A bark-based composition having at least 70% by volume of bark is defibrated in order to make cultivation media having water availability that is greater than or equal to 250 mL/L.

Disclosed herein are soil amendments, generally in the form of coated perlite compositions, as well as methods of making and using the same. The disclosed compositions, methods, and systems provide for various beneficial enhancements to plants growth and soil health, and may decrease costs, for example by avoiding the need for multiple treatments. The presently disclosed compositions, methods, and systems also aid in prolonging release of plant nutrition into the soil (including silica), enhancing aeration, water retention, and drainage, resisting soil compaction, providing for pest and insect control, etc. In many embodiments, the disclosed coated perlite composition is a sterile composition, that is lightweight, and has a low dust content, which may provide for efficient and low-cost handling and transport of products comprising same. The disclosed coated perlite compositions comprise perlite particles having a coating of a mixture of diatomaceous earth phosphorous and may also include one or more of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in the coating.

Provided is a cultivating material composition including a cultivating substrate and a bio-cellulose film, wherein the bio-cellulose film is in contact with the cultivating substrate, such that highly increased yield and quality of crops, a shorter harvest period, less water and nutrient sources, and low cost can be achieved.

Provided is a cultivating material composition including a cultivating substrate and a bio-cellulose film, wherein the bio-cellulose film is in contact with the cultivating substrate, such that highly increased yield and quality of crops, a shorter harvest period, less water and nutrient sources, and low cost can be achieved.

A compressed horticultural slab includes a substrate including a plurality of fibers compressed in a volume ratio of initial to compressed fiber of 1:4 to 1:60, the plurality of fibers having a shape of the slab, a first set of dimensions when the substrate has a moisture content of up to about 20 to 25 wt. % and a second set of dimensions when the moisture content increases above about 20 to 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of the substrate, the second set of dimensions having greater values than the first set of dimensions.

A compressed horticultural slab includes a substrate including a plurality of fibers compressed in a volume ratio of initial to compressed fiber of 1:4 to 1:60, the plurality of fibers having a shape of the slab, a first set of dimensions when the substrate has a moisture content of up to about 20 to 25 wt. % and a second set of dimensions when the moisture content increases above about 20 to 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of the substrate, the second set of dimensions having greater values than the first set of dimensions.

A fluid retention compound and more specifically, but not exclusively, a fluid retention compound for use in agriculture, mining and construction. Retention of water using moisture absorbers is known in the art and used to improve the water-holding capacity of various media. A problem with existing moisture absorbers is the relatively ineffective rate at which water is retained and nutrients absorbed. In accordance with the invention there is provided a fluid retention compound including a superabsorbent polymer, an adsorbent, and a pH modifier. It is envisaged that the invention will provide a fluid retention compound which increases the efficacy of its water holding capacity, nutrient uptake and adsorption of other substances.

A fluid retention compound and more specifically, but not exclusively, a fluid retention compound for use in agriculture, mining and construction. Retention of water using moisture absorbers is known in the art and used to improve the water-holding capacity of various media. A problem with existing moisture absorbers is the relatively ineffective rate at which water is retained and nutrients absorbed. In accordance with the invention there is provided a fluid retention compound including a superabsorbent polymer, an adsorbent, and a pH modifier. It is envisaged that the invention will provide a fluid retention compound which increases the efficacy of its water holding capacity, nutrient uptake and adsorption of other substances.

A method of bonding together surfaces of two or more elements. The method includes the steps of providing two or more elements, applying an adhesive to one or more of the surfaces to be bonded together before, during or after contacting the surfaces to be bonded together with each other, and curing the adhesive, wherein the adhesive comprises at least one hydrocolloid.

A method for making a dyed mulch composition or a dyed growing medium, the method comprising combining tree bark including one or more pigments and/or pigment precursors and wood components together to form an initial composition; heating the initial composition at a temperature greater than about 149° C. under steam in a pressurized vessel; processing the initial composition through a refiner with a plurality of opposing disks, the refiner separating the tree bark and wood components into fibers and separating the fibers from each other; and dyeing the wood components by the one or more pigments and/or pigment precursors while the tree bark and the wood components are being separated into fibers in the refiner to obtain dyed fibers.