Disclosed herein are methods of increasing nitrogen fixation in a non-leguminous plant. The methods can comprise exposing the plant to a plurality of bacteria. Each member of the plurality comprises one or more genetic variations introduced into one or more genes or non-coding polynucleotides of the bacteria's nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network, such that the bacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of exogenous nitrogen. The bacteria are not intergeneric microorganisms. Additionally, the bacteria, in planta, produce 1% or more of the fixed nitrogen in the plant.

Disclosed herein are methods of increasing nitrogen fixation in a non-leguminous plant. The methods can comprise exposing the plant to a plurality of bacteria. Each member of the plurality comprises one or more genetic variations introduced into one or more genes or non-coding polynucleotides of the bacteria's nitrogen fixation or assimilation genetic regulatory network, such that the bacteria are capable of fixing atmospheric nitrogen in the presence of exogenous nitrogen. The bacteria are not intergeneric microorganisms. Additionally, the bacteria, in planta, produce 1% or more of the fixed nitrogen in the plant.

The invention relates to the use of polyamines, tyramine and/or a plant extract containing same to stabilise microorganisms under an environmental stress, such as oxidative stress, osmotic stress or salt stress, heat stress, acid/base stress and/or stress linked to competitor microorganisms; and a composition comprising (a) polyamines, tyramine and/or a plant extract containing same, and (b) microorganisms.

A method for controlling discharges of nitrogen compounds in the production of cellulose carbamate (CCA). Dissolving pulp (DP) or kraft pulp is produced at a pulp mill, and the DP or kraft pulp is activated. The activated pulp is reacted with urea to produce cellulose carbamate whereby ammonia is released. The cellulose carbamate production is integrated into the pulp mill having a flue gas system such that carbon dioxide from the flue gases is reacted with released ammonia to produce urea, which is used in the carbamate production.

A method for controlling discharges of nitrogen compounds in the production of cellulose carbamate (CCA). Dissolving pulp (DP) or kraft pulp is produced at a pulp mill, and the DP or kraft pulp is activated. The activated pulp is reacted with urea to produce cellulose carbamate whereby ammonia is released. The cellulose carbamate production is integrated into the pulp mill having a flue gas system such that carbon dioxide from the flue gases is reacted with released ammonia to produce urea, which is used in the carbamate production.

Disclosed are methods of enhancing plant growth, comprising treating seed at least one month prior to planting with an effective amount of a plant signal molecule, wherein upon harvesting the plant exhibits at least one of increased plant yield measured in terms of bushels/acre, increased root number, increased root length, increased root mass, increased root volume and increased leaf area, compared to plants harvested from untreated seed, or compared to plants harvested from seed treated with the signal molecule just prior to or within a week or less of planting.

Disclosed are methods of enhancing plant growth, comprising treating seed at least one month prior to planting with an effective amount of a plant signal molecule, wherein upon harvesting the plant exhibits at least one of increased plant yield measured in terms of bushels/acre, increased root number, increased root length, increased root mass, increased root volume and increased leaf area, compared to plants harvested from untreated seed, or compared to plants harvested from seed treated with the signal molecule just prior to or within a week or less of planting.

Disclosed are compositions and methods of making a liquid fertilizer additive of biodegradable polymeric and/or oligomeric nitrification inhibitors comprised of utilizing a non-aqueous polar, aprotic organo liquid (NAPAOL) as the reaction medium for the reaction of aldehyde(s) with cyano-containing nitrification inhibitors that have one or more aldehyde reactive groups selected from the group consisting of a) primary amines, b) secondary amines, c) amides, d) thiols, e) hydroxyls and f) phenols.

Disclosed are compositions and methods of making a liquid fertilizer additive of biodegradable polymeric and/or oligomeric nitrification inhibitors comprised of utilizing a non-aqueous polar, aprotic organo liquid (NAPAOL) as the reaction medium for the reaction of aldehyde(s) with cyano-containing nitrification inhibitors that have one or more aldehyde reactive groups selected from the group consisting of a) primary amines, b) secondary amines, c) amides, d) thiols, e) hydroxyls and f) phenols.

The invention relates to a method for producing, amongst other things, amino-acid and/or hydroxycarboxylic-acid metal chelates, a solvent-free mixture of at least one metal oxide, metal hydroxide, metal carbonate or oxalate, and the solid organic acid is subjected to intensive mechanical stress. According to the invention, this is done in that the reaction partners are introduced in particle form into a fluid stream of a fluid-bed countercurrent mill operating without grinding elements, wherein mechanical activation of at least one of the reaction partners is effected by collision processes within a reaction chamber formed in a region of the fluid stream, and a solid body reaction to form the metal chelate is triggered. The novel method operates very energy-efficiently and with a high specific yield. It leads to a product having compact particles in the small, single-digit micrometer range having a comparatively narrow particle size distribution and a large surface. The product is homogenous and very pure. Thermal loading or decomposition of the organic chelate ligands, in particular of the amino acids, is likewise avoided, as are contaminants from milling and grinding element abrasion.