Abstract: Disclosed is a method of decontaminating soil by applying to the soil an oxygen delivery vehicle such as peroxides of calcium, potassium or magnesium or mixture thereof in an amount which substantially increases the population of microorganism in the soil that digest pollutants. Preferably, a surfactant and an oxygen release rate modifier are also included.

Abstract: Extended residual, controlled release sulfur coated fertilizer products having polymeric topcoats applied thereover are provided which release the fertilizer at a diffusion controlled rate essentially linearly over time. Processes are also provided for preparation of such products.

Abstract: Peanut hulls are processed into dust free granules suitable for use as chemical carriers and moisture absorbent materials by being pulverized to a powder. This is done by milling the hulls through a screen having interstices no larger than 3/32 inch. The powder is then compacted into compact masses that are divided into granules and screened.

Abstract: A method of improving the yield of a germinating sod crop and a method of promoting the root formation and the vegetative growth of transplanted sod utilizing an aqueous gel including a highly-absorbent, crosslinked, mixed salt of homopolymerized or copolymerized acrylic acid. The aqueous gel utilized in the method of the present invention demonstrates an improved sod crop yield and improved sod growth even in the absence of plant nutrients.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions useful as foliar fertilizers contain ammonium ion, at a phytotoxic concentration, and sufficient magnesium ion to minimize the phytotoxic effect of the ammonium ion when the solution is applied to plant foliage. Also provided is a method for foliarly fertilizing plants sensitive to ammonium ion with ammonic nitrogen-containing fertilizers which method comprises applying magnesium ion to the plant foliage either prior to, simultaneously with or after application of the ammonic fertilizer to reduce the sensitivity of the plants to ammonium ion.

Abstract: Soil substitute capable of supporting plant growth is produced in quantities suitable for substitution on a large scale, such as in landscaping operations. Shredded treebark is intimately mixed with quarry stone particles and silica sand particles and are then composted while mixed with the quarry stone particles and sand particles. Composting is performed by laying out the mixture in windrows and aerating the shredded treebark by mechanically turning material in the windrows so that composting proceeds within the temperature range 42-60 degrees Celcius.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for facilitating the extended infusion of fertilizer and controlled watering of a potted plant, while providing an improved method for preventing the egress of soil through the base of the pot, comprising a gravel/fertilizer packet, including a specially formulated fertilizer mixture, depending upon the type of plant, suspended in a gravel filtering base, the mixture being contained in an enveloping package comprised of a wicking, fluid permeable material, the package having emanating about its edge periphery a flange or skirt for facilitating the retention and controlled, even distribution of water and fertilizer and drainage of excess water.

Abstract: A composition for use in applying an alkaline earth metal element to an acidic sub soil. The composition includes the element in the form of a water-soluble salt or complex with fulvic acid in an aqueous medium. The fulvic acid is preferably a coal-derived fulvic acid.

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

Abstract: A soil or soil improver for plants which is characterized by combining a charcoal or activated carbon on which oxygen is adsorbed with a soil or soil improver comprising an inorganic or organic ion exchanger and a porous mineral, and a soil or soil improver which further comprises polyacrylamide. By using the soil or soil improver of the invention, plants can continue to grow for four months to one year without supplying water and fertilizer, and various decoration patterns of plants are possible, such as horizontal decoration, reverse decoration and space decoration.

Abstract: Sewage sludge is subjected to a treatment with an acid in order to form stable ammonium compounds before thermal drying of the sludge which would otherwise volatilize ammonia and diminish the nitrogen content of the sludge.

Abstract: A storage-stable dispersion providing melamine in the form of a concentrated liquid for effective use as an end product or as an ingredient for conversion into other products. The dispersion contains melamine particles finer than about 50 microns in diameter, admixed with a chemically inert suspending liquid, having a specific gravity between 0.9 and 1.3 grams per milliliter, containing between 0.03 and 0.20 percent of a chemically inert thickening agent, which interacts physically with the suspending liquid to increase viscosity to between 250 and 3000 centipoise, thereby substantially maintaining the melamine particles in a stable dispersion and preventing their settling. The dispersion composition is an effective form of melamine for accurate dispensing as an agricultural, pulp and paper, or fire-retardant ingredient. Effective thickening agents include xanthan gums, carrageenans, polyacrylamide, chemically treated cellulose, and clays.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing a closing layer which improves the water and nutrient retention of soils, particularly of sandy soils, characterized in that a layer of clay mineral/polymer gel capable of binding and releasing water in a reversible manner is introduced into the soil, preferably 20-60 cm below the soil surface, in such a way that a clay mineral is reacted either before or after or during activation in the presence of water, with 0.

Abstract: A particulate soil supplement comprising, as a discontinous phase, solid particles of a water-soluble plant nutrient dispersed throughout a continous sulfur phase or matrix. Preferably, said particulate soil supplement additionally comprises solid particles of a water-insoluble plant nutrient dispersed throughout the continuous phase. These compositions are obtained by dispersing said water-soluble plant nutrient and, preferably, said water-insoluble plant nutrients in molten sulfur, and quenching the resulting dispersion in a non-phytotoxic oil, that is non-reactive to, and immiscible with molten sulfur, e.g., a paraffinic oil, under shearing conditions sufficient to comminute and solidify said molten sulfur into particles. These compositions have particular utility in agronomic applications as soil supplements for supplying both sulfur (as sulfate) as well as other plant nutrients at a continuous, regulated rate from inexpensive raw materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of preparing coated seeds, which comprises slurrying seeds with an inoculant composition containing a carrier medium, at least one species of microorganism having a beneficial effect on plants which grow from the seeds and an adhesive polymer, slurrying being effected in the presence of an aqueous suspension of an adhesive polymer; and air drying the resulting product at a temperature not greater than 30.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention is a mixed horticultural medium consisting essentially of natural zeolite particles, which has a unique property of capturing ammonium ions, and has a high nitrogen content as compared with conventionally available horticultural media thereby providing a high germentation percentage and having a nitrogen supply potential to meet requirements of plants with the aid of microorganisms in the soil.

Abstract: A liquid fertilizer composition having a substantial ability to retard leaching of constituent plant nutrients is prepared by dispersing glyoxylated hydroxypropyl guar in an aqueous mixture containing a fertilizer chemical in a preferred concentration of 0.4-1.5% by weight. Similarly, a liquid herbicide, fungicide, insecticide, fire retardant or other liquid plant treatment composition having the ability to adhere to applied surfaces to resist washing is prepared by dispersing glyoxylated hydroxypropyl guar in an aqueous mixture of such a plant treatment chemical in a corresponding concentration. A method is disclosed for producing glyoxylated hydroxypropyl guar by reacting guar gum with propylene oxide and the reaction product thereof with glyoxal in the absence of alcohol or any solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the protection of the environment, particularly the soil and ground water, by biological degradation of unwanted chemical and biological entities often finding their way into soils. The process of the present invention utilizes the well known methods of the art of composting but specifically selects the raw plant materials to be composted from plant groups having carbon:nitrogen ratios of approximately 10:1 to 30:1 of carbon and nitrogen content. Examples of said special plant material being from members of the plant family Leguminosae, and specifically Gossypium hirsutum (cotton). By means of certain modifications of the art of composting said special plant materials, disclosed herein, generate a special humic substrate which supports an indigenous microflora and fauna capable of degrading a number of unwanted substances harmful to man, animals and plants; examples being certain petroleum hydrocarbons, halogenated hydrocarbon pesticides and soil borne plant pathogens.

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: Methods of promoting the survivability and growth of seeds and seedlings which employ a fertilizer or a synergistic combination of a fertilizer and a moisture absorbing polymer which furnishes a reservoir of the moisture needed for plant growth and also provides a growth medium for soil bacteria relied upon to break down and release nitrogen from the fertilizer molecules. Systems for delivering these formulations and for verifying the delivery of the material.

Abstract: An agricultural granule capable of carrying and releasing incorporated biocidal or nutritional agricultural chemicals. The granule is formed by the agitative agglomeration of a plant fiber slurry and resembles a clay granule in all respects except for its chemical inertness.

Abstract: A stepwise method of preparing homogeneous mineral granules for agriculture by coreaction of commodity acids and bases which have properties to chemically form a transient fluid adhesive which will harden to form a strong granule binding cement. Water may be added to improve the effectiveness of the adhesive. The transient fluid adhesive is comminuted by mechanically shearing, then particulate mineral solids are admixed mechanically to form a mass of plastic globules which is rolled to form spheroid granules and the fluid adhesive hardens to form the hardened binding cement. The method provides substantially dust-free and attrition resistant animal feed supplement, and plant food fertilizer and micronutrient granules. The commodity acids and bases include aqueous and anhydrous mineral and alkyl carboxylic acids and alkali and alkaline earth bases.

Abstract: A composition for application to a soil or plant locus which contains a major amount of water and a minor amount of an alkaline earth metal alginate gel uniformly dispersed through the water. The composition may include an active ingredient such as a herbicide, pesticide, fungicide, fertilizer or the like. The composition may also contain a suitable wetting agent to assist in spreading it on a surface to which it is applied. The composition, when it contains a foaming agent, has particular application for the control and extinguishing of forest fires.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a method for converting phosphorus containing polymers from a two dimensional, layered structure into a three dimensional structure by crosslinking such layers. The method and the resulting crosslinked polymers may be used to encapsulate active materials such as catalysts, pesticides, etc. by intercalating such active materials between the layers prior to crosslinking. Thus, the egress of said active materials into the environment during use may be hindered or prevented. The crosslinking polymers, themselves, may also be used as catalysts or as selective sorbents.

Abstract: A nutrient supplement for enhancing the growth of mushrooms in a compost bed is disclosed. The supplement comprises a protein material (e.g., corn gluten meal) coated with a hydrophilic carbohydrate material.

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

Abstract: A method and apparatus for anaerobic digestion of fish wastes and production of useful by-products including fertilizer and biogas. The method includes grinding up the fish wastes and adding liquid to create a suspension of up to 25% solids; optionally adding lipase to break down the fish oil; and anaerobically digesting the fish suspension over a period of approximately 20 days at a temperature in the range of 35.degree.-55.degree. C. with mixing provided by recirculation or other means. After digestion, the suspension is pumped to a secondary chamber for storage, further breakdown by mechanical means such as agitation or recirculation, centrifugation to remove suspended solids, production of an enhanced fertilizer by the addition of seaweed, urea, nitrogen, potash and chelated micronutrients, deodorization, by the addition of potassium permanganate, treatment to reduce the B.O.D. or evaporation to reduce liquid.

Abstract: Controlled release compositions are manufactured by subjecting cellulosic pulp rejects to a dewatering operation to remove approximately 25% of the water; flash-drying the obtained partially dewatered rejects, causing the rejects to expand and become porous; adding an additive material to impregnate the expanded and porous cellulosic material, and drying. The cellulosic material holds or retains the additive for delayed release. The compositions have good stability and structural integrity.

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: 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 granular fertilizer with a degradative coating characterized in that after it has been applied to soil and its fertilizer component has dissolved out, the resulting coating part degrades rapidly is provided, which degradative coating comprises an ethylene-carbon monoxide copolymer as its indispensable component and a rubbery resin, an ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer resin or powder as an optional component.

Abstract: A controlled release composition is prepared by contacting an organoclay with a biologically active material in concentrated form to cause absorption of the active material on the organoclay. The resulting product releases the active agent slowly, over a period of time, when exposed to the open atmosphere, for instance on being distributed over cultivated fields.

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.

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: An osmoprotectant particle for use in enhancing fungus growth and particularly for use with edible mushrooms. The osmoprotectant particle includes a carrier particle, either a protein or a neutral material and a plurality of osmoprotectant microdroplets containing water soluble phosphoglyceride such as hydroxy lecithin and betaine or choline which are attached to a plurality of recesses formed about the carrier particle. Denaturation of the protein and/or control of a surface-to-volume ratio restricts access to the microdroplets such that only mushroom mycelia occuring in the later flushes will be able to utilize the phospholipid droplets. A method is provided for producing the osmoprotectant particles utilizing either the protein carrier particle or the neutral carrier particle.

Abstract: Dump release microcapsules are formed of a water-reswellable gel having dispersed therein a sorbtive filler material having a median particle size of not more than 1 micron, such as fumed or precipitated silica. The filler material has an active substance absorbed therein and/or adsorbed thereon. The active material can be 2-chloro-6-(trichloromethyl) pyridine and the gel formed from crosslinked lignin or a lignosulphonate.

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: A hydrolyzed lignosulfonate-acrylonitrile graft copolymer matrix providing a slow release solubility to fertilizers. The hydrolysis of the graft copolymer of lignosulfonate and acrylonitrile may be carried out in the presence of an alkali in situ during the fertilizer manufacturing process or in a prehydrolysis step with subsequent use of the hydrolyzed copolymer in the fertilizer manufacturing process to provide a controlled release formulation for various fertilizers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrated fibrous mass prepared by the steps including introducing a source of cellulosic fibers to water with continuous mixing until a ratio of water to fibers of about 50 to 1 is obtained and mixing the water and source of cellulosic fibers until the source of cellulosic fibers has been comminuted to substantially individual cellulose fibers. The mass can be effectively used as a fire controlling agent. The mass can also be used as a carrier for pesticides, and as a concrete or cement cure rate controlling agent.

Abstract: The growth medium consists of a homogeneous mixture of short rockwool fibres, and short vegetable fibres, preferably peat fibres. Humus material may be added, preferably composted sludge. To the mixture may also be added fertilizer, and seeds, e.g. grass seeds being bound to said fibres by a rapidly disintegrating binder.The method for producing said growth medium comprises intimately mixing long rockwool fibres, and vegetable fibres, preferably peat fibres, and possible additional materials in a dry state in a mixer until homogenous spheres or balls are formed which contain the components in a substantially uniform mixture, and cutting said spheres into short fibres by the aid of beating knives, a hammer mill or the like, and then conveying said medium to the growing site or to a packaging by the aid of an air jet.

Abstract: The corrosive effects of liquid nitrogen-based fertilizer compositions on metal surfaces is reduced by adding to the fertilizer compositions small amounts of amine oxides.

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: 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: 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 process for producing urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) sodium bentonite suspension from hot urea solution, hot ammonium nitrate solution and dry solid sodium bentonite clay. The dry sodium bentonite clay is added directly to the hot urea solution without the use of expensive chemical dispersants. There is no need for intermediate processing steps involving the dispersion of clay in water, said water normally containing expensive chemical dispersants. After the sodium bentonite has been dispersed in the hot urea solution, then, and only then can the hot ammonium nitrate solution be added. Unexpectedly, the order of addition of the feed material to this process is highly critical. This economical and innovative production process is readily adaptable to existing commercial nitrogen fertilizer production plants and has solved many of the problems which have kept sodium bentonite from being widely used in the production of suspension fertilizers.

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 process for the preparation of a slow-release fertilizer comprising the steps of:(a) grinding a first volume of peanut hulls to a particle size of 1/32 to 1/4 inch and a second volume to 1/8 to 1/2 inch,(b) treating said first a volume of hulls with an equal volume of 2N (normal) nitric acid for 30 minutes at 121 degrees C. and 15 p.s.i. pressure to extract and solubilize the liqueous material from the hulls,(c) adding 1 volume of 1 normal solubilized sodium hydroxide to 2 volumes of said second volume of peanut hulls and heating and stirring said mixture until said nutrients are solubilized,(d) heating said second volume of peanut hulls and sodium hydroxide with steam and at a temperature of 121 degrees C. and pressure of 15 p.s.i.