Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers maybe complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Provided is a raw material for phosphate fertilizer having excellent fertilizer characteristics, which raw material consists essentially of a slag containing phosphate generated from dephosphorization reaction in molten iron, and is a method for manufacturing the raw material suitable for manufacturing the phosphate fertilizer. The raw material for phosphate fertilizer consists essentially of a slag containing phosphate generated from dephosphorization reaction in molten iron.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: A fertilizer granule comprises: i) an elemental sulfur and swelling clay matrix, and ii) at least one additional fertilizer material incorporated into said matrix.

Abstract: This invention concerns the formulation and preparation of ammonium- and urea-free solid-chemical compositions for the anaerobic bioremediation of environmental contamination using the biological process of denitrification. The composition includes nitrate salts and may also include additional sources of nutrient phosphorus, potassium and trace elements. The use of complex phosphates (i.e., salts of phosphoric acid) is used as a combined binder-nutrient system. The use of complex phosphates in this manner enables the water-based agglomeration of the composition into granular forms in a manner which greatly improves upon the safety of the commonly known “Tennessee Valley Authority” type granulation processes by reducing or eliminating the use of the highly toxic and dangerous chemicals anhydrous ammonia, sulfuric acid, and phosphoric acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a complex NPK fertilizer in the form of granules or prills, and to a method for its preparation and to the related use of the fertilizer thereby obtained. In particular the present invention relates to a fertilizer containing as fertilizing elements Nitrogen N, Phosphor P, Potassium K, meso elements like Calcium Ca, Magnesium Mg, Sulphur S, and micro elements like Iron Fe, Manganese Mn, Zinc Zn, Copper Cu, Boron B and Molybdenum Mo.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Fertilizer compositions, comprising at least one double salt of the formula XH5(PO4)2, wherein X is K or NH4. The double salt may be KH5(PO4)2 (HKP) or (NH4)H5(PO4)2 (HAP). The fertilizer compositions may further contain other nutrient components that nay he chosen from the group consisting of calcium nitrate, calcium phosphate, and chelated and/or non-chelated micronutrients. The chelated and/or non-chelated micronutrients may be chosen from the group consisting of salts of iron, manganese, copper, zinc und molybdenum.

Abstract: A method for preparing a granular fertilizer composition that includes reacting a phosphoric acid stream with ammonia in a pipe cross reactor to form a molten slurry, and discharging the molten slurry into a granulator to form the granular fertilizer composition. The phosphoric acid stream includes greater than 0.6 wt. % magnesium oxide, based upon the total weight of the reactant stream.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition that includes a plurality of particles in which the particles feature a plurality of sulfur platelets embedded within a fertilizer portion, and a method for preparing this composition in which fertilizer-containing particles are sprayed first with a sulfur spray, and then with a slurry containing fertilizer or a precursor thereof, followed by curing.

Abstract: A concentrated phosphorus fertilizer, which in the preferred embodiment is an aqueous suspension fertilizer composition, is shown. The composition comprises one or more phosphorus-containing acids or salts thereof selected from the group consisting of phosphoric acid, polyphosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, polyphosphorous acid, hypophosphorous acid and polyhypophosphorous acid and salts thereof. A suspension agent maintains undissolved solids in substantially homogeneous suspension wherein the suspension has a total acid and salt content of about 50% w/w to about 80% w/w. The concentrated fluid phosphorus fertilizer is a stable suspension. When diluted with water, a substantially fully soluble fertilizer having acceptable pH for phosphorus uptake is formed. Methods for improving the phosphorus uptake and improving the growth rate of plants is also shown. Use of the concentrated phosphorus fertilizer as a pesticide, fungicide, adjuvant, acidifier and phytophthora destroying agent are also shown.

Abstract: A method of forming a methylol urea prepolymer and a particle coated in with the prepolymer. The method involves providing a source of methylol urea and a source of aldehyde and reacting the urea and the aldehyde in the presence of an excess of urea to form the methylol urea prepolymer. The coated particle is preferably a controlled-release fertilizer particle. The particle is a substrate coated with a substantially uniform coating comprising a total nitrogen content ranging from about 39N to about 42N. The coating includes a low molecular weight methylene urea compounds.

Abstract: A magnesium ammonium phosphate slurry and method of producing magnesium ammonium phosphate slurries. The method provides for obtaining a magnesium hydroxide supply having a small particle size of about 2 microns. Aqua ammonia and phosphoric acid are sequentially added while maintaining the temperature at below 110° F. The magnesium ammonium phosphate hexahydrate slurry formed has a small particle size of about 2 to 7 microns. The hexahydrate slurry may be converted to a monohydrate slurry having a particle size of less than about 8 microns by heating to the boiling point in the presence of excess water or heating to the boiling point while maintaining a very moderate hydrostatic pressure.

Abstract: A soil distribution system, and particularly a method of blowing topsoil, using an improved topsoil blend and specialized equipment, onto selected surfaces, including sloped surfaces. The topsoil blend may be placed either via traditional or selected placement means including placement by blowing the mixture into place. The topsoil blend may be blown through a manipulatable distribution line onto the surface, including areas which may be substantially inaccessible. A selected aerobic compost tea may be combined with the soil distribution operations such that the tea is distributed and intermixed with the soil as the soil is blown into place. Greensand may be distributed over the surface prior to blowing the soil in place and the soil is then distributed over the layer of greensand.

Abstract: A magnesium ammonium phosphate slurry and method of producing magnesium ammonium phosphate slurries. The method provides for obtaining a magnesium hydroxide supply having a small particle size of about 1 to 2 microns. Aqua ammonia and phosphoric acid are sequentially added while maintaining the temperature at below 110° F. The magnesium ammonium phosphate slurry formed has a small particle size of about 2 to 5 microns.

Abstract: Shelf-stable soil enrichment solutions contain beneficial soil and plant microbial spores or colonies, e.g. Bacillus bacteria and/or Trichoderma fungal species, that remain at least about 90% viable for at least 12, preferably 18, months at room temperature. Preferred solutions are colloidal in nature and typically contain humic acid or other organic macromolecules, and exhibit a low salt index.

Abstract: Foliar fertilizers which include a phosphate ester in concentrations greater than approximately ½ molar with water. The phosphate esters are preferably polyhydroxy alcohol orthophosphate esters, such as ethylene glycol phosphate esters. The fertilizer solutions or mixtures are provided with a water miscible hygroscopic agent which retains the applied fertilizers on the leaf in liquid form by extracting moisture from the atmosphere. The hygroscopic agent is preferably provided by an appropriate hygroscopic alcohol such as used in the production of the esters, or substitutes thereof. The esters can be formed into substituted salts using metals or other elements which are preferably of nutritional value to plants. Methods for the production of the esters and fertilizers are described. Also described are novel methods of use and fertilization using the foliar fertilizer compositions.

Abstract: A method of forming a methylol prepolymer and a particle coated in with the prepolymer. The method involves providing a source of methylol urea and a source of aldehyde and reacting the urea and the aldehyde in the presence of an excess of urea to form the methylol urea prepolymer. The coated particle is preferably a controlled-release fertilizer particle. The particle is a substrate coated with a substantially uniform coating compromising a total nitrogen content ranging from about 39N to about 42N. The coating includes a low molecular weight methylene urea compounds.

Abstract: A process for utilizing the material of ammonium-containing effluent which contains further soluble constituents and, possible additional solids, comprising: a) optionally separating off the solids, b) concentrating the substantially solids-free ammonium-containing effluent to give an aqueous concentrate having an increased content of ammonium and additional soluble constituents, with simultaneous recovery of substantially ammonium-free pure water, c) precipitating ammonium as magnesium ammonium phosphate from the ammonium-containing aqueous concentrate, and d) separating off precipitated magnesium ammonium phosphate with recovery of substantially ammonium-free residual concentrate which at least partially contains the additional soluble constituents.

Abstract: A dust control composition for and method of treating fertilizer particles, the composition comprising 10-100% by weight oxidized oil, 0-90% by weight non-oxidized oil, and 0-90% by weight wax. The fertilizer particle is selected from the group consisting of ammonium phosphate, potash, granulated single super phosphate, granular triple super phosphate, NP-fertilizer and NPK-fertilizer. A preferred composition includes a composition of 30-90% by weight oxidized oil, 10-70% by weight non-oxidized oil, and 10-70% by weight wax. The oxidized oil is selected from the group consisting of corn oil, canola oil, cottonseed oil, sunflower oil, soy oil, linseed oil, castor oil, tall oil, mixtures thereof, and distillation products and distillation residues thereof.

Abstract: A plant fertilizer composition that includes an acid whereby said acid may react with, chelate, or block any metal ions in the soil in which the plants grow during administration of the fertilizer. This reaction renders the metal ions substantially ineffective for reacting with the fertilizer components. The fertilizer is thereby shielded from interference with any metal ions in the soil and the delivery of the fertilizer to the plant roots is thereby enhanced. The acid may be, but is not limited to, an organic acid and is preferably citric acid. The fertilizer composition may include phosphorus. Likes in one embodiment, the fertilizer composition may include phosphate ions and citric acid, the citric acid chelating any metal ions in the soil in which the plants grow thereby facilitating the transportation of phosphate to the plant roots.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition that includes a plurality of particles in which the particles feature a plurality of sulfur platelets embedded within a fertilizer portion, and a method for preparing this composition in which fertilizer-containing particles are sprayed first with a sulfur spray, and then with a slurry containing fertilizer or a precursor thereof, followed by curing.

Abstract: A process of obtaining a co-granulate of zinc and ammonium phosphate having a N/P ratio of 0.6-1.9 which includes initially feeding ammonium phosphate in finely divided form with a zinc source such as zinc oxide or zinc sulphate into a granulator wherein ammonia may also be fed into the granulator to increase the N/P ratio. The co-granulate is then obtained after drying.

Abstract: A process for utilizing the material of ammonium-containing effluent which contains further soluble constituents and, possible additional solids, comprising:

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solid water soluble fertilizer composition containing one or more fertilizer materials and a phosphate free, organic acid which is solid at ambient temperatures. The fertilizer materials include primary macro nutrients, secondary macro nutrients, micro nutrients and mixtures thereof. The organic acid has a water solubility of at least 10 g/l (at 25° C.) and an acidifying effect in the range of 0.5 to 1.3 g HCO3−/g acid. The acidifying effect is defined as the amount of HCO3− that can be transformed into H2CO3 per gram of acid and is calculated in accordance with the following formula: 61 ⁢ n M w , acid wherein Mw,acid is the molecular weight of said acid and n represents the number of dissociation constants (i.e., pKa values) of the acid below the value of 6.35.

Abstract: A method of providing a continuous, buffered, low-leaching phosphorus fertilization of field plants in soil has been developed. The method is broadly applicable to field soils, but is particularly well-suited to soil that has inherently low phosphorus (P) retention ability, including sandy soils, peats, and mucks. The invention describes the use of phosphorus (P) fixed to alumina (Al) as a fertilizer and phosphorus buffer in field soils. The Al—P. when incorporated into soil in a concentration between 0.25 and 20% by weight/volume, will release P from the Al using a dynamic solid phase solution phase exchange equilibrium driven by plant uptake of P, thus providing P for plant growth, while also minimizing P leaching from the soil. The Al—P buffer/fertilizer can be applied and incorporated into field soils prior to planting of crops, grass, or other plants requiring P for growth, or may be incorporated into exposed soil between growing plants to buffer against P leaching and runoff.

Abstract: Provided is a granular fertilizer coated with a thermosetting resin coating, characterized in that a dissolution rate of the fertilizer is retarded by containing a hydrophobic compound in at least one of the coating portion and the fertilizer portion thereof. The dissolution rate is further retarded than that of a conventional granular coated fertilizer coated with a thermosetting resin.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel porous phosphate sulfur fertilizer particles which are in a continuous phase, and have applications in supplying soluble phosphates to plants and crops, thus increasing the yield of such crops. Also provided are novel methods of producing such porous phosphate sulfur fertilizer particles.

Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers of the phosphorous variety are described which are absorbed quickly into plant systems and improve plant growth. Particularly described are fertilizers having a combination of phosphorous acid or its salts thereof, and either (a) polyphosphoric acid and its salts thereof; or (b) phosphoric acid and its salts thereof. This combination phosphorus fertilizer, when combined within a specific ratio range, increases phosphorus uptake to plants thereby enhancing plant growth.

Abstract: An attrition resistant fertilizer spike composition, exhibiting a mechanical strength which allows the spike to be hammered unsupported into the soil without suffering damage, to provide an effective source of slow releasing plant nutrients to the soil. The composition comprises between 93 and 98 percent of particulate plant nutrient compounds containing one phosphate ion chemically combined with one divalent cation and one monovalent cation, including the compounds magnesium ammonium phosphate and magnesium potassium phosphate. The composition includes a coating of between 2 and 7 percent of thermoplastic adhesive with a softening temperature between 65 and 160.degree. C. on the particles. The coated particles are formed into an attrition and shatter resistant spike shape, suitable for hammering into the soil, by pressing into a die at a temperature higher than the softening temperature of the thermoplastic adhesive and then cooling to a temperature lower than the softening temperature.

Abstract: A method of coating fertilizer particles exhibiting porous surfaces under vacuum to form attrition resistant controlled release particulate fertilizers, by drawing a vacuum on the fertilizer particles and applying thereto a water insoluble fluid resin at about atmospheric pressure, so that the fluid resin is forced into the porous surfaces of the fertilizer particles by differences in pressure, and then hardening the fluid resin to form a solid resin, tenaciously bonded onto, and into, the porous surfaces of the fertilizer particles. Porous surfaced water soluble, slow releasing and sulfur coated, fertilizers may be effectively coated. Granular, briquetted, compacted and other special shaped fertilizers may also be effectively vacuum coated to provide controlled release products. Pesticides may also be effectively included in these attrition resistant products. Fertilizers are provided which exhibit substantially improved resistance to attrition.

Abstract: A reinforced-resin coated, attrition resistant controlled release plant food containing water soluble central spheroids of plant nutrients amounting to between 75 and 98 percent and water insoluble resin coatings amounting to between 2 and 25 percent covering the central spheroids with the insoluble resin coatings reinforced with finely divided water insoluble plant nutrients formed in-situ by the chemical coreaction of a plurality of water soluble plant nutrients. The reinforcing nutrients amount to between 5 and 25 percent of the resin coating. A method is provided for preparing the new reinforced-resin coated plant foods with the reinforcing solids distributed throughout the insoluble resins or between thin layers of resins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing granulated organic matters wherein a precipitated fraction obtaied in a settling tank from a methane fermentation fluid having been treated aerobically in an aeration tank is added to a fermentation waste fluid. According to the present invention, there is provided a process for producing physically stable granulated organic matters with reduced increase of stickiness occurring at the time of manufacturing granulated organic matters from fermentation waste fluid.

Abstract: Concentrated aqueous gypsum slurries containing small amounts of water soluble phosphonates are non-clogging when used in drip irrigation systems.

Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates for use as a soil conditioner produced from dust particles emitted from kilns during the manufacture of cement and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The process comprises combining cement kiln dust and a water-soluble binder to produce agglomerates which are then subjected to controlled drying such that the dried agglomerates having a size ranging from -7 to +8 Tyler Standard Sieve Series exhibit an average green crush strength of at least about 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg).

Abstract: The invention relates to a stable, concentrated aqueous fertilizer suspension, which can be diluted with water to provide a working solution. The suspension contains 10 to 60% by weight of water and 40 to 90% by weight of a plant nutrient composition based on at least a calcium, and/or a magnesium and a phosphate ion, and the suspension comprises at least one plant nutrient containing water-insoluble solid particles with a particle size less than 50 .mu.m, the pH of the suspension being in the range of 0.5 to less than 2.

Abstract: A coated granular inorganic substance and a method for producing the coated substance are provided. The coated granular inorganic substance includes inorganic particles having outer surfaces at least partially coated with an organic layer which includes a phosphorus-containing, amphiphilic component. A coating composition which includes a phosphorus-containing, amphiphilic component and a fertilizer spreader containing fertilizer particles having outer surfaces substantially coated with an organic layer which includes the phosphorus-containing, amphiphilic component are also provided.

Abstract: Water-buoyant compositions comprising a source of micronutrients for photosynthetic phytoplankton growth are useful for stimulating photosynthetic phytoplankton growth in ocean areas devoid of such growth when deployed on ocean surfaces as floating particles. Iron is the preferred micronutrient.

Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers are described which are absorbed quickly into plant systems and improve plant growth. Particularly described are fertilizers having a combination of phosphorous acid or its salts thereof, and either (a) polyphosphoric acid and its salts thereof; or (b) phosphoric acid and its salts thereof. This combination phosphorus fertilizer, when combined within a specific ratio range, increases phosphorus uptake to plants thereby enhancing plant growth.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stable aqueous fertilizer suspension suitable for drip irrigation, which suspension contains 5-55% by weight water and 45-95% by weight of one or several plant-nutrient containing substances, of which at least one contains water-insoluble solid particles, the particle size of the solid particles contained in the suspension being less than 50 .mu.m and the pH of the suspension being within the range 2-7. The invention also relates to a process for the preparation of this suspension.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlled release fertilizer having water-soluble fertilizers as nucleus and limited-soluble plant nutrient compounds as coating layers, characterized in that more than two coating layers of limited-soluble compounds are formed around the nucleus, and that the release rates of the fertilizer can be controlled by regulating the solubilities of the limited-soluble compounds. The invention also relates to a process for preparing the controlled release fertilizer.

Abstract: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers of the phosphorous variety are described which are absorbed quickly into plant systems and improve plant growth. When diluted with water, there is formed a substantially fully soluble fertilizer having a foilage-acceptable pH.

Abstract: A method of preparing a slow releasing fertilizer, including the steps of: I) putting twenty parts of inorganic fertilizer and one part of water by weight into a mixer for mixing into a mixture; II) heating the mixture to 105.degree. C.-115.degree. C. and continuously mixing it, therefore causing the mixture to change to liquid state; III) putting zeolite into the liquefied mixture at a volume of about 3 times of that of the inorganic fertilizer by weight, and then continuously heating and mixing until the liquefied fertilizer is absorbed completely by zeolite; IV) cooling down the liquefied mixture with air to below 80.degree. C., causing the mixture to return to the solid state condition; VI) continuously cooling solid state mixture with air to below 50.degree. C., then adding gelatinous substance to the mixture and continuously mixing it; VII) air drying the mixture into the desired finished product.

Abstract: A method for providing a P buffer fertilizer to plants growing in soilless media has been developed. Plants are provided with phosphorus (P) fixed to alumina (Al) in a concentration ranging from 0.25-16% by volume as a solid-phase P buffer for sustained release of P. The resulting plants show increased root growth and resistance to transplant stress. The invention has the further benefit that it virtually eliminate P leaching from the growing media. The fertilizer can be applied to containerized plants, crops, grass or other plants requiring P for growth. The invention is particular useful for greenhouse plants, vegetable and bedding transplants, stadium fields and golf courses where P leaching from the growing media is undesirable. The invention is particularly useful for transplants because it affords increased root growth which increases the probability of transplant success.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining sulfur-containing fertilizers. According to the invention, a substrate containing fertilizer particles is heated to a temperature above the melting point of sulfur and subsequently by admixing with the sulfur, the latter is melted by the heat provided by said preheated fertilizer particles, producing a homogeneous coating on the fertilizer particles. According to a preferred embodiment the temperature at which the fertilizer particles are heated will be in the range of 140.degree. C. to 280.degree. C. Other materials may be added either into the phosphate or to the resulted mixture, having the purpose to modify the physical nature of the sulfur. The sulfur availability from the coated fertilizer particles may be adjusted by varying the temperature at which the fertilizer particles are heated. Typical examples of fertilizers useful for the process are: phosphate rock, superphosphate, monopotassium phosphate, triple superphosphate and potassium chloride.

Abstract: Controlled-release fertilizers comprise one or more water-soluble fertilizer(s) together with improved magnesite cements, comprising cements selected from magnesium oxychloride and/or magnesium oxysulphate together with one or more organic carboxylic acid(s) and/or their carboxylate salts and/or their acid anhydrides.

Abstract: A controllably active fertilizing preparation in the form of an emulsion-suspension or an emulsion is comprised of:a) 30-90% by weight of mixtures containing plant nutrients,b) 5-50% by weight of water,c) 2-20% by weight of an oleophilic organic substance,d) 1-25% by weight of a surface-active substance, ande) 0.1-10% by weight of an acid or its mixture, salt or anhydride. The acid component improves the extraction of phosphor.

Abstract: Polymer topcoated sulfur coated fertilizer compositions are provided which exhibit slow release characteristics and are abrasion resistant, free flowing, non-smearing and essentially dustless products.

Abstract: A spray-dried foliar fertilizer for enhancing plant nutrition and health, prepared by spray drying nutrient compounds. The foliar fertilizer is amorphous, free-flowing and water dispersible and may be applied directly to the plant foliage by dusting or spraying.