Abstract: An agricultural fertilizer material is provided which is resistant to agglomeration, powdering and burning of plant life and which is made up of lightweight blast furnace slag having a water content in the range of about 3% to 5% and mixed with about 10% to 35% by weight of a mixture of nitrogen, phosphoric acid and potash as conventional nutrient salts, said salts and nitrogen being present in amounts sufficient to provide at least 1% by weight of nitrogen on the total mix and said slag having a CaO equivalent of about 20% to 25%.

Abstract: A method for enhancing the water retention capacity of soils and providing plant nutrients thereto over an extended period of time uses chryso-zeolites type A and/or X admixed with a soil at 2 to 30% by weight of the soil. The chryso-zeolites comprise a magnesium-leached asbestos matrix with a zeolite crystalline structure thereon. The composition of the chryso-zeolites includes silica--35 to 60% by weight, MgO--0.1 to 10% by weight, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --10 to 45% by weight and from 10 to 25% by weight of CaO, the CaO being optionally substituted by one or more of plant nutrient components such as potassium or ammonium. The content of sodium oxide is reduced to less that 3% by weight. The chryso-zeolites of the invention exhibit a very low phytotoxicity, good water retention and easy substitution of calcium by other nutritive components.

Abstract: To produce organic fertilizer which is effective for sterile agricultural land, a mixture comprising coral reef powder, domestic animal excreta, sewage disposal waste and ground cellulose derived from plant fiber is prepared and it is well mixed in the presence of organic compounds and inorganic salts. Thereafter, it is subjected to cultivating in a multi-bath type cultivating bath for a predetermined period of time while temperature and pH are adjusted properly. Cultivation is achieved with the addition of bacilli including nitrogen fixing bacillus such as Azotobactor vinelandii, Bacillus megaterum, Rhizobium leguminosarm or the like, Trichoderma virde acting as raw fiber decomposing bacillus, candida utilus acting as yeast fungus and green algae, each of which is cultivated under the operating condition of symbiosis cultivation. The pH in the cultivating bath is maintained in the range of 5.5 to 7.5, preferably in the range of 6 to 7.

Abstract: Soybean meal and urea compositions have been found to exhibit enhanced and commercially useful nematistatic and nematicidal activity in soils. Chitin-containing materials, e.g., crab shells, shrimp shells, fungal mycella, etc., have also been found to exhibit enhanced and commercially useful nematistatic and nematicidal activity in soils when admixed with other organic nitrogen-containing materials such as ammonium phosphates, a source of urea, and plant, fish or animal meal. Also, compositions formulated of two different chitin source materials can be used. The soybean-urea compositions as well as the blended chitin-containing formulations are non-phytotoxic and simultaneously provide cost-effective biological suppression of plant pathogenic nematode populations and excellent plant nutrition.

Abstract: A fertilizer composition and method for the detoxification and deacidification of soil threatened by acidic deposits which comprises at least one alkali-reactive component, selected from the group which consists of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, ammonium and ammonia compounds in soil neutralizing amounts and at least one water soluble pyrophosphate or polyphosphate capable of forming water insoluble salts with aluminum and heavy metals of a similar magnitude as the diphosphates.

Abstract: The invention is directed to the fumigation of soils, enclosed spaces, agricultural products and other commodities, etc., using compositions which decompose to form carbon disulfide and certain other biocidal materials. Such fumigation can be used to control bacteria, fungi, insects, nematodes, rodents, nitrification, and weeds.Fumigant compositions are described herein as "thiocarbonates," including, without limitation, salts of trithiocarbonic acid and tetrathiocarbonic acid, compositions having empirical formulae intermediate to these acids salts (such as MCS.sub.3.7, wherein M is a divalent metal ion), and compositions containing substances in addition to thiocarbonates, such as a stabilized ammonium tetrathiocarbonate which contains ammonium sulfide, i.e., (NH.sub.4).sub.2 CS.sub.4 (NH.sub.4).sub.2 S.The compositions are generally water soluble and can be prepared, stored, and used in aqueous solutions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soil conditioner composed of a powdery or granular composition in which a filler is integrally included in hydrogel and a method of producing the same wherein an aqueous solution of a hydrophilic cross-linkable polymer is mixed with a filler and then the mixture is subjected to cross linking treatment by which the polymer is made to have cross-linked structure and formed into gel. Since the filler is integrally included in hydrogel, the soil conditioner, when mixed with soil, does not separate into the respective components, and there is no problem of the hydrogel emerging up to the surface of soil with the passage of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a high rate method for combining waste materials to produce valuable products for agricultural, horticultural, sylvicultural or public use. Specifically, the present invention combines the steps of alkaline stabilization, beneficiating and pelletizing waste materials, such as wastewater treatment plant sludge or animal excrement and reaction with carbon dioxide, to thereby convert the waste materials to useful products such as soil conditioners or fertilizer supplements.

Abstract: Free-flowing particulate compositions matter useful as fuel or soil amendments can be made by impregnating solid particles of guayule bagasse with guayule resins. Processes for making these materials as well as for using them are also disclosed.

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 invention described herein comprises two principal embodiments. The first embodiment comprises operating procedures related to the instant invention which along with urease inhibition test results demonstrate the use of two classes of N-Halamine compounds (N,N'-DIHALO-2-IMIDAZOLIDINONES and N-HALO-2-OXAZOLIDINONES) as inhibitors of the activity of the enzyme urease in solution and agricultural soil systems. The second embodiment comprises operating procedures related to the instant invention which along with nitrification inhibition test results demonstrate the use of the two classes of N-Halamine compounds (N,N'-DIHALO-2-IMIDAZOLIDINONES and N-HALO-2-OXAZOLIDINONES) as inhibitors of nitrification in agricultural soil systems.

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: Newly developed testing procedures have demonstrated that three new classes of compounds, the thiopyridine-N-oxides, the thiopyridines, and the thiopyrimidines are highly effective inhibitors of urease activity in agricultural soil systems. Compositions of urea-containing fertilizers in combination with these materials can be used to reduce ammonia loss and control the activity of the soil enzyme urease in the conversion of urea to ammonia.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plant growth medium obtained by forming a mixture of a conventional powdery plant culture medium and a gel-formable material into a sheet and then solidifying the sheet or by forming a mixture of such a conventional culture medium, a gel-formable material and a water-holding material into a sheet, granules, pellets, tablets or powder and then solidifying the thus-formed mixture. By simply adding water to the plant growth medium and reconstituting same, the plant growth medium can be used for the germination, growth, transplantation, cutting and the like of a plant.

Abstract: A soil amendment material and an associated process for the preparation thereof, comprising a water swellable hydrophilic polymer infused with high concentrations of plant nutritive salts. The amendment is prepared by repeated soaking of hydrophilic swellable polymer particles in a solution of nutritive salts in water, followed by heat application to drive off the entrained water, leaving the nutrients entrapped in the polymer particles.

Abstract: A process for treating sewage sludge having a predetermined water content to produce a soil conditioner, comprising (a) transporting the sludge aboard a vehicle; and (b) heating the sludge during the transporting step (a) to a temperature and for a time sufficient to pasteurize the sludge without substantially reducing the water content of the sludge. The treatment is conducted aboard any suitable vehicle, such as a ship, railroad car or truck. The heat required to pasteurize the sludge may be obtained from the vehicle's engine waste heat and/or an auxiliary heat source. The sludge is pasteurized during the vehicle's transit from one destination to another and thereby eliminates the requirement of performing a separate pasteurization process before the sludge has been loaded on the vehicle or after it has been unloaded from the vehicle. The present invention protects the public health and saves both time and money as compared with conventional processes of the prior art.

Abstract: Soil conditioning and method for desalination and reclamation of irrigated soil.

Abstract: A method and composition for the treatment of iron chlorosis in plants using hydroxamic acid-type siderophores. Siderophores of this type are ferric-specific chelators, which are produced by certain microorganisms grown in iron-free environments. The current invention contemplates the use of the siderophore rhodotorulic acid to treat and prevent iron chlorosis. Rhodotorulic acid is produced by the yeast Rhodotorula pilimanae. The siderophore may be applied to the plant by a variety of methods including by soil application, foliar spray or direct injection into the plant.

Abstract: A moisturizing substrate for plant and animal tissue utilizing a mixture of cellulosic compound with carboxylic groups substituted on glucose units of cellulosic chain through an ether linkage. The cellulosic compound is admixed with a hydrated metallic salt and aerated water. The substrate may be mixed with soil or used in a layered relationship with a soil.

Abstract: A degradable agricultural mulch film as disclosed herein includes a plurality of layers for the controlled release of plant nutrients. The first layer is formed from a water-soluble synthetic resin, a releasable form of nitrogen and a releasable form of a plant nutrient in addition to nitrogen. A second layer includes a water-soluble synthetic resin having an average molecular weight which is greater than the average molecular weight of the water-soluble synthetic resin in the first layer and a releasable form of nitrogen admixed therein. The second layer also includes a thin film of water-resistant polymer to retard the degradation rate of the second layer and to slow the release of nitrogen in the second layer. And in the preferred embodiment of the invention a second film of water-resistant polymer which is relatively thin with respect to the first film separates the first and second layers.

Abstract: Aqueous boron-containing compositions containing about 40 to 85% of the reaction product of boric acid and alkylamine in a mole ratio of from 1.5:1 to 3:1, about 2 to 15% of an alkanol or alkylene glycol and the balance water. The compositions are especially useful as liquid fertilizer compositions.

Abstract: A biological inoculant is disclosed for facilitating and fostering the growth of edible corn plants. The inoculant includes spores of strains of Trichoderma hamatum and Trichoderma harzianum, with or without a carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for enhancing the water-retention capacity of soils and providing plant nutrients to same over an extended period of time. This method comprises the admixing of soils with from 2 to 30% by weight of a chryso-zeolite of type A/and or X which comprises a magnesium leached asbestos matrix having an SiO.sub.2 content of 37 to 60% wt %, an MgO content of 0.1 to 15% by weight, an Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 content of 0.1 to 2.5% by weight and containing from 10 to 25% by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and from 25 to 35% by weight of Na.sub.2 O, and/or K.sub.2 O, and/or CaO, and/or (NH.sub.4).sub.2 O.

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, waste fiber from a cellulose production plant or paper mill, sawdust or similar matter.

Abstract: A method and plant are provided for sterilizing waste sewage sludge with methyl bromide vapor, to produce a natural fertilizing material. The moisture content of the sludge is reduced to a level where the vapor permeability of the sludge is sufficiently high to reduce the contact period of the methyl bromide vapor with the sludge to an economically viable level. The methyl bromide is provided at a dose of at least 50 g/m.sup.3 to the top of a bed of sewage sludge having a moisture content of less than 35% and about 1 meter thick and allowed to permeate the bed over a period of about 48 hours under the force of gravity, the bed of sewage sludge being covered during the entire treatment period with a cover which is impermeable to the methyl bromide vapor. Harmful pathogens and parasites such as Ascaris ova are effectively eliminated.

Abstract: Improvement in the physical properties of soil is achieved by the application of aqueous mixtures of agricultural polyelectrolytes and polysaccharides to the soil. The combination of agricultural polyelectrolytes and polysaccharides results in greatly improving the physical properties of the soil while significantly reducing the quantity of agricultural polymers as compared to methods of the prior art.

Abstract: Microbiol compositions for uniform application to dry soil to provide a cover crop and to improve soil aggregation are disclosed. The compositions comprise flocculant-producing photosynthetic microorganisms, especially algae, in a dormant or resting stage mixed with a dry, particulate, water dispersible carrier. Methods for the production and use of the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A soil amendment material and an associated process for the preparation thereof, comprising a water swellable hydrophilic polymer infused with high concentrations of plant nutritive salts. The amendment is prepared by repeated soaking of hydrophilic swellable polymer particles in a solution of nutritive salts in water, followed by heat application to drive off the entrained water, leaving the nutrients entrapped in the polymer particles.

Abstract: A stable, concentrated solution intended for subsequent aqueous dilution and application to sodium contaminated soils for the productive reclamation thereof is prepared by a process comprising:(a) preparing an initial aqueous solution having a concentration in the range of from about 1 to 4%% by weight of a water soluble calcium or magnesium salt and dissolving therein from about 1 to 2% by weight of a water soluble polymer having an average molecular weight of at least about 1,00,000;preparing a substantially saturated aqueous solution of the water soluble calcium or magnesium salt empolyed in step (a); and(c) mixing from about 5 to 20% by volume of the polymer-containing solution of step (a) with from about 80 to 95% by volume of the substantially saturated solution of step (b) to obtain the stable, concentrated solution.A particularly preferred salt is calcium nitrate and particularly preferred polymers are high molecular weight anionic polyacrylamide polymers.

Abstract: A soil-activating agent for extreme soils, for instance soils with very little organic substances or none at all and/or high contents of salts and/or heavy metals, is characterized by the combination of a fungal mycelium biomass and the tertiary system nitrogen-base/sugar-type/phosphoric-acid. This agent is characterized by an especially rapid and dense greening of extreme soils, in particular those with very little or no organic substances, and in that additional content of deleterious materials can be tolerated.

Abstract: Apparatus and process for compressing moisture containing material including a pair of opposed rolls for receiving and advancing the material therebetween to apply rolling load thereto to compress the material and remove at least a portion of said moisture therefrom, and differential means for causing one of said rolls to rotate at a lower speed than the rolling speed of the other of the rolls, the differential rolling speeds developing friction between the rolls causing the rolls to be heated and apply heat to said material to further remove moisture therefrom, to cause the compressed material to adhere to the one roll and to cause the removed moisture to adhere to the other roll, also alone and in combination, apparatus and process of decomposing organic material such as animal biomass by the action of aerobic microorganisms in the presence of oxygen, including introducing the organic material into a container having an end adapted to receive the organic material and an output end adapted to discharge the o

Abstract: A process for treating soil which comprises applying to the soil an aqueous solution of a formaldehyde-based pre-condensate containing a condensation initiator in an amount sufficient for condensation to be completed within a predetermined period of time not exceeding 24 hours. Preferably a urea-formaldehyde pre-condensate is used. Advantageously the solution also contains a polysaccharide (alginic acid, alginate, low methoxyl pectin, gum karaya, gum arabic) which is capable of forming a gel with divalent metal cations, particularly calcium, present in soil.The treated soil has improved erosion resistance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for applying and using plant protection agents, preferably in agriculture and horticulture, in the form of sheets, webs and fabrics of organic material with integrated active substances. The integrated active substances slowly migrate from the polymer matrix and impose their effects at the point of application over an extended period of time. Such carrier/active substance combinations can be used as plant covers, mulches and for the production of stored crops.

Abstract: A method for producing combined phosphorus fertilizer and soil conditioner in which phosphate rock and, as reaction matter, organic acidic matter are used. In a method according to the invention, the acidic mass is organic, for instance, bark waste, peat, peat mud or waste fibre from a cellulose production plant or the solid component of communal sewage.

Abstract: Plant growth media containing rice hull ash in substantially amorphous state and having a porous skeletal structure are disclosed. The rice hull ash is incorporated in naturally occurring soils or so-called synthetic or potting soils. If desired, water swellable binders or polymers can be incorporated with the ash in such soils to enchance their water retention properties. The porous rich hull ash in amorphous form combines synertistically with the soil or soil components to provide desirable growing characteristics as set forth.

Abstract: A plant nutrient composition is described that includes those mineral, ionic, and hormones required by plants to carry out their biological and metabolic processes. The composition includes______________________________________ Component Concentration (moles/L) ______________________________________ Ca.sup.++ 2 .times. 10.sup.-3 to 7 .times. 10.sup.-3 Co.sup.++ 0.5 .times. 10.sup.-7 to 3 .times. 10.sup.-7 MoO.sub.4 0.5 .times. 10.sup.-6 to 3 .times. 10.sup.-6 K.sup.+ 4 .times. 10.sup.-6 to 8 .times. 10.sup.-6 I.sup.- 4 .times. 10.sup.-6 to 8 .times. 10.sup.-6 Fe.sup.+++ 0.5 .times. 10.sup.-3 to 3 .times. 10.sup.-3 Cu.sup.++ 5 .times. 10.sup.-8 to 3 .times. 10.sup.-7 Mg.sup.++ 7 .times. 10.sup.-4 to 2 .times. 10.sup.-3 Mn.sup.++ 0.5 .times. 10.sup.-4 to 3 .times. 10.sup.-4 Zn.sup.++ 2 .times. 10.sup.-5 to 5 .times. 10.sup.-5 BO.sub.4.sup.-- 0.5 .times. 10.sup.-4 to 3 .times. 10.sup.-4 Ni.sup.++ 1 .times. 10.sup.-10 to 4 .times. 10.sup.-10 auxin 1 .times. 10.sup.-6 to 4 .times. 10.sup.-6 thiamin 0.5 .times. 10.

Abstract: Method for the desalination and reclamation of irrigated soils through application to the soil of minute amounts of one or more anionic compounds having threshold properties in dilute aqueous solution.

Abstract: Process of manufacture of solid and liquid organic soil ameliorators characterized in that while stirring at between 20.degree. C. and 70.degree. C. an aqueous suspension of substance rich in organic matter is incorporated to a hydrocarbon based aqueous emulsion, the mixture obtained being, as necessary, filtered in order to remove excess water;Solid and liquid organic ameliorators constituted by an organic matter coated by 0.25 to 25% by weight hydrocarbon; applications for the improvement of soils for agricultural and horticultural cultivation, re-timbering and ballasting of oil tankers.

Abstract: A controlled slow release fertilizer composition comprising an encapsulated fertilizer, carbon and plaster.

Abstract: There is disclosed a granular composition having particles of average particle size as determined by sieving in the range 70 to 500 microns, the said particles comprising up to 55% of active ingredient e.g. ferrous sulphate having primary particles the maximum dimension (A) of which as determined by microscopy is less than 50 microns and a particulate water soluble extender e.g. lactose having an average particle size (B) as determined by sieving in excess of 50 microns, the particles of active ingredient and water soluble extender being held in self-supporting spaced relationship by a water insoluble polymer film matrix e.g. of a polyacrylate polymer, providing the balance of the weight of the particle and being less than 50% by weight of the particle.The invention also extends to a blend convertible by pressure alone to a substantially continuous three-dimensional porous matrix substantially devoid of separate resin particles, of active ingredient/water soluble extender/resin particles, e.g.

Abstract: A growing medium for plants is prepared by mixing a growing material with a highly water-absorbent polymer.The polymer may be an acrylamide polymer cross-linked with methylene bisacrylamide which absorbs water to form a sticky gel.The growing material may comprise rock wool.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process and compositions for conditioning soils. More particularly, it relates to an improvement in the soil conditioning properties of known polymers.In the process according to the invention for conditioning soils, the soil is treated with an iron salt and at least one polymer which does not require a pH greater than about 7 for it to harden, in the presence of a protein substance.The iron salt is preferably selected from ferrous sulphate, ferric sulphate, ferric chloride and mixtures thereof.The polymer is at least one polymer selected from the resins of the aminoplast type, polyurethanes, polyvinyl alcohol which may be urethanized, potassium polystyrene sulphonate, maleic acid-vinyl acetate copolymers, polyvinyl acetate, polybutadiene, synthetic rubbers, natural rubber latex and asphaltic bitumen. The preferred polymer is a urea-formaldehyde resin which may be mixed with urea in a free condition or a polyurethane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing fertilizer from softwood bark and/or tree waste in which the softwood bark is decomposed at a temperature of 70.degree. . . . 140.degree. C., when the protective substances detrimental to plants can be eliminated. Bark or tree ash is added to the ground bark mass in high pressure along with urea and, if necessary, with phosphorus and the product is finally granulated. Peat is added to the bark mass at the first stage of the process in order to increase granulation capacity and nutrient storage capacity. The decomposition temperature depends on the age of the mass. All urea is added in the end of the process in order to avoid the danger of toxicity.

Abstract: A soil amendment matter is provided which is effective for preventing soils from suffering from injuries due to continuous cropping. This matter is obtained by adding a soil to a medium containing 2-oxo-4-methyl-6-ureidohexahydropyrimidine (OMPU) as nutrient and subjecting the mixture to an aerobic cultivation treatment. Further the matter can contain OMUP as an additional effective component. These matters can be adsorbed on an adsorbent and used.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a method for stimulating growth in a foliage plant. The method comprises potting the plant in a conventional potting medium to which there has been added a humate which was previously associated with a titanium sand deposit. The disclosure is also of improved potting mediums for foliage plants, which include titanium sand deposit derived humate.

Abstract: A clay-breaking and fertilizing composition comprises a finely ground mixture of chicken manure, muriate of potash and a rock phosphate having a high limestone content and containing the phosphate in the form of the basic tricalcium diphosphate. When spread on heavy, clay soils or compacted ground and watered, the composition breaks up the soil and fertilizes it such that, after two to three months the soil is friable and immediately ready for crop cultivation. The composition is also usable in a stratified cultivation bed, particularly for desert reclamation, comprising an impermeable tank, a bottom layer of wood or stone chippings which can be supplied with water, a perforated plastics sheet covering the chippings and a top layer of growth medium comprising the above fertilizing composition mixed with sand.

Abstract: Plant nutrient losses from soils due to ammonia volatilization are reduced by the simultaneous application of nitrogen and an additive material which is adsorbed at soil ion exchange sites more readily than is ammonium ion. Useful materials for this purpose include soluble salts of the alkali metals and/or alkaline earth metals.

Abstract: Substantially non-ionic polyacrylamide cross linked with a low amount of cross linking agent is used as an additive for a plant growth medium.

Abstract: Phenylacetylene is added to agricultural field soil containing ammonium nitrogen fertilizer, thereby promoting nitrogen retention by inhibiting soil bacteria nitrification.

Abstract: A stabilized fumigant composition comprises an aqueous solution containing up to about fifty percent by weight of a solute which comprises ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and carbon disulfide. Elemental sulfur can also be a component of the solute. One preferred composition comprises a solution wherein the molarity of hydrogen sulfide is about 1.5 times the molarity of carbon disulfide, and is about one-half the molarity of ammonia, and wherein the molarity of sulfur is about 1.6 times the molarity of carbon disulfide.The composition decomposes in a soil environment to form sources of available plant nutrients, including ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and sulfur, and carbon disulfide which inhibits nitrification and decreases the nematode population. Nutrient content can be enhanced by the addition of, for example, ammonia, ammonium nitrate, urea and mixtures thereof to the formed composition.