Abstract: Liquid fertilizer compositions and methods of making liquid fertilizer compositions are set forth herein. In one embodiment, a liquid fertilizing composition includes an aqueous ammonium chloride solution having a pH between 6.5 and 8.5, a dispersant selected from anionic polyacrylamides, and a corrosion inhibitor. In another embodiment, a liquid fertilizing composition includes an aqueous solution having a pH between 6.5 and 8.5. The solution includes at least 16.5 percent by weight of ammonium chloride and between 0.5 and 1.0 percent by weight of dispersant. In yet another embodiment, a liquid fertilizing composition has a pH between 7.5 and 8.5. The composition consists essentially of at least 16.5 percent by weight ammonium chloride, between 0.5 and 1.0 percent by weight dispersant, an effective amount of corrosion inhibitor, and water.

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: Soil amendments which include starch-based superabsorbent polymer (SAP) particles are combined with a liquid fertilizer solution to form a flowable suspension. Methods for manufacturing the SAP liquid fertilizer suspension are disclosed. The starch-based SAP product may include a monomer graft polymerized onto a starch in the presence of an initiator to form a starch graft copolymer. Various mesh sizes of granular SAP particles may be mixed with a liquid fertilizer solution that optionally includes a micronutrient multivalent cation solution.

Abstract: A method of using trace amounts of certain compounds to reduce or inhibit corrosion on metal surfaces exposed to corrosive materials is disclosed. The compounds include hydroxlamines, acrylate polymers or copolymers, certain organic acids, tannic acid, carbohydrazide and its derivates and salts, and combinations of these compounds. The metal surfaces may include any ferrous metal piping or equipment surfaces, such as that used during storage, transport, and other processing of such materials. A corrosion-inhibited UAN solution having about 20 to about 50 percent by weight water and from less than 10 to about 1,000 ppm of one or more of the described corrosion inhibitors, and a pH from about 7 to about 8 is also disclosed.

Abstract: Salts of mineral nutrients stabilized with amino acids and/or ammonium salt, product and food supplement in which they are included and procedures of obtention, where the salts are obtained with anions of organic acids or inorganic anions and metallic cations associated with amino acids and/or ammonium salt, in which the invention introduces its general structure: {[Ac]n?·Men+?n[Amino acid and/or ammonium salt]}·xH2O Where ? represents a covalent dative bond, These new compounds have better taste and more solubility in water, making them more bioavailable.

Abstract: Potato quality is improved by applying to the plant or to the locus of the plant a composition comprising (a) a compound capable of forming a chelate with iron or (b) a chelate of iron with a chelate-forming compound. Specific quality improvements include increasing the dry matter content, increasing the starch content and reducing the reducing sugar content. A preferred iron chelate is that of EDDHA, available commercially as SEQUESTRENE 138 Fe 100.

Abstract: A nitrification inhibitor and a soil improver and a fertilizer containing the same are offered which can be utilized in a wide area from a tropical to a temperate zone, and can be easily obtained from natural origin materials. It is a nitrification inhibitor to inhibit soil nitrification, containing juglone as a main component. By incorporating this nitrification inhibitor into a soil improver or a fertilizer, nitrification of soil can be effectively inhibited. The nitrification inhibitor is preferably contained in a soil improver or a fertilizer in the range of 20 to 50% weight %.

Abstract: Insecticidal compositions suitable for use in preparation of insecticidal granular fertilizer and insecticidal formulations comprising a pyrethroid and a glycol present in a concentration of from 40.0% by weight to 99.0% by weight based upon the total weight of all components in the composition is disclosed.

Abstract: A controlled release sulfur coated fertilizer with improved abrasion resistance is produced by applying a precursor coating that forms a cohesive film which adheres to the fertilizer substrate particles and to the sulfur that is subsequently applied in molten form. The improved fertilizer also optionally comprises a sealant coating applied after the molten sulfur. This invention is to the composition of the fertilizer and the method of production.

Abstract: Improved, low-pH aqueous polymer mixtures are provided which can be applied directly to soils or incorporated within ammoniacal nitrogen-containing fertilizers to inhibit nitrification in soils, thus enhancing plant uptake of ammonium and yields. The polymers are advantageously used as metal (e.g., Ca) salts or complexes at pH levels of up to about 2. The polymers have anionic functional groups and are highly water dispersible.

Abstract: A liquid foliar feed concentrate comprising, water containing therein, i) at least one foliar feed plant nutrient which is present in an amount of at least 5% weight of active nutrient based on total weight of the composition, ii) 800 to 50,000 ppm of at least one water-soluble polymer, and iii) 800 to 250,000 ppm of at least one surfactant. The foliar feed plant nutrient is preferably selected from the group consisting of NPK nutrients, calcium containing nutrients, urea, ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, mono ammonium phosphate, di ammonium phosphate, micronutrients and molybdenum containing nutrients. The preparation of the liquid foliar feed concentrates is also claimed. The invention also relates to the preparation of sprayable foliar feed compositions. The liquid concentrate can be used to prepare sprayable foliar feed compositions. The invention also describes a method of foliar feeding plant(s) using the sprayable compositions.

Abstract: Two methods have been developed for producing a glycoluril slow release fertilizer suspension product. Urea and glyoxal are reacted at a urea to glyoxal mole ratio between 2.0 and 8.0. One or more mineral acids are added between 10 and 30 percent by weight of the formulation and heated between 80 and 100 degrees C. until 70% or more of the glyoxal has been converted to water insoluble glycoluril particles. The pH may be adjusted with an inorganic base, primary fertilizer nutrients added, and a suspending agent is admixed to form a stable suspension. A “green chemistry” method requiring no heat also yields a stable product at room temperature by mixing all the materials and immediately placing the product in storage. The glycoluril product forms during storage in high yield. As such, the liquid glycoluril fertilizer suspensions are stable and easily applied through liquid application, or can be used as a raw material component of a granulated fertilizer product.

Abstract: Biodegradable chelating agents comprising a substituted iminodisuccinic acid having six coordination sites and a simple method for making same are disclosed. The method calls for mixing together an acid anhydride or lactone with a polyfunctional amine to obtain an amide which is further reacted with an amine. The chelating agents are particularly useful for agricultural applications such as fertilizers.

Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers are disclosed that comprise a buffered composition of an organic acid and salts thereof and a phosphorous-containing acid and salts thereof. The concentrated phosphorus fertilizers can be diluted with water of pH ranging from about 6.5 to about 8.5 at ratios of concentrate to water at about 1:40 to about 1:600 to result in a fertilizer having a pH in the range acceptable for foliar uptake of phosphorus.

Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers are disclosed that comprise a buffered composition of an organic acid and salts thereof and a phosphorous-containing acid and salts thereof. The concentrated phosphorus fertilizers can be diluted with water of pH ranging from about 6.5 to about 8.5 at ratios of concentrate to water at about 1:40 to about 1:600 to result in a fertilizer having a pH in the range acceptable for foliar uptake of phosphorus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a granular fertilizer which is coated with a thermosetting resin layer (first thermosetting resin layer), a water-insoluble material layer and a thermosetting resin layer (second thermosetting resin layer) from inner to outer layers, and it can release fertilizer ingredients for a long time, by a smaller amount of coating materials than known coated fertilizers.

Abstract: The present invention provides a granular fertilizer which is coated with a water-insoluble material layer (first water-insoluble material layer), a thermosetting resin layer (first thermosetting resin layer), a water-insoluble material layer (second water-insoluble material layer) and a thermosetting resin layer (second thermosetting resin layer) from inner to outer layers, and it can release fertilizer ingredients for a long time, by a smaller amount of coating materials than known coated fertilizers.

Abstract: What is described herein is an aqueous dispersion for coating water-soluble granules of a water soluble active agricultural chemical to substantially increase the rain fastness of the active. The dispersion includes by wt. (a) at least 0.1% of a polymeric anionic dispersing agent, (b) 5–30% of a water-insoluble, natural or synthetic inorganic or organic polymer, and (c) to 100% of water.

Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers are disclosed that comprise a buffered composition of an organic acid and salts thereof and a phosphorous-containing acid and salts thereof. The concentrated phosphorus fertilizers can be diluted with water of pH ranging from about 6.5 to about 8.5 at ratios of concentrate to water at about 1:40 to about 1:600 to result in a fertilizer having a pH in the range acceptable for foliar uptake of phosphorus.

Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers are disclosed that comprise a buffered composition of an organic acid and salts thereof and a phosphorous-containing acid and salts thereof. The concentrated phosphorus fertilizers can be diluted with water of pH ranging from about 6.5 to about 8.5 at ratios of concentrate to water at about 1:40 to about 1:600 to result in a fertilizer having a pH in the range acceptable for foliar uptake of phosphorus.

Abstract: A stable aqueous suspension of water-soluble polyacrylamide particles is in a saturated solution of an ammonium salt. The polyacrylamide particles are characterized by a particle size of about ?150 mesh, and preferably ?270 mesh, with ?400 mesh most preferred. The suspension is at least about 2.5% by weight polyacrylamide. When the ammonium salt is ammonium sulfate, PAM concentrations as high as about 15% by weight can be achieved while still being easily flowable. The suspension is made by stirring the small particle PAM into the saturated ammonium salt solution. The PAM can be quickly dissolved to form a less concentrated PAM solution by adding the suspension to water or to a dilute solution, which can include calcium salts or other soil enhancers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination adjuvant comprising an ammonium sulfate fertilizer impregnated with a drift reducing agent. The drift reducing agent is preferably polyacrylamide. Anti-caking and drying agents are preferably added to the combination adjuvant to provide ease of use and prevent caking and agglomeration of the adjuvant. The combination adjuvant is formed by mixing a liquid drift reducing agent with dry ammonium sulfate granules. Any additional agents are added and mixed with the drift reducing agent and ammonium sulfate. Because each granule comprises approximately the same amount of drift reducing agent, the composition of the combination adjuvant is uniform, even after storage and transport.

Abstract: Biodegradable chelating agents comprising a substituted iminodisuccinic acid having six coordination sites and a simplified method for making same are disclosed. The method calls for mixing together an acid anhydride or lactone with a polyfunctional amine to obtain an amide which is further reacted with an amine. The chelating agents are particularly useful for agricultural applications such as fertilizers.

Abstract: A pellet for use in conditioning soil made of a lignocellulose fiber matrix having up to 20% by weight of a soil conditioning material incorporated therein. The soil conditioning material comprises one or more synthetic soil conditioning polymers and, optionally, additional soil enhancing additives such as fertilizers, gypsum, and calcium salts. The preferred lignocellulose materials are pulp fibers with an alpha-cellulose purity of greater than about 75% by weight, with preferred lignin content of no higher than 10%. The soil conditioning polymers are preferably polyacrylamides (PAMs) or modified PAMs, but may be a combination of other soil conditioning polymers. The pellet is produced by dispersing the polymers into a bath of lignocellulose fibers. The dispersion is then formed into pellets with a pelletizing machine such that the polymer and other soil conditioning material is interspersed within the matrix formed by the pelletized lignocellulose.

Abstract: A solid, water-soluble or water-dispersible composition comprising a non film-forming material (such as a water-soluble agrochemical) supported by a film-forming polymer is prepared by (i) preparing a film-forming aqueous medium containing (a) a film-forming polymer which is a partially or fully charged homopolymer or a partially charged block copolymer or a homopolymer or block copolymer capable of ring-opening to form a partially charged homopolymer or block copolymer and (b) a water soluble material which is non film-forming (such as a glyphosate salt) and thereafter (ii) drying the film-forming aqueous medium to form the solid composition. The preferred film-forming polymer is alkyl vinylether maleic anhydride block co-polymer or a hydrolysed form thereof.

Abstract: A coated triggered start product is formed from a particulate core material comprising at least one water soluble active constituent and at least one coating layer applied on the particulate core material. The coating layer causes the product to exhibit “lock-off” type release characteristics whereby release of the active constituent of the core material from the coated product is essentially completely suppressed until release is initiated by application of a trigger material to the coating layer. Processes for preparing and using such triggered start products are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a composition comprising a partially dehydrated product made by: (I) reacting (A) a hydrocarbyl substituted succinic acid or anhydride with (B) a polyol, a polyamine, a hydroxyamine, or a mixture of two or more thereof, to form a first intermediate product comprising: an ester, partial ester or mixture thereof when (B) is a polyol; an amide, imide, salt, amide/salt, partial amide or mixture of two or more thereof when (B) is a polyamine; or an ester, partial ester, amide, partial amide, amide/salt, imide, ester/salt, salt or a mixture of two or more thereof when (B) is a hydroxyamine, a mixture of a polyol and a polyamine, a mixture of a polyol and a hydroxyamine, a mixture of a polyamine and a hydroxyamine, or a mixture of a polyol, a polyamine and a hydroxyamine; the hydrocarbyl substituent of said acid or anhydride having an average of about 8 to about 200 carbon atoms; and (II) heating said first intermediate product at an effective temperature to form a second interme

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid fertilizer comprising a mixture of a salt of phosphorous acid together with either a thiosulphate such as ammonium or potassium thiosulphate and/or a salt of salicylic acid or salicyle amide. The use of this combination as a foliar spray, soil drench or irrigation component produces a greater fertilizer effect (on plant vigour and growth) and greater resistance to or control of parasitic fungal diseases, than each of the components applied individually or any combination of just two components.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for desalinating soil. In accordance with the teachings there is disclosed an apparatus comprising a frame, a distribution pipe and an associated evaporating cloth. In one embodiment water is removed from the ground by way of a foot valve and a pump. The water is transported to the distribution pipe by a riser pipe. The distribution pipe transfers the water to the vertically orientated evaporating cloth upon which the water evaporates leaving crystalline salt that can then be collected and removed. The flow of water to the cloth may be regulated by a switch mechanism or valve mechanism that is triggered by the water levels on the evaporating cloth.

Abstract: A culture medium that is suitable for growing plants that comprises a filler and a polymer. The culture medium is characterized in that it is comprised of a polymerised mixture containing a biologically degradable polymer and the filler. To this polymerisable agent and the filler are mixed together and then polymerised. As biologically degradable polymers it is possible to use, for example, polylactic acid, starch and other substances. The culture medium preferably comprises a foamed polymer, which improves the ability to absorb water. The invention also relates to a method for the production of such a culture medium and to a container into which the culture medium can be put for growing plants.

Abstract: A process for reducing plant availability of heavy metals in substrates such as soils wherein the substrates treated with cross-linked polymethacrylates. The poly (meth)acrylates can be worked into the soils.

Abstract: A method for applying a soil stabilizer, to soil wherein the soil stabilizer is intermixed, impregnated, and/or applied to solid carriers.

Abstract: A method for applying PAM to soil wherein said PAM is intermixed, impregnated and/or applied to solid carriers.

Abstract: An amended granular fertilizer and a method for applying an amended granular fertilizer to soil wherein a soil stabilizer is intermixed, impregnated, and/or applied to the granular fertilizer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nitrogen containing fertilizer for plant growth and intended to be administered to growth substrate either alone or in mixture with other fertilizers. The invention is characterised in that the fertilizer is comprised of the L-form of a basic protein amino acid or its salt.

Abstract: A method of producing an aqueous solution of water-soluble polyacrylamide (PAM) with a concentration of at least about 5 grams per liter includes the steps of providing a monovalent or divalent cation salt solution, and preferably a calcium salt solution, and adding water-soluble PAM particles to the salt solution such that the PAM particles are essentially all dissolved within about 10 seconds. The PAM particles are characterized by a particle size that is about −100 mesh and consisting essentially of molecules having a molecular weight of at least about 15 million a.u. Preferably, the small PAM particles are produced by a mill that produces bulk quantities of small dry, flowable PAM particles from larger commercial grade particles. Small PAM particles produced in such a mill are essentially all soluble in plain water within about 10 seconds. After solution, the polymer concentrate can be diluted with water to make stock solutions of the polymer for some purposes.

Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers are disclosed that comprise a buffered composition of an organic acid and salts thereof and a phosphorous-containing acid and salts thereof. The concentrated phosphorus fertilizers can be diluted with water of pH ranging from about 6.5 to about 8.5 at ratios of concentrate to water at about 1:40 to about 1:600 to result in a fertilizer having a pH in the range acceptable for foliar uptake of phosphorus.

Abstract: A process for converting composted organic materials produced by optimized composting procedures into plant growing media for agronomic and other uses. The raw organic matter is first processed into compost by optimized standard methods. If desired, the raw organic matter can be of “organic” sources to provide plant growing media certifiable for use for organically grown food crops. The finished compost is screened to remove coarse particles above about 1 cm diameter, which are recycled back to the composting process. The composted material below approximately 1 cm diameter is further screened to separate out the particles below about 1 cm diameter and above 1 mm. This material is further separated into two size ranges: particles between 1 mm and up to 4 mm diameter (medium), and particles between 4 mm and 1 cm diameter (coarse).

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing a soil improving and fertilising composition from fertiliser and crosslinked copolymer, the process including imparting an electrical charge to at least one of said copolymer and the fertiliser and bringing said copolymer and fertiliser into intimate contact with each other. The fertiliser and crosslinked copolymer are believed to be mechanically fused to form the composition. The invention extends to a composition and to an agricultural or horticultural method using the composition.

Abstract: A method of stimulating root growth of seeds is disclosed in which seeds are treated with an effective amount of an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of metal alkanoates. Alkanoates having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, with acetates most preferred. Metals selected from the group consisting of boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium and zinc are preferred, with zinc particularly preferred. In one embodiment, an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate is applied to seeds in-furrow. In another embodiment, seeds are treated with an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate prior to planting. In yet another embodiment, an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of zinc acetate is mixed with an insecticide and resulting solution applied to seeds in-furrow.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to micronutrients and compositions, and to methods for their preparation and administration to plants. The micronutrient compositions include chelated metal ions of the transition and alkaline earth metals The chelated metal solutions are prepared by complexing metal cations using an organic phosphonic acid The micronutrient compositions are stable at the pH about 6.5-9. The source of the metal ions may be any biologically acceptable metal salt, such as chloride, sulfate, nitrate, oxide, hydroxide and carbonate and other biologically compatible salts of the metal cations. The preferred chelating agents are aminophosphonic acids, such as ethylenediaminetetramethylene phosphonic acid. Micronutrient solutions containing such chelated metals are stable at neutral and alkaline pH and are used as liquid fertilizers, or mixed with other fertilizers to prepare clear, liquid fertilizer compositions for delivery of trace metals to plants.

Abstract: The invention describes a thixotropic fertilizer composition which includes a first aqueous component having a predetermined concentration of divalent cations and of organic matter, and a second aqueous component comprising a predetermined concentration of phosphorus, and having substantially no divalent cations. The first and second aqueous components are mixed in predetermined proportions just prior to application of the fertilizer to produce a thixotropic fertilizer composition having a concentration of divalent cations of substantially from about 1% to about 15% by weight, from about 25% to about 50% by weight of dry organic matter, and from about 1% to about 30% by weight of phosphorus. An apparatus for applying the thixotropic fertilizer includes a plurality of containers, a plurality of conduits, a mixing chamber, a pump, and a nozzle.

Abstract: A method for the production of polyasparagine is provided wherein the polyasparagine is prepared by ammonolysis of polysuccinimide in liquid ammonia, acting both as a solvent and as a reactant, wherein the polysuccinimide can be any polysuccinimide, such as linear, branched or cross-linked, wherein the polyasparagine produced has high % N content and is neutral as opposed to anionic or cationic.

Abstract: Controlled release fertilizers are provided and methods for their preparation, wherein the controlled release fertilizers are obtained through self-assembling molecules on the surfaces of the fertilizer particles, and then, preferably, linking these molecules into a network with another component. The designed molecules have a hydrophilic portion, which can interact with fertilizers, and a hydrophobic portion that make the molecule self-assemble and setup a moisture barrier. The molecules also preferably have at least two functional groups in order to form a network.

Abstract: Controlled release fertilizers are provided and methods for their preparation, wherein the controlled release fertilizers are obtained through self-assembling molecules on the surfaces of the fertilizer particles, and then, preferably, linking these molecules into a network with another component. The designed molecules have a hydrophilic portion, which can interact with fertilizers, and a hydrophobic portion that make the molecule self-assemble and setup a moisture barrier. The molecules also preferably have at least two functional groups in order to form a network.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soil conditioner comprising a mixture of an aqueous solution manufactured with constant stirring of sodium hydroxide, acetic acid and 1,2,3-propanetriol and an aqueous solution produced under constant stirring from saccharose, potassium hydrogentartrate and acetic acid.

Abstract: The invention provides processes for producing solid, water-soluble or water-dispersible compositions comprising non film-forming materials, such as water-soluble agrochemical electrolytes, supported by film-forming polymers. The water-soluble agrochemical electrolytes can be salts of glyphosate. The processes comprise (i) preparing film-forming aqueous media containing (a) film-forming polymers; (b) water-soluble materials which are non film-forming; (c) water-miscible solvents in which the film-forming polymers are soluble and, optionally, (d) solid fillers, and thereafter (ii) drying the film-forming aqueous media to form the solid compositions. The invention also provides compositions produced by these processes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fertilizer composition which enables the efficient absorption of a fertilizer such as calcium. Namely, the present invention provides a fertilizer composition comprising a specific anionic surfactant or a hydrophilic nonionic surfactant and a fertilizer as the essential components.

Abstract: Fertilizer formulations comprising polysulfonic acid together with inorganic fertilizers or slurry or liquid fertilizers and one or more nitrification inhibitors.

Abstract: Large crop areas are irrigated, for instance by pivot irrigation, by being sprayed with water into which a substantially stable dispersion in a liquid of water soluble polymer particles has been metered at a predetermined low rate.