Abstract: The disclosure generally describes the discovery of a train of Trichoderma gamsii (NRRL B-50520) that has multiple capabilities for various uses in plant agriculture and development of systems for its use. This patent application compares its abilities to enhance plant agriculture for a number of applications with a number of other microbial agents and that are contained within useful formulations. While other strains or mixtures have abilities to confer one trait or another, this strain appears to be uniquely versatile in its capabilities. It can be used in conventional or organic agriculture for the promotion of plant growth and increase in crop yields when applied topically as a foliar spray or as a seed coating. The highly active products also are expected to increase plant productivity and improve quality of fruits, vegetables, flowers or other plant products.

Abstract: Soil plant productivity is improved by manipulation of soil microflora. The soil microflora is manipulated by addition of a bacterium belonging to Rhizobium (Rhizobiales) to the soil.

Abstract: Processes capable of producing bulk materials suitable for use by the horticulture industry, resulting bulk materials produced thereby, and applications for these processes and materials. Preferred bulk materials have physical properties similar to peat moss and comprise individual materials, each at least partially having a twisted, curled, clumped and rolled structure. The individual materials may further comprise small granular particles dispersed throughout the twisted, curled, clumped and rolled structure. The individual materials may be rolled fibers such that the bulk material has physical properties similar to sphagnum peat moss so as to be particularly suitable as, for example, a soil conditioner, an absorbent material, a chemical carrier, or a filtering material. Alternatively, the individual materials may be rolled particles such that the bulk material has physical properties similar to milled peat moss so as to be particularly suitable as propagation media.

Abstract: A multi-step method for producing an algae product comprising, a microorganism consumption step, another step, and an algae product collection step. The microorganism consumption step comprises, combining a liquid growth medium comprising microorganisms with a phagotrophic algae capable of producing a desired algae product, consuming said microorganisms by said phagotrophic algae, and growing said phagotrophic algae. Another step comprises either a microorganism growth step or a photosynthetic algal growth step. A microorganism growth step comprises providing a liquid growth medium comprising nutrients and microorganisms capable of said consuming said nutrients, consuming said nutrients by said microorganisms, and growing said microorganisms. A photosynthetic algal growth step comprises providing a substantially organic nutrient depleted liquid medium, providing a microorganism population comprising said phagotrophic algae, photosynthetic growth of said phagotrophic algae.

Abstract: Provided is a solvent borne dust suppressant or stabilization composition in a solvent which includes, a blend of an inorganic salt and a lignin-carbohydrate mixture, optionally with one or more of a surfactant and crosslinker, wherein the lignin-carbohydrate mixture may be a copolymer and may be present in an amount of 5 weight % to 50 weight % solids, wherein the lignin is a low average molecular weight lignin, the carbohydrate includes hemicellulose and wherein the lignin and hemicellulose are substantially derived from a non-wood source, a wood source or a blend thereof.

Abstract: A new slow-release fertilisers is described that is formed by applying graphene oxide (GO) as a carrier for micronutrients such as copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), in which the micronutrients are efficiently bonded with the functional groups at the surface and sides of the GO sheets due to their affinity to the unpaired oxygen atoms in the GO. The prepared Cu-graphene oxide (Cu-GO) and Zn-graphene oxide (Zn-GO) fertilizers showed a biphasic dissolution behaviour compared to commercial zinc sulphate (ZnSO4) and copper sulphate (CuSO4) fertilizer granules, displaying both fast- and slow-release micronutrient release.

Abstract: A water-suspensible, dry, vitamin-hormone horticultural product for promoting plant root growth comprising a combination of one or more plant growth regulators, mycorrhizae, vitamins B1 and B6, sea kelp and beneficial microbes in a carrier. In one embodiment the product is a dry powder of about 2.00 wt % indole-3-butyric acid in crystalline solid form; about 0.20 wt % thiamine mononitrate (B1) in water-soluble powder form; about 0.20 wt % pyridoxine HCl (B6) in water-soluble powder form; about 2.64 wt % Mycorrhizae in water-soluble powder form; about 1.06 wt % sea kelp extract in brown flake form; about 0.88 wt % Bacillus amyloliquefaciens in water-soluble powder form; about 0.07 wt % sodium lauryl sulfoacetate in water-soluble powder form; and about 92.35 wt % maltodextrin in water-soluble powder form.

Abstract: A method of making the slow-release fertilizer and the composition thereof includes the steps of adding Class A Exceptional Quality biosolids at a percentage-by-weight of 35% to 75%, brewing grains at a percentage-by-weight of 10% to 50%, and dried algae at a percentage-by-weight of 5% to 20%. Biosolids are digested in an anaerobic digester for 15 days. Biosolids are dried to a moisture content under 6% and brewing grains and algae are dried to a moisture content under 10%. Algae is pressed to isolate the dried algae cell wall. The algae is dried to a moisture content under 10%. The Class A Exceptional Quality biosolids, brewing grains, and algae cell wall are pulverized to a mesh size between 100 to 300 and blended according to the above proportions.

Abstract: A method to overcome the unintended effects of repeated glyphosate applications and improve the health and vigor of plants, by remediating the soil with soil remediating microbes and replenishing the amino acid pool by applying foliar essential amino acids.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pelletized fertilizer includes providing an animal waste, providing calcium sulfate dihydrate, blending the animal waste and the calcium sulfate dihydrate together such that a resulting mixture of the animal waste and the calcium sulfate dihydrate comprises between about 10 % and about 75 % animal waste and between about 10 % and 50 % calcium sulfate dihydrate, and forming the mixture into pellets by pelletizing the mixture.

Abstract: A concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magnesium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the pourable, aqueous suspension has water-soluble mineral nutrients amounting to at least about 80 percent by weight (wt. %) of the suspension.

Abstract: The method contains the following steps. In step A, supersonic waves are applied to Mountain Litsea fruits for excitation and sterilization. In step B, the inferior fruits and the cleaning water are removed from the water tank, placed in a fermentative tank, and left for fermentation. After the fermentation, a pressing and separation process is conducted. In step C, the superior fruits are placed in a separate fermentative tank for fermentation into mofetil alcohol. In step D, the superior fruits are alternatively mixed with pure water, crushed, and placed in a boiler for aging and sterilization. Then the crushed and aged fruits are placed in yet another fermentative tank with pure water for fermentation. After the fermentation, a pomace separation process is conducted. The separated pomace becomes a Mountain Litsea wine lees, whereas the separated water becomes a Mountain Litsea enzymatic liquid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to processes for treating biosolids that result in high-value, nitrogen-containing, slow-release, organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that are competitive with less valuable or more costly conventional commercially manufactured fertilizers. The process involves conditioning traditional waste-water biosolids and processing the conditioned biosolids continuously in a high throughput manufacturing facility. The exothermic design and closed loop control of the primary reaction vessel decreases significantly the amount of power necessary to run a manufacturing facility. The process utilizes green technologies to facilitate decreased waste and enhanced air quality standards over traditional processing plants. The fertilizer produced from recovered biosolid waste is safe and meets or exceeds the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) Class A and Exceptional Quality standards and is not subject to restrictions or regulations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioreactor for methanizing biomass, a biogas plant having a plurality of such bioreactors, and a method for operating such a bioreactor. Because the elongated reactor vessel includes both a loading gate and an unloading gate that are arranged at opposite ends of the elongated reactor vessel, it is possible to remove consumed biomass, which is harmless in terms of epidemiologic hygiene and plant hygiene due to thermophilic process control during the fermentation, from the reactor vessel through the unloading gate and to transfer this consumed biomass directly to the composting process. The bioreactor thus has a “clean” unloading gate and an “unclean” loading gate.

Abstract: Composting Appliances are useful in reducing waste.

Abstract: The use of a malodor control composition in a home composting appliance helps to eliminate malodor emitting from compostable materials contained in the appliance during the composting process.

Abstract: Composting Appliances are useful in reducing waste.

Abstract: Composting Appliances are useful in reducing waste.

Abstract: A method and processes to solubilize and transform phosphorus contents of rock phosphate (RP) into bio-organo-phosphate (BOP) fertilizer have been developed and integrated. The methods include collecting and sorting of organic wastes; blending with RP; subjecting the blend to biocomposting; collection, isolation, selection and growth optimization of consortia of efficient phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) and novel plant growth regulating microorganisms (PGRM); where in PSM produce organic acids and other organic compounds using compost substrate at mesophillic stage, whereas the organic acids released during composting also act in synergism of PSM, thus forming a carbon rich acidic culture resulting in the solubilization of rock phosphate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a composition for use in land application. The method comprises: (a) obtaining a fermentation product by a production process comprising the steps of: (i) treating lignocellulosic feedstock to produce sugar; (ii) fermenting the sugar to produce a fermented mixture comprising the fermentation product; and (iii) recovering the fermentation product from the fermented mixture in one or more stages to produce a concentrated fermentation product and still bottoms; and (b) recovering the still bottoms, the still bottoms comprising organic and inorganic components; and (c) providing the still bottoms for use in a land application. Also provided is a soil conditioning composition for use in land application. The soil conditioning composition contains still bottoms and optionally other components.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process wherein organic material derived from plant and animal material is processed to recover nutritional elements. In particular, there is provided a process for releasing nutritional elements from plant and animal material comprising the steps of treating the material with one or more enzymes to digest said material under appropriate conditions and separating the resulting liquid hydrolysate from the undigested material.

Abstract: Melanin or inorganic fertilizers are produced from fermentation leachates or from low-cost nutrient-rich solutions. The method for producing the melanin or inorganic fertilizer comprises repetitive trophic cycling in the controlled conditions of primary and secondary bioreactors. Nutrients are cycled between microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and fungi and black soldier fly larvae, Hermetia illucens. Polysaccharides are partly converted into natural melanins or inorganic fertilizer, which are difficult to biodegrade and hence accumulate in the bioreactors. The method can employ, as a source of nutrients, leachates produced from food waste or from sugar-rich liquid waste of the food industry. These leachates can be used raw or can be augmented with low-cost sugar-rich solutions such as molasses, hydrolyzed cellulose or starch. The method is inexpensive and does not require the use of expensive chemically-defined culture media.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of retreating a viscous semi-solid dewatered sludge having a water content of 70-85%, which is characterized by comprising the steps of (1) adding a desiccant into said dewatered sludge, and stirring the resulting mixture to produce a mixed sludge having a water content of 50-60%; and (2) drying the mixed sludge to produce a dried granular sludge, which has a water content of 45% or less. The method of retreating the sludge of the present invention can decrease the treatment energy consumption, have a simple dry waste gas treatment, greatly reduce the cost for treating the sludge, accomplish the clean production and the sludge's innocuity, stabilization, minimization, and recycle.

Abstract: An organic soil amendment comprises a live aerobic culture of beneficial microorganisms, comprising beneficial bacteria and fungi, and additives and plant extracts. The present invention also provides a method for producing an organic soil amendment by extracting beneficial microorganism at least in part from a compost comprising green and brown plant waste, and is free of manure. The extracted beneficial microorganism is amplified, while additional beneficial microorganism maybe added. Plant extracts and other additives are added to the live beneficial microorganism culture. The present invention further provides a method for storing and transporting the organic soil amendment at a reduced temperature, such as refrigeration, freezing, or lyophilizing. In addition, the present invention provides a method for maintaining the viability of the organic soil amendment in a ready to use form.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new resource processing method of kitchen waste, in particular, provides a method of preparing biochemical humic acid from kitchen waste and biochemical humic acid product prepared therefrom. The kitchen waste treated by technical solution of the present invention has a high conversion rate of organic matter, reaching over 90%. Meanwhile, the biochemical humic acid product prepared by the invention is nutritious, the amount of the total humic acid, free humic acid and water soluble humic acid in the product reach up to 38-42%, 35-40% and 14-16%, respectively; it contains not only the major elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, but also the trace elements such as zinc, iron and manganese as well as other active substances. Thus the product is suitable for fertilizer in agricultural production.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for producing electric power and fertiliser. The method comprises the steps of: (a) combusting biomass to produce energy for the generation of electric power and an exhaust gas; (b) producing a liquor from compounds extracted from the exhaust gas; and (c) producing a fertiliser by composting organic materials in the presence of the liquor.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotropic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.

Abstract: The invention is directed to processes for treating biosolids that result in high-value, nitrogen-containing, slow-release, organically-augmented inorganic fertilizer that are competitive with less valuable or more costly conventional commercially manufactured fertilizers. The process involves conditioning traditional waste-water biosolids and processing the conditioned biosolids continuously in a high throughput manufacturing facility. The exothermic design and closed loop control of the primary reaction vessel decreases significantly the amount of power necessary to run a manufacturing facility. The process utilizes green technologies to facilitate decreased waste and enhanced air quality standards over traditional processing plants. The fertilizer produced from recovered biosolid waste is safe and meets or exceeds the United States Environment Protection Agency (USEPA) Class A and Exceptional Quality standards and is not subject to restrictions or regulations.

Abstract: A method and processes to solubilize and transform phosphorus contents of rock phosphate (RP) into bio-organo-phosphate (BOP) fertilizer have been developed and integrated. The methods include collecting and sorting of organic wastes; blending with RP; subjecting the blend to biocomposting; collection, isolation, selection and growth optimization of consortia of efficient phosphorus solubilizing microorganisms (PSM) and novel plant growth regulating microorganisms (PGRM); where in PSM produce organic acids and other organic compounds using compost substrate at mesophillic stage, whereas the organic acids released during composting also act in synergism of PSM, thus forming a carbon rich acidic culture resulting in the solubilization of rock phosphate.

Abstract: This disclosure describes, in part, methods of making compost by combining shellfish waste and fruit waste. In some implementations, the shellfish waste contains chitin and calcium carbonates and the addition of the fruit waste may provide a deodorizing function as well as a de-carbonization reaction to the shellfish waste. In other implementations, where chitin may not be present the shellfish waste, the addition of the fruit waste may produce useful calcium salts and/or the calcium content. In some implementations, the methods may allow for production of compost that is odorless.

Abstract: The method of the present disclosure includes providing an organic compost material, combining the organic compost material with a crop to be grown, heating the organic compost material, combining the organic compost material with water, and extracting an aqueous liquid comprising humic acid and fulvic acid. The organic compost material may include straw and manure and the straw and manure may be subjected to several days and/or weeks of aerobic composting. The crop may include a variety of plants, trees, vegetables, fruits and fungi. In one embodiment, the crop may include mushroom spores, mycelia, or mushrooms.

Abstract: A heteromorphic granule comprising lysine free base and a lysine salt is disclosed. A fertilizer composition is set forth having cores containing an acid salt of a basic amino acid and effective amounts of first and second layer coatings coated sequentially to the surface of each core. A method for using the heteromorphic granule as a fertilizer and/or an animal feed is provided.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprising: a combination of a phytate and a plurality of microorganisms comprising a Trichoderma virens fungus, a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterium, and one or a plurality of mycorrhizae fungi that is placed in the vicinity of a plant root in a manner that allows the microorganisms in the composition of matter to colonize said plant root; and a method for increasing plant yield comprising: placing a combination of a phytate and a plurality of microorganisms comprising a Trichoderma virens fungus, a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens bacterium, and one or a plurality of mycorrhizae fungi in the vicinity of a plant root in a manner that allows the microorganisms in the composition of matter to colonize said plant root.

Abstract: An organic fertilizer composition which can be used as organic compost, and a method for preparing the composition. The organic fertilizer composition can be used as compost alone or together with well-known compost. The organic fertilizer composition is prepared by: a culturing step of mixing either grape sugar, starch syrup, brown sugar, or molasses, or a mixture thereof with plant leaves selected from among those of grass, vegetables, or herbs, or a mixture thereof, adding salt to the resultant mixture to obtain a first fermented mixture, and culturing the first fermented mixture at a temperature of 20 to 60° C. for 24 hours to 1 year; a propagation step of mixing together the first fermented mixture, water, and either grape sugar, starch syrup, brown sugar, or molasses, or a mixture thereof, adding salt to the resultant mixture to obtain a second fermented mixture, and propagating the second fermented mixture at a temperature of 20 to 40° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a microorganism, a microbial phosphate fertilizer and a method for manufacturing the microbial phosphate fertilizer, wherein the microorganism is Streptomyces cellulosae with Accession number CGMCC No. 2167 or Aspergillus versicolor with Accession number CGMCC No. 2171. The microbial phosphate fertilizer of the present invention comprises a fermentation product of the microbial composition consisting of the following four microorganisms: Bacillus subtilis strain WH2, Bacillus licheniformis strain WH4, Streptomyces cellulosae strain WH9 and Aspergillus versicolor strain WH13. A method for manufacturing the microbial phosphate fertilizer is also provided, wherein the manufacture of the microbial phosphate fertilizer may involve the use of ground phosphate rock having 8%-12% P2O5.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the antagonistic bacteria for controlling the Fusarium wilt of continuous cropping banana and their microbial organic fertilizer. It belongs to technology of intensive agricultural production. The present invention separates two antagonistic bacteria NJN-6 and NJN-11 and produces the microbial organic fertilizer through inoculating the two said strains into pig manure compost and rapeseed cake compost to conduct solid-state fermentation. The microbial organic fertilizer is characterized in that in the fertilizer, the content of each of the antagonistic bacteria NJN-6 and NJN-11 is above 1×108 cfu/g, total nitrogen is 4˜5% (weight percent), above 90% (weight percent) of the total nitrogen is organic nitrogen, total nitrogen-phosphorus-kalium nutrient is 6˜10% (weight percent) and organic matter is 30˜35% (weight percent).

Abstract: A method for the production of an agent for enhancing soil growth is described, comprising: grinding a biomass feedstock to produce ground biomass particles; subjecting the ground biomass particles to a biofractioning process including an auger reactor; selectively collecting at least one volatile component as it is released from the ground biomass particles; collecting a last remaining nonvolatile component comprising BMF char; rendering a surface of the BMF char hydrophilic; exposing the BMF char to microorganisms; and adding the BMF char to soil.

Abstract: A water-dispersible particle is provided that includes organic origin potash in an amount ranging from 5% to 99.9% by weight of the total dry weight of the particle. A binder component is present in an amount from 1% to 95% by weight. The organic origin potash and the binder component on that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. A process for making a water-dispersible particle includes mechanical aggregation of the potash into a pellet. A binder component is present in the particle in an amount ranging from 1% to 95% by weight. The potash and the binder component are present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces. The pellet is then dried and ready to be applied.

Abstract: A water-dispersible particle for delivery of fertilizer to a plant is disclosed. After delivery wetting of the particles causes particle dispersion so as to prevent secondary pick up to the particles. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a plant growth medium comprising the following steps: a) providing an amount of bioorganic matter; b) contacting the bioorganic matter with one or more microbial agents capable of degrading the bioorganic matter to produce a decomposition product; and c) treating the decomposition product produced in step (b) to inhibit the degradation process prior to its completion. The invention further provides a bioreactor and a kit for performing that method, and a plant growth medium. In an embodiment, the plant growth medium is a peat-substitute material.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the field of bacterial biocontrol. More precisely, the invention relates to the identification of chemicals which promote the growth of bacteria inactivating NAHL, such as gamma-caprolactone (GCL) and 4-heptanolide (HTN) and their use in soil additives.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a uricase inhibitor for preventing ammonia generation from uric acid. Specifically, the present invention relates to a uricase inhibitor comprising at least one uricase-inhibiting substance selected from the group consisting of eucalyptus, a eucalyptus extract, bamboo vinegar, and corn steep liquor.

Abstract: A composting apparatus and method is described. The apparatus comprises a cylindrical drum which is horizontally rotatably supported. A hopper is disposed at a feed end of the drum for receiving organic waste material in soft or hard form. A material shredding mechanism and a grinding mechanism are rotatably secured in the hopper and driven in counter-rotation for shredding and grinding the organic waste material and feeding it into an inlet opening of the drum. A series of material mixing and conveying vane assemblies are secured spaced-apart inside the drum and define sub-composting compartments therebetween. The material mixing and conveying vane assemblies have a plurality of vanes secured in spaced-apart relationship and project interiorly towards a central longitudinal axis of the drum and are oriented at a common angle to mix, further shred and displace shredded and ground material from the inlet opening towards the rear discharge end of the drum.

Abstract: The invention is directed to manufacture of fertilizer having commercial levels of nitrogen supplemented with organic substances. The process treats organic matter with acid causing hydrolysis of organic polymers after which the mix is injected with nitrogen. The resultant sterilized and liquefied organic matter is disbursed over recycled material for the production of granules. Because the process allows for the controlled addition of acids and ammonia, desired levels of components can be achieved. The process is scalable, odor controlled and safe thereby allowing for the location of biosolid processing facilities in most any location. Further, the fertilizer of the invention provides a dual nitrogen-release profile when applied to crops. After application to soil, fertilizer of the invention releases an immediate bolus of nitrogen, similar to traditional ammonium sulfate, followed by continued slow release of nitrogen typically over a season.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating biomass that reduces water-polluting substances, suppresses the production of malodorous gases and greenhouse gases, decreases the nitrogen content in the compost or livestock bedding thus prepared, and furthermore, easily treats nitrogen-containing biomass in a short time at high temperature. The present invention also provides compost and livestock bedding produced by the method and a biomass treating agent. The method of treating biomass includes blending, with nitrogen-containing biomass, a Geobacillus microorganism having denitrification capability and a fermentation promoter that promotes the fermentation of the nitrogen-containing biomass by the Geobacillus microorganism.

Abstract: This invention is directed to systems, devices and methods for treating organic-containing sludges and converting such sludges to high value fertilizers containing both inorganic and organic fertilizer components, which creates an inorganically-augmented bioorganic fertilizer. The invention describes methods to create a thixotrophic or paste-like material via the application of mixing energy to the organic sludge followed by an alkaline treatment and a subsequent ammoniation. The invention further describes a method to increase the plant nutrient content in the organic containing product to a level which permits the finished granular fertilizer product to compete in the commercial agricultural fertilizer marketplace. Further, the invention reduces odors associated with said organic-containing sludges.

Abstract: The invention relates to an agricultural composition wherein the composition comprises an effective amount of a sulphur active ingredient and at least one dispersing agent.

Abstract: A method for creating Class A compost for sale to the public from waste products, especially municipal sewage, involving lower expense and improved versatility over prior methods.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated power generation and organic fertilizer production system and method including: a biomass combustion-fuelled power station (12); a facility (14) for producing pelletized organic fertilizer (46); and means for capturing and redirecting waste heat from the power station (12) to the facility (14), to be used in producing pelletized organic fertilizer (46).

Abstract: An ICBTL system having a low GHG footprint for converting coal or coal and biomass to liquid fuels in which a carbon-based feed is converted to liquids by direct liquefaction and optionally by indirect liquefaction and the liquids are upgraded to produce premium fuels. CO2 produced by the process is used to produce algal biomass and photosynthetic microorganisms in a photobioreactor. Optionally, lipids extracted from the some or all of the algal biomass is hydroprocessed to produce fuel components and biomass residues and the carbon-based feed our gasified to produce hydrogen and syngas for the direct and indirect liquefaction processes. Some or all of the algal biomass and photosynthetic microorganisms are used to produce a natural biofertilizer. CO2 may also be produced by a steam methane reformer for supplying CO2 to produce the algal biomass and photosynthetic microorganisms.