Abstract: Described is the use, [in the absence of (a) fertilizers and (b) Periodic Table Group IIa and greater Group metal cations and chelated metals], of aqueous solutions of the N-substituted aspartic acids, (i) N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)aspartic acid [‘IDS’] and (ii) N,N′-1,2-ethanediylbis-aspartic acid [‘EDDS’], ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, ammonium-alkali metal salts and optical isomers thereof in stimulating or regulating the growth of a living, growing plant precursor [germinating seed] or plant [from the ‘seedling stage’ to the ‘late-maturity stage’]. Such use, optionally, is in the presence of aditional adjuvants free from fertilizer as well as Periodic Table Group IIa and greater metal Group cations and chelated metals.

Abstract: Described is the use, [in the absence of (a) fertilizers and (b) Periodic Table Group IIa and greater Group metal cations and chelated metals], of aqueous solutions of the N-substituted aspartic acids, (i) N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)aspartic acid [‘IDS’] and (ii) N,N′-1,2-ethanediylbis-aspartic acid [‘EDDS’], ammonium salts, alkali metal salts, ammonium-alkali metal salts and optical isomers thereof in stimulating or regulating the growth of a living, growing plant precursor [germinating seed] or plant [from the ‘seedling stage’ to the ‘late-maturity stage’]. Such use, optionally, is in the presence of aditional adjuvants free from fertilizer as well as Periodic Table Group IIa and greater metal Group cations and chelated metals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fertilizer additives and compositions, and to methods for their preparation and administration to plants. The fertilizer additives include chelated metal ions of the transition and alkaline earth metals. The chelated metal solutions are prepared by complexing metal cations using an organic acid and an organic amine. The fertilizer additives include a sufficient quantity of amine to maintain the pH above about 7.5 and preferably about 8-11. While the source of the metal ions may be any biologically acceptable metal salt, the metal oxides are preferred. The preferred chelating agents are citric acid and a difunctional amine. The preferred amines are 2-hydroxyethylamine, dimethylaminopropylamine and mixtures thereof. Additive solutions containing such chelated metals are stable at alkaline pH and are used to prepared clear, liquid fertilizer compositions for delivery of trace metals to plants.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for solubilizing boric acid to produce liquid, boron-containing solutions. In these methods, boric acid is added to a previously formed solution of a metal ion and ligand. The ligand must be capable of both complexing the metal ion and simultaneously coordinating or hydrogen bonding with the boric acid. Preferred metal ions are the transition metals. Preferred ligands are the alkanolamines, polyamines, dialkylaminoalkylamines and alkyldiaminecarboxylic acids and salts thereof. Using the methods of the present invention, stable, clear solutions, preferrably aqueous solutions, containing about 9-11 percent-by-weight or more boron are readily prepared.