Abstract: A fertilizer composition including a base fertilizer granule with a barrier coating and one or more micronutrients. The base fertilizer material is coated with a barrier coating, and then a coating of one or more micronutrients. Alternatively, the base fertilizer material is coated with a barrier coating having discrete particles of micronutrients dispersed throughout. The barrier coating acts to physically and chemically isolate the micronutrient particles from the underlying fertilizer composition such that more of the micronutrient is available to the soil solution, and ultimately to the root zone of the plant.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a controlled release fertilizer wherein the fertilizer is deposited onto a first polymer film and then covered by a second polymer film to encapsulate the fertilizer between the first polymer film and the second polymer film.

Abstract: An encapsulated particle comprises a core particle and a polyurethane layer disposed about the core particle. The core particle can be various particles, such as fertilizer, biocides, flame retardants, seeds, etc. The polyurethane layer comprises the reaction product of an isocyanate component and an isocyanate-reactive component. The isocyanate-reactive component comprises a graft polyol having a continuous phase and polymeric particles. A method of forming the encapsulated particle comprises the steps of providing the core particle, applying the isocyanate and isocyanate-reactive components to the core particle, and reacting the isocyanate and isocyanate-reactive components to form the polyurethane layer. The encapsulated particle has excellent physical properties, such as increased water repellency, resiliency and shelf life.

Abstract: A method for reducing the explosive potential of a nitrogen-based fertilizer product includes coating the product with a composition including a coal combustion by-product. The coal combustion by-product may be oxidized prior to coating the product, and further may be one or more of Class C fly ash, Class F fly ash, and flue gas desulfurization waste. A primary binder and one or more secondary binders may be included. The primary binder may be water. The secondary binder may be one or more of an organic and an inorganic binder.

Abstract: Improved gypsum fertilizer compositions are provided by coating of naturally-occurring or synthesized gypsum with low pH maleic-itaconic copolymers. The preferred copolymers are aqueous dispersions of acid or partial salt maleic-itaconic copolymers, and are applied by spraying or other means onto the surface of gypsum and allowed to dry. The copolymer coatings increase the solubility of sulfate and Ca ions from the gypsum, allowing accelerated plant availability and uptake of such nutrients.

Abstract: A neem based composition for coating nitrogenous fertilizer. The composition comprises 2-10 percent by weight neem extract, 10-60 percent by weight neem oil, 10-25 percent by weight binder and 25-50 percent by weight organic solvent. Also a method of making the composition by mixing the ingredients, a method of coating a nitrogenous fertilizer by mixing it with 0.5 to 1.0 percent by weight of the neem based composition and nitrogenous fertilizer coated with 0.5 to 1.0 percent by weight of the neem based composition.

Abstract: Thiol ester compositions, methods of making the thiol ester compositions, and methods of using the thiol ester compositions are provided. In some embodiments, the thiol ester compositions include thiol esters, hydroxy thiol esters and cross-linked thiol esters. The thiol ester composition can be used to produce cross-linked thiol esters, sulfonic acid-containing esters, sulfonate containing esters and thioacrylate containing esters. The thiol ester compositions can be used to produce polythiourethanes. The polythiourethanes can be used in fertilizers and fertilizer coatings.

Abstract: Improved gypsum fertilizer compositions are provided by coating of naturally-occurring or synthesized gypsum with low pH maleic-itaconic copolymers. The preferred copolymers are aqueous dispersions of acid or partial salt maleic-itaconic copolymers, and are applied by spraying or other means onto the surface of gypsum and allowed to dry. The copolymer coatings increase the solubility of sulfate and Ca ions from the gypsum, allowing accelerated plant availability and uptake of such nutrients.

Abstract: A compact comprising particles and an active agent selected from a pesticide, a herbicide, a plant nutrient, a fertiliser, an arthropod attractant such as a semiochemical, a semiochemical, a food or protein bait, and including mixtures of two or more thereof.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a controlled release fertilizer wherein the fertilizer is deposited onto a first polymer film and then covered by a second polymer film to encapsulate the fertilizer between the first polymer film and the second polymer film.

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 method of preparing and coating fertilizer pellets is described. Fertilizer, seed or other materials are added to a blender. Powdered micronutrients are added to the blend (at any time in the process) at rates up to but not exceeding 1% of the total blend. The resulting blend is mixed for a minimum of 20 seconds resulting in an even distribution (coating) of the total blend. The blend is then packaged into bags, spreaders or trucks and stored or applied to the field. Seed or fertilizer is augured or moved via conveyors or other means into seeding equipment or a blender. The finished product is then applied to the field or stored for later applications.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by a coating which is the reaction product of a mixture comprising: a polyol, an isocyanate and an organic wax.

Abstract: A method for reducing the explosive potential of a nitrogen-based fertilizer product includes coating the product with a composition including a coal combustion by-product. The coal combustion by-product may be oxidized prior to coating the product, and further may be one or more of Class C fly ash, Class F fly ash, and flue gas desulfurization waste. A primary binder and one or more secondary binders may be included. The primary binder may be water. The secondary binder may be one or more of an organic and an inorganic binder.

Abstract: An encapsulated particle includes a core particle. The core particle includes a fertilizer selected from the group of nitrogen, phosphate, potash, and sulfur, and combinations thereof. The core particle may also include herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides. The encapsulated particle also includes a polyurethane layer disposed about the core particle. The polyurethane layer includes the reaction product of an aromatic isocyanate component and a polyol that is reactive with the aromatic isocyanate component. The aromatic isocyanate component includes methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, toluene diisocyanate, and mixtures thereof. The polyol that is reactive with the aromatic isocyanate component is derived from an aromatic amine-based initiator and includes a toluene diamine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to control of volatile emissions from a pile of composting organic material. Specifically, the present invention relates to covering the composting pile with a blanketing layer of finished compost material. The invention further relates to mixing finished compost with composting material either by itself or mixing the blanketing layer into the composting material during aeration. The invention also discloses adding additional blanketing layers of finished compost as previous layers are mixed into the composting material during aeration.

Abstract: A method and composition for controlling dust and anti-caking of solid granular materials, including fertilizers, aggregates, minerals and ores wherein a glycerin which has been reacted with a polybasic acid for producing the composition is applied to the solid granular materials.

Abstract: A particle is provided with simultaneous delivery of a fertilizer and an active agent that when adhered to foliage causes a chemical burn thereto. A hydrophobic coating is provided intermediate between the fertilizer core and the active agent to inhibit moisture absorption by the particle that renders the particle tacky and therefore adherent to target foliage. The active agent granule is adhered to the hydrophobic coating or at least partially embedded therein based on the nature of the formation process. The particle is also provided that includes a second fertilizer layer exterior to the hydrophobic coating with the second fertilizer layer is substantially devoid of water soluble nitrogen compounds. Active agent granules are then adhered to the second fertilizer layer. The resultant particles reduce chemical burning associated with combined fertilizer and active agent usage, especially under dispersant conditions of high temperature and high humidity.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a pesticide delivery system, containing a continuous film having a thickness from about 1 ?m to about 1,000 ?m and noncontinuous areas having sizes less than about 100 ?m, the continuous film containing a particulate material wherein at least 90% by weight of the particulate material has a particle size of about 10 microns or less, and a pest control agent at least partially coating the particulate material.

Abstract: A controlled release product is provided having a suppressed initial release period and a predetermined longevity. The product includes a particulate water soluble core material and a semi-permeable coating layer applied on the core material for controlling the release rate of the core material.

Abstract: Coatings for agricultural grade fertilizer particles and industrial grade ammonium nitrate are provided which when applied to particles form a protective film which acts as a barrier to inhibit or prevent hydrocarbon infiltration of the fertilizer particle pores and also to physically separate the fertilizer particles and hydrocarbon materials. In so doing, the coating greatly reduces the efficacy of the fertilizer particles as an oxidizing agent for use in incendiary devices, thereby deterring or preventing the use of agricultural grade fertilizers or industrial grade ammonium nitrate in creating weapons of terror.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers maybe complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: A coated triggered start product is formed from a particulate core material comprising at least one water soluble active constituent and at least one coating layer applied on the particulate core material. The coating layer causes the product to exhibit “lock-off” type release characteristics whereby release of the active constituent of the core material from the coated product is essentially completely suppressed until release is initiated by application of a trigger material to the coating layer. Processes for preparing and using such triggered start products are also provided.

Abstract: Coating compositions containing an oxidized oil and an effective amount of a diluent selected from one of: the group of methyl and ethyl esters of fatty acids, oils and combinations thereof; the group of glycerol and polyglycerol esters of fatty acids, oils, and combinations thereof; and light petroleum oil with a viscosity from about 1 cP to about 100 cP at 100° F., wherein the coating composition has a viscosity of from about 3 cP to about 5000 cP at 140° F., and wherein the coating composition is effective for reducing dust formation and cake formation in the coated free-flowing dry material. The coating compositions and associated methods of the present invention are particularly suited to reduce dust formation and cake formation in free-flowing dry materials.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: A controlled release fertilizer material comprising a particulate plant nutrient surrounded by a coating which is the reaction product of a mixture comprising: a polyol, an isocyanate and an organic wax.

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 controlled release product is provided having a suppressed initial release period and a predetermined longevity. The product includes a particulate water soluble core material and a semi-permeable coating layer applied on the core material for controlling the release rate of the core material.

Abstract: A coated fertilizer is provided along with a method for producing the coated fertilizer, where the coated fertilizer has a coating made of at least one amine compound which is a primary, secondary or tertiary, straight or branched hydrocarbon chain amine or an amine containing a cyclic hydrocarbon radical and; a microcrystalline wax, a paraffin wax or a soft synthetic wax.

Abstract: This invention relates to fertilizer encapsulation with polyurethanes wherein the isocyanate-reactive composition contains sulfur. The process of the present invention comprises applying a polyisocyanate composition to fertilizer particles, applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to the polyisocyanate coated fertilizer particles, or applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to fertilizer particles and then applying a polyisocyanate composition to the isocyanate-reactive coated fertilizer particles, and repeating these steps as necessary to form sulfur containing polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of vinylic and dicarboxylic monomers such as vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol and maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride, or combinations thereof. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers, which are then hydrolyzed to replace ester groups with alcohol groups. The polymers may be complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seed to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention may be applied foliarly, to seeds, to fertilizer, or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: Biodegradable anionic polymers are disclosed which include recurring polymeric subunits preferably made up of dicarboxylic monomers such as maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of the polymers. The polymers maybe complexed with ions and/or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to yield agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention maybe applied foliarly or to the earth adjacent growing plants in order to enhance nutrient uptake by the plants.

Abstract: A calcium salt protective coating formed in situ by combining fatty acids with lime, also the associated method of forming the protective coating in situ. The fatty acids are preferably vegetable fatty acids such as from soapstock byproduct skimmings produced during the manufacture of vegetable oil. Experimental testing has shown that the protective coating is substantially impervious to moisture. The protective coating is a suitable covering for hay bales, silage, coal piles, and road salt piles. Further experimental testing has shown that the present invention is also suited to environmental soil bioremediation (“landfarming”) using microbes, in which the fatty acid ingredient, in addition to being used in formation of a protective coating that inhibits introduction of oxygen into the soil being treated, is also used as a carbon source for the microbial activity.

Abstract: Calcium cyanamide compositions and methods for their use are disclosed. The compositions and methods stabilize active ionic compositions comprising calcium cyanamide and enhance the effectiveness of calcium cyanamide alone or synergistically in combination with nitrogen containing materials such as urea and organics, for example, manures. The compositions and methods also facilitate controllable site directed delivery of the contents of the stabilized compositions. The compositions and methods are effective for fertilizing, soil amending, metal stabilizing and odor and organism inhibition. The compositions are stable, easily calibrated, and non-clogging for spray delivery to target sites.

Abstract: Novel mixed agricultural compositions, and methods for their use are disclosed. The agricultural compositions are prepared by a process comprising mixing together a carrier, such as a solid fertilizer or liquid solvent, and a carbohydrate-based surfactant, such as AGRIMUL PG 2069 (Henkel, Dusseldorf, Germany). For example, 8 quarts of surfactant were mixed with one ton of a solid fertilizer. The carrier material can further comprise biologically active agents such as herbicides, insecticides, chemosterilants, nematicides, and fungicides. These mixed agricultural compositions are used to promote the growth of plants in soil and enhance soil bioremediation.

Abstract: This invention relates to fertilizer encapsulation with polyurethanes wherein the isocyanate-reactive composition contains sulfur. The process of the present invention comprises applying a polyisocyanate composition to fertilizer particles, applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to the polyisocyanate coated fertilizer particles, or applying an isocyanate-reactive composition which contains sulfur to fertilizer particles and then applying a polyisocyanate composition to the isocyanate-reactive coated fertilizer particles, and repeating these steps as necessary to form sulfur containing polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles.

Abstract: The present invention describes a composition which has as its base a dry, granular fertilizer and to which is added a flowing agent and further to which is added a hydrophobic agent. The present invention also describes methods for making this composition.

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.

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 producing a controlled release form of an agricultural active material includes the provision of an organic liquid composition in which the active is present, but where the liquid composition is free from aromatic solvents and is maintained below the normal melting point of the active. The liquid composition is formed into small droplets and the droplets are enclosed by a non-water soluble shell to provide microcapsules, the shell of which is designed to release the agricultural active at a pre-selected controlled rate when the microcapsule is exposed to natural environmental conditions. Controlled release forms of agricultural actives are also provided.

Abstract: In the present invention, there are obtained aliphatic polyesters having a controlled thermal decomposing property, hydrolizability, and biodegradability, in which OH terminals and COOH terminals are decreased to 50% and 30%, respectively, through a ring-opening polymerization of a lactone and lactide by a mono alcohol having a high boiling point or a metal alkoxide, or by further decreasing both terminals through combining produced polymer terminals with a diisocyanate and, from a composition containing the polyesters, there is obtained a particle-state composition for agriculture and gardening in which a duration period of a fertilizing effect can be controlled, and which is not remained in soil by decomposition.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles. This process comprises applying an isocyanate-reactive component to fertilizer particles, and applying an aliphatic polyisocyanate to fertilizer particles in separate steps to form polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles. The two reactants may be applied in either order, with the polyisocyanate being first or last. These two steps may optionally be repeated as many times, as necessary to yield polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles which contain from 0.5 to 15% by weight of polyurethane, based on the total weight of the encapsulated fertilizer particles. It is also possible to mix the isocyanate-reactive component and the polyisocyanate together to form a mixture which is then applied to the fertilizer particles. These polyurethane coatings which encapsulates the fertilizer particles are biodegradable.