The multi-layered sand assembly comprising neat sand, super-hydrophilic and super-hydrophobic sands for feasible and sustainable desert agriculture is described. The ingredients such as PAM used in the super-hydrophilic sand layer and the PS-PMMA/DVB polymer for the super-hydrophobic layer are relatively less expensive and thus the overall development of the coated sand is economical and cost effective for the mass production of modified sand layers. The tandem action of high water absorption and retention over time by super-hydrophilic sand layer and high water repulsion to avoid water loss by super-hydrophobic sand of the proposed assembly would make the achievable agriculture in desert lands.

The multi-layered sand assembly comprising neat sand, super-hydrophilic and super-hydrophobic sands for feasible and sustainable desert agriculture is described. The ingredients such as PAM used in the super-hydrophilic sand layer and the PS-PMMA/DVB polymer for the super-hydrophobic layer are relatively less expensive and thus the overall development of the coated sand is economical and cost effective for the mass production of modified sand layers. The tandem action of high water absorption and retention over time by super-hydrophilic sand layer and high water repulsion to avoid water loss by super-hydrophobic sand of the proposed assembly would make the achievable agriculture in desert lands.

A coherent growth substrate product formed of man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF) bonded with a cured binder composition and a wetting agent is described, wherein the binder composition prior to curing comprises the following components: a component (i) in the form of one or more compounds selected from compounds of the formula (I), and any salts thereof: in which R1 corresponds to H, alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, dihydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, amine; compounds of the formula (II), and any salts thereof: in which R2 corresponds to H, alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, dihydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, amine; a component (ii) in the form of one or more compounds selected from the group of ammonia, amines or any salts thereof; a component (iii) in the form of one or more carbohydrates. Use of said coherent growth substrate product for growing plants and propagating seeds is also disclosed. In addition, a process for making said coherent growth substrate product is disclosed.

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A coherent growth substrate product formed of man-made vitreous fibres (MMVF) bonded with a cured binder composition and a wetting agent is described, wherein the binder composition prior to curing comprises the following components: a component (i) in the form of one or more compounds selected from compounds of the formula (I), and any salts thereof: in which R1 corresponds to H, alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, dihydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, amine; compounds of the formula (II), and any salts thereof: in which R2 corresponds to H, alkyl, monohydroxyalkyl, dihydroxyalkyl, polyhydroxyalkyl, alkylene, alkoxy, amine; a component (ii) in the form of one or more compounds selected from the group of ammonia, amines or any salts thereof; a component (iii) in the form of one or more carbohydrates. Use of said coherent growth substrate product for growing plants and propagating seeds is also disclosed. In addition, a process for making said coherent growth substrate product is disclosed.

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A plant growing container includes a housing comprising side walls defining a cavity and configured for receiving a plant. The housing contains at least two layers of hydrogel separated by at least one layer of spacing material. The container additionally includes an elongated element that penetrates across the at least two layers of hydrogel and across the at least one layer of spacing material. The elongated element is configured as an air channel that transports air from outside the cavity inwards.

A plant growing container includes a housing comprising side walls defining a cavity and configured for receiving a plant. The housing contains at least two layers of hydrogel separated by at least one layer of spacing material. The container additionally includes an elongated element that penetrates across the at least two layers of hydrogel and across the at least one layer of spacing material. The elongated element is configured as an air channel that transports air from outside the cavity inwards.

A method and apparatus for cultivating vegetation at an arid location includes rooting immature vegetation in a mat combined with a super absorbent polymer (SAP) and, in embodiments, fertilizer, sand, and/or soil; placing the mat at the arid location; and covering the mat with a perforated, transparent or semi-transparent cover. Most or all of the apparatus can be biodegradable or removable, and the sand or soil can be similar to indigenous sand or soil. A water barrier can be placed below the mat. The cover can be placed on or suspended above the mat. SAP, seeds, and/or additional water barriers can be placed between mats in a stack. The opacity of the cover can be increased to emulate shade from natural vegetation. A water distribution system can be included for continued support of the vegetation, and can include a water reservoir and/or at least one solar still.

A horticultural growth medium includes a filler and a binder. The binder is a moisture-cured, isocyanate-terminated quasi-prepolymer made from an organic polyisocyanate that includes a large proportion of 4,4-diphenylmethane diisocyanate. This binder system provides excellent curing properties and imparts excellent physical properties to the growth medium.

Methods for growing plants and seeds may include blending a polyacrylamide polymer with the uppermost portion of the soil, usually top 1 inch of the soil at a rate of around 1 pound polyacrylamide per 100 square feet of soil. The polyacrylamide attaches to the roots of the plant and acts as an extension of the root system facilitating the uptake of water by the plant and increasing the soil permeability around the root system. The method also improves germination of the seeds and facilitates the growth of the resulting plants. The method may be utilized with a variety of plants, sod, and trees.

Methods for growing plants and seeds may include blending a polyacrylamide polymer with the uppermost portion of the soil, usually top 1 inch of the soil at a rate of around 1 pound polyacrylamide per 100 square feet of soil. The polyacrylamide attaches to the roots of the plant and acts as an extension of the root system facilitating the uptake of water by the plant and increasing the soil permeability around the root system. The method also improves germination of the seeds and facilitates the growth of the resulting plants. The method may be utilized with a variety of plants, sod, and trees.