Abstract: A process for providing nutrient material for banana and plantain plants, comprising providing a slow release implant containing a banana and plantain nutrient material and implanting the implant into banana or plantain plants whereby the nutrient is slowly released into the plant over a period of time.

Abstract: A process for continuously and instantaneously sterilizing soil comprising the steps of applying a water-activated chemical fumigant below the surface of the soil which simultaneously applying water to the soil below the surface. The soil, chemical fumigant and water are throughly mixed to cause instantaneous reaction of 100% of the chemical fumigant to produce a fumigant gas. Immediately covering the treated soil with a gas impervious material to retain the gas within the soil and kill the pathogens contained therein. Thereafter innoculating the soil with antgonistic organisms for preventing recontamination of the soil.

Abstract: A method and product for killing agricultural pests including insects, plants, plant rhyzomes, plant nuts, and fungi, comprises a toxic substrance which includes fatty acids, soaps, and inorganic and organic acids. The pesticide toxin is heated to a temperature within the range of 100.degree. F. to 215.degree. F. The pesticide toxin is a low concentration within the range of 0.1% to 3% and, when applied to plants and the soil surface, rapidly kills pests. When the toxic concentration is injected into the soil, the toxic concentration volatilizes and the toxic vapors rapidly reach and kill insects, fungi, plant nuts and plant rhyzomes.

Abstract: A method of repelling soil borne pests, nematodes, insects and insect larvae includes applying a solution of naphthalene or precipitated flocculent naphthalene into or upon the soil where the naphthalene volatilizes and repels nematodes and soil pathogens. In another embodiment of the invention, micron size particles of naphthalene are encapsulated in a polymer which is injected into or applied to the surface of the soil. In a further embodiment of the invention, micron-sized particles of naphthalene are attached to a carrier strip which is applied to the surface of the soil as a mulch, applied below the surface of the soil, or attached to trees or plants for repelling pests.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sterilizing soil includes an implement including a plurality of subsurface tools having hot water nozzles mounted thereon and connected to a source of hot water. Hot water is injected into the top layer of soil as the implement is moved over a field. Stirrer tools are mounted on the implement rearwardly of the subsurface tools and extend into the ground for mixing the soil and hot water to thereby provide a uniform temperature to the soil. A foam applying system applies an insulating foam to the surface of the soil immediately after the injection of hot water into the soil.

Abstract: A method for destroying plants by superheating air, compressing it and using it to melt the plant's waxy cuticular coating while utilizing foam made in the process as an insulating agent. The melting of the waxy layer causes dehydration and death to the plant. The foam has a temperature close to the boiling point of water and surfactant combination. This requires that not only the water but also the compressed air be heated above the boiling point of water to achieve a foam whose temperature is approximately 212.degree. F.

Abstract: A method for controlling weeds and undergrowth and for treating plants in agricultural settings is disclosed. The method is characterized by first applying a spray of hot water to the plant, and then applying a foam blanket to the sprayed plants, whereby heat from the hot water spray is held against the plants.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling weeds and undergrowth by the application of hot water thereto. The apparatus is particularly characterized by its construction including an endless, ground-engaging belt, or apron, disposed immediately aft of the hot water spray. Thus, when hot water is sprayed on the weeds and undergrowth, the sprayed vegetation is not only compressed by the apron, but also heat from the water is retained therein, insulated from ambient conditions by the apron.

Abstract: A method of killing soil pathogens to improve the agricultural production of a field comprises the steps of moving a plurality of agricultural tools through the soil and during this movement emitting microwave energy into the soil at a frequency within the range of 2GH.sub.z to 12GH.sub.z. The microwave energy heats the soil organisms to levels sufficient to kill the organisms.

Abstract: A product for treating bovine mastitis and bovine metritis includes mixture of diacetyl and acetoin. The diacetyl and acetoin is produced by fermentation of milk and is then distilled and concentrated. The concentrated mixture of diacetyl and acetoin is infused into the udder cistern of a cow when treating mastitis, and is infused into the uterus of a cow when treating metritis.

Abstract: A process for killing soil pathogens to improve agricultural production includes the steps of treating a field with a soil conditioning agent to reduce the clods in the soil to microaggregates. Hot water is applied to the treated soil at varying depths to kill soil borne organisms. Beneficial organisms are then applied to the sterilized soil to repopulate the soil with these beneficial organisms.

Abstract: A composition for neutralizing malodorous odors and a method of using the same including a compound which includes a neutralizing agent and a solvent. The neutralizing agent consists of either unsubstituted or substituted polyethyleneimine. The solvent consists of water or a lower alkanol. It is preferred that the neutralizing compound include a cross-linking agent and a surfactant for efficient contact with offensive gas. The neutralizing compound, when sprayed into an environment containing malodorous gases, such as hydrogen sulphide, sulphur dioxide, aldehydes, ketones, ammonia, mercaptans, or the like, immediately cross-links with and neutralizes the malodorous gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously producing concentrated alcohol from beer comprises a plurality of concentrator cells and a plurality of salvage cells arranged in a line in side-by-side relation. Liquid beer, supplied to the first upstream concentrator cell through a supply conduit, flows through passages between adjacent cells in response to the volume of beer reaching a predetermined level in the adjacent upstream cell. A microwave ignition bulb is positioned in each cell to heat the liquid beer and boil or vaporize the alcohol content thereof. The gaseous alcohol is serially bubbled through a fluid passage from each concentrator cell to the next adjacent upstream cell until the gaseous alcohol reaches the first concentrator cell where the gaseous alcohol is concentrated and condensed in a column to a liquid solution containing approximately 95% alcohol and approximately 5% water.