Method of cultivation and components for use therewith
First Claim
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1. A method of cultivating plant material comprising the steps of:
- providing a mound of raised soil with a sufficient soil volume to a plant to develop roots primarily in the mound;
restricting irrigation and fertigation of water, nutrients and fertilizers to a top zone within the mound to encourage feeding roots to grow mostly at a shallow depth wherein an intrinsic root/shoot ratio of the plant limits the growth of the plant above the mound which results in stunting the growth of the plant; and
supplying an amount of moisture and nutrients to the plant to substantially promote rapid but stunted growth of the plant, whereby the plant matures into a dwarfed plant.
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Abstract
A method and components for cultivation of plant materials. The components include enhanced berms, a confined irrigation/fertigation system, field and plant sensors, a plant support system, overcovering structure and a protective collar. Each of these components used singularly or in combination with each other enhances the growth and yield of plant material decreases the associated costs of cultivation, and decreases adverse environmental impacts.
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Citations
31 Claims
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1. A method of cultivating plant material comprising the steps of:
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providing a mound of raised soil with a sufficient soil volume to a plant to develop roots primarily in the mound; restricting irrigation and fertigation of water, nutrients and fertilizers to a top zone within the mound to encourage feeding roots to grow mostly at a shallow depth wherein an intrinsic root/shoot ratio of the plant limits the growth of the plant above the mound which results in stunting the growth of the plant; and supplying an amount of moisture and nutrients to the plant to substantially promote rapid but stunted growth of the plant, whereby the plant matures into a dwarfed plant. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 30)
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- 28. The method of method 1 wherein the restricting irrigation and fertigation step performed with an irrigation conduit.
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31. A method of cultivating plant material comprising the steps of:
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providing a mound of raised soil with a sufficient soil volume for a plant to develop roots primarily in the mound; restricting irrigation and fertigation of water, nutrients and fertilizers to a top zone within the mound to encourage feeding roots to grow mostly at a shallow death wherein an intrinsic root/shoot ratio of the plant limits the growth of the plant above the mound which results in stunting the growth of the plant; supplying an amount of moisture and nutrients to the plant to substantially promote rapid but stunted growth of the plant, whereby the plant matures into a dwarfed plant; monitoring moisture levels below the plant with a sub-soil sensor; mounting an above ground sensor on or near the plant; controlling the restricting irrigation and fertigation step with a computer system using feedback from the monitoring moisture levels measured by the sub-soil sensor and using feedback from the above ground sensor; supporting the plant with a plant support system; and minimizing any additional stress imposed upon the plant.
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Specification