Abstract: A batch process for the conversion of organic solid waste material containing cellulose and lignin through liquid thermophilic aerobic digestion comprises comminuting the organic solid waste material, adjusting the moisture content of the comminuted material to at least 90% parts by weight of water, mixing the comminuted material with a thermophilic aerobic micro-organism, adjusting the pH of the mixture to 5.5-7.5 and supplying heat and oxygen to the mixture to effect thermophilic aerobic digestion of the mixture. The thermophilic aerobic digestion of the mixture is terminated after the mixture has stabilized as a low nitrogen material but prior to digestion of the cellulose and lignin in the mixture, and the stabilized mixture is separated into solid and liquid fractions. The process includes the monitoring of parameters for determining the termination of digestion.

Abstract: Flocculated bacterial cells are utilized as high-density crop inoculants and delivery systems for one or more agriculturally beneficial microorganisms. The flocculated form of bacteria, such as Azospirillum and Rhizobium, possess superior survivability under storage, as a seed coating and mixed seed priming media. Other microorganisms may be co-flocculated with the aforementioned bacteria, thereby providing a crop inoculant for delivery of multiple agriculturally beneficial microorganisms.

Abstract: Methods for improving the bioremediation of soil and other organic material that has been contaminated by hydrocarbon waste are disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present invention provides a microbial nutrient composition comprises a stable, bi-continuous first and second phase. The first phase comprises an aqueous solution of microbial nutrients and the second phase comprising a hydrocarbon liquid and a mixture of surfactants combined in amounts sufficient to render the mixture of first and second phases a liquid at a first temperature and as a waxy solid at a lower second temperature.In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for treating hydrocarbon contaminated soils and water by applying to the soil or water a microbial nutrient composition which is in the liquid state when it is applied and which forms a waxy solid at temperatures below the application temperature.

Abstract: This invention has for its object to provide a matrix which finds application as a plant culture medium which is light-weight, possessed of large moisture and fertilizer holding capacities, easy to dispose of after use, and benign to the environment or a microorganism-immobilizing support capable of immobilizing a large population of microorganisms with remarkably improved long-term viability and providing for markedly improved colonization and growth rates. The matrix of this invention is composed predominantly of polysaccharide and lignin and has an internal pore structure.

Abstract: An artificial soil composition and a method of growing vegetation on a sloped surface, especially a cut rock surface are disclosed. The artificial soil composition includes peat, granular soil, sewage sediment formed by the treatment of urban waste for example and pulp sludge formed by the de-watering of fibrous material and is a byproduct of the manufacture of paper from wood pulp. The artificial soil composition is applied over a meshing which is secured over a sloped cut rock surface. Plants are grown in the layer of artificial soil. Experimentally, the artificial soil is shown to have an increased adhesion to the inclined surface compared to natural soil, promotes plant growth and retains water to a greater extent than natural soil but does not cause an environmental hazard resulting from the leaching of compounds in the run-off water.The preferred concentrations of the constituents by weight are: peat (10-30%) granular soil (10-30%) sewage sediment (40-60%) and pulp sludge (25-44%).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process of disposing obsolete planting seed treated with seed-protectant coatings, especially coatings comprising captan or any of the other widely used compounds such as, for example, pirimiphos-methyl and thiram, alone or in combination with other fungicidally or even insecticidally active compounds, which process comprises subjecting the said plant seed to a compostation.

Abstract: A method for growing a conifer seedling includes selecting and treating a conifer seed, prior to planting thereof, with a Coryneform, Pseudomonas or Serratia bacterial strain that enhances the root growth of that conifer seedling. Additionally, transplanted conifer seedlings may be grown by treating their roots with root growth-enhancing Coryneform, Pseudomonas and Serratia strains and conifer seeds may be modified by treatment with those strains.

Abstract: A soil adjuvant of fungal mycelium which has been treated with quicklime and a process for the preparation of the soil adjuvant. The soil adjuvant contains at least 10% quicklime, preferably 10-15% quicklime, and in particular 10-11% quicklime.

Abstract: The present invention provides an enhanced biodegradation process by applying to petroleum contaminated soil or water essential microbial nutrients in a form capable of releasing the nutrients over time at a rate which, at 25.degree. C., is substantially linear. Importantly, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the microbial nutrients that are applied to the soil or water are in a form such that the release of nutrients at 38.degree. C. will be greater than that at 25.degree. C. by a factor of about 2.5 to 6.0, and preferably from a factor of about 3 to about 5.0.

Abstract: Novel methods for biodegrading nitroaromatic compounds present as contaminants in soil or water using microorganisms are disclosed. Water is treatable directly; dry soil is first converted into a fluid medium by addition of water. The preferred method comprises two stages, each employing microorganisms: a fermentative stage, followed by an anaerobic stage. The fermentative stage is rapid, wherein an inoculum of aerobic and/or facultative microorganisms ferments a carbohydrate added to the fluid medium, exhausting the oxygen in the fluid medium and thereby inhibiting oxidative polymerization of amino by-products of the nitroaromatics. In the subsequent anaerobic stage, an inoculum of a mixed population of anaerobic microorganisms completes the mineralization of the contaminant nitroaromatics, using the remaining carbohydrate as a carbon and energy source.

Abstract: A powdered cellulose, containing essentially 3-8% of ammonium sulfate forms a biologically active media which preferentially adsorbs hydrocarbons in the presence of water and supports the growth of naturally occurring hydrocarbon reducing bacterial forms resulting in rapid decomposition of the adsorbed hydrocarbons into water, carbon dioxide and other benign waste products.

Abstract: An artificial soil composition and a method of growing vegetation on a sloped surface, especially a cut rock surface are disclosed. The artificial soil composition includes peat, granular soil, sewage sediment formed by the treatment of urban waste for example and pulp sludge formed by the de-watering of fibrous material and is a byproduct of the manufacture of paper from wood pulp. The artificial soil composition is applied over a meshing which is secured over a sloped cut rock surface. Plants are grown in the layer of artificial soil. Experimentally, the artificial soil is shown to have an increased adhesion to the inclined surface compared to natural soil, promotes plant growth and retains water to a greater extent than natural soil but does not cause an environmental hazard resulting from the leaching of compounds in the run-off water.The preferred concentrations of the constituents by weight are: peat (10-30%) granular soil (10-30%) sewage sediment (40-60%) and pulp sludge (25-44%).

Abstract: A method is provided wherein wood-wastes in the form of stumps, limbs, branches, whole trees and the like are formed in a loose pile on a substantially flat site as a filled landfill or abandoned surface mine. The file is allowed to disintegrate until portions are of a crumbly texture at which stage large whole pieces in the pile are separated from the crumbly texture material which then becomes a useful wood-waste product and groundcover at the site at which the separation takes place. Deep-rooted plants are permitted to grow on the pile accelerate the disintegration.

Abstract: A low-labor method of treating wood-containing or other cellulosic wastes to form a plant growth product. The wastes are formed into mounds containing soil or sand. Plants are allowed to grow on top of the mounds. When the wood becomes crumbly, the wastes are screened to form the product.

Abstract: A plant growth-enhancing composition comprising a microbial fermentation lysate is described. Also described is an enhanced urea fertilizer comprising the microbial lysate combined with urea or a urea-containing fertilizer. The combination provides a reduced rate of ammonia release by inhibiting urease activity.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plant activator, a mycelial fertilizer, and a method of producing the fertilizer. The essential component of the activator and the fertilizer is purified pyrolignous acid. The plant activator includes 80-97 parts by weight of purified pyrolignous acid and 3-20 parts by weight of saccharide containing glucose. The mycelial fertilizer having purified pyrolignous acid includes predominant thermoactinomyces as mycelium. The mycelium is obtained by incubation and fermentation on a porous carrier while a pH of 7.5-9.5 is maintained. The plant activator revives plants weakened by stress. The mycelial fertilizer and method of producing that fertilizer includes predominant thermoactinomyces which beneficially affect farm products.

Abstract: Bacterial strains can be reproducibly isolated from soil that are root-colonizing and directly promote plant development. For example, strains of soil bacteria are provided that are good root colonizers and that promote plant growth under gnotobiotic conditions.

Abstract: Bacterial strains can be reproducibly isolated from the rhizosphere that enhance yield in nonroot crops under field conditions.

Abstract: A treatment composition for treating contaminated material is disclosed which has water, coal, and an alkali metal carbonate. In another aspect an additional ingredient is a seaweed derivative. A method for making such a treatment composition for treating contaminated material has been developed which includes introducing water into a first tank, blending in alkali metal carbonate in the first tank with the water to form a first composition, adding coal to the first composition and blending them together forming a base composition, introducing one half of the base composition from the first tank into a second tank, introducing an amount of seaweed derivative into the second tank equal in volume to the amount of base composition in the second tank, and blending the contents of the second tank together producing the treatment composition.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system comprises a check valve cb1 for detecting a pressure on the outlet side of a pressure compensating device VB1, a maximum load pressure detecting line SL1 for selecting higher one of the pressure detected by the check valve cb1 and a load pressure of an actuator associated with a hydraulic pump P1 and supplying it as a signal pressure, a check valve cb2 for detecting a pressure on the outlet side of a pressure compensating device VB2, a maximum load pressure detecting line SL2 for selecting higher one of the pressure detected by the check valve cb2 and a load pressure of an actuator associated with a hydraulic pump P2 and supplying it as a signal pressure independently of the maximum load pressure detecting line SL1, and a passage 300 for joining hydraulic fluids supplied from the hydraulic pumps P1, P2 and passing through variable restrictors RB1, RB2 with each other and supplying it to an actuator B. Mutual independence between the two hydraulic pumps P1, P2 can be thereby ensured.

Abstract: Urine discharged from domestic animals is stored in a reservoir, filtered to separate solid and liquid components, and sent to one or more treating tanks. Various rocks and soil humus are added to the treatment tank, which is aerated to accelerately produce humus and to cause proliferation of soil microorganisms in the wastes. The rocks are added to serve as catalysts for the bioreactions. As a result, the soil microorganisms that contribute to humus production are markedly activated, and the liquid waste is quickly and efficiently detoxified and rendered odorless. The resultant aqueous solution contains high concentrations of activated soil microorganisms and their metabolic products which can be used as an agricultural material.

Abstract: Three individual strains of anaerobic microorganisms are disclosed. Each has an ability to degrade nitroaromatic and nitramine compounds under anaerobic conditions. The strains, identified as LJP-1, SBF-1, and KMR-1, appear to be of Clostridium bifermentans. The strains were isolated from consortia of anaerobic microorganisms grown in a chemostat in which the "munitions" compounds TNT (as a representative nitroaromatic) and "RDX" nad "HMX" (as representative nitramines) were administered as sole sources of carbon for the microorganisms. The isolated strains, either individually or as mixtures thereof, can be used in methods for degrading, under anaerobic conditions (i.e., redox potential <-200 mV), a contaminant nitroaromatic and/or nitramine compound in water or soil (as an aqueous slurry, i.e., "fluid medium"). The strains will degrade nitroaromatics and nitramines in such fluid media either alone or with other microorganisms present in the fluid medium.

Abstract: A single, unitary reactor and its feed mechanism for microorganisms, nutrients, and, commonly, also enzymes are disclosed. The reactor forms and dispenses a slurried biomass for turf and soil enhancement, water body treatment and agricultural application through conventional irrigation systems. The feed mechanism feed the various components into the slurry within the reactor on any desired schedule, including different schedules for different components. The microorganisms, nutrients and enzymes are provided in the form of pellets to individual compartments within the feed device, and they are individually injected into the slurry intermittently upon a predetermined schedule. Preferably the housing will contain a plurality of the compartments for a variety of different slurry components. The component pellets may be of any convenient shape and size, but preferably will be either disk-shaped or spherical.

Abstract: A low-labor method of treating wood-containing or other cellulosic wastes to form a plant growth product. The wastes are formed into mounds containing soil or sand. Plants are allowed to grow on top of the mounds. When the wood becomes crumbly, the wastes are screened to form the product.

Abstract: Novel methods for biodegrading nitroaromatic compounds present as contaminants in soil or water using microorganisms are disclosed. Water is treatable directly; dry soil is first converted into a fluid medium by addition of water. The preferred method comprises two stages, each employing microorganisms: a fermentative stage, followed by an anaerobic stage. The fermentative stage is rapid, wherein an inoculum of aerobic and/or facultative microorganisms ferments a carbohydrate added to the fluid medium, exhausting the oxygen in the fluid medium and thereby inhibiting oxidative polymerization of amino by-products of the nitroaromatics. In the subsequent anaerobic stage an inoculum of a mixed population of anaerobic microorganisms completes the mineralization of the contaminant nitroaromatics, using the remaining carbohydrate as a carbon and energy source.

Abstract: Fertilizer containing microorganisms of the rhizosphere packaged by microencapsulation in a polysaccharide matrix. The inoculum obtained after microencapsulation can be mixed with a granular solid fertilizer, then stored, or with a liquid fertilizer immediately before spreading.

Abstract: Purified bacterial strains that are effective for the inhibition of plant pathogens, including the fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum have been isolated. These strains are useful as biocontrol agents, and can be used to produce antifungal metabolites, such as antibiotic compounds, active against the plant pathogenic fungi Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium ultimum. Both the purified bacterial strains and the antibiotic compounds can be used as active agents for biocontrol compositions.

Abstract: Non-phytotoxic roots coating compositions comprising a polymer, VAM propagules, and a fungicide that selectively inhibits pathogenic fungi are provided. Also provided are methods of coating plant roots with the aforesaid composition and plants comprising roots coated with a polymer containing VAM propagules and a fungicide.In an alternative approach, the roots are first rolled in a dried polymer composition and then dipped in a suspension of VAM propagules, or attached to a film which is a dried polymer containing a spore suspension.

Abstract: A controlled-release nutrient source is added at a low level to a bioremediation environment to enhance microorganism growth and activity and promote the effectiveness of the bioremediation in removing environmental contaminants.

Abstract: This invention relates to a plant activator, a mycelial fertilizer, and a method of producing the fertilizer. The essential component of the activator and the fertilizer is purified pyrolignous acid. The plant activator includes 80-97 parts by weight of purified pyrolignous acid and 3-20 parts by weight of saccharide containing glucose. The mycelial fertilizer having purified pyrolignous acid includes predominant thermoactinomyces as mycelium. The mycelium is obtained by incubation and fermentation on a porous carrier while a pH of 7.5-9.5 is maintained. The plant activator revives plants weakened by stress. The mycelial fertilizer and method of producing that fertilizer includes predominant thermoactinomyces which beneficially affect farm products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a soybean seed, lucerne seed or clover seed coated with an inoculant composition comprising a carrier medium, a beneficial microorganism and an adhesive polymeric material. A high average loading of viable organisms per seed is maintained in storage.

Abstract: Soluble, non-crosslinked polysaccharides are used to stabilize microorganisms for use as inoculants in agriculture. Preferably, the polysaccharide is alginate and plant seeds are inoculated. A solution of the polysaccharide and a suspension of the microorganism are mixed to form a composition containing about 0.005% to about 10% of the polysaccharide. The composition can be stored for one week or more before use and the composition may be dried.

Abstract: A microbial hydrocarbon degrader, soil amendment and growth-promoting composition comprising a mixture of bacteria, termed mystic microbes, which is capable of decomposing cellulose, fixing nitrogen, fighting plant pests and disease, and liberating phosphorous into the soil upon application and mixture to soil. The heterotrophic microbial composition further is capable of degrading hydrocarbons in contaminant events.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mycelial fertilizer that is characterized in method, and the objects thereof are to provide a mycelial fertilizer wherein the mycelial fertilizer containing mainly thermactinomyces is carried on a specified carrier to contribute the metabolites of the thermoactinomyces and the decomposition products of the thermoactinomyces to the growth of plants as effective fertilizers in soil, and to provide a method of producing the mycelial fertilizer.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to novel microorganisms useful for the control of unwanted grasses and other weeds. The microorganisms of the subject invention are discovered through a unique process which involves isolating plant pathogens from asymptomatic plants.

Abstract: A method of improving the yield of mushrooms which comprises supplementing the compost with an effective amount of a salt of an aliphatic, alicyclic or heterocyclic carboxylic acid, said salt being a calcium salt and/or a salt with an aliphatic, alicyclic or heterocyclic amine.

Abstract: A chemical product and method for accelerated biodegradation of petroleum on water. The chemical product includes a fermentation product portion and a surfactant containing emulsifier portion which has a monosodium glutamate additive.

Abstract: A soil bioremediation material. A material for improvement of soil conditions includes a mixture of about 85-92% by weight water, about 5-9% by weight molasses from raw sugar, about 2-4% by weight unrefined sugar, about 0.5-1.5% by weight malt, about 0.05-0.2% by weight yeast with the malt to yeast ratio being in the range of 8:1 to 12:1.

Abstract: A biological product for actively producing nitrogen and phosphate enrichment of soil comprising a nitrogen-fixing effective amount of Azospirillum sp. M32, an amount of Bacillus polymixa M7 sufficient to produce polymyxin, an anti-microbial peptide active against Gram negative bacteria which converts phosphorous materials fixed in the soil to which it is applied to a phosphate in plant-available forms, and a nutrient for the bacteria comprising a cellulosic material containing cellulose as an integral component selected from the group consisting of straw, xylan, hemicellulose and lignin, as well as other organic carbon or nitrogen materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for valorizing liquid manure from pigs by elaboration of biological amendments, said method comprising the fermentation of a biomass based on a mixture of pig liquid manure and a carbonaceous medium. Said biomass is seeded by a bacterial selection comprising Serratia and Klabsiella also relates to a device for implementing such method.

Abstract: A biological inoculant is disclosed for facilitating and fostering the growth of edible corn plants. The inoculant includes biologically pure cultures of bacterial strains, including Bacillus circulans, a yet unidentified bacterial strain, and Xanthomonas maltotphilia.

Abstract: A method for screening bacteria to select strains which inhibit the weed downy brome in small grain crops under field conditions and method for field application of the bacteria to inhibit downy brome in small grain crops in a commercial setting are described. Three Pseudomonas strains initially determined as non-fluorescent which passed the screen test are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and composition for increasing the amounts of phosphorus and/or micronutrients available for uptake by plants from the soil. The invention involves introducing an inoculum of the fungus Penicillium bilaji into (or onto) the soil. This has the effect of increasing the solubility of phosphates and micronutrient sources which may be either native to the soil or added to it, e.g. in the form of insoluble rock phosphate or manufactured phosphate fertilizer. The invention can be used to increase the health, growth rates and yields of plants, especially crop plants grown on nutrient-deficient soils, while eliminating or minimizing the need for expensive manufactured fertilizers.

Abstract: The soil conditioner of this invention is basically composed of 4 to 4.75 parts by weight of coal ash, 4 to 4.75 parts by weight of slag, and 0.5 to 2 parts by weight of zeolite, and is useful for the overall improvement of soil including not only chemical and physical conditioning of the soil but also improvement of its ecological system. In addition to the aforesaid ingredients, this soil conditioner may contain a microorganism having the function of competing with the harmful microorganisms present in the soil or utilizing them as nutrient sources to eliminate the detrimental effects thereof, thereby inducing the propagation of useful microorganisms in the rhizosphere of the desired crop and promoting the growth of the crop, as well as 0.2 to 2% by weight of molasses based on the total weight of the coal ash, slag and zeolite.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for developing a culture of microorganisms in the rhizosphere of plants by dipping roots of the plants in a hydrated super absorbant polymer containing living microorganisms, thereby adhering the polymer to the roots.

Abstract: A trickling filter system to treat contaminated soil, and prevents its migration, comprises: a reactor vessel having a floor, a side wall or walls, and a cover, to contain the soil; a contaminated soil bed received into the vessel and onto the vessel floor; a raking apparatus including rake arms in the vessel and a drive therefore, to displace the arms for raking the soil; and a sprinking system in the vessel to sprinkle liquid into the raked soil, and; a sump associated with the reactor vessel to receive liquid that drains from the soil, and to supply that liquid to said sprinkling system, the liquid including water and organics dissolved in the water.

Abstract: A soil and foliar supplement for application to plants to improve plant growth and quality. A method for increasing plant productivity and quality also is disclosed. The supplement includes a quantity of specific microbes and an organic acid, such as humic acid, fulvic acid, and ulvic acid. Trace minerals also can be added. A humectant also can be incorporated with the microbes, organic acid, and trace minerals to provide a matrix to provide an improved moisture and nutrient environment and a greatly increased surface area and cation exchange ability for optimizing microbe growth. Chelated micronutrients may also be added to the supplement or added later to the foliage to improve the effects of the supplement still further. Methods of improving plant productivity and quality by treating the plant with the microbes, organic acids and a naturally balanced formulation of chelated minerals are disclosed.

Abstract: A composite structure having a thickness substantially less than its width such as a sheet is prepared which includes a substantially water-insoluble particulate or fibrous support having a surface energy of at least about 30 dynes per cm to which nitrogen-fixing filamentous blue-green algae heterocyst cells are attached. the support does not have a deleterious effect on the attached algae and is preferably cellulosic or a polyoletin such a polypropylene. The structure may contain a first and second layer and have a plurality of raised, three-dimensional shapes over at least a portion of at least one surface. Preparing the composite structure includes contacting the support with blue-green algae to permit the algae to attach to the support by means of heterocyst cells. The attach cells in a nitrogen deficient environment, fix nitrogen at a rate substantially greater than unattached cells, and have agricultural applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis, GC 91, a sample of which has been deposited under the accession number NCTC 11821, or a derivative or mutant thereof having entomocidal activity against lepidopterous pests. The invention also relates to a process for producing a strain of Bacillus thuringiensis having improved entomocidal properties by combining into a single strain by plasmid transfer the different entomocidal properties of two respective starting strains. The new strains thus produced are useful in entomocidal compositions.