U.S. patent application number 10/378362 was filed with the patent office on 2003-08-28 for surfactant coated products and methods for their use in promoting plant growth and soil remediation.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jar-Mar, Inc.. Invention is credited to Walker, Richard T..
Application Number | 20030162664 10/378362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 26832142 |
Filed Date | 2003-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030162664 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Walker, Richard T. |
August 28, 2003 |
Surfactant coated products and methods for their use in promoting
plant growth and soil remediation
Abstract
Novel mixed agricultural compositions, and methods for their use
are disclosed. The agricultural compositions are prepared by a
process comprising mixing together a carrier, such as a solid
fertilizer or liquid solvent, and a carbohydrate-based surfactant,
such as AGRIMUL PG 2069 (Henkel, Dusseldorf, Germany). For example,
8 quarts of surfactant were mixed with one ton of a solid
fertilizer. The carrier material can further comprise biologically
active agents such as herbicides, insecticides, chemosterilants,
nematicides, and fungicides. These mixed agricultural compositions
are used to promote the growth of plants in soil and enhance soil
bioremediation.
Inventors: |
Walker, Richard T.;
(Senatobia, MS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Raymond Reese
HOWREY SIMON ARNOLD & WHITE, LLP
750 Bering Drive
Houston
TX
77057-2198
US
|
Assignee: |
Jar-Mar, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
26832142 |
Appl. No.: |
10/378362 |
Filed: |
March 3, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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10378362 |
Mar 3, 2003 |
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09567336 |
May 9, 2000 |
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6565860 |
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60134266 |
May 14, 1999 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
504/367 ;
71/11 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C05G 3/70 20200201; C05G
5/30 20200201; A01N 25/30 20130101; C05G 3/50 20200201 |
Class at
Publication: |
504/367 ;
71/11 |
International
Class: |
A01N 025/12; C05F
001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An agricultural composition prepared by a process comprising
mixing together a carbohydrate-based surfactant and a soil
additive.
2. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the soil
additive comprises an aqueous or non-aqueous liquid solvent.
3. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the soil
additive is a solid material.
4. The agricultural composition of claim 3, wherein the soil
additive comprises a powdered, particulate, granular, or pelleted
form.
5. The agricultural composition of claim 4, wherein the soil
additive is a fertilizer, anti-caking agent, pesticide, or
combination thereof.
6. The agricultural composition of claim 5, wherein the fertilizer
is ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium polyphosphate,
calcium nitrate, calcium sulfate, diammonium phosphate, triple
super phosphate, single super phosphate, lime or limestone,
magnesium sulfate, manganese sulfate, monoammonium phosphate,
monocalcium phosphate, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride,
potassium magnesium sulfate, sulfate of potash, sodium nitrate,
sulfur-coated urea, borax, pelleted fertilizers, fertilizers coated
for slow release, or mixtures thereof.
7. The agricultural composition of claim 4, wherein the soil
additive is diatomaceous earth, calcium sulfate, corn cob
particulate, bentonite clay, vermiculite, or combinations
thereof.
8. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactant
is an alkyl polyglycoside, alkyl glucoside, fatty acid glucamide,
sucrose fatty acid ester, or sorbitan fatty acid ester.
9. The agricultural composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactant
is represented by the formula: 2Wherein (y) is an integer from
about 7 to about 21; (z) is any number between about 1 and about
10; and (x) is defined as a carbonate group, ethercarboxylate
group, ether group, ethoxylate group, ester group, hydrogen atom,
isethionate group, quaternary group (e.g. a quaternary amine),
sulfate group, or sulfosuccinate group.
10. The agricultural composition of claim 9, wherein (y) is from
about 7 to about 14, (z) is between about 1.0 and about 1.8, and
(x) is an hydrogen atom.
11. The agricultural composition of claim 3, wherein between about
400 grams and about 7700 grams of the surfactant are applied to
each U.S. ton of solid soil additive.
12. The agricultural composition of claim 3, wherein between about
400 grams and about 2900 grams of the surfactant are applied to
each U.S. ton of solid soil additive.
13. The agricultural composition of claim 3, further comprising a
drying agent.
14. The agricultural composition of claim 12, wherein the drying
agent is calcium sulfate or bentonite clay.
15. The agricultural composition of claim 1, further comprising an
insecticide, a herbicide, a nematicide, a fungicide, or a
chemosterilant or mixtures thereof.
16. A method of promoting the growth of plants in soil comprising:
obtaining an agricultural composition comprising a
carbohydrate-based surfactant and soil additive; and applying the
agricultural composition to soil.
17. The method of claim 16 wherein, the soil additive comprises an
aqueous or non-aqueous liquid solvent.
18. The method of claim 16, wherein the soil additive is a solid
material.
19. The method of claim 16, wherein the soil additive comprises a
powdered, particulate, granular, or pelleted form.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein the soil additive is a
fertilizer, anti-caking agent, pesticide, or combinations
thereof.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein the fertilizer is ammonium
nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium polyphosphate, calcium nitrate,
calcium sulfate, diammonium phosphate, triple super phosphate,
single super phosphate, lime or limestone, magnesium sulfate,
manganese sulfate, monoammonium phosphate, monocalcium phosphate,
potassium nitrate, potassium chloride, potassium magnesium sulfate,
sulfate of potash, sodium nitrate, sulfur-coated urea, borax,
pelleted fertilizers, fertilizers coated for slow release, or
mixtures thereof.
22. The method of claim 16, wherein the surfactant is an alkyl
polyglycoside, alkyl glucoside, fatty acid glucamide, sucrose fatty
acid ester, or sorbitan fatty acid ester.
23. The method of claim 16, wherein the surfactant is represented
by the formula: 3Wherein (y) is an integer from about 7 to about
21; (z) is any number between about 1 and about 10; and (x) is
defined as a carbonate group, ethercarboxylate group, ether group,
ethoxylate group, ester group, hydrogen atom, isethionate group,
quaternary group (e.g. a quaternary amine), sulfate group, or
sulfosuccinate group
24. The method of claim 23, wherein (y) is from about 7 to about
14, (z) is between about 1.0 and about 1.8, and (x) is an hydrogen
atom.
25. The method of claim 18, wherein between about 400 grams and
about 7700 grams of the carbohydrate based surfactant are applied
to each U.S. ton of soil additive.
26. The method of claim 18, wherein between about 400 grams and
about 2900 grams of the carbohydrate based surfactant are applied
to each U.S. ton of soil additive.
27. The method of claim 18, wherein the agricultural composition is
applied at a rate of between about 125 pounds per acre and about
1000 pounds per acre.
28. A method of bioremediation of soil comprising: obtaining an
agricultural composition comprising a carbohydrate-based surfactant
and soil additive; and applying the agricultural composition to
soil.
29. The method of claim 28, wherein the surfactant is an alkyl
polyglycoside, alkyl glucoside, fatty acid glucamide, sucrose fatty
acid ester, or sorbitan fatty acid ester.
30. The method of claim 28, wherein the surfactant is represented
by the formula: 4Wherein (y) is an integer from about 7 to about
21; (z) is any number between about 1 and about 10; and (x) is
defined as a carbonate group, ethercarboxylate group, ether group,
ethoxylate group, ester group, hydrogen atom, isethionate group,
quaternary group (e.g. a quaternary amine), sulfate group, or
sulfosuccinate group.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein (y) is from about 7 to about
14, (z) is between about 1.0 and about 1.8, and (x) is an hydrogen
atom.
32. The method of claim 28, wherein the soil additive comprises an
aqueous or non-aqueous liquid solvent.
33. The method of claim 28, wherein the surfactant is applied to
soil at a rate of between about 25 grams and about 3800 grams per
acre.
34. The method of claim 28, wherein the surfactant is applied to
soil at a rate of between about 25 grams and about 1500 grams per
acre.
35. The method of claim 28, wherein the solid additive comprises a
powdered, particulate, granular, or pelleted form.
36. The method of claim 35, wherein the soil additive is a
fertilizer, anti-caking agent, pesticide, or combination
thereof.
37. The method of claim 28, wherein the soil is contaminated with a
pesticide.
38. The method of claim 37, wherein the pesticide is an herbicide,
insecticide, growth regulator, toxicant, bactericide, molluscicide,
chemosterilant, rodenticide, avicide, nematicide, acaricide,
algicide, fungicide, predicide, or any variant or combination
thereof.
39. The method of claim 37, wherein the pesticide is atrazine or
trifluralin.
40. The method of claim 35, wherein the agricultural composition is
applied at a rate of between about 125 pounds per acre and about
1000 pounds per acre.
Description
[0001] The application claims priority from U.S. Provisional
Application Serial No. 60/134,266, the entire contents of which are
incorporated by reference herein.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to mixed agricultural
compositions and methods for their use. Specifically, a carrier
material comprising a fertilizer, pesticide or anti-caking agent is
mixed with a carbohydrate-based surfactant. The mixed agricultural
compositions may be used to improve plant growth, enhance pest
control, or facilitate soil bioremediation.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] It is known that soil with a healthy microorganism
population is best suited for effective pest control, robust plant
growth, and efficient biodegradation of unwanted soil contaminants.
Soil microorganisms break down dead plant and animal material and
mediate the biodegradation of most man-made pesticides. To thrive,
these microorganisms require a readily available source of carbon
for food. Furthermore, it is more desirable to stimulate the
proliferation of indigenous soil microorganisms than to add
microorganisms from an external source.
[0004] It is known that gradual release of fertilizer nutrients and
biologically active agents such as pesticides into the soil is
advantageous as it avoids potential toxicity resulting from sudden
increases in soil concentrations of applied substances.
[0005] Many controlled release methods for fertilizers and
pesticides have previously been disclosed. For example, in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,484,600, Sjogren discloses a method for making a
composite particle capable of releasing insecticides at a slow or
controlled rate. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,576,008, Yang et al. disclose a
method for the microencapsulization of insecticides into a
urea-formaldehyde resin. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,516,520, Yang et al.
disclose a method of preparation and use of a pesticide
encapsulated in a starch-borax-urea matrix for controlled release.
In U.S. Pat. No. 5,565,407, Southard discloses improved bioactive
agent release-extending compositions of native, undenatured starch
and biodegradable synthetic polymers. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,652,196,
Luthra et al. disclose products for the variable controlled release
of water soluble plant nutrients consisting of a core of water
soluble agent coated with an organic film-forming thermoplastic or
thermosetting compound and a thermoplastic resin to control
release. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,429,654, Swarup discloses a method of
improved fertilizer release control comprising coating a fertilizer
with a neutralized, sulfonated EPDM polymer having a measurable
degree of crystallinity. In U.S. Pat. No. 5,750,130, Ferrell et al.
disclose a method of applying a pesticide to inert organic or
inorganic granular substrates using a carrier compound to improve
adhesion of the pesticide to the substrate and to improve control
over the release of the pesticide.
[0006] It is desirable to avoid the use of foreign materials, or
materials which are not otherwise useful for growing plants, when
developing methods for the more effective utilization of
fertilizers and pesticides, as this allows for enhanced growth and
protection of plants without the introduction of complex and
expensive matrix components.
[0007] In U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,391,542 and 5,143,939, Browning
discloses the use of surfactants such as the TERGITOL series of
surfactants (TERGITOL is a registered trademark of Union Carbide
Corporation, Danbury, Conn.) as a liquid soil additive to enhance
the germination and subsequent growth of plants. Browning also
describes the use of the liquid soil additive as a method of
nematode, worm, mite, and fungus control. However, the surfactant
is only effective for a limited period of time following
application to the soil.
[0008] There exists a need in the art for an improved soil
treatment which expedites proliferation of the native soil
microorganisms more efficaciously than the non-mixed products
alone. Such a treatment should ideally enhance pest control, plant
growth, and the bioremediation of pesticide residues in the
soil.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] The present invention is directed to an agricultural
composition prepared by a process comprising mixing together a
carbohydrate-based surfactant with a soil additive carrier. The
carrier material may be any liquid or solid core material which is
compatible with the present invention. The solid core material
typically comprises a solid soil additive, such as an organic
fertilizer, inorganic fertilizer, pesticide, or anti-caking agent,
that is preferably provided as a powder, granule, pellet, or any
other compatible solid form. The carrier material may generally be
any formulation having agricultural utility.
[0010] As used herein the term "mixing" includes the activities of
mixing, contacting, blending, stirring, coating, applying,
impregnating, commingling, amalgamating, or coalescing.
[0011] The solid core material may further comprise a biologically
active agent. The biologically active agent is typically selected
to bestow additional functional properties to the mixed
agricultural composition. Exemplary biological agents include
herbicides, insecticides, chemosterilants, nematicides, and
fungicides.
[0012] The solid core material is typically mixed with a
carbohydrate-based surfactant, preferably an alkyl polyglycoside;
categories of alkyl polyglycoside include: alkyl glucosides, fatty
acid glucamides, sucrose fatty acid esters, and sorbitan fatty acid
esters. Typically, the amount of surfactant is less than about 1%
(w/w) of the final composition. The surfactant is generally used at
a concentration of about 400 grams to about 7700 grams per U.S. ton
of solid core material. The mixed agricultural composition is
preferably applied at a rate between about 125 pounds and about
1000 pounds per acre.
[0013] The agricultural compositions of this invention are useful
for promoting the growth of plants and enhancing bioremediation of
contaminated soil. These mixed agricultural compositions, when
applied to the soil, can increase soil microorganism populations
relative to non-mixed fertilizers, pesticides, or surfactants
alone. They can also exhibit fewer of the toxic effects normally
associated with the application of pesticides and surfactants
delivered as unmixed formulations.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The present invention relates to a mixed agricultural
composition prepared by a process comprising mixing together a soil
additive carrier material and a carbohydrate-based surfactant,
methods for producing the composition, and uses thereof. The
carrier material may generally be a liquid or a solid core
material. In particular, the solid core material is mixed,
impregnated, or coated with a carbohydrate-based surfactant. The
solid core material may comprise an organic fertilizer, inorganic
fertilizer, anti-caking agent, herbicide, insecticide,
chemosterilant, nematicide, fungicide or combinations of such
materials.
[0015] The solid core material generally comprises a powdered,
particulate, granular, pelleted, or any other compatible solid form
of soil additive, such as, for example, an organic or inorganic
fertilizer. The organic fertilizer may be any compatible organic
fertilizer and is preferably HOU-ACTINITE (Houston, Tex.), or
MILORGANITE (Milwaukee, Wis.). The inorganic fertilizer may
generally be any fertilizer having agricultural utility including
ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium polyphosphate, calcium
sulfate, calcium nitrate, calcium sulfate, diammonium phosphate,
triple super phosphate, single super phosphate, lime or limestone,
magnesium sulfate, manganese sulfate, monoammonium phosphate,
monocalcium phosphate, potassium nitrate, potassium chloride,
potassium magnesium sulfate, sulfate of potash, sodium nitrate,
sulfur-coated urea, borax, pelleted fertilizers, fertilizers coated
for slow release, or mixtures thereof.
[0016] The solid core material may also include various inert
substances which may not directly contribute to the overall
nutrient value of the agricultural composition. Such substances may
include solid carriers, drying agents, or anti-caking agents such
as diatomaceous earth, calcium sulfate, corn cob particulate,
bentonite clay, vermiculite, or combinations of these
substances.
[0017] The solid core material may further comprise a biologically
active agent. The biologically active agent is typically selected
to bestow additional functional properties to the mixed
agricultural composition. Exemplary biological agents include
herbicides, insecticides, chemosterilants, nematicides, and
fungicides.
[0018] The herbicide may generally be any herbicidal agent
compatible with the present invention. The herbicide preferably is
an amide, aromatic acid, arsenical, benzoylcyclohexanedione,
benzofuranyl alkylsulfonate, carbamate, carbanilate, cyclohexene
oxime, cyclopropylisoxazole, dinitroaniline, dinitrophenol,
diphenyl ether, halogenated aliphatic, imidazolinone, inorganic,
nitrile, organophosphorus, phenoxy, phenylenediamine,
pyrazolyloxyacetophenone, pyrazolylphenyl, pyridazinone, pyridine,
pyrimidine diamine, quaternary ammonium, thiocarbamate,
thiocarbonate, triazine, triazole, triazolopyrimidine, uracil,
urea, unclassified herbicide, or a mixture thereof, more preferably
is a dinitroaniline herbicide, and most preferably is
trifluralin.
[0019] The insecticide may generally be any insecticidal agent
compatible with the present invention. The insecticide preferably
is antibiotic, arsenical, botanical, carbamate, dinitrophenol,
fluorine, formamidine, fumigant, hydrazide, growth regulatory,
nereistoxin analogue, nitromethylene, organochlorine,
organophosphorus, oxadiazine, pyrazole, pyrethroid, pyridine,
unclassified insecticide, or a mixture thereof.
[0020] The chemosterilant may generally be any chemosterilant agent
compatible with the present invention. The chemosterilant is
preferably apholate, bisazir, busulfan, diflubenzuron, dimatif,
hemel, hempa, metepa, methiotepa, methyl apholate, morzid,
penfluron, tepa, thiohempa, thiotepa, tretamine, or a mixture
thereof.
[0021] The nematicide may generally be any nematicidal agent
compatible with the present invention. The nematicide is preferably
an antibiotic, carbamate, organophosphorus, unclassified
nematicide, or a mixture thereof.
[0022] The fungicide may generally be any fungicidal agent
compatible with the present invention. The fungicide is preferably
an aliphatic, anilide, antibiotic, aromatic, benzimidazole,
benzimidazole precursor, carbamate, conazole, copper,
dicarboximide, dinitrophenol, dithiocarbamate, imidazole, mercury,
morpholine, organophosphorus, organotin, oxazole, phenylsulfamide,
phenylurea, pyridine, pyrimidine, quinoline, quinone, quinoxaline,
thiazole, thiocarbamate, triazole, xylylalanine, unclassified
fungicide, or a mixture thereof.
[0023] The solid core material is typically mixed with a
carbohydrate-based surfactant. The carbohydrate-based surfactant
preferably comprise an alkyl polyglycoside. The alkyl
polyglycosides comprise compounds represented by the general
formula:
R--O(G).sub.n
[0024] wherein (R) is a straight or branched chain, saturated or
unsaturated, oxo-substituted or unsubstituted C.sub.8-22 alkyl or
aliphatic radical; (G) is a glycose residue; and (n) is an integer
of from about 1 to about 10.
[0025] The above alkyl polyglycosides present in surfactant
mixtures and their production are described, for example, in
European patent applications EP 92 355, EP 301 298, EP 357 969, EP
362 671 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,547,828.
[0026] The alkyl or aliphatic radical represented by (R) in the
formula above is preferably C.sub.8-18, and more preferably
C.sub.9-19, and even more preferably C.sub.9-14. The degree of
polymerization or oligomerization, DP, represented by (n) in the
formula above is preferably any integer from about 1 to about 10;
more preferably (n) is between about 1 and about 2. The glycose
residues represented by (G) in the formula above preferably
comprise any naturally occurring or synthetic aldose or ketose
monomer, including but not limited to glucose, mannose, ribulose
xylulose, psicose, sorbose, tagatose, fructose, galactose, talose,
gulose, altrose, allose, idose, ribose, arabinose, xylose and
lyxose or any combination thereof. Since the reaction products of
sugars and alcohols are generally mixtures, the term "alkyl
polyglycoside" encompasses both alkyl monoglycosides and alkyl poly
(oligo) glycosides. By virtue of its ready availability, glucose is
the preferred glycose monomer residue.
[0027] These alkyl polyglycoside surfactants are characterized not
only by the type of glycose residues present, but also by their
number, the so called degree of polymerization, or DP. One
consequence of this is that alkyl polyglycoside-based surfactants
may include 100% of a particular alkyl polyglycoside species or it
may be include of a mixture comprising any combination of the
described allyl polyglycosides. Therefore, as an analytically
determined quantity, the DP for any given surfactant composition is
expressed as the ratio of the number of glycoside residues, (G) in
the formula above, to aliphatic groups, (R) in the formula above,
for all of the various alkyl polyglycosides present in the
composition. This ratio is preferably between about 1 and about 10;
more preferably the ratio is between about 1.0 and about 2.0; and
most preferably it is between about 1.1 and about 1.8.
[0028] The straight or branched chain alkyl or aliphatic radical,
represented by (R) in the formula above, is preferably obtained
from any available derivatives of renewable raw materials or from
synthetic sources; possible sources include, but are not limited to
fatty alcohols, branched-chain primary alcohols, or the so-called
oxo-alcohols. Oxo-alcohols, also known as Ziegler alcohols,
typically comprise an odd number of carbon atoms preferably between
about 7 carbon atoms and about 19 carbon atoms.
[0029] Using standard production methods, the alkyl polyglycosides
may include small quantities (typically less than about 5%) of
other compounds such as salts, unreacted long-chain alcohols, or
other impurities which are compatible with the present
invention.
[0030] The surfactant is more preferably an alkyl polyglycoside
represented by the formula: 1
[0031] Wherein (y) is an integer from 7 to 21; (z) is any number of
about 10 or less and represents the average degree of glycoside
polymerization which is based on the ratio of glycoside residues to
alkyl or aliphatic groups for all of the various alkyl
polyglycoside molecules present in the surfactant; and (x), is
defined as a carbonate group, ethercarboxylate group, ether group,
ethoxylate group, ester group, hydrogen atom, is isethionate group,
quaternary group (e.g. a quaternary amine), sulfate group, or
sulfosuccinate group; more preferably (y) is from about 9 to about
14, (z) is between about 1.0 and about 2.0, and more preferably
between about 1.1 and about 1.8, and x is preferably an hydrogen
atom.
[0032] Due to the nature of glycosidic bond formation the
surfactant may include a complex mixture of glycoside products
comprising alpha- and/or beta-anomers in pyranose and/or furanose
ring structures. Furthermore, these residues may be joined by any
combination of (1-6)-, (1-4)-, (1-2)-, and (1-3)-glycosidic
linkages.
[0033] Exemplary surfactants include the AGRIMUL PG series,
preferably AGRIMUL PG 2069 (Henkel A G, Dusseldorf, Germany).
[0034] The surfactant is preferably mixed with the solid core
material at a concentration between about 400 grams and about 7700
grams per U.S. ton of solid core material, and more preferably
between about 400 grams and about 2900 grams per U.S. ton of solid
core material. These mixed agricultural compositions are preferably
applied at a rate between about 125 pounds and about 1000 pounds
per acre.
[0035] The surfactant is typically provided in a liquid form. For
instance, a liquid surfactant containing about 50% (v/v) alkyl
polyglycoside is commercially available as AGRIMUL PG 2069 (Henkel,
Dusseldorf, Germany). This solution can be used directly or diluted
with a suitable carrier prior to use. When mixed with a solid core
material the liquid surfactant, or diluted liquid surfactant, is
preferably sprayed onto the solid core material.
[0036] The mixture of surfactant and solid core material may become
wet and difficult to manage when the quantity of surfactant added
reaches the upper range of the application amount. If the mixture
becomes wet, drying agent components such as bentonite clay or
calcium sulfate, may be added in an amount sufficient to reduce the
moisture level of the composition. The amount of drying agent added
is typically between about 5 pounds and about 50 pounds per U.S.
ton of solid core material.
[0037] Dry fertilizers are often blended using large mixing devices
or payloaders in which the fertilizer and various additives have
been added. Transfer of scoopfulls of components into the mixture
with a spreading action eventually produces a homogeneous mixture.
During the process of mixing, an appropriate quantity of surfactant
(as described above) may be sprayed onto the mixture to produce a
uniform coating of the surfactant on the fertilizer blend. In
addition, an appropriate concentration of a biologically active
agent, such as a pesticide or herbicide, may be added to the mixed
fertilizer blend. The biologically active agent is mixed with the
fertilizer so that the agent is evenly distributed in the final
product. The use of a surfactant greatly aids the process of
impregnating fertilizer granules with biologically active agents,
presumably due to the enhanced penetrating qualities often observed
with surfactants. The mixed agricultural composition is preferably
used in the field at a rate between about 125 and about 1000 pounds
per acre.
[0038] The invention is further directed to methods of using the
above mixed agricultural compositions to promote plant growth in
soil and enhance control of various agricultural pests. The method
of promoting the growth of plants in soil generally comprises the
steps of obtaining an agricultural composition mixed with a
carbohydrate-based surfactant (as described above), and applying
the composition to the soil.
[0039] The applicants have found that the use of agricultural
compositions comprising carbohydrate-based surfactants produces
remarkably increased plant growth and provides significantly
enhanced bioremediation activity relative to other agricultural
compositions currently available.
[0040] Use of the carbohydrate-based surfactant/fertilizer
compositions may allow the plants to more effectively utilize the
fertilizer nutrients by reducing surface tension at the plant-water
interface. This enhances the ability of the nutrient solution to
cover and penetrate plant surfaces. The surfactant and nutrients
are released into the soil from the fertilizer granules in a
gradual and sustained manner by natural erosion processes. The
mixed compositions will supply a readily accessible source of
carbon that stimulates the rapid growth of beneficial soil
microorganisms. These microorganisms will break down organic matter
and minerals into form more easily used by plants.
[0041] By incorporating biological agents into a mixed agricultural
composition, the release of these biological agents is controlled
and maintained over an extended period of time. This prolonged
release is generally superior to immediate release because it
increases the time over which the treatment is effective and
reduces the deleterious effects on plants caused by the high
concentrations of these agents which results from unregulated
release immediately upon application. For example, biologically
active agents such as pesticides are often toxic to plants during
the sudden concentration "spike" which immediately follows
application. The mixed agricultural compositions maintain a
continual steady rate of release, thus avoiding toxic "spikes" in
concentration.
[0042] Additionally, leaching of these biologically active agents
into groundwater is reduced due to the controlled release
properties exhibited by the mixed agricultural composition. At any
given time, only a fraction of the total applied quantity of
biologically active agent will be free in the soil to be washed off
the field by rainfall or irrigation. Consequently, fewer
applications of the agricultural composition are required as the
applied agent remains on the field longer. Since an increased
percentage of the agricultural composition will remain in the soil
for a longer period of time, the total quantity of biologically
active agent needed for the initial application is reduced. This
decreases the total cost and is environmentally beneficial.
[0043] The method of the present invention avoids the use of
foreign materials or materials which are not otherwise useful for
growing plants. It utilizes the natural slow release properties of
typical granular fertilizer formulations as a vehicle for the
controlled and continuous release of surfactants (with or without
additional biologically active components) to soil to enhance
fertilizer nutrient uptake and efficiency of biologically active
agents. This allows for enhanced growth of plants without requiring
the introduction of complex and expensive matrix components. Other
controlled release fertilizer formulations do not describe the
benefit of incorporating surface active agents into the matrix or
formulation to improve plant nutrient utilization efficiency.
[0044] Additional methods of the present invention are directed
toward the use of granular or solid fertilizers as a gradually
eroding matrix from which impregnated surfactants and bioactive
products are released to mediate their own growth promoting,
bioremediative, herbicidal, insecticidal, chemosterilant,
nematicidal, or fungicidal effects over time. These further methods
also allow for a longer and more controlled release of the
surfactant from the mixed agricultural composition. Since the
described method more effectively regulates the release of
surfactant, the total amount of surfactant required is minimized
and the cost is reduced. Also, the use of complex and expensive
matrix components containing foreign materials, or materials which
are not intrinsically useful for growing plants, is avoided.
[0045] The present invention is further directed to methods of
using agricultural compositions comprising carbohydrate-based
surfactants to facilitate the bioremediation of contaminated soil.
Bioremediation involves the use of living organisms to break down
organic and inorganic contaminants into more basic components,
thereby eliminating environmental pollutants, restoring
contaminated sites, and preventing the accumulation of further
pollutants. Generally, bioremediation is accomplished using
bacteria, although other microorganisms, namely fungi and algae,
have been used. See, for example, Ronald M. Atlas, Chemical &
Engineering News, Apr. 3, 1995, pp. 32-42. The present invention is
believed to function in part by serving as a nutrient source for
the microorganisms responsible for bioremediation.
[0046] There are a variety of chemicals which may be refractory to
spontaneous chemical breakdown and thus persist in the environment.
Such contaminants may or may not be inherently toxic to the
environment; for instance, nitrates are not inherently toxic
(minimum quantities are essential in order for most plants to
thrive), however, excessive quantities of nitrates may have
deleterious ecological effects.
[0047] Potential targets for bioremediation for use with the
present invention may include any common inorganic or organic
contaminant found in the environment and more preferably includes
pesticides, insecticides, growth regulators, growth inhibitors,
toxicants, bactericides, attractants, repellents, hormones,
molluscicides, defoliants, chemosterilants, fumigants, systemics,
rodenticides, avicides, detergents, surfactants, nematicides,
acaricides, miticides, predicides, herbicides, agricultural
chemicals, algicides, fungicides, sterilants; polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAH's), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), greasy
wastes, solvents, crude oil, diesel fuel, waste oil, Bunker "C"
oil, phenolics, halogenated hydrocarbons, citrus juice processing
wastes, terpene alcohols, starchy carbohydrates, and the like.
[0048] Specific organic contaminants may include anthracene,
chlorotoluenes, chrysene, cresols, di-N-octylphthalate,
dichlorobenzene, dichlorethanes, dichloropropanes, dichlorotoluene,
2-ethoxyethanol, ethylene glycol, ethylene glycol monoethyl ether
acetate, ethylbenzene, fluorene, isoprenoids, methyl ethyl ketone,
methylene chloride, naphthalene, pentachlorophenol, phenanthrene,
1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane, toluene, 1,1,2-trichloroethane,
trichloroethylene, benzoate, chlorobenzoates, methanol, ethyl
acetate, cyclohexanone, ethylbenzene, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic
acid, 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy-acetic acid, m,o,p-xylene, butyl
acetate, camphor, hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, d-limonene,
linalool, geraniol, citronellol.
[0049] Herbicides are a particularly common agricultural
contaminant. Classes of herbicidal contaminants found in the soil
may include: amides, aromatic acids, arsenicals,
benzoylcyclohexanediones, benzofuranyl alkylsulfonates, carbamates,
carbanilates, cyclohexene oximes, cyclopropylisoxazoles,
dinitroanilines (such as trifluralin), dinitrophenols, diphenyl
ethers, halogenated aliphatics, imidazolinones, inorganic
herbicides, nitriles, organophosphorus herbicides, phenoxy
herbicides, phenylenediamines, pyrazolyloxyacetophenones,
pyrazolylphenyls, pyridazines, pyridazinones, pyridines,
pyrimidinediamines, quaternary ammonium herbicides, thiocarbamates,
thiocarbonates, triazines (such as atrazine), triazinones,
triazoles, triazolopyrimidines, uracil herbicides, urea herbicides,
unclassified herbicides, or a mixture thereof.
[0050] The composition described herein may act as a nutrient
source for microbial agents, thereby stimulating their growth.
Alternatively, the application of the composition to the soil may
result in an exothermic reaction which attracts the microbes,
thereby bringing them to a nutrient rich environment. The term
"microbial agent" is meant to include microorganisms that enhance
biodegradation processes. These microorganisms include bacteria,
fungi, and algae, or combinations of these microorganisms, for
example. Furthermore, as used herein, "biodegradation" means the
chemical alteration and breakdown of a substance caused by
microorganisms and their enzymes. Contaminants that are
biodegradable include any compound that can be microbially
mineralized into carbon dioxide, water, ammonia and/or chloride, or
that can be transformed into a non-hazardous intermediate.
[0051] As a method for enhanced bioremediation, carbohydrate-based
surfactants may be applied to a contaminated area in a generally
pure state; diluted in a suitable liquid solvent, aqueous or
otherwise; or mixed with a suitable solid core matrix. In addition,
the composition may be further mixed with any biological agent
which is compatible with the present invention. Exemplary
biological agents include pesticides, herbicides, insecticides,
growth regulators, toxicants, bactericides, molluscicides,
chemosterilants, rodenticides, avicides, nematicides, acaricides,
algicides, fungicides, predicides, or any variant or combination
thereof.
[0052] As a method for enhanced bioremediation, the amount of
carbohydrate-based surfactant applied to soil is preferably between
about 0.25 quarts per acre and about 4.0 quarts per acre and more
preferably between about 0.5 quarts per acre and about 1.25 quarts
per acre.
[0053] The following examples are included to demonstrate preferred
embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of
skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples
which follow represent techniques discovered by the inventor to
function well in the practice of the invention, and thus can be
considered to constitute preferred modes for its practice. However,
those of skill in the art should, in light of the present
disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the
specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like or
similar result without departing from the spirit and scope of the
invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0054] Mixing the Fertilizer Blend
[0055] Often dry fertilizers are blended with small amounts of
additives through the use of large mixing devices. In some cases, a
payloader is used in which the components are blended through the
process of picking large scoopfulls of a fertilizer component and
spreading it over another component. Transfer of scoopfulls of
components into the mixture with a spreading action eventually
achieves an evenly distributed mixture. Other methods for blending
dry fertilizer are well known in the art. For example, a large drum
shaped container capable of holding the desired volume of dry
ingredients and able to rotate at an inclined angle along the
center axis may be used. Dry components are added to the drum
during rotation to facilitate a mixing or blending action. Often
the drum has a method for spraying liquid mixtures onto the dry
fertilizer components. This serves to impregnate or coat the
surface of the fertilizer blend with these liquid materials.
Frequently, these methods of incorporating a liquid material into a
fertilizer matrix involve the use of a liquid pump and nozzles to
propel small droplets onto the dry fertilizer components so that
the liquid is evenly distributed.
[0056] During the process of mixing, a small amount of fluid such
as a surfactant, such as AGRIMUL PG 2069 (Henkel, Dusseldorf,
Germany) can be sprayed onto the mixture to achieve a uniform
coating on the particles. At this time a pesticide may be
incorporated into the mixture following rate guidelines specified
by the pesticide label.
[0057] By using different amounts of a given fertilizer component,
a desired level and ratio of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium
also known as the NPK values, may be achieved. For example to
produce a U.S. ton of a mixture containing an NPK level of 16-16-18
one would mix 700 pounds of urea to 700 pounds of super triple
phosphate to 600 pounds of course potash. This fertilizer blend has
an NPK composition of 22-4-12+7S.
Example 2
[0058] Production of an Agricultural Composition Comprising
Fertilizer Mixed with AGRIMUL PG 2069
[0059] In a large blending device the following materials were
added during the mixing process: 384 pounds of Course Potash; 174
pounds of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP); 584 pounds of Ammonium
Sulfate; 858 pounds of Ammonium Nitrate. These materials were mixed
until an even distribution was achieved. During the later stages of
this blending process, the liquid surfactant AGRIMUL PG 2069 was
sprayed onto the dry mixture of fertilizer. The liquid was sprayed
by the use of a pump to pressurize the liquid 1s and nozzles to
control and direct the spray. In this example, 8 quarts of the
liquid AGRIMUL PG 2069 were sprayed onto the blended fertilizer. As
the AGRIMUL 2069 reaches a high level, the mixture becomes somewhat
wet and difficult to manage. As this occurs, drying agents such as
bentonite clay or calcium sulfate may be used at a rate of between
5-50 pounds per U.S. ton of fertilizer mixture.
Example 3
[0060] Testing the Plant Growth Promoting Properties of an
Agricultural Composition Comprising Fertilizer Mixed with AGRIMUL
PG 2069
[0061] The composition of Example 2 was tested for its ability to
promote plant growth. The test was conducted in Avon Park, Fla.
starting in the fall and continuing through January and February.
It was tested on 100 ft.sup.2 plots of Lake Wales ridge sand soil
type in an area which was previously not productive due to stresses
caused by a low soil microbe count and a high nematode load. The
test was conducted using the hybrid bermudagrass turf type. The
agricultural composition was applied at a rate of 250 pounds per
acre (1 quart/acre). Five random locations for each plot were
tested by taking a core sample using a golf-green hole cutter. This
was done prior to treatment and then at 14, 30, and 60 days
post-treatment. Each sample was carefully washed so as not to
damage or remove roots. The samples were assessed for root mass and
length. Experimental control treatments included untreated soil and
soil treated with the nematicide SAFE-T-GREEN at an application
rate of 1 quart per acre. The results of this experiment are
summarized in Table 1.
1TABLE 1 Promotion of Plant Growth by an Agricultural composition
which includes AGRIMUL PG 2069 14 Days Post- 30 Days Post- 60 Days
Post- Pre-treatment treatment Turf treatment Turf treatment Turf
Treatment (as described Turf Roof Root length Root length Root
length in text) length (inches) (inches) (inches) (inches) Control
(No treatment) 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 SAFE-T GREEN 2.0 2.8 2.6 2.4 AGRIMUL
PG 2069 2.0 2.8 4.4 6.0
[0062] The data summarized by this table clearly indicates that
AGRIMUL PG 2069 mixed with fertilizer is a superior growth
promoting agricultural composition. In soils previously unable to
promote root growth due to a high nematode load and low microbial
population the AGRIMUL PG 2069 composition out-performed the
nematicide SAFE-T GREEN and the control in stimulating turf root
growth. In addition to dramatically increasing root length, the
AGRIMUL PG 2069 composition substantially improved root quality by
stimulating the growth of new secondary root branches, or hairs,
thereby maximizing root surface area and nutrient absorption.
Example 4
[0063] Testing the Toxicity to Soil Microbes of an Agricultural
Composition Comprising Fertilizer Mixed with AGRIMUL PG 2069
[0064] The composition of Example 2 was tested for its effect on
soil microbial activity. Soil was treated as described in Example
3. Soil samples were taken with a soil probe at five random plot
locations both prior to treatment and again at 60 days
post-treatment. The samples were analyzed by A&L Laboratories
(Memphis, Tenn.) and results were expressed in the number of colony
forming units (CFU) per gram of soil. The results are summarized in
Table 2.
2TABLE 2 Activity of Carbohydrate-based Surfactant Compositions on
Soil Microbes 60 Days post Treatment (as Pretreatment microbe
treatment microbe described in text) Microbe type count (CFU) count
(CFU) No treatment Bacteria 10,000 475,000 No treatment Mold 48,000
55,000 No treatment Yeast 1 1 SAFE-T GREEN Bacteria 10,000
1,040,000 SAFE-T GREEN Mold 50,000 45,000 SAFE-T GREEN Yeast 1 1
AGRIMUL PG 2069 Bacteria 10,000 2,135,000 AGRIMUL PG 2069 Mold
50,000 85,000 AGRIMUL PG 2069 Yeast 1 10,000
[0065] The data summarized in Table 2 clearly show that
agricultural compositions comprising AGRIMUL PG 2069 significantly
improve the soil microbe populations. While the microbe populations
did increase in the control plots these increases were small when
compared with the proliferation measured in the AGRIMUL PG 2069
treated plots. Furthermore the AGRIMUL PG 2069 promoted microbial
growth to 2 times the levels seen for the SAFE-T GREEN treated
plots.
[0066] As the data indicates, the composition prepared using the
AGRIMUL PG 2069 surfactant dramatically induced the proliferation
of soil microbes. This increase was much larger than that seen for
either the untreated samples or the samples treated with SAFE-T
GREEN.
Example 5
[0067] Testing the Bioremediation Promoting Properties of AGRIMUL
PG 2069 and Agricultural Compositions Thereof
[0068] The composition of Example 2 was tested for enhanced
biodegradation of trifluralin. Test sites of 100 square feet were
used with each test replicated three times. The AGRIMUL PG 2069 was
applied either as a liquid or mixed with fertilizer. When applied
as a liquid the AGRIMUL PG 2069 was delivered at the rate of 1
quart/acre. The AGRIMUL PG 2069 was applied with water as a
carrier. The amount of carrier was 40 gallons/acre. When applied
with fertilizer the rate was 250 lb./acre. Soil samples were taken
at 14 day intervals. 3 replicate samples were taken from the top
six inches of soil in each plot. The samples were mixed and a
single sample of this mixture was used as a representative sample.
The samples were tested for trifluralin. The results are shown in
Table 3.
3TABLE 3 Enhanced Bioremediation of Herbicide Contaminated Soil
using Carbohydrate- based Surfactants. Trifluralin Trifluralin
Trifluralin (ppm) (ppm) (ppm) Test Initial concentration 14 days 28
days 42 days Treatment Site of Trifluralin (ppm) post treatment
post treatment post treatment 1 2 10 10 10 9 2 2 10 8 7 7 3 2 10 5
3 1 Treatments: 1. trifluralin 2. trifluralin + AGRIMUL PG 2069 3.
trifluralin + AGRIMUL PG 2069/fertilizer mixture
Example 6
[0069] Tomato Field Study
[0070] This study was conducted to find if a carbohydrate
surfactant applied to fertilizer would promote plant growth above
fertilizer alone. The study evaluates the influence of Agrimul PG
2069 carbohydrate surfactant coated onto fertilizer as described in
Example 2. Tomato foliage, fruit numbers and weight, root gall
severity, and final harvest soil population density of Meloidogyne
incognita on susceptible (FL 47) tomato cultivar during fall 1999,
in field microplots at CREC, Lake Alfred, Fla. were evaluated.
4TABLE 4 Tomato Field Study Treatment Rate Foliage Wt. Total Fruits
No. Total Fruit Wt. Root Gall 1. Fertilizer 250 #/A 1027.9 g 19.3
1243.6 g 7.4 2. PG 2069 + 1 qt./A 1087.0 g 23.0 1690.3 g 7.3 Fert.
250 #/A
[0071] The carbohydrate surfactant+fertilizer had little effect on
foliage weight. The plant maintained normal growth patterns even
with high nematode populations. The plant food went to fruit
production and not foliage as seen in the 19% increase in total
fruit numbers. The carbohydrate surfactant (Agrimul
PG-2069)+fertilizer gave a 36% increase in fruit weight over
fertilize alone. This shows that the treated plots had larger
tomatoes that give a better grade price. There was no difference in
root gall caused by nematodes. The population density of incognita
was not taken.
Example 7
[0072] Carrot Field Study
[0073] This study was conducted to find if a carbohydrate
surfactant applied to fertilizer would promote plant growth above
fertilizer alone. The study evaluates the influence of Agrimul PG
2069, carbohydrate surfactant, coated onto fertilizer against
fertilizer alone. Test data collected was for marketable pounds per
acre, total number of carrots with nematode damage, total pounds
per acre nematodes effected, and total number of marketable
carrots. This research was conducted at the University of Georgia
at Tifton, Ga. in the spring of 2000. Agrimul PG 2069 was applied
at a rate of 1 qt. per acre coated onto the fertilizer as described
in Example 2.
5TABLE 5 Carrot Field Study. Treatment Lbs./Acre No/Acre No. of
nematode damaged Lbs. effected by nematodes Agrimul PG 2069 +
25,846 105,633 62,799 8,222 10-10-10 10-10-10 18,440 78,045 85,305
13,431
[0074] Agrimul PG 2069 (carbohydrate surfactant) coated onto
10-10-10 fertilizer promoted better plant growth than did 10-10-10
fertilizer alone. The Agrimul PG 2069 plots had 40% greater yield
in total pounds, 35% greater number of carrots per acre, 35% less
nematode damaged, and 63% more pounds of healthy carrots.
Example 8
[0075] Potato Field Study
[0076] This study was conducted to find if a carbohydrate
surfactant, Agrimul PG 2069, applied to fertilizer would promote
plant growth above fertilizer alone. The study evaluates the
influence of Agrimul PG 2069 carbohydrate surfactant coated onto
fertilizer against fertilizer alone. The crop tested was red
potatoes. The test site was in south Florida and conducted by the
crop owners. This test was conducted for the year 2000 crop.
Agrimul PG 2069 was applied onto the fertilizer at a rate of 1
qt./acre. Agrimul PG 2069 was sprayed into the fertilizer mixer and
allowed to thoroughly mix, as described in Example 2.
[0077] Agrimul PG 2069 (1 qt./acre)+fertilizer yielded 400 bags per
acre.
[0078] Fertilizer alone yielded 310 bags per acre.
[0079] The Agrimul PG 2069 treated acres gave a 29% increase of
harvested potatoes.
[0080] All of the compositions and methods disclosed and claimed
herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in
light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods
of this invention have been described in terms of preferred
embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that
variations may be applied to the compositions and methods in the
steps or in the sequence of steps of the methods described herein
without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the
invention. It will also be apparent that certain agents which are
both chemically and physiologically related may be substituted for
the agents described herein to achieve the same or similar results.
All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those
skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and
concept of the invention.
* * * * *