Abstract: A liquid enhancer composition for bipyridinium series herbicides comprising specific tertiary amine and a derivative thereof, at least one oxalic acid or a salt thereof selected from the group consisting of oxalic acid, potassium oxalate, alkanolamine salts of oxalic acid, and lower alkylamine salts of oxalic acid, wherein the ratio of oxalic acid or the salt thereof is 0.1 to 10 times mole per mole of the nitrogen-containing compound. The enhancer composition of the present invention has an excellent stability with lapse of time to a change in temperatures and can markedly enhance the medicinal efficacy of an bipyridinium series herbicide even when the composition is used in a liquid form in combination with the herbicide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to fertilizer additives and compositions, and to methods for their preparation and administration to plants. The fertilizer additives include chelated metal ions of the transition and alkaline earth metals. The chelated metal solutions are prepared by complexing metal cations using an organic acid and an organic amine. The fertilizer additives include a sufficient quantity of amine to maintain the pH above about 7.5 and preferably about 8-11. While the source of the metal ions may be any biologically acceptable metal salt, the metal oxides are preferred. The preferred chelating agents are citric acid and a difunctional amine. The preferred amines are 2-hydroxyethylamine, dimethylaminopropylamine and mixtures thereof. Additive solutions containing such chelated metals are stable at alkaline pH and are used to prepared clear, liquid fertilizer compositions for delivery of trace metals to plants.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for dephosphorizing manure, in particular pig manure, comprising of causing phosphate to dissolve, which phosphate is present at least partially in the form of phytate in the manure, separating the manure into a solid and a liquid fraction and removing the phosphate from the liquid fraction of the manure.Causing phosphate to dissolve can be achieved in different ways, for instance by storing the manure for a predetermined period of time under conditioned circumstances, or by sustaining a continuous movement of the manure at a temperature of at least 15.degree. C., preferably between 20 and 40.degree. C., to allow free escape therefrom of formed gases, or by the presence of means for complexing divalent ions, or by the enzymatic decomposition of phytate present in the manure. The phosphate is preferably removed from the liquid fraction by causing struvite to be precipitated therefrom.

Abstract: Plant micronutrient compounds comprising N-acyl ED3A or salts thereof. The N-acyl ED3A derivatives chelate various trace metals, including iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt and nickel.

Abstract: Plant micronutrient compounds comprising N-acyl ED3A or salts thereof. The N-acyl ED3A derivatives chelate various trace metals, including iron, copper, zinc, manganese, cobalt and nickel.

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: Concentrated phosphorus fertilizers of the phosphorous variety are described which are absorbed quickly into plant systems and improve plant growth. When diluted with water, there is formed a substantially fully soluble fertilizer having a foilage-acceptable pH.

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 substantially neutral metal alkanoate solution suitable for application of the constituent micronutrient metal to agricultural crops or acreage where such crops are to be grown, is disclosed. Alkanoates having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms are preferred, with acetates most preferred. Metals selected from the group consisting of boron, calcium, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, potassium, sodium and zinc are preferred, with zinc particularly preferred. The compositions of the present invention remain soluble at and below freezing temperatures for extending periods, and exhibits a high degree of miscibility in fertilizers. A method of manufacturing the compositions of the present invention is disclosed, in which a metal oxide is dispersed in water, ammonia is added to the dispersion, and acid is added to the basic dispersion to solubilize and substantially neutralize the dispersion and create an aqueous micronutrient solution.

Abstract: Clostridium thermocellum biovar. nov. SK522 (FERM BP-345 g) is a thermophilic cellulose decomposing bacteria, capable of solubilizing lignin and fermenting cellulose excellently. Although its temperature limit for growth is 40.degree.-80.degree. C., it grows best at 65.degree.-72.degree. C.Thermus aquaticus biovar. nov. SK542 (FERM BP-3382) is an absolute aerobic bacteria. It grows at temperature limit of 40.degree.-82.degree. C. in a normal concentration medium, but its best growth is achieved at 72.degree.-76.degree. C. It produces protein decomposing enzymes functional at a temperature of 75.degree.-85.degree. C. and active in a wide pH range of 4.0-11.3, and a yellow pigment of carotenoid groups.Both strains can be mix-cultured. Depending on various purposes, as the mix culture is able to decompose organic materials containing cellulose and/or lignin, it can be used for soil improvement.

Abstract: A water soluble metal amino acid chelate is prepared by adding a metal salt to deaerated water, mixing the salt solution with a mixture of an amino acid and an organic acid and adjusting the pH of the resulting composition to a range of from about 4.5 to about 8.5 to produce a clear solution. The resultant clear solution can then be applied to plants or it can be dried for storage. The water soluble metal amino acid chelate produced by the process, when applied to plants, results in increased metals assimilation and improved plant growth.

Abstract: Metal complexes having high bulk density and a process for the production of the same without the generation of heavy metal-contaminated effluents are disclosed. Solid complexes of EDTANaFe and EDTAKFe having high bulk densities are formed by reaction with mixed metal solutions containing low chromium levels, followed by total drying of the resulting mixture in the same processing equipment without the prior separation of the sulfate salts formed. The amounts of the various metals in any given formulation can be preselected.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing preferred iron humate products. The preferred iron humate products provide iron and other nutrients and organic matter for vegetation and supplementation of animal feedstocks. The preferred iron humate products are produced by using an iron salt coagulant that is relatively free of heavy metal contaminants and reacting the iron salt coagulant with naturally occurring humic substances such as those found in natural surface waters used in drinking water treatment facilities. According to the invention, iron is stoichiometrically reacted at a controlled pH with the humic and fulvic acid fractions in the water to precipitate an iron humate product precipitate. A preferred concentration of iron salt coagulants is used in order to minimize the formation of iron hydroxides.

Abstract: Metal ions selected from the group consisting of Fe.sup.+3, Mn.sup.+2, Cu.sup.+2 and Zn.sup.+2 are administered to plant roots in a composition comprising citric acid, whereas the molar ratio of citric acid to metal ions in this composition is about 0.8 to 2.5.

Abstract: A pesticidal material which comprises an inclusion compound or a molecular complex of a pesticide and a host molecule characterized in that the host molecule is a mono-, oligo- or polysaccharide ester. A pesticidal composition and a method for combatting insect pests involving the above pesticidal material are also described.

Abstract: Inclusion of a certain finely powdered by-product of the citrus fruit processing industry, notably a waste product consisting of processed peel, stems, seeds, and pulp, with relatively inexpensive, finely-powdered soluble iron sulfate [FeSO.sub.4 or Fe.sub.2 (SO.sub.4).sub.3 ] significantly improves the efficiency of iron source fertilizer materials for iron-sensitive plants growing on iron-deficient soils and can maintain supply of available iron to growing plants for substantially extended periods of time. These compositions may be band applied in powdered or granular form in or near the seed row at or prior to planting or spot placed in the root zone of growing plants in soil.

Abstract: A new slow releasing particulate iron humate agricultural nutrient composition exhibiting substantially complete solubility of its iron content in soil solutions as indicated by neutral citrate solubilities, and almost no solubility in water, and a new method for preparing the composition. The method comprises admixing and coreacting iron humate with about equimolar amounts of a divalent metal oxide, an aqueous hydroxide of a monovalent Lewis acid, and a water soluble inorganic phosphate. The iron humate amounts to between 20 and 70 percent of the nutrient particles, and the reaction is carried out at temperatures between 60.degree. and 150.degree. C. for between 4 and 25 minutes.

Abstract: A method of processing vegetable oil in which non-toxic reagents are used, so that a waste stream is evolved suitable for use as a nutrient source and wherein the non-toxic reagents include nutrient components whereby the nutrient value of the waste stream is enhanced.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing preferred iron humate products. The preferred iron humate products provide iron and other nutrients and organic matter for vegetation. The preferred iron humate products are produced by using an iron salt coagulant that is relatively free of heavy metal contaminants and reacting the iron salt coagulant with naturally occurring humic substances such as those found in natural surface waters used in drinking water treatment facilities. According to the invention, iron is stoichiometrically reacted at a controlled pH with the humic and fulvic acid fractions in the water to precipitate an iron humate product precipitate. A preferred concentration of iron salt coagulants is used in order to minimize the formation of iron hydroxides which generally provide low iron availability to the plant. A more readily soluble iron humate complex is produced by the reacting and or blending of the iron humate residue with various nitrogen containing sources.

Abstract: Fe(III) complexes having high bulk density and a process for the production of the same without the generation of heavy metal-contaminated effluents are disclosed. Solid complexes of EDTANaFe and EDTAKFe having high bulk densities are formed by reaction with ferric sulfate containing low chromium levels, followed by total drying of the resulting mixture in the same processing equipment without the prior separation of the sulfate salts formed.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing preferred iron humate products. The preferred iron humate products provide iron and other nutrients and organic matter for vegetation. The preferred iron humate products are produced by using an iron salt coagulant that is relatively free of heavy metal contaminants and reacting the iron salt coagulant with naturally occurring humic substances such as those found in natural surface waters used in drinking water treatment facilities. According to the invention, iron is stoichiometrically reacted at a controlled pH with the humic and fulvic acid fractions in the water to precipitate an iron humate product precipitate. A preferred concentration of iron salt coagulants is used in order to minimize the formation of iron hydroxides which generally provide low iron availability to the plant. A more readily soluble iron humate complex is produced by the reacting and or blending of the iron humate residue with various nitrogen containing sources.

Abstract: A plant stimulant product prepared from seaweed, a method for preparation of said product, and methods of use of said product. The product contains oxygen derived from a peroxide and aloe and may also contain humic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a neutral liquid fertilizer comprising as essential ingredients nitrogenous, phosphatic and potash fertilizers and an organic acid, and a thickener, and also provides a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: Fe(III) complexes having high bulk density and a process for the production of the same without the generation of heavy metal-contaminated effluents are disclosed. Solid complexes of EDTANaFe and EDTAKFe having high bulk densities are formed by reaction with ferric sulfate containing low chromium levels, followed by total drying of the resulting mixture in the same processing equipment without the prior separation of the sulfate salts formed.

Abstract: The composition contains iron EDDHA and for iron EDDHMA in an agriculturally-acceptable organic solvent, preferably ethylene glycol. The composition is used in treating iron deficiency in soils and can have an iron content of up to 40 or 50 g dm.sup.-3. The composition may also contain considerable amounts of water yet still to be stable at room temperature, the aqueous composition having a significantly reduced viscosity relative to the water-free composition. The iron chelate need not be dry when incorporated into the composition. It may also be synthesized in situ in the solvent of the composition.

Abstract: The formation of paramagnetic iron sulfate hydrate salts containing iron in the di- and trivalent states from black magnetic iron oxides of high iron content and their use as fertilizers effective on both acid and alkaline soils is disclosed. Such oxides are comminuted, wetted with a specified amount of water, reacted with concentrated sulfuric acid, and dried. The resultant products are paramagnetic and contain iron in both the di- and trivalent states. These products have fertilizing and soil conditioning properties superior to non-magnetic iron compounds containing iron only in either the di- or trivalent state.

Abstract: A compound that is the water insoluble hydrochloride addition salt of the dihydrogen ferric complex of diethylene triamine penta-acetic acid, DTPAH.sub.5, namely DTPAFeH.sub.3 Cl, which has been made in pure form from DTPANa.sub.5, and which can be used in an agricultural nutrient composition.

Abstract: Water-soluble iron complexes are produced by forming an aqueous reaction medium (a) comprising a sulfate source (e.g., ferric sulfate) and a ferric source (e.g., the ferric sulfate and a different ferric salt) and (b) having a pH and sulfate ion to ferric ion molar ratio sufficient to form the water-soluble iron complexes. Preferably, the molar ratio of sulfate ion to ferric ion in the reaction medium is about 0.5:1 to about 1.5:1. It is also preferred that the pH of the reaction medium be about 1 to about 3.

Abstract: A method of improving agricultural and horticultural crop yields utilizing a mixture comprising a water-soluble alkali metal salt of humic acid and a plant nutrient component including plant nutrients such as nitrogen and/or phosphorous and/or potassium. The addition of a liquid mixture comprising the plant nutrient component and a water-soluble alkali metal salt of humic acid to the growth medium or seed germination medium of agricultural or horticultural crops has demonstrated improved crop yields both in the size of the individual fruit and in the number of the fruit per plant.

Abstract: A method of improving agricultural and horticultural crop yields utilizing a mixture comprising a water-soluble salt of humic acid and either calcium phosphate or ascorbic acid. The addition of a liquid mixture comprising calcium phosphate or ascorbic acid and a water-soluble salt or humic acid to the growth medium or seed germination medium or agricultural or horticultural crops has demonstrated improved crop yields both in the size of the individual fruit and in the number of the fruit per plant.

Abstract: A foliar fertilizer specifically for iron deficient plants which contains a complex of various ingredients such as citric acid admixed/reacted with ferrous sulfate previously converted at-least predominantly to ferric sulfate by oxidation at about 90 degrees or more centigrade or a neutralizing amount of ammonium ion, to a pH ranging from about pH 6 to about pH 7, the ferrous sulfate being typically produced by reaction of iron metal with sulfuric acid, excluding the presence of any phosphate salt, neutralized with NH.sub.4 OH, then admixed with urea and/or ammonium nitrate, the total mixture critically having a nitrogen-to-iron ratio of not less than (i.e., at least) 3/1, preferably within a range of about 4/1 to about 5/1, in aqueous solution, and the method including using the above-noted fertilizer complex as a source, diluting with water such that the source as a percentage ranges from about 5% to about 40%, followed by foliar spraying onto plant foliage, up to an application of about 5 lbs.

Abstract: a method of providing nutrients to plants is provided comprising application to the foliage thereof of an aqueous composition including an effective amount of a nutrient complex comprising an alkali-modified brewer's wort incorporating an added nutrient divalent metal ion, sequestered by said wort.

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: In the preparation of an aqueous herbicidal composition containing a 3-alkylthio-4-amino-5-tert.-butyl 1,2,4-triazin-5-one and a N-aryl-N-alkoxyalkyl haloacetamide, the improvement which comprises dissolving the triazinone in at least twice its weight of the haloacetamide, and adding such solution to water. Advantageously an emulsifier is present and, if desired, prior to addition to water the solution is diluted with a solvent selected from the group consisting of a normally liquid optionally halogenated and/or alkylated aromatic hydrocarbon. This permits simplified preparation by the farmer of the aqueous dispersion he will apply to crops and fields.

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: Liquid micronutrient compositions are prepared by combining fulvic acid extracted from leonardite ore with a metal salt, a hydroxy acid and/or a hydroxy acid salt, and ammonia. The extract of leonardite ore is obtained by combination with a suitable chelant, while the subsequent combination with the metal salt and hydroxy acid/salt is accomplished in a heated aqueous medium. After allowing the desired metal chelates to form, the composition is combined with anhydrous ammonia, usually by sparging, to obtain a stable end product. The micronutrient compositions display enhanced plant uptake in both soil and foliar applications. Moreover, the compositions are particularly stable and suitable for application through drip irrigation systems.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of compositions for modifying plant growth including extracting humic acids by the reacting of organic chelating agents with leonardite ore; compositions produced by such process; and methods for use thereof for modifying plant growth and fruiting.

Abstract: In producing a mixed phosphatic fertilizer, humic acid is mixed with fused phosphate to cause the humic acid to react on alkaline ingredients of the fused phosphate for turning these alkaline ingredients into chelate compounds, so that water-soluble phosphoric acid contents of succeedingly added phosphatic fertilizers such as calcium superphosphate and calcium triple-superphosphate are not reduced or insolubilized by being reacted with such alkaline ingredients. Thus, unlike the prior art, a stabilized predetermined level of water-soluble phosphoric acid contents can be secured in the resultant mixed phosphatic fertilizer along with a predetermined level of citric acid-soluble phosphoric acid contents.

Abstract: Growth of unwanted plants is controlled by certain acetylene-substituted aminocarboxylic acid compounds.

Abstract: New foliage fertilizers containing one or more macronutrients and/or one or more micronutrients as well as 10 to 50% by weight (referred to total nutrients) of one or more phospholipids.

Abstract: A fertilizer concentrate composition comprising (1) 80-90%, by weight, of water-soluble salts of plant micronutrients, 10-18 mole percent of said salts being in complexed form, and (2) 0.7-1.75%, by weight, of a stabilizer comprising a solid, water-soluble polymer in powder form having a particle size such that 80-90% by weight, of said particles have a diameter <0.1 mm and less than 0.5 percent, by weight, of said particles have a diameter >0.5 mm, (3) balance, complexing agent for said micronutrients, with the proviso that the amount of complexing agent is chosen so that 10-18 mole percent of the micronutrients are complexed and, optionally, (4) 0.05-0.5%, by weight, of a surfactant, provides a storage-stable, readily soluble micronutrient concentrate usable especially in fertilizing crops by leaf dressing.

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: A method for preparing an element-rich composition for use as supplement in biological or physiological systems, comprising subjecting fly ash to the influence of reactants capable of dissolving a plurality of the components of the fly ash into a biologically assimilable form selected from chelates, complexes and lactic acid salts and obtaining the biologically assimilable form of the fly ash, and an element-rich composition prepared according to this method, the use of said element-rich composition as source of elements for animal and human consumption and in processes in which one or more elements, including trace elements, are essential.

Abstract: The invention disclosed is a method of making a chelating agent and a method of forming a chelated compound using that chelating agent. The chelating agent is formed in two steps. In the first step, methanol with a small amount of citric acid and concentrated nitric acid is used to remove whatever compounds in leonardite ore that is soluable in methanol. The resulting mixture is then mixed with sodium citrate and dried causing the methanol to evaporate. The result is a chelating agent. It is ground into a fine powder and can be mixed with finely ground powders of the sulfates of the desired micronutrients such as for example ferrous sulfate. The two powders when so mixed combined to form a chelate. The resulting dry material is then reground into a powder and can contain up to 22% of the chelated micronutrient.

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: The present invention relates to new azulmic acids stabilized by condensation with carbonyl compounds, several processes for their preparation and their use for various purposes.

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: A multi-trace element fertilizer which contains magnesium as a further nutrient and in which the complex-forming trace elements are present in the form of anionic chelates with one or more N-carboxyalkylaminoacids is prepared by a process wherein the N-carboxyalkylaminoacids are reacted, in the presence of water, with the trace elements or trace element compounds in a molar ratio of N-carboxyalkylaminoacids to trace elements or trace element compounds of not less than 0.8:1, at least 20% by weight of the trace element compounds being oxides, hydroxides and/or carbonates. At the same time, or subsequently, the pH of the solution is brought to 3.5-6 by adding a member selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, hydroxide and carbonate. A maximum of 50 equivalent percent of the magnesium compound may however be replaced by a member selected from the group consisting of alkali metal oxides, hydroxides and carbonates and ammonia.

Abstract: The disclosure is of the use of plant nutriments encapsulated in synthetic lipid vesicles to nourish plants. SPCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThis application is a Continuation-in-Part of our copending application Ser. No. 881,116 filed Feb. 24, 1978 and now U.S. Pat. No. 4,235,871.

Abstract: A liquid fertilizer comprises a polyborate compound. The polyborate compound is formed by reacting a boric acid compound with an alkanolamine or an aliphatic polyamine.