The present invention pertains to plant additives capable of alleviating phosphate starvation symptoms in plants and promoting the growth of phosphate deprived plants. These plant additives are molecules comprising the group of formula. ##STR00001##

A method for manufacturing a pelletised mineral product, the method comprising: in a first mixing step, forming a first mixture by mixing the evaporite mineral with non- gelatinised starch under conditions that are insufficient to substantially gelatinise the starch; in a second mixing step, forming a second mixture by mixing the first mixture under conditions that are sufficient to substantially gelatinise the starch comprised within the first mixture; and forming the second mixture into pellets.

Solvents useful with thiophosphoric triamide urease inhibitors, that provide stable solution of a thiophosphoric triamide, such as for distribution (in low or high concentrations) onto a fertilizer or other liquid or solid material that contains urea.

A method for capturing material extracted from biochar, the method comprising the steps of: (i) providing a biochar; (ii) contacting the biochar with a treating liquid, where the treating liquid causes the removal of solids from the pores and surface of the biochar, thereby creating a resulting solution comprised of the treating liquid and removed solids; and (iii) collecting the resulting solution.

Aspects of the present invention include an apparatus for delivering substances to plants, comprising a grow pod, having at least one chamber for receiving at least one substance, whereby the grow pod is dissolved in a solute to form a solution, whereby the solution is delivered to at least one plant. Aspects of the present invention include a method of delivering substances to plants, comprising the steps of using a grow pod, having at least one chamber for receiving at least one substance; dissolving the grow pod in a solute to form a solution; and delivering the solution to at least one plant. Aspects of the present invention include an apparatus for delivering substances to plants, comprising at least one substance beneficial for plant growth bound and dissolved in a solute to form a solution, whereby the solution is delivered to at least one plant.

The invention relates to a method of producing a fertilizer composition from a feedstock that includes alcoholic beverages, waste product derived from the production of alcoholic beverages, or mixtures of the same. The feedstock is subjected to distillation to remove most of the ethanol and pH adjustment using a base. The invention also relates to a method of imparting flavor to a plant starting with the same feedstock, subjecting the feedstock to distillation and pH adjustment, and adding a flavorant to the resultant liquid before fertilizing the plant. The invention also relates to a method of producing a solid or liquid and solid foodstuff suitable for fish, bovine, swine, and the like for increasing dietary efficiency and reducing environmentally harmful solid and gaseous output.

The invention relates to a method of producing a fertilizer composition from a feedstock that includes alcoholic beverages, waste product derived from the production of alcoholic beverages, or mixtures of the same. The feedstock is subjected to distillation to remove most of the ethanol and pH adjustment using a base. The invention also relates to a method of imparting flavor to a plant starting with the same feedstock, subjecting the feedstock to distillation and pH adjustment, and adding a flavorant to the resultant liquid before fertilizing the plant. The invention also relates to a method of producing a solid or liquid and solid foodstuff suitable for fish, bovine, swine, and the like for increasing dietary efficiency and reducing environmentally harmful solid and gaseous output.

Fertilizers and fertilizer additive compositions and methods are provided. The compositions and methods comprise utilizing by-products from the manufacture of biodiesel and/or fatty alkyl esters, wherein the by-product comprises glycerin, mong, moisture, C.sub.6-C.sub.24 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, C.sub.6-C.sub.24 saturated and unsaturated fatty acid salts, methyl esters, ethyl esters and combinations thereof.

Fertilizers and fertilizer additive compositions and methods are provided. The compositions and methods comprise utilizing by-products from the manufacture of biodiesel and/or fatty alkyl esters, wherein the by-product comprises glycerin, mong, moisture, C.sub.6-C.sub.24 saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, C.sub.6-C.sub.24 saturated and unsaturated fatty acid salts, methyl esters, ethyl esters and combinations thereof.

A cross-linked, water absorbent polymer is mixed with desirable additives and coated to prevent water absorption to create a blend that is added to water injection systems for turf and soil maintenance. The coating is rinsed off the water absorbent polymer resulting in expansion of the polymer into a gel-like substance. The water absorbent polymer has the ability to retain water and nutrients in the soil preventing nutrient runoff and reducing watering frequency. Injection of the water absorbent polymer directly into soil reduces waste and reduces hazard caused by slippery material left on soil surfaces. The method and system for mixing and injection into soil is disclosed.