Abstract: A method of promoting the emergence of field-planted, small-seeded crops comprises sowing the seeds in an agricultural field and applying an emulsion which includes an animal fat material to the soil directly over the sown seeds.

Abstract: A surface active agent is manufactured by reacting protein hydrolyzate material with a fatty acid ester in a mixture comprising an aprotic solvent and a basic catalyst.

Abstract: A foliar antitranspirant and methods of both reducing moisture loss from green plant tissues and of simultaneously treating leafy plant surfaces with incompatible materials are based on an emulsion of animal fat material and water. A surface active agent is included for emulsifying the animal fat material and the water; and this surfactant possesses an hydrophile-lipophile balance number of from about 3 to about 13. Plant treatment materials may be individually incorporated in the oil phase, the water phase or both prior to spraying of the emulsion on plant surfaces.

Abstract: A method and composition are provided for making a finished concrete structure having a water-impervious surface. A particulate composition of a paraffin wax material, glyceryl fatty-acid esters, and stearic or palmitic acid is added to the aggregate phase and mixed in a wet hydraulic Portland cement mixture. The resultant slurry is then poured and cured. The surface of the cured structure is thereafter heated as by solarization under black pigmented polyethylene sheets to cause the wax particles to melt and invade capillary and other interstices in the surface region of the concrete structure, thereby rendering said structure impervious to the infusion of water and water solubles.

Abstract: A process for the production of alcohols and esters comprises hydroxylating a saturated hydrocarbon at between about 20.degree. and about 130.degree. C. with an oxygenated amine. The amine may be a hydroxylated secondary amine or an oxide of a tertiary amine. The reaction medium includes a Lewis acid and a salt of divalent or trivalent iron.

Abstract: A process for the production of alcohols comprises hydroxylating a saturated hydrocarbon at between about 20.degree. C. and about 130.degree. C. with an oxygenated amine. The amine may be a hydroxylated secondary amine or an oxide of a tertiary amine. The reaction medium includes a Lewis acid and a salt of divalent or trivalent iron.