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: 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: 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 device for the controlled release of an active material into an aqueous medium comprises a water soluble capillary tube (11) the bore (12) of which contains an active material (13). Dissolution of the active material is diffusion limited during a delay period while the capillary is dissolving. When dissolution of the tube is complete rapid dissolution of the remaining active material then takes place.

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: A composite comprising a substrate and an elastomeric coating adhered to at least one surface of said substrate, said elastomeric coating having a thickness of about 1 to about 100 micrometers, wherein said elastomeric coating comprises an interpolymeric complex of a neutralized sulfonated polymer and an amine containing polymer, said neutralized sulfonated polymer having a sulfonate content of about 4 to about 200 meq. per 100 grams of said neutralized sulfonated polymer and said amine containing polymer containing basic nitrogen atoms wherein the basic nitrogen content ranges from about 4 to about 500 meq. per 100 grams of polymer.

Abstract: A method of qualitatively and quantitatively improving the fertilization of plants comprising impregnating a plant nutrient salt solution, optionally containing herbicides, fungicides or insecticides, with an amount of CO.sub.2 effective to economically increase the solubility of said nutrient salt whereby the quantitative uptake through the surface is improved.

Abstract: A novel natural fertilizer and method of its use are provided. The fertilizer acts to increase the yield of food crop producing plants. The fertilizer comprises less than 0.05% of an active agent in a stable carrier that is non-toxic to the plants and the active agent. The active agent is a fungus of the genus Aspergillus. The fertilizer can be used by coating the seeds of the food crop producing plant at or prior to the time of planting by dusting the ends of a cut plant, by dusting the roots of a seedling, or by treating the soil in which the plant will be grown.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for applying an aqueous solution comprising formate anions and a cation selected from sodium, potassium and calcium to a crop to inhibit respiration of the crop and to accelerate desiccation thereof. The aqueous solution contains the anions and cations in a ratio of at least 4:1 on a chemical equivalent basis. Aqueous solutions of potassium pentaformate or hexaformate are preferred. The process uses relatively non toxic materials, reduces dry matter loss and accelerates drying.

Abstract: 4-Alkylimidazole derivatives of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, R.sup.2 is chlorine or bromine and R.sup.3 is an --OR.sup.4 or --NR.sup.5 R.sup.6 group in which R.sup.4 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, R.sup.5 is hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl and R.sub.6 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl or is phenyl which is unsubstituted or substituted by 1 or 2 halogen atoms, and its salts, their preparation and their use as nitrification inhibitors.

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 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: To make non-pressure nitrogenous fertilizer solutions, nitrogen oxides are prepared in a continuous process by burning ammonia in contact with a cobalt oxide catalyst started by an electric arc without preheating the gases. This burning forms nitrogen oxides which are reacted under negative pressure in a two-stage system. Nitric acid is formed in the first stage from a portion of the oxides by oxidizing them to nitrogen dioxide and reacting the nitrogen dioxide with water. In the second stage, the remaining nitrogen oxides are reacted at a pH between 8.0 and 8.4 in a gas-liquid contacting apparatus with an ammonium hydroxide reaction liquid, formed by mixing ammonia and water. The ammonium nitrite solution formed in the second stage is mixed with the nitric acid at a pH below 0.2, resulting in a solution of acidic ammonium nitrate to be flowed to the fields with irrigation water.

Abstract: To make non-pressure nitrogenous fertilizer solutions, nitrogen oxides are prepared in a continuous process by burning ammonia in contact with a cobalt oxide catalyst started by an electric arc without pre-heating the gases. This burning forms nitrogen oxides which are reacted under negative pressure in a two-stage system. Nitric acid is formed in the first stage from a portion of the oxides by oxidizing them to nitrogen dioxide and reacting the nitrogen dioxide with water. In the second stage, the remaining nitrogen oxides are reacted at a pH between 8.0 and 8.4 in a gas-liquid contacting apparatus with an ammonium hydroxide reaction liquid, formed by mixing ammonia and water. The ammonium nitrite solution formed in the second stage is mixed with the nitric acid at a pH below 0.2, resulting in a solution of acidic ammonium nitrate to be flowed to the fields with irrigation water.

Abstract: To make and use nitrogenous fertilizer on a farm, nitrogen dioxide is prepared in a continuous process from air or from ammonia in a reactor, with the ammonia either being transported to the farm or being prepared on the farm in a continuous process from water and air. The nitrogen dioxide is mixed with a continuous flow of water to form a dilute solution of nitric acid, which may be applied to the field through the irrigation system as top dressing or mixed within the irrigation system with ammonia or other cations to form ammonium nitrate or other desired nitrogen solutions for application to the fields in a continuous process or concentrated without requiring storage of large amounts of gas or creating heat exchange problems in the manufacturing process. In the embodiment which burns ammonia, the nitrogen oxides are fixed on an 8 percent nickel stainless steel mesh in a column 10 feet high and one foot in diameter and oxidized while fixed to nitrogen dioxide.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method of making a chelating agent and a method of forming a chelated compound using that chelating agent. The chelating agent is formed in two steps. In the first step, methanol with a small amount of citric acid and concentrated nitric acid is used to remove whatever compounds in leonardite ore that is soluable in methanol. The resulting mixture is then mixed with sodium citrate and dried causing the methanol to evaporate. The result is a chelating agent. It is ground into a fine powder and can be mixed with finely ground powders of the sulfates of the desired micronutrients such as for example ferrous sulfate. The two powders when so mixed combined to form a chelate. The resulting dry material is then reground into a powder and can contain up to 22% of the chelated micronutrient.

Abstract: A fertilizer for the long term and uniform supply of plants with nutrient ions comprising a covalently crosslinked hydrogel in which are embedded ion exchangers which are laden with plant nutrients; furthermore a process for the long term and uniform supply of plants with nutrient ions wherein a covalently crosslinked hydrogel in which are embedded ion exchangers which are laden with plant nutrients is applied to the plants or their environment.

Abstract: A composite granular mixture of source materials, providing an NPK Fertilizer content of desired value, say 16-8-8, and a plastic binder composed of granular uncured urea-formaldehyde resin are compressed into a briquette of good "green strength" and then resinously bonded into a drivable spike by curing the resin either at room temperature or at a suitably elevated temperature. The resulting plant food spike, when driven into the ground, functions to fertilize the immediately surrounding area at a slow even rate.

Abstract: A biochemical process for the aerobic thermophyllic fermentation of cotton gin waste is disclosed which converts a presently useless pest ridden agricultural waste product into a useful medium for the culture of horticultural and agronomic plants as well as microorganisms useful to man. By the aeration, water content and physical shape and size of the waste product, piles are so conditioned that by means of the resulting biodegradation processes plant pathogenic microorganisms, insects, viruses, spider mites and related pests are destroyed. Additionally, pesticidal residues, chemical plant growth regulators and certain harvest aid materials normally added to the growing cotton crop for production purposes are reduced to materials harmless to plant life. The resulting humus like material provides improved plant growth, nearly five times that of a good river loam soil, and contains a microbial population that prevents the spread of soil borne plant pathogenic microorganisms reintroduced into the medium.

Abstract: A device for the controlled continuous administration of an active agent to an environment of use is disclosed. The device comprises a body of erodible agent release rate controlling material containing an agent dispersed therethrough; the rate controlling material is a hydrophobic poly(carboxylic acid) having one ionizable carboxylic hydrogen for each 8 to 12 carbon atoms, which material erodes at a controlled and continuous rate over a prolonged period of time in response to the environment by a process of carboxylic hydrogen ionization, thereby releasing the dispersed agent at a controlled rate over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A biochemical process for the aerobic thermophyllic fermentation of cotton gin waste is disclosed which converts a presently useless pest ridden agricultural waste product into a useful medium for the culture of horticultural and agronomic plants as well as micoorganisms useful to man. By the aeration, water content and physical shape and size of the waste product, piles are so conditioned that by means of the resulting biodegradation processes plant pathogenic microorganisms, insects, viruses, spider mites and related pests are destroyed. Additionally, pesticidal residues, chemical plant growth regulators and certain harvest aid materials normally added to the growing cotton crop for production purposes are reduced to materials harmless to plant life. The resulting humus like material provides improved plant growth, nearly five times that of a good river loam soil, and contains a microbial population that prevents the spread of soil borne plant pathogenic microorganisms reintroduced into the medium.

Abstract: Nitrogenous fertilizer compositions comprising a cation exchanger in the form of a salt thereof with a basic carbonic acid derivative containing at least 2 nitrogen groupings, e.g., a salt formed by attaching to a cation exchange material, guanidine, diguanidine, guanylurea, biuretdicyanamide, urazone, melamine, guanine or ammeline, are outstandingly effective in providing gradually-acting, long-lasting fertilizing action.

Abstract: A novel chelating agent having the formula ##STR1## in whichA. EACH OF X.sub.1, X.sub.2, X.sub.3, and X.sub.4 is a member selected from the group consisting of (i) hydrogen; (ii) an alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms; (iii) --CN; (iv) --So.sub.3 M.sub.1 ; (v) --COOM.sub.1 ; (vi) --OM.sub.3 ; (vii) --NO.sub.2 ; (viii) --OH; and (ix) ##STR2## in which each of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is an alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms;B. each of M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, and M.sub.4 is a member selected from the group consisting of (i) a hydrogen ion; (ii) an alkali metal ion; (iii) one-half an alkaline earth metal ion; and (vi) an ammonium ion having the formula ##STR3## in which each of R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, and R.sub.6 is a member selected from the group consisting of (A) hydrogen; (B) an alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms; and (C) a hydroxyalkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms; andC. Z is a member selected from the group consisting of (i) hydrogen; and (ii) hydroxyl.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of promoting the flowering of grape vines.

Abstract: Hexamethylenediamine adipate, NH.sub.3.sup.+ --(CH.sub.2).sub.6 --NH.sub.3.sup.+ COO.sup.- --(CH.sub.2).sub.4 --COO.sup.- (Nylon Salt), is a nitrogen-containing soil conditioner. Degradation of hexanediamine in the soil by bacteria and fungi releases ammonia which may be interconverted with nitrate to supply nitrogen for the growing plant.

Abstract: Ferrocene derivatives of the formula ##STR1## IN WHICH R represents the group COOR.sup.1,in whichR.sup.1 represents hydrogen, alkyl, one equivalent of an alkali metal, alkaline earth metal or heavy metal cation, or an ammonium cation in which one or moreHydrogen atoms can be replaced by alkyl,Or R represents the group COR.sup.2in whichR.sup.2 represents optionally substituted alkyl, optionally substituted alkenyl, optionally substituted cycloalkyl, optionally substituted cycloalkenyl or optionally substituted phenyl,OrR represents the group ##STR2## in which R.sup.3 represents hydrogen or alkyl andR.sup.4 represents a ureido or thioureido radical, a radical of the formula --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --N.dbd.CH--ferrocene, a 5-membered or 6-membered heterocyclic radical or a group of the formula --OR.sup.5 or --NH-R.sup.6,in whichR.sup.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for simultaneously fertilizing and thinning commercial timber forests of which, as a general rule, the predominant population are conifers of the family Pinaceae. The trees are characterized in two groups, preferred and unpreferred, the preferred trees comprising one or more species of the conifer family Pinaceae while the unpreferred trees comprise either competing broadleaf varieties or species of the family Pinaceae which are less desirable in a given instance. Broadleaf brush and weeds can also be selectively eliminated by this procedure.Selective thinning and fertilization is accomplished by applying to the foliage of all of the trees, brush and weeds an aqueous nitrogenous fertilizer solution containing an amount of a nitrogen source corresponding to at least about 12.

Abstract: Forested areas can be fertilized with a minimal disturbance of the ecology by the foliar application to the trees of concentrated solutions of plant nutrients. The forested areas are fertilized by the application of from 25 to 600 pounds of nutrients, typically of nitrogen, per acre of a solution containing from 12.5 to 75 weight percent of plant nutrients as a nitrogenous fertilizer such as urea, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonia, ammonium phosphate and mixtures thereof, together with optional minor nutrients such as soluble trace metal salts or complexes to the foliage of the trees. The solutions are aerially applied in a total volume spray of from 15 to 200 gallons per acre which is sufficient to effect distribution of the fertilizer, but insufficient to cause any substantial drainage from the foliage to the surface soil.

Abstract: Conifer forests are fertilized with aqueous solutions of nitrogen compounds containing in excess of 15 weight percent equivalent nitrogen by foliar application at solution temperatures above 70.degree. F. and above the prevailing ambient temperature. The solutions have compositions and concentrations such that they are stable at the elevated solution temperature but become over saturated at ambient temperature, thereby precipitating a substantial part, i.e., at least 10 percent of the nitrogen compounds on the conifer foliage.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fertilizer stick composed of water soluble thermoplastic material and dispersed therein about 10 to about 80% of fertilizer material. The fertilizer stick gradually dissolves when placed in a potting medium or soil to supply plant growth nutrients to the roots of a plant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for home production and application of fixed nitrogen fertilizer uses an arc discharge process to ionize nitrogen and oxygen and form nitrogen oxides. These nitrogen oxides are injected into water supplied by a garden hose to a yard or garden. The device is compact, economical and requires no raw materials except air to produce the fixed nitrogen. The device may operate on ordinary 60 cycles, 110 volt power.

Abstract: Waste water from the manufacture of fertilizers with nitrogen and others is treated on ion-exchange resins. The resulting demineralized water is used as such. The ion-exchange resins are regenerated with highly concentrated nitric acid, in excess, with highly concentrated ammonia solution, respectively. The resulting mixed effluent, with the eluated salts and with the acid excess is recycled to the manufacture of the fertilizer, at an adequate stage, wherein they are recovered.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for promoting the flowering of mango trees which comprises:A. from about 7 to 15% by weight of a salt of calcium selected from the group consisting of Ca(OH).sub.2 and CaCO.sub.3B. from about 0.06 to 0.08% by weight of KOHC. from about 0.05 to 0.07% by weight of H.sub.3 PO.sub.4D. from about 15.00 to 25% by weight HNO.sub.3E. from about 0.005 to 0.0007% by weight NH.sub.4 OHF. from about 0.001 to 0.006% by weight of MnSO.sub.4G. from about 0.006 to 0.10% by weight of FeSO.sub.4H. from about 0.00002 to 0.003% by weight of ZnSO.sub.4I. from about 0.15 to 0.35% by weight of MgSO.sub.4J. balance water.

Abstract: Supply of zinc and nitrogen plant nutrients to plants growing in soil is effected by applying to the soil substantially anhydrous liquid ammonia containing an ionic solution of a zinc carboxylate.

Abstract: A fertilizer from which potassium is released slowly comprises a frit produced from a potassium/silicon composition in the range K.sub.2 O.2SiO.sub.2 to K.sub.2 O.4SiO.sub.2 and containing from 5.5% to less than 10% by weight of calcium oxide.

Abstract: A method of improving the yield of plants, particularly crop plants, such as legumes and cotton, by the application to the plants of an effective amount of at least one compound selected from the group consisting of substituted thioureas having the formula: ##EQU1## wherein R and R' are the same or different and are aliphatic hydrocarbon of 1 to 12 carbon atoms and aromatic hydrocarbon up to 12 carbon atoms.

Abstract: The present invention concerns new synergistic compositions for the treatment of trace element deficiencies in plants, containing a nitrate of the metal corresponding to the deficiency needing treatment, an alcohol acid or diacid, at least partly soluble in water, or an alkaline metal salt of these acids, and an organic sulphoxide of the formula ##EQU1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 represent hydrocarbon groups with 1 to 12 carbon atoms, in particular dimethylsulphoxide.These compositions provide an effective treatment to cure trace element deficiencies, in particular iron or magnesium deficiencies, in a wide range of different plants, without producing any phytotoxic side-effects.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are self-emulsifiable compositions containing water soluble micronutrients such as inorganic salts of zinc or manganese in a finely divided form. The concentrates are prepared from inexpensive water soluble compounds by an emulsion-dehydration process. The compositions containing horticultural mineral spray oils are capable of forming a stable emulsion with water by gentle shaking. Alternatively, the compositions may be diluted further with additional spray oils and remain as a suspension.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful for the treatment of iron deficiencies in plant utilizing new iron complexes of ethylene-bis(.alpha.-imino-2-hydroxyaryl-acetic acids) containing sulfonic acid groups are disclosed in which the molar ratio of iron to ligand is from about 1.1:1 to 3:1. These complexes are stable at pH values of from about 6.0 to 9.0.

Abstract: A fertilizer for the long term and uniform supply of plants with micronutrient elements of atomic numbers 24 to 30, comprising at least one anion exchanger charged with anionic chelated ions of at least one element having having an atomic number of from 24 to 30; furthermore a process for the long term and uniform supply of plants with micronutrient ions of elements of atomic numbers 24 to 30, wherein an anion exchanger charged with said ions is applied to the plants or their environment.

Abstract: A plant growth medium is disclosed having a polyurethane matrix with at least 40% and preferably 50 to 55% open cells, and from about 36% to about 50% (and more for example 60%) by weight of a granular filler dispersed throughout the polyurethane matrix, which filler comprises about 69% to about 78% by weight of clay of relatively high cation-exchange capacity, such as a calcium-hydrogen montmorillonite clay, and from about 22% to about 31% by weight plant nutrients and their carriers.

Abstract: A derivative of coniferous tree barks is produced by reacting at elevated temperatures an alkaline polyphenolic solution of a coniferous bark extract in the proportion of from 0.1, and preferably from 0.5 to 8.0 moles of a carbonylactivated halocompound per mole of monomeric unit in the polyphenol of the formula ##EQU1## or with a cyano-activated halocompound of the formula ##EQU2## wherein R' is H, HC=O, or R--c=O where R is alkyl or aryl; X is halogen and R" is alkyl, OH, oxyalkyl, aryl or OM in which M is a metal. The starting materials are the alkaline extracts resulting from the digestion of coniferous tree barks with an alkaline aqueous solution or preferably the sulfonated acid extracts of such barks. The reaction products are etherified polyphenolic compounds which are watersoluble and possess chelating characteristics.

Abstract: A process for uniformly coating granular fertilizer formulations with one or more chelated metallic micronutrients which comprises the following steps: blending a granular fertilizer formulation in, for instance, a rotary drum mixer; spraying, while the blending continues 1 to 5% by weight of an aqueous solution or slurry containing one or more chelated metallic micronutrients, as for example, Na.sub.2 Zn EDTA, onto said fertilizer formulation; and adding, before or after said spraying, and while the blending continues 1 to 4% by weight of a finely divided water-absorbent additive, such as, a synthetic calcium silicate or finely divided silica, to the fertilizer formulation. The finished fertilizer formulation then contains 0.05 to 0.5% by weight of micronutrient.

Abstract: Plant-protection compositions. They contain as active material at least one ixed chelate with two coordinates, such as ethylene diamine, triethanolamine, tartaric acid, picolic acid, dipicolic acid, dihydro-2,4-benzoic acid, salicylic acid, p-aminosalicylic acid, 5-sulphosalicylic acid, 8-hydroxyquinoline, sodium pyrocatechol-3,5-disulphonate, ethylene diamine diacetic acid (or its alkali salts), ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (or its alkali salts), nitrilotriacetic acid, sodium dihydroxynaphthalene disulphonate. These compositions protect plants against hypoferric chlorosis.

Abstract: Glass compositions are disclosed that are particularly useful in comminuted form as sources of micronutrient elements for soils. The glasses are based on phosphorous as P.sub.2 O.sub.5 and contain a nutrient amount of a micronutrient metal in oxide form, such as zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, or boron oxides or mixtures thereof, plus a solubility control agent. The control agent is a metal compound or mixture of metal compounds, usually potassium or sodium oxide or potassium or sodium chloride, and is present in the glass to provide a controlled release of the micronutrient metal, both as to amount and rate.

Abstract: Zinc particulate compositions precoated with aliphatic amines, salts of such amines or mixtures thereof, when added to phosphate-containing liquid fertilizers, avoid lumping and caking which otherwise occurs when uncoated zinc compositions are added to such liquid fertilizers.

Abstract: Glass compositions are disclosed that are particularly useful in comminuted form as sources of micronutrient elements for soils. The glasses are based on phosphorus as P.sub.2 O.sub.5 and contain a nutrient amount of a micronutrient metal in oxide form, such as zinc, copper, manganese, molybdenum, or boron oxides or mixtures thereof, plus a solubility control agent. The control agent is a metal compound or mixture of metal compounds, usually potassium or sodium oxide or potassium or sodium chloride, and is present in the glass to provide a controlled release of the micronutrient metal, both as to amount and rate.

Abstract: Water-soluble metal complexes of sodium mannoheptonate in which the metal is an aluminum, iron or chromium trivalent ion. The water-soluble complexes are produced by reacting a water slurry of sodium mannoheptonate with a salt of the trivalent metal. The reaction products are useful for inhibiting the swelling and dispersion of clays and, in the case of the iron complex, as anti-chlorotic agents for the treatment of trees and plants.

Abstract: Ammonium phosphate solutions free of precipitates are prepared from wet-process phosphoric acid containing incidental metallic impurities such as iron, aluminum and magnesium by concentration of the phosphoric acid to an anhydrous state and the formation of acyclic polyphosphoric acids therein which prevent the precipitation of the metallic impurities upon neutralization. The acid is heated to a temperature greater than 120.degree. C. at atmospheric or subatmospheric pressures while removing the volatile impurities and thereafter is neutralized with ammonia. The neutralization step can be performed at elevated temperatures with anhydrous ammonia or the acid can be cooled and neutralized at ambient temperatures. The resulting ammonium phosphate is diluted with water to obtain an ammonium phosphate solution which is clear and free of precipitates.