Patent US3556026A successfully refreshed from Google Patents.
US3556026A
Expired / Lapsed
US
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Farming method
Assignee: AGRECOLOGY Inc
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Filing: 1969-09-22
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Granted: 1971-01-19
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Expires: 1989-09-22
Abstract
Abstract A farming method to conserve available rainfall comprising the forming of a plurality of elongated, spaced-apart, open-top slots in the soil surface and the construction of laterally extending, moisture transfer retarding barriers adjacent the slots to force rainfall from the adjacent field area into the slots. The slots are mulched to the top to minimize moisture loss through evaporation. The moisture transfer retarding barriers are formed by working the soil surface to enhance crusting, treating the soil with chemicals which congeal the soil, or by placement of water impervious sheet material.
Inventors
- 👤 Richard K Houston
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-08 14:18
CPC Classifications
A; A01; A01G; A01G7/00; Y; Y10; Y10S; Y10S111/00; Y10S111/915
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 13
Claim 1
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of farming a field to conserve moisture, said method comprising: forming a plurality of vertically and longitudinally extending, spaced apart slots in the soil surface; placing relatively porous mulch material in the slots; and constructing laterally extending moisture transfer retarding barriers adjacent corresponding slots, an edge of each barrier terminating in sufficiently close proximity to the adjacent slot for runoff of water from the barrier into the slot, whereby the barriers force water runoff from the field into the corresponding slots and minimize water evaporation loss from the field.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
91 words
A method of farming a field to conserve moisture, said method comprising: forming a plurality of vertically and longitudinally extending, spaced apart slots in the soil surface; placing relatively porous mulch material in the slots; and constructing laterally extending moisture transfer retarding barriers adjacent corresponding slots, an edge of each barrier terminating in sufficiently close proximity to the adjacent slot for runoff of water from the barrier into the slot, whereby the barriers force water runoff from the field into the corresponding slots and minimize water evaporation loss from the field.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein mulch material in the slots is at least coextensive with the surface of the soil.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
13 words
The invention of claim 2, wherein mulch material protrudes above the soil surface.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said moisture transfer retarding barriers substantially span the distance between adjacent pairs of said slots.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
33 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein each of said slots is formed to dimensions of between approximately 2 to 6 inches in width and of between approximately 5 to 10 inches in depth.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The invention of claim 5, wherein each of said slots is formed to dimensions of approximately 4 inches in width and approximately 7 inches in depth.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said barrier is constructed by pulverizing the soil adjacent the soil surface to enhance crusting and to retard vertical transfer of moisture through the pulverized soil.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 7, wherein is included the step of applying packing forces to the soil after the pulverizing thereof.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
31 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein the said barrier is constructed by treating the soil with a chemical having the property of congealing the soil to present a water impervious barrier.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
21 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein said barrier is constructed by placing a layer of water-impervious sheet material across said soil.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
32 words
The invention of claim 1, wherein a croP is planted between the slots and proximal the latter for proliferation of the crop roots in the region of enhanced moisture from the slots.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
17 words
The invention of claim 11, wherein said crop is planted in openings formed in the corresponding barrier.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1974-01-18 | 1974-07-20 | 1975-01-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1978-01-18 | 1978-07-20 | 1979-01-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1982-01-18 | 1982-07-20 | 1983-01-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |