Abstract: A polyborate composition suitable for use in agricultural fertilizer preparations is provided. The polyborate is formed as the reaction product of a boric acid compound with one or more cyclic amines in aqueous solution. The resulting polyborate is extremely temperature stable and does not crystallize during preparation, storage or use. A method of preparation necessary to result in a non-crystallizing polyborate is also provided.

Abstract: In order to prevent biological lesions of plants caused by deficiency in calcium, the present invention is directed to provide a method of preparing at low cost a composition containing saccharides, organic acids and high content calcium component for spraying on plant leaves or fruits. Into an aqueous solution containing glucose and an organic acid, calcium hydroxide or a substance capable of forming calcium hydroxide upon hydration in an aqueous solution is dissolved. The organic acid is at least one selected from formic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid. The adding order of glucose and organic acid to water is not restricted, and the concurrent addition is allowed. The calcium hydroxide is added finally. The amount of glucose is from 15 wt. % to 40 wt. % of water and that of the organic acid is from 3 wt. % to less than 20 wt. % of water.

Abstract: Free-flowing moisture resistant calcium-containing particles that inhibit the water absorption characteristics of calcium products, including soluble calcium products that are hygroscopic and deliquescent, by providing a moisture resistant coating. The core of the particle is a calcium-containing material, more particularly a soluble calcium-containing material. Moisture resistant or hydrophobic coatings are applied to the core to inhibit water absorption by the calcium-containing material. The coated particles may then be more easily shipped, stored and handled as a dry, anhydrous product. A core comprised of calcium chloride coated with urea is useful as both a soil conditioner and a fertilizer. Additional plant nutrients are mixed with either the core or the coating materials to improve fertilizing qualities. Additional coatings of hydrophobic materials such as a paraffinic hydrocarbon or a polymeric resin increase the water resistance of the particles.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water soluble composition adapted for subsequent solubilizing and application to agricultural crops is disclosed in which a divalent metal salt, citric acid and sodium citrate are mixed to form a mixture having a moisture content of from approximately 10% to 1.25% percent by weight. The mixture is then processed in a drying environment to produce a product which is partially chelated and has a moisture content which is less than the moisture content of the mixture prior to processing. The preferred drying environment is from 120.degree. F., to 150.degree. F. Most preferably, the processing step is performed in a continuous flow, fluidized bed dryer at from approximately 120.degree. F. to 150.degree. F. for from approximately 50 seconds to approximately 70 seconds. Preferred divalent metals are iron, copper, zinc and manganese.

Abstract: Improved solutions for watering plant roots and methods of application, the solutions containing in parts by volume (1) humectant from 25 to 75, (2) thickener from 0.2 to 1.5, (3) binder from 0.2 to 5, (4) wetting agent from 0.2 to 2.0 and (5) water 75 to 25.

Abstract: A non-explosive water in oil emulsion fertilizer composition is provided which comprises:a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one fertilizer component;a continuous oil phase;an emulsifier comprising the reaction product of at least one hydrocarbyl substituted phenol with at least one amine and at least one aldehyde.

Abstract: The invention teaches a stone/soil urban tree mix that can safely support pavements yet also provide ample rooting area--a current limitation--for street trees that are planted close to the pavement. By expanding the rooting zone, the mix allows increased tree growth, decreased tree mortality, and decreased sidewalk failure. The mix employs a stone aggregate that is coated with an acrylamide hydrogel slurry, creating matrix pores that suspend the soil that is added to the mix in specific amounts. The criterion for determining the critical stone to soil dry-weight mixing ratios for various stone and soil types are disclosed.

Abstract: The inclusion of certain organic hydroxy acids, most notably citric acid, in the iron sulfate formulations of at least one prior art hydrophilic polymer delivery system followed by drying and crushing the product into particles has been found to significantly improve the efficiency and ease of application of iron source fertilizer materials for iron-sensitive plants growing on iron-deficient soils for periods exceeding one year. The dried particles most preferably may be selectively metered into soil in or near the seed row as a band application at or prior to planting or spot placed in the root zone of growing plants in soil. The dry band absorbs soil moisture to provide a unique environment which restricts contact of soluble iron fertilizers with the soil and provides for complexation of iron in the formulation with organic hydroxy acids also contained in the formulation, thereby minimizing the extent of chemical reactions with the soil that reduce the availability of the applied iron to plant roots.

Abstract: New agrochemical formulations for application to the water of paddy fields, which formulations compriseA) at least one solid core material having an apparent specific density of less than 1 and a particle diameter within the range from about 300 .mu.m to about 1,400 .mu.m, andB) a coating layer comprisingat least one biologically active compound,at least one substance having the ability to reduce the interfacial tension between water and air,at least one oily substance and,if appropriate, one or more additives,and the use of such agrochemical formulations for applying biologically active compounds to the water of paddy fields.

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: Improved solutions for watering plant roots and methods of application, the solutions containing in parts by volume (1) humectant from 25 to 75, (2) thickener from 0.2 to 1.5, (3) binder from 0.2 to 5, (4) wetting agent from 0.2 to 2.0 and (5) water 75 to 25.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water soluble composition adapted for subsequent solubilizing and application to agricultural crops is disclosed in which a divalent metal salt, citric acid and sodium citrate are mixed to form a mixture having a moisture content of from approximately 10% to 1.25% percent by weight. The mixture is then processed in a drying environment to produce a product which is partially chelated and has a moisture content which is less than the moisture content of the mixture prior to processing. The preferred drying environment is from 120.degree. F. to 150.degree. F. Most preferably, the processing step is performed in a continuous flow, fluidized bed dryer at from approximately 120.degree. F. to 150.degree. F. for from approximately 50 seconds to approximately 70 seconds. Preferred divalent metals are iron, copper, zinc and manganese.

Abstract: This patent describes nitrification inhibitors characterized by the fact that they contain as their active ingredients a substituted pyrazole, or a salt or metallic complex thereof, dicyanodiamide, and one of the compoundsammonium thiosulfate,biguanide, orammonium rhodanide. The combinations of the present invention are more efficacious than the individual ingredients alone and binary combinations of the same ingredients, and are thus superior to same from the ecological, phytotoxicity, and cost-effectiveness stand-points, as well as in terms of their tendencies to form undesirable residues.

Abstract: Application of an aqueous solution containing a chitosan salt and oligomers of chitosan to the foliage of growing plants increases the yield of vegetables, tubers, cereal grains, fruits, and blossoms.

Abstract: A substantially neutral metal alkanoate solution suitable for application of the constituent micronutrient metal to agricultural crops or acreage where such crops are to be grown, is disclosed. 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. The compositions of the present invention remain soluble at and below freezing temperatures for extending periods, and exhibits a high degree of miscibility in fertilizers. A method of manufacturing the compositions of the present invention is disclosed, in which a metal oxide is dispersed in water, ammonia is added to the dispersion, and acid is added to the basic dispersion to solubilize and substantially neutralize the dispersion and create an aqueous micronutrient solution.

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 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 surfactant-fertilizer compound for enhancing the biodegradation of hydrocarbons in soil or water comprising the reaction product of guanidine and at least one carboxylic acid is provided.

Abstract: Ionene polymers having biologically-active organic and/or inorganic anions are described. Methods to prepare the ionene polymers, compositions containing them and their methods of use are also described.

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 water soluble metal amino acid chelate is prepared by adding a metal salt to deaerated water, mixing the salt solution with a mixture of an amino acid and an organic acid and adjusting the pH of the resulting composition to a range of from about 4.5 to about 8.5 to produce a clear solution. The resultant clear solution can then be applied to plants or it can be dried for storage. The water soluble metal amino acid chelate produced by the process, when applied to plants, results in increased metals assimilation and improved plant growth.

Abstract: The nitrogen in amides of aldonic and aldaric acids having 5 or 6 carbon atoms in the carbohydrate residue is available to support plant growth, i.e. the materials act as nitrogen fertilizers.

Abstract: A method of immobilizing a contaminant comprising mixing the contaminant with a reaction partner that is capable of chemically interacting with the contaminant to form a water-insoluble reaction product, the reaction partner being mixed in the form of a hydrophobic solid preparation, which is either obtained by grinding the reaction partner with an inert material and treating it with a hydrophobing agent or which contains the educt or reaction product of a dispersion by chemical reaction preliminarily treated with a hydrophobing agent, the mixing being conducted to form a soil or soil-like material with cohesive constituents of a clay-like structure.

Abstract: Method of conditioning soils, in which copolymers which are composed of acrylamide and/or methacrylamide, a sulphonyl-containing, substituted acrylamide or methacrylamide, a multi-functional, water-soluble vinyl compound and, if appropriate, carboxyl-containing comonomers are added to the soils as soil conditioners.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of oxygen delivery vehicles, including peroxides of calcium, potassium and magnesium, to treat plant media having a negative reduction oxidation potential. The peroxides are preferably intercalated with phosphate ion which prolongs the period of time during which oxygen is released. The peroxides may be mixed with macronutrients, micronutrients or other beneficial additives or amendments, to provide fertilizers or applied direct to the media. Effective amounts of metals are used as bioactive agents for suppressing or enhancing the activity of microorganisms in the soil, depending on whether such microorganisms are detrimental or beneficial to plants. The formulations are useful in treating anaerobic associated disease states such as black layer in turf. The formulations are also useful in controlling post harvest potato soft rot and other microbial infection and disease states in plants.

Abstract: Oxamide granules are produced by (A) feed-mixing ammonia to a starting material comprising 60 to 100 weight % of a diester of oxalic acid with a C.sub.1-6 aliphatic alcohol, and 0 to 40 weight % of the same aliphatic alcohol as mentioned above, to produce oxamide and the aliphatic alcohol as by-product, while controlling the aliphatic alcohol content to 5 to 40% based on the weight of the reaction mixture to provide the resultant oxamide wetted by the aliphatic alcohol; (B) granulating the wetted product while maintaining the content of the aliphatic alcohol at a level of 5 to 40% based on the weight of the wetted reaction product; (C) heat-evaporating away the aliphatic alcohol from the wetted granules; and optionally (D) re-wetting the resultant dry oxamide granules with water in an amount of 5 to 20% based on the weight of the dry oxamide granules; and (E) re-drying the re-wetted oxamide granules, to provide oxamide granules having an enhanced mechanical strength and form-stability in water.

Abstract: Metal ions selected from the group consisting of Fe.sup.+3, Mn.sup.+2, Cu.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 are administered to plant roots in a composition comprising citric acid, whereas the molar ratio of citric acid to metal ions in this composition is about 0.8 to 2.5.

Abstract: Processes for the production of ethylene glycol phosphate esters using ethylene glycol and phosphoric acid. These reactants mixed and heated with an esterification promoter which can be an oxide or hydroxide, such as an alkali, alkaline earth or other metal oxide or hydroxide. The mixture can be reacted at atmospheric pressures and temperatures in excess of 150.degree. C., thus speeding the esterification. Boiling is preferred during the reaction to improve water removal. Excess ethylene glycol can advantageously be used to aid in efficient conversion. Excess unreacted ethylene glycol is also significant when the reaction products are used as foliar fertilizers. The cations of some promoters substitute into the esters and can be used to provide secondary or trace elements of nutritional value when the reaction products are used as foliar fertilizers.

Abstract: Process for inhibiting the corrosive characteristics of a nitrogenous fertilizing solution comprising incorporating in said nitrogenous fertilizing solution at the moment of its constitution, about 50 to about 150 ppm of at least one of the linear esters of acid phosphates having the formulae; ##STR1## wherein R1 and R2 which are identical or different from one another, are selected from the group consisting of the n-heptyl, n-octyl, n-nonyl and n-decyl radicals.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of decontaminating soil by applying to the soil an oxygen delivery vehicle such as peroxides of calcium, potassium or magnesium or mixture thereof in an amount which substantially increases the population of microorganism in the soil that digest pollutants. Preferably, a surfactant and an oxygen release rate modifier are also included.

Abstract: A method of immobilizing a contaminant comprising mixing the contaminant with a reaction partner that is capable of chemically interacting with the contaminant to form a water-insoluble reaction product, the reaction partner being mixed in the form of a hydrophobic solid preparation, which is either obtained by grinding the reaction partner with an inert material and treating it with a hydrophobing agent or which contains the educt or reaction product of a dispersion by chemical reaction preliminarily treated with a hydrophobing agent, the mixing being conducted to form a soil or soil-like material with cohesive constituents of a clay-like structure.

Abstract: Inclusion of certain hydrophilic organic gel-forming polymers, notably polyacrylamides, with relatively inexpensive soluble iron sulfate [FeSO.sub.4 or Fe.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3 ] significantly improves the efficiency of iron source fertilizer materials for iron-sensitive plants growing on iron-deficient soils and can maintain supply of available iron to growing plants for periods up to about 12 weeks. These polymers may be mixed with iron-containing solutions to form suitable gels which are band applied in or near the seed row at or prior to planting or spot placed in the root zone of growing plants in soil. Other soluble fertilizers of micronutrients such as copper, manganese, or zinc also may be included instead of, or with, iron sulfates in hydrogels of these polymers.

Abstract: A method of improving the yield of a germinating sod crop and a method of promoting the root formation and the vegetative growth of transplanted sod utilizing an aqueous gel including a highly-absorbent, crosslinked, mixed salt of homopolymerized or copolymerized acrylic acid. The aqueous gel utilized in the method of the present invention demonstrates an improved sod crop yield and improved sod growth even in the absence of plant nutrients.

Abstract: A method of improving the yield of mushrooms which comprises supplementing the compost with an effective amount of a salt of an aliphatic, alicyclic or heterocyclic carboxylic acid, said salt being a calcium salt and/or a salt with an aliphatic, alicyclic or heterocyclic amine.

Abstract: This invention discloses methods for manufacture and use of poly(ammonium acrylate) and polyacrylamide hydrogels in agricultural applications. Such hydrogels are applied to the soil or the plants by spraying. Spraying is advantageous over other methods of application, such as mixing with soil and broadcasting because of enhanced plant contact, evenness of distribution, and reduced labor. The gels are prepared for spraying by adding water to provide a readily deformable polymer which will pass through a spray apparatus. The hydrogels sprayed may include additives including micronutrients, maconutrients, pesticides, microbes, plant growth regulators, surfactants, and freezing point modifiers. Use of the hydrogels saves irrigation water and ameliorates salting of irrigated cropland. Sprayed hydrogels may also be used to protect crops from freezing and to protect foliage from desiccation.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer with a coating which is decomposable by soil microorganisms, preferably a coating which is decomposed and degraded both on the surface layer of the soil and in the soil, and a process for producing the granular fertilizer, which coating contains a poly 3-hydroxy-3-alkylpropionic acid as an indispensable ingredient, and if necessary, a resin or a low-molecular resin and further, if necessary, an inorganic or organic powder, and which process comprises adding an organic solvent solution of the poly 3-hydroxy-3-alkylpropionic acid, and if necessary, the resin, and if necessary the powder (dispersed in the solution) to a granular fertilizer in fluided state in the form of spray, and when added, blowing a high speed hot air stream onto the fertilizer to thereby instantaneously remove the solvent and also dry the resulting fertilizer.

Abstract: The composition contains iron EDDHA and for iron EDDHMA in an agriculturally-acceptable organic solvent, preferably ethylene glycol. The composition is used in treating iron deficiency in soils and can have an iron content of up to 40 or 50 g dm.sup.-3. The composition may also contain considerable amounts of water yet still to be stable at room temperature, the aqueous composition having a significantly reduced viscosity relative to the water-free composition. The iron chelate need not be dry when incorporated into the composition. It may also be synthesized in situ in the solvent of the composition.

Abstract: An improved slow release oxamide fertilizer comprising an oxamide powder bonded by polyvinyl alcohol in a ratio of 0.2-10 weight parts of polyvinyl alcohol per 100 weight parts of oxamide is disclosed. The oxamide fertilizer is in the shape of spherical particles having an average minor diameter of 2 to 5 mm, and not less than 70% of total numbers of the particles have shapes in a ratio of major diameter to minor diameter of 1 to 1.3. The oxamide fertilizer has a respose angle not greater than 39.degree..

Abstract: A coated or encapsulated granular fertilizer which comprises an olefin polymer and/or copolymer and a polyether polyol in a defined amount. The olefin polymer is an ethylene or propylene homopolymer and/or a copolymer of an olefin monomer and a copolymerizable monomer such as olefinic monomers, vinyl acetate and carbon monoxide. The polyether polyol is polymers of ethylene oxide, propylene oxide and mixtures thereof with or without etherification with polyhydric alcohols. By the addition of the polyether polyol, a dissolution rate of the fertilizer can be arbitrarily controlled without a sacrifice of physical properties of the coated film.

Abstract: A soil conditioner is described, which contains an electrolyte that is compatible with the soil and an invert sugar in a ratio of about 20:1 to 1:10. This material is active not only in the normal agricultural area, but also in the forestry area as a highly efficient soil conditioner. The soil is consequently regenerated, so that the plants assimilate better and noticeable increases in yield are achieved in the agricultural area.

Abstract: A coated agricultural chemical comprises a powdery effective component of an agricultural chemical coated with at least one member selected from the group consisting of esters of aliphatic acids and aliphatic polyols and phospholipids in an amount of 0.1 to 3 parts by weight per 100 parts by weight of the effective component. The agricultural chemicals exhibit high efficiency even at a concentration lower than that conventionally used and low phytotoxicity to plants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a closing layer which improves the water and nutrient retention of soils, particularly of sandy soils, characterized in that a layer of clay mineral/polymer gel capable of binding and releasing water in a reversible manner is introduced into the soil, preferably 20-60 cm below the soil surface, in such a way that a clay mineral is reacted either before or after or during activation in the presence of water, with 0.

Abstract: Soil conditioning and method for desalination and reclamation of irrigated soil.

Abstract: A liquid fertilizer composition having a substantial ability to retard leaching of constituent plant nutrients is prepared by dispersing glyoxylated hydroxypropyl guar in an aqueous mixture containing a fertilizer chemical in a preferred concentration of 0.4-1.5% by weight. Similarly, a liquid herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, fire retardant or other liquid plant treatment composition having the ability to adhere to applied surfaces to resist washing is prepared by dispersing glyoxylated hydroxypropyl guar in an aqueous mixture of such a plant treatment chemical in a corresponding concentration. A method is disclosed for producing glyoxylated hydroxypropyl guar by reacting guar gum with propylene oxide and the reaction product thereof with glyoxal in the absence of alcohol or any solvent.

Abstract: A compound that is the water insoluble hydrochloride addition salt of the dihydrogen ferric complex of diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid, DTPAH.sub.5, namely DTPAFeH.sub.3 Cl, which has been made in pure form from DTPANa.sub.5, and which can be used in an agricultural nutrient composition.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of traditional scale inhibitors as fertilizers enhancers. More particularly, this invention relates to compositions which comprise: (a) a phosphate fertilizer and (b) a scale inhibiting compound. Further, this invention relates to a method of stimulating and increasing plant growth, and corresponding yields, comprising adding the above-defined compositions to the soil in which the plants being treated grow.

Abstract: Encapsulating particles of solid thiocarbonate salts, esters and complexes with air- and water-impermiable coatings produces compositions having long-term stability.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soil conditioner composed of a powdery or granular composition in which a filler is integrally included in hydrogel and a method of producing the same wherein an aqueous solution of a hydrophilic cross-linkable polymer is mixed with a filler and then the mixture is subjected to cross linking treatment by which the polymer is made to have cross-linked structure and formed into gel. Since the filler is integrally included in hydrogel, the soil conditioner, when mixed with soil, does not separate into the respective components, and there is no problem of the hydrogel emerging up to the surface of soil with the passage of time.

Abstract: An encapsulated water soluble fertilizer which comprises a polymeric film of about 2 to about 100 micrometers coated on a surface of said fertilizer, said polymeric film comprising a sulfonated polymer having about 10 to about 200 meq of sulfonate groups per 100 grams of said sulfonated polymer, said sulfonate groups being neutralized with a polycaprolactone polymer being characterized by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 or R.sub.2 is an alkyl, cycloalkyl or aryl group; R.sub.3, R.sub.4 and R.sub.5 are a hydrogen or alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl groups; m equals 1 to 20 and n equals 1 to 500.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inoculant composition for plants, comprising a carrier medium, at least one species of microorganism having a beneficial effect on the plants, and a copolymer of (1) vinyl pyrrolidone and (2) vinyl acetate or styrene or substituted styrene.