Abstract: A soil amendment material and an associated process for the preparation thereof, comprising a water swellable hydrophilic polymer infused with high concentrations of plant nutritive salts. The amendment is prepared by repeated soaking of hydrophilic swellable polymer particles in a solution of nutritive salts in water, followed by heat application to drive off the entrained water, leaving the nutrients entrapped in the polymer particles.

Abstract: Soil conditioning and method for desalination and reclamation of irrigated soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer and/or soil amendment containing L ascorbic acid, marine algae, and humic acid. The fertilizers may also contain nitrogen, phosphorous and/or potassium. The fertilizers and/or soil amendments may be produced in a solid form or a liquid form. The fertilizers have utility in promoting the growth of grass and plants. Methods of preparing the fertilizers and/or soil amendments are also described.

Abstract: A process for making ethylene, ethane and other higher hydrocarbons from methane is disclosed. In this process methane is contacted with oxygen in the presence of at least one metal of Group IB of the Periodic Table of the Elements, with the proviso that if the metal is copper an additional Group IB must be present, a metal-containing chloride or a metal-containing compound capable of being formed into a metal-containing chloride in situ, where the metal is manganese, an alkali metal, an alkaline earth metal or a rare earth metal of the lanthanide series, and a volatile halide.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer composition superior in plant growth regulating effects is provided which comprises a coating of a mixture of triethylene glycol and a plant growth regulator on a granular fertilizer.

Abstract: In a method and device for drying and conditioning poultry manure or similar pasty materials in the form of particles, selective micro-organisms are, in a microbiological phase, fixed onto stable moulded carrier element, added to the past material to be treated, optimum climatic conditions being generated with air conditioned for the activity of the micro-organisms. Released heat as well as water vapor are evacuated. In the case of a temperature drop, the microbiological phase is substituted by an air stream drying which is terminated when the desired dessication degree is obtained. The device comprises a closed cylindrical tank (1) wherein there is arranged a suspended mounting which may vibrate vertically and which is comprised of two cylindrical coaxial air-tight mantels (14,15) between which are distributed the carrier elements for the selective microorganisms.

Abstract: An improved plant growth medium is prepared by treating a conventionally composted bio-mass waste material with an aqueous solution or dispersion of an antimicrobial in an amount which selectively inhibits deleterious rhizobacteria.

Abstract: A high performance lubricating grease effectively lubricates and greases front-wheel drive joints. The front-wheel drive grease has excellent extreme pressure properties and antiwear qualities and is economical, non-toxic and safe. In one preferred form, the front-wheel drive grease comprises a base oil, a thickener comprising polyurea and calcium complex soap, and an additive package comprising tricalcium phosphate and calcium carbonate.

Abstract: Compost, e.g. hardwood bark, is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium, and/or diseases caused thereby by adding to the compost, desirably after peak heating has been achieved but before substantial recolonization of the compost by mesophilic microorganisms has occurred, one or more microorganisms antagonistic to the plant pathogen. Container media also is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens and/or diseases caused thereby by amending the media with the just-described prepared suppressive compost or, alternatively, by amending separately with the compost and with Trichoderma fungus and antagonistic bacterium separately or mixed together. Desirably, the inoculated antagonistic microorganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with Xanthomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium balustinum isolate 299, A.T.C.C. No. 53198 species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: A cold rolling mill lubricant for steel sheets, contains a monoester oil represented by general formula (A):R.sup.1 COO--(R.sup.2 --O).sub.n --R.sup.3(Wherein R.sup.1 is an alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl, or hydroxyalkenyl group having 7 or more carbon atoms, R.sup.2 is an alkylene group, R.sup.3 is an alkyl or phenyl group, and n is an integer of 1 to 5), and/or a diester oil represented by general formula (B): ##STR1## (wherein each R.sup.4 or R.sup.6 is independently an alkyl, alkenyl, hydroxyalkyl or hydroxyalkenyl group having 5 or more carbon atoms, R.sup.5 is an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and m is an integer of 1 or more).

Abstract: Alkyl hydroxyalkyl orthophosphoric acid esters, particularly mixtures thereof, corresponding to the following formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent C.sub.6 -C.sub.22 alkyl groups and R.sup.3 is hydrogen, a group R.sup.1 or a group --CH.sub.2 --CH(OH)--R.sup.2. The esters are prepared by reaction of phosphorus pentoxide with fatty alcohol and reaction of the phosphoric acid partial esters formed with long-chain .alpha.-epoxides. After conversion of the compounds corresponding to formula I, in which R.sup.3 is hydrogen, into the salt form, the new alkyl hydroxyalkyl orthophosphoric acid ester mixtures are particularly suitable as emulsifiers for oil-water emulsion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cordierite (2MgO.2Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.5SiO.sub.2) type ceramic powder sintering at low-temperature defined in that its composition is: 60 to 50% SiO.sub.2, 5 to 20% MgO and 20 to 40% Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, and in that its specific surface area is not less than 50 m.sup.2 /g, this powder having a fritting temperature of less than 1,100.degree. C.The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of this powder, which consists in preparing a mixed alcoholic solution of an aluminum and silicon salt, in preparing a solution of an alcohol-soluble magnesium salt, in mixing the two solutions, in padding a hydrolyzing agent in the form of a totally volatile weak base to the solution, which leads to the formation of a gel, in subjecting the said gel to a first thermal treatment at a temperature not exceeding 450.degree. C., and in subjecting the said powder to a second thermal treatment at a temperature of between 450.degree. C. and 900.degree. C.

Abstract: Heretofore, two approaches have been utilized to improve storage stability, particularly a reduction in the tendency for caking during storage, of freshly prepared urea particles: (1) treat the surface of freshly prepared urea particles with conditioning agents, or (2) incorporate, within the urea particles, by means of addition to the urea melt, certain chemicals which act as hardening agents. This invention is directed to approach (2) supra, and by way of coincidence, to a third approach, to wit, utilizing a gelling clay as said additive to also act as an in situ suspending agent in instances wherein said treated urea is utilized in the subsequent production of suspension type fertilizers.

Abstract: Soils are fertilized by a method in which ammonium syngenite (NH.sub.4).sub.2 SO.sub.4.CaSO.sub.4.H.sub.2 O or a mixture of finely divided ammonium sulfate, calcium sulfate, calcium nitrate, calcium chloride and/or dicalcium phosphate is applied to these soils, as a slow-acting nitrogen fertilizer, with the proviso that the molar ratio of Ca to SO.sub.4.sup.-- in the mixture is 1:2.+-.10%.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer with a degradative coating characterized in that after it has been applied to soil and its fertilizer component has dissolved out, the resulting coating part degrades rapidly is provided, which degradative coating comprises an ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymer as its indispensable component and a rubbery resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin or powder as an optional component.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of physically prepared slow-release fertilizer by coating fertilizer particles with at least one layer of a substantially water insoluble polymer possessing a three dimensional structure. The three dimensional structure results from a prepolymerized crosslinked unsaturated oil having between 12 to 20 carbon atoms and a iodine value of at least 120, the extent of crosslinking being above 5%. Optionally, the coating layer contains micronutrients and inert materials. In a preferred embodiment, the coating consists of three layers, the first being obtained with a high viscous unsaturated oil and the subsequent two layers with a lower viscosity unsaturated oil. The method is applicable for most of the known water-soluble fertilizers.

Abstract: A cementitious composition comprising cement, aggregate, a water soluble or water dispersible polymer, and a polyethylene glycol ester of a C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 fatty acid having an HLB value from about 11 to 20 as a water resistance additive.

Abstract: A composition for coating a biologically active substance, which is stable in a medium with a pH greater than or equal to 5 and which enables the active substance to be released in a medium with a pH less than or equal to 3.5, consisting of a basic amino copolymer (preferably vinyl-pyridine/styrene copolymer) and a hydrophobic substance with a melting point greater than 60.degree. C. (preferably stearic acid), the hydrophobic substance content being between 50 and 90% of the total mass of the coating, and granules comprising a nucleous containing the biologically active substance, coated with this composition.

Abstract: A method for making an agriculturally useful inoculant of dried, dormant bacteria is described. To make the inoculant, a suspension of Rhizobium or other bacteria is maintained, substantially separated from its culture medium, at a temperature in the range of about 0.degree.-30.degree. C. for varying periods of time under aseptic conditions. The bacterial suspension is then mixed with a porous chemically inert granular carrier such that the weight ratio of carrier to bacteria is in the range of about 0.5 to 1.0. Finally, the bacteria-carrier mixture is air dried for a period of about 2 to 10 days under aseptic conditions.

Abstract: A non-sterile, pasteurized nutrient substrate composition is disclosed suitable for growing shiitake mushrooms. Its composition and preparation are described. In addition, the use of the substrate composition is taught for the commercial, large-scale growth of shiitake mushrooms in trays or beds.