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: A method of draining moisture from a soil includes steps of providing a first surface in contact with the soil, wherein the first surface is permeable and non-absorbent; providing a plurality of granules in contact with the first surface, wherein the plurality of granules is permeable and non-absorbent; and providing a second surface in contact with the plurality of granules, wherein the second surface is permeable and non-absorbent. The method includes dispersing the moisture via the first surface, the granules, and the second surface, distributing the moisture via the first surface, the granules, and the second surface, and draining the moisture via the first surface, the granules, and the second surface. The dispersing, distibuting and draining are caused by gravitational and capillary effect. The method is performed by a potting insert. The potting insert is located in a potting container, below soil in the container.

Abstract: Several compositions of matter have been discovered that can be used in the manufacture of slow-release fertilizers that contain all of the essential elements needed by plants and humans. Slow-release fertilizers manufactured with these formulations can be used on mineral stressed soils to increase the quality and production of food crops grown on them.

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 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: 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.

Abstract: A coated granular fertilizer which comprises a degradable film containing 10% by weight or more of a polyolefin and/or petroleum wax having a weight-average molecular weight of 300-10,000 and an inorganic filler and/or a surface active agent and a granular fertilizer coated with said degradable film.

Abstract: A process for making homogeneous granules of slow-release fertilizer to deliver high doses of slow-release nitrogen in pellets that disperse or fall apart when contacted by moisture. The method includes mixing particles of slow-release nitrogen with particles of a potassium source and particles of a phosphorus source, to make a homogeneous blend of the particles. Then, the blended particles are moistened with water or an aqueous solution of urea to moisten the homogeneous blend. After moistening, the blended particles are contacted with an aqueous suspension of urea-formaldehyde resin to bind the particles into homogeneous granules. The aqueous suspension of urea formaldehyde resin preferably has a urea:formaldehyde ratio of about 1:1.

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: This invention relates to the production and use of encapsulated and/or concentrically-constructed fertilizer or bioremediation granules such as, for example, granules of 0.5 mm to 10 mm in diameter constructed so that there are at least two components to the granule including a core with a surrounding capsule or a core with one or more concentric layers that are distinguishable from the core with respect to nutrient content, density, hardness, solubility, composition, microbial content and permeability, as in permeability to odors or the permeability of nutrients that might volatize to the atmosphere or leach into the soil. The basic idea was to create a method for manufacturing and using fertilizer granules, which incorporate multiple concentric layers or a core plus an encapsulating outer layer.

Abstract: A polyester dispersion comprising water and a biodegradable copolyester which contains structural units derived from both aliphatic and aromatic carboxylic acids or their derivatives, and the coated fertilizer granules prepared using this polyester dispersion, and a process for their preparation. A fertilization method in which the coated fertilizer granules according to the invention are used.

Abstract: Controlled release urea-based feed supplements for ruminant animals and controlled release urea-based plant nutrients are comprised of particles or granules comprised in whole or in principal part of urea or having urea at or on the exterior surfaces thereof, and a moisture resistant interpenetrating polymer network coating on the particles comprised of the reaction products of urea and a polyisocyanate, and the reaction products of polyisocyanate, an alkyd resin having at least one double bond in each repeat unit and an oil having at least one double bond, the double bonds being reactive with one another and with themselves. The coated plant nutrients have a substantially linear rate of release of nutrients to the soil over a controlled period of time, e.g., 30 to 120 days. The coated ruminant feed supplements have a substantially linear rate of NPN release in the rumen over a controlled period of time, e.g., 12 to 24 hours.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles which exhibit slow-release properties and to a process for their production. The process comprises applying an isocyanate-reactive component to fertilizer particles, to form fertilizer particles coated with an isocyanate-reactive component, applying a polyisocyanate component onto the coated fertilizer particles to form polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles, and, optionally, repeating these steps as many times as necessary to form the polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles that contain about 2 to 20% by weight of polyurethane, based on the total weight of the encapsulated fertilizer particles. Suitable isocyanate-reactive components include polyesterether polyols that comprise either a blend of or the reaction product of (i) castor oil having an OH number of about 160 to about 170, a viscosity of about 500 to about 900 mPa.s at 25° C., and a water content of less than 0.

Abstract: This invention relates to polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles which exhibit slow-release properties and to a process for their production. The process comprises (1) applying an isocyanate-reactive component or a polyisocyanate component to fertilizer particles, to form coated fertilizer particles, followed by (2) applying a polyisocyanate component or an isocyanate-reactive component onto the coated fertilizer particles to form polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles, and, optionally, repeating these steps as many times as necessary to form the polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles that contain about 2 to 20% by weight of polyurethane, based on the total weight of the encapsulated fertilizer particles. Alternatively, the isocyanate-reactive component and the polyisocyanate component can be premixed prior to being applied to the fertilizer particles to form polyurethane encapsulated fertilizer particles. Suitable isocyanate-reactive components comprise oleo polyols.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing a controlled-release coated fertilizer which provides few floats when applied in water, gives uniform coat and makes it possible to release fertilizer ingredient constantly in a short time at ordinary temperature to low temperature. The method comprises adding water-absorptive polymer to granular fertilizer and then coating it with at least one urethane resin layer.

Abstract: A novel composition for a slow release nitrogenous fertilizer comprising about 0.5-1% of an inert material, 0.5-1% of essential oil or their derivatives on w/w basis and process for the preparation of the composition.

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

Abstract: A method of providing a continuous, buffered, low-leaching phosphorus fertilization of field plants in soil has been developed. The method is broadly applicable to field soils, but is particularly well-suited to soil that has inherently low phosphorus (P) retention ability, including sandy soils, peats, and mucks. The invention describes the use of phosphorus (P) fixed to alumina (Al) as a fertilizer and phosphorus buffer in field soils. The Al—P. when incorporated into soil in a concentration between 0.25 and 20% by weight/volume, will release P from the Al using a dynamic solid phase solution phase exchange equilibrium driven by plant uptake of P, thus providing P for plant growth, while also minimizing P leaching from the soil. The Al—P buffer/fertilizer can be applied and incorporated into field soils prior to planting of crops, grass, or other plants requiring P for growth, or may be incorporated into exposed soil between growing plants to buffer against P leaching and runoff.

Abstract: Improved cation exchange zeolite crystalline and zeolite-like plant bed structures are disclosed, preferably saturated with water-based extracts of particular plant/herb materials exhibiting plant growth acceleration properties and synergistically providing also nutrient, and sometimes anti-microbial and insect and fungus repellent properties, as well, and with the adaptability to present the structures in solid, gel and liquid form.

Abstract: A dry-coated tablet for controlled release of active substance, having an erodible core tablet (1) containing at least one active substance, and a substantially erosion-resistant shell consisting of a dry-coated layer (5), is characterized in that the dry-coated layer (5) has at least one opening (6), and one end of the core tablet (1) extends as far as the opening (6).

Abstract: Granular composite fertilizer compositions are prepared by applying a liquid mixture of urea and formaldehyde to a dry substrate such as a phosphorus source, a potassium source, a secondary nutrient source, a micronutrient source or mixtures thereof and reacting the liquid mixture in situ to form methylene urea reaction products which promote binding of the substrate into a granular composite while granulating the substrate at the same time that the liquid mixture reacts in order to form the granular composite fertilizer compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a granular fertilizer coated with a thermosetting resin coating, characterized in that a dissolution rate of the fertilizer is retarded by containing a hydrophobic compound in at least one of the coating portion and the fertilizer portion thereof. The dissolution rate is further retarded than that of a conventional granular coated fertilizer coated with a thermosetting resin.

Abstract: A coated granular fertilizer which makes it possible to independently design the period since its application till 10% dissolution-out and the period since 10% dissolution-out till completion of its dissolution-out is provided, which fertilizer is prepared by coating a granular fertilizer with a coating having a sugar polymer or its derivative dispersed therein, and has a time limit dissolution-out function, the former period till 10% dissolution-out and the latter dissolution-out duration being respectively capable of being controlled to within a range of 26 to 315 days and a range of 29 to 371 days.

Abstract: The coated fertilizer granules are coated with a carboxyl-carrying ethylene copolymer in which the carboxyl groups may also be in the form of their salts, the carboxyl-carrying ethylene copolymer being composed of a) from 75 to 90% by weight of ethylene and b) from 10 to 25% by weight of an &agr;-olefinically unsaturated C3-C8-alkanecarboxylic acid, and those coated fertilizer granules which contain an active ingredient for crop protection being excepted.

Abstract: Non-explosive water in oil emulsion fertilizer compositions comprise a discontinuous aqueous phase comprising at least one fertilizer component, a continuous organic phase, an emulsifying amount of an emulsifier composition comprising: the reaction product of an amine (C) characterized by the presence within its structure of at least one H—N group and an intermediate formed in the reaction of (A) at least one olefinic compound containing at least one group of the formula and (B) at least one carboxylic reactant selected from the group consisting of compounds of the formula R3C(O)(R4)nC(O)OR5   (III) wherein each of R3 and R5 is independently H or a hydrocarbyl group, R4 is a divalent hydrocarbylene group, and n is 0 or 1, and reactive sources thereof and optionally, from about 0.5 to about 2 moles, per mole of (B), of (D) at least one aldehyde or ketone. The fertilizer compositions provide for controlled release of the fertilizer components.

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.