The present invention relates generally to a water-soluble controlled release composition for eradication or control of insects and/or vegetation in a body of water, comprising: a water-soluble polymer acting as a matrix composition which can float in water; at least one active ingredient for eradicating or controlling a targeted insect and/or vegetation, the release of the active ingredient is regulated by the gradual dissolution of the composition; a surfactant; and a binder in an amount suitable to allow for blending of the above ingredients into a matrix composition. The invention also provides methods for making the composition and using the composition.

The present invention relates generally to a water-soluble controlled release composition for eradication or control of insects and/or vegetation in a body of water, comprising: a water-soluble polymer acting as a matrix composition which can float in water; at least one active ingredient for eradicating or controlling a targeted insect and/or vegetation, the release of the active ingredient is regulated by the gradual dissolution of the composition; a surfactant; and a binder in an amount suitable to allow for blending of the above ingredients into a matrix composition. The invention also provides methods for making the composition and using the composition.

The present invention provides for methods of delivering polynucleotides to subterranean plant pests. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of reducing the binding of a composition, comprising polynucleotide and a cationic polymer, to soil by substantially quenching positively charged residues with a quenching agent. The invention also comprises compositions comprising a cationic polymer, a polynucleotide and a quenching agent.

The present invention provides for methods of delivering polynucleotides to subterranean plant pests. In particular, the present invention relates to methods of reducing the binding of a composition, comprising polynucleotide and a cationic polymer, to soil by substantially quenching positively charged residues with a quenching agent. The invention also comprises compositions comprising a cationic polymer, a polynucleotide and a quenching agent.

A method enhances soil by preparing a microbial solution with microbes, a growth medium, and water; iteratively and selectively breeding generations of microbes to arrive at a predetermined microbial solution in a concentrated form of at least 1×10.sup.7 cfu/ml (colony-forming units per milliliter); adding humic acid with amino acids and protein to support an active microbial population to support active and healthy plant growth; and storing the microbial solution as a solid for enriching the soil with micronutrients, microbial cultures and organic materials.

A method enhances soil by preparing a microbial solution with microbes, a growth medium, and water; iteratively and selectively breeding generations of microbes to arrive at a predetermined microbial solution in a concentrated form of at least 1×10.sup.7 cfu/ml (colony-forming units per milliliter); adding humic acid with amino acids and protein to support an active microbial population to support active and healthy plant growth; and storing the microbial solution as a solid for enriching the soil with micronutrients, microbial cultures and organic materials.

A method for capturing material extracted from biochar is provided comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biochar; (ii) contacting the biochar with an extraction media, where the extraction media causes the removal of residual compounds from the pores and surface of the biochar, creating a resulting extract comprised of the extraction media and removed compounds; and (iii) collecting the resulting extract. The method also can include other steps of extraction and purification. The method further comprises the step of applying the resulting extract to seeds, plants, soil, other agricultural products, or for use in other applications. A biochar having high levels of soluble signaling compounds is also provided, where the biochar is derived from a biomass source that together with predefined pyrolysis parameters produces resulting biochar having increased levels of soluble signaling compounds that are known to increase seed germination rates and early plant growth.

A method for preparing a wood preservative composition, includes modifying lignin with Na.sub.2B.sub.4O.sub.7 or NaNO.sub.3 and then with a chromium (II) salt, copper (II), cadmium (II) or zinc (II), for example, metal nitrates (Cr(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Cu(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Cd(NO.sub.3).sub.2, Zn(NO.sub.3).sub.2); to the preservative obtainable by this method; and to a method for preserving wood; and to the preserved wood. The preservative prevents degradation by xylophagous and fungal agents, and also improves some properties of the wood, and the hygroscopicity and fire resistance.

A composition for weed control and fertilizer comprising iron hydroxyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, fertilizer mineral supplement, feed grade urea, a natural-based wetting agent, molasses desugarized solubles, and water, and may further comprise glycerin and/or preservatives, are provided. Methods for weed control and fertilization of plants comprising the steps of providing a composition comprising an effective amount of iron hydroxyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, fertilizer mineral supplement, feed grade urea, natural-based wetting agent, and molasses desugarized solubles, and applying an effective amount of the composition to soil or a plant or a weed, are also provided.

A composition for weed control and fertilizer comprising iron hydroxyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, fertilizer mineral supplement, feed grade urea, a natural-based wetting agent, molasses desugarized solubles, and water, and may further comprise glycerin and/or preservatives, are provided. Methods for weed control and fertilization of plants comprising the steps of providing a composition comprising an effective amount of iron hydroxyl ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, fertilizer mineral supplement, feed grade urea, natural-based wetting agent, and molasses desugarized solubles, and applying an effective amount of the composition to soil or a plant or a weed, are also provided.