to the invention passes through a sieve with a mesh size of 16 mm (based on the total weight of the mixture, according to DIN EN 12620 Aggregates for Concrete). Preferably, the content of liquid components, preferably water, in the mixture used according to the invention, which is in granulate form, is 25 wt. % or less, more preferably 15 wt. % or less, more preferably 10 wt. % or less, more preferably 5 wt. % or less, most preferably 2.5 wt. % or less, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0070] In the context of this description, aggregate means that 95 wt. % of the mixture used according to the invention does not pass through a sieve with a mesh size of 16 mm (according to DIN EN 12620 Aggregates for Concrete, based on the total weight of the mixture). Preferably, the content of liquid components, preferably water, in the mixture used according to the invention in the form of aggregate is not more than 25 wt. %, more preferably not more than 15 wt. %, more preferably not more than 10 wt. %, more preferably not more than 5 wt. %, most preferably not more than 2.5 wt. %, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0071] The content of liquid component, preferably water, in the mixture used according to the present invention can be determined by standard methods known to those skilled in the art.For example, the content of liquid component can be determined gravimetrically by weighing a sample taken, heating it to a temperature above the boiling point of the liquid component for a time sufficient to dry it, and then weighing it again.From the difference in weight before and after drying, the content of liquid component, preferably water, can be determined in weight percent.

[0072] The mixtures used according to the invention may be stored separately from one another before use and may be present or used in the form of one liquid, gel, paste, powder, granule or aggregate premix, or two, three, four or more liquid and / or gel and / or paste and / or powder and / or granule and / or aggregate premixes that are mixed together before or during use according to the invention. The use of mixtures of solids (powders and / or granules and / or aggregates and / or intermediate forms thereof) is most preferred.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment of the use according to the invention, the components of the mixture are premixed before application to the substrate.

[0074] According to another preferred embodiment of the use according to the invention, the components of the mixture are applied one after the other to the substrate.

[0075] According to another preferred embodiment of the use according to the invention, component (a) is first applied to the substrate, followed by either component (b) or a mixture of components (b) and (c).

[0076] According to another preferred embodiment of the use according to the invention, component (b), or a mixture of components (b) and (c), is first applied to the substrate, followed by component (a).

[0077] In particular, the mixtures used according to the invention in the form of powders and / or granules and / or aggregates, i.e. in solid form, advantageously have a particularly long storage stability, preferably of at least 12 to 36 months.

[0078] The powder form of the mixture used according to the invention can be obtained by standard industrial processes known to those skilled in the art, such as drying, heat drying, spray drying, freeze drying, (low temperature) vacuum drying, fluidized bed drying and / or by means of filtration using filter aids.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, the mixture is used to prevent weed growth without interfering with the growth and / or viability of one or more desired plants on or in a substrate (e.g., agricultural soil) where the desired plants already exist. Therefore, preferably, the mixture used according to the present invention does not exhibit any toxicity to the desired plants.

[0080] According to another preferred embodiment, the mixture is used in combination with one or more chemical herbicides, thereby reducing the washout effect on the herbicide due to hardening of the substrate, which advantageously reduces the amount of herbicide required.

[0081] Preferably, component (a) of the mixture used according to the invention comprises or consists of potassium silicate.

[0082] Most preferably, component (a) of the mixture used according to the invention consists of potassium silicate, i.e., potassium silicate is the only alkali silicate used.

[0083] In a preferred embodiment of the use according to the invention, the amount of mixture applied to or introduced into the substrate per application is 400 g / m 2 Less than 300 g / m 2 Less than 200 g / m 2 less, most preferably 100 g / m 2 less (the square meter measurements relate to the surface area of ​​the substrate measured before any use according to the invention has taken place).

[0084] Preferably, in the use according to the invention, the mixture as defined herein is applied to the substrate only once.

[0085] More preferably, in the use according to the invention, the mixture as defined herein is applied two, three, four or five or more times to (areas of) the same substrate.

[0086] Preferably, each lateral dimension of the substrate is greater than 0.5 cm, preferably greater than 1 cm, more preferably greater than 2 cm, and most preferably greater than 5 cm.

[0087] In the context of the present description, the term "lateral dimension" refers to the length and width, respectively, of the substrate. Thus, both the length and width of the substrate must meet the criteria defined above.

[0088] Preferably, the substrate hardened by the use according to the invention is a garden, a flower bed, a walkway or an area adjacent to a road or a field.

[0089] Preferably, each lateral dimension of the substrate is greater than 10 cm, preferably greater than 50 cm, more preferably greater than 1 m, more preferably greater than 5 m, and most preferably greater than 10 m.

[0090] Preferably, the curing of the substrate by the use according to the invention results in the formation of a layer on / in the substrate, having a layer thickness of more than 0 to 100 mm, preferably 1 to 50 mm, preferably 2 to 25 mm, most preferably 3 to 10 mm.

[0091] The thickness of the hardened layer or area on the surface / inside of the substrate can be determined by manual measurement using a vernier caliper after mechanically breaking the layer. Alternatively, various (non-destructive) measurement methods from construction, agriculture, geology or other fields of application (e.g., handheld devices such as the MIT-Scan-T2) can be used depending on the thickness of the layer or area. The layer or area thickness of the hardened layer or area includes the area of ​​the substrate that has been hardened, preferably solidified, by the use according to the present invention.

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment, the use according to the invention further promotes the growth of desired plants with erosion control, water transpiration control and / or nutrient supply.

[0093] As described above, the mixtures defined herein may be used in accordance with the present invention to prevent weed growth on / in a substrate (e.g., agricultural soil) where one or more desired plants already exist (prior to use in accordance with the present invention) without impairing the growth and / or viability of the desired plants. Hardening the substrate in accordance with the present invention is advantageous to the desired plants already growing on / in the substrate, as it provides erosion control, water transpiration control, and / or nutrient supply to the desired plants. Hardening the substrate in accordance with the present invention prevents or reduces weed growth, which is advantageous to the desired plants, as they do not have to compete with any weeds for space, water, light, or nutrients.

[0094] In another embodiment of the use according to the invention, the substrate is hardened only to the extent that weed growth is prevented or reduced while still allowing growth of desired plants (which may be larger or stronger plants than weeds, such as trees or shrubs). Again, such an embodiment is advantageous to the desired plants, as it provides erosion control, transpiration control, and / or the provision of nutrients to the growing or grown desired plants. Furthermore, weed growth is prevented or reduced, which is advantageous to the growing or grown desired plants, since they do not have to compete with any weeds for space, water, light, or nutrients.

[0095] Another aspect of the present invention is a method for producing a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device, comprising the steps of: (a) identifying a substrate to be treated on / in which plant growth, preferably weed growth, is to be prevented or reduced; (b) providing a mixture as defined herein or an individual component thereof; (c) applying and / or introducing the mixture or ingredients provided in step (b) onto / into the substrate to be treated in an amount sufficient to allow curing of the substrate; (d) forming one or more hardened layers or areas on / inside the substrate so as to prevent or reduce plant, preferably weed, growth thereon; The present invention relates to a method for preventing or reducing plant growth, preferably weed growth, on / in a substrate comprising or consisting of:

[0096] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, step (c) involves (only) the application of the mixture or components provided in step (b) to the substrate surface to be treated.

[0097] According to another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in step (c) the mixture or components provided in step (b) are applied to / into the surface of / inside the substrate to be treated and then introduced, for example by mutual mixing.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the step of removing the substrate specified in step (a) from its original location on / in which plant growth, preferably weed growth, is prevented or reduced is not necessary for preventing or reducing plant growth and is therefore preferably not part of the method according to the invention.

[0099] Furthermore, within the framework of the method according to the invention described herein, advantageously, a step of compacting the substrate on / in which plant, preferably weed, growth is reduced or prevented in order to achieve prevention or reduction of plant, preferably weed, growth is not necessary and is therefore preferably not part of the method according to the invention.

[0100] According to another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the substrate or part thereof identified in step (a) is removed from its original location and mixed with the mixture or components provided in step (b) in an amount sufficient to allow hardening of the substrate (e.g. in a mixer, corresponding to step (c)), and the resulting substrate-mixture combination is returned to the original location of the substrate (or alternatively transferred to another location), followed by step (d) as described herein.

[0101] Advantageously, it is usually sufficient to carry out steps (b) to (d) of the method according to the invention only once to achieve satisfactory plant, preferably weed, growth prevention or reduction.

[0102] However, according to further preferred embodiments, steps (b) to (d) or (b) and (c) may be repeated one, two, three or more times as required to achieve particularly effective hardening of the substrate and thus particularly effective prevention or reduction of plant, preferably weed, growth.

[0103] Optionally, according to a further embodiment of the method according to the invention, one or more further steps may be carried out between steps (a) and (b) or between steps (b) and (c), such as flame treatment of plants, preferably weeds, located on / in the substrate, manual removal of plants, preferably weeds, located on / in the substrate, and / or treatment of plants, preferably weeds, located on / in the substrate with a chemical weed control agent. Said steps may also be repeated once, twice, three or more times, respectively.

[0104] Depending on the form (solid, liquid, gel, or paste) of the mixture or ingredients provided in step (b) of the method according to the invention (see above), the application and / or introduction in step (c) may be carried out in various ways. Powder mixtures or ingredients can, for example, be scattered on the substrate surface to be treated and / or incorporated into the substrate. Liquid mixtures or ingredients are, for example, poured or sprayed onto the substrate surface, preferably to be treated and optionally subsequently incorporated into the substrate, for example by mixing. Preferably, a single application and / or introduction of the mixture or ingredients provided in step (b) onto / inside the substrate to be treated is sufficient to form one or more hardened layers or zones on / inside the substrate in step (d) of the method according to the invention, such that plant or weed growth is prevented or reduced on / inside the substrate.

[0105] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, in particular when in step (b) of the method according to the invention the mixture or its components are provided in solid form and in step (c) of the method according to the invention it is applied and / or introduced in such solid form onto / into the substrate, an additional step (c') is carried out between steps (c) and (d). Such step (c') comprises the addition of water and / or an aqueous solution, preferably tap water, to the substrate.

[0106] Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises: (a) identifying a substrate to be treated on / in which plant growth, preferably weed growth, is to be prevented or reduced; (b) providing a mixture as defined herein or an individual component thereof; (c) applying and / or introducing the mixture or ingredients provided in step (b) onto / into the substrate to be treated in an amount sufficient to allow curing of the substrate; (d) forming one or more hardened layers or areas on / in the substrate to prevent or reduce plant, preferably weed, growth; It comprises or consists of:

[0107] The preferred application volume of the mixture as defined herein (including any water contained therein or added thereto, if applicable) applied and / or introduced onto / into the substrate in step (c) of the method according to the invention is at least 0.01 L / m 2 , more preferably 0.1 L / m 2 , more preferably at least 0.5 L / m 2 , more preferably at least 1.0 L / m 2 , more preferably at least 2.0 L / m 2 , more preferably at least 3.0 L / m 2 , at least 4.0 L / m 2 or at least 5.0 L / m 2 , and / or preferably at most 20 L / m 2 , more preferably at most 10 L / m 2 is.

[0108] Preferably, in step (b) of the method of the present invention, the mixture or its components are provided in solid form and applied and / or introduced onto / into the substrate before expected rainfall in step (c) of the method of the present invention. Preferably, the water provided by the rainfall is sufficient to form one or more hardened layers or zones on / into the substrate in step (d) of the method, such that plant or weed growth is prevented or reduced. Due to the optimized application form of the mixture or its components defined herein, the hardened layers or zones formed in step (d) of the method of the present invention are advantageously not washed away during this process. Therefore, it is preferred to carry out step (c) of the method of the present invention before or during heavy rain, since no significant wash-off effect is observed. Also, if present, it is preferred to use pre-used water, industrial water, or tap water with a hardness of ≥ 1° dH (German Hardness), more preferably ≥ 10° dH, and most preferably ≥ 20° dH in step (c') of the method of the present invention. Preferably, when present, the addition of water to the substrate in step (c') is carried out by dripping.

[0109] For the effective formation of one or more hardened layers or zones in step (d) of the method according to the invention, it is advantageous if the combination of the mixture and the substrate produced in step (c) of the method according to the invention has a water content of more than 25 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the combination. If in step (b) of the method according to the invention the mixture or its components is provided in solid form (see above) and the substrate is also essentially free of water, so that the combination of the mixture and the substrate produced in step (c) has a water content of 10 wt.-% or less, based on the total weight of the combination, it is advantageous if the method according to the invention comprises a further step (b') in which sufficient water and / or aqueous solution is added to the mixture or its components provided in step (b) before or during application and / or introduction onto / into the substrate to be treated, so that the combination of the mixture and the substrate produced in step (c) has a water content of more than 10 wt.-%, based on the total weight of the system. Alternatively or simultaneously, a corresponding amount of water and / or aqueous solution may be added to the substrate to be treated before or after application and / or introduction of the mixture and / or its components provided in step (b) of the method according to the invention.

[0110] Therefore, a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises: (a) identifying a substrate to be treated on / in which plant growth, preferably weed growth, is to be prevented or reduced; (b) providing a mixture as defined herein or an individual component thereof; (b') adding water and / or an aqueous solution to the mixture or one or more components thereof provided in step (b); (c) applying and / or introducing the mixture or components obtained in step (b') onto / into the substrate to be treated in an amount sufficient to allow curing of the substrate; (d) forming one or more hardened layers or areas on / in the substrate to prevent or reduce plant, preferably weed, growth; It comprises or consists of:

[0111] Another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention comprises the steps of: (a) identifying a substrate to be treated on / in which plant growth, preferably weed growth, is to be prevented or reduced; (b) providing a mixture as defined herein or an individual component thereof; (b') adding water and / or an aqueous solution to the mixture or one or more components thereof provided in step (b); (c) applying and / or introducing the mixture or components obtained in step (b') onto / into the substrate to be treated in an amount sufficient to allow curing of the substrate; (c') applying water and / or an aqueous solution to the combination of the mixture and the substrate; (d) forming one or more hardened layers or areas on / in the substrate to prevent or reduce plant, preferably weed, growth; It comprises or consists of:

[0112] Furthermore, when the method according to the present invention is used outdoors and the mixture or components thereof are applied and / or introduced to the surface / into the substrate in step (c) in powder form, it is advantageous not to carry out the method, for example, in the event of strong winds. Strong winds can potentially result in the loss (drift) of the mixture or its components prior to the application of water and / or aqueous solutions to the mixture / substrate combination in step (c'), if present, or in the formation of a hardened layer or zone in step (d). This can prevent the formation of the hardened layer or zone in step (d) or adversely affect its strength and / or thickness. This problem is less pronounced when the mixture or its components are applied and / or introduced to the surface / into the substrate in step (c) in granular or aggregate form.

[0113] Step (c) or, if present, (c') of the method according to the invention is followed in step (d) by the formation of one or more hardened layers or zones over an incubation period of preferably at least 1 hour, preferably at least 4 hours, more preferably at least 12 hours, and most preferably at least 24 hours, during which time preferably no wind or artificial imbibition of water occurs, which would result in significant loss (drift) of the mixture as defined herein. The incubation period necessary for the formation of one or more hardened layers or zones in step (d) of the method according to the invention depends on several environmental parameters, such as the indoor or outdoor temperature and humidity, the application volume and rate of the mixture or its components, and the particle size of the mixture or its components. If, during said incubation period of at least 1 hour, preferably at least 4 hours, more preferably at least 12 hours, wind or other environmental parameters are such that a significant loss of the mixture as defined herein from the substrate occurs, it is advantageous to repeat steps (b) to (d) of the method according to the invention as many times as necessary, preferably one, two, three or more times, until a sufficient thickness and strength of the hardened layer or zone for preventing or reducing plant, preferably weed, growth on / in the substrate is achieved. Additionally or alternatively, if the thickness and / or strength of the hardened layer or zone formed on / in the substrate decreases over time due to weathering and / or natural deterioration and is thereby no longer sufficient to prevent or reduce plant, preferably weed, growth on / in the substrate, it may be advantageous to repeat steps (b) to (d) of the method according to the invention, preferably one, two, three or more times.

[0114] The hardened layer or area formed in step (d) of the method according to the present invention is 10 -9 ~10 0 m / s, preferably greater than 10 -9 ~10 -3 m / s, more preferably greater than 10 -8 ~10 -3Methods as defined herein having a (water) permeability coefficient greater than m / sec are preferred.

[0115] Optionally, step (d) of the method according to the invention may be followed by a further step (e), which comprises or consists of monitoring whether plant, preferably weed, growth has been prevented or reduced. Said monitoring may be carried out, for example, by determining the coverage of plant or weed growth by manual visual assessment, as described in the examples below. Step (e) of the method according to the invention, if present, may be repeated at regular intervals, for example every 24 or 48 hours, if necessary, depending on the environmental parameters and the application dose.

[0116] The plants or weeds are selected from the group consisting of Abutilon, Aegopodium, Aethusa, Amaranthus, Ambrosia, Anachusa, Anagallis, Anoda, Anthemis, Aphanes, Arabidopsis, Atriplex, Barbarea, Bellis, Sesamum indicum, and the like. Bidens, Bunias, Capsella, Carduus, Cassia, Centaurea, Chenopodium, Chrysanthemum, Cirsium, Conium, Conyza, Conasolida, Convolvulus, Datula, and Decureinia. Descurainia, Desmodium, Emex, Equisetum, Erigeron, Erodium, Erysimum, Euphorbia, Fumaria, Galeopsis, Galinsoga, Galium, Geranium, Heracleum, Hibiscus ibiscus), sweet potato (Ipomoea), Kochia, Lamium, Lapsana, Lathyrus, Lepidium, Lithoserpermum, Linaria, Lindernia, Lycopsis, Malva, Matricaria, Mentha, Mercurialis,Mullugo, Myosotis, Papaver, Pharbitis, Plantago, Polygonum, Portulaca, Ranunculus, Raphanus, Rorippa, Rotala, Rumex, Salsola, Senecio, Sesbania, Sida , Sinapis, Sisymbrium, Solanum, Sonchus, Sphenoclea, Stachys, Stellaria, Taraxacum, Thlaspi, Trifolium, Tussaligo, Urtica, Veronica, Viola, Xanthium ) Dicotyledonous plants; Arachis, Beta, Brassica, Cucumis, Cucurbita, Helianthus, Daucus, Glycine, Gossypium, Ipomoea, Lactuca, Linum, Lycopersicon, Nicotiana, Phaseolus, and Pea. Dicotyledons of the genera Pisum, Solanum, and Vicia; Aegilops, Agropyron, Agrostis, Alopecurus, Apera, Avena, Brachiaria, Bromus, Cenchrus, Commelina, Cynodon, Cyperus,Dactyloctenium, Digitaria, Echinochloa, Eleocharis, Eleusine, Eragrostis, Eriochloa, Festuca, Femscue, Fimbristylis, Heteranthera , Imperata, Ischaemum, Juncus, Leptochloa, Lolium, Monochoria, Panicum, Paspalum, Phalaris, Phleum, Poa, Rottb Monocotyledons of the genera Allium, Ananas, Asparagus, Avena, Hordeum, Oryza, Panicum, and sugarcane; Preferably, the method described above is selected from the group consisting of monocotyledons of the genera Saccharum, Secale, Sorghum, Triticale, Triticum, and Zea; and mosses of the lineages Marchentiosida, Anthocerotopsida, and Bryopsida.

[0117] According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, one, some or all of the plant species are selected from the group consisting of Acolea, Acrobolbus, Acrochila, Acromastigum, Acroscyphella, Acroscyphus, Acrostolia, Adelocolia, Aitchisoniella, Acrostigm ... licularia, Allisonia, Allisoniella, Alobiella, Alobiellopsis, Amazoopsis, Amphicephalozia, Amphilophocolea, Andrewsianthus, Aneura, Anomacaulis, Anomoclada nomoclada, Anomylia, Anthelia, Anthelis, Aphanolejeunea, Aplozia, Apomarsupella, Apometzgeria, Apotreubia, Arachniopsis, Arctoscyphus, Arnellia, Ascidiota idiota), Asterella, Athalamia, Austrofossombronia, Austrolembidium, Austrolophozia, Austrometzgeria, Austroscyphus, Balantiopsis, Bazzania, Blasia,Blepharidophyllum, Blepharostoma, Brevianthus, Calycularia, Calypogeia, Calyptrocolea, Campanocolea, Castanoclobos, Cavicularia, Cephalojonesia, Cephalolobium The genera Cephalobus, Cephalomitrion, Cephaloziella, Cephaloziella, Cephaloziopsis, Ceratolejeunea, Cesius, Chaetophyllopsis, Chiastocaulon, Chiloscyphus, Chloranthelia ), Chonecolea, Cladomastigum, Cladopodiella, Clandarium, Clasmatocolea, Cololejeunea, Colura, Conocephalum, Conoscyphus, Corsinia, Cronisia, Cros sogyna, Cryptochila, Cryptocolea, Cryptocoleopsis, Cryptomitrium, Cryptostipula, Cryptothallus, Cuspidatula, Cyanolophocolea, Cyathodium, Cylindrocolea,The genera Delavayella, Dendrobazzania, Dendromastigophora, Denotarisia, Dichiton, Dinckleria, Diplocolea, Diplophyllum, Douinia, Drepanolejeunea, Drucella, Dum ortiera, Dumortieropsis, Enigmella, Eocalypogeia, Eoisotachis, Eopleurozia, Eotrichocolea, Eremonotus, Eucalyx, Evansia, Evansianthus, Exormotheca, Uro Genus Fossombronia, Frullania, Fuscocephaloziopsis, Gackstroemia, Geocalyx, Geothallus, Gerhildiella, Goebeliella, Goebelobryum, Gongylanthus, Gottschea, Gottschea Gottschelia, Greeneothallus, Grollea, Gymnanthe, Gymnocoleopsis, Gymnomitrion, Gymnoscyphus, Gyrothyra, Haesselia, Haplomitrium, Harpalejeunea, Harpanthus,The genera Hattoria, Hattorianthus, Hattoriella, Hepatostolonophora, Herbertus, Herpetium, Herpocladium, Herzogianthus, Herzogobryum, Heterogemma, Heteroscy phus, Horikawaella, Hyalolepidozia, Hygrobiella Iwatsukia, Hygrolembidium, Hygrophila, Hymenophyton, Hypoisotachis, Isolembidium, Isotachis, Jamesoniel la), Jensenia, Jubula, Jubulopsis, Jungermannia, Jungermannites, Krunodiplophyllum, Kurzia, Kymatocalyx, Lamellocolea, Leiocolea, Leiomitra, Leiomilia ( Leiomylia, Leioscyphus, Lejeunea, Lembidium, Lepidogyna, Lepidolaena, Lepidozia, Leptolejeunea, Leptophyllopsis, Leptoscyphopsis, Leptoscyphus, Lethocolea,Liochlaena, Lobatiriccardia, Lophocolea, Lophonardia, Lophozia, Lophoziopsis, Lunularia, Macrodiplophyllum, Maculia, Makinoa, Mannia, Marchantia, Marchantia, Marchesini The genera Marchesinia, Marsupella, Marsupidium, Massula, Massularia, Mastigobryum, Mastigopelma, Mastigophora, Mastigopsis, Mesoptychia, Metacalypogeia, Metahy grobiella), Metzgeria, Metzgeriopsis, Micrisophylla, Microlejeunea, Microlepidozia, Micropterygium, Mizutania, Mnioloma, Moerckia, Monocarpus, Monoclea, Monodactylopsis, Monosolenium, Mytilopsis, Nanomarsupella, Nardia, Neesioscyphus, Neogrollea, Neohodgsonia, Neotrichocolea, Noteroclada, Nothogymnomitrion,Nothostrepta, Notoscyphus, Nowellia, Obtusifolium, Odontolejeunea, Odontoschisma, Oleolophozia, Oxymitra, Pachyglossa, Pachyschistochila, Pallavicina, Paracromastigum, Paraschistochila, Patarola, Pedinophyllopsis, Haiha Genus Pedinophyllum, Pellia, Peltolepsis, Perdusenia, Perssoniella, Petalophyllum, Phycolepidozia, Phyllothallia, Physiotium, Physotheca, Pisanoa, Plagioc hasma), Plagiochila, Plagiochilidium, Plagiochilion, Platycaulis, Plectocolea, Pleuranthe, Pleuroclada, Pleurocladopsis, Pleurocladula, Pleurozia, Podansea ( Podanthe, Podomitrium, Porella, Prasanthus, Preissia, Prionolobus, Protolophozia, Protomarsupella, Protosyzgiella, Protosyzygiella, Pseudocephalozia,The genera Pseudocephaloziella, Pseudolophocolea, Pseudolophozia, Pseudomarsupidium, Pseudoneura, Pseudotritomaria, Psiloclada, Pteropsiella, Ptilidium, and R. adula), Reboulia, Rhizocaulia, Rhodoplagiochila, Riccardia, Riccia, Ricciella, Ricciocarpos, Riella, Roivainenia, Ruizanthus, Ruttnerella, Saccobasis, Sa Saccogyna, Sandeothallus, Sarcocyphos, Sarcomitrium, Sauteria, Scapania, Scaphophyllum, Schiffneria, Schisma, Schistochila, Schistochilaster, Schistochiropsis (Schistochilopsis), Schofieldia, Sendtnera, Seppeltia, Sewardiella, Simodon, Solenostoma, Southbya, Sphaerocarpos, Sphagnoecetis, Sprucella, Steereella,Steereocolea, Stenorrhipis, Stephandium, Stephaniella, Stephaniellidium, Stephensoniella, Symphyogyna, Symphyogynopsis, Symphyomitra, Synhymenium, Syzygiella, Taeniolejeunea, Targionia, Tegulifolium, Telaranea, Thallocarpus, Treubia, Triangularia Triandrophyllum, Trichocolea, Trichocoleopsis, Trichostylium, Trichotemnoma, Trilophozia, Tritomaria, Tylimanthus, Vanaea, Bandiemeni The moss is one or more species of liverwort selected from the group consisting of the genera Vandiemenia, Verdoornia, Vetaforma, Wettsteinia, Wiesnerella, Xenochila, Xenothallus, Zoopsidella, and Zoopsis.

[0118] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, one, some or all of the plant species are selected from the group consisting of Abietinella, Acanthocladiella, Acanthocladium, Acanthodium, Acanthorrhynchium, Acaulon, Acaulonopsis, Achrophyllum, A. Acidodontium, Acrocladium, Acroporium, Acroschisma, Actinodontium, Actinothuidium, Adelothecium, Aequatoriella, Aerobryidium, Aerobryopsis, and the moss family Aerobryum, Aerolindigia, Algaria, Aligrimmia, Alleniella, Allioniellopsis, Aloina, Aloinella, Alophosia, Alsia, Amblyodon, Amblyodum, Amblystegie lla), Amblystegium, Amblytropis, Ambuchanania, Amphidium, Amphoridium, Amphoritheca, Anacalypta, Anacamptodon, Anacolia, Ancistrodes, Andoa, Andreaea,The genera Andreaeobryum, Anictangium, Anisothecium, Anodon, Anodontium, Anoectangium, Anomobryum, Anomodon, Antitrichia, Aongstroemia, Aongstroemiopsis, and Apalodium Apalodium, Aphanorrhegma, Apiocarpa, Aplodon, Apterygium, Aptychella, Aptychopsis, Aptychus, Arbuscula, Arbusculohypopterygium, Archephemeropsis, Tsuchigo The genera Archidium, Arctoa, Argyrobryum, Arthrocormus, Aschisma, Aschistodon, Asteriscium, Astomiopsis, Astomum, Astrodontium, Astrophyllum, Atractylocarpus ocarpus, Atrichopsis, Atrichum, Aulacomitrium, Aulacomnium, Aulacopilum, Austinella, Austrohondaella, Austrophilibertiella, Baldwiniella, Barbella,Barbellopsis, Barbula, Bartramia, Bartramiopsis, Beeveria, Bellibarbula, Benitotania, Bestia, Bissetia, Blindia, Boulaya, Brachelyma, Brachydontium ), Brachymenium, Brachymitrion, Brachyodus, Brachysteleum, Brachytheciastrum, Brachytheciella, Brachythecium, Brachytrichum, Braithwaitea, Braunfelsia, Braunia, Breidleria, Breutelia, Brothera, Brotherella, Brotherobryum, Bruchia, Bryhnia, Brymela, Bryoandersonia, Bryobeckettia, Bryobrittonia, Bryobrittonia Bryobrothera, Bryoceuthospora, Bryochenea, Bryocrumia, Bryodixonia, Bryodusenia, Bryoerythrophyllum, Bryohaplocladium, Bryohumbertia, Bryomaltaea,Bryomanginia, Bryomnium, Bryonoguchia, Bryonorrisia, Bryophixia, Bryosedgwickia, Bryostreimannia, Bryotestua, Bryum, Buckiella, Bucklandiella, Ba -Burnettia, Buxbaumia, Callialaria, Callicladium, Callicosta, Callicostella, Callicostellopsis, Calliergidium, Calliergon, Calohypnum, Calymperastrum, and Calymperes, Calymperidium, Calymperopsis, Calyptopogon, Calyptothecium, Calyptrochaeta, Camptochaete, Camptodontium, Camptothecium, Campyliadelphus, Campyl idium), Campylium, Campylodontium, Campylophyllum, Campylopodiella, Campylopodium, Campylopus, Campylostelium, Canalohypopterygium, Cardotia, Cardotiella,The genera Caribaeohypnum, Catagoniopsis, Catagonium, Catharinea, Catharinella, Catharomnion, Catoscopium, Cecalyphum, Ceratodon, Ceuthospora, Ceuthotheca, Chaetomitrellella haetomitrella, Chaetomitriopsis, Chaetomitrium, Chaetophora, Chamaebryum, Chamberlainia, Chameleion, Cheilothela, Chenia, Chileobryon, Chionoloma, Chionostomum hionostomum, Chorisodontium, Chrysohypnum, Chrysoblastella, Chrysocladium, Chrysohypnum, Cinclidium, Circulifolium, Cirriphyllum, Cladastomum, Cladomnion ion), Cladophascum, Cladopodanthus, Cladopodanthus, Claopodium, Clasmatodon, Clalastobryella, Clastobryophilum, Clastobryopsis, Clastobryum, Clavitheca,Cleistocarpidium, Cleistostoma, Climacium, Cnestrum, Codonoblepharon, Codonoblepharum, Codriophorus, Coelidium, Coleochaetium, Colobodontium, Conardia, Conomitrium, Conostomum, Coscinodon, Coscinodontella, Costesia, Craspedophyllum, Cratoneurella, Cratoneuron, Cratoneuropsis, Crosbya, Crosbyiu The genera Crossidium, Crossomitrium, Crumias, Crumuscus, Cryphaea, Cryphaeadelphus, Cryptocarpon, Cryptodicranum, Cryptogonium, Cryptoleptodon, and Cryptopapilla ria), Cryptopodia, Cryptopodium, Cryptotheca, Ctenidiadelphus, Ctenidium, Ctenium, Cupressina, Curvicladium, Curviramea, Cyathophorella, Cyathophorum,The genera Cyclodictyon, Cygniella, Cylicocarpus, Cynodon, Cynodontiella, Cynodontium, Cynontodium, Cyto-hypnum, Cyrtomnium, Cyrtopodendron, Daltonia, Dasimitrium Dasymitrium, Dawsonia, Dendrohypnum, Dendroalsia, Dendrocyathophorum, Dendrohypopterygium, Dendroligotrichum, Dermatodon, Desmatodon, Desmotheca, Dia lytrichia, Diaphanophyllum, Dichelodontium, Dichelyma, Dichodontium, Dicladiella, Dicnemoloma, Dicranella, Dicranodon, Dicranodontium, Dicranoloma, Dicranella ranoweisia), Dicranum, Didymodon, Dimerodontium, Dimorphocladon, Diobelon, Diobelonella, Diphascum, Diphyscium, Diplocomium, Diploneuron, Diplostichum,The genera Discelium, Discophyllum, Dissodon, Distichia, Distichium, Distichophyllidium, Distichophyllum, Ditrichopsis, Ditrichum, Dixonia, Dolichomitra, Dolich omitriopsis, Dolotortula, Donnellia, Donrichardsia, Dorcadion, Dozya, Drepanium, Drepano-hypnum, Drepanocladus, Drepanophyllaria, Drepanophyllum, Drummon dia), Dryptodon, Dusenia, Duthiella, Eccremidium, Echinodiopsis, Echinodium, Echinophyllum, Ectropotheciella, Ectropotheciopsis, Ectropothecium, Elerthella (Eleutera), Elharveya, Elmeriobryum, Elodium, Encalypta, Endotrichella, Endotrichellopsis, Endotrichum, Entodon, Entosthodon, Entosthymenium, Eobruchia,Eohypopterygiopsis, Eoleucodon, Eosphagnum, Ephemerella, Ephemeridium, Ephemelopsis, Ephemerum, Epipterygium, Eredon, Eriodon, Eriopus, Er podium), Erythrobarbula, Erythrodontium, Erythrophyllastrum, Erythrophyllopsis, Erythrophyllum, Esenbeckia, Eucamptodontopsis, Eucatagonium, Eucladium, Genera Euephemerum, Eumyurium, Euptychium, Eurhynchiadelphus, Eurhynchiastrum, Eurhynchiella, Eurhynchium, Eurohypnum, Eustichia, Euzygodon, Exodictyo n), Exostratum, Exsertotheca, Fabroleskea, FabroniaIschyrodon, Fabronidium, Fallaciella, Fauriella, Felipponea, Fiedleria, FifeaIsotheciadelphus,Fissidens, Flabellidium, Fleischerobryum, Floribundaria, Florschuetziella, Flowersia, Fontinalis, Foreauella, Forsstroemia, Frahmiella, The genera Funaria, Funariella, Gammiella, Ganguleea, Garckea, Garovaglia, Gasterogrimmia, Geheebia, Gemmabryum, Georgia, Gertrudia, Gertrudiella, Gigaspermum permum, Giraldiella, Globulina, Globulinella, Glossadelphus, Glyphomitrium, Glyphomitrium, Glyphothecium, Glyptothecium, Gollania, Gongronia, Goniobryum, Goniomitri Goniomitrium, Gradsteinia, Grimmia, Groutiella, Guembelia, Guerramontesia, Gymnostomiella, Gymnostomum, Gyroweisia, Habrodon, HabrodonIshibaeaIwat sukiella), Hageniella, Hamatocaulis, Hampeella, Hampeohypnum, Handeliobryum, Haplocladium, Haplodon, Haplodontium, Haplohymenium, Haptymenium, Harpidium,Harpophyllum, Harrisonia, Harveya, HebantiaItatiella, Hedenaesia, Hedenasiastrum, Hedwigia, Hedwigidium, Helicoblepharum, Helicodontiadelphus, Con Helicodontium, Heliconema, Helicophyllum, Helodium, Hemiragis, Henicodium, Hennediella, Herpetineuron, Herzogiella, Heterocladium, Heterodon, Heter ophyllium, Hildebrandtiella, Hilpertia, Himantocladium, Holoblepharum, Holodontium, Holomitriopsis, Holomitrium, Homalia, Homaliadelphus, Homaliodendro n), Homaliopsis, Homalotheciella, Homalothecium, Homomallium, Hondaella, Hookeria, Hookeriopsis, Horikawaea, Horridohypnum, Husnotiella, Hyalophyllum,HydrocryphaeaIsodrepanium, Hydrogonium, Hydropogon, Hydropogonella, Hygroamblystegium, Hygrodicranum, Hygrohypnella, Hygrohypnum, Hylocomiadelphus, Hy locomiastrum, Hylocomiopsis, Hylocomium, Hymenodon, Hymenodontopsis, Hymenoloma, Hymenostomum, Hymenostyliella, Hymenostylium, Hyocomiopsis, Hyophila, Hyphiladelphus delphus, Hyophilopsis, Hypnella, Hypnites, Hypnobartlettia, Hypnodendron, Hypnum, Hypodontium, Hypopterygium, Imbribryum, Indopottia, Indothuidium, Indusierra Indusiella, Inouethuidium, Isopterygiopsis, Isopterygium, Isotheciopsis, Isothecium, Jaegerina, Jaegerinopsis, Jaffueliobryum, Juratzkaeella, Kiaeria,The genera Kindbergia, Kingiobryum, Kleioweisiopsis, Koponenia, Kurohimehypnum, Lamprophyllum, Leersia, Leiodontium, Leiomela, Leiomitrium, Leiotheca, Le mbophyllum, Lepidopilidium, Lepidopilum, Leptangium, Leptobarbula, Leptobryum, Leptocladiella, Leptocladium, Leptodictyum, Leptodontiella, Leptodontiopsi s), Leptodontium, Leptohymenium, Leptophascum, Leptopterigynandrum, Leptostomopsis, Leptostomum, Leptotheca, Leptotrichella, Leptotrichum, Lepyrodon, Lepyro Lepyrodontopsis, Leratia, Leratiella, Lescuraea, Leskea, Leskeadelphus, Leskeella, Leskeodon, Leskeodontopsis, Lesquereuxia, Leucobryum, Leucodon,The genera Leucodontella, Leucolepis, Leucoloma, Leucomium, Leucoperichaetium, Leucophanella, Leucophanes, Levierella, Limbella, Limnobium, Limprichtia, Lindbergia, Lindigia, Loe skeobryum, Loeskypnum, Loiseaubryum, Looseria, Lophiodon, Lopidium, Lorentzia, Lorentziella, Loxotis, Ludorugbya, Luisierella, Lyellia, Macgregorella, Macouniella, Macrocoma, Macrodictyum, Macrohymenium, Macromitrium, Macrosporiella, Macrotamniella, Macrothamnium, Mamillariella, Mandoniella, Maschalanthus, Maschalocarpus, Mastopoma Genus Mastopoma, Matteria, Meesia, Meiotheciella, Meiotheciopsis, Meiothecium, Meiotrichum, Merceya, Merceiopsis, Mesochaete, Mesonodon, Mesotus, Metadistychophyllum tadistichophyllum, Metaneckera, Meteoridium, Meteoriella, Meteoriopsis, Meteorium, Metzlerella, Metzleria, Micralsopsis, Microbryum, Microcampylopus, Microcrocidium crocrossidium, Microctenidium, Microdus, Microeurhynchium, Micromitrium, Micropoma, Microthamnium, Microtheciella, Microthuidium, Miehea, Mielichhoferia,Genus Mildea, Mildeella, Mironia, Mitrobryum, Mittenia, Mittenothamnium, Mitthyridium, Miyabea, Mniadelphus, Mniobryum, Mniodendron, Mniomalia, Mniomalia Genus Mnium, Moenkemeyera, Molendoa, Mollia, Morinia, Moseniella, Muelleriella, Muellerobryum, Muscoflorschuetzia, Muscoherzogia, Myrinia, Myurella, Myuriop sis, Myurium, Myuroclada, Nanobryum, Nanomitriopsis, Nanomitrium, Neckera, Neckeradelphus, Neckerites, Neckeropsis, Nematocladia, Neobarbella, Neocardothia cardotia, Neodicladiella, Neodolichomitra, Neohyophila, Neolescuraea, Neolindbergia, Neomacounia, Neomeesia, Neonoguchia, Neophoenix, Neorutenbergia,Neosharpiella, Niphotrichum, Nobregaea, Nogopterium, Noguchiodendron, Notoligotrichum, Ochiobryum, Ochrobryum, Ochyraea, Octodiceras, Oedicladium, O Oedipodiella, Oedipodium, Okamuraea, Oligotrichum, Oncophorus, Oreas, Oreoweisia, Orontobryum, Orthoamblystegium, Orthodicranum, Orthodon, Orthodonti um), Orthodontopsis, Orthogrimmia, Orthomitrium, Orthomnion, Orthomniopsis, Orthopus, Orthopyxis, Orthorrhynchidium, Orthorrhynchium, Orthostichella, Orthostichidium, Orthostichopsis, Orthotheciella, Orthothecium, Orthothecium, Orthothuidium, Orthotrichum, Osterwaldiella, Oticodium, Oxyrrhynchium,Oxystegus, Pachyneuropsis, Pachyneurum, Palaeocampylopus, Palamocladium, Palisadula, Paludella, Palustriella, Panckowia, Pancovia, Papillaria, Papyridiopsis Papillidiopsis, Paraleucobryum, Paramyurium, Pararhacocarpus, Parisia, Pelekium, Pendulothecium, Pentastichella, Penzigiella, Peromnion, Pharomitrium, Phas conica, Phascopsis, Phascum, Philibertiella, Philonotis, Philophyllum, Photinophyllum, Photinophyllum, Phollodon, Phyllodrepanium, Phyllogonium, Physcomitrella, Physco mitrium, Physedium, Picobryum, Pictus, Piloecium, Pilopogon, Pilopogonella, Piloseriopus, Pilotrichella, Pilotrichidium, Pilotrichum, Pinnatella, Pirea,Pireella, Plagiobryoides, Plagiobryum, Plagiomnium, Plagiopus, Plagioracelopus, Plagiothecium, Plasteurhynchium, Platydictya, Platygyriella, Platygyrium, Platyhypnidium, Platyhypnum, Platyloma, Platylomella, Pla Platyneuron, Plauberia, Pleuriditrichum, Pleuridium, Pleurochaete, Pleurophascum, Pleuropus, Pleurorthotrichum, Pleuroweisia, Pleurozium, Pleurozygodon, Pocsiella, Podperaea, Poecilophyllum, Pogonatum, Pohlia, The genera Polla, Polymerodon, Polypodiopsis, Polytrichadelphus, Polytrichastrum, Polytrichites, Polytrichum, Porothamnium, Porotrichella, Porotrichodendron, and Porotrichopsis are orotrichopsis, Porotrichum, Potamium, Pottia, Pottiopsis, Powellia, Powelliopsis, Pringleella, Prionidium, Prionodon, Pseudatrichum, Pseudephemerum , Pseudisothecium, Pseudoamblystegium, Pseudobarbella, Pseudobraunia, Pseudobryum, Pseudocalliergon, Pseudocampylium, Pseudochorisodontium, Pseudocrosidi Pseudocrossidium, Pseudodimerodontium, Pseudodistichium, Pseudoditrichum, Pseudohygrohypnum, Pseudohyophila, Pseudohypnella, Pseudoleskea, Pseudoleskeella,Pseudoleskeopsis, Pseudopiloecium, Pseudopilotrichum, Pseudopleuropus, Pseudopohlia, Pseudopterobryum, Pseudoracelopus, Pseudorhynchostegiella, Pseu doscleropodium, Pseudosymblepharis, Pseudotimmiella, Pseudotrismegistia, Psilopilum, Pterigynandrum, Pterobryella, Pterobryidium, Pterobryon, Pterobryo psis, Pterogoniadelphus, Pterogonidium, Pterogoniella, Pterogonium, Pterygoneurum, Pterygophyllum, Ptilium, Ptychodium, Ptychomitriopsis, Ptychomitr ium), Ptychomniella, Ptychomnion, Ptychostomum, Puiggaria, Puiggariella, Puiggariopsis, Pulchrinodus, Pungentella, Pursellia, Pylaisia, Pylaisiadelpha,Pylaisiella, Pylaisiobryum, Pyramidula, Pyramitrium, Pyromitrium, Pyrrh obryum), Quaesticula, Racelopodopsis, Racelopus, Racomitrium, Racopilum, Radulina ulina, Raineria, Rauia, Rauiella, Regmatodon, Reimersia, Remyella, Renauldia, Rhabdodontium, Rhabdoweisia, Rhacocarpus, Rhacopilopsis, Rhamphidium ), Rhaphidorrhynchium, Rhaphidostegium, Rhaphidostichum, Rhexophyllum, Rhizofabronia, Rhizogonium, Rhizohypnum, Rhizomnium, Rhizopelma, Rhodobryum, Rhynchohypnum Rhyncho-hypnum, Rhynchostegiella, Rhynchostegiopsis, Rhynchostegium, Rhystophyllum, Rhytidiadelphus, Rhytidiastrum, Rhytidiopsis, Rhytidium, Richardsiopsis,Rigodiadelphus, Roellia, Rosulabryum, Rottleria, Rutenbergia, Saelania, Sagenotortula, Sainte-Sereneia, Saitoa, Saitobryum, Saitoella, Sanionia, Saproma, Sarconeurum, Sarmentypnum, Sasaokaea, Sauloma, Scabridens, Schimperella, Schimperobryum, Schistidium, Schistomitrium, Schistophyllum, Schistostega, Schizomitrium, Schizymenium, Schliephackea, Schlotheimia, Schraderobryum, Genus Schwetschkea, Schwetschkeopsis, Sciadocladus, Sciaromiella, Sciaromiopsis, Sciaromium, Sciuro-hypnum, Sclerodontium, Sclerohypnum, Scleropodiopsi s), Scleropodium, Scopelophila, Scorpidium, Scorpiurium, Scouleria, Scytalina, Sebillea, Sehnemobryum, Sekra, Seligeria, Sematophyllites, Semat ophyllum, Semibarbula, Serpoleskea, Serpotortella, Sharpiella, Shevockia, Sigmatella, Simophyllum, Simplicidens, Sinocalliergon, Sinskea, Skitophyllum,Skottsbergia, Solmsia, Solmsiella, Sorapilla, Sphaerangium, Sphaerocephalus, Sphaerothecium, Sphagnum, Spiridentopsis, Spirula, Splachnum, Sporledera, Spruceae Spruceella, Squamidium, Stableria, Steerecleus, Steereobryon, Stegonia, Stellariomnium, Stenocarpidiopsis, Stenodesmus, Stenodictyon, Stenothecio psis, Stenothecium, Steppomitra, Stereodon, Stereodontopsis, Stereohypnum, Steyermarkiella, Stokesiella, Stonea, Stoneobryum, Straminergon, Straminer gon), Streblopilum, Streblotrichum, Streimannia, Strephedium, Streptocalypta, Streptocolea, Streptopogon, Streptotrichum, Stroemia, Strombulidens,Struckia, Struckia, Stylocomium, Swartzia, Symblepharis, Symphyodon, Symphysodon, Symphysodontella, Syntrichia, Syrrhopodon, Systegium, Taiwanobrium yum), Takakia, Tamariscella, Taxicaulis, Taxiphyllum, Taxithelium, Tayloria, Teichodontium, Teniolophora, Teretidens, Terrestria, Tetracoscinodon, Tetraphy Tetraphidopsis, Tetraphis, Tetraplodon, Tetrapterum, Tetrastichium, Tetrodontium, Thamniella, Thamniopsis, Thamnium, Thamnobryum, Thamnomalia, Thelia, Te Thiemea, Thuidiopsis, Thuidium, Thyridium, Thysanomitrion, Timmiella, Timmiella, Timokoponenia, Toloxis, Tomentypnum, Tortella, Tortula, Touwia,Touwiodendron, Trachybryum, Trachycarpidium, Trachycladiella, Trachycystis, Trachyloma, Trachymitrium, Trachyodontium, Trachyphyllum, Trachythecium ), Trachyxiphium, Trematodum, Trichodon, Trichodontium, Tricholepis, Trichosteleum, Trichostomopsis, Trichostomum, Tridontium, Trigonodictyon, Tripterocladium (T ripterocladium, Triquetrella, Trismegistia, Tristichium, Tuerckheimia, Uleastrum, Uleobryum, Ulota, Unclejackia, Valdonia, Venturiella, Verrucidens, Fuku Vesicularia, Vesiculariopsis, Vetiplanaxis, Viridivellus, Vittia, Voitia, Vrolijkheidia, Warburgiella, Wardia, Warnstorfia, Webera, Weisiodon,One or more species of moss selected from the group consisting of the genera Weisiopsis, Weissia, Weissiodicranum, Werneriobryum, Weymouthia, Wijkia, Wildia, Willia, Wilsoniella, Yunnanobryon, Zelometeorium, Zygodon, and Zygotrichia.

[0119] According to another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, one, several or all of the plant species are one or more hornwort species selected from the group consisting of the genera Anthoceros, Dendroceros, Folioceros, Leiosporoceros, Megaceros, Mesoceros, Nothoceros, Notothylas, Paraphymatoceros, Phaeoceros, Phaeomegaceros, Phymatoceros and Sphaerosporoceros.

[0120] Preferably, the substrate comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of sand, soil, humus, crushed stone, gravel, clay, silt, sawdust, paper, cardboard, chipboard, softwood, limestone and coal; more preferably, the substrate comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of soil, humus, crushed stone, gravel, clay, silt, sawdust, paper, cardboard, chipboard, softwood, limestone and coal; and / or Preferably, the substrate is an area of ​​land selected from the group consisting of garden areas, paving block and stone bond areas, cultivated land, orchards, vineyard areas, nursery areas, parks, developed or part of urban areas, unpaved roads, footpaths, railway tracks, industrially used areas and areas between and in front of the aforementioned areas of land, more preferably the substrate is an area of ​​land selected from the group consisting of garden areas, cultivated land, orchards, vineyard areas, nursery areas, parks, developed or part of urban areas, unpaved roads, footpaths, railway tracks, industrially used areas and areas between and in front of the aforementioned areas of land.

[0121] Preferably, the substrate is selected from the group consisting of organic and inorganic materials, preferably of biogenic and / or anthropogenic origin, further preferably metamorphic, sedimentary, igneous rocks and derivatives and mixtures thereof.

[0122] Most preferably, the substrate is selected from the group consisting of sand, soil, preferably land soil, sieved land soil and plant soil, humus, crushed stone, gravel, clay, silt, sawdust, paper, cardboard, chipboard, softwood, limestone, coal and mixtures thereof.

[0123] The substrate may be a material described by one or more of the subgroups according to H. Strunz and E.H. Nickel, Strunz Mineralogical Tables (2001, 9th Edition); (i) Elements (including all subgroups), such as, but not limited to, carbon, silicon, aluminum, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, hydrogen, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium; (ii) Sulfides and sulfosalts (including all subgroups), such as, but not limited to, chalcopyrite, galena, and pyrite; (iii) Halides (including all subgroups), such as, but not limited to, fluoride, chloride, bromide; (iv) Oxides, hydroxides and arsenites (including all subgroups), such as, but not limited to, silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, magnesium oxide, iron oxide, calcium hydroxide; (v) Carbonates and nitrates (including all subgroups), such as, but not limited to, calcite, magnesium carbonate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate; (vi) Borates (including all subgroups), such as, but not limited to, borax; (vii) sulfates, chromates, molybdates and tungstates (including all subgroups), such as, but not limited to, calcium sulfate; (viii) Phosphates, arsenates, and arsenates (including all subgroups), such as, but not limited to, monazite; (ix) Silicates, germanates (including all subgroups), including but not limited to: olivine, topaz, muscovite, talc, cement, microsilica; (x) Organic compounds (including all subgroups), such as, but not limited to, humic substances, lignin and their derivatives and oxidation products, compost materials; The method described above is preferred, which comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of:

[0124] Preferably, the substrate is a mixture of one or more of the above-mentioned materials (i) to (x), as well as substances and mixtures of biogenic and / or anthropogenic origin in which plant growth is possible, such as cable sand, fine sand, natural sand, quartz sand, quartz sand, quartz sand, gravel sand, joint sand, crushed sand, quartz powder, mineral mixtures (stone, chips, gravel), triple hele, Savonnière stone powder, gypsum, loess, topsoil, crushed limestone sand, limestone powder, calcium carbonate (polymorphs, derivatives and mixtures, as well as natural systems (GCC (ground calcium carbonate)) and synthetic PCC (precipitated calcium carbonate)). carbonate) (precipitated calcium carbonate) and its mixtures), talc, dolomite, white lime (hydrate), truss, cement and their mixtures, microsilica, chalk (mixtures), marble, perlite, overburden, sedimentary materials, hematite, red chalk, magnesite, iron ore, steatite, soapstone, kaolin, marl, alumina, attapulgite, clay minerals, bentonite, zeolites, (calco) stucco, gravel, glass powder, aluminium oxide, aluminium hydroxide, magnesium oxide, acid The present invention relates to a method for producing a soil resistant granule, comprising the steps of: (a) preparing a soil resistant granule containing calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide, magnesite, slate powder, pumice, cristobalite (sand), Roman cement, bauxite, pyrite, sphalerite, silicates, oxides, carbonates, wood (chips), mulch, alluvial soil, laterite, hematite, ash (wood ash, fly ash, bone ash), (pig) farm soil, LUFA standard soil (see for example http: / / www.lufa-speyer.de / ) or mixtures thereof.

[0125] Preferred is a method according to the invention, wherein the substrate is an area of ​​land selected from the group consisting of garden areas, terraces or entrance-exit junction areas, agricultural areas, farmland, orchards, vineyard areas, nursery areas, parks, parts of developed land or urban areas, roads, streets, footpaths, railway tracks, areas used industrially, areas between and in front of the aforementioned areas, preferably junctions having a width of more than 1 mm, preferably more than 0.5 cm, more preferably more than 1 cm, more preferably more than 2 cm, more preferably more than 5 cm, most preferably more than 10 cm.

[0126] Depending on the characteristics of the substrate to be treated, as determined in step (a) of the method according to the invention, it may be advantageous to add one or more of the hardening agents and / or performance modifiers defined above (or one or more of the components (a), (b) and / or (c) of the mixture defined herein provided in step (b)) to the substrate before carrying out step (c) of the method (or before applying and / or introducing the remaining components (a), (b) and / or (c) of the mixture defined herein provided in step (b)), e.g., in order to improve the reactivity of the substrate with the mixture applied and / or introduced in or formed during step (c). This advantageously leads to the formation in step (d) of a particularly hard and / or flexible and / or stable hardened layer or area that is particularly effective in suppressing plant, preferably weed, growth.

[0127] Preferably, hardeners (component (c) of the mixture), if present, may be pre-applied to the substrate when liquid alkali silicates are used as component (a) of the mixture. Additionally, they may be mixed with one or more powdered alkali silicates and co-applied to the substrate surface, resulting in significant gains in the resulting weed penetration resistance of the treated substrate.

[0128] The method according to the invention makes it possible, for example, to use the mixtures defined herein to close and / or harden the connecting surfaces of terraces, entrances, exits, roads, paths or pathways or open areas, thus effectively suppressing the growth of plants, preferably weeds, inside / on these substrates.

[0129] The method according to the invention is preferably applied to suppress agricultural plants, preferably weeds, for example in agricultural land used for cereal, vegetable or fruit farming.

[0130] Advantageously, the method according to the invention makes it possible to apply small amounts of the mixtures defined herein and still achieve efficient plant, preferably weed, growth prevention or reduction.

[0131] A preferred embodiment relates to a method according to the invention as described herein, wherein the one or more hardened layers or areas formed in step (d) allow (further) growth of desired plants but prevent or reduce the growth of (new) weeds.

[0132] Preferably, each lateral dimension of the substrate is greater than 0.5 cm, preferably greater than 1 cm, more preferably greater than 2 cm, and most preferably greater than 5 cm.

[0133] Preferably, the substrate hardened by the method according to the invention is a garden, a flower bed, a walkway or an area next to a road or a field.

[0134] Preferably, each lateral dimension of the substrate is greater than 10 cm, preferably greater than 50 cm, more preferably greater than 1 m, more preferably greater than 5 m, and most preferably greater than 10 m.

[0135] Preferably, the curing of the substrate by the method according to the present invention results in the formation of a hardened layer on / in the substrate having a layer thickness of more than 0 to 100 mm, preferably 1 to 50 mm, preferably 2 to 25 mm, most preferably 3 to 10 mm.

[0136] Preferably, the amount of mixture applied to or introduced into the substrate in step (c) is 400 g / m 2 Less than 300 g / m 2 less than 200 g / m 2 less than 100 g / m 2 is less than.

[0137] This means that if steps (b) to (d) of the method are repeated, the defined amounts respectively relate to the amount of mixture applied to or introduced into the substrate in each step (c) carried out.

[0138] Another aspect of the present invention is a composition comprising: (a) one or more alkali silicates selected from the group consisting of lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, rubidium silicate, cesium silicate, and mixtures thereof; Preferably, the modulus M of the one or more alkali silicates is >1.7, preferably >2.0, more preferably >2.5, most preferably >3.0; (b) two or more performance modifiers, Two, some or all of the performance modifiers may be (i) a (bio)polymer, Cellulose and its derivatives, starch and its derivatives, lignin and its derivatives, preferably lignin sulfonates, kraft lignin and lignin carboxylates, pectin and its derivatives, xanthan and its derivatives, guar ethers and its derivatives; Chitin and its derivatives, algin and its derivatives, chitosan and its derivatives, cyclodextrin and its derivatives, dextrin and its derivatives; Natural glues, hydrogel builders, vegetable lime, latex, rubber and their derivatives; proteins and peptides containing one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids; industrial materials, residual polymeric substances and industrial wastewaters, preferably corn steep liquor, lactose mother liquor, protein lysates and molasses, vegetable meal, preferably corn gluten meal, legume meal, fruit meal and protein waste, preferably industrial by-products selected from the group consisting of yeast production, meat production, fruit production, vegetable production, egg production, dairy industry and paper manufacturing; Starch ethers, starch esters, starch carboxylates, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, cellulose carboxylates, yeast and their derivatives or extracts; liquid or dry polymer dispersions or polymers comprising organic acids, preferably sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids, peroxycarboxylic acids and thiocarboxylic acids and their salts, sulfoxides, cyanates, thiocyanates, esters, ethers, thioethers, oxides, thiooxides, amines, imines, hydrazines, pyrazons, amides, sulfates, nitriles, aldehydes, thioaldehydes, ketones, thioketones, oximes, alcohols, thiols, radicals, halogens, silanes, siloxanes, phosphates, phosphonates, alkyls, aryls, aryls and their derivatives, preferably the polymers are biodegradable, (Bio)polymers selected from the group consisting of: (ii) polysaccharides, extracellular substances and derivatives thereof selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides containing lactose, glucose, fructose, saccharose and / or galactose, and microbial exopolysaccharides preferably containing lactose, saccharose, glucose, glucosamine, mannose, glycerin, gluconate, fructose and / or inulin; (iii) organic acids and derivatives thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids, preferably formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, benzoic acid and salicylic acid, dicarboxylic acids, preferably oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid and maleic acid, fatty acids, keto acids, preferably pyruvic acid and acetoacetic acid, fruit acids, preferably malic acid and tartaric acid, hydroxy acids, preferably lactic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids, tricarboxylic acids, preferably citric acid, more preferably carboxylates and esters of the foregoing; (iv) amino acids, preferably selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids, and derivatives thereof, preferably esters and amides thereof; (v) viable microorganisms, preferably bacteria, capable of forming polymers, nonviable microorganisms and parts thereof; (vi) Chemical and natural herbicides; fungicides; molluscicides; insecticides; emulsifiers; thixotropic agents; a performance modifier independently selected from the group consisting of: (c) one or more curing agents, where one, some or all of the curing agents are (vii) inorganic salts selected from the group consisting of alkali salts, alkaline earth salts, metal salts and transition metal salts, preferably calcium, magnesium, aluminum and iron salts, more preferably calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium cyanamide, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium cyanamide, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, iron chloride, iron sulfate and phosphate salts and derivatives thereof; and / or (viii) inorganic acids, preferably sulfuric acid, hydrogen halides, nitric acid and phosphoric acid; and / or (ix) an inorganic binder selected from the group consisting of cement, preferably silicate cement, aluminate cement, magnesia cement and phosphate cement, calcium sulfate, preferably gypsum, calcium oxide and phosphate binders; and / or (x) a mineral selected from the group consisting of inorganic minerals including clay, calcium carbonate and its derivatives, calcium alumosilicate, microsilica, aluminum oxide, kaolin, bentonite, and foam glass granules; a curing agent selected from the group consisting of: The present invention relates to a mixture for preventing or reducing plant, preferably weed, growth, comprising or consisting of:

[0139] A preferred embodiment comprises the following components: (a) one or more alkali silicates selected from the group consisting of lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, rubidium silicate, cesium silicate, and mixtures thereof; the modulus M of the one or more alkali silicates is each >1.7, preferably >2.0, more preferably >2.5, most preferably >3.0; (b) two or more performance modifiers, Two, some or all of the performance modifiers may be (i) a (bio)polymer, Cellulose and its derivatives, starch and its derivatives, lignin and its derivatives, preferably lignin sulfonates, kraft lignin and lignin carboxylates, pectin and its derivatives, xanthan and its derivatives, guar ethers and its derivatives; Chitin and its derivatives, algin and its derivatives, chitosan and its derivatives, cyclodextrin and its derivatives, dextrin and its derivatives; Natural glues, hydrogel builders, vegetable lime, latex, rubber and their derivatives; proteins and peptides containing one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids; industrial materials, residual polymeric substances and industrial wastewaters, preferably corn steep liquor, lactose mother liquor, protein lysates and molasses, vegetable meal, preferably corn gluten meal, legume meal, fruit meal and protein waste, preferably industrial by-products selected from the group consisting of yeast production, meat production, fruit production, vegetable production, egg production, dairy industry and paper manufacturing; Starch ethers, starch esters, starch carboxylates, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, cellulose carboxylates, yeast and their derivatives or extracts; liquid or dry polymer dispersions or polymers comprising organic acids, preferably sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids, peroxycarboxylic acids and thiocarboxylic acids and their salts, sulfoxides, cyanates, thiocyanates, esters, ethers, thioethers, oxides, thiooxides, amines, imines, hydrazines, pyrazons, amides, sulfates, nitriles, aldehydes, thioaldehydes, ketones, thioketones, oximes, alcohols, thiols, radicals, halogens, silanes, siloxanes, phosphates, phosphonates, alkyls, aryls, aryls and their derivatives, preferably the polymers are biodegradable, (Bio)polymers selected from the group consisting of: (ii) polysaccharides, extracellular substances and derivatives thereof selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides containing lactose, glucose, fructose, saccharose and / or galactose, and microbial exopolysaccharides preferably containing lactose, saccharose, glucose, glucosamine, mannose, glycerin, gluconate, fructose and / or inulin; (iii) organic acids and derivatives thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids, preferably formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, benzoic acid and salicylic acid, dicarboxylic acids, preferably oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid and maleic acid, fatty acids, keto acids, preferably pyruvic acid and acetoacetic acid, fruit acids, preferably malic acid and tartaric acid, hydroxy acids, preferably lactic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids, tricarboxylic acids, preferably citric acid, more preferably carboxylates and esters of the foregoing; (iv) amino acids, preferably selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids, and derivatives thereof, preferably esters and amides thereof; (v) live microorganisms, preferably bacteria capable of forming polymers, non-live microorganisms and parts thereof; (vi) Chemical and natural herbicides; fungicides; molluscicides; insecticides; emulsifiers; thixotropic agents; two or more performance modifiers independently selected from the group consisting of: (c) one or more curing agents, one or some or all of which are (vii) inorganic salts selected from the group consisting of alkali salts, alkaline earth salts, metal salts and transition metal salts, preferably calcium, magnesium, aluminum and iron salts, more preferably calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium cyanamide, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium cyanamide, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, iron chloride, iron sulfate and phosphate salts and derivatives thereof; and / or (viii) inorganic acids, preferably sulfuric acid, hydrogen halides, nitric acid and phosphoric acid; and / or (x) minerals selected from the group consisting of clay, inorganic minerals including calcium carbonate and its derivatives, calcium alumosilicate, microsilica, aluminum oxide, kaolin, bentonite and foam glass granules; a curing agent selected from the group consisting of The present invention relates to a mixture for preventing or reducing plant, preferably weed, growth, comprising or consisting of:

[0140] Particularly preferred embodiments comprise the following components: (a) one or more alkali silicates selected from the group consisting of lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, rubidium silicate, cesium silicate, and mixtures thereof; one or more alkali silicates, wherein the modulus M of the one or more alkali silicates is respectively >1.7, preferably >2.0, more preferably >2.5, and most preferably >3.0; (b) two or more performance modifiers, Two, some or all of the performance modifiers may be (i) a (bio)polymer, Cellulose and its derivatives, starch and its derivatives, lignin and its derivatives, preferably lignin sulfonates, kraft-lignin and lignin carboxylates, pectin and its derivatives, xanthan and its derivatives, guar ethers and its derivatives; Chitin and its derivatives, algin and its derivatives, chitosan and its derivatives, cyclodextrin and its derivatives, dextrin and its derivatives; Natural glues, hydrogel builders, vegetable lime, latex, rubber and their derivatives; proteins and peptides containing one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids; industrial materials, residual polymeric materials and industrial waste products, preferably corn steep liquor, lactose mother liquor, protein melts and molasses, vegetable meal, preferably corn gluten meal, pea meal, fruit meal and proteins, preferably industrial by-products selected from the group consisting of waste from yeast production, meat production, fruit production, vegetable production, egg production, dairy industry and paper manufacturing; Starch ethers, starch esters, starch carboxylates, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, cellulose carboxylates, yeasts and their derivatives or extracts; liquid or dry polymer dispersions or polymers comprising organic acids, preferably sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids, peroxycarboxylic acids and thiocarboxylic acids and their salts, sulfoxides, cyanates, thiocyanates, esters, ethers, thioethers, oxides, thiooxides, amines, imines, hydrazines, pyrazons, amides, sulfates, nitriles, aldehydes, thioaldehydes, ketones, thioketones, oximes, alcohols, thiols, radicals, halogens, silanes, siloxanes, phosphates, phosphonates, alkyls, aryls, aryls and their derivatives, preferably the polymers are biodegradable, (Bio)polymers selected from the group consisting of: (ii) polysaccharides, extracellular substances and derivatives thereof selected from the group consisting of polysaccharides including lactose, glucose, fructose, saccharose and / or galactose and microbial exopolysaccharides, preferably including lactose, saccharose, glucose, glucosamine, mannose, glycerin, gluconate, fructose and / or inulin; (iii) organic acids and derivatives thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids, preferably formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid, benzoic acid and salicylic acid, dicarboxylic acids, preferably oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid and maleic acid, fatty acids, keto acids, preferably pyruvic acid and acetoacetic acid, fruit acids, preferably malic acid and tartaric acid, hydroxy acids, preferably lactic acid, alpha-hydroxy acids and beta-hydroxy acids, tricarboxylic acids, preferably citric acid, more preferably carboxylates and esters of the foregoing; (iv) amino acids and derivatives thereof, preferably selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids, preferably esters and amides thereof; (v) live microorganisms, preferably bacteria capable of forming polymers, non-live microorganisms and parts thereof; (vi) Chemical and natural herbicides; fungicides; molluscicides; insecticides; emulsifiers; thixotropic agents; two or more performance modifiers independently selected from the group consisting of: (vii) inorganic salts selected from the group consisting of alkali salts, alkaline earth salts, metal salts and transition metal salts, preferably calcium, magnesium, aluminum and iron salts, more preferably calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium cyanamide, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium cyanamide, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, iron chloride, iron sulfate and phosphate salts and derivatives thereof; and / or (viii) inorganic acids, preferably sulfuric acid, hydrogen halides, nitric acid and phosphoric acid; two or more performance modifiers, The present invention relates to a mixture for preventing or reducing plant, preferably weed, growth, comprising or consisting of:

[0141] Preferably, in the mixture according to the invention, at least one of the two or more performance modifiers of component (b) is a (bio)polymer.

[0142] More preferably, in the mixture according to the invention, at least two of the two or more performance modifiers of component (b) are (bio)polymers.

[0143] Most preferably, the one or more alkali silicates of component (a) of the mixture according to the invention each have a low particle size (diameter), preferably exhibiting a maximum in the particle size distribution of less than 500 μm, more preferably less than 250 μm, most preferably less than 125 μm.

[0144] Another preferred embodiment relates to a mixture according to the invention, wherein the mixture is present in liquid form, as a gel, a paste, a powder, granules or agglomerates or intermediate forms thereof (as defined above).

[0145] Another preferred embodiment relates to the mixture according to the invention, wherein component (a) comprises or consists of potassium silicate.

[0146] Most preferably, in the mixtures according to the invention, component (a) consists of potassium silicate.

[0147] Preferably, the mixture according to the invention contains a total amount of component (a) of 10 to 90 wt-%, preferably 15 to 85 wt-%, preferably 20 to 80 wt-%, more preferably 25 to 75 wt-%, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0148] Preferably, the mixture according to the invention contains a total amount of component (b) of 10 to 90 wt-%, preferably 15 to 85 wt-%, preferably 20 to 80 wt-%, more preferably 25 to 75 wt-%, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0149] Preferably, the mixture according to the invention contains a total amount of component (c) of 1 to 70 wt-%, preferably 2 to 60 wt-%, preferably 5 to 50 wt-%, more preferably 10 to 40 wt-%, based on the total weight of the mixture.

[0150] The alkali silicates are characterized by the molar ratio M between silicon dioxide and alkali oxide, which is called the modulus M, M = [SiO2] / [X2O] where [SiO2] is the molar concentration of silicon dioxide and [X2O] is the molar concentration of the respective alkali oxide, with X = Li, Na, K, Rb, or Cs (i.e., [X2O] represents the molar concentration of either Li2O, Na2O, K2O, Rb2O, or Cs2O).

[0151] In solid formulations, the molar concentrations may be replaced by the respective mole numbers n(SiO) and n(XO), i.e., in solid formulations, the modulus M of the alkali silicate is given by: M = n(SiO2) / n(X2O) It may be calculated that X2O is either Li2O, Na2O, K2O, Rb2O or Cs2O.

[0152] When the mixture according to the invention comprises two or more alkali silicates, the modulus M of each alkali silicate contained in component (a) of the mixture is >1.7, preferably >2.0, more preferably >2.5, most preferably >3.0.

[0153] What is described herein for the uses according to the invention also applies to the methods or mixtures according to the invention, and vice versa. This applies in particular to (preferred) embodiments of the uses according to the invention that correspond to or can be derived from (preferred) embodiments of the methods according to the invention, and vice versa. Also, (preferred) embodiments of the uses according to the invention correspond to or can be derived from (preferred) embodiments of the mixtures according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0154] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to examples. Unless otherwise stated, all data refer to weight. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0155] [Figure 1] Degree of efficiency in weed penetration resistance at various times: 7 days: black bars, 13 days: vertical stripes, 15 days: open, 22 days: horizontal stripes, 27 days: dots, 34 days: filled with black and white squares. Mixture 1 [KM-1.7] was used at various doses, shown in grams per square meter on the x-axis. From left to right: 1003 g / m², 825 g / m², 750 g / m², 675 g / m², 600 g / m², 525 g / m², 450 g / m², 375 g / m², 300 g / m², 225 g / m², 150 g / m². Negative values ​​indicate acceleration of weed growth. Positive values ​​indicate control of weed growth. [Figure 2] Degree of weed penetration resistance efficiency at various times: 7 days: black bars, 13 days: vertical stripes, 15 days: white bars, 22 days: horizontal stripes, 27 days: dots, 34 days: filled black and white squares. Mixture 2 [Na-M-1.7] was used at various doses shown on the x-axis in grams per square meter. From left to right: 1003 g / m², 975 g / m², 900 g / m², 825 g / m², 750 g / m², 675 g / m², 600 g / m², 525 g / m², 450 g / m², 375 g / m², 300 g / m², 225 g / m², 150 g / m², 75 g / m². Negative values ​​indicate acceleration of weed growth. Positive values ​​indicate control of weed growth. [Figure 3] Degree of weed penetration resistance efficiency at various times: 7 days: black bars, 13 days: vertical stripes, 15 days: open, 22 days: horizontal stripes, 27 days: dots, 34 days: filled with black and white squares. Mixture 3 [Na-M-2.5] was used at various doses, shown in grams per square meter on the x-axis. From left to right: 1003 g / m², 975 g / m², 900 g / m², 825 g / m², 750 g / m², 675 g / m², 600 g / m², 525 g / m², 450 g / m², 375 g / m², 300 g / m², 225 g / m², 150 g / m², 75 g / m². Negative values ​​indicate acceleration of weed growth. Positive values ​​indicate control of weed growth. [Figure 4] Degree of weed penetration resistance efficiency at various times: 7 days: black bars, 13 days: vertical stripes, 15 days: white outline, 22 days: horizontal stripes, 27 days: dots, 34 days: filled with black and white squares. Mix 2 [Na-M-1.7] was used as alkaline silicate at 225 g / m². Mixes 6, 7, 8 and 9 were used with 225 g / m² alkaline silicate plus the respective hardener and / or performance regulator. Negative values ​​indicate acceleration of weed growth. Positive values ​​indicate control of weed growth. [Figure 5] The degree of weed penetration resistance at various times: 7 days: black bars, 13 days: vertical stripes, 15 days: white bars, 22 days: horizontal stripes, 27 days: dots, 34 days: filled with black and white squares. Powdered alkaline silicate at various application rates: 375 g / m², 250 g / m², 125 g / m², and 62.52 g / m². A: [Na-M-2.5], B: [Na-M-3.3]. The powder was applied by daubing and activated with water. [Figure 6] Illustration of mechanical weed prevention. A: Weeds can germinate and grow until they reach the hardened layer. The hardened layer is indicated by two arrows, the upper arrow representing the soil surface and the lower arrow indicating the edge of the hardened outer layer. The outer layer thickness can be adjusted using preferred embodiments of the present invention. B: Weeds grow through gaps in the material. Preferred embodiments of the present invention allow for reduced cracking and therefore increased weed penetration resistance. Right sample: [Na-M-3.3] (150 g / m2); center sample: [Na-M-3.3] + calcium chloride (hardening agent); left sample: [Na-M-3.3] + nanoparticle seeding material (performance modifier). [Figure 7] Degree of efficiency in weed penetration resistance at various times: 7th day: black bars, 13th day: vertical stripes, 15th day: white bars, 22nd day: horizontal stripes, 27th day: fine dots, 34th day: black and white grid, using an application rate of 200 g / m². A: Use of various formulations based on solid alkali silicate [Na-M-2.5], B: Use of various formulations based on alkali silicate [Na-M-3.3]. [Figure 8]Degree of weed penetration resistance efficiency at various times: 7 days: black bars, 13 days: vertical stripes, 15 days: open, 22 days: horizontal stripes, 27 days: fine dots, 34 days: checkered pattern, using [Na-M-3.3] with various size distributions. A: [Na-M-3.3] with a particle size distribution maximum at 80 μm (less than 2% of the particles are larger than 250 μm, less than 40% of the particles are smaller than 63 μm). B: [Na-M-3.3] with a particle size (diameter) distribution maximum at 125 μm (less than 5% of the particles are larger than 250 μm, less than 15% of the particles are smaller than 63 μm). The application rate in grams per square meter is shown on the x-axis. [Figure 9] Outdoor field trial in a vineyard. Illustrative plots of three plots one month after application: A: untreated control, B: [Na-M-1.7]-450, C: [Na-M-2.5]-425 + CLS-25. [Figure 10] Illustration of the layering effect of the alkali silicate mixture with Plantain lanceolata and Annual Bluegrass and the absence of chemical interactions in growing weeds. A: Layering experiment 2 weeks after application: The separating layer of gravel is indicated by two arrows. Seeds were placed in the lower soil layer. Mixture [KM-3.3]-75 + CLS-50 + CaCl2-20 + nanoparticle seeding material-5 was used for weed control. Weeds germinated and grew until they reached the hardened layer. B: Layering experiment 3 weeks after application, control sample. Without the alkali silicate mixture, weeds grew through the surface. C: 24-hour incubation with germinated Plantain lanceolata seeds [KM-3.3] (20 wt-%), washing, and storage in a moist, bright space for 2 days after exposure. [Example]

[0156] Example 1: Use of Liquid Alkaline Silicate or Mixture to Control Plant Growth material and method 450cm in the laboratory 3 The experiment was carried out in a transparent plant pot with a volume of 78.5 cm. 2 It was.

[0157] The soil substrate was sieved land soil. Humus (humus) was used as a nutrient source for the desired plants.

[0158] Humus (250 g) was placed in plastic plant pots. 250 g of sieved local soil was placed on top of the humus. Both soil substrates were weed-free before treatment. Both soils contained minimal residues of local or imported weed seeds. The seeds present were not sufficient for effective weed growth. Weed inoculation was performed using 0.2 g of Plantago lanceolate (ribwort plantain) and 0.1 g of Poa annua (annual meadow grass) per container. For this purpose, weeds were placed in the top soil layer to a depth of 2–4 mm.

[0159] Various alkali silicate solutions, as specified below, were used in this experiment. The application rate per square meter was 3 liters per square meter. The alkali silicate dosages per square meter mentioned above were obtained by diluting highly concentrated alkali silicate stock solutions with deionized water to application concentrations. Each dosage in grams per square meter listed below refers to the alkali silicate and / or hardener and / or performance modifier per square meter. Water is not included in the mass in grams per square meter.

[0160] The mixtures were applied to the soil surface and incubated for two days before initial wetting. A total of three samples of each mixture were applied to the soil, and the results were averaged. All samples were watered every two to three days and the experiment continued for at least two months. Samples were exposed to ambient light plus artificial growth light on a 12-hour day / night cycle. During this period, the minimum temperature was 14.5°C and the maximum temperature was 28.8°C.

[0161] The alkali silicates used are abbreviated by the following code: [chemical symbol of the alkali cation of the alkali silicate - M - numerical value of the modulus M of the alkali silicate (as defined herein)]. The chemical symbols used are Li for lithium, Na for sodium, K for potassium, Rb for rubidium, Cs for cesium, and Fr for francium. M represents the modulus (as defined herein). The numerical value of the modulus is typically between 0.5 and 4.0. Thus, for example, sodium silicate with a modulus of 4.0 is abbreviated as [Na-M-4.0]. Mixture 0 (M0) Water (control sample). Mixture 1 (M1) Potassium silicate with a modulus of 1.7 [KM-1.7], various gram dosages per square meter. Mixture 2 (M2) Sodium silicate with a modulus of 1.7 [Na-M-1.7], various gram dosages per square meter. Mixture 3 (M3) Sodium silicate with a modulus of 2.5 [Na-M-2.5], various gram dosages per square meter. Mixture 4 (M4) Sodium silicate having a modulus of 3.3 [Na-M-3.3], various dosages in grams per square meter. Mixture 5 (M5) Potassium silicate with a modulus of 3.3 [KM-3.3], various gram dosages per square meter. Mixture 6 (M6) Sodium silicate with a modulus of 1.7 [Na-M-1.7], 225 g / m 2 , 25g / m 2 Calcium chloride. Mixture 7 (M7) Sodium silicate with a modulus of 1.7 [Na-M-1.7], 225 g / m 2 , 25g / m 2 Calcium hydroxide. Mixture 8 (M8) Sodium silicate with a modulus of 1.7 [Na-M-1.7], 225 g / m 2 , 12.5g / m 2 Nanoparticle-seeded materials. Mixture 9 (M9) Sodium silicate with a modulus of 1.7 [Na-M-1.7], 225 g / m 2 , 12.5g / m 2 calcium chloride, 12.5g / m 2 Polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH). Mixture 10 (M10) Sodium silicate with a modulus of 3.3 [Na-M-3.3], 225 g / m 2、 25g / m 2 Calcium chloride. Mixture 11 (M11) Sodium silicate with a modulus of 3.3 [Na-M-3.3], 225 g / m 2 12.5g / m 2 calcium chloride, 12.5g / m 2 Nanoparticle-seeded materials. Mix 12 (M12) Potassium silicate with a modulus of 3.3 [KM-3.3], 225 g / m 2 , 12.5g / m 2 Calcium acetate.

[0162] Calcium chloride and calcium hydroxide were the hardeners in Mixes M6, M7, M9, M10, and M11. Nanoparticle seeding material and / or polyvinyl alcohol and / or calcium acetate were the performance modifiers in Mixes M8, M9, M11, and M12. The nanoparticle seeding material was nano-sized silica.

[0163] The alkali silicate was applied in liquid form. Solid materials (calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, nanoparticle seeding material, calcium acetate) were evenly added to the soil surface before application of the alkali silicate. M9 polyvinyl alcohol was mixed with the liquid alkali silicate.

[0164] Weed growth was recorded regularly, at least once a week. The so-called coverage rate at a specific time point was determined by manual visual assessment of the plant pots. Coverage rate describes the area covered by weeds in percent. From this, the Abbott efficiency measure was then calculated as follows:

[0165] Efficiency = [coverage control (day x) - coverage product (day x)] / coverage control (day x) * 100

[0166] The increased degree of efficiency indicates the formation of a layer that can prevent weed penetration to the surface.

[0167] Variations in efficiency rates of more than 7% are considered suitable for interpretation. For example, samples showing efficiencies of 15% and 22% were treated as indifferent, while samples showing efficiencies of 15% and 23% were treated as different.

[0168] Seed emergence was examined by transparent plant pots.

[0169] result Due to the high seed load and the humus beneath the sieved land soil, the described weed growth test is a stress test that mimics strong weed growth. In all experiments, germinated seeds indicate seed and / or plant viability.

[0170] The results show that high doses of alkali silicate effectively inhibited weed growth (see Figures 1-3). Depending on the cation source and the modulus of the alkali silicate, there is a dose at which growth acceleration was observed. In the case of Mix 1 [KM-1.7], this dose was 488 g / m 2 When [KM-1.7] was applied at lower rates, weed growth accelerated compared to the controls, as indicated by the negative values ​​of the efficiency ratings, which are caused by the greater coverage rates than the respective water controls.

[0171] Similar efficiency was observed by changing the 1.7 modulus sodium silicate to a 2.5 modulus sodium silicate. The weed penetration resistance of the resulting layers was comparable between these two solutions, as shown in Figures 2 and 3. 2 application rate of 225 g / m actually prevented weed penetration, 2 accelerated weed growth. The tendency to accelerate growth decreased with increasing modulus.

[0172] Mixes 4 and 5, which contained high modulus (M=3.3) sodium and potassium silicates, did not exhibit effective weed control properties. 2 and 740 g / m 2 No weed penetration resistance was observed in the range between .

[0173] Weed penetration was correlated with the mechanical properties of the layer formed. Weeds were able to germinate but were unable to penetrate the hardened soil layer. Alkali silicates harden and form a layer that is impenetrable to weeds.

[0174] Once weeds reached the surface, they grew through cracks in the soil surface. Consequently, the homogeneity and absence of cracks in the resulting layer are important for efficient weed control. However, the appearance of a hard layer is not a prerequisite for effective weed growth suppression. When certain performance regulators were used, we also observed a cohesive, elastic behavior of the resulting layer, which did not allow weed penetration. The mechanical obstruction of weed growth was characterized by the fact that seeds showed typical emergence, as further discussed in Example 2.

[0175] The combination of alkali silicate with hardeners and / or performance regulators resulted in more efficient weed penetration resistance and therefore more efficient weed control. At the rates used, hardeners and / or performance regulators alone showed no effect on weed growth (data not shown). By using one or more hardeners and / or one or more performance regulators in combination with alkali silicate, weed growth was more efficiently controlled. This is shown by the increased degree of efficiency shown in Figure 4. Using a lower application rate (225 g / m) of Mixes 6, 7, 8 and 9 resulted in more efficient weed penetration resistance and therefore more efficient weed control. At the rates used, the hardeners and / or performance regulators alone showed no effect on weed growth (data not shown). By using one or more hardeners and / or one or more performance regulators in combination with alkali silicate, weed growth was more efficiently controlled. This is shown by the increased degree of efficiency shown in Figure 4. 2 ) and Mix 2 (compare Figures 2 and 4), resulting in more efficient weed penetration resistance. For example, after 27 days, Mixes 6 and 7 (alkali silicate + hardener, 225 g / m 2 ) to achieve as efficient weed control as 2 Mixtures 8 and 9 (alkali silicate + performance modifier + optional hardener, 225 g / m 2 ) to achieve as efficient weed control as 600g / m 2 The combination of alkali silicate with hardeners and / or performance modifiers allows for the formation of a weed penetration-resistant layer at lower application rates than with alkali silicate alone.

[0176] As noted above, the use of liquid alkaline silicates with high modulus did not provide effective weed control (e.g., 0% weed penetration resistance after 27 days), but the combination of high modulus alkaline silicates with hardeners and / or performance modifiers (M10, M11 and M12) resulted in greater than 50% weed penetration resistance after 27 days, indicating that the addition of hardeners and / or performance modifiers is particularly necessary when using higher modulus alkaline silicates.

[0177] The experiments were continued for the time periods reported in these figures, and typically after 34 days, performance did not change significantly (observed variations were + / - 8%), indicating that the weed barrier layer formed using the mixture (as defined herein) provided durable weed protection.

[0178] Example 2 Use of solid alkaline silicates or mixtures to control plant growth material and method This experiment was conducted at 450 cm 3 The application area was 78.5 cm 2 It was.

[0179] The soil substrate was sieved land soil. Humus (humus soil) was used as a nutrient source for the desired plants.

[0180] Humus soil (250 g) was placed in plastic plant pots. 250 g of sieved land soil was placed on top of the humus soil. There was no weed growth in either soil substrate before treatment. Both soils contained minimal endemic weed seed residue or invaded seeds. These seeds were not sufficient for effective weed growth. Weed inoculation was performed using 0.2 g of Plantago lanceolata (rib plantain) and 0.1 g of Poa annua (annua grass) per container. For this purpose, weeds were placed in the top soil layer to a depth of 2–4 mm.

[0181] In this experiment, various alkali silicate powders were used, as specified in detail below. Hardening agents and / or performance modifiers were added where applicable. The solid formulations were mixed and then applied evenly to the soil surface. After application of the alkali silicate or a mixture of alkali silicate and hardening agent and / or performance modifier to the surface, water was applied. As a control surface, no material was added to the soil surface and the control was treated in the same way as the samples. The application volume was 3 liters per square meter for each sample. Water is not included in the dosage in grams per square meter. A total of three samples of each mixture were applied to the soil and the results were averaged.

[0182] The system was allowed to cure for 48 hours before the next wetting. The specimens were then watered every 2-3 days, and the experiment continued for at least 2 months. The specimens were exposed to ambient light and additional artificial growth light on a 12-hour day / night cycle. During this period, the minimum temperature was 14.5°C and the maximum temperature was 28.8°C.

[0183] The same nomenclature as described in Example 1 for the alkali silicates is used. In addition to the above-described abbreviations for the alkali silicates, when applicable, the application rate is added to the end of the abbreviation by using "- application rate in grams per square meter." For example, 100 g / m 2 It means that sodium silicate of modulus 4.0 using the application rate is abbreviated by "[Na-M-4.0]-100".

[0184] Weed growth was recorded periodically. As described in the Examples, coverage was determined by manual visual assessment of the plant pots at designated time points. Coverage describes the area covered by weeds in percent. From this, Abbott's efficiency rating was then calculated as follows:

[0185] Efficiency = [coverage control (day x) - coverage product (day x)] / coverage control (day x) * 100

[0186] Furthermore, the quality of the formed layer was periodically monitored for crack formation. Crack appearance was also described as coverage, a percentage corresponding to the total area occupied by cracks. The degree of effectiveness is equal to the weed penetration resistance.

[0187] result Surprisingly, it was found that the relationship between weed control efficacy and modulus changed when powdered alkali silicates were used. In contrast to Example 1, where the higher modulus liquid alkali silicate did not provide effective weed control, the higher modulus alkali silicate in powder form more effectively reduced weed growth. This is shown in Figure 5. The lower modulus alkali silicate [Na-M-2.5] (top) was found to have a higher weed control efficiency at 125 g / m 2 Although the application rate of 62.52 g / m2 did not provide effective weed penetration resistance, the higher modulus alkali silicate [Na-M-3.3] (bottom) did provide effective weed penetration resistance at the application rate of 62.52 g / m2. 2 Even at a dose of 100mg / kg, it exhibits weed penetration resistance (e.g., 22% weed penetration resistance after a 3-week experiment).

[0188] This effect is particularly surprising in light of literature on geopolymer systems that indicates that lower modulus alkali silicates are necessary for increased reactivity and high-quality materials (e.g., Aupoil et al., "Interplay between silicate and hydroxide ions during geopolymerization," Cement and Concrete Research, Vol. 115, January 2019, pp. 426-432, and references therein). This indicates that geopolymerization, which fundamentally requires a high pH to polymerize, does not occur in this case.

[0189] We observed that the potential for reducing weed growth towards the surface is closely linked to the mechanical properties of the formed soil layer. The effect of weeds being able to germinate and seedlings being unable to penetrate the formed layer is illustrated in Figure 6A. This figure shows a typical sample with effective weed penetration resistance 7 days after application of the mixture (as defined herein). In this example, the weed penetration resistance is 100%. The effect of the powdered sodium silicate with a higher modulus [Na-M-3.3] in preventing weed growth more efficiently than the powdered sodium silicate with a lower modulus (=higher alkalinity) [Na-M-2.5] can also be explained by the quality of the formed layer. The husk formed by [Na-M-2.5] is more brittle and less resistant to the pressure of germinating seeds.

[0190] When solid alkali silicate was used alone, the weed penetration resistance efficiency generally decreased over the experimental time (see Figure 5B). This is due to the fact that the formed layer was fragile and that the pressure of germinating weeds continued to destroy the formed layer over time. In fact, parts of the initial layer could be identified as fragments after the experiment. This fragment formation indicated that the binding ability was persistent, but the layer quality (e.g., cohesion) was not sufficient.

[0191] To increase the quality (e.g., cohesion) of the formed layer, hardeners and / or performance modifiers were added to the solid formulation. This resulted in significantly increased layer quality, as shown in Figure 6B. On the right, the 150 g / m 2 The sample with pure alkali silicate [Na-M-3.3] using 135 g / m2 of pure alkali silicate [Na-M-3.3] is shown. Weed penetration resistance was effective, but only in areas where cracks did not form. The effect of the hardener calcium chloride is shown in the center of Figure 6B. The alkali silicate [Na-M-3.3] was used at 135 g / m2. 2 Used at 15g / m 21000 mg of calcium chloride was added. By adding the hardener calcium chloride and keeping the dosage rate constant, a better layer with fewer cracks was formed, which resulted in a significant reduction in weed penetration through the layer. The cracks in this example only formed on the surface, and in the layer below these cracks the soil was hardened and elastic, preventing weeds from penetrating the layer.

[0192] The quality of the formed layer can be further increased by adding a performance modifier to the mixture instead of the inorganic hardener. In this example, 15 g / m 2 15g / m as a hardener instead of calcium chloride 2 A performance modifier nanoparticle seeding material (nano-sized silica) of 15 g / m was used (see left side of Figure 6B). This modification resulted in a more cohesive layer and therefore higher resistance to weed penetration. Although weeds did not grow on the hardened surface, some of the weeds penetrated into the open spaces between the soil and the plastic pot, clearly indicating that the weed control was mechanical rather than chemical in nature. Furthermore, at 15 g / m 2 Instead of calcium chloride, use calcium chloride (7.5g / m 2 ) and nanoparticle seeding material (7.5 g / m 2 ) was used to maintain weed penetration resistance (data not shown).

[0193] It has been observed that a flexible layer that does not crack under the pressure of emerging shoots results in the most effective weed control. It has also been observed that a crack-free layer is formed when a performance modifier is used in combination with an alkaline silicate, rather than a hardener. The combination of a performance modifier and a hardener also generally results in a crack-free layer.

[0194] In particular, it was not possible to achieve weed penetration resistance at the low application rates described in this example when using liquid alkali silicates (see Example 1). This is due to the fact that dissolution and surface application causes distribution of the alkali silicate species throughout a larger soil volume, which results in less efficient hardening. When applied as a powder, the reactive species are placed at the soil surface, where they are most effective for hardening the soil substrate when weed control is desired.

[0195] The use according to the present invention allows for easy application of the mixture and effective weed control.For example, premixing of the mixture (as defined herein) with the soil substrate is not required, reducing work effort and enabling higher productivity, which is a prerequisite for large-scale application.Advantageously, the present invention allows for weed control at low application rates, which are necessary for hardening large-area applications, and / or which are not possible with mortar-like materials.

[0196] The positive effect of hardeners and / or performance modifiers on weed penetration resistance and therefore on layer formation can be seen in Figure 7. 200 g / m in powdered, solid form 2 At a dose of 200 g / m2, [Na-M-2.5], it is less effective in preventing weed growth when compared to [Na-M-3.3] at the same dose and application form. However, when combined with a performance regulator (calcium acetate (CaAc) or calcium caseinate (CaCas)) or a combination of a performance regulator (CaAc) and nanoparticle seeding material, the weed control efficiency increased significantly due to the higher mechanical strength and elasticity of the formed top layer. 2When [Na-M-2.5] was used, weed control efficiency was 19% after 15 days (Figure 7A, left graph, open bars). Efficiency using the same application rates increased to 70% (calcium acetate), 75% (calcium caseinate), and 87% (calcium acetate and nanoparticle seeding material) with the addition of one or more performance modifiers. Performance modifiers alone did not result in effective weed penetration resistance at the doses illustrated on the right side of Figure 7A. The weed penetration resistance efficiency of calcium acetate at a dose suitable for modulating the hardening of alkaline silicates is shown. The effect was observed only at the beginning of the experiment, indicating that the amount used only partially reduced weed growth at the beginning of the experiment and was likely washed away thereafter (due to weed watering). In this example, no hardening reaction occurred that altered the solubility of calcium acetate. The initial hardening effect is not surprising, since any soluble material applied to the surface dissolved upon addition of water and reprecipitated into the layer upon initial drying. In particular, the same total application rate (sum of all solids applied to the surface, g / m 2 ) was used. Thus, the results in Figure 7A show that there is a synergistic effect between the alkali silicate and the performance modifier. Sample [Na-M-2.5] + CaAc is a combination of [Na-M-2.5]-100 and CaAc-100, showing that the synergistic effect on weed penetration resistance is increased by the mixture of alkali silicate and performance modifier. The aforementioned formulation (10 wt-% combined performance modifier, 10 g / m 2 Nanoparticle seeding material and 90g / m 2 The use of another performance modifier (nanoparticle seeding material) to replace part of the calcium acetate in the applied layer (resulting in calcium acetate, thus keeping the total applied rate constant) further increases weed penetration resistance due to more efficient hardening of the formed layer (see Figure 7A). The performance modifier nanoparticle seeding material alone did not show any effect on weed penetration resistance at the applied rate (data not shown).

[0197] The weed penetration resistance analysis when a higher modulus (i.e., less alkaline) solid sodium silicate [Na-M.3.3] was used in powdered form is shown in Figure 7B. 2 and 100 g / m 2 Pure alkali silicate at a dose of 100 mg / kg did not form a layer capable of completely preventing weed growth. To further increase weed control, sodium silicate was mixed with a combination of the hardener calcium chloride (C) and the performance modifier calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) (2 parts by weight alkali silicate [Na-M-3.3], 1 part by weight calcium chloride, and 1 part by weight calcium lignosulfonate) or with the performance modifier calcium formate (CaF) (1 part by weight alkali silicate [Na-M-3.3] and 1 part by weight calcium formate). In these mixtures, the formulation, upon contact with water, formed a layer that prevented germinating weeds from penetrating the soil surface. The efficiency of weed penetration resistance after 15 days increased from 55% (pure [Na-M-3.3]) to 75% (addition of calcium chloride and calcium lignosulfonate) or 65% (calcium formate) with the hardener and / or performance modifier. Note that the same total application rate (sum of all solids applied to the surface, g / m) 2 ) was used. Thus, there is a synergistic effect between the performance modifiers (and hardeners) and the alkaline silicate. Replacing the hardener calcium chloride with the performance modifier cellulose ester at a constant total application rate results in more efficient weed penetration resistance, for example reaching up to 100% after 15 days ([Na-M-3.3] + CLS + Perf.Mod. (performance modifier) ​​-200, Perf.Mod. = cellulose ester) (see Figure 7B). Further performance modifiers tested are listed below. Replacing the performance modifier calcium lignosulfonate with the performance modifier sucrose ([Na-M-3.3] + C + CLS-200 to [Na-M-3.3] + C + Perf.Mod. -200, Perf.Mod. = sucrose) resulted in very efficient weed control, demonstrating the significant impact of the performance modifier on the performance of the resulting layer. In fact, when comparing similar application rates, the impact of the performance modifier was greater than that of the hardener when present in the alkali silicate formulation.

[0198] In one series of experiments, the above mixture ([Na-M-3.3] + CLS + Perf.Mod., 200 g / m 2 Various performance modifiers were tested in Perf.Mod., including the non-proteinogenic amino acid N-(1-carboxyethyl)-iminodiacetic acid, L-alanine, polyglutamic acid, kraft lignin, styrene acrylate, cellulose esters, glucose, microsilica, and calcium propionate; all showed similar performance of the resulting layers and increased weed penetration resistance compared to their respective controls (data not shown).

[0199] Also, 200g / m 2 These performance modifiers were used in alkali silicate formulations with [KM-3.3] (1 part [KM-3.3] by weight to 1 part performance modifier by weight) and demonstrated a synergistic effect on weed penetration resistance, indicating that the performance modifiers non-proteinogenic amino acid N-(1-carboxyethyl)-iminodiacetic acid, L-alanine, polyglutamic acid, kraft lignin, styrene acrylate, cellulose esters, glucose, microsilica, calcium propionate, and metakaolin alter the reactivity of the alkali silicate, resulting in greater weed control (data not shown).

[0200] When the relative proportions of performance modifier (calcium lignosulfonate or calcium formate) in the alkali silicate formulation were changed from 9 parts performance modifier to 1 part alkali silicate [Na-M-3.3] by weight to 1 part performance modifier to 9 parts alkali silicate by weight while keeping the application rate constant, greater weed control was observed than with either component alone, indicating a synergistic effect between the alkali silicate and the performance modifier (data not shown).

[0201] The experiments were continued for the time periods reported in the figures. Typically, after 34 days, performance did not change significantly (observed variations were + / - 10%, thus not related to the accuracy of the proposed system), indicating a durable weed control effect once the weed barrier layer was formed.

[0202] In further experiments, the previously used alkali silicate [Na-M-3.3], which had a particle size (diameter) distribution maximum at 125 μm (less than 5% of particles were larger than 250 μm and less than 15% of particles were smaller than 63 μm), was replaced with [Na-M-3.3], which had a particle size distribution maximum at 80 μm (less than 2% of particles were larger than 250 μm and less than 40% of particles were below 63 μm). After 15 days, weed penetration efficiency increased from 53% with pure alkali silicate to 94% (see Figure 8). Silicates with even larger sizes were tested and showed even lower weed penetration resistance. Smaller particles dissolve better, thus forming a higher-quality weed-penetration-resistant layer. This was also found in a bonded-sand formulation, in which solid alkali silicates smaller than 125 μm in diameter were mixed with sand and applied to a soil substrate. The weed penetration resistance of the formed layer was better than that of the bonded sand with larger size alkali silicate.

[0203] Example 3 Field Application Test material and method The experiment was carried out in three different outdoor locations: a vineyard and two different agricultural fields: a loamy soil and a sandy soil that differed in location, weed pressure and composition.

[0204] Thus, the soil substrate was as found in its natural form at the experimental site. In all cases, the soil substrate exhibited a humus content.

[0205] In this experiment, various mixtures were used, as detailed below and following the nomenclature of the examples above.

[0206] The application rate per square meter was 3 liters per square meter. The dose per square meter of alkali silicate and / or mixture was obtained by diluting a concentrated alkali silicate stock solution with tap water to an applicable concentration. Each dose in grams per square meter mentioned below refers to the dose of alkali silicate and / or hardener and / or performance modifier per square meter. Water is not included in the mass in grams per square meter. Liquid and solid alkali silicates or mixtures detailed below were used. As a control (untreated control), pure water at 3 l / m 2 was applied to a separate plot. As a chemical herbicide control, Roundup (a glyphosate-based herbicide) was used as described by the manufacturer.

[0207] The mixtures were applied to the soil surface and left to stand for three months under external conditions. No rain occurred for at least 48 hours after application. For each mixture, a 30 m (45 m 2 ) lower level area (vineyard) or 5m 2 (agricultural soil, respectively). Rainfall was 120 liters per square meter in the vineyard, 400 liters per square meter in the loamy soil, and 200 liters per square meter in the sandy soil during the three months of the experiment. Wine yield was determined by weighing the wine grapes after harvest.

[0208] Recordkeeping of weed growth was performed by two experienced raters, the first with over 20 years of experience in weed control, and the second with 5 years of experience in weed control. A rating scale of 1 (no weeds on the soil surface) to 9 (weeds everywhere visible, corresponding to 100% coverage) was used, as known to those skilled in the art. The aforementioned ratings are the average of the two raters' ratings.

[0209] Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) was the hardener in these formulations, and nanoparticle seeding material (nanosized silica) and / or calcium lignosulfonate (CLS) and / or calcium acetate were used as performance modifiers.

[0210] result Mechanical weed control was observed in all field experiments.

[0211] vineyard Pre-application of performance regulators to the soil demonstrated higher penetration resistance in outdoor applications. Approximately 33% less weed growth was observed when performance regulators were used compared to the control without performance regulators. In general, no negative effects of alkaline silicate or mixture applications on plant viability of existing plants were observed. Higher wine yields (15% higher grape weight from [Na-M-2.5] + CLS plots compared to water controls) were observed compared to untreated controls, likely due to evaporation control.

[0212] [Table 1] * It was used by those skilled in the art as described in the manufacturer's manual. Table 1. Weed growth scores in vineyards two months after application of various liquid alkaline silicates and mixtures.

[0213] agricultural soil When applied to two different agricultural soils, the alkali silicate and the mixture demonstrated mechanical weed control. Most notably, the application of powdered alkali silicate resulted in efficient layering and high weed control, even in soils with high weed pressure (see Table 3). By using one or more performance modifiers, the performance of the weed penetration-resistant layer was significantly improved compared to pure alkali silicate.

[0214] Mechanical weed control was confirmed by cutting open the layer with a spade. Lateral observation of the layer showed an appearance similar to that shown in Figure 6. The seedlings showed viability but did not grow to the soil surface.

[0215] [Table 2] * It was used by those skilled in the art as described in the manufacturer's manual. Table 2. Weed growth ratings for various liquid alkaline silicates and mixtures in a loamy agricultural soil two months after application.

[0216] [Table 3] * It was used by those skilled in the art as described in the manufacturer's manual. Table 3. Weed growth ratings two months after application of various powdered alkaline silicates and mixtures in a sandy agricultural soil with high weed growth pressure.

[0217] In all experiments, the use of mixtures (as defined above) resulted in weed growth being inhibited with an efficiency comparable to, and in some cases even superior to, chemical control, resulting in layering, which acts in a different mode of action (see Tables 1 and 2). Table 3 shows that alkali silicate formulations containing [Na-M-2.5], the performance modifier calcium acetate, and nanoparticle seeding material performed better than chemical control.

[0218] Example 4. Effect of Alkali Silicates and Mixtures on Mechanical Weed Control and Seed Germination Rate material and method Layer effect experiment Plastic pots were filled with humus soil (200 g). 50 g of sieved land soil was placed on top of the humus soil. Both soil substrates were free of weed growth prior to treatment. 50 g of sieved land soil was filled with plant seeds (0.2 g Plantago lanceolata seeds and 0.1 g Poa annua seeds [Seed Set 4.1] or 0.1 g Phazelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia) seeds [Seed Set 4.2] or 0.1 g Chinese cabbage seeds [Seed Set 4.3] (separate beakers were prepared for each seed set). On top of this soil layer, a layer of gravel (approximately 50 g, one separate single layer) was placed. On top of the gravel layer, 250 g of sieved land soil was placed. On top of this surface layer, an alkali silicate or mixture (see details below) was applied at a rate of 3 l / m 2 The soils were watered with 100 ml of water per 1000 ml of water. This system was designed so that the volume of water initially applied was only sufficient to penetrate half the soil volume, thus preventing direct physical contact between the alkali silicate or mixture and the seeds. Both soils contained minimal residues of endemic weed seeds or inflow seeds. These present seeds were not sufficient for efficient weed growth. As a control, neither alkali silicate nor mixture was placed on the soil surface, and the treated samples were treated similarly.

[0219] Pots were placed on flat plates to allow for bottom watering. After the first water application, which resulted in a reaction of the alkali silicate or mixture, respectively, pots were bottom watered every 2-3 days for at least two months. This setup allowed for no physical contact between the alkali silicate or mixture and the seeds. Samples were exposed to ambient light and artificial growth light on a 12-hour day / night rhythmic cycle. During this period, the maximum temperature was 28.8°C and the minimum temperature was 14.5°C.

[0220] 150 g / m of alkali silicates [Na-M-2.5], [KM-3.3], [Na-M-3.3] (see definition in Example 1) in solid and liquid form 2Additionally, any combination of alkali silicate [Na-M-3.3] and any hardener and / or performance modifier from the list below was applied to the surface.

[0221] Hardening agents used in this experiment: calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, iron chloride, calcium carbonate.

[0222] Performance modifiers used in this experiment were potassium humate, glucose, lactic acid, calcium lactate, D / L-alanine, trisodium dicarboxymethylalaninate (Triton M), albumin, sodium lignosulfonate, magnesium lignosulfonate, potassium lignosulfonate, calcium caseinate, calcium acetate, calcium lignosulfonate, and kraft lignin.

[0223] The nomenclature described in the previous examples was used to report the application rates of alkali silicate, hardener and performance modifier. For example, 150 g / m 2 An alkali silicate formulation of 50 wt.% [Na-M-3.3] and 50 wt.% CLS at an application rate of 75 g / m is abbreviated as [Na-M-3.3]-75+CLS-75. 2 The efficiency was determined as described in Examples 1 and 2.

[0224] Germination rate One hundred seeds of Plantago lanceolata (Plantago lanceolata) [Seed Set 4.4], one hundred seeds of Poa annua (Annual bluegrass) [Seed Set 4.5], one hundred seeds of Phazelia tanacetifolia (Phacelia) [Seed Set 4.6], and fifty seeds of Brassica rapa pekinensis (Chinese cabbage) [Seed Set 4.7] were placed in separate pots for exposure to alkaline silicate. Each set of seeds (Seed Sets 4.4–4.7) was then exposed to 20 wt% alkaline silicate solutions [Na-M-2.5], [Na-M-3.3], or deionized water (control) and incubated for 24 hours. After exposure, the seeds were washed with deionized water (3 x 40 mL), placed on paper towels, moistened with deionized water, covered with plastic foil, and exposed to daylight for 7 days, during which the maximum temperature was 25.8°C and the minimum temperature was 14.5°C.

[0225] After 1, 2, 3, and 7 days, the amount of germinated seeds was determined by counting. The number of germinated seeds was divided by the total number of seeds and multiplied by 100 to determine the percent germination.

[0226] result Layer effect experiment The experimental setup prevented physical contact between the alkali silicate or mixture and the seeds. Application of the alkali silicate or mixture resulted in the formation of a layer that reduced weed growth. When weeds appeared on the surface, they grew through cracks in the layer. Especially in the presence of the performance regulator, a hard and flexible layer formed without cracking. Therefore, in this case, weed penetration resistance resulted in more efficient weed control. This is illustrated in Figure 10A, which shows an experiment with the mixture [KM-3.3]-75 + CLS-50 + CaCl2-20 + nanoparticle seeding material-5 14 days after application. Since no weeds penetrated to the surface, the efficiency rate was 100%. Due to the high seed mass, this test can also be evaluated as a stress test.

[0227] All the above mixtures showed layering and positive weed penetration efficiency. A selection of the results are summarized in Table 4.

[0228] [Table 4] Table 4. Weed control efficiency of alkaline silicate [Na-M-3.3] and mixtures in layer experiments with Phazelia seeds. In this experiment, physical contact between the alkaline silicate or mixture and the seeds was prevented.

[0229] Because there is no physical contact between the weed seeds and the alkali silicate or mixture, a chemical mode of action can be ruled out. Again, weed growth prevention in the hardened layer can be attributed to the formation of a mechanical barrier and the prevention of weed penetration to the surface.

[0230] Germination rate Exposure of seeds to alkaline silicate [KM-3.3] and [KM-2.5] for 24 hours did not affect the germination rate of any of the seeds. After 3 days of wet incubation, 98% of the seeds germinated after exposure to alkaline silicate solution and deionized water (control). Photographs of germinated Plantain lanceolata after 2 days are shown in Figure 10C. The germination rate after 3 days was 98%, while the germination rate of seeds exposed to water (control) for the same time was 98%. This indicates that the alkaline silicate did not alter the germination rate by chemical means.

[0231] Similar results were obtained with other plant seeds, and longer incubation times (2, 3, and 7 days) of the alkali silicate or mixture were tested without affecting seed germination rates (data not shown).

[0232] Example 5 Sequential Application of Liquid Performance Modifier (and Hardener) and Alkaline Silicate Solution and Premixing of Components Materials and Methods Layer effect experiment Humus soil (200 g) was placed in a plastic pot. 50 g of sieved land soil was placed on top of the humus soil. Both soil substrates were free of weed growth before treatment. Plant seeds (0.2 g Plantago lanceolata seeds and 0.1 g Poa annua seeds [Seed Set 5.1], 0.1 g Phazalia seeds [Seed Set 5.2], or 0.1 g Chinese cabbage seeds [Seed Set 5.3]) were placed in the 50 g of sieved land soil (separate beakers were prepared for each set). A layer of gravel (approximately 50 g, one separate single layer) was placed on top of this soil layer. 250 g of sieved land soil was placed on top of the gravel layer. A total of 3 l / m 2 The alkali silicate or mixture was applied in liquid form on the surface using a solution containing the alkali silicate or mixture. The system was designed so that the volume of water applied initially (contained in the alkali silicate or mixture solution) was only sufficient to penetrate half of the soil volume, thus preventing direct physical contact between the solution and the seeds. Both soils contained minimal endemic weed seed residues or inflow seeds. These present seeds were not sufficient for efficient weed growth. As a control, neither the alkali silicate nor the mixture was placed on the surface of the soil, and it was handled similarly to the treated samples.

[0233] Three different application sequences were tested in this experiment. a) Initially 1.5 l / m 2 Apply performance modifier (and hardener) using application volume, followed by application of liquid alkaline silicate b) 1.5 l / m initially 2 Apply alkaline silicate using the application volume, followed by application of liquid performance modifier (and hardener) c) Premixing of alkali silicate with performance modifier (and hardener)

[0234] The same nomenclature as in the previous examples was used. Nonviable bacterial masses were obtained using E. coli W3110. Cells were cultivated in standard LB medium (see Behr et al., 2014, Identification of a novel nutrient-sensing histidine kinase / response regulator network in Escherichia coli, Journal of Bacteriology, Vol. 196, No. 11, pp. 2023-2029). The cultivation was terminated after reaching the end of the stationary phase, and the liquid cell broth was autoclaved. The resulting residue was dried.

[0235] result The order of application significantly affects the outcome of mechanical layering, as shown in Table 5. That the order of addition determines the outcome of the experiment is a typical characteristic of constructed systems and demonstrates that the use of alkaline silicates in combination with performance modifiers results in mechanical weed control rather than chemical interactions. If the interaction had been driven by chemical means, the performance of experiments a), b), and c) would have been more similar than shown in Table 5.

[0236] [Table 5] Table 5. Weed control efficiency of alkali silicate-based mixtures [Na-M-3.3], [KM-3.3] and [Na-M-2.5] in layer experiments with Phacelia seeds, with different sequences of alkali silicate and hardener and / or performance modifier addition. In these experiments, physical contact between the alkali silicate or mixture and the seeds was prevented, respectively.

Claims

1. The following components (a), (b) and (c): (a) one or more alkali silicates selected from the group consisting of lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, and mixtures thereof; (b) one or more performance modifiers, One or several or all of the performance modifiers may be (i) a (bio)polymer, Cellulose, starch, lignin, lignin sulfonates, kraft lignin and lignin carboxylates, pectin, and guar ethers; algin, cyclodextrin, and dextrin; Natural glues, hydrogel builders, latex; proteins and peptides containing one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids; Corn steep liquor, lactose mother liquer, protein lysate; molasses, vegetable meal, corn gluten meal, pea meal, fruit meal, protein waste from yeast production, protein waste from meat production, protein waste from fruit production, protein waste from vegetable production, protein waste from egg production, and protein waste from dairy industry; Starch ethers, starch esters, starch carboxylates, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, cellulose carboxylates; yeast extracts; a liquid or dry polymer comprising an organic acid, preferably the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids and their salts, cyanates, ethers, oxides, sulfates, nitriles, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, thiols, siloxanes, phosphates, and phosphonates, and preferably said polymer is biodegradable; A liquid or dry polymer dispersion comprising an organic acid, preferably the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of sulfonic acids, carboxylic acids and their salts, cyanates, ethers, oxides, sulfates, nitriles, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, thiols, siloxanes, phosphates, and phosphonates, and preferably said polymer is biodegradable; (Bio)polymers selected from the group consisting of: (ii) a sugar or polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of: a sugar containing lactose, glucose, fructose, saccharose, and / or galactose; a polysaccharide containing lactose, glucose, fructose, saccharose, and / or galactose; and a microbial exopolysaccharide containing lactose, saccharose, glucose, glucosamine, mannose, glycerin, gluconate, fructose, and / or inulin; (iii) an organic acid or a carboxylate or ester thereof, wherein the organic acid is preferably selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids, preferably formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and salicylic acid; dicarboxylic acids, preferably oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid and maleic acid; keto acids, preferably pyruvic acid and acetoacetic acid; fruit acids, preferably malic acid and tartaric acid; hydroxy acids, preferably lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids; and tricarboxylic acids, preferably citric acid, or a carboxylate or ester thereof; (iv) an amino acid or an ester or amide thereof, said amino acid being preferably selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids; One or more performance modifiers selected from the group consisting of (c) one or more curing agents, One or several or all of the curing agents may be (i) an inorganic salt selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, iron chloride, and iron sulfate; (ii) an inorganic binder selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate, preferably gypsum; and calcium oxide; one or more curing agents selected from the group consisting of 1. Use of a mixture comprising or consisting of: The amount of mixture applied to the substrate per application is 300 g / m 2 is less than The above use, wherein the mixture does not contain silicate cement and / or aluminate cement.

2. 2. The use according to claim 1, wherein the substrate comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of soil, humus, crushed stone, gravel, clay, silt, sawdust, paper, cardboard, chipboard, softwood, limestone and coal.

3. 3. Use according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the substrate is an area of ​​land selected from the group consisting of garden areas, agricultural land, orchards, vineyard areas, nursery areas, parks, developed or part of an urban area, unpaved roads, footpaths, railway tracks, industrially used areas, and areas between and in front of said areas of land.

4. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the mixture is in the form of a liquid, a gel, a paste, a powder, granules or an aggregate.

5. 5. Use according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein component (a) of the mixture comprises or consists of potassium silicate.

6. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein each lateral dimension of the substrate is greater than 0.5 cm, preferably greater than 1 cm, more preferably greater than 2 cm, and most preferably greater than 5 cm.

7. The use according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further promoting the growth of desired plants by controlling erosion, controlling water evaporation and / or supplying nutrients.

8. 1. A method for preventing or reducing weed growth on / within a substrate, comprising: (a) identifying a substrate to be treated, the substrate on / within which weed growth is to be prevented or reduced; (b) providing a mixture as defined in any of claims 1, 4 or 5; (c) applying and / or introducing the mixture provided in step (b) onto / into the substrate to be treated in an amount sufficient to allow curing of said substrate; (d) forming one or more hardened layers or areas on / within the substrate such that weed growth is prevented or reduced on / within the substrate; wherein the amount of the mixture applied to the substrate in step (c) is 300 g / m 2 The method, wherein the

9. the substrate comprises one or more materials selected from the group consisting of soil, humus, crushed stone, gravel, clay, silt, sawdust, paper, cardboard, chipboard, softwood, limestone, and coal; and / or the substrate is an area of ​​land selected from the group consisting of garden areas, agricultural land, orchards, vineyard areas, nursery areas, parks, developed or part of an urban area, unpaved roads, footpaths, railroad tracks, industrially used areas, and areas between and in front of the land areas; The method of claim 8.

10. 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein each lateral dimension of the substrate is greater than 0.5 cm, preferably greater than 1 cm, more preferably greater than 2 cm, and most preferably greater than 5 cm.

11. The following components (a), (b) and (c); (a) one or more alkali silicates selected from the group consisting of lithium silicate, sodium silicate, potassium silicate, and mixtures thereof; The modulus M of said one or more alkali silicates is >1.7, preferably >2.0, more preferably >2.5, and most preferably >3.

0. (b) two or more performance modifiers, Two or more of the above, some or all of the performance modifiers are (i) a (bio)polymer, Cellulose, starch, lignin, lignin sulfonates, kraft lignin and lignin carboxylates, pectin, and guar ethers; algin, cyclodextrin, and dextrin; Natural glue; proteins and peptides containing one or more amino acids selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, asparagine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids; Corn steep liquor, lactose mother liquer, protein lysate; molasses, vegetable meal, corn gluten meal, pea meal, fruit meal, protein waste from yeast production, protein waste from meat production, protein waste from fruit production, protein waste from vegetable production, protein waste from egg production, protein waste from dairy industry; Starch ethers, starch esters, starch carboxylates, cellulose esters, cellulose ethers, cellulose carboxylates; yeast extracts; a liquid or dry polymer comprising an organic acid, preferably the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of sulfonic and carboxylic acids and their salts, cyanates, ethers, oxides, sulfates, nitriles, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, thiols, siloxanes, phosphates, and phosphonates, and preferably said polymer is biodegradable; A liquid or dry polymer dispersion comprising an organic acid, preferably the organic acid is selected from the group consisting of sulfonic and carboxylic acids and their salts, cyanates, ethers, oxides, sulfates, nitriles, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, thiols, siloxanes, phosphates and phosphonates, preferably said polymer being biodegradable; (Bio)polymers selected from the group consisting of: (ii) a sugar or polysaccharide selected from the group consisting of: a sugar containing lactose, glucose, fructose, saccharose, and / or galactose; a polysaccharide containing lactose, glucose, fructose, saccharose, and / or galactose; and a microbial exopolysaccharide containing lactose, saccharose, glucose, glucosamine, mannose, glycerin, gluconate, fructose, and / or inulin; (iii) an organic acid or a carboxylate or ester thereof, the organic acid being preferably selected from the group consisting of monocarboxylic acids, preferably formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, butyric acid and salicylic acid; dicarboxylic acids, preferably oxalic acid, malonic acid, succinic acid, glutaric acid, adipic acid and maleic acid; keto acids, preferably pyruvic acid and acetoacetic acid; fruit acids, preferably malic acid and tartaric acid; hydroxy acids, preferably lactic acid, alpha hydroxy acids and beta hydroxy acids; and tricarboxylic acids, preferably citric acid, or a carboxylate or ester thereof; (iv) an amino acid or an ester or amide thereof, said amino acid being preferably selected from the group consisting of alanine, glycine, lysine, glutamine, glutamate and non-proteinogenic amino acids; Two or more performance modifiers independently selected from the group consisting of (c) one or more curing agents, One or several or all of the curing agents may be (i) an inorganic salt selected from the group consisting of calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, calcium sulfate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium chloride, magnesium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, iron chloride, and iron sulfate; (ii) an inorganic binder selected from the group consisting of calcium sulfate, preferably gypsum; and calcium oxide; One or more curing agents selected from the group consisting of comprising or consisting of Does not contain silicate cement and / or aluminate cement, Mixtures for preventing or reducing weed growth.

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