Abstract: A method is provided for producing a biochar solution. The method comprises the steps of collecting biochar particles, dispersing the biochar particles in a liquid solution and adding a stabilizing agent to keep the biochar in flowable suspension. The stabilizing agent may be added to the liquid solution or to the biochar prior to placing the biochar in solution.

Abstract: A synthetic soil substrate system has a plurality of synthetic soil substrate layers that are individually designed to promote plant growth as the roots grow into the layer and as a function of the growth stage. The synthetic soil substrate layers may be planar or may be concentrically arranged with a first synthetic soil substrate ring layer being configured inside of a second synthetic soil substrate ring layer. A synthetic soil substrate has pores that are configured for plant growth and retention and/or deliver of water and growth additives. The average pore size of a first synthetic soil substrate layer may be substantially different from the average pore size of an adjacent synthetic soil substrate layer. Also, the pore structure or shape of the pores may be different between synthetic soil substrate layers, The synthetic soil substrate may have an integral growth additive retained in the pores.

Abstract: A plant growth media composition, articles made therefrom, and methods of making and using the same are described. The plant growth media composition includes a combination of one or more plant growth substrate materials and an additive such as cellulose fibers, clay, carrageenan, alginate, chitosan, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus for the thermal conversion of carbonaceous feedstock material into biochar. The carbonaceous feedstock material may be harvested, preprocessed and pyrolyzed. An amount of carbonaceous feedstock material is received. An amount of a catalyst is applied to the carbonaceous feedstock material. The carbonaceous feedstock material and the applied catalyst is heated in an anaerobic environment to a temperature of at least 300 C. The biochar material is then generated.

Abstract: A method comprising (a) obtaining rock fines comprising at least one of basalt, metabasalt, diabase, rhyolite, andesite, meta-andesite, granite, graphite, talc, silica, sand, perlite, or a combination thereof, (b) obtaining a binder, (c) obtaining a material comprising at least one of Ca, Mg, S, B, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn, or a combination thereof, and (d) combining ingredients comprising the rock fines, the binder, and the material.

Abstract: A solidified porous carbon material uses a plant-derived material as a raw material, a bulk density of the solidified porous carbon material is in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 grams/cm3, preferably, 0.3 to 0.4 grams/cm3. A value of a cumulative pore volume in the range of 0.05 to 5 ?m in pore size based on a mercury press-in method is in the range of 0.4 to 1.2 cm3, preferably, 0.5 to 1.0 cm3 per 1 gram of the solidified porous carbon material.

Abstract: Highly water-soluble humic acid products such as powders and compacted solids or granules are provided, which can be used directly as crop growth enhancers, or can be coated on or mixed with solid fertilizers. Preferred fertilizer products include humic acid-supplemented MAP, DAP, and urea, particularly where the humic acid fraction is distributed throughout the structure of the solid fertilizers.

Abstract: An injection molded fertilizer product that is infrangible and sturdy and that dissolves over a predictable and extended time period. The product includes corn gluten meal and magnesium oxide, and may be prepared by injection molding, with the corn gluten meal and magnesium oxide being injection molded at a pressure between 15,000 PSI and 27,000 PSI and at an injection temperature between 140° F. and 200° F.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing an organic fertilizer with humic substance properties by oxidizing and ammonifying lignite, wherein the organic fertilizer has a nitrogen content of up to 8 wt. %, based on the dry weight of the fertilizer, and a C/N ratio of 7 to 15, which is characterized in that the method is carried out as a continuous method and comprises the following steps: a) dispersing the lignite and aqueous ammonia solution in a dispersing circuit having a dispersing device, a recirculation container, and a recirculation pump; b) oxidizing the suspension from step a) with an oxygen-containing oxidizing agent at a temperature of <100° C. in an oxidation reactor; c) drying the product suspension obtained in step b) at a temperature of >50° C.; and d) cooling the dried product obtained in step c).

Abstract: A treated biochar comprising a porous carbonaceous particle that has been treated and mixed with a media containing a mineral solubilizing microorganism, whereby the porous carbonaceous particle after mixing has retained the mineral solubilizing microorganism.

Abstract: The present invention utilizes a high-speed intensive mixer in a fluidizing-type, solid-phase, neutralization reactor to blend solid-state alkali hydroxide with any humic acid sources. The final product is a dry humic acid salt. The purpose of this innovative method is to eliminate a series of complicated unit operations commonly employed by the traditional process. These removed steps may include dissolving caustic soda, mixing in a paste-like formation, extrusion, granulation, drying, and grinding, etc. The invention contributes to a simplified flowsheet, resulting in sharply reduced equipment investment, plant space, and labor and energy costs. All of these factors coupled with increased productivity will drastically lower the overall production cost. Also, the reduction of dust pollution will greatly minimize the impact in environmental protection and safety issues.

Abstract: Disclosed is a potassium humate sulfur compound granule and process for making the same granule. The potassium humate sulfur compound granule including a potassium humate component and an elemental sulfur component at a ratio of about 1:20; where the potassium humate component of the granule fully solubilizes upon application to a desired site and enhances conversion of the sulfur component into sulfate by at least about 15% as compared to elemental sulfur alone.

Abstract: A dry and solid fertiliser in the form of discreet particles is provided. The particles of the dry and solid fertiliser comprise a homogenous mixture of organic and inorganic materials. The inorganic material comprises at least one of the NPKS nutrients. The organic material comprises a carbon-labile substantially sterile product of organic waste.

Abstract: An agro-industrial process with minimal environmental impact, of the type having a step of cultivating vegetable and/or mushroom products, includes a step of harvesting the products, at least one step of thermo-mechanical treatment of the products in order to obtain intermediate products, and a step of packaging of a final stage of the intermediate products. The thermo-mechanical treatment step provides for a mechanical process of removing the unnecessary parts from the products so as to define waste. The waste, constituted exclusively by vegetable substances, is separated from the intermediate products, intended for the subsequent treatment and packaging steps, and sent into a biogas production unit. The digestate, constituted by the waste of the biogas production unit, is used as a fertilizer on the respective cultivation soil in a new step of cultivation of vegetable products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making a water-soluble granule enriched in humic acid. Disclosed also is a water-soluble granule enriched in humic acid. Such a granule is useful as an organic aid to crop growth, particularly in applications where solubility is desirable or necessary.

Abstract: A method of effecting at least one biological process in a plant is disclosed. The method comprises contacting a part of a seed, a plant, or the locus thereof with a mixture comprising an agriculturally acceptable mixture of (i) complex polymeric polyhydroxy acids and (ii) a phytotoxic amount of one or more alkali (earth) salts and/or a synergistic amount of at least one source of an agriculturally acceptable transition metal ions.

Abstract: A fertilizer including a growth enhancing component, in at least one example a co-polymer of fulvic acid and poly-metallic humates is present in the amount of from about 80% to about 90% by weight, based on a total weight of the fertilizer; a plurality of elements present in the amount of from about 3% to about 7% by weight, based on the total weight of the fertilizer; and one or more secondary nutrients, micronutrients, and biologically active heteromolecular trace-metal complexes present in the amount of from about 3% to about 10% by weight, based on the total weight of the fertilizer.

Abstract: A fertilizer granule having a coating on at least of portion of a surface of the granule. The coating is made of one or more complexing agents and a coating agent of one or more of a fatty acid, fatty acid ester, organic oil mineral oil or combinations thereof. The coating may optionally include a surfactant and micronutrients. The coated fertilizer granules demonstrates a noted improvement in the utilization of the nutrients of plants and crops.

Abstract: An ammonium polyphosphate based fire-retardant composition comprises an ammonium polyphosphate, a suspending agent, and an effective amount of at least two corrosion inhibiting agents selected from the group of corrosion inhibiting agents including activated carbon, Epsom salts, Gypsum, azoles, and vapor phase inhibitors. The composition may further include a xanthan gum, a coloring agent or both. TABLE 1 Formulation in Weight % Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Formu- Component lation 1 lation 2 lation 3 lation 4 lation 5 lation 6 Ammonium 91.80 91.80 91.75 90.80 91.80 91.75 Polyphosphate Attapulgite 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.50 Clay Iron Oxide 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 1.20 Xanthan Gum 1.30 1.30 1.30 1.30 1.30 1.30 Epsom Salt 0.10 0.10 0.15 0.10 0.10 0.15 2-mercapto- 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 0.10 benzothiazole Benzotriazole 1.00 2.50 2.50 2.00 2.00 2.00 VpCl-609?™ 2.00 1.50 1.50 2.00 — — Ammonium — — — — 2.00 2.

Abstract: Coal-derived mineral matter particles are an effective soil amendment. Coal-derived mineral matter particles added to soil increase the silt and clay fractions of the soil and improve the soil texture. The fine coal-derived mineral matter particles also increase mineral and essential nutrient availability for plant growth. Improved soil texture also increases water holding capacity and cation-exchange capacity (CEC) of the soil. The mineral matter particles typically have a size less than 50 ?m and an average size of 10 ?m or less. In some non-limiting embodiments, the mineral matter particles mixed with the soil are present in the mixture in an amount ranging from 5 to 30 wt. %. The coal-derived mineral matter particles contain a plurality of essential nutrients necessary for healthy plant growth selected from B, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, N, P, K, S, and Zn.

Abstract: A granularized sulfonated humate powder material is provided that includes a sulfonated cationic humate composed of at least one of humic acid, fulvic acid, or a combination thereof in the form of granules of from 0.1 to 6 millimeters in size. The humate powder material is water soluble with limited dusting and the ability to form a concentrated solution for application. A process of formulating the sulfonated potassium humate powder in granular form includes a lignin or lignosulfonate being metered into a powder of sulfonated potassium humate to allow for granulation without a solubilizing the powder by matching a lignin particle size to a particle sizing of said powder. The lignin or lignosulfonate and the powder are mixed into the granular form with a granule size of 0.1 to 6 millimeters.

Abstract: A process for preparing humic-mineral agent granules is disclosed. Such a process may comprise providing a humic acid-containing material; crushing the humic acid-containing material to obtain first granules; contacting a quantity of water with the first granules, thereby forming slightly wet granules; blending the slightly wet granules for a period of time, thereby forming blended granules; contacting an amount of alkali with the blended granules, thereby forming alkali-treated granules; and mixing the alkali-treated granules at a temperature high enough to melt organic carbon substances in the alkali-treated granules. The resulting product has biologically, geologically, and chemically active properties, and may be applied to the soil alone or in combination with a commercially available fertilizer. Additionally, the resulting product may be used to detoxify solid or liquid waste products.

Abstract: According to the invention, the object is achieved by providing all necessary conditions at optimum level to produce plant and plant parts having higher nutrients and secondary metabolites, when compared to normal plants or grown in tap water. Formulated solution containing balanced nutrients, higher levels of targeted nutrient, required pH, single or multiple eliciting factors, required concentrations of natural preservatives and maintained at required temperature and light facilitated to achieve the above object.

Abstract: A method of producing a modified biochar and the use of the biochar as a soil amendment. The modified biochar can be produced by contacting biochar with an acid-containing solution obtained from an acid containing stream produced in a pyrolysis process, which produces biochar. In accordance with one aspect, a cellulose-containing biomass is pyrolyzed to generate a gaseous organic acid-containing stream, which is condensed to produce an organic acid-containing solution. The biochar is then modified by contact with the organic acid-containing solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for hydrothermally treating sewage wastes to preferably obtain valuable products, including fatty acids, carbon-neutral combustible hydrochar fuels, heavy metal salts for recycling into industrially important metals, and phosphoric acid and derivatives thereof. Fatty acids can be chemically transformed into useful products such as soaps, cosmetics and liquid transportation fuels such as biodiesel and conventional gasoline, diesel and aviation fuels; hydrochars created in the process can be combusted and the energy created used to generate electricity; heavy metal salts can be chemically reduced to form industrially important metals for use as catalysts; and phosphoric acid and its derivatives have very important roles as fertilizers in agriculture.

Abstract: An organic feed method for use as food supplements for humans or animals as well as for feeding plants. The organic feed method generally includes first mixing an organic material such as peat moss or compost with water at a ratio of approximately 1.2 pounds of organic material to 1 gallon of water. The resulting mixture is pumped through a wet mill grinder to reduce size, maintaining a temperature of below 130 degrees Fahrenheit through the mixture and grinding processes. After grinding, the resulting mush is pumped through a 400 mesh filter, cooled to room temperature, and bottled as an organic feed. The organic feed may be utilized as a health or nutritional food supplement for humans or animals. The organic feed may also be mixed with water or chemicals such as fertilizer and applied to plants as plant feed.

Abstract: A process for bioconverting a subterranean carbon-bearing subterranean formation deposit include the steps of injecting a fluid into the carbon bearing deposit with at least one injection well and removing injected fluid and product from the deposit through at least one production well, controlling fluid pressure within at least a portion of the deposit by use of the injected fluid such that the pressure causes a net effective stress decrease for the portion of the deposit and an increase in permeability of the deposit, bioconverting at least a portion of carbonaceous materials in the carbon bearing deposit to methane by a microbial consortium, and withdrawing the injected fluid and methane from the carbon bearing deposit. Cetane or butane may also be produced by the microbial consortium.

Abstract: The present invention provides a slow release granule composition for the delivery of one or more plant treatment agents. The composition comprises an organic solution consisting peat soil liquid obtained from a peat material and urea. The granule composition is useful for the controlled delivery of fertilizers and nutrients to plants and as a soil amendment. Also disclosed is a method of treating a plant with a plant treatment agent, comprising applying a slow release granule composition of the present invention and a method to prepare the slow release granule composition.

Abstract: Method of bioconversion of coal to methane, carbon dioxide, and other valuable gaseous and liquid products in a multi-step process that may include particle size reduction, separation of non-coal materials, addition of chemicals, and multi-stage anaerobic fermentation are disclosed.

Abstract: A composition comprising peat moss and one or more alkoxylates selected from the group consisting of alcohol alkoxylates and alkylphenol alkoxylates and, optionally, one or more polysaccharides, for example guars and/or guar derivatives. A synergistic effect of a combination of the alkoxylates and the polysaccharides was discovered. A method of preparing the peat moss composition and a method of using it are also disclosed.

Abstract: An engineered topsoil for use in soil reclamation and a method of producing the same are disclosed that seek to replicate undisturbed native reference topsoil from near the site in need of land reclamation. The engineered topsoil is formed from a base amount of subsoil and amendment comprised of an effective amount of surrogate humin material sufficient to replicate the estimated humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil, and an effective amount of plant residue material sufficient to replicate the estimated non-humin organic carbon content of the native reference topsoil.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalized can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.

Abstract: A method for producing biochar particles or pellets which use sulphur and other additives. The method includes producing a mixture with biochar and additives selected from sulphur, lignin, and gluten. The mixture is mixed with water and passed through an extruder to produce an extrudate. The extrudate is then cut into pellets. The pellets are then tumbled/spun with each other and heated to result in mostly spheroidal pellets whose mechanical characteristics allow them to be used with well-known agricultural equipment. The biochar can be produced with sulphur incorporated as an outer coating. To produce this sulphur coated biochar, the method includes feeding a biomass feedstock to a pyrolysis reactor, pyrolyzing the feedstock into biochar particles, size-sorting the biochar particles, and coating the biochar particles with the sulphur coating material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for selection of constituents for a growth medium and mulch for varying types of soils. Also disclosed is a growth medium and mulch.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plant growing system having (a) plant life; (b) a super amount of a controlled-release fertilizer to provide season-long performance; and (c) growing media. The planting growing system may also include a moisture control agent or a plant protection agent. Despite the high EC values of the growing system, the combination of materials that make up the growing system nevertheless produces superior performing plants with darker green, healthier-looking leaves; superior growth, fill and spread; more abundant production of flowers and fruits; and a more developed, sustaining root system. Moreover, these plants are far less susceptible to the effects of pests such as fungi (e.g., Fusarium and Rhizoctonia), pythium, caterpillars, thrips, whiteflies, and other pests.

Abstract: An engineered soilless plant cultivation medium for potting applications includes specific balanced amounts of nutrient additives. Major nutrient cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na, H) are balanced according to optimal base saturation percentage ranges. Nutrient levels, namely, the amount of major nutrient cations, major nutrient anions and minor nutrients satisfy desired ranges for both standard Mehlich III soil extraction tests and saturated paste tests.

Abstract: An engineered soilless plant cultivation medium for potting applications includes specific balanced amounts of nutrient additives. Major nutrient cations (Ca, Mg, K, Na, H) are balanced according to optimal base saturation percentage ranges. Nutrient levels, namely, the amount of major nutrient cations, major nutrient anions and minor nutrients satisfy desired ranges for both standard Mehlich III soil extraction tests and saturated paste tests.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalization can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.

Abstract: A method of producing a modified biochar and the use of the biochar as a soil amendment. The modified biochar can be produced by contacting biochar with an acid-containing solution obtained from an acid containing stream produced in a pyrolysis process, which produces biochar. In accordance with one aspect, a cellulose-containing biomass is pyrolyzed to generate a gaseous organic acid-containing stream, which is condensed to produce an organic acid-containing solution. The biochar is then modified by contact with the organic acid-containing solution.

Abstract: Plant propagation material treated with a carbonaceous material is provided. Such treated plant propagation material is useful in a method of inducing microbial interaction with the plant propagation material that confers a benefit on the plant propagation material. The method includes placing the treated plant propagation material in a growth medium containing endogenous soil microorganisms.

Abstract: A soil-amendment product for preparing a damaged or degraded soil ecosystem to establish a self-sustaining floral/vegetative rhizosphere contains a mixture of composted organic biomass, fiber, charcoal, and small amounts of inoculants to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms including mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Embodiments also contain a water-holding agent such as a starch-based polymer that is effective to prevent water from flowing downhill or seeping away from the surface. Methods of application and other uses for the soil-amendment product are also described and claimed.

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 fertilizer comprising at least one microbe selected from the group consisting of Trichoderma viride (NRRL B-50520), Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (NRRL B-50521), Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (NRRL B-50522), and combinations thereof, and a substrate which is acted upon by the at least one microbe to release nitrogen. The invention also relates to a fertilizer comprising at least one microbe selected from a keratin degrading microorganism and a keratin substrate which is acted upon by the at least one microbe to release nitrogen. The invention further relates to a method for enhancing growth of plants with the fertilizer, and methods of making a fertilizer. The invention further relates to an isolated Trichoderma viride strain (NRRL B-50520) and two isolated Scopulariopsis brevicaulis strains (NRRL B-50521, NRRL B-50522).

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 provides a slow release granule composition for the delivery of one or more plant treatment agents. The composition comprises an organic solution consisting peat soil liquid obtained from a peat material and urea. The granule composition is useful for the controlled delivery of fertilizers and nutrients to plants and as a soil amendment. Also disclosed is a method of treating a plant with a plant treatment agent, comprising applying a slow release granule composition of the present invention and a method to prepare the slow release granule composition.

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 present invention provides methods for reducing odor and harmful materials, such as heavy metals and organic compounds, from sewer and/or industrial plants using humate and/or leonardite. The humate and/or leonardite has a particle size of about 400 mesh or less.

Abstract: A humic acid composition useful as a fertilizer contains about 0.1 to 25 parts by weight humic acid dissolved in about 75 to 99.9 parts by weight of a solvent. The solvent contains at least one nonaqueous solvent. The composition has a pH of about 1 to 7 and a RED of less than about 1.0.

Abstract: A horticultural growing medium is made up of composted bark, a carbon-based fibrous material, a hydrophilic polymer, sea solid, and beneficial bacteria/fungicide. The materials are formed into a solid substrate having structural stability, with both micro and macro interconnecting pores. The addition of a controlled release fertilizer provides for a perfect combination of nutrients, water retention, and pest and fungus control.