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: A new slow releasing particulate iron humate agricultural nutrient composition exhibiting substantially complete solubility of its iron content in soil solutions as indicated by neutral citrate solubilities, and almost no solubility in water, and a new method for preparing the composition. The method comprises admixing and coreacting iron humate with about equimolar amounts of a divalent metal oxide, an aqueous hydroxide of a monovalent Lewis acid, and a water soluble inorganic phosphate. The iron humate amounts to between 20 and 70 percent of the nutrient particles, and the reaction is carried out at temperatures between 60.degree. and 150.degree. C. for between 4 and 25 minutes.

Abstract: An inorganic fertilizer composition that flows freely and resists caking comprising at least one beneficial agent and an anti-caking agent in an amount sufficient to reduce the caking tendency of the beneficial agent wherein the anti-caking agent is tripotassium phosphate. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-caking agent is added in amount in the range of 0.25% to 5.0% by weight.

Abstract: A method of treating lead contaminated soil to reduce the amount of mobile lead contained in the soil, the method which comprises: (a) providing an agent selected from the group consisting of inorganic phosphate compounds, inorganic phosphite compounds and mixtures thereof; and (b) contacting the agent with the soil to react the agent with the lead and form immobilized, acid-insoluble lead compounds, thereby reducing the amount of mobile lead in the soil.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer is prepared by coating particles of a base fertilizer, selected from orthophosphates of calcium, ammonium and potassium and mixtures thereof, with:(a) a first layer comprising 1 to 5% (by weight of the total composition) of water or an aqueous solution of a salt selected from the group of sulphates and phosphates of ammonium or potassium and mixtures thereof; and(b) a second layer comprising (i) elemental sulphur and/or (ii) a supplemental micronutrient, and, if the first layer consists of water only, (iii) 0.1 to 10% (by weight of the total composition) of a salt selected from the group consisting of water-soluble sulphates and phosphates of ammonium or potassium, sulphates of metallic trace elements, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Zeolite-activated guano phosphate fertilizers are produced by a method comprising grinding guano phosphates to 10 mesh granules by roughing and middling mills, heating in a rotary kiln, cooling, finely grinding to obtain 100 mesh guano phosphate powder, analyzing the content of the phosphoric anhydride in the powder, and mixing with natural zeolites to obtain zeolite-activated guano phosphates, wherein the proportion of the phosphoric anhydride is controlled at 18% by weight.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of physically prepared slow-release fertilizer by coating fertilizer particles with at least one layer of a substantially water insoluble polymer possessing a three dimensional structure. The three dimensional structure results from a prepolymerized crosslinked unsaturated oil having between 12 to 20 carbon atoms and a iodine value of at least 120, the extent of crosslinking being above 5%. Optionally, the coating layer contains micronutrients and inert materials. In a preferred embodiment, the coating consists of three layers, the first being obtained with a high viscous unsaturated oil and the subsequent two layers with a lower viscosity unsaturated oil. The method is applicable for most of the known water-soluble fertilizers.

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, waste fiber from a cellulose production plant or paper mill, sawdust or similar matter.

Abstract: The present invention is depicting a chemical separation of phorphorus ore. Phosphorus ore, especially calcareous and clacareous-sillicious phosphorus ore can be effectively converted into several products through chemical separation, which consists of two stages, namely ore pulp reaction and solution regeneration. In the first stage, phosphorus ore is disolved by mixed ammonium salts solvent, but the valence minerals, such as fluoride apatite and quartz don't take part in the reaction and retain their solid state. Thus phosphorus concentrate can be obtained through the separation, the by-products such as the filtrate and gases can be utilized in the solution regeneration. After ammoniation, sulfurization, carbonization and alkalization of the filtrate, the Ca.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.2+, M.sup.2+ ions in it will gradually come out and turn into products, the regenerated solution obtained can be used again and again, thus forming a complete enclosed circulation process.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the development of mycorrhizae in the root system of a plant. A quantity of a nutrient mixture is applied to the outside surfaces of the foliage of a plant rooted in a growth medium containing propagules of a fungus capable of mycorrhizal infection of the roots, the nutrient mixture containing a source of nitrogen and a source of at least one other element selected from among potassium, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, boron, manganese, molybdenum, copper, and iron, in an aqueous vehicle. Such application is repeated at intervals over a period of time during which the supply of nutrients by fertilization is provided predominantly through such foliar application.

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, peat mud or waste fibre from a cellulose production plant or the solid component of communal sewage.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for recovering solid wastes containing elemental phosphorus. The wastes may cause serious environmental problems at phosphorus furnaces because elemental phosphorus is toxic to marine animals. Recovery of the wastes was considered for the following.1 At phosphorus furnace plants making phosphoric acid as one of the products, when the objective is to produce only high-quality phosphoric acid.2. At phosphorus furnace plants making elemental phosphorus as a final product, and the objective is to produce only high-quality phosphorus.3. At plant sites where neither phosphoric acid nor phosphorus is produced.The processes include recycling the wastes to phosphorus furnaces. All of the phosphoric acid produced in 1 can be highly concentrated with low impurities content. In 2, all the low-quality phosphorus is recycled to the phosphorus furnaces and all the product is high grade. In 3, phosphorus furnaces are not available at the plant site and recycling the solid wastes is impractical.

Abstract: A process is provided for the recovery of one or more useful products including fertilizer, salt, and/or purified process water from brines. The source of the brines can be oil field wastes, seawater, or other inland brine sources. Phosphoric acid is initially added to the brine followed by addition of ammonia or a basic form of potassium. The resulting precipitate is useful as a fertilizer. The remaining salt in the brine may then be removed and recovered along with purified process water.

Abstract: A fertilizer in the form of a concentrated dispersion of undissolved nutrient materials in an aqueous medium containing said same and/or other nutrient materials in solution, the dispersion also containing as dispersants, magnesium-aluminum silicate and at least one additional dispersant selected from the group consisting of sorbitol, polyvinyl alcohol, caseinate, and soluble starch hydrolysates whereby the formation of large crystals of said nutrients and phase separation is avoided over prolonged periods of time of up to three years. The invention also includes the method for making such fertilizers.

Abstract: For the production of potassium magnesium phosphate from phosphoric acid, potassium salts and basic magnesium compounds, these are reacted in a mixture of recycled mother liquor from the potassium magnesium phosphate crystallization and of fresh water, with adjustment of the pH-value of the reaction mixture to 7.2 up to 8.5 through addition of quickly reacting basic compounds, in the presence of potassium magnesium phosphate seed crystals, whereupon the product is separated from the mother liquor and from this a part is recycled to the process start, and the rest is removed.

Abstract: A 0-21-0-9 Mg liquid mixed fertilizer is prepared by adding powdered magnesium hydroxide and an equal amount of water to a dilute solution of phosphoric acid in a plurality of addition steps. A dispersing powder and an emulsifying agent are then added to increase the storage life of the fluidized fertilizer. In a second example dilute sulfuric acid is added to the mixture along with citric acid.

Abstract: A wet process phosphoric acid which has been treated with aluminosilicate after the first stage of clarification can be further stabilized against precipitation of solids during storage and transport and the solids from the crystallizer more economically used to make diammonium and triple superphosphate fertilizers by introducing a second stage of clarification of the acid at a P.sub.2 O.sub.5 concentration of 38 to 42 weight percent.

Abstract: In producing a mixed phosphatic fertilizer, humic acid is mixed with fused phosphate to cause the humic acid to react on alkaline ingredients of the fused phosphate for turning these alkaline ingredients into chelate compounds, so that water-soluble phosphoric acid contents of succeedingly added phosphatic fertilizers such as calcium superphosphate and calcium triple-superphosphate are not reduced or insolubilized by being reacted with such alkaline ingredients. Thus, unlike the prior art, a stabilized predetermined level of water-soluble phosphoric acid contents can be secured in the resultant mixed phosphatic fertilizer along with a predetermined level of citric acid-soluble phosphoric acid contents.

Abstract: A "non-pressure" liquid fertilizer containing nitrogen and sulfur can be prepared by a process comprising (a) mixing sulfuric acid in water, (b) dissolving urea into the resulting solution, and (c) adding anhydrous ammonia in an amount sufficient to bring the pH of the solution to between about 6 and 8. The resulting liquid fertilizers can typically contain in the range of about 19 to about 25% nitrogen and in the range of about 3 to 6% sulfur and remain substantially free from crystals when stored at temperatures above about 40.degree. F. A 19-0-0 liquid fertilizer containing about 3% S (as sulfate) remained crystal free when stored for about a month at about 32.degree. F. The "non-pressure" liquid can be blended with dispersion-type fertilizers. Dispersion-type fertilizers of low phosphate content can be made by substituting phosphoric acid for some or all of the sulfuric acid.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting the growth of insoluble magnesium-containing solids in liquid fertilizer compositions, prepared from the ammoniation of wet process phosphoric acids, comprises the addition of surfactant compounds to the fertilizer.

Abstract: A substrate for the cultivation of plants in greenhouses or outdoors comprises klinoptylolite zeolite, vermiculite and peat in specified particle size ranges and relationships, with enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus content, to provide a highly versatile and surprisingly effective active growing medium.

Abstract: Particulate, easy to handle, inexpensive combination soil amendments and micronutrient sources are disclosed along with methods for their manufacture and use. These compositions comprise highly porous sulfur particles having substantial internal surface area with the micronutrient source dispersed either throughout the sulfur matrix or over the interior surfaces. Major plant nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium can also be added but are not essential. These methods allow the use of inexpensive, abundant starting materials, afford slow release sulfur and micronutrient solubility and mobility, reduced micronutrient loss by elution, and minimum ground water pollution and plant toxicity problems associated with heavy metal contamination.

Abstract: A liquid fertilizer comprises a polyborate compound. The polyborate compound is formed by reacting a boric acid compound with an alkanolamine or an aliphatic polyamine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preventing smoldering decomposition of multiple-nutrient fertilizers containing ammonium nitrate at elevated temperatures by treatment of the granulated, dried and screened fertilizer with ammonia.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing high grade phosphate rock from low grades, slime or tailings by subjecting the low grade rock, slime or tailings to a calcination treatment at a temperature within the range from 1000.degree. F. to 1600.degree. F., and preferably from 1400.degree. F. to 1600.degree. F., until a fraction of said rock, slime or tailings becomes magnetically attractable, and subjecting the treated material to a high strength magnetic field to separate the same magnetically into at least two fractions, one of increased BPL and one of decreased BPL.

Abstract: A slow release fertilizer composition providing to a plant a controlled amount of plant primary nutrients and micronutrients over a prolonged period of time is described. The solubility and concentration of each of the plant nutrients is determined by the addition to the fertilizer composition of specified fertilizer constituents or components which on going into solution coact to control at an optimum concentration each of the plant nutrients. The slow release fertilizer composition comprises the plant primary nutrients nitrogen, phosphorous, calcium, sulfur, magnesium, and potassium and the plant micronutrients iron, manganese, zinc, copper and boron. A single application of the fertilizer composition of the present invention provides sufficient plant nutrients for a full growing season or one or more growing seasons.

Abstract: A method for processing waste sludge from wet phosphoric acid purification facilities wherein steelworks slag is separately ground, the ground slag then is force-mixed and granulated together with the waste sludge.

Abstract: The invention is solid compositions comprising feed-grain calcium phosphates surface-coated with a mixture of molasses and a surfactant, wherein the compositions are characterized by having substantially reduced dusting properties as compared to similar but uncoated products. The invention further relates to a process for coating feed-graide calcium phosphates with a mixture of molasses and a surfactant to minimize dusting of the products.

Abstract: The production of a fertilizer from tree bark is improved by a process of the type wherein crushed waste bark is treated together with waste molasses under elevated pressure and at a temperature of 75.degree. to 140.degree. C. for a time of 10 min. to 2 hrs. said time being dependent on the treatment temperature, and wherein the improvement comprises adding of yeast to the waste molasses, and maintaining its temperature at 30.degree. to 40.degree. C. for 35 to 45 hours, whereby its pH value decreases to 3-4, before it is mixed with the ground waste bark.

Abstract: A fertilizer rich in calcium metaphosphate is produced by reacting phosphorite or other calcium phosphate-bearing mineral, with ammonium bisulphate to produce a precipitate of calcium sulphate and an aqueous solution rich in ammonium mono- and biphosphates. The latter is then heated in a furnace in the presence of further calcium phosphate-bearing mineral, to produce calcium metaphosphate. The calcium sulphate can be converted to calcium carbonate by reaction with ammonium carbonate, to produce ammonium sulphate. The ammonium sulphate can be heated with the furnace gases from the production of calcium metaphosphate, to produce the required ammonium bisulphate for reaction with phosphorite and the required ammonium carbonate for a conversion of the calcium sulphate to calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A granulation process for the production of high purity granules of salt material comprising:(a) a wet blend formed by intensively mixing together(i) particles of soluble fine water-soluble salt having a relatively wide size distribution over the range of from about -30 to about +325 screen size (Tyler mesh),(ii) water insoluble particles of about -150 screen size (Tyler mesh) with surface area above 1 M.sup.2 /gr, and(iii) sufficient water or saturated water solution to provide a moisture content of up to about 20% and preferably in the range of from about 5 to 15% by weight of the mixture,(b) granulating the wet blend from (a), preferably by pan granulation, and(c) drying and recovering the granular product.The product comprises a granular salt product which has the properties of high purity (up to 99% salt), uniform size distribution in the range of from about 2 to 4 mm, a crush strength of greater than about 3 lb/granule and generally in the range of from about 5 to 10 lbs.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preparing fertilizers containing dicalcium phosphate from phosphates of mineral origin by mechanical activation. According to the invention grains larger than 5 mm of the sized or unsized starting phosphate compound of mineral origin are granulated up to a grain size of 1 to 4 mm, the granulated phosphate obtained is admixed with monocalcium phosphate and the phosphate crystals are activated by colliding the grains of the mixture at a speed of 70 to 120 m/sec.The fertilizer prepared according to the invention possesses numerous advantages over the known phosphate fertilizers from technological and applicational point of view as well.

Abstract: A unit dosage form comprising one or more active ingredients and a water-soluble binder in which the water-soluble binder comprises, as a main component, a product obtained by condensing a polyoxyethylene alkyl, alkylphenyl or alkenyl ether having the following formula (I):r-o--(ch.sub.2 ch.sub.2 o).sub.n H (I)wherein R is alkyl or alkenyl having 8 to 22 carbon atoms or alkylphenyl group having 8 to 22 carbon atoms in the alkyl group, and n is an integer of from 50 to 500, with 1-epoxyethyl-3,4-epoxycyclohexane having the following formula (II): ##STR1## the molar ratio of the compound of the formula (II) to the compound of the formula (I) being in the range of from 0.05 to 2.5.

Abstract: A process for granulating ammonium phosphate containing composition for use as a fertilizer which comprises feeding a slurry or melt of ammonium phosphate, wherein said slurry or melt is capable of further reaction with ammonia, into a kneading mill, feeding recycled particles from the subsequent classification and crushing procedure into said kneading mill, wherein the said slurry or melt added to the mill is from 5 to 95% wt.

Abstract: A method of preparing dicalcium phosphate from phosphate rock wherein the rock is treated with a mixture of water, carbonyl, and sulfur dioxide. Solids are separated from the liquid phase. The solid phase consists of a mixture of gangue, and calcium .alpha.-hydroxysulfonate. Carbonyl and part of the sulfur dioxide are recovered from the solid by low temperature thermal decomposition. Dicalcium phosphate is precipitated from the liquid phase by partial distilling of SO.sub.2. All carbonyl is recovered for recycle.

Abstract: A method of providing a complete treatment for containerized plants so that they need never have tap water and fertilizer applied thereto, and a water solution for use in the complete treatment method. The water solution has a pH between 5.8 and 6.4 and less than 10 ppm Na and 5 ppm Cl, and at least 6 ppm N (in nitrate form), 6 ppm P, 25 ppm K, 3.6 ppm Mg, 14 ppm SO.sub.4, and 0.05 ppm Fe. The water solution is periodically applied to containerized plants in place of tap water and fertilizer, and healthy plants result.

Abstract: Suspension fertilizers containing humic acid as a crystallization inhibitor and crystal growth modifier. Suspension fertilizers containing from 0.05% to 3% humic acid and from 0.25%-3% bentonite have excellent stability as evidenced by a low concentration of crystals, a low crystal growth rate, good suspension characteristics and good rheological properties. An improved method of manufacturing suspension fertilizers which consists of adding from 0.05% to 3% by weight humic acid to the suspension fertilizer, and a method of inhibiting the formation and growth of crystals from a supersaturated solution of at least one fertilizer chemical which comprises adding from 0.05% to 3% by weight humic acid to the solution before it becomes supersaturated.

Abstract: A process for obtaining fertilizer salts and organic substance concentrates of high nutritive value from industrial waste waters, in particular of waste waters of the agricultural, food processing and food preserving industries, with a high content of Totally Dissolved Solids (T.D.S.), includes the following operating phases:Automatic diversion of the high T.D.S. content waste waters from those of low T.D.S. content by means of a conductivity or density measuring instrument.Mixing of the high T.D.S. content waste waters with strong acids or bases, according to the composition of the waste waters, so as to form stable salts.Filtration of the so-formed solution for the purpose of eliminating the insoluble substances and precipitates.Concentration of the solution by means of evaporation.Crystallization of the concentrated solution.Separation by means of centrifugation of the fertilizer salts from the mother liquors containing organic substances of high nutritive value.

Abstract: A novel means for the sustained release of agricultural chemicals is provided by a methanol treated activated sludge carrier. The viscous polymeric carrier has application in forming sprayable films, granular pellets, and seed coatings which are resistant to natural mechanisms of chemical loss.

Abstract: A method for extracting vanadium pentoxide from metallurgical slags containing vanadium with a ratio of (V.sub.2 O.sub.5 /CaO) being greater than 0.05 including roasting in an oxidizing medium a slag which has been disintegrated to a particle size less than 0.1 mm and then processing the roasted particles with solutions of phosphoric acid containing from 5 to 20 per cent by weight of H.sub.3 PO.sub.4, with a liquid-to-solid ratio of from 2-10:1 at a temperature of from 50.degree. - 100.degree. C for a period of time from 30 to 120 minutes.

Abstract: Urea-polyphosphate-potassium solution is applied to foliage of field crops such as soybeans, between flowering and seed set to increase yields.

Abstract: Articles for providing sustained release of water-soluble components. The articles comprise agglomerate particles comprising an organophobic water-soluble nucleus particle surrounded by smaller, clinging organophilic particles. The agglomerate particles are bound into a coherent mass, such as a tablet, by an organic, water-insoluble binder. The release characteristics of the articles can be selectively controlled by controlling the type and relative amount of the organophilic particles employed. The articles can be made by dry-blending the solid ingredients and forming and fusing the blended mass.

Abstract: Multinutrient synthetic fertilizers, containing potassium and phosphorus and, if desired, other elements of fertilizing value, are produced from phosphate rock or ore and potassium chloride in a method, in which calcium and chlorine are simultaneously removed as a solution of calcium chloride, said method comprising treating a solution of the phosphate rock or ore in a mineral acid with a cation exchanger charged with potassium ions in order to exchange at least part of the calcium ions of the phosphate rock solution with potassium ions, after which the ion exchanger and the solution are separated, the solution being worked up to the final fertilizer, and the ion exchanger being regenerated for renewed use.

Abstract: An aqueous fire preventing suspension is prepared by diluting a mixture of magnesium ammonium phosphate and an emulsion of a resin and a surfactant which can be sprayed onto weeds in fields in a concentration of greater than 30 wt% magnesium ammonium phosphate per weight of dried weeds.

Abstract: A soluble chromate or dichromate is incorporated in a system comprising a metal and an orthophosphate-containing liquid to inhibit corrosion of the system under highly turbulent conditions. The system in which the chromate or dichromate is incorporated is a system in which the metal surface is normally passivated against corrosion by an orthophosphate-containing film; however under the erosive conditions experienced by the system, the phosphate film is destroyed. The incorporation of the chromate or dichromate in the system prevents corrosion under such conditions. In a typical system, a chromate or dichromate is incorporated in an ammonium phosphate solution which is exposed to contact with a ferrous metal.

Abstract: dicalcium phosphate is prepared from phosphate rock by a process which comprises reacting phosphate rock with sulfur dioxide and an organic carbonyl compound for 0.5 to 10 hours while maintaining the temperature of the reaction mixture below 50.degree. C. The reaction yields a mixture of gangue, solid calcium .alpha.-hydroxy sulfonate and soluble dicalcium phosphate. The solids are separated from the liquid and P.sub.2 O.sub.5 values adhering to the solid are washed free with a mixture of carbonyl, water, and sulfur dioxide. The wash effluent is recycled to the process and both carbonyl and some sulfur dioxide are recovered from the filter cake by heating it. The offgas from the heated filter cake is recycled to the process and the dry filter cake, now largely calcium sulfite hemihydrate, is discarded.Dicalcium phosphate is precipitated from the reaction mixture filtrate in high yield by partially distilling sulfur dioxide from the filtrate.

Abstract: processes for preparing concentrated phosphate rock-water suspension fertilizer with exceptionally satisfactory handling and storage properties are disclosed. Although there are various parameters in the processes that can be varied, they may, for the sake of convenience, be categorized in two embodiments. In the first embodiment, the process involves the blending together of water, fine-ground phosphate rock, and a small amount of a particle dispersant in proportions so that the final product contains 70-78 percent by weight of phosphate rock. In the second embodiment, the process involves the use of specialized procedures in the blending of water, fine-ground phosphate rock, gelling-type clay, and small amounts of dispersant and gelling agents in preparation of final product suspension containing 60 percent by weight of phosphate rock.