The present invention provides a method of promoting spore germination and/or vegetative growth of a plant growth-promoting Bacillus or Paenibacillus isolate, the method comprising simultaneously or sequentially applying inorganic phosphate and the plant growth-promoting Bacillus or Paenibacillus isolate to a plant, a plant part, a plant propagule, a seed of a plant and/or a locus

Granular fertilizer compositions are described herein that are capable of supplying a wide array of beneficial nutrient and compounds to soil for uptake by the root systems of plants. In preferred embodiments, the compositions provide a source of phosphorus, a source of nitrogen, a source of boron, a source of copper, a source of manganese, a source of zinc, and a source of sulfur in a single application, with highly efficient uptake by plants. The compositions generally comprise a mixture of two or three types of granules, each providing a supply of one or more nutrients. It has been discovered that the components of the three types of granules interact in a synergistic manner, such that problems associated with certain nutrients in soil are overcome, thereby providing a highly efficient multi-nutrient fertilizer.

Granular fertilizer compositions are described herein that are capable of supplying a wide array of beneficial nutrient and compounds to soil for uptake by the root systems of plants. In preferred embodiments, the compositions provide a source of phosphorus, a source of nitrogen, a source of boron, a source of copper, a source of manganese, a source of zinc, and a source of sulfur in a single application, with highly efficient uptake by plants. The compositions generally comprise a mixture of two or three types of granules, each providing a supply of one or more nutrients. It has been discovered that the components of the three types of granules interact in a synergistic manner, such that problems associated with certain nutrients in soil are overcome, thereby providing a highly efficient multi-nutrient fertilizer.

Granular fertilizer compositions are described herein that are capable of supplying a wide array of beneficial nutrient and compounds to soil for uptake by the root systems of plants. In preferred embodiments, the compositions provide a source of phosphorus, a source of nitrogen, a source of boron, a source of copper, a source of manganese, a source of zinc, and a source of sulfur in a single application, with highly efficient uptake by plants. The compositions generally comprise a mixture of two or three types of granules, each providing a supply of one or more nutrients. It has been discovered that the components of the three types of granules interact in a synergistic manner, such that problems associated with certain nutrients in soil are overcome, thereby providing a highly efficient multi-nutrient fertilizer.

Granular fertilizer compositions are described herein that are capable of supplying a wide array of beneficial nutrient and compounds to soil for uptake by the root systems of plants. In preferred embodiments, the compositions provide a source of phosphorus, a source of nitrogen, a source of boron, a source of copper, a source of manganese, a source of zinc, and a source of sulfur in a single application, with highly efficient uptake by plants. The compositions generally comprise a mixture of two or three types of granules, each providing a supply of one or more nutrients. It has been discovered that the components of the three types of granules interact in a synergistic manner, such that problems associated with certain nutrients in soil are overcome, thereby providing a highly efficient multi-nutrient fertilizer.

A homogeneous fertilizer granule comprises slow-release (e.g. struvite) and fast release sources of phosphorus (P). The homogeneous fertilizer granule may further contain other essential nutrients and micronutrients required by plants. A number of methods may be used to make such granules. One method includes introducing a struvite slurry or fines and a liquid supply of water soluble P into a granulator. Alternatively, dry raw materials can be mixed with water/steam and/or another binder prior to being fed into a granulator. In another embodiment, pre-mixed dry raw materials are mechanically compacted and crushed to yield homogeneous fertilizer particles.

A homogeneous fertilizer granule comprises slow-release (e.g. struvite) and fast release sources of phosphorus (P). The homogeneous fertilizer granule may further contain other essential nutrients and micronutrients required by plants. A number of methods may be used to make such granules. One method includes introducing a struvite slurry or fines and a liquid supply of water soluble P into a granulator. Alternatively, dry raw materials can be mixed with water/steam and/or another binder prior to being fed into a granulator. In another embodiment, pre-mixed dry raw materials are mechanically compacted and crushed to yield homogeneous fertilizer particles.

A source of phosphate for agriculture and food industry comprises a phosphate salt in solid form of formula M.sub.n(HPO4)y.zH2O in which M is Na, K, NH4, n=2, and y=1; or M is Ca, n=1, y=1; or M is Al or Fe, n=2, y=3; and in which z is 0, 1 or 2, wherein said phosphate salt has a phosphate content expressed as a P2O5 content of between 30 and 50% by weight of the phosphate salt, and it has a cadmium content lower than 0.40 ppm.

A source of phosphate for agriculture and food industry comprises a phosphate salt in solid form of formula M.sub.n(HPO4)y.zH2O in which M is Na, K, NH4, n=2, and y=1; or M is Ca, n=1, y=1; or M is Al or Fe, n=2, y=3; and in which z is 0, 1 or 2, wherein said phosphate salt has a phosphate content expressed as a P2O5 content of between 30 and 50% by weight of the phosphate salt, and it has a cadmium content lower than 0.40 ppm.

A process for preparing a micronutrient-enriched phosphate-based fertilizer is disclosed. An aqueous fertilizer mixture comprising phosphoric acid and/or phosphate rock is prepared and optionally granulated in granulator unit. The pH of the fertilizer mixture is measured and controlled such that the pH is maintained within a predefined range.