Abstract: The invention provides inter alia a mineral complex comprising about 40 wt. % to about 60 wt. % SiO2, about 6 wt. % to about 16 wt. % Fe2O3, about 4 wt. % to about 12 wt. %. CaO, about 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. % MgO, wherein at least 85% of the mineral complex has a particle size of about 10 to about 6000 mesh, related compositions and methods for their use, including for growth medium augmentation and remediation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a growth media comprising a hydrophilic polyurethane polymer matrix containing particulate inclusions. The invention also relates to a method of providing the growth media.

Abstract: A controlled-release fertilizer comprising fertilizer particles encapsulated in a biodegradable polyurethane obtained from a reaction between a polyisocyanate and an isocyanate-reactive component, which is formed by a polyol and a methyl ester derivative of a natural oil, in the presence of an amine catalyst.

Abstract: Soil amendment/foliar nutrient compositions and methods for their manufacture and use are provided. The compositions are aqueous compositions that include a carbon skeleton energy component (CSE); a macronutrient; a vitamin cofactor; a complexing agent; and at least one of exotic micronutrient component and an ionophore component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions comprising a plant material and methods for using the same. The methods include extracting or removing a substance from a substrate, or remediating a substrate from a substance. The substance can comprise a hydrocarbon-containing substance, a protein, lipid, wax, fatty acid or fatty alcohol, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A seed composition comprising a seed and a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable complex mixture of dissolved organic material characterized by natural organic matter that is partially humified and methods of seed treating. A method comprising contacting a seed with a first component comprising an agriculturally acceptable complex mixture of dissolved organic material characterized by natural organic matter that is partially humified, where the first component enhances at least one of germination, emergence, root development, seedling vigor, seedling growth, mortality resistance, chlorophyll production, cold resistance, water log resistance, and nutrient uptake compared to similar seed not contacted with the first component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel, dual purpose binder formulation or system. The invention also relates to a process of agglomerating dispersed particles or fines into substantially spherical and crush resistant granules. The invention further relates to a method of covering a seed and binding the seed with a material mixture beneficial for seed germination. The invention also relates to an all-in-one seed agglomerated by the dual purpose binder formulation.

Abstract: Described herein are fertilizers for enhancing the carbon sequestration properties of soil. The fertilizers described herein include algae comprising algaenan. In one aspect, the fertilizer includes (a) one or more organic nitrogen sources, (b) one or more synthetic nitrogen sources, and (c) algae comprising algaenan. The fertilizers and fertilizer compositions release nitrogen at a predictable rate over time, which can enhance growth of plants that are fertile with the composition described herein.

Abstract: Methods of increasing grade values of plant nutrients and compositions produced from said methods. A plant nutrient is combined with a colloidal micelle, the later having a particle sized between approximately 1 to 500 nm. This mixture is subjected to colloidal milling until it reaches a temperature of at least approximately 65° F. or milling is carried out above atmospheric pressure. In one instance, water is added to the mixture prior to milling, the results of which are spray dried forming a powder having increased plant nutrient values. In a second embodiment, the milled mixture is added to water for application to an agricultural product.

Abstract: A structurally modified lignite composition with or without having functionally enhanced organic molecules extracted there-from, said functionally enhanced organic molecules having enhanced or reduced number of one or more of functional groups selected from a group comprising of carbonyl, carboxyl, amidic, ester, phenolic, alcoholic, ketone and aldehyde groups and having molecular weight selected from a group comprising of (i) below 500, (ii) between 500 and 1000, (iii) between 1000 and 5000, (iv) equal to or greater than 5000 and (v) a combination of utmost of any of the three of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) thereof.

Abstract: An organic soil amendment comprises a live aerobic culture of beneficial microorganisms, comprising beneficial bacteria and fungi, and additives and plant extracts. The present invention also provides a method for producing an organic soil amendment by extracting beneficial microorganism at least in part from a compost comprising green and brown plant waste, and is free of manure. The extracted beneficial microorganism is amplified, while additional beneficial microorganism maybe added. Plant extracts and other additives are added to the live beneficial microorganism culture. The present invention further provides a method for storing and transporting the organic soil amendment at a reduced temperature, such as refrigeration, freezing, or lyophilizing. In addition, the present invention provides a method for maintaining the viability of the organic soil amendment in a ready to use form.

Abstract: The invention relates to organic fertilizers that satisfy the standards in both the United States and the European Union to be labeled as organic. The organic fertilizer comprises oilseed extract and/or corn steep liquor in combination with whey and/or other protein supplements, which provide a natural, nitrate free, nitrogen to the fertilizer.

Abstract: This invention provides processes and apparatus to convert biomass, including wood and agricultural residues, into low-ash biomass pellets for combustion, alone or in combination with another solid fuel. Some embodiments provide processes for producing low-ash biomass from cellulosic biomass, comprising providing an aqueous extraction solution with acetic acid; extracting the feedstock to produce an extract liquor containing soluble ash, hemicellulosic oligomers, acetic acid, dissolved lignin, and cellulose-rich solids; dewatering and drying the cellulose-rich, lignin-rich solids to produce a low-ash biomass; hydrolyzing the hemicellulosic oligomers to produce hemicellulosic sugars, wherein additional acetic acid is generated; removing a vapor stream comprising vaporized acetic acid from the extract; and recycling the vapor or its condensate to provide some starting acetic acid for the extraction solution. The disclosed processes can produce clean power from biomass.

Abstract: An organic water retention mix for use on soil includes paper sludge, dry sawdust or wood shavings, and muds obtained from the sediments of the water recycling plants and optionally limestone. The combination is mixed until the particle diameter size is between about 0.2 cm and about 1.5 cm to create a product that retains several times its dry weight in water and maintains high levels of humidity for long periods of time, transferring it gradually to the soil and subterranean layers of the soil where it is applied, whether soil is used for farming, grazing or forest soils, parks or recreational areas.

Abstract: The invention is directed to processes for treating biosolids that result in high-value, nitrogen-containing, slow-release, organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that are competitive with less valuable or more costly conventional commercially manufactured fertilizers. The process involves conditioning traditional waste-water biosolids and processing the conditioned biosolids continuously in a high throughput manufacturing facility. The exothermic design and closed loop control of the primary reaction vessel decreases significantly the amount of power necessary to run a manufacturing facility. The process utilizes green technologies to facilitate decreased waste and enhanced air quality standards over traditional processing plants. The fertilizer produced from recovered biosolid waste is safe and meets or exceeds the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) Class A and Exceptional Quality standards and is not subject to restrictions or regulations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel mixtures based on sulfur-crosslinked triglyceride, a process for their preparation, and their use as fertilizers, in particular for promoting the growth of plants which require sulfur.

Abstract: Coating composition for applying to soybean seed from which roots and shoots are capable of growing, wherein the said coating composition comprises one or more organic materials having a melting point of ?50° Centigrade and one or more additives, methods of making such compositions and coated soybean seeds.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a protein and an isolated or purified amino acid product, and uses thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of preparing a hydrogel for delivery of an active agent. The method includes providing an aqueous solution that includes the active agent; dispersing or dissolving a gel-forming polymer in the aqueous solution to form a polymer solution; and cross-linking the polymer in the polymer solution to form the hydrogel which encapsulates the active agent.

Abstract: A method for efficiently reducing water content of an object to be treated that contains water without requiring a high-temperature environment such as one exceeding the boiling point of water, and a method for efficiently extracting an oil-soluble substance from an object to be treated that contains water and the oil-soluble substance. A method for reducing water content of an object to be treated and/or extracting an oil-soluble substance in the object to be treated into oil is performed by mixing the object to be treated containing water or water and the oil-soluble substance with an oil at a temperature that is lower than the boiling point of water, at which temperature the oil is a liquid.

Abstract: A process including at least one reactive trituration step which includes putting an oil cake including from 3% to 30% oil in contact with an anhydrous light alcohol and an alkaline catalyst under temperature and time conditions that are sufficient to allow for the extraction and transesterification of the vegetable oil and lead to the production of a mixture including fatty acid esters and glycerol, and a de-oiled cake including less than 3% oil. Also, a detoxified de-oiled cake as well as to a mixture of fatty acid esters with improved stability and resistance to oxidation.

Abstract: A structurally modified lignite composition with or without having functionally enhanced organic molecules extracted there-from, said functionally enhanced organic molecules having enhanced or reduced number of one or more of functional groups selected from a group comprising of carbonyl, carboxyl, amidic, ester, phenolic, alcoholic, ketone and aldehyde groups and having molecular weight selected from a group comprising of (i) below 500, (ii) between 500 and 1000, (iii) between 1000 and 5000, (iv) equal to or greater than 5000 and (v) a combination of utmost of any of the three of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) thereof.

Abstract: A suspended nutrition composition includes a foamed material, a colloid layer and a nutrient. The foamed material having a plurality of pores includes a starch, a biodegradable polyester and a plasticizer. The pores are formed by bubbles produced from a physical foaming agent. The colloid layer covers a surface of the foamed material. The nutrient is dispersed in the foamed material.

Abstract: A method and process is described for producing negative carbon fuel. In its broadest form, a carbon-containing input is converted to combustible fuels, refinery feedstock, or chemicals and a carbonaceous solid concurrently in separate and substantially uncontaminated form. In an embodiment of the invention, biomass is converted via discrete increasing temperatures under pressure to blendable combustible fuels and a carbonaceous solid. The carbonaceous solid may be reacted to synthesis gas, sold as charcoal product, carbon credits, used for carbon offsets, or sequestered.

Abstract: A concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the pourable, aqueous suspension has water-soluble mineral nutrients amounting to at least about 80 percent by weight (wt. %) of the suspension.

Abstract: Coating composition for applying to monocot plant structures from which roots and shoots are capable of growing, wherein the said coating composition comprises one or more organic materials having a melting point of ?50° Centigrade and one or more additives, methods of making such compositions and coated monocot plant structures such as seeds of monocot plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing a fertilizer composition from still bottoms obtained from milling of a starch-containing feedstock (such as corn), comprising separating still bottoms into a solids stream and a thin stillage stream; removing water to generate a condensed distillers solubles stream; and recovering the condensed distillers solubles stream as a fertilizer composition. Novel fertilizer compositions as well as novel distillers grains products are co-produced with a fermentation product (such as ethanol or isobutanol).

Abstract: Biofertilizer compositions, methods for increasing nitrogen levels in soil and methods of inhibiting undesirable plant growth generally include contacting the soil with a composition comprising dried distillers solubles derived from a dry milling corn ethanol processing; and contacting the soil with the soil in amounts effective to produce the desired result, e.g., increase nitrogen levels, inhibit undesirable plant growth, and the like.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pelletized fertilizer includes the following steps. A water-soluble manure and a colloidal solution are mixed, to form an aqueous solution of a fertilizer, wherein the water-soluble manure is selected from the group consisting of monopotassium phosphate, epsomite, manganous sulfite, boric acid, borax, copper sulfate pentahydrate, white vitriol, ammonium molybdate, urea, ferric ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and potassium nitrate, the colloidal solution is selected from the group consisting of agar, xanthan gum, shellac, guar gum, natto gum, pectin, synthetic hydrogel and PLGA, and the weight percentage of the colloidal solution in the aqueous solution of the fertilizer is between 1.5 and 15%. The aqueous solution of the fertilizer is added into a water within a temperature range between 0 and 4° C., whereby the aqueous solution of the fertilizer is solidified to the pelletized fertilizer.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing synthetic coal and aqueous liquid plant fertilizing solution products from a fermentation residue such as is left over from the corn based process of producing ethanol. The synthetic coal has a high heat value commensurate with naturally occurring coals and is lower in ash and sulfur content and thus has value as a clean burning energy source. The aqueous fertilizer includes commercially useful amounts of phosphorous, potassium and nitrogen in solution. The process of the invention is also energy efficient in that the products produced thereby involve the use of substantially less energy as compared to the traditional methods of processing fermentation residues in the corn based ethanol production industry.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing sulphate or phosphate-based fertilizer from hydrogen sulphide. The method involves feeding a stream containing a substantial volume of hydrogen sulphide and air to a furnace, where it is burned to produce a sulphur dioxide rich gas stream. The sulphur dioxide rich gas stream is then fed to a reactor to produce a sulphuric acid stream and a waste stream comprising carbon dioxide, nitrogen, oxygen, trace impurities and trace amounts of unreacted sulphur dioxide. The sulphuric acid stream is finally converted to a sulphate or phosphate-based fertilizer.

Abstract: The method of the present disclosure includes providing an organic compost material, combining the organic compost material with a crop to be grown, heating the organic compost material, combining the organic compost material with water, and extracting an aqueous liquid comprising humic acid and fulvic acid. The organic compost material may include straw and manure and the straw and manure may be subjected to several days and/or weeks of aerobic composting. The crop may include a variety of plants, trees, vegetables, fruits and fungi. In one embodiment, the crop may include mushroom spores, mycelia, or mushrooms.

Abstract: Embodiments provide inorganic mineral chelated compositions, cobalt compounds and compositions, and treatment compositions, and methods of making and using them. Mineral chelated compositions and cobalt compounds have been shown to improve plant health, plant emergence, crop yield, and plant resistance to disease and drought. The compositions described herein can be applied directly to seeds, soil, or plants, or they can be incorporated with existing agricultural treatments and processes, reducing cost and time for farmers to implement the methods described herein. Accordingly, the compositions can be used as a seed treatment, or they can be broadcast on soil, tilled in soil, placed in-furrow, mixed with other fertilizers or chemicals, side-dressed in the field, used as foliar treatments, or combinations thereof. Such methods provide valuable micronutrients in a highly bioavailable form to plants and soil.

Abstract: A biodegradable film (4) characterized in that it is prepared from at least one co-product derived from a soya bean-processing process aimed at obtaining soya-based final products by ultrafiltration, said co-product being selected from the group comprising the okara and the permeate. Such a film can be used as a food or pharmaceutical film, in particular for preparing a product for topical administration (1) of a pharmaceutical active ingredient, such as oestrogens.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a protein and an isolated or purified amino acid product, and uses thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a particularly basic inorganic soil conditioner containing an inorganic carbonate as the base thereof, characterised in that it comprises at least one “dynamic disintegration” agent capable of causing a breakdown, considerable fragmentation, dispersion, and considerable “dispersion” within the granule, i.e. a force inside and/or on the surface of the granule that tends to cause the granule to break down or “explode” when said granule contacts the soil, and specifically contacts the water or moisture of the soil, and in that said carbonate is preferably natural or precipitated calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A cellulosic feedstock composition including an oil content of up to 15% of the composition, a cellulose content of 40-99% of the composition, a hemicellulose content of 2-20% of the composition, a lignin content of less than 15% of the composition, a nitrogen containing organic compound content of less than 20% of the composition, a protein containing organic compound content of less than 20% of the composition, a mineral content of less than 5% of the composition, a sand content of less than 5% of the composition, and a dirt content of less than 25% of the composition.

Abstract: Techniques and tools reduce pH drift downward in growth media triggered by plant growth or ammoniated fertilizers. Methods and compositions provide growing media with buffering potential to prevent pH drifts in the growing media. A compost composition has a buffering potential against pH changes. A carbonate index test provides information on a buffering potential of a compost composition. A growing medium includes a compost composition with a buffering potential to provide a stable pH that is conducive to plant growth in the growing medium.

Abstract: A solid mineral composition including the following formula (I): Calcium carbonate from 4.58% to 77.8%, Dolomite from 3.85% to 69.29%, Rock salt from 5.7% to 12.4%, Lignosulphate from 4.25% to 8.49%, Potassium sulphate from 0.37% to 2.44%, Magnesium oxide from 0.01% to 0.07%, and Elemental sulphur from 0.009% to 0.066%, the above percentages consisting of the weight percentages of each of the compounds, relative to the total weight of the the mineral composition dry matter, for increasing the fertility of a soil by causing an increase in at least one enzymatic activity contained in the soil, selected from (i) phosphatase, (ii) ?-xylosidase, (iii) ?-glucosidase and (iv) ?-glucosidase.

Abstract: A method and container for developing seedlings includes germinating the seeds and air pruning the seedlings to a depth of about 3 inches.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an agricultural blend and a process of forming an agricultural blend. The agricultural blend includes a slag by-product from a process having a slag other than stainless steel slag or includes 11 atomic % silicon from a soluble compound and total silicon of less than about 30 atomic % silicon or greater than about 39 atomic % silicon. The process includes producing a slag by-product and blending the slag by-product with a liquid binder system to form the agricultural blend, the slag not being stainless steel slag.

Abstract: The feasibility of using CO2 from a concentrated source to grow microalgae is limited by the high cost of CO2 capture and transportation, as well as significant CO2 loss during algae culture. Another challenge is the inability of algae in using CO2 during night while CO2 is continuously produced from the source. To address these challenges, this invention provides a process in which CO2 is captured as bicarbonate and used as feedstock for algae culture. Then the carbonate is regenerated in the algae culture process as absorbent to capture more CO2, which is converted to bicarbonate for use as feedstock, etc. This process significantly reduces carbon capture costs since it avoids the energy for carbonate regeneration. Also, transporting a solid or aqueous bicarbonate solution has a much lower cost than transporting compressed CO2, and using bicarbonate provides a better alternative for CO2 delivery to algae culture systems than supplying CO2 gas.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing plant growth and a method of applying the composition onto hydrophobic surfaces and retaining the composition on these surfaces is disclosed. The composition comprises a mixture of superabsorbent monomer and linear polymer that maybe partially cross-linked, a binder and nutrients that may be applied onto surfaces of materials that are part of the plants or plant growth environment such as seeds, soil, mulch, plant roots and herbicides. An aqueous solution of the composition may be applied to the material surfaces through the irrigation system. The polymer undergoes in-situ polymerization and crosslinking due to the effect of the heat from the sun and UV radiation. Once dried, a substantially solid film forms on the surfaces that contains the superabsorbent and the nutrients that are available for the plants to enhance their growth.

Abstract: Soil amendment/foliar nutrient compositions and methods for their manufacture and use are provided. The compositions are aqueous compositions that include a carbon skeleton energy component (CSE); a macronutrient; a vitamin cofactor; a complexing agent; and at least one of exotic micronutrient component and an ionophore component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for obtaining a solid fertilizer and biofuel product from sugarcane vinasses and solid fertilizer and biofuel product obtained by means of said method which allows optimum use of resources and high energy efficiency throughout the method, in addition to a solution for managing the residue constituted by vinasse, comprising a step A consisting of concentrating liquid vinasse (1) until obtaining concentrated vinasse (2) with a percentage of solid of at least 50%, a step B consisting of mixing the concentrated vinasse (2) with plant compounds (3), and a step C consisting of granulating the mixture obtained in step B until obtaining a solid granulated product (4) that can be used as fertilizer (4?) and as biofuel (4?).

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer including a fertilizer granule, having an outer surface, a coating of biopolymer composition on the outer surface of the fertilizer granule, wherein the biopolymer composition includes at least one biopolymer, and a process of making the controlled release fertilizer including the steps of screening fertilizer granules to a preselected granule size, heating a biopolymer to become substantially fluid, and applying the biopolymer onto the surface of the fertilizer granule to produce a coating on the granule of a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the pourable, aqueous suspension has water-soluble mineral nutrients amounting to at least about 80 percent by weight (wt. %) of the suspension.

Abstract: A formed densified organic material for use as landscape mulch and method of manufacture and application are disclosed. The formed densified organic material is made by drying a loose mixture of mulch material and compressing the loose mixture of mulch material into a formed densified organic material. The method of apply includes: placing formed densified organic mulch on the ground at spaced locations; adding moisture to the densified organic mulch, allowing the densified organic mulch to absorb the moisture, causing the densified organic mulch to expand and reconstitute back into its original state of loose mulch; and spreading the loose mulch as required. The formed densified organic material has a moisture content of less than approximately 20 percent, a density greater than approximately 40 pounds per cubic foot, and a weigh less than approximately 5 pounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a storage stable fertilizer composition in the form of pellets or granules comprising an organic fertilizer in admixture with a water absorbent polymer. This invention also relates to a process for producing a storage stable fertilizer composition, the process comprising: i) mixing an organic fertilizer and a water absorbent polymer to form a mixture; ii) pelletizing or granulating the mixture; and iii) drying the pellets or granules for a time and under conditions sufficient to form a storage stable fertilizer composition.

Abstract: The invention is directed to processes for treating biosolids that result in high-value, nitrogen-containing, slow-release, organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that are competitive with less valuable or more costly conventional commercially manufactured fertilizers. The process involves conditioning traditional waste-water biosolids and processing the conditioned biosolids continuously in a high throughput manufacturing facility. The exothermic design and closed loop control of the primary reaction vessel decreases significantly the amount of power necessary to run a manufacturing facility. The process utilizes green technologies to facilitate decreased waste and enhanced air quality standards over traditional processing plants. The fertilizer produced from recovered biosolid waste is safe and meets or exceeds the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) Class A and Exceptional Quality standards and is not subject to restrictions or regulations.