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: A new method for preparation of organic compost by incorporating zeolite into excretions from domestic animals. In the method, zeolite of about 10 to 30% relative to the total weight of excretions is homogeneously mixed and then piled for a predetermined period so that the water content of a surface portion of the pile of the mixture decreases to about 25% by weight or less, and the average water content of the entire pile decreases to about 55% by weight or less. The piled mixture is then supplied to a fermentation vessel in which it is scooped and turned over such that a high water content portion inside the low water content surface portion is divided into small masses and the low water content surface portion is divided into fine powders, so that the fine powders are spread around the small masses to thereby achieve effective aerobic fermentation in the vessel.

Abstract: Process of furnishing slow release nitrogen to field soil comprising inserting and distributing in the soil in particulate or granular form melamine, ammeline, ammelide, cyanuric acid, mixtures thereof, their salts, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method for improving the water conservation properties of soil. The method increases the ability of the soil to absorb and retain water and acts to stabilize the loosening of break-up of the soil.

Abstract: Device for the permanent nutrition of pot plants and containing a granulated slow-release fertilizer comprising at least one fertilizing element selected from nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, consisting of a flat support, on the upper surface of which adhere the granules, and a water-permeable sheet covering the flat support so as to enclose the granules.

Abstract: A composite material for the controlled release of an active substrate comprises a relatively insoluble, e.g. polymeric, matrix (11) in which a soluble particulate material (12) is dispersed. When the composite is placed in an aqueous medium dissolution of the particulate material substantially increases the water permeability of the matrix. This effect may be used to provide for the controlled release of an active material into the aqueous medium.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fertilizer composition in the form of a dry dosage unit intended to be dissolved in a watering water and thereby to adjust the water with regard to its pH and chlorine content, whereby the fertilizer comprises, besides mineral nutrients, two or polyvalent acids or acid salts for pH-adjustment and a water soluble thiosulphate for the reduction of chlorine present in the water.

Abstract: The present invention includes an improved nutrient, in particle form, for use in enhancing fungus growth, and particularly directed to edible mushrooms. The nutrient is in the form of conglomerate particles including an irregularly shaped matrix particle and a plurality of enhancer droplets attached to the matrix particle at various recessed attachment positions. The matrix material is denatured protein while the enhancer droplets are fatty oil and phospholipid material microencapsulated in a layer of activated protein mixed with mycelium growth stimulators. The present invention further includes a method for preparing nutrient particles for increasing the growth and yield of mushrooms.

Abstract: Process of preparing a solid controlled release urea-formaldehyde fertilizer composition comprising preparing an aqueous mixture of urea, formaldehyde and ammonia, heating the mixture, acidifying the mixture to initiate methylene urea polymerization and heating to complete methylene urea polymerization and dry the reaction products. The process is carried out under conditions such that the majority of polymeric nitrogen present in the final product consists of short chain methylene urea polymers selected from the group consisting of methylene diurea, dimethylene triurea and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method and composition for the elimination and control of ammonia odor from organic waste materials by contacting the waste material with a composition containing a deodorizing agent which produces a non-odorous ammonia salt, thereby eliminating gaseous ammonia from escaping into the air. The present invention also eliminates additional odors resulting from putrefaction due to ammonia fixing bacteria.

Abstract: A fertilizer for the long term and uniform supply of plants with nutrient ions comprising a covalently crosslinked hydrogel in which are embedded ion exchangers which are laden with plant nutrients; furthermore a process for the long term and uniform supply of plants with nutrient ions wherein a covalently crosslinked hydrogel in which are embedded ion exchangers which are laden with plant nutrients is applied to the plants or their environment.

Abstract: Process for improving the plant growth with the aid of ion exchanger fertilizers, comprising adding to the growth medium weakly basic anion exchangers which are charged with anionic chelate complexes of micronutrient cations and macronutrient and micronutrient anions to the extent of at least 60% of their total capacity together with weakly acid cation exchangers charged with nutrient cations to the extent of at least 60% of their total capacity. Furthermore fertilizers comprising a mixture of weakly basic anion exchanger which are charged with anionic chelate complexes of micronutrient cations and other micronutrient and macronutrient anions to the extent of at least 60% of their total capacity and weakly acid cation exchangers which are charged with nutrient cations to the extent of at least 60% of their total capacity.

Abstract: Substantially spherical, water-degradable, sulphur clay particles or prills are provided; the particles are formed by passing a mixture of molten sulphur and a particulate swelling clay through a plurality of orifices and into an aqueous solution of a water soluble electrolyte salt, maintained at a temperature effective to cool the mixture below its solidification temperature. An improved apparatus is also provided in which a high constant static head of molten material is let down to a low static head whereby molten material at low velocity falls under gravity into the aqueous electrolyte salt solution.

Abstract: A controlled release particulate fertilizer composition prepared by the reaction of urea and formaldehyde comprising polymeric nitrogen in the form of methylene urea polymers of varying chain length. The majority of the polymeric nitrogen consists of short chain polymers selected from the group consisting of methylene diurea, dimethylene triurea and mixtures thereof and the average degree of polymerization of urea and formaldehyde is greater than 1.5. The fertilizer compositions combine safety and high levels of plant nutrient efficiency.

Abstract: A composition comprising an admixture of pulped fibers and a slag characterized by an open pore structure.

Abstract: A controlled release glass is based on phosphorus pentoxide as the glass forming oxide and an alkali metal oxide as the principal glass modifier. The glass contains a modifying oxide of a material to be released slowly, e.g. one of the oxides of the alkali metal, or an oxide of an alkaline earth metal, an oxide of a metal of Group IIIA of the Periodic Table or a transition metal oxide, depending on the deficiency to be cured.

Abstract: A substrate for the cultivation of plants in greenhouses or outdoors comprises klinoptylolite zeolite, vermiculite and peat in specified particle size ranges and relationships, with enhanced nitrogen and phosphorus content, to provide a highly versatile and surprisingly effective active growing medium.

Abstract: An agricultural inoculant composition used as a seed, plant, foilar spray, field spray, and compost inoculant. The agricultural inoculant composition includes both a peat humus base composition having predetermined quantities of peat moss, leather meal, granite meal, Calcium Phosphate, tobacco meal, animal manure, kelp, greensand, liquid seaweed, and bacterial inoculant. Additionally, a liquid seaweed base composition is mixed with the peat humus base composition and the liquid seaweed base composition includes a combination of liquid seaweed, carbohydrates and polysaccharides, vitamins, as well as liquid alfalfa. The agricultural inoculant has been found to increase both the quality and yield of various types of plant products when such is used either as a seed or plant inoculant.

Abstract: A cellulosic medium for growing mushrooms is disclosed. A liquid mixture containing sources of soluble carbon and nitrogen is fermented and mixed with cellulosic material. The so-treated cellulosic material is held at a temperature and for a time sufficient to allow substantial reduction of organisms damaging to mushroom culture. The cellulosic material then is cooled to a temperature suitable for spawning.

Abstract: Homogeneous sulfur-hydrocarbon blends comprising a continuous sulfur matrix containing hydrocarbon, and methods of manufacture and use are described. These materials are particularly suitable as soil supplements, for comminution, or for compounding with hydrophobic materials such as elastomers and oil-based paints. Several advantages are apparent in essentially any application involving storage or transport.