Abstract: A method of enhancing the germination of seed by immersing the seed in an aqueous solution including dissolved inert gas and sonicating the seed at a frequency preferably of between about 15 kHz and about 30 kHz and an energy density of between about 1 watt/cm.sup.2 and about 10 watts/cm.sup.2 for a period of between 1 minute and about 15 minutes. The sonicated seed exhibits enhanced germination by a reduction in the time required for germination, an increase in the percentage of total seeds that germinate, and an increase in the percentage of seeds that germinate at reduced temperatures. Plants grown from the treated seeds exhibit improved characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a process of treating plants and, in particular, to a process of stimulating plant growth and development by subjecting the plants to sound waves and by exposing the plants to a nutrient formulation. The invention further relates to a method of increasing the absorption capacity of plants.

Abstract: The plow apparatus has plow blades to break up the soil in the plowed field. The broken up soil is scooped up with scooper blades by the forward motion of the plow apparatus and then conveyed to rotating tillers. The tillers break up the soil into smaller clumps. The tilled soil is then exposed to acoustical energy provided by acoustical transducers. The acoustical energy is of a sufficiently high intensity so as to kill or destroy weed seeds and insect larvae in the soil. The soil is then returned to the ground.

Abstract: Vibration-causing-motion in combination with semihydroponics is used to accelerate plant growth at a faster rate than other current systems. The system of the invention utilizes a frequency of 45 to 500 cycles per second, and includes the use of weights to produce the necessary amplitude for the desired vibration. The system of the invention also may utilize a timing device which cycles on and off throughout the day, every day, to apply the desired amount of motion to the plants over a given period of time. The semihydroponics employed utilizes layers of soil, air and water combined at times with moving water and isolation of the plant roots in soil to minimize root rot.

Abstract: A process is described for the selective destruction of Phaeodactylum cells in the presence of Thallasiosira cells by subjecting algae culture liquid containing these species to ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: A method of accelerating the metabolism of plant organisms using sound in which the plant organism is interrogated as to which frequency of sound it prefers (or abhors in a suitable case). Sound at the "favored frequency" indicated by the test is then applied to the plant organism. The method has application to germination of seeds and growth of plants. Apparatus for inducing germinating of seeds particularly barleycorns is described and provides means for applying sound to the seeds while they are soaked in water and then respirated.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are described for using ultrasonic waves for removing microscopic particles from a liquid medium, such as algae from a solar or refuse pond, or blood cells from blood. The described apparatus includes an ultrasonic generator propagating ultrasonic waves of over one megacycle per second through the liquid medium to cause the flocculation of the microscopic particles at spaced points. In two described embodiments, the ultrasonic waves are propagated in the horizontal direction through the liquid medium, and baffle plates are disposed below the level of propagation of the ultrasonic waves. The baffles are oriented to provide a high resistance to the horizontal propagation therethrough of the ultrasonic waves and a low-resistance to the vertical settling therethrough of the flocculated particles.