Abstract: A biostimulating substance, useful in agriculture, horticulture and microbial processes, is composed of acetic acid and a fossil humic substance containing solid humins and humic acid. A method for improving the biostimulating properties and stability of dispersions of fossil humic substances containing peat or lignite includes the step of mixing a fossil humic substance with acetic acid in an amount sufficient that the resulting suspension contains at least about 5 to about 25% by weight organic solids. The modified humic substance can be used as a biostimulant for enhancing plant growth and health and for increasing digestion of organic solids by microorganisms in sewage plants and similar facilities.

Abstract: A biodegradable plant growth composition consisting essentially of coal particulate, sodium molybdate, linear alcohol alkoxylate, magnesium sulphate, sand or other filler and water.

Abstract: A process for making an artificial soil includes first combining the volume percentages of the following substances: 1-99% materials suitable for use as a blending base; 1-99% cellulose; 0.01-60% bio-solids; 0.01-10% calcium in any form; 0.01-10% charcoal or it's equivalents; and 0.05-5% ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, or calcium nitrate. The above substances are ground until a homogeneous mixture is obtained, after which the artificial soil can be either blended in place or manufactured at one location and transported to another location for use.

Abstract: A biodegradable plant growth composition consisting essentially of coal particulate, sodium molybdate, linear alcohol alkoxylate, magnesium sulphate, sand or other filler and water.

Abstract: A method for continuously treating unsorted municipal waste to produce a high quality, recycled humus, includes the steps of continuously transporting the waste to a liquid containing soaking tank and, en route, magnetically removing ferrous parts and screening out coarse parts beyond a predefined size, and depositing the remainder of the waste in a liquid containing soaking tank to form a slurry, while continuously skimming off floating matter and removing settled out heavy matter. Dried slurry is continuously subjected to thermomechanical treatment involving high mechanical pressure and high frictional and warping forces, so that the temperature thereof is increased substantially and the microorganism content thereof is changed, rendering the resultant material hygienic, practically germ-free, neutral in odor and loose, springy and full in structure. The resultant material is then heaped into piles for aerobic composting.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to organic compost used to treat soil. The compost serves as a source of plant nutrients, improves soil structure, encourages the growth of beneficial microorganisms and can be used as a vehicle in the formulation of other soil treatment compounds.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with an application of Lumeikesi hybrid rumex acetosa in production of agricultural fertilizer. Lumeikesi hybrid rumex is a new variety, which has high contents of protein, vitamin C and carotene. A nutrient juice of Lumeikesi hybrid rumex is added to weathered coal and converted to humic acid necessary for agricultural fertilizer, then formulated into agricultural fertilizer. The fertilizer can increase yield of crop, improve quantity of fruit and can also reduce environmental pollution and prevent humans from chemical substance.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition, prepared by further diluting an aqueous concentrate and containing an admixture prepared from calcium, potassium, iron, boron and humic acid, when applied to sugar-containing plant leaves infested with sugar-eating, slow-moving, soft-bodied insects, decreases the sugar concentration in such leaves sufficiently to discourage such insects and effectively to rid such leaves of those insects.

Abstract: A method of application of organic fertilizer. In accordance with the teachings of this method plant matter is dehydrated and pelletized to form fertilizer pellets. The fertilizer pellets are then spread on soil. When the fertilizer pellets are hydrated, the fertilizer pellets release nutrients into the soil. This form of organic fertilizer is easy to handle and has a higher concentration of nutrients than other fertilizers made from plant matter.

Abstract: A process for treating animal manure, particularly poultry feces, with concentrated sulfuric acid (about 93 to 95% H2SO4). The product of the process can be used for treating agricultural soils.

Abstract: A process for making an artificial soil includes first combining the volume percentages of the following substances: 5-95% materials suitable for use as a blending base; 5-95% cellulose; 0.5-50% bio-solids; 0.1-10% calcium; 0.1-5% charcoal; and 0.5-4% ammonium nitrate or sulfate. The above substances are ground until a homogeneous mixture is obtained, after which the artificial soil can be either blended in place or manufactured at one location and transported to another location for use.

Abstract: Peat-containing granules possessing numerous beneficial properties can be prepared by a process involving gentle extrusion in which viscosified water is used in the extrudable composition. Advantageously, gentle extrusion allows a peat-containing extrudate to be formed in which the beneficial properties of the raw peat are well preserved. In preferred embodiments, gentle extrusion is achieved by using an extrusion die provided with a plurality of apertures and a relatively large open area which allow low extrusion pressures to be used.

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: The invention includes probiotic soil additive compositions including pulverized alfalfa, a wetting agent, granular humate ore, and a calcium source for promoting healthy plant growth without pesticides. Methods are disclosed for applying the additive, and optimizing application to maintain a preferred ratio of bacterial to fungal biomass or mycorrhizal coverage of the roots to promote disease resistant plant growth. A method is disclosed for applying the composition to promote deterioration of thatch when grass is grown. When applied to grass turf the invention imparts resistance to common grass turf diseases.

Abstract: Mineral wool plant substrate formed of a coherent matrix of mineral wool having 99.9 to 75 wt % mineral wool and 0.1 to 25 wt % of an organic substance. Clay may be included in the matrix. The matrix may be in the form of a pellet.

Abstract: An adsorbent for phosphate from aqueous medium, particularly for inorganic phosphate or phosphate bound to foodstuffs from body fluids or foodstuffs, which contains beta-iron hydroxide stabilized by carbohydrates and/or by humic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for enhanced crop production and compositions for use in the same. A two-part solution system is utilized, the two solutions being stored separately until being mixed just prior to application.The first solution includes a chelated calcium component, a humus extract component, and a urea nitrogen component in aqueous solution. The second solution includes an algae extract component, and a yeast/molasses component comprising a mixture of yeast and blackstrap molasses. The chelated calcium complex may be a liquid chelated trihydroxy-glutarate complex, and the humus component may be a liquid Leonardite humus extract material. The algae extract component, in turn, may be a fucaceae extract material, preferably a 5-25-25 ascophyllum nodosum extract fertilizer material. Application of the treatment composition may be by foliar spray, and ground treatment and seed banding may also be utilized.

Abstract: A soilless growth medium includes a core material and a repeating source of soluble silicon. Sufficient soluble silicon should be present in the medium such that plants grown in the soilless growth medium show at least a 100% increase in the concentration of silicon mineral in the plant than those grown in the core material alone. The concentration of silicon mineral in the soilless growth medium should be equal to at least that found in native soil.

Abstract: A composition of matter is provided which comprises a peat material and an added source of nitrogen, said added source of nitrogen consisting of one of urea, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate and ammonia. A composition such as this may be used in a process for making a peat fertilizer in the form of granulars.

Abstract: Sprayable aqueous fertilizer compositions comprising humic acid in combination with nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and boron, when applied to sugar-containing plant leaves, achieves a dual purpose of significantly altering the sugar-content of such leaves and eliminating infestation of such leaves by sugar-eating, slow-moving, soft-bodied insects.

Abstract: A soil top dressing resulting from the method of taking a quantity of sand comprised of a plurality of sand particles; coating the sand particles with a liquid plasticizer material comprised of a mixture of water and at least one from the group of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, silicon rubber latex or glycerol, adding a quantity of clay comprised of a plurality of clay particles, along with a quantity of the plasticizer material to the coated sand particles; adding a quantity of kelp to coat said sand coated particles; and coating the kelp with calamovilla longifolia.

Abstract: Manufacturing procedures and compositions for soil enhancers and the like are disclosed. A solution is formed from adding humate to water under constant agitation. Sodium Bicarbonate is added to the solution, resulting in a reaction allowing silica to precipitate out of the solution. The resulting solution is about 12% humic acid. Additional water is added to the solution along with a series of crude protein sources, including fish protein, blood extract, and feather meal. Following the addition of each protein source to the humic acid solution, citric acid is added to increase the protein solubility. Sarsaponins (Yucca extract) is then added to stabilize microbial activity. Additional water is added to the resulting mix, followed by the addition of sugar beet waste lime (calcium carbonate). The calcium carbonate brings the mixture to a pH of about the range of 6.8 to 7.2, which has been found to be encouraging for microbial activity. Seaweed is then added to the mix.

Abstract: A method of preparing a moisture retaining cellulose matrix comprising zeolite bonded fibers hollowed by chemical immersion capable of temporally absorbing suitable and essential plant nutrients that are encased in a gelatinous halo, such that the nutrients do not leach and become polutinous to ground water when introduced to the soil. Such soluble nutrients are made readily available to plant roots that are attracted to each growth complex so formed by cellular polarization. Inert micro-organisms present in the matrix are activated on contact with moisture and ingest the cellulose residue over a growing season, a by-product of this process being humic acid the precursor of humus.

Abstract: Peat moss having water repellency when it is dry is used as culture soil by subjecting it to a water repellency preventing treatment. In addition, a seedling-growing peat board with few germs and impurities, being lightweight and easy to handle, and particularly suitable for use as bed soil of a seed bed, is provided. The culture soil contains peat moss which is water repellent when dry, and a water-absorbing clay adhered to the surface of the peat moss. This is accomplished by treating water to render it absorbable by peat moss, suspending a water-absorbing clay in the treated water, contacting the peat moss with the suspension to absorb the suspension onto the surface of the peat moss, and drying the peat moss.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nutrient rich humus material produced by a process wherein solids in an aqueous slurry of animal excrement are settled or precipitated in a solids ecoreactor, the slurry may be treated before and/or after settlement in the ecoreactor by passing to a bioreactor wherein soluble phosphorus may be precipitated with metallic salts, the slurry is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus, nitrogen and organics, and the aqueous slurry containing bioconverted phosphorus is recycled to said solids ecoreactor and/or discharged, and at least a portion of slurry is bioconverted and recovered as a beneficial humus material.

Abstract: A composition of matter is provided which comprises a peat material and an added source of nitrogen, said added source of nitrogen consisting of one of urea, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate and ammonia. A composition such as this may be used in a process for making a peat fertilizer in the form of granulars.

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: The present invention relates, in general, to a process of treating plants and, in particular, to a process of stimulating plant growth and development by subjecting the plants to sound waves and by exposing the plants to a nutrient formulation. The invention further relates to a method of increasing the absorption capacity of plants.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of treating all types of green organic material including small timber pieces, shrubbery, grass cuttings and other green organic material mixing various size components of such organic material together with fertilizer nutrients allowing the mixture to stand in a naturally formed windrow or windrows of substantially triangular cross section with a predetermined amount of moisture therein monitoring the temperature of the windrow until such time as there is a significant drop in temperature indicating that the chemical reaction has been completed.

Abstract: A soil additive including lignonsulfonate, humic acid, an inert filler, such as bentonite clay, and a metal salt selected from anhydrous borax, magnesium sulfate, copper sulfate, iron sulfate, manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, ammonium sulfate and gypsum. The composition may also include a predetermined concentration of a surfactant to increase the breakdown of the composition in water.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the use of 10-oxo-trans-8-decenoic acid (ODA) as a fungal growth hormone to stimulate mycelial growth of cultivated mushrooms. A species of cultivated mushroom is selected and grown in a solid or liquid growth medium which has been supplemented with ODA to a concentration of 10.sup.-7 M to about 10.sup.-4 M. After culturing the mushroom the mycelium of cultivated mushroom is harvested. In addition to a method of using ODA, a method for the hormonal stimulation of fruiting in cultivated mushrooms is also disclosed. The ODA in this method is added to the casing layer of the compost which is mixed with mushroom spawn. Further, the ODA is added to the casing layer in aqueous solution after casing the compost.

Abstract: An artificial soil composition and a method of growing vegetation on a sloped surface, especially a cut rock surface are disclosed. The artificial soil composition includes peat, granular soil, sewage sediment formed by the treatment of urban waste for example and pulp sludge formed by the de-watering of fibrous material and is a byproduct of the manufacture of paper from wood pulp. The artificial soil composition is applied over a meshing which is secured over a sloped cut rock surface. Plants are grown in the layer of artificial soil. Experimentally, the artificial soil is shown to have an increased adhesion to the inclined surface compared to natural soil, promotes plant growth and retains water to a greater extent than natural soil but does not cause an environmental hazard resulting from the leaching of compounds in the run-off water.The preferred concentrations of the constituents by weight are: peat (10-30%) granular soil (10-30%) sewage sediment (40-60%) and pulp sludge (25-44%).

Abstract: A method is disclosed for rendering humic acid bearing particulates substantially free of dust. An aqueous solution that includes one of a caustic humate and a caustic soda is prepared and mixed with humic acid bearing particulates in a concentration and for a duration such that an adhesive humate gel forms about the particulates. The gel causes adjoining particulates to bind together. The mixture is allowed to dry such that the mixture is substantially free of dust-size particulates.

Abstract: The invention relates to a improved process for the biological transformation of phosphorus and nitrogen containing storm water runoff into ecologically manageable materials by a process wherein aqueous storm water runoff is passed to a bioreactor where soluble phosphorus is precipitated with metallic salts, the aqueous fluid is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus and nitrogen, and the aqueous fluid containing bioconverted phosphorus and nitrogen is passed to an ecoreactor wherein at least a portion of the biomass is bioconverted to a beneficial humus material.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved process for absorbing and decontaminating an organic chemical spill comprising the steps of: partially composting plant material; mixing approximately 80% of the partially composted plant material with approximately 20% of dry plant material; inoculating the mixture with about 50 to 100 parts per million by weight of an organic chemical to form an absorbent; mixing the absorbent with about 20% to 40% by volume of spilled organic chemical; adding water; and allowing the mixture to incubate for a suitable time at ambient temperature until the organic chemical spill is neutralized. The plant material may be cotton gin trash or alfalfa hay; or cotton, legumes, alfalfa, tomatoes or their mixtures. The mixture of absorbent and spilled organic chemical may allowed to incubate in a perforated drum with a lid.

Abstract: An artificial soil composition and a method of growing vegetation on a sloped surface, especially a cut rock surface are disclosed. The artificial soil composition includes peat, granular soil, sewage sediment formed by the treatment of urban waste for example and pulp sludge formed by the de-watering of fibrous material and is a byproduct of the manufacture of paper from wood pulp. The artificial soil composition is applied over a meshing which is secured over a sloped cut rock surface. Plants are grown in the layer of artificial soil. Experimentally, the artificial soil is shown to have an increased adhesion to the inclined surface compared to natural soil, promotes plant growth and retains water to a greater extent than natural soil but does not cause an environmental hazard resulting from the leaching of compounds in the run-off water.The preferred concentrations of the constituents by weight are: peat (10-30%) granular soil (10-30%) sewage sediment (40-60%) and pulp sludge (25-44%).

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: The invention relates to a nutrient rich humus material produced by a process wherein solids in an aqueous slurry of the excrement are precipitated in a solids ecoreactor, the treated slurry is passed to a bioreactor wherein soluble phosphorus is precipitated with metallic salts, the slurry is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus and the aqueous slurry containing bioconverted phosphorus is recycled to said solids ecoreactor wherein the at least a portion of slurry is bioconverted and recovered as a beneficial humus material.

Abstract: A one step process is provided which denitrifies explosives and propellants and reclaims the evolved nitrogen therefrom while concurrently modifying the remaining carbonaceous materials into humic acid suitable for plant fertilizer applications. Explosives and propellants are hydrolyzed with a solution of ACTOSOL.RTM. humic acid extract. The humic acid extract fixes the free nitrogen evolved, preventing its loss as ammonia or NO.sub.x gases. The ACTOSOL.RTM. fixed nitrogen is then available directly to plants as slow-release nitrogen, and can directly replace nitrogen derived from urea or other sources in plant fertilizers., The carbonaceous material remaining from the denitrification process is non-explosive and is taken up in the humic acid matrix. This material is immediately available to plants as a carbon source.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved bioremediation process comprising the steps of: (a) inoculating cotton gin trash or an equivalent plant material with soil from a contaminated site; (b) composting the inoculated cotton gin trash; (c) mixing the contaminated soil at a ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:5 by volume with the composted, inoculated cotton gin trash and certain chemical accelerators; and (d) allowing the mixture to incubate for a suitable time at ambient temperature until the contaminated soil is cleansed.

Abstract: A method for disinfecting non-peat based plant-growth media, especially coir, which does not leave phytotoxic residues in the medium by contacting the medium with one or more water-soluble peroxygens is disclosed. The water-soluble peroxygen is preferably selected from the group comprising hydrogen peroxide and organic peracids, especially peracetic acid.

Abstract: A process for forming a microelement deficiency-corrector comprising a mixture of trace elements, in hydrated sulfate form, optionally containing carbonates and including iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc, with the following typical elemental analysis: Magnesium 3.5-6%; iron 12-19%; Manganese 11.5%; zinc 0.2-0.3% and organic matter 0-45%.The process comprises mixing 50-95% of the by-product of manufacture of titanium bioxide via sulfate, 5-10% alkaline earth carbonate or magnesite and, optionally, 10-45% organic matter, grinding the mixture, granulating it and drying it, cooling it and screening it.The corrector is used in agriculture to prevent and control ferric chlorysis, to favour physiological processes of harvests in which iron takes part and to avoid deficiencies of manganese and zinc farmland.

Abstract: Bacterial strains can be reproducibly isolated from soil that are root-colonizing and directly promote plant development. For example, strains of soil bacteria are provided that are good root colonizers and that promote plant growth under gnotobiotic conditions.

Abstract: Bacterial strains can be reproducibly isolated from the rhizosphere that enhance yield in nonroot crops under field conditions.

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: To make an artificial topsoil combine by hand or in a blending machine, by volume, either dredged river silt, sand or basalt, and cellulose from recycled paper or yard waste, with composted animal or human waste for general reclamation and cereal crops, or vegetable or fruit residuals for gardens or potting soil, and then add calcium in the form of calcium silicate as slag or lime and ammonium nitrate or sulfate mixed with water, and then charcoal or equivalent amount of phosphorus, sodium, and sulfur as are present in charcoal. This combination of material replicates the calcium base, decaying cellulose, silt and animal or vegetable waste structure of natural soils.Various soil types can be duplicated by adjusting the base content of sand, silt, or basalt and rearranging the nutrient and mineral content to compensate for differing levels of each, for example: calcium and organic percentages should be increased to maximum when using sand as a base.

Abstract: The invention relates to a improved process for the biological transformation of phosphorus and nitrogen containing animal waste excrement into ecologically manageable materials by a process wherein solids in an aqueous slurry of the excrement are precipitated in a solids ecoreactor, the treated slurry is passed to a bioreactor zone where it is soluble phosphorus is precipitated with metallic salts, the slurry is aerobically and anaerobically treated to form an active biomass that actively bioconverts remaining soluble phosphorus and the aqueous slurry containing bioconverted phosphorus is passed to a polishing ecoreactor zone wherein the at least a portion of slurry is bioconverted to a beneficial humus material.

Abstract: This agricultural field utilization of tonnage quantities of a composite powder of coal combustion fly ash containing desulfurization residue prevents the escape of fugitive dust from the powder and effectively manages any cementitious tendencies of the powder, while raising the pH of the soil and adding plant nutrient elements to the soil. The powder is added to water at a weight ratio of 10:8-20 in an enclosed tank having a capacity of at least about 2,000 gallons. Mixing is conducted for at least about 5 minutes to form a soil treatment slurry composition easily flowable through a pipe of about 1-inch diameter. The treatment composition is applied on the agricultural soil before the composition hardens to a cementitious state, preferably by spraying directly from the mixing tank. The coating thickness is sufficient to amend just the top portion of the agricultural soil that supports plant growth, to elevate the pH above about 6.