Abstract: Seeds are intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to achieve faster germination and/or a higher germination rate. The resultant plants are also more vigorous and resistent to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter.

Abstract: Cut flowers are intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to prolong their life or beauty. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter.

Abstract: Solid carbonaceous fossil fuels such as coal, lignite and peat are treated with an aqueous medium containing a novel catalyst to remove undesirable constituents and produce valuable products. The catalyst is prepared by steps including admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of dissolved water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle-forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. In one variant, combustible sulfur and nitrogen compounds and alkali metal ash are removed, and the resulting treated fuel may be used in urban areas where strict air pollution regulations must be met.

Abstract: The roots of plants being transplanted are intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter. The transplanted plants grow more vigorously and are more resistant to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: Plants are grown in soil which has been intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to improve the fertility thereof. In a preferred variant, the water which is intimately contacted with the soil may also contain catalyst treated lignite. Plants grown in the treated soil are more vigorous and resistant to disease or adverse environmental conditions. The yields are higher in instances where the plants are grown commercially for food or fiber, and the plants have a more pleasing appearance in instances where they are grown for decorative purposes.

Abstract: Plants are watered with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to promote growth, yield and/or beauty. The watered plants are more vigorous and resistant to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. Plant nutrients may be present in the water and fed to the plants at the time of watering. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles.

Abstract: Soil is intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to improve the fertility thereof. In a preferred variant, the water which is intimately contacted with the soil may also contain catalyst treated lignite. Plants grown in the treated soil are more vigorous and resistant to disease or adverse environmental conditions. The yields are higher in instances where the plants are grown commercially for food or fiber, and the plants have a more pleasing appearance in instances where they are grown for decorative purposes.

Abstract: The incidence of infectious disease in livestock is reduced and/or stress is relieved by providing the livestock with drinking water containing a catalytically effective amount of a unique catalyst. In a preferred variant, the drinking water may also contain lignite which has been pretreated with the catalyst until it is soluble. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter.