Patent Description:
This invention relates to stabilized liquid compositions comprising dicyandiamide and/or an alkyl thiophosphoric triamide, methods for stabilizing such liquid compositions and the use of such compositions.

In the agrochemical industry, farmers use various fertilizers to impart macronutrients to plants either by application to the soil or application to plant leaves. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur are macronutrients that must be supplied to the plants and soil manually by farmers. In many crops, the amount of nitrogen supplied is critical to the overall quality and growth of the crop. Nitrogen is typically supplied in the form of nitrogenous, i.e., nitrogen precursor-containing, fertilizer compounds, such as urea, ammonium nitrate, or ammonium phosphate fertilizer compounds. Due to the high water solubility of these salts, however, applied nitrogen values may be lost due to run-off and leaching of the nitrogenous fertilizer compounds. Once applied, the nitrogenous fertilizer compounds are typically degraded, for example, by microorganisms present in the soil, to nitrogenous species such as NH<NUM>+, NO<NUM>-, NO<NUM>-, and ammonia gas, that may be even more readily lost through evaporation, run-off, and leaching than the fertilizer compounds themselves. If degradation of the fertilizer compounds occurs at a rate that is faster than the nitrogenous degradation products can be used by the plants, then the nitrogen values in the degradation products are at increased risk of being lost.

Nitrification and/or urease inhibitors are of potential use in delaying degradation of fertilizer compounds and thereby reducing losses of nitrogenous degradation products that would otherwise occurred in the absence of the inhibitors. The use of nitrification and/or urease inhibitors in combination with nitrogenous fertilizer compounds tends to increase the amount of time the nitrogen sources remain in the soil and available for absorption by the plants, which tends to increase the effectiveness of the fertilizers and positively impact crop yield and quality.

Aqueous end use fertilizer solutions are typically prepared in the field by diluting commercially available concentrated fertilizer compositions with water. Commonly used concentrated fertilizer compositions include concentrated ammonium nitrate compositions, such as, for example, UAN <NUM>, UAN <NUM>, UAN <NUM> and UAN <NUM>.

Dicyandiamide is potentially useful as a nitrification inhibitor in such aqueous end use fertilizer compositions, but has very low solubility (about <NUM> grams per liter ("g/l")) in water and so is difficult to be incorporated into the aqueous end use fertilizer compositions, particularly under field conditions. <CIT> discloses a liquid agricultural composition comprising (a) one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds, (b) at least one of a dicyandiamide or an alkyl thiophosphoric triamide, (c) an organic solvent selected from dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, the dimethyl ester of succinic acid, dimethyl ester of ethyl succinic acid, the dimethyl ester of glutaric acid, the dimethyl ester of methyl glutaric acid, and the dimethyl ester of adipic acid, diethylene triamine, or monoethanolamine, methyl-<NUM>-(dimethylamino)-<NUM>-methyloxopentanoate, dimethylaminoethanol, triethanolamine, a heterocyclic alcohol according to structure (III) and mixtures thereof. The end use fertilizer composition comprises also at least one stabilizer, which is monoethanolamine.

Urease inhibitors can be used with a fertilizer (i.e., incorporated into a urea-containing fertilizer, e.g., urea and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN)) to slow the conversion of ammonium to ammonia gas and thus slow the loss of ammonia to volatilization, thus making ammonium available to plants in the soil for longer periods of time. In many crops, the amount of nitrogen supplied is critical to the overall quality and growth of the crop. Nitrogen is supplied in either urea or ammonium phosphate forms. Due to the high water solubility of these salts, however, much of the nitrogen applied is lost to run-off and leaching. In ammonium-based products, if the nitrogen is not lost due to leaching or run-off, it is being converted to ammonia gas by an enzyme called urease where the ammonium ions can bind to soil particles. Conversion occurring near the surface of the soil, however, does not allow for binding and this ammonia is lost to the atmosphere. Urease inhibitors are used to protect a farmer's investment in fertilizers by preventing the breakdown of urea by urease, the soil microbe responsible for converting urea to usable ammonia in the soil. This increases the amount of time the nitrogen remains in the soil and is available to the plant for absorption.

Similarly, nitrification inhibitors can be used with a fertilizer (i.e., incorporated into a urea-containing fertilizer, e.g., urea and urea ammonium nitrate (UAN)) to slow the process of ammonium conversion to nitrate, and subsequently the loss of nitrate to leeching, thus making ammonium available to plants in the soil for longer periods of time. Ammonium is one of the main forms of nitrogen that can be utilized by plants. Increasing the amount of time that the nitrogen is available to the plant increases the effectiveness of the fertilizer which positively impacts crop yield and quality.

Fertilizers, in one embodiment, are common water soluble inorganic fertilizers that provide nutrients such as phosphorus-based, nitrogen-based, potassium-based or sulphur-based fertilizers. Examples of such fertilizers include: for nitrogen as the nutrient: nitrates and or ammonium salts such as ammonium nitrate, including in combination with urea e.g. as Uram type materials, calcium ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulphate nitrate, ammonium phosphates, particularly mono-ammonium phosphate, di-ammonium phosphate and ammonium polyphosphate, ammonium sulphate, and the less commonly used calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate and ammonium chloride. It is understood that a fertilizer composition can comprise one or a combination of the fertilizers described herein.

A typical urease inhibitor, alkyl thiophosphoric triamide (for example, N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide or otherwise "NBPT"), however, faces drawbacks in its use as NBPT is extremely difficult to handle. NBPT is a sticky, waxy, heat and water sensitive material, which cannot be used in its solid form, as it is used at low concentrations making it difficult to evenly distribute on urea prills (i.e., large granules) and in soil. In order to evenly distribute the NBPT onto the urea, the NBPT should be dispersed into a carrier prior to being sprayed onto the urea. Thus, the use of a solvent system containing the NBPT is desirable as, in its liquid form, the solvent system is capable of distributing the NBPT into granular urea (e.g., urea prills) and into liquid fertilizers containing urea. By introducing the NBPT to liquid fertilizers containing urea (for example, urea-ammonium nitrate solutions or UAN) in a solvent system, the NBPT is capable of being better dispersed in the liquid fertilizer.

Dicyandiamide is useful as a nitrification inhibitor in aqueous agricultural applications, e.g., end use fertilizer compositions, but similar to urease inhibitors face drawbacks. Nitrification inhibitors, such as dicyandiamide, generally have very low solubility (about <NUM> grams per liter ("g/l")) in water and so it is difficult to incorporate into the aqueous end use fertilizer compositions, particularly under field conditions. As nitrification inhibitors, such as dicyandiamide, have a generally low solubility, they are used at low concentrations in water making it difficult to evenly distribute on urea-containing prills (i.e., large granules) and in soil. In order to evenly distribute the dicyandiamide onto the urea-containing prills or granules, dicyandiamide should be dispersed into a solvent carrier prior to being sprayed onto the urea. Thus, the use of a solvent system containing dicyandiamide (herein, also termed "DCD") is desirable as, in its liquid form, the solvent system is capable of distributing the dicyandiamide onto urea granules or prills, urea ammonium nitrate granules or prills or, otherwise, urea-containing granules or prills, and into liquid fertilizers containing urea or urea ammonium nitrate. By introducing the dicyandiamide to liquid fertilizers containing urea (for example, urea-ammonium nitrate solutions or UAN) in a solvent system, the dicyandiamide is capable of being better dispersed in the liquid fertilizer.

In one embodiment, concentrated fertilizer compositions include concentrated ammonium nitrate compositions, such as, for example, UAN <NUM>, UAN <NUM>, UAN <NUM> and UAN <NUM>.

Thus, in one embodiment, it is desirable to have a solvent system containing alkyl thiophosphoric triamide, for example, (N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide), that has a favorable toxicological and/or ecological profile and desirable characteristics in terms of low volatility, biodegradability or ready biodegradability (i.e., readily biodegradable), low toxicity or low hazard level. In another embodiment, it is desirable to have a solvent system containing a nitrification inhibitor, for example, dicyandiamide, that has a favorable toxicological and/or ecological profile and desirable characteristics in terms of low volatility, biodegradability or ready biodegradability (i.e., readily biodegradable), low toxicity or low hazard level. In a further embodiment, it is desirable to have a solvent system containing a combination of a nitrification inhibitor and urease inhibitor that has a favorable toxicological and/or ecological profile and desirable characteristics in terms of low volatility, biodegradability or ready biodegradability (i.e., readily biodegradable), low toxicity or low hazard level.

Another problem is that certain nitrification inhibitors and/or urease inhibitors degrade at varying temperatures and extreme conditions, e.g., high temperatures or low temperatures. For example, NBPT - a urease inhibitor -- degrades rapidly at higher temperature, typically, above <NUM>. Often times temperatures in agricultural fields (e.g., corn fields, wheat fields, etc.) reach in excess of <NUM> and sometimes can reach up to <NUM> or higher. For example, at <NUM> NBPT formulated in different solvents changes color in days from colorless to a darker green/brown, followed by sludge/precipitate formation after weeks had been exposed to high heat. Thus, it is also desirable to have solvent systems containing nitrification inhibitors and/or urease inhibitors that are stable at high temperatures, such as those utilized in hot climates or weather. This invention addresses the addition of stabilizers to prolong the chemical and physical stability of formulated liquid agricultural compositions containing (i) one or more nitrification inhibitors, (ii) one or more urease inhibitors or (iii) a combination of both (i) and (ii). In one embodiment, the urease inhibitor is NBPT. In one embodiment, the nitrification inhibitor is DCD.

There is also a need for improved NBPT formulations in DMSO to reduce decomposition of N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) into non-effective substances. This decomposition can be observed through common signs of degradation while undergoing long-term storage stability studies. Specifically other side-products suspected of reacting with DMSO in formulation leaving large amounts of sediment and/or malodor in the formulation generated while undergoing stability studies. The above mentioned disadvantages can be solved by adding a co-solvent to reduce NBPT degradation during a long-term storage resulting in unwanted sedimentation and/or odor masking agent to minimize any malodor in the formulation.

The present invention described herein will become apparent from the following detailed description and examples, which comprises in one aspect, a liquid composition for use in agricultural applications comprising: at least one of a nitrification inhibitor or a urease inhibitor; at least one solvent; and at least one stabilizer. The at least one stabilizer is an amine stabilizer. In one embodiment, the liquid composition further comprises a dye.

The amine stabilizer is selected from <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanol, Amino-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-butanol or any combination thereof.

In one embodiment, the amine stabilizer is <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanol. In one embodiment, the amine stabilizer is <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-butanol.

In another aspect, described herein are methods of making a solid or concentrated liquid fertilizer compositions comprising treating (e.g., contacting or spray applying) one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds with a liquid inhibitor composition. The liquid inhibitor composition comprises a nitrification inhibitor and/or a urease inhibitor, homogenously dissolved or dispersed in a solvent comprising at least one amine stabilizer as described above. The liquid inhibitor composition, in one embodiment, further comprises at least one organic co-solvent selected from polar aprotic solvents, amine solvents, heterocyclic alcohol solvents, and mixtures thereof.

The term treating, in one embodiment, includes spray applying the liquid inhibitor composition with the one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds. The term treating, in one embodiment, includes but is not limited to contacting the inhibitor composition with the one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds. In one embodiment, the nitrification inhibitor is dicyandiamide (otherwise referred to herein as "DCD"). In another embodiment, the urease inhibitor is an alkyl thiophosphoric triamide.

In yet another aspect, described herein are concentrated liquid fertilizer compositions comprising, based on weight of the composition: (a) up to about <NUM> wt%, by weight of composition, of one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds, (b) at least one alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or an alkyl thiophosphoric triamide in combination with dicyandiamide, (c) at least one solvent as described herein and (d) at least one amine stabilizer.

In a further aspect, described herein are concentrated liquid fertilizer compositions comprising, based on weight of the composition: (a) up to about <NUM> wt%, by weight of composition, of one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds, (b) at least one of a dicyandiamide and/or an alkyl thiophosphoric triamide, (c) optionally, at least one organophosphate compound according to formula (I. a), (d) at least one solvent selected from polar aprotic solvents, heterocyclic alcohol solvents, and mixtures thereof, (e) at least one amine stabilizer and (f) optionally, water. The concentrated liquid fertilizer compositions can further comprise one or more stabilizers.

Described herein are solid or substantially solid fertilizer compositions comprising: (a) solid particles of one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds, and (b) an inhibitor composition comprising at least one of a dicyandiamide or an alkyl thiophosphoric triamide supported on at least a portion of the solid particles. In one embodiment, the inhibitor composition covers substantially all of the solid particles. In one embodiment, evenly covers (or substantially evenly covers) all of the solid particles.

In another aspect, described herein are methods of making stable liquid or aqueous fertilizer composition comprising contacting one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds, with a liquid inhibitor composition that comprises at least one of a nitrification inhibitor or a urease inhibitor, homogenously dissolved or dispersed in a solvent comprising at least one amine stabilizer. In one embodiment, the amine stabilizer is <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-butanol or mixture thereof. The solvent can, optionally, further comprise an organic co-solvent selected from polar aprotic solvents, amine solvents, heterocyclic alcohol solvents, and mixtures thereof.

In another aspect, the organophosphate compound has the formula (I.

wherein R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM>, are each independently chosen from H, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkenyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkoxyalkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylarylalkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> arylalkyl group, or an aryl group; provided that at least one of R<NUM>, R<NUM> or R<NUM> is not H. In another embodiment, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM>, are each independently chosen from H, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkenyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkoxyalkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylarylalkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> arylalkyl group, or an aryl group; provided that at least one of R<NUM>, R<NUM> or R<NUM> is not H. In one embodiment, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM>, are each independently chosen from H, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkenyl, group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkoxyalkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylarylalkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> arylalkyl group, or an aryl group; provided that at least one of R<NUM>, R<NUM> or R<NUM> is not H.

In yet another embodiment, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM>, are each independently chosen from a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkenyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkoxyalkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylarylalkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> arylalkyl group, or an aryl group. In one embodiment, R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM>, are each independently chosen from a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, more typically, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group.

In another aspect, described herein are methods for fertilizing target plants, comprising applying an aqueous end use fertilizer composition that comprises: (a) one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds, (b) at least one of a dicyandiamide or an alkyl thiophosphoric triamide, typically, alkyl thiophosphoric triamide, (c) at least one solvent comprising dimethyl sulfoxide, dimethyl formamide, monoethanolamine, amino-<NUM>-propanol, dimethylaminoethanol, triethanol amine, a heterocyclic alcohol according to formula (II. a):
<CHM>
or mixtures thereof, (d) an amine stabilizer, and optionally, (e) water, to the target plants or to an environment for the target plants. It is understood that the term heterocyclic alcohol includes dioxolane compounds. The end use fertilizer composition can also comprise, in some embodiments, at least one stabilizer other than an amine stabilizer, which in one embodiment is an organophosphate compound.

In one embodiment, the alkyl thiophosphoric triamide is N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide. In another embodiment, the liquid composition comprises dimethyl sulfoxide and at least one co-solvent selected from the group consisting of: (a) at least one dioxolane compound of formula (II.

wherein R<NUM> and R<NUM> individually comprises a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or a phenyl group, wherein n is an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM>; b) at least one dibasic ester; c) at least one compound of formula (III):.

wherein R3 comprises a C1-C36 alkyl group; wherein R4 and R5 individually comprise a C1-C36 alkyl group, wherein R4 and R5 can optionally together form a ring; and wherein A is a linear or a branched divalent C2-C12 alkyl group; d) at least one alkanolamine or alkoxylated alkanolamine; e) at least one glycol or glycol derivative; f) at least one organophosphate compound and g) any combination thereof.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a nitrification inhibitor composition comprising dicyandiamide dissolved in a liquid medium that comprises an organic solvent selected from polar aprotic solvents, dibasic esters, amines, amino alcohols, heterocyclic alcohols, and mixtures thereof.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of making a solid or concentrated liquid fertilizer composition comprising treating (e.g., contacting, spray applying, brushing, etc) one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds with a nitrification inhibitor composition that comprises dicyandiamide dissolved in a liquid medium that comprises an organic solvent selected from polar aprotic solvents, amine solvents, heterocyclic alcohol solvents, and mixtures thereof.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a concentrated liquid fertilizer composition comprising, by weight of the composition:.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a concentrated solid fertilizer composition comprising:.

According to the present disclosure, the carrier utilized to contact the dicyandiamide or an alkyl thiophosphoric triamide with the solid particles comprises at least one solvent as described herein and an amine stabilizer as described herein.

In yet another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of making a stable, aqueous end use fertilizer composition comprising contacting one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds with a urease inhibitor composition that comprises an alkyl thiophosphoric triamide dissolved in a liquid medium that comprises an organic solvent selected from polar aprotic solvents, amine solvents, heterocyclic alcohol solvents, or mixtures thereof, in addition to an amine stabilizer.

In a further aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method for fertilizing target plants, comprising applying an aqueous end use fertilizer composition that comprises:.

As used herein, the term "alkyl" means a saturated straight chain, branched chain, or cyclic hydrocarbon radical, including but not limited to, methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, iso-propyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, t-butyl, pentyl, n-hexyl, and cyclohexyl.

As used herein, the term "aryl" means a monovalent unsaturated hydrocarbon radical containing one or more six-membered carbon rings in which the unsaturation may be represented by three conjugated double bonds, which may be substituted one or more of carbons of the ring with hydroxy, alkyl, alkenyl, halo, haloalkyl, or amino, including but not limited to, phenoxy, phenyl, methylphenyl, dimethylphenyl, trimethylphenyl, chlorophenyl, trichloromethylphenyl, aminophenyl, and tristyrylphenyl.

As used herein, the term "alkylene" means a divalent saturated straight or branched chain hydrocarbon radical, such as for example, methylene, dimethylene, trimethylene.

As used herein, the term "alkoxyl" means an oxy radical that is substituted with an alkyl group, such as for example, methoxyl, ethoxyl, propoxyl, isopropoxyl, or butoxyl, which may optionally be further substituted on one or more of the carbon atoms of the radical.

As used herein, the term "alkoxyalkyl" means an alkyl radical that is substituted with one or more alkoxy substituents, more typically a (C<NUM>-C<NUM>)alkyloxy-(C<NUM>-C<NUM>)alkyl radical, such as methoxymethyl, and ethoxybutyl.

As used herein, the term "alkenyl" means an unsaturated straight or branched hydrocarbon radical, more typically an unsaturated straight, branched, (which, in one particular embodiment, is C<NUM>-C<NUM>) hydrocarbon radical, that contains one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, such as, for example, ethenyl, n-propenyl, iso-propenyl.

As used herein, the term "arylalkyl" means an alkyl group substituted with one or more aryl groups, more typically a (C<NUM>-C<NUM>)alkyl substituted with one or more (C<NUM>-C<NUM>)aryl substituents, such as, for example, phenylmethyl, phenylethyl, and triphenylmethyl.

As used herein, the term "aryloxy" means an oxy radical substituted with an aryl group, such as for example, phenyloxy, methylphenyl oxy, isopropylmethylphenyloxy.

As used herein, the terminology "(Cr-Cs)" in reference to an organic group, wherein r and s are each integers, indicates that the group may contain from r carbon atoms to s carbon atoms per group.

In one embodiment, non-limiting examples of nitrification inhibitors comprise any one or more of N-<NUM>,<NUM>-dichlorophenyl succinamic acid, dicyandiamide (DCD), zinc ethylene-bis-dithiocarbamate, <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-triehloroaniline, pentachlorophenol, thio-urea, ammonium thiosulphate (ATS) or <NUM>,<NUM>-dimethypyrazole phosphate (DMPP).

In one embodiment, non-limiting examples of urease inhibitors comprise any one or more of N-butyl thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), N-(w-butyl)phosphoric triamide, miophosphoryl triamide, cyclohexyl phosphoric triamide, cyclohexyl thiophosphoric triamide, phosphoric triamide, hydroquinone, p-benzoquinone, hexamidocyclotriphosphazene, thiopyridines, thiopyrimidines, thiopyridine-N-oxides, N,A'-dihalo-<NUM>-imidazolidinone, N-halo-<NUM>- oxazolidinone, ammonium thiosulphate (ATS), N-cyclohexyl phosphoric triamide (CHPT), phenyl phosphorodiamidate (PPT) and <NUM>-nitrophenyl phosphoric triamide (<NUM>- NPT).

Dicyandiamide is a known compound according to formula (I.

Dicyandiamide, also known as "<NUM>-cyanoguanidine", is typically made by treating cyanamide with base and is commercially available.

In one embodiment, the compositions according to the present invention comprise a urease inhibitor, such as an alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or ammonium thiosulfate, a nitrification inhibitor, or a combination of both a urease inhibitor and a nitrification inhibitor.

In one embodiment, alkyl thiophosphoric triamide is N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide ("NBPT"). The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at a lower range of <NUM>% by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at a lower range of <NUM>% by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at a lower range of <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

The at least one of urease inhibitor and/or nitrification inhibitor can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at a lower range of <NUM>%, or <NUM> %, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% or <NUM> % or <NUM>%, by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide and/or dicyandiamide can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at a lower range of <NUM>%, or <NUM> %, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% or <NUM> % or <NUM>%, by weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the at least one urease inhibitor or nitrification inhibitor or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at an upper range of <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% by weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at an upper range of <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at an upper range of <NUM>% by weight of the composition. In another embodiment, the at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at an upper range of <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

In another embodiment, the at least one urease inhibitor or nitrification inhibitor or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at an upper range of <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% or <NUM> % or <NUM>%, by weight of the composition. In another embodiment, at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide and/or dicyandiamide can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at an upper range of <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% or <NUM> % or <NUM>%, by weight of the composition.

The at least one urease inhibitor or nitrification inhibitor or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at an upper range of <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% or <NUM> % or <NUM>%, by weight of the composition. At least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide and/or dicyandiamide can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at an upper range of <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% or <NUM> % or <NUM>%, by weight of the composition.

The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at an upper range of <NUM>% by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at an upper range of <NUM>% by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide or combination thereof can be present in the liquid agricultural composition at an upper range of <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide can be present in the liquid agricultural composition in an amount between about <NUM>% by weight of the composition to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide can be present in the composition in an amount between about <NUM>% by weight of the composition to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide can be present in the liquid agricultural composition in an amount between about <NUM>% by weight of the composition to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide can be present in the liquid agricultural composition in an amount between about <NUM>% by weight of the composition to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide can be present in the liquid agricultural composition in an amount between about <NUM>% by weight of the composition to about <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide can be present in the composition in an amount between about <NUM> % by weight of the composition and about <NUM> % by weight of the composition or, can be present in the composition in an amount between about <NUM> % by weight of the composition and about <NUM> % by weight of the composition, and, can be present in the composition in an amount between about <NUM> % by weight of the composition and about <NUM> % by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide is present in the composition in an amount between about <NUM> % by weight of the composition and about <NUM> % by weight of the composition. The at least one of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide or dicyandiamide means that alkyl thiophosphoric triamide can be solely present, dicyandiamide can be solely present, or a combination of alkyl thiophosphoric triamide and dicyandiamide is present.

The amine stabilizer is <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanol (sometimes referred to as "AMP"), <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-butanol or mixtures thereof.

The amine stabilizer component can form stable compositions when combined with solvent compositions containing the nitrification and/or urease inhibitor, which in some embodiments means stability at temperatures ranging from -<NUM> to <NUM>, in other embodiments, -<NUM> to <NUM>, in other embodiments, -<NUM> to <NUM>, in other embodiments, -<NUM> to <NUM>, or in other embodiments, <NUM> to <NUM>.

In one embodiment, the stabilizer or amine stabilizer is present in the liquid composition in an amount between <NUM>% by weight of the composition to <NUM>% by weight of the composition. (It is understood that the term "%" can be used interchangeably with "wt%").

In one embodiment, the stabilizer or amine stabilizer is present in the liquid composition at a lower range of <NUM> % or <NUM> % or <NUM>%, by weight of the composition. In one embodiment, the stabilizer or amine stabilizer is present in the liquid composition at a lower range of <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

In one embodiment, the stabilizer or amine stabilizer is present in the liquid composition at an upper range of <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

Compounds suitable as the organic solvent are polar aprotic solvents, heterocyclic alcohol solvents, and/or mixtures thereof, that form liquid, or otherwise stable, compositions with the nitrification and/or urease inhibitor at temperatures at or greater than -<NUM>, greater than -<NUM>, greater than -<NUM>, greater than -<NUM>, greater than -<NUM>, greater than -<NUM>, greater than -<NUM>, greater than -<NUM>, greater than <NUM>, greater than <NUM>, greater than <NUM>, greater than <NUM>.

At high temperature ranges or at greater than a specified temperature (as described herein), the liquid fertilizer composition is stable, meaning the urease and/or nitrification inhibitor(s) do not react with the solvent or solvent component under anticipated manufacturing, storage, and use conditions. The liquid fertilizer compositions are stable at a temperature greater than <NUM>. The liquid fertilizer compositions are stable at a temperature greater than <NUM>. The liquid fertilizer compositions are stable at a temperature greater than <NUM>. The liquid fertilizer compositions are stable at a temperature greater than <NUM>. The liquid fertilizer compositions are stable at a temperature greater than <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>.

At the specified temperature ranges or at greater than a specified temperature (as described herein), the liquid fertilizer composition is stable, meaning the liquid fertilizer composition is or substantially is in one phase, i.e., no visible crystals, no visible precipitation, and/or no visible multiple liquid phases. The liquid fertilizer composition is stable, meaning the liquid fertilizer composition is or substantially is in one phase and shows little or slight discoloration.

The liquid fertilizer composition is stable, meaning that the co-solvent does not degrade or chemically react to other components in the composition.

In one embodiment, the organic solvent component of the composition and methods of the present invention comprises a mixture of at least one organophosphate solvent according to formula (I. a), wherein R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are as described above.

In one embodiment, a compound utilized as the solvent or as a component in the solvent blend is a compound of general formula (III):.

According to one embodiment, the expression "compound" denotes any compound corresponding to the general formula (III). In other embodiments, the term "compound" also refers to mixtures of several molecules corresponding to general formula (III). It may therefore be a molecule of formula (III) or a mixture of several molecules of formula (III), wherein both fall under the definition of the term "compound" when referring to formula (III).

The R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM> groups can be, in some embodiments, identical or, in other embodiment, different. In one embodiment, may be groups chosen from C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or arylalkyl groups or the phenyl group. In another embodiment, may be groups chosen from C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl, aryl, alkaryl or arylalkyl groups or the phenyl group. Mention is made especially of Rhodiasolv® PolarClean (Manufactured by Solvay USA Inc. , Princeton, NJ). The R<NUM> and R<NUM> groups may optionally be substituted. In one particular embodiment, the groups are substituted with hydroxyl groups.

In one embodiment, R<NUM> group is chosen from methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, n-pentyl, isopentyl, isoamyl, n-hexyl, cyclohexyl, <NUM>-ethylbutyl, n-octyl, isooctyl, <NUM>-ethylhexyl, tridecyl groups.

R<NUM> and R<NUM> groups, which are identical or different, in one embodiment, may especially be chosen from methyl, ethyl, propyl (n-propyl), isopropyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, n-pentyl, amyl, isoamyl, hexyl, cyclohexyl or hydroxyethyl groups. The R<NUM> and R<NUM> groups may also be such that they form, together with the nitrogen atom, a morpholine, piperazine or piperidine group. According to some embodiments, R<NUM> and R<NUM> are each methyl, or R<NUM> and R<NUM> are each ethyl, or R<NUM> and R<NUM> are each hydroxyethyl.

If A comprises a linear group of formula -- CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- and/or of formula -- CH<NUM>-CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- and/or of formula --( CH<NUM>)<NUM>-- then it is a mixture of A groups. If A is linear, then it is a mixture of A groups, for example a mixture of two or three -- CH<NUM>-CH<NUM>-- (ethylene); -- CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- (n-propylene); and -- CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- (n-butylene) groups (or isomers thereof).

The A group is a divalent linear alkyl group chosen from the groups of the following formulae: -- CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- (ethylene); -- CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- (n-propylene); -- CH<NUM>- - CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- CH<NUM>-- (n-butylene), and mixtures thereof.

Suitable Odor Masking Agents include but are not limited to terpineol, benzaldehyde, <NUM>-allylanisole, anisole, mint, oil Japanese cherry or lactones.

In one embodiment, the Odor Masking Agent is chosen from at least one of Isoamyl butyrate, <NUM>-Allylanisole, Limonene, Terpineol , terpenes, <NUM>-(<NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM>-Trimethyl-<NUM>-cyclohexenyl)-<NUM>-buten-<NUM>-one, Benzaldehyde, Diethyl Malonate, Cyclohexyl acetate, Anisole, α-Ionone, mint, oil Japanese cherry. In one embodiment, the Odor Masking Agent is isoamyl butyrate. An amount of less than <NUM> wt% or less than <NUM> wt% or less than <NUM> wt% or less than <NUM> wt% or less than <NUM> wt% (by total weight of composition) of odor masking agent is added to the composition. An amount of from <NUM> wt% to <NUM> wt% of the odor masking agent (for example, isoamyl butyrate) is added to the liquid formulations of the present invention. These formulations are imparted with stability in assay, flash point, and cold temperature for up to <NUM> weeks at room temperature and <NUM>. The overall odor of the liquid compositions containing DMSO, for example, were significantly improved.

Examples of suitable dyes include but are not limited to any one or more of: Carbon Black, Pigment Blue <NUM>, Pigment Blue <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Blue <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Blue <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Blue <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Blue <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Blue <NUM>, Pigment Blue <NUM>, Pigment Blue <NUM>, Pigment Blue <NUM>, Pigment Blue <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Yellow <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>:<NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>. Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Red <NUM>, Pigment Orange <NUM>, Pigment Orange <NUM>, Pigment Orange <NUM>, Pigment Orange <NUM>, Pigment Orange <NUM>, Pigment Orange <NUM>, Pigment Violet <NUM>, Pigment Violet <NUM>, Pigment Violet <NUM>, Pigment Violet <NUM>, Pigment Violet <NUM>, Pigment Violet <NUM>, Pigment Green <NUM>, Pigment Green <NUM>, and the like. Suitable dyes include but are not limited to Yellow #<NUM> Aluminum dye lake (SunCROMA), LITHOL Fast Yellow <NUM> (BASF); PALIOTOL Yellow <NUM> (BASF); NOVOPERM Yellow FGL (Clariant); FD&C Yellow <NUM> Al Lake (SunCROMA), PALIOGEN Violet <NUM> (BASF); PALIOGEN Violet <NUM> (BASF); HELIOGEN Green L8730 (BASF); LITHOL Scarlet D3700 (BASF); SUNFAST Blue <NUM>:<NUM> (Sun Chemical); Permanent Red P-F7RK; Hostaperm Violet BL (Clariant); LITHOL Scarlet <NUM> (BASF); Bon Red C (Dominion Color Company); ORACET Pink RF (BASF); PALIOGEN Red <NUM> (BASF); NEOPEN Blue FF4012 (BASF); PV Fast Blue B2GO1 (Clariant); IRGALITE Blue BCA (BASF); SUNFAST Blue <NUM>:<NUM> (Sun Chemical); PALIOGEN Red <NUM> (BASF); SUNFAST Carbazole Violet <NUM> (Sun Chemical); LITHOL Fast Scarlet L4300 (BASF); SUNBRITE Yellow <NUM> (Sun Chemical); HELIOGEN Blue L6900, L7020 (BASF); SUNBRITE Yellow <NUM> (Sun Chemical); SPECTRA PAC C Orange <NUM> (Sun Chemical); Hostaperm Blue B2G-D (Clariant); HELIOGEN Blue K6902, K6910 (BASF); SUNFAST Magenta <NUM> (Sun Chemical); HELIOGEN Blue D6840, D7080 (BASF); Sudan Blue OS (BASF); PALIOGEN Blue <NUM> (BASF); Tartrazine yellow dye (ORCO), Sudan Orange G (Aldrich), Sudan Orange <NUM> (BASF); Milliken Liquitint Agro Green ZA <NUM>, Milliken Green #<NUM> - Experimental Green MM04201703A, Milliken Green #<NUM>- Experimental Green MM01201724A, ORCO Blue SI-MC/ORCO Yellow, PALIOGEN Orange <NUM> (BASF); PALIOGEN Yellow <NUM>, <NUM> (BASF); Lumogen Yellow D0790 (BASF); Suco-Yellow L1250 (BASF); Suco-Yellow D1355 (BASF); Suco Fast Yellow DI <NUM>, DI <NUM> (BASF); HOSTAPERM Pink E <NUM> (Clariant); Hansa Brilliant Yellow 5GX03 (Clariant); Permanent Yellow GRL <NUM> (Clariant); Permanent Rubine L6B <NUM> (Clariant); FANAL Pink D4830 (BASF); CINQUASIA Magenta (DU PONT); PALIOGEN Black L0084 (BASF); Pigment Black K801 (BASF); and carbon blacks such as REGAL <NUM>™ (Cabot), Carbon Black <NUM>, Carbon Black <NUM> (Columbia Chemical), as well as mixtures thereof and the like. In other embodiments, additional components, such as odor masking agents can be added to the composition.

The dye is present in the composition at a lower range of about <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% by weight of the composition. The dye is present in the composition at a lower range of about <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

The dye is present in the composition at an upper range of about <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% by weight of the composition. The dye is present in the composition at an upper range of about <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>%, or <NUM>% by weight of the composition.

The inhibitor composition of the present invention comprises, based upon total weight of the composition:.

In one embodiment, the inhibitor composition of the present invention comprises, based upon total weight of the composition, from about <NUM> wt% to about <NUM> wt%, more typically from about <NUM> wt% to about <NUM> wt% of at least one amine stabilizer.

The inhibitor composition of the present invention comprises, based on <NUM> parts by weight ("pbw") of the composition:.

In one embodiment, the inhibitor composition of the present invention comprises one or more urease inhibitors, such as, for example, NBPT or ammonium thiosulfate. In one embodiment, the inhibitor composition as described herein comprises one or more nitrification inhibitors, such as, for example DCD.

The nitrogenous fertilizer compound is treated with the inhibitor composition by contacting the nitrogenous fertilizer composition with the inhibitor composition described herein (e.g., nitrification inhibitor or urease inhibitor or a combination of both). The nitrogenous fertilizer composition may be in solid or liquid form.

Suitable nitrogenous fertilizers are those containing a nitrogenous compound such as urea, nitrate salts, ammonium salt, or a mixture thereof, such as ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium thiosulfate, ammonium polysulfide, ammonium phosphates, ammonium chloride, ammonium bicarbonate, anhydrous ammonia, calcium nitrate, nitrate soda, calcium cyanamide. In one embodiment, the nitrogenous fertilizer comprises ammonium nitrate. Suitable ammonium nitrate-containing fertilizers include, for example, UAN <NUM>, UAN <NUM>, and UAN <NUM>.

According to the present disclosure, the nitrogenous fertilizer composition is in solid particulate form, and the contacting of the nitrogenous fertilizer composition with the inhibitor composition is conducted by, for example, spraying the composition of the present invention on the particles of solid fertilizer composition.

Methods of stabilizing a liquid fertilizer composition comprise contacting <NUM>) an amine stabilizer as described herein with <NUM>) a liquid inhibitor composition that comprises one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds and at least one of a dicyandiamide or an alkyl thiophosphoric triamide, which is dissolved or dispersed in a liquid medium. The liquid medium, in some embodiments comprise: dimethylfulfoxide and at least one co-solvent selected from: (a) a dioxolane compound of formula (II. b) [described above], (b) at least one compound of formula (III) [described above], (c) at least one compound according to formula (I. a) [described above], or (d) a glycol or glycol derivative.

The concentrated fertilizer composition of the present invention is a solid nitrification-inhibited fertilizer composition that comprises, based on <NUM> pbw of the composition:.

The solid nitrification-inhibited fertilizer composition of the present invention further comprises one or more urease inhibitors, more typically NBPT.

In one embodiment, the fertilizer compound is in liquid form and the contacting of the fertilizer composition with the inhibitor composition is conducted by mixing the inhibitor composition with the liquid fertilizer composition.

The concentrated fertilizer composition of the present invention is a concentrated liquid nitrification-inhibited fertilizer composition that comprises, based on <NUM> pbw of the composition:.

In one embodiment, the concentrated liquid nitrification-inhibited fertilizer composition of the present invention further comprises one or more urease inhibitors, more typically NBPT.

The end use fertilizer composition of the present invention is made by combining the inhibitor composition of the present invention with a concentrated nitrogenous fertilizer to form a concentrated liquid nitrification-inhibited fertilizer composition and subsequently diluting the concentrated liquid nitrification-inhibited fertilizer composition with an aqueous medium, typically water in a ratio of up to about <NUM> pbw, more typically from about <NUM> to about <NUM> pbw and even more typically from about <NUM> to about <NUM> pbw, of the aqueous medium per <NUM> pbw concentrated liquid nitrogenous fertilizer composition.

The end use fertilizer composition of the present invention is made by combining the inhibitor composition of the present invention, a solid or concentrated liquid nitrogenous fertilizer, and an aqueous medium.

The end use fertilizer composition of the present invention comprises one or more urease inhibitors, more typically NBPT, alone or in combination with the nitrification inhibitor.

The end use fertilizer composition of the present invention comprises from about <NUM> to about <NUM> pbw, more typically from about <NUM> to about <NUM> pbw urease inhibitor and/or nitrification inhibitor per <NUM> pbw of the one or more nitrogenous fertilizer compounds.

According to the present disclosure, the end use fertilizer composition is applied to target plants or to an environment for the target plants, i.e., to ground on or within which the target plants are growing or to be grown, at a rate of from about <NUM> pounds to about <NUM> pounds of the fertilizer composition, more typically from about <NUM> pounds to about <NUM> pounds of the fertilizer composition, per <NUM> square feet of ground.

According to the present disclosure, the end use fertilizer composition is applied to target plants or to an environment for the target plants at a rate effective to provide a dosage of nitrogenous fertilizer compound of from about <NUM> pounds to about <NUM> pounds of fertilizer compound, more typically from about <NUM> pounds to <NUM> pounds of fertilizer compound, per <NUM> square feet of ground.

According to the present disclosure, the end use fertilizer composition is applied to target plants or to an environment for the target plants at a rate effective to provide a dosage of fertilizer of from about <NUM> pounds to <NUM> pounds of fertilizer, more typically from about <NUM> pounds to <NUM> pounds of fertilizer, per <NUM> square feet of ground.

The composition of the present invention provides improved ease of handling of urease inhibitors and/or nitrification inhibitors, improved solubility characteristics, low toxicity of the organic solvents; good storage characteristics, and excellent miscibility with aqueous compositions, such as aqueous nitrogenous fertilizer formulations.

In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt% of a urease inhibitor (e.g., NBPT), nitrification inhibitor (e.g., DCD), or a combination thereof, the remainder being at least solvent or a mixture of solvents, amine stabilizer and a dye. By way of example, in one embodiment, the fertilizer composition comprises, by weight of composition:.

According to the present disclosure, the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt% of a urease inhibitor (e.g., NBPT), nitrification inhibitor (e.g., DCD), or a combination thereof, the remainder being at least solvent or a mixture of solvents, amine stabilizer and a dye. By way of example, in one embodiment, the fertilizer composition comprises, by weight of composition:.

According to the present disclosure, the stable liquid agricultural composition comprises, by weight of composition,.

According to the present disclosure, the stable liquid agricultural composition comprises, by weight of composition:.

According to the present disclosure, the glycol derivative is triethylene glycol.

The mixture of glycol derivatives can comprise, in one embodiment, triethylene glycol and propylene glycol.

In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt% of a urease inhibitor such as NBPT, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt% of a urease inhibitor such as NBPT, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt% a urease inhibitor such as of NBPT, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt% of a urease inhibitor such as NBPT, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt% of a urease inhibitor such as NBPT, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt% of a urease inhibitor such as NBPT, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than 75wt% of a urease inhibitor such as NBPT, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer.

In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt% of a nitrification inhibitor such as DCD, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt% of a nitrification inhibitor such as DCD, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt%, <NUM> wt% of a nitrification inhibitor such as DCD, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt% of a nitrification inhibitor such as DCD, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt% of a nitrification inhibitor such as DCD, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt% of a nitrification inhibitor such as DCD, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer. In one embodiment the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than 75wt% of a nitrification inhibitor such as DCD, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer.

According to the present disclosure, the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> wt% of DCD and/or NBPT, the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents with the amine stabilizer and dye. By way of example, in one embodiment, the fertilizer composition comprises, by weight of composition, <NUM>-<NUM> wt% of NBPT and <NUM>-<NUM> wt% of a solvent blend of: (i) at least one dioxolane compound of formula (II.

wherein R<NUM> and R<NUM> individually comprises a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or a phenyl group, wherein n is an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM>.

According to the disclosure, the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> pbw of NBPT (or NBPT in combination with DCD), the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents.

According to the present disclosure, the composition comprises, by weight of composition, greater than <NUM> pbw of NBPT (or NBPT in combination with DCD), the remainder being solvent or a mixture of solvents.

Experiment <NUM> - <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanol: Compositions were prepared by mixing components in the amounts indicated in Table <NUM>. The amine stabilizer utilized was <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanol. Composition <NUM> was utilized as a comparative example, i.e., without added amine stabilizer.

Referring to Table <NUM>, the flash point was measured for Composition <NUM> (control), Composition <NUM> and Composition <NUM> initially and <NUM> weeks thereafter. Without an amine stabilizer, the flash point of the NBPT composition (i.e., Composition <NUM>) exhibited a dramatic drop from <NUM> to <NUM> after <NUM> weeks at <NUM>. The solution was observed to undergo a color change from colorless, initially, to dark brown with a noticeable amount of sediments after <NUM> weeks at <NUM>. The flash point of NBPT composition with <NUM>% <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanol (Composition <NUM>) is stable at around <NUM> after two weeks at <NUM>. The sedimentation was observed to be dramatically reduced as compared to the control. The flash point of the NBPT composition with <NUM>% <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanol (Composition <NUM>) is stable at around <NUM> after two weeks at <NUM>. Upon observation, only a slight change in the color of the solution and almost no sedimentation was observed.

Experiment <NUM> - Amino-<NUM>-propanol: Compositions were prepared by mixing components in the amounts indicated in Table <NUM>. The amine stabilizer utilized was Amino-<NUM>-propanol. Composition 1a was utilized as a comparative example, i.e., without added amine stabilizer.

Referring to Table <NUM>, the flash point was measured for Composition 1a (control), Composition 2a and Composition 3a initially and <NUM> weeks thereafter. Without an amine stabilizer, the flash point of the NBPT composition (i.e., Composition 1a) exhibited a dramatic drop from <NUM> to <NUM> after <NUM> weeks at <NUM>. The drop in the flash point of the NBPT composition decreases significantly by adding <NUM>% Amino-<NUM>-propanol (Composition 3a). It was observed that the addition of the amine stabilizer, Amino-<NUM>-propanol, in Compositions 2a and 3a also reduces sediments in the solution versus the control.

Experiment <NUM> - <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-butanol: Compositions were prepared by mixing components in the amounts indicated in Table <NUM>. The amine stabilizer utilized was <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-butanol. Composition 1b was utilized as a comparative example, i.e., without this added amine stabilizer.

Referring to Table <NUM>, the flash point was measured for Composition 1b (control), Composition 2b and Composition 3b initially and <NUM> weeks thereafter. Without the <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-butanol amine stabilizer, the flash point of the control (Composition 1b) exhibited a dramatic drop from <NUM> to <NUM> after <NUM> weeks at <NUM>. The solution was observed to undergo a color change from colorless to dark brown and produces large amounts of sediments after <NUM> weeks at <NUM>. The flash point of the NBPT composition with <NUM>% <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-butanol (Composition 2b) is stable at <NUM> after two weeks at <NUM>. Sedimentation was observed to be dramatically reduced versus the control. The flash point of NBPT composition with <NUM>% <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-butanol (Composition 3b) is stable at <NUM> after two weeks at <NUM>. Only a slight change in the color of the solution and almost no sedimentation was observed in solution.

The color of solution of the NBPT and DCD composition (Composition 1c) changes from colorless to amber after <NUM> weeks at <NUM>. The color of solution of the NBPT and DCD composition does not change with the addition of <NUM>% <NUM>-Amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanol (Composition 2c) after <NUM> weeks at <NUM>. This would appear to indicate that Composition 2c is more stable (degradation stability) over the same period of time versus the control.

The color of solution of the NBPT and DCD composition (Composition 1d) changes from colorless to amber after <NUM> weeks at <NUM>. The color of solution of the NBPT and DCD composition does not change with the addition of <NUM>% Amino-<NUM>-propanol (Composition 2d) after <NUM> weeks at <NUM>. This would appear to indicate that Composition 2d is more stable (degradation stability) over the same period of time versus the control.

Claim 1:
A stable liquid agricultural composition comprising
- at least one urease inhibitor;
- dimethyl sulfoxide;
- optionally, at least one co-solvent selected from:
(a) at least one dioxolane compound of formula (II.b):
<CHM>
wherein R<NUM> and R<NUM> individually comprises a hydrogen, an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, or a phenyl group, wherein n is an integer of from <NUM> to <NUM>;
b) at least one compound of formula (III):

        R<NUM>OOC-A-CONR<NUM>R<NUM>     (III),

wherein R<NUM> comprises a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group; wherein R<NUM> and R<NUM> individually comprise a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, wherein R<NUM> and R<NUM> can optionally together form a ring; and wherein A is a linear or a branched divalent C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group;
c) at least one compound according to formula (I.a):
<CHM>
wherein R<NUM>, R<NUM> and R<NUM>, are each independently chosen from a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkenyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkoxyalkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> alkylarylalkyl group, a C<NUM>-C<NUM> arylalkyl group, or an aryl group; or
d) a glycol, or glycol derivative, or combinations thereof; characterized in that it comprises
- an amine stabilizer wherein the amine stabilizer is <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-methyl-<NUM>-propanol, <NUM>-amino-<NUM>-butanol or mixtures thereof.