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 nanoparticulate fertilizer is provided. The fertilizer may comprise water soluble nanoparticles having a contact area to total surface area ratio greater than 1:4. The nanoparticles may have an overall positive surface charge in water. The fertilizer may be suitable for application as a seed coat. Also provided is a method of applying a seed coat, and a method of fertilizing a plant.

A method of producing a fertiliser composition, the method comprising: (a) providing partially decomposed organic matter; (b) contacting the organic matter with: (i) an anaerobic digestate; (ii) a source of nitrate ion; (iii) a source of ammonia; and (c) contacting the mixture obtained in step (b) with a source of carbon dioxid. Also claimed is a fertiliser composition comprising partially decomposed organic matter admixed with an anaerobic digestate, a source of nitrate ion, a source of ammonia and carbon dioxide.

The present invention provides a method for reducing plant water stress which comprises contacting plants with dry milled fibre, particularly wheat fibre and pea fibre. Said contacting is carried out in a manner selected from the group consisting of coating seeds with a mixture comprising dry milled fibre, pelletizing seeds with a mixture comprising dry milled fibre, applying a mixture comprising dry milled fibre in the form of granules, and applying a mixture comprising dry milled fibre in the form of tablets. Prior to said contacting, dry milled fibre is admixed with soil for plants, and the resulting mixture may optional comprise further additives such as fillers, binders, inert powders, colouring agents, fertilizers, fungicides, growth hormones, or microorganisms for inoculation.

A controlled release fertilizer has been prepared comprising a nutrient core coated with one or more moisture barrier coatings, at least one of said moisture barrier coatings comprising: at least one polyethylene wax; and a thermoset polyurethane from the reaction of a polyol and a polyisocyanate. The weight ratio of thermoset polyurethane to polyethylene wax is from about 50:50 to about 98:2. The polyethylene wax is heated above the melt point of the polyethylene wax and mixed and dispersed into the polyol component of the thermoset polyurethane in a ratio of 90-70% polyol to 10-30% polyethylene wax before the thermoset polyurethane-forming mixture is applied to the surface of the nutrient core and cured. A coating of a high temperature microcrystalline wax can be applied prior to final curing of the thermoset polyurethane to the coated nutrient core particles.

A controlled release fertilizer has been prepared comprising a nutrient core coated with one or more moisture barrier coatings, at least one of said moisture barrier coatings comprising: at least one polyethylene wax; and a thermoset polyurethane from the reaction of a polyol and a polyisocyanate. The weight ratio of thermoset polyurethane to polyethylene wax is from about 50:50 to about 98:2. The polyethylene wax is heated above the melt point of the polyethylene wax and mixed and dispersed into the polyol component of the thermoset polyurethane in a ratio of 90-70% polyol to 10-30% polyethylene wax before the thermoset polyurethane-forming mixture is applied to the surface of the nutrient core and cured. A coating of a high temperature microcrystalline wax can be applied prior to final curing of the thermoset polyurethane to the coated nutrient core particles.

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 combined organomineral NPKSi-humate fertilizer having at least one particulate mineral NPK fertilizer is provided, which has at least one nutrient compound of nitrogen, phosphorous or potassium; and a particulate humic substance based silicon fertilizer, having chelates of monosilicic acid-humate compounds. The application also relates to a method of production of the combined organomineral NPKSi-humate fertilizer.

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 present invention relates to thidiazuron mixtures. The present invention further relates to methods of promoting or synchronizing bud break in woody perennial plants by applying thidiazuron mixtures of the present invention. The present invention further relates to methods of promoting plant growth in woody perennial plants by applying thidiazuron mixtures of the present invention.