Apparatus and method for establishing and growing vegetation in arid environments

Abstract

A method and apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an arid location includes rooting vegetation in a mat combined with a super absorbent polymer; applying waste vegetation onto the mat; and installing a perforated cover sheet onto or suspended above the mat. The waste vegetation provides additional moisture and nutrients as it decays. The mat can be isolated from surrounding sand or soil by an underlying layer, and the waste vegetation and mat can be sufficient to support mature vegetation. A shade layer between the waste vegetation and the cover sheet can reduce sunlight intensity. The mat can be placed above a water reservoir, with at least one wick extending from the mat into the reservoir. The wick can include nutrients and / or fertilizer. The reservoir can be covered by a perforated lid. Downward extending hollow tubes, which can surround the wicks, can enable excess water to flow into the reservoir.

Description

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR ESTABLISHING AND GROWINGVEGETATION IN ARID ENVIRONMENTSInventor: Gary E. AbelesRELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Applications No. 63 / 675,910, filed July 26, 2024, which is herein incorporated in its entirety for all purposes.FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to methods for growing vegetation, and more specifically to apparatus and methods for establishing and growing field vegetation in arid environments.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Arid environments are often inhospitable to growing many types of vegetation, unless, with reference to Fig. A, the vegetation 102, such as flowers or vegetables, is grown in an ideal, irrigated “gardens” 100. Many types of vegetation can flourish in such gardens 100, where water, fertilizer, and sun are all made available in abundance. Unfortunately, with reference to Fig. IB, such ideal growing conditions also can give rise to plentiful infestation by weeds 104, such as purslane, bindweed, nightshade, and sow-thistle, to name a few. These weeds 104 consume valuable resources, such as water and nutrients. When they are removed and disposed of, the water and other resources that the weeds have absorbed are wasted and lost.

[0004] Under certain circumstances, it can be desirable to introduce new vegetation into an arid environment on a large scale, for example to stabilize the underlying sand or soil, reduce the prevalence of blown dust and sand, beautify the landscape, and / or reestablish an ecosystem after it has been damaged by industrial activity or by a naturaldisaster. Furthermore, it may be desirable to grow edible food plants in arid environments, while minimizing the cost and labor associated with initiating and maintaining the vegetation. Such vegetation is referred to herein as “field” vegetation, to distinguish it from “garden” vegetation that is grown in actively and indefinitely irrigated and fertilized beds. It will be noted that the terms “garden” and “field” refer to the environment in which the vegetation is grown, and not to the type of vegetation. Certain vegetation, such as certain vegetables, may be grown as either “garden” vegetation or “field” vegetation, as the terms are used herein.

[0005] The initial introduction of field vegetation into an arid environment can be difficult, time consuming, and expensive, due to poor water retention of the sand or soil, slow growth of the vegetation, occasional heavy rains and flooding, and the fragility of immature vegetation until it has established a sufficient root system to allow it to obtain water and to resist wind, flooding, and excess sun exposure.

[0006] When an arid location is devoid of mature vegetation, the scarcity of water is typically multiplied, because high temperatures and the prevalence of unshaded sunshine tend to quickly evaporate any moisture that is applied. In addition, the ground in arid environments is often very sandy, such that any precipitation that falls as rain or forms dew tends to be absorbed quickly into the sand, wherein it settles to a depth that is beyond reach of the root systems of the vegetation.

[0007] Once field vegetation is well established in an arid location, it can be largely self-sustaining, such that any supplemental application of water or fertilizer is economically acceptable. Well-established field vegetation can play a significant autogenic role in improving the environment by blocking direct sunlight and by capturing and retaining available moisture before it is absorbed or evaporated.Furthermore, over time, decomposing vegetation can reduce the porosity of the soil and thereby further improve the retention of water near the surface. However, even vegetation that is adapted to arid environments often has a very difficult time surviving until it has matured. And, of course, some food plants and other field vegetation that isnot adapted to arid environments can require continued support when cultivated in an arid environment.

[0008] Existing methods for introducing and growing vegetation in arid ecosystems are typically expensive and risky, and the benefits are often short-lived. Current approaches to ecosystem rehabilitation are extensions of traditional agronomic technologies developed under more hospitable climates, and require intensive tending and excessive use of irrigation to have any chance of success. Essentially, the “field” is treated as if it were a bed in a “garden.” Often, such an expenditure of time and resources is not practical, which serves as a barrier to the restoration and / or improvement of arid environments, and to farming and other cultivation of food crops in arid environments.

[0009] Furthermore, traditional approaches to introducing such vegetation typically require construction and use of extensive irrigation systems and other structures and maintenance equipment that are not natural to the environment. Even if they are subsequently removed, the environmental damage that is left behind can remain for an extended time period.

[0010] Recently, a novel apparatus and method were introduced by the present inventor that are suitable for introducing vegetation into an arid environment. According to this approach, a mat is prepared and is impregnated with a “super absorbent polymer” or “SAP.” Water and fertilizer (in embodiments) is applied to the mat, and field vegetation is allowed to sprout and / or take root in the mat.

[0011] Once the field vegetation has taken root in the mat, and the mat has been placed at the arid location, it is covered by a perforated cover sheet that is transparent or semi-transparent. The cover sheet serves as a physical barrier to evaporating dew and any other moisture that is evaporated from the ground or mat, so that the water vapor tends to condense on the under-side of the cover sheet, and to drip back onto the mat, where it is absorbed by the SAP.

[0012] While this approach is sufficient for many arid environments, it can sometimes be necessary to add additional moisture to the mat, especially in the first few days after the mat is placed onto the arid environment. Also, it may be desirable to apply additional fertilizer to the mat as the vegetation begins to grow. The application of these additional resources can be costly.

[0013] What is needed, therefore, is an apparatus and method for introducing and growing field vegetation in arid environments, while minimizing requirements for providing additional water and fertilizer after the vegetation is planted.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention is an apparatus and method for introducing and growing field vegetation in arid environments, while minimizing requirements for providing additional water and fertilizer after the vegetation is planted.

[0015] According to the disclosed invention, a mat is prepared and is impregnated with a “super absorbent polymer” or “SAP.” The mat can be biodegradable, and can include coir. The SAP can also be biodegradable, being for example a cellulose-based or starch-based polymer.

[0016] In some embodiments, fertilizer is included with the mat. And in various embodiments, at least one of sand and soil is included with the mat. In some of these embodiments, the included sand or soil has a composition that is similar to sand or soil that is indigenous to the inhospitable location.

[0017] According to the disclosed invention, field vegetation is allowed to sprout and / or take root in the mat. In some embodiments, the field vegetation is initially sprouted and rooted under controlled conditions remote from the arid location, and then the mat is transferred to the arid location. In other embodiments, the field vegetation sprouts and / or roots after the mat is placed at the arid location. In embodiments, a water-impermeable underlying layer, which can be bio-degradable, is placed under the mat at the arid location to prevent moisture from seeping from the bottom of the mat into underlying sand or soil and escaping.

[0018] Waste vegetation is applied to the mat, either by incorporating it into the mat, or by placing it on top of the mat after the mat has been placed at the arid location. In embodiments, the waste vegetation comprises harvested weeds that have been recently removed from one or more garden environments, and would otherwise have been disposed of and wasted. In embodiments, the waste vegetation is selected and / or processed to ensure that it does not comprise any unwanted seeds that might germinate in the mat. The recently harvested waste vegetation initially contains water, which is slowly released into the mat as the waste vegetation decays.

[0019] As the waste vegetation continues to decay, it becomes a mulch that surrounds the new field vegetation and serves as an additional source of nutrients. Accordingly, the disclosed method comprises applying additional water and fertilizer to the nascent field vegetation at little or no cost, in that the weeds or other waste vegetation, including the moisture contained therein, would otherwise have been disposed of and wasted. In embodiments where an underlying layer is included, the decayed waste vegetation combines with the mat and any included sand, soil, fertilizer, SAP, etc., and this mixture becomes the growth medium for the sprouting field vegetation, which remains isolated from the surrounding sand or other ground material until it has matured. Furthermore, over time, decomposition of the waste vegetation and, in embodiments, the biodegradable mat and underlying layer, reduces the porosity of the underlying soil and thereby further improves the retention of water near the surface, even after the underlying layer is no longer present, or has been penetrated by the roots of the matured field vegetation.

[0020] Once the mat is placed at the arid location and the waste material has been applied, the mat is covered by a perforated cover sheet that is transparent or semitransparent. The cover sheet serves as a physical barrier to water vapor beneath the cover that is formed by evaporating dew and by any moisture that is evaporated from the ground or mat, so that the water vapor tends to condense on the under-side of the cover sheet, and to drip back onto the mat, where it is absorbed by the SAP and retained by the underlying layer, if present. Any moisture that is evaporated from the waste vegetation is also captured by the transparent cover sheet and falls onto the mat.

[0021] The cover sheet can be placed directly onto the mat and waste vegetation, or suspended above the mat and waste vegetation by stakes, posts, or other supports. The perforations in the cover sheet can be made in locations where depressions in the cover sheet will naturally form, for example between the stakes or other supports, so that any rain that falls onto the cover sheet will drain through the perforations and be absorbed by the SAP in the underlying mat.

[0022] For use in areas of intense sunlight, the opacity of the cover sheet can be increased by printing a pattern onto the sheet, adding a dye to the sheet material, or by any other means known in the art, so as to reduce the intensity of light reaching the underlying mat.

[0023] In other embodiments, a coarsely woven shade layer made from a water absorbent material such as burlap is applied between the cover sheet and the waste vegetation. The weave of the shade layer can be chosen such that the sunlight is reduced by a desired percentage, such as being reduced by between 50% and 60%.

[0024] In some of these embodiments, the shade material is made from a biodegradable fiber, such as jute, flax, and / or hemp, that degrades upon prolonged exposure to water and sunlight, thereby disintegrating over time as the vegetation, including its root system, becomes sufficiently mature to endure the intense sunlight.

[0025] In embodiments, the shade layer is placed directly on top of the waste vegetation. In other embodiments where the cover sheet is suspended above the waste vegetation, the shade layer can be located immediately below the cover sheet. In the latter case, the shade layer can be supported by the same stakes, posts, etc. that support the cover sheet.

[0026] In embodiments, a water reservoir is provided below grade and the mat is positioned above the water reservoir, either at or below grade. The top of the water reservoir can be covered by a perforated or a non-perforated lid. At least one wick extends from the mat downward through the lid into the water reservoir. Accordingly, when water is plentiful, as can occasionally occur even in arid environments, excesswater will seep through the perforated lid, and into the water reservoir. And when water is scarce, the wicks will draw the stored water from the water reservoir back into the mat. In some of these embodiments, the mat is placed directly onto the perforated lid, which enables the water reservoir to capture any moisture that seeps downward from the mat while preventing such moisture from contact with the surrounding sand or soil.

[0027] A solar still or other water source can also provide water to the water reservoir.

[0028] Embodiments include at least one sensor in the mat, which can be used to monitor at least one property of the mat and / or surrounding soil or sand. In some of these embodiments, the sensor monitors at least one of temperature, moisture, humidity, and acidity.

[0029] A first general aspect of the present invention is a method of cultivating field vegetation at an arid location comprising sand and / or soil. The method includes providing a mat having a super-absorbent polymer (“SAP”) cooperative therewith, incorporating seeds of a selected variety of field vegetation in the mat, installing the mat at the arid location, placing harvested waste vegetation onto the mat, and placing a cover sheet made from a transparent or semi-transparent material above the mat. The cover sheet is placed either directly onto and in physical contact with substantially all of an upper surface of the mat and waste vegetation, or suspended above the mat and waste vegetation. The cover sheet forms a physical barrier configured to cause water vapor beneath the cover sheet to condense on an underside of the cover sheet and drip onto the mat, and said cover sheet being perforated at locations that are spaced apart, thereby allowing rain that falls onto the cover sheet to drain through the perforations and be absorbed by the SAP that is cooperative with the mat.

[0030] In embodiments, the mat is a woven coir mat.

[0031] In any of the above embodiments, the waste vegetation can contain moisture, which is released from the waste vegetation into the mat.

[0032] In any of the above embodiments, the waste vegetation can comprise harvested weeds. In some of these embodiments, the weeds are harvested from a garden.

[0033] In any of the above embodiments, the waste vegetation can be selected and / or processed to ensure that it does not comprise any unwanted seeds that might germinate in the mat.

[0034] In any of the above embodiments, the method can further comprise installing the mat onto a water-impenetrable underlying layer at the arid location, such that the sand or soil is prevented from drawing moisture out of a bottom of the mat.

[0035] In some of these embodiments, the underlying layer comprises a surrounding rim extending upward from the underlying layer and surrounding at least one side of the mat, such that the sand or soil is prevented from drawing moisture out of the at least one side of the mat. In any of these embodiments, the underlying layer can be frangible, such that roots of the field vegetation penetrate through the underlying layer and into the sand or soil as the field vegetation matures. Or the combined mat and waste vegetation can be suitable for fully supporting the field vegetation when it is mature, without requiring the field vegetation to take root in the sand or soil.

[0036] In any of these embodiments, the cover sheet can be installed directly on top of the mat and waste vegetation, and can be joined to the underlying layer, such that the combined cover sheet and underlying layer form an envelope that surrounds the mat.

[0037] In any of the above embodiments, the cover sheet can be installed directly on top of the mat and waste vegetation, and the cover sheet can include a downward extending surrounding side that prevents the sand or soil from drawing moisture out of at least one side of the mat.

[0038] In any of the above embodiments, the method further can include installing a shade layer between the cover sheet and the waste vegetation, the shade layer being coarsely woven from a water absorbent fiber material. In some of these embodiments, the shade layer comprises burlap. In any of these embodiments, the water absorbentfiber material can be a material that degrades and disintegrates upon prolonged exposure to water and sunlight. In any of these embodiments, installing the shade layer can include placing the shade layer directly on top of the waste vegetation. In any of these embodiments, the cover sheet can be suspended above the mat, and the shade layer can be suspended above the mat immediately below the cover sheet.

[0039] In any of the above embodiments, the mat can further include a sensor. In some of these embodiments, the sensor is able to measure at least one of temperature, moisture content, humidity, and soil acidity.

[0040] Any of the above embodiments can further include providing a water reservoir at the arid location, placing the mat above the water reservoir, and extending at least one wick from the mat into the water reservoir, said wick being configured to draw water from the water reservoir to the SAP of the mat. Some of these embodiments further include extending at least one hollow tube from the mat to the water reservoir, said hollow tube being configured to allow excess water to flow from the mat into the water reservoir.

[0041] In some of these embodiments, the hollow tube surrounds at least one of the wicks. In any of these embodiments, the hollow tube can extend downward from a region of the mat where excess water is likely to accumulate. In any of these embodiments, the water reservoir can be covered by a perforated lid that is penetrated by the wicks.

[0042] A second general aspect of the present invention is an apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an arid location comprising sand or soil. The apparatus includes a mat having a super-absorbent polymer (“SAP”) cooperative therewith, seeds incorporated in the mat, harvested waste vegetation placed onto the mat, and a cover sheet made from a transparent or semi-transparent material covering the mat, said cover sheet being placed directly onto the mat and being in direct physical contact with the mat and waste vegetation, or being suspended above the mat and waste vegetation. The cover sheet forms a physical barrier configured to cause water vapor beneath the cover sheet to condense on an underside of the cover sheet and drip onto the mat, and

[0043] the cover sheet is perforated at locations that are spaced apart, thereby allowing rain that falls onto the cover sheet to drain through the perforations and be absorbed by the SAP that is cooperative with the mat.

[0044] In embodiments, the mat is a woven coir mat.

[0045] In any of the above embodiments, the waste vegetation can contain moisture, which is released from the waste vegetation into the mat.

[0046] In any of the above embodiments, the waste vegetation can comprise harvested weeds.

[0047] In any of the above embodiments, the waste vegetation can be selected and / or processed to ensure that it does not comprise any unwanted seeds that might germinate in the mat.

[0048] In any of the above embodiments, the cover sheet can be installed directly on top of the mat and waste vegetation, and the cover sheet can include a downward extending surrounding side that prevents the sand or soil from drawing moisture out of the at least one side of the mat.

[0049] Any of the above embodiments can further include a shade layer installed between the cover sheet and the waste vegetation, the shade layer being coarsely woven from a water absorbent fiber material. In some of these embodiments, the shade layer comprises burlap. In any of these embodiments, the water absorbent fiber material can be a material that degrades and disintegrates upon prolonged exposure to water and sunlight. In any of these embodiments, the shade layer can be located directly on top of the waste vegetation. And in any of these embodiments, the cover sheet can be suspended above the mat, and the shade layer can be suspended above the mat immediately below the cover sheet.

[0050] In any of the above embodiments, the apparatus can further include a water- impenetrable underlying layer installed at the arid location beneath the mat, such that the sand or soil is prevented from drawing moisture out of a bottom of the mat. In someof these embodiments, the underlying layer comprises a surrounding rim extending upward from the underlying layer and surrounding at least one side of the mat, such that the sand or soil is prevented from drawing moisture out of the at least one side of the mat. In any of these embodiments, the cover sheet can be installed directly on top of the mat and waste vegetation, and can be joined to the underlying layer, such that the combined cover sheet and underlying layer form an envelope that surrounds the mat. In any of these embodiments, the underlying layer can be frangible, such that roots of the field vegetation are able to penetrate through the underlying layer and into the sand or soil as the field vegetation matures. Or the combined mat and waste vegetation can be suitable for fully supporting the field vegetation when it is mature, without requiring the field vegetation to take root in the sand or soil.

[0051] In any of the above embodiments, the mat can further include a sensor. In some of these embodiments, the sensor is able to measure at least one of temperature, moisture content, humidity, and soil acidity.

[0052] Any of the above embodiments can further include a water reservoir, the mat being placed above the water reservoir, and at least one wick extending from the mat into the water reservoir, said wick being configured to draw water from the water reservoir to the SAP of the mat. Some of these embodiments further include at least one hollow tube extending from the mat to the water reservoir, said hollow tube being configured to allow excess water to flow from the mat into the water reservoir. In some of these embodiments the hollow tube surrounds at least one of the wicks. And in any of these embodiments the hollow tube can extend downward from a region of the mat where excess water is likely to accumulate.

[0053] The features and advantages described herein are not all-inclusive and, in particular, many additional features and advantages will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in view of the drawings, specification, and claims. Moreover, it should be noted that the language used in the specification has been principally selected for readability and instructional purposes, and not to limit the scope of the inventive subject matter.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Fig. 1A is a perspective view of a garden in which flowers are growing, according to the prior art;

[0055] Fig. IB is a perspective view of a garden in which flowers and weeds are growing, according to the prior art;

[0056] Fig. 2 is a top view of a coir fiber mat used in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0057] Fig. 3 is a perspective view that illustrates placement of waste vegetation onto the mat, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0058] Fig. 4 is a top view of a perforated, transparent cover in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0059] Fig. 5A is a perspective view of the mat of Fig. 3 with field vegetation therein and covered by the cover of Fig. 4, which is elevated above the mat by supporting stakes;

[0060] Fig. 5B is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention wherein the transparent cover of Fig. 4 is placed directly onto the mat and waste vegetation;

[0061] Fig. 5C is a perspective view of the mat and cover of Fig. 5B shown after the field vegetation has sprouted and broken through the cover;

[0062] Fig. 5D is an exploded view of an embodiment in which a shade layer is included between the cover sheet and the waste vegetation, and the underlying layer includes raised edges that surround the mat on all sides as well as on the bottom;

[0063] Fig. 6A is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the present invention that includes a water reservoir with a perforated lid located below grade and the matlocated above the water reservoir at grade, with wicks extending from the mat through soil into the water reservoir;

[0064] Fig. 6B is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the present invention that includes a water reservoir and the mat both located below grade, with the mat and waste vegetation lying directly on top of the water reservoir, and with wicks extending from the mat through soil into the water reservoir;

[0065] Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment similar to Fig. 6B, but further including hollow tubes that surround the wicks and extend toward the water reservoir;

[0066] Fig. 8 is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment similar to Fig. 7, but wherein the mat is not flat and level, and a hollow tube extends toward the water reservoir only from a region of the mat where excess water will accumulate;

[0067] Fig. 9A is an exploded cross-sectional view of an embodiment similar to Fig. 6B, except that the transparent cover includes a non-perforated side flange that surrounds the mat and prevents direct contact between the mat and the surrounding sand or soil;

[0068] Fig. 9B is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Fig. 9A shown with the components of the embodiment assembled together;

[0069] Fig. 9C is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment similar to Figs. 9A and 9B, except that the water reservoir is installed at grade; and

[0070] Fig. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps of an embodiment of the method of the present invention;DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0071] The present invention is an apparatus and method for introducing and growing field vegetation in arid environments, while minimizing requirements for additional water and fertilizer during the first days and weeks after the vegetation is planted.

[0072] With reference to Fig. 2, a mat 200 is prepared and is impregnated with a “super absorbent polymer” or “SAP.” The mat 200 can be biodegradable, and in some of these embodiments the mat 200 includes coir. In various embodiments the SAP is biodegradable, being for example a cellulose-based or starch-based polymer.

[0073] In some embodiments, fertilizer is included with the mat 200. And in various embodiments, at least one of sand and soil is included with the mat 200. In some embodiments where sand or soil is included, the included sand or soil has a composition that is similar to sand or soil that is indigenous to the arid location.

[0074] With reference to Fig. 3, waste vegetation 302 is applied to the mat 200, either by incorporating it into the mat 200, or by placing it on top of the mat 200 after the mat 200 has been placed at the arid location. In the embodiment of Fig. 3, a water- impermeable underlying layer 304, which can be bio-degradable, is placed under the mat 200 at the arid location to prevent moisture from seeping from the bottom of the mat 200 into underlying sand or soil 300 and escaping. The underlying layer 304 can be made from the same material as the cover 400, although not perforated. In embodiments, the waste vegetation 302 comprises harvested weeds 104 that have been recently removed from one or more garden environments 100, and would otherwise have been disposed of and wasted. In embodiments, the waste vegetation 302 is selected and / or processed to ensure that it does not comprise any unwanted seeds that might germinate in the mat 200. The recently harvested waste vegetation 302 initially contains water, which is slowly released into the mat 200 as the waste vegetation 302 decays. In embodiments, the waste vegetation is selected and / or processed to ensure that it does not comprise any unwanted seeds that might germinate in the mat 200.Over time, decomposition of the waste vegetation 302 and, in embodiments, the biodegradable mat 200, reduces the porosity of the underlying soil 300, and thereby further improve the retention of water near the surface.

[0075] With reference to Fig. 4, a transparent or semi-transparent cover sheet 400 is prepared. In embodiments, a supporting structure such as a set of support stakes 402 is configured to suspend the cover sheet 400 above the mat 200 and waste vegetation 302.Perforations 404 are made in the cover sheet 400, so that any rain that falls onto the cover sheet 400 will drain through the perforations 404 and be absorbed by the SAP in the underlying mat 200. In the embodiment of Fig. 4, the perforations 404 in the cover sheet 400 are located between the stakes 402, in locations where depressions in the cover sheet 400 sheet will naturally form.

[0076] With reference to Figs. 5A through 5D, once the combined mat 200 has been transferred to the arid location, and the waste vegetation 302 has been applied, they are then covered by the perforated cover sheet 400. The cover sheet 400 serves as a physical barrier to water vapor that is formed below the sheet by evaporation of dew and of any other moisture from the ground 300. As a result, the water vapor tends to condense on the under-side of the cover sheet 400, and to drip back onto the mat 200, where it is absorbed by the SAP.

[0077] In the embodiment of Fig. 5A, the cover sheet 400 is supported by stakes 402 that are adjustable in height due to a threaded, telescoping configuration. Similar embodiments use other support structures that are either fixed or adjustable in height. In the embodiment of Fig. 5 A, the cover sheet 400 is elevated by the stakes 402 around its perimeter, such that the region below the cover sheet 400 is ventilated, thereby avoiding excess “greenhouse” heating of the vegetation.

[0078] In some embodiments the cover sheet 400 is transparent, as shown in Fig. 5A. In similar embodiments, for example where there is excessive direct sunshine, the opacity of the cover sheet 400 is increased by printing a pattern onto the cover sheet 400, adding a dye to the sheet material, or by any other means known in the art, so as to reduce the intensity of light reaching the mat and vegetation 502, thereby simulating the shade that would be provided by mature vegetation in an established ecosystem.

[0079] In other embodiments, with reference to Fig. 5D, a coarsely woven shade layer 506 made from a water absorbent material such as burlap is applied between the cover sheet 400 and the waste vegetation 302. The weave of the shade layer 506 can be chosen such that the sunlight reaching the seeds or seedlings is reduced by a desired percentage, such as being reduced by between 50% and 60%.

[0080] In some of these embodiments, the shade layer 506 is made from a biodegradable fiber, such as jute, flax, and / or hemp, that degrades upon prolonged exposure to water and sunlight, thereby disintegrating over time as the vegetation 502, including its root system, becomes sufficiently mature to endure the intense sunlight.

[0081] In embodiments, the shade layer 506 is placed directly on top of the waste vegetation 302. In other embodiments where the cover sheet 400 is suspended above the waste vegetation 302, the shade layer 506 can be located immediately below the cover sheet 400. In the latter case, the shade layer 506 can be supported by the same stakes, posts, etc. 402 that support the cover sheet 400.

[0082] The vegetation 502 can be initially sprouted and rooted in the mat 200 under controlled conditions, before the mat 200 is placed at the arid location, or the vegetation 502 can be allowed to germinate and take root in the mat 200 at the arid location. Fig. 5B is a perspective view of an embodiment in which the vegetation 502 is provided as seeds in the mat 200, and the perforated cover sheet 400 is placed directed on top of the mat 200. In this embodiment, the seeds germinate and take root at the arid location, initially lifting the cover sheet 400 as they group upward, and eventually breaking through the frangible cover sheet 400, as shown in Fig. 5C.

[0083] In embodiments such as Figs. 5A - 5D, which include an underlying layer 304, the decayed waste vegetation 302 combines with the mat 200 and any included sand, soil, fertilizer, SAP, etc. and the resulting mixture becomes the growth medium for the sprouted field vegetation 502, which remains isolated from the surrounding sand or other ground material 300, at least until it has matured. Furthermore, over time, decomposition of the waste vegetation 302 and, in embodiments, the biodegradable mat 200 and underlying layer 304, reduces the porosity of the underlying soil 300, and thereby further improves the retention of water near the surface, even after the underlying layer 304 is no longer present, or has been penetrated by the roots of the mature field vegetation 502.

[0084] Fig. 5D is an exploded view of an embodiment in which the underlying layer304 includes an upward extending rim 504 that further isolates the sides of the mat 200from the surrounding sand or soil 300. In similar embodiments, at least one side of the rim 504 is omitted, such that water is able to escape from the mat 200 in the event of an unusually heavy rain or flood.

[0085] In various embodiments, the perforated cover 400 and the underlying layer 304 are combined to form an “envelope” that completely surrounds the mat 200 and waste vegetation 302. In these embodiments, once the seeds or seedlings, SAP, waste vegetation 302, and possibly fertilizer and / or soil have been applied to the mat 200, the mat is simply inserted into and sealed within the envelope that is formed by the joined perforated cover and underlying layer, and the envelope containing the mat 200 is then placed at the arid location.

[0086] Embodiments of the present invention are suitable for cultivating vegetation in environments that are subject to occasional heavy rainfalls, interspersed with longer periods of very little rain. With respect to Fig. 6A, in embodiments a water reservoir 600 is provided below grade, and the mat 200 is positioned above the water reservoir 600 at grade. An underlying layer 304 is included in the illustrated embodiment to isolate the mat 200 from the underlying sand or soil 300. In the embodiment of Fig.6 A, the top of the water reservoir 600 is covered by a perforated lid 602 and a layer of sand or soil 300, with the mat 200 installed at grade. At least one wick 604 extends from the mat 200 downward through the lid 602 into the water reservoir 600.Accordingly, when water is plentiful and the SAP in the mat 200 is saturated, excess water will seep through the perforated cover 602, and into the water reservoir 600. And when water is scarce, the wicks 604 will draw the stored water 606 from the water reservoir 604 back into the mat 200, thereby replenishing the SAP.

[0087] With reference to Fig. 6B, in other embodiments, both the water reservoir 600 and the mat 200 are installed below grade. In the illustrated embodiment, the mat is placed directly on top of the perforated cover 602, which enables the water reservoir 600 to capture any moisture that seeps downward from the mat 200 while preventing such moisture from contact with the surrounding sand or soil 300. This approach may be preferred in some implementations where the soil or sand is not suitable forsustaining the vegetation 502, even when the vegetation 502 is mature. Instead, a thick and / or multilayer mat 200 can be provided that is sufficiently thick to enable the vegetation 502 to take root in the mat 200 and decayed waste vegetation 302, and grow to maturity without encountering the surrounding soil or sand 300. It should be noted that the cover sheet 400 has been omitted from Fig. 6B for clarity, but would be installed above the mat 200 either in direct contact with the mat 200, at grade, or above grade. It should further be noted that the water reservoir 600 in Fig. 6B has been rendered as transparent, so that the water 606 and wicks 604 can be seen within the reservoir 600

[0088] In embodiments, at least one of the wicks 604 includes at least one of cotton, nylon, and acrylic. In various embodiments, at least one of the wicks 604 is infused with at least one of nutrients and fertilizer that is transported to the mat 200 along with the water that is wicked from the water reservoir 600.

[0089] With reference to Fig. 7, in some embodiments at least one hollow tube 700 extends downward from the mat 200 through the lid 602, and into the water reservoir 600, thereby providing a channel through which excess water can rapidly flow from the mat 200 into the water reservoir 602. In the illustrated embodiment, a wick 604 is surrounded by the hollow tube 700, thereby simplifying the penetration of the wick 604 through the lid 702 and into the water reservoir 600.

[0090] According to these embodiments, water is able to flow down the hollow tubes and into the water reservoir 600 during heavy rains and at other time where too much water is supplied to the mat 200 and the SAP is saturated.

[0091] In the embodiment of Fig. 7, the lid 602 of the water reservoir 600 is not perforated, but is simply penetrated by the hollow tubes 700. This allows the water reservoir 600 to be installed below grade and covered with sand and / or soil 300, with the tubes 700 extending upward to the surface. The wicks 600 can be pre-attached to the mat 200, and lowered down through the tubes 700 when the mat 200 is placed at grade above the water reservoir 600.

[0092] The embodiment of Fig. 7 also includes a plurality of sensors 702, 704 embedded in the mat 200. In various embodiments, the sensors 702, 704 monitor various conditions in the mat, such as soil temperature, soil moisture content, humidity levels, and soil acidity. In embodiments, the sensors 702, 704 transmit their data to a user via wired or wireless connection. For example, in some embodiment the sensors send data by wired communication to an onsite wireless relay, which then forwards the information to a central site, either directly or via the internet, using wireless transmitters that are powered by batteries and / or by solar energy.

[0093] With reference to Fig. 8, if the mat 200 is not level and flat, at least one of the hollow tubes 700 can extend downward into the water reservoir 600 from a lowest region 800 of the mat 200, or from some other region of the mat 200 where excess water is likely to accumulate.

[0094] Figs. 9A - 9C illustrate an embodiment similar to Fig. 6B, but wherein the tubes 700 of Fig. 7 are included, and the mat 200 rests directly on top of the perforated cover 602 of the water reservoir 600. Fig. 9A is an exploded view in which all components of the embodiment are visible, while Fig. 9B is an assembled view in which the assembly is installed below grade and the cover sheet 400 is rendered as being opaque for clarity of illustration, although it is actually translucent or transparent. The cover sheet 400 in the illustrated embodiment includes a surrounding side 900, and the cover sheet 400 is configured to be applied directly onto the mat 200, so that the surrounding side 900 of the cover sheet 400 is inserted between the edges of the mat 200 and the surrounding sand or soil 300. In similar embodiments, a surrounding side 504 extends upward from an underlying layer 304, as is illustrated in Fig. 5D, for example if the transparent cover sheet 400 is installed at grade, while the mat 200 is installed below grade.

[0095] In various embodiments, such as in Figs. 9A through 9C, where the mat 200 and decayed waste vegetation 302 are suitable for supporting fully grown vegetation 502, the mat 200 is isolated from all contact with the surrounding and / or underlying soil 300, so that highly arid soil or sand 300 is not able to wick moisture out of the mat 200.In the illustrated embodiment, the mat 200 is placed directly onto the lid 602 of the water reservoir 600, thereby isolating the bottom of the mat 200 from contact with sand or soil 300.

[0096] In similar embodiments, an underlying layer 304 is penetrated by, and sealed to, the tubes 700 that surround the wicks 604, so that full water communication is established between the mat 200 and the water reservoir 600 with little or no contact between the mat 200 and underlying soil or sand 300. While the mat 200 in the embodiment of Figs. 9A and 9B is installed below grade on top of the water reservoir 600, in other embodiments it is installed at grade or above grade. For example, with reference to Fig. 9C, the water reservoir 600 can be placed at grade, extending above grade, and the mat 200 can be placed on top of the water reservoir 600 above grade with the cover sheet 400 either placed directly on top of the mat 200, as shown in Fig. 9C, or suspended above the mat 200 and water reservoir 600.

[0097] Fig. 10 is a flow diagram that illustrates steps included in embodiments of the present invention. A mat 200 comprising SAP is provided 1000. In embodiments, the mat 200 is biodegradable, and can include coir. The mat is hydrated 1002, and one or more varieties of vegetation 502 are caused to sprout and take root 1004 in the biodegradable mat 200. In the embodiment of Fig. 10, this takes place under controlled conditions before the mat is transferred to the arid location. In other embodiments, the vegetation 502 is caused to sprout and take root in the mat 200 at the arid location 300.

[0098] Once the young vegetation 502 is established in the mat 200, in the embodiment of Fig. 10 the mat 200 together with the SAP and rooted vegetation 502 is placed 1006 at the inhospitable location on top of an underlying layer 304, and waste vegetation 302 is applied 1008 to the mat 200. The mat 200 is then covered 1010 by a perforated cover sheet 400, which is either placed directly on top of the mat 200, or is supported by stakes 402 or another support structure, so as to allow sunlight in, as well as precipitation (through the perforations 404), while trapping most of the water vapor that is evaporated from the ground 300 and / or the mat 200. A coarsely wove shade layer506 such as a burlap layer can be installed between the waste vegetation 502 and the cover sheet 400.

[0099] In some embodiments, the SAP, cover sheet 400, shade layer 506, and / or underlying layer 304 is / are biodegradable. In embodiments, sand, soil, and / or fertilizer are also included with the mat 200. Any sand or soil that is included can be similar to sand or soil naturally found at the arid location 300. Embodiments further include a cover sheet supporting structure, such as support stakes 402. In some embodiments, the stakes 402 are also biodegradable.

[0100] Finally, the field vegetation 502 is allowed to mature 1012. In some embodiments, the mat 200, decayed waste vegetation 302, and any soil and / or sand that was added to the mat 200, remain isolated from the surrounding sand and / or soil 300, and serve as the long-term growth medium for the field vegetation 502. In other embodiments, the mature field vegetation 502 ultimately breaks through the underlying layer 304, and / or the underlying layer 304 biodegrades, such that the mature field vegetation 502 takes root in the underlying sand / soil 300. In some embodiments, the cover sheet 400 and stakes 402 or other support structure are physically removed once the vegetation 502 is established, while in other embodiments, some or all of the cover sheet 400 and / or stakes 402 and other support structure are biodegradable, and need not be removed once the mat 200 and cover 400 are placed at the arid location. In similar embodiments, the cover sheet 400 and stakes 402 or other support structure remain in place throughout the cultivation period of the field vegetation 502.

[0101] The recently harvested waste vegetation 302 initially contains water, which is slowly released into the mat 200 as the waste vegetation 302 decays, while the waste vegetation 302 becomes a mulch that surrounds the new field vegetation 502 and serves as an additional source of nutrients.

[0102] The foregoing description of the embodiments of the invention has been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations are possible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope ofthe invention be limited not by this detailed description, but rather by the claims appended hereto.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A method of cultivating field vegetation at an arid location comprising sand and / or soil, the method comprising: providing a mat having a super-absorbent polymer (“SAP”) cooperative therewith; incorporating seeds of a selected variety of field vegetation in the mat; installing the mat at the arid location; placing harvested waste vegetation onto the mat; and placing a cover sheet made from a transparent or semi-transparent material above the mat, the cover sheet being placed either directly onto and in physical contact with substantially all of an upper surface of the mat and waste vegetation, or suspended above the mat and waste vegetation; said cover sheet forming a physical barrier configured to cause water vapor beneath the cover sheet to condense on an underside of the cover sheet and drip onto the mat; and said cover sheet being perforated at locations that are spaced apart, thereby allowing rain that falls onto the cover sheet to drain through the perforations and be absorbed by the SAP that is cooperative with the mat.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the mat is a woven coir mat.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the waste vegetation contains moisture, which is released from the waste vegetation into the mat.

4. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the waste vegetation comprises harvested weeds.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the weeds are harvested from a garden.

6. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the waste vegetation is selected and / or processed to ensure that it does not comprise any unwanted seeds that might germinate in the mat.

7. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises installing the mat onto a water-impenetrable underlying layer at the arid location, such that the sand or soil is prevented from drawing moisture out of a bottom of the mat.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein the underlying layer comprises a surrounding rim extending upward from the underlying layer and surrounding at least one side of the mat, such that the sand or soil is prevented from drawing moisture out of the at least one side of the mat.

9. The method of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the underlying layer is frangible, such that roots of the field vegetation penetrate through the underlying layer and into the sand or soil as the field vegetation matures.

10. The method of claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the combined mat and waste vegetation are suitable for fully supporting the field vegetation when it is mature, without requiring the field vegetation to take root in the sand or soil.

11. The method of any of claims 7-10, wherein the cover sheet is installed directly on top of the mat and waste vegetation, and is joined to the underlying layer, such that the combined cover sheet and underlying layer form an envelope that surrounds the mat.

12. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the cover sheet is installed directly on top of the mat and waste vegetation, and the cover sheet comprises a downward extending surrounding side that prevents the sand or soil from drawing moisture out of at least one side of the mat.

13. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the method further comprises installing a shade layer between the cover sheet and the waste vegetation, the shade layer being coarsely woven from a water absorbent fiber material.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the shade layer comprises burlap.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the water absorbent fiber material is a material that degrades and disintegrates upon prolonged exposure to water and sunlight.

16. The method of any of claims 13-15, wherein installing the shade layer comprises placing the shade layer directly on top of the waste vegetation.

17. The method of any of claims 13-15, wherein the cover sheet is suspended above the mat, and wherein the shade layer is suspended above the mat immediately below the cover sheet.

18. The method of any preceding claim, wherein the mat further comprises a sensor.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the sensor is able to measure at least one of temperature, moisture content, humidity, and soil acidity.

20. The method of any preceding claim, further comprising: providing a water reservoir at the arid location; placing the mat above the water reservoir; and extending at least one wick from the mat into the water reservoir, said wick being configured to draw water from the water reservoir to the SAP of the mat.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising extending at least one hollow tube from the mat to the water reservoir, said hollow tube being configured to allow excess water to flow from the mat into the water reservoir.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein the hollow tube surrounds at least one of the wicks.

23. The method of claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the hollow tube extends downward from a region of the mat where excess water is likely to accumulate.

24. The method of any of claims 20-23, wherein the water reservoir is covered by a perforated lid that is penetrated by the wicks.

25. An apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an arid location comprising sand or soil, the apparatus comprising: a mat having a super-absorbent polymer (“SAP”) cooperative therewith; seeds incorporated in the mat; harvested waste vegetation placed onto the mat; and a cover sheet made from a transparent or semi-transparent material covering the mat, said cover sheet being placed directly onto the mat and being in direct physical contact with the mat and waste vegetation, or being suspended above the mat and waste vegetation; said cover sheet forming a physical barrier configured to cause water vapor beneath the cover sheet to condense on an underside of the cover sheet and drip onto the mat; and said cover sheet being perforated at locations that are spaced apart, thereby allowing rain that falls onto the cover sheet to drain through the perforations and be absorbed by the SAP that is cooperative with the mat.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein the mat is a woven coir mat.

27. The apparatus of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the waste vegetation contains moisture, which is released from the waste vegetation into the mat.

28. The apparatus of any of claims 25-27, wherein the waste vegetation comprises harvested weeds.

29. The apparatus of any of claims 25-28, wherein the waste vegetation is selected and / or processed to ensure that it does not comprise any unwanted seeds that might germinate in the mat.

30. The apparatus of any of claims 25-29, wherein the cover sheet is installed directly on top of the mat and waste vegetation, and the cover sheet comprises a downward extending surrounding side that prevents the sand or soil from drawing moisture out of the at least one side of the mat.31 . The method of any of claims 25-30, further comprising a shade layer installed between the cover sheet and the waste vegetation, the shade layer being coarsely woven from a water absorbent fiber material.

32. The method of claim 31, wherein the shade layer comprises burlap.

33. The method of claim 3 lor 32, wherein the water absorbent fiber material is a material that degrades and disintegrates upon prolonged exposure to water and sunlight.

34. The method of any of claims 31-33, wherein the shade layer is located directly on top of the waste vegetation.

35. The method of any of claims 31-33, wherein the cover sheet is suspended above the mat, and wherein the shade layer is suspended above the mat immediately below the cover sheet.

36. The apparatus of any of claims 25-35, wherein the apparatus further comprises a water-impenetrable underlying layer installed at the arid location beneath the mat, such that the sand or soil is prevented from drawing moisture out of a bottom of the mat.

37. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein the underlying layer comprises a surrounding rim extending upward from the underlying layer and surrounding at least one side of the mat, such that the sand or soil is prevented from drawing moisture out of the at least one side of the mat.

38. The apparatus of claim 36 or claim 37, wherein the cover sheet is installed directly on top of the mat and waste vegetation, and is joined to the underlying layer, such that the combined cover sheet and underlying layer form an envelope that surrounds the mat.

39. The apparatus of any of claim 36 - 38, wherein the underlying layer is frangible, such that roots of the field vegetation are able to penetrate through the underlying layer and into the sand or soil as the field vegetation matures.

40. The apparatus of any of claims 36-39, wherein the combined mat and waste vegetation are suitable for fully supporting the field vegetation when it is mature, without requiring the field vegetation to take root in the sand or soil.

41. The apparatus of any of claims 25-40, wherein the mat further comprises a sensor.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the sensor is able to measure at least one of temperature, moisture content, humidity, and soil acidity.

43. The apparatus of any of claims 25-42, further comprising: a water reservoir, the mat being placed above the water reservoir; and at least one wick extending from the mat into the water reservoir, said wick being configured to draw water from the water reservoir to the SAP of the mat.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, further comprising at least one hollow tube extending from the mat to the water reservoir, said hollow tube being configured to allow excess water to flow from the mat into the water reservoir.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the hollow tube surrounds at least one of the wicks.

46. The apparatus of claim 44 or claim 45, wherein the hollow tube extends downward from a region of the mat where excess water is likely to accumulate.

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