A method and composition for reducing the swelling capacity of clay-containing soil, thus lowering volume change in soil, and thus enhancing the stability of soil, particularly expansive clay soil, in order that it is sufficiently stable, such that roads, pavements and some types of buildings and other structures can be securely constructed thereon. The method also minimizes any swelling and/or shrinkage in the soil under any such structures due to the movement of moisture in the soil, and thus minimizes damage and deterioration caused to such structures due to the presence of too much, or too little, water in the soil thereunder.

A method and composition for reducing the swelling capacity of clay-containing soil, thus lowering volume change in soil, and thus enhancing the stability of soil, particularly expansive clay soil, in order that it is sufficiently stable, such that roads, pavements and some types of buildings and other structures can be securely constructed thereon. The method also minimizes any swelling and/or shrinkage in the soil under any such structures due to the movement of moisture in the soil, and thus minimizes damage and deterioration caused to such structures due to the presence of too much, or too little, water in the soil thereunder.

Disclosed is a potassium humate sulfur compound granule and process for making the same granule. The potassium humate sulfur compound granule including a potassium humate component and an elemental sulfur component at a ratio of about 1:20; where the potassium humate component of the granule fully solubilizes upon application to a desired site and enhances conversion of the sulfur component into sulfate by at least about 15% as compared to elemental sulfur alone.

Disclosed is a potassium humate sulfur compound granule and process for making the same granule. The potassium humate sulfur compound granule including a potassium humate component and an elemental sulfur component at a ratio of about 1:20; where the potassium humate component of the granule fully solubilizes upon application to a desired site and enhances conversion of the sulfur component into sulfate by at least about 15% as compared to elemental sulfur alone.

Disclosed is a potassium humate sulfur compound granule and process for making the same granule. The potassium humate sulfur compound granule including a potassium humate component and an elemental sulfur component at a ratio of about 1:20; where the potassium humate component of the granule fully solubilizes upon application to a desired site and enhances conversion of the sulfur component into sulfate by at least about 15% as compared to elemental sulfur alone.

Disclosed is a potassium humate sulfur compound granule and process for making the same granule. The potassium humate sulfur compound granule including a potassium humate component and an elemental sulfur component at a ratio of about 1:20; where the potassium humate component of the granule fully solubilizes upon application to a desired site and enhances conversion of the sulfur component into sulfate by at least about 15% as compared to elemental sulfur alone.

An anti-caking agent for soil includes, as effective ingredients: a lignin having a molecular weight peak, as measured by GPC molecular weight analysis using a UV detector at a wavelength of 254 nm, within the molecular weight range of 10,000 to 40,000; and a diatomaceous earth. A method of improving the growth of a plant uses the above described anti-caking agent for soil. The anti-caking agent for soil has the effect of reducing the caking of soil and improving the poor growth of a plant.

An anti-caking agent for soil includes, as effective ingredients: a lignin having a molecular weight peak, as measured by GPC molecular weight analysis using a UV detector at a wavelength of 254 nm, within the molecular weight range of 10,000 to 40,000; and a diatomaceous earth. A method of improving the growth of a plant uses the above described anti-caking agent for soil. The anti-caking agent for soil has the effect of reducing the caking of soil and improving the poor growth of a plant.

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. Such soluble signaling compounds can then be collected in a biochar extract by contacting the biochar with an extraction media.

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. Such soluble signaling compounds can then be collected in a biochar extract by contacting the biochar with an extraction media.