Abstract: A semi-automated crop production system featuring a growing module with grids of cells for growing plants and a lighting and airflow fixture positioned above each cell. The lighting and airflow fixtures feature a fan disposed in a housing, a light emitting diode (LED) assembly board comprising LEDs disposed below the fan; a light diffuser disposed below the LED assembly board, and an adjustable airflow nozzle extending downwardly from the fan and protruding through the LED assembly board and the light diffuser. The adjustable airflow nozzle provides directed airflow downwardly toward a bottom area of the housing. The growing module and lighting and airflow fixtures are housed in a shell. The growing module may be slidably attached to the interior wall of the shell via mounting components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid storage and dispensing system for an organic soil amendment concentrate or fertilizer, comprises a storage tank, which comprises a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, wherein the storage tank is refrigerated, a first flow meter connecting the fluid outlet of the storage tank on one end and a product tank on the other end, a second flow meter connecting to a water supply line on one end, an eductor connecting to the second flow meter on one end and the product tank on the other end, wherein the a concentrate stored in the storage tank is metered in via the first flow meter and mixed in the product tank with water metered via the second flow meter. As one aspect of the invention, the storage tank comprises interconnected holding tanks that are re-circulated. At least one water tank may be included between the water supply and the second flow meter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning and recycling stack gas from coal-fired power plants, from natural or propane burning heating plants, or from cement kilns by using renewable catalysts of zeolite to separate pollutants into recyclable and reusable materials. The method reduces from the stack gas carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen oxide (NOx), sulfur oxide (SOx) as well as halogens such as chloride and fluorides and trace metals particularly, mercury, lead, and zinc. Bauxite compounds can also be separately collected if desired. The method and apparatus also result in production of fertilizer products by purging with gaseous or liquid nitrogen the zeolite beds through which the stack gas flows. The oxygen split in the beds may be recycled to the burners in the plant.

Abstract: Methods for converting waste streams from the wood pulping industry to high-value fertilizers are described. For example, isolated lignin and lignosulphonate or waste streams containing lignin and lignosulphonate can be converted to methylol derivatives and treated with further reagents to produce controlled release fertilizers, hydrogel fertilizers, and soil stabilizers.

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

Abstract: The present media is to be used with a particulate base having particles of a first maximum diameter for growing plants. The media includes granules which are of biodegradable recycled material and have a diameter relative to the first maximum diameter to penetrate further into the particulate base with each watering. The granules include plant nutrients and are of a material which coagulates after watering and adheres to the particulates of the base. The diameter of the granules may be in the range of 1/16 to ? of an inch.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous solution of a mixture for treating urea-based fertilizers/fertilizers containing ammonium that contains 1,2,4-triazole and 3-methylpyrazole in the weight ratio 2/1 and at least one polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinylpyrrolidone and a tenside.

Abstract: The invention employs composites of zeolite and ferric oxide hydroxide for removal of inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus wastes from animal environments.

Abstract: A method for preparing a boron fertilizer, including: (1) heating boric acid to a temperature of 180-200° C., maintaining the temperature for 20-30 min for dehydration of the boric acid to yield pyroboric acid; and (2) cooling down the pyroboric acid to a temperature of 40-60° C., crushing, and screening to yield a powdered, weakly acidic, high-content boron fertilizer. The method is energy-saving, environmentally friendly, and low in cost.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the at least one nutrient element possesses a relative energy-state value greater than the relative energy-state value of the at least one nutrient element in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the greater energy-state value, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition. Also a composition comprising at least one nutrient element, wherein the composition possesses an energy spectrum more positive than the energy spectrum of the composition in a preexisting state, the composition being effective, perhaps because of the more positive energy spectrum, to improve the ability of a soil, when combined with the composition, to support plant growth better than the soil, when not combined with the composition.

Abstract: Agriculturally useful compositions comprise individual quantities of anhydrous ammonia, ammonia solution, and one or more agricultural actives different than anhydrous ammonia. The compositions may include polyanionic polymers, fertilizers, and/or biocidal agents. Preferably, the compositions are created in pressurized tanks and are applied in the same fashion as anhydrous ammonia.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition is provided that includes boron and sulfur. The fertilizer composition can be a controlled release fertilizer that includes elemental sulfur, an anhydrous boron-containing compound, and a swelling material. The fertilizer composition can be produced by mixing molten elemental sulfur with the anhydrous boron-containing compound and cooling the mixture.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cleaning carbon oxides, sulfur oxides and nitrogen oxides, from stack gas, from combustion of coal, combustion of natural gas or propane, or from a cement kiln by reaction using calcium zeolite and sodium zeolite catalysts. The method also includes cleaning the catalytic beds with nitrogen to remove the collected reactants and recover a fertilizer product and the catalysts for reusable.

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

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

Abstract: A urea fertilizer having reduced ammonia volatilization upon application to soil including a central particle having an outer surface and comprising ammonia volatilization inhibiting compounds containing one or more of boron and iodine, and a coating of urea on the outer surface of the central particle, and further a process of making the fertilizer including the steps of: granulating ammonia volatilization inhibiting compounds containing one or more of boron and iodine, with a binder to produce volatilization inhibitor particles; screening the inhibitor particles to a preselected particle size; spraying melted urea onto the surface of the inhibitor particles to produce a coating on the inhibitor particles; granulating the coated inhibitor particles with sprayed melted urea to produce granules of urea coated central volatilization particles; and cooling the granules.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating bioreactor wastewater streams are provided. In some embodiments, the methods and systems involve producing a composition, for example in the form of a solution, comprising ammonia or ammonium from the bioreactor wastewater stream. In some cases, the bioreactor is an anaerobic digester.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalization can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.

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

Abstract: An environment is moderated in an area where animal wastes are collected in a fluid containing compartment. Animal wastes are collected in a fluid containing compartment. The animal wastes are of the type that generate or provide in or above the fluid containing compartment at least one waste selected from the group consisting of carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, mercaptans and organic acids. A combination is provided of i) a polymer capable of absorbing at least ten times its weight in water (preferably a superpolymer) and ii) a combination of salts that react to liberate I2. At least one waste is flocculated with liberated I2 (and any cations from the reactive salts) to form a flocculent that has reduced odor and reduced microbial content. The flocculent may be used as a fertilizer.

Abstract: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous in situ manufacture of one or more nitrogen-nutrient raw fertilizers within the irrigation system upstream of the agricultural field being irrigated for a prolonged term. Raw materials, namely nitric acid, urea, ammonium hydroxide, calcium nitrate and/or magnesium nitrate, are intermixed with each other and/or with the stream of the flowing irrigation water. The stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution exotherm. A system wherein raw materials are efficiently continuously fed to the irrigation system main line or a side-arm reactor efficiently implements the method.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing an oxygenated biochar material possessing a cation-exchanging property, wherein a biochar source is reacted with one or more oxygenating compounds in such a manner that the biochar source homogeneously acquires oxygen-containing cation-exchanging groups in an incomplete combustion process. The invention is also directed to oxygenated biochar compositions and soil formulations containing the oxygenated biochar material.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition is provided that includes boron and sulfur. The fertilizer composition can be a controlled release fertilizer that includes elemental sulfur, an anhydrous boron-containing compound, and a swelling material. The fertilizer composition can be produced by mixing molten elemental sulfur with the anhydrous boron-containing compound and cooling the mixture.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition wherein a nitrogen containing macronutrient is adsorbed on the surface of hydroxyapatite phosphate nanoparticles. Said fertilizer composition slowly releases the nitrogen containing macronutrient to soil.

Abstract: A macronutrient sustained release composition for a plant locus having nitrogen containing macronutrient compound adsorbed on the surface of hydroxyapatite phosphate nanoparticles, and a process for preparation thereof. The macronutrient adsorbed hydroxyapatite phosphate nanoparticles are encapsulated within cavities present in wood such that the biodegradation of the wood releases the adsorbed macronutrient compounds in a slow and sustained manner to the soil. Further, the macronutrient particles are encapsulated within the cell cavities of wood and wood is coated with cellulose modified hydroxyapatite phosphate nanoparticles such that the rupture of the nanocoating initiates the nitrogen release followed by the biodegradation of the wood releases the rest of the adsorbed macronutrient compounds in a slow and sustained manner to the soil.

Abstract: The method for increasing yield of crop plants uses foliar application to the plants during the plant growth stage of a granular fertilizer consisting essentially of urea, ammonium sulfate and a fertilizer stabilizing agent. The stabilizing agent regulates and slows down decomposition nitrogen in urea and/or ammonium sulfate to maximize use thereof. The granular fertilizer has a urea/ammonium sulfate weight ratio of about 4/1 and contains at least 40% nitrogen and at least 4% sulfur. The relatively high N—S fertilizer is applied at relatively high rates of about 100 to 150 pounds per acre to ensure that the fertilizer nutrients are always available to the plants at several stages of growth.

Abstract: A dry, flowable fertilizer is provided that includes multiple dry, flowable biosolids pellets. Each of the pellets has a pellet surface. Potassium salt grains are adhered to the pellet surfaces and a dust control agent coating is applied to retain the grains on the pellet surfaces. The resultant dry, flowable fertilizer has higher potassium loadings to the potassium salt grains than previous biosolids based fertilizers. A process of forming a fertilizer is also provided that includes tumbling dry, flowable biosolids pellets with powdered potassium salt grains to form a mixture. An aqueous spray is added to adhere the salt grains to the pellet surfaces. With the application of a dust control agent, the salt grains are retained. Potassium levels in NPK units of from 1 to 15 are routinely achieved with greater than 90 elemental % of the potassium is from the surface decorating potassium salt grains.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid composition containing phosphoric or thiophosphoric triamide derivatives and suitable solvents selected from the group comprising esters of hydroxyacids, heterocyclic alcohols and their derivatives, cyclic carbonic acid esters and dicarboxyacid esters, optionally the composition may also contain glycol ethers and auxiliary substances. The invention further includes the use of this liquid composition as urease inhibitor in urea-containing fertilizers, in fertilizers and wastes of animal origin or in sprays masking animal urine odors.

Abstract: A method of producing anhydrous calcium nitrate, anhydrous magnesium nitrate or mixture thereof involves removing water from a solution of calcium nitrate, magnesium nitrate or mixture thereof in a pulse combustion drier. The invention also provides a mixture of anhydrous calcium nitrate, anhydrous magnesium nitrate and the individual anhydrous nitrate salts in a sealed container.

Abstract: A composition to enhance efficiency of Photosynthesis and thereby increase agriculture/horticulture yield, containing approximately 5% to 90% Melamine, approximately 10% to 80% Ortho Phosphoric acid, approximately 8% POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE, approximately 8% Sodium Hydroxide, and up to approximately 30% POTASSIUM SULPHATE, with approximately 5% of 0.5% DIETHYL AMINOETHYL HEXANOTE, approximately 10% ZINC SULPHATE MONOHYDRATE, approximately 8% to 15% Octoborate with IGSURF 6000, and approximately 5% to 10% wetting agent to get a product for boosting Photosynthesis in liquid, soluble powder, and/or granule form.

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

Abstract: Fertilizer products, and methods of making fertilizer products are provided that include an additive, such as an agrochemical, coated onto a base fertilizer particle. The outer coating bonds to the inner coating and maintains the inner coating on the base fertilizer particle until the base fertilizer particle undergoes dissolution and releases the fertilizing component.

Abstract: A composition which provides bactericidal, fungicidal and insecticidal activity when treating plants with effective amounts. The composition comprises the blending of: (1) an aqueous salicylate solution from salicylic acid reacted in an aqueous media with ammonium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide; (2) a reaction mixture that provides fungicidal activity and fertilizes plants when applied in an effective amount and which comprises potassium phosphates, potassium polyphosphate, potassium phosphites, and potassium polyphosphite and potassium phosphate phosphite copolymers; and, optionally, (3) aqueous potassium acetate.

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

Abstract: Improved, solid water-soluble fertilizer (WSF) compositions are presented which comprise at least one acid (optionally nutritive) and at least one basic fertilizer component. In one or more embodiments of the present invention, the WSF compositions demonstrate improved solubility of one or more nutrients or additives in solution, do not require additional dissolution aids or anti-caking agents, demonstrate fast dissolution times, produce precipitate free solutions, are readily compounded without intermediate wetting or drying steps, do not generate gas, and demonstrate improved stability under typical usage conditions. Finally, the WSF compositions may be used in improved processes for the creation of stock solutions, optionally with cold water, and/or delivery of nutrients to plants.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing an oxygenated biochar material possessing a cation-exchanging property, wherein a biochar source is reacted with one or more oxygenating compounds in such a manner that the biochar source homogeneously acquires oxygen-containing cation-exchanging groups in an incomplete combustion process. The invention is also directed to oxygenated biochar compositions and soil formulations containing the oxygenated biochar material.

Abstract: A macronutrient sustained release composition for a plant locus containing a nanocomposite wherein a nitrogen containing macronutrient compound adsorbed on the surface of hydroxy apatite phosphate nanoparticles is intercalated within the interlayer spacing of a nanoclay. The nanocomposite containing the adsorbed macronutrient compounds is slowly released in a sustained manner when contacted with an acidic soil.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalization can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.

Abstract: A method is described for rendering char from a biomass fractionator apparatus (BMF char) suitable for addition to soil in high concentrations, the method relying on multiple processes comprising removing detrimental hydrocarbons from BMF char, removing adsorbed gases from BMF char, introducing microorganisms to the BMF char, and adjusting soil pH.

Abstract: A method is described for rendering char from a biomass fractionator apparatus (BMF char) suitable for addition to soil in high concentrations, the method relying on multiple processes comprising removing detrimental hydrocarbons from BMF char, removing adsorbed gases from BMF char, introducing microorganisms to the BMF char, and adjusting soil pH.

Abstract: A method of using nitrates, nitrites, or ammonium recovered from contaminated water for feeding plants and algae. If required, the nitrogen waste removed from contaminated waters is treated to be converted as nitrates or nitrites to become readily absorbed by plants and algae. The use of nitrogen containing fertilizer recovered from contaminated waters to feed plants and algae is cost effective for both the process of water decontamination and the growth of plants and algae.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a device for producing nitrogen fertilizer, removing phosphate from organic waste products in liquid phase, sanitizing said waste or reducing emissions, and limiting the potassium concentration. According to the invention, the waste product is heated to temperatures ranging between 40 DEG C. at a subatmospheric pressure, the escaping gas that contains carbon dioxide and ammonia is contacted with a mineral-aqueous suspension, the excess gas is conducted within the circuit while the subatmospheric pressure is autogenously stabilized, and the formed nitrogen fertilizer is discharged.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural composition wherein the composition comprises an effective amount of a sulphur active ingredient and at least one dispersing agent.

Abstract: Coated fertilizer wherein the fertilizer comprises fertilizer particles coated with a biomass composition comprising 1-60 wt. % solid biomass particles with a D50 between 0 and 150 ?m and 99-40 wt. % oil, a biomass composition wherein the biomass composition comprises solid biomass particles with a D50 between 0 and 150 ?m and a process for the production of a biomass composition wherein a biomass composition comprising solid particles having a D50 between 30 and 500 ?m is filtrated and the residue is grinded until the solid particles have a D50 between 0 and 150 ?m.

Abstract: A method is described for rendering char from a biomass fractionator apparatus (BMF char) suitable for addition to soil in high concentrations, the method relying on multiple processes comprising removing detrimental hydrocarbons from BMF char, removing adsorbed gases from BMF char, introducing microorganisms to the BMF char, and adjusting soil pH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the authentication of a product, comprising providing said product with at least one marker, wherein said marker is a phosphorescent marker selected from a set of m phosphorescent markers each having a different emission spectrum, wherein m is an integer equal or greater than 3, and wherein said marker is provided at an amount that results in a phosphor-specific emission below background radiation emitted from said product.

Abstract: Methods for synthesizing nano-urea particles are described. The methods involve using a spinning cone reactor, a nano-channel reactor, combustion synthesis or spray drying. Ammonia and carbon dioxide are used as raw materials for producing urea. The methods allow for the production of urea nanoparticles at high conversion rates. The methods allow for better control over the hydrolysis rate of the nano-urea particles. The nano-urea particles can be used as fertilizers and provide for sustained release of ammonia and its conversion to nitrates in the soil. The nano-urea particles have low volatilization rates, low moisture absorption rates and low biuret concentration. The nano-urea particles can be applied to the soil via fertigation.

Abstract: A controlled release nitrogeneous fertilizer composition system, comprising (a) a tannin selected from the group consisting of purified tannins, purified modified tannins, condensate tannins, and mixtures thereof; (b) a nitrogeneous fertilizer component selected from the group consisting of an ammonia fertilizer, an ammonium fertilizer, a urea fertilizer, a nitrogen containing fertilizer, a natural nitrogen containing organic fertilizer, a nitrogen containing waste product fertilizer, a slow and control release fertilizer, and mixtures thereof; and optionally (c) a carrier. Also disclosed is a method for making such fertilizer composition systems.

Abstract: A multiple effect plant growth promoting mixture is provided that includes a first plurality of fertilizer granules, each containing a quantity of a bioavailable source of nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium. A second plurality of granules, each containing an active agent effective in inhibiting an organism interfering with plant growth are intermixed with the fertilizer granules. The fertilizer granules are substantially devoid of the active agent adhering to the fertilizer granule and the active agent granules are substantially devoid of fertilizer. The potential for cross contamination being associated with granule breakage associated with intermixing and transport.