Abstract: A calcium sulfate urea (UCS) fertilizer granule and methods for making and using the same are disclosed. The granule can include urea, calcium sulfate, and a calcium sulfate urea adduct, wherein a portion of the surface of the calcium sulfate urea adduct includes a layer comprising urea, calcium sulfate, or calcium sulfate urea adduct, or any combination or all thereof.

Abstract: A particulate fertilizer coating composition or a coated fertilizer containing a solid acidic particulate material and a solid basic particulate material. The coating composition and coated fertilizer are each stable, chemical compatible with other fertilizers, and/or are abrasion resistant.

Abstract: A method for producing coated water-soluble particles in a manner to form two or more coating layers on surfaces of the water-soluble particles, characterized by including: a step A wherein after supplying a first coating material that contains a polyol component and an isocyanate component, a second coating material is additionally supplied to surfaces of first coating bodies that have coating layers formed of the first coating material that has not been sufficiently cured, so that second coating bodies that are provided with coating layers of the second coating material are obtained.

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 concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the pourable, aqueous suspension has water-soluble mineral nutrients amounting to at least about 80 percent by weight (wt. %) of the suspension.

Abstract: This invention relates to a coating composition for a fertilizer comprising at least 50 wt % of a cross-linked lipid; and less than 0.20 wt %, relative to the total weight of the lipid, of a catalyst for cross-linking an unsaturated lipid. The cross-linked lipid has a viscosity at 20 degree Celsius (° C.) in the range of 110 and 800 mPa·s.

Abstract: Preferred aspects of the present invention provide ammonium nitrate compositions comprising ammonium nitrate and at least one stabilizing agent, and preferably a third compound. In certain preferred embodiments, the stabilizing agent, together with third compound, is present under conditions and in amounts effective to substantially reduce the detonation sensitivity of the composition and/or to otherwise improve a desired property of the composition.

Abstract: Animal waste is processed to form a biomaterial that is employed as a coating layer for typical fertilizer particles. The biomaterial coating layer can be used neat or with additives and serves to do one or more or any combination of the following: (a) impart a slow or controlled release property to the fertilizer, (b) prevent or reduce the tendency of the fertilizer particles to cake together, or (c) prevent or reduce the tendency of the fertilizer particles to create dust. The biomaterial coating layer can also release nutrients when used as part of a fertilizer composition.

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 agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous introduction of concentrated raw materials into a high-dilution irrigation-water environment whereby the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. 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: An agricultural fertigation method includes the continuous introduction of concentrated raw materials into a high-dilution irrigation-water environment whereby the stream of flowing irrigation water dampens the resultant dissolution and reaction exotherms. 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: A water-dispersible particle is provided that includes organic origin potash in an amount ranging from 5% to 99.9% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. A binder component is present in an amount from 1% to 95% by weight. The organic origin potash and the binder component on that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. A process for making a water-dispersible particle includes mechanical aggregation of the potash into a pellet. A binder component is present in the particle in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight. The potash and the binder component are present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. The pellet is then dried and ready to be applied.

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: The invention describes a new method for the production of high nitrogen organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that incorporates municipal biosolids or organic sludges that can compete with traditional fertilizers such as ammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate and urea on the commodity fertilizer marketplace. The method creates a thixotropic paste-like material from the biosolids or organic sludge that is blended with hot or molten ammonium salts, especially a mixture of ammonium phosphate and ammonium sulfate. The invention can be an add-on to commercial production of ammonium salts or it can stand alone by manufacturing ammonium salts prior to their introduction to the conditioned biosolids. The invention is oriented to be tailored to production facilities for individual municipal waste treatment plants in order to keep manufacturing plants small with a minimization of logistics and liability.

Abstract: A concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the pourable, aqueous suspension has water-soluble mineral nutrients amounting to at least about 80 percent by weight (wt. %) of the suspension.

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.

Abstract: A coating oil composition and methods of using the composition for dust control is provided. The coating oil comprises utilizing a by-product from the manufacture of biodiesel and/or fatty alkyl esters, wherein the by-product comprises C6-C24 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, C6-C24 saturated and unsaturated fatty acid salts, methyl esters, ethyl esters and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the pourable, aqueous suspension has water-soluble mineral nutrients amounting to at least about 80 percent by weight (wt. %) of the suspension.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fertilizer granule containing ammonium nitrate, comprising a core containing ammonium nitrate and a coating layer containing calcium sulphate. The coating layer consists of a mixture containing calcium sulphate and ammonium nitrate. Such a fertilizer granule is preferably produced by contacting the core with an aqueous ammonium nitrate solution and solid calcium sulphate particles, either as a slurry or separately. The production of the fertilizer granule is safe and easy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fertilizer granule containing ammonium nitrate, comprising a core containing ammonium nitrate and a coating layer containing calcium sulphate. The coating layer consists of a mixture containing calcium sulphate and ammonium nitrate. Such a fertilizer granule is preferably produced by contacting the core with an aqueous ammonium nitrate solution and solid calcium sulphate particles, either as a slurry or separately. The production of the fertilizer granulate is safe and easy.

Abstract: Preferred aspects of the present invention provide ammonium nitrate compositions comprising ammonium nitrate and at least one stabilizing agent, and preferably a third compound. In certain preferred embodiments, the stabilizing agent, together with third compound, is present under conditions and in amounts effective to substantially reduce the detonation sensitivity of the composition and/or to otherwise improve a desired property of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a formulation based on (i) micronized natural calcite mineral (MC) of particles size from 500 nm to 5 ?m, which contains variable amounts of calcite (CaCO3), dolomite [CaMg (CO3)2], ankerite [Ca (Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn) (CO3)2], and quartz (SiO2); (ii) micronized zeolite of particles size from 500 nm to 5 ?m, of general formula (Mn+) x/n [(AlO2) x (SiO2) y].mH2O (MZ) wherein Me=Na, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu; whereas ratio of silicon to aluminum, y:x is between 1:1 to >10:1; whilst m is number of crystalline water molecules which can be from 0 to >20; and of (iii) one or more additives which, with components (i) and (ii), yiled in the final form of the formulation suitable for practical use: powder; wettable powder; concentrate for suspension; or granules; and/or which enhance basic biological actions of (i).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ulvans, in particular extracted from green algae of the genus Ulva or Enteromorpha, or of ulvan-derived oligosaccharides, as elicitors of mechanisms for nitrogen absorption and protein synthesis. It also relates to a fertilizing product containing ulvans and to the use thereof in a plant treatment method.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of nitrogen- or calcium-containing fertilizers to improve the performance of S-(+)-abscisic acid (S-ABA, ABA) or ABA salts on plants. This invention also relates to the use of ABA to reduce the phytotoxicity of foliar applied fertilizers.

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: Agricultural compositions which comprises (i) a water-soluble salt of calcium and (ii) an auxin mimic that is an aryl substituted urea, for administering calcium to plants. The compositions particularly include diphenylurea as the auxin mimic. Also formulations containing the compositions and methods of their uses are included.

Abstract: A method for removing carbon dioxide from a gas stream and controlling ammonia vapor by scrubbing the carbon dioxide from the gas stream with ammonium carbonate, thereby producing ammonia vapor and ammonium bicarbonate; removing a portion of the ammonia vapor from the gas stream with ammonium bicarbonate; and polishing the flue gas to achieve an ammonia concentration of less than 10 PPM.

Abstract: An adjuvant that is applied to foliage or fruit or both of a plant and comprises an effective amount ammonium sulfate, an effective amount of an alkyl polysaccharide and n effective amount of a mono, di or polysaccharide. The adjuvant is dispersed in a selected amount of water along with a selected amount of micronutrients or secondary nutrients such that when applied to foliage or fruit or both of the plant, the adjuvant causes an increase in the intake of the micronutrients or secondary nutrients applied to foliage or fruit.

Abstract: Blends of fertilizer granules and highly absorbent cellulosic granules carrying one or more pesticidal or other active ingredients that resist the formation of actives dust or segregation of the granules and that ensure even and efficient application of both the fertilizer and the active ingredients.

Abstract: A prilling method comprising the steps of: providing a molten first component, mixing at least a second component with the molten first component, reacting the components to form a shear-thinnable mixture; and prilling the shear-thinnable mixture wherein the prilling comprises mechanically agitating in the prill head to shear thin the shear-thinnable mixture sufficiently to permit prilling. The inventive method can be used to produce fertilizer product comprising ammonium sulfate nitrate.

Abstract: A method of wet granulation of fertilizer and other materials into granules. The method involves formation of the granule directly on the pan from the feedstock without intermediate steps or the use of seed materials. The result is a product having a completely uniform cross section. The feedstock is initially in the size distribution of −150 mesh with 90% or greater in the size range of 200 mesh. Moisture is maintained to facilitate a steady process without cycling. The method has the advantage of allowing granulation of materials either known to be hazardous or inherently difficult to granulate in a safe and expedient manner. The process permits the formation of multiple feedstock granules. The initial feedstock may be augmented with a different feedstock in a second pan having a different composition and size from the initial feedstock.

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

Abstract: A method of wet granulation of fertilizer and other materials into granules. The method involves formation of the granule directly on the pan from the feedstock without intermediate steps or the use of seed materials. The result is a product having a completely uniform cross section. The feedstock is initially in the size distribution of −150 mesh with 90% or greater in the size range of 200 mesh. Moisture is maintained to facilitate a steady process without cycling.

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

Abstract: Unique methods for improving growth and maintenance of warm and cool season grasses are provided by treatment with prescribed irrigation solutions to improve water penetration and to increase soil oxygen, while, at the same time reducing water usage and inhibiting pathogens. In a presently preferred embodiment, the inventive method comprises the steps of producing a gaseous mixture of negatively charged ionized air including from about 50 parts per million to about 4,000 parts per million ozone, from about 1,000 parts per million to 20,000 parts per million oxygen ions, and from 2,000 to about 50,000 parts per million nitrogen oxides from ambient air; effecting direct contact between the ionized air gaseous mixture and a supply of water by means of a submicron injector to produce a substantially dissolved gaseous solution for irrigation of a wide variety of warm and cool season grasses.

Abstract: The invention relates to a coated granular fertilizer having a film covering fertilizer granules. This film comprises a polyurethane resin prepared by a method comprising the steps of (a) reacting an aromatic polyisocyanate with a first polyol component (i.e., castor oil or a castor oil derivative), thereby to obtain a prepolymer having terminal isocyanate groups in the molecule; and (b) reacting the prepolymer with a second polyol component (i.e., castor oil or a castor oil derivative) and a third polyol component which is an amine having at least two hydroxyl groups in the molecule, thereby to cure the prepolymer and thus to prepare the polyurethane resin. The invention relates to another coated granular fertilizer having a film covering fertilizer granules. This film comprises a urethane resin and aqueous-fluid-absorbing particles having a particle diameter of from 1 to 200 &mgr;m. This urethane resin may be the above polyurethane resin.

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: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates for use as a soil conditioner produced from cement kiln dust and other particulate calcium sources containing CaO or Ca(OH)2 and other calcium-containing compounds having the potential to be hydrated and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The process comprises combining the particulate calcium source 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 coated granular fertilizer having a film covering fertilizer granules. This film comprises a polyurethane resin prepared by a method comprising the steps of (a) reacting an aromatic polyisocyanate with a first polyol component (i.e., castor oil or a castor oil derivative), thereby to obtain a prepolymer having terminal isocyanate groups in the molecule; and (b) reacting the prepolymer with a second polyol component (i.e., castor oil or a castor oil derivative) and a third polyol component which is an amine having at least two hydroxyl groups in the molecule, thereby to cure the prepolymer and thus to prepare the polyurethane resin. The invention relates to another coated granular fertilizer having a film covering fertilizer granules. This film comprises a urethane resin and aqueous-fluid-absorbing particles having a particle diameter of from 1 to 200 &mgr;m. This urethane resin may be the above polyurethane resin.

Abstract: A method of wet granulation of fertilizer and other materials into granules. The method involves formation of the granule directly on the pan from the feedstock without intermediate steps or the use of seed materials. The result is a product having a completely uniform cross section. The feedstock is initially in the size distribution of -150 mesh with 90% or greater in the size range of 200 mesh. Moisture is maintained to facilitate a steady process without cycling. The method has the advantage of allowing granulation of materials either known to be hazardous or inherently difficult to granulate in a safe and expedient manner.

Abstract: Solids having a tendency to cake are treated with distillation heavies that are liquid at about 60.degree. C. or less and are obtained from production of a ketone having the formula:R.dbd.O,wherein R is substituted or unsubstituted, branched, straight chain or cyclic, C.sub.4 to C.sub.18. The solids so treated have a reduced tendency to cake.

Abstract: This invention relates to processes for the production of unsymmetrical polyurea-urethane coated granular fertilizer products, and to the unsymmetrical polyurea-urethane coated granular fertilizer products produced by these processes. These processes comprise coating fertilizer granules with compounds which react to form unsymmetrical polyurea-urethane coatings, then the compounds are polymerized. Suitable compounds comprise a) an organic polyisocyanate component, and b) an alkanolamine component containing at least one primary or secondary amine group and at least one hydroxyl group. These compounds are present in sufficient quantities that the NCO to active hydrogen group is from about 0.5:1.0 up to about 1.5:1.0. It is necessary that sufficient amounts of these compounds are applied to the fertilizer granules such that the unsymmetrical polyurea-urethane coated granular fertilizer particles contain from about 0.

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 method of making free-flowing moisture resistant calcium-containing particles that inhibit the water absorption characteristics of calcium products, hygroscopic and deliquescent, for example, the method comprising the steps of spraying molten soluble nitrogen-containing material onto the hygroscopic calcium-containing granules and recovering the coated granules. 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 is qualities.

Abstract: A substantially non-caking solid is treated with distillation bottoms that are liquid at about 60.degree. C. or less and are obtained from production of an alcohol having the formula:R2--R1--OH,wherein R1 is substituted or unsubstituted branched, straight chain or cyclic C.sub.4 to C.sub.12 and R2 is OH or H.

Abstract: The invention relates to free-flowing, powder fertilizer compositions characterized by having enhanced aqueous dissolution rates and being able to produce drift reduced aqueous agricultural spray medium.Specifically, the compositions are water-soluble, nitrogen-containing fertilizers physically blended with a guar gum drift reduction agent and a silicone defoaming agent either encapsulated or absorbed in an agricultural carrier.

Abstract: System and method for processing an effluvia gas containing NO.sub.X and sulfur dioxide to produce an enriched fertilizer. The gas is brought into contact with a host liquid and calcium oxide to convert the NO.sub.X to calcium nitrate and the sulfur dioxide to calcium sulfate, and the liquid containing the calcium nitrate and the sulfur dioxide is then passed through a bed of horse manure media so that the calcium nitrate and the sulfur dioxide accumulate in and thereby enrich the media for use as fertilizer.

Abstract: Solids that, untreated, have a tendency to cake are treated with distillation bottoms that are liquid at about 60.degree. C. or less and are obtained from production of an alcohol having the formula:R2-R1-OH,wherein R1 is substituted or unsubstituted, branched, straight chain or cyclic, C.sub.4 to C.sub.12 and R2 is OH or H.

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: 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).