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.

Coloring systems and methods include a reservoir that holds a colorant. A vibrator motor is attached to the reservoir and applies a vibration to the reservoir to cause the colorant to collect at a bottom of the reservoir. An auger moves the colorant from the reservoir to an outlet.

Coloring systems and methods include a reservoir that holds a colorant. A vibrator motor is attached to the reservoir and applies a vibration to the reservoir to cause the colorant to collect at a bottom of the reservoir. An auger moves the colorant from the reservoir to an outlet.

A method for making a growing medium includes a step of combining tree bark and/or wood components together to form an initial composition; heating the initial composition to 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 to obtain the fibrous growing medium, the refiner separating fibers from each other; wherein the growing medium has total porosity of 88 volume % or more.

A method for making a growing medium includes a step of combining tree bark and/or wood components together to form an initial composition; heating the initial composition to 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 to obtain the fibrous growing medium, the refiner separating fibers from each other; wherein the growing medium has total porosity of 88 volume % or more.

The present disclosure provides a woody plant seeding formulation for phytoremediation, ecological restoration, land reclamation, environmental rehabilitation, revitalization, revegetation, and reforestation of disturbed and degraded lands. The seeding formulation includes a mix of woody trees or shrubs seeds, organic mulch, beneficial microbial populations, mineral fertilizer, adhesive, absorbent polymer, and water. The present disclosure also provides for pre-treatment of surfaces by spreading or mixing with organic biomass with the surface. Methods of preparing and applying the seeding formulation and pre-treatment are also disclosed.

The present disclosure provides a woody plant seeding formulation for phytoremediation, ecological restoration, land reclamation, environmental rehabilitation, revitalization, revegetation, and reforestation of disturbed and degraded lands. The seeding formulation includes a mix of woody trees or shrubs seeds, organic mulch, beneficial microbial populations, mineral fertilizer, adhesive, absorbent polymer, and water. The present disclosure also provides for pre-treatment of surfaces by spreading or mixing with organic biomass with the surface. Methods of preparing and applying the seeding formulation and pre-treatment are also disclosed.

A horticultural substrate conditioner includes a housing having an opening to receive a growing medium and an outlet to discharge the growing medium, a shaft arranged within the housing, the shaft rotatable relative to the housing, and a plurality of tines disposed on the shaft spaced apart from each other, the tines comprising a flexible material, wherein upon entry of a growing medium into the housing, the tines are capable of engaging the growing medium such that as the shaft rotates, the growing medium is broken apart and/or reduced in density and size to enable optimal distribution of the growing medium into a container upon discharge from the housing.

A horticultural substrate conditioner includes a housing having an opening to receive a growing medium and an outlet to discharge the growing medium, a shaft arranged within the housing, the shaft rotatable relative to the housing, and a plurality of tines disposed on the shaft spaced apart from each other, the tines comprising a flexible material, wherein upon entry of a growing medium into the housing, the tines are capable of engaging the growing medium such that as the shaft rotates, the growing medium is broken apart and/or reduced in density and size to enable optimal distribution of the growing medium into a container upon discharge from the housing.

A method for planting crops that involves covering the planted seeds of the crop with an elongate sheet of mulch. The elongate sheet of mulch has lateral edges that determine its width. A combustible cord that is affixed to it between the lateral edges. The combustible cord may be formed within plies of the mulch or adhered thereto. The mulch is placed over the planted crop and held in place over the crop. This may be done by burying lateral edges of the mulch. When a user of the mulch wishes to remove the mulch, he will burn the combustible cord and that will separate the mulch along the cord.