Abstract: Exhaust gas 2 from a coal power generator 4 may be used to provide a commercial soil additive. The exhaust gas 2 is fed to a growing cell 14 containing bio-mass material. After the bio-mass material matures, the bio-mass material is harvested to produce the commercial soil additive, which is preferably treated to produce mulch 18 and compost 20.

Abstract: Provided are various embodiments of a fertilizer composition. The fertilizer compositions include one or more compounds having a high nitrogen content, which may be measured by a carbon to nitrogen atom ratio. Also provided are methods for increasing nitrogen content in soil, promoting crop production and fertilizing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ulvans, in particular extracted from green algae of the genus Ulva or Enteromorpha, or of ulvan-derived oligosaccharides, as elicitors of mechanisms for nitrogen absorption and protein synthesis. It also relates to a fertilizing product containing ulvans and to the use thereof in a plant treatment method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for extract purification of sugar beet raw juice, especially for reduction of lime consumption during the purification of sugar beet raw juice, to a process for producing a nutrient-rich non-sucrose concentrate from sugar beet raw juice, to the non-sucrose substance concentrate thus produced, to uses of the non-sucrose substance concentrate and to an apparatus for preliming sugar beet raw juice and/or for obtaining the non-sucrose substance concentrate.

Abstract: A process for extracting a natural surfactant includes the steps of providing a quantity of water, adding in a quantity of seaweed to the water resulting in a process medium, adding an enzyme solution to the process medium, and extracting the natural surfactant from the seaweed. The natural surfactant or kelp extract is then used in the formulation of many cleaning solutions.

Abstract: Compositions for increasing valuable agronomic traits in plants are provided comprised of seaweed extract and fish hydrolysate. Methods of preparing compositions of the invention are provided which comprise mixing seaweed extract with fish hydrolysate and fermenting the mixture. Methods of increasing at least one valuable agronomic trait in a plant are provided comprising applying a composition comprising seaweed extract and fish hydrolysate to the plant.

Abstract: A process is provided for the recovery of useful products, including fertilizers and nutritional supplements, from the organic matter and minerals contained in seawater and other brines. The dissolved organic carbon-based chemicals and suspended particulate carbon-based organic matter are co-precipitated together with the contained magnesium and/or calcium, along with incidental trace minerals, entrained water and water of hydration. An alkali base and/or alkaline earth base are added to the brine until a pH of 10.75 to 11.0 is achieved. The settled or non-dry filtered or centrifuged precipitate is utilized as a slurry and the supernatant brine is discarded.

Abstract: A method of weed control using a biological paradigm. A method for the use of dried distiller's grain and soluble as an herbicide and a fertilizer in the use of crop production. A method for the processing of corn and other crops including the re-use of the dried grain by-products in subsequent crop production. A method for the production of grain alcohol including the re-use of the dried grain by-products in subsequent crop production.

Abstract: An eco-friendly fertilizer that acts as a plant growth promotion agent, soil improvement agent, bactericide and insecticide agent, disease and harmful insect prevention agent and the like, and is suitable for organic farming. The fertilizer contains extract from fruits, leaves, stems, seeds and/or roots of the Yaeyama Aoki and increases the amount of yield and extends the freshness period after harvest when applied to fruits, vegetables, leafy vegetables, root vegetables, grains as well as flowers and shrubs.

Abstract: Improved cation exchange zeolite crystalline and zeolite-like plant bed structures are disclosed, preferably saturated with water-based extracts of particular plant/herb materials exhibiting plant growth acceleration properties and synergistically providing also nutrient, and sometimes anti-microbial and insect and fungus repellent properties, as well, and with the adaptability to present the structures in solid, gel and liquid form.

Abstract: An organic complement for fertilizing vegetable species, as an organic product which fulfills with the features of a growth stimulator, mainly manufactured from green algae (Ulva rigida) and brownish algae (Macrocystis pyrifera). The invention includes a process for obtaining the complement that requires washing, grinding, acid and alkaline digestion, filtering and packaging steps. The most important used supplies are hydrochloric and phosphoric acid, and potassium carbonate. The product allows to improve the absorption efficiency of the nutrients supplied by the fertilizers, guaranteeing an optimal growth for the plant species, achieving a higher production in a short period of time. The product is biodegradable and beneficial for soils.

Abstract: The invention includes a seed treatment composition containing plant macronutrients, micronutrients, a pest inhibitor and at least one growth regulator. The composition additionally contains a vitamin component, an amino acid component, a penetrant and an energy source. The invention also includes treated seed having a treatment material on at least a portion of a seed surface. The treatment material contains macronutrients, micronutrients, vitamins, humic acid, a pest inhibitor, a mold inhibitor, an absorbant, a penetrant and growth regulators. The invention includes methods of formulating seed treatment compositions and methods of treating seeds.

Abstract: An integrated method is developed to utilize to a maximum extent the fresh biomass of seaweeds such as Kappaphycus alvarezii that can be crushed to release sap and where the sap is useful as a potent liquid fertilizer after suitable treatment with additives and dilution while the residue is a superior raw material for extraction of ?-carrageenan, thereby enhancing the value of the seaweed. Other advantages of the invention include a reduced drying time and drying area to obtain the raw material for ?-carrageenan production in dry and storable form, a reduced cost of transporting and storing this raw material because of its lesser bulk, easier handling due to its free flowing granular nature, and its direct use for gel preparation in certain applications.

Abstract: A composition or composite structure having an appearance of soil or a soil mixture and method of making and using the composition are disclosed. The composition comprises a mixture of cellulose particles and a binding adhesive. The mixture of cellulose particles may be selected from wood particles, wood chips, sawdust, or a combination thereof. The cellulose particles comprise a plurality of sizes and a plurality of shapes. The cellulose particles may be color-treated, dyed, stained, or bleached to a desired color such as black, dark brown, tan, or a combination thereof. Also disclosed are kits comprising the cellulose particle mixture and an adhesive packaged together with instructions for use.

Abstract: A method for reducing bacterial and fungal soil pathogens which comprises applying to a soil a chemically effective amount of a lignosulfonate, the amount preferably being between 0.05% and about 5% on a volume/weight basis. The method is effective in controlling a number of soil pathogens and can be used to treat the soil for diseases such as potato scab disease.

Abstract: An eco-friendly fertilizer that acts as a plant growth promotion agent, soil improvement agent, bactericide and insecticide agent, disease and harmful insect prevention agent and the like, and is suitable for organic farming. The fertilizer contains extract from fruits, leaves, stems, seeds and/or roots of the Yaeyama Aoki and increases the amount of yield and extends the freshness period after harvest when applied to fruits, vegetables, leafy vegetables, root vegetables, grains as well as flowers and shrubs.

Abstract: A regenerated cellulose-encapsulated active substance and a method for encapsulating an active substance in a regenerated cellulose matrix are disclosed. The distribution of the active substance is preferably substantially homogeneous within the matrix of regenerated cellulose. The regenerated cellulose (i) has about the same molecular weight as the original cellulose from which it is prepared (ii) is substantially free of added substituent groups relative to the starting cellulose and is also substantially free of entrapped ionic liquid degradation products.

Abstract: A calcium-enriched organic fertilizer for acid soil and/or a magnesium-enriched organic fertilizer for field products and/or a silica-enriched organic fertilizer for paddy field products, and its manufacturing method. The method includes elimination of saline matters harmful to the soil and plants/animals from organic waste including food waste, adding quick lime and/or dolomite for hydration, and introducing a drying exhaust gas having a high CO2 content generated from the factory, an exhaust gas from a line calcining kiln, or an out sourced CO2 gas into a heretically sealed mixer, aging tank and hydration tank in the reverse order to cause a carbonation reaction between CO2 and the dissociated ions of the additives to make the organic waste in a weak alkaline state, and adding a siliceous material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plant nutrition formulation and method thereof, and more particularly to a plant nutrition formulated by recovery filtrate from non-woody fiber plant biopulping and method thereof. The present invention provides a plant nutrition formulation including steps of providing a culture solution containing a culture medium, a non-woody fiber plant material and microbial suspension, fermenting the culture solution for preparing a biopulping solution, filtrating the biopulping solution for preparing a filtrate, and formulating the filtrate for preparing a plant nutrition.

Abstract: An organic complement for fertilizing vegetable species, as an organic product which fulfills with the features of a growth stimulator, mainly manufactured from green algae (Ulva rigida) and brownish algae (Macrocystis pyrifera). The invention includes a process for obtaining the complement that requires washing, grinding, acid and alkaline digestion, filtering and packaging steps. The most important used supplies are hydrochloric and phosphoric acid, and potassium carbonate. The product allows to improve the absorption efficiency of the nutrients supplied by the fertilizers, guaranteeing an optimal growth for the plant species, achieving a higher production in a short period of time. The product is biodegradable and beneficial for soils.

Abstract: Method of producing compost tea by passing an aqueous solution over and through a basket containing compost. This flow leaches and washes microorganisms and nutrients from compost and other organisms and nutrient-rich materials from the basket into the culture tank. The culture tank collects and cultures microorganisms and nutrients, creating compost tea. Compressed air is used to provide circulation instead of mechanical pumps, which can injure the organisms as they pass through.

Abstract: A method of disposing materials such as pet waste. First, an assembly is provided that has a container; a fitting for accepting and retaining a garden hose; a pressure nozzle for receiving water from the fitting and expressing the water under pressure; and a nozzle-retaining apparatus oriented so that the water expressed is directed into the container at an angle adapted to produce a churning motion within the container. Biodegradable material is placed into the container and the insertive coupler of a standard garden hose is attached into the fitting. Finally the faucet is turned on to cause water to flow through the hose and out the nozzle, thereby watering and stirring and fragmenting the biodegradable material while the operator remains at a distance far enough away from the container to avoid the unpleasant odor that is emitted from the container by virtue of the watering and stirring and fragmenting.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of disinfecting and stabilizing organic wastes wherein organic waste is intimately mixed with one or more mineral by-products to produce a mixture having a pH of less than about 9. The mixture is heated and dried to produce a stable, granular bio-mineral product that may be used for example, as a fertilizer, soil amendment or as a soil substitute. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the heat for heating and/or drying the mixture is provided by residual heat in at least one of the one or more mineral by-products. Also provided are stable, granular bio-mineral products formed by the methods of the present invention and fertilizers, soil amendments, and soil substitutes that include these stable, granular bio-mineral products. Further provided are systems for disinfecting and stabilizing organic waste, and systems for making a stable, granular bio-mineral product.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a method for recycling the packaging crates or cartons in which fruits and vegetables are normally shipped, together with any spoiled or rotten fruits, vegetables, meats and the like into reusable compost by first shredding or grinding the packaging material and thereafter combining such shredded packaging material with the organic waste, e.g. rotten fruits and/or vegetables and the like, which are also shredded to form a homogeneous mixture of a predetermined ratio, and conveying the same to a decomposition chamber where the mixture is further treated and aerated with recirculating air to decompose into a reusable compost.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing compost tea wherein compost material is passed through a separator housing in such a manner so that microorganisms on the compost material is washed from the compost material and is delivered to a separator tank positioned below the separator housing. The wash water from the separator tank is recirculated through the apparatus until the desired concentration of microorganisms has been achieved.

Abstract: An integrated method is developed to utilise to a maximum extent the fresh biomass of seaweeds such as Kappaphycus alvarezii that can be crushed to release sap and where the sap is useful as a potent liquid fertilizer after suitable treatment with additives and dilution while the residue is a superior raw material for extraction of &kgr;-carrageenan, thereby enhancing the value of the seaweed. Other advantages of the invention include a reduced drying time and drying area to obtain the raw material for &kgr;-carrageenan production in dry and storable form, a reduced cost of transporting and storing this raw material because of its lesser bulk, easier handling due to its free flowing granular nature, and its direct use for gel preparation in certain applications.

Abstract: Integrated waste treatment and fertilizer and feed supplement production methods to be implemented at organic waste source sites, at remote treatment sites, or partially at the organic waste source site and at a remote location, whether in small or large scale operations. The methods are suitable for retrofitting existing organic waste sources and for treating the organic waste generated by a single source or by a plurality of sources.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a new agricultural composition and a method for protecting, enhancing the resistance of plants to infections by plant pathogens and increasing abiotic stress tolerance against cold, salinity and drought. The composition comprises a formulated mixture of resistance elicitors stimulating a number of signal transduction pathways within the plant. The formulated mixture is acting to stimulate a number of such signal transduction pathways thereby maximising the plants' potential resistance-related response to infection. The composition gives a stronger, more sustainable, and broader range of pathogen control than an elicitor preparation based upon a single active ingredient. The active ingredients consist of chitosan (C), &ohgr;-fatty acids (O), phosphate (P) and seaweed-derived extracts (S) (COPS). The composition can be applied to the plants by spraying, via fertigation systems or by coating seeds and can be applied to the leaves of the plants or to the roots.

Abstract: A process for converting composted organic materials produced by optimized composting procedures into plant growing media for agronomic and other uses. The raw organic matter is first processed into compost by optimized standard methods. If desired, the raw organic matter can be of “organic” sources to provide plant growing media certifiable for use for organically grown food crops. The finished compost is screened to remove coarse particles above about 1 cm diameter, which are recycled back to the composting process. The composted material below approximately 1 cm diameter is further screened to separate out the particles below about 1 cm diameter and above 1 mm. This material is further separated into two size ranges: particles between 1 mm and up to 4 mm diameter (medium), and particles between 4 mm and 1 cm diameter (coarse).

Abstract: Laura's blend is an organic compost that is blended with ingredients that will meet EPA approval as organic compost. The blending is done to meet requirements for soil condition so as to protect that land from over application of fertilizer. If the customer wants just a standard blended compost then Laura's Blend will be blended to meet the standard application rates as chemical fertilizers, but will be environment friendly.

Abstract: Organic media are derived from natural organic materials, which are coconut dust, simple coconut dust, or those containing coconut staple fibers, coconut pericarp chips, and are beaten bark, which is both broadleaf trees and needleleaf trees, and sawdust. These natural organic materials contain a lot of organic acids and salt (NaCl). The feature of the present invention is treatment using the modifying reagents to eliminate the organic acids and salt that adversely affect the cultivation of plants. The modifying reagents consist of at least one salt selected from among iron salts and aluminum salts, and the modified organic media obtained by modifying the natural organic materials with the modifying reagents. The natural organic materials are preferably coconut dusts, beaten bark, and sawdust. The modifying materials of 0.1 to 5 g is preferably applied to the natural organic materials of 100 g in dry weight.

Abstract: An agricultural and horticultural plant growth zeolite-based composition containing a particular zeolitic (i.e., zeolite-containing) material, termed “Jordanite,” is disclosed. This composition exhibits a collection of outstanding advantageous properties in agricultural and horticultural applications. Jordanite, which is found in a particular area of Jordan, comprises primarily phillipsite as the zeolite, optionally in conjunction with palagonite. Jordanite provides surprisingly better results as compared to when other zeolite-based soil amendment compositions, even when it is used as the mined material that has been only subject to a grinding or crushing operation to a desired mesh size. As mined, Jordanite contains very low levels of undesired Na+ ions. It can, therefore, be used without being subjected to a washing operation to remove these ions. Jordanite also possesses a very high CEC.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for processing green organic waste (hereafter “GOM”) into mulch particles for forming a mulch windrow including feeding means (11) for feeding GOM to a first cutting zone and rotating a plurality of blades (25) through that zone to cut the GOM into smaller particles, transferring the particles to a second cutting zone and rotating a plurality of blades (25) therethrough, to reduce their size to a suitable mulch particle size and ejecting the mulch particles at high velocity to form a windrow. The method and apparatus further includes the addition of moisture to increase the moisture content of the windrow formed.

Abstract: The invention describes a thixotropic fertilizer composition which includes a first aqueous component having a predetermined concentration of divalent cations and of organic matter, and a second aqueous component comprising a predetermined concentration of phosphorus, and having substantially no divalent cations. The first and second aqueous components are mixed in predetermined proportions just prior to application of the fertilizer to produce a thixotropic fertilizer composition having a concentration of divalent cations of substantially from about 1% to about 15% by weight, from about 25% to about 50% by weight of dry organic matter, and from about 1% to about 30% by weight of phosphorus. An apparatus for applying the thixotropic fertilizer includes a plurality of containers, a plurality of conduits, a mixing chamber, a pump, and a nozzle.

Abstract: A process to recover energy, reduce pollution potential, and add value to organic waste such as animal manure is described. The process involves the anaerobic digestion of feedstocks, such as animal manure, at low to high temperatures in batch, semi-continuous or continuous reactors. The process makes use of existing handling and storage equipment at the farm and requires minimal supervision and skill by the operator. The system is not affected by high concentrations of volatile acids and ammonia or nitrogen. The productivity of the anaerobic digester system, in terms of methane gas production and quality, is exceptionally high. The anaerobic digester employs plural pressurizable anaerobic digesters connected in parallel. Consequently, the process is scaleable, low cost and does not interfere with regular farm operations.

Abstract: The invention relates to use of (a) compounds of phosphorus containing at least partly lipophilic organic radicals together with (b) urea and/or urea derivatives in selected quantity ratios of (a) to (b) as a soil additive for biologically controlling plant-parasitic soil nematodes by strengthening the correspondingly antagonistic soil potential, more particularly by strengthening the growth of antagonistic and/or nematicidal rhizosphere bacteria and/or corresponding mycorrhiza strains—and at the same time strengthening the growth of cultivated plants in soil. The multicomponent mixtures which strengthen bacterial growth are preferably introduced into the region of the plant roots in the form of an aqueous preparation using plant-compatible emulsifiers before and/or during plant growth. Components (a) and (b) are used in such quantity ratios that the ratio by weight of C to N is no higher than 6:1 and preferably no higher than 5:1.

Abstract: A pre-mix composition is disclosed for use in treating a plant growth medium to promote improved wetting and re-wetting thereof comprising a mixture of coconut coir pith and a horticulturally acceptable surfactant. A process for treating a plant growth medium utilizing such pre-mix composition is also disclosed as well as the treated plant growth medium.

Abstract: A method of making a landscaping mulch, using as its primary ingredient, spent stable bedding which has its primary ingredient ripe de bois softwood shavings. The result of the method is a mulch, particularly for landscaping applications, having a relatively high pH value, between 6.5 and 7.5, which is also useful for neutralizing the effects of acid rain.

Abstract: Integrated waste treatment and fertilizer and feed supplement production methods to be implemented at organic waste source sites, at remote treatment sites, or partially at the organic waste source site and at a remote location, whether in small or large scale operations. The methods are suitable for retrofitting existing organic waste sources and for treating the organic waste generated by a single source or by a plurality of sources.

Abstract: A method of making a landscaping mulch, using as its primary ingredient, spent stable bedding which has its primary ingredient ripe de bois softwood shavings. The result of the method is a mulch, particularly for landscaping applications, having a relatively high pH value, between 6.5 and 7.5, which is also useful for neutralizing the effects of acid rain. The method involves the steps of mixing agricultural manure in the range of 5%-25%, softwood shavings from spent stable bedding in an amount of greater than 60%, and when necessary, to augment carbon-to-nitrogen ratios, other ancillary ingredients in an amount less than 25%; producing a result by the mixing of ingredients, which has a carbon-to-nitrogen range from 100 to 200 parts of carbon to 1 part of nitrogen. Thereafter, the mixed ingredients are used to form piles, which are then over-saturated with water. Thereafter, liquid is percolated through the mixed ingredients, which liquid is expressed from the bottom of the pile by gravity.

Abstract: A material composed primarily of coffee grounds, along with other commercial and industrial waste materials, in which the materials are uniformly pulverized, skillfully measured and combined to form a homogeneous particulate waste mixture. The composition is alternately turned and rested in a windrow or like apparatus for several months until natural aerobic thermophilic fermentation causes the material composition to have an overall pH level of 5.0 to 7.0 (with an optimum of 6.0), for the purpose of making the minerals latent in the material composition soluble, conducive to healthy plant life, and therefore useable as a plant growth medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates preparation of superior quality vermicompost from the distillation wastes of aromatic crops said method comprises drying of distillation waste for 24 to 72 hours, obtained after the distillation of herbage for 2-3 h. at 20-25lbs of steam pressure, chopping the waste into small pieces, transferring this material into compost pits containing about 7-10 cm layer of partially rotten cowdung and 400-450 earthworms (Perionyx excavatus)/m3, daily watering of the pits to keep the plant material moist and covering them with gunny bags to check the loss of humidity, reloading the pits (20-30 cm layer) with the chopped distilled waste after 30-35 days, restricting watering after complete degradation of the added material, harvesting of the dried material and shade drying the same for 4-5 days, and sieving the harvested compost to remove earthworms.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a dry composition of a plant and/or soil amendment and a suspending agent, a liquid composition created therefrom and a method of making and using the same.

Abstract: Shelf-stable soil enrichment solutions contain beneficial soil and plant microbial spores or colonies, e.g. Bacillus bacteria and/or Trichoderma fungal species, that remain at least about 90% viable for at least 12, preferably 18, months at room temperature. Preferred solutions are colloidal in nature and typically contain humic acid or other organic macromolecules, and exhibit a low salt index.

Abstract: A system and method for converting animal, vegetable, and food byproduct materials into useful bio-gas and fertilizer, and/or soil amendment products has an anaerobic digester, a liquid-solids separating unit, an ammonia stripper, an ammonia absorption unit, a solids processing unit, and an equilization tank. The system and method use anaerobic digestion to break down the fats, oils, and greases, proteinaceous, and carbonaceous substances contained in the byproducts. Anaerobic digestion creates bio-gas, mainly methane and carbon dioxide, waste biosolids, which can contain phosphorous, nitrogen and other trace minerals, and a liquid effluent with significant ammonia levels. Ammonia, a useful ingredient for fertilizer formulation, is recovered from the effluent. The solids and the extracted ammonia and/or phosphorous can also be used to make fertilizer and/or soil amendment materials.

Abstract: A process for making a slow release high nitrogen fertilizer comprising mixing agricultural products, a surfactant and urea at elevated temperature and then pelletizing the fertilizer. Fertilizers made by the above process.

Abstract: Provided are a composting accelerator which comprises a mixture obtained by mixing (A) an organic matter having an arabinoxylan content of 10 wt. % or greater and (B) heat-resistant bacteria for assimilating an organic material, and optionally a humic acid and has a pH adjusted within a range of from 6.0 to 8.5; a composting accelerator comprising a mixture obtained by mixing the above-described organic matter (A) and calcium silicate (C) at a weight ratio ranging from 50:50 to 95:5; and a process for producing an organic fertilizer by using each of the above-described composting accelerators.

Abstract: A method of making a landscaping mulch, using as its primary ingredient, spent stable bedding which has its primary ingredient ripe de bois softwood shavings. The result of the method is a mulch, particularly for landscaping applications, having a relatively high pH value, between 6.5 and 7.5, which is also useful for neutralizing the effects of acid rain.

Abstract: Integrated waste treatment and fertilizer and feed supplement production methods to be implemented at organic waste source sites, at remote treatment sites, or partially at the organic waste source site and at a remote location, whether in small or large scale operations. The methods are suitable for retrofitting existing organic waste sources and for treating the organic waste generated by a single source or by a plurality of sources.

Abstract: The invention is a sprayable organic fertilizer for application to a plant or plant soil that includes denatured soybean particles having a total protein content of at least fifty and up to ninety percent by weight, wherein the denatured soybean particles have a particle size of no greater than 250 microns, and wherein the denatured soybean particles are dispersed in an adequate amount of a liquid carrier so that the particles may be evenly sprayed onto the plant or plant soil through a liquid applicator. The denatured soybean particles may be mixed with a yeast extract that stimulates microbial growth. The sprayable organic fertilizer cannot be leached from the soil; cannot burn target plants; enhances the ecosystem of the root zone of the target plants; and, provides a high nitrogen analysis.