In one aspect, the disclosure relates to slow-release fertilizers including a peat and an optional filler material such as, for example sand, methods of making the same, methods of improving the growth of plants including using the same, and plants grown using the disclosed methods. The slow-release fertilizers are environmentally safe and conducive to the establishment of various plants, including ground cover plants. In some aspects, the slow-release fertilizers induce soil-water repellency in systems in which they are applied and can be useful for research as well as horticultural purposes. In another aspect, the slow-release fertilizers provide increased levels of ammonia, amino acids, and other nutrients relative to conventional fertilizers. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a growing media containing a biochar 10 to 60% by volume blended with other horticultural substrate components such as peat, coir, bark, wood substrate, perlite, compost, etc.

In one aspect of the invention there is provided a growing media containing a biochar 10 to 60% by volume blended with other horticultural substrate components such as peat, coir, bark, wood substrate, perlite, compost, etc.

The present disclosure is concerned with fertilizer compositions that provide controlled, delayed, and/or prolonged release of micronutrients in soil. In one embodiment, the inventive composition comprises a dry, powdered blend of a first target micronutrient source in chelated form and a second source of the same target micronutrient but provided in non-chelated form. In another embodiment, the inventive composition provides at least two sources of boron, with one source being a water-soluble form and the other source being a water-insoluble form. Regardless of the embodiment, the methods of using the fertilizer composition results in increased uptake of the particular micronutrient, nitrogen, and/or potassium compared to the prior art.

Growing media for growing a grape variety in a controlled indoor environment, such as a greenhouse, where the growing media includes soil, at least one soil enhancer, which assists the soil in retaining nutrients and water and compost.

Growing media for growing a grape variety in a controlled indoor environment, such as a greenhouse, where the growing media includes soil, at least one soil enhancer, which assists the soil in retaining nutrients and water and compost.

Methods of improving characteristics of plants and soil by administering an effective amount of a extracted Haematococcus based composition in low concentration applications are disclosed.

Methods of improving characteristics of plants and soil by administering an effective amount of a extracted Haematococcus based composition in low concentration applications are disclosed.

The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalized can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.

The invention provides for methods, devices, and systems for pyrolyzing biomass. A pyrolysis unit can be used for the pyrolysis of biomass to form gas, liquid, and solid products. The biomass materials can be selected such that an enhanced biochar is formed after pyrolysis. The biomass can be pyrolyzed under specified conditions such that a selected biochar core is formed. The pyrolysis process can form a stable biochar core that is inert and/or resistant to degradation. The biochar or biochar core can be functionalized to form a functionalized biochar or functionalized biochar core. Functionalized can include post-pyrolysis treatments such as supplementation with microbes or physical transformations including annealing and/or activation.