Mulching device for protecting plant seedlings made of a stitched wood sheet and method for implementing same

Abstract

The invention relates to a mulching device for protecting plant seeds or seedlings, the device comprising at least one peeled wood sheet (1) having a first, longitudinal dimension (h) parallel to a longitudinal direction (X-X) of extension of the wood fibres and a second, transverse dimension (L) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-X), wherein the sheet (1) comprises a plurality of stitching lines (2) of textile thread extending transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X-X), the wood sheet further comprising at least one growth hole (3) for a plant seed or seedling and / or at least one growth notch for a plant seed or seedling in at least one transverse edge (1b) and / or longitudinal edge (1c).

Description

Plant protection mulching device made of sewn wood leaf and implementation method.

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of manufacturing wooden objects, in particular peeled wood, especially in application in the field of horticulture (i.e. the cultivation of ornamental plants, gardens, market gardening and / or vegetable gardening), viticulture and forestry.

[0002] It is known to use "mulch" which is placed around planting seeds or young plants in order to protect them from certain animals, to retain soil moisture and to provide cover to prevent weeds from thriving in competition with the seed.

[0003] Historically, mulching is natural and consists of straw stems or cut grasses placed in a layer a few centimeters thick around the seeds / plants.

[0004] While this mulch is perfectly biodegradable, meaning it decomposes naturally within a few months or even a few years without leaving any artificial polluting residues, it does have some drawbacks. In particular, birds and other animals such as wild boars are accustomed to digging through mulch to uncover the soil and find food. They will therefore turn over the soil and dig up or destroy seeds. When their diet consists of soil insects, for example, they scatter the mulch during their foraging, causing it to lose its moisture-retaining function.

[0005] We also know of an industrial "mulch," consisting of a plastic or textile film or a layer of felt. This protection is first placed on the ground and held in place by tent pegs, then perforated to allow access to the soil on or in which the seed is placed.

[0006] While this type of protection is impervious to birds and effectively maintains moisture and conditions unsuitable for weed growth, it has the significant drawback of being unnatural, as it is chemically manufactured by humans, and of having an artificial aesthetic appearance. Furthermore, some plastic films are marketed as "biodegradable" in the sense that they decompose within a few years. However, it has been observed that when these materials degrade, they break down into microplastic particles, which are artificial, since they are man-made, and which even microorganisms ingest without being able to break down. This results in persistent and harmful microplastic pollution, affecting humans, animals, and microorganisms alike.

[0007] There is therefore an important need to offer a mulching system that is natural, degradable after the necessary protection period, i.e. in a few months or even a few years (less than 5 years) without leaving polluting particles for the environment, respectful of animals, resistant, making its operation inexpensive.

[0008] The idea behind the invention is to use a sheet of peeled wood with holes and / or notches along its edges, and incorporating lines of biodegradable textile threads sewn into the peeled wood perpendicular to the fibers. This combination results in a sheet that does not tear easily or whose pieces remain attached, while still allowing passage for the growth of the seed or plant.

[0009] Thus, the invention relates to a mulching device for the protection of seeds or plant seedlings, the device comprising at least one sheet of peeled or sliced ​​wood having a first longitudinal dimension parallel to a direction of extension of the wood fibers and a second transverse dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in which the sheet comprises a plurality of stitching lines of textile thread extending transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, the sheet of wood comprising at least one growth hole for a seed or plant seedling and / or at least one growth notch for a seed or plant seedling in at least one transverse and / or longitudinal edge.

[0010] According to other embodiments: - when several devices are unrolled on the ground, the notches present on the longitudinal and / or transverse edges of two adjacent leaves can be opposite each other to form, together, a growth hole for a seed or plant; - the leaf or leaves may have an overlap area for an overlap area of ​​another leaf, each overlap area including a growth hole for a seed or plant intended to be opposite each other; - the leaf or leaves of the device may also include an opening for a support stake above the ground; - the wooden leaf or leaves may have a thickness of between 0.3 and 3 millimeters; - the seam lines may be spaced between 1 and 20 centimeters apart, preferably between 8 and 10 centimeters;- the seam lines may have perforation points in the wood veneer spaced between 2 and 40 millimeters apart, preferably between 4 and 20 millimeters, advantageously between 5 and 10 millimeters; - the textile thread may be made of a material chosen from natural fibers such as Lyocell® (wood fiber-based thread), linen, cotton or any other naturally biodegradable fiber; and / or - the wood may be impregnated with a solution comprising at least one of the following elements: a degradation retardant (such as a natural oil), a phytosanitary treatment, a fertilizer, a repellent or a mixture thereof.

[0011] The invention also relates to a method of implementing a previous plant protection device, comprising the following steps: α) placing the sewn wooden leaf or leaves over an area of ​​the ground where seeds / plants are to be planted; β) fixing the wooden leaf or leaves flat on the ground; γ) placing a seed or plant in the ground opposite the holes / notches in the leaf.

[0012] The invention also relates to a method of mulching soil characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) selecting at least one stitched sheet of peeled wood, having a first longitudinal dimension parallel to a longitudinal direction of extension of the wood fibers and a second transverse dimension perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, in which the sheet comprises a plurality of stitching lines of textile thread extending transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction; b) placing the stitched sheet of wood on the soil, optionally fixing it or placing a weight on it to keep it in contact with the soil; c) making at least one growth hole for a seed or plantlet and / or at least one growth notch for a seed or plantlet in at least one transverse and / or longitudinal edge of the sheet of wood, to obtain a previous mulching device.

[0013] Other features of the invention will be set forth in the detailed description below, made with reference to the attached drawings, which illustrate, respectively:

[0014] , a schematic front view of a first example of a wooden sheet as a plant protection mulching device according to the invention, and comprising a plurality of transverse stitch lines with respect to the XX direction of the wood fibers and growth holes;

[0015] , a schematic perspective view of an example of an arrangement of a plurality of sewn wooden leaves provided with growth holes as a protective mulching device for a multitude of plant seedlings according to the invention;

[0016] , a schematic front view of a second example of a wooden sheet as a plant protection mulching device according to the invention, and comprising a plurality of transverse stitch lines with respect to the XX direction of the wood fibers and growth notches;

[0017] , a schematic perspective view of a plurality of sewn wooden sheets provided with notches and growth holes as a protective mulching device for a multitude of plant seedlings according to the invention; and

[0018] a schematic perspective view of an example of the realization of a process for manufacturing a sewn wooden sheet as a mulching device for protecting seeds / plants according to the invention.

[0019] The illustration shows a wooden sheet 1a used as a plant protection mulch device according to the invention. It comprises a wooden sheet 1 obtained by uncoiling a log (see), a plurality of stitching lines 2 of textile thread extending transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction and at least one, here four, growth holes 3 intended to surround and expose a portion of soil in which a seed or plant has been planted.

[0020] The wood sheet 1a has a first longitudinal dimension h parallel to a direction XX of extension of the wood fibers and a second transverse dimension L, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XX.

[0021] The longitudinal dimension h corresponds to the length of the log W that is unrolled (see). This dimension is determined in advance by the manufacturer and therefore remains fixed once the log is cut, during the unrolling process.

[0022] The transverse dimension L can be chosen after unrolling, to manufacture sheets of dimension L. In a mulching application, this length L can vary, i.e. the manufacturer can choose to manufacture mulch sheets of different lengths L, from a few tens of centimeters to several meters.

[0023] According to the invention, the stitching lines are present, preferably at regular intervals, along the entire height h of the sheet (in the longitudinal direction) and not only at the ends, i.e., near the transverse edges. It is thus possible to reinforce the wood sheet along its entire height and width simply with stitching lines made of biodegradable thread (for example, cotton), so that in the event of cracking due to impact from trampling (by an animal or a human), the sheet sections remain joined together thanks to the stitching lines. The density of the stitching threads (i.e., the number of stitching threads per unit length, for example, per centimeter or per ten centimeters) along the longitudinal direction is to be adjusted according to the desired strength and the manufacturing cost.

[0024] The 2 stitch lines are obtained by piercing the wood with a needle, and by threading according to determined stitch points (see).

[0025] The needle must be chosen to be strong enough to pierce the wood, and the sewing machine must be adjusted to allow said piercing.

[0026] The illustrated sewing pattern is a two-thread knotted straight stitch, meaning that two threads interlace at each hole, with the holes being substantially aligned.

[0027] Advantageously, the stitching pattern is a chain stitch which is easier and more economical to produce and industrialize on a sheet of wood.

[0028] Of course, other patterns and other techniques such as inter-looping are possible, with one or more threads.

[0029] The growth holes 3 are advantageously obtained by cutting with a punch or any other cutting means suitable for cutting a sheet of wood.

[0030] It is preferable to make sheet 1 so that it has a thickness between 0.3 and 3 millimeters, preferably between 1.5 and 2.5 millimeters, advantageously 2 millimeters. This thickness is optimal for allowing machine sewing without tearing the sheet during the sewing operation.

[0031] This thickness also allows the sheet to be rolled up on itself without splitting.

[0032] Upon contact with the soil and the sun, the wood leaf naturally blackens in a few days, preventing light from passing through the leaf, even for a thin leaf, ensuring the function of a cover to prevent the growth of weeds and any competing vegetation.

[0033] Within the framework of the invention, the sewing and cutting of the growth holes 3 (or growth notches such as those illustrated in) can advantageously be carried out on fresh wood or on wood kept moist to prevent any cracking of the sheet 1 during the drilling for sewing and during cutting.

[0034] In order to ensure good resistance to the wood veneer, despite its longitudinal fragility in the direction of the fibers, the seam lines are spaced at a distance D1 of one to a few centimeters, preferably between 1 and 15 centimeters, preferably between 8 and 10 centimeters.

[0035] Of course, we will adapt the number of stitch lines 2 per unit length in the XX direction, as well as the size of the stitch points (distance D2 between two piercing points 2a of the wood sheet in the transverse direction) according to the desired strength, the stresses suffered by the wood sheet, the type of wood used, the thickness of the sheet 1, the desired flexibility and durability in relation to the required lifespan for the intended use.

[0036] A particularly interesting advantage of using wood foil as a protective mulch for plant cover is that the wood, due to its thinness, can easily be impregnated with a solution such as a degradation retardant (e.g., a natural oil), a plant protection treatment, a fertilizer, a repellent, or a mixture of these.

[0037] Laillustre une plurality de feuilles de bois selon laen position d'utilisation de mulchage sur un sol S.

[0038] In this figure, the two sheets 1a in the foreground are arranged end to end along a longitudinal edge 1b. The term "end to end" implies that there may nevertheless be an overlapping area which allows, for example, the sheets to be simultaneously fixed to the ground by means of a metal or wooden stake. In this case, the wooden sheet according to the invention may include small fixing holes 5 for receiving such fixing means 6. Of course, as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the fixing holes 5 can be located anywhere within the wooden sheet.

[0039] Alternatively or in combination, the overlap area of ​​each leaf may include a growth hole for a seed or plant. Thus, in the position of use, when two wooden leaves are unrolled adjacently on the ground S, the growth holes of each overlap area are arranged opposite each other.

[0040] Figure 1, illustrates a wood leaf 10a similar to that 1a of Figure 1, in which the growth holes are replaced by growth notches 4.

[0041] These notches 4 are located on transverse edges 10b or longitudinal edges 10c of the leaf 10a. They are intended to recreate a growth hole when two leaves are placed side by side in the operating position (see). Thus, when the seed or plant protection mulching device according to the invention comprises several wooden leaves 10a with growth notches 4 arranged on the longitudinal and / or transverse edges, it is possible, in the operating position (see), to position them so that two notches on two adjacent leaves are opposite each other to form, together, a growth hole for a seed or plant.

[0042] This illustrates a plurality of wood leaves according to the position of use of mulch on a soil S. Two growth notches 4a-4b together form a growth orifice 4c.

[0043] Laillustrates an example of a process for obtaining a stitched wood sheet 1a by uncoiling. A person skilled in the art can produce the wood sheet according to the invention by slicing.

[0044] This peeling process includes the following steps: a) a wooden log W is placed in a rotating device (not illustrated) about a longitudinal axis XX of the log W, this axis being substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the wood fibers; b) the wooden log W is then rotated and a blade B is applied longitudinally against the wooden log in a manner substantially tangential to the log W so as to cut a sheet of wood 1 of a thickness between 1 and 5 millimeters depending on the species of wood used, substantially parallel to the direction of extension of the wood fibers;c) The resulting wooden sheet 1 is then directed in the direction of arrows F2 towards one or more sewing machines arranged to sew a plurality of stitch lines 2 substantially perpendicular to the direction of extension of the wood fibers, and to obtain a sewn wooden sheet 1a as a plant protection device according to the invention; d) Once the wooden sheet has been sewn, the growth holes and / or notches are cut out. On the , this cut is made using punches 4 lowered perpendicularly to the wooden sheet 1 in the direction of arrows F3.

[0045] On the image, six sewing heads are illustrated, which could belong to six single-head machines, or to a multi-head machine for example.

[0046] In this embodiment, the wood sheet 1a is thus sewn continuously.

[0047] It can then be cut to the desired length L either to form stacked sheets or to form a rolled strip for marketing purposes to form, in use, a mulch of length L and width h.

[0048] Thus, to implement a plant protection mulching device according to the invention obtained by the process described above, one first selects a sewn wooden sheet 1a with holes 3 or growth notches 4 obtained by the process described above, and then places it on the soil to be cultivated. It is then held in this position using a fastening means 6, such as a stake or a tent peg, inserted into a fixing hole 5. A seed or plant can then be planted in the soil at the growth holes 3 or 4a.

[0049] Alternatively, step d) of making the growth holes and / or growth notches can be carried out after the arrangement of the sewn wooden sheet on the ground.

[0050] In this case, the wood veneer manufacturing process stops at the creation of the seams.

[0051] The mulching process using the device according to the invention is then carried out in the following manner: a) At least one sheet of peeled, sewn wood is selected, having a first longitudinal dimension h parallel to a longitudinal direction XX of extension of the wood fibers and a second transverse dimension L perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XX, the sheet 1 comprises a plurality of stitching lines 2 of textile thread extending transversely, that is to say perpendicular to the longitudinal direction XX; b) the sewn wood sheet is placed on the ground, possibly by fixing it or by placing a weight on it to keep it in contact with the ground;etc) at least one growth hole 3 of a seed or plant and / or at least one growth notch 4 of a seed or plant is made in at least one transverse edge 1b-10b and / or longitudinal edge 1c-10c of the wood sheet, to obtain a mulching device according to the invention.;

[0052] A seed or plant can then be planted through the growth hole and / or the growth notch.

[0053] Thanks to the seams being perpendicular to the direction of wood fiber extension, and therefore to the direction of easy tearing of the sheet, a cut in the sheet will not propagate laterally. Even if it did, due to weathering for example, the stitching lines will hold the pieces together for the entire required lifespan of the protective mulch.

[0054] The sewn-on piece of wood will retain its primary function for several months, or even several years. The wood, or the pieces that make it up, will decompose on the soil, nourishing it as it passes near the plant.

[0055] Wood, known for its strength and natural beauty, offers reliable protection while blending harmoniously into the environment. Furthermore, the wood fibers contribute to the overall strength of the mulch.

[0056] The textile thread used for the seams is chosen from naturally degradable material, such as cotton, linen, or other natural fibers, without leaving artificial residues such as microplastics.

[0057] In particular, viscose produced from wood pulp (mainly eucalyptus, but also oak or birch) and a non-toxic solvent can be used. This type of viscose is known as lyocell, marketed under registered trademarks such as Lenzing Lyocell, Tencel, Alceru, Newcell, etc.

[0058] The biodegradable and compostable nature of these materials ensures that the leaves gradually decompose over time, eliminating the need for manual removal and preventing artificial particles, such as microplastics, from remaining in the soil.

[0059] In some embodiments, as they decompose or when it rains, the mulch leaves can release compounds into the soil, enriching it and promoting healthy plant growth. This environmentally friendly approach minimizes waste and enables a more sustainable tree-planting process.

Claims

Device (1a, 10a) for mulching the protection of seeds or plantlets, the device comprising at least one sheet (1) of peeled or sliced ​​wood having a first longitudinal dimension (h) parallel to a longitudinal direction (XX) of extension of the wood fibers and a second transverse dimension (L) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX), in which the sheet (1) comprises a plurality of stitch lines (2) of textile thread extending transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX), the wood sheet further comprising at least one growth hole (3) of a seed or plantlet and / or at least one growth notch (4) of a seed or plantlet in at least one transverse (1b, 10b) and / or longitudinal (1c, 10c) edge. Mulching device (1a, 10a) according to claim 1, wherein, when comprising several wooden leaves with growth notches (4), the latter are arranged on the longitudinal and / or transverse edges so that, in the position of use, two notches of two adjacent leaves are opposite each other to form, together, a growth hole for a seed or plant. Mulching device (1a, 10a) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the leaf or each leaf may have an overlap area for an overlap area of ​​another leaf, each overlap area comprising a growth hole for a seed or plant intended to be opposite each other. Mulching device (1a, 10a) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the leaf or each leaf of the device further comprises a fixing hole for a ground-holding stake. Mulching device (1a, 10a) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wood leaf or leaves have a thickness of between 0.3 and 3 millimeters; Mulching device (1a, 10a) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the stitch lines are spaced at a distance of between 1 and 20 centimeters, preferably between 8 and 10 centimeters. Mulching device (1a, 10a) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the stitch lines have perforation points in the wood sheet spaced at a distance of between 2 and 40 millimeters, preferably between 4 and 20 millimeters, advantageously between 5 and 10 millimeters; Mulching device (1a, 10a) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the textile yarn is made of a material selected from lyocell and natural fibers such as flax or cotton. Mulching device (1a, 10a) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the wood is impregnated with a solution comprising at least one of the following elements: a degradation retardant (such as a natural oil), a phytosanitary treatment, a fertilizer, a repellent or a mixture thereof. A method of mulching a soil characterized in that it comprises the following steps: a) selecting at least one stitched sheet of peeled wood, having a first longitudinal dimension (h) parallel to a longitudinal direction (XX) of extension of the wood fibers and a second transverse dimension (L) perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX), in which the sheet (1) comprises a plurality of stitching lines (2) of textile thread extending transversely, perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (XX); b) laying the stitched sheet of wood on the soil, optionally fixing it or placing a weight on it to keep it in contact with the soil;(c) to make at least one growth hole (3) of a seed or plant and / or at least one growth notch (4) of a seed or plant in at least one transverse (1b, 10b) and / or longitudinal (1c, 10c) edge of the wood leaf, to obtain a mulching device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.;

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