FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10; rule 13)
Title of the Invention:
CARRIER MEDIUM FOR ESTABLISHMENT OF VEGETATION AND
PROCESS FOR PREPARING THE SAME
Applicant: LAVASA CORPORATION LIMITED
Hincon house, Lal Bahadur Shastri Marg, Vikhroli (West), Mumbai 400083, Maharashtra, India
The following specification describes the invention and particularly the manner in which it is to be performed.

[000] FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to art of hydroseeding and more particularly to compositions of biodegradable aqueous media comprising nutrients, cohesion-adhesion promoting agents, soil conditioners and seeds to be used as premix for dispersal over land surface to be revegetated as a measure for improvement in aesthetics and curbing soil erosion.
[002] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[003] Hydroseeding is the principal conventional method for sowing grass seed onto steep slopes with large area. In conventional hydroseeding methods, a mixture of seed and water is pumped through a nozzle to spread the mixture over the slopes. Enablement is via a vehicle-mounted hydroseeder for mixing and holding an aqueous mixture of seed and other soif conditioning materials; a self-powered pumping unit in fluid communication with the tank for pressurizing the mixture and a riozzle in communication with the pump, for spraying the pressurized mixture onto the soil surface.
[004] It would be obvious to the reader that formulation of dispersal vector is of critical importance for success of hydroseeding activity. Characteristics such as nutritive content, wetting properties, agglomeration, miscibiiity, consistency, adhesion to soil surface, compacting, structural integrity, enablement of successful seed germination-establishment, suitability to spraying machinery used, biodegradability etc. are governed by logical selection and optimization amongst relative concentrations of ingredients of the spray mixture. Design of such media vectors for seeds is a need of the art and has been focus of research by the present inventors.
[005] Several types of artificial mulches are now commercially produced, each for a particular end use. For example, mulches for hydroseeding and like methods generally contain fluffy, hammered paper compressed into bales which must be time consumably added in small increments to the mulch tank. An improvement in such mulches is disclosed in US08/970,065, which incorporates a surfactant into the mulch material. The surfactant produces more rapid wetting, allowing for much shorter addition times. In such mulches, the seed need not be kept separate from the mulch prior to addition to the mulch tank, as the mulch is generally supplied in a somewhat

compacted bale form. If supplied loose, the seed would rapidly segregate during shipment of the mulch, resulting in portions of mulch with too high a seed content, and portions with too low a seed content
[006] Mulch and seed mixtures for crop establishment, particularly turf grass establishment, are available. Such products are spread in a dry state onto fields or, in particular, onto bare patches of soil. The mulch serves several purposes, primary of which are protecting of the seed from birds, protecting the seed from direct sunlight, and maintaining a moisture content which encourages germination.
[007] Seed mulches such as these are generally prepared from paper by hammer milling and like processes, producing a low density, fluffy product. Seed rapidly segregates from such mixtures. An improvement in seed-containing mulches is the preparation of mulch from paper and finely divided wood products, as disclosed in the inventor's own US5,916,027. The mulch thus prepared has a density close to that of seed, and thus seed is less likely to segregate during shipping and storage. However, the paper/wood product mulch of the US5,916,027 patent suffers from the disadvantage that wood products such as sawdust, and waste paper, are not always available.
[008] Over time, it has been a continual effort on part of inventors to develop better hydroseeding spray compositions. US6,349,499 discloses composition of biodegradable artificial mulch, which, when mixed with grass or other crop seeds, does not tend to segregate during shipping and handling during use in seedling establishments. Similarly, US6,729,068 discloses an engineered wood-based product that is highly effective as a long lasting mulch for prevention of soil erosion. An effort towards use of alternative materials is presented by US7,504,445 which discloses a hydro-seeding composition having the form of an aqueous mixture comprising polyacrylamide polymer.
[009] Automation in mixing and dispersal of hydroseeding compositions is a necessity than privilege considering the vast area and varied topography intended to be covered. Machines, called "hydroseeders" find mention in the art US5,012,974 discloses a method and apparatus for applying hydroseeding compositions to the ground surface. The apparatus is seen to

comprise: a mixing tank adapted for mounting upon a truck bed or mobile trailer; an agitator positioned within the tank for gently mixing hydroseeding compositions; a first hydraulic motor for rotating the agitator; a peristaltic pump powered by a second hydraulic motor for delivering the aqueous solution to a spray nozzle; a reel powered by a third hydraulic motor for rotatably extending a nozzled hose; and, a manifold in fluid communication with each of the hydraulic motors for controlling such.
[010] By and large, media components of art have been selected because they were inexpensive and readily available. Effort in understanding their specific roles and the possibility of designing an optimized spray premix based on soil engineering, hydraulic, and biological principals is a pressing need of the art. The present inventors have undertaken such specific research and have arrived at novel compositions for addressing problems of art. The following brief description presents one way of performing the present invention.
[011] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[012] It is a general object of the present invention to provide new and improved dispersal vectors for cultivating soil on steep slopes and which also simultaneously incorporates or beds seed and/or fertilizer into the cultivated soil.
[013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a hydromulch product selectively tailored to the appropriate soil conditions, season, and seed mixture which cumulatively has the potential to reduce failure at seed germination and revegetation and further eliminates the need for reiterative reapplication of hydromulch / soil conditioners.
[014] Another objective of the present invention is to achieve effective germination throughput and thus qualitative revegetation avoiding necessity of reiterative spraying of mulch / soil conditioners.
[015] Yet another object of the present invention is to arrive at a hydroseeding composition that is resistant to wash off by rain water when dispersed on steeper slopes.

[016] Yet another object of the present invention is to devise suitable hydroseeding mixture compositions that flow uninhibited through hydroseeding hoses and nozzles.
[017] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a mulch material that has been designed using sound engineering principles to effect maximum soil retention over time.
[018] Yet another object of the present invention is to devise suitable hydroseeding mixture compositions that are inexpensive, both in initial and application costs.
[019] These and many other objects will become readily apparent upon reading the following detailed description
[020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[021] During the course of many large construction projects, vast areas are stripped of vegetation as a necessary part of the site preparation process. Many of these areas, particularly the cuts through which modern roadways pass or slopes created amid embankments along a valley slope, are typically barren / rocky slopes. To stabilize, restore, and beautify areas of this type upon the completion of a construction project, the land is often painstakingly seeded, fertilized, and covered with a layer of dry mulch to promote seed germination, prevent erosion, and protect seedlings as they develop.
[022] In order to keep such planting, fertilizing, and mulching operationally feasible over large areas of land yet keeping costs to a minimum, a major consideration to contractors and land developers alike, specially designed machines are frequently utilized. Machines for covering land areas with a mixture of seed, water, mulch, and fertilizer have been known in the art. These machines, usually referred to as "hydroseeders," typically include: a vehicle-mounted tank for holding an aqueous mixture of seed and other soil conditioning materials; a self-powered pumping unit in fluid communication

with the tank for pressurizing the mixture; and, a nozzle in communication with the pump for spraying the pressurized mixture onto the soil surface.
[023] Other specially designed machines are typically utilized for spreading dried mulch material atop the previously sprayed seed mixture. Therein, opened bales of mulch material, such as hay, straw, and the like, are fed into a chamber where the mulch material is flailed. The mulch is next drawn by a fan and blown out of a manually aimed spout thereby forming a protective matrix atop the sprayed seed mixture. Hydroseeders of art have been incorporated to advantage of the present invention for efficient dispersal of hydroseeding compositions.
[024] The apparatus for seeding, mulching, and fertilizing soil, according to one aspect of the present invention, may be, by way of example only, mounted upon a suitable land vehicle or truck for movement from place to place. Broadly, the mixing and dispersal apparatus comprises a chamber or tank with internal mixing paraphernalia (mechanical agitators or circulation pumps) for mixing and holding an aqueous mixture of seed and other hydroseeding materials described hereinafter; a frame in conjunction to said tank for supporting ancillary equipment; a pump mounted upon frame for pressurizing the aqueous mixture; a spray nozzle unit or movable spray cannon in fluid communication with pump for spraying the pressurized mixture onto the ground surface; and, a mulch blower positioned upon frame for the spreading of slurry of hyroseeding composition atop the selected ground surface.
[025] Access to the interior of tank referred hereinabove is generally provided by an opening or hatch in top wall which may be closed by a pivotally hinged lid. Closely fitted within hatch are inner grates for preventing large objects from inadvertently falling into tank when lid is open. These also function to break clumps of matter being added to form the hydroseeding spray slurry when seed, mulch, fertilizer, and other solid material is being added into said tank through said hatch. Water is delivered to mixing tank from a remote water source or auxiliary tank housed on the motile platform / truck housing the main mixing tank. Fluid communication between this source and tank is established through a flexible conduit provided with an appropriate coupling

or threaded fitting. Rates of water input / slurry mixing / direction of mixing and the like are controlled via suitable circuitry and switches subject to manipulation by human operator at the console. Pressurized discharge of mixed slurry is effected via suitable nozzles / tubing having exchangeable / adjustable spouts for controllable ejection and spreading of said slurry.
[026] In accordance with principles of the present invention, efforts have been concentrated on design of spray composition capable of creating permanent vegetative cover as quickly as possible, improve infiltration, decrease runoff and decrease soil loss.
[027] The spray compositions subject of the present invention contain seeds (mainly grass seeds but also other native plants: flowers, brushes, trees), synthetic and/or natural soil conditioners, soil conditioners, fertilizers (liquid or solid, organic or mineral), mulches (such as natural fibers based on straw, wood, cotton, or coco), biological agents (soil conditioning consortium of microorganisms), natural binders (gums) and a blend of paper/ wood mulches. Relative concentrations of these components are selected so as to achieve the density/ consistency targeted. Mixed and/or dissolved in water, the spray composition finally sprayed over the area to be revegetated. Table 1 illustrates one composition of the spraying media composition.
[028] The spray compositions subject of the present invention have been used effectively on a variety of soil types and topologies, even on steep slopes. The product can be readily tailored to match soil or slope types.
[029] Mulch, is intended as a protective cover placed over the soil, to retain moisture, reduce erosion, suppress weed growth and seed germination, and provide nutrients as they decay. Mulching on landscapes mimics leaf cover on forest floors. Various types of materials, depending on their chemical reactions and pH, durability, combustibility, rate of decomposition are selected for preparing mulch. While a wide variety of such materials are available, and include, without limitation, paper, sawdust, wood shavings, wood chips, excelsior, straw., seed husks, sterilized (denatured) seed products, coconut husks, copra, rice hulls, dried seaweed, yard waste, chipped bark, peat, compost, cotton, cotton linters, and the like, the novel

compositions of the present invention comprise a combination of mulch materials selected from paper, wood fiber and grasses. Paper muich creates breathing space that allows for water retention and facilitates seed germination while wood / chaffed grass allows for resistance to runoff. Advantage of each mulch material type has been accorded while selection for the final hydroseeding composition and desired density thereof.
[030] The processing of the mulch materials referred to above involves dividing the mulch raw materials to the desired size and shape, followed by optionally compounding, agglomerating, and shaping. These uncomposted materials, in combination, applied with adhesives (tackifiers) form a sturdy mat after spreading onto the soil and are thus resistant to washing off due to surface run off while providing optima! moisture, nutrition retention conducive for germination of seeds contained therein. Shape of wood / paper / grass raw materials has been accorded speciaf attention while design of the mulch composition of the present invention. According to one embodiment of the present invention, scraped fibers of wood admeasuring 2-3 cms and shredded paper along with chaffed grass are used for mulching. So as to enable the mulch to perform its intended functions, for example assisting in maintaining the mulch and seed in location despite rain and watering; protecting the seed from the direct sun; and maintaining an adequate moisture level. Properties of relatively long persistence and freedom from seeds that might introduce environmentally undesirable species make the present composition stand out from compositions of art. As a functional equivalent, Aerotroi Geobinder may be used (this material has properties similar to plaster of paris and thickens, sets upon contact with water).
[031] Use of organic mulches has been observed to negatively affect plant growth when they are decomposed rapidly by bacteria and fungi, which require nitrogen that they remove from the surrounding soil. To avoid such occurrence and replenish the hydroseeding microsm, concept of introducing effective microorganisms (EM) has been used to advantage in the present invention. By definition, EM solutions contain microorganisms which are both aerobic and anaerobic and are not genetically-modified. The hydroseeding composition of the present invention incorporates to its advantage an activated effective microorganism solution (dilution 1:100) comprising mainly

lactic acid bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria, yeast, filamentous fungi and ray fungi in addition to photosynthetic bacteria (PSB) and nitrogen fixing Azatobactor spp. and Rhizobium spp.
[032] Soil conditioners, also called soil amendments, are materials added to soil to improve plant growth and health. The type of conditioner added is specific to the soil composition, climate, and the type of vegetation intended to be grown. According to one embodiment of the present invention, a specific metered combination of fertilizers, microorganisms and other agents are used to suit the local soil, climate conditions is devised.
[033] Reference is now made to some examples of the present invention. It shall be appreciated by the reader that these examples are for illustration purpose only and 'do not limit the invention in any manner whatsoever.
[034] Example 1
Table 1 illustrates one composition according to principles of the present invention

MATERIAL UNIT/LOAD QTY.
Mulch Material
Paper Mulch Kg 115
Wood Fiber Mulch Kg 45
Wild Grasses
Chaffed Wild Grass Kg 20
Chaffed Paddy Straw Kg 10
Rice Husk Kg 10
Fertilizers
Farm Yard Manure Kg 20
Phospho Compost Kg 40
Cocodust Kg 50
Sulphate of Potash Kg 5

Azatobacter Liquid Bottle Ltrs. 1
Rhizobium Liquid Bottle Ltrs. 1
PSB Liquid Bottle Ltrs. 1
Native seeds Kg 40
Tacktfiers
Guar Gum Kg 15
Others
EM Solution Bottle Ltrs. 1
Water Ltrs. 6000
TABLE 1: SPRAY COMPOSITION
[035] One aspect of the present invention scoring above art and thus deserving special mention is conscious efforts in ensuring replication of surrounding ecosystem while achieving human-intervened re-vegetation. Selection and usage of optimized relative concentrations of seeds, nutritional and/ or support factors, ingredients of the proposed novel hydroseeding compositions of the present invention, are one way of enabling this approach.
[036] According to another aspect of the present invention, bio-mimicry principles are sought to be incorporated as dependable means for achieving sustainable development The present inventors seek to unique concept of mimicking natural elements yet adhering to yardstick set by conventional ecological performance standards which aim at enhancing ecosystem health and creating conditions conducive to all life. It would be evident to the reader that ecological performance standards and their metrics may be chosen according to ecology of the target site. Thus, applicability of the present invention is effectively non specific to any particular ecosystem and can be adapted to suit site selected for establishment of vegetation.
[037] The particular selection of raw materials and their processing while formulating the hydroseeding composition of the present invention are

dependent on the materials available and the target density desired. Slurry of hydroseeding mixture of the present invention is thus formed within said tank and pumped through an outlet hose or cannon. Coco dust is used as fertilizer and base material for the slurry as a viscosity promoting agent. Due to increase in viscosity, the slurry forms a thick layer or sprayed soil and thus provides a quasi "top soil" like medium for growth of seeds.
[038] Natural or synthetic tackifiers are optionally added by the operator to the tank to improve the viscosity of the slurried mixture, to reduce friction of solid materials in the pump, to prevent plugging of the pumps and to aid in adhering the mulch to the underlying surface. However the addition of the tackifiers too quickly to the slurry can create "fisheyes" within the tackifier, resulting in reduced effectiveness of tackifier adhesion, decreased viscosity and potential plugging of hose nozzles. In addition, incorrect quantities of mulch components will compromise the performance of the product especially when the mulch is applied on steep slopes. Guar gum or shiras (natural gum derived from tree sap) were used as tackifiers. It shall be appreciated by the reader that optimized relative concentrations of the ingredients of the mulch mixture define success of the hydroseeding operation and that the compositions arrived at by the present inventors are thus non-obvious in their collective qualitative merit.
[039] The mulch material engineered according to principles of the present invention is structured to provide superior soil protection when made and used in accordance with the procedures outlined for hydroseeding. It would be appreciated by the reader that selection of seeds plays important role in acclimatization of a hydroseeding mixture to inherent soil / climate type. Accordingly, the hydroseeding mixture, engineered according to principles of the present invention comprises local seeds selected in a combination so as to allow harmonious growth without affecting natural balance. A mixture of crops, grasses, shrubs and other varieties is used such that balanced vegetation across all canopy levels and in accordance with local ecological performance parameters is obtained. Table 2 illustrates types of seed used.
LOCAL CROPS Kathal

Nachni
Varai
Dongri Bhat
Kale Teef
Neel
WILD SHRUBS (INDIGENOUS)
Pangal
Ran Tambhaku
Avala
Lendi Jambhul
Rametha
Kanfuti
Nirgudi
Dingla
Bhamni
WILD BUSHES & TREES
Nana
Anjani
Chirathi
Burumbhi
Mechardi
Ambgul
Wavdung

Bhondga
GRASSES
Tambita
Hashed
Kother
Bamboo
Hemmatta
Scabra Grass
Takla
Shevari
Lacun Grass
Tag
Ambadi
Ceratro Creeper
Elephant Grass (Kashed)
Agastha Grass
Roshan/Sedda Grass
Sative Grass
Mix Legume Grass
Morwel Grass
Hadga (High rainfall Varity)

TABLE 2: SEEDS USED IN HYDROSEEDING
[040] The hydroseeding mixture, engineered according to principles of the present invention, has been used effectively on a variety of soil types and topographies, both in laboratory and field tests.
[041] it may be appreciated from the foregoing that the spray composition subject of the present invention is advantageous in that by combining in a vector means for delivering seed, soil conditioners and vegetation promoting agents to the ground surface and thereby enabling a hydroseeding application that can now be performed with greater ease, efficiency, and economy.

[042] According to another aspect of the present invention, spatial spread of the final spray solution is critical, in deciding coverage of vegetal growth and hence, success of re-vegetation exercise intended. For such, common art turrets and hose pipes are used. Turrets are found to be applicable for larger slopes and are typically mounted on vehicles housing the hydroseeders. For hard-to-reach areas / small patches of land, the spray mixture is piped via hoses connected to tank of hydroseeders and manually delivered to site intended. Consistency and viscosity of the spray mixture are prime parameters for determination of unhindered continuous flow through said turret / hose means. This has been an aspect of research by the present inventors who have devised two formulations individually optimized for the two aforementioned delivery apparatuses. Table 3 outlines formulation 1 adapted for turret means and formulation 2 adapted for hose pipes.

1 2

By Turret By Hose pipe
Sr no Particulars Unit Qty. Total Qty Total
IMPORTED MATERIAL
1 Enviro Gold Kg 68 295 45
2 Paper Mulch kg 227
113 159
WILD GRASSES
1 Chaffed wild grass Kg 20 40 20
2 Chaffed Paddy straw Kg 10
10
3 Rice husk Kg 10
10 40
FERTILISERS
1 Farm Yard Manure Kg 30 138 30
2 Cocodust Compost Kg 50
25
3 Phosphocompost Kg 50
25
4 SOP Kg 5
5
5 Azatobacter Kg 1
1
6 Rhizobium Kg 1
1
1
7 Phosphorus Solubilizing Bacteria Kg

1 88
SEEDS

1 Millets 40 40 40
2 Wild Native Seeds


0
3 Wild Grass Seeds


0 40
TACKIFIERS
1 Guar Gum Kg 20 20 20 20
OTHER
1 EM Soultion Ltr 1 1 1 1
WATER
1 Water Ltr. 6000 6000 6000 6000
TABLE 3: FORMULATIONS ACCORDING TO DELIVERY APPARATUS
[043] According to another embodiment of the present invention, Enviro-gold, a ready made mule product may be used as an component of the hydroseeding composition of the present invention. Ingredients of Enviro-gold are outlined in table 4,

# INGREDIENT PROPORTION
1 Applied color Green
2 Organic matter >99%
3 Moisture content 12%+/-3%
4 pH range 6.5 +/- 1
5 Wood fiber >99%
TABLE 4: ENVIRO GOLD
[044] The invention is more easily comprehended by reference to the specific embodiments recited hereinabove which are representative of the invention. It must be understood, however, that the recited embodiments are provided for the purpose of illustration, and that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically illustrated without departing from its spirit and scope. As will be realized, the present invention is capable of various other embodiments and that its several components and related details are capable of various alterations, all without departing from the basic concept of

the present invention. Accordingly, descriptions will be regarded as illustrative in nature and not as restrictive in any form whatsoever. Modifications and variations of the system and apparatus described herein will be obvious to those skilled in the art. Such modifications and variations are intended to come within the scope of the present invention and appended claims.

CLAIMS We claim:
1) A carrier medium for establishment of vegetation by spraying the same over
barren land, said medium comprising, in combination, among:
■ a mulch component used in range between 20 g/l to 60 g/l (w/v) of said carrier medium for establishment of vegetation for providing base for germination of seeds contained in said carrier medium;
■ a grass component used in the range between 4 g/l to 10 g/l (w/v) of said carrier medium for establishment of vegetation for providing natural seed bank and scaffold for anchoring of fresh vegetal growth;
■ a soil conditioning component used in range between 15 g/l to 25 g/l (w/v) of said carrier medium for establishment of vegetation for conditioning the land being sprayed with said carrier medium;
■ a tackifier component used in range between 1 g/l to 5 g/l (w/v) of said carrier medium for establishment of vegetation to promote adhesion within components of the carrier medium and the land being sprayed with said carrier medium;
■ a microbial component used in range between 0-2 ml/I to 1.2 ml/l (v/v) of said carrier medium for establishment of vegetation to promote fixation of nitrogen and conditioning the land being sprayed with said carrier medium; and
■ a seed component used in range between 4 g/l to 8 g/l (w/v) of said carrier medium for establishment of vegetation for causing establishment of vegetation on land being sprayed with said carrier medium.

2) The carrier medium for establishment of vegetation by spraying the same over barren land according to claim 1 wherein the mulch component comprises at least one among wood fiber paper shreds and common art mulch products.
3) The carrier medium for establishment of vegetation by spraying the same over barren land according to claim 1 wherein the grass component is chaffed natural grass selected at least one among paddy straw, rice husk and wild grass.
4) The carrier medium for establishment of vegetation by spraying the same over barren land according to claim 1 wherein the soil conditioning component at least one among farm yard manure, phosphor compost, cocodust and sulphate of potash.
5) The carrier medium for establishment of vegetation by spraying the same over barren land according to claim 1 wherein the tackifier component at least one among guar gum, shiras and the like.

6) The carrier medium for establishment of vegetation by spraying the same over barren land according to claim 1 wherein the microbial component at least one among lactic acid bacteria, photosynthetic bacteria, yeast, filamentous fungi, ray fungi, Rhizobium spp. and Azotobacter spp, each of said cultures being characterized in having at least tO6 CFU/ml.
7) The carrier medium for establishment of vegetation by spraying the same over barren land according to claim 1 wherein the seed component at least one among Kathal, Nachni, Varai, Dongri Bhat, Kale Teel, Neel, Pangal, Ran Tambhaku, Avala, Lendi Jambhul, Rametha, Kanfuti, Nirgudi, Dingla, Bhamni, Nana, Anjani, Chirathi, Burumbhi, Mechardi, Ambgul, Wavdung, Bhondga, Tambita, Kashed, Kother, Bamboo, Hemmatta, Scabra Grass, Takla, Shevari, Lacun Grass, Tag, Ambadi, Cerar.ro Creeper, Elephant Grass (Kashed), Agastha Grass, Roshan/Sedda Grass, Sative Grass, Mix Legume Grass, Morwel Grass and Hadga.
8) A method foe preparing carrier medium, of claim 1 for spraying over land to, be vegetated, said method comprising, performance over a period between 12 minutes to 15 minutes, the sequential steps of:
■ admixing one or more among said mulch components in water by subjecting to sustained vigorous agitation to result in aqueous base of said carrier medium;
■ admixing one or more each among soil conditioners, tackifiers, microbial components, seeds to said aqueous base and subjecting the admixture to sustained agitation to result in slurry of carrier medium; and
■ adding seeds to said slurry to form product characterized in being slurry of carrier medium having intact seeds homogenously dispersed within said slurry.