The present invention concerns a Portland cement-free porous rigid mineral substrate made of alkali-activated pozzolans, a method for preparing the same, and use of said substrate to optimize plant germination and growth.

The present invention concerns a Portland cement-free porous rigid mineral substrate made of alkali-activated pozzolans, a method for preparing the same, and use of said substrate to optimize plant germination and growth.

The present invention concerns a Portland cement-free porous rigid mineral substrate made of alkali-activated pozzolans, a method for preparing the same, and use of said substrate to optimize plant germination and growth.

The present invention concerns a Portland cement-free porous rigid mineral substrate made of alkali-activated pozzolans, a method for preparing the same, and use of said substrate to optimize plant germination and growth.

The invention relates to a coherent growth substrate product formed of man-made vitreous fibres bonded with a cured binder composition and a wetting agent, wherein the wetting agent is an alkyl ether sulphate. The invention further relates to methods of using or producing such a coherent growth substrate.

The invention relates to a coherent growth substrate product formed of man-made vitreous fibres bonded with a cured binder composition and a wetting agent, wherein the wetting agent is an alkyl ether sulphate. The invention further relates to methods of using or producing such a coherent growth substrate.

A method of producing artificial bio-soil aggregates based on foamed concrete for plant growth that can ensure sufficient moisture and plant nutrients for the habitat of plants in non-soil conditions; obtain a lightweight, durable, and deep soil layer, and continuously provide a favorable environment for plant growth. A paste is prepared by mixing cement with an admixture, such as ochre and burnt-furnace slag; foamed concrete is formed by adding foam bubbles with an appropriate foaming rate to said paste, thereby producing soil concrete. When the foamed concrete is used, a designated compressive strength can be ensured and a number of pore spaces are formed, which allow the air to be sucked and expelled therethrough and store moisture therein. Also, hydrogel that is incorporated into the foamed concrete may supply nutrients required for plant growth, improve pest resistance, and store and supply a large amount of water.

The invention relates to a coherent growth substrate product formed of man-made vitreous fibres bonded with a cured binder composition and a wetting agent, wherein the wetting agent is an alkyl ether sulphate. The invention further relates to methods of using or producing such a coherent growth substrate.

The invention relates to a coherent growth substrate product formed of man-made vitreous fibres bonded with a cured binder composition and a wetting agent, wherein the wetting agent is an alkyl ether sulphate. The invention further relates to methods of using or producing such a coherent growth substrate.

An horticultural blend is disclosed. The horticultural blend includes coal refuse and slag blended with at least a portion of the coal refuse. The coal refuse has a particle size, the particle size corresponding with all material in the coal refuse having a maximum dimension of less than about 2 inches and at least about 25% of the material in the coal refuse being capable of passing through a standard number 4 sieve. The horticultural blend has a pH within a range of about 3.5 and about 10 and the horticultural blend facilitates growth of vegetation when applied to a coal refuse pile at a thickness of less than about 2 feet.