Abstract: The present invention provides a composition comprising functional mineral that is substantially free of crystalline silica. The agricultural particle film composition may be applied to horticultural plants and animals.

Abstract: The present composition is capable of forming a particle film and comprises: (a) less than 99.65% by weight of at least one particle; (b) at least one volumizing agent selected from the group consisting of: (i) cellulose selected from the group consisting of ethyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and ethyl methyl cellulose and present in an amount greater than 0.35% by weight; and (ii) non-cellulosic component or cellulose other than said cellulose (i) present in an amount of at least 0.05% by weight; and optionally (c) at least one spreader. The composition may be used to form agricultural films.

Abstract: The present composition is capable of forming a particle film and comprises: (a) less than 99.65% by weight of at least one particle; (b) at least one volumizing agent selected from the group consisting of: (i) cellulose selected from the group consisting of ethyl hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl cellulose, hydroxy ethyl methyl cellulose, hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, and ethyl methyl cellulose and present in an amount greater than 0.35% by weight; and (ii) non-cellulosic component or cellulose other than said cellulose (i) present in an amount of at least 0.05% by weight; and optionally (c) at least one spreader. The composition may be used to form agricultural films.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for blocking radiation to horticultural crops in order to reduce light-induced freeze and chill damage which involve treating the surface of the horticultural crops with an effective amount of one or more particulate materials.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of reducing weed growth or reducing pests involving applying to plant producing media particulate materials to a depth of at least about 1 cm, wherein the plant producing media to the depth comprises about 1% by weight or more and about 25% by weight or less of particulate materials. In another embodiment, the present invention relates to methods of reducing weed growth involving applying to plant producing media or unwanted vegetation a film of particulate materials, wherein the film has a thickness of about 1 &mgr;m or more and about 5 mm or less.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions suitable for use as a litter for the accumulation of animal urine comprised of at least one uncalcined clay substrate, said substrate characterized by having a calcium oxide content of less than about 5% by weight and wherein the clay mineral component of said substrate contains at least about 35% by weight attapulgite, combined with at least one chemical pH indicator which provides a visual indication of pH change.Also disclosed are processes for making such compositions and to litters using such compositions.