Abstract: A method of enhancing the growth of a plant comprises making a solid fertilizer available to a seed or plant, wherein the fertilizer comprises a plurality of aggregates comprising particles of basic L-amino acid monophosphate as its predominant source of organic nitrogen, wherein the particles are aggregated together with a binder. A growth-supporting material comprises (1) mineral, soil or peat, and (2) solid fertilizer comprising a plurality of aggregates comprising particles of basic L-amino acid monophosphate aggregated together with a binder, wherein the fertilizer comprises the L-arginine monophosphate as its predominant source of organic nitrogen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer comprising at least one basic L-amino acid, such as arginine or lysine, wherein a substantial portion of the basic L-amino acid content is present as its monophosphate. The basic L-amino acid phosphate may be combined with a binder and/or provided with an outermost layer acting as a coating. The invention also relates to a method of enhancing the growth of a plant by making a basic L-amino acid phosphate available to the plant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer composition comprising nitrogen and phosphorus, wherein nitrogen is provided by basic L-amino acid(s) complexed to polyphosphate(s). The complex may be precipitated with multivalent metal ion(s) to provide a solid phase fertilizer composition. The basic L-amino acid is advantageously L-arginine and/or L-lysine. The fertilizer composition is capable of providing controlled release of nitrogen during prolonged periods of time.

Abstract: A sowing unit is provided including water-absorbing material, an enclosure and a seed. The water-absorbing material is vermiculite, which is a hygroscopic negatively-charged material capable of binding a positively charged nutrient ion selected from NH4+, L-arginine, L-lysine and L-histidine. Further, there is least one hole in the water-absorbing material arranged to hold one or more seeds.

Abstract: A sowing unit including water-absorbing material, an enclosure and a seed, wherein the water-absorbing material includes a hygroscopic negatively-charged material capable of binding a positively charged nutrient ion selected from NH4+, L-arginine, L-lysine and L-histidine; and optionally a nutrient including a positively charged nutrient ion selected from K+, NH4+, L-arginine, L-lysine and L-histidine. Methods and uses of the sowing unit are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the promotion of the growth of at least one plant by providing a fertilizer composition-comprising at least one zeolite, into the pores of which at least one basic L-amino acid has been adsorbed; adding the fertilizer composition to a medium for plant growth; and culturing a plant therein. The invention will provide the release of nitrogen from the fertilizer composition during culture of the plant at a rate which is advantageously used by the plant. The invention also relates to a fertilizer composition as such, optionally combined with a medium for plant growth to make up a growth-promoting material. The invention is advantageously used to reduce the resources required in the fertilization of slowly growing plants, where repeated supply of nutrients as well as leakage of nitrogen amounts to large costs to society.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer comprising at least one basic L-amino acid, such as arginine or lysine, wherein a substantial portion of the basic L-amino acid content is present as its monophosphate. The basic L-amino acid phosphate may be combined with a binder and/or provided with an outermost layer acting as a coating. The invention also relates to a method of enhancing the growth of a plant by making a basic L-amino acid phosphate available to the plant.

Abstract: A sowing unit including water-absorbing material, an enclosure and a seed, wherein the water-absorbing material includes a hygroscopic negatively-charged material capable of binding a positively charged nutrient ion selected from NH4+, L-arginine, L-lysine and L-histidine; and optionally a nutrient including a positively charged nutrient ion selected from K+, NH4+, L-arginine, L-lysine and L-histidine. Methods and uses of the sowing unit are described.