Abstract: The present invention relates to a porous planting medium containing minerals and a method for preparing the same, and more particularly, to a porous planting medium prepared by using bentonite and/or zeolite and minerals for promoting plant growth as raw materials and a method for preparing the same. The porous planting medium containing minerals according to the present invention can provide places where plants can grow due to the pores therein and create the ideal environment for plant growth due to minerals used therein. Also, since it is installed in a building with plant seeds germinated therein, it can provide effects of interior decoration, wood bathing due to anion generation and a pleasant interior environment.

Abstract: A compound which includes a mixture of three components; wherein a first component a is liquid silicon-rich solution (Part A); a second component is a solid matrix (Part B); wherein Part A and Part B are mixed together and dried; and a third component (Part C) for optimizing the properties of the mixture of Part A and Part B. Embodiments of the present invention provide a silicon fertilizer having both the active monosilicic acid content of silicon found in liquid silicon fertilizers and the prolonged effect in the soil-plant system of solid silicon fertilizers.

Abstract: Materials, compositions, substances and methods and systems for stormwater treatment in wet ponds, dry ponds and a green roof system. A first embodiment provides in-situ treatment unit within the retention pond by withdrawing the stored stormwater to circulate the stored stormwater into the in-situ treatment unit to sorb nitrogen from the stored stormwater. A second embodiment provides uses a riprap apron, a perforated riser located at the bottom of the riprap apron and a geotextile media encased in a sorption media jacket around the perforated riser. A third embodiment provides a green roof stormwater treatment system that includes protection for waterproofing and insulating the roof, a pollution control media layer for filtration and sorption of solids and dissolved materials found in stormwater, a growing media for growing vegetation, and a cistern to store the runoff stormwater between irrigation events.

Abstract: A method of conditioning a tubular clay material to enable its loading with an active, the method comprising the step of exposing the tubular clay material to a chemical agent in a manner such that the agent sorbs to a surface of the clay material that is internal of the tube, the chemical agent being selected such that, when the agent is sorbed to the clay material internal surface, the affinity of the tubular clay material for the active is altered.

Abstract: A controlled release product and a method for producing the controlled release product. The product includes a substrate material for release to a surrounding environment and a composition coating the substrate material in a coating layer for providing a controlled release of the substrate material. The composition includes a matrix material; a particulate fibrous filler material dispersed throughout the matrix material and a water soluble surface treatment material applied to the external surfaces of the particles of filler material such that the surface treatment material provides degradable interfaces between the matrix material and the external surfaces of the particles of filler material, and wherein the degradable interfaces are degradable in the presence of water such that interfacial passageways between the matrix material and the external surfaces of the particles of filler material are formed by the dissolution of the surface treatment material.

Abstract: An extended release fertilizer that includes an absorbent material containing capillaries/voids between 10-200 microns in cross-sectional diameter which is impregnated in an amount of 40-95% of the capillaries/voids volume with an agriculturally beneficial material, or alternatively includes a holding agent retaining an agriculturally beneficial material, wherein the beneficial material at least includes calcium sulfate, and the beneficial material is selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, with the resulting material being agglomerated into granules.

Abstract: An economically efficient agricultural pellet of enhanced structural integrity comprises up to about 15% by weight of non-crystalline silica fibers blended with one or more other nutrient substances, such as calcium silicate and/or magnesium sulfite, such that the silica fibers to form an interlaced matrix dispersed throughout the body of the pellet. Fragmentation agent(s) and/or soil amendments may also be included. The silica fiber matrix provides both structural reinforcement and a source of bio-available silicon. In embodiments including calcium silicate, additional structural integrity is gained through pozzolonic bonding.

Abstract: The present inventions generally relate to compositions and methods for providing agricultural chemicals comprising active ingredients (A.I.s) combined with a top dressing for application to cultivated areas of turfgrass. Specifically, the compositions are in the form of moist formulations for providing top dressings comprising active ingredients. Further, the inventions relate to compositions and methods for delivering active ingredients simultaneously with a top dressing composition to golf course turf.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for producing a manufactured product, a method for making a liquid absorbent, and processes for disposal of flammable liquids with a flue gas desulfurization by-product. The compositions for the manufactured products combine a binder and the by-product. The composition contains a greater percentage by weight of the by-product than the binder. The methods for producing manufactured products include dewatering the gypsum-depleted waste stream to reduce a water content, and forming the manufactured product. The method for making a liquid absorbent includes dewatering, granulating, drying, heating, and packaging a granulated gypsum-depleted composition as the liquid absorbent. The processes for disposal of flammable liquids include distributing a by-product into contact with flammable liquid, absorbing the liquid, transporting, and igniting the flammable liquid. The artificial soils are a combination of by-product and animal waste.

Abstract: A process of preparing a biogenic silica comprising the steps of incinerating a silica bearing organic source at a temperature up to 1200° C. and allowing the incinerated silica organic source to cool; adding the incinerated and cooled silica bearing organic source to an alkaline solution that has either been preheated to a temperature up to about 65° C. or to be heated with the added organic source to a temperature up to about 65° C., the alkaline solution being contained in a vessel and having a pH up to 14; applying heat so that the added organic source and the alkaline solution in the vessel are at a temperature between 100° C. and up to about 300° C. for 1 to 4 hours, thereby forming an aqueous biogenic silica and undissolved impurities derived from the added organic source; and extracting the aqueous biogenic silica from the vessel. The extracted silica can be solidified into a solid form.

Abstract: A plant growth-promoting and quality-improving agent is disclosed. The agent contains a water-insoluble inorganic micronutrient pulverized to a particle size of not more than a specified particle size, and is effective for a long period of time if applied a small number of times to a seed, a root, a nursery box, and a base of a plant. A method for promoting the growth and improving the quality of plants is also disclosed.

Abstract: A shape-permanent or deformation-resistant growing medium in the shape of a block, that may hold one or more plants, consists of an active or inactive growing medium and an adhesive or binder providing shape and strength, said adhesive or binder being gypsum (calcium sulphate, CaSO4.2H20). By using gypsum as an adhesive or binder it is possible to make known growing media completely shape-permanent or deformation-resistant in a quite simple way enabling plants to grow and thrive absolutely normally, while the growing medium keeps its original shape under practically any circumstances. When the medium is no longer of use, it may be discarded without any problem and without any costs of disposal.

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for performing the installation of cabling in a computing system. In one embodiment, one or more configuration utilities are employed which guide an installer through the appropriate sequence of cable connections for a given computing system. By illuminating various LEDs present on the assorted computing components, an installer is provided with an indication of which component and which port should be connected first, second and so on such that an installation results in a robust computing system.

Abstract: A permeable composition, a controlled release product, and methods for producing the permeable composition and controlled release product. The permeable composition includes a matrix material, a particulate filler material, and interfacial passageways between the matrix material and the particles of filler material. The matrix material may include a substrate material and a carrier material. The controlled release product is formed by coating a substrate material with at least one layer of the permeable composition. The methods include the steps of applying a degradable surface treatment material to the particles of filler material and then dispersing the surface treated filler material throughout the matrix material so that degradable interfaces are provided between the matrix material and the particles of filler material.

Abstract: An antibacterial rockwool growth medium for hydroponics is used for hydroponic growth of rice, flowers and ornamental plants, fruitage, etc. The medium includes a rockwool base used as a culture medium for hydroponics, and an inorganic antibacterial agent is dispersed substantially uniformly onto an overall surface of the rockwool base or a part of the surface of the rockwool base.

Abstract: An animal bedding composition and method of manufacture includes cut or shredded pieces of multiple panel corrugated cardboard kraft paper structures having an internal corrugated panel sandwiched between outer panels, and an adsorptive deodorizing ion exchange agent such as a zeolite dispersed throughout the cardboard pieces and carried on outer and inner surfaces of the pieces of cardboard and on outer and inner surfaces of the corrugations to provide a comfortable, hygienic and deodorized floor covering for animal stalls. An automated method of manufacturing the animal bedding composition is also described. The ion exchange agent attaches to surfaces of the corrugated cardboard which serves as a carrier to sanitize and deodorize a stall. The open structure of the cut corrugations provides mechanical load absorption, and a wicking action to aerate moisture from a stall.

Abstract: A nano diatomite and zeolite ceramic crystal powder which is a new environmental material made by combining high-quality natural diatomite and zeolite together and by using most advanced nano technology, wherein the ceramic crystal powder has the capability of producing great benefits for society through advances in health care, a cleaner environment, and agriculture.

Abstract: Compositions for increasing the amount of available silica, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are described herein. The compositions contain calcium silicate (CaSiO2) and magnesium sulfite (MgSO3). Calcium silicate may be in the form of calcium silicate slag. Magnesium sulfite may be a by-product obtained from power plants. In one embodiment, the composition is in granular form and contains 65-90% (wt) calcium silicate slag, 20-30% (wt) magnesium sulfite, 0-5% (wt) expandible clay, and 2-10% (wt) residual moisture (H2O). In a preferred embodiment, the granules contain 31% (wt) silica, 22% (wt) calcium, 3% (wt) magnesium, and 4% (wt) sulfur. In a second embodiment, the composition is non granular and contains 75-90% (wt) calcium silicate slag, 10-20% (wt) magnesium sulfite and 0-10% (wt) H2O. The compositions may be applied to golf courses or residential or commercial lawns to improve the growth of grasses and their resistance to disease and insects.

Abstract: An agricultural and horticultural plant growth zeolite-based composition containing a particular zeolitic (i.e., zeolite-containing) material, termed “Yenomite,” is disclosed. This composition exhibits a collection of outstanding advantageous properties in agricultural and horticultural applications. Yenomite, which is found in a particular area of Jordan, comprises primarily phillipsite as the zeolite, optionally in conjunction with palagonite. Yenomite provides surprisingly better results as compared to when other zeolite-based soil amendment compositions, even when it is used as the mined material that has been only subject to a grinding or crushing operation to a desired mesh size. As mined, Yenomite contains very low levels of undesired Na+ ions. It can, therefore, be used without being subjected to a washing operation to remove these ions. Yenomite also possesses a very high CEC. These characteristics, and others, make Yenomite uniquely suitable to use in any agricultural or horticultural operation.

Abstract: A fertilizer with silica hydrogel as a main component in which the amount of water to be desorbed in accordance with the passage of time is less than in conventional fertilizers. The fertilizer is prepared using silica hydrogel obtained by reacting an alkali silicate solution and a mineral acid, and performing one of the following treatments: (1) Aging under the conditions of a pH range of pH 4-8 and a temperature range of 40-100° C. (2) Aging under the conditions of a pH range of pH 6-8 and a temperature range of 60-85° C. (3) Aging under the conditions of a pH range of pH 4-8 and a temperature range of 40-100° C., and then changing the pH range to pH 2-6. (4) Contacting with a solution containing one or more kinds of ions selected from the group consisting of iron ions, magnesium ions, calcium ions, aluminum ions and ammonia ions.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multipurpose, high-functional, alkaline solution composition, preparation therefor and use thereof as a nonspecific immunostimulator. The composition comprises 1-25 parts by weight of borax (Na2B4O7.10H2O), 10−5-10−4 parts by weight of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3.5H2O), 30-150 parts by weight of potassium carbonate, 30-200 parts by weight of refined sugar (C12H22O11), and 100-200 parts by weight of water, based on 100 parts by weight of sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3.5H2O). In addition to bringing about an improvement in disease resistance, weight gain rate, crop yield, crop quality, harvest time, the composition shows nonspecific immunostimulating activities, including antibody production and immune enhancement, by activating immune cells, thereby maximizing vaccination effects on malignant viral diseases.

Abstract: This invention provides a silicic fertilizer using a slag produced in a preliminary treatment of a molten pig iron and imparted with a high soluble silica content, and a production method of such a silicic fertilizer. CaO is added and oxygen is blown into a molten pig iron while adjusting a basicity (CaO/SiO2) to 3 or below, and the molten pig iron is subjected to desiliconization and dephosphorization. The resulting slag is collected to produce the silicic fertilizer. This silicic fertilizer has a basicity (CaO/SiO2) of not greater than 3 and contains 15 to 35 mass % of soluble silica.

Abstract: Prior to this invention, no commercially available plant potting soil or plant potting mix specifically incorporated material commonly known as volcanic ash as an ingredient. My invention is the specific incorporation of volcanic ash as an ingredient in a commercially available plant potting soil or plant potting mix and the labeling of the volcanic ash ingredient on the product label.

Abstract: A mineral composite consists essentially of a naturally occurring glacial deposit comprising not more than 20 weight percent Si, 10-20 weight percent Ca, 2-10 weight percent Mg, 2-10 weight percent Fe, 1-10 weight percent K, 1-5 weight percent Al, 0-3.0 weight percent Na, 0-5.0 weight percent Ti, 0-1.0 weight percent Mn, 0-0.5 weight percent P, 0-0.01 weight percent Ba, and 0-0.005 Cr; and wherein the mineral composite is in powdered form with a mean particle size of 2-20&mgr; and with a surface area of least of 0.8-1.5 m2/cm3 of the composite. Other additives may be added to the mineral composite to make it even more effective for treating soil. Methods of making and using the mineral composite are also described.

Abstract: Provided are a composting accelerator which comprises a mixture obtained by mixing (A) an organic matter having an arabinoxylan content of 10 wt. % or greater and (B) heat-resistant bacteria for assimilating an organic material, and optionally a humic acid and has a pH adjusted within a range of from 6.0 to 8.5; a composting accelerator comprising a mixture obtained by mixing the above-described organic matter (A) and calcium silicate (C) at a weight ratio ranging from 50:50 to 95:5; and a process for producing an organic fertilizer by using each of the above-described composting accelerators.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multipurpose, high-functional, alkaline solution composition, preparation therefor and use thereof as a nonspecific immunostimulator. The composition comprises 1-25 parts by weight of borax (Na2B4O7.10H2O), 10−5-10−4 parts by weight of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3.5H2O), 30-150 parts by weight of potassium carbonate, 30-200 parts by weight of refined sugar (C12H22O11), and 100-200 parts by weight of water, based on 100 parts by weight of sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3.5H2O). In addition to bringing about an improvement in disease resistance, weight gain rate, crop yield, crop quality, harvest time, the composition shows nonspecific immunostimulating activities, including antibody production and immune enhancement, by activating immune cells, thereby maximizing vaccination effects on malignant viral diseases.

Abstract: The inventive developments disclosed in this application include the following features and combinations thereof: extracting oil from spent bleaching earths for animal feed; using earths and acid water as soil amendment/fertilizer; efficient extraction of substances valuable to plants, animals, and humans from plant, animal, and fish oil soap stock, especially using the “inter phase” emulsion from soap stock accumulation; use of “black paste” from oil refining as fertilizer component (nutrient source); use of inter phase from agricultural oil refining, especially refining of non-drummed oils, as animal feed; use of “oil refining by-products to fertilizers” process and/or KOH refining in conjunction with “Miscella”-type hexane refining or “Zenith” process refining; fertilizers containing silica/silicates from by-products of agricultural oil refining; use of higher-sodium oil refining by-products as fertilizer for sodium-tolerant plants; using by-produ

Abstract: A waste of asbestos-containing inorganic building materials is reacted and burnt at a temperature in a range of 600° C. to 1,500° C. to obtain a recycled silicic acid type fertilizer with decomposed asbestos. Thus, the asbestos contained in the inorganic building material waste, which is said to be harmful to the health, is decomposed and recycled as the silicic acid type fertilizer.

Abstract: This invention provides a silicic fertilizer using a slag produced in a preliminary treatment of a molten pig iron and imparted with a high soluble silica content, and a production method of such a silicic fertilizer. CaO is added and oxygen is blown into a molten pig iron while adjusting a basicity (CaO/SiO2) to 3 or below, and the molten pig iron is subjected to desiliconization and dephosphorization. The resulting slag is collected to produce the silicic fertilizer. This silicic fertilizer has a basicity (CaO/SiO2) of not greater than 3 and contains 15 to 35 mass % of soluble silica.

Abstract: A mineral composite consists essentially of a naturally occuring glacial deposit comprising not more than 20 weight percent Si-containing compounds, 10-20 weight percent Ca-containing compounds, 2-10 weight percent Mg-containing compounds, 2-10 weight percent Fe-containing compounds, 1-10 weight percent K-containing compounds, 1-5 weight percent Al-containing compounds, 0-3.0 weight percent Na-containing compounds, 0-5.0 weight percent Ti-containing compounds, 0-1.0 weight percent Mn-containing compounds, 0-0.5 weight percent P-containing compounds, 0-0.01 weight percent Ba-containing compounds and 0-0.005 Cr-containing compounds; and wherein the mineral composite is in powdered form with a mean particle size of 2-20&mgr; and with a surface area of least of 0.8-1.5 m2/cm3 of the composite. Other additives may be added to the mineral composite to make it even more effective for treating soil. Methods of making and using the mineral composite are also described.

Abstract: A method of growing turfgrass wherein a relatively large amount of precipitator coal fly ash is applied to an existing soil and a turfgrass is established thereon. The coal fly ash is weathered before or after application to the existing soil. A field employing a treated soil layer is also provided having improved soil characteristics which are particularly beneficial in the growth, harvest, and shelf life of turfgrasses.

Abstract: A method of providing a continuous, buffered, low-leaching phosphorus fertilization of field plants in soil has been developed. The method is broadly applicable to field soils, but is particularly well-suited to soil that has inherently low phosphorus (P) retention ability, including sandy soils, peats, and mucks. The invention describes the use of phosphorus (P) fixed to alumina (Al) as a fertilizer and phosphorus buffer in field soils. The Al—P. when incorporated into soil in a concentration between 0.25 and 20% by weight/volume, will release P from the Al using a dynamic solid phase solution phase exchange equilibrium driven by plant uptake of P, thus providing P for plant growth, while also minimizing P leaching from the soil. The Al—P buffer/fertilizer can be applied and incorporated into field soils prior to planting of crops, grass, or other plants requiring P for growth, or may be incorporated into exposed soil between growing plants to buffer against P leaching and runoff.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition useful for plant growth and vegetable preservation, comprising 2.25-5.13 moles of potassium silicate, 0.25-0.57 moles of sodium silicate and/or sodium hydroxy silicate, 1.98-5.59 moles of potassium carbonate, 0.22-0.51 moles of sodium carbonate and/or sodium bicarbonate, 0.25-0.75 moles of potassium chloride; and 0.45-0.84 moles of a reducing sugar. It can be prepared by solubilizing the components at such amounts in 1 liter of distilled water maintained at 80-90 ° C. through a sol-gel process, stirring the solution under the inflow of air while reducing the temperature of the solution to 18-90° C. at a rate of 4-6° C. per min, and allowing the resulting sol-gel phase to stand at room temperature for 24-36 hours. The composition stimulates the growth of plants as well as builds up the disease endurance of vegetables through its activity against plant bacteria. Also, it can restrain the soil from being acidified.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of manufacturing the fertilizer made from organic wastes such as food wastes, human excrements, animal excrements, slaugterhouse waste, henhouse waste, fish and shellfish wastes, vegetable wastes and agricultural wastes. Various wastes are mixed and crushed into certain sizes, processes for adjusting the water content, put into the treating tank and digested by mixing a calcined lime. The present invention utilizes a dolomite or mixture of calcined lime and dolomite to provide the first treatment material. This first treatment material is mixed with the supplement material such as charcoal, saw dust, loess, zoelite, chaff, or shell powder to give compost fertilizer. It is also mixed with agricultural products such a watermelons or melons which ferment to provide a special fertilizer for the agricultural product. The treatment material can be added to water and mixed with mugwort, medicinal herb, zeolite, loess, and then extracted to provide a liquid fertilizer.

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: The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing soils and of the equipment related thereto. The method includes sequentially at least the following phases: dispersion into the soil of at least one compound, solid, liquid or gaseous, able to react exothermically with water and/or steam, or other substance; injection of at least one jet of water and/or steam, or of another substance, into the soil in such a way as to produce heat in the subsequent reaction with the compound. Between the two aforesaid phases it is convenient to proceed to break up the soil to favor its mixing with the compound and create the best conditions for the reaction.

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: Soil fertilizing and soil improving products may be made by a process which comprises admixing a pulverized waste copper slag with concentrated sulfuric acid having a strength of about 93.17% by weight in the total absence of added water whereby the resulting slag-acid composition reacts to form a dry granular product.

Abstract: A plant activator which is strip-shaped, and includes a silicon layer provided on one or both surfaces of the base sheet or within a base sheet and containing Si or SiO.sub.X (0<X <2) as a main component, wherein the silicon layer is provided by vapor-deposition or bonded by an adhesive. The plant activator is hung on or near the plants.

Abstract: The invention teaches a stone/soil urban tree mix that can safely support pavements yet also provide ample rooting area--a current limitation--for street trees that are planted close to the pavement. By expanding the rooting zone, the mix allows increased tree growth, decreased tree mortality, and decreased sidewalk failure. The mix employs a stone aggregate that is coated with an acrylamide hydrogel slurry, creating matrix pores that suspend the soil that is added to the mix in specific amounts. The criterion for determining the critical stone to soil dry-weight mixing ratios for various stone and soil types are disclosed.

Abstract: Manganese byproducts produced in the course of manufacturing electrolytic manganese dioxide provide a novel manganese fertilizer having a fertilizer response that can operate both instantaneously and slow-release. A manganese fertilizer contains manganese byproducts and has 3 to 20 wt % citric acid-soluble manganese (C--MnO) and 0.5 to 7.0 wt % water-soluble manganese (W--MnO).

Abstract: A conditioning composition comprising from 60 to 80% by weight of a diamagnetic mineral source, from 20 to 40% by weight of a paramagnetic basalt, from 2 to 5% by weight of a bonding agent, and from 1 to 20% by weight of a mixed colloidal mineral source.

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 method for providing a P buffer fertilizer to plants growing in soilless media has been developed. Plants are provided with phosphorus (P) fixed to alumina (Al) in a concentration ranging from 0.25-16% by volume as a solid-phase P buffer for sustained release of P. The resulting plants show increased root growth and resistance to transplant stress. The invention has the further benefit that it virtually eliminate P leaching from the growing media. The fertilizer can be applied to containerized plants, crops, grass or other plants requiring P for growth. The invention is particular useful for greenhouse plants, vegetable and bedding transplants, stadium fields and golf courses where P leaching from the growing media is undesirable. The invention is particularly useful for transplants because it affords increased root growth which increases the probability of transplant success.

Abstract: A method of ameliorating acid soils so as to enhance plant growth is provided by adding to soil 0.05 to 20 percent by weight, based on the weight of the soil, of a flue gas desulfurization by-product consisting essentially of 80-99 percent by weight of gypsum (CaSO.sub.4.2H.sub.2 O) and 1-20 percent by weight of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH).sub.2).

Abstract: A conditioning composition comprising from 60 to 80% by weight of a mineral source, from 20 to 40% by weight of basalt, from 2 to 5% by weight of a bonding agent, from 1 to 20% by weight of a mixed colloidal mineral source and an amount of catalyst provided in the ratio of at least one half liter of catalyst to at least 20 liters of water per 10 ton of composition. A catalyst for use with a conditioning composition, the catalyst comprising water, calcium nitrate, molasses, phosphoric acid and at least one non-ionic surfactant, each being provided in the following amounts (w/w):______________________________________ water 30 to 60% calcium nitrate 2 to 40% urea 30 to 70% molasses 3 to 35% phosphoric acid 3 to 35% non-ionic surfactant 1 to 10%.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for establishing optimum soil conditions by biologically disintegrating minerals in the presence of Ca compunds, clay and protein- and lignocellulose-containing organic vegetable waste, as well as protein-containing organic animal waste. The process includes the following steps: a) finely crushing a mixture of minerals containing at least potassium, magnesium, phosphate and silicate, all in insoluble form; b) subjecting the vegetable and animal organic waste to an usual preliminary crushing step; c) micronizing the organic waste, preferably while homogeneously mixing it with the mixture of minerals; and d) fermenting the mixture of micronized organic waste and finely crushed minerals in the presence of finely crushed Ca-compound and clay, in microbially appropriate conditions.

Abstract: This agricultural field utilization of tonnage quantities of a composite powder of coal combustion fly ash containing desulfurization residue prevents the escape of fugitive dust from the powder and effectively manages any cementitious tendencies of the powder, while raising the pH of the soil and adding plant nutrient elements to the soil. The powder is added to water at a weight ratio of 10:8-20 in an enclosed tank having a capacity of at least about 2,000 gallons. Mixing is conducted for at least about 5 minutes to form a soil treatment slurry composition easily flowable through a pipe of about 1-inch diameter. The treatment composition is applied on the agricultural soil before the composition hardens to a cementitious state, preferably by spraying directly from the mixing tank. The coating thickness is sufficient to amend just the top portion of the agricultural soil that supports plant growth, to elevate the pH above about 6.

Abstract: A foliar spray agent containing an alkali metal silicate as an active ingredient protects agricultural and horticultural plants from disease injury by spraying on the leaves of plants. Treatment of agricultural and horticultural plants with the agent provides an increase in crop yields with high quality.

Abstract: A coated granular fertilizer composition comprising fertilizer granules, of which each particle being coated with a copolymer comprising units of vinyl chloride and units of ethylene in a weight proportion of about 50:50 to 90:10 with units of at least one functional monomer chosen from acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-methylolacrylamide, N-butoxymethylacrylamide, acrylic acid, glycidyl methacrylate and hydroxyethyl acrylate in an amount of not more than about 10% by weight based on the total amount of vinyl chloride units and ethylene units in an amount of about 5 to 40% by weight based on the weight of the granule.