Abstract: A method for deodorizing sludge with a metal salt and a tannin extract together, deodorized sludge, and use thereof are provided. The present invention provides a sludge deodorization technology that has high treatment efficiency, environmental friendliness, and low investment costs, and satisfies harmless requirements of subsequent resource utilization such as incineration, pyrolysis, or carbonization. Characterized by containing abundant phenolic hydroxyl groups, the tannin extract is used as a multidentate ligand to undergo a complexation reaction with metal ions, which reduces bioavailability of proteins and other macromolecules, and effectively inhibits production of low-volatile sulfides, thereby significantly deodorizing the sludge during standing and combustion.

Abstract: The present application provides a method for fully recycling kitchen waste by using Hermetia illucens L. and aerobic microorganisms. The method includes first performing solid-liquid separation on the kitchen waste; then using the filtrate obtained through separation to feed young larvae of Hermetia illucens L. to convert salt in the filtrate into body fluid of Hermetia illucens L. in a larval stage, and using the kitchen waste filter residue to feed 2nd-6th-instar larvae of Hermetia illucens L. respectively; separating insects and insect feces residue in a timely manner, so as to reduce a salt content of insect feces and improve transabdominal transformation efficiency of Hermetia illucens L. and quality of the insect manure; and finally implementing full resource utilization through aerobic composting and insect drying and sterilization treatment.

Abstract: A fertilizer or plant growth promoter formed from a seed grind which can further include a source of sugar, a source of bicarbonate and a source of fertilizer nutrients, and a method of growing plants using the fertilizer or the plant growth promoter.

Abstract: Surface modification control stations and methods in a globally distributed array for dynamically adjusting the atmospheric, terrestrial and oceanic properties. The control stations modify the humidity, currents, wind flows and heat removal rate of the surface and facilitate cooling and control of large area of global surface temperatures. This global system is made of arrays of multiple sub-systems that monitor climate and act locally on weather with dynamically generated local forcing & perturbations for guiding in a controlled manner aim at long-term modifications. The machineries are part of a large-scale system consisting of an array of many such machines put across the globe at locations called the control stations. These are then used in a coordinated manner to modify large area weather and the global climate as desired.

Abstract: A biostimulant composition comprising an amino acid, a polysaccharide, a betaine, a polyol, an enzyme and a plant hormone is disclosed herein. The biostimulant compositions are useful for enhancing the biomass of a horticultural, arboricultural or an agricultural crop. The biostimulant compositions are also useful for enhancing at least one of enhancing protein content, sugar content, trace element content, resistance to bruising, or preservation capacity.

Abstract: A method for making a growing medium includes a step of combining tree bark and/or wood components together to form an initial composition; heating the initial composition to a temperature greater than about 149° C. under steam in a pressurized vessel; processing the initial composition through a refiner with a plurality of opposing disks to obtain the fibrous growing medium, the refiner separating fibers from each other; wherein the growing medium has total porosity of 88 volume % or more.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for improving soil, wherein a lignin decomposition product having an aldehyde yield by alkaline nitrobenzene oxidation of 5% by mass or more, a weight average molecular weight of 300 or more and 100,000 or less, and a contact angle with water is 15° or more is supplied to soil.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of increasing, enhancing, or accelerating root nodulation in a plant, accelerating growth of nitrogen fixing bacteria in nodules of a plant, increasing protein content in a plant, increasing yield of a plant, improving water retention of a plant, or reducing water use of a plant, the method comprising identifying a plant in need of root nodulation, and applying to the plant a composition comprising a protein component comprising yeast stress proteins resulting from subjecting a mixture obtained from the yeast fermentation to stress.

Abstract: A method for reducing nitrate content in leafy vegetable plants, in particular, in salad crops, is provided. In the method, at least one organic osmolyte compound is delivered, in a predetermined amount, to the plant, preferably, a hydroponically cultivated plant. The method advantageously utilizes betaine compounds. Related preparation and uses are further provided.

Abstract: An environmentally friendly composition and method which increase the API gravity, increase the solubility, and reduce the viscosity of hydrocarbon materials to provide enhance extraction and removal of the hydrocarbon materials for purposes of recovery or cleaning.

Abstract: Fertilizer pellets may be formed by compressing or compacting a primary fertilizer powder mixed with micronized sulphur.

Abstract: A fertiliser comprising both sulphur and a solution of urea and ammonium nitrate in water is disclosed. Processes for making such a fertiliser are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention herein provides a composite material suitable for the absorption of moisture in natural outside areas. More particularly, the composite material can be applied to both grassy and non-grassy natural areas to both absorb any excessive, apparent moisture therein and to also enrich the underlying earth of both grassy and non-grassy natural areas.

Abstract: A biostimulant formulation for promoting plant growth, comprising: juice obtained from at least one seaweed species; and hydrolysate obtained from at least one seaweed species pulp, wherein the hydrolysate is obtained from the pulp after juice has been extracted. A method of preparing the biostimulant formulation. A method of contacting the biostimulant formulation with plant to promote the plant growth.

Abstract: The method of the invention comprises the following steps: (i) cutting the maize stalks so as the less leafy stalk segments, higher than 70 cm, stay on the field; (ii) cutting the less leafy stalk segments as close to the ground as possible; (iii) harvesting the less leafy stalk segments cut in step (ii); (iv) cutting the in step (iii) harvested less leafy stalk segments into 5-50 mm stalk sections; (v) providing a mechanical impact to the stalk sections of step (iv) to obtain a mix containing: f1. said spongy cores forming the superabsorbent pellets fraction, f2. said elongated fiber pieces forming the fibrous matter fraction, f3. and said leaf matter forming the leafy fraction, (vi) separating the 3 fractions from each other; (vii) recovering the three fractions f1-f2-f3; The invention also pertains to the so obtained products and to their uses in treatments of liquids or gases.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for treating a solid fertilizer. The method comprises contacting the solid fertilizer with an amount of a liquid composition effective for reducing clumping in the fertilizer caused by absorption of water. The liquid composition may comprise one or more organic solvents and/or petroleum distillates. The organic solvents may be selected from the group consisting of glycol, dialkylcarbonate, C1-C4 alcohol, vegetable oil, esters of hydroxyacids, heterocyclic alcohols, cyclic esters of carbonic acid, and esters of dicarboxyacids.

Abstract: A method of reducing damage to plant propagation material and plant organs which grow at a later time by a representative of the class Nematode, which method comprises (I) treating the propagation material with (A) a chelating agent, and optionally (B) a macrocyclic lactone compound or another pesticide, before the material is sown or planted, or (II) applying (A) a chelating agent, and optionally (B) a macrocyclic lactone compound or another pesticide, to the locus of the material or the treated material defined in (I) before its planting, and/or at its planting and/or during its growth.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a consumer goods product comprising a consumer goods product ingredient and a non-crosslinked functionalized lignin oligomer, wherein the functionalized lignin oligomer: (a) has an average number of lignin monomers of from 3 to 8; (b) comprises a polyethylene glycol functional group; (c) comprises a functionalization content between 90 and 0.5% lignin (m/m), wherein the consumer goods product ingredient is an emulsifier, and wherein the lignin oligomer is in the form of an emulsion, and wherein the consumer goods product is in the form of an oral care composition or a detergent composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a consumer goods product comprising a consumer goods product ingredient and a functionalised lignin oligomer, wherein the functionalised lignin oligomer: (a) has an average number of lignin monomers of from 3 to 8; (b) comprises a siloxane functional group; (c) comprises a functionalisation content between 85 and 0.5% lignin (m/m).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process of stabilizing spent filter material that comprises mixing the filter media with a dry media to produce a composition having a moisture content that is sufficiently low to retard microbial growth. The composition comprises spent filter media and a dry material, and preferably comprises diatomaceous earth. Soil is treated by adding the composition as a top dressing, soil amendment, or the like.

Abstract: An organic composition for use with plants is presented. The organic composition is a mixture of filtration waste with or without sand and further includes optional constituents such soil(s) and/or compostable material(s) and/or non-compostable material(s). The filtration waste further includes carbon, diatomaceous earth, and sugar. In some embodiments, the filtration waste is a byproduct from the refinement of sugar. In other embodiments, the filtration waste may be prepared by combining sugar, diatomaceous earth, and carbon. In yet other embodiments, the organic composition is prepared by removing the filtration waste from filtering equipment after the refinement of sugar and mixing the filtration waste with soil(s), compostable material(s), and/or non-compostable material(s). The organic composition is suitable for use as a growth medium for plants, a soil amendment, a soil additive, or a soil supplement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a composition for use in land application. The method comprises: (a) obtaining a fermentation product by a production process comprising the steps of: (i) treating lignocellulosic feedstock to produce sugar; (ii) fermenting the sugar to produce a fermented mixture comprising the fermentation product; and (iii) recovering the fermentation product from the fermented mixture in one or more stages to produce a concentrated fermentation product and still bottoms; and (b) recovering the still bottoms, the still bottoms comprising organic and inorganic components; and (c) providing the still bottoms for use in a land application. Also provided is a soil conditioning composition for use in land application. The soil conditioning composition contains still bottoms and optionally other components.

Abstract: Provided are a legume containing high concentrations of zinc in the grains, and a method for producing the same. Provided are also grains of a legume, except adzuki bean, containing 5.5 mg/100 g or more of zinc, and a method for producing a legume containing 4.0 mg/100 g or more of zinc in the grains, the method including spraying a solution containing zinc at a concentration of 0.01 to 2% by weight, on the leaves or the raceme regions, starting from the flower bud stage of the legume.

Abstract: A method for improving the distribution of agriculturally active ingredients on the surface of granules includes preparing a sprayable liquid solution of at least one agriculturally active ingredient, and applying the sprayable liquid solution on the granules by spraying the liquid solution in atomized form onto the surface of the granules to provide a coating on the surface of the granules which enables substantially all of the agriculturally active ingredient on the granule to be solubilized by the naturally occurring moisture present on the foliage of a treated weed for absorption into the cells of the treated weed when the granules are applied thereto.

Abstract: A method of treating vegetative saccharides provides hydrolysates suitable for use as bio-stimulants, fertilizers, soil conditioners and wind soil erosion suppressants. The method comprises the steps of treating the vegetative saccharides, in series, in acid and alkali environments at temperature higher than ambient. The produced product contains humins, levulinic, humic, saccharinic and aldonic acid salts which are effective bio-stumulants and fertilizers for plant growth. Their hydroscopic properties provide (as soil conditioner) the increased water sorption of soil. The saccharinic acid salts binding properties provide forming soil particles together protecting soil against wind erosion.

Abstract: A composition is provided that includes particulates from wood, chaff, hulls, crop compost, biochar, or waste residue, wood or crop ash and biochar, and a nitrogen source from waste residue from gasification processes, food processing waste water or other residual by-products of forest, aquatic, food or feed processing. Ideally, all of the components are environmentally friendly, from natural products, and free of manufactured chemicals.

Abstract: A method of making an organic plant nutrient useful for plants and commercial crops. The method comprises mixing pieces of tree bark which contain salicylic acid in water until the desired level of salicylic acid leaches from the pieces of tree bark to create a concentrated solution of salicylic acid. Then ascophyllum nodosum powder is added to the solution and the solution is aerated. The used bark is removed and the solution strained to produce the plant nutrient.

Abstract: Methods for converting waste streams from the wood pulping industry to high-value fertilizers are described. For example, isolated lignin and lignosulphonate or waste streams containing lignin and lignosulphonate can be converted to methylol derivatives and treated with further reagents to produce controlled release fertilizers, hydrogel fertilizers, and soil stabilizers.

Abstract: An engineered topsoil for use in soil reclamation and a method of producing the same are disclosed that seek to replicate undisturbed native reference topsoil from near the site in need of land reclamation. The engineered topsoil is formed from a base amount of subsoil and amendment comprised of an effective amount of surrogate humin material sufficient to replicate the estimated humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil, and an effective amount of plant residue material sufficient to replicate the estimated non-humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil.

Abstract: The present invention provides as alternatives to natural soil (1) a plant growable artificial soil only by supplying water (such as tap-water), which has excellent fertilizer retainability by comprising a granulated material of fertilizer retainable fillers, and a method of making the artificial soil; (2) an artificial soil, which only specified fertilizer components are adsorbed by using a material having high fertilizer retainability; and (3) a granulated plant growing material having excellent fertilizer retainability so as to have both high cation exchange capacity and anion exchange capacity, excellent water retaining capacity with respect to water, which can be easily absorbed by the plants, and excellent breathability so as to return to high breathable state in a short time even if retaining water until reaching a saturated state.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides materials and methodology for growing plants, such as small fruit plants. For example, and in one embodiment, agricultural by-products, such as nut shells, could be used as or in a plant growth medium for growing a strawberry, raspberry, blackberry, blueberry, and/or black-raspberry.

Abstract: A composition that is useful in land surface applications is produced from ash resulting from burning at least one of lignocellulosic filter cake and lignocellulosic syrup co-products of a lignocellulosic biomass fermentation process for production of ethanol. The composition can be applied to surfaces such as fields, roads, and landfills as a stabilizer and/or fertilizer. Burning of material to produce the ash provides thermal energy.

Abstract: Syrup produced in a lignocellulosic biomass fermentation process is used as a binder for soil conditioning materials to make an agricultural composition that is easily handled and applied. The syrup binds powdery soil conditioning materials such as lime and gypsum to form pellets or granules.

Abstract: The invention relates to fertilizer compositions comprising a carbon source and a source of nitrogen. Carbon is in form that can be readily up-taken by soil bacteria. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the fertilizer, a method for fertilizing soil and uses of said fertilizer. Use of the fertilizer promotes uptake of endogenous soil nutrient resources by plant.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing synthetic coal and aqueous liquid plant fertilizing solution products from a fermentation residue such as is left over from the corn based process of producing ethanol. The synthetic coal has a high heat value commensurate with naturally occurring coals and is lower in ash and sulfur content and thus has value as a clean burning energy source. The aqueous fertilizer includes commercially useful amounts of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen in solution. The process of the invention is also energy efficient in that the products produced thereby involve the use of substantially less energy as compared to the traditional methods of processing fermentation residues in the corn based ethanol production industry.

Abstract: Methods of inducing bud break of deciduous fruit vines, trees, or shrubs following dormancy by the application of bud breaker compositions that do not contain hydrogen cyanamide.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an agricultural blend and a process of forming an agricultural blend. The agricultural blend includes a slag by-product from a process having a slag other than stainless steel slag or includes 11 atomic % silicon from a soluble compound and total silicon of less than about 30 atomic % silicon or greater than about 39 atomic % silicon. The process includes producing a slag by-product and blending the slag by-product with a liquid binder system to form the agricultural blend, the slag not being stainless steel slag.

Abstract: Soil amendment/foliar nutrient compositions and methods for their manufacture and use are provided. The compositions are aqueous compositions that include a carbon skeleton energy component (CSE); a macronutrient; a vitamin cofactor; a complexing agent; and at least one of exotic micronutrient component and an ionophore component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selection of constituents for a growth medium and mulch for varying types of soils. Also disclosed is a growth medium and mulch.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to cellulose ether compositions for film-forming coating applications. A coating composition is provided which contains an aqueous solution of either a very low viscosity cellulose ether or a low-hydroxypropyl cellulose ether, the coating composition having low color. The low viscosity of the cellulose ether component enables the coating composition to contain a high concentration of cellulose ether. Provision of these high concentration cellulose ether coating solutions improves production efficiency by reducing the time required to coat a substrate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for removing sulfur from a gaseous or liquid mixture. This method involves contacting the gaseous or liquid mixture with an iron-enriched matrix under conditions effective to remove sulfur from the mixture through adsorption of the sulfur to the matrix. The iron-enriched matrix used in this method is a lignocellulosic material that is enriched with iron. The present invention also relates to a system, composition, and plant fertilizer that contain the iron-enriched matrix. Methods of making the composition and preparing a plant fertilizer are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant growing system having (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-long performance; and (c) growing media. The planting growing system may also include a moisture control agent or a plant protection agent. Despite the high EC values of the growing system, the combination of materials that make up the growing system nevertheless produces superior performing plants with darker green, healthier-looking leaves; superior growth, fill and spread; more abundant production of flowers and fruits; and a more developed, sustaining root system. Moreover, these plants are far less susceptible to the effects of pests such as fungi (e.g., Fusarium and Rhizoctonia), pythium, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and other pests.

Abstract: Unit dose articles containing N—P—K added to compost are a convenient and economical way to customize fertilizer.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of compositions and methods for developing biofertilizers of organic origin and mycorrhizal origin in particular. The invention focuses on the isolation and characterization of the various formulations and ensuing compositions developed thereof from the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal propagules whose benefit in crop productivity is well known. The invention more particularly describes the isolation and characterization, including but not confined to, novel mycorrhizae-based biofertilizer compositions and biofertilizer formulations for use in soil fertilization and reclamation of industrially created wastelands.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to pelletized synthetic gypsum and methods and systems for producing pelletized synthetic gypsum. Synthetic gypsum is combined with a binder composition and pelletized to a desired size. The binder composition may include lignosulfonate. Additives may be included in the pellets such as various plant nutrients and micro-nutrients. An additive may include elemental sulfur.

Abstract: A suspended nutrition composition includes a foamed material, a colloid layer and a nutrient. The foamed material having a plurality of pores includes a starch, a biodegradable polyester and a plasticizer. The pores are formed by bubbles produced from a physical foaming agent. The colloid layer covers a surface of the foamed material. The nutrient is dispersed in the foamed material.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the at least one nutrient element possesses a relative energy-state value greater than the relative energy-state value of the at least one nutrient element in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the greater energy-state value, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition. Also a composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the composition possesses an energy spectrum more positive than the energy spectrum of the composition in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the more positive energy spectrum, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition.

Abstract: Methods of treating a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant are provided. Embodiments of the subject methods include identifying a plant exposed to a phytotoxicant and applying an assimilable carbon-skeleton energy component-comprising composition to the identified plant. Embodiments of the subject compositions may include one or more of a macronutrient component, micronutrient component, vitamin/cofactor component, complexing agent and microbe. Kits for use in practicing the subject invention are also provided. The subject methods find use in a variety of different applications in which a plant is phytotoxic or at least in danger of becoming phytotoxic due to exposure or potential exposure to a phytotoxicant.

Abstract: A soil-amendment product for preparing a damaged or degraded soil ecosystem to establish a self-sustaining floral/vegetative rhizosphere contains a mixture of composted organic biomass, fiber, charcoal, and small amounts of inoculants to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms including mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Embodiments also contain a water-holding agent such as a starch-based polymer that is effective to prevent water from flowing downhill or seeping away from the surface. Methods of application and other uses for the soil-amendment product are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer comprising at least one microbe selected from the group consisting of Trichoderma viride (NRRL B-50520), Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (NRRL B-50521), Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (NRRL B-50522), and combinations thereof, and a substrate which is acted upon by the at least one microbe to release nitrogen. The invention also relates to a fertilizer comprising at least one microbe selected from a keratin degrading microorganism and a keratin substrate which is acted upon by the at least one microbe to release nitrogen. The invention further relates to a method for enhancing growth of plants with the fertilizer, and methods of making a fertilizer. The invention further relates to an isolated Trichoderma viride strain (NRRL B-50520) and two isolated Scopulariopsis brevicaulis strains (NRRL B-50521, NRRL B-50522).