The Andersons, Inc.

The Andersons Agriservices, Inc.

Syngenta Participations Ag

James R Lynch

Timothy D Birthisel

Chris Taylor

Matthew G Johnston

Jeffrey J Fesko

Joseph Schumski

Charles W Anderson

Robin Smith

Kenneth Tornberg

A water-dispersible particle is provided that has a crystalline matrix formed of a potassium salt, a phosphate salt, of a combination thereof. Embedded in the matrix are at least 100 insoluble granules of at least one macronutrient or micronutrient. The granules, and the matrix present in a form such that contact with water causes particle dispersion into more than 100 pieces in a time period of up to 1 hour. A process of forming a fertilizer particle includes the granulation of a quantity of insoluble material to a size where the majority by weight is between 0.02 and 3 millimeters to from granules. The granules are agglomerated into the fertilizer particle containing at least 100 of the granules with a solution of a potassium salt, a phosphate salt, of a combination thereof through solvent removal to form the crystalline matrix in which the granules are embedded.

Water-dispersible particles formed with granules embedded in crystallized matrix

A water-dispersible particle for delivery of fertilizer to a plant is disclosed. After delivery wetting of the particles causes particle dispersion so as to prevent secondary pick up to the particles. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.

Water-dispersible pellets

A pesticide granule is provided that includes a base carrier particle. A liquid pesticide coating is applied to the particle surface. The coating may contain adjuvants. The coating has sufficient tack to adhere a second powdered pesticide to the carrier particle. The usage of tackifying agents to render the particle surface tacky enough to adhere powdered pesticide is reduced or eliminated. The powdered pesticide is sized to a mean diameter of less than 10% of the carrier diameter to promote adhesion. The synergistic rapid acting pesticide delivery associated with the granule results in the usage of less pesticide to control a given pest with reduced environmental impact. Bifenthrin is a representative of the liquid pesticide.

Pesticide delivery granule

Water-dispersible particles are provided that disperse into more than 100 pieces upon contact with water. Particles include from 5% to 99.9% of a nitrogen-containing ingredient bioavailable to a targeted desirable organism and 1% to 95% of a bentonite binder component. Additionally provided is a process for making a water-dispersible particle, the process including the steps of mechanically aggregating particle components into a pellet. Particle components include a bioavailable nitrogen-containing ingredient and a binder, the components being such that a product particle is dispersed into more than 100 pieces upon contact with water. In a further step of a process for making a water-dispersible particle, the pellet is dried to form a particle. Following administration of a described particle, water is allowed to contact the particle, dispersing it into pieces and thereby delivering a nutrient.

Water-dispersible pellets containing a isobutylene diurea and a lignin binder

A homogeneous gas-evolving composition is provided that includes an acid, a gas-evolving acid neutralizing agent, and at least one of an inorganic carbonate, inorganic bicarbonate, alkaline peroxide, or alkaline azide. A water-soluble desiccant is homogeneously intermixed with the acid and the gas-evolving acid neutralizing agent. The desiccant is present in an amount able to absorb ambient moisture equivalent to at least 0.01 total weight percent of the composition before gas evolution of more than 50% of the theoretical gas evolution available from the composition. To confer storage stability, the acid, the gas-evolving acid neutralizing agent, and water-soluble desiccant cumulatively have a water content of less than 1 total weight percent water. Through appropriate selection of a desiccant or inclusion of a surfactant foaming agent, the composition foams upon drenching with water. The composition is particularly well suited for consistent usage of glyphosate herbicide. Plant growth inhibition is provided by wetting a plant with water and then applying the composition onto the plant. After allowing sufficient time, the composition absorbs the water and evolves gas, thereby spreading herbicide on the plant preferential to surrounding soil.

Homogeneous gas-evolving composition

A vegetation culture active agent delivery medium is provided that includes dense mineral granules, comparatively less dense cellulosic granules, and an active agent in simultaneous contact with the mineral granules and the cellulosic granules, the active agent present from 1&#xd7;10to 10 total weight percent of the medium. A formulation of an active agent is applied to one type of granule as a mixture thereof. Through control of the relative amounts of mineral and cellulosic granules, a controlled medium density is readily adjusted between 35 and 60 pounds per cubic foot.

Adjustable density, partially water-dispersible carrier for active agents

A water-dispersible particle for delivery of nitrogen to a plant is disclosed. The water-dispersible particle also delivers an active ingredient such as a plant hormone to a desirable plant or a pesticide or herbicide to an undesirable organism. Methods for making and using the water-dispersible particle are described.

A particle is provided with simultaneous delivery of a fertilizer and an active agent that when adhered to foliage causes a chemical burn thereto. A hydrophobic coating is provided intermediate between the fertilizer core and the active agent to inhibit moisture absorption by the particle that renders the particle tacky and therefore adherent to target foliage. The active agent granule is adhered to the hydrophobic coating or at least partially embedded therein based on the nature of the formation process. The particle is also provided that includes a second fertilizer layer exterior to the hydrophobic coating with the second fertilizer layer is substantially devoid of water soluble nitrogen compounds. Active agent granules are then adhered to the second fertilizer layer. The resultant particles reduce chemical burning associated with combined fertilizer and active agent usage, especially under dispersant conditions of high temperature and high humidity.

Safened insecticide matter

A foaming granule is provided that includes an acid, a gas-evolving acid neutralizing agent, a surfactant foaming agent, and an active agent that is a plant growth enhancer, pest control agent, de-icer or anti-icer. Upon wetting a granule, the acid and neutralizing agent are brought into contact releasing gas that is trapped in the surfactant to form a foam that disperses the active agent to a greater area and more uniformly than a conventional nonfoaming granule containing a like amount of active agent. Dispersal of granules followed by sufficient time for foaming to occur represents a typical use methodology.

Growing community of inventors

Toledo, OH, United States of America

James R Lynch