Abstract: Reduced volatility of urea fertilizers are prepared in accordance with the present invention by first preparing an N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) solution by dissolving NBPT in a mixture of an amino alcohol having the formula 1—(H)x—N—((CH2)m—OH)n where m is 1-3, x is 0 or 1, and n is 2 when x is 1 and 3 when x is 0: or the formula 2—(H)y—N—((CH2)—CHOH—CH3)z such that the length of the carbon chain where the secondary hydroxyl group is located is 3, y is 0 or 1, and z is 2 when y is 1 and 3 when y is 0, and a carboxylic acid having 6 or fewer carbon atoms. The solution is then combining with a urea fertilizer in granular or liquid form.

Abstract: Reduced volatility of urea fertilizers are prepared in accordance with the present invention by first preparing an N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) solution by dissolving NBPT in a mixture of an amino alcohol having the formula 1—(H)x—N—((CH2)m—OH)n where m is 1-3, x is 0 or 1, and n is 2 when x is 1 and 3 when x is 0: or the formula 2—(H)y—N—((CH2)—CHOH—CH3)z such that the length of the carbon chain where the secondary hydroxyl group is located is 3, y is 0 or 1, and z is 2 when y is 1 and 3 when y is 0, and a carboxylic acid having 6 or fewer carbon atoms. The solution is then combining with a urea fertilizer in granular or liquid form.

Abstract: A naturally occurring zeolite is coated with a special nanophase Fe oxide, thereby forming a nanophase Fe oxide coated zeolite. The composition thus formed can be used for a variety of horticultural and floricultural end applications. When the nanophase Fe oxide coated zeolite is dosed with plant nutrients and is then mixed with a suitable potting compound, the result is a Complete Plant Growth Medium (CPGM). Blending 5% to 25% CPGM by weight with sand, peat, compost, vegetable and flower beds, and native and manufactured soils, provides a number of beneficial properties. Also, CPGM alone can be used for growing indoor plants to avoid plant pests and compost odor.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc.

Abstract: An enhanced fertilizer product comprised of nutrients and inert solids wherein the nutrients and inert solids are derived from a source material. The nutrients in the source material are collected with a nutrient capture process. The fertilizer product is agglomerated.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a liquid carrier having live bacteria suspended therein, which are in a dormant state, to a target host comprising a pump having inlet and discharge sides, with the inlet side of the pump being in fluid communication with the liquid carrier. A first fluid conduit extends from the discharge side of the pump to an air induction nozzle which is in communication with a source of air under pressure. A flow control is imposed in the first conduit for adjusting the amount of liquid carrier passing therethrough. The pump and the air supply for the air induction nozzle are operatively connected to a power supply. The pump, when activated, causes the liquid carrier to be pumped to the air induction nozzle wherein the liquid carrier is mixed with air to create small droplets thereof for spraying onto the target host.

Abstract: The present invention provides 1) a convenient and novel method for prescribing constituent nutrients in a compound fertilizer that takes into account ambient concentrations of one or more of the nutrients in the irrigation water; 2) a convenient and novel method of prescribing the constituents of compound fertilizers based on predetermined ratios between a desired final concentration of an index nutrient and a desired concentration of at least one non-index nutrient; and, 3) a convenient and novel method of formulating compound fertilizers by providing a graduated series of stocks that accommodate wide variation in ambient concentrations of an index nutrient in local irrigation waters.

Abstract: A controlled release sulfur coated fertilizer with improved abrasion resistance is produced by applying a precursor coating that forms a cohesive film which adheres to the fertilizer substrate particles and to the sulfur that is subsequently applied in molten form. The improved fertilizer also optionally comprises a sealant coating applied after the molten sulfur. This invention is to the composition of the fertilizer and the method of production.

Abstract: A shape-permanent or deformation-resistant growing medium in the shape of a block, that may hold one or more plants, consists of an active or inactive growing medium and an adhesive or binder providing shape and strength, said adhesive or binder being gypsum (calcium sulphate, CaSO4.2H20). By using gypsum as an adhesive or binder it is possible to make known growing media completely shape-permanent or deformation-resistant in a quite simple way enabling plants to grow and thrive absolutely normally, while the growing medium keeps its original shape under practically any circumstances. When the medium is no longer of use, it may be discarded without any problem and without any costs of disposal.

Abstract: An insecticidal fertilizer composition is prepared by contacting a solid fertilizer with a solution of a nicotinyl insecticide. The nicotinyl insecticide solution can be imidacloprid in a solvent, such as dimethyl sulfoxide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone or N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone, and mixtures thereof. The solution contains at least about 10 wt % of the insecticide in solution to attain a solid, particulate fertilizer containing at least about 0.1 wt % of the insecticide.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc.

Abstract: A method of intercepting application program interface, including dynamic installation of associated software, within the user portion of an operating system. An API interception control server in conjunction with a system call interception module loads into all active process spaces an API interception module. An initializer module within the API interception module hooks and patches all API modules in the active process address space. When called by the application programs, the API routines' flow of execution, by virtue of their patched code, is re-directed into a user-supplied code in a pre-entry routine of the API interception module. The API routine might be completely by-passed or its input parameters might be filtered and changed by the user code. During the operation, the API routine is double-patched by the API interception module to ensure that all simultaneous calls to the API routine will re-direct its flow of control into the API interception module.

Abstract: A method for in-season macro and micronutrient application based on predicted yield potential, coefficient of variation, 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 the coefficient of variation of NDVI over a plot; determining a predicted crop yield for the area without additional nutrient; determining an attainable crop yield for the area with additional nutrient; 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 utilization in the particular crop as indicated by the coefficient of variation.

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: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc.

Abstract: In a dry or concentrated liquid fertilizer when local water is added to dilute to a working concentration, the hardness components (e.g., Ca/Mg) in the local water react with the fertilizer components and begin to form low-solubility salts. These low-solubility salts form sludges in the working mixture and begin to scale up in the feeding tubes through which the liquid fertilizer is pumped. Furthermore, the fertilizer is deprived of the nutrient values of these low-solubility salts and, as a result, the economic value of the fertilizer is reduced. By adding excess sequestering agent(s) (i.e. above the amounts needed to dissolve the nutrients in the original fertilizer formulation) precipitation of the hardening components of the local water in the mixing tank, in the feeding tubes, and in the growing media is avoided, and previous scaling can be remedied.

Abstract: The invention facilitates a determination of the rate at which soil organic nitrogen is converted to inorganic nitrogen or mineral nitrogen. This conversion is known as N-mineralization. The total release of plant available nitrogen in a soil, i.e., the gross N-mineralization rate quantifies the conversion in the soil of organic nitrogen to inorganic nitrogen. The present invention provides a quick and reliable method for measuring the gross N-mineralization rate of a soil sample. The method exploits that a microbial enzyme activity of a functional ornithine acid cycle present in said sample is correlatale with the rate or gross N-mineralization of that same sample. The method of the invention can be used e.g. in a determination of the amount of a nitrogen-containing fertilizer to be applied to a soil such as e.g. a field of agricultural crops.

Abstract: This invention relates to fertilizer encapsulation with polyurethanes wherein the isocyanate-reactive composition contains sulfur. The process of the present invention comprises applying a polyisocyanate composition to fertilizer particles, applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to the polyisocyanate coated fertilizer particles, or applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to fertilizer particles and then applying a polyisocyanate composition to the isocyanate-reactive coated fertilizer particles, and repeating these steps as necessary to form sulfur containing polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles.

Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers are disclosed that comprise a buffered composition of an organic acid and salts thereof and a phosphorous-containing acid and salts thereof. The concentrated phosphorus fertilizers can be diluted with water of pH ranging from about 6.5 to about 8.5 at ratios of concentrate to water at about 1:40 to about 1:600 to result in a fertilizer having a pH in the range acceptable for foliar uptake of phosphorus.

Abstract: This invention relates to fertilizer encapsulation with polyurethanes wherein the isocyanate-reactive composition contains sulfur. The process of the present invention comprises applying a polyisocyanate composition to fertilizer particles, applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to the polyisocyanate coated fertilizer particles, or applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to fertilizer particles and then applying a polyisocyanate composition to the isocyanate-reactive coated fertilizer particles, and repeating these steps as necessary to form sulfur containing polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc. Further, an aqueous composition containing 10 to 50% w/w of a molasses and lignosulfonate, as well as 0.001 to 10% w/w of gallic acid and a yeast extract is also disclosed. In addition, the composition does not include nitrogen, phosphorous, zinc, iron or manganese.

Abstract: A resource regeneration process for creating an organic biomeal nutrient-rich product from raw biosolid waste material is provided. The process comprises initially mixing and conditioning the raw organic biosolid waste material to a substantially uniform size, oxidizing the raw organic biosolid waste material, secondarily mixing the oxidized and transformed organic biosolid waste material, drying the oxidized and regenerated organic biosolid waste material thereby completing the resource regeneration process for creating an organic biomeal nutrient-rich product from raw biosolid waste material wherein the resource regeneration process is completed within a time range of approximately twenty (20) minutes to approximately thirty (30) minutes.

Abstract: A curve radius of a roadway is determined by measuring the difference in wheel speed of at least two vehicle wheels and the rate of yaw of the vehicle, and hence the curve radius, is determined therefrom. The wheel speeds are determined by measuring the time required for the wheel to rotate by a fixed rotational angle, based on a fixed number of pulses produced by a pulse transmitter which is part of an ABS or ASR system for the vehicle. The method provides considerably improved accuracy using simple, vehicle-contained components and various parameters can be taken into account simultaneously.

Abstract: The household waste treatment requires neither incineration nor disposal in landfills. Two processing sub-systems, first one for combustibles and the other or second one for incombustibles, cooperate with each other as a single system for recycling the waste. The first sub-system deals with combustible waste to yields products for fertilizing and/or conditioning soil. In the process, what are inappropriate to the production of the soil fertilizing and/or conditioning products are sent to the second sub-system, which deals with incombustible waste. This sub-system sorts the incombustible waste materials into various kinds of recyclable products. Combustibles among the incombustible waste materials are sent to the first sub-system.

Abstract: A fertilizer especially suitable for gramineous plants which has a high supplying ability and a high absorption/availability efficiency of silicic acid and a method for using the same. Silica gel was applied to a test field of paddy rice by 50 g/m2. The silicic acid content in stalks and leaves of paddy rice became extremely high compared with a case where a conventional silicic acid fertilizer was applied. As the result, the stalks became strong by being silicificated and therefore were prevented from being borne down even when ears became heavy with rice, and the harvest yield of rice increased.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the treatment of aqueous effluents containing organic and inorganic matter and having a solids content of at most 12% by weight to provide a purified liquid phase and a solid organic fertilizer or organic soil improver. The process includes subjecting the effluent to one or more primary liquid/solid separation steps to obtain a liquid medium containing no more than 3% by weight of dry matter and having a turbidity of at most 300 NTU and a collection of concentrates containing in total 15% by weight dry matter. The liquid medium is subjected to ultra filtration or micro filtration to obtain an ultra filtrate or a micro filtrate containing at most 1% by weight dry matter and having a turbidity of at most 100 NTU. The ultra filtrate or micro filtrate is subjected to a reverse osmosis operation to obtain a concentrate and a permeate. The permeate constitutes a purified aqueous phase.

Abstract: A method for the fertilization of soil for cultivated plants, whereby nitrogen fertilizer is spread over the cultivated area in conjunction with the sowing of cultivated plants and later during the growing season more fertilizer is spread over the cultivated area.

Abstract: A method for treating infectious organic waste material such as dewatered sewage sludge, mixed organic wastes and animal waste. The method includes mixing the infectious organic waste material with a comminuted organic fibrous material to provide a reaction mixture. An oxidizing agent is an optional additive. The reaction mixture is heated in a hyperbaric reactor vessel at an elevated pressure and temperature for a time sufficient to create saturated steam and to produce a substantially denatured product containing inactivated pathogenic agents. The denatured product is dehydrated to produce a free-flowing solid product that may be used in various agricultural, industrial or commercial applications. Odor is controlled so that malodorous compounds are not released to the atmosphere.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc. Further, an aqueous composition containing 10 to 50% w/w of a molasses and lignosulfonate, as well as 0.001 to 10% w/w of gallic acid and a yeast extract is also disclosed. In addition, the composition does not include nitrogen, phosphorous, zinc, iron or manganese.

Abstract: Non-explosive water in oil emulsion fertilizer compositions comprise a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one fertilizer component, a continuous organic phase, an emulsifying amount of an emulsifier composition comprising: the reaction product of an amine (C) characterized by the presence within its structure of at least one H—N group and an intermediate formed in the reaction of (A) at least one olefinic compound containing at least one group of the formula and (B) at least one carboxylic reactant selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula R3C(O)(R4)nC(O)OR5   (III) wherein each of R3 and R5 is independently H or a hydrocarbyl group, R4 is a divalent hydrocarbylene group, and n is 0 or 1, and reactive sources thereof and optionally, from about 0.5 to about 2 moles, per mole of (B), of (D) at least one aldehyde or ketone. The fertilizer compositions provide for controlled release of the fertilizer components.

Abstract: This invention relates to an isocyanate composition comprising a) at least one isocyanate and b) from 1 to 50% by weight, based on the total weight of component a), of sulfur. These isocyanate compositions are suitable for the preparation of polyurethane/polyurea encapsulated fertilizers. Accordingly, the present invention also relates to an improved process for the production of a polyurea/polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer comprising applying at least one isocyanate-reactive component to the fertilizer particles and applying the isocyanate compositions of the present invention to the fertilizer particles, to form these polyurea/polyurethane encapsulated fertilizers.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer formed from nutrient granules having intermediate or precoat layers of organic oil, such as raw linseed oil, prior to application of a polymeric, encapsulating coat. The precoat may also contain a binding agent, such as a fine clay, and a drier. The new fertilizer composition is made by a process of applying the oil precoat, but not curing it until after the encapsulating coat is applied. The use of the precoat provides more desirable controlled (delayed) release characteristics at a lower weight of the encapsulating coat, particularly for nutrient cores having a relatively large number of surface imperfections or discontinuities.

Abstract: A method of removing hydrocarbons from soils contaminated with various hydrocarbons such as gasoline, diesel fuel, solvents, motor oil and crude oil. The process first screens the soil to remove oversized rocks and debris and to reduce the contaminated soil to uniformly sized particles. The soil particles are moved along a conveyor and first sprayed with an oxidizer diluted with ionized water and then sprayed with only ionized water. The washed particles are then vigorously mixed with their entrained oxidizer and ionized water in an auger mixer for several minutes to oxidize almost all of the remaining hydrocarbons. The washed and hydrocarbon-free soil is then moved by conveyor to a stockpile for storage, testing and drying.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fractioning vinasse, in which process the pH value of the vinasse is lowered by adding acid, and the formed precipitate is separated in order to obtain an inorganic fraction, whereupon an organic fraction remains. The invention also relates to the products obtained. The inorganic fraction mainly contains potassium salt, and it is useful for example as a fertilizer. The organic fraction mainly contains organic acids, and it is useful for example as an additive in animal feed and in producing silage.

Abstract: Methods, devices and compositions directed to the delivery of a preferably organic formulation of plant nutrients to indoor and outdoor potted plants, cut flowers, vegetable, herb, and flower seedlings, and other types of plants. The methods, devices and compositions form a simple, safe, non-toxic, cost effective and easy to use delivery system comprising the use of a plant nutrient composition. The plant nutrient composition is typically dry and is maintained in a plant nutrient delivery system during storage and shipping. When ready for use, the plant nutrient composition is contacted with hot water to release the plant nutrients retained within the plant nutrient composition, and the resulting infusion is cooled, and then administered to the plants.

Abstract: The invention is a packaged ready mix, having a biodegradable external packaging, an oil-resistant degradable internal liner, and a thickened soil stabilizer surrounded by said internal liner. The external packaging is made from a material which decomposes in water. The thickened soil stabilizer contains a carrier and an organic binder. The packaged ready mix can be applied to soil without the need to remove, or dispose of, any packaging material.

Abstract: A substantially neutral metal alkanoate solution suitable for application of the constituent micronutrient metal to agricultural crops or acreage where such crops are to be grown, is disclosed. Alkanoates having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, with acetates most preferred. Metals selected from the group consisting of boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium and zinc are preferred, with zinc particularly preferred. The compositions of the present invention remain soluble at and below freezing temperatures for extending periods, and exhibits a high degree of miscibility in fertilizers. A method of manufacturing the compositions of the present invention is disclosed, in which a metal oxide is dispersed in water, ammonia is added to the dispersion, and acid is added to the basic dispersion to solubilize and substantially neutralize the dispersion and create an aqueous micronutrient solution.

Abstract: The activity of pesticides is enhanced by application of a zwittermicin antibiotic in combination with insecticides. In particular, zwittermicin enhances the activity of Bacillus thuringiensis .delta.-endotoxins.

Abstract: A soil conditioning composition is provided which is suitable as a direct substitute for sphagnum peat moss. The composition is composed primarily of waste paper products which have been processed to form small clumped particles. As such, the composition sufficiently exhibits the textural and physical properties of sphagnum peat moss, such that it can be readily mixed into soil in order to promote moisture retention in the soil, as well as enhance aeration of the soil. Furthermore, the composition includes bone meal as a primary constituent. The clumped particles and bone meal are processed such that the bone meal forms a cohesive layer over each of the individual clumped particles, so as to further promote the moisture-retention capability of the particles. Furthermore, the bone meal advantageously contributes fertilizer grade phosphorus the composition.

Abstract: A method for conferring plant tolerance to severe diseases, specifically caused by a viruses vectored by soilborne fungi, wherein a non-virulent or mildly virulent virus is transmitted to the plant and renders the plant tolerant to disease caused by a more virulent virus. The protective virus is transmitted to a host plant via a viruliferous soilborne fungus which is coated onto seed and thereby produces a disease tolerant plant.

Abstract: A multi-step process for treating soil that has become contaminated with heavy metals is disclosed. The process may be conducted on the site where contaminated soil is present and allows replacement of the original contaminated soil with decontaminated soil, thus avoiding the need to transport contaminated soil. The contaminated soil is separated and analyzed to determine which soil fractions contain metal contaminants, further processed to isolate the contaminants and treated with oxidizing agents. The contaminating metals are removed from the soil mixture by chelation. Decontaminated soil is replaced at the site and the metals that are removed from the soil are recovered and recycled.

Abstract: A process for identifying the location to which an agricultural chemical composition has been applied whereby a water soluble, alkyleneoxy substituted fugitive colorant is added to said agricultural chemical composition prior to its application. The colorant is nontoxic to aquatic life and may be used within the watershed of a body of water having aquatic life. Preferred colorants include alkyleneoxy substituted triphenylmethane and azo dyes.

Abstract: Agricultural soil is acidified by applying fertilizer, especially in the form of a clear solution, having an undesirably low pH value. The invention provides for applying a liquid neutralizing reagent in the vicinity of the fertilizer, and in the same operation as applying the fertilizer. A device for treating the soil has a liquid container, a conduit and dispensing means for applying the neutralizing agent. The device can form part of a cultivating implement having fertilizer applying means, e.g. a seed planter.

Abstract: Metal ions selected from the group consisting of Fe.sup.+3, Mn.sup.+2, Cu.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 are administered to plant roots in a composition comprising citric acid, whereas the molar ratio of citric acid to metal ions in this composition is about 0.8 to 2.5.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising at least 2% by weight of a fibrous material and at least 30% by weight of a binding material such that the composition can be melt-molded into articles which have mechanical strength sufficient for their intended uses and which are biodegradable. The binding material is formed of natural substance and may also include up to 30% by weight synthetic, water-soluble polymer. The fibrous material may be cellulose and/or mineral fibers which provide the attributes of reinforcement and degradability. The composition may further include up to 20% by weight liquid or solid plasticizer which serves to lower melt viscosity and add toughness to the composite material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a cryoprotectant for plants. The method for producing a cryoprotectant for plants includes the steps of, mixing citrus pectin in boiling distilled water, cooling the solution of the mixing step, diluting phosphoric acid (H.sub.3 PO.sub.4) in distilled water, mixing the solution of the cooling step with the solution of the diluting step, reacting the solution of the mixing step, combining calcium phosphate (CaH(PO.sub.4) with the solution of the reacting step, and adding calcium hydroxide to the solution of the combining step mixing and adding a nutrient solution to complete the formulation of the cryoprotectant.

Abstract: A granular substrate, and method for preparation thereof, is provided for use with herbicide, fungicide, and/or insecticide formulations, the substrate comprising an agglomerated grain dust and/or hulls in combination with a binder, particularly a lignosulfonate binder. The granular substrate can readily disintegrate when wetted or maintain its integrity under wetting conditions.

Abstract: A device and method for composting comprise an assembly of stackable rectangular double walled plastic sub-units. Each sub-unit has four panels which are engaged in an interlocking relationship. Each sub-unit has a plurality of protrusions extending from its top edge, and protrusion-receiving recesses in its bottom edge for receiving the protrusions from an adjacent sub-unit. The composter has a lid with a peripheral ridge on its under side for securely fitting around the top edge protrusions of the uppermost sub-unit. The lid has two half-portions which are centrally attached in a hinged relationship so as to allow opening half of the lid while the other half remains closed.

Abstract: The composition contains iron EDDHA and for iron EDDHMA in an agriculturally-acceptable organic solvent, preferably ethylene glycol. The composition is used in treating iron deficiency in soils and can have an iron content of up to 40 or 50 g dm.sup.-3. The composition may also contain considerable amounts of water yet still to be stable at room temperature, the aqueous composition having a significantly reduced viscosity relative to the water-free composition. The iron chelate need not be dry when incorporated into the composition. It may also be synthesized in situ in the solvent of the composition.

Abstract: A complete fertilizer and nutrient material with low solubility comprised of potassium calcium sulfate, calcium ammonium phosphate, and ammonium bitartrate. The low solubility fertilizer is made easily from commonly available substances. Potassium bi-tartrate is dissolved with ammonium hydroxide solution forming a solution. An aqueous slurry is made from calcium sulphate and monocalcium phosphate. The solution and slurry are mixed. A precipitate then forms, which is a complete fertilizer, 8-10-7, having low solubility. The fertilizer is easily produced. The composition can also be used as a nutrient material for growing fungi.