Abstract: Disclosed are novel azide compositions comprised of one or more azides in combination with one or more metal salts. The azides are hydrazoic acid, alkali metal azides, or alkaline earth metal azides and the metal salts are fluorides, bromides, chlorides, carbonates, sulfates, phosphates, nitrates, hydroxides, oxides, formates, acetates, propionates, oxalates, malates, citrates, butyrates, lactates, or tartrates of the metal ions: iron, aluminum, nickel, manganese (II), cobalt (II), zinc, tin (II), or magnesium. These compositions exhibit useful agricultural properties and are used to control plant pests such as pathogenic fungi, or nemas by applying the composition to the region where the pests reside.

Abstract: Desirable herbicidal and fertilizing effects are obtained by applying to soil an effective amount of a mixture of sodium azide with ammonia. Anhydrous or water-containing solutions of sodium azide in ammonia may be used.