Abstract:
A rigid or semi-rigid panel of metal, molded plastic, vinyl or the like disposed between two adjacent vines, trees, or other plants for controlling the growth of weeds between the adjacent plants. The panel may have a length corresponding to the distance between the adjacent plants. One or more cutouts may be included in the panel to facilitate closer coverage around the trunk or stalk of the plant. Opposite side of the panel may be light- and dark-colored to improve reflectivity and absorptivity, respectively. Water barriers may be added to the panels to direct the flow of water as desired.

Description:
FIELD OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention relates generally to the field of plant husbandry, and more particularly to the field of apparatuses and materials for effecting weed control in vineyards, orchards, tree farms and other agricultural environments.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
         [0002]    A well-known problem faced by viticulturists and other farmers is the prevention of unwanted weeds. Growers frequently control the growth of weeds by applying herbicides to the weeds or the ground around the plants. Unfortunately, herbicides are expensive and time-consuming to apply. In addition, the chemicals used in the herbicides may damage the plants, the soil, or the persons applying them. Moreover, herbicides may not be completely effective against all weeds or all types of weeds.  
           [0003]    One alternative to herbicides is the use of sheets of plastic, cloth or other materials that may be unrolled and spread out between or around the plants to prevent weeds from growing between them. Unfortunately, such materials are expensive, tear easily, slow to install, and must be weighted down in order to hold them in place. Rarely are such materials reusable, because they are too difficult to roll back up and they degrade too much for reuse.  
           [0004]    One historical solution in vineyards has been the use of large quantities of rocks piled on the ground around and between plants. Unfortunately, installing the rock-piles is extremely time-consuming and labor-intensive and requires more rocks than are commonly available in many vineyards, particular those in the United States. In addition, some weeds inevitably grow up through the cracks between the rocks.  
           [0005]    Known weed control alternatives are also incapable of providing certain other benefits. For example, herbicides have no effect on the reflection or absorption of sunlight and are incapable of controlling the flow of water. Although some rolled plastics and textiles may be light- or dark-colored, thereby having an effect on the reflection or absorption of sunlight, these materials may not be reversed in order to switch between reflecting light and absorbing light. Further, neither the rolled materials nor the rock-piles may be used to direct water in a desired direction.  
           [0006]    A need exists for an inexpensive, easily installed, and highly effective apparatus for controlling weeds in vineyards, orchards, tree farms and other agricultural environments.  
         SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION  
         [0007]    Briefly summarized, the present invention relates to panels and methods for controlling the growth of weeds between adjacent plants. Broadly defined, a method of controlling weed growth between adjacent plants according to one aspect of the present invention includes: supplying a plurality of rigid or semi-rigid panels; installing a first panel of the plurality of panels in a first location between a pair of adjacent plants; installing a second panel of the plurality of panels in a second location between a pair of adjacent plants; and maintaining the first and second panels in their respective locations for a period of time sufficient to inhibit weed growth.  
           [0008]    In features of this method, the step of supplying a plurality of panels includes supplying a plurality of panels of sufficient weight to resist being overturned by natural forces; the steps of installing the first and second panels each include placing the respective panel flat on the ground between the respective pair of adjacent plants; the first location is between a first pair of adjacent plants, the second location is between a second pair of adjacent plants, and the first pair of adjacent plants lies in the same row as the second pair of adjacent plants; the steps of installing the first and second panels includes aligning the first and second panels in the row containing the first and second pairs of plants; the step of supplying a plurality of panels includes supplying a plurality of panels having at least one cutout therein, and the step of installing the first panel includes arranging the first panel such that its cutout is disposed at least partially around the plant; the steps of installing the first and second panels each include the step of completely covering substantially all of the ground between the respective pair of adjacent plants; the first location and the second location each lie between the same pair of adjacent plants, and the method further includes arranging the first and second panels to completely cover substantially all of the ground between the pair of adjacent plants; and the step of supplying a plurality of panels includes supplying a plurality of panels having opposite ends, and the step of installing the second panel includes installing the second panel such that one end of the second panel is substantially adjacent to one end of the first panel.  
           [0009]    In another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling weed growth between adjacent plants includes: a rigid or semi-rigid panel having a length corresponding to the distance between the adjacent plants; and a cutout in the panel, the cutout having dimensions corresponding to the size of at least one of the plants.  
           [0010]    In features of this aspect, the cutout extends inward from the periphery of the panel; the cutout is completely surrounded by the panel; the cutout is angularly shaped or curvilinearly shaped; the panel includes two oppositely-facing planar surfaces, one of which tends to reflect light and the other of which tends to absorb light; and the panel is constructed of galvanized metal or gutter vinyl.  
           [0011]    In yet another aspect of the present invention, an apparatus for controlling weed growth and water flow between adjacent plants includes: a rigid or semi-rigid panel having a length corresponding to the distance between the adjacent plants; and a water barrier disposed on the panel for directing the flow of water on the panel.  
           [0012]    In features of this aspect, the water barrier is oriented to direct water toward at least one of the adjacent plants; the water barrier is oriented to direct water away from at least one of the adjacent plants; the water barrier is a piece of lumber; the water barrier is fastened to the panel; and the water barrier is pivotally fastened to the panel. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]    Further features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the drawings, wherein:  
         [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing panels of the present invention installed along a row of plants;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of panels having cutouts;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIGS. 3A, 3B and  3 C are schematic diagrams of panels of the present invention showing alternative cutout arrangements;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIGS. 4A, 4B and  4 C are schematic diagrams of panels of the present invention showing alternative curvilinear cutout arrangements;  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a panel having a light-colored side and a dark-colored side; and  
         [0019]    [0019]FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of one of the panels of FIG. 1 with water barriers installed.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0020]    The present invention comprises one or more rigid or semi-rigid panels  10  of weighted material dimensioned to fit between adjacent plants  20  in an agricultural setting. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing panels  10  of the present invention installed along a row of plants  20 . Each panel  10  must be stiff enough to maintain its shape when handled roughly or subjected to heavy wind or rain. However, it is not necessary that the panels  10  be perfectly rigid as long as the panels  10  maintain their general shape when installed in their typical environment.  
         [0021]    Preferably, each panel  10  is opaque in nature in order to prevent sunlight from passing therethrough, thereby inhibiting plant life therebelow. Also preferably, each panel  10  is generally flat to permit easy stacking for storage, transport or shipping. In addition, flat panels  10  are less likely to be overturned by heavy wind and may easily be traversed by workers, farm equipment and the like. The panels  10  may be constructed from any material with enough weight and rigidity to resist unintended movement under the forces of wind, rain, surface water, animals, workers, equipment, and the like. Generally, the weight and rigidity of the panels  10  may be improved by increasing the density of the material. However, each panel  10  may be additionally weighted by stationing rocks, scrap lumber or other objects on top of the panel  10  to hold it in place.  
         [0022]    In a preferred embodiment, each panel  10  is made from a sheet of metal. One type of metal believed to be suitable for use in the present invention is galvanized tin alloy. However, suitable alternative materials include molded plastics and vinyl, including gutter-type vinyl. These materials tend not to have sharp corners or edges which may injure plants or workers alike. In one embodiment, materials of lesser density or thinner gauges may be reinforced by attaching a rigid frame of metal or wood thereto in order to provide the necessary weight and rigidity. Other suitable materials will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0023]    In use, each panel  10  may be placed between two adjacent plants  20 . Typically, the two plants  20  are disposed within the same plant row, where the spacing between the rows permit personnel and equipment to access the plants in the rows. Each panel  10  is preferably dimensioned such that when placed between two adjacent plants  20 , the panel  10  covers most or all of the ground between the two plants  20 , as shown in FIG. 1. The length of the panels  10  used may be chosen to correspond to the desired distance between adjacent plants  20 , or the spacing between adjacent plants  20  may be chosen to correspond to the length of the panels  10  to be used. For example, in a vineyard, two adjacent vines  20  in a particular row might be planted eight feet apart, and a panel  10  of approximately seven feet in length might be used to cover substantially all of the ground between the two vines  20 . It is not necessary for the panels  10  to cover the ground between adjacent rows of plants  20 .  
         [0024]    Panels  10  in a variety of sizes may be stocked in order to facilitate different plant spacings. Smaller panels  10  may be combined together to cover larger areas. For example, in the previous example, wherein two adjacent vines  20  in a particular row are planted eight feet apart, two smaller panels  10  might alternatively be used to cover substantially all of the ground between the two vines  20  by laying the smaller panels  10  end to end between the vines  20 . This may be achieved using one smaller panel  10  of three feet in length and one panel  10  of four feet, or two panels  10  of four feet in length laid so that they overlap each other, or in any of a variety of other combinations. Once again, it is not necessary for the panels  10  to cover the ground between adjacent rows of plants  20 .  
         [0025]    The width of the panels  10  is dependent upon the row spacing of the plants  20 , the size of the root system of the plants  20 , the size of the canopy of the plants  20 , the area of weed control desired, and other factors. In general, as the width decreases, the weight decreases, thus making the panels  10  more prone to movement due to wind, water, equipment and the like. On the other hand, as the width increases, the panels  10  become more difficult to handle and create more of an obstacle as workers and equipment move up and down the rows. One general purpose width suitable for use in many vineyard environments and at least some other environments is approximately three feet.  
         [0026]    A gap  25  may preferably be left between the stalk, stem, trunk or the like of each plant  20  and the panel or panels  10  adjacent to it. The decision as to whether to leave a gap  25  and the dimensions of such a gap  25  are dependent upon a number of factors including plant type, available rainfall, whether hardware will be installed around the plant  20 , and other factors, and these determinations will be well within the skill of a farmer or other user of ordinary skill. The dimensions of the gap  25  may be more precisely controlled through use of one or more cutouts  30  in the panel  10 . FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of panels  10  having cutouts  30 . Although not required, the use of such cutouts  30  avoids the existence of a gap between the ends of adjacent panels  10  and permits closer coverage to the plant  20 . FIGS. 3A, 3B and  3 C are schematic diagrams of panels  10  of the present invention showing alternative cutout  30  arrangements. FIGS. 4A, 4B and  4 C are schematic diagrams of panels  10  of the present invention showing alternative curvilinear cutout  35  arrangements. When compared to other cutouts of similar size, curvilinear cutouts  35  may help to lessen the chance of trunk damage.  
         [0027]    In another feature of the present invention, the optical characteristics of one or more surfaces of a panel  10  may be designed to provide additional functionality. For example, by using a light-colored, reflective material for the top surface of the panel  10 , a greater amount of light may be reflected up into the foliage of the surrounding plant or plants. Similarly, by using a dark-colored, absorptive materials for the top surface of the panel  10 , a greater amount of light may be absorbed by the panel  10 . Optionally, opposing surfaces of a panel  10  may have different characteristics. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a panel  10  having a light-colored side  40  and a dark-colored side  50 . Such a panel  10  may be installed with its light-colored side  40  facing up in order to reflect sunlight, thus increasing the amount of light directed to the plant&#39;s canopy. This increased light may be desired to increase photosynthesis and may also facilitate quicker drying, which may increase growth and reduce fungal disease. On the other hand, if a panel  10  is installed with the dark-colored side  50  facing up, the panel  10  tends to absorb heat from sunlight. When installed dark-colored side  50  up during the winter, the chances of frost damage to the plants  20  may thus be decreased.  
         [0028]    A panel  10  with light- and dark-colored sides  40 ,  50  may be produced in a variety of ways. A sheet of a galvanized or other shiny metal may be naturally light-colored and reflective, and one side of a sheet of such material may be painted with a dark-colored paint to produce the desired dark-colored side  50 . Alternatively, both sides  40 ,  50  of a sheet may be painted, one with a light-colored paint and the other with a dark-colored paint. If the panel  10  is formed from vinyl, then a light-colored material may be used on one side and a dark-colored material may be used for the opposite side. Other methods and constructions for producing sides  40 ,  50  of contrasting colors will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.  
         [0029]    In another feature of the present invention, water barriers  60  may be used in conjunction with the panels  10  in order to control the flow of water in the vicinity of the plants  20 . FIGS. 6A and 6B are schematic diagrams of one of the panels  10  of FIG. 1 with water barriers  60  installed. Each water barrier  60  may comprise a block of material placed on a panel  10  in a desired orientation to channel water that lands on a panel  10  in a desired direction. The direction may be chosen to either increase or decrease the amount of water available to a plant  20 . For example, FIG. 6A shows a water barrier  60  installed to channel water toward a plant  20 , while FIG. 6B shows a water barrier  60  installed to channel water away from a plant  20 . One water barrier  60  suitable for use in a preferred embodiment of the present invention is a block of wood.  
         [0030]    Although not illustrated herein, other, more complicated water barrier arrangements will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, water barriers  60  having a V-shaped structure could be used to funnel water in a particular direction. Further, the water barriers  60  may be fastened to the panels  10  in order to hold them in place. Optionally, the water barriers  60  may be fastened in such a way as to be adjustable as necessary to direct water in a desired direction. For example, a water barrier  60  may be pivotally attached to a panel  10  using a bolt (not shown) or other axle-like attachment means so that the water barrier  60  may be rotated into a desired orientation to direct water toward or away from a particular plant  20 . Because the panels  10  of the present invention are usually impermeable to water, the use of water barriers  60  may be important in some installations as a means of compensating for the rainwater or irrigation water that is blocked from reaching a plant&#39;s root system by the panel  10 .  
         [0031]    Although described for use with grape vines, it should be clear that the present invention may likewise be used with other plants with trunks or stems, such as other vine plants, fruit trees, nut trees, and the like without departing from the scope of the present invention.  
         [0032]    It will therefore be readily understood by those persons skilled in the art that the present invention is susceptible of broad utility and application. Many embodiments and adaptations of the present invention other than those herein described, as well as many variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent from or reasonably suggested by the present invention and the foregoing description thereof, without departing from the substance or scope of the present invention. Accordingly, while the present invention has been described herein in detail in relation to its preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that this disclosure is only illustrative and exemplary of the present invention and is made merely for purposes of providing a full and enabling disclosure of the invention. The foregoing disclosure is not intended, nor is it to be construed, to limit the present invention or otherwise to exclude any other embodiments, adaptations, variations, modifications and equivalent arrangements, the present invention being limited only by the claims appended hereto and the equivalents thereof