Abstract: Anthocyanins have been found to be taste-aversive to avian species. This invention relates to mammalian livestock feeds and pelleted fertilizer and pesticide compositions each incorporating effective avian-repellent amounts of such anthocyanins or anthocyanin-containing plant materials. The invention also relates to avian-repellent compositions for application to crops and seeds incorporating such anthocyanins.

Abstract: A bioregulator based on plant raw materials, which consists of certain components of the plants of the Caryophillaceac family. The developed bioregulator is a plant growth regulator of natural origin that can be used in numerous different ways. Depending on the cultivation in question, the bioregulator is applied either to the seeds or to the leaves of the plants. Due to the fact that the bioregulator is made from plant raw materials it is will not pollute the environment.

Abstract: A composting facility comprising an elongated composting bay, a compost handling machine, and a ventilation system. The composting bay holds organic waste material while that material composts; and the compost handling machine is adapted to agitate the compost in, and to move the compost along, the bay. The ventilation system selectively conducts air into the compost, and this system includes a sensor, recessed in the bay, to actuate the ventilation system when the temperature of the compost rises above a preset value. Preferably, the temperature of the compost varies along the length of the bay, and the ventilation system includes a multitude of sensors to actuate the ventilation system to conduct air selectively into different sections of the bay to maintain a desired compost temperature profile.

Abstract: A moisturizing substrate for plant and animal tissue utilizing a mixture of cellulosic compound with carboxylic groups substituted on glucose units of cellulosic chain through an ether linkage. The cellulosic compound is admixed with a hydrated metallic salt and aerated water. The substrate may be mixed with soil or used in a layered relationship with a soil.

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.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer and/or soil amendment containing L ascorbic acid, marine algae, and humic acid. The fertilizer and/or soil amendment may be produced in a solid form or a liquid form. The fertilizer has utility in promoting the growth of grass and plants. A method of preparing the fertilizer and/or soil amendment is also described.

Abstract: Particulate nutrient material for use as fertilizer or animal feedstock is produced from absorbent paper shreds or particles, for example of newsprint, impregnated with animal manure--for example as a result of use of the paper as bedding for chickens. The impregnated paper shreds or particles are compacted and pelleted, and may be mixed with superphosphate and/or fishmeal before pelleting.

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, waste fiber from a cellulose production plant or paper mill, sawdust or similar matter.

Abstract: Method for producing high-grade fertilizer and useful side products from pips, wherein, after the aerobic decay of press residues from wine production, the pips are separated from the decay product by sieving, are opened by crushing and are subjected to another aerobic decay, and wherein the components of the decayed crushed pips are divided by sieving into three fractions of different particle sizes, the fine fraction of which contains predominantly or almost exclusively humified seedlings and humified nutrient tissue of the grape seed, the coarse fraction consists predominantly of thirds and quarters of pip walls, and the middle fraction includes smaller pip wall pieces.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrated fibrous mass prepared by the steps including introducing a source of cellulosic fibers to water with continuous mixing until a ratio of water to fibers of about 50 to 1 is obtained and mixing the water and source of cellulosic fibers until the source of cellulosic fibers has been comminuted to substantially individual cellulose fibers. The mass can be effectively used as a fire controlling agent. The mass can also be used as a carrier for pesticides, and as a concrete or cement cure rate controlling agent.

Abstract: To prepare an effective potting media from waste plant products, a mixture of high carbon and high nitrogen organic material is mixed with a phosphoric acid solution to maintain a pH of between 5.5 and 7.1 under aerobic conditions, with or without soil. Ground wheat straw or other high carbon plant materials and ground alfalfa hay or other high nitrogen plant materials are used in the preferred embodiment in ratios of between three parts ground wheat straw or other high carbon plant materials for each seven parts of ground alfalfa hay or other high nitrogen plant materials to seven parts ground wheat straw or other high carbon plant materials for each three parts ground alfalfa hay or other high nitrogen plant materials. The mixture of wheat straw and alfalfa hay has a pH in the range of 7.0 to 8.1. Phosphoric acid 0.04 M is added periodically for approximately one month if the pH of the mixture is higher than desirable for the plant type.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for compressing moisture containing material including a pair of opposed rolls for receiving and advancing the material therebetween to apply rolling load thereto to compress the material and remove at least a portion of said moisture therefrom, and differential means for causing one of said rolls to rotate at a lower speed than the rolling speed of the other of the rolls, the differential rolling speeds developing friction between the rolls causing the rolls to be heated and apply heat to said material to further remove moisture therefrom, to cause the compressed material to adhere to the one roll and to cause the removed moisture to adhere to the other roll, also alone and in combination, apparatus and process of decomposing organic material such as animal biomass by the action of aerobic microorganisms in the presence of oxygen, including introducing the organic material into a container having an end adapted to receive the organic material and an output end adapted to discharge the o

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel fertilizer and method wherein a complex humic acid fertilizer is formed a mix of a select organic material, water, and measured amounts of major inorganic elements of nitrogen, phosphate, potash and sulfur. The constituents mixed in a sealed reactor system with a first material, usually an acid, are hydrolyzed by a drastic pH change, raising the mix temperature and pressure, and the mix is subsequently blended with a second material of an opposite pH to the first material, usually a base, reacting with the mix to provide a further temperature and pressure increase, to alter the pH to that of the finished fertilizer, which humic acid fertilizer is then dried and granulated or liquefied to a pumpable slurry.

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, peat mud or waste fibre from a cellulose production plant or the solid component of communal sewage.

Abstract: Plant growth media containing rice hull ash in substantially amorphous state and having a porous skeletal structure are disclosed. The rice hull ash is incorporated in naturally occurring soils or so-called synthetic or potting soils. If desired, water swellable binders or polymers can be incorporated with the ash in such soils to enchance their water retention properties. The porous rich hull ash in amorphous form combines synertistically with the soil or soil components to provide desirable growing characteristics as set forth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining raw materials from autumn foliage, which is characterized by the fallen foliage being comminuted, extracted in one or more stages with one or more solvents and after removing the solvents, the extract or extracts and the residue are separate. The process can be performed with different solvents with different dielectric constant. From the individual extracts there are obtained new perfumes or flavoring agents or intermediate products for producing foods or feeds, or for producing selling agents or binders, as well as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics for treatment purposes, canning agents, fertilizers and inks, while the extraction residue can be used as a sulphur-free fuel.

Abstract: Compost 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. Desirably the inoculated antagonistic microoganisms comprise Trichoderma hamatum species A.T.C.C. No. 20765 or 20764, together with a Pseudomonas maltophilia bacterium species A.T.C.C. No. 53199 or a Flavobacterium species, A.T.C.C. No. 53198.

Abstract: A plant growth promoter derived from rice bran fatty acid distillation residues is provided along with a process for the preparation thereof. A process for purification is provided. Also, compositions for using the plant growth promoter are described, together with processes for their preparation. Further, techniques for using the plant growth promoter are taught.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a slow-release fertilizer comprising the steps of:(a) grinding a first volume of peanut hulls to a particle size of 1/32 to 1/4 inch and a second volume to 1/8 to 1/2 inch,(b) treating said first a volume of hulls with an equal volume of 2N (normal) nitric acid for 30 minutes at 121 degrees C. and 15 p.s.i. pressure to extract and solubilize the liqueous material from the hulls,(c) adding 1 volume of 1 normal solubilized sodium hydroxide to 2 volumes of said second volume of peanut hulls and heating and stirring said mixture until said nutrients are solubilized,(d) heating said second volume of peanut hulls and sodium hydroxide with steam and at a temperature of 121 degrees C. and pressure of 15 p.s.i.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing fertilizer from softwood bark and/or tree waste in which the softwood bark is decomposed at a temperature of 70.degree. . . . 140.degree. C., when the protective substances detrimental to plants can be eliminated. Bark or tree ash is added to the ground bark mass in high pressure along with urea and, if necessary, with phosphorus and the product is finally granulated. Peat is added to the bark mass at the first stage of the process in order to increase granulation capacity and nutrient storage capacity. The decomposition temperature depends on the age of the mass. All urea is added in the end of the process in order to avoid the danger of toxicity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process, which is characterized by mixing sewage sludge with comminuted, dried autumn foliage or the solvent extraction residue thereof. It also relates to the use of the deformable and optionally dried material obtained as a fuel briquette, and the use of the ash obtained after burning the fuel briquette as a fertilizer component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for continuously producing pulp from previously unusable agricultural fibers, such as plantain. The pulp is used in papermaking. The pulp effluent is recycled and concentrated during the process, thereby enabling economical recovery of chemical by-products for use as fertilizer or animal feed material.

Abstract: The present invention is a method of preparing artificial fertile soil from pulverized material such as sawdust or wood chips by the utilization of biological mass production techniques. In the steps for converting the pulverized woody material into fertile soil, four-footed livestock such as cattle are raised thereon, followed by the addition thereto of crushed animal carcass residues, the breeding of earthworms therein and, finally, the raising of domestic fowl such as chickens thereon.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing compost and composting compositions having a high nitrogen content and being particularly advantageous for use as fertilizers, said process utilizing petroleum sludge and an organic biomass which preferably contains wood industry residue and organic waste products.

Abstract: The product and method for forming the invention utilizes a base material of straw. The straw is coated with a water insoluble material which provides a slow decomposition when subjected to moisture and microbial action and which also in some cases can provide a release of nutrient as it decomposes. After applying the coating, the product is formed into compressed units for curing and then is ground into particles to provide a soil-like texture for use as a potting soil or for nursery beds.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing compost having a high nutrient value from a mixture of moist, at least partially particulate organic matter containing aerobic bacteria. The composter has two parallel shafts (24,26) with radially projecting fingers (38) which, when the shafts are rotated, slowly and gently churn and agitate the mixture in the composting chamber (10) while air is directed therethrough at a predetermined low rate. When the composting action is completed the compost is promptly dried and packaged in moisture impervious containers.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new azulmic acids stabilized by condensation with carbonyl compounds, several processes for their preparation and their use for various purposes.

Abstract: A foliar growth promoting mixture for increasing crop yield as well as protein content within plants. The foliar growth promoting mixture includes a liquid seaweed base composition which forms approximately 50.0% by weight of the foliar growth promoting mixture. To the liquid seaweed base composition is blended a fish emulsion mixture which forms approximately 25.0% by weight of the overall foliar growth promoting mixture. A liquid humus composition within the approximate weight percentage of between 5.0%-15.0% of the overall mixture is included and a water soluble nutrient from the group consisting of carbohydrates and enzymes within the approximate weight range of 10.0%-20.0% of the foliar growth promoting mixture is further added.

Abstract: Production of methane from a substrate comprising an organic material, by way of example in a process by means of a culture of anaerobic and preferably thermophile microorganisms, which in a processing chamber (8) is brought into contact with the organic material and in which the generated gas is collected. The substrate is introduced into an ante-chamber (7) for pretreatment which is provided with a heating device (28) with the substrate heated in the ante-chamber to at least the temperature that it is intended to have during the process or preferably to a higher temperature, whereafter it is transported to said processing chamber (8) to be brought into contact with the culture of microorganisms.

Abstract: Waste paper is shredded and reacted with nitric acid to produce nitrated cellulose in which the inorganic nitrate ion is organically bound to the cellulosic waste paper. The resultant product is neutralized to enhance its stability and is suitable for use as a nitrogen fertilizer and soil conditioner. When phosphoric acid is added prior to neutralization with potassium hydroxide a complete N-P-K fertilizer results.

Abstract: Micronutrient fertilizer consisting of iron, manganese, copper, boron, and zinc in which the manganese-to-iron ratio is 8 to 20%, the copper-to-iron ratio is 5 to 10%, the boron-to-iron ratio is 0.4 to 1.0%, and the zinc-to-iron ratio is 6 to 12%.

Abstract: The use of a diluted aqueous extract of oak leaves as a cleaner and plant growth stimulant is described. To provide the extract, dried leaves are preferably boiled in water to extract and disperse natural tannins and waxes from the leaves into the water. The extract is diluted with water for use as a cleaner, particularly for window glass, or for use in stimulating the growth of plants.

Abstract: The production of a fertilizer from tree bark is improved by a process of the type wherein crushed waste bark is treated together with waste molasses under elevated pressure and at a temperature of 75.degree. to 140.degree. C. for a time of 10 min. to 2 hrs. said time being dependent on the treatment temperature, and wherein the improvement comprises adding of yeast to the waste molasses, and maintaining its temperature at 30.degree. to 40.degree. C. for 35 to 45 hours, whereby its pH value decreases to 3-4, before it is mixed with the ground waste bark.

Abstract: Non-ferrous metal proteinates or chelates of essential bivalent metals with hydrolyzed protein are rendered soluble without destroying the chelate and are more readily assimilated by plants and animals.

Abstract: Iron proteinates or chelates of iron with hydrolyzed protein which are usually insoluble are rendered soluble without destroying the chelate and are more readily assimilable by plant and animals.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a high grade fertilizer from pressing residues obtained from wine and fruit juice production is disclosed wherein the residues are first stored under anaerobic conditions and are then loosely mixed with air to produce a mass which then undergoes intense aerobic degradation to produce heat, carbon dioxide, moisture and a finely divided high quality fertilizer. Apparatuses for carrying out this process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for producing compost having a high nutrient value from a mixture of animal manure and sawdust. The composter has two parallel shafts with radially projecting fingers which, when the shafts are rotated, slowly and gently churn and agitate the mixture in the composting chamber while air is directed therethrough at a predetermined low rate. When the composting action is completed the compost is promptly dried and packaged in moisture impervious containers.

Abstract: New products are provided for the correction of iron chlorosis in plants. The products are iron chelates prepared by adding ferric iron salts to concentrated solutions of hot caustic effluents from bleach plants of wood pulp mills. The dried chelate is added to the soil in which the plants are growing or to the soil in which plants are to be grown.

Abstract: Organic fertilizers having a superior fertilizer response (or efficiency), and a higher nitrogen content but a lower water-insoluble type nitrogen content are prepared from spent liquors of sulfite pulp plants according to the method of the present invention. Said method comprises setting the solid matter concentration of said spent liquors in the reaction liquid consisting mainly of said spent liquors to 20-45% by weight and reacting therewith ammonia in an amount of 15-30 mol per 1 Kg of said solid matter, and oxygen or oxygen-containing gas at a reaction temperature of 90.degree.-120.degree. C. under a pressure of 4 Kg/cm.sup.2 or higher and lower than 10 Kg/cm.sup.2.

Abstract: Remnants of cedar timbers, including bark, sawdust, wood chips and the like are spread in a layer upon soil to enhance the growth of vegetables, especially tuberous vegetables, such as potatoes. The cedar remnants provide nutrients for vegetables, retard the growth of weeds, aid in the retention of moisture and inhibit the propagation of harmful insects.

Abstract: A pellet and a process for making same are disclosed wherein the pellet comprising a high percentage, of 75% by weight and greater, of comminuted vegetable matter, particularly peanut shells, an inorganic fertilizer and a plurality of seeds. The peanut shells serve as a growing medium for the seeds. In one preferred aspect the pellets are freeze-dried to levels of less than about 5% moisture so as to minimize the seed exposure to moisture prior to use. The pellets are particularly useful in growing grass seed for lawns and the like.

Abstract: Bulk tree bark removed as a preparatory procedure to pulping wood for use in the paper industry is converted into a useful humus by-product through the use of a system and method wherein the bark is delivered to a receiving station in an aerobicly untreated state. This material then is adjusted to optimize the nitrogen content thereof through the addition of nitrogenous material. Additionally the pH level thereof as well as the moisture level is optimized through the utilization of a mixing arrangement which agitates and retains the materials over a predetermined time interval. The material then is transferred to a digester apparatus where it undergoes aerobic thermophilic phase digestion under the influence of induced atmospheric air and agitation. Two digester arrangements are described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing compost from decomposing vegetable matter in a bin which provides access to a lower portion of the decomposing matter for removal thereof without substantially disturbing other matter contained therein. A plurality of similar panels are interconnected to form a bin wall in which one or more panels may be raised to afford access to the interior of the bin. The sides of each panel comprise complementary cross-sections which engage to provide a draught resistant seal.

Abstract: A seaweed filter cake product produced by conditioning raw seaweed by mixing it with water and other substances, and then digesting the conditioned seaweed by cooking it with steam to form a steam-digested mixture. The filter cake is skimmed off the top of the resulting steam-digested mixture and used by itself, or as a starting product for producing fertilizers or plant growth stimulators in liquid or pelletized form.

Abstract: Iron (FE) may be reacted in the presence of an alkaline material with vegetable tannin by mixing water (H.sub.2 O), comminuted iron in its elemental state and vegetable tannin to form an iron chelate which holds iron in a form available to and assimilable by plants. Treatment of plants with the iron chelate supplies iron thereto and corrects iron chlorosis. Comminuted cast iron and vegetable tannin extract may be used, respectively, as the Fe and vegetable tannin sources. Further, comminuted redwood, which is known to be poisonous to many plants in its natural state, is believed to be converted into a nonpoisonous growing medium which supplies iron to plants and stimulates plant growth by reacting the vegetable tannin naturally occurring in the redwood to form the aforementioned iron chelate therein.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a method of producing an organic soil additive from shreaded water hyacinths and a mixture of secondary sewage combined in spaced apart heaps for aeriation and composting with subsequent steam treatment to produce a product having high moisture retention characteristics for use as a soil additive, conditioner, amendment, fertilizer ingredient and/or agent or potting soil.

Abstract: A fertilizing and soil-conditioning agent is disclosed which is obtained by interaction of lignin (or derivatives thereof such as lignin-sulphonates) with an alkanolamine, preferably a lower aliphatic alkanolamine. The product thus obtained is water soluble and considerably improves the amount and the quality of the crops, while concurrently improving the texture of agricultural soil treated therewith.

Abstract: Products having as an essential ingredient thereof a special seaweed known as eel grass. Such seaweed has been found to surprisingly constitute a flame-retardant, vermin-proof, sound-proof, rot-proof, weather-proof, and bug-proof material. Such seaweed is also very beneficial as a soil conditioner and fertilizer. The novel products including such eel grass include a blanket-type material, a board-like sheet material, a spray-type composition, a paint-type composition, and as a filler for cavities in building walls.

Abstract: A molasses fermentation residue is converted into a coagulation product to use in preparing animal feed or fertilizer by concentrating a molasses fermentation residue to a solids level of at least 60 percent, heating the residue to about its boiling point and cooling, adding a soluble phosphate to the cooled residue and coagulating the residue-phosphate mixture by heating at about 105.degree. to 120.degree.C.