Abstract: An improved fertilizer composition is disclosed, including particles of a sparingly soluble fertilizer source having porous outer surfaces (for example, IBDU.RTM.) which have been coated with a hard outer coating that substantially covers the surface of each of the particles and substantially fills the pores in the surface of each of the particles. The particles are thereby hardened by the coating and are given increased resistance to abrasion and dust formation. The hardened outer coating is preferably formed when a liquid binder (which preferably includes a mixture of urea and a lignosulfonate) is sprayed onto the particles and then allowed to harden or cure. A process for making such hardened fertilizer particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: Fertilizer/pesticide compositions are disclosed which include a fertilizer component and an active component. The fertilizer component includes plant nutrients, and the active component includes an active material, such as a pesticide, which has a desired effect on plant growth or health when released to the plant over an extended period of time. In a preferred form, the fertilizer component is admixed with the active component and a binder and compressed to form a briquette in which the fertilizer component occludes the active component. The briquette is essentially free of significant quantities of materials which have a high solubility in water. Thus, when a briquette is placed in the soil, it releases nutrients and the active material into the soil over an extended period of time for delivery to the plant. A method of treating plants with such fertilizer/pesticide compositions is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for extracting and burning methane gas from a landfill refuse site comprises a first venturi to which is fed compressed air. The venturi is connected to a well in the site and acts to draw methane from the well. The methane/air mixture is fed to a second venturi for enrichment with air. The enriched mixture is fed to a burner for combustion.Preferably the compressed air is supplied by a diesel driven compressor.