An automated system for plant growth may include a reactor to make a hydrogel solution. A hopper with a processor controlled valve or valves may deliver components to make the hydrogel solution in the reactor. The hydrogel solution may be poured into a tray to create a hydrogel mat or a hydrogel plug. A conveyor may move the hydrogel mat or the hydrogel plug to a nursery on a path in which the hydrogel mat or the hydrogel plug is seeded and is dibbled or scratched. The nursery may include a first position for a seed to germinate in the hydrogel mat or the hydrogel plug, and a second position for a plant to grow to a harvest state in the hydrogel mat or the hydrogel plug. The nursery may include a plurality of LED lights suitable for growth of a plant from the germinated seed.

A substrate comprised of a gel on a wire or mesh scaffolding may be used for growth of plants. The gel may include two polysaccharide components, with a second of the two components providing increased rigidity and/or adherence to the scaffolding. Plants may be grown, including from seed, in the substrate. The substrate may be used as part of a grow wall in an aeroponics plant growth system.

A gel plug comprised of a gel may be used for growth of plants. The gel may include two polysaccharide components, with a second of the two components providing increased rigidity Plants may be grown, including from seed, in the gel plug.

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 layered product including at least one natural fiber layer including a web of natural fibers and at least one SAP layer including a non-woven substrate including a thermoplastic polymer fibers and a superabsorbent polymer adhered to thermoplastic polymer fibers, wherein the non-woven substrate is a high loft fabric, for example an airlaid or spunlaid non-woven, and wherein the natural fiber layer and the SAP layer are connected to each other by needle punching, stitch bonding or using an adhesive. A process to prepare the layered product and the use of the layered product in for example horticulture.

A layered product including at least one natural fiber layer including a web of natural fibers and at least one SAP layer including a non-woven substrate including a thermoplastic polymer fibers and a superabsorbent polymer adhered to thermoplastic polymer fibers, wherein the non-woven substrate is a high loft fabric, for example an airlaid or spunlaid non-woven, and wherein the natural fiber layer and the SAP layer are connected to each other by needle punching, stitch bonding or using an adhesive. A process to prepare the layered product and the use of the layered product in for example horticulture.

A plant growth medium, including: (a) a first segment; (b) a second segment; and (c) wherein the first segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for an initial stage of plant development, and wherein the second segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a subsequent stage of plant development. The plant growth medium may optionally include additional segments for optimized plant growth and/or development.

A plant growth medium, including: (a) a first segment; (b) a second segment; and (c) wherein the first segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for an initial stage of plant development, and wherein the second segment comprises one or more nutrient(s) optimized for a subsequent stage of plant development. The plant growth medium may optionally include additional segments for optimized plant growth and/or development.

Disclosed herein are improved soils for use in agriculture and other fields. The improved soils include atmospheric water harvesting networks which more efficiently hydrate the soil, reducing the need for external water inputs in germination and growth stages.