Seed pillow for overcoming the limiting factors controlling rangeland reseeding success
US9326451B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 27, 2013 |
| Grant date | May 3, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 25, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA01C1/06
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The disclosure provides compositions and methods to improve seeding success. In an exemplary embodiment the compositions and methods disclosed herein are used to improve seeding success in rangeland areas. However, the compositions and methods are useful to improve seeding success in any environment where seeding is difficult. In an exemplary embodiment, the invention provides a “seed pillow”, a multifunctional seed treatment that mitigates the limiting factors controlling seedling establishment. In one embodiment, the seed pillow comprises a pillow-shaped agglomeration of absorbent earth materials and other additives, with seeds attached within a concave well on the underneath side of the pillow. To increase the probability that the seeds will be covered by the pillow, soil and tackifier are placed with the seeds for increased weight on the seed side of the pillow, and to glue the pillow to the soil. The shape of the pillow is also designed to improve coverage by having a flat bottom and convex top. Upon wetting, the pillow material melts over the seeds, thus providing seed coverage and enhanced conditions for seed germination and growth.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.