Abstract: An attrition resistant fertilizer spike composition, exhibiting a mechanical strength which allows the spike to be hammered unsupported into the soil without suffering damage, to provide an effective source of slow releasing plant nutrients to the soil. The composition comprises between 93 and 98 percent of particulate plant nutrient compounds containing one phosphate ion chemically combined with one divalent cation and one monovalent cation, including the compounds magnesium ammonium phosphate and magnesium potassium phosphate. The composition includes a coating of between 2 and 7 percent of thermoplastic adhesive with a softening temperature between 65 and 160.degree. C. on the particles. The coated particles are formed into an attrition and shatter resistant spike shape, suitable for hammering into the soil, by pressing into a die at a temperature higher than the softening temperature of the thermoplastic adhesive and then cooling to a temperature lower than the softening temperature.

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

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

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

Abstract: An ultraviolet curing device comprising a housing having a wave guide disposed within one end thereof. Disposed within the housing and reciprocally movable between focused and unfocused positions therewithin is a reflector member which is oriented relative the light source so as to be operable to reflect ultraviolet light from the light source to the wave guide. When the reflector member is in the focused position, ultraviolet light is reflected from the light source to the wave guide in a manner facilitating the passage of a desired frequency of the ultraviolet light through the wave guide. When the reflector member is in the unfocused position, ultraviolet light is reflected from the light source to the wave guide in a manner preventing the passage of the desired frequency of the ultraviolet light through the wave guide.

Abstract: A material spreader includes a support frame and a pair of ground engaging wheels for rollingly supporting the frame. A hopper is attached to the support frame and includes first and second isolated chambers for holding first and second materials, respectively, to be spread. A first series of discharge openings in the bottom of the first chamber allows material to be discharged from the first chamber. A second series of discharge openings in the bottom of the second chamber allows material to be discharged from the second chamber. Slide valves are operable to selectively independently control the flow of material through the first and second series of discharge openings. A series of passages in a distribution manifold interconnect the first and second series of discharge openings. Each passage is isolated from the other passages and has two inlets and one outlet.