Improve m la sl v of mae.re. & ¾ni ero~n¾at yie ni$ to la¾sts

The present invention claims -priority under 35 USC 1 10(e) and 35 USC 120 to US

Provisional No. 62/160,918 filed May 13, 2015 and to US Application No. 14/740,327 filed lime 16, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated, by reference in their entireties.

Field of Invention.

The present invention relates to improving the efficiency of man-made and/or natural organic-based animal manure fertilizers by administration of formulations containing poly (organic acids), j P(OA}]$, and/or their salts dispersed in a on-a ueous Organic Solvent Delivery System (NOSDS). Utilizing a NOSDS allows for coating all components in a fertilizer formulation including but not limited to Urea, Manure, mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP), di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), solid kronntiieMs such. as lime, zinc chloride, etc.) ith a layer of P(OA)]s and/or their salts that liberates, in a plant available form, the mieronittrient metals and

macronutrients, that are hound as insoluble salts and complexes in the soil. The carboxylic groups of a fP(OA) j that can exist within the | PiOA}| as carboxylic acids, caiboxy!ic anhydrides and/or carboxylic imides, dispersed within the NOSDS, can be neutralized with one or more metals in the form of -elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates and metal carbonates and/or nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonia, amrnoniimi. hydroxide or orgaeoammes to form a stable dispersion that can contain completely completed niicronutrien.ts and provide the vehicle for the delivery of these nutrients to soi ls and/or as a coating to the surfaces fertilizer granules and seeds. The metal or metal portions of one of the reactants can further be defined for this invention, as Na, K, M.g, C , Fe. Zn, n,€», Co„ Mo, or Ni . Organoarnine is one or more -of the group consisting of mono C M _> amine, di Ot* amine, tri Ct* amine, mono ethanol amine, diefhanol amine, triethanol amine, monoisopropyi amine, diisopropyl amine, tmsopropyl amine, diethyl amine, dieihylerte triamme, triethyl tetraamrne, tetraethyl pentaiuine. It has also been discovered that P(OA)]s and/or their salts can he produced in. situ in a NOSDS utilizing organic acids and/or esters monomers dispersed/suspended within the NOSDS, heated to a polymerization temperature with or without catalyst -and hen neutralized/reacted with one or more macronutrients and/or mkronutrienis. The liquid compositions of (P(OA)}s in a. NOSDS and the methods to produce a [P(OA j within a NOSDS results in a fiowab!e, low moisture liquid that can. ^' be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or applied safely, quickly, evenly and economically on the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil and seeds.

BACKGROUND OF THE I VE TI Macronutrienis ( , K, Ca, Mg, P„ and S } and MicroniJirients (Fe, B, Mn, Za, C» _? Mo, Co, and ) are crucial to a plant's growth,, development, disease resistance and various metabolic pathways such as photosynthesis. Plant available micronutrieut insufficiencies are due to traditional fanning methods thai have exhausted the soil and to the microaulrient metals existing as water insoluble salts and complexes. Many of the water insoluble forms in the soil involve a metal cation and boron, sulfur, or phosphorous based anions. A deficiency in raicronutrienis results n poor plan growth and development and thus in diminished yields (Mortvedt 1990). Plant requirements for many of the micronutrients can be as low as parts/million in the plant tissue, it is known that increasing the plant available mictonutrient metal ions by addition of comp!exed metal ions to the soil or to plant foliage or by freeing up micronutrients, bound in the soil as an. insoluble salts or complexes, in a plan absorbable form can help to significantly alleviate soil deficiencies and assist in development, growth, and disease resistance of the plants.

Phosphorous is second to nitrogen as the most limiting macronuirient. in the case of phosphorus fertilizer, 40% of landscape soil is considered to contain inadequate levels of phosphorus for woody plant growth. Moreover, most of the phosphorus in the soil is largely inaccessible as it exists in a form that is not soluble in water and thus is not readily available to plants. In some cases, only 0. 1% of the total soil phosphorus is in the form of a water soluble ion, the only form which can be absorbed by the plant. Adequate and accessible soil phosphorus is essential for optimal crop yields. Phosphorus enables a plant to store and transfer energy, promotes root, flower and fruit development, and allows early maturity. Phosphorus is also involved in many processes critical to plant development such as photosynthesis where plants utilise organic phosphorous compounds when converting sunlight to energy. Without enough phosphorus present in the soil, plants cannot grow sufficient root structure, which is ke to the plant's ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Moreover, wood plants, without sufficient root structure cannot maintain, an. equilibrium between roots and shoots, which is key to surviving drought, windy weather, and/or pests. Many of the nutrients required by plants axe locked into salts and complexes that are water insoluble and therefore not plant available. To overcom these challenges, the agriculture industry has turned to chelates and anionic based polymers to form water soluble complexes with metal cations such as the raicxoBirtrients Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu, Co Ni, Zn, and Mo resulting in freeing up bound macronuhients such as phosphorous. The current deliver system technology of the chelates and polymer based products is water. Water i not only an excellent solufeil ng dispersmg medium for chelates and |P(OA)]s, bid. can solvate a high load of water soluble metal salts. However, the use of water soluble metal salts can form insoluble complexes with chemisiries thai allow them to be available in the soil but unavailable to the plant. Coating a fertilizer with water based products can result in severe clamping of the fertilizer granules during blending, or gelling of the | ^' PCOA)|s due to high -electrolyte content caused by the fertilizer granule dissolving into the water. Clumping has a negative impact on its effectiveness to complex with metal cations, and or it requires a drying ste for seed coatings to prevent pre-mature sprouting or the growth of mold and mildew, which ultimately destroys the seeds. The use- of aqueous based systems als has a deleterious impact on tbe urease inhibitor NBFT. The agricultural industry needs a technology that is able to easily, safely, evenly, and economically coat fertilizer granules and seeds with non-aqueous, liquid formulations that contain | ^' P(OA) s that can form water soluble metal cation complexes and free up bound macro-nutrients such as phosphorous.

RESCRIPT IO OF RELA ED AR

To present, multiple products have been developed to try to:

* increase the efficiency of the release ofmacronutrients, such as phosphorus, from a fertilizer tbrrnulafcion in plant absorbable form,

* Release nutrients bound in the soil as insoluble sails and complexes

* Deliver a fertilizer formulation that contains micronutrients in a plant available form.

* Develop a coating for seeds:

o that is not water based as high moisture content may be detrimental to the heal tli and viability of the seed

o that can delivered desired micronutrients during the seed's germination o that can provide a hydrophilic coating that can act as a moisture pump to assist in insuring that the seed does not dry out after distribution on the soil when the external seed coating has begun to deteriorate allowing moisture to penetrate to the coating containing [P(QA)j dispersed in the NOSDS.

The mechanisms of action for the vast majority of these products are similar. When a fertilizer containing phosphorus is applied to the soil, most of the phosphoro us is in a water-soluble phosphate ion form, the onl y orm of phosphorus that is readil y absorbed by the plant, in the presence of moisture, however, these soluble phosphate anions can form complexes with metal cations such as calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum . These salts have very low solubility in water and thus, cannot be readily absorbed by plants. Polymers with negatively charged ions can complex with the metal cations resulting in a freed, water-soluble phosphate anion and with the metal cation in a plant available form. Both the phosphate anion and the P(OA) j complexed cation are sow more readily available to plants for absorption. Various methods or variations of the above described mechanism are listed m the patents below, which are Incorporated by reference in their entireties. These method have been proposed and developed for the release of nutrients bound in the soil a delivery system for raicronuirients to soil and to seeds and the ma ¼chiring processes to produce the metal cation compiexing (P(OA)]s.

Boehrake (US Patent No. 4,839,461) teaches how to synthesize and use a man-made version of polyaspariic acid and its salts that prevents incrustations fonned by the metal ions that are responsible for hard water, Boehmke mrther discloses that this compound can be used as a fertilizer.

Ashmead (US Patent No. 4,172,072) discloses the use of protein sources to form metal proteinates, which are in a biologically accepted form. Others reveal, carboxylic containing entities either as monomers or as polymers such as Danzig ( US Patent No. 4,799,953), which utilizes polymers of thiolactie acid or thioglycoiic add and thiolactie acid, dhhiobispropanoie acid and dithiohisacetic acid, Kirmersley (US Patent No. 4,813,997), which utilizes glycolic and/or lactic acid, and Young (US Patent Nos. 4,863,506 and5,059,24J) that disclose that d-lactic acid can promote increased plant growth, increased concentration of chlorophyll, and increase the rate of root formation.

Gill (US Patent No 5,047,078) utilized scale inhibiting compounds such as those based on polymers of ethyl.enical.ly unsaturated carboxylic acids and/or maleic acid anhydride monomers and or phosphorous based chelators such as dihydroxy ethylidene di hosphate acid to make available nutrients hound in the soil as insoluble salts and complexes resulting in increased, growth and yields.

Kinnersiey (US Patent Nos. 5,350,735 and 5,593,947) an Koskart {US Patent Nos. 5,783,523 and 5,814,582) teach using poly (organic) acids like poly (amino acids) such as poly(aspartic) acid to enhance fertilizer uptake and promote plant, growth.

Sanders (US Patent Nos, 6,753,395, ,756,461 , 6,818,039, and 8,043,995) demonstrate tha man-made [P(OA)]s based on maleic, itaconic and/or citraconic anhydrides can be utilized to enhance nutrient uptake by plants.

Sanders (US Patent Nos, 8,016,907 and 8,025 ,709) show the importance of having a quick drying product that one can apply to the surface of granules for fe tilizer. Sanders accomplish this by using 10-50% of a vola tile alcohol such as methanol.

Many -of thes disclosures- are now available in the marketplace. A 30% aqueous solution of sodium salt of a nialeic-itacome copolymer, (US Patent No. 6,51.5,090 , Sanders), is marketed under the brand name Avail. Another polymer containing 40% sodium pol.y~lys.ine aqueous solution is marketed as P-Max in the US market. A similar polymer, poiy-aspartate, was also used for this purpose (US patent No 5,350,735 to Kinnersley}. in the market a composition that contains 30% aqueous solut on of sodium poly-aspartate Is marketed as X1 D (Flexible Solution International).. These products have been shown to increase the presence of maeronutrients and micronutrients i plant tissue. ,

However, all these products suffer from the same drawback. Most fertilizers components tend to be solid granules and water soluble. The above-stated patents are almost exclusively based on aqueous solutions and/or they contain > 5% water, in many cases, the solid fertilizers applied with a coating of an aqueous solution/dispersion can form agglomerations clogging field application equipment and making it difficult to ensure an even distribution of fertilizer on fields, if these granules of fertilizer have also been coated with a moisture-sensitive urease inhibitor like an alky! thiophosphoric triamide, the presence of moisture from water based products will result in degradation of these important urease inhibitors, negatively impacting/limiting their performance. Some innovations .have to be sold as a costly, separate application product because of the presence of water. While other inventions teach that polymers are dried to .form powders and then blended into fertilizer compositions or by binding the j ^' P(QA)] and or its salt to the fertilizer granules through liquid polymers that act as a glue. However, this methodology usually requires drying to remove the binder's solvent to promote P(OA)| adhesion to the granule surface. Newer technologies utilize volatile organic solvents to promote quick drying, but this approach increases the VOC release and utilizes a low Hash point alcohol such as methanol adding an unnecessary flammable hazard to the processing of fertilizer. But of these methods cannot utilize simple equipment such as a blender or mixer to apply a formulation comprising a layer of [F(OA)]s and/or their salts on the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil and seeds safely, quickly, evenly, and economically.

For coating seeds with micron lrients, many technologies utilize aqueous delivery systems that .require an ex tra drying step. Because of the sensitivity of seeds to heat, most drying is accomplished either with vacuum extraction or through low temperature air flow drying. The drying process is usually slow, can cause seeds to be dried below the moisture levels required for good seed viability and adds cost to seed production. Various methods or variations of the above described, mechanism are listed in the patents below, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

Barclay ( US patent No 5,994,265) reveals seed coating composition including molybdenum (molybdenum trioxide), a .sulfur-containing component (gypsum) and an aqueous binder .{polyvinyl _, alcohol) for improving seed and seedling performance.

Barclay also recognized the importance of limiting the moisture content of the seeds/coa ting as to the quality and viability of the seed. Johnson (OS patent No 7,00)., 869s teach how to produce a coated seed with a treatment based an. antimicrobial agent and other additives.

Obert (US patent NO 6,557,298) teaches the utility of dry seed, coatings and that it helps to avoid the spoilage and premature germination problems associated with use of high water content. However, in practice the application of such powders is accompanied by severe and undesirable dusting during processing and in application.

To address these problems, there is a need for a non-aqueous liquid formulation that can easily, safely, evenly and economically coat fertilizer granules and seeds without resulting in agglomeration dining blending and storage. These non-aqueous liquid formulations contain components that will liberate bound nutrients are safe for contact with humans and animals, have low moisture, be environmentally .friendly and be applied as a coating to fertilizer and seed utilizing simple blending equipment

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIO

The present invention is comprised of one or more organic solvents that create a non-aqueous organo solvent delivery system., (NOSDS), and one or more polyiorganic acids)„ |P(OA)]s, and/or their salts that results in a stable, non-aqueous dispersion that can coat fertilize granules and seeds easily, safely, evenly and economically.

In an embodiment, the present invention provides more flexibility for fertilizer manufacturers and farmers to produce ferti lizers designed for a particular soil while including one or more of a NOS.DS/ P(OA)]s formulation, nitrification, inhibitors, urease inhibitors, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and micronutrients.

hi an embodiment, the present invention relates to improving the efficiency of man-made and/or natural organic-based animal manure fertilizers by administration of formulations containing polyt rganic acids), [P(OA) s, and/or their salts dispersed in a Non-aqueous Organic Solvent Delivery System (NOSDS). Utilizing a NOSDS allows for coating all components in a fertilizer formulation, including but not limited to Urea, Manure, mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP), di- ammonium phosphate (DAP), solid micronutrients such as lime, zinc chloride, etc.) with a layer of |P(OA)]s and/or their salts that liberates, in a plant available form, he rnicronutrieni metals and maeronutrients., that are bound as insoluble salts and complexes in the soil. The carhoxybc groups of a fP(OA)] that can exis within the P(OA)| as carboxyHc acids, carboxylie anhydrides and/or carboxylie iraides, dispersed, within the NOSDS, can be neutralized with one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates and metal carbonates and/or nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide or organoamines to form a stable dispersion that ears, contain completely completed mkroaatneats nd provide the vehicle for tile deliver of these nutrients to soils and/or as a coating to the surfaces fertilizer granules and seeds. The metal or metal portions of one of the reaotant can farther be defined for this invention as Na, , Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cn, Co, Mo, . Organoamine is one or more of the group consisting of mono C ₅ . ₆ amine, di C;.* amine,, tri C amine, mono ethane! amine, diethaaoi amine, triethanol amine, ouoisoprop l amine, diisopropyl amine, triisopropyl amine, diethyl amine, diethy!ene t iamine, iriethy! tetraamine, tetraet ^' hyl penta me. It has also been learned that [P(OA)]s and/or their salts can be produced in situ in a NOSDS utilizing organic acids/esters monomers dispersed/suspended within the NOSDS, heated to a polymerization temperature- with or without catalyst: and then neutralized/reacted with one or more macronutrieuts and/or micronutrienis. The liquid compositions of [P(OA»s in a NOSDS and the methods to produce a P(OA) within a NOSDS results in a flowable, low moisture liquid thai can be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or applied safely, quickly, evenly and economically on the surface of solid .fertilizer granules, soil and seeds.

A sal t of a P(OA} | is defined in this invention as the reaction/neutralization of one or more of the carboxylic groups of a | ^' P(OA)] that can exist wi thin the [P(OA)] as carboxylic acids, carboxylic anhydrides and/or carboxylic- imides with one or more metals in the form, of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates and metal carbonates and/or with nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide or organoamines resulting in a stable dispersion of salts of P(OA)| in a OSDS. The metal or metal portions of one of the reaclauts can further be defined for this invention as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Z-n, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and/or . An organoamine is one or more of the group consisting of mono€j.« amine, di Ci-« amine, tri amine, mono eihanol amine, diethano! amine, triethanol amine, monoisopropyl amine, diisopropyl amine, triisopropyl amine, diethyl amine, diethylene triamine, irieihyi tetraamine, and teiraethyl penfiurnne.

In embodiments, the -present invention also relates to improved solvent formulations

(NOSDS) for I P(OA) |s and/or their salts for application, to man-made and/or natural organic based animal manure fertilizers. In a variation, |.P{OA)]s may be solid chemical, substances, which are dissolved in a suitable NOSDS to allow application at low levels in the field. Additionally, nonaqueous solutions of [P(OA)]s may be desirable when they are to be incorporated as components of a granular mixed fertilizer:, such that ihey can be deposited as. a coatin in a con trolled and

homogenous layer. In one embodiment, the (P(O ))s can be produced in situ utilizing the starting organic acid/ester monomers dispersed/suspended within the NOSDS, heating the formulation to a polymerization temperature, with or without catalysis, and then neutralizing/reacting the formulation with one or more macronuirients and/or micronutrients. The composition can be uti!ked for coating fertiliser granules and seeds and/or added to liquid fertilizers. In. one embodiment, this mve&tion proposes formulations of NOSDS that comprise mixtures containing aprotic- and/or protic solvents, which fire more environmentally friendly and are safe for manufacturers, transporters and others who work with/handle the compositions formulations.

in one embodiment, improved liquid del ery formulations have beers developed mat deliver effective levels of [P(OA)]s and/or their salts that can liberate nuCrienis bound in the soil as insoluble salts and complexes. It has been found that the liquid delivery formulations of the present invention provide a liquid vehicle, NOSDS, to deliver an even, non-clumping layer of the desired [P(OA)]s and/or their salts to the surfaces of fertilizer granules and/or seeds. These new liquid deli ery formulations for |P(OA))s and/or their salts are non-aqueous organo solvent delivery systems, GS DSs, that improve the storage life of fertilizers containing urease inhibitors such as alky! triphosphoric triamides , aeetohydroxaoue acid and its derivatives, phosphodiamidates relative to those formulations containing greater than .1 % water. In fact, because of the present invention, one can now combine [P(OA)]s and/or their salts , nitrification, inhibitors, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and urease inhibitors in one product by either blending together the dispersions of each active ingredient or by combining the pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and the nitrification and urease inhibitors in the same improved solvent formnlation(s), NOSDS.

In embodiments, the present invention is compositions formuktions of F(OA)]s and/or their salts i a OSDS thai;

* Is environmentally safe;

Has flashpoints above 145" F;

* Is inherently rated safe for contact with humans and animals;

· ^· Provides stable dispersions of P(OA) ]s or their salts at levels of 1. -50% in. the

NOSDS at storage temperatures down to at least 10*0;

* Provides improved even application of a coating to fertilizer granules and seeds while not causing clumping of the fertilizer granules, premature seed germination and does not support of the growth of moid and mildew on seeds;

* Will not detrimentally impact the stability of alky! thiophosphoric triamides.

In one embodiment, it has been discovered that while various organic solvents might meet some of the above criteria, the delivery system of the present invention can be optimized to provide a formulation with, a high concentration of [P(OA)]s and/or their salts while maintaining a low chill point by combining two or more organic solvents as a NOSDS. In one embodiment, one process for preparing the formulations of the present invention is to heat the combined solvents to temperatures 60 - 1 00" C and then charging the P(OA)]s and/or their salts in. a combined level of 10-60% of the total Formula composition, which- can be dissolved in the NOSDS with moderate agitation.

In one emhodime»t _s the present invention relates to an effective solvent combination that comprises dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), which can be used, in combination with another liquid organ© solvent thai has a low chill point and good solvaiing properties. Besides the advantages listed above, DMSO also has the advantage of potentially serving as a source of the important nutrient sulfur,

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

in an embodiment, the present invention is comprised of one or mote organic sol vents thai create a non-aqueous organo solvent delivery system, (NOSDS), and one or more poly{organk acids) , [P(OA)js, and/or their salts in a stable, non-aqueous dispersion that can coat fertilizer granules and seeds easily, safely, evenly and economically.

A salt of a | P(OA) is defined in (his invention, as the neutralization of one or more of the carboxylic (carhoxy ^' iate) groups of a |P(OA) | that can exist within, the |.P(OA}] as carboxylic acids, carboxylic anhydrides and/or carboxylic imides with one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates and metal carbonates and/or nitrogen containing compounds sach as ammonia, ammonium, hydroxide or organoamines resulting in a stable dispersion of salts of P(OA)j in a NOSDS, The metal or metal portions of one of the reactant can further be defined for this invention as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Pe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and/or Ni . [An organoamine is one or more of the group consisting of mono CM, amine, di Cu; amine, tri amine, mono ethanol amine, diethanol amine, iriethano! amine, monoisopropyl amine, diisopropyl amine, triisppropyl amine, diethyl amine, dieihylene trianiine, triethyl tetraamine, and tetraethyl penta ine.

These delivery Formulations not only provide a liquid vehicle to deliver an even, no.u- clumping coating of the desired | P(OA) ]s and or their salts to the surfaces of fertilizer granules and/or seeds, but it has been discovered that formulations based on non-aqueous organo solvent delivery systems, NOSDS, do not negatively impact the storage life of the important, urease inhibitors, such as alky] thiophosphoric triamides (such as NBPT). Aikyl thiophosphoric triamides have been shown to be extremely effective urease inhibitors but if present in combination with an aqueo siy dispersed [P(OA) ^" | and/or its salt, it will suffer .from degradation upon storage if exposed to moisture present in aqueous dispersions. Thus, in one embodiment the present invention relates to compositions that are substantially free of water.

In an embodiment, a stable dispersion of one or more P( A}J$ and or ^' their salts in a onaqueous organo solvent delivery system, NOSDS, can contain and one- or more of the following; * Urease ialnbitor(s);

* Nitrification innihitor(s);

* Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides

a. food coloring or dye may be used to improve the visual evidence of complete coverage and serve as a visual marker;

* scents or masking agents to improve the odo of the formula;

* nomouie, anionic, canonic, zwitterionic, and /or amphoteric surfactants to

improve formula application performance of fertilizer granules;

* buffering agents, microimtrients and/or flo modifiers such as silica, zinc stearate,

calcium stearate and the like.

In one embodiment, die improved solvent formulations. NOSDS, of the present invention meet one or more of the following criteria: They;

• Are environmentall safe;

• Have -flashpoints above 145" F;

Are inherently rated safe .for contact with humans and animals:

• Provide stable dispersions of j P(OA) ]s or their salts at levels of 1 -50% within a

NOSDS at storage temperatures down to at least K C;

Provide improved even application of a coating to fertilizer granules and seeds while not causing clumping of the fertilizer granules, premature- seed germination and does not support of the growth of moid and mildew on seeds;

Will not detrimentally impact the stability of alkyi thlophosphoric iriamides.

in one embodiment, a stable non-aqueous, liquid formulation can be produced that comprises a sodium potya paxtate (polymer weight === 500 to 10,000 or alternatively about 1000-7500 or alte nately 1500-5000 or alternatively about .1750-3000} and -a NOSDS. I an. embodiment, the formulations can be ma.de by dissolving the sodium polyaspartate into a NOSDS comprised of one or more of the following a) one or more protic solvents from the grou consisting of

I) an alcohol from the family of (¾ο a!kano!s , 2) polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylol propane, trimethylol ethane, pemaerythritoi, sorbitol and sorbUan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and/or glycerin, 3} poiy(Cj.io aikylene) glycols, 4) alkyleae glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene, 1 ,3 propylene glycol, 1,2 propylene glycol, and/or buiyiene glycol, 5} isopropyiide s.e glycerol 6) aikylene glycol alkyi ethers selected from, the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropyiene glycol butyl, ethe and or dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7} ethyl, propyl, or butyl lactate, 8) an alkanolamine selected from (he group- consisting of eUmnoiamme, diethanolamine, o^ropanolamme, methyl diethanoi amine, onoisopropanolarfmte and/or triethanolasitae a»d r 9) glycerol carbonate-,

b) and /or one or more aprotic solvents from the group consisting of

i) Dimethyl Sulfoxide and/or 2) dialkyi diary], or alkylaryl. sulfoxide! s) having the formula: R S(0) _x R

wherein R and R _^ e each independently a C _. aikylene group, an ar l group, or

C _. alkyieneary! group or R and R with the sulfuric which they are attached form a 4 to 8 mannered ring wherein R. and R together am a C aikylene group which optionally contains one or mo e atoms selected from the group consisting of 0, S, Se, Te, N, and P in the ring and x is I or 2.

3} aikylene carbonates selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate and/or butylene carbonate, 4) polyo!s capped with acetate or formate wherein the polyol portion may be one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,3 propylene glycol, 1 ,2 propylene glycol, butylene glycol, trimeihyloi propane, imethyioi ethane, -pentaeryUmtol, sorbitol and sorbiiaa, glucose, fructose, galactose and/or glycerin, 5) aikylene glycol alky! ethers acetates selected from the group consisting of dipropyleae glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, and/or tripropytene glycol butyl ether acetate and/or, 6) isopfaorone, 7} dimethylsuccmate. dimethyl, adipate, diethyl glutaraie, and/or dimethyl glutamic, 8) dimethy.lacetami.de, dime ylformamide, dimethyl-2- nidazolidinone 9) hexaniethyiphosphoramsde, 10) 1 ,2-dimethyloxethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 1 1 } eyclohexylpyrroiidone and/or !2) limonene.

Additionally, he liquid delivery formulations of the present invention .may optionally contain one or more of the following:

⁴ Urease inhibitor^};

* Nitrification inhihiior(s);

* Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides

a food coloring or dye may be used to improve the visual evidence of complete coverage and serve as a- visual marker;

* scents or masking agents to improve the odor of the formula;

* nomonic, anionic, eationic, x hterionic, and /or amphoteric surfactants Co

improve formula application performance of fertilizer granules;

* buffering agents, -micfonutrienrs and/or flow modifiers such as silica, zinc stearate,

calcium stearate and the like. In an embodiment, the formulation may contain one or more- [P(OA}]s and/or their salts comprised of the following monomers either as homopolymen^ copolymers and/or terpolymers at effective levels m the OSDS wherein they may be present in an amount between about 5 - 50% of the total amount of the formulation. The [P(OA)]s may be

* aspartic acid

* Ci -€« partial or di- ester of aspartic acid

* glutamic acid

* C j "Q partial or di- ester of glutamic acid

* maleic anhydride

* iiaconic anhydride

* citraconic anhydride

* citric acid

* Ci -Cj partial or tri- ester of citric acid

* acrylic acid

* Cj -G$ partial or Ml ester of acrylic acid

* niethacfyiic acid

* C j ~C,5 partial or M! ester of.methacrylic acid

* raalese acid

* Ci -Ci partial or di- ester of maleic acid

* itaconic acid

* C 3 -Q partial or di- este of itaconic acid

* citraconic acid

* € ; € _i: partial or di- ester of citraconic acid

In an embodiment, an 80/20 to 20/80 mix of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and ethylene glycol is made and subsequently polyaspartic acid (or its salt or ester) is added with the polyaspariate being about 5-45% by weight of the total composition. In an embodiment polyaspariate is added, under agitation, to the combined solvents that have been heated in a mixing vessel at a desired temperature of about 0°C to 150°C, or alternatively at a temperature of about 1 °C to 120°C or alternatively, at a temperature of about 20°C to 100 ^U C, or alternatively between about 50"C and IO0°C, and mixed until the polyaspariate acid is completel dissolved. The heated mix vessel, in this embodiment, may be jacketed and the temperature carefully controlled. In an embodiment, the mixing action should allow complete mixing without too much aeration, in a variation, the healing may be accomplished using hot water or low pressure steam to control any ho spots on wails of the vessel to prevent heat degradation. At this stage, the mixture can be cooled to about 35°C and then Che.NBPT can be added and agitated until completely dissolved. The mixture can be cooled to 25°G or below and one or more of the following may be added, if desired:

Urease inhibitors);

Nitrification inhibitors);

* Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides

* a food coloring or dye may be used to improve the visual evidence of complete coverage and serve as a visual marker;

* scents or masking agents to improve the odor of the formula;

* nouionic, anionic, cationic, zwitterionic. and /or amphoteric surfactants to

improve formula application performance of fertilizer granules;

^» buffering agents, micronuCrients and/or Sow modifiers such as silica, zinc stearaie,

calcium stearaie and the like, ,

it should be recognized, that in the temperature range given above, the ranges are set so as to allow adequate dissolution of the various compounds. The inventors recognize that should a compound he added mat has temperature stability issues, the additions may be under reduced pressure conditions so as to prevent temperature sensitive degradations of the one or more compounds but at the same time allowing their dissolu tion in the NOSDS.

in an embodiment, a po! succinimide (PSI) powder (molecular weight of 1000 - 0,000 may be added at a 5-50% level relative io a composition comprising ethylene glycol under agitation and at a temperature of 60 - 80 ^{! ,} C, The mixture is then, heated to 100 - 180°C and held until all particles are dissolved. An alkaline or acid catalyst such as KOH or pTSA can be added to improve conversion from PSI to Polyaspariate Poly - EG ester. The hatch is then cooled to 50 - °C. in an

embodiment, .KOH Hakes are slowly charged, the temperature is held at 50 ~ i 00 ¾ and mixed until all the KOH ilaiies are dissolved, in an embodiment, the mixin action might include one or more of high shear devices such a a cowles blade, a colloid mill, a rotor stator and/or a hail mill. in an embodiment, a po!ysuccimmide {PSI) powder (molecular weight, of 3000- 5000) may be added at a 5-50% level relative to a composition comprising ethylene glycol under agitation and at a temperature o 0 - 80°C, The mixture is then heated to ί 00 - 80°C and held until all particles are dissolved and the PSI i converted t a Poiyaspartate Po!y-EG ester. An alkaline or acid catalyst such as KOH or pTSA can he added io improve conversion from PSI io Poiyaspartate Poly - EG ester. The hatch is then cooled to 50 - 8Q°C and the EG ester groups are partially saponified with enough of one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates and metal carbonates and/or with nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonia. anirnonium hydroxide or orgaaoamines to ibra* a stable dispersion within, the ethylene glycol The metal or metal pactio s of one of the reactant can further be defined for this inventio as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Ma, Co, Co, Mo, and/or Ni . An organoamine is one or more of the group consisting of mono CM; amine, di amine, tri Cj.< _> amine, mono ethanol amine, diethanol amine, methanol amine, monoisopropyl amine, diisopropyl amine, triisopiopyl amine, diethyl amine, die hylene triamine, methyl tetraamine, and tetraethyl pentamine.

In an embodiment the mixing action might include one or more of high shear devices such as a cowles blade, a colloid mill, a rotor stator and/or a bail mill

In another embodiment, polyaspartate., ammonia salt, may be present at a 10-50% level in a solution mix ofDMSO and ethylene glycol at a ratio of about 80/20 to 20/80. In this embodiment, polyaspartate ammonia salt may be added, under agitation to a NOSDS that is a blend of protic and orotic solvents that have been heated irs a mixing vessel to a desired temperature of about 0€ to 60°C, or alternatively, to a temperature of about 10°C to 50°C ami, alternatively, to a temperature of about 20 ^U C to 40°C and mixed until the polyaspartate, ammonia salt, is completely dissolved. Also in this embodiment, the heated mix vessel may be jacketed and temperature controlled. In an embodiment, the mixing action may allow complete mixing without too much aeration. In an embodiment the mixing action might include one or more of high shear devices such as a cowles blade, a colloid mill, a rotor stator and/or a ball mill. The heating may be accomplished using hot water and/or low pressure steam to- control any hot spots on the walls of the vessel, which can prevent heat degradation. At this stage, the mixture can be cooled to about 25 °C or below and one or more of the following additives may be added, if desired:

Urease iuMbitoi(s);

* Nitrification inhibitor(s);

* Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides

a food coloring or dye may be used to improve the visual evidence of complete coverage and serve as a visual -marker,

* scents or masking agents to improve the odo of the formula;

nonioaic, anionic, canonic, zwhieriome, and /or amphoteric- surfactants to

improve formula application performance of fertilizer granules;

·· buffering agents, mieroitutrients and/or flow modifiers such as silica, zinc siearats, and/or calcium stearate.

In an. embodiment, polyaspartate and or its acid, may be added, at a 5-50·% level relative to a composition comprising ethylene glycol, irt this embodiment, polyaspartate acid may be added, under agitation, to the solvent thai has been heated in a mixing vessel at a temperature of about 0"€ lo 60°C and mixed until the poiyaspartate is completely dissolved , in an embodiment the heated mix. vessel may be jacketed arid the temperature controlled., in a variation, the mixing action allows complete mixing without too much aeration. The heating can be accomplished using hot water and/or low pressure steam to control any hot spo ts on the walls of the vessel to prevent heat degradation. At this stage, the mixture may be cooled to 25°C or below and one or more of the follow ing may be added, if desired:

Urease inhibitor^};

* Nitrification inhibitors);

• Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides

a food coloring or dye may be used to improve the visua l evidence of complete coverage and serve as a visual marker;

• scents or masking agents to improve the odor of the formula;

* no ionic, anionic, cationic, z itterionic, and /or amphoteric surfactants to

improve formula application performance of fertilizer granules;

• buffering agents, micronutrients and/or flow modifiers such as silica, zinc siearate, and or calcium siearate.

In an embodiment poiyaspartate ammonia salt may be incorporated, at a 5-50% level relative to the amount of ethylene glycol In this embodiment, polyaspariate ammonia may be added, under agitation, to the protic solvent that has been heated in a mixing vessel at a temperature of about 0°C to 60°C and mixed until the poiyaspartate ammonia salts are completely dissolved. The heated mix. vessel may be jacketed and the temperature controlled. In a variation, the mixing action allows complete mixing wi thout too much aera tion. The heating can be accomplished using hot water or low pressure steam, lo control, any hot. spots on. the walls of the vessel to preven heat degradation. In a variation, th mixing action might include one or more of high shear devices such as a cowies blade, a colloid mill, a rotor staior and/or a bail mill. At this stage, the mixture may he cooled to 25°C or below and one or more of th following may be added, if desired:

Urease iimibitor(s);

Nitrification mbibitor(s);

·· Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides

^♦ a food coloring or dye may b used to improve the visual evidence of complete coverage and serve as a visual marker;

» scents or masking agents to improve the odor of the formula; • «on.to.ak, anionic, cationk, zwitterionk, and /or amphoteric surfactants to improve formula application performance of fertilizer granules;

* buffering agents, mieronutrients and/or flow modifiers such as silica, zinc stearate, and/or calcium stearate.

In ars embodiment, polyraaletc anhydride may be produced in a solvent such as xylene utilizing a.rs organic peroxide as a catalyst and using a process known to those of skill in the art . The resulting solvated poly (organic acid.) can undergo solvent replacement by charging an aprotic NOSDS comprised of one or more of I ) Dimethyl Sulfoxide and or 2} dialkyl, diary!, or a!kylaryl suSibxidefs) having the formula: membered ring wherein R and ft together are a C _. alkyiene group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N, and P in the ring and x is I or 2.

3) alkyiene carbonates selected from the group consistin of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate and/of bntylene carbonate, 4) polyois capped with acetate or formate wherein the polyol portion may be one or more of ethylene glycol, 1 ,3 propylene glycol, 1 ,2 propylene glycol., bulylene glycol, trimethylo.1 propane, trirnethylo ^' i ethane, pentaerythtitoi, sorbitol and so.rb.itan, glucose, fructose, galactose and/or glycerin, 5) alkyiene glycol alkyl ethers acetates selected from the group consisting of dipropylen glycol methyl ether acetate, trip o yleue glycol methyl ether acetate, and tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate and/or, 6) isephorone, 7) dimethylsucoinafe, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate, and/or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimethylscetamide, dimemylformamide, diroetfay!-2- imidazolidinone 9) hexame ylphosphoramide, .10) 1 ,2-d.imethylox ethane, 2-methoxyethyI ether, 1 1 ) cyclohexylpyrrolidone and/or 12) Ihnonene.

One may then begin to strip the unwanted solvent out either by differential boiling points or by fee use of a- vacuum (such as by use of a rotary evaporator) until the unwanted solvent is reduced to a level that is less man about .1%. The polyiaaleic anhydride can he neutralised within the NOSDS to a desired pH with one or more metals i the form of elemen tal metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates and metal carbonates and/or with nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide or organoataines resulting in a stable dispersion of salts of [P(OA)j in a NOSDS. The metal Or metal portions of the reactants can further be defined as Ha, K, Ms, Ca, Fe, Zu, Mil, Cu« Co, Mo and Mi or mixture- thereof Organoamme is one or more of the group consisting at mono€;„ ₍ ; amine, di Cw amine, tri amine, mono eihanol amine, diethanoi amine, iri h noi amine, monoisoprppyi mine, diisopropyi amine, uitsopropyl amine, diethyl amine, diethylene iriamine, triethyi letxaamme, teiraeihyl peniairhne.

If water results from neutralization or from the addition of aqueous solutions of these alkalis, the water can be removed by stripping (such as by use of a rotary evaporator) through temperature or through lower temperature/vacuum to ensure a low moisture formula. Other .known means o removing water can be used such as by use of molecular sieves or by addition of a drying agent (such as a;?8i>4 or MgSO*) and subsequent filtration.

in an embodiment, potassium polyaspartate can be incorporated n amounts thai are about 10- 45% of a formulation mixture th i also contains ethylene and propylene glycol at ratios from about SO/20 to 20/80, In an embodiment, potassium polyaspartate may be added, under agitation, to the combined solvents that have been heated i a mixing vessel at a temperature of about 0"C to 150 ^o C, or alternatively to a temperature of abou 2tfC to 130"C, or alternatively to a temperature of about 40"C to 12(fC, or alternatively to a temperature of about SO^C to I (K€, and mixed until the potassium polyaspartate is completely dissolved. In an embodiment, the heated mix vessel may be jacketed and the temperature carefully controlled. In a variation, the mixing action allows complete mixing without too much aeration. Heating can he accomplished using hot water or low pressure steam to control any hot spots on the wails of the vessel to prevent heat degradation to the potassium polyaspartate. Alternatively, the mixing may be done at reduced pressure, the action can be performed in an inert atmosphere (such as but not limited io nitrogen, argon and/or carbon dioxide) to limit thermal or oxidative degradation and/or the mixing action might include one or more of high shear devices such as a cowles blade, a colloid mill, a rotor stator and/or a ball mill . At this stage (after die initial mixing), the mixture may be cooled to about 25°C or below and one or more of .the fo lowmgmay be added, if desired :

Ureas inhibitoris);

* Nitrificatio ioiribitor(s);

* Pesticides, herbicides, fungicides and insecticides

a food coloring or dye may be used to improve the visual evidence of complete coverage and serve as a visual marker;

·· scents or masking agents to improve the odo of the formula;

* iioniome, anionic, cationfc, zwitterionic, and /or amphoteric surfactants to

improve formula application performance of fertilizer granules;

^» buffering agents, micronutrients and/or flow modifier such as silica, zinc stearaie, and/or calcium stearate. In another variation, the mixture of P(OA)|s in NOSDS can be placed under h gh shear agifcation such as but not limited to an o verhead -agitator equipped with a cowles blade or a rotor suitor mixer to assist in reducing viscosity of the mixture. In an embodiment, the present invention relates to making a stable non-aqueous dispersion of a polyaspartate salt in a NOSDS. In a variation a polysucciniroide is heated to .100 ^■ - 160°C in the presence of an excess of a protie NOSDS re-suiting in the formation of a polyaspariate-ester dispersed in the protie NOSDS which is subsequen tly saponified with one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates and metal carbonates and or with nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide or organoamines resulting in a stable dispersion of salts of { P(OA)3 in a NOSDS. The metal or metal portions of the reac-tants can further be defined as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe _s Zn, Mrt, Cu, Co, Mo and . An organoamine is one or more of the group consisting of mono Cj:. _f ; amine, di Ci. _f ; amine, tri amine, mono ethanol amine, diethanol amine, trietbano! amine, monoisopropyl amine, diisopropyl amine, triisopropy! amine, diethyl amine, diethyierte triamine, triethy! tetraamine, and tetaethyl peaiamine. In a variation, protie and/or aprotic solvent(s) can be added to the freed protie solvent to give the composition the desired coating properties.

in an embodiment, the present invention relates to making the liquid compositions that can be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or applied safely, quickly, evenly and economically on the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil and seeds. In a variation, a polysuccinimide is heated to 100 - 160°C in the presence of an excess of a protie solvent resulting in the formation of a

polyaspartate-ester dispersed in the protie solvent which is subsequently reacted with oxides, hydroxides & carbonates of zinc, calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper, cobalt, and or nickel resulting in a stable dispersion of micron utrient salts of polyaspartic acid ester in NOSDS , In a variation the micron utrient salts of poSyaspartic acid ester in NOSDS -can be fully neutralized with one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates and metal carbonates and/or with nitrogen containing corn-pounds such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide or organoamines resulting in a stable dispersion of salts of j (OA) j in a NOSDS. The metal or metal portions of the reactants can further be defined as Na, , Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo and NL An organoamine is one or more of the group consisting of mono C-

monoisopropyl amine, diisopropyl amine,, riisopropyl amine, diethyl, amine, diethylene triamine, triethyl tetraamine, and/or tetraethyl pentanime. The NOSDS is free to become a. component of the composition's organo solvent system. In a variation, the complexed micronutrients have- also been showuto have urease inhibition performance and thus can act both as a. microi¾« rient and as a urease inhibitor.

Irs an embodiment, the present invention relates to ^' making th liquid compositions that can be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or applied safely, qinckiy, evenly and economically on the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil and seeds, In a variation, a poiysuceinim.de is heated to 40- 8 °C m the presence of an aprotic NOSDS and mixed until ihe polysoceinirnide is completely dissolved. This dispersed [P(OA> can be partially or fully neutralized with one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates and metal carbonates and/or with nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide or orgauoaniines resulting in a stable dispersion of salts of [P(0A)J in a NOSDS. Th metal or metal portions of the reaeiants can further be defined as Ma, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo, and. Ni. An organoamine is one or more of (he group consisting of mono CV _> amine, di C amine, tri CM amine, mono ethanot amine, dieihanol amine, trieihanol amine, monoisopropyl. amine, diisopropyl amine, iriisopropyl amine, diethyl amine, dieihyiene triamine, triethyi tetraamme, and/or tetraethyl pentaniine. The reaction vessel can be placed under vacuum to remove any residual water formed or introduced.

in an embodiment, the present invention relates to making the liquid compositions that can be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or applied safely, quickly, evenly and economically on the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil and seeds. In a variation, a reactive monomer or a blend of reactive monomers such as but not limited, to aspanie acid and/or glutamic acid is heated to 100 ~ 1 S5°C in the presence o f a. molar excess ofprotic NOSDS resulting in t he formation of a poly (organic-ester) which is subsequently saponified, freeing the NOSDS to become a component of the organo solvent system, with one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal, alkylates and .metal carbonates and/or with nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide or organoamines resulting in a stable dispersion of salts of i P(OA) | in a NOSDS. The metal or metal portions of the reactants can further he defined as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, .Mn, Cu, Co, Mo and Ni. An organoamine is one or more of the group consisting of mono C-3-6 amine, di C amine, tri C amine, mono ethanol amine, dieihanol amine, trieihanol amine, monoisoprppyl amine, diisopropyl amine, iriisopropyl amine, diethyl amine, dieihyiene triamine, iriethyl ietraamine, and/or tetraethyl peniam.ine. In. a variation the molar ratio of th NOSDS to reactive monomer is 1.2 to I . In another variation, the molar ratio of the NOSDS to reacti ve monomer is 6 tol . in another variation the molar ratio of the NOSDS to reactive monomer is 2 tol. to another variation the molar ratio of the NOSDS to reactive monomer is 10 ioi. In one variation, the molar ratio may be any ratio between about 0.5 to 1 and 1.0 to .1. In a variation, the weight ratio of the NOSDS to reactive monomer is 10% to 90%, hi another variation, the weight ratio of the NOSDS to reactive monomer is 90% to 10%.

in an embodiment, the present invention, relates to ^' making th liquid compositions that can be readily mixed with liquid fertilizers or applied safely, quickly, evenly and economically on the surface of solid fertilizer granules, soil and seeds. I« a variation, a reactive monomer or a blend of reactive monomers such as but not limited, to acrylic acid, maleic anhydride, maleic acid, citra.co.Hic anhydride itaconic anhydride and/or itaconic acid is heated to 6 - 140°C in the presence of a molar excess proiic NOSDS and with a free radical catalyst such as but not limited, to ammonium persulfate, benzoyl peroxide and/or di-tert butyl peroxide resulting in the formation of a poly (organic-ester) which is subsequently saponified, freeing the NOSDS to become a component of the organo solvent system, with one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates and metal carbonates and/or with nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonia, ammonium hydroxide or organoarames resulting in a stable dispersion of salts of |P(OA) J in a NOSDS. The metal or metal portions of the reactants can farther be defined as Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, MR, CU, CO, MO and Ni An organoamiae is one or more of the group consisting of mono C .fi amine, di C« amine, tri Q-e amine, mono ethanol amine, diethanol amine, triethanol amine, monoisopropyl amine, diisopropyl amine, triisopropyl amine, diethyl amine, diethylene triamine, triethyl teiraamme, and/or tetraethyl pentamine.

In a variation, the molar ratio of the NOSDS to reacti ve monomer is 1.2 io 1. in another variation, the molar ratio of the NOSDS to .reactive monomer is 6 to! . In another variation the molar ratio of the NOSDS to reactive monomer is 2 to! . in another variation, the molar ratio of the NOSDS to reactive monomer is 10 to 1. la one variation, the molar ratio may be any ratio between about 0.5 to 1 and 10 to 1.

hi a variation, the weight ratio of the NOSDS to reactive monomer is .10% to _: 90%. In another variation, the weight ratio of the NOSDS to reactive monomer is 90% t 10%.

in an embodiment, polyacrylic acid may be produced in sol vent such as methyl ethyl ketone using a peroxide catalyst and a process known to those experienced, in the art. The resulting solvaied poly (organic acid) can undergo solvent replacement by charging an aprotk NOSDS comprised, of one or more of 1) Dimethyl Sulfoxide and/or 2) diaikyi, diaryl, or aikyiaxyl sulfoxide(s) having the formula:

sSiO) _;

wherein R and are each independently a C a!kyleae group, an aryl group, or C alkyteaearyl group or R nd R with the salfyrto which they are attached form a 4 to 8 membered ring wherein SR. and R together are a€ aikylene group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, N, and P in the ring and x is 1 or 2.

and/or 3) aikylene carbonates such as ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate and/or butylene carbonate aad /or 4) pol ols capped with acetate or formate wherein the polyo! portion .may be one or more of ethylene glycol, 1,3 propylene glycol 1 ,2 propylene glycol, btuylene glycol, irimethy!ol, propane trimethylol ethane, pentaeryihritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose,, galactose and/or glycerin 5) aikylene glycol alkyl ethers acetates such as tripropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate and/or 6) isophorone 7) dimethylsucciuaie, dimethyl adipats, diethyl ghnarate, and/or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimethylacetatnide, dtmethylformaraide, dimet.hyl-2- .irnidazoiidinone 9) hexaffiethylpiiospiiorafflide, .10) 1 ,2-dimethylox ethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether,. 1 1 ) eyciohexyipyri'olidone, and/or .12} limonene.

Sithsequently, one can then begin to strip the unwanted solvent out either by differential boiling points or by the use of vacuum until the unwanted solvent is reduced to a level thai is less than about .1 %. The polyaerylic acid can be neutralized in the new NOSDS to a desired pH with one or more metals in the form of elemental metals, metal oxides, metal .hydroxides, metal, alkylates and metal carbonates and/or with nitrogen containing compounds such as ammonia, ammonium

hydroxide or organoatnines resulting in a stable dispersion of salts of | P(OA) | in a NOSDS. The metal or metal portions of the reaciants can further be defined as Na, , Mg, Ca, Fe, n, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo and Ni. A organoamine is one or more of the group consisting of mono amine, di amine, tri d«a amine, mono ethanol amine, diethanol amine, methanol amine, monoisopropyl amine, diisopropyl amine, triisopropyl amine, diethyl amine, diethylene triauuue, iriethyi tetraanune, and/or tetraethyi pentamine. if water resulting from neutralization or from the addition of aqueous solutions of these alkalis is present, the water can be removed by stripping (such as by use of a rotary evaporator) through temperature or through lower temperature/vacuum to insure a low moisture formula. Alternatively, molecular sieves or drying agents and filtration may he used.

in an embodiment, one or more additional urease inhibitors, one or more additional jpP(OA)]s and/or one or more additional nitrification inhibitors may be added to formulations of the present invention. In an embodiment, the additional urease inhibitor, [P(OA)]s and/or nitrification inhibitors may be dissolved in the mixture, in an embodiment., useful mixtures may be prepared either by dilution or mixture with liquid fertilizers. Examples of the present formulation include adding the liquid invention to an. aqueous mixture of urea and ammonium nitrate (U AN) or coating -with the liquid invention by contacting the mixture with solid fertilizers components such, as formulation including but not limited to Urea, Manure, mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP), di-aramoniurn phosphate (DAP), solid micronutrieats such as lime, zinc chloride, etc). In an embodiment, coaled granular fertilizer can be prepared by using any commercially available equipment in which granular product can be mixed or sprayed with the liquid invention. A Oow aid, silicas or surfactants such as soap or nonionic surfactants may be added prior to addition of the liquid for improved dispersability.

in an embodiment, the resulting coated fertilizer can be applied to soil in either a liquid and/or a granular form to provide improved nutrient retention in the soil, for uptake for plant life. in an embodiment, the active ingredients are comprised of one or more nitrification inhibitors, one or more urease inhibitors, one or more pesticides, one or more fungicides, one or more herbicides and/or one or more insecticides dispersed, within a stable liquid, formulation comprised of a one or more pes! yaspartie acid and/or its salts and a OSDS (such, as the ones described herein).

In an embodiment, the composition may comprise one or more of surfactants, buffers, fragrance/odor masking agents, colorants, micro-nutrients, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and/or flow modifiers,

in an embodiment, the composition is substantially free of water.

in an embodiment, the present invention relates to fertilizer additives. In ^' one embodiment, the fertilizer additive comprises one or more nitrification, inhibitors, one or more pesticides, one or more fungicides, one or more herbicides, one or more insecticides and one or more urease inhibitors within a stable liquid formulation comprised of a one or more j P(OA)]s and/or their salts and a NOSDS.

in an embodiment,, the presen invention relates: to fertilizer or seed additives that comprises one or more of the following;

a) one or more .fungicides such as but not. limited to azoxystrobin, bacillus iichenformis,

boscalid, captan, chloroneb, chlorothalonil, ethazole (etrkliazoie), fenarimol, fludioxonil, 11utolan.il, losetyl-aiummum, iprodione, maneozeb, mefenoxam, myclobutanil, potassium phosphite, polyoxin D, propamocarb, propiconazole, pyraciostrobm, iebueonazole, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, tr adimefon, trifioxystrobin, viucloxolm;

b) one or more herbicides such as but. not. limited to 2,4-D, 2,4-DB, acetocMor, acifluorfen, alaeh!or, amelryn, alrazine, aminopyralid, benefin, bensulfnron, bensulide, bentazon, bromacil, bromoxynii, butylate, carfentrazone. chlorimuron, ch!orsuffaron, clethodim. doniazone, elopyxalid, cloransuiam, eycleate, DCPA, desniedipnam, dicamba, diclilobenil, d eiofop, dic!osu!arn, diftafen o yr, diffiethenarnid, diquat, ditrron, DSMA, eadothall, EPTC, ethalfliiralhi, ethofuraesate, fenoxaprop, Ouazifop-P. flucarbazone, .fiufenacefc, ilo.raetsolam, flomiclorac, Oi iioxazra, fluometuron, fhiroxypyr, fomesaien, foramsuifuron, giufosinate, giyphosate, halosalfuron, hexazinone, ima amethaben ., imazamox, irnazapie, imaxaquin, imazeihapyr, isoxaben, iso ailaiole, iactofen, limrcon, MCPA, MCPB, mesoirione, metoiachlor-s, rnetribuzin, meisoifuron, moli&ate, MS A, naprpparoide, naptalam, nicosulfuron, norfhsrazon, oryzaiin, oxadiazon, ox fluorf s, _. paraquat, pelargonic acid, pendirneihalin, phenmedipham, picloram, pri isolftnon, prodianirae, prometryn, pronamide, propanil., prosulftrron, pyrazon, pyrilhiobac, qamc!orac, quizalofop, riinsu!iuron, sethoxydim, siduron, simaane, suifeitrazone, sulfometuron., sulfosulfuron, tebuthiuron, ter aciL.

t a¾opyr, thiikmtlfuron, thiobencarb, tralkox dina, inallate, inasuliuran, tribenuron, triclopyr, triilurafin, . iriflusulfurari;

c) and/or one or more insecticides such as bin not limited to btfentfarin,- CYperraeihrin,

pennethrin, piperonyl butoxide, lambda-cyhaiot a, (s)-methopre»e, deltamethrfn, permethrin, esfenvaierate, pyriproxyfen, fiprouil, etofenprox, eypheriothrin, carbof ran, chlorpoyrifos, disulfoton, feivafcrate, ethoprop, fortofos, malathiou, permet wm, pborate, tefluthrin, terbufos, tri eihacarb, ailicin, anabas ne, azadirachtin, carvacroi, d-Kmonene, ma iisie, iucotine, aomicotine, ©xymatrine, pyrethrins, eitierins, jasffioik, quassia, rbodojaponttt, rotenone, ryartia, sabadilla, sanpinarine, triptelide, carbamate insecticides, b jxoftiranyl methylcarbamate insecticides, dirnethylcarbamate insecticides, oxime carbamate iasecticid.es, phenyl raethylearbaroate insecticides, dinosa , DNOC, fluorine •insecticides, formamidrae insecticides, amitraz, chiordiroefcnn, formetanaie, forfflpamnate, medhneforffi, semia uraz;

within a stable l quid formulation convprised of a one or more P(OA)|s and/or their salts and NOSDS, in a variation, one or more nitrificatio inhibitors, one or more urease inhibitors can be added to the stable liquid formulation.

in an embodiment, the present invention relates to seed additives. In one embodime t, the seed additive comprises one or more nitrification inhibitors, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and. ne or more urease inMbiiors within a stable liquid formulation comprised of a one or more |P{OA)]s arid/or their salts and a NOSDS

la an embodiment, the present invention relates to making compositions and fertilizer and/or seed additives. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of making a composition to be added to a fertilizer and/or seeds, wherein the method comprises: heating a mixture .comprising one or more P(OA}| and or its salt in a NOSDS; cooling the mixtu e to a temperature that optionally allows addition of one or more of surfactants, buffers, fragrance/odor masking agents, colorants, raicro-nwtrients, pesticides,

fungicides, herbicides, insecticides and/or flow modifiers.

In one variation of the method, the method comprises furthe adding the cotnpositionio a ienili ei and/or seeds.

in an embodiment, a stable liquid formulation composition comprising one or more j P(OA)]$ and/or their salts in a protic NOSDS wherein the protic NOSDS is comprised of one or more of 1 ) an alcohol from the family of€;.;<> alkanols , 2) polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylol propane, trimethylol ethane, peniaervthriiol, sorbitol and sorbiiau, glucose, .fructose, galactose, and. glycerin, 3) poiy{Cno alkylene) glycols, 4) alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene, 1,3 propylene glycol, 1,2 propylene glycol and buiylene glycol, 5)

isopropylidene glycerol 6) alkylene glycol alkyl ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol, methyl ether, tripropy!ene gl col butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl, propyl, or butyl lactate, 8) an alkaaolamine selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, dieihanolamme, dipropanolamine, methyl diethanolnmine, monoisopropanolamine and trieihanolaraine and/or 9) glycerol, carbonate.

in an embodiment, the formulation may contain one or more [P(OA)]s and/or their salts comprised of the following monomers either as ho opo!ymers, copolymers and/or ierpolymers at effective levels in the NOSDS wherein they may be present in an amount between about 5 - 50% of the total amount:

* aspariie acid

* C _? -Q partial or di- ester of aspariie acid

* glutamic acid

* C _\ -C( partial or di- ester of glutamic acid

* maleic anhydride

* itacouic anhydride

* citraeonic anhydride

« citric acid

* Ci ~Q, partial or tri- ester of citric acid

* acrylic acid

* C j _: partial or full ester of acrylic acid

* methacr c acid » Cj "Cii partial or full ester of meihacryl ic acid

* ma ^' leic acid

* € x -€<-, partial or di- ester of maleic acid

* itaconic acid

« C ₁ partial or di- ester of itaeouie add

* eitraeonte acid, and/or

* C-j™Q partial or di- ester of eitraeonic acid

hi a variation, the composition may contain a protie NOSDS from the group that is comprised of one or more of ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, but !ette glycol, glycerin, iri propylene glycol and/or their methyl ethers,

to a variation, the one or more protie NOSDS comprise between about 90/10 to 10/90 of the composition.

In a variation, the one or more i ^' P(OA) j and or their salts is potassium aspartate in a formulation wherein potassium aspartate is present In an amount that is between about 10-45% of a total formulation amount and the formulation also contains a mixture of ethylene glycol and propylene glycol in ratios that m between about 20/80 to 80/20.

hi an embodiment, the composition ma further comprise one or more of surfactants, buffers, .fragrance/odor masking agents, colorants, micro-nutrients, dispersed urease in bitor(s), dispersed nitrification inhibitor(s), dispersed pesticides, dispersed fungicides, dispersed herbicides, dispersed insecticides and/or flo modifiers.

in a. variation, the composition, is substantially free, of water..

in an embodiment, a composition comprising a stable dispersion of one or more (OA)]s and/or their salts in. a NOSDS comprised of

a) one or more protie solvents selected from the group consisting of 1} au alcohol from the family of C _I .JO alkanols , 2) poiyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylol propane, trimethylol ethane, pentaer thritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and/or giyeerin, _: 3). al (€uo alkyiene) gl cols, 4} alkyiene glycols selected .from the group consisting of ethylene, 1,3 propylene glycol, 1,2 propylene glycol., and/or utylene glycol, 5) isopropyh em* glycerol 6) alkyiene glycol alky! ethers selected, from the group consisting of tripropy!ene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and or dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl, propyl, or butyl lactate, 8} an a!kanokrame selected from the group consisting ofethaaoiamine, diethanolaralne, dtpropaitola ine, methyl diethanolanune,

raouoisopropanolaraine .and/or triethanolsmine and/or 9} glycerol carbonate.

7 b) and/or one or more aprotk ^' solvent from the group consisting _, of 1) Dimethyl Sulfoxide and/or 2) dia!kyL diaryi, or aikyiarvl snifoxide(s) having the formula;

R SiG)

wherein R md R are each independently a C alkylene group, an aryi group, or

€ alkyleuearyl group or R and R _¾ with the sulfur to which they are attached form a 4 to 8 metnbered ring wherein R _, and il together are a C. alkykae group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of 0 _> S, Se, Te, . and P in the ring and x is 1 or 2.

3) alkylene carbonates selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate- and/or bntylene carbonate, 4) polyols capped with acetate o formate wherein the polyol portion may be one or more of ethylene glycol, .1 ,3 propylene glycol, 1 ,2 propylene glycol hutylene giycoi, trimethylol propane, trimethylol ethane, pentaerytJbrito!, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose and/or glycerin, 5) alkylene glycol alky! ethers acetates selected from the group consisting of dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, and/or tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate and or, 6) isophoroae, 7} dimethylsiwcinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl giutarate, nd/ r dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimeihylaeeiarnide, dimethyiiormamide, dmiethyl-2 «udazolidinoae 9} bexametlryiphosplioraffiide, 10) 1 ^inieth l xethane, 2~ methoxyethyl ether, .11) cyclohexylpyrro!idone and/or 1.2) H roneae.

In a variation, the composition may contain one or more [P(QA)Js and/or their salts comprised of the following monomers either as ^' homopolymers, copolymers and/or terpolyraers at effective levels in the NQSBS wherein they may be present ia an amount between abou 5- 50% of the total amount:

* aspartic acid

* C-j ~Q partial or di- ester of aspartic acid

* glutamic acid

* Cs ^■■■( . ^' >-. partial or di~ ester of glutamic acid

* ma!eic anhydride

* itacom ^' c anhydride

« citracouic anhydride

· citric acid

* Cs -C _f t partial or (ri~ ester of citric acid

* acrylic acid

* C j "C ₆ partial or full ester of acrylic acid » niethacrylie acid

* C j "Q partial or full ester of methacrylic acid

* raaleie acid

♦ C , -Q _> partial or di~ ester of ffiaiek acid

« itaconic acid

• C ₅ - > partial or di- ester of iiaconie acid

* citracouie acid

• Ci ~€-6 partial or di- ester of citraconic acid

I» an embodiment, the composition may contain a protk NOSDS which composes one or more of the following; ethylene glycol, propylene glycol buty!eue glycol, glycerin, tripropylene glycol methyl ether

in a variation, an -aprotic NOSDS which comprises one or more of the following: dimethyl sulfoxide, propylene carbonate, dimemylsucemaie, diethyl glutarate, or dimethyl gluiarate,

in a variation, ihe ratio of probe NOSDS to aprotic NOSDS is between about 90/10 io 10/90 % and a total of the solvating system is between about 10 to 90% of a final composition.

In a variation, the one or more jP(€>A)]s and/or their salts comprise sodium aspartate in a fonnulation wherein sodium aspartate is present In an amount that is between about 10-45% of total formulation, amount and the formulation also contains a) ethylene glycol and/or propylene glycol and b) propylene carbonate in a ratio that is between about 20/80 to 80/20,

in a variation, the composition is substantially free of water.

hi an embodiment, the present invention relates to a stable liquid fertilizer and/or seed, additive, which comprises one or more [P(0A)]s and/or their salts in a NOSDS comprised of one or more of a) protk solvents from the group consisting of I } an alcohol from the family ofCi-κ) alkanois , 2) poiyols selected from the group consisting of trimeihy!oi propane, trimethylol ethane, pemaerythritok sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and/or glycerin, 3) o lCj -io alkylene) gl ycols, 4) alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene, 1 ,3 propylene glycol, 1,2 propylene glycol, and/or bnty!ene glycol, 5) isopropyiidene glycerol 6) alkylene glycol all y! ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropy!ene glycol, methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropylene glycol butyl ether and/or dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl, propyl, or butyl lactate, 8) an alkanolamine selected from the group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanolamine, methyl dietbanolamiue, monoisopropanolamine and or triethaiiolamine and/or 9} glycerol carbonate. b) and/or one or more aprotk ^' solvents .from ihe group consisting of I) Dimethyl Snlfox e and/or 2) dia!kyL diaryf or alky iaryl sulfoxid ^} having the formula;

R S(G)

wherein R_aod R are each independently a C alkylene group, aa aryi group, or

€ alkylenearyi group or R. and R _¾ with the so!for to which they are attached orm a 4 to 8 mernbsred ring wherein R _, and R together are a€ alkykae group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, . and P i.n the ring and x is i or 2.

3) alkylene carbonates selected from the gronp consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate and/or bntyiene . carbonate, 4) polyols capped with acetate or formate wherein, the polyol portion may be one or more of ethylene glycol, .1 ,3 propylene glycol .1 ,2 rop lene glycol, butylene glycol, irimethylol propane, ^■ trimethylol ethane, pemaerythritol, sorbitol and ^' sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose and/or glycerin, 5) alkylene glycol alky! ethers acetates selected from the group consisting of dipropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropy!ene glycol methyl ether acetate, and/or tripropyiene glycol butyl ether acetate and/or, 6} isophoroae, 7} dimethyisuccmate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate, and/or- dimethyl .glntarate, 8) dimethylaeeiamide, ^■ dhneihyliomianiide, dimethyl"2 mi0¾2;olidinone 9} hexamemykjhos hojrantide, K>) .1 imeihyJoxetJ¾me, 2~ methoxyethyl ether, 1 1 ) cyclohexylpyrrolidone and/or 1.2) Hmonene.

In a variation, the fertilizer and/or seed additive m y contain one or more [P(0A)Js and/or their salts comprised of the following monomers as homopoiymers, copolymers and/or terpolymers at effective levels in the NOSDS wherein they may be present in an amount between about 5 -.50% of the total amount.

* aspartic acid

* C s ~Q partial or di- ester of aspartic acid

* glutamic acid

* Cs ^■■■( . ^' >-. partial or di~ ester of glutamic acid

* rnaieic anhydride

* itaconic anhydride

« ckracorric anhydride

* citric acid

* Cs -C _f t partial or tri~ ester of citric acid

* acrylic acid » eihacryiic acid

* C j "Q partial or full ester of methacrylic acid

* rnalek acid

♦ C , -Q _> partial or di~ ester of malek acid

« itacosic acid

• C ₅ ~C ₆ partial or di- ester of iiaconie acid

* citraco e acid

• Ci ~€-6 partial or di- ester of citraconic acid

I» a variation, the fertilizer additive may further comprise oris or more pesticides, he icide , fungicides and/or insecticide.

in variation, the fertilizer additive may furtlrer comprising one or more nitrification inhibitors wherein the one or more nitrification inhibitors is selected frost the group consisting of 2- ch!oro-6-triehlorome¾iyl _. pyridme _? 4-a«iino-l , 2,4-6- iiiazo!e-BCl, 2,4-diami.no-6- iricldoromethykriazine CL-i 580. dicyandianiide, thiourea, !~mercapto~l ,2,4-triazole, 3,4- di elhyipyrazoie phosphate, and 2-amino-4~ch!oro-6~mediy1pyrimidine.

hi as embodiment, the fertilizer additive may farther comprise ne or more ^' urease inhibitors wherein the one or more urease inhibitors is selected rom the group consisting of phosphoric triamides, thiophosphoric triamides and alkylated thiophosphoric triamides, wherein the alkylated thiophosphoric triamides has one or more alky! groups that independently contain between I and.6 carbon atoms.

In a variation, the fertilizer and/or seed additive may comprise on or more nitrification inhibitors wherein the one or more nitrification inhibitors comprise dicyandianiide, the one or more i P(OA)]s comprise poiyaspartic acid and the one or more urease inhibitors comprise phosphoric triamides. Alternatively, the one or more urease inhibitors may comprise a phosphoramide.

.In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a method, of making a composition to be added as a coating to the surface of a fertilizer granules and or seeds comprising:

heating a mixture comprises one or more P(QA)]s and/or their salts in a NOSD.S comprised of a) one or more protic solvents from the group consisting of I ) an alcohol from the family of C ; , , alkaools , 2) polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethyiol propane, trimethylol ethane, peniaerythritol, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and/or glycerin, 3) olyCCi.jo alkylene) glycols, 4) alky!ene glycols selected front the group consisting of ethylene, .1 ,3 propylene glycol, 1,2; propylene glycol, and/or huiyiene glycol, 5) isopropy!idene glycerol (¾ alkylene glycol alky! ethers selected from the group consisting ef riptopylene glycol methyl ether, tripr pylene glycol butyl ether, dipropyleae glycol butyl ether and/or dipropyleiie glycol butyl ether, 7} ethyl propyl, or butyl lactate, 8) an alkanola ine selected from the group consisting of etbaitolaniine, diethauolamme , dipropanolarame, methyl diethanolamme, monoisopropanolamme and/or iriethanolamiue and/or 9) glycerol carbonate.

b) and/or one or more aprotic solvents from the group consisting of 1 } Dimethyl Sulfoxide and/or 2) dialkyl, diary!, or alkyiaryi sulfoxide(s) having the formula:

S(0) _x R,

wherein R and R are each independently C ^lkylene group, an aryl group, or

C aikylcnearyl group or and R _¾ with the suliur to which they are attached, form a 4 to 8 mem ered ring wherein R and R. together are a C _% alkylene group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, , and P in the ring and is 1 or 2.

3) alkylene carbonates selected from ⁽ he group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate and/or butylene carbonate. 4) polyols capped with acetate or formate wherein the polyol portion may be one or more of ethylene glycol, 1 ,3 propylene glycol, i,2 propylene glycol, butylene glycol, triffi ^' ethyldl propane, irimeihy!ol .ethane, peotaerythrito!, sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose,, galactose and/or glycerin,. 5) alkylene glycol, aikyl ethers acetates selected from the group consisting of ilip.ropyle.ue glycol methyl ether acetate, tr.ipropyl.ene glycol methyl ether acetate, and/or tripropyletie glycol butyl ether acetate and/or, 6) isophoroue, 7) dimetbylsuccinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl glutarate, and'or dimethyl glutarate, 8) dimetaylacetaraide, dimethylformamide,

raethoxyethyl ether, I I) cyclohexylpyr olidone and/or 2) li onene;

and cooling the mixture to a temperature that optionally allows addition of one or more of surfactants, buffers, .fragrance/odor masking agents, colorants, micro-nutrients,, dispersed urease mhibitarfs), dispersed nitrification inhibitors), pestickfc(s), herbicide(s) ftmgicide(s) and/or flow modifiers.

in an embodiment^ the method may further comprise addin the composition to a fertilizer and/or seed.

In a, variation, the fertilizer and/or seed addi ive may contain one or more fP(OA)]s and/or their salts comprised of the following monomers as homopolymers, copolymers and/or ierpolvrners at effective levels in the OSDS wherein they may be present in an amount between about 5— 50% of the total:

* aspartic acid » Cj "Cii partial of c!i- esier of aspartic acid

* glutamic acid

* € x -€<-, partial or di- ester of glutamic acid

* maleic anhydride

« t laconic anhydride

* eitraeosie anhydride

* citric acid

* € ₅ -Cc partial or tri- ster of ci toe acid

* acrylic acid

* C _\ - ii partial or full ester of acrylic acid

* aaethacrylic acid

* Cj -Ct. partial o foil ester ©fmethactylie acid

* maleic acid

* C j -Cs partial or di- ester of maleic acid

* itacotoc acid

* C s ~Q, partial or di- ester of itacoaic acid

* citracoaic acid and/or

* Cj -C¾ partial or di~ ester of eitraconie acid

whereto tfee one or more [P(OA)]s are present at a level that is between about 5-50% of a total composition.

In a variation, the method may use dispersed nitrification inhibitors that is/are one or more members selected from the grou consisting of 2-c.h!oro-6 :ricliiorQmetiiylpyrkiine. 4-am ^' ino~ 1,2,4-6- fTiazole-KCl, ^j^iarnia^f^triq oi^meth Hria ine CL- 1580, dic mtdiamide, thiourea,. I -mereaplo- 1 ,¾ ~toa20?e, 2-ai«i»o.^ ; i^ro^>-niethyip^rifaid¾e- and 3,4-disiethylpwaxole phosphate.

In an embodiment, the method may comprise .one or more dispersed urease inhibitors -whereto they are one or more members selected from the grou consisting of phosphoric triarmdes, thiophosphoric triamides and alkylated ihiophosphorie tria ides, wherein the alkylated

thiophosphoric triamides has one or more alkyl groups thai independently contain between 1 and 6 carboft atoms.

in a. variation, the method may comprise a dispersed nitnfieationinhibitor and a dispersed urease inhibitor wherein the dispersed nitrification inhibitor comprises dic andiamide and the dispersed, urease inhibitor comprises phosphoric triamides. Alternatively, the dispersed urease inhibitor may comprise a phosphoramide. In a variation the method may use a composition that is substantially free of water.

Substantially free of water means less than about 1 % water.

In a variation, the present invention relates to a composition comprisin ne ^' or Mor Poly (organic acids), [P(OA}]$ , arid/or their sa!tis) and one or more of a Non-aqueous Organo Solvent Delivery System (NQSDS), wherein said composition is a stable dispersion ideally suited to coat man-made and/or natural fertilizer components and/or seeds where n, the (P(OA)js are

homopoiymers, copolymers and/or terpolymers that are comprised of one or more of the following monomers :

aspartic acid, glutamic acid, ma!eic acid, itacomc acid, citraconic acid, citric acid, acrylic acid, methaaylic acid, itaconk acid, and citraconic acid, their C^esters, anhydrides, and imid.es, or thei salts;

and wherein the NOSDS is comprised of one or more of;

a) protie solvents selected from the group consisting of:

a. C I -1 alcohol , 2) one or more polyols selected from the group consisting of trimeth.yioi propane, trimethyioi ethane, pentaerythritot sorbitol and sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and glycerin, 3) polyiC I -10 alkylene) glycols, 4} alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol 1,3 propylene glycol, 1 ,2 propylene glycol, and butylene glycol, 5) isopropylidene glycerol 6) alkylene glycol alkyi ethers selected from the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dipropyiene glycol butyl ether and dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl, propyl, or butyl lactate, 8) an alkano!amine selected from the group consisting of ethaoola ine, diethanolaniine, dipropanolaraine, methyl diethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine and uieihanoiamine and 9) glycerol carbonate b) one or .more- aprotk solvents comprising one or more of 1:) dimethyl, sulfoxide 2) a dia!kyf sulfoxide, dtar l sulfoxide, or an alkyiaryl sulfoxide having the formula: wherein ¾ and R; are each independently a C;.s alky! group, an aryi group, or

group, or R; and ₂ with the sulfur to which they are attached form a 4 to 7 membered ring wherein Ri and Rz together are a alkylene group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, le, N, and P in the rin and x is 1 or 2 or

3) an alkylene carbonate selected fr m the group consi sting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate and butylene carbonate, 4} a polyol capped with acetate or formate wherein the polyol. portion is one or more of ethylene glycol, 1 ,3 propylene glycol, 1 ,2 propylene glycol, butylene glycol, trimethyiol propane, triaiethylol ethane, peniaerytlaitol, sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose or glycerin, 5) an aikylene glycol alky! ether acetates selected front the group consisting of dipropyleae glycol methyl ether acetate, iripropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, and iripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate, 6) isophorone, ?) dimethylsuccmate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl gh araie, and/or dimethyl gluiaraie, 8) dunethylacetamide, dimethylformamtde, dfme yl-2-tmida x>Udinone 9) hexamethylphosphoraraide, 10) 1 ,2-dimethyIoxyethane, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 1 1.)

cyclohexylpyrrol done and/or 12} limoaene.

In an embodiment, t e salts are derived from metals, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, metal carbonates, ammonia, anunonium hydroxide, or organGamiaes.

In an embodiment, wherein the meia!s in. the metals, tneial hydroxides, metal alkylates, or metal carbonates comprise one or more of a, , Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Ma, Cu, Co, Mo or Hi.

ia a variation, the organoara es comprise one or more of mono Cj-s amine, di

6 amine, mono ethanoi amine, diethaaol amine, methanol amine, monoisopropanol. amine, diisopropano.1 amine, triisopropanol amine, ethylene diamine diethylene triaraine, triethyiene tetraaraine, or ietraeti.ryie.oe pentamine.

In a variation, the composition comprises one or more protic solvents or one or more aprotic in an embodiment, the composition:

i Is Environmentally safe;

is Has flashpoints above 145" F;

Hi Is inherently rated safe for contact with humans and animals;

iv Provides stable dispersions of [P(OA)js or their salts at levels of 1 -50% ia the NOSDS at storage temperatures down to at least 10"C;

v Provides improved, even application of a coating to fertilizer granules and seeds while not causing clumping of the fertilizer granules, premature seed germination and does not support the growth of mold and mildew on seeds; and

v.i Will not detrimentally impact the stability of alky! thiophosphoric triamides.

In a variation, the NOSDS comprises one or more protic solvents wherein the [P(OA)Js to the one or more protic solvent ratio is between about 90/10 to 10/90.

In a variation, the one or more J P(QA)!s eoniprises a potassium salt of a poiyaspartate wherein the potassium salt of the polyaspartate is present in an amount that is between about 10-45% of a total composition amount and the NOSDS of the formulation is ethylene glycol. lam embodiment, the composition may iiirther comprise-one or more of sirriaeiaois, uffers, fragrance/odor masking agents, colorants, i cro-nutrients, dispersed urease inhibitors), dispersed nitrification inhibitor^), pesikide(s), fuugicides(s). herbicide(s). inseciicide(s) or flow modifiers. in an embodiment, the composition is substantially free of water.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for producing the composition, wherein said process comprises procuring one or more of the following monomers:

aspartic acid, glutamic acid, maleic acid, itaconic acid, diraconic acid, citric acid, acrylic acid, methacniic acid, itaconic acid, and citraconic acid, their C 5 ^esters, anhydrides,, and imides, or their salts; and dispersing said one or more monomers into an aprotic solvent to create a dispersion wherein said aprotic solvent comprises one or more of I) dimethyl sulfoxide 2) dialkyl, diary!, or alkyiaryi sulfoxideis) having the formula: wherein ¾ arid R ₂ are each independently a Cr* aikylene group, m aryi group, or

Cj-salkylenearyl group or R _¾ and R ₂ with, the sulfur to which they are attached form a 4 to 8 membered ring wherein Ri and Rz together are & Cr« aikylene group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected from the group consisting of O, S, Se, Te, , and P in the ring and x is 1 or 2 3) an aikylene carbonate selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate and buiylene carbonate, 4) a poiybl capped with acetate or formate wherein the po ^' lyoi portion is one or more of ethylene glycol, .1 ,3 propylene glycol I , ,2 propylene glycol, buiylene glycol, mraethy!ol propane, trimemylo! ethane, peniaer thritol, sorbitol, so.rb.iian, glucose, fructose, galactose and or glycerin, 5) an alky!eae glycol alky ^] ether acetate selected from the group consisting of dtpropyieae glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, and tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate, 6) isophorone, 7) dimethyisuccinate, dimethyl adi aie, diethyl glutarate, and/or dimethyl glutarate, 8) ^' ■tfimeth.ylacetamide, dimeihylfojrmaraide, dim byl-2-imidazohdmone 9) hexameihylphosphoramide, 10) 1 ,2-dimethyloxethane. 2-methoxyethyf ether, 1 1)

cyciohexylpyrrohdone and/or 12) limonene

heating said dispersion to a polymerization temperature with or without a catalyst, held at.

polymerization temperature until a molecular weight 1500 to 10000 grams/moi is achieved..

In an embodiment, the process may further comprising neutralizing the one or more monomers with one or more metals, wherein said one or more metals comprise elemental metals, _, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates or metal carbonates, or with one or more nitrogen containing compounds comprising ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organoamines. lam embodiment of the process, the one or more metals in the elemental metals, metal oxides, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates or metal carbonates comprise Ma, , Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, MR, CU, CO. Mo or Ni.

In a variation, the orgaaoamines comprise one or more of mono Cj.s amine, di Ci.§ amine, tri C is amine, mono eihauoi amine, diethanoi a ine, irieihanol amine, mon isopropanol amine, diisoproparsoi amine, trusopropanoi mine, ethylene diamine diethyiene tri amine, triethylene tetraarnine, or ietraethyle e pentaniine.

In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for producing the composition,

wherein said process comprises procuring one or more of the following monomers:

aspariic acid, glutamic acid, maleic acid, kaconic acid, ciiraconk acid, citric acid, acrylic acid, niethaerylic acid, iiaconic acid, and citraconic acid, their anhydrides,, and imides, or their salts;

erein said one or more monomers is/are dispersed into one or more prottc solvents where the molar ratio of panic solvent to mo.nome.ris) may be any ratio between about 0.5 to i and 1 to 1 and/or the weight ratio of the OS.DS to reactive monomer is 10% to 90% and 90% to 10% which it heated to 120 -190 ^* 0 to form an ester

wherein the one or more orotic solvents are selected from the group consisting of:

I) an alcohol from the family of C ₅ „ _Ui alkanols , 2) polyols selected from the group eonsistin of trimethylol . propane, trimethyiol ethane, pentaerythritol, sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and glycerin, 3) po. (Ci-M> a!f ykne) glycols, 4) alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol, 1,3 propyleae glycol, 1 ,2 propylene glycol, and butylene glycol, 5) isopropyiiderte glycerol 6} alkykne glycol all y! ethers selected from the group consisting of iripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl ether, dtpropylene glycol butyl ether and dipropylene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl, propyl, or butyl lactate, 8) an alkanolamine selected from th group consisting of ethanolamine, diethanolamine, dipropanokmine, methyl dietlwrolamirae, monoisopropanolamine and meriianolamine and 9) glycerol carbonate;

and heating said dispersion to a polymerization temperature with or without catalyst, until a molecular weight of 1500 to 10000 g/uioi is achieved;

and to which one or more aprofic solvents is optionally added wherein said one or more aptotic solvents comprise 1} dimethyl sulfoxide 2) dialkyl, diary!, or aikylary! sulfoxide(s) having the/formula: wherein R _} and ¾ are each independently a Cr« alkyiene group, an ary! group, or C salkyienearyl group or R* and R? with the sulfur to which they are attached form a 4 to 7 rnembered ring wherein Rj d R¾ together are- a C$-« alkylene group which optionally contains one or more atoms selected .from the group consisting of O. $, Se, Te, N, and P in the ring and x is 1 or 2;

3) alkyleae carbonates selected from the group consisting of ethylene carbonate, propylene carbonate and buiylene carbonate, 4} polyols capped with acetate or formate wherein the polyol is one or more of ethylene glycol, 1 ,3 propylene glycol, 1,2 propylene glycol, butylene glycol, trimethylol propane, irimethyiol ethane, peniaerythritoi, sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose and/or glycerin, 5} alkylene glycol alkyl ethers acetates selected from the group consisting of di ropyl ene glycol methyl ether acetate, tripropylene glycol methyl ether acetate, and tripropylene glycol butyl ether acetate, 6) isopho.ro.ne, 7) dimethylsuccinate, dimethyl adipate, diethyl, gi.utarate, and/or dimethyl glutarate, 8} dime&ylacetamide, diniethylfomiamide, dimethyl-2> »id¾solidinone 9) hexamethylphosphoramide, 10} 1 ,2-dimethyloxetlian.e, 2-methoxyethyl ether, 1 1)

cyclohexylpyrroiidone and/or 12} Hmonene.

In a variation of the process, the ester may be further saponified generating a. carhoxylic acid salt whereia said salt is derived from metals, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, metal carbonates, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or organoaohnes,

in a variation, the metal in the metals, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, or metal carbonates is Na, K, Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Co, Mo and/or i.

In a variation, the orgaaoamines comprise ooe or more of mono Cj^ amine, di C5.. amine, tri _f> amine, mono ethanol amine, dtethanol amine, methanol amine, monoisopropanol amine, diisopropanol amine, triisopropaBol amine, ethylene diamine diethylene triaoiine, triethylene tetracaine, or tetraethylene pentamtae.

In a variation, the present invention relates to a process for producing the composition,

wherein said process comprises procuring a polymer thai comprises polysoccinimide, polyaspartic acid, polyghitamic acid, and/or a copolymer of aspartic acid and glutamic acid aid/or sails thereof;

wherein

said polymer is dispersed within a NOS ^' DS at a % weight ratio ;of 1 :90% to 90: 1 % of polymer: NOSDS, wherein the NOSDS comprises a) of one or more protic solvents which are heated to 120 90 ^'" C to form an este and wherein the one or more protic solvents are selected from the group consisting of::

I.) an alcohol from the family of CJ.J alkanols , 2) polyols selected from the group consisting of trimethylol propane, irimethyiol ethane, pemaerythritoi, sorbitol, sorbitan, glucose, fructose, galactose, and glycerin, 3} poIy(Cwo alkylene) glycols, 4) alkylene glycols selected from the group consisting of ethylene glycol 1,3 propylene glycol, L2 propylene glycol, and butylene glycol, 5) isopropyliderie glycerol 6) alkylene glycol alky I ethers selected fk>m the group consisting of tripropylene glycol methyl ether, tripropylene glycol butyl, ether, dipropyiene glycol butyl ether and dipropyiene glycol butyl ether, 7) ethyl, propyl, or butyl lactate, 8) an alkanolaraine selected from the group consisting of ethanolamme, diethanolatmne, dipropanolamine, met yl dieihanolamine, monoisopropanolaraine and triemauolarnme and 9) glycerol carbonate.

In a variation, the ester may be saponified.

In art embodiment, the salts may be derived from metals, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, metal carbonates, ammonia, ammonium hydroxide, or erganoammes and the metal at the metals, metal hydroxides, metal alkylates, or metal carbonates are one or more of a, , Mg, Ca, Fe, Za, MB, CU, CO, MO or Ni.

in a variation, the organoarnines comprise one or. more of mono C-i^ amme, di C-i-¾ amine, iri. C\. (, amine, mono ethanol amine, diethanol amine, methanol amine, monoisopropanol amine, diisppropaaol amine, triisopropanol amine, ethylene diamine diethyle e triamme, triethylene tetraamine, or tetraethyiene peRtansine.

The following Examples are presented to illustrate certain embodiments of the present invention; Example J

400 ms of ethylene glycol was charged to a vessel, placed under strong agitation and then heated to f#'C, 222,2 grams of po!yaspartaie..-potassium. aalP ^' 90% VS was then slowly charged So the vessel and mixed until completely dissol ved. Once dissolved, the mixture was placed under high shear agitation by using an overhead mixer equipped with a cowles blade while maintaining the batch temperature at 60 - 8i C for I hour. After one hour the vessel was sealed and a vacuum of 200 mm or less was pulled, to remove water. The mixture was cooled to < 30"C and then packaged off in an appropriate container. Example 2

1 0 grams of Example I was heated to 60°C, placed under agitation and then 80 grams of propylene glycol was charged to the vessel. The combination was mixed for 30 minutes and then cooled to < 40 and packaged off.

Example 3

120 grams of Example 1 was heated to 60°C, placed under agitation and men 80 grains of glycerin were charged to the vessel. The combination was mixed for 30 minutes and then cooled to < 0 and packaged off.

Example 4 120 grams ofExarciple I was heated to 60"C, placed under agitation and, then.40 grams of ethylene glycol sad 40 grams of tripropyleae glycol moaemetl ! ether were charged to the vessel, The combination was mixed for 30 miuntes and then cooled to < 40 ^u € and packaged off.

Example.3

450 grams of ethylene glycol was charged to a vessel, placed under strong agnation and then heated to 6 ⁽ fC. 300 grams of a polysuceinimidc (5000 average molecular weight) was then s owly charged to the vessel and mixed until completely dispersed. The mixture was then heated to i40 ^¾ C and held until all particles dissolved (-.! .5 hrs). The mix. was then cooled to 50 ^f! C. 147 grams of KOH tlakss were slowly charged to the mix at a rate to maintain, temperature of 60 -$ifC. The formulation was mixed until ail OH flakes (100%) were dissolved. The mix was then cooled to 4f C and then placed under high shear agitation b using an overhead mixer equipped with a eowles blade while maintaining the batch temperature at 60 -&0°C for J hour. After one hour, an FOR scan was run to determine if the presence of ester had been eliminated. The mixture was sampled every 30 misuses until traces of esters had beers eliminated. The mixture was cooled to < 30"C and then packaged off in an appropriate container.

Example 6

58.34 grams of Example 5 was charged to a vessel and then placed under strong agitation and then heated to 614 grams of ethylene glycol were then charged to the vessel, and mixed for 3 minutes. After 30 minutes, the mixture was cooled to 38°€ and then packaged off in an appropriate container. 58.54 grams of Example 5 was charged to a vessel and then placed under strong agitation and then heated to 60 ^'" C. 35.4 grams of ethylene glycol and 30 grams of dimethyl glutarate were then charged to the vessel and mixed for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the mixture was cooled to 38"C and then packaged off in an appropriate container .

Example 8

58, 54 grams of Example 5 was charged to a vessel and (hen placed under strong agitation and then heated to 60 ^y C 65.4 grams of glycerin were then charged to the vessel and mixed for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the mixture was cooled to 38°C and then packaged off in an appropriate container.

Example 9

104.3 grams of Example 5 was charged to a vessel and then, placed under strong agitation and ^' then heated to 60°C. 45.7 grams of ethylene glycol were then charged to the vessel and mixed for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, the mixture was cooled, to 38°C and then packaged off in an appropriate container.

Example 10

183.13 grams of dimethyl sulfoxide was charged to a vessel, placed under strong agitation and then heated to 60°C, 78.48 grams of a polysuccinimide (5000 average molecular weight) was then slowly charged to the vessel and mixed until completely dispersed. 72.74 grams of Di water was charged, to the vessel and then 4^,07 grams ofHH40H 2.8% were slowly charged holding the mixture's temperature at

60 - S0"C It was mixed for one hour arid inert placed under a vacuum of 50 mm wife a slight N> sparge until distillation ceases. The mix was then, cooled to 4( C and then packaged off in an appropriate container.

Example 1 1

282.52 grams of dimethyl sulfoxide was charged to a vessel, placed under strong agitation, and then heated to 6i C. 146,23 grams of a partial sodium hydroxide nentrafked polyacryiie acid (Kemira 5847) was then charged to the vessel and mixed for 15 minutes. A vacuum of 38 mm was applied pntil distillation ceases. The mix was ihm cooled to 4 *C arid then packaged off is an appropriate container. Example 12

150 grams of ethylene glycol, 150 grams of L-aspariic acid and 1.5 grams of phosphoric acid/85% were charged to a vessel, then placed under strong agitation and then, heated to 1 5 ^ϋ €. After 5 hrs, 64,3 grams of distillate were collected and the batch was cooled to 6{fC. 97.44 grams OH flake (100%) was then slowly charged to the vessel at a rate thai allowed the batch temperature to be 60 - 80"C and mixed until completely dissolved i t was then placed under high shear agitation by using an overhead mixer equipped with a cowles blade while maintaining the batch temperature a! 60 -80"C for 1 hour. After one hour, an FTIR seas wa run to determine if the presence of ester had. been, eliminated. The .mixture was sampled every 30 minutes until traces of esters had been eliminated. After the ester peak was eliminated, 28 LOS grams of ethylene glycol were charged and the resulting mixture was mixed for 30 minutes. The mix was then cooled to 40°C and then packaged off in an appropriate container.

Example 13

71.58 grams of acetone was charged to a. vessel and then 12.48 grams of maleie anhydride and 16.49 grams itaconic anhydride and 0.98 grams of benzoyl peroxide were charged to the vessel. Very slow agitation was used until the maleic briquettes were dissolved. The vessel was then sealed and incited with ΐ and the batch was heated to 6 fC and held at 55 - 65°C for five hours. After five hours, the batch was cooled to 3§ ^l' C and 43.45 grams of ethylene glycol was charged.. A vacuum was then palled on the vessel slowly decreasing the pressure based oft the distillation rate while heating- the batch hack to 55 ~6SXl When distillation ceases, the vacuum was broken with ₂ and then 15.39 grams of KOH flake (100%) were slowly charged in order to hold temperature at 60 -8G*C„ When KOH flakes were completely dissolved, the mix was placed under high shear agitation by using an overhead mixer equipped with a cowles blade while maintaining the batch temperature at 6 -W ^:' C for 1 hour. Thereafter the mix wa checked using an FTiR scan. The FTiR. scan was run and checked every 30 minutes for the disappearance of the ester peak. After the ester peak disappeared, 89.63 grams of ethylene glycol were charged, and the batch was then mixed 30 minutes and cooled to < 40°C and then off-loaded into the appropriate container. 45 gram of Exam le

liquid), 40 grams ofN-Bound (a nitrification inhibitor in a non-aqueous liquid) and 5 grams of glycerin. The resulting fluid product was then off-loaded into the appropriate container.

Example 15

99.5 grams of DM80, 9.5 grams of L-aspariie acid and 1.0 grams of phosphoric acid/85% were charged ^' to a vessel, then placed under strong agitation and then heated to ISS ^' . After 4.5 tors. 28.49 grams of distillate were collected and the batch was cooled to SOT. 85.09 grams N¾OH (28%) was then slowly charged to the vessel at a rate thai allowed the batch temperature- to he 60 - §ifC over a 5 hour period. The reactor was sealed -and heated to 95 C and held for 17 hrs and then checked by I to insure he ester was eliminated. 352.88 gms of DMSO were charged and then heated back to 80 C. 68.07 gms of DCD were charge and mixed until particles dissolved. The hatch was cooled to 35 C and then 7.02 NBPT were charged and mixed until particles dissolved. 51.05 gms of propylene glycol were charged and mix 15 minutes. The mixture was then package and 50 gms placed in a 50 C oven for 3 days. After 3 days at 50 C, the product showed no signs of instability.

Example 16

43.57 g ms of polysueeimrai e (Molecular weight 3000-5000), .1 19.12 grams of ethylene glycol were charged to a reactor, placed under agitation and tested ioJ4 ⁽ C until all particles were solisoiii¾ed. 2,41 grams of zirse oxide were charged while holding temperature at 120 ^it C until appearance of mixture transitioned from milky to translucent The reactor was then cooled to 40€ and 19.19 o KOH 45% were slowed charged while holding the temperature less than 80¾. The product was then cooled to < 40 ^i, C and packaged off.

Example 17

250 grams of ethylene glycol, 250 grams of ^' L-aspartie acid and 2,94 grams of phosphoric acid/85% were charged to a vessel, then placed under strong agitation and then healed to 150°C Afte 5 hours no particles were observed and 67.6 grams of distillate were collected. The batch was cooled to 12ifC and 23,6? grain ofmagaesmm oxide was .slowly charged and dispersed with 15 minutes if agitation. 1 .57 grams of distilled water was then charged to the vessel and the contents were agitated until contents cleared in approximately 5.5 hours. The contents of the vessel were then cooled to (i( C, .103.21 grams KOE flake { 100%) was then slowly charged to the vessel at a rate that allowed the batch temperature to he maintained at 60 - 80°C and mixed, until completely dissolved, it was then mixed an additional hour. After one hour, an FTIR scan was run to determine if the presence of ester had been, eliminated. The mix ture was sampled e very 30 minutes until traces of esters had been eliminated. A fter the ester peak was eliminated, the batch was cooled to 40*C and then placed under high shear agitation by using rotor stator mixer while maintaining the batch temperature at less than 80°C by using an ice bath and by slowly increasing the RPM's- of the mixer to 10 ,000 over a 1 hour time: period. After die high shear mixing, 233.66 grams of ethylene glycol were -charged and (he resulting mixture was mixed for 30 minutes. The mix was cooled to < 40°C and (hen packaged off in an. appropriate container.

Example 18

128.46 grams of ethylene glycol 62.06 grams of L-aspartic acid and 0.99 grams of phosphoric acid/85% were charged to a vessel, then placed under strong agitation and heated to 15(FC. After 5 hours so particles were observed and 16.22 grams of distillate were collected. The batch was cooled to 120*0 and 7.67 grams ofxjne oxide was slowly charged and. dispersed with 15 minutes if agitation. 1.7 grams of distilled water was then charged to the vessel and the contents were agitated until the contents cleared to approximately 8.5 hours. The contents of the vessel were then cooled to 6Q°C, 14,27 grams KOH flake (100%) was then slowl charged to the vessel at a rate that allowed the batch temperature to be maintained at 60 - 80 ^' 'C and mixed until completely dissolved, it was then mixed an additional hoar. After one hour, an FT1R scan was ran to determine if the presence of ester had been eliminated. The mixture was sampled ever 30 minutes until traces of esters had been eliminated. After the ester peak was eliminated, the batch was then cooled to 40"C and then packaged off in an appropriate container. Example 1

333,9 grams ef.DMSO were charged to a- reactor, placed under agitation and then 477 grams of sorbitol/70% were charged to (lie reactor. The mixture was then heated to 75%- and placed under 20 mm of vacuum to stri out residual water. Once the formation of distillate ceased, the mixture was cooled to grams of DMSO/sorbitol were recovered. In a mixing vessel, 71 ,3 grams of Example #5 were charged followed b 31 ,1 grams of the DMSO/sorbitol mixture and 3.1.1 grams of DMSO. The combination was mixed for 1 5 minutes and then 16,5 grams of KOH. flakes were slowly charged, holding the temperature below MfC. The product was cooled below 40°C and packaged. In a reactor, 122.24 grams of L -aspartic acid and 76.7? gr ins of propylene glycol were charged, placed under agitation and heated to 170%. it was held at 17¾Cnniil. all. particles disappeared. 199.04 grams of PG and 14.92 grains of zinc oxide were charged to the reactor while maintaining the batch temperature at 120 - 160¾. After batch appearance transitioned from milky to translucent, the batch was cooled to 4<fC and 61.81 grams of OH 45% were slowly charged to reactor while maintaining the hatch temperature below 80¾, The product was mixed 14 hours at 80°C to saponify all ester linkages. The batch was then, cooled to less than 40% and packaged

Example 21

In a reactor, charge 450.77 grams glycerin and 300 grams po!ysucc uimide (3000-5000 molecular weight) and heat to i40 ^<J € and hold -until all particles have reacted/dissolved. Cool to 40 ,

Example 22 In a mixing vessel under agitation, 48.8 grams of Example 2.1 and 28.6graros of glycerin were charged. Then 22.6 grams of KOH/45% were slowly charged holding temp less than 80T during charge. After charging KOH, hold at 8 °C until ester linkages have been saponified.. Cool to less than 40 ^!~, C and package off

Example 23

in a mixing vessel under agitation, charge 48.8 grams of Example 22 and 2S.6gra«s of propylene glycol. Slowly charge 22.6 grams of KOH 45% holding temp less than 80 ^υ € during charge. After charging KOH, hold at 80 ^(, C until ester linkages have been saponified. Cool to less than 40 ^W C and package off.

l mijte.2

60.55 grams of ethylene glycol, 1 0.0.1 grams of L-aspartic acid (ethylene glycol/aspartie acid molar ratio of 1 : 1 and a weight -ratio of 32% to 68%) and 0.95 grams of phosphoric acid/85% were charged to a vessel, then placed under very low agitation and then slowly heated to 1.70"C over a period of five hours. The rate of temperature rise was dependent on ability to increase agitation speed as high as product solids and viscosity would allow so as to not allow the product to burn. After 5 hours no particles were observed and 37.33 grams of distillate were collected. 279.42 grams of ethylene glycol were charged and the batch was cooled to 60X. 49.82 grams KOH flake ( 100%) was then slowly charged to the -vessel at a rate that allowed the hatch temperature to be maintained at 60 - _; 8<f€ and mixed until completely dissolved. I was then mixed and heated to 80 C and held an. additional hour. The mix was cooled to < 40 and then packaged off in an appropriate container,

Example 25

48.4 grams of ethylene glycol were charge to a reactor, placed under agitation and a nitrogen sparge and heated to 90 ^f, C. .1 13.7 grams of a pol ysueci im ide { molecular weight 3000 ~ 5000) were slowly added to the reactor while increasing the agitation as needed and holding the temperature between 80 and 100¾. The ver viscous product was then heated to ! 20°C and 37.9 grams of addition pol succininiide

( molecular weight 3000 - 5000) were slowly charged to the reactor raising the molar ratio of PS1 to Ethylene Glycol, to 1 :0.5 and the weight miio 75.8% to 24.·2%. The agitation was increased as product viscosity allowed. After 30 minutes the batch temperature was increased to 1 SOT. After 60 minutes at 1.50T, all panicles were dissolved. 384.48 grams of ethylene glycol were charged and the batch was cooled to 60 C. 63.46 grams of KOH(M ⁾ 0%) were slowly charged to the reactor while maintaining the batch temperature 60 - C utilizing a cooling bath to assist in removing the heat from the exothermic neutralization. After all the KOH had been, charged and was dissolved, the batch temperature was held at 80°C under strong agitation for 3 hours. The hatch was then cooled to < 40 C and packaged off in an appropriate container.

Example 26

A dye was required in order to determine effectiveness of coating 20. rams of each Example was placed under agitation, and.0.4 grams of a 2 % FD&C Blue #1 in a solvent was added to the 20 grams of each example. ^' Each example was mixed for IS minutes after addition of dye. Included in the testing were two aqueous commercial products.

Avail & P-Max

Example 27

200 grams of a. technical grade of DAP was charged to a glass 1000 ml beaker. The ^' beaker was then placed under an overhead agitator with an anchor agitator blade. The height of the beaker was adjusted such that the bottom of the anchor agitator blade was close to the bottom of the glass beaker. The RPM of the overhead stirrer was adjusted to 200 RPM's and the DAP was agitated for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, a 2.0 gram of a sample of Example 21 was charged within. 10 seconds. A stopwatch was used for timmg to complete coating, (Visually: when 95% of DAP particles were colored blue). This was repeated for each of the tested samples from Example 26.

After coating, ^' the 200 grams of coated DAP was poured in a one quart jar and 200 grams of weight were placed on top of each sample in the quart jar. After setting for 48 hours, the weight was removed and. a lid was placed on each quart jar. Each jar was then inverted and rated for flowability. if the contents of a jar did not flow in 5 minutes, a wooden handle of a 4 inch spa ^' tstla was used to tap the ja to encourage flow. Flow rating is as follows: Actios after inversion

1 instant: flow

2 > ^' 70% flow in Iminute

3 >70% flow in .1 -3 minutes

4 ?0% flow in 3-5 minutes

5 >70% flow after 1 -2 taps

6 >70% flow after 3-4 taps

7 >70 Bow after 5-6 taps

8 40-60% flow after 5-6 taps

9 20-40% flow after 5-6 taps

16 0-20% flow after 5-6 taps

* .Difficu to eterm ne coat ng t me as t e co or was strea y an .not continuous.

Example 27

200 grams of a techni cal grade ofmagnesiwrn sulfate was charged to a glass 1 00 ml beaker. The beaker was then placed under an overhead agitator with an anchor agitator blade. The height of the beaker was adjusted such that the bottom of the anchor agitator blade was close to the bottom of the glass beaker. The RPM of the o verhead stirrer was adjusted to 200 RPM's and. the magnesium sulfate was agitated for 30 seconds. After 3 seconds, a 2,0 gram of a sample of Example 21 was charged within 1 seconds. A stopwatch was used for timing to complete coating. (Visually: when.95% of agncsio snifate particles were colored blue). This was repeated for each of samples tested.

After coating, the 200 grams of coated magnesium sulfate was poured in a one quart jar and 200 grams of weight were placed on top of each sample in the quart jar. After setting for 48 hours, the weight was removed and a lid was placed on each quart jar. Each jar was then inverted and rated for flowahiSiiy, If the contents of a jar did not flow in 5 minutes, a wooden, handle of a 4 inch spatula was used to tap the jar to encourage flow. Flow rating is as follows:

Rating Actios after inversion

1 instant flow

2 >70% flow in imimite

3 >?0% flow in I -3 minutes

4 : ?{ ⁾ % flow i» 3-5 minutes

5 >70% flow after 1-2 taps

6 >?0% flow after 3-4 taps

7 >70% flow after 5-6 taps

H 40-60% flow after 5-6 taps

9 20-40% flow after 5-6 taps

10 0-20% flow after 5-6 taps

* Difficult to determine coating time as the color was streakv and not continuous.

* Difficult to determine coating lime as the color was streaky and not continuous

E am le 28

120 grams of prilled urea, 20 grams of fertilizer grade potassium sulfate, 40 grams of fertilizer grade diamrao m phosphate, 10 grams of fertilizer grade zinc sulfate and 10 grams of fertilizer grade iron sulfate were charged to a glass i 000 ml beaker. The beaker was then placed under as overhead agitator with aii anchor agitator blade . The height of the beaker was adjusted such that the bottom of the anchor agitator blade was close to the bottom of the glass beaker. The RPM of the overhead stirrer was adjusted to 200 RPM's and the contents of the compounded fertilizer were agitated for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, a 2.0 gram of each sample to be tested was charged within HI seconds. A stopwatch was used for timing to complete coating. (Visually; when 95% of magnesium sulfate particles were colored blue). This was repeated for each of the samples to be tested.

After coating, the 200 grams of coated compounded fertilizer was poured in a one quart jar and 200 grams of weight were placed on top of each sample in the quart jar. After setting for 48 hours, the weight was removed -and a lid was placed on each quart jar. Each jar was then inverted asd rated for flo abilky, if the cos!esis of ajar did not flow- in 5 minutes, a wooden handle of a 4 inch spatula was used to tap the jar to encourage flow. Flow rating is as follows:

Exam le 29

100 grams ofuocoated "tail'' fescue grass seeds was charged to a glass KM) ml beaker, The beaker wa then placed under aa overhead agitator with, an anchor agitator blade. The height of the beaker was adjusted such that the bottom, of the anchor agitator blade was close to the bottom of he glass beaker. The l¾PM of the overhead stirrer was adjusted to 100 PM*s and the seed were agitated for 30 seconds. After 30 seconds, a 2.0 gram of a sample was charged within 10 seconds: The seeds were agitated until 95% of the seeds were coated.

After coating, the 1 gram of coated seeds was added to 150 ml glass beaker in a manner to insure the seeds were equally distributed on the bottom of the beaker. The top of the beaker was sealed with a plastic wrap and placed in an dark environment at 30 C. The beaker was checked at 7, 14 and 21. days for signs of germination and rated for % of seeds that germinated.

After 60 days, the plastic wrap covering was slit and a prepared Cpntec test strip was inserted and placed just abo ve the seed to test, fo presence of mold and milde .

le Performance on Tall Fescue Grass sec

Mokl½ikfcw

slier 60 davs

The below table 1 summarizes the compositions that occur in each of the examples. The presence of an "\X" in table 1 means that, the particular example composition contains that particular component.

DMSO - dimeth !sulfoxide TPG E - triptopyieiie glycol methyl eOie PG - ftopy!eae glycol DPG - dipropylene glycol EG - ethylene glycol DMG - Dimethyl Glo enue Samples from Examples 1 -23 were evaluated for safely and environmental properties ^' and the results ate shown in the below Table 2;

TABLE 2

The Human Health rating is based on HMIS (Hazardous Materials information System) rating on Health of an organo solvent compo.setit > 2%

The Flash Point is based on flash point of any organo solvent component > 5%

The Aquatic Toxicity Rating is based on any organo solvent component at any level

The following references are- incorporated by reference in their entireties.

4,839,461 Boehmke

4,172,072 Ashmead

4,799.953 Danzig

4,813,997 innersle

4,863,506 Yo ns

5,059,241 Young 5 ⁽ 547,078 Gill

5,350,735 Kianefsle

5,593,947 Kiuuersley

5, 783 ₁ 523 Koskasi

5,814,582 Ko ska s

6,753,395 Sanders

6,756,461 Sanders

6,818,039 Sa ders

S aader s

8,016,907 S auders

,iAi J, \ "? o& iOei s

5,994.265 Barclay

7,001 ,869 Johnson

6,557,298 Obert

It is contemplated and therefore within the scope of the preseat invention that any feature that is described above can be combined with any other feature that is described above. When mixtures, formulations and/or compositions are discussed, it should be understood that those mixtures, formulations and/or compositions are contemplated as being pans of bigger mixtures, formulations and or compositions. Further, if composition is enumerated, methods using and methods of making that composition are contemplated and within, the scope of the present invention. When a range is discussed, it is contemplated and therefore within the scope of the invention that any number that falls within that range is contemplated as an end point generating a plurality of sub-ranges within that range. For example If a range of 1 -10 is given, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 ar contemplated as end points to generate a sub-range that fit wiihin the scope of th enumerated range. Moreover, it should be understood, that the present invention contemplates minor modifications that can be made to the compositions and methods of the present in vention. In any event, the present invention is defined by the below claims.

SO