Abstract: A technique is provided for delivering plant supportive materials to plants. The technique utilizes encapsulation of a plant growth facilitator, such as a plant nutrient, water or pesticide, in small structures that may be taken in through the stomata of plants. This enables a more efficient treatment, watering and/or feeding of plants by foliar application.

Abstract: An antibacterial rockwool growth medium for hydroponics is used for hydroponic growth of rice, flowers and ornamental plants, fruitage, etc. The medium includes a rockwool base used as a culture medium for hydroponics, and an inorganic antibacterial agent is dispersed substantially uniformly onto an overall surface of the rockwool base or a part of the surface of the rockwool base.

Abstract: The invention is a sprayable organic fertilizer for application to a plant or plant soil that includes denatured soybean particles having a total protein content of at least fifty and up to ninety percent by weight, wherein the denatured soybean particles have a particle size of no greater than 250 microns, and wherein the denatured soybean particles are dispersed in an adequate amount of a liquid carrier so that the particles may be evenly sprayed onto the plant or plant soil through a liquid applicator. The denatured soybean particles may be mixed with a yeast extract that stimulates microbial growth. The sprayable organic fertilizer cannot be leached from the soil; cannot burn target plants; enhances the ecosystem of the root zone of the target plants; and, provides a high nitrogen analysis.

Abstract: A method for converting well drilling cuttings that carry petroleum hydrocarbons to an environmentally friendly humus-like product wherein salt, if present, is washed therefrom, the washed cuttings mixed with a feedstock having a carbon and nitrogen content sufficient to encourage a biopile composting reaction, forming an environmentally acceptable plant growth enhancing humus-like product by continuing the biopile composting reaction until (1) the biopile is reduced in weight and/or volume to a total biopile weight and/or volume that approaches the original weight and/or volume of the drill cuttings before the feedstock was added thereto, and (2) the total petroleum hydrocarbon content of the biopile is reduced to an environmentally friendly level for spreading on the earth's surface.

Abstract: A process for making an artificial soil includes first combining the volume percentages of the following substances: 5-95% materials suitable for use as a blending base; 5-95% cellulose; 0.5-50% bio-solids; 0.1-10% calcium; 0.1-5% charcoal; and 0.5-4% ammonium nitrate or sulfate. The above substances are ground until a homogeneous mixture is obtained, after which the artificial soil can be either blended in place or manufactured at one location and transported to another location for use.

Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates for use as a soil conditioner produced from cement kiln dust and other particulate calcium sources containing CaO or Ca(OH)2 and other calcium-containing compounds having the potential to be hydrated and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The process comprises combining the particulate calcium source and a water-soluble binder to produce agglomerates which are then subjected to controlled drying such that the dried agglomerates having a size ranging from −7 to +8 Tyler Standard Sieve Series exhibit an average green crush strength of at least about 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg).

Abstract: The invention relates to a coherent growth substrate based on a synthetic matrix containing clay in a quantity of 0.1-2.5% by weight such that at a suction pressure of pf=2 the moisture content is lower than 15% by volume, preferably for use as a grow-block and for a grow-slab.

Abstract: A granular fertilizer which provides plant assimilatable nutrients by both hydrolysis and bacterial activity, and which includes biological growth promoting nutrients. The fertilizer is made by blending and pelletizing an aggregate of conventional fertilizing materials, biological food source materials and at least one hydrophilic material which expands upon wetting and becomes porous and wick-like upon heating to drive off absorbed water. In its dry state, the hydrophilic material wicks up applied liquid biological inoculum which remains dormant until dispensed and exposed to adequate heat and moisture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cultivation substrate and to a method of preparing the same. The cultivation substrate of the invention contains comminuted plants selected from among knot grass, C.sub.4 plants and plants of the cannabis and Dicksonia genuses, and is suited as a peat substitute.

Abstract: An improved agricultural carrier and a method of making the carrier is disclosed. The granular carrier is adapted for carrying a low-melting chemical, specifically pesticides. An aromatic solvent is used to dissolve the low-melting chemical, before combining it with the carrier. The granular carrier unexpectedly exceeds its liquid holding capacity for the low-melting chemical.

Abstract: New agrochemical formulations for application to the water of paddy fields, which formulations compriseA) at least one solid core material having an apparent specific density of less than 1 and a particle diameter within the range from about 300 .mu.m to about 1,400 .mu.m, andB) a coating layer comprisingat least one biologically active compound,at least one substance having the ability to reduce the interfacial tension between water and air,at least one oily substance and,if appropriate, one or more additives,and the use of such agrochemical formulations for applying biologically active compounds to the water of paddy fields.

Abstract: This invention relates to a water soluble matrix composition comprising an anionic surfactant, a C.sub.6 to C.sub.18 alkyl pyrrolidone, urea and a water insoluble copolymer of vinyl pyrrolidone with not more than 50 wt. % of a comonomer selected from the group of an .alpha.-olefin, vinyl acetate, an acrylic or methacrylic acid ester and methacrylamide as a free flowing particulate solid which matrix is suitably mixed with a water insoluble, chemically active component, such as an agrochemical, to provide a clear sprayable film forming emulsion, such as a non-leachable film on a plant or other substrate surface. The invention also relates to the method of preparing the matrix and to the incorporation of an agrochemical concentrate and plant spray composition.

Abstract: The invention is a packaged ready mix, having a biodegradable external packaging, an oil-resistant degradable internal liner, and a thickened soil stabilizer surrounded by said internal liner. The external packaging is made from a material which decomposes in water. The thickened soil stabilizer contains a carrier and an organic binder. The packaged ready mix can be applied to soil without the need to remove, or dispose of, any packaging material.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a water soluble composition adapted for subsequent solubilizing and application to agricultural crops is disclosed in which a divalent metal salt, citric acid and sodium citrate are mixed to form a mixture having a moisture content of from approximately 10% to 1.25% percent by weight. The mixture is then processed in a drying environment to produce a product which is partially chelated and has a moisture content which is less than the moisture content of the mixture prior to processing. The preferred drying environment is from 120.degree. F. to 150.degree. F. Most preferably, the processing step is performed in a continuous flow, fluidized bed dryer at from approximately 120.degree. F. to 150.degree. F. for from approximately 50 seconds to approximately 70 seconds. Preferred divalent metals are iron, copper, zinc and manganese.

Abstract: A substantially odorless and sterilized fertilizer in pellet form is produced by combining a dry organic waste material and a dry binder material, then combining the resulting dry mixture with steam, water and/or further organic waste in the form of sludge. The resulting material is provided to an extruder for a more thorough, dispersive mixing, a pressure increase to at least 100 psi, and heating above the glass transition temperature of the binder, and more preferably to at least about 125.degree. C. to substantially sterilize the material mass. The extruded material is forced through a die and released to an ambient environment, rapidly reducing pressure of the material and thereby lysing spores and microorganisms surviving conditions within the extruder. The emerging material is segmented and dried, or segmented and tumbled to form pellets, then dried.

Abstract: The corrector comprises a mixture of trace elements, in hydrated sulfate form, optionally containing carbonates and including iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc, with the following typical analysis: Magnesium 3.5-6%; iron 12-19%; Manganese 1-1.5%; zinc 0.2-0.3% and organic matter 0-45%.The process comprises mixing 50-66% of the by-product of manufacture of titanium bioxide via sulfate, 5-10% alkaline earth carbonate or magnesite and, optionally, 10-45% organic matter, grinding the mixture, granulating it and drying it, cooling it and screening it.The corrector is used in agriculture to prevent and control ferric chlorosis, to favor physiological processes of harvests in which iron takes part and to avoid deficiencies of manganese and zinc in farmland.

Abstract: A topsoil composition comprising an alumina clay, an organic compost and sand effective to nurture and sustain plants. The proportions of the ingredients are chosen to provide good nutrients to plants, good water retention and good water drainage properties, and generally comprise at least 20 percent by volume of each ingredient, and typically comprises about 25 percent by volume of alumina clay, up to 30 percent by volume of compost and about 45 percent by volume of sand.

Abstract: A method for biologically remedying polluted soil characterized in that pollutant-degrading microorganisms and an agent which accelerates the formation of aggregated structure of soil are fed to the polluted soil.

Abstract: An improved continuous process for producing granular fertilizer and/or soil amendments resulting in a high quality granular product. A slurry of clay in water with a dispersant is prepared using intensive mixing. Dry components are intimately mixed with the slurry in a mixer. The mixture is fed into a granulator to produce granules within a desired range of granule sizes. The granules are dried in a dryer and screened to remove any granules of an undesired size. The undesired granules are recycled.

Abstract: Mechanically strong, water-disintegrable agglomerates for use as a soil conditioner produced from dust particles emitted from kilns during the manufacture of cement and a process for forming such agglomerates are disclosed. The process comprises combining cement kiln dust and a water-soluble binder to produce agglomerates which are then subjected to controlled drying such that the dried agglomerates having a size ranging from -7 to +8 Tyler Standard Sieve Series exhibit an average green crush strength of at least about 2 pounds (about 0.9 kg).

Abstract: A particulate material, as well as a method of manufacturing and using the material, for promoting growth of petroleum degrading bacteria to aid in bioremediation of oil spills on water and in wetlands which consists of a core of microbial available nutrients having a coating, comprised of oleic acid and either stearic acid, palmitic acid, or a mixture thereof, which is lipophilic, and biodegradable, for retaining the nutrient in the oil for gradual release to microorganisms between applications of the material.

Abstract: An object of this invention is to obtain a calcium agent for plants, which enters into cells of a plant so as to derive the physiological activity basically for DNA and RNA activation and to enhance the absorbability of calcium into the living plant. Therefore, the calcium agent for plants, contains, as main components, water-soluble low molecular weight chitosan having an average molecular weight of 500 to 30000 consisting of chitosan and/or chito-oligosaccharide and/or derivatives thereof, an inorganic substance including calcium element and/or a water-soluble organic substance including calcium element, and if necessary, water-soluble organic acid. By administering this calcium agent, lime deficiency diseases of plants can be prevented.

Abstract: A soil additive including lignonsulfonate, humic acid, an inert filler, such as bentonite clay, and a metal salt selected from anhydrous borax, magnesium sulfate, copper sulfate, iron sulfate, manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, ammonium sulfate and gypsum. The composition may also include a predetermined concentration of a surfactant to increase the breakdown of the composition in water.

Abstract: A method of preparing a slow releasing fertilizer, including the steps of: I) putting twenty parts of inorganic fertilizer and one part of water by weight into a mixer for mixing into a mixture; II) heating the mixture to 105.degree. C.-115.degree. C. and continuously mixing it, therefore causing the mixture to change to liquid state; III) putting zeolite into the liquefied mixture at a volume of about 3 times of that of the inorganic fertilizer by weight, and then continuously heating and mixing until the liquefied fertilizer is absorbed completely by zeolite; IV) cooling down the liquefied mixture with air to below 80.degree. C., causing the mixture to return to the solid state condition; VI) continuously cooling solid state mixture with air to below 50.degree. C., then adding gelatinous substance to the mixture and continuously mixing it; VII) air drying the mixture into the desired finished product.

Abstract: Provided is a method for the use of 10-oxo-trans-8-decenoic acid (ODA) as a fungal growth hormone to stimulate mycelial growth of cultivated mushrooms. A species of cultivated mushroom is selected and grown in a solid or liquid growth medium which has been supplemented with ODA to a concentration of 10.sup.-7 M to about 10.sup.-4 M. After culturing the mushroom the mycelium of cultivated mushroom is harvested. In addition to a method of using ODA, a method for the hormonal stimulation of fruiting in cultivated mushrooms is also disclosed. The ODA in this method is added to the casing layer of the compost which is mixed with mushroom spawn. Further, the ODA is added to the casing layer in aqueous solution after casing the compost.

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: A free-flowing, non-dusting water dispersible granule (WDG) of a water-insoluble, hydrophobic agriculturally active chemical having low friability and superior crush strength for delivery to a desired site as a stable, rainfast suspension in water, without foaming.

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: A surfactant-fertilizer compound for enhancing the biodegradation of hydrocarbons in soil or water comprising the reaction product of guanidine and at least one carboxylic acid is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved process for absorbing and decontaminating an organic chemical spill comprising the steps of: partially composting plant material; mixing approximately 80% of the partially composted plant material with approximately 20% of dry plant material; inoculating the mixture with about 50 to 100 parts per million by weight of an organic chemical to form an absorbent; mixing the absorbent with about 20% to 40% by volume of spilled organic chemical; adding water; and allowing the mixture to incubate for a suitable time at ambient temperature until the organic chemical spill is neutralized. The plant material may be cotton gin trash or alfalfa hay; or cotton, legumes, alfalfa, tomatoes or their mixtures. The mixture of absorbent and spilled organic chemical may allowed to incubate in a perforated drum with a lid.

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 process for the treatment of porcine excrement, to transform it into fertilizer. To a liquid solution of porcine excrement, a solution of phosphorus pentoxide and potassium oxide is added in suitable proportions to obtain in the final product the desired ratio between nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and as a function of the nature of the soil and of the type of application, after which the obtained solution is mixed with a product adapted to retain water, having the desired shape of the final product, so as to obtain a shaped and conditioned fertilizer, which is subjected to a drying treatment. Preferably, the water-retentive product is in the form of granules of polyacrylamide, which swell in water to a number of times their size when dry. The granules absorb the liquid very quickly but release it only slowly, so that they can swell and dry over and over and so have a long effective life.

Abstract: A process for the removal of oxides or hydrated oxides of carbon or sulfur from an acid waste gas stream in which a bed of moist particulated solid waste material is formed, the bed particles are coated with alkaline earth oxides or alkaline earth carbonates and a catalyst to promote the reaction of the oxides or hydrated oxides of carbon or sulfur with the alkaline earth oxides or alkaline earth carbonates in the presence of the moisture and in which the bed is contacted with the waste gas stream whereby the oxides or hydrated oxides or carbon or sulfur react with the alkaline earth oxides or alkaline earth carbonates in the presence of the moisture and are absorbed on the bed particles. The bed particles resulting from the process may be used as agricultural soil amendments alone or in combination with fertilizers and the like.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved bioremediation process comprising the steps of: (a) inoculating cotton gin trash or an equivalent plant material with soil from a contaminated site; (b) composting the inoculated cotton gin trash; (c) mixing the contaminated soil at a ratio of about 1:1 to about 1:5 by volume with the composted, inoculated cotton gin trash and certain chemical accelerators; and (d) allowing the mixture to incubate for a suitable time at ambient temperature until the contaminated soil is cleansed.

Abstract: Utilizing exhaust materials from various plants and industrial wastes containing CaO, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, SiO.sub.2 and Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3 as major components, inexpensive ground-strengthening/soil-improving material is obtained by blending thereinto clay minerals and sintering the resultant mixture. A high unconfined compressive strength is conferred upon the ground-strengthening/soil-improving material upon the addition of alumina.

Abstract: To make an artificial topsoil combine by hand or in a blending machine, by volume, either dredged river silt, sand or basalt, and cellulose from recycled paper or yard waste, with composted animal or human waste for general reclamation and cereal crops, or vegetable or fruit residuals for gardens or potting soil, and then add calcium in the form of calcium silicate as slag or lime and ammonium nitrate or sulfate mixed with water, and then charcoal or equivalent amount of phosphorus, sodium, and sulfur as are present in charcoal. This combination of material replicates the calcium base, decaying cellulose, silt and animal or vegetable waste structure of natural soils.Various soil types can be duplicated by adjusting the base content of sand, silt, or basalt and rearranging the nutrient and mineral content to compensate for differing levels of each, for example: calcium and organic percentages should be increased to maximum when using sand as a base.

Abstract: A synthetic soil/fertilizer for horticultural application having all the agronutrients essential for plant growth is disclosed. The soil comprises a synthetic apatite fertilizer having sulfur, magnesium and micronutrients dispersed in a calcium phosphate matrix, a zeolite cation exchange medium saturated with a charge of potassium and nitrogen cations, and an optional pH buffer. Moisture dissolves the apatite and mobilizes the nutrient elements from the apatite matrix and the zeolite charge sites.

Abstract: Methods of making agricultural materials for aiding and facilitating the growth of plants and crops are based on the combination of waste paper and other materials and the formation of such combinations into pellets. Where the agricultural material is for use in the casing layer of a mushroom tray, the agricultural material is made from a combination of waste paper and a pH adjusting material, which is preferably lime. Where the agricultural material is for general use in agricultural and horticultural applications, it is made from a combination of waste paper and compost material, the ratio of the compost used in the combination being between about 90% to 40% by weight.

Abstract: Extended residual, controlled release sulfur coated fertilizers having polymeric topcoats applied over a sulfur coating layer are prepared wherein the sulfur coating contains a sufficient amount of a crystalline sulfur allotrope in combination with at least a minimal level of carbon disulfide insoluble amorphous sulfur to maintain the sulfur coating in a pliable, resilient condition at the time at which the polymeric topcoat is applied over the sulfur coating. The presence of such sulfur allotrope is demonstrated by a shoulder endotherm appearing on a differential scanning calorimetry thermogram within a transition temperature range of about 84.degree. C.-97.degree. C.

Abstract: Method of conditioning soils, in which copolymers which are composed of acrylamide and/or methacrylamide, a sulphonyl-containing, substituted acrylamide or methacrylamide, a multi-functional, water-soluble vinyl compound and, if appropriate, carboxyl-containing comonomers are added to the soils as soil conditioners.

Abstract: Disclosed is the use of oxygen delivery vehicles, including peroxides of calcium, potassium and magnesium, to treat plant media having a negative reduction oxidation potential. The peroxides are preferably intercalated with phosphate ion which prolongs the period of time during which oxygen is released. The peroxides may be mixed with macronutrients, micronutrients or other beneficial additives or amendments, to provide fertilizers or applied direct to the media. Effective amounts of metals are used as bioactive agents for suppressing or enhancing the activity of microorganisms in the soil, depending on whether such microorganisms are detrimental or beneficial to plants. The formulations are useful in treating anaerobic associated disease states such as black layer in turf. The formulations are also useful in controlling post harvest potato soft rot and other microbial infection and disease states in plants.

Abstract: The present invention provides a soil fertilization method which includes a process for producing a fertilyzer by-product from an ammonia filtering media. The method includes the steps of providing a filter media containing phosphoric acid soaked particles. In addition, the method includes providing ammonia laden air. The ammonia laden air is passed through the filter media to remove ammonia from the air which is removed by a chemical reaction which converts the phosphoric acid soaked wood particles to ammonium phosphate coated wood particles. After substantially all of the wood particles are converted to ammonium phosphate wood particles, the filter media is collected and then applied to soil to fertilize and build the soil.

Abstract: A plant substrate, characterized by the fact that it contains 20 to 100% of a granulate consisting of foamed clays or weakly fired ceramic materials, as well as the use thereof.

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: A new method of preparing a new aminoureaformaldehyde fertilizer composition which exhibits high cold water insoluble nitrogen (CWIN) levels and high Availability Indices (AI). The method utilizes the discoveries that ammonia compounds, usually ammonium salts, inhibit the urea-formaldehyde polymerization reaction and decrease the formation of hot water insoluble nitrogen (HWIN), and that the ammonium compounds take part in the reaction to form controlled release compounds which are both cold water soluble and insoluble. The process is carried out at elevated temperatures between 60 and 125.degree. F., so that it may be completed in an order of magnitude less time than either the dilute or concentrated conventional commercial ureaform processes, requiring between 2 and 20 minutes for completion. In the process, between 3 and 25 percent of the total nitrogen is supplied as ammonia nitrogen with the remainder from urea, respective formaldehyde to urea to ammonia mol ratio is 1.0, between 1.0 and 2.

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 invention relates to an inoculant composition for plants, comprising a carrier medium, at least one species of microorganism having a beneficial effect on the plants, and a copolymer of (1) vinyl pyrrolidone and (2) vinyl acetate or styrene or substituted styrene.