Abstract: Disclosed are soil additives capable of hydrophilizing soil particles and/or increase available water capacity in soil. The soil additive are capable of increasing the available water content/capacity (AWC) in soils, the additive in one embodiment comprising a polymer composition having a hydrophilic portion and a hydrophobic portion, wherein the hydrophobic portion of the copolymer binds with the soil particle surface and the hydrophilic portion of the copolymer can bind with water. This results in the prevention, arrest or decelerated loss of water from the targeted area, for example the plant root zone, which allows for improved water usage efficiency by plants, grasses, vegetation, etc.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for drying wet biosolids to produce a class A biosolids. Generally described, the method of treating biosolids includes drying a wet biosolids in an indirect dryer to produce a partially dried biosolids and drying the partially dried biosolids in a direct dryer in series with and downstream of the indirect dryer to produce a class A biosolids. The indirect dryer and direct dryer may be operated at an average temperature of greater than about 100° C. and may have a total combined residence time of less than about 60 minutes. Also provided are systems for drying wet biosolids including an indirect biosolids dryer and a direct biosolids dryer in series. The methods and systems are particularly effective at reducing the moisture content of the biosolids from greater than 85% to less than 10% by weight.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalization can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing an oxygenated biochar material possessing a cation-exchanging property, wherein a biochar source is reacted with one or more oxygenating compounds in such a manner that the biochar source homogeneously acquires oxygen-containing cation-exchanging groups in an incomplete combustion process. The invention is also directed to oxygenated biochar compositions and soil formulations containing the oxygenated biochar material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for restoring disturbed arid land soil crust. According to the process, site-sourced biological soil crusts (BSC) serve as sources for liquid suspension inoculants onto degraded arid lands. The BSC are gathered from near the disturbed site, and organisms from them are cultured, replicated and multiplied many times, preferably off-site. Then, this inoculant resulting from the indigenous population is distributed live and active in a liquid suspension over the entire area of the disturbed site.

Abstract: Compositions comprising a protein and an isolated or purified amino acid product, and uses thereof are disclosed.

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 soil-amendment product for preparing a damaged or degraded soil ecosystem to establish a self-sustaining floral/vegetative rhizosphere contains a mixture of composted organic biomass, fiber, charcoal, and small amounts of inoculants to promote the growth of beneficial microorganisms including mycorrhizal fungi and nitrogen-fixing bacteria. Embodiments also contain a water-holding agent such as a starch-based polymer that is effective to prevent water from flowing downhill or seeping away from the surface. Methods of application and other uses for the soil-amendment product are also described and claimed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for producing an oxygenated biochar material possessing a cation-exchanging property, wherein a biochar source is reacted with one or more oxygenating compounds in such a manner that the biochar source homogeneously acquires oxygen-containing cation-exchanging groups in an incomplete combustion process. The invention is also directed to oxygenated biochar compositions and soil formulations containing the oxygenated biochar material.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc.

Abstract: The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalization can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.

Abstract: A Hydroseed substrate for mixing with other ingredients such as water, seeds, fertilizer, wetting agents and dye, to produce Hydroseeding slurry is disclosed. The substrate includes cellulose materials (e.g. cardboard, paper and/or wood) and an absorbent. The absorbent is a super absorbent polymer such as linear polyacrylamide (—CH2CHCONH2—) or copolymers of acrylamide (C3H5NO) polymers. The super absorbent polymer improves moisture retention, improves viscosity, reduces friction, and improves coverage of the hydroseed mixture.

Abstract: A method is described for rendering char from a biomass fractionator apparatus (BMF char) suitable for addition to soil in high concentrations, the method relying on multiple processes comprising removing detrimental hydrocarbons from BMF char, removing adsorbed gases from BMF char, introducing microorganisms to the BMF char, and adjusting soil pH.

Abstract: A method is described for rendering char from a biomass fractionator apparatus (BMF char) suitable for addition to soil in high concentrations, the method relying on multiple processes comprising removing detrimental hydrocarbons from BMF char, removing adsorbed gases from BMF char, introducing microorganisms to the BMF char, and adjusting soil pH.

Abstract: The present invention relates to provides novel fertilizer products from Kimberlite having utility as nutrients to supply silica, magnesium, trace elements with or without organic substances, and also having scope to design products with various combinations with other fertilizers and/or plant based nutrients with or without nano structure.

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 is described for rendering char from a biomass fractionator apparatus (BMF char) suitable for addition to soil in high concentrations, the method relying on multiple processes comprising removing detrimental hydrocarbons from BMF char, removing adsorbed gases from BMF char, introducing microorganisms to the BMF char, and adjusting soil pH.

Abstract: An agronomic carrier coated with an acidifying agent and a method for preparing same is described.

Abstract: A thixotropic gel suitable for use in subsurface bioremediation is provided along with a process of using the gel. The thixotropic gel provides a non-migrating injectable substrate that can provide below ground barrier properties. In addition, the gel components provide for a favorable environment in which certain contaminants are preferentially sequestered in the gel and subsequently remediated by either indigenous or introduced microorganisms.

Abstract: Improved fertilizer mineral compositions are provided by coating a mineral, such as gypsum, a member of the Kieserite Group, potassium magnesium sulfate, elemental sulfur, and mixtures thereof, 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 the mineral and allowed to dry. The copolymer coatings increase the solubility of sulfate and calcium or magnesium ions from the fertilizer minerals, allowing accelerated plant availability and uptake of such nutrients.

Abstract: An application for a substrate for mixing with other ingredients such as water, seeds, fertilizer, wetting agents and dye, to produce Hydroseeding slurry. The substrate includes cellulose materials (e.g. cardboard, paper and/or wood) and an absorbent. In one embodiment, the absorbent is material known as diaper fluff that is created during the production of products such as disposable diapers. The absorbent or diaper fluff improves moisture retention, improves viscosity and reduces friction, improves coverage of the hydroseed mixture.

Abstract: An application for a substrate for mixing with other ingredients such as water, seeds, fertilizer, wetting agents and dye, to produce Hydroseeding slurry. The substrate includes cardboard (e.g. double-line, Kraft fibers), paper (e.g. recycled newsprint) and a material known as diaper fluff that is created during the production of products such as disposable diapers. The diaper fluff improves moisture retention, improves viscosity and reduces friction, improves coverage.

Abstract: Kimberlite based fertilizer products are produced by treating micronized Kimberlite with alkali or first acid then alkali or by mixing the micronized kimberlite with DAP or NPK fertilizer.

Abstract: An organic mixture for retaining water in soil includes 30 to 38 kg of cellulose fiber waste or paper sludge, 8 to 13 kg of dry sawdust or wood shavings, 30 to 50 kg of top soil, 4 to 6.5 kg of manure, and 11.45 to 20 kg of calcium carbonate.

Abstract: A naturally occurring zeolite is coated with a special nanophase Fe oxide, thereby forming a nanophase Fe oxide coated zeolite. The composition thus formed can be used for a variety of horticultural and floricultural end applications. When the nanophase Fe oxide coated zeolite is dosed with plant nutrients and is then mixed with a suitable potting compound, the result is a Complete Plant Growth Medium (CPGM). Blending 5% to 25% CPGM by weight with sand, peat, compost, vegetable and flower beds, and native and manufactured soils, provides a number of beneficial properties. Also, CPGM alone can be used for growing indoor plants to avoid plant pests and compost odor.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for improving vermiculite's intake of ammonium, in which method heating of the crude vermiculite is conducted to a temperature where vermiculite's third dehydration step takes place, the temperature being lower than the temperature where vermiculite's fourth dehydration/dehydroxylation step takes place. The invention relates also to use of the obtained vermiculite and to an absorption material, comprising vermiculite material and additives, where at least 50% of the vermiculite material comprises vermiculite, which has undergone the third dehydration step but not the fourth dehydration/dehydroxylation step. The invention relates also to use of thermally treated and ammonium doped vermiculite as fertilizer/soil conditioner.

Abstract: The invention concerns a composition which increases water retention and water absorption in a plant media, such as soil. In particular, the invention relates to a biodegradable polymeric water retention concentrate that when diluted and applied to various plant media improve water, fertilizer and nutrient retention in plant media with no root uptake or phyto-toxic effects. The composition includes a polyacrylamide (PAM), a water softener, a surfactant and nutrients. The composition can be delivered to the plant media through existing irrigation systems and nutrient/fertilizer delivery systems, such as venturi, fertigator, separate mixing tank or any induction system.

Abstract: A method of treating bio waste including the steps of (1) fermenting substantially raw biowaste in a pathogen reduction stage under anaerobic conditions for a predetermined period at a temperature in the mesophillic temperature range and (2) subsequently separating the solid and liquid phases to produce a fermented cake and fermented liquor. The fermented cake has at least 15% solids on dry basis and contains over 500 mg/L ammonia, over 1,000 mg/L total Volatile Fatty Acids (tVFA) and Escherichia coli less than 100,000 cfu per g dry solids. The fermented liquor contains over 10,000 mg/L COD, over 500 mg/L ammonia, over 1,000 mg/L tVFA and less than 5,000 mg/L of suspended solids.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of ulvans, in particular extracted from green algae of the genus Ulva or Enteromorpha, or of ulvan-derived oligosaccharides, as elicitors of mechanisms for nitrogen absorption and protein synthesis. It also relates to a fertilizing product containing ulvans and to the use thereof in a plant treatment method.

Abstract: A product for reinforcing the natural plant defense system a mixture of one or several silicon-rich substances (A), one or more activators of plant immune system (B) and substance (C) which supply to (A) and (B) activity. Activators are substances or physical effects and substances, which transport the information about stress and provide the synthesis of non specific and/or specific stress-proteins, stress ferments and other stress-protecting substances to the plant cells. Using various forms of Si-rich substances will help plants to synthesize non-specific, specific substances and ferments which protect plants against stress. The substance (C) could serve for optimization of plant growth or for reinforcing Si or the activator component and they can be added to the new product also. The application of all these ingredients can be conducted via soil application (both broadcasting and incorporation) together with the irrigation water, by foliar applications or as dust application.

Abstract: Anitrate-nitrogen-reducing agent for a farm product, comprising as an active ingredient a hydroxide solid solution represented by the formula (1), [(M12+)1-x(M22+)x]1-z(M3+)z(OH)2(An?)z/n·mH2O??(1) wherein M12+ represents Ca and/or Mg, M22+ represents at least one essential mineral selected from Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni and Co, M3+ represents at least one trivalent metal, An? represents an anion having a valence of n, x is a positive number in the range of 0<x<0.5, m is 0 or a positive number in the range of 0?m<10, z is a positive number in the range of 0<z<0.4, and n is a positive number in the range of 1?n?10, and/or the formula (2), (M12+)1-x(M22+)x(OH)2??(2) wherein M12+, x and M22+ are as defined in the formula (1).

Abstract: This invention relates to a preparation and a method for reducing the consumption of water in agriculture and other activities in which plants are cultivated, and which at the same time helps to reduce the seepage of nutrient-rich, fertilizer-saturated water into the ground water. More particularly, the invention relates to an electronegative, antioxidizing powder mixture which, upon application to an upper layer of soil, is capable of forming a biologically degradable membrane in the upper layer of soil, preferably comprising the surface of the soil and a biologically active zone for root and plant formation, wherein the membrane has a combined effect in that it increases the retention time of water and nutrients in the root zone, has an antioxidizing effect on the environment in order to combat ozone and other free radical induced damage to the vegetation, and regulates the albedo of the top soil layer so that the temperature in the root zone is held within the temperature at which the plants thrive.

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: 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 soil conditioner is provided that can clean and improve soil by effectively adsorbing harmful substances, even if it is soil with a lot of underground water, through efficient use of as little adsorbent of harmful substances as possible. The soil conditioner is made by mixing an adsorbent of harmful substances and a water absorbing substance, and shaping the mixture into granular shape.

Abstract: Water-soluble amino acid copolymers, modified polysaccharides, acrylamide polymers, and combinations thereof are described for use in flocculation of solids, particularly flocculation of soil, preferably in agricultural settings.

Abstract: Water-soluble amino acid copolymers, modified polysaccharides, acrylamide polymers, and combinations thereof, are described, for uses including flocculation of solids, particularly flocculation of soil, such as in an agricultural setting. Also described are methods of preparing selected amino acid copolymers and modified polysaccharides.

Abstract: This invention relates to compositions that counteract chemicals such as pesticides and malodorants. Also disclosed are a method for preparing such compositions and a method for applying such compositions to counteract pesticides or malordorants.

Abstract: A process for treating organic material, separating calcium and recovering phosphorus and to utilization of the obtained products and their use as a soil conditioner and a fertilizer as well as for providing carbon dioxide traps in gas cleaning. In the process, organic ingredients are separated from calcium-phosphate-containing ingredients, the calcium-phosphate-containing ingredients are dissolved in an acid-containing solution and/or the calcium is precipitated as a salt corresponding to the acid, and optionally phosphoric acid formed from a phosphate ion is separated. The invention also relates to a calcium-carbonate-containing product and a phosphoric-acid containing product, which are prepared by the process of the invention.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aqueous solution consisting essentially of: (a) hydrogen peroxide; (b) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of complexing agents based on phosphonic acids, salts and degradation products thereof in an amount from about 10 to about 60 wt % based on the amount of hydrogen peroxide; (c) water; and (d) components other than (a) through (c) in an amount from 0 up to about 10 wt % based on the amount of hydrogen peroxide The invention further concerns a soil oxygenation or micronutrient composition comprising hydrogen peroxide, a process for its preparation, and a process for the oxygenation of soil.

Abstract: Exhaust gas 2 from a coal power generator 4 may be used to provide a commercial soil additive. The exhaust gas 2 is fed to a growing cell 14 containing bio-mass material. After the bio-mass material matures, the bio-mass material is harvested to produce the commercial soil additive, which is preferably treated to produce mulch 18 and compost 20.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a process for decomposing vegetable waste materials easily, which solves problems such as the problem of treatment costs, the problem of energy, an environmental problem and the problem of time for treatment which are difficult to be solved by prior art. The present invention provides an agent for decomposing plant fibrous materials, which contains plant fibrous materials decomposing enzymes derived from a microorganism, but not the microorganism. In addition, the present invention provides a process for treating vegetable waste materials comprising allowing the agent for decomposing plant fibrous materials to act on vegetable waste materials.

Abstract: Environmentally friendly processes for prevention of qualitative deterioration and quantitative loss of plant matter and foodstuffs, during all stages of storage and handling, including pre- and post-harvest, pre- and post-planting, distribution and marketing involves the use of H2O2 compositions including Ag and at least one of Cu and Zn ions. The processes can also be used to prevent sprouting and rooting, and to promote fecundity of certain plant matter, and can also be used to eliminate or reduce quantities of harmful organisms and substances from soil, other growth media and substrates, equipment, materials water, workspaces and surfaces.

Abstract: Soil amendment compositions and methods for using the same are provided. The subject compositions are aqueous compositions consisting essentially of a carbon-skeleton energy component, a predisposing agent and a vitamin-cofactor component. The subject compositions find use in a variety of soil amendment applications, including: the control of soil born pests and pathogens; the improvement in soil fertility and/or characteristics, e.g. mineral release, water filtration; the neutralization and/or degradation of toxins, etc.

Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates made from a particulate calcium source, a water-soluble binder and optionally containing a primary plant nutrient source and/or micronutrient source and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The agglomerates may be used as a soil liming agent and for introducing nutrient values into cultivated soil. Also disclosed is a method for introducing nutrient values into cultivated soil so as to inhibit leaching of the nutrient values from the soil and improve utilization of the nutrient values by plants grown in the soil.

Abstract: A stable aqueous suspension of water-soluble polyacrylamide particles is in a saturated solution of an ammonium salt. The polyacrylamide particles are characterized by a particle size of about ?150 mesh, and preferably ?270 mesh, with ?400 mesh most preferred. The suspension is at least about 2.5% by weight polyacrylamide. When the ammonium salt is ammonium sulfate, PAM concentrations as high as about 15% by weight can be achieved while still being easily flowable. The suspension is made by stirring the small particle PAM into the saturated ammonium salt solution. The PAM can be quickly dissolved to form a less concentrated PAM solution by adding the suspension to water or to a dilute solution, which can include calcium salts or other soil enhancers.

Abstract: A method of producing an aqueous solution of water-soluble polyacrylamide (PAM) with a concentration of at least about 5 grams per liter includes the steps of providing a monovalent or divalent cation salt solution, and preferably a calcium salt solution, and adding water-soluble PAM particles to the salt solution such that the PAM particles are essentially all dissolved within about 10 seconds. The PAM particles are characterized by a particle size that is about −100 mesh and consisting essentially of molecules having a molecular weight of at least about 15 million a.u. Preferably, the small PAM particles are produced by a mill that produces bulk quantities of small dry, flowable PAM particles from larger commercial grade particles. Small PAM particles produced in such a mill are essentially all soluble in plain water within about 10 seconds. After solution, the polymer concentrate can be diluted with water to make stock solutions of the polymer for some purposes.

Abstract: The household waste treatment requires neither incineration nor disposal in landfills. Two processing sub-systems, first one for combustibles and the other or second one for incombustibles, cooperate with each other as a single system for recycling the waste. The first sub-system deals with combustible waste to yields products for fertilizing and/or conditioning soil. In the process, what are inappropriate to the production of the soil fertilizing and/or conditioning products are sent to the second sub-system, which deals with incombustible waste. This sub-system sorts the incombustible waste materials into various kinds of recyclable products. Combustibles among the incombustible waste materials are sent to the first sub-system.