Abstract: Chemical combinations known to be used for odor control are provisioned for enhancing growth of a plant. The chemical combinations preferably include a stable, aqueous solution of a surfactant and a chemical source of oxygen. There are numerous ways by which one could learn that such combinations have utility in odor control. In preferred methods a manufacturer, distributor, retailer, farmer or other entity is informed of such through reading a journal article or other publication, or by a receiving a letter, fax, or email. The combinations can be used to reduce consumption of irrigation water and to increase a crop yield, each by at least 5-25%, as a consequence of applying the solution to a soil.

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: The present invention provides compositions and methods for resolving bioavailable oxygen supply to plants subjected to hypoxic stresses. Compositions of the invention comprise an oxidizing agent, wherein the level and rate of oxygen released from the composition is controlled. Use of the compositions of the invention address hypoxic stress and also stimulate plant growth, enhance plant vigor, and/or improve crop yield.

Abstract: A method of solidifying and detoxifying a soil, incinerated ash and coal ash to yield a solidified substance detoxified to a level complying with the environmental standards and a method of detoxifying polluted water containing dioxins and polluted water containing PCB are provided. First solidifying and detoxifying agent contains light burnt magnesite as component (1) and chrysolite powder as component (2), in which a ratio by weight of the component (1) and the component (2) is 1:5 to 5:1, preferably 1:3 to 3:1, more preferably 1:2 to 2:1 and is the solidifying and detoxifying agent applied to one kind selected from soil, incinerated ash and coal ash as well as polluted water containing dioxins and polluted water containing PCB. Other solidifying and detoxifying agent further contains as an additional component a fused phosphate fertilizer and titanium dioxide powder as well as anhydrous gypsum powder, light burnt dolomite and/or calcined lime powder.

Abstract: An extended release fertilizer that includes an absorbent material containing capillaries/voids between 10-200 microns in cross-sectional diameter which is impregnated in an amount of 40-95% of the capillaries/voids volume with an agriculturally beneficial material, or alternatively includes a holding agent retaining an agriculturally beneficial material, wherein the beneficial material at least includes calcium sulfate, and the beneficial material is selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides and fungicides, with the resulting material being agglomerated into granules.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of effluent, particularly acid mine drainage, is provided which includes the steps of a. neutralising acid; b. removing cations by ion exchange using a cation resin; c. regenerating the cation resin; d. treating the eluates of the cation ion exchange step; e. adsorbing anions from the effluent of the cation removal step using an anion exchange resin; and f. regenerating the anion exchange resin.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for coating fertilizer in pellet or other form to impart time-release characteristics and the resulting coated pellet product. The polyurethane coating encapsulates fertilizer particles, forming a hydrophobic coating for slow-release qualities. The urethane polymer coating is formulated with an isocyanate and a combined fluid of a polyether polyol, a methyl ester derivative of plant or vegetable oil, a T-12 curing catalyst, barium sulfate, and an oil-based dye. The barium sulfate imparts physical strength to and enhances color quality of the polyurethane coating, and acts as a detackifier and maintains temperature in the coating reactor. The inventive formulation is effective in the practical polymer coating of sulfate-based or other fertilizer pellets in an inventive time-release fertilizer product. An apparatus is provided for carrying out the coating process.

Abstract: A plant growth-promoting and quality-improving agent is disclosed. The agent contains a water-insoluble inorganic micronutrient pulverized to a particle size of not more than a specified particle size, and is effective for a long period of time if applied a small number of times to a seed, a root, a nursery box, and a base of a plant. A method for promoting the growth and improving the quality of plants is also disclosed.

Abstract: Homogeneous, boron-doped alkaline earth peroxides and mixed alkaline earth peroxides, methods for the production thereof, and use thereof as oxygenating agents for agricultural purposes.

Abstract: A process for eradicating moss and liverwort which includes applying sodium percarbonate; and irrigating the moss. In some cases the process includes applying lime to control the pH of the moss and thereby constrain development of additional moss and said sodium percarbonate is a solid material.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of decayed agricultural plantations, preferably fruit orchards, or wine or table grape vineyards, where the plantation decay is due mainly to localized irrigation and the use of inadequate exploitation techniques, such as the traditional ones. The method consists in the use of non-localized irrigation in the plantation; the inclusion of Ca++ providing substances in the soil; and the inclusion of a Chitosan solution (poly-D-glucosamine) in the irrigation water.

Abstract: A nano diatomite and zeolite ceramic crystal powder which is a new environmental material made by combining high-quality natural diatomite and zeolite together and by using most advanced nano technology, wherein the ceramic crystal powder has the capability of producing great benefits for society through advances in health care, a cleaner environment, and agriculture.

Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates made from a particulate calcium source, a water-soluble binder and optionally containing a primary plant nutrient source and/or micronutrient source and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The agglomerates may be used as a soil liming agent and for introducing nutrient values into cultivated soil. Also disclosed is a method for introducing nutrient values into cultivated soil so as to inhibit leaching of the nutrient values from the soil and improve utilization of the nutrient values by plants grown in the soil.

Abstract: A stable aqueous suspension of water-soluble polyacrylamide particles is in a saturated solution of an ammonium salt. The polyacrylamide particles are characterized by a particle size of about ?150 mesh, and preferably ?270 mesh, with ?400 mesh most preferred. The suspension is at least about 2.5% by weight polyacrylamide. When the ammonium salt is ammonium sulfate, PAM concentrations as high as about 15% by weight can be achieved while still being easily flowable. The suspension is made by stirring the small particle PAM into the saturated ammonium salt solution. The PAM can be quickly dissolved to form a less concentrated PAM solution by adding the suspension to water or to a dilute solution, which can include calcium salts or other soil enhancers.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a combination adjuvant comprising an ammonium sulfate fertilizer impregnated with a drift reducing agent. The drift reducing agent is preferably polyacrylamide. Anti-caking and drying agents are preferably added to the combination adjuvant to provide ease of use and prevent caking and agglomeration of the adjuvant. The combination adjuvant is formed by mixing a liquid drift reducing agent with dry ammonium sulfate granules. Any additional agents are added and mixed with the drift reducing agent and ammonium sulfate. Because each granule comprises approximately the same amount of drift reducing agent, the composition of the combination adjuvant is uniform, even after storage and transport.

Abstract: The use of dilute aqueous water-soluble fertilizer compositions are disclosed to enhance the rewetting of water, uniformity and nutrient retention characteristics of initially untreated plant culture media and 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. 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 calcium-enriched organic fertilizer for acid soil and/or a magnesium-enriched organic fertilizer for field products and/or a silica-enriched organic fertilizer for paddy field products, and its manufacturing method. The method includes elimination of saline matters harmful to the soil and plants/animals from organic waste including food waste, adding quick lime and/or dolomite for hydration, and introducing a drying exhaust gas having a high CO2 content generated from the factory, an exhaust gas from a line calcining kiln, or an out sourced CO2 gas into a heretically sealed mixer, aging tank and hydration tank in the reverse order to cause a carbonation reaction between CO2 and the dissociated ions of the additives to make the organic waste in a weak alkaline state, and adding a siliceous material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid fertilizer comprising a mixture of a salt of phosphorous acid together with either a thiosulphate such as ammonium or potassium thiosulphate and/or a salt of salicylic acid or salicyle amide. The use of this combination as a foliar spray, soil drench or irrigation component produces a greater fertilizer effect (on plant vigour and growth) and greater resistance to or control of parasitic fungal diseases, than each of the components applied individually or any combination of just two components.

Abstract: A liquid soil conditioning composition is disclosed. The composition is in the form of an aqueous dispersion of rock lime and sulfur where the atomic ratio of calcium to sulfur is in the range 0.9:1 to 1.3:1. The particle size of the rock lime and the sulfur is 5 &mgr;m average. The liquid compositions improve the agricultural productivity of clay soils.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multipurpose, high-functional, alkaline solution composition, preparation therefor and use thereof as a nonspecific immunostimulator. The composition comprises 1-25 parts by weight of borax (Na2B4O7.10H2O), 10−5-10−4 parts by weight of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3.5H2O), 30-150 parts by weight of potassium carbonate, 30-200 parts by weight of refined sugar (C12H22O11), and 100-200 parts by weight of water, based on 100 parts by weight of sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3.5H2O). In addition to bringing about an improvement in disease resistance, weight gain rate, crop yield, crop quality, harvest time, the composition shows nonspecific immunostimulating activities, including antibody production and immune enhancement, by activating immune cells, thereby maximizing vaccination effects on malignant viral diseases.

Abstract: Minerals that reversibly fix ions, in particular NO3—, i.e. that can exchange one anion for another anion can be used as fertilizers and soil conditioners, as well as for the purification and treatment of water, particularly for the elimination of nitrate. The minerals used are preferably natural or synthetic mixed value metal-metal-hydroxyl salts, e.g. layered double hydroxides (LDHs) that contain exchangeable fixed anions in the intermediary layers. A method for producing anion-exchanging minerals, particularly suitable LDHs, and their use as fertilizers and soil conditioners and for the purification and treatment of water.

Abstract: A mixture of hydrocarbons with particulate rock and/or soil that is incapable of sustaining growth of erosion retarding plants can be converted to soil that is capable of sustaining such plant growth by blending the mixture with particulate biomass, and/or with particulate carbonates, hydroxides, and/or oxides of calcium and/or magnesium to produce a compostable aggregate and then exposing suitable piles of the compostable aggregate to the natural atmosphere for a sufficient time to cause the conversion of the aggregate to fertile soil

Abstract: A process for converting composted organic materials produced by optimized composting procedures into plant growing media for agronomic and other uses. The raw organic matter is first processed into compost by optimized standard methods. If desired, the raw organic matter can be of “organic” sources to provide plant growing media certifiable for use for organically grown food crops. The finished compost is screened to remove coarse particles above about 1 cm diameter, which are recycled back to the composting process. The composted material below approximately 1 cm diameter is further screened to separate out the particles below about 1 cm diameter and above 1 mm. This material is further separated into two size ranges: particles between 1 mm and up to 4 mm diameter (medium), and particles between 4 mm and 1 cm diameter (coarse).

Abstract: Controlled release fertilizers are provided and methods for their preparation, wherein the controlled release fertilizers are obtained through self-assembling molecules on the surfaces of the fertilizer particles, and then, preferably, linking these molecules into a network with another component. The designed molecules have a hydrophilic portion, which can interact with fertilizers, and a hydrophobic portion that make the molecule self-assemble and setup a moisture barrier. The molecules also preferably have at least two functional groups in order to form a network.

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

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

Abstract: A fertilizer compound having a glass matrix comprises, among the forming oxides of the glass matrix, a phosphorus pentoxide (P2O5) as partial and/or full replacement of silica (SiO2); among the modifier oxides of the said glass matrix, a potassium oxide (K2O) as partial and/or full replacement of sodium oxide (Na2O); and one or more trace elements.

Abstract: The use of inorganic or organic polyacids for the treatment of inorganic fertilizers, in particular the use of the polyacids as a mixture with at least one nitrification inhibitor for the treatment of inorganic fertilizers; the use of selected pyrazole derivatives as nitrification inhibitor in inorganic fertilizers and also as stabilizers of liquid manure or liquid fertilizer formulations, as well as the corresponding treated inorganic fertilizers per se; and novel pyrazole derivatives which can be used as nitrification inhibitors in inorganic fertilizers and also as stabilizers of liquid manure or liquid fertilizer formulations are described.

Abstract: A material composed primarily of coffee grounds, along with other commercial and industrial waste materials, in which the materials are uniformly pulverized, skillfully measured and combined to form a homogeneous particulate waste mixture. The composition is alternately turned and rested in a windrow or like apparatus for several months until natural aerobic thermophilic fermentation causes the material composition to have an overall pH level of 5.0 to 7.0 (with an optimum of 6.0), for the purpose of making the minerals latent in the material composition soluble, conducive to healthy plant life, and therefore useable as a plant growth medium.

Abstract: Solid surfactant-impregnated, water-soluble fertilizer compositions are disclosed together with aqueous concentrates made therefrom. The use of dilute aqueous compositions made from said concentrates to enhance the rewetting of water uniformity and nutrient retention characteristics of initially untreated plant culture media is also disclosed. The fertilizer composition solids are friable and are composed of from 65 to 99 weight percent water-soluble fertilizer; and from 1 to 35 weight percent of a surfactant system comprising water-soluble nonionic surfactant and alkyl polyglycoside in a weight ratio of from less than 2:1 to 1:5. When these solid compositions are dissolved in water to form concentrates having from 20 to 50 weight percent fertilizer, the concentrates are both single phased and extremely stable.

Abstract: An organic-based uniprill fertilizer is provided. To produce the fertilizer, organic matter is sequentially pre-treated by first mixing it in a first grinder with a lime admixture, then adding a slurry of reagents and binders, followed by a mixture of acids. The acids can include sulfuric and phosphoric acids, in addition to nitric acid and various organic acids such as citric and fulvic acid, depending on the end requirements of the fertilizer product. Following the mixing of the pre-product with the mixture of acids and reagents, the resultant raw product is preferably processed through a second grinder. This grinding further dries, mixes and granulates the raw product. The particle size of the completed fertilizer is reduced into a flowable, user safe uniprill product that can be further ground to reduce its moisture. Further drying may be necessary for bag or bulk product, or it can be liquified by high speed blending or micro-fluidized for sprinkler or drip applications.

Abstract: Water swellable pellets, and a method of making, including peat moss, a pH adjusting agent, a wetting agent, and optionally a processing additive, preferably with a bulk density of about 300 kg/m3 to about 600 kg/m3.

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: Disclosed are a multipurpose, high-functional, alkaline solution composition, preparation therefor and use thereof as a nonspecific immunostimulator. The composition comprises 1-25 parts by weight of borax (Na2B4O7.10H2O), 10−5-10−4 parts by weight of sodium thiosulfate (Na2S2O3.5H2O), 30-150 parts by weight of potassium carbonate, 30-200 parts by weight of refined sugar (C12H22O11), and 100-200 parts by weight of water, based on 100 parts by weight of sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3.5H2O). In addition to bringing about an improvement in disease resistance, weight gain rate, crop yield, crop quality, harvest time, the composition shows nonspecific immunostimulating activities, including antibody production and immune enhancement, by activating immune cells, thereby maximizing vaccination effects on malignant viral diseases.

Abstract: Industrial combustion facilities are integrated with greenhouse gas-solidifying fertilizer production reactions so that CO2, CO, NOx, and SOx emissions can be converted prior to emission into carbonate-containing fertilizers, mainly NH4HCO3 and/or (NH2)2CO, plus a small fraction of NH4NO3 and (NH4)2SO4. The invention enhances sequestration of CO2 into soil and the earth subsurface, reduces N03− contamination of surface and groundwater, and stimulates photosynthetic fixation of CO2 from the atmosphere. The method for converting CO2, CO, NOx, and SOx emissions into fertilizers includes the step of collecting these materials from the emissions of industrial combustion facilities such as fossil fuel-powered energy sources and transporting the emissions to a reactor. In the reactor, the CO2, CO, N2, SOx, and/or NOx are converted into carbonate-containing fertilizers using H2, CH4, or NH3.

Abstract: An agglomeration process by which granules are formed by the steps of: (a) injecting polymer having sufficient viscoelasticity; and (b) impacting particles on the polymer at the injection point. The present invention is advantageous because it overcomes the problems of previous granulation process and subsequent art processes by having a very low recycle rate and allowing for control of granule size. It is particularly useful for fertilizer granule formation using a ureaform polymer and particles comprised of ammonium sulfate.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to aqueous boron-containing compositions and their preparation. In particular the invention provides self-structured aqueous sodium pentaborate gels. The gels according to the invention may be prepared by reacting boric acid or boric oxide and sodium tetraborate or metaborate in suspension in water and under mixing such that a self-structured sodium pentaborate gel is formed. The gels according to the invention are physically stable and are easily handled.

Abstract: Stable concentrated suspensions readily dispersible in water comprising ammonium sulfate, a surfactant, and an oil. The ammonium sulfate particles are at least about 99 wt. % passable through a Tyler #48 sieve. The surfactant has an HLB rating from about 10 to about 15. The oil is a hydrocarbon or other non-polar oil having a viscosity of at least about 5 centipoises at 40° C. The ammonium sulfate suspensions of the invention are useful as herbicidal adjuvants, herbicidal compositions or for other purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for producing a fertilizer by injecting ammonia into and applying electron beam to gas containing sulfur oxides. Gas containing sulfur oxides is cooled by a heat exchanger (2) and a cooling tower (3), and thereafter introduced into a process vessel (4) in which ammonia is injected into the gas and the gas is irradiated with electron beam. The product of the ratio of the concentration of ammonia to the concentration of water in the gas prior to irradiation of the electron beam and the ratio of the concentration of ammonia to the concentration of water in the gas after irradiation of the electron beam is controlled to be of a predetermined value.

Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates made from a particulate calcium source, a water-soluble binder and optionally containing a primary plant nutrient source and/or micronutrient source and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The agglomerates may be used as a soil liming agent and for introducing nutrient values into cultivated soil. Also disclosed is a method for introducing nutrient values into cultivated soil so as to inhibit leaching of the nutrient values from the soil and improve utilization of the nutrient values by plants grown in the soil.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for treating wastewater sludge cake with acid and calcium carbonate under acidic, low heat conditions to produce a stable, soil-like or granular, finished product containing calcium carbonate, useful as a nitrogen fertilizer, synthetic soil component or soil conditioner for pH control.

Abstract: I have developed an agglomeration process by which granules are formed by the steps of:

Abstract: A micronutrient-containing leaf fertilizer has magnesium sulfate heptahydrate as a carrier material in such an amount that a solid nutrient combination of 13% to 15% by weight MgO, 0% to 3.5% by weight boron, 0% to 6.5% by weight manganese and 10.3% to 14% by weight sulfur is obtained by solely admixing manganese sulfate monohydrate and boric acid with the carrier and this combination being converted into a diluted leaf fertilizer solution by adding water.

Abstract: A process is for the production of potash fertilizer granulates which have a stable shelf life also at high relative air humidities. This granulate contains an additive in the form of magnesium oxide and/or calcium oxide in a fine powder form, which is added by metering in prior to the compacting step. The result is a high final bursting strength even if the granulate is stored in a wet climate.

Abstract: An assemblage of granules including zinc sulfate heptahydrate and iron sulfate heptahydrate in a substantially integrated granular form is provided for use in e.g., the fertilizer industry. A binder, such as humate, may be used to form the granules. The granules may be dried until a slight melt is formed thereon. The granules may then be cooled to remove remaining free water. Related methods provide additional advantages.

Abstract: A new process of preparing potassium sulfate fertilizer and other metal sulfates from the chlorides and other halides of these metals. The process utilizes the discovery that sulfur dioxide or trioxide, when introduced as a fluidizing medium into shallow beds of the halide salts at moderately elevated temperatures (1000° F.-1150° F.) in a counter current process results in the conversion of the metal halides into metal sulfates and the halide gas. The process is carried out in a series of true fluidized beds preferably but not necessarily arranged in a vertical configuration so that the solids flow downward due to the fluidized process and the sulfur dioxide or trioxide gases flow counter currently in an upward direction producing pure metal sulfates at the bottom and pure halide gas at the top.

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