Abstract: In an improved ice melter comprising an alpha-methyl glucoside and method of making same, an ice melter, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,960,531 is further improved in respect to providing improved melting capabilities by providing a substantially uniform coating of alpha methyl glucoside-urea mixture the potassium chloride substrate of a potassium chloride and sodium chloride salt mixture or providing a substantially uniform coating of alpha methyl glucoside-urea mixture to both potassium and sodium chloride salt mixture. The improved invention also includes the method of making the composition which includes the steps for example, of(1) heating a solution of alpha-methyl glucoside;(2) adding urea to the heated alpha-methyl glucoside;(3) heating methyl glucoside and urea mixture;(4) applying the heated alpha methyl-glucoside and urea mixture to potassium chloride; and(5) adding sodium chloride to the potassium chloride.

Abstract: An improved fertilizer composition is disclosed, including particles of a sparingly soluble fertilizer source having porous outer surfaces (for example, IBDU.RTM.) which have been coated with a hard outer coating that substantially covers the surface of each of the particles and substantially fills the pores in the surface of each of the particles. The particles are thereby hardened by the coating and are given increased resistance to abrasion and dust formation. The hardened outer coating is preferably formed when a liquid binder (which preferably includes a mixture of urea and a lignosulfonate) is sprayed onto the particles and then allowed to harden or cure. A process for making such hardened fertilizer particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fertilizer/pesticide compositions are disclosed which include a fertilizer component and an active component. The fertilizer component includes plant nutrients, and the active component includes an active material, such as a pesticide, which has a desired effect on plant growth or health when released to the plant over an extended period of time. In a preferred form, the fertilizer component is admixed with the active component and a binder and compressed to form a briquette in which the fertilizer component occludes the active component. The briquette is essentially free of significant quantities of materials which have a high solubility in water. Thus, when a briquette is placed in the soil, it releases nutrients and the active material into the soil over an extended period of time for delivery to the plant. A method of treating plants with such fertilizer/pesticide compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for automated batch blending of materials such as liquid fertilizers is disclosed. Liquid and dry products are supplied to a product mixing holding tank by way of valve-controlled inlet lines. A control panel responsive to the weight of the material added to the holding tank regulates the operation of the valves and of a recycling pump which mixes the product. The system permits small quantities of product to be produced under automatic control.