Abstract: A foliar fertiliser composition providing for an enhanced crop characteristic in a crop. The composition is made of soluble compounds of the following trace elements in the following ranges of relative proportions of the respective element by weight, 0.5 to 4.0 copper, 2.0 to 10.0 zinc, 2.5 to 12 manganese, 5 to 14.0 iron, 0.5 to 6.5 boron, 0 to 0.3 molybdenum.

Abstract: A lawn colorant composition having rearing effects contains a pigment and an adhesive for the pigment. The pigment comprises a blue pigment composed as a primary component of a compound represented by the following formula: MFe[Fe(CN)6] wherein M represents an alkali metal atom or an ammonium group, one of the two Fe atoms is a divalent ion, and the other Fe atom is a trivalent ion. The adhesive comprises a water-dispersed polymer and a water-soluble polymer having compatibility with said water-dispersed polymer.

Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates for use as a soil conditioner produced from cement kiln dust and other particulate calcium sources containing CaO or Ca(OH)2 and other calcium-containing compounds having the potential to be hydrated and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The process comprises combining the particulate calcium source 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: The present invention relates to a solid water soluble fertilizer composition containing one or more fertilizer materials and a phosphate free, organic acid which is solid at ambient temperatures. The fertilizer materials include primary macro nutrients, secondary macro nutrients, micro nutrients and mixtures thereof. The organic acid has a water solubility of at least 10 g/l (at 25° C.) and an acidifying effect in the range of 0.5 to 1.3 g HCO3−/g acid. The acidifying effect is defined as the amount of HCO3− that can be transformed into H2CO3 per gram of acid and is calculated in accordance with the following formula: 61 ⁢ n M w , acid wherein Mw,acid is the molecular weight of said acid and n represents the number of dissociation constants (i.e., pKa values) of the acid below the value of 6.35.

Abstract: The coated fertilizer granules are coated with a carboxyl-carrying ethylene copolymer in which the carboxyl groups may also be in the form of their salts, the carboxyl-carrying ethylene copolymer being composed of a) from 75 to 90% by weight of ethylene and b) from 10 to 25% by weight of an &agr;-olefinically unsaturated C3-C8-alkanecarboxylic acid, and those coated fertilizer granules which contain an active ingredient for crop protection being excepted.

Abstract: A pourble aqueous borate-containing suspension which suspension in water contains 8 to 13% by weight boron as sodium pentaborate, 0.1 to 3% by weight of a swellable clay, and 0.05 to 0.2% by weight of a polysaccharide. The aqueous compositions according to the invention are physically stable, yet pourable and therefore readily handled. They may be used directly or, if appropriate, diluted for use. They may be used as a source of boron for crops or for other applications where there is a need for aqueous soluble borate suspensions.

Abstract: A fertilizer especially suitable for gramineous plants which has a high supplying ability and a high absorption/availability efficiency of silicic acid and a method for using the same. Silica gel was applied to a test field of paddy rice by 50 g/m2. The silicic acid content in stalks and leaves of paddy rice became extremely high compared with a case where a conventional silicic acid fertilizer was applied. As the result, the stalks became strong by being silicificated and therefore were prevented from being borne down even when ears became heavy with rice, and the harvest yield of rice increased.

Abstract: A lawn fertilizer to minimize or negate canine waste damage consisting of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash. The dry fertilizer is sprinkled over the canine waste damage and is compounded depending upon the season to provide starter fertilizer, summer fertilizer, and winter fertilizer.

Abstract: A fertilizer absorption accelerator composition is provided which is capable of accelerating the absorption in a plant of such fertilizer components as calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The composition is obtained by combining a fertilizer component with a surfactant and a heptonic acid or a salt thereof and is applied to the plant as sprayed to the surface of leaves thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making NK-fertilizers basically from calcium nitrate fertilizers and potassium nitrate and homogeneous NK-fertilizer products. Calcium nitrate fertilizer is melted together with potassium nitrate to form a melt or suspension thereof which is particulated to form a homogeneous NK-fertilizer. The calcium nitrate fertilizer and the potassium nitrate are melted at 90-120° C. and then heated to the desired particulation temperature being 160-190° C. for prilling and 90-140° C. for granulation. The components are mixed in ratios giving a melt or suspension comprising 40-14 weight % calcium nitrate, 55-85 weight % potassium nitrate, 0.5-6 weight % water, 0-4 weight % ammonium nitrate and 0-5 weight % magnesium nitrate.

Abstract: Homogeneous calcium nitrate based fertilizers containing sulphur, and method for their preparations. Solid gypsum and/or a slow reacting sulphate mineral is mixed with melted calcium nitrate fertilizer at a temperature of 90-110° C. and kept at this temperature for 3-15 minutes and subsequently particulated at a temperature of 80-110° C. The particulation by prilling is preformed at 95-110 ° C. and the particulation by granulation is performed at 90-110° C. The fertilizer is a homogeneous composition of a calcium nitrate fertilizer and gypsum and/or a slow reacting sulphate mineral comprising 0.1-5.0 weight % SO4—S, 14-19 weight % water soluble calcium and 16-21 weight % total calcium, and 0-3.0 weight % water soluble magnesium. The fertilizer may contain microamounts of Se and/or Co. and/or micronutrients like Mn, Cu, B and Zn.

Abstract: A floral foam which contains nutrients an preservatives for cut flowers is described, which floral foam has been pre-injected with nutrients and preservatives in an amount of 8-12 g per dm.sup.3 water which can be absorbed by the foam. A method for the production of such a floral foam is also described. The floral foam is pre-injected with 10-30 ml of a solution containing nutrients and preservatives per dm.sup.3 water which can be absorbed by the floral foam.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isocyanate composition comprising a) at least one isocyanate and b) from 1 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of component a), of sulfur. These isocyanate compositions are suitable for the preparation of polyurethane/polyurea encapsulated fertilizers. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to an improved process for the production of a polyurea/polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer comprising applying at least one isocyanate-reactive component to the fertilizer particles and applying the isocyanate compositions of the present invention to the fertilizer particles, to form these polyurea/polyurethane encapsulated fertilizers.

Abstract: A method of treating plants to raise their resistance to viroids and to protect them from the effects of viroid infections by administering bioassimilable boron compounds to the plants.

Abstract: A method of wet granulation of fertilizer and other materials into granules. The method involves formation of the granule directly on the pan from the feedstock without intermediate steps or the use of seed materials. The result is a product having a completely uniform cross section. The feedstock is initially in the size distribution of -150 mesh with 90% or greater in the size range of 200 mesh. Moisture is maintained to facilitate a steady process without cycling. The method has the advantage of allowing granulation of materials either known to be hazardous or inherently difficult to granulate in a safe and expedient manner.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of inhibiting the growth of disease organisms on and in plants by directly applying an aqueous solution comprising urea and at least one water-soluble salt of a divalent cation and a monovalent anion to the seeds, stems, bark, leaves, seed heads or sub-surface root zones of said plants. The weight percent ratio of urea to divalent cation in these solutions should be from about 0.25-10.0 to 1.0. Preferred divalent cations include those of the alkaline earth metals and the transition metals. Most preferred are calcium, magnesium, zinc, manganese, copper, iron, cobalt, nickel and mixtures thereof. Preferred anions include nitrate, chloride, bromide and mixtures thereof. In more preferred solutions, the ratio of urea to divalent cation is from about 2.0-7.0 to 1.0. Particularly preferred solutions include calcium chloride as the water-soluble salt. Optionally, a second water-soluble salt of a divalent cation and a monovalent anion may be included.

Abstract: A method of coating fertilizer particles exhibiting porous surfaces under vacuum to form attrition resistant controlled release particulate fertilizers, by drawing a vacuum on the fertilizer particles and applying thereto a water insoluble fluid resin at about atmospheric pressure, so that the fluid resin is forced into the porous surfaces of the fertilizer particles by differences in pressure, and then hardening the fluid resin to form a solid resin, tenaciously bonded onto, and into, the porous surfaces of the fertilizer particles. Porous surfaced water soluble, slow releasing and sulfur coated, fertilizers may be effectively coated. Granular, briquetted, compacted and other special shaped fertilizers may also be effectively vacuum coated to provide controlled release products. Pesticides may also be effectively included in these attrition resistant products. Fertilizers are provided which exhibit substantially improved resistance to attrition.

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: 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: Embodiments of a coating composition and coating method for seeds are described, the coating including molybdenum and a sulfur-containing component and being for improving seed and seedling performance. The preferred molybdenum source is molybdenum trioxide, and the preferred sulfur source is gypsum. After planting, the seed coating provides protection for the seed during dry spells until moisture is received and seed growth is established. During the establishment period for legumes, the invented seed coating serves as a protective coat for the seed under adverse growing conditions, such as temperature and moisture extremes. Within a few days of emergence of legume seedlings, the invented coating stimulates and/or feeds the Rhizobium bacteria that is in place on the seed and speeds up formation of the Rhizobium, which fixes/feeds nitrogen to the plant. The coating and method may also include inoculation with Rhizobium, and, optionally, other nutrients, pesticides, or herbicides and a binder.

Abstract: Water-buoyant compositions comprising a source of micronutrients for photosynthetic phytoplankton growth are useful for stimulating photosynthetic phytoplankton growth in ocean areas devoid of such growth when deployed on ocean surfaces as floating particles. Iron is the preferred micronutrient.

Abstract: Ion exchange is used to make two grades of liquid fertilizer. In the first phase, ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) is contacted with a potassium-containing ion exchange resin to make the liquid fertilizer potassium thiosulfate (KTS) and an ammonium-containing resin. If operated under ambient temperatures, oxidation of any sulfites and the attendant formation of insoluble sulfates is avoided along with the associated fouling costs.The recharge line is operated in parallel to the KTS line. When the ammonium-containing resin is contacted with potassium chloride, the ammonium cations are exchanged for potassium cations and produce an ammonium chloride that can be used as a second liquid fertilizer. If desired, a concentrator can be used to remove water from each fertilizer to increase its concentration of KTS or ammonium chloride.

Abstract: Methods, devices and compositions directed to the delivery of a preferably organic formulation of plant nutrients to indoor and outdoor potted plants, cut flowers, vegetable, herb, and flower seedlings, and other types of plants. The methods, devices and compositions form a simple, safe, non-toxic, cost effective and easy to use delivery system comprising the use of a plant nutrient composition. The plant nutrient composition is typically dry and is maintained in a plant nutrient delivery system during storage and shipping. When ready for use, the plant nutrient composition is contacted with hot water to release the plant nutrients retained within the plant nutrient composition, and the resulting infusion is cooled, and then administered to the plants.

Abstract: A polyborate composition suitable for use in agricultural fertilizer preparations is provided. The polyborate is formed as the reaction product of a boric acid compound with one or more cyclic amines in aqueous solution. The resulting polyborate is extremely temperature stable and does not crystallize during preparation, storage or use. A method of preparation necessary to result in a non-crystallizing polyborate is also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mineral vegetation substrate for agricultural or forestry use. The problem with prior art soil substrates based on recycled materials is that the usable field capacity is often insufficient or sufficient only with special additives. According to the invention, therefore, a mineral vegetation substrate consists of 45 to 65 wt. % geogenous sand and/or sandy soil with a grain size d.sub.50 of 0.20 to 0.35 mm, 4 to 8 wt. % coarse-grained crushed clay tiles with a grain size d.sub.50 of 25 to 35 mm, 8 to 18 wt. % fine-grained crushed clay tiles with a grain size d.sub.50 of 0.7 to 1.5 mm, 4 to 8 wt. % coarse-grained crushed concrete with a grain size d.sub.50 of 15 to 25 mm, 8 to 18 wt. % fine-grained crushed concrete with a grain size d.sub.50 of 1.5 to 3.5 mm, 8 to 13 wt. % binders like geogenous clay with a grain size d.sub.50 of 0.08 to 0.15 mm or clay in a homogenous mixture.

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: New agrochemical formulations for application to the water of paddy fields, which formulations compriseA) at least one solid core material having an apparent specific density of less than 1 and a particle diameter within the range from about 300 .mu.m to about 1,400 .mu.m, andB) a coating layer comprisingat least one biologically active compound,at least one substance having the ability to reduce the interfacial tension between water and air,at least one oily substance and,if appropriate, one or more additives,and the use of such agrochemical formulations for applying biologically active compounds to the water of paddy fields.

Abstract: A new Penicillium species called Penicillium radicum N93/47267 has been isolated. The new Penicillium radicum N93/47267 improves the availability of nutrients to plants, particularly in acidic soils. In addition, the new Penicillium radicum N93/47267 exercises control over plant fungal pathogens.

Abstract: A plant growing agent contains a blue pigment that contains, as a main ingredient, a compound represented by MFe?Fe(CN).sub.6 ! (M is an alkali metal or an ammonium group, and one Fe is of divalent, while the other Fe is of trivalent), and a substance for changing the cuticular of the surface layer of a plant so as to facilitate permeation of the blue pigment into the interior of the tissue of the plant. In a plant growing method, a thick stock solution is first prepared by adding a surfactant and a solvent into a mixture of the above-described blue pigment and the above-described substance for changing the cuticular of the surface layer of a plant so as to facilitate permeation of the blue pigment into the interior of the tissue of the plant. The thick stock solution is diluted 5-100 times with a solvent, and is sprayed onto a plant to be grown.

Abstract: According to the present invention, ceramics which are prepared by calcining a composition comprising raw ceramic materials and a microorganism and/or culture fluid thereof, wherein the microorganisms is capable of producing an antioxidation material. The ceramic of the present invention possesses a variety of activities of, for instance, improving the soil, decomposing sewage or sludge, and deodorizing an unpleasant odor.

Abstract: A sulfur-based, chemical soil-corrective or conditioner for agricultural use in the form of pellets, said product containing fly sulfur powder, at least 3% by weight of an inert compound selected from the group consisting of clay, bentonite, kaolin and mixtures thereof, and at least 0.5% by weight of a wetting agent; said components are mixed with one another, then subjected to wet extrusion and next to drying, so as to obtain mechanically strong pellets which are porous and suitable to be very easily disgregated when they are in contact with soil moisture.

Abstract: Scrap aluminum is reclaimed by a salt flux-based reclamation process using potassium chloride in place of the commonly used sodium chloride. The spent flux which remains after the recovery of the aluminum is useful as a soil fertilizer, with the potassium content of the flux serving as a source of potassium nutrient for the soil. The potassium in the spent flux is highly water soluble at all values of pH while the aluminum in the spent flux remains at a limited solubility, particularly under the conditions expected to be encountered in soil. Thus, despite the known phytotoxicity of aluminum and the presence of aluminum in the spent flux, the spent flux is discovered to be useful as a plant fertilizer with the maximum benefit from the potassium and minimal if any harm from the aluminum.

Abstract: A binder for fertilizer granulation is taught, comprising a reactive mixture of a metal salt and a metal oxide or hydroxide. Use of this binder permits the incorporation of higher percentages of "fines" or small particle fertilizer components.

Abstract: Method and composition is disclosed for increasing the percentage of split-shell to non-split crops produced during crop harvest by the pre-harvest application of an aluminum treatment to crop plants.

Abstract: The formation of paramagnetic iron sulfate hydrate salts containing iron in the di- and trivalent states from black magnetic iron oxides of high iron content and their use as fertilizers effective on both acid and alkaline soils is disclosed. Such oxides are comminuted, wetted with a specified amount of water, reacted with concentrated sulfuric acid, and dried. The resultant products are paramagnetic and contain iron in both the di- and trivalent states. These products have fertilizing and soil conditioning properties superior to non-magnetic iron compounds containing iron only in either the di- or trivalent state.

Abstract: A particulate soil supplement comprising, as a discontinous phase, solid particles of a water-soluble plant nutrient dispersed throughout a continous sulfur phase or matrix. Preferably, said particulate soil supplement additionally comprises solid particles of a water-insoluble plant nutrient dispersed throughout the continuous phase. These compositions are obtained by dispersing said water-soluble plant nutrient and, preferably, said water-insoluble plant nutrients in molten sulfur, and quenching the resulting dispersion in a non-phytotoxic oil, that is non-reactive to, and immiscible with molten sulfur, e.g., a paraffinic oil, under shearing conditions sufficient to comminute and solidify said molten sulfur into particles. These compositions have particular utility in agronomic applications as soil supplements for supplying both sulfur (as sulfate) as well as other plant nutrients at a continuous, regulated rate from inexpensive raw materials.

Abstract: An agricultural fertilizer material is provided which is resistant to agglomeration, powdering and burning of plant life and which is made up of lightweight blast furnace slag having a water content in the range of about 3% to 5% and mixed with about 10% to 35% by weight of a mixture of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash as conventional nutrient salts, said salts and nitrogen being present in amounts sufficient to provide at least 1% by weight of nitrogen on the total mix and said slag having a CaO equivalent of about 20% to 25%.

Abstract: Method and composition is disclosed for increasing the percentage of split-shell to non-split pistachio nuts produced during nut harvest by the pre-harvest application of an aluminum treatment to pistachio trees.

Abstract: A stepwise method of preparing homogeneous mineral granules for agriculture by coreaction of commodity acids and bases which have properties to chemically form a transient fluid adhesive which will harden to form a strong granule binding cement. Water may be added to improve the effectiveness of the adhesive. The transient fluid adhesive is comminuted by mechanically shearing, then particulate mineral solids are admixed mechanically to form a mass of plastic globules which is rolled to form spheroid granules and the fluid adhesive hardens to form the hardened binding cement. The method provides substantially dust-free and attrition resistant animal feed supplement, and plant food fertilizer and micronutrient granules. The commodity acids and bases include aqueous and anhydrous mineral and alkyl carboxylic acids and alkali and alkaline earth bases.

Abstract: Oil-in-water emulsions containing polyvinyl alcohol, surfactant and a salt with improved freeze-thaw and elevated temperature storage stability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel method for controlling the growth of microorganisms on, in or near plants. more particularly, in one embodiment, growth of microorganisms is controlled on a surface that is in such proximity to a higher order plant that contacting such surface with a stream of water may cause liquid water from the stream to be deflected and contact the higher order plant or the growth medium in which it is rooted. In this embodiment, an N-halohydantoin is incorporated in water to produce treated water havng an N-halohydantoin concentration sufficient to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in the water or on a substrate to which the treated water is applied. Then the surface is contacted with the treated water, thereby inhibiting the growth of microorganisms on the surface, without harming the higher order plant by contact with the N-halohydantoin contained in any of the treated water that may contact the plant or the growth medium in which said plant is rooted.

Abstract: Soils are fertilized by a method in which ammonium syngenite (NH.sub.4).sub.2 SO.sub.4.CaSO.sub.4.H.sub.2 O or a mixture of finely divided ammonium sulfate, calcium sulfate, calcium nitrate, calcium chloride and/or dicalcium phosphate is applied to these soils, as a slow-acting nitrogen fertilizer, with the proviso that the molar ratio of Ca to SO.sub.4.sup.-- in the mixture is 1:2.+-.10%.

Abstract: Ruminants such as cattle are protected against selenium-deficient diseases by applying a sulfur-selenium composition to the rangelands or pasturelands where the cattle graze. The composition preferably contains the selenium in a solid solution in the sulfur.

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, waste fiber from a cellulose production plant or paper mill, sawdust or similar matter.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a technique and provides for apparatus eminently useful for the econimic recovery of Fe, Zn, and S from waste galvinizer sulfuric acid and crystals of iron sulfate and zinc sulfate. The technique or method of the instant invention involves the ammoniation of the acid or a solution prepared from such crystals followed by the partial oxidation of the resulting ammoniated suspension to a point where the desired product magnetite is formed in the separated from a marketable solution of ammoniacal zinc sulfate. The effecting of the instant technique requires only a minimal amount of relatively inexpensive equipment and is simply and easily placed into practice by, for example, sparging anhydrous ammonia into a stirred tank of waste acid until the Ph is elevated to about 10. Air can be sparged through the resulting slurry to oxidize the iron in the acid. After a proper incubation period, the desired stable product, e.g.

Abstract: The growth medium consists of a homogeneous mixture of short rockwool fibres, and short vegetable fibres, preferably peat fibres. Humus material may be added, preferably composted sludge. To the mixture may also be added fertilizer, and seeds, e.g. grass seeds being bound to said fibres by a rapidly disintegrating binder.The method for producing said growth medium comprises intimately mixing long rockwool fibres, and vegetable fibres, preferably peat fibres, and possible additional materials in a dry state in a mixer until homogenous spheres or balls are formed which contain the components in a substantially uniform mixture, and cutting said spheres into short fibres by the aid of beating knives, a hammer mill or the like, and then conveying said medium to the growing site or to a packaging by the aid of an air jet.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for simultaneously scrubbing acidic exhaust gases and removing metal salts from alkaline waste dust from a cement plant or the like thereby producing useful products from what would otherwise be wasted. In essence the two wastes are combined in water and the resulting solution and precipitate separated in a tank. The solution is useful both to cool incoming waste gas and as a fertilizer, whilst the precipitate is suitable as kiln feed stock.

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, peat mud or waste fibre from a cellulose production plant or the solid component of communal sewage.

Abstract: A vegetable activator is proposed which is manufactured by causing an aqueous solution of an electrolytic neutral salt to penetrate into a clay mineral to cause the exchangeable cations adsorbed on the clay mineral to elute by displacement, and adding a phosphate.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for simultaneously scrubbing acidic exhaust gases and removing metal salts from alkaline waste dust from a cement plant or the like thereby producing useful products from what would otherwise be wasted. In essence the two wastes are combined in water and the resulting solution and precipitate separated in a tank. The solution is useful both to cool incoming waste gas and as a fertilizer, whilst the precipitate is suitable as kiln feed stock.