Abstract: Described herein is the isolation and identification of a number of sulfur oxidizing plant growth promoting rhizobacteria: RAY12, identified as Achromobacter piechaudii; RAY28, identified as Agrobacterium tumefaciens, RAY132, identified as Stenotrophomonas maltophilia; and RAY209, identified as Delftia acidovorans. The PGPR act to oxidize elemental sulfur which in turn provides sulfate for the plants. As a result of this arrangement, plants are able to grow more efficiently and effectively and have enhanced growth characteristics, for example, but by no means limited to, increased vigor, early emergence, increased emergence rate, increased biomass, increased plant leaf area, higher crop yield, increased pod number, increased pod weight, increased root biomass, increased seed weight, increased macro- and micro-nutrient uptake and the like. The sulfur-oxidizing PGPR may be applied to seeds, seed pieces, carrier materials, roots and planting soil.

Abstract: A method of enhancing aquatic organism growth is provided. The method comprises the step of introducing an alkane into water containing the organism. The alkane can be introduced intermittently, either alone or with another gas such as oxygen. Nutrients can be introduced with the alkane or separately. The alkane can comprise a butane substrate and can include at least one of n-butane and iso-butane. The organism can be selected from the group of: fish, crustaceans, mollusks, algae and aquatic plants. Organisms grown by the method and systems for practicing the method are also included.

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: Water repellent soil is treated with low concentrations of a blend of alkyl polyglycoside and EO/PO block copolymer in a weight ratio range of from 6:1 to 0.5:1 of glycoside to block copolymer in order to rapidly increase the wetting rate of the water repellent soil.

Abstract: Certain novel formulations of turf additives that act in such a manner as to permit proper amounts of moisture to contact root systems in order to reduce dry spots within highly managed turf areas and/or lawns. It is theorized that the accumulation of humic acid (and other natural byproduct deleterious compounds) at the topsoil surface in most cultivated grassy areas including sandy soils (such as, in particular, golf greens), results in the production of an effective organic waxy coating on the soil components. Such a coating is hydrophobic in nature and thus dries out the soil itself. The inventive formulation thus permits removal of such accumulated humic acid (and other compounds) from the topsoil to the level necessary to provide effective moisture penetration for sustained grass growth therein (hereinafter referred to as “redistributes”).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method and composition for stimulating the growth of plant roots. This composition includes manure produced by soil-consuming worms after having exclusively consumed an aerated soil mixture and is 100% natural.

Abstract: A method of enhancing plant growth comprises the step of introducing an alkane into a location adjacent to a plant. The alkane can be introduced intermittently, and can be combined with another gas and/or nutrients. The alkane preferably comprises a butane substrate. The butane substrate can stimulate the growth of butane-utilizing bacteria, such as Aeromonas caviae, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Micrococcus varians, Aureobacterium esteroaromaticum, Aureobacterium barkeri, Rhodococcus fascians, Nocardia paradoxus, Comamonas acidovorans and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The alkane can increase the amount of heterotrophic bacteria in the location adjacent to the plant, and thereby accelerate a heterotrophic nitrification process. The butane substrate can also stimulate the growth of butane-utilizing fungi. The method can also enhance the growth protists and/or prokaryotes. A system for enhancing plant growth in accordance with the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the eradication of undesirable plants on a plot of ground upon which young desired species are planted is disclosed. The desired trees or seedlings are covered with a sleeve that is preferably retained in place and then a spraying of the area with herbicide by land or air-based spray equipment takes place. Spraying may be from land or air-based spray equipment. This is followed by a removal of the sleeves from the trees and disposal thereof.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of enhancing plant growth or yield, comprising exposing soil to hydrogen gas (H2), and growing plants in the soil. The H2 gas employed can be generated by electrolysis of water, produced by H2 evolving microorganisms, and/or produced by legumes. In accordance with the invention, soil can be exposed to H2 and plants then grown in it, or H2 can be applied directly to soil in which plants are already growing. In one embodiment, the invention comprises obtaining an aqueous extract from H2-treated soil, and applying the extract to soil, seeds, and or plant roots.

Abstract: A method for in-season fertilizer nitrogen application based on predicted yield potential and a nutrient response index. The inventive method includes the steps of: determining a nutrient response index for a field; determining the normalized difference vegetation index of an area to fertilize; determining a predicted crop yield for said area; determining an attainable crop yield for said area; determining nitrogen uptake for the vegetation within said area; and determining the amount of fertilizer nitrogen required by said vegetation. In one embodiment, the normalized difference vegetation index is determined by scanning an area to fertilize with a spectral reflectance sensor which provides reflectance values for red light and near infrared light. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) is defined by: NDVI=(NIR−red)/(NIR+red) where “NIR” is the reflectance value for near infrared light and “red” is the reflectance value for red light.

Abstract: A method for in-season macro and micronutrient application based on predicted yield potential and a nutrient response index. The inventive method includes the steps of: determining a nutrient response index for a field; determining the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) of an area to fertilize; determining a predicted crop yield for the area; determining an attainable crop yield for the area; determining the nutrient requirement for the area as the difference between the nutrient removal at the attainable yield minus the nutrient removal at the predicted yield, adjusted by the efficiency of nutrient uptake in the particular crop. In one preferred embodiment, processing requirements at the time of application of the nutrient are eased by generating a lookup table of nutrient requirement relative to measured NDVI prior to application of the nutrient.

Abstract: In a method of large scale afforestation two types of firebreak (5, 7) are employed. Firebreaks (5) of a first type are placed in a regular grid pattern and with a ground configuration which in terms of colour is adapted to the surroundings, whereas firebreaks (7) of a second type are laid out with an irregular development, which furthermore contrast in colour and are provided with a different width. Further, fencing in in parcels is expedient.

Abstract: A soil manipulating tool is disclosed which has a handle (12) and a soil penetrating portion (14). The soil penetrating portion (14) is formed from a helical or spiral rod or wire (13) which defines a cavity (18). The rod or wire (13) may be hollow so that fertilizer or other liquid material can pass through the hollow rod wire (13) into the soil in which the tool is to be used. The tool may also include an abutment member for limiting the amount of penetration of the tool into the soil to facilitate churning up of the soil and a blade may also be provided across one of the spirals of the portion (14) to provide a chopping of soil so that a hole can be formed by removal of a plug of soil but at the same time leaving loosened soil at the bottom of the hole. The tool has particular application in aerating and manipulating composted material and the removal of composted material from a compost bin as well as garden applications for the formation of holes, and the aeration of soil facilitating plant growth.

Abstract: Composition for and method of stimulating growth of plants, e.g. increase in crop production. The composition comprises a carbon skeleton/energy component, typically a sugar or mixture of sugars; a macronutrient component providing the elements nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and calcium, preferably also magnesium and sulfur; a micronutrient component providing zinc, iron and manganese, preferably also copper, boron, molybdenum and cobalt. The composition also preferably contains a vitamin/cofactor component and an enhancement component. The composition may be in the form of an aqueous solution or in a form suitable for coating seeds or coating pollen. It may be applied as a foliar spray, as a soil amendment, as a root dip or as an injectable solution. Preferably where, for example, it is used as a foliar spray it is applied at intervals at different stages of growth.