Abstract: A composition of matter is provided which comprises a peat material and an added source of nitrogen, said added source of nitrogen consisting of one of urea, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate and ammonia. A composition such as this may be used in a process for making a peat fertilizer in the form of granulars.

Abstract: A method preparing controlled release nitrogen in particulate fertilizers which exhibit single growing season availabilities to plants of about 80 percent or higher. The method utilizes relatively low urea and ammonia to formaldehyde mol ratios of about 1.7 urea to 0.1 ammonia to 1 formaldehyde to assure high conversions to controlled release nitrogen with low free ureas, and carefully controlled elevated temperatures, acid dehydration condensation catalyst concentrations and short dehydration reaction times of about 2-4 minutes to provide effective conversion of hydroxymethyl nitrogen compounds by dehydration condensation reaction to controlled release methylene nitrogen compounds. Quick neutralization of the dehydration catalyst in a turbulent mixing reactor minimizes the formation of undesirable methylene nitrogen polymers which are hot water insoluble and unavailable to plants in a single growing season.

Abstract: A reinforced-resin coated, attrition resistant controlled release plant food containing water soluble central spheroids of plant nutrients amounting to between 75 and 98 percent and water insoluble resin coatings amounting to between 2 and 25 percent covering the central spheroids with the insoluble resin coatings reinforced with finely divided water insoluble plant nutrients formed in-situ by the chemical coreaction of a plurality of water soluble plant nutrients. The reinforcing nutrients amount to between 5 and 25 percent of the resin coating. A method is provided for preparing the new reinforced-resin coated plant foods with the reinforcing solids distributed throughout the insoluble resins or between thin layers of resins.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer formed from nutrient granules having intermediate or precoat layers of organic oil, such as raw linseed oil, prior to application of a polymeric, encapsulating coat. The precoat may also contain a binding agent, such as a fine clay, and a drier. The new fertilizer composition is made by a process of applying the oil precoat, but not curing it until after the encapsulating coat is applied. The use of the precoat provides more desirable controlled (delayed) release characteristics at a lower weight of the encapsulating coat, particularly for nutrient cores having a relatively large number of surface imperfections or discontinuities.

Abstract: Solids having a tendency to cake are treated with distillation heavies that are liquid at about 60.degree. C. or less and are obtained from production of a ketone having the formula:R.dbd.O,wherein R is substituted or unsubstituted, branched, straight chain or cyclic, C.sub.4 to C.sub.18. The solids so treated have a reduced tendency to cake.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for the production of unsymmetrical polyurea-urethane coated granular fertilizer products, and to the unsymmetrical polyurea-urethane coated granular fertilizer products produced by these processes. These processes comprise coating fertilizer granules with compounds which react to form unsymmetrical polyurea-urethane coatings, then the compounds are polymerized. Suitable compounds comprise a) an organic polyisocyanate component, and b) an alkanolamine component containing at least one primary or secondary amine group and at least one hydroxyl group. These compounds are present in sufficient quantities that the NCO to active hydrogen group is from about 0.5:1.0 up to about 1.5:1.0. It is necessary that sufficient amounts of these compounds are applied to the fertilizer granules such that the unsymmetrical polyurea-urethane coated granular fertilizer particles contain from about 0.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stable, concentrated aqueous fertilizer suspension, which can be diluted with water to provide a working solution. The suspension contains 10 to 60% by weight of water and 40 to 90% by weight of a plant nutrient composition based on at least a calcium, and/or a magnesium and a phosphate ion, and the suspension comprises at least one plant nutrient containing water-insoluble solid particles with a particle size less than 50 .mu.m, the pH of the suspension being in the range of 0.5 to less than 2.

Abstract: A method of making free-flowing moisture resistant calcium-containing particles that inhibit the water absorption characteristics of calcium products, hygroscopic and deliquescent, for example, the method comprising the steps of spraying molten soluble nitrogen-containing material onto the hygroscopic calcium-containing granules and recovering the coated granules. The core of the particle is a calcium-containing material, more particularly a soluble calcium-containing material. Moisture resistant or hydrophobic coatings are applied to the core to inhibit water absorption by the calcium-containing material. The coated particles may then be more easily shipped, stored and handled as a dry, anhydrous product. A core comprised of calcium chloride coated with urea is useful as both a soil conditioner and a fertilizer. Additional plant nutrients are mixed with either the core or the coating materials to improve fertilizing is qualities.

Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates for use as a soil conditioner produced from dust particles emitted from kilns during the manufacture of cement and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The process comprises combining cement kiln dust and a water-soluble binder to produce agglomerates which are then subjected to controlled drying such that the dried agglomerates having a size ranging from -7 to +8 Tyler Standard Sieve Series exhibit an average green crush strength of at least about 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg).

Abstract: Sealant compositions for sulfur coated fertilizer particles are mixtures of wax materials and additives which provide improved moisture barrier properties and abrasion resistance. The sealants have penetration values measured by ASTM D-1321 of at least 20 at 25.degree. C., and congealing points measured by ASTM D-938 of between about 50.degree. C. and about 100.degree. C. The sealed fertilizer particles are conditioned with particulate materials with a surface area of at least about 2 m.sup.2 /g and an oil absorption of at least about 100%. A method for the production of abrasion resistant sulfur coated fertilizers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A substantially non-caking solid is treated with distillation bottoms that are liquid at about 60.degree. C. or less and are obtained from production of an alcohol having the formula:R2--R1--OH,wherein R1 is substituted or unsubstituted branched, straight chain or cyclic C.sub.4 to C.sub.12 and R2 is OH or H.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer which provides plant assimilatable nutrients by both hydrolysis and bacterial activity, and which includes biological growth promoting nutrients. The fertilizer is made by blending and pelletizing an aggregate of conventional fertilizing materials, biological food source materials and at least one hydrophilic material which expands upon wetting and becomes porous and wick-like upon heating to drive off absorbed water. In its dry state, the hydrophilic material wicks up applied liquid biological inoculum which remains dormant until dispensed and exposed to adequate heat and moisture.

Abstract: Processes and structures for using calcium cyanamide fertilizer in a manner to greatly enhance its most effective soil treatment form prior to its application. Calcium cyanamide transformation structures have both fertilizing and pesticidal qualities; however, it is difficult to obtain uniform, efficient effectiveness from dry calcium cyanamide's liquid transformation structures. In the process of this invention, dry, dusty granules and fines of calcium cyanamide are placed directly into tanks of liquid for transformation or within biodegradable bags through which water can freely flow. The bags are submerged in a tank of water. The insoluble calcium and carbon components thereof remain as solid residuals within the bags. Hydrolysis occurs and the solution is biocidal and ready for immediate application. The solution can be sprayed or irrigated onto a targeted soil area with conventional dispersal equipment. The remaining non-dissolved material in the bags can be dispersed on and into the plant crop soil.

Abstract: Free-flowing moisture resistant calcium-containing particles that inhibit the water absorption characteristics of calcium products, including soluble calcium products that are hygroscopic and deliquescent, by providing a moisture resistant coating. The core of the particle is a calcium-containing material, more particularly a soluble calcium-containing material. Moisture resistant or hydrophobic coatings are applied to the core to inhibit water absorption by the calcium-containing material. The coated particles may then be more easily shipped, stored and handled as a dry, anhydrous product. A core comprised of calcium chloride coated with urea is useful as both a soil conditioner and a fertilizer. Additional plant nutrients are mixed with either the core or the coating materials to improve fertilizing qualities. Additional coatings of hydrophobic materials such as a paraffinic hydrocarbon or a polymeric resin increase the water resistance of the particles.

Abstract: Solids that, untreated, have a tendency to cake are treated with distillation bottoms that are liquid at about 60.degree. C. or less and are obtained from production of an alcohol having the formula:R2-R1-OH,wherein R1 is substituted or unsubstituted, branched, straight chain or cyclic, C.sub.4 to C.sub.12 and R2 is OH or H.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stable aqueous fertilizer suspension suitable for drip irrigation, which suspension contains 5-55% by weight water and 45-95% by weight of one or several plant-nutrient containing substances, of which at least one contains water-insoluble solid particles, the particle size of the solid particles contained in the suspension being less than 50 .mu.m and the pH of the suspension being within the range 2-7. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of this suspension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlled release fertilizer having water-soluble fertilizers as nucleus and limited-soluble plant nutrient compounds as coating layers, characterized in that more than two coating layers of limited-soluble compounds are formed around the nucleus, and that the release rates of the fertilizer can be controlled by regulating the solubilities of the limited-soluble compounds. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the controlled release fertilizer.

Abstract: A particulate urea product having improved hardness, nonfriable and anti-caking properties and which is useful for either direct application to the soil or as an intermediate product for the subsequent incorporation with other fertilizer materials into solid bulk blends. The product consists of an admixture of urea and a finely divided inorganic material selected from the group consisting of calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, cement and fly ash and is in particulate form, some examples of which are granules or prills.

Abstract: A process for coating fertilizer granules in which a mixture of adhesive and additive is provided and the particles of the additive in the adhesive are ground to a desired size. The mixture of adhesive and ground additive is then applied to the surface of the fertilizer granules and agitated to evenly coat the granules without agglomeration. Either subsequently or in combination with the agitating the adhesive in the coating is dryed without agglomeration. The additive/adhesive mixture may be applied to the fertlizer granules by any method such as mixing in a stirred vessel or spraying.

Abstract: A composition of matter is provided which comprises a peat material and an added source of nitrogen, said added source of nitrogen consisting of one of urea, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate and ammonia. A composition such as this may be used in a process for making a peat fertilizer in the form of granulars.

Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates for use as a soil conditioner produced from dust particles emitted from kilns during the manufacture of cement and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The process comprises combining cement kiln dust and a water-soluble binder to produce agglomerates which are then subjected to controlled drying such that the dried agglomerates having a size ranging from -7 to +8 Tyler Standard Sieve Series exhibit an average green crush strength of at least about 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg).

Abstract: Controlled release, particulate fertilizer products having a water soluble fertilizer central mass encased in a plurality of water insoluble, abrasion resistant coatings plus coating compositions and methods for the production of such products are disclosed. At least one essential inner coating is an epoxide reaction product ofA. at least one epoxide resin containing at least about 2 epoxide moieties per molecule, andB. at least one amine curing agent containing at least about two N--H moieties/molecule.

Abstract: Improved solvent systems for the formulation of N-alkyl thiophosphoric triamide urease inhibitors. These formulations enable the preparation of stable concentrated solutions of N-alkyl thiophosphoric triamides for storage, transportation, and eventual impregnation onto solid urea containing fertilizers and incorporation into liquid urea containing fertilizer compositions. These formulations are comprised primarily of a solvent selected from the group consisting of glycols and glycol derivatives. Optionally, in addition to the glycol base solvent, the formulations can contain a co-solvent selected from the group consisting of liquid amides, 2-pyrrolidone and N-alkyl 2-pyrrolidones, and/or a nonionic surfactant selected from the group consisting of alkylaryl polyether alcohols. The presence of the co-solvent and/or surfactant has been found to impart desirable properties to the formulations under certain conditions.

Abstract: A particulate urea product having improved anticaking and nonfriable properties and which is useful for either direct application to the soil or as an intermediate product for the subsequent incorporation with other fertilizer materials into solid bulk blends. The product consists of an admixture of urea and a finely divided mineral filler selected from the group consisting of diatomaceous, sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, kaolin, zeolite and ball clay and is in either granular or prill form.

Abstract: A process for the production of urea granules from a melt or solution of urea by spraying the urea melt or solution, which also contains as granulation additive formaldehyde, methylolureum, urea-formaldehyde precondensates, or hexamethylenetetramine, in the form of very fine droplets into a fluidized bed of urea particles, in which process the granulation additive is added to the melt or solution prior to the granulation at such a stage so that the mixture of the granulation additive and the urea melt or solution has a contact time of at least 20 sec., but not more than 20 min.

Abstract: Products for the variable controlled release of water soluble agents are disclosed. The products have a core of water soluble agent and a first and second coating. The first coating has a permeability such that the agent can be released at a controlled rate, while the second coating has a relatively low water vapor transmission rate. Variation in the coating thicknesses and coating conditions result in nutrient release profiles which can be tailored to specific plant requirements. After application of the product, release of the agent is negligible, but after a predetermined time, e.g. one month or more, substantial release of the agent from the coated product begins. The product is particularly suitable for delayed, controlled release fertilizers.

Abstract: The essence of the invention resides in that in production of a solid product obtained in a reactor (1) by way of synthesis from source components and serving as a raw material for preparing a solution of salt and/or fertilizer, a pulp is obtained and then loaded in a container (2) at fixed temperatures corresponding to crystallization of the product to a hydraulically compacted state of preset degrees. The same container (2) is used for transportation and storage of the hydraulically compacted crystals. The solution of salt and/or fertilizer is prepared within preset concentration and dosage just before its application by the user (4), and the crystals are dissolved in the same container (2). If required the product is transferred into another container.

Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to develop agent combinations having an improved synergistic effect with regard to the inhibition or control of ammonium nitrogen nitrification.It was unexpectedly found that agent combinations which consist of at least one compound of the general formula ##STR1## with M with n=1 and greater than 1--in case of coordination compounds--standing for several mono- and multivalent metal ions, but being negated with n=0 in case of metal salts of substituted pyrazoles,A being the counterion in case of anion complexes and pyrazolates, preferably ammonium, alkali and alkaline earth, the 3-methyl pyrazolium cation in case of anion complexes and additionally Fe and Al in case of metal salts; b being in the range of 0 to 4,X being the same or different and embodying several mono- and multivalent inorganic or organic anions with q=0 to 6,R.sub.1 being hydrogen, methyl or halogen andZ representing hydrogen, CONH.sub.2, CNHNH.sub.2 or CSNH.sub.

Abstract: Controlled-release fertilizers comprise one or more water-soluble fertilizer(s) together with improved magnesite cements, comprising cements selected from magnesium oxychloride and/or magnesium oxysulphate together with one or more organic carboxylic acid(s) and/or their carboxylate salts and/or their acid anhydrides.

Abstract: The present invention describes a protein guarantor composition and its application, in particular to improving the protein content of cereals. The protein guarantor composition containing urea as nitrogen source and incorporating deacylated chitin proves noteworthy, by virtue of the increase in the protein content of the grain. This composition does not cause harmful scorching of the foliage and its apparent use coefficient for nitrogen is much better than that of the nitrogen fertilizers applied to the soil.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced biodegradation process by applying to petroleum contaminated soil or water essential microbial nutrients in a form capable of releasing the nutrients over time at a rate which, at 25.degree. C., is substantially linear. Importantly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microbial nutrients that are applied to the soil or water are in a form such that the release of nutrients at 38.degree. C. will be greater than that at 25.degree. C. by a factor of about 2.5 to 6.0, and preferably from a factor of about 3 to about 5.0.

Abstract: A surfactant-fertilizer compound for enhancing the biodegradation of hydrocarbons in soil or water comprising the reaction product of guanidine and at least one carboxylic acid is provided.

Abstract: The present invention describes a sulfur-coated urea slow release granular fertilizer having a uniform, durable polymeric coating over the sulfur-coating. The polymer coating is formed by the direct in situ co-polymerization of diethylene glycol-triethanolamine polyol and a diisocyanate on the surface of the sulfur-coated urea granule. The polymeric coating provides improved impact resistance of the composite coated granule.

Abstract: Plant growth stimulants containing compounds which increase intracellular carbon dioxide as the main active component and optionally supplemented with specific nutrients have been found to enhance productivity of plants. Exemplary compounds include lower alcohols, such as methanol, ethanol, propanol and butanol, and amino acids, such as glycine, glutamate, and aspartate. Such growth stimulation appears to result, in part, from inhibition of stress induced photorespiration according to a previously unrecognized photosynthetic pathway. Exposure of the plants to sunlight or other sufficient illumination following treatment with the compositions results in enhanced fixation of carbon dioxide and turgor. Stimulant compositions may comprise from 5% to 50% by volume aqueous solutions of methanol or 0.1% to 10% by weight amino acids and are preferably applied by foliar spraying of plants and plant shoots.

Abstract: A process for the removal of oxides or hydrated oxides of carbon or sulfur from an acid waste gas stream in which a bed of moist particulated solid waste material is formed, the bed particles are coated with alkaline earth oxides or alkaline earth carbonates and a catalyst to promote the reaction of the oxides or hydrated oxides of carbon or sulfur with the alkaline earth oxides or alkaline earth carbonates in the presence of the moisture and in which the bed is contacted with the waste gas stream whereby the oxides or hydrated oxides or carbon or sulfur react with the alkaline earth oxides or alkaline earth carbonates in the presence of the moisture and are absorbed on the bed particles. The bed particles resulting from the process may be used as agricultural soil amendments alone or in combination with fertilizers and the like.

Abstract: Controlled release fertilizer compositions which release fertilizer at a controlled rate over an extended period of time are employed in aquaculture treatment methods whereby nutrients are efficiently and effectively released into closed aquatic ecosystems such as ponds, lakes, watersheds and other aqueous environments over a period of time in order to enhance the growth of phytoplanktonic algae populations in the water and to thereby promote marine life populations.

Abstract: A plant growth-enhancing composition comprising a microbial fermentation lysate is described. Also described is an enhanced urea fertilizer comprising the microbial lysate combined with urea or a urea-containing fertilizer. The combination provides a reduced rate of ammonia release by inhibiting urease activity.

Abstract: A machine system and process for producing attrition resistant, controlled release fertilizer is described. In the process, a prewet solution is used to initially coat the plant nutrient to be coated followed by the separate application of the individual components used in the coating. The machine system provides an improved means for uniformly applying a single layer or multiple layers of polymer coatings to the plant nutrient.

Abstract: Controlled release, particulate fertilizer products having a water soluble fertilizer central mass encased in a plurality of water insoluble, abrasion resistant coatings plus unique coating compositions and methods for the production of such products are disclosed. At least one essential inner coating is a urethane reaction product of (1) a polyisocyanate selected from diphenylmethane diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, derivatives thereof, polymers thereof and mixtures thereof which contain about 1.5 to 3 isocyannate groups per molecule and between about 10 and 50% NCO, and (2) a polyol having about 2 to 6 hydroxyl moieties and at least one alkyl moiety containing about 10 to 22 carbon atoms, e.g. hydrogenated castor oil. An essential outer coating is formed of an organic wax having a drop melting point of between about 50.degree. and 120.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a method for increasing the seed yield of leguminous plants in general and soybeans in particular by a foliar-applied fertilization method at an R5 seed growth stage for soy bean plants and the pod growth stage in other leguminous plants. The method requires spraying the leguminous plants with a methanol solution that is up to 50% of a water based solution; then subsequently or concurrently applying a urea based nitrogen fertilizer at 25-50 pounds/acre. Other leguminous plants which the method used therewith includes peanuts, peas and beans.

Abstract: A delayed release fertilizer composition consisting essentially of a mixture of a urea-formaldehyde resin and a lignosulfonate prepared by spray-drying an aqueous mixture of a urea-formaldehyde resin and a lignosulfonate. The composition of this invention, is also use as a fertilizer carrier as a replacement for expanded vermiculite fertilizers.

Abstract: This invention is a method to produce a substitute for peat moss comprising:mixing in a mixer adsorptive cellulosic material with an effective amount of an inoculum containing cellulose degrading microorganism such as lignin cellulose degrading bacteria upon anaerobic fermentation and manure municipal waste or similar waste, manufactured feedstock or a blend of these,transferring said mixture to a chamber,allowing the temperature of said mixture to rise in said chamber until said cellulosic material changes color, thenaerating said mixture to remove water vapor, ammonia and other gases in an exhaust gas and then removing said mixture from said chamber for use as a substitute for peat moss and other uses.

Abstract: Novel sealants for sulfur coated urea fertilizer are comprised mixtures of fatty esters of polyhydric alcohols and polymers which are soluble therein and contain ester, carboxylate, or hydroxyl functionality; said mixtures are preferably crosslinked with a transesterification catalyst, and optionally contain dicarboxylic or tricarboxylic acids with 9 to 60 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Improved release profiles which can, for the first time, be customized to match requirements of systems including crop nutrient uptake are realized by providing a plurality of heterogeneous particles comprised of water-soluble constituents set in a matrix of water-insoluble materials, and further providing a continuous homogeneous barrier of same, or a different water-insoluble material, juxtaposed the peripheral surface of each such heterogeneous particle. A first alternate embodiment includes forming in situ reaction products to reduce the specific gravity of such heterogeneous particles. In a second alternate embodiment, there is substituted for all, or a portion of such water-soluble material, organic media comprised primarily of composted poultry litter wherein soluble iron values remain available for substantial periods of time without incorporating or utilizing expensive conventional synthetic chelating agents.

Abstract: A complex composition formed by the product resulting from the action of urea on a sludge of petroleum origin containing by weight from 50 to 99% of sulfuric acid and from 1 to 20% of organic residues. The acid sludge may contain water and often comes from an alkylation reaction. This composition can be used as a source of fertilizing material or as a component of a fertilizing formulation.

Abstract: Polymer topcoated sulfur coated fertilizer compositions are provided which exhibit slow release characteristics and are abrasion resistant, free flowing, non-smearing and essentially dustless products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer composition comprising solution or dispersion of nutrient compounds and method for its manufacture. The solution/dispersion constitutes the discontinuous phase of a water-in-oil type (w-i-o) emulsion having a volume phase ratio, discontinuous phase: total volume in the range of 0.80-0.95. The fertilizer composition may additionally contain 0-60 weight % solid nutrient salts and/or urea. The oil or hydrocarbon component of the w-i-o emulsion comprises mineral, vegetable or animal oils, wax or mixture of these, and the emulsion comprises at least one w-i-o emulsifier. The hydrocarbon component may also contain 0.5-6 weight % of elastomer, preferably polyisobutylene. The method comprises dissolving or dispersing the nutrient compounds at a temperature of 5.degree.-15.degree. C.

Abstract: A high analysis suspension fertilizer containing predetermined amounts of nitrogen and other inorganic plant nutrients is produced from a low plant nutrient-containing organic material, such as animal manure or sewage sludge, by first preparing an aqueous initial suspension of the organic material by admixing with a sufficient amount of water for the organic material to be uniformly dispersed throughout the initial suspension and admixing with the initial suspension a sufficient amount of an acid, such as sulfuric acid, for reacting with the organic material and transforming it into colloidal form, the weight ratio of the acid to the total weight of the organic material in the initial suspension being within the range of about 0.2 to about 2 and the weight ratio of the acid to the total dry weight of the organic material being within the range of about 0.5 to 5.

Abstract: A vegetation enhancement composite including a vegetation enhancement agent consisting of a first member selected from the group consisting of at least one macronutrient, micronutrient, nitrogen fertilizer including an inhibitor of nitrification activity, slow release fertilizer, and mixtures of such members and a pesticide; and at least one first controlled release film including a sulfonated polymer coating at least a portion of a surface of the vegetation enhancement agent.

Abstract: A process for preventing the formation of dust during the loading of sulfate fertilizer granulates includes spraying a high-percent aqueous solution of urea onto the fertilizer granulates. The amount of aqueous solution sprayed ranges from 4 to 8 kg of solution per ton of granulate. The concentration of urea within the solution is between 50% and 80% by weight.