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: Polyphenolic components of coniferous tree barks are reacted with a concentrated aqueous solution containing ammonia and sulfur dioxide to produce aminated sulfite reaction products having high nitrogen contents. The products have a number of valuable applications including utility in the agricultural field. The reaction takes place at temperatures of 130.degree. - 190.degree.C., the ratio of NH.sub.3 /bark is within the range of 0.2 - 1.2 and ratio of SO.sub.2 /bark is within the range of 0.25 - 0.4, on a weight basis.

Abstract: Pathogens and weed seeds contained in raw cotton gin waste are destroyed during cubing, which also imparts high water absorptivity to the resulting product. By incorporating fertilizer and/or soil activants with the raw cotton gin waste prior to cubing, a particularly advantageous fertilizer is obtained.

Abstract: Compositions of matter suitable for use as a fertilizer and comprising a mixture of water; one or more materials capable of acting as a fertilizer; and at least one agent comprising at least one organic water soluble or water hydratable material capable of thickening said mixture and present in an amount sufficient to convert said mixture to a water resistant gel form.

Abstract: A soil conditioning and fertilizer composition and the process of producing it is disclosed, the composition composed of particulate seaweed intimately mixed with particulate tree bark.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for quickly composting organic material which involves the use of a flexible bag having a plurality of perforations through the body portion of the bag and a composting tablet having a water soluble binder in which is retained a large number of natural micro-organisms, the bag being filled with the organic material and an aqueous solution formed by adding the tablet to a predetermined amount of water. The open end of the bag is thereafter closed and periodically the bag is compressed to force out through the perforations gases resulting from decomposition and then fluffed to draw air into the bag through the perforations. The composting tablet preferably contains enzymes which accelerate the activity of the microorganisms and a nitrogen releasing substance to supply the nitrogen necessary for continued decomposition of the material being composted.

Abstract: A method for converting organic waste materials into inert humus-like materials by charring the organic waste materials by heating and drying same in the presence of certain water-soluble inorganic acids, removing residual acid and other water-soluble contaminants by washing the crude char product with water, and utilizing the resulting inert material as a landfill. If desired, the humus-like char products can be reacted with an alkali at elevated temperatures, and the resulting alkali salts of humic-acid-like materials can be mixed with the soil to provide an improved and/or fertilized topsoil.