Abstract: A process for reducing the sodium chloride content of crystalline potassium salts without the use of successive recrystallization. The crystalline potassium salts having a sodium chloride content greater than about 0.8 percent by weight are subjected to compacting and crushing to provide a crystalline product having an average particle diameter less than 1.6 millimeters. The crystalline product is leached with a brine at least about 80 percent saturated with said potassium salt and less than 50 percent saturated with sodium chloride to produce a crystalline potassium salt product containing less than about 0.35 percent by weight of sodiumchloride.

Abstract: Plant nutrient compositions comprising various plant nutrients attached to calcined clay are provided as well as methods for their preparation and processes for their use.

Abstract: An aqueous solution of ammonium thiosulfate, ammonia and at least one metal compound selected from the group consisting of the oxides and salts of copper, zinc and manganese provides a source of sulfur, nitrogen and micronutrient metals for fertilizer use.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a manufacturing method of deodorized and neutralized fertilizers. The first suspension containing a large amount of basic components is prepared by adding water to the powdered basic rocks and agitating the same, while the second suspension containing a large amount of free acids of malodorants is prepared by adding water to the organic filth materials and agitating the same. The two suspensions thus prepared are then mixed together to produce a gel material due to the neutralization reactions between the basic and the acid components in the suspensions, whereby the organic filth materials are deodorized resulting in a fertilizer of enhanced fertilizability.

Abstract: An improved process in the preparation of sustained release fertilizer compositions which comprises subjecting a preponderantly water-soluble granular fertilizer composition first to accretive granulation under accretive granulation conditions with a melt, solution or slurry of one or several fertilizers and in a second stage coating these treated grains with a suitable almost impermeable envelopment.

Abstract: Method and kits are provided for the cultivation of Shiitake (Lentinus edodes) and similar forest mushrooms. A cultivation medium is introduced into a microorganism impermeable flexible container which is sealed against particulate matter, but allows the flow of air, the medium sterilized and then cooled. The bag is opened and inoculated with spawn, closed, and the spawn incubated at moderately elevated temperatures while being molded into a shaped form, conveniently a log or stump form, the container removed, and, as required, curing at moderate or moderately reduced temperatures carried out. Conditions are then changed to encourage growth of the mushrooms, followed by harvesting. A mushroom crop can be achieved in as few as about 40 days with continuous production for as long as about ten months.

Abstract: Composting compositions are provided which avoid conventional composting for production of mushrooms requiring casing. A mixture of steer manure and peat moss in combination with a small amount of an agent for maintaining permeability is mixed with water and sterilized. The resulting product provides excellent composting for mushrooms requiring casing, with rapid production and high yield.

Abstract: A method for controlled reaction of urea with sulfuric acid to form a liquid nitrogen sulfate fertilizer composition consisting of urea sulfate and liquified urea, and which may include other nutrients.

Abstract: A stable, homogeneous, and flowable soil neutralizing slurry of particulate material such as calcium carbonate or dolomitic lime as provided using a suspending agent and a dispersant. A polyanionic dispersant is used in limited quantities to increase the concentration of particulate material and a gelling grade clay mineral is used as a suspending agent to prevent settling of the dispersed particulate material. A partial dispersion technique is used whereby the amount of dispersant used is limited so that the particulate material is dispersed but not the clay mineral.

Abstract: Described are encapsulated slow release fertilizers prepared by providing a fertilizer substrate, spraying molten sulfur thereon; encapsulating the sulfur-coated fertilizer by solvent deposition of bitumen and then powder coating the bitumen- and sulfur-coated fertilizer with a finely ground, dry, mineral powder which reduces the tackiness of the combined coating.

Abstract: A soil modifier comprising from 80 to 95% by weight of a mixture of ferric oxide and ferric sulphate in an oxide/sulphate weight ratio of from 0.25:1 to 1:1, is prepared by calcining at 500.degree.-600.degree. C in an oxidizing atmosphere a blend of by-product obtained in the manufacture of titanium oxide by the sulphate process, with at least 20% by weight with respect to said by-product, of a material based on ferric sulphate and/or ferric oxide. Calcining is then continued under the same conditions, replacing said material in the blend continuously fed in by a recycle fraction of the product continuously discharged.

Abstract: Novel compositions for use in agriculture as soil improvers and fertilizers comprising as essential components ammonium sulfate and ferric oxide hydrate. By-products obtained in the production of titanium dioxide from ilmenite or ilmenite slag in the sulfate process and substantially consisting of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate are reacted with ammonia and that the reaction product obtained, consisting substantially of ammonium sulfate and ferrous hydrate, is subsequently oxidized until a composition is obtained which substantially consists of ammonium sulfate and ferric oxide hydrate.

Abstract: Plants are watered with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to promote growth, yield and/or beauty. The watered plants are more vigorous and resistant to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. Plant nutrients may be present in the water and fed to the plants at the time of watering. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles.

Abstract: Soil is intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to improve the fertility thereof. In a preferred variant, the water which is intimately contacted with the soil may also contain catalyst treated lignite. Plants grown in the treated soil are more vigorous and resistant to disease or adverse environmental conditions. The yields are higher in instances where the plants are grown commercially for food or fiber, and the plants have a more pleasing appearance in instances where they are grown for decorative purposes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of promoting the flowering of grape vines.

Abstract: Plants are grown in soil which has been intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst to improve the fertility thereof. In a preferred variant, the water which is intimately contacted with the soil may also contain catalyst treated lignite. Plants grown in the treated soil are more vigorous and resistant to disease or adverse environmental conditions. The yields are higher in instances where the plants are grown commercially for food or fiber, and the plants have a more pleasing appearance in instances where they are grown for decorative purposes.

Abstract: The roots of plants being transplanted are intimately contacted with water containing a catalytically effective amount of a novel catalyst. In a preferred variant, the water may also contain water soluble catalyst treated lignite. The catalyst is prepared by a process including the steps of admixing a water soluble alkali metal silicate with an aqueous medium containing carefully controlled amounts of water soluble substances which are sources of calcium ion and magnesium ion, reacting the same to produce an aqueous colloidal suspension of the reaction product, admixing a micelle forming surfactant with the aqueous medium, and agitating the aqueous medium containing the colloidal particles and surfactant to form catalyst-containing micelles. The preparation of the novel catalyst and the water soluble catalyst treated lignite is described in detail hereinafter. The transplanted plants grow more vigorously and are more resistant to disease and/or adverse environmental conditions.

Abstract: A soil modifying composition and a concentrated solution of ammonium sulphate with a high purity degree are obtained from by-products consisting essentially of ferrous sulphate heptahydrate, obtained in the production of titanium dioxide from ilmenites by the sulphate process, by contacting solid particles of said by-products with gaseous ammonia, lixiviating the resulting product with water, thereby to recover said concentrated solution of ammonium sulphate, the dried residual solid yielding said soil modifying composition.

Abstract: Stable fertilizer solutions containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and iron, are prepared by admixing an iron-containing component with an ammonium phosphate-containing solution, and thereafter treating the resulting product with ammonia, thereby resulting in a stabilized iron product.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition manufactured by mixing a fertilizer or a fertilizing substance with pullulan or a derivative thereof, used as binder, and solidifying the mixture. The composition is easily shapable. Another advantage of pullulan over conventional binders is that the pullulan or its derivative which remains in the soil after application of the composition and dissolution of the fertilizer component is degraded by the action of water and soil microorganisms in the soil and, hence, will not hinder the growth of plants.

Abstract: Soil modifiers comprising from 80 to 95% by weight of a mixture of ferric oxide and ferric sulphate in an oxide/sulphate weight ratio of from 0.2:1 to 2:1 are prepared by calcining at 500.degree.-600.degree. C in the presence of an oxidizing gas a material consisting essentially of ferrous sulphate with an average number of molecules of crystallization of from 1 to 5 obtained by partial dehydration of the waste materials, consisting essentially of ferrous sulphate heptahydrate, obtained in the manufacture of titanium dioxide from ilmenites or ilmenite slags by the sulphate process. These modifiers are particularly suitable for clay soils.

Abstract: A process for dewatering sewage sludge having a water content on the order of 75% to 95% and previously untreated for the release of such water. The sludge is mixed with a chemical selected from the group consisting of urea and the common ammonium and potassium salts in relative quantities which produce a desired degree of phase separation. The hygroscopic qualities of the chemical operate to remove water from the sludge to form a separate liquid phase of the chemical dissolved in water removed from the sludge, and a solid or semi-solid phase of the sludge solids with any remaining water. The phases may then easily be separated with great simplification of subsequent handling, disposal or further processing of each.

Abstract: A process for the production of a granular fertilizer material from sludge materials discharged from scrubbing processes that remove pollutants from boiler flue gases. Waste sludge discharged from flue gas scrubber systems often contain large amounts of calcium and sulfur as well as lesser amounts of other compounds known to have plant nutrient value. The sludge is treated with an acid such as phosphoric, sulfuric or nitric, or a mixture of these, and ammonia. The resulting sludge-ammonia-acid salt mixture is combined with partially dried, previously processed solid material (recycle) in a horizontal rotating vessel. Additional ammonia and/or acid is added to the rotating vessel to cause the sludge-salt mixture to solidify and granulate. Other plant nutrients may be added to the rotating vessel during granulation. The granulated material discharged from the rotary vessel is further processed (dried, cooled, and screened) to obtain desirable moisture content and particle size.

Abstract: In foliar application of zinc nitrate in aqueous solution, zinc absorption by leaves is facilitated by incorporating in the solution a synergistic combination of said zinc nitrate, ammonium nitrate and urea.

Abstract: Limestone-expanding clay granules produced by charging a pulverizer and/or a mixer, with a raw material, which is high in calcium and/or magnesium, and an expanding clay binder, the expanding clay binder comprising from 1% and not more than 10% of the total charge. A portion of the material from the pulverizer is recycled back through the pulverizer, the amount recycled being determined by, among other things, the fineness of the raw material in the desired finished product. The remainder of the material from the pulverizer is caused to pass through a granulator, a dryer-cooler, and a finished product screen means. Fines from the finished product screen means are recycled directly to the pulverizer. Oversize material from the finished product screen is recycled to the pulverizer or to separate crusher and then back over the finished product screen means, where fines are removed and sent back to the pulverizer.

Abstract: A method of producing fertilizers from sea-type waters comprising introducing, into said water, bivalent iron ions in an amount ranging from 10 to 100 mg per liter of water at a pH of from 5 to 9. The resulting iron hydroxide sorbs microelements and organic substances present in the water and precipitates therewith. The precipitate is separated and dried. Such precipitate contains mainly iron in an amount of from 23.4 to 31.5%, total carbon 2.3 to 6.0%, total amount of microelements 0.1 to 0.3% and is an efficient fertilizer for agricultural plants. As the source of bivalent iron ions use may be made of spent solutions from etching ferrous metals.

Abstract: A sulfur fortified gypsum granule is provided, preferably adapted for agricultural uses so as to give a timed release of sulfate nutrients in soil comprising a combination of at least about 5 percent by weight of elemental sulfur and a major proportion of calcium sulfate which combination has been roll pressure compacted at a mixture temperature of about 110.degree.-230.degree. F to form hard granular shapes.

Abstract: Granular products for the treatment of soil are described which comprises a central solid nucleus containing fertilizer, herbicide, or a mixture of fertilizer and herbicide, all soluble in water without decomposition, as well as, about each product a coating consisting of solid materials at least 40% of which are soluble in water without decomposition, and at least 15% of which consist of active material different from that of the nucleus, and a polymeric resin the amount of which does not exceed 10% of the total weight of the coating. Comparative tests are described which show that these novel granular products can be as readily dissolved in the soil as uncoated fertilizer granules.

Abstract: Particles, such as fertilizer, are encapsulated with a metal carbonate coating by initially coating the particles with a metallic hydroxide, metallic oxides or mixtures thereof and subjecting the coated particles to an atmosphere containing carbon dioxide so as to convert the metallic compounds to the corresponding carbonate. Inert materials such as powdered linestone can be included with the coating.

Abstract: Langbeinite(2MgSO.sub.4 :K.sub.2 SO.sub.4), Na.sub.2 HPO.sub.4, and NH.sub.4 NO.sub.3 are chemically reacted in that critical order to produce a soluble suspension fertilizer of 11N, 8 P.sub.2 O.sub.5, 3 K.sub.2 O + 1.3 MgO containing 14 inorganic nutrients and two enzymes (after KCl has been added). The reactions show the increase in the number and structural changes of the nutrients, its resemblance to bird guano (in content), the ionization of magnesium ammonium phosphate, the inorganic and organic enzymes and the catalytic activity of magnesium in solution, a buffered solution capable of changing from an acid to a base with dilution by water, the evolution of free ammonia at ordinary temperatures, and the enzymes HPO.sub.4 -- and H.sub.2 PO.sub.4 - which are the phosphorus ions absorbed by the roots of plants.There are two separate and distinct kinds of Mg sulfate in this specification. The inventor knows of no other process, use or composition based on this difference.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved pan granulation process for the production of low-water or substantially anhydrous nitrogenous compounds. Hot nitrogenous melt and cooled particulate solids are fed to a rotating pan to form a cresent-shaped bed of rolling or tumbling particles, the thickness or depth of the bed increasing in the direction towards the periphery of the pan and its overflow sector, i.e. position 2 o'clock to position 6 o'clock when the pan surface is regarded as a clock face and the rotation of the pan is counter-clockwise. The cooled solid particles are fed to the pan at a point where the depth of existing material is small, desirably substantially zero, preferably in position 7 to 8 o'clock, if need be by feeding the particles through a tube or the like which extends into the tumbling material on the pan to the proximity of the surface of the pan itself. Subsequently, the cooled particles will then be covered by and with warmer particles tumbling over them.

Abstract: This invention relates to a composition for promoting the flowering of mango trees which comprises:A. from about 7 to 15% by weight of a salt of calcium selected from the group consisting of Ca(OH).sub.2 and CaCO.sub.3B. from about 0.06 to 0.08% by weight of KOHC. from about 0.05 to 0.07% by weight of H.sub.3 PO.sub.4D. from about 15.00 to 25% by weight HNO.sub.3E. from about 0.005 to 0.0007% by weight NH.sub.4 OHF. from about 0.001 to 0.006% by weight of MnSO.sub.4G. from about 0.006 to 0.10% by weight of FeSO.sub.4H. from about 0.00002 to 0.003% by weight of ZnSO.sub.4I. from about 0.15 to 0.35% by weight of MgSO.sub.4J. balance water.

Abstract: A fertilizer from which potassium is released slowly comprises a frit produced from a potassium/silicon composition in the range K.sub.2 O.2SiO.sub.2 to K.sub.2 O.4SiO.sub.2 and containing from 5.5% to less than 10% by weight of calcium oxide.

Abstract: Finely divided coral fossil limestone is mixed with paddy field soil and upland soil to improve soils, whereby a 40% increase is achieved in the yields of crops such as lowland rice, spinach and turnips. Even when excessively added to soil, coral fossil limestone produces no adverse effect unlike conventional fertilizers and soil improving agents but maintains soil pH at a substantially neutral value. Because of its excellent properties as a soil improving agent, coral fossil limestone finds a novel application in improving soils to give increased crops.

Abstract: A fertilizer concentrate and process for making same in which a sulfuric acid solution contacts an ammonia containing gas to produce a liquid non-crystalline ammonium sulfate. The reaction takes place in an absorber wherein the reactants are maintained at about 120.degree.F., the outlet stream from the reactor being split into two streams, one of which is recycled to the absorber and the other of which is recycled to a circulation tank for sulfuric acid make-up. The weight percent of ammonium sulfate in the final solution is in the range of about 35% to about 42% by weight.

Abstract: Spent sulfite liquor is converted into a nitrogen containing, water insoluble product useful as a soil conditioner and as a slow-release fertilizer. The spent sulfite liquor is reacted at a temperature of from 170.degree. to 250.degree.C with hexamethylenetetramine or with an ammonia-formaldehyde mixture. The weight ratio of hexamethylenetetramine or ammonia and formaldehyde to SSL solids should be greater than about 0.5:1 and preferably greater than 1:1.

Abstract: A plant growth medium is disclosed having a polyurethane matrix with at least 40% and preferably 50 to 55% open cells, and from about 36% to about 50% (and more for example 60%) by weight of a granular filler dispersed throughout the polyurethane matrix, which filler comprises about 69% to about 78% by weight of clay of relatively high cation-exchange capacity, such as a calcium-hydrogen montmorillonite clay, and from about 22% to about 31% by weight plant nutrients and their carriers.

Abstract: Soil supplement and plant nutrient and method therefor the supplement nutrient having the empirical formula(CaSO.sub.4).sub.2.2CO(NH.sub.2).sub.2and being prepared by replacing the normal two waters of hydration of gypsum with urea by controlled heating in the substantial absence of unbound water. The product is a persistent nutrient.

Abstract: Lawn moss is controlled with an herbicidally effective amount of granular ferric ammonium sulfate-ammonium sulfate double salts of the empirical formula (NH.sub.4).sub.3 Fe(SO.sub.4).sub.3.xH.sub.2 O wherein x is 0 to 12. The double salts also provide excellent greening of the treated lawn.

Abstract: The pick-up of free moisture by particulate fertilizer compositions containing a ferrous salt is reduced by the addition to the compositions of relatively small amounts of anhydrous magnesium sulfate.

Abstract: Cationic and anionic ion exchange resins are regenerated with highly concentrated acids or bases, under conditions such that the resin temperature at the interface regenerant-liquid or wash water/resin-bead does not rise above about 20.degree.C. The control of this temperature is maintained by the corresponding correlation of the temperature, volume and circulating speed of the regenerant through a resin layer of reduced thickness. The concentrated effluent resulted in regeneration, with the eluated salt, is directly introduced into a technological process, in which the eluated salt and possible regenerant excess are recovered; if necessary, the effluent is processed in known ways.

Abstract: Soil conditioning compositions in which the active component is a reactive tenside being (a) condensation products, having a molecular weight under 15,000, of one or more of (i) ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, propylenediamine, dipropylenediamine, guanidine, dicyandiamide, N-aminoethyl alkylamines, N-aminoethyl alkyleneamines, N-aminoethyl alkyldienamines, N-aminopropyl alkylamines, N-aminopropyl alkyleneamines, N-aminopropyl alk-dien-ylamines, imidazoline, imidazole, 1-aminoethyl-imidazoline, 1-aminoethyl-2-alkyl-2-imidazoline, and 1-aminoethyl-2-alkyl-2-imidazoline, and 1-aminoethyl-2-alkylene-2-imidazoline, with one or more of (ii) formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, propionaldehyde, C.sub.2-6 dihalogenealkanes; (b) alkyl- or alkylcarboxyamide end group-containing derivatives of reactions between the components of (a) which are partially or totally alkylated with C.sub.

Abstract: Compositions useful in agriculture as soil modifiers and fertilizers are prepared by contacting the waste materials, obtained in the manufacture of titanium dioxide from ilmenites by the sulphate process, and which consist essentially of ferrous sulphate, with oxides, hydroxides or carbonates of alkali metals or alkaline earth metals or ammonium carbonate, and then submitting the reaction product to oxidation to convert the ferrous hydroxide into ferric hydroxide. Ferric hydroxide is further converted to ferric sulphate by treatment with sulphuric acid.

Abstract: Fertilizer materials, especially potassium dihydrogen phosphate, are produced by the reaction of phosphate rock or a solubilized form thereof, such as mono calcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, etc., concentrated sulfuric acid, potassium hydrogen sulfate and, optionally fresh or recycle phosphoric acid, the resulting mixture is filtered to remove the calcium sulfate precipitate and the potassium dihydrogen phosphate is recovered from the filtrate, either by concentration and filtration or by extraction with an organic solvent.