BE501726A - - Google Patents

Description

       

   <Desc / Clms Page number 1>
 



  IMPROVEMENTS TO THE METHODS OF IMPROVING THE CONSTITUTION
OF THE GROUND.



   The present invention relates to methods of improving the physical constitution of the soil. Its more specific object is to improve the soil to increase agricultural yields and to prevent natural erosion.



   The present invention provides for the formation in the soil of a stabilized surface layer in which is distributed in an amount of 0.001 to 2% by weight a water-soluble polymer, of a compound having the following structural formula.
 EMI1.1
 where n is a low number between zero (0) and one (1) inclusive, while X is a radical from the group comprising - OK, -ONa, -ONH4, -ONRH3, ONR2H2, -ONR3H, -OH, -NH2 , -OCH2NR2, - OCH2CH2NR2, - NCH2CH2NR2, - NHR and -NR2, R being an alkyl radical containing up to 4 carbon atoms.



   The present invention also provides a fertilizer comprising a mineral plant food and a water soluble polymer of a compound having the structural formula
 EMI1.2
 where n is a small integer between zero (0) and one (1) inclusive while X is a radical of the group consisting of -OK, -ONa, - ONH4, -ONRH -ONR2H2, - ONR3H, - OH, -NH2, -OCH2NR2, -OCH2CH2NR2, -NCH2CH2NR2,

 <Desc / Clms Page number 2>

 -NHR and -NR2, R being an alkyl radical containing up to 4 carbon atoms.



   The present invention finally provides a method of improving the constitution of the soil which comprises incorporating into the soil a water-soluble polymer of a compound having the structural formula
 EMI2.1
 or n is a small integer between zero (0) and one (1) inclusive, while X is a radical from the group comprising - OK, -ONa, -ONH4,
 EMI2.2
 -ONRH3, -ONR2-H2, being an alkyl radical containing up to 4 atoms of -NHR and -NR2, R being an alkyl radical containing up to 4 carbon atoms.



   The final utility and beneficial properties of the top soil layer and the underlying layers of this soil depend significantly on the physical constitution of this soil Although most soils occur in the state of fine subdivision, necessary for the growth of plants, many soils do not exhibit other physical properties permitting the proper growth and development of plants, and the proper performance of the various functions of the plant. In addition to nutrient products for plants, the soil must continuously receive both air and moisture.

   Poorly constituted soils can become saturated with water during wet periods, preventing access to the air necessary for optimum plant growth and development. Poorly constituted soils can lose their moisture too quickly by evaporation from the surface as a result of excessive capillary action, and the plants growing there will be deprived of the continuous and abundant supply of moisture which would be necessary. . The latter phenomenon is exaggerated in extremely compact soils where the development of roots and stems is retarded due to unfavorable conditions for their growth.

   In addition, soils of poor constitution are often the site of poor germination of the seeds planted there, due to the lack of either air or the moisture necessary for normal germination.



   It is also known that soils of poor constitution are prone to erosion because, when subjected to rainfall, they are quickly saturated and the excess moisture flows over the surface of the soil or into a marked passage. limit. This surface water entrains the fine particles of the soil, which results in the displacement of large masses of valuable soil. The quantity of surface water increases both by the fact that the soil refuses to absorb surface water and by the this soil forms a vehicle for transferring water to underlying soil layers or natural streams.



   The problem of increasing the topsoil and the problem of suppressing erosion can be solved, at least to a large extent, by means of improving the physical constitution of the solo. plowing and harrowing the soil, it is possible to obtain a loose constitution which better retains moisture and contains enough air for plant reproduction. Improving soil constitution by plowing does not last long, and the action of rain and sun quickly causes the soil to clump and dry out, so that it loses its beneficial properties. If a soil is cultivated for a number of years and especially if organic fertilizers are added to it, the soil can gradually attain a good constitution of a more lasting character.

   This improvement in constitution is believed to be due to various elements of humus, including polysaccharides produced by soil bacteria which break down organic additions o Improved soil constitution allows air to be present in it in greater quantity while ensuring a more regular supply of humidity in

 <Desc / Clms Page number 3>

 soil, which creates a more suitable medium for the subsequent cultivation of soil bacteria by a cumulative process. Since clays or loams take many years to arrive at a satisfactory constitution, it is advantageous to provide means to accelerate the formation of fertile soils.

   A good soil constitution obtained by intensive mechanical cultivation is not only short-lived, it is frequently injurious to developing plants, due to the breakage of nourishing roots entering shallowly into the soil.



  If an improved soil constitution could be obtained permanently without mechanically breaking up the surface layers, a further improvement in the development rate and yield of the soil would be achieved.



   The main object of the present invention is means for rapidly improving the constitution of the soil by means of the addition of synthetic products. Another object of the invention consists in providing means for increasing the agricultural yield of soils and particularly of those whose normal constitution is poor. The object of the invention is also to prevent erosion in the case of soils the surface of which is exposed to atmospheric agents. The invention also covers the production of synthetic products which make it possible both to improve the erosion characteristics of the soil and to develop suitable crops on this soil.



   In soils with a good durable constitution, the fine particles of the soil agglomerate in patches or larger bodies which allow the air to access easily - '' 'in their interstices, while retaining moisture under a form usable within these bodies or plots. Soils having such a constitution do not lose their moisture in an exaggerated way by'evaporation thanks to the insulating effect of voids or non-capillary pores containing very humid air and preventing any exaggerated capillary action. Such soil does not shrink and does not form cracks or crevices on drying, and it retains a layer of natural humus which reduces evaporation.

   In this way, optimum moisture and air content can be maintained for long periods of time. @
The present invention can be used to obtain a good constitution of the soil by adding synthetic products and this can be done for a wide variety of applications. The invention may be useful for soil improvement in gardens, more particularly in areas where the underlying, non-fertile portions of the soil have been brought to the surface. It is also useful for improving average soils, especially in areas where organic fertilizers are not available.



  The invention also serves to facilitate the development of root crops in areas where the very compact clay soil prevents the normal development of such plants. The invention also lends itself well to use in semi-arid areas where it is sought to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation caused by the sun. The invention also applies well to the development of crops covering road verges, backfilled areas and regular embankments when it is necessary to resist erosion until the crops are. well rooted. In addition, the invention is of great interest for opposing erosion in areas where the surface vegetation has been destroyed by natural phenomena or by poor soil maintenance.

   Other advantages of the present invention due to improvements in the normal constitution of the soil can also be envisioned.



   In accordance with the invention, it has been found that the soils, and more particularly clay soils, and alluvial clay soils, of poor constitution, can be significantly improved by the addition of traces of soluble polymers. in water, acrylic acid.



  Suitable polymers are those containing a large number of repeating molecular elements having the following structural formula:

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 EMI4.1
 where X is a solubilizing radical from the group comprising -OK, -ONa, -ONH4, -ONRH3, - ONR2H2, -ONR3H, -ONR4, -OH, -NH2, -OCH2NR2, -OCH2CH2NR2, -NHR and -NR2, R being an alkyl radical containing up to 4 carbon atoms while m is a small integer between zero and one inclusive.



    As particularly interesting, mention may be made of homopolymers containing numerous identical elements of the category indicated above.



  Copolymers containing two or more different elements from the group described are also of interest. The copolymer type may contain, in addition to the many water soluble elements, a lower number of other elements derived from polymerizable monomers, such as styrene, vinyl acetate, acid nitrile. acrylic, methacrylic acid nitrile, butadiene) alkyl methacrylates, alkyl acrylates, vinylidene chloride, vinyl chloride, alkyl maleates, alkyl fumarates, [alpha] -methylstyrene and other olefinic compounds capable of polymerizing with the various acrylates described above.

   In general, the polymers should contain a sufficiently large number of solubilizing radicals to make them soluble in water and to give the soil particles the desired hydrophilicity.



   The compounds of interest to the execution of the invention can be considered as polymers, soluble in water, derivatives of acrylic acid and of methacrylic acid such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, methacrylamide, alkali metal, amine or ammonium salts of acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, aminoethyl ss-acrylate, / -3-methacrylate aminoethyl, methylaminoethyl ss-acrylate, methylaminoethyl.8-methacrylate, N, N-dimethyl-ss -aminoethyl methacrylate, N-alkyl substituted acrylamide and acrylamides.



   The water-soluble polymers can exhibit significant levels of elements derived from other polymerizable monomers as described above.



   The acrylic polymers described above can be added to the soil in contents ranging from 0.001 to 2% by weight of the surface layer of the soil capable of being cultivated, but the optimum results are obtained using contents ranging between 0.01, and 0.2%.



   In order to obtain the most advantageous result, the molecular weight of the polymer is of some importance. Molecular weights above 5000 have been found to be advantageous and the best practical results correspond to molecular weights above about 15,000. In the case of some polymers, the maximum effect is obtained for a molecular weight of 30,000 to 100,000 and increases in weight. beyond these figures may not improve the polymer without however showing a notable deterioration. Although branched chain polymers can be used, linear chain polymers are preferred.



   If desired, the polymers can be added directly to the sol, but it is generally easier to add the polymers by means of a suitable diluent or vehicle such as a solvent, e.g. water, or a solid support such as extracts of peat bog, limestone, sand, mineral fertilizers, silage or other materials forming fertilizers or likely to improve the soil.

   When added to plant foods, one notices the beneficial effects of such a combination on the speed of crop development.

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 obtained on the soil thus treatedo Soils improved by a fertilizer containing the polymers in question ensure a development of crops which is faster and more abundant than when using the fertilizer alone
The absorption by plants of one of the known fertilizers containing the basic nutrients of plants, such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, as well as trace elements such as boron, manganese, magnesium, molybdenum, cobalt and iron,

   can be improved by the addition of the above polymers intended to improve the constitution of this solo
The copolymer may contain chemically reacting groups, for example the diacid, carboxyl, hydroxyl anhydride groups, or other groups which may be associated with the various constituents of an acidic or basic nature incorporated therein. For example, the metal salts or lime contained in the fertilizer can react with the acid groups of the polymer; likewise, the hydroxyl or amino groups of the polymers can combine with the acidic groups of the fertilizer. It should be understood that the polymers modified by these side reactions are to be understood as part of the present invention.



   The optimum improvement in soil constitution is obtained rapidly by intimately mixing said polymer with the soil by digging, plowing, disc work, harrowing or other methods commonly applied in agricultural technology. interesting improvements can be achieved by simply adding the polymeric products in aqueous solution or in the form of a dry powder with or without diluent or vehicle to the surface of the solo In the latter case, the polymeric product is mixes slowly with the soil following normal cycles of water supply and drying, freezing and thawing, etc.



   The ability of the roots of plants in the soil to absorb oxygen in the presence of large amounts of water is conveniently measured by the technique indicated by Webley, Quastel et al and described in detail in "Journal of Agricultural Science" 37, 257 (1947).



  According to this method, the roots of the plants are replaced by a micro-organism such as yeast and the rate of absorption of oxygen by the yeast suspended in a solution of glucose in a manometric method is measured. Warburg device. The carbon dioxide released by metabolism is absorbed by potash in a central sump so that the variations in the volume of the gases are those caused by the oxygen absorbed by the yeast and the micro-organisms of the sole. Oxygen by the same amount of yeast under optimum conditions is measured by means of a well-stirred suspension of yeast in a glucose solution in the absence of any solo particles. Although oxygen uptake by microorganisms normally found in the soil either

  low, compared to the relatively large amount of yeast used, it is measured by the uptake of oxygen in a Warburg flask containing plots of soil and the glucose solution but not containing yeast.



   Soils in good cultivated condition retain their constitution in porous plots in the presence of large amounts of water. The suspension of yeast in water is therefore distributed over a larger area and the oxygen can diffuse in relatively thin water films.



  Strong oxygen uptake by yeast is obtained with soils of this type. Poorly constituted soils break down and form sludge as the amount of water increases, and much less oxygen can diffuse in thick water films .-- Thus, the absorption of oxygen by the yeast in this type of soil is much weaker. Consequently, this technique makes it possible to measure the effect of the addition of products on the constitution of the soil by measuring the rate of respiration of the yeast in contact with the soil particles under well-controlled conditions.

   The speed of respiration is expressed as aeration factor (F.A.) given by F.A. =

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 Rate of oxygen uptake by yeast on soil elements X 100 Rate of oxygen uptake by yeast in a stirred glucose solution Soils with a favorable constitution give high FA values while soils with poor constitution results in low AF values



   More precise measurements of total soil stability are provided by the wet sieving technique, as described in the examples below. The aggregates formed by the soil must exhibit sufficient stability to maintain their individuality when subjected to causes of dispersion, such as falling raindrops, plowing, percolation of water, as well as compressive forces due to the overlying mass of the soil. Soil physicists have therefore used the measurement of total stability as a means of determining the quality of the solo constitution.
The presence of stable aggregates in the presence of water produces a combination of capillary and non-capillary pores while a poorly constituted soil has few non-capillary pores.

   The loose and porous character of a soil made up of stable aggregates allows the rapid infiltration of water and the rapid percolation of any excess water down through this solo The soil thus covers the conditions of optimum ventilation very soon after the rains have ended.



   The moisture content of the soil after free flow under the influence of gravity has removed excess water from the noncapillary pores, has been called "field capacity" and is very close to l 'moisture equivalent which is easily determined in the laboratory. Treatment of the soil with hydrophilic polymers increases the moisture equivalent significantly and, as a result, the treated soil retains a percentage higher water flowing through it after a rain. The fact that this additional water is not retained at the expense of adequate aeration has been proved above by the aeration factor.



   The depletion point, i.e. the moisture content of the soil at which plants are no longer able to extract enough water from the soil, defines the lower limit of the water available for de- plant development. The effect of hydrophilic polymers on this soil drain point is to raise it very slightly. Since the increase in the moisture equivalent is much greater than the increase in the depletion point, the treatment of the soil with polymers ensures a noticeable increase in the quantity of water retained. through the soil and likely to be used by plants.



   The increased infiltration and percolation exhibited by soils comprising stable aggregates, in the presence of water, results in reduced entrainment during rainfall and hence reduced erosion under water. action of running water. Due to their size and weight, the aggregates are less easily carried away by water and, moreover, they are stable against the destructive action of raindrops.



   The rate of evaporation of water from the surface depends on the constitution of the soil as well as the presence of organic colloids in the solo A soil having a good constitution, as obtained by the suitable treatment of the soil by means of one of the hydrophilic polymers in accordance with the invention and comprising aggregates which are stable in the presence of water, there are, in addition to the capillary pores, a large number of non-capillary pores. The action of these non-capillary pores consists in breaking the continuity of the capillary pores and thus slowing down the movements of humidity under the effect of capillarity. The transfer of capillary water to the soil surface is slowed down, reducing moisture loss by evaporation from the surface.

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   The working properties or consistency of a soil are influenced by the aggregation state of that soil. A soil of poor constitution, when treated with a hydrophilic polymer, loses its sticky feel and becomes friable and loose, at the same time that it takes on a plastic consistency when the water content grows and, compared to untreated soil, it generally behaves as if its moisture content were lower.



   To show that the polymers themselves have no harmful action on soil microorganisms and that the result is an improvement in the moisture contents and in the aeration of treated soils, a An experiment was made to measure the rate of nitrification in a treated soil and in an untreated soil This experiment requiring a soil comprising plots stable with respect to water, it was carried out with a soil forest having an excellent constitution. However, even with a soil having such a constitution, an increase in the rate of the nitrification has been observed in the case of a treated soil.

   The effect of increasing microbiological activity by treatment with polymers to improve soil constitution should extend to processes such as nitrogen fixation and soil formation. decomposition of organic matter with release of nutrients.



   Further details of the invention are given with reference to the following specific examples: Example 1.



   Aqueous solutions of the polymers were prepared by the following technical methods Polyacrylic amide. 10 g were dissolved. acrylic amide and 0.05 gr. of potassium persulfate in 90 milliliters of water and the solution was heated in an oven at 60 ° C. for 5 hours. Due to slight hydrolysis, the polymer contained some ammonium salt and imide groups in addition to acrylic amide elements. The solution was diluted with 400 milliliters of water for use in subsequent tests.



    Aminoethyl dimethyl polymethacrylate.



   10 g were dissolved. of polymethyl dimethyl methacrylate with 3.86 gr. glacial acetic acid and 0.2 gr. of potassium persulfate in 90 milliliters of water. The solution was then placed in an oven at 70 ° C. overnight before diluting it in 400 milliliters of water.



  Copolymer of sodium polyacrylate and vinyl alcohol.



   The suspension was made in a solution of 0.1 g. of stearic acid and 7 gr. of sodium hydroxide in 400 milliliters of water, 10 gr. of a finely ground copolymer of 95% acrylic nitrile and 5% vinyl acetate having a specific viscosity of 0.28 for a 0.1% solution in dimethyl formiamide. The solution was stirred and refluxed for 10 hours, and during this time the polymer dissolved due to the hydrolysis of the nitrile which produced amide groups and sodium salts of the carboxylated acid. . The resulting solution was adjusted to pH 8 by adding a small amount of hydrochloric acid, and the solution was diluted with water to make a total volume of 500 milliliters.



  Copolymers of acrylic amide and acrylic nitrile.



   We dissolved 90 gr. of acrylamide, 10 gr. of acrylic nitrile, 0.2 gr. of potassium persulfate and 0.1 gr. of sodium bisulfite in one liter of 50% methyl alcohol and this solution was heated for 4 days at 60 ° C. The precipitated polymer obtained was then filtered off, washed with methanol and dried. We dissolved 2 gr. of the substance obtained in 98 milliliters of water to try it.

 <Desc / Clms Page number 8>

 
 EMI8.1
 Pol: sodium methacrylate,
We dissolved, in a liter of water, 50 gr. polymethacrylic acid having an inherent viscosity of 1.25 (0.4% solution in dimethyl formiamide) with 17.5 gr. of sodium hydroxide.
 EMI8.2
 



  Pol, ammonium methacrylate.



   We dissolved 2 gr. polymethacrylic acid, described above, in a mixture of 96 milliliters of water and 2 milliliters of concentrated ammonium hydroxide.



  Ammonium polyacrylate
2 grams of polyacrylic acid having a specific viscosity of 8.3 (0.4% solution in water) were dissolved in 98 milliliters of water containing 2.8 milliliters of a concentrated aqueous solution. ammonia.



  Sodium polyacrylate.



   We dissolved 20 gr. of the above polyacrylic acid in 980 milliliters of water containing 11 gr. of sodium hydroxide.
 EMI8.3
 



  Copolymer of 35% methacrylic acid and 65% aminoethy- dimethyl methacrylate
6.5 gr were dissolved. of aminoethyl diethyl methacrylate and 3.5 g of methacrylic acid in 90 milliliters of water and 0.02 g. of potassium persulfate as a catalyst. The solution was heated to 60 ° C overnight and then diluted for use as a 2% solution.
 EMI8.4
 



  Copolymer of acrylamide (50%) and ammonium polyacrylate (50% L
We dissolved 2 gr. a copolymer of 50% acrylamide and 50% acrylic acid having a specific viscosity of 0.46 (0.4% solution in water) in 98 milliliters of water containing 0.9 milliliters of concentrated ammonia.
 EMI8.5
 



  The mother of ag = the acid (5CI) and of pol: ammonium methacrylate (50% -1 ..



   We dissolved 2 gr. of a copolymer of 50% acrylamide and 50% methacrylic acid having a specific viscosity (in a 0.4% solution in water having a pH of 5.66) equal to 2.3 in 98 milliliters of water containing 1 milliliter of concentrated ammonia.
 EMI8.6
 



  Copolymer of acrylic nitrile (s #) and the product of the alkaline hydrolysis of methacrylate acid (f50) a
To a solution of 15 milliliters of water and 50 milliliters of concentrated sulfuric acid were added 2 gr. of a copolymer of 50% methacrylic acid and 50% acrylic nitrile After a few days, the thick solution was diluted in water and heated to separate a polyacid still containing 40% of the nitrogen primitives We dissolved 2 gr. of the polymer after drying in 100 milliliters of a solution containing 1 milliliter of a 28% ammonia solution.



   The acid hydrolysis process has been applied to the following polymers.
 EMI8.7
 Vents: 95% acrylic nitrile and 5% vinyl acetate. acrylic nitrile gas and 2% vmvliaue acetate "$ acrylic nitrile and 2 ($ 1 methacrylic nitril, 84% acrylic nitrile and 11 'methacrylic nitrile with 5 vinyl acetate, 70% nitrile acrylic and methacrylic acid and polyacrylic nitrile.



    Example 2.



   It was air dried, pulverized and sieved through a 1 mm sieve. field soils. To masses of soil weighing 100gr 30 milliliters of an aqueous solution containing known quantities of the various polymers described in Example 1 were added and this sole was stirred well. to make the floor sticky.



  Some of the polymers gave a more marked increase in limit

 <Desc / Clms Page number 9>

 lower plastic and it was necessary to add an additional quantity of water of up to 10 milliliters to bring the soil in a state allowing the same work. The moist soil was crumbled and allowed to air dry. The soil was then sieved and plots were collected, the dimensions of which varied between 2 and 4 mm.

   We used 4 gr. of these plots in each vial for the determination of their properties in an apparatus of the Warburg type, according to the technique of Webley, Quastel et al, as described in the "Journal of Agricultural Science" 37, 257 (1947) except that a 1.5% suspension of Fleishmann dry yeast was used in place of the organism used by the latter.



  The results obtained with a Miami alluvial clay are shown in Table I. The effects of compost, sodium alginate and methylcellulose were associated therewith by way of comparison.



   The aeration factor measured by the Warburg device should be as high as possible in the presence of maximum water content. All soils are invaded by water if enough water is added and untreated soils which have received an addition of 62.5% water are saturated with water which prevents any access of air. Under these conditions, the aeration factor of the soil cannot be measured and the result is given in the table as "- -". Some soils are saturated for an addition of 50% water. As the water content of the soils increases, the aeration factor gradually decreases until the soil is saturated with water and any further development of yeast is prevented.

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   TABLE I Aeration factor of Miami alluvial silt or silt treated with 0.1% polymers
 EMI10.1
 
<tb> Concentration <SEP> Aeration factor <SEP>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> of <SEP> Quantity <SEP> of water <SEP> added
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Polymer <SEP> polymers <SEP>% <SEP> 25% <SEP> 37.5% <SEP> 50% <SEP> 62.5%
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> None <SEP> 0 <SEP> 105 <SEP> 90 <SEP> 35--
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Polyacrylamide <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 101 <SEP> 100 <SEP> 82 <SEP> 47
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.2 <SEP> 94 <SEP> 94 <SEP> 69 <SEP> -
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Polymethacrylate
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> aminoethyl
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> dimethyl <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 106 <SEP> 103 <SEP> 85 <SEP> 54
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0,

  05 <SEP> 116 <SEP> 102 <SEP> 74 <SEP> 53
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.02 <SEP> 109 <SEP> 88 <SEP> 58 <SEP> -
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> <SEP> copolymer of
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> polyacrylate <SEP> from
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> sodium <SEP> and <SEP> alcohol
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> vinyl <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 116 <SEP> 103 <SEP> 61 <SEP> 13
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Polymethacrylate
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
Ammonium <tb> <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 122 <SEP> 119 <SEP> 80 <SEP> 19
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Polyacrylate
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
Ammonium <tb> <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 112 <SEP> 100 <SEP> 69 <SEP> -
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Acrylamide <SEP> (50) <SEP> -
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Polyacrylate <SEP> from am-
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> monium <SEP> (50) <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 119 <SEP> 112 <SEP> 70 <SEP> 26
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Acrylamide <SEP> (50)

  -
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Polymethacrylate
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
Ammonium <tb> <SEP> (50) <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 112 <SEP> 110 <SEP> 66 <SEP> -
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> <SEP> acryl- copolymer
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> amide <SEP> (90) <SEP> and
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
Acrylonitrile <tb> <SEP> (10) <SEP> 0.2 <SEP> 117 <SEP> 102 <SEP> 75 <SEP> 47
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Alginate <SEP> of <SEP> sodium <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 118 <SEP> 100 <SEP> 53 <SEP> -
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> "Methocel <SEP> 50" <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 116 <SEP> 96 <SEP> 65
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> "Methocel <SEP> 1500" <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 126 <SEP> 102 <SEP> 61 <SEP> -
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Compost <SEP> 3.0 <SEP> 99 <SEP> 95 <SEP> 34 <SEP> -
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 1,

  0 <SEP> 82 <SEP> 79 <SEP> 20
<tb>
 
Sodium alginate and the product known as "methell" which is a commercially available methyl cellulose ether, provide little momentary improvement in patch constitution determined in the Warburg apparatus. . However, when the soil plots were subjected to slow percolation of water, these plots disintegrated within 3 to 15 days. Soils treated with acrylic acid derivatives, such as 0.1% polyacrylamide, showed no patch failure after 18 months.



  Example 3.



   The effect of polymers on the percentage of stable aggregates in the presence of water was determined by the following procedure. We added

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 at 100 gr. of Miami alluvial clay, pulverized so as to pass through a 0.25 mm sieve, 30 ml of distilled water containing the appropriate amount of polymer. The soil was stirred well and passed under pressure through a 4mm sieve. After drying for at least 2 days in a heated chamber with low humidity, air at 50 ° C. was blown over this floor for 10 minutes to complete the drying.



  Samples of 40 grams were then placed on the top sieve of a series of three 0.84mm, 0.42mm and 0.25mm sieves. arranged in order of decreasing dimensions. The tapes were raised and lowered in the water a distance of 1.5 inches at the rate of 30 cycles of operation per minute for 30 minutes. At the end of these 30 minutes, the screens were lifted, allowed to drain, the soil was dried at 80 ° C and weighed. The results are reported in Table II, in the form of a percentage of aggregates, stable in the presence of water, with dimensions greater than 0.25 mm. Miami alluvial clay with no added polymer exhibited almost no stable aggregate in the presence of water.

 <Desc / Clms Page number 12>

 



   TABLE II.



  Percentage of aggregates stable in the presence of water, with dimensions greater than 0.25 mm; in Miami alluvial clay after treatment with polymers.
 EMI12.1
 
<tb>



  Percentage <SEP> of <SEP> Percentage
<tb>
<tb> Polymer <SEP> polymers <SEP> in <SEP> of aggregates <SEP> su-
<tb>
<tb> the <SEP> soil. <SEP> perils <SEP> to
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 0.25 <SEP> mm.
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>



  Without <SEP> addition <SEP> of <SEP> polymer <SEP> 0 <SEP> 1.0
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Polyacrylamide <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 70.8
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 11.7
<tb>
<tb>
Aminoethyl <tb> Polymethacrylate <SEP>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> dimethyl <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 53.0
<tb>
 Sodium polyacrylate copolymer
 EMI12.2
 
<tb> and <SEP> of vinyl alcohol <SEP> <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 97.3
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.02 <SEP> 39.3
<tb>
<tb> Ammonium <SEP> polymethacrylate <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 70.7
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 4.5
<tb>
 Copolymer of methacrylic acid and
 EMI12.3
 e., 1. l "....... 0 '"
 EMI12.4
 ue 111C OüLiGl''léiteC.

   CL ti.ti1111V lWlC a..mië #
 EMI12.5
 
<tb> thylic <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 23.0
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.02 <SEP> 3.0
<tb>
 Acrylamide copolymer (50%) and
 EMI12.6
 , ¯¯¯-., ¯¯ 9 - - -. -,, p,
 EMI12.7
 u é: l, 1j.1 .- 'y.Lè: I. vI: 'u è: l.WW.V1,1.1. \. IJ.I.L 1 j Wp' -'t -'- ove o
 EMI12.8
 
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 3, <SEP> 5 <SEP>
<tb>
 Hy- methacrylic acid copolymer
 EMI12.9
 
<tb> drolyzed <SEP> by <SEP> an <SEP> alkali <SEP> (50%) <SEP> and <SEP> of acrylonitrile <SEP> (50%) <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 95 , 3
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 19.8
<tb>
 Hy- methacrylic acid copolymer
 EMI12.10
 
<tb> drolyzed <SEP> by <SEP> an <SEP> acid <SEP> (50%) <SEP> and <SEP> of acry
<tb>
<tb> lonitrile <SEP> (50%) <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 93.8
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 29,

  8
<tb>
 Acrylic nitrile copolymer
 EMI12.11
 
<tb> hydrolyzed <SEP> by <SEP> an acid <SEP> <SEP> (95%) <SEP> and
<tb> <SEP> vinyl acetate <SEP> <SEP> (5%) <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 97.0
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 15.5
<tb>
 Hydro- acrylic nitrile copolymer
 EMI12.12
 - - '- "- \ - .. 6 ..
 EMI12.13
 -Lyse by an aciae \) e a.acevaie
 EMI12.14
 
<tb> of <SEP> vinyl <SEP> (2%) <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 92.5
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 18.3
<tb>
 Acrylic nitrile copolymer
 EMI12.15
 nyaroiyse by an acid \.

   '6 (} fÓ) and
 EMI12.16
 
<tb> of <SEP> nitrile <SEP> methacrylic <SEP> (20%) <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 62.0
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 4.3
<tb>
<tb>
 

 <Desc / Clms Page number 13>

 Table II (Continued)
 EMI13.1
 
<tb> Polymer <SEP> Percentage <SEP> of <SEP> Percentage <SEP> of a-
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> <SEP> polymers in <SEP> upper <SEP> aggregates
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> the <SEP> ground <SEP> to <SEP> 0.25 <SEP> mm
<tb>
 Acid hydrolyzed acrylic nitrile copolymer (84%), methacrylic nitrile (11%) and
 EMI13.2
 
<tb> <SEP> vinyl acetate <SEP> <SEP> (5%) <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 82.3
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 25.3
<tb>
 
 EMI13.3
 Acrylic nitrile copolymer
 EMI13.4
 
<tb> hydrolyzed <SEP> by <SEP> an acid <SEP> <SEP> (70%) <SEP> and
<tb>
<tb> <SEP> methacrylic acid <SEP> (30%) <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 73,

  3
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 6.5
<tb>
 Polyacry- nitrile copolymer
 EMI13.5
 iaie nyaroiyse by an aC1ae u, 7 <, u
 EMI13.6
 
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 11.8
<tb>
<tb> "Carbowax <SEP> 6000" # <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 0.3
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 0.3
<tb>
<tb> Ether <SEP> from <SEP> polyvinyl <SEP> and <SEP> from <SEP> methyl <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 0.3
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 0.3
<tb>
 
 EMI13.7
 "Urea-Forn", 91 0.4
 EMI13.8
 
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 0.3
<tb>
<tb> "Methocel <SEP> 50" <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 15.5
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 0.5
<tb>
<tb> "Methocel <SEP> 1500" <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 15.3
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 0.5
<tb>
<tb> Alginate <SEP> of <SEP> sodium <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 41.3
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.01 <SEP> 0,

  3
<tb>
   # Polyethylene oxide Example 4 =
The moisture equivalent was determined by the Bouyoucos method as described in "Soil Science" 40, 165-171 (1935). Passed through a 2mm sieve. dry samples of soils treated with different polymers. These soils were filled flush with Buchner funnels having a diameter of 5 cm. and a depth of 2.5 cm. and these funnels were placed in a vase of water to soak for 24 hours. The funnel was then placed in a suction flask connected to a pump and left there for 15 minutes after the free water had disappeared from above the ground.

   The moist soil sample was then placed in a tared bottle for weighing and the moisture content determined by measuring the weight loss after heating to 105 ° C. All moisture equivalent determinations were made. two fold.



   The exhaustion points of soil treated with different polymers were determined by the method of Breazeale and McGeorge as published in "Soil Science" 68, 371-374 (1949). We surrounded the stem of a tomato plant with 20 to 30 gr. of soil contained in a glass tube of 3 cm. of diameter

 <Desc / Clms Page number 14>

 and 5 cana in length. The ends of this tube were capped with half caps and sealed with a mixture of paraffin and beeswax. After a few weeks, roots appeared in the enclosed earth.

   The soil samples were left in place for a further 6-8 weeks to allow the soil to reach its depletion point, after which they were removed and their moisture content determined o Measurements were performed in duplicate each time .



   TABLE III.
 EMI14.1
 
<tb>



  Percentage <SEP> Equivalent <SEP> Point <SEP> Percentage <SEP> of <SEP> the increase
<tb>
<tb> from <SEP> to <SEP> from <SEP> sess <SEP> from <SEP> humidity <SEP> dis-
<tb>
<tb> Treatment <SEP> polymers <SEP> humidity <SEP> then <SEP> available <SEP> by <SEP> report <SEP> to
<tb>
<tb> in <SEP> se- <SEP> witness.
<tb> the <SEP> solo <SEP> ment.
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>



  Indicator <SEP> 0 <SEP> 24.2 <SEP> 7.6
<tb>
 Am- polymethacrylate
 EMI14.2
 
<tb> monium <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 26.3 <SEP> 8.0 <SEP> 12.0
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.05 <SEP> 27.4
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.02 <SEP> 25.1
<tb>
 Ammonium polyacrylate
 EMI14.3
 
<tb> nium <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 25.7 <SEP> 8.9 <SEP> 1.2
<tb>
 Sodium-al- polyacrylate copolymer
 EMI14.4
 
<tb> cool <SEP> vinyl <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 31.2 <SEP> 9.6 <SEP> 30.1
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.05 <SEP> 28.1
<tb>
<tb> id <SEP> 0.02 <SEP> 25.0
<tb>
<tb> Polyacrylamide <SEP> 0.1 <SEP> 26.1 <SEP> 9.1 <SEP> 2.4
<tb>
 Example 5.



   The effect of treating a well-constituted forest terrain with 0.1% polymethacrylate ammonium and 0.1% polyacrylamide was determined as follows: 30 gr. of plots of soil in a variation of the sprinkler apparatus described by Lees & Quastel, in the "Biochemical Journal" 40, 803-815 (1946) and a solution of ammonium sulfate was circulated to M / 30 Continuously to Maintain Solo Humidity From time to time, a sample was removed from the solution to analyze its nitrate content by a colorimetric method. Table IV gives the nitrate concentration at different times.



   TABLE IV.



  Allure of nitrification in a good forest soil modified by polymers.



   Concentration of NO3 (popomo) at different times
 EMI14.5
 
<tb> Soil <SEP> 0 <SEP> 2 <SEP> days <SEP> 5 <SEP> days <SEP> 9 <SEP> days <SEP> 13 <SEP> days
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Forest <SEP> soil <SEP> witness <SEP> 3 <SEP> 5 <SEP> .8 <SEP> 25 <SEP> 60
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Soil <SEP> forest <SEP> + <SEP> 0.1%
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> from <SEP> polymethacrylate
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> of <SEP> sodium <SEP> 3 <SEP> 5 <SEP> 9 <SEP> 31 <SEP> 76
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Soil <SEP> forest <SEP> + <SEP> 0.1%
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> of <SEP> polyacrylamide <SEP> 358 <SEP> 39 <SEP> 100
<tb>
 

 <Desc / Clms Page number 15>

   Example 6.



   The following figures show the favorable effect of water-soluble polyacrylic acid derivatives on plant development. 70 radish seeds were sown in each of the wooden frames containing different treated samples of Miami alluvial clay. After a 50-day stay in a greenhouse, under uniform temperature and humidity conditions, the radishes were harvested, headed and weighed.

   In Table V, the yields obtained are compared with those of a soil containing no addition tending to improve their constitution and with those of soils containing additions already known intended to improve their constitution, such as extracts of bog, sodium alginate and methylcellulose The yield improvement factor is obtained from the total radish yield obtained in the frames and thus indicates the percentage improvement in germination as well as the improvement in average radish dimensions.



   TABLE V.



  Growth of radishes in a Miami alluvial clay containing addi- tions to improve its constitution.
 EMI15.1
 
<tb>



  Germina- <SEP> Rende- <SEP> Factor <SEP> Weight <SEP> Factor
<tb>
<tb> Processing <SEP> tion <SEP> ment <SEP> en. <SEP> of am- <SEP> average <SEP> of amélio =
<tb>
<tb> ra <SEP> emen <SEP> radis <SEP> bind- <SEP> des <SEP> ration <SEP> en
<tb>
<tb> tion <SEP> of <SEP> radish <SEP> dimension
<tb>
<tb> yield <SEP> sions
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> None <SEP> 79% <SEP> 19 <SEP> gr. <SEP> - <SEP> 0.35 <SEP> gr.

   <SEP> -
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 0.1% <SEP> of <SEP> polyacrylate
<tb>
<tb> of <SEP> sodium <SEP> 93 <SEP> 93 <SEP> 4, <SEP> 9 <SEP> 1.43 <SEP> 4.1
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 0.02% <SEP> id <SEP> 89 <SEP> 78 <SEP> 4.1 <SEP> 1.26 <SEP> 3, <SEP> 6 <SEP>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 0.1% <SEP> of <SEP> polymethacry-
<tb>
<tb> late <SEP> de <SEP> sodium <SEP> 84 <SEP> 124 <SEP> 6.5 <SEP> 2.18 <SEP> 6.2
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 0.02% <SEP> id <SEP> 90 <SEP> 83 <SEP> 4.4 <SEP> 1.32 <SEP> 3.8
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 0.1% <SEP> of <SEP> methacrylate
<tb>
<tb> of <SEP> polydimethyl-
<tb>
<tb> aminoethyl <SEP> 94 <SEP> 57 <SEP> 3.0 <SEP> 0.86 <SEP> 2.5
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 0.02% <SEP> id <SEP> 81 <SEP> 73 <SEP> 3.8 <SEP> 1.28 <SEP> 3.7
<tb>
 Example 7.



   Development experiments were carried out under conditions identical to those of the preceding examples, except that sodium alginate and methylcellulose were used, which are the polymers previously used for improving the quality. constitution of the solo The following table shows the effect of these substances on the yields of radishes developing under identical conditions

 <Desc / Clms Page number 16>

 TABLE VI.
 EMI16.1
 
<tb>



  Efficiency <SEP> Factor <SEP> of am- <SEP> Weight <SEP> Factor
<tb>
<tb> total <SEP> improvement <SEP> of average <SEP> <SEP> of improvement
<tb> Processing <SEP> yield <SEP> of <SEP> tion <SEP> in
<tb>
<tb> radish <SEP> weight
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> None <SEP> 31 <SEP> gr. <SEP> - <SEP> 0.53 <SEP> -
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Alginate <SEP> of <SEP> sodium <SEP> 19 <SEP> 0, <SEP> 6 <SEP> 0.30 <SEP> 0.6
<tb>
<tb> Methulcellulose <SEP> 34 <SEP> 1.1 <SEP> 0, <SEP> 60 <SEP> 1.1
<tb>
 
The indications given in Examples 6 and 7 indicate that the water-soluble polymers of acrylic acid and its derivatives have an effect on the constitution of the sol which is quite different from that produced by sodium alginate. and methylcellulose.



   The use of the water soluble polymers of acrylic acid and its derivatives in combination with the nutrients supplied to the plants gives a remarkable combined result. The presence of the copolymers in the soil makes it possible for growing plants to use, in a more efficient manner, the nutrients available in the solo As fertilizers are generally required on a periodic basis for to maintain optimum uninterrupted soil fertility, the use of acrylic polymers in combination with fertilizers allows fertilizers to be applied less frequently or less abundantly to maintain a uniform average agricultural production.

   The proportions of acrylic polymer and fertilizers in the combined product added to the soil depend to a large extent on the requirements of the crop to be considered as well as the nutrient content and soil constitution before treatment. it may be necessary to add to previously untreated soil a product containing nutrients and acrylic polymers in approximately equal order amounts. For example, generally useful compositions can comprise 10 to 90% nutrients and 10 to 90% acrylic polymers.

   Compositions having higher or lower proportions for one or the other of the constituents can be used in particular cases :, For example, a soil already treated previously can require a composition containing only 1 to 10% of polymer. and from 90 to 99% nutrient, the small percentage of polymer being necessary to replace the small amounts lost by washing out, by the destructive action of soil bacteria or by other analogous mechanisms.

   Compositions containing only less than 10% of the nutrient can be used for particular applications. In soils of excessively poor constitution, which have not been used or have been used only occasionally for several years and which may contain a relatively high proportion of nutrients.



   Since ordinary organic fertilizers contain only low nutrient contents and serve primarily to improve soil constitution, a role which is played more effectively by polymers of acrylic acid, Non-nutrient fractions of organic fertilizers are less essential. Therefore, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an inorganic fertilizer with a high content of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, having lower concentrations of products necessary for the development of the plants, is used. . Such fertilizers generally consist of mineral nutrients and may comprise 15 to 50% of their weight of elemental nitrogen, P2O5 and K2O.

   Mineral fertilizers are usually defined by giving the approximate content of each of the three nutrient ingredients.

 <Desc / Clms Page number 17>

 the most necessary by means of a series of three figures representing the approximate concentration of elemental nitrogen, of P2O5 and of K2O respectively o Compositions which can be used for the treatment of the soil in the most general case are given below: 50 parts by weight of polyacrylic amide and 50 parts by weight of inorganic inorganic fertilizer 4-12-4 30 parts by weight of sodium polyacrylate and 70 parts by weight of fertilizer 6-10-14 (Vigoro).



   When the metal ion of the polymer salt itself has a fertilizer value or when an ammonium salt is used, it is not necessary for inorganic fertilizers associated with the polymers to exhibit the te - usual high level of this element. If desired, one of the nutrients generally found in the complex fertilizer can be completely removed when a substantial proportion of the polymeric salt of that element is used. As a result, there may be mentioned as applicable formulas - in the general case, the following compositions 70 parts by weight of ammonium polyacrylate, 10 parts by weight of potassium sulphate and 20 parts by weight of superphosphate.



  60 parts by weight of potassium polyacrylate and 40 parts by weight of inorganic 6-12-2 fertilizer.



  40 parts by weight of polymethacrylate of ammonium and 60 parts by weight of inorganic fertilizer 2-14-4.



   Although it is preferred to use a combination with an inorganic mineral fertilizer, it is also possible to use a combination with organic fertilizers; thus, acrylic polymers can be applied to soils at the same time as the product known under the trade name of "Milorganite", urea, sludge from black water, soybean flour, guano, 'crushed bone fertilizer, animal fat residues, dried blood, peat bog extracts and compost.



  Example 80
Radishes were planted in frames containing Miami alluvial clay, treated with various manures and organic composts at 1% and with polymers at 0.05%. Table VII shows the effect of the polymers. alone and their effect in combination with an inorganic fertilizer, as compared with manure and organic compost, the nutrient content of which is a high multiple of the corresponding content in mineral fertilizers.

 <Desc / Clms Page number 18>

 



   TABLE VII.



  Comparison of polymers and polymers incorporating nutrients with 1% organic manure and compost in Miami alluvial clay with regard to radish development.
 EMI18.1
 
<tb>



  Am- <SEP> factor <SEP> Am- <SEP> factor
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Treatment <SEP> Germination <SEP> improvement <SEP> of <SEP> improvement <SEP> of
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> the <SEP> size <SEP> yield.
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> medium., <SEP> # <SEP> #
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Witness <SEP> n <SEP> 1 <SEP> 83% <SEP> 0.93 <SEP> 0.84
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Witness <SEP> n <SEP> 2 <SEP> '90 <SEP> 1.07 <SEP> 1.16
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> Manure <SEP> dry <SEP> of <SEP> cow <SEP> 61 <SEP> 2.3 <SEP> 1.6
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 1% <SEP> "Milorganite" <SEP> (a) <SEP> 49 <SEP> 0.64 <SEP> 0.34
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 1% <SEP> Compost <SEP> Frazer <SEP> (b) <SEP> 88 <SEP> 1.0 <SEP> 1.0
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 1% <SEP> Peat <SEP> 83 <SEP> 1.1 <SEP> 1,

  0
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 1% <SEP> Compost <SEP> of <SEP> waste
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> of <SEP> cocoa <SEP> 83 <SEP> 1.1 <SEP> 1.1
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 0.05% <SEP> of a <SEP> mixture <SEP> con-
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> tenant <SEP> 98% <SEP> of <SEP> salt <SEP> of <SEP> so-
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> dium, <SEP> <SEP> acrylic acid <SEP>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> and <SEP> 2% <SEP> vinyl alcohol <SEP> <SEP> 85 <SEP> 1.7 <SEP> 1.7
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> the same <SEP> + fertilizer <SEP> 6-10-4
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> (0.05%) <SEP> 78 <SEP> 3.4 <SEP> 3.0
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> 0.05% <SEP> of <SEP> polymethacrylate
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> of <SEP> sodium <SEP> 90 <SEP> 1,2 <SEP> 1,2
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> the same <SEP> + fertilizer <SEP> 6-10-4
<tb>
<tb>
<tb>
<tb> (0.05%) <SEP> 85 <SEP> 2.1 <SEP> 2.0
<tb>
 (at)

   Blackwater sludge produced by the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.



  (b) Produced by the issues and wastes of Frazer Products, Inc.



   * All these treatments are compared to the average of the controls.



   CLAIMS.



     1. Stabilized surface layer of the soil containing in the state of dispersion from 09001 to 2% by weight of a water-soluble polymer of a compound having the structural formula:
 EMI18.2
 n being a small number between zero (0) and one (1) inclusive and X being a radical from the group comprising -OK, -ONa, -ONH4, -ONRH3, -ONR2H2, -ONR3H, -OH, -NH2, - OCH2NR2, - OCH2CH2NR2, -NCH2CH2NR2, -NHR and -NR2, where R is an alkyl radical comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

** ATTENTION ** end of DESC field can contain start of CLMS **.


    

Claims (1)

2. Stabilized surface layer of soil according to claim 1, characterized in that the water-soluble polymer is a polymer of a compound selected from acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acryl- amide, methacrylamide, salts of an alkali metal, of an amide or of ammonium, of acrylic or methacrylic acid, dalkyllami-noethyl acrylates, alkylaminoethyl methacrylates or ammonium salts, substituted in alkyl, acrylic and methacrylic acids, said alkyl radicals comprising up to 4 carbon atoms, <Desc / Clms Page number 19> 3. Stabilized surface layer of soil containing, in the state of dispersion from 0.001 to 2% by weight of a water-soluble polymer, of an acid having the structural formula: EMI19.1 n being a low integer between zero (0) and one (1) inclusive. 4. Stabilized surface layer of soil according to claim 3, characterized in that the polymer consists of a polyacrylic amide. 5. Stabilized surface layer of soil according to claim 3, characterized in that the polymer consists of a poly-methacrylic amide. 6. Stabilized surface layer of soil according to claim 3, characterized in that the polymer is obtained by hydrolysis of a polymer containing at least 70% of acrylic nitrile and up to 30% of another mono monomer. -olefin capable of being polymerized. 7. Stabilized surface layer of soil according to claim 3, characterized in that the polymer is a salt of polyacrylic acid. 8. Stabilized surface layer of soil, according to claim 3, characterized in that the polymer is a salt of methacrylic acid. 9. A fertilizer composition comprising an inorganic plant nutrient and a water soluble polymer of a compound having the structural formula EMI19.2 n being a small integer between zero (0) and one (1) inclusive and X being a radical chosen from among the following - OK, -ONa, -ONH4, EMI19.3 - ONRH3, - ONR2H2, - ON13H, ¯ OH, -NH, 2, - OCH2NR25 - OCH2CH2NR2> - NCHCH1VR, - NHR and -NR2 where R is an alkyl radical containing up to 4 carbono atoms 10. A fertilizer composition according to claim 9, characterized in that the water soluble polymer is a polymer of one of the following compounds acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, methacrylamide, alkali metal salts, an amine or ammonium of acrylic or methacrylic acids, alkylaminoethyl acrylates, alkylaminoethyl methacrylates or alkyl substituted ammonium salts of acrylic and methacrylic acids, the alkyl radicals containing up to 4 atoms of carbon. 11. A method of improving soil constitution which comprises adding a water soluble polymer of a compound having the structural formula EMI19.4 n being a small integer between zero (0) and one (1) inclusive and X being a radical chosen from the following groups - OK, -ONa, -ONH4, EMI19.5 -ONRH3, -0NR2E2, -ONR3H, - OH, - NE2, - OCHZNR2, - OCE2CE2NR2, - NCH2CH2NRZ, -NHR and -NR2 where R is an alkyl radical containing up to 4 carbon atoms. <Desc / Clms Page number 20> 12. Method according to claim 11, characterized in that one adds to the sol a water-soluble polymer of a compound of the group comprising acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, acrylamide, methacrylamide, alkali metal, amine or ammonium salts, acrylic and methacrylic acids, alkylaminoethyl acrylates, alkylaminoethyl methacrylates and alkyl substituted ammonium salts, acrylic and methacrylic acids , the alkyl radicals comprising up to 4 carbon atoms. 13. Method for improving the constitution of the soil comprising the addition to the soil of a water-soluble polymer of an acid derivative having the structural formula: EMI20.1 where n is a small integer between zero (o) and one (1) inclusive. 14. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the polymer is a polyacrylamide. 15. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the polymer is a polymethacrylamide. 16. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the polymer is obtained by hydrolysis of a polymer containing at least 70% of an acrylic nitrile and up to 30% of another mono-olefinic monomer capable of being polymerized. 17. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the polymer is a salt of polyacrylic acid. 18. Method according to claim 13, characterized in that the polymer is a salt of methacrylic acid. 19. Stabilized surface layer of soil essentially as described above. 20. A fertilizer composition essentially as described above. 21. A method of improving the soil structure essentially as described above.