Abstract: This application provides seed coating compositions and methods of making such compositions. In particular examples, such compositions include a binder and an activated charcoal-containing composition (which can further include diatomaceous earth and other components), such as seeds at least partially coated with a binder and an activated charcoal-containing composition adhered to the seed by the binder. Seeds at least partially coated with a binder and an activated charcoal-containing composition adhered to the seeds by the binder, and methods of using such seed are also provided. Also provided are seeds that have adhered thereto binder and an activated charcoal-containing composition.

Abstract: This application provides bulking compositions and methods of making such compositions. In particular examples, such compositions include bulking agents (such as nutshell fragments of filbert or coconut shells) at least partially coated with a binder and super-absorbent polymer (SAP)-particles adhered to the bulking agents by the binder, and can further include seeds at least partially coated with a binder and containing SAP-particles adhered to the seeds by the binder. Also provided are seeds that have adhered thereto SAP-particles and activated charcoal or coir.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) products for use in agricultural applications, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Certain of the SAPs include a monomer or a mixture of monomers, other than acrylonitrile, that is graft polymerized onto a starch in the presence of an initiator to form a starch graft copolymer that is cross-linked and the SAP product is isolated.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing superabsorbent polymer particles for use in agricultural applications are disclosed. A monomer is graft polymerized onto a starch to form a starch graft copolymer. The moisture content of the starch graft copolymer is reduced through the use of an extruder.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polymer (“SAP”) root dip composition and methods of delivering a SAP to a plant are disclosed. A root structure of a plant may be dipped into a SAP hydrogel. The plant may then be planted, stored or transported for subsequent planting.

Abstract: An agricultural supplement delivery article for delivering superabsorbent polymer (“SAP”) particles is disclosed. The delivery article comprises a porous, biodegradable packet containing SAP particles. The biodegradable packet may optionally include additives, such as fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and/or other growth-promoting additives and nutrients.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polymer (“SAP”) applicator and method for administering a SAP in agricultural applications is disclosed. The SAP applicator may include a dispensing container with a SAP hydrogel disposed therein. The SAP applicator may also optionally include and dispense a growth promoting or other additive.

Abstract: A delivery mechanism for delivering superabsorbent polymer (“SAP”) products is disclosed. The delivery mechanism comprises a horticulture mat that may include two cellulose substrate sheets bonded together with SAP particles disposed between the sheets. The horticulture mat may optionally include seed, fertilizers, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides and/or other growth-promoting additives.

Abstract: A superabsorbent polymer combined with a beneficial additive and method for administering the same in agricultural applications is disclosed.

Abstract: Superabsorbent polymer (SAP) products for use in agricultural applications, and methods of making and using the same are disclosed. Certain of the SAPs include a monomer or a mixture of monomers, other than acrylonitrile, that is graft polymerized onto a starch in the presence of an initiator to form a starch graft copolymer that is cross-linked and the SAP product is isolated.

Abstract: A method of and a product formed by entrapping a bioactive, growth-promoting additive in a starch matrix to form a starch-based, superabsorbent polymer product for use in agricultural applications involves (1) graft polymerizing a monomer and a starch to form a starch graft copolymer including a starch matrix; (2) isolating the starch graft copolymer; (3) forming particles of starch graft copolymer; and (4) adding a bioactive, growth-promoting additive such that at least some of the bioactive, growth-promoting additive is entrapped by the starch matrix. Following placement of the starch-based SAP including a bioactive, growth-promoting additive in proximity to a plant, root, seed, or seedling, growth of the plant, root, seed, or seedling is promoted because availability of beneficial nutrients is increased.