Abstract: A method of treating biomass feed by pyrolyzing it in the presence of superheated steam at a selected temperature for a sufficient time to produce at least one product stream.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of enhancing plant growth, comprising treating plant seed or the plant that germinates from the seed with an effective amount of at least one chitooligosaccharide, wherein upon harvesting the plant exhibits at least one of increased plant yield measured in terms of bushels/acre, increased root number, increased root length, increased root mass, increased root volume and increased leaf area, compared to untreated plants or plants harvested from untreated seed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of enhancing plant growth, comprising treating seed at least one month prior to planting with an effective amount of a plant signal molecule, wherein upon harvesting the plant exhibits at least one of increased plant yield measured in terms of bushels/acre, increased root number, increased root length, increased root mass, increased root volume and increased leaf area, compared to plants harvested from untreated seed, or compared to plants harvested from seed treated with the signal molecule just prior to or within a week or less of planting.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to degradable superabsorbent materials based on acetals of glyoxylic acid and derivatives thereof with polyvinyl alcohol, and methods of making the polymers. The polymers are used to make superabsorbent particles, coatings, sheets, and fibers. Formulations and articles including the superabsorbent polymers, particles, coatings, sheets, and fibers are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition, and its manufacture, used to add supplemental materials to plants for the purpose of increasing or modifying growth or the composition of the plant. The composition comprises silicon, sodium hydroxide, water, and a humic acid and fulvic acid blend.

Abstract: A coated granular material of the present invention includes: a water-soluble granular substance; a coating layer applied to at least a surface of the water-soluble granular substance and containing a thermosetting resin A formed from a resin liquid having a molar ratio A of isocyanate groups to hydroxyl groups of 0.5 to 0.99; and a protection layer applied to the coating layer and containing a thermosetting resin B formed from a resin liquid having a molar ratio B of isocyanate groups to hydroxyl groups of 0.75 to 2.0, wherein the molar ratio B of the protection layer is greater than the molar ratio A of the coating layer. The present coated granular material is capable of achieving both of a short-term release pattern and an initial release limiting function and maintaining good quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of metal complexes comprising a ligand derived from 2-aryl-2-hydroxyacetic acid and a divalent or trivalent metal cation and to the use of the said ligands in dissolving divalent or trivalent metal cations in aqueous phase. The said complexes can be used to treat metal deficiencies in plants.

Abstract: A granular cohered MOP fertilizer having one or more micronutrients, and one or more binding ingredients. The fertilizer is prepared by compacting MOP feed material with one or more micronutrients and one or more optional binders to form a cohered MOP composition. The cohered MOP composition is then further processed, such as by crushing and sizing, to form a cohered granular MOP product containing micronutrients. The process yields a fertilizer product containing micronutrients with superior elemental and granule size distribution without comprising handling or storage qualities.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fertilizer composition comprising a water-insoluble slow-release reacted nitrogen fertilizer and an effective amount of a water-soluble, non-aromatic poly(amino acid) of the group poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(glycine), poly(lysine) a copolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and a terpolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and aspartic acid, wherein the poly(amino acid) has a molecular size larger than that which can be absorbed by a plant. A method of making and using the fertilizer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Use of formulations comprising (A) one or more aminocarboxylates, selected from among methylglycine diacetate (MGDA) and its alkali metal salts and glutamic diacetate (GLDA) and its alkali metal salts, (B) at least one inorganic compound selected from among inorganic phosphates, inorganic phosphites, inorganic nitrates, ammonium salts and potassium salts and (C) optionally water for the application to plants, the ground or growth substrates.

Abstract: The invention relates to aminocarboxylates in solid form which have a relatively high storage stability and improved processability, and to the use thereof in household products, in particular detergents, cleaners and care compositions, and in industrial processes.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising an acidifier intermixed with an emulsifier and a co-surfactant that form stable microemulsions in water. Also described are methods of dispersing a compound in an aqueous solution using the compositions of the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a potassium chloride composition comprising an iron complex of tartaric acid, characterized in that at least 5% by weight of the tartaric acid is mesotartaric acid and that a 10% by weight aqueous solution of said potassium chloride composition has a pH value of between 6 and 11. The present invention furthermore relates to a process to prepare such a potassium chloride composition and to the use of such a potassium chloride composition.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer composition and methods to produce the controlled release fertilizer composition are described. The controlled release fertilizer composition comprises a water soluble fertilizer core that is coated with a polymeric layer, intermediate layer, and a sulfur layer. If desired, the sulfur layer can be coated with an outer water-insoluble layer.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer composition and methods to produce the controlled release fertilizer composition are described. The controlled release fertilizer composition comprises a water soluble fertilizer core that is coated with a polymeric layer, intermediate layer, and a sulfur layer. If desired, the sulfur layer can be coated with an outer water-insoluble layer.

Abstract: A composition for enhancing plant growth and a method of applying the composition onto hydrophobic surfaces and retaining the composition on these surfaces is disclosed. The composition comprises a superabsorbent, a binder and nutrients that may be applied onto surfaces of materials that are part of the plants or plant growth environment such as seeds, soil, mulch, plant roots and herbicides. An aqueous solution of the composition may be applied to the material surfaces through the irrigation system. Once dried, a substantially solid film forms on these surfaces that contains the superabsorbent and the nutrients that are available for the plants to enhance their growth.

Abstract: This invention provide processes for producing carboxylic acid product, along with useful salts. The carboxylic acid product that is produced according to this invention is preferably a C2-C12 carboxylic acid. Among the salts produced in the process of the invention are ammonium salts.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fertilizer composition comprising a water-insoluble slow-release reacted nitrogen fertilizer and an effective amount of a water-soluble, non-aromatic poly(amino acid) of the group poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(glycine), poly(lysine) a copolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and a terpolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and aspartic acid, wherein the poly(amino acid) has a molecular size larger than that which can be absorbed by a plant. A method of making and using the fertilizer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Coating compositions and methods of use, allowing for improved water and/or nutrient usage by seeds, plants, shrubs, and vegetation, among others, are disclosed.

Abstract: In one aspect, an improved nutritive media is provided that comprises from 10 g/L to 100 g/L of an adsorbent material, from 350 mg/L to 450 mg/L of NH4NO3, from 2000 mg/L to 3000 mg/L of KH2PO4, from 5 mg/L to 25 mg/L of FeSO4, from 600 mg/L to 1500 mg/L of MgSO4; and at least one component selected from the group consisting of: from 150 mg/L to 300 mg/L of Myo-inositol, from 1.5 mg/L to 3.0 mg/L of Thiamine-HCl, from 0.30 mg/L to 0.80 mg/L of Pyridoxine-HCl, from 1.5 mg/L to 3.0 mg/L of Nicotinic acid, from 0.15 mg/L to 0.30 mg/L of Riboflavin, from 0.75 mg/L to 2.0 mg/L of Ca-pantothenate, from 0.01 mg/L to 0.03 mg/L of Biotin and from 0.15 mg/L to 0.30 mg/L of Folic Acid. In another aspect, a manufactured seed is provided comprising the improved nutritive media.

Abstract: Phosphorus-free or low phosphorus fertilizer compositions containing a polyamino acid salt. The fertilizer formulations disclosed herein contain a nitrogen source, a potassium source, a polyamino acid salt and in some cases a low level source of phosphorus. The compositions may be in the form dry homogeneous blends and may be carried in liquid for application to surface or subsurface areas by conventional liquid fertilizer applying equipment.

Abstract: Embodiments include adjuvant formulations containing an alkoxylated alkanol adjuvant having the following alkanol structure: where the total number of carbon atoms of R1 and R2 are from about 3 to about 36, R2 can be hydrogen or C1 to C18, and R2 may or may not be branched, and wherein the alkoxylate is one of ethylene oxide, propylene, or mixture thereof. Further embodiments included methods for making and using the alkoxylated alkanol adjuvant formulations.

Abstract: Preferred aspects of the present invention provide ammonium nitrate compositions comprising ammonium nitrate and at least one stabilizing agent, and preferably a third compound. In certain preferred embodiments, the stabilizing agent, together with third compound, is present under conditions and in amounts effective to substantially reduce the detonation sensitivity of the composition and/or to otherwise improve a desired property of the composition.

Abstract: A composition includes a first chelating agent, a second chelating agent, and a plurality of metal ions. In one embodiment, the second chelating agent includes citric acid and is different than the first chelating agent. A method for forming a composition includes mixing a first chelating agent, a second chelating agent, and a metal salt together to form a mixture and processing the mixture to form at least one of a granulated composition and a powdered composition. In some embodiments, the second chelating agent includes citric acid and is different than the first chelating agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coated dehydrated microorganisms comprising a dehydrated microorganism surrounded by at least one coating, said coating comprising by dry weight at least 25% of hygroscopic salt(s) and wherein the pH of the coating is compatible with viability of the coated dehydrated microorganism. The coating can be partially crystalline, the salt(s) in the coating having preferably a crystallinity degree of up to 60% once applied onto the dehydrated microorganism. The present invention also relates to liquid coating compositions, methods for coating and protecting a dehydrated microorganism. Finally, the present invention relates to a method for the preparation of food products, feed products, consumer healthcare products or agri-products as well as to a food product, feed product, a consumer healthcare product or an agri-product containing such coated dehydrated microorgansims.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing multi-phase microparticles. The method comprises dissolving at least three different polymers in a volatile organic solvent to obtain a first solution. The first solution comprises at least two cloud points, wherein the second cloud point is higher than the first cloud point. Viscosity of the first solution and the first and second cloud point are selected such that the at least three different polymers are immiscible with each other in the first solution. The first solution is dispersed into an aqueous continuous phase which comprises a surfactant to obtain an emulsion. The volatile organic solvent is evaporated from the emulsion. The total concentration of the at least three different polymers together in the emulsion before evaporation is below the first cloud point, or is above the first cloud point and below the second cloud point or is above the second cloud point.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biochar-containing composition comprising biochar having organic matter therein and/or thereon, clay associated, optionally intercalated, with the organic matter, a non-clay mineral and optionally also a plant growth promoter.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fertilizer composition comprising a water-insoluble slow-release reacted nitrogen fertilizer and an effective amount of a water-soluble, non-aromatic poly(amino acid) of the group poly(aspartic acid), poly(glutamic acid), poly(glycine), poly(lysine) a copolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and a terpolymer of cystein and glutamic acid and aspartic acid, wherein the poly(amino acid) has a molecular size larger than that which can be absorbed by a plant. A method of making and using the fertilizer composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are composites that comprise regenerated cellulose, a first active substance, a second active substance, and a linker. Methods for preparing the composites that involve the use of ionic liquids are also disclosed. Articles prepared from the disclosed composites and methods of using them are further disclosed.

Abstract: An electromagnetic radiation activated device comprises a property changing material and at least one functionalized fullerene that upon irradiation of the functionalized fullerenes with electromagnetic radiation of one or more frequencies a thermally activated chemical or physical transformation occurs in the property changing material. The thermal activated transformation of the property changing material is triggered by the heating or combustion of the functionalized fullerenes upon their irradiation. The device can include a chemical agent that is embedded in the property changing material and is released when the material is heated by the functionalized fullerenes upon irradiation.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by a coating which is the reaction product of a mixture including a cross-linked polyol, an isocyanate and a wax is described. The cross-linked polyol is a reaction product of a polyhydroxyl compound, such as glycerol, and a triglyceride and the monoglyceride and/or diglyceride products are cross-linked with sulfur, oxygen and/or a peroxide cross-linking moiety, or are directly cross-linked at unsaturated sites in the monoglycerides and/or diglycerides.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by, a coating of a mixture including an isocyanate and a polyol, and further comprising a modified wax that may include a polyhydroxyt compound in which the wax and/or the polyhydroxyl compound are cross-linked with a sulfur or oxygen or a peroxide cross-linking moiety. In certain embodiments, the wax and polyhydroxyl compound are cross-linked at unsaturated sites in the wax or polyhydroxyl compound using heat, UV or ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A continuous method and a production device for producing hydrolysis-resistant stable ionic titanium (Ti4+) are provided. The method comprises six steps: (i) carrying out redox reaction between metal titanium and excess strong acid; (ii) carrying out primary chelation; (iii) diluting; (iv) adjusting pH value for the first time; (v) carrying out secondary chelation; and (vi) adding microelement and adjusting pH value for the second time. The device includes a reaction kettle, multiple metering pumps, a chelation kettle, dilution tank, multiple precise mixing reaction kettles, the first chelator storage tank, a pure water storage tank, an alkali liquor storage tank, the second chelator storage tank, multiple microelements storage tanks, a control center, etc. The method uses a multi-points, spiral, reverse and atomization spraying technique synchronously to carry out digital full automatic continuous production and reach the effect of elaborately mixing the material.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by a coating including a mixture of a cross-linked polyol and an isocyanate, and optionally a wax, is described. In some embodiments, the cross-linked polyol can be cross-linked with sulfur, oxygen, and/or a peroxide cross-linking moiety. In one embodiment the cross-linked polyol is castor oil cross-linked with sulfur.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose an agricultural composition having an agrochemical active ingredient and at least one cocoalkylpolyamine alkoxylate agent.

Abstract: A concentrated aqueous fertilizer which is readily water-soluble and a method of applying the solubilized dilute fertilizer to crops to enhance crop production are described. The dry fertilizer contains a contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compounds, as well as a mixture of plant growth stimulators including at least one of each of growth promoters, vitamins, amino acids, carbohydrates/polysaccharides, and adjuvants.

Abstract: Multiple-component fertilizer materials and methods of use are provided, wherein the fertilizer materials include first and second fertilizer products respectively including an ammoniacal fertilizer (e.g., urea) in combination with a partial calcium salt of a selected copolymer, and a phosphorous fertilizer (e.g., DAP) in combination with a partial sodium salt of a selected copolymer. The copolymer fractions of the first and second fertilizer products are most preferably copolymers of itaconic acid and maleic anhydride. The fertilizer materials give synergistically enhanced crop yields when applied to soil or growing plants.

Abstract: A method of producing reduced volatility of urea fertilizers comprising: dissolving N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) in an amino alcohol having the formula 1—(H)x—N—((CH2)m—OH)n where m is 1-3, x is 0 or 1, and n is 2 when x is 1 and 3 when x is 0: or the formula 2—(H)y—N—((CH2)—CHOH—CH3)z such that the length of the carbon chain where the secondary hydroxyl group is located is 3, y is 0 or 1, and z is 2 when y is 1 and 3 when y is 0 to form an NBPT solution; and combining a urea fertilizer in granular or liquid form with the NBPT solution.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer including a fertilizer granule, having an outer surface, a coating of biopolymer composition on the outer surface of the fertilizer granule, wherein the biopolymer composition includes at least one biopolymer, and a process of making the controlled release fertilizer including the steps of screening fertilizer granules to a preselected granule size, heating a biopolymer to become substantially fluid, and applying the biopolymer onto the surface of the fertilizer granule to produce a coating on the granule of a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A composition has a core of at least one fertilizer substance and at least one layer of a coating material surrounding the core. The core may contain nitrogen and the coating material may include one or more linear, saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acids.

Abstract: Improved agriculturally useful products are provided, including solid materials such as nitrogenous fertilizers (e.g., urea), together with a polycarboxylated polymer selected from the group consisting of a salts of copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The polymer composition also includes from about 10-60% by weight of an organic drying agent such as a lower alcohol which enhances the quick drying properties thereof. The compositions may also include an amount of boron, and bimodal vinylic polymer made up of quantities of high and low molecular weight (MW) vinylic polymers such as PVA.

Abstract: Improved agriculturally useful products are provided, including solid materials such as nitrogenous fertilizers (e.g., urea), together with a polycarboxylated polymer selected from the group consisting of a salts of copolymers containing individual quantities of maleic and itaconic moieties. The polymer composition also includes from about 10-60% by weight of an organic drying agent such as a lower alcohol which enhances the quick drying properties thereof. The compositions may also include an amount of boron, and bimodal vinylic polymer made up of quantities of high and low molecular weight (MW) vinylic polymers such as PVA.

Abstract: Fertilizers may include one or more additives that render the fertilizer more resistant to further processing such as thermal processing and/or aqueous-based processing that may otherwise be employed in the attempt to produce explosive materials from the fertilizer. The one or more additives may include materials that increase the chances of detection by providing a visual or olfactory indication of further processing. The one or more additives may include materials that make further processing more difficult or dangerous.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention disclose a composition of an electrolyte solution comprising a water-soluble active ingredient; a water-insoluble solid active ingredient; and a dispersant that consists of a polyaminoamide resin, a polyoxyalkylene derivative thereof, a polyglycerol derivative thereof, a polycarbamate derivative thereof and a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a formulation containing calcium formiate, to the formulation itself, and to the use thereof for producing a product, and the use thereof as a fertilizer.

Abstract: Agricultural compositions which comprise: (i) a secondary nutrient or micronutrient; (ii) benzoic acid or a biologically acceptable derivative thereof; and (iii) a water soluble salt of Formula (I) wherein R1 is a C1-10alkenyl group, or a C2-10alkenyl group and M is a cation of valency n for administering a secondary nutrient or micronutrient to plants. Also formulations containing the compositions and methods of their use are included.

Abstract: Methods of inducing bud break of deciduous fruit vines, trees, or shrubs following dormancy by the application of bud breaker compositions that do not contain hydrogen cyanamide.

Abstract: Reduced volatility of urea fertilizers are prepared in accordance with the present invention by first preparing an N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) solution by dissolving NBPT in a mixture of an amino alcohol having the formula 1—(H)x—N—((CH2)m—OH)n where m is 1-3, x is 0 or 1, and n is 2 when x is 1 and 3 when x is 0: or the formula 2—(H)y—N—((CH2)—CHOH—CH3)z such that the length of the carbon chain where the secondary hydroxyl group is located is 3, y is 0 or 1, and z is 2 when y is 1 and 3 when y is 0, and a carboxylic acid having 6 or fewer carbon atoms. The solution is then combining with a urea fertilizer in granular or liquid form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel active compound combinations comprising a chito-oligosaccharide compound and a strigolactone compound. Compositions of the invention may further comprise a pesticidal active ingredient. The present invention also related to the use of such defined combinations and methods for using them in the control of plant growth and/or yield and/or in the control or prevention of pathogenic or pest damage and/or in order to decreasing the spending on fertilizers.

Abstract: A water dispersible pellet and method of producing same comprising: micronized elemental sulphur with 80% of particles less than 30 microns, a binder component in the amount ranging from 0.95% to 95% by weight; a surfactant in the amount ranging from 0.05% to 10% by weight; a soluble salt present in the amount ranging from 0.05% to 95% by weight; bentonite clay in the amount ranging from 0.05% to 95% by weight. The pellet having a mean particle domain size and a mean crushing strength, all in a form such that within a few minutes of contact with water the pellet disperses into particles with more than 10% of said particles passing through a 50 mesh (US Standard Size) screen.