Abstract: Dry compositions for conditioning soil are provided that enhance plant growth by creating beneficial soil environments. The dry compositions include a superabsorbent polymer and a cellulosic fiber that includes at least one of hydroxyethylcellulose and methyl cellulose. In addition, methods are provided for improving soil condition by applying the compositions to soil. The compositions have improved handling properties, including flowability in commercial applications, relative to superabsorbent polymers alone. Surprisingly, the compositions can improve soil moisture retention, increase the uptake of nutrients by plants, reduce leaching of nutrients, pesticides, and microbes, and improve seedling ability to break through soil crusts as well or better than superabsorbent polymers alone.

Abstract: Compositions are provided that include: (i) baicalin, or mangiferin and swertiamarin, or mangiferin and hesperidin; (ii) glutathione; and (iii) chitosan. The compositions can kill root knot nematodes within a few seconds of contact and kill larvae of the insects of Coleoptera within 3-18 minutes. Seed treatment with the compositions in combination with a commercial chemical fungicide resulted in enhanced antifungal activity and improved seedling germination and early root growth. Liquid application of the compositions to soil in a greenhouse pot assay with soybean seedlings can result in fewer nematode eggs relative to an industry standard chemical nematicide and application of the compositions to soil in furrow can enhance corn yield relative to a commercial chemical nematicide.

Abstract: A method includes mixing a dry hydrophobic material with a dry superabsorbent polymer to improve the flowability of the polymer in humid conditions within a machine passageway having a residency time. The application of superabsorbent polymers in agriculture is desirable to aid plant growth in increasingly hot and dry conditions. However, dry bulk planting applications typically used in agriculture require the dry amendment to pass through confined channels and narrow pores. This is problematic because the polymers rapidly absorb moisture from the environment and adhere to the planting equipment causing fouling and clogging. The improvement in flowability provided by the compositions disclosed herein, is to the extent that the superabsorbent starch-like polymer can be applied using dry bulk planting applications in the humid conditions of Florida in the springtime. Surprisingly, the dry mixtures improve flowability without undermining the ability of the polymers to rapidly absorb moisture from rain.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for seed treatment to improve seed appearance, flowability, and plantability while minimizing fugitive dust. Inclusion of a water miscible non-solvent in the seed treatment composition is found to minimize fugitive dust. Further advantages of the seed treatment compositions include that they are non-toxic and microplastic free, reduce drying time for liquid treated seed, and have an increased shelf life relative to seed lubricant compositions based on plant oils that can become rancid over time.