Abstract: A method for capturing material extracted from biochar is provided comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biochar; (ii) contacting the biochar with an extraction media, where the extraction media causes the removal of residual compounds from the pores and surface of the biochar, creating a resulting extract comprised of the extraction media and removed compounds; and (iii) collecting the resulting extract. The method also can include other steps of extraction and purification. The method further comprises the step of applying the resulting extract to seeds, plants, soil, other agricultural products, or for use in other applications. A biochar having high levels of soluble signaling compounds is also provided, where the biochar is derived from a biomass source that together with predefined pyrolysis parameters produces resulting biochar having increased levels of soluble signaling compounds that are known to increase seed germination rates and early plant growth.

Abstract: A method for using treated biochar to reduce the overall environmental impact of farming and minimize the carbon footprint of farms is provided. The method comprising engaging in one or more of the following practices: (1) combining treated biochar with feed or using biochar as feed for animals to reduce methane from enteric fermentation and increase animal health and nutrition; (2) combining treated biochar with compost, animal bedding or manure piles to reduce odor and increase nutrient retention; (3) applying treated biochar to lagoons to reduce odor and treat water; (4) applying treated biochar to pastures to increase pasture health; (5) applying treated biochar to crops to increase crop productivity, healthier roots and prevent fertilizer leaching; and (6) using the carbon negativity of a produced biochar to reduce the overall farm or ranch carbon footprint.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for treating water to remove contaminants using treated biochar placed in the water flow pathway of a water treatment process. The system further includes the further treatment of the treated biochar after its use in the water treatment process for use in agricultural or animal applications.

Abstract: A method for capturing material extracted from biochar is provided comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biochar; (ii) contacting the biochar with an extraction media, where the extraction media causes the removal of residual compounds from the pores and surface of the biochar, creating a resulting extract comprised of the extraction media and removed compounds; and (iii) collecting the resulting extract. The method also can include other steps of extraction and purification. The method further comprises the step of applying the resulting extract to seeds, plants, soil, other agricultural products, or for use in other applications. A biochar having high levels of soluble signaling compounds is also provided, where the biochar is derived from a biomass source that together with predefined pyrolysis parameters produces resulting biochar having increased levels of soluble signaling compounds that are known to increase seed germination rates and early plant growth.

Abstract: Biochars and methods for treating biochars are provided that are useful in various applications, including, but not limited to, applications related to the raising, care, maintenance, disease prevention, disease treatment and odor control of animals.

Abstract: A method and system is provided for using biochar in composting environments to control temperature, moisture, acid and pH levels, odors and bacterial cultures. The method further includes treating the biochar prior to combining it with the compost to further control such parameters.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: The present invention describes a process for the treatment of a precipitate starting material comprising magnesium ammonium phosphate, magnesium potassium phosphate or potassium phosphate, or any derivate thereof, or a mixture thereof, said process comprising dewatering of the precipitate starting material, wherein the dewatering is performed by use of a hydrocyclone followed by the removal of excess water by filtration, and wherein the product obtained is a powder product. Furthermore, the present invention also discloses a powder product comprising particles of magnesium ammonium phosphate and/or magnesium potassium phosphate, wherein at least 75% of the particles have a particle size of maximum 10 ?m and wherein at least 50% of the particles have a particle size in the range of 4-10 ?m.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stabilized pesticidal composition comprising at least one granular substrate material containing at least one metal chelate of 2-(2?-nitro-4?-methylsulphonylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione, a method of producing a stabilized granular pesticidal composition which comprises incorporating a metal chelate of 2-(2?-nitro-4?-methylsulphonylbenzoyl)-1,3-cyclohexanedione in to or on to a granular substrate material; and a method of killing or controlling weeds or unwanted vegetation (without damaging beneficial plants and or seeds) which comprises applying a herbicidally effective amount of the stabilized granular pesticide composition of the invention to the foliage, tissue or locus of the weeds or unwanted vegetation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for differentiating haptic feelings by a selection menu of a rotary switch, in which haptic feelings of the switch or rotary switch can be differentiated by each menu when scrolling the rotary switch in order to setup or select a variety of functions of an electronic product. Specifically, the haptic feelings by vibration and resistance against turning the switch are transferred to a user at different strengths when the user scroll-manipulates a switch to select a variety of menus, selects items of a first menu, transits first menu from the first menu to a second menu, and selects items of each second menu, so that the user can easily perceive the positions of the respective menus even without watching a cluster display window.

Abstract: Preferred aspects of the present invention provide ammonium nitrate compositions comprising ammonium nitrate and at least a second compound, said second compound being present under conditions and in amounts effective to substantially reduce the detonation sensitivity of the composition and/or to otherwise improve a desired property of the composition. In certain embodiments, the second compound is selected from the group consisting of ammonium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate, magnesium nitrate, ammonium molybdenate, ammonium hexaflouralsilicate, neodymium hydroxynitrate, and combinations of two or more of these. In preferred embodiments, at least a substantial portion of the ammonium nitrate in the composition is in the form of a double salt with one or more of said second compounds. In highly preferred embodiments, the present compositions consist essentially of one or more double salts of ammonium nitrate and a second compound as described herein.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous charging of crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock comprised of one or more crop-quality enhancers (fertilizers, soil amendments and the like) to an irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. The crop-quality-enhancer-feedstock is diluted upon so charging to a level within the system solubility limits and the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein crop-quality enhancers are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm mixing chamber efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous introduction of concentrated raw materials into a high-dilution irrigation-water environment whereby the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous in situ manufacture of one or more fertilizers within the irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. Co-reactant raw materials, namely sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, potassium hydroxide, urea, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, calcium nitrate and/or magnesium nitrate, are intermixed with each other and with the stream of the flowing irrigation water. The stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the in situ manufacture of one or more fertilizers within the irrigation upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated. Co-reactant raw materials, namely sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, nitric acid, potassium hydroxide, urea, ammonium hydroxide, ammonia, calcium nitrate and/or magnesium nitrate, are intermixed with each other and with the stream of the flowing irrigation water. The stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: A functional fertilizer composition containing natural mineral ingredients and a method of preparing the same are disclosed. More particularly, a functional fertilizer composition that is environmentally friendly, significantly accelerates growth of plants, relieves physiological disorders, is suitable for use as an agent for odor removal and a gas generation inhibitor, and enables preparation of a soil conditioner from a residue from which mineral ingredients are extracted and a method of preparing the same are disclosed. To this end, the method includes pulverizing vermiculite, mixing the pulverized vermiculite with water, adding sulfur or sulfuric acid to the mixture of pulverized vermiculite and water, stirring the mixture to which sulfur or sulfuric acid has been added, aging the stirred mixture to prepare an aqueous solution, and separating and extracting an aqueous solution containing mineral ingredients from the prepared aqueous solution.

Abstract: Coated fertilizer wherein the fertilizer comprises fertilizer particles coated with a biomass composition comprising 1-60 wt. % solid biomass particles with a D50 between 0 and 150 ?m and 99-40 wt. % oil, a biomass composition wherein the biomass composition comprises solid biomass particles with a D50 between 0 and 150 ?m and a process for the production of a biomass composition wherein a biomass composition comprising solid particles having a D50 between 30 and 500 ?m is filtrated and the residue is grinded until the solid particles have a D50 between 0 and 150 ?m.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a process for the manufacture of sulphur-containing fertilizer compositions, said process comprising the steps of: a) providing a slurry of at least one phosphate-based fertilizer material selected from the group consisting of ammonium phosphates, ammonium phosphate based nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) compounds, super phosphates and partially acidulated phosphate rocks; b} bringing said slurry into contact with at least one surfactant and elemental sulphur; and c) introducing the mixture obtained in step b) into a granulator unit in order to obtain granules of the fertilizer composition, wherein the elemental sulphur is present in an amount in the range of form 1 to 25 wt. %, based on the total weight of the fertilizer composition The present invention also provides a fertilizer composition.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of sulphur-containing fertilizer compositions, comprising the steps of: a} providing a slurry of at least one phosphate-based fertilizer material selected from the group consisting of ammonium phosphates, ammonium phosphate based nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) compounds, super phosphates and partially acidulated phosphate rocks; b) bringing said slurry into contact with at least one anionic surfactant and elemental sulphur; c) introducing the mixture obtained in step b} into a granulator unit in order to obtain granules of the fertilizer composition, wherein the at least one phosphate-based fertilizer material is present in an amount in the range of at least 50 wt. %, the elemental sulphur is present in an amount in the range of from 1 to 25 wt. % and the anionic surfactant is present in an amount in the range of from 0.001 to 3 wt. % based on the overall weight of the fertilizer composition. The present invention also provides a fertilizer composition.

Abstract: A water-dispersible particle for delivery of fertilizer to a plant is disclosed. After delivery wetting of the particles causes particle dispersion so as to prevent secondary pick up to the particles. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.

Abstract: This invention relates to insecticidal fertilizer mixtures containing (a) an agonist or antagonist of ion channels in the insect nervous system; (b) a fertilizer; (c) optionally, an adherent; and (d) optionally, one or more auxiliaries and/or carrier materials.

Abstract: The present invention provides fertilizer compositions comprising calcium and magnesium phosphates together with alkali metal double phosphates, and process for their preparation. The solid composition is freely flowing and well soluble.

Abstract: Systems and methods for development testing of vehicles and components are disclosed. In one embodiment, a system includes a position reference system and a command and control architecture. The position reference system is configured to repetitively measure one or more position and motion characteristics of one or more vehicles operating within a control volume. The command and control architecture is configured to receive the repetitively measured characteristics from the position reference system, and to determine corresponding control signals based thereon. The control signals are then transmitted to the one or more vehicles to control at least one of position, movement, and stabilization of the one or more vehicles in a closed-loop feedback manner. The system may further include a health monitoring component configured to monitor health conditions of the one or more vehicles, the control signals being determined at least in part on the health conditions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for depositing agents relatively deep within pores of bio-char. Bio-char is first produced in an airtight oven by heating biomass feedstock. The bio-char is then cooled and steam is diffused into the pores of the bio-char. The steam-laden bio-char is immersed in a liquid bath containing soluble agents that are to be deposited in the pores of the bio-char. The liquid bath cools the char to below the condensation temperature of the steam, whereupon the condensing steam generates a partial vacuum within the pores, drawing the liquid into the pores. The bio-char is then removed from the liquid bath and dried so that the liquid within the pores evaporates, leaving behind the soluble agent. Accordingly, the invention yields bio-char that has soluble agent embedded relatively deep within its pores.

Abstract: Blends of fertilizer granules and highly absorbent cellulosic granules carrying one or more pesticidal or other active ingredients that resist the formation of actives dust or segregation of the granules and that ensure even and efficient application of both the fertilizer and the active ingredients.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for the combined production of (I) a sulfur oxide containing product and (II) a fertilizer selected from a group consisting of ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphates and a combination thereof, through an indirect neutralization of ammonia with an acid selected from the group consisting of nitric acid, phosphoric acid and a combination thereof, the method comprising: a. contacting a precipitate containing calcium sulfite with a solution of nitric acid and a solution of ammonia in two separate steps, to form the fertilizer, the sulfur oxide containing product and a precipitate containing calcium hydroxide; and b. separating at least portion of the fertilizer, the sulfur oxide and the calcium hydroxide into three separated streams.

Abstract: Extended release compositions containing selenium and methods of using such compositions in the treatment of soil deficient in selenium are provided. For example, the composition could comprise sodium selenium and acidulated phosphate.

Abstract: The subject invention provides methods for producing homogenous organic base fertilizer for plant nutrition and soil fertility. Also provided by the subject invention are value added fertilizer products for plant nutrition and soil fertility and concentrated liquid formulations/nutrient supplements that provide the value added nutrients to fertilizer products. Methods according to the invention involve the application of concentrated liquid(s) and/or dry formulation(s) comprising a mixture of one or more plant nutrient(s), one or more additional organic compound(s), one or more penetrate(s), and one or more optional supplement(s) into one or more organic base material(s). These organic base materials include, and are not limited to, biosolids, activated sludge, municipal compost, animal manures (e.g., horse, cow, chicken, pig, and sheep), and composted organic byproducts.

Abstract: A water-retaining support for plants comprising a hydrogel-forming polymer (A) having a calcium ion absorption of 0-100 mg per 1 g of the dry weight thereof, having a chlorine ion content of 0.07-7 mmol per 1 g of the dry weight thereof and having a water absorption magnification in ion-exchanger water at 25° C. of 1.0×101 to 1.0×102; or a plant body-growing water-retaining material comprising a molded product of a mixture of such a polymer (A) and a plant body-growing support (B). The water-retaining support for plants and the plant body-growing water-retaining material are those which have an excellent water-retaining property and they substantially do not cause inhibition of root generation or inhibition of root elongation.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition that includes a plurality of particles in which the particles feature a plurality of sulfur platelets embedded within a fertilizer portion, and a method for preparing this composition in which fertilizer-containing particles are sprayed first with a sulfur spray, and then with a slurry containing fertilizer or a precursor thereof, followed by curing.

Abstract: A magnesium ammonium phosphate slurry and method of producing magnesium ammonium phosphate slurries. The method provides for obtaining a magnesium hydroxide supply having a small particle size of about 2 microns. Aqua ammonia and phosphoric acid are sequentially added while maintaining the temperature at below 110° F. The magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate slurry formed has a small particle size of about 2 to 7 microns. The hexahydrate slurry may be converted to a monohydrate slurry having a particle size of less than about 8 microns by heating to the boiling point in the presence of excess water or heating to the boiling point while maintaining a very moderate hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A magnesium ammonium phosphate slurry and method of producing magnesium ammonium phosphate slurries. The method provides for obtaining a magnesium hydroxide supply having a small particle size of about 1 to 2 microns. Aqua ammonia and phosphoric acid are sequentially added while maintaining the temperature at below 110° F. The magnesium ammonium phosphate slurry formed has a small particle size of about 2 to 5 microns.

Abstract: A method for the combined production of (I) a fertilizer selected from a group consisting of ammonium nitrate, ammonium phosphates or a combination thereof through an indirect neutralization of ammonia with an acid selected form a group consisting of nitric acid, phosphoric acid and a combination thereof and of (II) a sulfur compound selected from a group consisting of elemental sulfur, SO2, sulfuric acid and sulfate salts, said method comprising (a) contacting a sulfur oxide containing gas with ammonia and an aqueous liquor, whereby a sulfur oxide containing product is formed and the resulting gas has a reduced SO2 content; (b) reacting a sulfur oxide containing product resulting from step (a) with a reagent selected from a group consisting of nitric acid, phosphoric acid, a mixture thereof and salts formed by the reaction of said acids to form said fertilizer and a sulfur compund, and (c) separating at least a portion said sulfur compound from said fertilizer.

Abstract: A free-flowing fertilizer comprising:

Abstract: A process for treating animal manure, particularly poultry feces, with concentrated sulfuric acid (about 93 to 95% H2SO4). The product of the process can be used for treating agricultural soils.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition for plants containing phosphonate and phosphate slats, and derivatives thereof is disclosed. The composition provides a single product which may be employed to stimulate the growth response in plants.

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: 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: 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 fertilizer composition for plants containing phosphonate and phosphate slats, and derivatives thereof is disclosed. The composition provides a single product which may be employed to stimulate the growth response in plants.

Abstract: A synthetic soil/fertilizer for horticultural application having all the agronutrients essential for plant growth is disclosed. The soil comprises a synthetic apatite fertilizer having sulfur, magnesium and micronutrients dispersed in a calcium phosphate matrix, a zeolite cation exchange medium saturated with a charge of potassium and nitrogen cations, and an optional pH buffer. Moisture dissolves the apatite and mobilizes the nutrient elements from the apatite matrix and the zeolite charge sites.

Abstract: Phossy water is a toxic liquid waste that is generated when elemental phosphorus is manufactured, stored, or processed into phosphorus-containing products. Elemental phosphorus may be present as a solution, as colloidal particles, and as settleable particles.The primary objects of the invention are as follows:1. To provide a process for the disposal of phossy water stored at the TVA National Fertilizer and Environmental Research Center.2. To provide a process for the recovery of phossy water that will be generated when hazardous wastes stored at the TVA National Fertilizer and Environmental Research Center are recycled.Phossy water can be disposed of by using it to quench and granulate molten slag at electric furnaces used to manufacture elemental phosphorus. The elemental phosphorus content of the phossy water is limited to about 2 parts per million.

Abstract: A synthetic apatite containing agronutrients and a method for making the apatite are disclosed. The apatite comprises crystalline calcium phosphate having agronutrients dispersed in the crystalline structure. The agronutrients can comprise potassium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, molybdenum, chlorine, boron, copper and zinc in amounts suited for plant growth. The apatite can optionally comprise a carbonate and/or silicon solubility control agent. The agronutrients are released slowly as the apatite dissolves.

Abstract: Process for converting phospho-gypsum waste product from the wet process of manufacturing phosphoric acid from phosphate rock by ammoniating said product at a pH of 6.5 or less and adjusting the phosphorus and potassium values of said ammoniated product by addition of one or more sources of potassium and phosphorus.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer is prepared by coating particles of a base fertilizer, selected from orthophosphates of calcium, ammonium and potassium and mixtures thereof, with:(a) a first layer comprising 1 to 5% (by weight of the total composition) of water or an aqueous solution of a salt selected from the group of sulphates and phosphates of ammonium or potassium and mixtures thereof; and(b) a second layer comprising (i) elemental sulphur and/or (ii) a supplemental micronutrient, and, if the first layer consists of water only, (iii) 0.1 to 10% (by weight of the total composition) of a salt selected from the group consisting of water-soluble sulphates and phosphates of ammonium or potassium, sulphates of metallic trace elements, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A liquid fertilizer composition suitable for no-till farming contains a stabilizing amount of an admixture of calcium chloride and ammonium polyphosphate or similar nitrogen/phosphorous source in addition to a herbicide. As an improvement over clay suspensions, this liquid fertilizer can be used for one pass planting and herbicide application. Higher amounts of potash can be incorporated in the liquid fertilizer along with sulphur and nitrogen nutrients.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition and method for the detoxification and deacidification of soil threatened by acidic deposits which comprises at least one alkali-reactive component, selected from the group which consists of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, ammonium and ammonia compounds in soil neutralizing amounts and at least one water soluble pyrophosphate or polyphosphate capable of forming water insoluble salts with aluminum and heavy metals of a similar magnitude as the diphosphates.