Abstract: Fugitive dust emission from granular inorganic fertilizers is controlled by applying a solution of urea and lignosulfonate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of decontaminating soil by applying to the soil an oxygen delivery vehicle such as peroxides of calcium, potassium or magnesium or mixture thereof in an amount which substantially increases the population of microorganism in the soil that digest pollutants. Preferably, a surfactant and an oxygen release rate modifier are also included.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer with a coating which is decomposable by soil microorganisms, preferably a coating which is decomposed and degraded both on the surface layer of the soil and in the soil, and a process for producing the granular fertilizer, which coating contains a poly 3-hydroxy-3-alkylpropionic acid as an indispensable ingredient, and if necessary, a resin or a low-molecular resin and further, if necessary, an inorganic or organic powder, and which process comprises adding an organic solvent solution of the poly 3-hydroxy-3-alkylpropionic acid, and if necessary, the resin, and if necessary the powder (dispersed in the solution) to a granular fertilizer in fluided state in the form of spray, and when added, blowing a high speed hot air stream onto the fertilizer to thereby instantaneously remove the solvent and also dry the resulting fertilizer.

Abstract: A soil conditioner is described, which contains an electrolyte that is compatible with the soil and an invert sugar in a ratio of about 20:1 to 1:10. This material is active not only in the normal agricultural area, but also in the forestry area as a highly efficient soil conditioner. The soil is consequently regenerated, so that the plants assimilate better and noticeable increases in yield are achieved in the agricultural area.

Abstract: A coated agricultural chemical comprises a powdery effective component of an agricultural chemical coated with at least one member selected from the group consisting of esters of aliphatic acids and aliphatic polyols and phospholipids in an amount of 0.1 to 3 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the effective component. The agricultural chemicals exhibit high efficiency even at a concentration lower than that conventionally used and low phytotoxicity to plants.

Abstract: In a method and an apparatus for aerobic fermentation of biodegradable refuse to produce an odorless organic fertilizer, the apparatus includes an air blower and an air sucker each comprising a plurality of horizontal cross air pipes and pendant air line members arranged in horizontally spaced relation in a fermentation vessel. The two blowers are functionally reversible and connected to each other through a heat exchanger. Each of the blowers is provided with an automatic air flow/temperature control unit for automatic operation. The method and apparatus assure ease of discharge of the product of fermentation, increased efficiency of fermentation and conservation of time, labor and energy.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of traditional scale inhibitors as fertilizers enhancers. More particularly, this invention relates to compositions which comprise: (a) a phosphate fertilizer and (b) a scale inhibiting compound. Further, this invention relates to a method of stimulating and increasing plant growth, and corresponding yields, comprising adding the above-defined compositions to the soil in which the plants being treated grow.

Abstract: A stepwise method of preparing homogeneous mineral granules for agriculture by coreaction of commodity acids and bases which have properties to chemically form a transient fluid adhesive which will harden to form a strong granule binding cement. Water may be added to improve the effectiveness of the adhesive. The transient fluid adhesive is comminuted by mechanically shearing, then particulate mineral solids are admixed mechanically to form a mass of plastic globules which is rolled to form spheroid granules and the fluid adhesive hardens to form the hardened binding cement. The method provides substantially dust-free and attrition resistant animal feed supplement, and plant food fertilizer and micronutrient granules. The commodity acids and bases include aqueous and anhydrous mineral and alkyl carboxylic acids and alkali and alkaline earth bases.

Abstract: A method of preparing high integrity natural nitrogenous granules for agriculture by heating natural nitrogenous materials under alkaline conditions until the materials develop adhesive properties, forming the materials into granules by mechanical means, and heating the natural nitrogenous granules until they harden; and the compositions formed by this method. The granules for agriculture include natural fertilizers, secondary nutrients, micronutrients, and natural animal feed protein supplements. The method also provides natural based plant food and animal feed supplement granules containing natural or synthetic additive substances which are useful in agriculture. The natural materials used in the method include poultry waste, poultry feather meal, hair meal, seafood meal, blood meal, bone meal, soybean meal, food waste, and grain by-products.

Abstract: The soil conditioner of this invention is basically composed of 4 to 4.75 parts by weight of coal ash, 4 to 4.75 parts by weight of slag, and 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of zeolite, and is useful for the overall improvement of soil including not only chemical and physical conditioning of the soil but also improvement of its ecological system. In addition to the aforesaid ingredients, this soil conditioner may contain a microorganism having the function of competing with the harmful microorganisms present in the soil or utilizing them as nutrient sources to eliminate the detrimental effects thereof, thereby inducing the propagation of useful microorganisms in the rhizosphere of the desired crop and promoting the growth of the crop, as well as 0.2 to 2% by weight of molasses based on the total weight of the coal ash, slag and zeolite.

Abstract: 4-Fluoro-3-methylpyrazole is employed to obtain prolonged nitrification inhibition in naturally occurring alkaline soils.

Abstract: A composite comprising: a substrate; and a polymeric coating adhered to at least one surface of said substrate, said polymer coating having a thickness of about 1 to about 100 micrometers, wherein said polymer coating comprises a neutralized carboxylated polymer having a carboxylate content of about 5 to about 300 meq. per 100 grams of said neutralized carboxylated polymer.

Abstract: Substituted pyrazoles are employed to obtain prolonged nitrification inhibition in naturally occurring alkaline soils.

Abstract: The invention is related to a plant growth regulating composition comprising chitosan and a non-phytotoxic acid in the form of an aqueous solution or a blend of dry powders. The composition may be applied to the soil in which the seeds are to be planted, the seeds themselves or the foliage of an emerging plant.

Abstract: Modular systems are disclosed for composting organic waste. The systems include a number of modular containers for holding predetermined amounts of the organic waste materials, these amounts being selected such that a relatively uniform temperature profile may be maintained within each of the modular containers. Each of the containers also includes an air inlet and an exhaust so that air may be circulated through the organic waste materials in each of the modular containers, a temperature probe for measuring the temperature in the modular containers, and a fan for circulating air from the exhaust of a first modular container to the air inlet of a second modular container when the temperature in the second modular container is greater than the temperature in the first modular container by a predetermined temperature difference, so as to accelerate the composting of said organic waste material.

Abstract: A mixture of 2-piperidone and an N-acyllactam compound for use as a soil amending agent which is provided in a molar ratio of 2-piperidone to N-acyllactam compound in the range from 0.1:1 to 10:1 is effective in the promotion of plant growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant-protective solution containing 2.5 to 40 % by weight of one or more water-insoluble plant-protective ingredient(s) 20 to 71.5 % by weight of dimethylformamide and/or dimethylsulfoxide and/or acetone as water-miscible solvent, 10 to 71.5 % by weight of furfurol and/or furfuryl alcohol as partially water-miscible solvent, 1 to 15 % by weight of commonly used additives such as anionic and/or nonionic surface active agents and macromolecules.The invention also relates to the ready-for-use plant-protective suspension containing 0.2 to 10 % by weight of one or more water-insoluble plant-protective ingredient(s) with a particle size of 0.1 to 50 .mu.m, 0 to 60 % by weight of a fertilizer, 0.2 to 10 % by weight of dimethylformamide and/or dimethylsulfoxide and/or acetone as water-miscible solvent, 0.2 to 10 % by weight of furfurol and/or furfuryl alcohol as partially water-miscible solvent, 0.05 to 2.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for killing moss growing on a moss-covered surface by sprinkling in dry or wet form a moss-killing powder containing an atomized elemental metal which slowly dissolves with water to form a biocidal solution which kills moss. In the preferred embodiment, a moss-killing powder dry or wet consists essentially of finely powdered atomized elemental zinc and copper mixed with a powdered, dispersible carrier material, such as silia clay, to which the metal particles adhere. The moss-killing powder is sprinkled on a wetted moss-covered surface dry or mixed in a slurry of water and sprinkled wet which causes the powder to initially adhere to the surface. Upon contact with rainwater, or tap water or dew the carrier soaks up water and slowly disintegrate, retaining the metal particles in close proximity so that they electrolytically react with the rainwater or tap water or dew to produce a biocidal solution which kills moss. Gradually the carrier disperses or dissolves and disappears.

Abstract: Pullulan forms an association complex with PEG in a hydrous system. The assocation complex, as well as its pullulan and PEG components, exerts a decreased solubility in water. The association reduces or even eliminates the excessively high water-solubility, threading and stickiness of pullulan so that this extends the uses of pullulan and PEG such as those in gradually disintegrable- and sustained release-shaped articles for consumer's products, toiletries, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and feeds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer and/or soil amendment containing L ascorbic acid, marine algae, and humic acid. The fertilizers may also contain nitrogen, phosphorous and/or potassium. The fertilizers and/or soil amendments may be produced in a solid form or a liquid form. The fertilizers have utility in promoting the growth of grass and plants. Methods of preparing the fertilizers and/or soil amendments are also described.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer composition superior in plant growth regulating effects is provided which comprises a coating of a mixture of triethylene glycol and a plant growth regulator on a granular fertilizer.

Abstract: A bioregulator based on plant raw materials, which consists of certain components of the plants of the Caryophillaceac family. The developed bioregulator is a plant growth regulator of natural origin that can be used in numerous different ways. Depending on the cultivation in question, the bioregulator is applied either to the seeds or to the leaves of the plants. Due to the fact that the bioregulator is made from plant raw materials it is will not pollute the environment.

Abstract: A method and composition for the treatment of iron chlorosis in plants using hydroxamic acid-type siderophores. Siderophores of this type are ferric-specific chelators, which are produced by certain microorganisms grown in iron-free environments. The current invention contemplates the use of the siderophore rhodotorulic acid to treat and prevent iron chlorosis. Rhodotorulic acid is produced by the yeast Rhodotorula pilimanae. The siderophore may be applied to the plant by a variety of methods including by soil application, foliar spray or direct injection into the plant.

Abstract: A composting facility comprising an elongated composting bay, a compost handling machine, and a ventilation system. The composting bay holds organic waste material while that material composts; and the compost handling machine is adapted to agitate the compost in, and to move the compost along, the bay. The ventilation system selectively conducts air into the compost, and this system includes a sensor, recessed in the bay, to actuate the ventilation system when the temperature of the compost rises above a preset value. Preferably, the temperature of the compost varies along the length of the bay, and the ventilation system includes a multitude of sensors to actuate the ventilation system to conduct air selectively into different sections of the bay to maintain a desired compost temperature profile.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer and/or soil amendment containing L ascorbic acid, marine algae, and humic acid. The fertilizer and/or soil amendment may be produced in a solid form or a liquid form. The fertilizer has utility in promoting the growth of grass and plants. A method of preparing the fertilizer and/or soil amendment is also described.

Abstract: Aqueous boron-containing compositions containing about 40 to 85% of the reaction product of boric acid and alkylamine in a mole ratio of from 1.5:1 to 3:1, about 2 to 15% of an alkanol or alkylene glycol and the balance water. The compositions are especially useful as liquid fertilizer compositions.

Abstract: An osmoprotectant particle for use in enhancing fungus growth and particularly for use with edible mushrooms. The osmoprotectant particle includes a carrier particle, either a protein or a neutral material and a plurality of osmoprotectant microdroplets containing water soluble phosphoglyceride such as hydroxy lecithin and betaine or choline which are attached to a plurality of recesses formed about the carrier particle. Denaturation of the protein and/or control of a surface-to-volume ratio restricts access to the microdroplets such that only mushroom mycelia occuring in the later flushes will be able to utilize the phospholipid droplets. A method is provided for producing the osmoprotectant particles utilizing either the protein carrier particle or the neutral carrier particle.

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, waste fiber from a cellulose production plant or paper mill, sawdust or similar matter.

Abstract: A composite comprising: a substrate; and a polymeric coating adhered to at least one surface of said substrate, said polymer coating having a thickness of about 1 to about 100 micrometers, wherein said polymer coating comprises a neutralized carboxylated polymer having a carboxylate content of about 5 to about 300 meq. per 100 grams of said neutralized carboxylated polymer.

Abstract: A method of granulating of water soluble fertilizers which contain kieserite with a mass content of between 25 and 100% and which have primary particles within a very wide grain spectrum with a fraction of at least 20% under 0.09 mm, includes the steps of providing a granulating material including kieserite, applying to the granulated material moisturizing liquid, prior to or during applying the moisturing liquid adding to the granulating material soluble and/or somewhat collodial soluble substances from the class of mono-, di- and polysaccharide and/or their simple hydrophilic derivatives in solid form or in a solution in which they provide a main part, in a dose of between 0.1 and 5% dry mass relative to a dry weight of the fresh granulated material, forming the granules, and drying the granules after their formation to a residual moisture of 1 to 6% of kieserite mass contained in them.

Abstract: Liquid micronutrient compositions are prepared by combining fulvic acid extracted from leonardite ore with a metal salt, a hydroxy acid and/or a hydroxy acid salt, and ammonia. The extract of leonardite ore is obtained by combination with a suitable chelant, while the subsequent combination with the metal salt and hydroxy acid/salt is accomplished in a heated aqueous medium. After allowing the desired metal chelates to form, the composition is combined with anhydrous ammonia, usually by sparging, to obtain a stable end product. The micronutrient compositions display enhanced plant uptake in both soil and foliar applications. Moreover, the compositions are particularly stable and suitable for application through drip irrigation systems.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a high-yield method producing novel water soluble triazone compositions having a typical analysis as follows, percentages being based on the total weight of the reaction product: urea at about 17.5%; MMU at about 3.4%; MDU at about 1.0%; HMT at about 4%; water soluble triazone at about 48%; produced by a novel method in which ammonia/HCHO mole ratio is about 0.3, and in which percentage ammonia added and reacted during the initial reaction is about 4.5% by weight of total reactants, initial cooking is for about 45 minutes, followed by final cooking for about 10 minutes, both initial and final cooking are at about 90 degrees Centigrade, at a nitrogen content of about 28%, at an initial cooking-pH maintained immediately after ammonia addition, at about pH 9, and at a lower pH during the final cooking resulting from termination of adding further potassium hydroxide, the optimum mole ratio during the process, of reactants urea, formaldehyde and ammonia, for example, being about 0.9:1:0.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for compressing moisture containing material including a pair of opposed rolls for receiving and advancing the material therebetween to apply rolling load thereto to compress the material and remove at least a portion of said moisture therefrom, and differential means for causing one of said rolls to rotate at a lower speed than the rolling speed of the other of the rolls, the differential rolling speeds developing friction between the rolls causing the rolls to be heated and apply heat to said material to further remove moisture therefrom, to cause the compressed material to adhere to the one roll and to cause the removed moisture to adhere to the other roll, also alone and in combination, apparatus and process of decomposing organic material such as animal biomass by the action of aerobic microorganisms in the presence of oxygen, including introducing the organic material into a container having an end adapted to receive the organic material and an output end adapted to discharge the o

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, peat mud or waste fibre from a cellulose production plant or the solid component of communal sewage.

Abstract: A resource recovery utility is provided comprising a landfill having a continuous wall surrounding the perimeter thereof and a containment structure extending completely over the landfill affixed to the continuous wall. Refuse can be introduced into the landfill and compacted therein and at least a portion of the compacted refuse can be removed therefrom. Methane generated by anaerobic bacterial digestion of organic materials contained in the refuse can be removed and recovered.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a triazone mixture contains triazone present in an amount of at-least about 30% calculated on a dry weight basis of 100% solids, methylenediurea in an amount less than about 2%, monomethylolurea in an amount less than about 3%, and total methylenediurea and monomethylolurea taken-together being less than about 5%, and hexamethylenetetramine in an amount less than about 1%, in water solution, of which on a dry weight basis the ratio of traizone to methylenediurea is at-least about 6 and the ratio of triazone to urea is greater than about 1, of which typically about 80% of the triazone present is of the emperical formula C.sub.3 H.sub.7 N.sub.3 O in cyclic form, and a majority of remaining triazone present is of the emperical formula C.sub.5 H.sub.10 N.sub.4 O.sub.

Abstract: In producing a mixed phosphatic fertilizer, humic acid is mixed with fused phosphate to cause the humic acid to react on alkaline ingredients of the fused phosphate for turning these alkaline ingredients into chelate compounds, so that water-soluble phosphoric acid contents of succeedingly added phosphatic fertilizers such as calcium superphosphate and calcium triple-superphosphate are not reduced or insolubilized by being reacted with such alkaline ingredients. Thus, unlike the prior art, a stabilized predetermined level of water-soluble phosphoric acid contents can be secured in the resultant mixed phosphatic fertilizer along with a predetermined level of citric acid-soluble phosphoric acid contents.

Abstract: A growing medium for plants is prepared by mixing a growing material with a highly water-absorbent polymer.The polymer may be an acrylamide polymer cross-linked with methylene bisacrylamide which absorbs water to form a sticky gel.The growing material may comprise rock wool.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a triazone mixture contains triazone present in an amount of at-least about 30% calculated on a dry weight basis of 100% solids, methylene diurea in an amount less than about 2%, monomethylolurea in an amount less than about 3%, and total methylene diurea and monomethylolurea taken-together being less than about 3%, and hexamethylenetetramine in an amount less than about 0.5%, in water solution, of which on a dry weight basis the ratio of triazone to methylene diurea is at-least about 13 and the ratio of triazone to urea is greater than about 0.5, of which typically about 80% of the triazone present is of the emperical formula C.sub.3 M.sub.7 N.sub.3 O in cyclic form, and a majority of remaining triazone present is of the emperical formula C.sub.5 M.sub.10 N.sub.4 O.sub.

Abstract: Method of treating a soil particularly for maintaining or increasing the percentage of organic matter therein. This method which is carried out by simple surface composting, after spreading shredded forest residue and animal manure, is very interesting in that it associates the use of an agricultural technique known for its simplicity and low cost with the use of two basic materials produced each year in enormous quantities as industrial by-products for which no disposal means have been found.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of facilitating vegetation with the aid of a fungal mycelium biomass in admixture with a polybutadiene and application forms comprising such components.

Abstract: A fertilizer in the form of a concentrated dispersion of undissolved nutrient materials in an aqueous medium containing said same and/or other nutrient materials in solution, the dispersion also containing as dispersants, magnesium-aluminum silicate and at least one additional dispersant selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, polyvinyl alcohol, caseinate, and soluble starch hydrolysates whereby the formation of large crystals of said nutrients and phase separation is avoided over prolonged periods of time of up to three years. The invention also includes the method for making such fertilizers.

Abstract: Certain metal complexes of certain substituted pyrazole compounds are employed as the active nitrification inhibitor in the presence of reduced nitrogen fertilizers. Compositions containing these complexes can be applied to the surface of soil and can remain on said soil surface for up to 3 days or more without mechanical incorporation into the soil and retain at least about 70 percent of the pyrazole in the complex in the composition.

Abstract: Certain metal salts of certain substituted pyrazole compounds are employed as the active nitrification inhibitor in the presence of reduced nitrogen fertilizers. Compositions containing these salts can be applied to the surface of soil and can remain on said soil surface for up to 3 days or more without incorporation into the soil and retain at least about 70 percent of the pyrazole in the salt in the composition.

Abstract: A fertilizer concentrate composition comprising (1) 80-90%, by weight, of water-soluble salts of plant micronutrients, 10-18 mole percent of said salts being in complexed form, and (2) 0.7-1.75%, by weight, of a stabilizer comprising a solid, water-soluble polymer in powder form having a particle size such that 80-90% by weight, of said particles have a diameter <0.1 mm and less than 0.5 percent, by weight, of said particles have a diameter >0.5 mm, (3) balance, complexing agent for said micronutrients, with the proviso that the amount of complexing agent is chosen so that 10-18 mole percent of the micronutrients are complexed and, optionally, (4) 0.05-0.5%, by weight, of a surfactant, provides a storage-stable, readily soluble micronutrient concentrate usable especially in fertilizing crops by leaf dressing.

Abstract: The effectiveness of a potassium polyphosphate fertilizer is enhanced resulting in higher intake of phosphorus and potassium into plant tissues and higher crop yields by the foliar application to growing plants of a composition comprising a blend of potassium and ammonium polyphosphates which also contains an effective amount of a protein hydrolysate.

Abstract: A process for supplying plants with nutrients uniformly and over a long period of time by the addition of nutrient-charged synthetic resin ion exchangers and mineral fertilizers to the culture medium, according to which the nutrient-charged synthetic resin ion exchangers are employed together with those mineral fertilizers with particle size <500 .mu.m which have been coated with massive polyurethanes having a particular water absorbing capacity which is adapted in a particular manner to the water solubility of the mineral fertilizer; furthermore, fertilizers containing nutrient-charged synthetic resin ion exchangers, and the mineral fertilizers coated with the massive polyurethanes having a particular water absorbing capacity.

Abstract: This invention relates to the foliar feeding of growing plants.Conventional foliar feed comprising plant nutrients dissolved in water have a very poor shelf life and chemically attack many container materials. To overcome this problem the practice is to mix the aqueous solution feed immediately before use. In practice it is necessary to mix more solution than is required and, particularly with small scale applications, there is always a waste of feed.The present invention overcomes this problem by providing an aerosol container charged with a foliar feed solution and a propellant, preferably forming a water in oil emulsion with the solution, and whereby the feed has a relatively long shelf life and can be dispensed in small quantities without wastage.

Abstract: A method for preparing an element-rich composition for use as supplement in biological or physiological systems, comprising subjecting fly ash to the influence of reactants capable of dissolving a plurality of the components of the fly ash into a biologically assimilable form selected from chelates, complexes and lactic acid salts and obtaining the biologically assimilable form of the fly ash, and an element-rich composition prepared according to this method, the use of said element-rich composition as source of elements for animal and human consumption and in processes in which one or more elements, including trace elements, are essential.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer composition superior in plant growth regulating effects is provided which comprises a coating of a mixture of triethylene glycol and a plant growth regulator on a granular fertilizer.