The disclosed invention describes a novel approach to the utilization of the fine mineral matter derived from coal and/or coal refuse (a by-product of coal refining) to convert a non-biodegradable plastic into a biodegradable plastic. The fine mineral matter could also be based on volcanic basalt, glacial rock dust deposits, iron potassium silicate and other sea shore mined deposits. The conversion of the non-biodegradable plastic into biodegradable plastic in soil further increases nutrients availability in soil with the transition metals released as a result of biodegradation of the biodegradable plastic.

The disclosed embodiments describe a novel approach to the utilization of the fine mineral matter derived from coal and/or coal refuse (a by-product of coal refining) to convert a non-biodegradable plastic into a biodegradable plastic. The fine mineral matter could also be based on volcanic basalt, glacial rock dust deposits, iron potassium silicate and other sea shore mined deposits. The conversion of the non-biodegradable plastic into biodegradable plastic in soil further increases nutrients availability in soil with the transition metals released as a result of biodegradation of the biodegradable plastic.

The disclosed embodiments describe a novel approach to the utilization of the fine mineral matter derived from coal and/or coal refuse (a by-product of coal refining) to convert a non-biodegradable plastic into a biodegradable plastic. The fine mineral matter could also be based on volcanic basalt, glacial rock dust deposits, iron potassium silicate and other sea shore mined deposits. The conversion of the non-biodegradable plastic into biodegradable plastic in soil further increases nutrients availability in soil with the transition metals released as a result of biodegradation of the biodegradable plastic.

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, discloses hydrothermal methods, hydrothermally modified materials and dried hydrothermally modified materials. Certain dried hydrothermally modified materials can readily releases ionic species such as alkali metal ions (K.sup.+, Na.sup.+), silicate salts, and alkaline earth metal ions (Mg.sup.2+, Ca.sup.2+). Some dried hydrothermally modified materials can readily release aluminum ions and/or silicon, such as in the form of soluble silicates. Such processes and materials are useful, for example in economically preparing potassium releasing fertilizers.

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, discloses hydrothermal methods, hydrothermally modified materials and dried hydrothermally modified materials. Certain dried hydrothermally modified materials can readily releases ionic species such as alkali metal ions (K.sup.+, Na.sup.+), silicate salts, and alkaline earth metal ions (Mg.sup.2+, Ca.sup.2+). Some dried hydrothermally modified materials can readily release aluminum ions and/or silicon, such as in the form of soluble silicates. Such processes and materials are useful, for example in economically preparing potassium releasing fertilizers.

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, discloses hydrothermal methods, hydrothermally modified materials and dried hydrothermally modified materials. Certain dried hydrothermally modified materials can readily releases ionic species such as alkali metal ions (K.sup.+, Na.sup.+), silicate salts, and alkaline earth metal ions (Mg.sup.2+, Ca.sup.2+). Some dried hydrothermally modified materials can readily release aluminum ions and/or silicon, such as in the form of soluble silicates. Such processes and materials are useful, for example in economically preparing potassium releasing fertilizers.

The present disclosure, in various embodiments, discloses hydrothermal methods, hydrothermally modified materials and dried hydrothermally modified materials. Certain dried hydrothermally modified materials can readily releases ionic species such as alkali metal ions (K.sup.+, Na.sup.+), silicate salts, and alkaline earth metal ions (Mg.sup.2+, Ca.sup.2+). Some dried hydrothermally modified materials can readily release aluminum ions and/or silicon, such as in the form of soluble silicates. Such processes and materials are useful, for example in economically preparing potassium releasing fertilizers.

There is provided herein a process for the compaction of Polyhalite with a Potassium salt, wherein said process comprising: mixing a feed of polyhalite with a feed of said Potassium salt in a mixer to yield a mixture; compacting said mixture in a compactor to yield masses; crushing said masses in a crusher to yield particles; screening said particles in a screener to yield fine particles in three different sizes: oversized fine particles which undergo a second crushing process and are retuned to said screener for screening, undersized fine particles which are transferred to said mixer for further mixing, and desired size fine particles which are transferred to a polish screener glazing, drying and oiling.

There is provided herein a process for the compaction of Polyhalite with a Potassium salt, wherein said process comprising: mixing a feed of polyhalite with a feed of said Potassium salt in a mixer to yield a mixture; compacting said mixture in a compactor to yield masses; crushing said masses in a crusher to yield particles; screening said particles in a screener to yield fine particles in three different sizes: oversized fine particles which undergo a second crushing process and are retuned to said screener for screening, undersized fine particles which are transferred to said mixer for further mixing, and desired size fine particles which are transferred to a polish screener glazing, drying and oiling.

The present invention relates to an organic soil builder, conditioner and/or biofertilizer, and to the production method thereof, which organic soil conditioner and/or biofertilizer has an organic base that allows the availability of nutrients in the soil to be increased for use when the plant requires, or the recovery of degraded soils. The method of the invention uses any type of animal waste sludges together with dry matter and granulated minerals. This mixture is fermented for 40 to 210 days, thus obtaining the organic soil builder, conditioner and/or biofertilizer of the invention.