Abstract: This generally concerns the treatment of a moist fermentable organic product (10) involving circulation of air through the product controlled in accordance with the value of a parameter related to its state.In accordance with the invention, the measured value of the parameter concerned is compared with a specific value programmed in advance and regarded as ideal for the current air flowrate and this air flowrate is modified if the measured value of this parameter departs from this ideal value.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for establishing optimum soil conditions by biologically disintegrating minerals in the presence of Ca compunds, clay and protein- and lignocellulose-containing organic vegetable waste, as well as protein-containing organic animal waste. The process includes the following steps: a) finely crushing a mixture of minerals containing at least potassium, magnesium, phosphate and silicate, all in insoluble form; b) subjecting the vegetable and animal organic waste to an usual preliminary crushing step; c) micronizing the organic waste, preferably while homogeneously mixing it with the mixture of minerals; and d) fermenting the mixture of micronized organic waste and finely crushed minerals in the presence of finely crushed Ca-compound and clay, in microbially appropriate conditions.

Abstract: A carbonaceous material and a nitrogenous material are mixed in combination with activated carbon ash and perlite fines. The activated carbon and perlite fines serve to limit the loss of ammonia nitrates as well as to lock nitrogen in the biomass and to limit fly larva and odors. The nitrogenous material comprises fish scrap and the carbonaceous material may include wood sawdust, wood pulp or agricultural by-products. All of the ingredients of the product may comprise industrial waste products. The process is conducive to forming large batches of the process comprising depositing an elongated windrow on the ground and making a full length groove in the top surface. The activated carbon and perlite dust are then layered in the groove and the nitrogenous material deposited on the activated carbon and perlite dust. The ingredients are mixed under selected moisture and temperature conditions to form the end product.

Abstract: A method is provided wherein wood-wastes in the form of stumps, limbs, branches, whole trees and the like are formed in a loose pile on a substantially flat site as a filled landfill or abandoned surface mine. The file is allowed to disintegrate until portions are of a crumbly texture at which stage large whole pieces in the pile are separated from the crumbly texture material which then becomes a useful wood-waste product and groundcover at the site at which the separation takes place. Deep-rooted plants are permitted to grow on the pile accelerate the disintegration.

Abstract: A low-labor method of treating wood-containing or other cellulosic wastes to form a plant growth product. The wastes are formed into mounds containing soil or sand. Plants are allowed to grow on top of the mounds. When the wood becomes crumbly, the wastes are screened to form the product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plant activator, a mycelial fertilizer, and a method of producing the fertilizer. The essential component of the activator and the fertilizer is purified pyrolignous acid. The plant activator includes 80-97 parts by weight of purified pyrolignous acid and 3-20 parts by weight of saccharide containing glucose. The mycelial fertilizer having purified pyrolignous acid includes predominant thermoactinomyces as mycelium. The mycelium is obtained by incubation and fermentation on a porous carrier while a pH of 7.5-9.5 is maintained. The plant activator revives plants weakened by stress. The mycelial fertilizer and method of producing that fertilizer includes predominant thermoactinomyces which beneficially affect farm products.

Abstract: A treatment composition for treating contaminated material is disclosed which has water, coal, and an alkali metal carbonate. In another aspect an additional ingredient is a seaweed derivative. A method for making such a treatment composition for treating contaminated material has been developed which includes introducing water into a first tank, blending in alkali metal carbonate in the first tank with the water to form a first composition, adding coal to the first composition and blending them together forming a base composition, introducing one half of the base composition from the first tank into a second tank, introducing an amount of seaweed derivative into the second tank equal in volume to the amount of base composition in the second tank, and blending the contents of the second tank together producing the treatment composition.

Abstract: This invention is a method to produce a substitute for peat moss comprising:mixing in a mixer adsorptive cellulosic material with an effective amount of an inoculum containing cellulose degrading microorganism such as lignin cellulose degrading bacteria upon anaerobic fermentation and manure municipal waste or similar waste, manufactured feedstock or a blend of these,transferring said mixture to a chamber,allowing the temperature of said mixture to rise in said chamber until said cellulosic material changes color, thenaerating said mixture to remove water vapor, ammonia and other gases in an exhaust gas and then removing said mixture from said chamber for use as a substitute for peat moss and other uses.

Abstract: A process for treating wood, particularly wood wastes (such as sawdust and the like), and/or paper, particularly waste paper (such as newsprint), and/or other types of polysaccharides (matter composed essentially of cellulose and lignin), preferably available as "wastes", with concentrated sulfuric acid (93 to 98.5% H.sub.2 SO.sub.4), or with concentrated phosphoric acid (75 to 85% H.sub.3 PO.sub.4), or various mixtures of these acids in their concentrated forms. The product of the process can be used for treating agricultural soils or as a landfill.

Abstract: A method of treating organic material which includes admixing organic material with water and an acid, the acid equivalent to 5-12% by total weight 100% sulfuric acid; increasing the pH of said admixture, while simultaneously introducing up to 5% by weight of steam; and heating and drying the basified admixture. The resultant material makes excellent plant food, fertilizer, or soil conditioner. Various modifications are possible, e.g., during the first step, steam may be introduced in an amount of up to 40% by weight of the final product. Also, during the first step, carbonate-free calcium may be included in the admixture of the first step. After the alkalinization step, nutrients such as lime, dolomite, rock phosphate, potash, ammonium nitrate, and/or urea may be added to the admixture. The resulting material can be granulated, extruded or pelletized.

Abstract: A soil supplement and method of manufacturing same in which waste cellulosic fibrous material, such as waste paper, is finely shredded after which any metal component is removed and the shredded material is then thoroughly mixed with an agricultural wetting agent and a milk of lime until a temperature of about 120.degree. to 140.degree. F. is achieved after which a material selected from the group comprising silica diatomite plankton and non-swelling clay is added and the mixture is neutralized to a pH of about 7.

Abstract: Methods of making agricultural materials for aiding and facilitating the growth of plants and crops are based on the combination of waste paper and other materials and the formation of such combinations into pellets. Where the agricultural material is for use in the casing layer of a mushroom tray, the agricultural material is made from a combination of waste paper and a pH adjusting material, which is preferably lime. Where the agricultural material is for general use in agricultural and horticultural applications, it is made from a combination of waste paper and compost material, the ratio of the compost used in the combination being between about 90% to 40% by weight.

Abstract: A high analysis suspension fertilizer containing predetermined amounts of nitrogen and other inorganic plant nutrients is produced from a low plant nutrient-containing organic material, such as animal manure or sewage sludge, by first preparing an aqueous initial suspension of the organic material by admixing with a sufficient amount of water for the organic material to be uniformly dispersed throughout the initial suspension and admixing with the initial suspension a sufficient amount of an acid, such as sulfuric acid, for reacting with the organic material and transforming it into colloidal form, the weight ratio of the acid to the total weight of the organic material in the initial suspension being within the range of about 0.2 to about 2 and the weight ratio of the acid to the total dry weight of the organic material being within the range of about 0.5 to 5.

Abstract: A low-labor method of treating wood-containing or other cellulosic wastes to form a plant growth product. The wastes are formed into mounds containing soil or sand. Plants are allowed to grow on top of the mounds. When the wood becomes crumbly, the wastes are screened to form the product.

Abstract: A method for aerobic composition of organic waste material including high flow-rate aeration, compaction of the organic material, and percolation of moister released therefrom to provide beneficial soil amendments, fertilizers, and supplemental heat sources.

Abstract: Organic materials, more particularly wood and woody parts of plants, are intensely crushed, defibrated, heated and physically broken up in a thermal screw press, an impregnation with previously added auxiliary substances being simultaneously effected. The thus prepared material has a peat-like appearance and provides optimal physical, chemical and biological properties for its use as a peat substitute and substrate component. Inter alia, it is suitable as an additive for the physical upgrading of strongly decomposed peat varieties and for drawing out and better aeration of peat and culture substrates produced on the base of peat. When vaccinated with suitable fungi or microorganism, it is also very advantageously used for the mycorrhization of mycotrophic plants and as an additive for the production of high-grade composts.

Abstract: There is provided a method for manufacturing organic fertilizers by fermentation of a mixture of livestock excreement with cellulose containing organic materials, said mixture containing thermophilic and aerobic microorganisms, which method comprises adjusting moisture content of said mixture to 25-75 wt %, cutting and kneading said mixture until the temperature thereof goes up to 40.degree. C.-90.degree. C. by the elevated pressure and friction caused by said cutting and kneading, thereby causing thermophilic organisms to be activated, followed by pulverizing the thus-treated mixture while contacting it with air, thereby causing the aerobic organisms to be activated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for making organic based fertilizer, the method including mixing organic material with phosphate, potash, or other inorganics and water if necessary. Acid is mixed with the organic and inorganic material mixture and the resulting mixture is permitted to cure for a sufficient period of time to allow the acid to chemically break down the material of the mixture. A first quantity of ammonia is then added to the mixture, and a second quantity of ammonia is added to the mixture to produce the finished fertilizer product. Quantities of the various ingredients are adjusted to provide a fertilizer that has a desired percentage make-up of the major fertilizer elements for a specific crop.

Abstract: A growth medium that is capable of supporting plant life includes a water retention component and soil. The water retention component can be a water retaining grain polish, bran or cut, short mineral wool fibers. A method of making the growth medium includes the steps of providing the water retention component and the soil, applying the water retention component to the soil and admixing the water retention component into the soil to distribute the water retention material within the soil to improve the water retaining capabilities of the soil. Vegetation matter, especially when mixed with animal excrement, will also contribute to the water retention property of the growth medium in addition to its slow release nutrient.

Abstract: Inclusion of a certain finely powdered by-product of the citrus fruit processing industry, notably a waste product consisting of processed peel, stems, seeds, and pulp, with relatively inexpensive, finely-powdered soluble iron sulfate [FeSO.sub.4 or Fe.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3 ] significantly improves the efficiency of iron source fertilizer materials for iron-sensitive plants growing on iron-deficient soils and can maintain supply of available iron to growing plants for substantially extended periods of time. These compositions may be band applied in powdered or granular form in or near the seed row at or prior to planting or spot placed in the root zone of growing plants in soil.

Abstract: There is provided a continuous method for manufacturing of organic fertilizers by fermentation of a waste containing organic materials or mixture of said waste with cellulose-containing organic materials in the presence of thermophilic and aerobic microorganisms comprising the steps:a. adjusting the moisture content of said waste or mixture to 45-65 wt %,b. shearing and kneading said waste or mixture at a temperature elevated to 40.degree. C.-90.degree. C. by the pressure and friction of said shearing and kneading, whereby thermophilic microorganisms are caused to be activated, andc. pulverizing the thus-treated waste or mixture while contacting it with air, whereby said aerobic microorganisms are caused to be activated,the improvement which comprises subjecting a part of the product of step c. to fermentation by thermophilic microorganisms at a temperature of higher than 40.degree. C. for more than 5 hours, and recycling the thus treated product with fresh raw materials to step a.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of compositions for modifying crop yield and fruit development including extracting a mixture of polyhydroxycarboxylic acids, carbohydrates, phenols and alcohols, from vegetable residues such as rice and oat hulls, and the compositions resulting from the method. Methods for use of these compositions for modifying crop yield and fruit development are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soil fertilization method which includes a process for producing a fertilyzer by-product from an ammonia filtering media. The method includes the steps of providing a filter media containing phosphoric acid soaked particles. In addition, the method includes providing ammonia laden air. The ammonia laden air is passed through the filter media to remove ammonia from the air which is removed by a chemical reaction which converts the phosphoric acid soaked wood particles to ammonium phosphate coated wood particles. After substantially all of the wood particles are converted to ammonium phosphate wood particles, the filter media is collected and then applied to soil to fertilize and build the soil.

Abstract: To form a binder from naturally occurring products without extraction or purification steps, the binder utilizes proteins from the germ or endosperm of cereal grasses or from the seed of buckwheat, oil seed plants, Amaranthus or leguminous plants or from leaves. The protein has a thermoplastic microstructure with linear polymers of moleculer weight of at least 2,000 linked with peptide linkages of at least 50 in number. The naturally occurring product is ground or milled without further processing and thus includes carbohydrates, particularly as cellulose, and possibly fats, yeast or materials yielding ash upon burning, with the carbohydrates being at least 5 percent of the proteins by weight. The binder may include some initiators or catalysts to polymerize fats or other initiators or catalysts to polymerize proteins.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plant activator, a mycelial fertilizer, and a method of producing the fertilizer. The essential component of the activator and the fertilizer is purified pyrolignous acid. The plant activator includes 80-97 parts by weight of purified pyrolignous acid and 3-20 parts by weight of saccharide containing glucose. The mycelial fertilizer having purified pyrolignous acid includes predominant thermoactinomyces as mycelium. The mycelium is obtained by incubation and fermentation on a porous carrier while a pH of 7.5-9.5 is maintained. The plant activator revives plants weakened by stress. The mycelial fertilizer and method of producing that fertilizer includes predominant thermoactinomyces which beneficially affect farm products.

Abstract: A method of stimulating seedling growth which comprises applying a coal-derived oxidation product to the medium in which the seedling is growing. The product is in the form of a solution or a slurry having a pH in the range of 2 to 12 and has the following elemental and functional group analysis (on an air-dried basis):______________________________________ ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS Element Range (%) ______________________________________ Carbon 30-70 Hydrogen 2-6 Nitrogen 0.1-5 Sulphur 0.1-10 Oxygen 15-45 ______________________________________ FUNCTIONAL GROUP ANALYSIS Functional Group Range (meq/g) ______________________________________ Total acidity 3-13 Carboxylic groups 0.5-12 Phenolic groups 0.

Abstract: A method for aerobic decomposition of vegetative organic waste material including high flow-rate aeration, compaction of the organic material, and continual percolation of moisture released therefrom in a collapsible, portable, bag container to provide beneficial soil amendments, fertilizers, and supplemental heat sources.

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

Abstract: Cellulosic materials are physically and/or chemically modified by contact with a combination of urea and sulfuric acid in which at least 25 percent of the sulfuric acid is present as the monourea adduct of sulfuric acid. The cellulosic materials thus treated possess uniquely modified physical and chemical properties. The methods of the invention can be employed to weaken the physical structure of the cellulosic material and thereby to assist in clearing land of vegetation and vegetation residue and in compacting and other processing of waste cellulosic materials. The methods of the invention can also be employed to increase the food value of cellulosic materials for animals, including humans, and, in particular, to increase the food value of such materials for ruminant mammals.

Abstract: A continuous process for the non-destructive recovery of natural nitrogenous materials as highly available particulate agricultural nutrients, employing natural materials such as poultry waste, waste water treatment sludge, alfalfa meal, hatchery waste, feathermeal, corn gluten meal and bloodmeal in a fluid bed reactor-granulator where basic natural materials are acidified to pHs of 3.0 to 6.5 and formed into hardened particulates during a retention time between 4 and 20 minutes at a temperature between 70.degree. and 120.degree. C. and discharged free of caramelization before nitrogen losses from decomposition amounts to 0.5 percent of the natural nitrogenous materials. The continuous process provides a new natural nitrogenous particulate agricultural nutrient composition free of caramelization.

Abstract: Peanut hulls are processed into dust free granules suitable for use as chemical carriers and moisture absorbent materials by being pulverized to a powder. This is done by milling the hulls through a screen having interstices no larger than 3/32 inch. The powder is then compacted into compact masses that are divided into granules and screened.

Abstract: A plant stimulant product prepared from seaweed, a method for preparation of said product, and methods of use of said product. The product contains oxygen derived from a peroxide and aloe and may also contain humic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mycelial fertilizer that is characterized in method, and the objects thereof are to provide a mycelial fertilizer wherein the mycelial fertilizer containing mainly thermactinomyces is carried on a specified carrier to contribute the metabolites of the thermoactinomyces and the decomposition products of the thermoactinomyces to the growth of plants as effective fertilizers in soil, and to provide a method of producing the mycelial fertilizer.

Abstract: Soil substitute capable of supporting plant growth is produced in quantities suitable for substitution on a large scale, such as in landscaping operations. Shredded treebark is intimately mixed with quarry stone particles and silica sand particles and are then composted while mixed with the quarry stone particles and sand particles. Composting is performed by laying out the mixture in windrows and aerating the shredded treebark by mechanically turning material in the windrows so that composting proceeds within the temperature range 42-60 degrees Celcius.

Abstract: A soil amendment is disclosed containing, by volume, about 20 to 60% cross-cut redwood grains or ground redwood bark of a particle size substantially in the range of 0.5 to 3 mm, about 15 to 50% grape pumice, about 0 to 20% cross-cut fir grains of a particle size substantially in the range of 0.5 to 3 mm, about 0 to 20% agricultural pumice and about 0 to 25% aged whole rice hulls.

Abstract: To produce organic fertilizer which is effective for sterile agricultural land, a mixture comprising coral reef powder, domestic animal excreta, sewage disposal waste and ground cellulose derived from plant fiber is prepared and it is well mixed in the presence of organic compounds and inorganic salts. Thereafter, it is subjected to cultivating in a multi-bath type cultivating bath for a predetermined period of time while temperature and pH are adjusted properly. Cultivation is achieved with the addition of bacilli including nitrogen fixing bacillus such as Azotobactor vinelandii, Bacillus megaterum, Rhizobium leguminosarm or the like, Trichoderma virde acting as raw fiber decomposing bacillus, candida utilus acting as yeast fungus and green algae, each of which is cultivated under the operating condition of symbiosis cultivation. The pH in the cultivating bath is maintained in the range of 5.5 to 7.5, preferably in the range of 6 to 7.

Abstract: A foliar spraying agent which is capable of increasing yield and improving quality of plant is obtained by grinding vegetable humus containing 50 to 80% by weight of water, contacting the resulting ground vegetable humus with air sufficiently to activate the ground product and extracting the activated product with water.

Abstract: Methods of using comminuted Alder bark as a stimulator of seed germination and growth media comprising comminuted Alder bark are disclosed. Also disclosed are seed treatment dusts comprising an active ingredient, a diluent material and comminuted Alder bark and methods of using these dusts. The active ingredients include fungicides, insecticides and other pesticides. The diluent materials used include clays and talcs.

Abstract: An agricultural granule capable of carrying and releasing incorporated biocidal or nutritional agricultural chemicals. The granule is formed by the agitative agglomeration of a plant fiber slurry and resembles a clay granule in all respects except for its chemical inertness.

Abstract: Methods of using comminuted Alder bark as a stimulator of seed germination and growth media comprising comminuted Alder bark are disclosed. Also disclosed are seed treatment dusts comprising an active ingredient, a diluent material and comminuted Alder bark and methods of using these dusts. The active ingredients include fungicides, insecticides and other pesticides. The diluent materials used include clays and talcs.

Abstract: Improved agricultural technology has increased yields of cereal crops to a level wherein the crop residues left on the land are of such volume as to interfere with the following crop. Historically, these residues have been incinerated and the practice continues to this day, polluting the air, causing health problems, destroying valuable natural plant foods and soil humus. It is the nature of cereal crop residues to degrade slowly because of their low nitrogen content and complex polysaccharide chemical moieties. This application teaches that by crushing and shredding the crop residue and applying a liquid nutrient enrichment medium for the growth of the native soil microflora decay can be accelerated.

Abstract: Free-flowing particulate compositions matter useful as fuel or soil amendments can be made by impregnating solid particles of guayule bagasse with guayule resins. Processes for making these materials as well as for using them are also disclosed.

Abstract: A plant food with superior growth promoting properties that comprises a mixture of steepwater and other sources of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The optimum proportion of steepwater and other materials in the plant food is determined by analysis of growth response using the technique of response surface methodology.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions are manufactured by subjecting cellulosic pulp rejects to a dewatering operation to remove approximately 25% of the water; flash-drying the obtained partially dewatered rejects, causing the rejects to expand and become porous; adding an additive material to impregnate the expanded and porous cellulosic material, and drying. The cellulosic material holds or retains the additive for delayed release. The compositions have good stability and structural integrity.

Abstract: The process of utilizing as a dog repellent, such as in a semiliquid slug bait or as a spray or as an impregnant or as a fertilizer component, material selected from the group consisting of methyl salicylate, birch oil, wintergreen oil, eucalyptus oil, pine oil and pine-needle oil.

Abstract: A novel biodegradable organic fertilizer comprising (A) dead leaves of any type, preferably dried, finely ground, and deciduous, (B) skim milk, dried and powdered and essentially fat free, and (C) water in an amount to give a kneadable mass, the composition being dried and granular, and its production and use, are disclosed. The proportions of A to B by volume are generally between about 1:1 and 10:1, usually between about 1:1 and 6:1, and preferably about 4:1. The fertilizer composition or "compound" is cost effective and readily manufactured, does not contaminate or burn the soil or plantlife, readily supports and improves plant growth, and improves seed and/or plant product yield.

Abstract: A soil and foliar supplement for application to plants to improve plant growth and quality. A method for increasing plant productivity and quality also is disclosed. The supplement includes a quantity of specific microbes and an organic acid, such as humic acid, fulvic acid, and ulvic acid. Trace minerals also can be added. A humectant also can be incorporated with the microbes, organic acid, and trace minerals to provide a matrix to provide an improved moisture and nutrient environment and a greatly increased surface area and cation exchange ability for optimizing microbe growth. Chelated micronutrients may also be added to the supplement or added later to the foliage to improve the effects of the supplement still further. Methods of improving plant productivity and quality by treating the plant with the microbes, organic acids and a naturally balanced formulation of chelated minerals are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer and/or soil amendment containing L ascorbic acid, marine algae, and humic acid. The fertilizers may also contain nitrogen, phosphorous and/or potassium. The fertilizers and/or soil amendments may be produced in a solid form or a liquid form. The fertilizers have utility in promoting the growth of grass and plants. Methods of preparing the fertilizers and/or soil amendments are also described.

Abstract: Compost, e.g. hardwood bark, is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens, such as Rhizoctonia solani, Pythium ultimum and Fusarium, and/or diseases caused thereby by adding to the compost, desirably after peak heating has been achieved but before substantial recolonization of the compost by mesophilic microorganisms has occurred, one or more microorganisms antagonistic to the plant pathogen. Container media also is rendered suppressive to plant pathogens and/or diseases caused thereby by amending the media with the just-described prepared suppressive compost or, alternatively, by amending separately with the compost and with Trichoderma fungus and antagonistic bacterium separately or mixed together. Desirably, the inoculated antagonistic microorganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with Xanthomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium balustinum isolate 299, A.T.C.C. No. 53198 species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inoculant composition for plants, comprising a carrier medium, at least one species of microorganism having a beneficial effect on the plants, and a copolymer of (1) vinyl pyrrolidone and (2) vinyl acetate or styrene or substituted styrene.