Abstract: A pourble aqueous borate-containing suspension which suspension in water contains 8 to 13% by weight boron as sodium pentaborate, 0.1 to 3% by weight of a swellable clay, and 0.05 to 0.2% by weight of a polysaccharide. The aqueous compositions according to the invention are physically stable, yet pourable and therefore readily handled. They may be used directly or, if appropriate, diluted for use. They may be used as a source of boron for crops or for other applications where there is a need for aqueous soluble borate suspensions.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for lowering the pH of soil are provided wherein the compositions comprise ammonium sulfate, elemental sulfur, and a micronutrient selected from the group consisting of zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, cobalt, vanadium, selenium, silicon, nickel, and mixtures thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the compositions are in granulated form and are applied to the soil so as to create lower pH microenvironments within the soil without decreasing the pH of the overall bulk soil surrounding the microenvironments. In the microenvironments, the micronutrients are readily available to the roots of plants and are taken up by the plants with increased efficiency, thus reducing the quantity of micronutrients required to be applied to the soil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing soils and of the equipment related thereto. The method includes sequentially at least the following phases: dispersion into the soil of at least one compound, solid, liquid or gaseous, able to react exothermically with water and/or steam, or other substance; injection of at least one jet of water and/or steam, or of another substance, into the soil in such a way as to produce heat in the subsequent reaction with the compound. Between the two aforesaid phases it is convenient to proceed to break up the soil to favor its mixing with the compound and create the best conditions for the reaction.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process to produce fertilizer granules containing urea and ammonium sulfate with a high ammonium sulfate concentration of ≦60 wt. % in a fluidized bed granulator, which process comprises the steps of: a) a molten urea suspension consisting of ammonium sulfate having an average particle size of 30 to 300 &mgr;m and urea having a temperature range of 120 to 155° C. is produced, b) the molten urea suspension produced at the stage a) is then injected from below on the fine particles of urea/ammonium sulfate in a fluidized bed granulator by means of at least a nozzle, while the fluidized bed is loosened by a spouting air flow in the injection area, and subsequently, c) the fertilizer granules generated in the fluidized bed are separated and, if necessary, treated. Homogeneous urea/ammonium sulfate granules of an ammonium sulfate content between 30 and 60 wt.

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 invention relates to a method for making NK-fertilizers basically from calcium nitrate fertilizers and potassium nitrate and homogeneous NK-fertilizer products. Calcium nitrate fertilizer is melted together with potassium nitrate to form a melt or suspension thereof which is particulated to form a homogeneous NK-fertilizer. The calcium nitrate fertilizer and the potassium nitrate are melted at 90-120° C. and then heated to the desired particulation temperature being 160-190° C. for prilling and 90-140° C. for granulation. The components are mixed in ratios giving a melt or suspension comprising 40-14 weight % calcium nitrate, 55-85 weight % potassium nitrate, 0.5-6 weight % water, 0-4 weight % ammonium nitrate and 0-5 weight % magnesium nitrate.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for lowering the pH of soil are provided wherein the compositions comprise ammonium sulfate, elemental sulfur, and a micronutrient selected from the group consisting of zinc, iron, manganese, copper, boron, cobalt, vanadium, selenium, silicon, nickel, and mixtures thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the compositions are in granulated form and are applied to the soil so as to create lower pH microenvironments within the soil without decreasing the pH of the overall bulk soil surrounding the microenvironments. In the microenvironments, the micronutrients are readily available to the roots of plants and are taken up by the plants with increased efficiency, thus reducing the quantity of micronutrients required to be applied to the soil.

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: 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: 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: Methods, devices and compositions directed to the delivery of a preferably organic formulation of plant nutrients to indoor and outdoor potted plants, cut flowers, vegetable, herb, and flower seedlings, and other types of plants. The methods, devices and compositions form a simple, safe, non-toxic, cost effective and easy to use delivery system comprising the use of a plant nutrient composition. The plant nutrient composition is typically dry and is maintained in a plant nutrient delivery system during storage and shipping. When ready for use, the plant nutrient composition is contacted with hot water to release the plant nutrients retained within the plant nutrient composition, and the resulting infusion is cooled, and then administered to the plants.

Abstract: Electrolyte ionized water production device wherein voltage is produced or an electrical current is passed, between anode and cathode of an electrolytic cell to which various electrolytes and raw water are supplied after being mixed, and wherein various electrolytes are delivered to an electrolytic cell by use of quantitative pumps and raw water is delivered to said electrolytic cell by use of mechanisms including quantitative pumps or pressure reducing valves, and constant flow valves.

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: A plant growing agent contains a blue pigment that contains, as a main ingredient, a compound represented by MFe?Fe(CN).sub.6 ! (M is an alkali metal or an ammonium group, and one Fe is of divalent, while the other Fe is of trivalent), and a substance for changing the cuticular of the surface layer of a plant so as to facilitate permeation of the blue pigment into the interior of the tissue of the plant. In a plant growing method, a thick stock solution is first prepared by adding a surfactant and a solvent into a mixture of the above-described blue pigment and the above-described substance for changing the cuticular of the surface layer of a plant so as to facilitate permeation of the blue pigment into the interior of the tissue of the plant. The thick stock solution is diluted 5-100 times with a solvent, and is sprayed onto a plant to be grown.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to a process of treating plants and, in particular, to a process of stimulating plant growth and development by subjecting the plants to sound waves and by exposing the plants to a nutrient formulation. The invention further relates to a method of increasing the absorption capacity of plants.

Abstract: A method of ameliorating acid soils so as to enhance plant growth is provided by adding to soil 0.05 to 20 percent by weight, based on the weight of the soil, of a flue gas desulfurization by-product consisting essentially of 80-99 percent by weight of gypsum (CaSO.sub.4.2H.sub.2 O) and 1-20 percent by weight of magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH).sub.2).

Abstract: A porous prilled product, particularly ammonium nitrate, and its method of preparation, which includes encapsulated microspheres, particularly polymer microballoons, which serve to reduce the density of the product.The invention also extends to an explosives composition particularly ANFO and heavy ANFO, including such ammonium nitrate of reduced density.

Abstract: A synthetic soil/fertilizer for horticultural application having all the agronutrients essential for plant growth is disclosed. The soil comprises a synthetic apatite fertilizer having sulfur, magnesium and micronutrients dispersed in a calcium phosphate matrix, a zeolite cation exchange medium saturated with a charge of potassium and nitrogen cations, and an optional pH buffer. Moisture dissolves the apatite and mobilizes the nutrient elements from the apatite matrix and the zeolite charge sites.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of free-flowing, non-caking, stable granular ammonium sulphate containing micronutrients comprising granulating ammonium sulphate in the presence of a granulating aid which is stripped zinc electrolyte derived from an electrolytic zinc operation. An effective amount of stripped zinc electrolyte is used to yield a final ammonium sulphate product containing about 0.4% to 1.3% by weight zinc, up to about 0.16% by weight magnesium and up to about 0.09% by weight manganese. The stripped zinc electrolyte, typically containing 20-25 g/L zinc, 2-4 g/L magnesium, 1-2 g/L manganese and sulphuric acid, may be added during reaction of ammonia and sulphuric acid prior to granulation. A free-flowing, non-caking, hard, ammonium sulphate granular fertilizer having a pH of about 2 to 7.5 as 10% solution, containing by weight 0.4% to 1.3% by weight zinc, up to about 0.16% by weight magnesium and up to about 0.09% by weight manganese is produced.

Abstract: An integrated system of non-condensable gas (NCG) and condensate treatment allows geothermal power plant condensate and non-condensable gas effluent streams containing H.sub.2 S and ammonia to be commercially useful for more than for cooling tower makeup. In the preferred embodiment, the pH of the condensate is increased by adding ammonia and the pH increased stream is contacted with NCG to scrub and oxidize the H.sub.2 S constituent of the NCG. By reducing the pH, the condensate or aqueous stream mixture can also be used to further transfer ammonia from the non-condensable gas stream to the aqueous stream, enriching the stream for use as a fertilizer/irrigation water mixture. If other commercial uses are desired for the mixture and/or oxidized NCG streams, they can be resin treated to remove the ammonia constituent. With the ammonia and H.sub.2 S constituents decreased, the condensate may be used for a variety of applications and the NCG can be injected or used as a commercial feed stream.

Abstract: A process for preparing granular water soluble alkali metal borate compositions by agitating a finely divided feedstock comprising a water soluble alkali metal borate and optionally boric acid, the molar ratio of alkali metal oxide to boric oxide in the feedstock being from about 0.1 to 0.5:1, optionally heating the agitated feedstock particles, contacting the agitated feedstock particles with an aqueous granulating agent to agglomerate feedstock particles, and recovering a granular borate composition having an average particle size of at least 250 micro meters. The resultant granulated product has a higher bulk density and better water dissolution rate than the feedstock particles.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing aqueous elemental phosphorus containing residues (sludges) to produce orthophosphate containing slurries suitable for subsequent reaction with ammonia to produce nitrogen- and phosphorus-containing fertilizer products. It comprises reacting aqueous elemental phosphorus containing residues with certain special mixtures of concentrated nitric acid and sulfuric acid to effect the conversion of the elemental phosphorus content of the residues into mostly orthophosphoric acid and very little orthophosphorous acid with the relative ratios of orthophosphoric acid to orthophosphorous acid produced being dependent upon the weight ratio H.sub.2 SO.sub.4 :HNO.sub.3 employed in the processing. The reaction is conducted at the boiling point of the resulting aqueous reaction medium.

Abstract: A binder for fertilizer granulation is taught, comprising a reactive mixture of a metal salt and a metal oxide or hydroxide. Use of this binder permits the incorporation of higher percentages of "fines" or small particle fertilizer components.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions useful as foliar fertilizers contain ammonium ion, at a phytotoxic concentration, and sufficient magnesium ion to minimize the phytotoxic effect of the ammonium ion when the solution is applied to plant foliage. Also provided is a method for foliarly fertilizing plants sensitive to ammonium ion with ammonic nitrogen-containing fertilizers which method comprises applying magnesium ion to the plant foliage either prior to, simultaneously with or after application of the ammonic fertilizer to reduce the sensitivity of the plants to ammonium ion.

Abstract: To make and use nitrogeneous fertilizer on a farm, nitrogen oxides are prepared in a continuous process from air or from ammonia in a reactor, with the ammonia either being transported to the farm or local site in a farming area or being prepared on the site in a continuous process from water and air. The nitrogen oxides are mixed with a continuous flow of water to form a solution of nitric acid, which may be applied to the field through the irrigation system as top dressing or mixed within the system with ammonium or other cations to form ammonium nitrate or other desired nitrogen solutions for application to the fields in a continuous process or concentrated without requiring storage of large amounts of gas or creating heat exchange problems in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A coated product comprising a water soluble core material having a water insoluble polymeric coating encapsulating said core and a process for the production thereof. The encapsulating coating comprising a water-borne, polyvinylidene chloride-based latex composition which provides for the release of the water soluble core material over an extended period of time.

Abstract: Aqueous thiocarbonate solutions are stabilized by the addition of base, sulfide and/or polysulfide, and the stability and safety of the more concentrated solutions containing 1 weight percent or more equivalent CS.sub.2 as a thiocarbonate are achieved as reflected by significant reduction of CS.sub.2 partial pressure in such solutions.

Abstract: A coated granular fertilizer composition comprising fertilizer granules, of which each particle being coated with a copolymer comprising units of vinyl chloride and units of ethylene in a weight proportion of about 50:50 to 90:10 with units of at least one functional monomer chosen from acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-methylolacrylamide, N-butoxymethylacrylamide, acrylic acid, glycidyl methacrylate and hydroxyethyl acrylate in an amount of not more than about 10% by weight based on the total amount of vinyl chloride units and ethylene units in an amount of about 5 to 40% by weight based on the weight of the granule.

Abstract: A herbicidal formulation which is a water-soluble powdery or granular free-flowing formulation comprising glyphosate acid (N-phosphonomethylglycine) and a surface-active agent that is a powdery or granular nonionic polyglycol ether of a straight chain, saturated, high molecular weight fatty alcohol having an average chain length of C.sub.16 -C.sub.18, about 25 units of ethylene oxide per mole of fatty alcohol and an HLB value of about 16, said formulation is a highly efficient herbicide.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition characterized by high mechanical resistance and anti-caking properties comprises a compound selected from the group consisting of urea, ammonium sulphate, nitrogen-potassium-phosphorus granulates, mono-ammonic phosphate, di-ammonic phosphate, potassium chloride and mixtures thereof admixed with a hydrosoluble lignate salt selected from the group consisting of sodium lignates, alkaline metal lignates, ammonium lignates, and mixtures thereof in an amount of between 0.1 to 5.0 wt. % in the final fertilizer composition.

Abstract: A pelletized ferrous sulfate monohydrate (FeSO.sub.4 .multidot.H.sub.2 O) product and method for the manufacture thereof. Hard, spherical ferrous sulfate monohydrate pellets are manufactured by combining ferrous sulfate monohydrate powder with an aqueous solution of ammonium sulfate (NH.sub.4).sub.2 SO.sub.4 having a preferred concentration of about 1-40% by weight ammonium sulfate. Mixture of these components occurs in a conventional pelletizing apparatus (e.g. a disc pelletizer) which produces individual pellets from the components. The pellets are then heated in order to remove excess water therefrom. The foregoing process enables durable pellets to be made without substantial hydration of the ferrous sulfate monohydrate. The pellets are spherical, have a size of about -6+20 U.S. standard mesh, and have not less than about 25% by weight soluble Fe.

Abstract: A binder composition is taught for the granulation of fine particulate fertilizer, which binder comprises an admixture of reactive carbonate, sulfate, silicate strengthener, and water dispersant, said binder being reactive in the presence of an acid activator.

Abstract: A stepwise method of preparing homogeneous mineral granules for agriculture by coreaction of commodity acids and bases which have properties to chemically form a transient fluid adhesive which will harden to form a strong granule binding cement. Water may be added to improve the effectiveness of the adhesive. The transient fluid adhesive is comminuted by mechanically shearing, then particulate mineral solids are admixed mechanically to form a mass of plastic globules which is rolled to form spheroid granules and the fluid adhesive hardens to form the hardened binding cement. The method provides substantially dust-free and attrition resistant animal feed supplement, and plant food fertilizer and micronutrient granules. The commodity acids and bases include aqueous and anhydrous mineral and alkyl carboxylic acids and alkali and alkaline earth bases.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for killing moss growing on a moss-covered surface by sprinkling in dry or wet form a moss-killing powder containing an atomized elemental metal which slowly dissolves with water to form a biocidal solution which kills moss. In the preferred embodiment, a moss-killing powder dry or wet consists essentially of finely powdered atomized elemental zinc and copper mixed with a powdered, dispersible carrier material, such as silia clay, to which the metal particles adhere. The moss-killing powder is sprinkled on a wetted moss-covered surface dry or mixed in a slurry of water and sprinkled wet which causes the powder to initially adhere to the surface. Upon contact with rainwater, or tap water or dew the carrier soaks up water and slowly disintegrate, retaining the metal particles in close proximity so that they electrolytically react with the rainwater or tap water or dew to produce a biocidal solution which kills moss. Gradually the carrier disperses or dissolves and disappears.

Abstract: The first embodiment of the present invention relates to my discovery that thiophosphoryl triamide can be utilized as a nitrification inhibitor for controlling the nitrification of ammonium to nitrate. The second embodiment relates to my discovery that this same compound can be used to control, within predetermined limits, the ammonium/nitrate ratios in urea-based fertilizers, by serving as a dual-purpose inhibitor to control both urease inhibition and nitrification inhibition and thereby maximize plant response characteristics in direct proportion to nutrient value amendments to the soil environment.

Abstract: Soils are fertilized by a method in which ammonium syngenite (NH.sub.4).sub.2 SO.sub.4.CaSO.sub.4.H.sub.2 O or a mixture of finely divided ammonium sulfate, calcium sulfate, calcium nitrate, calcium chloride and/or dicalcium phosphate is applied to these soils, as a slow-acting nitrogen fertilizer, with the proviso that the molar ratio of Ca to SO.sub.4.sup.-- in the mixture is 1:2.+-.10%.

Abstract: Anti-caking composition for nitrogen-containing material consisting essentially of ammonium salts useful as an ingredient of fertilizer and normally posing a problem with respect to caking. The composition includes at least one sulfate anti-caking agent such as sodium alkyl sulfates, potassium alkyl sulfates or monoethanolammonium alkyl sulfate, diethanolammonium alkyl sulfate and triethanolammonium alkyl sulfate.

Abstract: An improved process for more economically and effectively producing crystalline by-product ammonium sulfate (A/S) by granulating crystalline by-product A/S feedstock and recycle material together with an A/S-sulfuric acid-granulation aid-particle hardener solution and ammonia to bind the crystals together. Underlying the gist of the improvement concept is the identification of a low-cost readily available lignosulfonate by-product of the pulp and paper industry which, when used in predetermined and relatively small proportions, has now been discovered to be very satisfactory as a granulation aid-particle hardener for granulating such by-product ammonium sulfate crystals. Use of lignosulfonate instead of alum, as is currently practiced, reduces the manufacturing cost of granulating by-product ammonium sulfate by about as much as one dollar per short ton of product.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the production of potassium sulfate from potassium chloride by means of a sulfate-laden anion exchanger, according to which as reaction solution, the exchanger is intensively contacted with a saturated potassium chloride solution, after saturation with potassium sulfate, and thereupon again separated, whereupon from this solution the crystals formed therein are separated, while the depleted anion exchanger is regenerated by intensive contact with a magnesium sulfate solution.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing granulated potassium sulphate or potassium magnesium sulphate, characterized by comprising the following steps:(a) grinding the potassium sulphate or potassium magnesium sulphate(b) mixing the ground product of step (a) with a corresponding unground sulphate until a predetermined particle size distribution curve is obtained(c) treating the mixture of step (b) with a hot, saturated solution of a corresponding sulphate until a wet paste is obtained, and the final further steps of granulating said paste and drying the granulate thus obtained. The invention also relates to the products obtained in this manner.

Abstract: An energy efficient, economical method for dissolving urea, and other endothermic materials, e.g. potassium chloride, ammonium nitrate, etc., in water, without the use of fossil fuel-derived heat, which comprises: forming a slurry of such material and water, said slurry including said material as both a dissolved and solid phase; forming droplets of said slurry; and contacting said droplets of said slurry, in direct heat exchange relationship, with a moisture-containing air stream, having a temperature greater than the temperature of said droplets of said slurry, at conditions whereby both heat and moisture are removed from said moisture-containing air to thereby dissolve at least a portion of said solid phase. This process is especially useful for forming aqueous forming urea solutions, useful in agricultural applications and having from 19 to 23 percent, by weight, nitrogen. An apparatus, useful in said method, is also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: A process for granulating crystalline by-product ammonium sulfate, hereinafter referred to, for the sake of convenience, as A/S, to produce a product having excellent physical and chemical properties as they relate to the storage and handling thereof and also as they relate to the bulk blending of same with other fertilizer blend materials. The method involves introducing the crystalline by-product A/S feedstock, together with recycle material, into a conventional drum ammoniator granulator and granulating the mixture using A/S-sulfuric acid-alum solution and gaseous anhydrous ammonia to bind the crystals together by virtue of the fresh A/S produced and precipitated. Drying in a rotary drum dryer by countercurrent flow of hot gases instead of the more conventional cocurrent gas flow is required.

Abstract: Boron, in suitable compound form in an aqueous composition, is applied to a crop area, the composition having been prepared by diluting a storage-stable concentrate formed by making a solution of the boron compound, and dispersing fine particles of the same or any different such boron compound in the solution, such that the concentration of boron in the concentrate is greater than in a saturated solution.

Abstract: A fertilizer product consisting of solid, substantially dry, spherical or semi-spherical granules of ammonium sulfate and sewage sludge solids is formed by adding to a quantity of crystalline ammonium sulfate in a mixing vessel a second quantity of water-laden sludge while mixing the two together and driving off water from the sludge until granulation is complete. The sludge is added slowly enough, relative to the rate at which water is removed therefrom, that the ammonium sulfate crystals do not dissolve in the water initially contained in the sludge. Sludge solids effectively fill the voids between individual ammonium sulfate crystals in the resulting granules, thereby producing an end product of improved size and shape.

Abstract: Phenylacetylene is added to agricultural field soil containing ammonium nitrogen fertilizer, thereby promoting nitrogen retention by inhibiting soil bacteria nitrification.

Abstract: To make non-pressure nitrogenous fertilizer solutions, nitrogen oxides are prepared in a continuous process by burning ammonia in contact with a cobalt oxide catalyst started by an electric arc without preheating the gases. This burning forms nitrogen oxides which are reacted under negative pressure in a two-stage system. Nitric acid is formed in the first stage from a portion of the oxides by oxidizing them to nitrogen dioxide and reacting the nitrogen dioxide with water. In the second stage, the remaining nitrogen oxides are reacted at a pH between 8.0 and 8.4 in a gas-liquid contacting apparatus with an ammonium hydroxide reaction liquid, formed by mixing ammonia and water. The ammonium nitrite solution formed in the second stage is mixed with the nitric acid at a pH below 0.2, resulting in a solution of acidic ammonium nitrate to be flowed to the fields with irrigation water.

Abstract: To make non-pressure nitrogenous fertilizer solutions, nitrogen oxides are prepared in a continuous process by burning ammonia in contact with a cobalt oxide catalyst started by an electric arc without pre-heating the gases. This burning forms nitrogen oxides which are reacted under negative pressure in a two-stage system. Nitric acid is formed in the first stage from a portion of the oxides by oxidizing them to nitrogen dioxide and reacting the nitrogen dioxide with water. In the second stage, the remaining nitrogen oxides are reacted at a pH between 8.0 and 8.4 in a gas-liquid contacting apparatus with an ammonium hydroxide reaction liquid, formed by mixing ammonia and water. The ammonium nitrite solution formed in the second stage is mixed with the nitric acid at a pH below 0.2, resulting in a solution of acidic ammonium nitrate to be flowed to the fields with irrigation water.

Abstract: The present invention teaches a simple method for reclaiming principally the N and S values in by-product, fine, crystalline ammonium sulfate in a granular form eminently suitable for the preparation of direct application fertilizers and/or the incorporation into bulk-blending operations for the preparation thereof.In the instant invention, normally from about seventy (70) percent to about eighty (80) percent of the ammonium sulfate product produced therefrom, is derived from feedstock comprising said by-product, fine, crystalline ammonium sulfate. Furthermore, in one embodiment for the practice of the instant invention, from about eighty (80) percent to about eighty-eight (88) percent of said fine, crystalline ammonium sulfate feedstock is directly incorporated thereinto with the remainder thereof being indirectly introduced thereinto by means of applicants' prepared special "binder.