Abstract: The present invention provides a process of decontaminating, by composting under specific conditions, soil and/or sediments containing certain toxic cyclical organic compound contaminants by converting these contaminants into harmless materials. The compounds include chlordane, dieldrin, toxaphene, aldrin, endrin, and heptachlorepoxide. The process includes the step of affecting a solid compost mixture during composting with a redox potential below negative 200 mV (millivolts). Further, the process includes several steps which are repeated until an amount of contaminant is degraded to less than 140 ppm (part per million) per ton of soil.

Abstract: This invention aims to provide an inorganic porous body which can be ensured with high strength and high porosity and which is applicable to soil conditioners. The inorganic porous body has a pellet-shape, having pores, includes 50% and more silica by weight, and 20% and more alumina by weight. Also, the inorganic porous body has a porosity of 40% and more by volume. The sludge, which discharged from casting foundries as sludge-wastes and which has an ignition loss of 20%, is utilized as a starting material. The starting material is mixed with water to make a mixture, the mixture is formed to become pellets, and the pellets are burned.

Abstract: A method of processing fibrous waste materials, such as textile waste, in which the waste materials which are not particulate are formed into particles, and the particles are thoroughly mixed to form a waste mixture. The waste mixture has an increased temperature which allows the mixture to be used as a heat source as well as a plant growth medium. A particulate source of calcium may be added to the mixture if it is to be used as a plant growth medium. The plant growth medium may be mixed after formation with a dry wood waste mixture to enhance both its growth and heat properties.

Abstract: The invention concerns a high-grade, long-duration, organic fertilizer and a method of manufacturing it by the oxidative ammonolysis of industrial lignin. The fertilizer contains nitrogen in the form of ammonium compounds, normally hydrolyzable amides and more strongly bound organic nitrogen. The proportion of more strongly bound organic nitrogen is 55 to 85%, preferably 65 to 80%, relative to the total nitrogen content of the fertilizer. The manufacturing process uses industrial lignin precipitated under alkaline conditions from alkaline waste liquors, extracts or solutions. Preliminary tests have confirmed that this process gives a natural-like, high-grade, long-duration fertilizer similar to humus in character and with surprisingly good environmental compatibility.

Abstract: A slow release fertilizer or pesticide composition and a method for making the same is provided. The composition is made by combining thermoplastic resin with cellulosic material and then adding a fertilizer or pesticide. The thermoplastic resin and the cellulosic material preferably come from the solid waste stream. The resulting composition can be molded into various articles or ground into a granular powder.

Abstract: A process for making organic slow release nitrogenous fertilizers from pyrolysis products obtained from the pyrolysis of biomass uses a chemical reaction to combine a nitrogen compound containing the --NH.sub.2 group with the pyrolysis products to form a mixture. The mixture is heated to form organic nitrogen compounds. Various sources of biomass can be used. The mixture can be heated to remove water and to cause polymerization and solidification to occur. The mixture can also be combined with an absorbent. Previously, nitrogenous fertilizers had been produced using an ammoxidation process requiring long reaction times of up to several hours.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of decontaminating soil and/or sediments containing DDT type contaminants by converting these contaminants into harmless materials thereby decontaminating the soil to whatever extent desired, either partial decontamiation or complete remediation. The process comprises treating solid and/or sediment which contains populations of viable anaerobic and aerobic microbes capable of transforming DDT type contaminants into harmless materials and being viable under both anaerobic and aerobic conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process of decontaminating soil and/or sediments containing DDT type contaminants by converting these contaminants into harmless materials thereby decontaminating the soil to whatever extent desired, either partial decontamination or complete remediation.

Abstract: The present invention entails a method for treating and conditioning poultry manure to form an organic product that is capable of biologically removing hydrocarbon based molecules from soils and other surfaces. Poultry manure is composted by mixing and agitating the poultry manure contained in a mixing station. During this process, specific and selected microorganisms are added to the poultry manure. These microorganisms are specific in that they have a special affinity for consuming and reducing hydrocarbons. The added microorganisms are caused to multiply and proliferate by continuously agitating and aerating the poultry manure. Finally, a treated and conditioned poultry manure product is formed and thereafter, the formed poultry product is screened and bagged and in select cases can be pelletized.

Abstract: A process for disposal of organic waste containing large quantities of fat or oil. A sample of the waste is decomposed in soil containing ample quantities of nutrients required for decomposition, specifically nitrogen and phosphorus. Resulting test data indicates how much nutrient material is required for decomposition, and how much, and when, nutrient material is released to the soil after decomposition. The waste is then incorporated into soil in a field, and nutrients are applied to induce a rapid decomposition phase in which soil organisms absorb and immobilize the applied nutrients to decompose the waste and a subsequent mineralization phase in which the soil organisms release nutrients to the soil. A crop is appropriately selected and planted to begin absorbing significant quantities of soil available nutrients during the mineralization phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of disposing obsolete planting seed treated with seed-protectant coatings, especially coatings comprising captan or any of the other widely used compounds such as, for example, pirimiphos-methyl and thiram, alone or in combination with other fungicidally or even insecticidally active compounds, which process comprises subjecting the said plant seed to a compostation.

Abstract: A soil amendment for reclaiming mine spoils and for enriching agricultural, horticultural, and turf grass soils while reducing the release of heavy metals into the environment comprising a liming agent, expanded vermiculite or perlite particles, fly ash, and a reaction product generated by exposing a calcium compound in a duct-injection process to a combustion flue-gas stream containing sulfur dioxide.

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 process for biodegradation of crude oil wastes and for recovery of contaminated land including the steps of extracting sludges containing the wastes, collecting the sludges into a container, mixing an alkaline salt with the sludges so as to react the salt with the sludges under a generally constant degree of humidity, adding black earth to the mixed alkaline sludges so as to neutralize the alkaline sludges and to degrade the oil wastes through chemical reactions, adding a material to the neutralized sludges so as to enrich the sludges, and forming a humus of the neutralized sludges by the organic degradation of the neutralized sludges through fermentation or putrefaction. The material added to the neutralized sludges so as to enrich the sludges can be selected from the group including sawdust, rice husks, sugar cane bagasse, and animal excrement.

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: A complex composition formed by the product resulting from the action of urea on a sludge of petroleum origin containing by weight from 50 to 99% of sulfuric acid and from 1 to 20% of organic residues. The acid sludge may contain water and often comes from an alkylation reaction. This composition can be used as a source of fertilizing material or as a component of a fertilizing formulation.

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.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a fertilizer and a process for producing the same which incorporates flyash, which is a by-product from the coal fired utility industry, with an organic fertilizing component comprising manure. The flyash and manure are mixed with the resulting mixture compressed by passing the mixture through a roller press thereby forming a sheet and then fracturing the sheet into chips or other particulate form. The water content of the mixture is controlled in an effort to produce particulates having high dry strength.

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: Two nuisance waste products, namely sewage sludge ash and water treatment lime, are mixed together to provide an agricultural soil treatment composition which enhances the nutrient value and raises the pH of the soil for improved plant growth while simultaneously minimizing the risk of wind blown ash dust.

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 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: 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: Two heretofore bothersome waste products, namely sewage sludge ash and water treatment lime, are mixed together to provide an agricultural soil treatment enhancing the nutrient value and raising the pH of the soil for improved plant growth while simultaneously minimizing the risk of wind blown ash dust. The ash is readily dryable and dusty but this feature is obscured by the water treatment lime which has a tendency to retain water. Mixing of tonnage quantities is conducted at a site near the facility generating the ash; and the mixture is transported to the agricultural soil to be treated and applied at a quantity between 2 and 70 tons of the water-containing mixture per acre of the soil. The application quantity is sufficient to raise the level of the soil-water pH of acid soil to a value of at least 6.5 but not above about 7.5 and insufficient to add to the soil more than the governmental limits for several heavy metals. Many nutrients needed for plant growth are contained in the mixture.

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: A method of processing vegetable oil in which non-toxic reagents are used, so that a waste stream is evolved suitable for use as a nutrient source and wherein the non-toxic reagents include nutrient components whereby the nutrient value of the waste stream is enhanced.

Abstract: A process for the production of a granular fertilizer product from biological or municipal sewage sludge is described. This process involves (1) gently blending the biological sludge with sufficient lime-containing material (preferably lime kiln dust) to raise the pH of the blended material to at least 11 pH units, and preferably at least 12 pH units, in such a manner as to avoid or prevent the formation of a slurry; (2) then conditioning the blended materials at a temperature of 180.degree. F.

Abstract: An apparatus for the composting of fermentable organic refuse includes a rotating digester tube with a feed auger continuously providing refuse to the tube and a number of discharge outlets at the distal end of the tube. A number of agitating vanes extend along substantially the entire length of the interior of the digester tube, each vane including sections extending parallel to the axis of the tube and sections angled relative to the tube axis to assist in transporting the refuse along the tube. The digester tube is also provided with a number of air tubes extending along substantially the entire length of the tube and connected through a plenum to a blower at the distal end of the tube. Each of the air tubes includes a number of air openings therethrough for providing counter-flow air at each stage of the fermentation process within the tube.

Abstract: Process for converting phospho-gypsum waste product from the wet process of manufacturing phosphoric acid from phosphate rock by ammoniating said product at a pH of 6.5 or less and adjusting the phosphorus and potassium values of said ammoniated product by addition of one or more sources of potassium and phosphorus.

Abstract: Process of furnishing slow release nitrogen to field soil comprising inserting and distributing in the soil in particulate or granular form melamine, ammeline, ammelide, cyanuric acid, mixtures thereof, their salts, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Synthetic inorganic chemical fertilizers are treated with lignosulfonate to harden and provide anti-caking and anti-dusting properties to the fertilizer particles. The fertilizer/lignosulfonate mixture includes up to about 5.0% by weight lignosulfonate on fertilizer. An improved method of treating inorganic fertilizers with lignosulfonate is 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: 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: An improved plant growth medium is prepared by treating a conventionally composted bio-mass waste material with an aqueous solution or dispersion of an antimicrobial in an amount which selectively inhibits deleterious rhizobacteria.

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: Synthetic inorganic chemical fertilizers are treated with lignosulfonate to harden and provide anticaking and anti-dusting properties to the fertilizer particles. The fertilizer/lignosulfonate mixture includes up to about 5.0% by weight lignosulfonate on fertilizer. An improved method of treating inorganic fertilizers with lignosulfonate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of fertilizing soil comprising the steps of treating soapstock with an acid containing phosphorus compounds, separating the acid oil from the acid water, and using the resulting acid water as fertilizer, or fertilizer component. Such use is particularly effective in precision fertilizer delivery systems having small passages which would be adversely affected by insolubles.

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: According to the present invention, an artificial soil, which has compound effects, and is used in a wide range, and is easy to handle, is obtained by mixing Shirasu, fine particles of fossils, pulverized organic materials and soil-aggregating agent powders, and a construction of a bed soil for a putting green having excellent drainage and water-holding property and fertilizer-holding property is obtained by forming the bed soil of an upper growth layer formed of the artificial soil formed of a mixture comprising Shirasu, fine particles of fossils, pulverized organic materials and soil-aggregating agent powders, sands and soils and a lower drainage-layer formed of sands or mainly comprising sands.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a technique and provides for apparatus eminently useful for the econimic recovery of Fe, Zn, and S from waste galvinizer sulfuric acid and crystals of iron sulfate and zinc sulfate. The technique or method of the instant invention involves the ammoniation of the acid or a solution prepared from such crystals followed by the partial oxidation of the resulting ammoniated suspension to a point where the desired product magnetite is formed in the separated from a marketable solution of ammoniacal zinc sulfate. The effecting of the instant technique requires only a minimal amount of relatively inexpensive equipment and is simply and easily placed into practice by, for example, sparging anhydrous ammonia into a stirred tank of waste acid until the Ph is elevated to about 10. Air can be sparged through the resulting slurry to oxidize the iron in the acid. After a proper incubation period, the desired stable product, e.g.

Abstract: A plant growing medium has a fabricated fibrous product having a density below 4.5 pcf, and preferably below 3.0 pcf, as a root supporting structure. The product comprises a pack of fibers, the fibers having a three-dimensional orientation and at least some of the fibers being glass fibers, and binder binding the fibers to each other at substantially every place of fiber-to-fiber contact.

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: An environmentally acceptable disposal site has at least one vapor break extending through a pile of synthetic fuel tailings, spent catalyst, spent ore, and/or other waste material. The vapor breaks can be permeable seams or columns of porous rocky overburden and/or a pneumatic pipeline. Circulation of air through the vapor breaks can be enhanced by air blowers, fans, or other force air inducers. The top and sides of the pile are covered with top soil and vegetated with trees, shrubbery, and grass to minimize erosion and blowing of the tailings as well as to provide a pleasing aesthetic appearance. The tailings preferably comprise spent oil shale which has been combusted, cooled, and moisturized. Desirably, the disposal site is built and operated in conjunction with a surface retort, combustor, heat recovery unit (cooler), and associated equipment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of penicillin-free mycelium masses from water-containing penicillin production culture (=wet mycelium), which have been formed by fermentation, by removing the residual penicillin usually contained therein by subjecting the wet mycelium to anerobic lactic fermentation using penicillin-resistant Lactobacilli, in which, with the mycelium mass being broken down, a penicillin-free silage product results, which can be stored under anerobic conditions and is used as animal feed, in particular for cattle and pigs, or as fertilizer.

Abstract: A formulation for the reduction of amine and ammonia odors of organic waste material comprising spent sulfite liquor containing substantially undegraded lignosulfonates and sugars, to which is added from 1 to 15%, by weight of the total solids content, of acetic acid and from 0.5 to 10 grams, per liter of formulation, of phenolic carbonyl compounds, the formulation having a pH of from 6.5 to 8.0 and preferably having being stripped of dissolved SO.sub.2.

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: A method for manufacturing a compound solid fertilizer is disclosed in which, inexpensive chlorides such as potassium chloride, ammonium chloride and so forth are used as supplementary fertilizer components to be admixed with a phosphate or silicophosphate gel-sol mixture prepared by mixing phosphoric acid with the aforementioned inorganic compound minerals consisting principally of iron, aluminum, magnesium and others. During granulation and hardening, resultant combined chlorine is separated and recovered in the form of hydrochloric acid to minimize the chlorine radical content, thereby permitting not only the manufacture of a fertilizer with practically no bad effect on soil but also the fabrication of hydrochloric acid. Concentrated phosphoric acid, such as super phosphoric acid or concentrated phosphate can be used as the phosphoric acid. A slow-working fertilizer raw material can be further mixed with the gel-sol mixture.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for the production of denatured polyaddition products of biomasses and isocyanates, comprising reacting(A) from 5 to 98%, by weight, based on (A)+(B), of a biomass based on microorganisms or derivative and decomposition products thereof with(B) from 95 to 2%, by weight, based on (A)+(B), of a compound containing isocyanate groups, at temperatures of at least 50.degree. C. with complete denaturing of component (A).

Abstract: A process having the two-fold result of the disposal of waste pickle liquor and the production of a highly useful fertilizer in which urea is mixed with waste pickle liquor to produce a stable liquid fertilizer.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for the production of denatured polyaddition products of biomasses and isocyanates, comprising reacting(A) from 5 to 98%, by weight, based on (A)+(B), of a biomass based on microorganisms or derivative and decomposition products thereof with(B) from 95 to 2%, by weight, based on (A)+(B), of a compound containing isocyanate groups, at temperatures of at least 50.degree. C. with complete denaturing of component (A).