Some variations provide an emulsion-colloid system for forming a colloidal barrier material disposed on a substrate, the system comprising a hydrophilic first liquid, an acid, a gelling agent, a hydrophobic second liquid, a plasticizer, and optionally additives, wherein the emulsion-colloid system is characterized by (1) a first instance that is a flowable emulsion above 60 C. and less than the boiling point of the first liquid, and (2) a second instance that is a colloid below 40 C. The emulsion-colloid system is capable of reversible transition, mediated by temperature, between the first instance and the second instance. The disclosed colloidal barrier material provides the functionality of plastic alternatives while removing disadvantages. The disclosed colloidal barrier material reduces labor-intensive application of the barrier, such as the case for covering grain piles with plastic tarps. The disclosed colloidal barrier material also eliminates the need for removal when barrier protection is no longer required.

A machine for removing debris from pine straw is described. The machine comprises a conveyor system, a doffer, a debris-pine straw separation zone, and a clean pine straw zone. The conveyor system and doffer thin, spread and fluff the pine straw, as well as control the flow of pine straw to the separation zone. A system of air is directed through the separation zone and engages pine straw and debris discharged into the separation zone and effectively separates the debris from the pine straw, after which the pine straw is directed from the separation zone to the clean pine straw zone.

A machine for removing debris from pine straw is described. The machine comprises a conveyor system, a doffer, a debris-pine straw separation zone, and a clean pine straw zone. The conveyor system and doffer thin, spread and fluff the pine straw, as well as control the flow of pine straw to the separation zone. A system of air is directed through the separation zone and engages pine straw and debris discharged into the separation zone and effectively separates the debris from the pine straw, after which the pine straw is directed from the separation zone to the clean pine straw zone.

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 1:20, 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 1:20, 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.

Described herein are compositions and methods relating to functionalized sands or soils.

Described herein are compositions and methods relating to functionalized sands or soils.

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.

A method for applying a water soluble soil stabilizer to soil wherein the soil stabilizer is impregnated or applied to a solid carrier.

A method for applying a water soluble soil stabilizer to soil wherein the soil stabilizer is impregnated or applied to a solid carrier.