Plant fertilizer compositions for improving phosphorus solubility and related methods

Abstract

The present invention relates to a soil treatment composition, product, system, kit and method for increasing the amount, level, ratio or proportion of soluble and / or bioavailable phosphorus in soil; for dissolving phosphorus; for enhancing or increasing the bioavailability of phosphorus in soil; for improving soil fertility; for increasing crop yields; for reducing the need for phosphate fertilizers, etc. The present invention also relates to a bioactive fertilizer composition and related methods for increasing phosphorus solubility and / or bioavailability in soil.

Description

[0001] Cross - Reference to Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 061,155, filed on August 4, 2020, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by specific reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to increasing the amount or proportion of bio - available phosphorus and / or soluble phosphorus in soil, and more specifically, to a composition and method for dissolving or increasing the level of soluble phosphorus and / or bio - availability of phosphorus in soil. Specifically, the present disclosure relates to bio - active fertilizer compositions and related methods of manufacture and use, particularly for increasing the solubility and / or bio - availability of phosphorus in soil. Background Art

[0004] Phosphorus is a primary nutrient required for robust plant growth. Soils can contain basal levels or a certain amount of phosphorus. Some soils may be phosphorus - deficient. For example, the phosphorus content in soil (e.g., per cubic foot or other measure) may be below a recommended or optimal level. For example, the phosphorus in the soil may be available (to plants), but not replenished. Sometimes, the phosphorus in the soil can be washed away by erosion, flooding, etc. (naturally or human - influenced) without being replenished. Or, alternatively or in addition, the amount, level, ratio, or proportion of bio - available soluble phosphorus may be below a recommended or optimal level (e.g., soluble phosphorus is converted to insoluble phosphorus through various (natural and human - influenced) processes). Plants growing in phosphorus - deficient soils may not thrive and / or may die prematurely.

[0005] Various fertilizer components, including dual - blend fertilizers (e.g., nitrogen - phosphorus (NP), phosphorus - potassium (PK), etc.) and triple - blend fertilizers (e.g., nitrogen - phosphorus - potassium (NPK), etc.), include phosphorus or a phosphorus source (e.g., in the form of P2O5). Fertilizers may help increase the phosphorus content or level in soil. However, the phosphorus contained in the soil or applied to the soil may not necessarily be bio - available for use by plants growing in the soil. For example, the phosphorus (or phosphorus source) in the soil and / or applied to the soil, such as phosphorus from fertilizer, may not be (fully) soluble or otherwise available for plant uptake or utilization. In particular, phosphorus can react with and / or bind to soil components in a way that reduces, inhibits, or prevents its dissolution. This form of phosphorus bound to soil components may need to be (re)dissolved or converted to a soluble form before it can be absorbed, used, and / or bio - utilized by plants.

[0006] The conversion of P2O5 and / or other forms or sources of phosphorus to soluble phosphorus may be slow, inefficient, and / or incomplete. Water alone may not be sufficient to dissolve insoluble phosphorus disposed or contained in soil, such as phosphorus bound to soil components. Phosphorus in fertilizers applied to soil may bind to soil components or otherwise become insoluble before being taken up or used by plants, which may reduce the effectiveness of the applied phosphorus. Large amounts of applied phosphorus may be wasted as it is not utilized by plants.

[0007] To address problems such as phosphorus insolubility, phosphorus solubility loss, bioavailable phosphorus, and decreases in the amount, level, ratio, or proportion of soluble phosphorus, soil stewards often over-apply phosphorus to ensure that a basal, threshold, optimal / best level of soluble, bioavailable phosphorus is always present in the soil. Unfortunately, this over-fertilization can pollute the environment and cause eutrophication of water supplies. The use of excessive macronutrients in agriculture, particularly phosphorus and nitrogen, can cause these nutrients to leach into aquatic ecosystems, leading to excessive growth of plants and algae. Once these organisms die, bacterial degradation of their biomass can cause oxygen depletion and the formation of anaerobic conditions, which can kill aquatic life. Reducing eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems is necessary to maintain clean water supplies and environmental health.

[0008] In view of the above, many plant or crop growers have become sensitive to ingredients or components in plant and soil treatment compositions. For example, organic and / or non-GMO farmers may refuse to use synthetic chemicals or GMO materials on their plants. However, organic fertilizers, particularly those containing an appropriate amount of soluble phosphorus, tend to be costly and / or in short supply. As a result, organic farmers often under-fertilize their crops, and the organic crops they grow tend to be smaller and lower-yielding than non-organic crops. A suitable, natural, organic, non-GMO, renewable, and / or "green" ingredient for increasing the solubility and / or bioavailability of phosphorus in soil to improve or enhance plant uptake of phosphorus (e.g., from phosphorus-containing fertilizers) is not currently available or known.

[0009] Accordingly, there remain problems to be solved in the art, particularly with respect to reducing the overuse of fertilizers and fertilizer ingredients. Specifically, there are many drawbacks in the art that can be addressed by developing, producing, manufacturing, and applying compositions and methods that can reduce fertilizer requirements (e.g., reduce the amount of applied phosphorus needed), improve soil fertility (e.g., increase the solubility and / or bioavailability of existing and / or applied phosphorus), and / or increase crop yields. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to (i) increasing the amount (level, ratio or proportion) of soluble and / or bioavailable phosphorus in a soil or fertilizer composition; (iii) dissolving phosphorus in a soil or fertilizer composition; (iv) increasing soil fertility; (v) fertilizing the soil and / or plants; (vi) enhancing plant uptake of phosphorus treated in the soil; and / or (vii) enhancing the health of one or more plants or crops. Embodiments may further address problems in the art through products and methods for increasing acid phosphatase activity in soil or plants, increasing glucosidase (enzyme) activity (β-glucosidase activity) in soil or crops, etc. Embodiments may further address problems in the art regarding products and methods for reducing the need for added phosphate fertilizers in soil or plants.

[0011] Some embodiments include bioactive fertilizer compositions and related methods of manufacture and use, particularly for (i) increasing the amount (level, proportion or ratio) of soluble and / or bioavailable phosphorus in a soil or fertilizer composition; (ii) increasing the bioavailability of phosphorus in a soil or fertilizer composition; (iii) dissolving phosphorus in a soil or fertilizer composition; (iv) increasing soil fertility; (v) fertilizing the soil and / or plants; (vi) enhancing plant uptake of phosphorus treated in the soil; and / or (vii) enhancing the health of one or more plants or crops.

[0012] Some embodiments relate to soil treatment products and / or plant treatment products that include (i) a phosphorus source and (ii) one or more microbial fermentation products or components.

[0013] In some embodiments, the phosphorus source may be or include one or more phosphorus-based (plant or soil) fertilizer components, or fertilizer components that include phosphorus or a phosphorus source. One or more phosphorus-based plant fertilizer components, or fertilizer components that include phosphorus or a phosphorus source may be or include phosphate fertilizers (e.g., P), double-blended fertilizers that include phosphorus and an additional fertilizer multiplier (e.g., as potassium or nitrogen (e.g., NP, PK)), or triple-blended fertilizers that include phosphorus and two additional fertilizer components, such as potassium and nitrogen (e.g., NPK), phosphorus sources (e.g., in the form of P2O5), phosphorus mineral sources (e.g., rock dust or colloidal phosphate, also referred to as "soft phosphate"), salt forms of phosphorus (e.g., ammonium phosphate, potassium phosphate, etc.) or organic sources of phosphate (e.g., animal products, animal by-products, animal waste products, plant products, plant by-products, plant waste products, microbial waste products, other waste products, etc.).

[0014] In some embodiments, one or more microbial fermentation products or components can be or include one or more components of a microbial fermentation culture (e.g., the whole culture lysate of a microbial fermentation). One or more additional products or components can be included in some embodiments. Some embodiments relate to methods of manufacturing the product. Some embodiments relate to methods of using the product. For example, embodiments can include methods of fertilizing a plant or crop. Illustrative (crop fertilization) methods can include the step of co-applying (or co-administering) the product or its components to the plant or crop.

[0015] Illustrative microbial fermentation products can include one or more components of a microbial fermentation (e.g., liquid suspension) culture. For example, in some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product (or one or more components of the microbial fermentation culture) can include or contain one or more components of the (liquid) fermentation medium. The fermentation medium can include the fermentation broth or one or more components of the fermentation broth. By way of example, the fermentation medium can include at least partially consumed fermentation broth.

[0016] In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product (or one or more components of a microbial fermentation (e.g., liquid suspension) culture) can include cell material from one or more microorganisms. By way of example, the cell material can include cellular (e.g., molecular and / or structural) components of one or more microorganisms. For example, the cell material can include cell walls, cell membranes, cell organelles, etc. (or components or fragments thereof) (one or more components). In one or more embodiments, the microbial fermentation product (or cell material) can include lysed cells or microorganisms. In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product (or cell material) can include inactivated microorganisms.

[0017] In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product (or one or more components of a microbial fermentation (e.g., liquid suspension) culture) can include one or more anaerobic metabolites of one or more microorganisms. Anaerobic metabolites can include, for example, anaerobic metabolites (or metabolites produced anaerobically), fermentation metabolites, etc. In some embodiments, the anaerobic metabolite is or includes an anaerobic metabolite of (or produced by) the microorganism. In some embodiments, the anaerobic metabolite is or includes an anaerobic metabolite of (or produced by) the microorganism before the microorganism is killed, inactivated, or lysed. In some (alternative or additional) embodiments, the anaerobic metabolite is or includes a metabolite of a live microorganism of the microbial fermentation product (or a metabolite produced by a live microorganism).

[0018] In one or more embodiments, a microbial fermentation product (or one or more components of a microbial fermentation (e.g., a liquid suspension) culture) can (also) include one or more aerobic metabolites of one or more microorganisms. Optionally, the aerobic metabolites can include, for example, aerobic metabolites (or metabolites produced aerobically). In some embodiments, the aerobic metabolites are or include the aerobic metabolites of (or produced by) the microorganism. In some embodiments, the aerobic metabolites are or include the aerobic metabolites of (or produced by) the microorganism before the microorganism is killed, inactivated, or lysed. In some (alternative or additional) embodiments, the aerobic metabolites are or include the aerobic metabolites of (or produced by) the live microorganisms of the microbial fermentation product.

[0019] In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product can include a whole culture lysate of the microbial fermentation culture (i.e., a microbial fermentation whole culture lysate). The whole culture lysate of the microbial fermentation culture (or the microbial fermentation whole culture lysate) can include (1) lysed microorganisms, or cell material from one or more (lysed) microorganisms; (2) one or more anaerobic metabolites of one or more microorganisms (i.e., anaerobic or fermentation metabolites produced by the microorganisms (before lysis)); and (3) the (liquid) fermentation medium or at least a portion of the spent fermentation broth (in which the microorganisms grew, fermented, were cultured, etc. (before lysis)). Optionally, the whole culture lysate of the microbial fermentation culture (or the microbial fermentation whole culture lysate) can further contain one or more aerobic metabolites of one or more microorganisms (i.e., aerobic metabolites produced by the microorganisms (before lysis)).

[0020] In some embodiments, the microorganism can be or include one or more bacterial genera, species, or strains, preferably prokaryotic bacteria. In at least one embodiment, the bacteria can be or include one or more lactic acid bacteria or strains. In some embodiments, one or more species or strains of lactic acid bacteria can include Lactobacillus (e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus, etc.), as described herein. In some embodiments, the microorganism can include one or more (additional) microorganism (e.g., bacterial) species and / or strains (e.g., in addition to the (first) microorganism species or strain). For example, in some embodiments, the microorganism can include one or more (additional) species and / or strains of lactic acid bacteria (e.g., in addition to the (first) lactic acid bacteria species or strain). In some embodiments, the microorganism can include one or more non-lactic acid bacteria species and / or strains (e.g., in addition to lactic acid bacteria species or strains).

[0021] Alternatively, or in addition, the cell material can include cell components or extracts of one or more fungi (such as yeast) and / or algal species or strains.

[0022] In some embodiments, a microbial fermentation product or a microbial fermentation (e.g., liquid suspension) culture can be made substantially and / or completely free of one or more live microorganisms. For example, in some embodiments, a microbial fermentation product can include the whole culture lysate of a microbial suspension (fermentation) culture. By way of example, a microbial fermentation (e.g., liquid suspension) culture or its microorganisms can be lysed such that the microbial fermentation product or its microbial fermentation (e.g., liquid suspension) culture is substantially and / or completely free of live microorganisms. The microbial fermentation culture and / or its lysate can include a liquid medium (e.g., at least partially spent fermentation broth), lysed microorganisms (e.g., the cellular material or components of one or more lysed microorganisms), and anaerobic (and optionally aerobic) metabolites of the (now lysed) microorganisms.

[0023] Certain embodiments can be substantially and / or completely free of probiotics. Some embodiments can contain less than or equal to a certain amount (e.g., colony forming units (cfu), percentage, weight, etc.) of live and / or viable microorganisms. By way of example, some embodiments can include less than or equal to about 50 wt% to less than about 0.01 wt% of live or viable microorganisms. In some embodiments, less than or equal to about 50 wt% to less than about 0.01 wt% of the biomass in a soil treatment product or its microbial fermentation components is or includes live or viable microorganisms. In some embodiments, a soil treatment product or its microbial fermentation components can include less than or equal to about 1000 colony forming units (cfu) to less than or equal to 5 cfu of microorganisms (e.g., live or viable microorganisms, probiotics, or direct-fed microbials (DFM)).

[0024] In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product or its microbial fermentation (e.g., liquid suspension) culture (e.g., fermentation lysate) may comprise or contain one or more additives or additional components. Alternatively, or in addition, the soil treatment product or plant treatment product (which also includes phosphorus-containing fertilizer components) may include one or more additives or additional components. In any case, the one or more additives or additional components may illustratively include, contain, or be selected from: (1) amino acids, (2) peptides, (3) hydrolyzed proteins, (4) organic acids and / or carboxylic acids, (5) carbohydrates, (6) plant components or plant extracts (e.g., seaweed or soy components or extracts), (7) lignosulfonates, (8) humic acid and / or fulvic acid, (9) macronutrients, micronutrients, and / or trace elements, (10) chelated and / or complexed minerals, (11) vitamins, (12) wetting agents, (13) dispersants, and (14) surfactants. Some embodiments may include a mixture of two or more of the above. Some embodiments may include a mixture of amino acids, minerals, and organic acids. In some embodiments, one or more additives may be included in the (active or viable) culture (e.g., added to the lysate). In other embodiments, one or more additives may be added to the soil treatment product or plant treatment product (or added to a mixture of the microbial fermentation product and the (phosphorus-containing) fertilizer component).

[0025] In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product may be in liquid or suspension form. In some embodiments, the microbial lysate product may be in dry, substantially dry, or partially dry form. For example, in at least one embodiment, the microbial fermentation product may be applied, combined with, or mixed with a carrier or excipient. By way of example, the carrier may include naturally occurring soil components such as phyllosilicates or clay minerals.

[0026] In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product in liquid form may be applied to the fertilizer component in dry form. For example, in at least one embodiment, the microbial fermentation product may be applied, combined with, or mixed with the fertilizer (e.g., (at least partially or fully) covering (at least partially) the fertilizer (or its dry granules). In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product may be adsorbed onto the surface of the fertilizer and / or adsorbed beneath the surface of the fertilizer.

[0027] In at least one embodiment, the phosphorus source can be or include a solid, particulate, or powdered phosphorus-based plant fertilizer component (or a fertilizer component including phosphorus, such as NPK fertilizers, etc.), and the phosphorus source can be (at least partially or entirely) coated with or by a microbial fermentation product or component (e.g., a (liquid) microbial fermentation (whole) culture lysate). In some embodiments, the phosphorus source can be or include a liquid source of phosphorus, or a liquid phosphorus-based plant fertilizer component (or a liquid fertilizer component including phosphorus, such as NPK fertilizers, etc.). The liquid phosphorus source can be mixed with a (liquid) microbial fermentation product or component (e.g., a microbial fermentation (whole) culture lysate) to form a liquid combined product.

[0028] In at least one (alternative) embodiment, the source of phosphorus (in liquid or solid form) and the microbial fermentation product (in liquid or solid form) can be separate products (e.g., (separate) components including a kit). In some embodiments, the phosphorus source and the microbial fermentation product can be applied separately and / or jointly (applied to plants, soil, or a plant growth medium, seeds, etc.).

[0029] At least one embodiment includes a method of producing a plant fertilizer product, the method including providing a plant fertilizer component and mixing the plant fertilizer component with a microbial fermentation product. An illustrative method of producing a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product includes combining a substantially liquid microbial fermentation product with a plant fertilizer component (e.g., the ratio of the fermentation product to the plant fertilizer component is between about 1:1 and about 1:2000, or vice versa, and the ratio of the fermentation product to the plant fertilizer component is preferably between about 1:500 and about 1:1000, or vice versa) to form a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product. One or more alternative or additional embodiments of producing a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product include combining a substantially dry fermentation product (e.g., a fermentation product bound to a carrier) with a plant fertilizer component (e.g., the ratio of the fermentation product to the plant fertilizer component is between about 1:1 and about 1:2000, or vice versa, and the ratio of the fermentation product to the plant fertilizer component is preferably between about 1:500 and about 1:1000, or vice versa) to form a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product.

[0030] Some embodiments include a method of manufacturing a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product. The method can include mixing a plant fertilizer component with a microbial fermentation product to form a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product (or a combined product). In some embodiments, the liquid plant fertilizer component is mixed with the liquid microbial fermentation product in a tank or mixer before product distribution. In one or more additional or alternative embodiments, the liquid plant fertilizer component and the liquid microbial fermentation product are co-formulated. Additional components can be mixed with the plant fertilizer component, the microbial fermentation product, or a mixture thereof.

[0031] In other embodiments, the method can include fluidly applying a microbial fermentation product to a fertilizer product.

[0032] In some embodiments, a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product can include a kit or a system that includes a plant fertilizer component and a microbial fermentation product. The kit or system can include instructions for mixing the plant fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product for application to one or more plant or crop types. The kit or system can include instructions for co-applying the plant fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product to one or more plant or crop types.

[0033] Additional embodiments include methods of fertilizing and / or enhancing the health of one or more plants or crops. The method can include applying (i.e., administering) or co-applying an effective amount of a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product (or a component thereof) to a plant, preferably so as to improve one or more health metrics of the plant or plant population (e.g., as compared to a control). One or more health metrics can be selected from wilting, coloring, yield, size and / or weight, lifespan and / or mortality, overall health and appearance, disease and / or disease impact (e.g., rot), and the like.

[0034] Alternatively, the method can include applying (or co-applying) an effective amount of a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product (or a component thereof) to seeds (e.g., a set of seeds for sowing), preferably so as to improve one or more health metrics of the germinated seeds and / or the subsequently germinated plants or plant population (e.g., as compared to a control). One or more health metrics can be selected from stronger germination, wilting, coloring, yield, size and / or weight, lifespan and / or mortality, overall health and appearance, disease and / or disease impact (e.g., rot), and the like.

[0035] The step of applying (or administering) can include spraying and / or distributing a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product (e.g., separately or mixedly including a (phosphorus-based) plant fertilizer component and a microbial fermentation product) on or near the plant, such as on the soil, such that the plant absorbs an effective amount of phosphorus from the soil treatment product or from the soil. The plant fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product can also be co-applied or co-administered (e.g., applied together, applied as a combined product, or applied separately). Soil fertilization using the disclosed plant fertilizer product can be performed before plant planting, before germination, after germination, and at any time during the lifespan of the plant.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments include:

[0037] 1. A soil treatment system, comprising:

[0038] A fertilizer component comprising phosphorus; and

[0039] A microbial fermentation component

[0040] Wherein the microbial fermentation components include:

[0041] Lysed cells or their cell components;

[0042] A liquid fermentation medium; and

[0043] Fermentation metabolites or cell metabolites generated anaerobically.

[0044] 2. The soil treatment system according to embodiment 1, wherein:

[0045] The fertilizer component includes granular fertilizer; and

[0046] The microbial fermentation components are adsorbed on the surface of the fertilizer component and / or adsorbed under the surface of the fertilizer component, thereby forming a soil treatment product.

[0047] 3. The soil treatment system according to embodiment 2, wherein the soil treatment product or the combined product has a moisture content:

[0048] From about 0.25 wt% to about 25 wt%, preferably from about 0.25 wt% to about 20 wt%, more preferably from about 0.25 wt% to about 15 wt%, still preferably from about 0.25 wt% to about 10 wt%, still preferably from about 0.25 wt% to about 5 wt%; or

[0049] Less than or equal to about 25 wt%, preferably less than or equal to about 20 wt%, more preferably less than or equal to about 15 wt%, still preferably less than or equal to about 10 wt%, still preferably less than or equal to about 5 wt%.

[0050] 4. The soil treatment system according to embodiment 1, wherein:

[0051] (i) Less than about 50 wt%, preferably less than about 45 wt%, more preferably less than about 40 wt%, still more preferably less than about 35 wt%, still more preferably less than 30 wt%, still more preferably less than 25 wt%, still more preferably less than 20 wt%, still more preferably less than 15 wt%, still more preferably less than about 10 wt%, still more preferably less than about 5 wt%, still more preferably less than about 1 wt%, still more preferably less than about 0.5 wt%, still more preferably less than about 0.25 wt%, still more preferably less than about 0.1 wt%, still more preferably less than about 0.05 wt%, still more preferably less than about 0.01 wt% of the biomass in the microbial fermentation components is live or viable microorganisms, probiotics or directly fed microorganisms;

[0052] (ii) The microbial fermentation components are substantially free of live and / or viable microorganisms, probiotics or directly fed microorganisms; or

[0053] (iii) The microbial fermentation product includes microorganisms having less than or equal to about 1000 colony forming units (cfu), preferably less than or equal to about 900 cfu, more preferably less than or equal to about 800 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 700 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 600 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 500 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 400 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 300 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 400 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 200 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 100 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 90 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 80 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 70 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 60 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 50 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 40 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 30 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 20 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 10 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 5 cfu.

[0054] 5. The soil treatment system according to Example 1, wherein the microbial fermentation component includes the whole culture lysate of a bacterial fermentation culture.

[0055] 6. The soil treatment system according to Example 1, wherein:

[0056] The lysed cells or cell components include lysed lactic acid bacteria or cell components of lysed lactic acid bacteria, and optionally one or more additional lysed bacterial species or strains or cell components of one or more additional lysed bacterial species or strains; and / or

[0057] The fermentation metabolites include lactic acid bacteria fermentation metabolites, and optionally fermentation metabolites of one or more additional bacterial species or strains.

[0058] 7. The soil treatment system according to Example 1, wherein the fertilizer component includes nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium fertilizer and / or wherein the fertilizer component is substantially free of urea.

[0059] 8. The soil treatment system according to Example 1, further comprising:

[0060] One or more additives selected from the group consisting of amino acids, peptides, hydrolyzed proteins, organic acids, carboxylic acids, carbohydrates, plant extracts, lignosulfonates, humic acids, fulvic acids, macronutrients, secondary nutrients, micronutrients, chelated minerals, complex minerals, vitamins, wetting agents, dispersants, and surfactants; or

[0061] A mixture of amino acids, minerals and organic acids.

[0062] 9. The soil treatment system according to embodiment 1, wherein the microbial fermentation component further comprises an aerobically generated metabolite or an aerobically generated cellular metabolite.

[0063] 10. Any suitable combination of embodiments 1-9.

[0064] 11. A method for increasing the solubility and / or bioavailability of phosphorus in soil, the method comprising applying the soil treatment system of any one of embodiments 1-9 or any suitable combination thereof to the soil.

[0065] 12. A soil treatment product, comprising:

[0066] A fertilizer component comprising phosphorus; and

[0067] A microbial fermentation component adsorbed on the surface of the fertilizer component and / or adsorbed beneath the surface of the fertilizer component,

[0068] wherein the microbial fermentation component comprises:

[0069] Lysed cells or their cellular components;

[0070] A liquid fermentation medium; and

[0071] Anaerobically generated fermentation metabolites or cellular metabolites,

[0072] wherein the microbial fermentation product comprises less than or equal to about 1000 colony forming units (cfu) of microorganisms, and

[0073] wherein the water content of the soil treatment product is less than or equal to about 25% by weight.

[0074] 13. A method for manufacturing the soil treatment product according to embodiment 12, the method comprising the steps of:

[0075] (i) Directly applying the microbial fermentation component in liquid form to the granular fertilizer component such that the microbial fermentation component is adsorbed on the surface of the fertilizer component and / or adsorbed beneath the surface of the fertilizer component, thereby forming a combined product; and

[0076] (ii) Drying the combined product to a water content of less than or equal to about 25% by weight.

[0077] 14. A method for increasing the solubility and / or bioavailability of phosphorus in soil, the method comprising applying the soil treatment product of embodiment 12 to the soil.

[0078] 15. A soil treatment product, comprising:

[0079] A fertilizer component comprising phosphorus; and

[0080] A microbial fermentation component mixed with the fertilizer component,

[0081] wherein the microbial fermentation component comprises:

[0082] Lysed cells or their cell components;

[0083] Components of the fermentation medium; and

[0084] Fermentation metabolites.

[0085] 16. The soil treatment product according to embodiment 15, wherein:

[0086] (i) The soil treatment product is in solid form and / or has a moisture content of less than about 25% by weight, wherein the soil treatment product comprises:

[0087] The fertilizer component in solid, particulate form; and

[0088] The microbial fermentation component adsorbed on the surface of the fertilizer component and / or adsorbed beneath the surface of the fertilizer component;

[0089] (ii) The soil treatment product is in solid form and / or has a moisture content of less than about 25% by weight, wherein the soil treatment product comprises a mixture of:

[0090] The fertilizer component in solid, particulate form; and

[0091] The microbial fermentation component in solid form, wherein the microbial fermentation component is adsorbed on the surface of the solid carrier and / or adsorbed beneath the surface of the solid carrier; or

[0092] (iii) The soil treatment product is in liquid form, wherein the soil treatment product comprises a mixture of:

[0093] The fertilizer component in liquid form; and

[0094] The microbial fermentation component in liquid form.

[0095] 17. The soil treatment product according to embodiment 15, wherein the soil treatment product is in solid form and / or has a moisture content of less than about 25% by weight, and the land treatment product comprises a mixture of:

[0096] The fertilizer component in solid, particulate form; and

[0097] The microbial fermentation component in solid form, wherein the microbial fermentation component is adsorbed to the surface of a solid carrier and / or adsorbed beneath the surface of the solid carrier, and wherein the solid carrier comprises one or more layered silicates, plant materials or plant extracts.

[0098] 18. A method of treating soil to increase the solubility and / or bioavailability of phosphorus in the soil, the method comprising applying a soil treatment product of any one of Examples 15 - 17 to the soil.

[0099] 19. A method of enhancing, improving or increasing the solubility and / or bioavailability of phosphorus in the soil, the method comprising co - applying to the soil:

[0100] A fertilizer component comprising phosphorus; and

[0101] A microbial fermentation component,

[0102] wherein the microbial fermentation component comprises:

[0103] Lysed cells or cell components thereof;

[0104] Components of the fermentation medium; and

[0105] Fermentation metabolites.

[0106] 20. The method according to Example 19, wherein:

[0107] The fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation component are co - applied to the soil in liquid form respectively;

[0108] The fertilizer component in liquid form and the microbial fermentation product in liquid form are mixed to form a liquid soil treatment product, the method comprising applying the liquid soil treatment product to the soil;

[0109] The fertilizer component in liquid form and the microbial fermentation component in liquid form are applied to the soil separately;

[0110] The fertilizer component is in solid, particulate form and the microbial fermentation component is adsorbed to the surface of the fertilizer component and / or adsorbed beneath the surface of the fertilizer component, forming a combined product, the method comprising applying the combined product to the soil; or

[0111] The fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation component are co - applied to the soil in solid or substantially dry form respectively.

[0112] The products, systems, and methods of the present disclosure can result in an increase in the amount of soluble phosphorus in the soil. The products, systems, and methods can effectively dissolve or increase the level of soluble phosphorus in the soil and / or the bioavailability of phosphorus. The bioactive fertilizer compositions and related methods can effectively increase the solubility and / or bioavailability of phosphorus in the soil.

[0113] The products, systems, and methods of the present invention can further increase plant yields (for plants treated with the products and methods of the present invention or grown in soil treated with the products and methods of the present invention). The products and methods of the present invention can further reduce the amount of fertilizer required to grow crops or plants, or increase the yields of said crops or plants. Data are provided herein.

[0114] Exemplary products, systems, and methods can be (certified) natural, organic, non-GMO, renewable, and / or "green".

[0115] Some embodiments can include any of the features, options, and / or possibilities described elsewhere in the present disclosure, including other aspects or embodiments of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that each of the foregoing, following, and / or other features described herein represents a different embodiment of the present disclosure. In addition, any combination of two or more of such features represents a different embodiment of the present disclosure. Without departing from the scope of the present disclosure, such features or embodiments can also be combined in any suitable combination and / or order. Thus, each feature described herein can be combined with any one or more of the other features described herein in any suitable combination and / or order. Accordingly, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific combinations of the exemplary embodiments described in detail herein.

[0116] Additional features and advantages of the illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practicing these illustrative embodiments. The features and advantages of these embodiments can be realized and obtained by the means and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or can be learned by the practice of the exemplary embodiments described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0117] To describe the manner in which the above and other advantages and features of the present disclosure can be obtained, the above-described embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. For better understanding, throughout the figures, like elements are denoted by like reference numerals. It is to be understood that these drawings only depict typical embodiments of the present disclosure and are not to be considered limiting of its scope, and the present disclosure will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail by using the drawings, wherein:

[0118] Figure 1Illustrated the effects of various application rates and incubation times of the microbial fermentation components of the present disclosure on the activity of acid phosphatase in soil.

[0119] Figure 2 Illustrated the effects of various application rates and incubation times of the microbial fermentation components of the present disclosure on the activity of glucosidase in soil.

[0120] Figure 3 Illustrated the exemplary mode of action of the microbial fermentation components of the present disclosure. Detailed Description

[0121] Before describing various embodiments of the present disclosure in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the description of specific parameters, wording, and specific systems, methods, and / or products of examples, which may vary from embodiment to embodiment. It should also be understood that many of the terms used herein (if not all) are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments of the present disclosure and do not necessarily aim to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any particular way. Therefore, although certain embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to specific configurations, parameters, features (e.g., ingredients, components, members, elements, parts, and / or portions), etc., these descriptions are illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure and / or the claimed invention. In addition, the terms used herein are for the purpose of describing embodiments and do not necessarily aim to limit the scope of the present disclosure and / or the claimed invention.

[0122] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the present disclosure pertains.

[0123] Various aspects of the present disclosure, including systems, methods, and / or products, may be illustrated with reference to one or more embodiments, which are exemplary or illustrative in nature. As used herein, the term "embodiment" means "serving as an example, instance, or illustration" and should not necessarily be construed as more preferred or advantageous than other aspects disclosed herein. In addition, reference to embodiments is intended to provide an illustrative example without limiting the scope of the invention, which is indicated by the appended claims rather than its description. The terms "exemplary", "illustrative", etc. may be used interchangeably and / or with reference to one or more embodiments.

[0124] As used in this disclosure, the words "can" and "may" are used in an allowable sense (i.e., meaning having the potential), rather than in a mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Additionally, the terms "comprising", "having", "involving", "containing", "characterized by" and their variants (e.g., "including", "having" and "involving", "containing", etc.), as well as similar terms used herein, including in the claims, shall be inclusive and / or open-ended, shall have the same meaning as the term "comprising" and its variants (e.g., "comprise" and "comprises"), and shall not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0125] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" each contemplate, include and specifically disclose singular and plural references, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, a reference to "a fertilizer" contemplates and specifically discloses one as well as two or more fertilizers. Similarly, the use of plural referents does not necessarily require more than one such referent, but contemplates, includes and specifically discloses one as well as two or more such referents, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0126] As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" with respect to a value generally refers to or implies + / - 10% of the stated value or the quantity represented. Additionally, throughout this disclosure, the term "about" relates to the percent concentration or composition of a component or ingredient. In such cases, the term "about" or "approximately" and / or the term "+ / - 10%" implies and / or includes + / - 10% of the stated value, rather than + / - 10 percentage points of the stated percentage. By way of example, where a component or ingredient of 20% w / w reflects 20 g of the component and ingredient per 100 mL of the total mixture, the term "about" and / or the term "+ / - 10%" implies and / or includes a range of 18 g to 22 g (i.e., 18% w / w to 22% w / w), rather than a range of 10% w / w to 30% w / w. Alternatives to the so-called "about" value and / or + / - 10% include + / - 1%, + / - 2%, + / - 3%, + / - 4%, + / - 5%, + / - 6%, + / - 7%, + / - 8% or + / - 9% of the stated value, each of which is considered a suitable alternative or substitute for the term "about", or the use of + / - 10% herein.

[0127] For the sake of brevity, the present disclosure may list lists or ranges of numerical values. It will also be appreciated that in the case of disclosing or listing two or more values or a range of values (e.g., less than, greater than, at least, and / or up to a certain value, and / or between two listed values), any particular value or range of values that falls within the disclosed values or range of values is equally specifically disclosed and contemplated herein. Thus, illustrative measurements less than or equal to about 10 units or between 0 and 10 units (e.g., length, width, thickness, etc.) illustratively include the following specifically disclosed: (i) measurements of 9 units, 5 units, 1 unit, or any other value between 0 and 10 units (including 0 units and / or 10 units); and / or (ii) measurements between 9 units and 1 unit, between 8 units and 2 units, between 6 units and 4 units, and / or any other range of values between 0 and 10 units.

[0128] As used herein, the term "substantially" means or implies a quantity (or any quantity) close to the stated quantity (e.g., still performing the desired function or achieving the (desired, designed, or intended) result). For example, the term "substantially" may refer to an amount within or below 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.1%, 0.01%, or other percentage of a specified amount. As used herein, the term "substantially free of" means (1) an amount that is undetectable or non-quantifiable; (2) less than or below an amount that a person of ordinary skill in the art would generally consider to reflect a detectable or quantifiable amount; and / or (3) less than or below an amount that a person of ordinary skill in the art would generally consider to have a function or be capable of achieving the (desired, designed, or intended) result (e.g., less than 10%, 5%, 1%, 0.1%, 0.01%, or other percentage).

[0129] The concentrations or percentage compositions described herein represent values measured as w / w percentage, w / v percentage, or v / v percentage.

[0130] As used herein, "product" includes compositions, formulations, mixtures, kits, systems, etc. Similarly, "method" includes processes, procedures, steps, and the like.

[0131] As used herein, the term "soil" is used broadly to refer to any suitable plant growth medium, whether in the field, greenhouse, laboratory, or elsewhere, and may include components other than earth components.

[0132] As understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, "hectare" (abbreviated as "ha") is a metric unit of area mainly used to measure land, equal to 100 acres (10,000 square meters) or 1 square hectometer (hm 2 ). One acre is approximately 0.405 hectares, and one hectare is approximately 2.47 acres.

[0133] Aspects or embodiments of the present disclosure may be illustrated by describing components that are combined, coupled, attached, connected, and / or joined together. As used herein, the terms “bonded,” “coupled,” “attached,” “connected,” and / or “joined” are used to denote a direct association between two components, or, where appropriate, an indirect association with each other through intervening or intermediate components. Conversely, when a component is referred to as being “directly bonded,” “directly coupled,” “directly connected,” “directly joined,” and / or “directly attached” to another component, no intervening element is present or considered. Further, the combination, coupling, attachment, connection, and / or joining may include mechanical, physical, and / or chemical association.

[0134] In addition, aspects or embodiments of the present disclosure may be illustrated by describing components that are mixed together. As used herein, “mixed,” “mixing,” and like terms denote a physical combination or combination of two or more ingredients. In some embodiments, the physical combination or combination results in a (chemical and / or physical) reaction. Such a chemical reaction may be evidenced by a change in the chemical composition, pH, or other indicator of the components before mixing (or after mixing in the case of no reaction). Thus, in certain embodiments, the mixed and / or mixing components may include reacting and / or reacted components. Accordingly, reference to mixed or mixing components includes reference to reacting or reacted components.

[0135] The term “co-applied” and like terms refer to the concurrent, sequential, and / or combined application of two or more components. For example, two components may be co-applied by applying each component simultaneously, concurrently, or sequentially in separate applications (e.g., different applications separated by a period of time). The period of time may be very small (e.g., substantially immediately after the first application) or longer (e.g., 1 - 60 seconds, 1 - 60 minutes, 1 - 24 hours, 1 - 7 days, 1 - 4 weeks, 1 - 12 months, etc., or any value or range of values therebetween). Concurrent or simultaneous application may include an overlapping application time frame of two or more components, or include the application of a combined product of a mixture of two or more components.

[0136] The terms "comprising" and "including", "having", "containing", or "characterized by" are synonymous. These terms are inclusive and open-ended, and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. The phrase "consisting of" does not include any element, step, or ingredient not specified in the claim. When this phrase appears in a clause of the claim body, rather than immediately following the preamble, it only limits the elements specified in that clause; other elements as a whole are not excluded from the claim. The phrase "consisting essentially of" limits the scope of the claim to the specified materials or steps, plus those materials or methods that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristics of the claimed subject matter. The terms "comprising", "consisting of", and "consisting essentially of" may be used interchangeably. When one of these three terms is used, the presently disclosed and claimed subject matter may include the use of either of the other two terms.

[0137] The terms "plural" and "at least two" are used interchangeably.

[0138] Specific language will be used herein to describe illustrative embodiments. However, it should be understood that the scope of the present disclosure is not thereby limited. On the contrary, it should be understood that the language used to describe the exemplary embodiments is merely illustrative and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure (unless such language is expressly described as necessary herein).

[0139] Although the detailed description is divided into multiple parts, the section headings and content within each part are for organizational purposes only and are not intended to be self - contained descriptions and embodiments, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the description or claims. On the contrary, the content of each section in the detailed description is read and understood as a whole, and the elements of one section may be related to and / or inform other sections. Thus, an embodiment specifically disclosed in one part may also relate to and / or be used as an additional and / or alternative embodiment in another part having the same and / or similar products, methods, and / or terms.

[0140] The following documents are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Patent No. 5,549,728, U.S. Patent Publication No. 2018 / 0235257, and PCT Publication No. WO 2018 / 223087. Various embodiments of the present disclosure may include features (e.g., products, compositions, ingredients, components, methods, steps, aspects, embodiments, examples, or other subject matter) disclosed or described in one or more of the foregoing references. Illustratively, one or more features disclosed and implemented as such in the above - mentioned references may be included or implemented in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The implementation of such features may be in accordance with the disclosures provided in the foregoing references and / or the disclosures provided in the present disclosure.

[0141] We previously described a urea-based plant fertilizer composition comprising urea particles coated with a urease-inhibiting microbial fermentation lysate (see U.S. Patent No. 5,549,728). The composition delays the release (or loss) of nitrogen (from urea) into the soil when applied to the soil by slowing the rate of conversion of urea to ammonia (or available nitrogen) (relative to urea particles alone).

[0142] Embodiments of the present disclosure include compositions and methods for increasing the amount of soluble phosphorus in soil, and more particularly relate to compositions and means for dissolving or increasing the level of soluble phosphorus and / or the bioavailability of phosphorus in soil. Some embodiments include microbial fermentation products, preferably including microbial fermentation lysates, or compositions or products comprising the same, which are effective in dissolving phosphorus in soil. The phosphorus may be the amount or level of phosphorus that is essential or present in the soil. Some of the essential or existing amounts or levels of phosphorus in the soil may not be biologically available for plant consumption, uptake, and / or utilization. For example, some of the essential amounts or existing amounts or levels of phosphorus in the soil may be bound to one or more soil components, rendering the applied phosphorus biologically unavailable. Alternatively, or in addition, the phosphorus may be applied phosphorus (e.g., phosphorus applied to the soil (or a phosphorus source)), such as from a fertilizer or (plant) fertilizer component comprising or containing phosphorus (or a phosphorus-containing source). As described above, such applied phosphorus may become biologically unavailable or may be at risk of being biologically unavailable as described above. One or more embodiments of the present disclosure can effectively (i) redissolve biologically unavailable phosphorus in the soil; (ii) reduce the biological unavailability and / or insolubility of phosphorus in the soil; and / or (iii) prevent or attenuate the biological unavailability and / or insolubility of phosphorus in the soil (or reduce the risk of biological unavailability and / or insolubility).

[0143] Some embodiments may include soil treatment products or plant treatment products (e.g., compositions, systems, kits, etc.) or methods for manufacturing and using them (e.g., processes, steps, etc.). In some embodiments, the product may be applied to the soil before, during, or after planting or growth. In some embodiments, the product may be applied to the plants and / or soil in which the plants are growing (e.g., planted, growing, to be planted, etc.). The product may be in the form of a liquid, solid, semi-solid, or a combination thereof. The application may be by spraying, spreading, dripping, or any other suitable application method known in the art.

[0144] In some embodiments, the product can be co-applied with phosphorus or a phosphorus source, such as a fertilizer (or plant fertilizer component), a mineral source of phosphorus (such as rock dust or colloidal phosphate, also known as "soft phosphate"), a salt form of phosphorus (such as ammonium phosphate, potassium phosphate, etc.) or an organic source of phosphate (such as animal products, animal by-products, animal waste, etc.). The co-application can be simultaneous, continuous or sequential (applying either component first), etc. Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to soil treatment products (or kits) or plant treatment products (or kits) comprising a plant fertilizer component and a microbial fermentation product. The plant fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product can be mixed, such as in a combined composition, or separated, such as in a kit. Some embodiments relate to methods of making and / or using such products or kits (e.g., (i) redissolving biologically unavailable phosphorus in the soil; (ii) reducing the biological unavailability and / or insolubility of phosphorus in the soil; (iii) preventing or attenuating the biological unavailability and / or insolubility of phosphorus in the soil (or reducing the risk of biological unavailability and / or insolubility) and / or enhancing the health of the crop).

[0145] In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product can be in liquid (e.g., suspension) or substantially dry (e.g., bound to a carrier) form. In some embodiments, the (liquid) plant fertilizer product or component can be mixed (miscible or immiscible) with the (liquid) microbial fermentation product or component. In some embodiments, the (liquid) microbial fermentation product or component can be coated or bound to the (solid) plant fertilizer product or component. In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product or component can be adsorbed onto the surface of the (solid) plant fertilizer product or component and / or adsorbed beneath the surface of the (solid) crop fertilizer product or component. In some embodiments, the (solid) plant fertilizer product or component can be mixed with the (solid) microbial fermentation product (e.g., the microbial fermentation product bound to a carrier, adsorbed onto the surface of the carrier and / or adsorbed beneath the surface of the carrier).

[0146] Some embodiments include a method of making a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product. The method can include mixing a plant fertilizer product or component with a microbial fermentation product or component. Further embodiments include a method of enhancing plant health. The method can include applying or administering an effective amount of a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product to a plant so as to improve one or more health metrics of the plant or plant population (e.g., compared to a control). Each of the foregoing and other embodiments will now be discussed in further detail, including its specific components, properties, and / or characteristics.

[0147] Exemplary fermentation product

[0148] As used herein, the term “fermentation product” (such as microorganisms, bacteria, yeast, fungi, etc.) or similar terms refer to the result of fermentation, anaerobic metabolism, or cellular respiration (e.g., by one or more microorganisms) for at least a period of time, rather than just mass or other growth (e.g., of such microorganisms on or in a growth medium). In some embodiments, the fermentation product can also be produced by aerobic metabolism (for one or more periods). Fermentation products can include concentrated and / or extracted fermentation products, filter cakes, fermentation solubles, fermentation extracts, dried fermentation solubles, liquid fermentation products, dried fermentation biomass, or combinations thereof. As used herein, the term “liquid fermentation product” or similar terms refer to a fermentation product in liquid form. For example, a liquid fermentation product can be or include components of a liquid fermentation culture (e.g., a whole or complete microbial fermentation suspension culture), including the liquid medium (e.g., at least partially spent or fermented) or its components, one or more microorganisms and / or their cellular materials (e.g., structural components), one or more (fermentation, anaerobic, aerobic, and / or other) metabolites (produced by the microorganisms), and other components known in the art.

[0149] Microbial fermentation products can be processed (e.g., purified, filtered, separated, isolated, etc.) or crude (e.g., unprocessed). In some embodiments, the fermentation product can include substantially unpurified microbial anaerobic (and optionally aerobic) metabolites, including one or more (fermentation) metabolites, (liquid) fermentation medium (e.g., remaining after the fermentation process), and / or microbial cells and / or structural components (e.g., whole cell lysates).

[0150] In at least one embodiment, the fermentation product includes one or more microorganisms and / or cellular materials, such as cellular structural components, organelles, genetic material, macromolecules, or other components thereof. As used herein, the terms “microorganism,” “microbial organism,” “microbiology,” etc. refer to species or strains of bacteria, archaea, certain protozoa, fungi (e.g., yeast, mold, etc.), and algae (whether single-celled or multi-celled organisms, whether prokaryotic or eukaryotic) as understood by those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the fermentation product includes (whole cell) lysed microorganisms. One or more microorganisms can include any number of microbial species or strains, including but not limited to one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or any other number of discrete (e.g., individually identifiable) microbial species or strains.

[0151] Exemplary bacteria can include, but are not limited to: one or more species or strains of Acetobacter, including Acetobacter, Acetobacter xylinum, Acetobacter suboxydans, etc.; one or more species or strains of Bacillus, including Bacillus species apiaries, Azotobacter azotofixans, Lactobacillus brevis, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus cillans, Bacillus coagulans, Brevibacillus laterosporus, Bacillus lentus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus macerans, Bacillus marinus, Bacillus megaterium, Pasteuria pasteurii, Paenibacillus polymyxa, Bacillus pulvifaciens, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus schlegelii, Bacillus sphaericus, Bacillus stearothermophilus, Bacillus subtilis, Desulfotomaculum sp., Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacillus tusciae, etc.; one or more species or strains of Bacteroides, including Bacteroides amylophilus, Parabacteroides, Ruminobacter, Streptococcus suis, etc.; one or more species or strains of Bifidobacterium, including Bifidobacterium adolescentis, Bifidobacterium animalis, Bifidobacterium infantis, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium thermophilum, etc.; one or more species or strains of Enterococcus, including Enterococcus cremoris, Enterococcus diacetylactis, Enterococcus faecalis, Enterococcus intermedius, Enterococcus lactis, Enterococcus thermophilus, etc.; one or more species or strains of Lactobacillus, including Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus brevis, Lactobacillus buchneri, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus cellobiosus, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus farciminis, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus helveticus, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus reuteri, etc.; one or more species or strains of Leuconostoc, including Leuconostoc citovorum, Leuconostoc dextranicum, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, etc.; one or more species or strains of Megasphaera, including Megasphaera elsdenii, etc.; one or more species or strains of Pediococcus, including Pediococcus acidilactici, Pediococcus damnosus, Pediococcus pentosaceus, etc.; one or more species or strains of Propionibacterium, including Propionibacterium freudenreichii, Propionibacterium shermanii, etc.; one or more species or strains of Rhodopseudomonas, including Rhodopseudomonas palustris, etc.; and / or one or more species or strains of Streptococcus, including Streptococcus cremoris, Streptococcus diacetilactis, Streptococcus faecalis, Streptococcus intermedius, Streptococcus lactis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus thermophilus, etc. Other embodiments include, for example, one or more species or strains of Streptomyces, including Streptomyces natalensis, Streptomyces chattanoogensis, Streptomyces griseus, etc.; one or more species or strains of Xanthomonas, including Xanthomonas campestris, etc.; one or more species or strains of Rhizopus, including Rhizopus niveus, etc.; one or more species or strains of Micrococcus, including Micrococcus lysodeikticus, etc.; one or more species or strains of Bacillus, including Bacillus cereus, etc.; and / or one or more species or strains of Leuconostoc, including Leuconostoc citovorum, Leuconostoc dextranicum, etc.

[0152] In at least one embodiment, the fermentation product can include a first and / or strain of a microorganism (e.g., a bacterium) and / or its cellular or structural components. Preferably, the fermentation product can include a first and / or strain of lysed bacteria. The (lysed) bacteria can be or include one or more lactic acid bacteria or strains. In some embodiments, one or more species or strains of lactic acid bacteria can include Lactobacillus (e.g., Lactobacillus acidophilus, etc.) or lactic acid bacteria. In some embodiments, the fermentation product can include one or more additional microorganism (e.g., bacteria, fungi, yeast, mold, algae) species or strains (e.g., one or several listed herein) and / or their cellular or structural components. For example, the fermentation product can include one or more additional (lysed) bacterial species or strains in addition to the (first) microorganism species or strain. In some embodiments, the fermentation product can include one or more (additional) lactic acid bacteria species and / or strains (e.g., in addition to the (first) lactic acid bacteria species or strain). In some embodiments, the fermentation product can include one or more non-lactic acid bacteria species and / or strains (e.g., in addition to lactic acid bacteria species or strains).

[0153] In one or more (alternative) embodiments, the one or more microorganisms or additional microorganisms do not include bacteria or bacterial species or strains. For example, in some embodiments, the soil treatment product or plant treatment product or its microbial fermentation product can be substantially free of bacteria and / or their cellular or structural components. For example, in some embodiments, the fermentation product can be a fungal (e.g., yeast and / or mold) fermentation product that is substantially free of bacteria and / or their cellular or structural components. Exemplary fungi can include, but are not limited to, yeasts of the phylum Ascomycota, such as the Saccharomycotina and / or Taphrinomycotina (e.g., Schizosaccharomyces), and / or the phylum Basidiomycota, such as the Agaricomycotina (e.g., Tremella) and / or Pucciniomycotina (e.g., Microbotryum). Exemplary yeasts can include one or strains of the genus Candida (formerly known as Torulopsis), including Candida utilis, Candida glabrata, Candida catenulata, Candida lipolytica, Candida pseudotropicalis, etc.; one or strains of Kluyveromyces, including Lactobacillus, etc.; and / or one or strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces boulardii, Saccharomyces fragilis, etc. Exemplary fungi can further include one or strains of Aspergillus, including Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus oryzae (or Aspergillus oryzae), etc.; one or strains of Penicillium, including Penicillium roqueforti, etc.; one or strains of Mucor, including Mucor mucedo, Mucor pustilus, etc.; one or strains of Leuconostoc, including Leuconostoc balsamicum, etc.; one or strains of Endomyces, including Endomyces parasiticus, etc.; and / or one or strains of Rhizomucor, including Rhizomucor miehei, etc.

[0154] However, in some embodiments, the soil treatment product or the plant treatment product or their microbial fermentation products can be substantially free of fungi, yeasts, molds, and / or the cells or structural components of any one or more of the foregoing. For example, in some embodiments, the fermentation product can be a bacterial fermentation product that is substantially free of fungi, yeasts, molds, and / or the cells or structural components of any one or more of the foregoing. Some embodiments can be substantially free of molds and / or their honeycomb or structural components. In some embodiments, the fermentation product can be a bacterial and / or yeast fermentation product that is substantially free of molds and / or their cells or structural components. Some embodiments can be substantially free of algae and / or their cells or structural components. Certain embodiments can include at least one bacterial species or strain, at least one fungal (or yeast, or mold) species or strain, and / or at least one algal species or strain.

[0155] In some embodiments, one or more of the microorganisms (of the microbial fermentation product) can be non-living, non-viable, non-metabolizing, and / or lysed. Thus, the fermentation product can contain one or more non-living, non-viable, non-metabolizing, and / or lysed microorganisms, or their cellular material (e.g., cellular structural components). Additionally, the fermentation product can be substantially free of one or more or any living (e.g., metabolizing, dormant, spore-forming, etc.) microorganisms. For example, the fermentation product can contain or comprise less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10%, less than about 5%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.25%, less than about 0.1%, less than about 0.05%, less than about 0.01% or less, by weight, of living or viable microorganisms. In some embodiments, less than about 50%, less than about 40%, less than about 30%, less than about 25%, less than about 20%, less than about 15%, less than about 10%, less than about 5%, less than about 1%, less than about 0.5%, less than about 0.25%, less than about 0.1%, less than about 0.05% or less than about 0.01% (by weight) of the microorganisms of the microbial fermentation product (or its microbial biomass) can be or include living or viable microorganisms.

[0156] In some embodiments, the biomass in the microbial fermentation component that is less than about 50 wt%, preferably less than about 45 wt%, more preferably less than about 40 wt%, still more preferably less than 35 wt%, still more preferably less than 30 wt%, still more preferably less than 25 wt%, still more preferably less than 20 wt%, still more preferably less than about 15 wt%, still more preferably less than about 10 wt%, still more preferably less than about 5 wt%, still more preferably less than about 1 wt%, still more preferably less than about 0.5 wt%, still more preferably less than about 0.25 wt%, still more preferably less than about 0.1 wt%, still more preferably less than about 0.05 wt%, still more preferably less than about 0.01 wt% is or comprises living or viable microorganisms.

[0157] In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product may comprise microorganisms (e.g., living or viable microorganisms, probiotics, or direct-fed microorganisms (DFM)) in an amount less than or equal to about 1000 colony forming units (cfu). In some embodiments, the microbial fermentation product may comprise microorganisms in an amount less than or equal to about 900 cfu, preferably less than or equal to about 800 cfu, more preferably less than or equal to about 700 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 600 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 500 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 400 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 300 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 400 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 200 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 100 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 90 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 80 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 70 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 60 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 50 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 40 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 30 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 20 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 10 cfu, still more preferably less than or equal to about 5 cfu.

[0158] Thus, although probiotic products or products containing direct-fed microorganisms (DFM) may include live cultures, sources of living or viable, naturally occurring microorganisms, etc., some embodiments of the present disclosure may include microbial fermentation products that are substantially or completely free of living or viable microorganisms (one or more). In particular, as is known in the art, microorganisms can be intentionally killed and / or inactivated (e.g., by lysis, e.g., by sonication, vigorous mixing or blending, heat inactivation, pH inactivation, induced autolysis, etc.).

[0159] In at least one (alternative) embodiment, one or more microorganisms of the fermentation product may be in spore form, vegetative form, metabolic form, or a combination thereof.

[0160] As described above, the fermentation product may also include a liquid (fermentation) medium (e.g., remaining after the fermentation process). Thus, the fermentation product may include the product of a liquid suspension (fermentation) culture of microorganisms grown under anaerobic (and optionally aerobic) conditions. The medium may include liquid basal components such as water or nutrient broth or broth-like components (e.g., lysogeny broth (LB), M9, fluid thioglycollate medium (FTM), NZ, NZY or NZYM broth, SOB, SuperBroth, 2XYT, MOPS, milk, SOC, TB, etc.). In some embodiments, the medium (or its broth or broth-like component) may include one or more nutrients, growth factors, and / or other components such as a carbon source (e.g., carbohydrates such as glucose, sucrose, fructose, lactose, galactose, etc.), (inorganic) nitrogen source, protein or amino acid source (e.g., synthetic proteins or amino acids, proteins or amino acids of natural, plant, and / or animal origin, etc.), vitamins (e.g., thiamine, riboflavin, folic acid, pantothenic acid, niacin, vitamin B12, vitamin E, pyridoxine, vitamin D, vitamin K, vitamin A, choline, etc.), minerals, trace elements (e.g., copper, iron, manganese, zinc, molybdenum, chromium, selenium, etc.), essential elements (e.g., magnesium, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur), salts (e.g., potassium phosphate, sodium phosphate, sodium chloride, ammonium chloride, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, etc.), yeast extract, enzymes, and / or any other suitable (fermentation) culture component known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, the medium may include a source of one or more carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Additionally, certain fermentation products may specifically exclude one or more of the above or other known culture components (e.g., serum, growth factors, hormones, enzymes, antibiotics, beef extract, whole blood, heat-treated blood, etc.). In some embodiments, the medium may include one or more nutrients, growth factors, and / or other components remaining after the fermentation process.

[0161] The fermentation product may include one or more metabolites. In at least one embodiment, the one or more metabolites include fermentation or other metabolites produced by the microorganism (e.g., during anaerobic and optionally aerobic metabolic processes). Microbial fermentation metabolites may include, but are not limited to, one or more organic acids (e.g., lactic acid, acetic acid, formic acid, etc.), amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, fatty acids, enzymes, vitamins, and / or any other microbial metabolite component known to those skilled in the art, or the microorganism associated therewith. In some embodiments, the metabolite may include one or more microbial wastes. In at least one embodiment, the fermentation product may be substantially free of antimicrobial agents (e.g., bacteriocins, antibiotics, hydrogen peroxide, etc.); certain enzymes (e.g., proteases, amylases, lipases, glycosidases, DNA and / or RNA polymerases), etc.

[0162] In some embodiments, the metabolite can be at least partially purified (e.g., away from unwanted substances such as waste, fermentation medium, microbial cells, and / or structural materials, etc.). Alternatively, in one or more embodiments, the metabolite can be substantially unpurified. The substantially unpurified metabolite can be processed in the microorganism and / or (liquid) fermentation medium (e.g., outside the microorganism). In some embodiments, the microorganism can be lysed (e.g., such that substantially all of the metabolite is free in solution (i.e., not contained within the microorganism)). Thus, in some embodiments, the fermentation product can include a mixture (e.g., solution, colloid, suspension, colloidal suspension, emulsion, etc.) of the post-fermentation liquid medium, one or more microbial fermentation metabolites (e.g., anaerobic and / or aerobic metabolites), and microbial cells and / or structural components (e.g., whole cell lysates). In at least one embodiment, the mixture can be crude, unpurified, and / or substantially unpurified.

[0163] Illustrative fermentation methods, parameters, etc. include methods, parameters known to those skilled in the art. The fermentation product can be prepared by one or more fermentation processes, including growing one or more microbial (such as bacterial) species or strains or cell lines on a solid growth medium, as known in the art. In some embodiments, the microbial culture can be grown under natural and / or environmental conditions. In other embodiments, the culture can be grown under artificial and / or optimized conditions. The microbial culture can be grown at a biologically suitable temperature (e.g., about 20 - 50 degrees Celsius (°C) or about 30 - 40 degrees Celsius), acidity (pH) (e.g., about 3.0 - 8.0), etc. Additionally, the growth medium can include one or more of the above or other medium components, including but not limited to, (substantially solid) basal components (e.g., agar or other suitable basal components), nutrients, and / or other components (e.g., carbon and / or (inorganic) nitrogen sources, vitamins, minerals, trace elements, essential elements, amino acids, amino acid sources, salts, yeast extract, and / or any other culture components) known to those skilled in the art. In at least one embodiment, the microbial culture can be grown under aerobic and / or anaerobic conditions.

[0164] In some embodiments, the fermentation process can further include inoculating one or more (live) microorganisms or microbial lines (or their colonies) into a liquid growth medium (e.g., to form an inoculum suspension culture), as known in the art. The liquid (suspension) culture can also be grown under natural and / or environmental or artificial and / or optimized conditions, as described above. The liquid growth medium can include one or more of the above or other medium components.

[0165] In at least one embodiment, a live starter culture (or a suitable portion thereof, including all fractions, extracts, cell pellets, etc.) can be transferred into a liquid fermentation medium (e.g., to form a liquid fermentation culture). The liquid fermentation medium and / or the culture can be placed in a bioreactor, flask, or other suitable growth container. Additionally, the liquid fermentation medium and / or the culture can include one or more of the above or other medium components. Similarly, the liquid fermentation culture can also be grown under natural and / or environmental or artificial and / or optimized conditions, as described above. In at least one alternative embodiment, one or more live microorganisms or microbial systems (or their colonies) can be directly inoculated into the liquid fermentation medium.

[0166] The fermentation culture can be grown under anaerobic and / or aerobic conditions for a first period of time and / or under a first fermentation condition, as known in the art and described herein. For example, the fermentation culture can be grown at a temperature of about 10 - 50 °C and / or a pH of about 2 - 10 for about 0.5 days to about 5 days. After the first period of time, the fermentation culture can be grown under anaerobic and / or aerobic conditions for a second period of time and / or under a second fermentation condition, as known in the art and described herein. For example, the second period can be between 0.5 days and about 5 days. The second fermentation condition can include a temperature between about 10 - 50 °C, a pH between about 2 and about 10, etc. In some embodiments, the second period of time and / or the second fermentation state can be different from the first period of time and / or the first fermentation state. For example, the fermentation culture (or a suitable portion thereof) can be transferred to a second fermentation condition and / or a second fermentation medium. The second fermentation medium can be placed in a bioreactor, flask, or other suitable growth container, and / or can include one or more of the above or other medium components.

[0167] Should be understood that fermentation process can also comprise extra time period, fermentation condition, fermention medium etc., as known in the art and as described herein.When fermentation process is completed, fermentation culture can be or comprise microbial fermentation product and / or can optionally and / or process in addition to form microbial fermentation product.For example, in certain embodiments, (anaerobic and / or aerobic metabolism) microorganism of fermentation culture can be intentionally killed and / or inactivated (for example, by cracking, for example, by ultrasonic treatment, violent mixing or mixing, heat inactivation, pH inactivation or killing, induction autolysis etc.), as known in the art, be arranged in the microbial cell of fermentation culture or the fermentation metabolite in organism and can be discharged into substratum thus (for example, so that metabolite is free in solution or other liquid culture medium types).Non-living, inactive, non-metabolism and / or cracked microorganism, or its cellular material (cellular structure component), can be retained in liquid fermentation medium, or at least part of (for example, in fact and / or completely) remove therefrom (for example, by (ultra) centrifugation, filtration etc.). In certain embodiments, the fermentation product comprises a whole cell and / or whole culture lysate of a fermentation culture (e.g., one or more (e.g., any) components of the fermentation culture have not been substantially removed, purified, isolated, etc.). However, in alternative embodiments, one or more components of the fermentation culture may be at least partially and / or substantially removed, purified, isolated, etc.

[0168] Thus, the fermentation product can be in a substantially liquid form (suspension, solution, colloid, gel, slurry, etc.) and / or can include one or more components of a microbial fermentation culture (e.g., prepared as described herein and / or known in the art). In at least one illustrative embodiment, the fermentation product can include a liquid suspension comprising substantially unpurified products of anaerobic and optionally aerobic metabolism of the microorganism, including (i) substantially all (fermentation) metabolites produced by the fermentation culture; (ii) the liquid fermentation medium in which the fermentation culture is grown (e.g., retained after the fermentation process); and (iii) a whole-cell lysed microorganism or culture, including all microbial cells and / or structural components of the microorganism grown in the fermentation culture. Alternatively, the fermentation product can be in a substantially solid form (e.g., dried, freeze-dried, vacuum-dried, heat-dried, dehydrated, extracted, etc.), comprising one or more of the aforementioned components of the fermentation culture.

[0169] Exemplary fertilizer component

[0170] Exemplary fertilizer components include fertilizers that contain or include phosphorus or a phosphorus source. In some embodiments, the phosphorus source can be or include one or more phosphorus-based (plant, seed, or soil) fertilizer components, or a fertilizer component that includes phosphorus or a phosphorus source. One or more phosphorus-based plant fertilizer components, or a fertilizer component that includes phosphorus or a phosphorus source can be or include a phosphate fertilizer (e.g., P), a dual-blended fertilizer that contains phosphorus and an additional fertilizer component (e.g., as potassium or nitrogen (e.g., NP, PK)), or a triple-blended fertilizer that includes phosphorus and two additional fertilizer components, such as potassium and nitrogen (e.g., NPK), a phosphorus source (e.g., in the form of P2O5), a phosphorus mineral source (e.g., rock dust or colloidal phosphate, also known as "soft phosphate"), a salt form of phosphorus (e.g., ammonium phosphate, potassium phosphate, etc.), or an organic source of phosphate (e.g., animal products, animal by-products, animal excreta, etc.). For example, the plant fertilizer component can contain P2O5 or phosphorus in other forms or sources.

[0171] In certain embodiments, the plant fertilizer product or its plant fertilizer components can be (substantially or completely) free of urea and / or nitrogen-containing fertilizer components. In certain embodiments, the plant fertilizer product or its plant fertilizer components can be (substantially or completely) free of nitrogen-containing fertilizer components.

[0172] The soil treatment product or the plant treatment product and / or its fertilizer components can be in a (substantially) dry, solid, or liquid state. In some embodiments, both the fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product can be in a (substantially) dry and / or solid form. In some embodiments, both the fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product can be in a liquid form. In certain embodiments, the fertilizer component can be in a (substantially) dry and / or solid form, and the microbial fermentation product can be in a liquid form.

[0173] In some embodiments, the plant fertilizer component is in solid form, i.e., solid, granular, or powdered fertilizers known in the art and / or commercially available, etc. Exemplarily, the solid-form fertilizer component (or granular or powdered fertilizer component) may include a liquid-form fertilizer applied to, combined with, adsorbed to, or absorbed into a solid or dry carrier, as described herein. In some embodiments, the carrier may be or include an organic carrier (including one or more organic components or materials) or an earthy carrier (including two or more earthy components or substances). The earthy carrier, multiplicative inverse, and / or materials may include, for example, phyllosilicates (e.g., 1:1 or 2:1 clay mineral phyllosilicates), phyllosilicates of potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and / or aluminum (Al), chlorite (e.g., clinochlore, pennine, nimite, antigorite, and / or zinc, lithium, and / or their calcium species), diatomaceous earth, diatomite, and / or other diatomaceous earth products, dickite, glauconite, halloysite, lithium montmorillonite, hydrophobic silica, illite, kaolin, kaolinite, montmorillonite, muscovite, nacre, nontronite, palygorskite, phyllite, soapstone, natrolite, sepiolite, sericite, serpentine, montmorillonite, talc, talc, or vermiculite.

[0174] In some embodiments, the carrier may be or include coal derivatives, humates, humic acids, fulvic acids, lenadimide, or lignosulfonates. In some embodiments, the carrier may be or include (dried) plant materials (e.g., dried seaweed, dried soybeans, etc.), plant extracts (seaweed extract, soybean extract, etc.), meal, flour, protein powder, etc. Certain carriers may be or include naturally occurring materials or components. Other carriers may be or include artificial and / or synthetic materials or components.

[0175] In at least one embodiment, the carrier may be or include a solid-form microbial fermentation product or a carrier combined with a microbial fermentation product, as described herein. For example, a liquid fertilizer component may be applied, combined, adsorbed, or absorbed onto a solid-form microbial fermentation product. In some embodiments, the solid-form plant fertilizer component may be mixed or blended with a solid-form biological fermentation product, or co-applied.

[0176] In at least one embodiment, the plant fertilizer component is in liquid form, i.e., a liquid fertilizer. In some embodiments, the liquid plant fertilizer component or the plant fertilizer in liquid form may be mixed or blended with a liquid-form microbial fermentation product, or co-applied. In some embodiments, the liquid fertilizer component may be applied to, combined with, adsorbed to, or absorbed into a solid component or carrier. For example, a liquid microbial fermentation product may be applied to, combined with, adsorbed to, or absorbed into a microbial fermentation product in solid form.

[0177] Other exemplary components

[0178] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more additional components and / or ingredients. For example, the embodiments also include one or more of the following: (1) amino acids, (2) peptides, (3) hydrolyzed proteins, (4) organic and / or carboxylic acids, (5) carbohydrates, (6) plant extracts, (7) lignosulfonates, (8) humic acid and / or fulvic acid, (9) macronutrients, micronutrients and / or trace nutrients, (10) chelated and / or complexed minerals, (11) vitamins, (12) wetting agents, (13) dispersants, and (14) surfactants. Some embodiments may also include one or more diluents or the diluents may dilute one or more product components. One or more diluting agents or diluents may also or alternatively enhance the uniform distribution of the plant fertilizer.

[0179] Some embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more additional (supplemental) components and / or ingredients. For example, the embodiments may include one or more vitamins (such as vitamin A, vitamin B complex (such as vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B4, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, vitamin B7, vitamin B8, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, choline), vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, etc.), minerals or trace minerals (or elements) (such as, magnesium, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, boron, cobalt, chloride, chromium, copper, fluoride, iodine, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, nickel, vanadium, silicon, tin, etc.), amino acids (such as essential and / or non-essential), health supplements (such as glucosamine, chondroitin, etc.), drugs (such as chemical additives, etc.), nutraceuticals, plants or plant parts (such as berries, leaves, stems, roots, buds, seedlings, cotyledons, etc.), plant products or extracts (kelp, algae or other extracts), herbs, phyto-nutrients, carotenoids, enzymes (such as amylase, xylanase, protease, phytase, glucanase), probiotics, organic acids, etc. Certain embodiments may be substantially and / or completely free of one or more probiotics and / or live microorganisms.

[0180] Certain embodiments may include one or more surfactants, such as binders and / or emulsifiers (e.g., diacetyl tartaric acid esters of mono- and di-glycerides, edible fats and oils, fatty acids forming edible fats, ethoxylated mono- and di-glycerides, methyl glucoside cocoate, mineral oil, mono- and di-glycerides of edible fats or oils or fatty acids forming edible fats, mono-sodium phosphate derivatives of mono- and di-glycerides of edible oils or fatty acids forming edible oils, polyethylene glycol 400 (monooleate and dioleate), polysiloxane, polysorbate 80, polysorbic acid ester 60 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monostearate, propylene glycol, sodium stearoyl lactate, sorbitan monostearate, with or without polysorbate 60, etc., or combinations thereof).

[0181] Some embodiments may include one or more stabilizers, anti-caking agents, and / or processing agents (e.g., carrageenan, gelatin gum, guar gum, lecithin, locust bean gum, stearic acid, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium aluminosilicate, tara gum, xanthan gum, etc.), dust-proofing agents (e.g., mineral oil, paraffin wax, etc., or combinations of two or more of the foregoing), preservatives, and / or other beneficial components or combinations thereof.

[0182] Some embodiments may also include one or more diluting agents or diluents. One or more diluting agents or diluents can dilute one or more products into a mixture. One or more diluting agents or diluents can also or alternatively enhance the uniform distribution of the product or supplementary components in the mixture. Exemplary diluting agents or diluents can include, but are not limited to, water or other aqueous solutions, vitamin and / or mineral mixtures, an initial portion of a plant fertilizer component, an earth carrier, or any other suitable product or supplementary component diluting or dispensing element.

[0183] In some embodiments, the diluent can enhance the spreadability of the dry product. The diluent can include one or more layered silicates. The diluent can also be referred to herein as a carrier. The carrier component can include a solid, dry, and / or substantially dry carrier. In at least one embodiment, the carrier can include an organic and / or earth carrier, which includes one or more organic and / or earth components or materials. The earth carrier, components, and / or materials can include, for example, layered silicates (e.g., potassium (K), sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), and / or aluminum (Al)). The layered silicate can be chlorite, clay, mica, or serpentine. In at least one embodiment, the carrier can include one or more 1:1 or 2:1 clay mineral layered silicates. In at least one embodiment, the carrier can include the plant fertilizer components disclosed and / or described herein.

[0184] Exemplary carriers can include, but are not limited to, spodumene, attapulgite, beidellite, bentonite, biotite, calcium silicate, calcium stearate, chlorite (e.g., clinochlore, pennantite, nimite, trigonite, and / or zinc, lithium, and / or their calcium species), magnesite, diatomaceous earth and / or other diatomaceous earth products, dickite, glauconite, halloysite, lithium montmorillonite, hydrophobic silica, illite, kaolin, kaolinite, montmorillonite, muscovite, nacre, non-chlorite, palygorskite, phyllite, steatite, zinc montmorillonite, sepiolite, sericite, serpentine, greensand, talc, fly ash, vermiculite, hummus, fulvic acid, lignosulfonate, etc. Certain carriers can be or include naturally occurring materials or components. Other carriers can be or include artificial and / or synthetic materials or components. Carriers can also include (dried) plant materials and / or extracts, meal, flour, protein powder, soybeans, seaweed, etc.

[0185] In some embodiments, the (phosphorus-containing) plant fertilizer component can be, include, be used as, or serve as a carrier. Thus, in some embodiments, the (liquid) microbial fermentation product can be applied to, incorporated into, adsorbed onto, or absorbed into the plant fertilizer component in solid form.

[0186] In some embodiments, the moisture content of the carrier (whether a fertilizer component, phyllosilicate / soil mineral, plant material, etc.) prior to application can be less than about 20 wt%, less than about 15 wt%, less than about 10 wt%, less than about 5 wt%, less than about 3 wt%, less than about 2 wt%, or less than about 1 wt%. In at least one embodiment, the carrier can have a moisture content by weight between about 0.25% and about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%; between about 0.5% and about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% by weight; between about 1% and about 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% by weight; or between about 2% and about 3%, 4%, 5%, 15%, or 20% by weight. As used herein, the term "substantially dry carrier" refers to a carrier having one or more of the above moisture contents. Such a substantially dry carrier can generally be understood as a solid, dry substance while still having at least some moisture associated therewith.

[0187] In some embodiments, the carrier can be in the form of a powder, granule, and / or microparticle, or have an average particle size between about 20 - 297 microns (e.g., corresponding to about 625 - 50 mesh). In at least one embodiment, the carrier can have an average particle size of about 74 microns (or about 200 mesh) + / - 20%, 15%, 10%, 8%, or 5%. In certain embodiments, the solid carrier can be sized (e.g., by milling, crushing, grinding, etc.) to an appropriate average particle size. Thus, in some embodiments, the solid carrier can be an excavated and milled soil component having an appropriate average particle size.

[0188] In at least one embodiment, the fermentation product can be combined with the carrier to form a carrier-bound fermentation product. For example, the fermentation product can be physically and / or chemically bound to the carrier (e.g., by chemical reaction or means). In some embodiments, the fermentation product can be bound to the carrier electrostatically or by forces other than (general or macroscopic) electrostatic forces. In certain embodiments, the binding of the fermentate to the carrier can increase the bioavailability of at least one metabolite (e.g., relative to being free in solution or extracted, purified, and / or separated from solution or cells). Thus, the fermentation product can be applied to the carrier, bound to the outer surface of the carrier, and / or bound to a portion of the carrier adjacent to or beneath the surface. For example, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the liquid fermentation product can (i) be adsorbed onto the surface of the carrier and / or (ii) be adsorbed beneath the surface of the carrier. The liquid fermentation product can also be bound to the carrier by drying thereon and / or in it after application. Thus, in certain embodiments, the liquid fermentation product can be at least partially dry-bound to the carrier. As used herein, "dry-binding" and similar terms refer to the durable and / or persistent physical binding of two or more substances by physical and / or chemical forces during the drying process.

[0189] In at least one embodiment, the fermentation product can substantially or at least partially cover the carrier. For example, the fermentation product can be applied to the carrier (e.g., such that the liquid portion of the fermentation product does not dissolve the carrier and / or such that the applied portion of the fermentation product substantially or at least partially covers around the carrier).

[0190] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the fermentation product can be chemically bound to the carrier. For example, the fermentation product can react with the carrier (e.g., such that a physical and / or chemical binding reaction occurs). The reaction can be endothermic or exothermic. Additionally, one or more enzymes or other reaction components or parameters (such as heat, air (flow), mixing, etc.) can facilitate and / or accelerate the reaction. The enzyme or other component can be a metabolite reaction product, a fermentation culture component, and / or a separate component added before or during the application of the fermentation product to the carrier.

[0191] In some embodiments, the fermentation product-bound carrier (e.g., a carrier having a microbial fermentation component, which is applied, bound, adsorbed, absorbed / so as to cover, etc.) - illustratively, the "combination product" described herein can be in solid and / or (substantially) dry form. For example, the carrier bound with the fermentation product can have a moisture content of less than or equal to about 25 wt%, less than or equal to about 20 wt%, less than or equal to about 15 wt%, less than or equal to about 10 wt%, less than or equal to about 5 wt%, less than or equal to about 3 wt%, less than or equal to about 2 wt%, or less than or equal to about 1 wt%. In at least one embodiment, the carrier bound with the fermentation product can have a moisture content between about 0.25% and about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25%; between about 0.5% and about 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, or 25%; between about 1% and about 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20%; or between about 2% and about 3%, 4%, 5%, 10%, 15%, or 20% (by weight). Thus, the carrier bound with the fermentation product can be substantially dry. In other embodiments, the carrier bound with the fermentation product can be in a substantially liquid (suspension, solution, colloid, gel, slurry, etc.) form.

[0192] In one or more embodiments, the fermentation product can be bound to a carrier such that the fermentation product and / or one or more of its components are maintained at a suitable pH or pH range, or in an environment having a suitable pH and pH range. For example, in some embodiments, the carrier and / or the carrier bound with the fermentation product can provide and / or have a pH between about 2 - 10, preferably between about 2 - 8, more preferably between about 2 - 6, still more preferably between about 2 - 5, still more preferably between about 2 - 4, still more preferably between about 2 - 3, still more preferably between about 3 - 10, still more preferably between about 3 - 8, still more preferably between about 3 - 6, still more preferably between about 3 - 5, still more preferably between about 3 - 4, still more preferably between about 4 - 10, still more preferably between about 4 - 8, still more preferably between about 4 - 6, still more preferably between about 4 - 5.

[0193] The carrier component may also or alternatively include a liquid or liquid composition (e.g., solution, suspension, colloid, mixture, etc.). Exemplary liquid carriers include but are not limited to water or other aqueous liquids, oils, and organic liquids, or any suitable liquid composition or carrier, e.g., solvent (solution), continuous phase (colloid), external phase (suspension), etc. In some embodiments, the (liquid) carrier may be or include a culture medium, e.g., suspension medium, water, mixture (e.g., solution, suspension, colloid, etc.), humic acid and / or fulvic acid, lignosulfonate, etc. or other components disclosed or described herein, (liquid) plant fertilizer components, or other fluids or liquids. In at least one embodiment, the fermentation product may be mixed with the carrier to form a diluted or miscible fermentation product.

[0194] Exemplary combined product

[0195] As used herein, "combination product" and like terms refer to a composition, mixture, or other combination (e.g., reaction product) that includes at least a plant fertilizer component and a microbial fermentation product. For example, a combination product may be, include, or incorporate a plant fertilizer component and a microbial fermentation product. The microbial fermentation product may be mixed with, combined with, adsorbed by, absorbed by, or coated with the plant fertilizer component.

[0196] Illustratively, the combination product may optionally include a carrier (e.g., to which the microbial fermentation product is applied and / or on which the fertilizer component is applied). Illustratively, the combination product may optionally include one or more optional additional components (e.g., vitamins, minerals or trace minerals, amino acids, health supplements, drugs, nutraceuticals, plants or plant parts, plant products or extracts, herbs, phytohormones, carotenoids, enzymes, probiotics, organic acids, and / or any other suitable additives or other components as described above). Certain embodiments may be substantially and / or completely free of one or more probiotics and / or live microorganisms (e.g., less than 100 cfu of microorganisms, etc.).

[0197] In at least one embodiment, the combination (soil treatment) product may include a (liquid) microbial fermentation product (or lysate), and is preferably mixed or combined with a (substantially liquid) plant fertilizer component, and the ratio of the fermentation product to the plant fertilizer component is preferably about 1:500 to about 1:1000, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the ratio of the fermentation product to the plant fertilizer component, or vice versa, may be as high as, between, and / or about 1:1, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, 1:50, 1:100, 1:200, 1:300, 1:400, 1:500, 1:600, 1:700, 1:800, 1:900, 1:1000 or more.

[0198] In some embodiments, the soil treatment product or the plant treatment product may be pre - mixed as a combined product. In some embodiments, the combined product may include a concentrate. In at least one embodiment, the combined product may be diluted (e.g., with water) to form a ready - to - use product. In certain embodiments, the products may be mixed or pre - mixed (e.g., tank - mixed) at the time of application or before and after application (e.g., on - site). In some embodiments, the mixture may be or include a suspension, an emulsion, a solution, etc.

[0199] In one or more embodiments, the mixture or the combined product may be stabilized, preferably by (1) adjusting the pH of the mixture to about pH 5 - 7; (2) adding one or more (chemical, synthetic, natural, organic, etc.) stabilizers; (3) adding water and / or an organic mineral oil - based or co - formulated with water and / or an organic mineral oil - based; (4) encapsulating the mixture, etc. In some embodiments, if desired, the pH of the mixture may be adjusted to about pH 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, or 7.

[0200] One or more alternative or additional embodiments of the combined product include a substantially dry fermentation product (e.g., bound to a (solid or dry) carrier such as a phyllosilicate / earth mineral, plant material, plant extract, etc.) and a substantially dry (phosphorus - based) fertilizer component, and the ratio of the fermentation product bound to the carrier to the plant fertilizer component is preferably between about 1:1 and about 1:100, and vice versa. In some embodiments, the ratio of the fermentation product to the plant fertilizer component, or vice versa, may be up to, between, and / or about 1:1, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, or more.

[0201] Some embodiments may include mixing a fermentation product in dry (powder) form (e.g., bound to a (solid or dry) carrier) and a fertilizer component. Certain embodiments may include grinding the carrier to which the fermentation product is bound and the plant fertilizer component to the same or similar particle size. In some embodiments, the (dry - form) combined product may be water - soluble, water - miscible, and / or (chemically and / or structurally) configured to produce a stable suspension (e.g., when mixed with an aqueous fluid such as water).

[0202] One or more alternative or additional embodiments of the combination product include a liquid fermentation product combined (e.g., adsorbed onto and / or adsorbed beneath the surface) with a substantially dry plant fertilizer component, with the ratio of the fermentation product to the plant fertilizer component preferably being from about 1:1 to about 1:100, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the ratio of the fermentation product to the plant fertilizer component, or vice versa, can be as high as, between, and / or about 1:1, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, 1:4, 1:5, 1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9, 1:10, or more.

[0203] Accordingly, each of (i) the microbial fermentation product and (ii) the fertilizer component can be (or provided in) liquid or solid (or substantially dry) form. The resultant product can then include (a) a liquid (e.g., formed by combining a liquid microbial fermentation product with a liquid plant fertilizer component) or (b) a solid (e.g., formed by combining a liquid microbial fermentation product and a solid plant fertilizer component or by combining a solid microbial fermentation product with a solid plant fertilizer), as described herein.

[0204] One or more alternative or additional embodiments can include a kit or system. The kit or system can include (i) a (liquid or solid) microbial fermentation product and (ii) a (liquid or solid) plant fertilizer component, each as disclosed and / or described herein. The kit or system can further include instructions for (i) combining and / or (ii) applying (e.g., co-applying) the (liquid or solid) microbial fermentation product and (ii) the (liquid or solid) plant fertilizer component, each as disclosed and / or described herein. The instructions can be in written or electronic (computer-readable medium) form. The instructions can include one or more method steps, as further described and / or disclosed herein (e.g., below).

[0205] Method

[0206] At least one embodiment includes a method of producing a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product. Exemplary methods can include providing a plant fertilizer component and a microbial fermentation product and / or mixing the plant fertilizer component with the microbial fermentation product. Exemplary methods of producing a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product include combining a microbial fermentation product (in lysate or substantially liquid form) with a plant fertilizer component (in substantially liquid form), with the ratio of the fermentation product to the plant fertilizer component preferably being about 1:500 to about 1:1000, and vice versa, to form a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product. One or more alternative or additional embodiments of producing a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product include combining a substantially dry fermentation product (with or without a carrier) with a plant fertilizer component (in (substantially) solid, liquid, or semi-solid form), with the ratio of the fermentation product to the plant fertilizer component preferably being about 1:500 to about 1:1000, and vice versa, to form a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product.

[0207] Methods of producing a microbial fermentation product can include culturing one or more live and / or viable microorganisms (or microbial species or strains or lines thereof) and / or causing the microorganisms to produce at least one fermentation metabolite under anaerobic (and optionally aerobic) conditions (e.g., in a fermentation medium, etc., as known in the art and / or described herein). Some embodiments can also include (intentionally) killing and / or inactivating (e.g., by lysis, e.g., by sonication, vigorous mixing or agitation, heat inactivation, pH inactivation or killing, induced autolysis, etc.) such that the fermentation product is substantially free of live and / or viable microorganisms (e.g., substantially free of one or more or any live microorganisms). However, the fermentation product can include one or more (e.g., substantially all) cellular and / or structural components of the microorganisms. The fermentation product can also include at least one fermentation metabolite and / or the fermentation medium (or its components).

[0208] Some embodiments include mixing (or reacting) one or more vitamins and / or minerals with the fermentation product. In particular, one or more vitamins and / or minerals can be bound or chelated with at least one metabolite of the fermentation product (e.g., thereby increasing the bioavailability of at least one metabolite).

[0209] At least one embodiment also includes a method of producing a fermentation product-bound carrier. In some embodiments, a fertilizer product (e.g., solid, granular or powdered NPK or other phosphorus-containing fertilizer) can be, include or be used as a carrier. The fermentation product (substantially in liquid form) can be fluidly applied to the carrier, such as by spraying, pouring, dripping, etc. and / or causing the fermentation product to bind to the carrier. The carrier can be or include a solid and / or substantially dry carrier, such as the earthy carrier described herein, optionally including one or more phyllosilicates. The carrier can also be or alternatively be or include a liquid carrier, such as water or a water source or supply, as described herein. The fermentation product can be applied to the carrier or combined or mixed with the carrier such that the fermentation product is dispersed within or throughout the carrier.

[0210] The fermentation product can be in a weight ratio of the fermentation product to the carrier of at most, at least and / or between about 1:1, about 1:1.5, about 1:2, about 1:2.5, about 1:3, about 1:3.5, about 1:4, about 1:5, about 1:6, about 1:7, about 1:8, about 1:9, or about 1:10, or vice versa. At least a portion of the fermentation product can undergo a physical and / or chemical reaction or mixing and / or binding with the carrier. For example, at least a portion of the fermentation product can be adsorbed onto the surface of the carrier and / or adsorbed beneath the surface of the carrier.

[0211] At least one embodiment can include a mixed carrier and / or a carrier combined with a fermentation product (e.g., before, after, and / or simultaneously with the application of the fermentation product to the carrier). The carrier and / or the carrier combined with the fermentation product can be mixed in any suitable container or on any suitable surface. For example, the carrier can be mixed by rotation (e.g., in a drum or barrel), shaking (e.g., on a tray or in a container), stirring (e.g., on a tray or in a container), etc. In addition, the carrier can be mixed at any suitable speed. Regardless of the specific type of mixing, container, surface, etc., the mixing can be measured in revolutions per minute, revolutions and / or reciprocating motions (rpm). For example, the carrier can be mixed at any speed within a range between about 1 - 500 rpm, between about 5 - 300 rpm, between about 10 - 200 rpm, between about 15 - 100 rpm, between about 20 - 60 rpm, or between about 30 - 50 rpm. In some embodiments, a suitable mixing speed can ensure that the carrier, the carrier combined with the fermentation product, and / or other combined products are properly and / or optimally processed. For example, a mixing speed above a specific threshold can reduce the size and / or uniformity of the product particles below an appropriate and / or optimal level. Similarly, a mixing speed below a specific threshold can inhibit the full or successful application or coating of the fermentation product around or on the carrier and / or can cause the product to agglomerate, resulting in an inappropriate and / or suboptimal size and / or uniformity of the product particles. In any case, the effects of improper mixing may include reducing the stability and / or activity of the product.

[0212] Certain embodiments can include applying air or an air stream. The air or air stream can be applied (i) simultaneously with mixing the carrier and / or the carrier combined with the fermentation product (e.g., before, after, and / or simultaneously with the application of the fermentation product to the carrier), (ii) for a specific, predetermined, or defined period of time (e.g., about 6 - 120 hours, about 12 - 96 hours, about 12 - 120 hours, about 48 - 60 hours, etc.) and / or (iii) until the carrier combined with the fermentation product reaches a suitable water content, as described herein. In addition, in certain embodiments, the air stream can be applied at a rate greater than or equal to about 25 m 3 / min, up to about 200 m 3 / min, between about 25 m 3 / min and about 200 m 3 / min, between about 40 m 3 / min and about 150 m 3 / min, between about 50 m 3 / min and about 100 m 3 / min, between about 60 m 3 / min and about 75 m 3 / min. Preferably, the air stream can be applied at about 68 m3 Air or an air stream is applied at a rate of / minute. In some embodiments, a suitable temperature can ensure that the mixture dries to a suitable moisture content within a suitable time, thereby reducing, inhibiting, and / or substantially preventing and / or avoiding product clumping or agglomeration, microbial contamination, and / or growth, etc.

[0213] In at least one embodiment, the method includes maintaining the carrier, the mixed fermentation product and the carrier, and / or the carrier combined with the fermentation product at a suitable reaction temperature during the reaction and / or binding process (e.g., below about 60°C, below about 58°C, below about 56°C, below about 55°C, below about 52°C, below about 50°C, below about 48°C, below about 45°C, below about 42°C, below about 40°C, below about 39°C, below about 38°C, below about 37°C, below about 35°C, below about 32°C, below about 30°C, below about 25°C, below about 20°C, etc. and / or above about 5°C, above about 10°C, above about 15°C, or above about 20°C). In some embodiments, a suitable reaction temperature can ensure that the reaction occurs at an optimal speed / rate and the reaction product is dried (at a suitable rate) to a suitable moisture content, etc. Additionally, the method may include maintaining the reaction product and / or the carrier combined with the fermentation product at a suitable maintenance and / or storage temperature after the reaction and / or binding process is completed or nearly completed (e.g., below about 42°C, below about 40°C, below about 39°C, below about 38°C, below about 37°C, below about 35°C, below about 32°C, below about 30°C, below about 28°C, below about 25°C, below about 20°C, below about 15°C, or below about 10°C, below about 5°C, below about 2°C, etc. and / or above about 0°C, above about 2°C, above about 5°C, above about 10°C, or above about 15°C, etc.). In some embodiments, a suitable maintenance temperature can improve, enhance, and / or maintain the stability, shelf life, and / or composition of the reaction product and / or the carrier combined with the fermentation product (i.e., avoid, reduce, and / or inhibit decomposition).

[0214] Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the above parameters (e.g., mixing, applying, air, temperature, etc.) can cause and / or enhance the binding of the fermentation product to the carrier. For example, the parameters can cause and / or enhance the adsorption of the fermentation product on the surface of the carrier, the adsorption of the fermentation product under the surface of the carrier, and / or the drying of the fermentation product on or in the carrier. Thus, in some embodiments, the fermentation product can or becomes dry - bound to the carrier.

[0215] In at least one embodiment, the method may further include maintaining the carrier to which the fermentation product is bound at a suitable reaction pH between about 2 - 10, preferably between about 2 - 8, more preferably between about 2 - 6, still more preferably between about 2 - 5, still more preferably between about 2 - 4, still more preferably between about 2 - 3, still more preferably between about 3 - 10, still more preferably between about 3 - 8, still more preferably between about 3 - 6, still more preferably between about 3 - 5, still more preferably between about 3 - 4, still more preferably between about 4 - 10, still more preferably between about 4 - 8, still more preferably between about 4 - 6, still more preferably between about 4 - 5, etc. during the reaction and / or binding process. In some embodiments, the suitable pH may ensure and / or enhance the chemical reaction. The method may further include maintaining the fermentation product-bound carrier at a suitable maintenance pH between about 2 - 10, preferably between about 2 - 8, more preferably between about 2 - 6, still more preferably between about 2 - 5, still more preferably between about 2 - 4, still more preferably between about 2 - 3, still more preferably between about 3 - 10, still more preferably between about 3 - 8, still more preferably between about 3 - 6, still more preferably between about 3 - 5, still more preferably between about 3 - 4, still more preferably between about 4 - 10, still more preferably between about 4 - 8, still more preferably between about 4 - 6, still more preferably between about 4 - 5, etc. after the reaction and / or binding process is completed or nearly completed. In some embodiments, the suitable maintenance pH may improve, enhance and / or maintain the stability, shelf life and / or composition of the reaction product and / or the fermentation product-bound carrier (i.e., avoid, reduce and / or inhibit decomposition). Additionally, the suitable maintenance pH may inhibit microbial contamination and / or growth on or in the product (e.g., especially at lower pH). In at least one embodiment, the reaction may have the effect of reducing the pH (e.g., on the carrier and / or the mixture of the carrier and the fermentation product).

[0216] Some embodiments include mixing one or more vitamins and / or minerals with the carrier to which the fermentation product is bound (or the carrier for the fermentation product application) (e.g., as described above or otherwise). As described above, one or more vitamins and / or minerals may bind or chelate with at least one metabolite of the fermentation product (e.g., thereby increasing the bioavailability of at least one metabolite). Vitamins and / or minerals may also increase the nutritional value of the product. Embodiments may also include mixing the fermentation product-bound carrier with one or more additional ingredients (e.g., plant extracts, etc.) (e.g., as described above or otherwise), as described herein.

[0217] Some embodiments include a method of manufacturing a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product. The method can include mixing a plant fertilizer component with a microbial fermentation product to form a combined soil treatment product or plant treatment product. In some embodiments, the plant fertilizer component is mixed with a liquid microbial fermentation product in a tank mix prior to product distribution. In one or more additional or alternative embodiments, the plant fertilizer component and the liquid microbial fermentation product are co-formulated. Additional components can be mixed with the plant fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product. The additional components can include stabilizers, emulsifiers, and / or a water or organic mineral oil matrix. In some embodiments, the plant fertilizer component is mixed with a dry or substantially dry microbial fermentation product (or a carrier bound to the fermentation product). The plant fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product can be ground to the same or substantially the same particle size. The soil treatment product or plant treatment product produced by the mixing of the plant fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product can be water-soluble and form a stable suspension in water. Embodiments can also include packaging the soil treatment product or plant treatment product.

[0218] It should be understood that certain embodiments of the present disclosure can include methods of enhancing crop health. The method can include applying an effective amount of a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product to soil (in which a plant grows) and / or to a plant in order to improve one or more health metrics of the plant or plant population (e.g., compared to a control). One or more health metrics can be selected from wilt, coloration, yield, size and / or weight, lifespan and / or mortality, overall health and appearance, etc. The application step can include spraying and / or dispensing (a mixture of) the plant fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product onto or near the soil and / or the plant, thereby increasing the bioavailability of phosphorus in the soil and / or the fertilizer and / or causing the plant to absorb an increased amount of phosphorus. The plant fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product can be applied separately or in combination.

[0219] In some embodiments, a method includes applying an effective amount of a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product to seeds (e.g., a set of seeds for sowing) to improve one or more health metrics of the germinated seeds and / or the subsequently germinated plants or plant population (e.g., compared to a control). One or more health metrics can be selected from stronger germination, wilt, coloration, yield, size and / or weight, lifespan and / or mortality, overall health and appearance, etc.

[0220] The application steps may include spraying and / or dispensing a soil treatment product or a plant treatment product (e.g., a mixture comprising a plant fertilizer component and a microbial fermentation product) on or near a plant (e.g., on soil) such that the plant absorbs an effective amount of the soil treatment product or the plant treatment product, or its components (e.g., phosphorus). The plant fertilizer component and the microbial fermentation product may also be applied separately. Soil fertilization using the disclosed soil treatment product or plant treatment product may be carried out before plant planting, before germination, after germination, and at any time period during the plant's lifespan.

[0221] In some embodiments, the plant fertilizer product and the microbial fermentation product may be co-applied to the soil, the seeds, or the plant. In certain embodiments, the co-application may occur simultaneously, e.g., by mixing or combining the plant treatment fertilizer and the microbial fermentation product as described herein. In some embodiments, the co-application may occur sequentially or separately. Sequential or separate applications may occur and may also be separated by any suitable time period.

[0222] Additional features and advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be set forth in the following description, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practicing these exemplary embodiments. The features and advantages of these embodiments may be realized and obtained by the means and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features will become more apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the exemplary embodiments described below.

[0223] Exemplary experimental results

[0224] Effect of microbial fermentation product on phosphorus solubility in soil

[0225] Two growth chamber corn experiments (corn experiments conducted in a growth chamber) were carried out with the microbial fermentation product to test its effect on phosphorus availability (e.g., bioavailability or solubility) in soil with and without NPK fertilizer application. The treatments included 1) untreated soil; 2) soil treated with the microbial fermentation product alone; 3) soil treated with fertilizer alone; and 4) soil treated with a mixture of fertilizer and the microbial fermentation product. Corn was planted in pots containing approximately 1 kg of soil. The microbial fermentation product was applied to the soil at a ratio of 0.1 ml of product diluted in 100 ml of water per pot. A 15-15-15 N-P2O5-K2O fertilizer was applied at a rate of 0.5 g per pot about one inch to the side of the seed and one inch below the soil surface. The microbial fermentation product was applied to the fertilizer treatment at a rate of 0.1 ml to 0.5 g of fertilizer. The pots were first watered with 100 ml of water and then each pot was watered with 100 to 200 ml every 2 - 4 days. Water-soluble phosphorus was analyzed using the ICP-OES method.

[0226] The average values of two experiments and the results of four replicates of each experiment are shown in Tables 1 and 2. Compared with the untreated soil, the microbial fermentation product increased the soluble phosphorus in the soil by 11.6%. Compared with the soil treated with fertilizer only, the microbial fermentation product increased the soluble phosphorus in the soil treated with N-P2O5-K2O fertilizer by 16.6%.

[0227] Table 1. Effect of microbial fermentation products applied to soil on the solubility of phosphorus in soil

[0228] Treatment Soluble phosphorus (ppm) Standard deviation Difference (%) Soil control 0.585 0.0125 - Soil containing microbial fermentation product 0.653 0.0319 11.6

[0229] Table 2. Effect of microbial fermentation products applied to fertilizer and mixed with soil on the soluble phosphorus in soil

[0230] Treatment Soluble phosphorus (ppm) Standard deviation Difference (%) Soil with fertilizer control 0.723 0.0499 - Soil and fertilizer containing microbial fermentation product 0.843 0.0505 16.6

[0231] A field experiment on maize was conducted using microbial fermentation products to test their effects on the availability (e.g., bioavailability or solubility) of phosphorus in soil and the crop productivity at two NPK fertilizer application rates. The treatments included 1) standard application of NPK; 2) standard application of NPK plus / treated with microbial fermentation products; 3) reduced application of NPK (25% reduction); and 4) reduced application of NPK plus / treated with biological fermentation products.

[0232] The standard NPK fertilizer application rate / ratio included 168 kg N / ha, 112 kg P2O5 / ha, and 112 kg K2O / ha. The reduced 25% NPK fertilizer application rate / ratio included 126 kg N / ha, 84 kg P2O5 / ha, and 84 kg K2O / ha. When applying the microbial fermentation product, it was applied at a rate of 2 liters per 1000 kg of fertilizer and mixed until complete coating of the fertilizer was obtained. The above-specified fertilizer treatments were applied to the maize rows at the V1 stage. Maize was planted at a seeding rate of 88920 seeds / ha with a row spacing of 76 cm. Each plot was 9 m long and 3 m wide. The research design was a randomized block with four replicates. During this season, the plots were irrigated 3.8 cm per week. The cultural procedures followed local practices and were the same for all plots. Soil samples were collected two weeks after crop emergence and analyzed for water-soluble phosphorus using standard soil testing methods. Maize was harvested using a small plot combine harvester when the moisture content of the corn kernels reached 25%.

[0233] The average results of the four replicates are shown in Tables 3 and 4.

[0234] Table 3. Effect of microbial fermentation products applied to NPK fertilizer on the solubility of phosphorus in soil

[0235] Treatment Yield (kg / ha) Difference (%) Application of standard NPK 9.0 - Application of standard NPK with microbial fermentation product 22.7 152％ Application of NPK reduced by 25% 18.2 - Application of NPK reduced by 25% with microbial fermentation product 26.2 44％

[0236] Compared with the soil treated with standard NPK fertilizer alone, the microbial fermentation product of standard NPK fertilizer increased the soluble phosphorus in the soil by 152%. Compared with the soil treated with NPK fertilizer reduced by 25% alone, the microbial fermentation product of NPK fertilizer reduced by 25% increased the soluble phosphorus in the soil by 44%.

[0237] Table 4. Effects of microbial fermentation product fertilization on corn yield

[0238] Treatment Yield (kg / ha) Difference (%) Application of standard NPK 4,911 - Application of standard NPK with microbial fermentation product 4,994 1.7％ Application of NPK reduced by 25% 5,130 - Application of NPK reduced by 25% with microbial fermentation product 5,941 15.8％

[0239] When 100% of NPK fertilizer was applied, the yield of the microbial fermentation product increased by 1.7%. When 75% of the fertilizer was applied, the yield increased by 15.8%.

[0240] The experimental results were summarized in experiments using (1) co-application in solid form, (2) combined application in solid form, (3) application of solid form fertilizer and liquid form fermentation components, and (4) application of liquid form fertilizer and solid form fermentation components.

[0241] In some embodiments, it has an impact on the activities of various enzymes. The effects of applying microbial fermentation products (or components) (also known as bioactivators) after corn harvest on the activities of phosphatase and β-glucosidase in the soil (silt loam) were evaluated.

[0242] Without being bound by any theory, microbial application can improve soil quality by increasing the number of beneficial microorganisms (Normand, 1980), reducing soil compaction (Mayberry et al., 1991), and increasing the content of available phosphorus in the treated soil. Enzyme activity measurement is an important indicator of soil quality, productivity, and microbial activity (Alef et al., 1995; Dick et al., 1996; Foster et al., 2018). The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) recommends using phosphatase, arylsulfatase, glucosidase, and N-acetylglucosaminidase assays as soil quality indicators when evaluating different agricultural management practices.

[0243] Tests of the effects of a bioactivator (microbial fermentation product) on these enzymes showed that the activities of β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase increased in the treated soil, so these enzymes were selected for further testing. Both of these enzymes are important in nutrient cycling. For example, β-glucosidase affects the carbon cycle by catalyzing the final stage of cellulose degradation, resulting in glucose, which is an important carbon energy source for soil microorganisms (Stott et al., 2009). Phosphatase helps hydrolyze unavailable organic phosphorus into mineral forms, making it bioavailable to plants and microorganisms (Acosta-Martinez and Tabatai, 2011).

[0244] In one embodiment, after harvesting corn (Zea mays L.) at the Utah State University Research Farm in North Logan, Utah, USA, soil samples treated and untreated with the microbial fermentation product were collected. The soil type was silt loam, with an organic matter content of 1.5% and a pH of 7.8. Before enzyme analysis, the soil samples were stored at -8 °C for three months. After corn planting, the collected soil was fertilized with 105 kg nitrogen and 70 kg P2O5 per hectare. The microbial fermentation product (or bioactivator), obtained from Cytozyme Laboratories, Inc., USA, was applied to the treated plots at a rate of 2 liters per 1000 kg of fertilizer.

[0245] One, two, three, four, or five days before enzyme analysis, the microbial fermentation product was reapplied to the soil previously treated with the product. The microbial fermentation product was applied to 1 g of soil placed in 15 ml plastic bottles at rates of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 ppm. Untreated soil was used for the 0.0 ppm application rate. All treatments were replicated three times. The untreated and treated soil samples were incubated at 25 °C for the specified number of days described above to evaluate the direct and continuous effects of the product on enzyme activity.

[0246] According to the solutions described by Deng and Popova (2011) and Acosta-Martinez and Tabatabai (2011), β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase activities were determined by quantifying the amount of p-nitrophenol released from 1 g of soil during a 1-hour incubation at 37 °C after adding p-nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside and p-nitrophenyl phosphate. The data were analyzed using Statistix (analysis software, Tallahassee, Florida, USA).

[0247] On the first day of incubation, at all rates, β-glucosidase activity was significantly higher than the control by the application of the microbial fermentation component: increased by 217% at 0.1 ppm, 229% at 0.2 ppm, and 232% at 0.4 ppm (Table 5 and Figure 2)。At application rates of 0.2 and 0.4 ppm, the application of the microbial fermentation component tended to enhance the activity on the third day of incubation.

[0248] Table 5. Effects of the microbial fermentation component on β-glucosidase activity in soil samples collected after maize harvest at different application rates and incubation times

[0249]

[0250]

[0251] *SEM: Standard error of the mean

[0252] a-b Different letters in the same row indicate significant differences (P < 0.05). Significant differences compared with the control group are highlighted in bold.

[0253] Compared with the control group, the effect of the microbial fermentation component on acid phosphatase activity was delayed and showed a decrease or no significant difference on the first day (Table 6 and Figure 1 )。In the case of applying the microbial fermentation product at a rate of 0.4 ppm, the enzyme activities were significantly increased by 42%, 19%, 21% and 48% respectively compared with the control on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th days. In other words, when the microbial fermentation component was applied to the soil at a rate of 0.4 ppm, the enzyme activities were significantly increased by 42%, 19%, 21% and 48% respectively on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th days of incubation.

[0254] Significantly higher activities were also observed at a rate of 0.2 ppm on the 4th and 5th days, with increases of 30% and 43% respectively. In other words, when 0.2 ppm of the microbial fermentation component was applied to the soil, the acid phosphatase activities were significantly increased by 30% and 43% respectively on the 4th and 5th days.

[0255] Table 6. Effects of the microbial fermentation component on acid phosphatase activity in soil samples collected after maize harvest at different application rates and incubation times

[0256]

[0257] *SEM: Standard error of the mean

[0258] a-c Different letters in the same row indicate significant differences (P < 0.05). Significant differences compared with the control group are highlighted in bold.

[0259] The application of the microbial fermentation product first increased the activity of β-glucosidase and subsequently increased the activity of acid phosphatase on the second day and on days 3, 4, and 5. These results indicate that the activity of acid phosphatase is dependent on β-glucosidase, which is supported by the findings of Spiers and McGill (1979) and Ridvan et al. (2007). The enhancement of the activities of these two enzymes supports the previously reported increase in microbial activity and explains the improvement in soil quality and the increase in available phosphorus content observed after the application of the product.

[0260] The application of the microbial fermentation product increased the activities of β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase in the treated silt loam collected from a cornfield and revealed a unique mode of action of the product. At all application rates, the product enhanced the activity of β-glucosidase on the first day of incubation and subsequently enhanced the activity of acid phosphatase on days 2, 3, 4, and 5, especially at the highest application rate. Through this enzyme activity, the microbial fermentation component supports at least two key nutrient cycles of carbon and phosphorus and thus contributes to improving soil fertility and crop yield.

[0261] The experimental results were summarized in experiments using (1) co-application in solid form, (2) combined application in solid form, (3) application of solid form fertilizer and liquid form fermentation component, and (4) application of liquid form fertilizer and solid form fermentation component.

[0262] The following references are incorporated herein by specific reference in their entirety:

[0263] Acosta Martinez, V. and M. Ali Tabatabai. 2011. Phosphorus cycle enzymes. In Methods of Soil Enzymology, edited by R.P. Dick, 161 - 163. Madison, Wisconsin: SSSA, Inc.

[0264] Alef, K., P. Nannipieri, and C. Trazar Cepada. 1995. Phosphatase activity. In Methods in Applied Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry, edited by K. Alef and P. Nannipieri, 335 - 344. London, UK: Academic Press.

[0265] Deng, S. and I. Popova. 2011. Carbohydarate hydrolases. pp. 185-195. In R.P. Dick (ed.), Methods of soil enzymology. SSA, Wisconsin.

[0266] Dick, R.P., D. Breakwill, and R. Turco. 1996. Soil enzymes activities and biodiversity measurements as integrating biological indactors. In Handbook of Methods for Assessment of Soil Quality, edited by F.B. Metting, 95-125. New York, NY: Marcel Dekker.

[0267] Foster, E.J., E.J., Fogle, and M.F. Cotrufo. 2018. Sorption to biochar impacts β-glucosidase and phosphatase enzyme activities. Agriculture 8(158).

[0268] Mayberry, B., J. Gosch, and J. Pollock. 1991. Effects of Soil+on reduction of Soil Compaction. SOILUSNE9101. (Compiled by P. Wiatrak). Cell Enzyme. Salt Lake City, Utah.

[0269] Normand, R.A. 1980. Effect of BioActivator on population of soil bacteria and bacteriophage. BIAUSLA8002 (Compiled by P. Wiatrak). Cell Enzyme, Salt Lake City, Utah.

[0270] Kizilkaya, R., F. Bayrakli, and A. Surucu. 2007. Relationship between phosphatase activity and phosphorus fractions in agricultural soils. International Journal of Soil Sciences 2: 107 - 118.

[0271] Spiers, G. A, W. B. McGill. 1979. Effects of phosphorus addition and energy supply on acid phosphatase production and activity in soils. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 11(1): 3 - 8.

[0272] Stott, D. E., S. S. Andrews, M. A. Liebig, B. J. Weinhold, and D. L. Karlen. 2009. Evaluation of β - glucosidase activity as a soil quality indicator for the soil management assessment framework. USDA - ARS / URL College Publication. 1222.

[0273] Conclusion

[0274] Although the foregoing detailed description refers to specific exemplary embodiments, the present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Similarly, although various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments may also be contemplated. Likewise, although many methods and components similar or equivalent to those described herein may be used to practice embodiments of the present disclosure, only specific components and methods are described herein. Specifically, although specific embodiments and details have been included herein and in the appended disclosure for purposes of illustration of embodiments of the present disclosure, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes may be made to the methods, products, devices, and apparatuses disclosed herein without departing from the disclosure or the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, various substitutions, changes, and / or modifications of the inventive features described and / or illustrated herein, as well as additional applications of the principles described and / or illustrated herein, may be contemplated by those skilled in the relevant art and those in possession of the present disclosure, and may be made to the embodiments described and / or shown without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims. Such substitutions, changes, and / or modifications will be considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0275] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is indicated by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. The limitations recited in the claims should be construed broadly based on the language used in the claims and not limited to the specific examples described in the foregoing detailed description, which examples should be construed as non-exclusive and non-exhaustive. All variations within the meaning and equivalence of the claims are to be included within their scope.

[0276] It should also be understood that the various features of specific embodiments may be compatible with, combined with, included in, and / or incorporated into other embodiments of the present disclosure. For example, a system, method, and / or product according to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure may include, incorporate, or otherwise include features (e.g., ingredients, components, members, elements, parts, and / or portions), steps, etc. described in other embodiments disclosed and / or described herein. Accordingly, the disclosure of specific features with respect to a specific embodiment of the present disclosure should not be construed as limiting the application or inclusion of such features to the specific embodiment. Instead, it should be understood that other embodiments may also include such features without necessarily departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0277] In addition, unless a feature is described as required in a particular embodiment, features described in various embodiments may be optional and may not be included in other embodiments of the present disclosure. Further, unless a feature is described as requiring combination with another feature, any feature herein may be combined with any other feature of the same or different embodiments disclosed herein. It should be understood that while a feature may be optional in a particular embodiment, when the feature is included in such an embodiment, it may be required to have a particular configuration as described in the present disclosure.

[0278] Similarly, unless otherwise stated (explicitly or implicitly), any step recited in any method or process described and / or claimed herein may be performed in any suitable order and is not necessarily limited to the order described and / or recited. However, in particular embodiments of the present disclosure, these steps may also be required to be performed in a particular order or any suitable order.

[0279] Furthermore, to avoid obscuring aspects of the example embodiments, various well-known aspects of exemplary systems, methods, products, etc. are not described in particular detail herein. However, these aspects are also contemplated herein.

Claims

1. A method for enhancing the activities of β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase in soil, the method comprising: Applying a phosphorus-containing fertilizer to the soil; And Applying a microbial fermentation product to the soil, the microbial fermentation product comprising a whole culture lysate fermented by bacteria, the whole culture lysate comprising: Lysed lactic acid bacteria cells; A fermentation medium; and Lactic acid bacteria fermentation metabolites, wherein less than 5% of the microbial biomass of the microbial fermentation product comprises live or viable microorganisms; wherein, compared to soil to which the phosphorus-containing fertilizer has been applied but the microbial fermentation product has not been applied, applying the microbial fermentation product to soil to which a phosphorus-containing chemical fertilizer has been applied increases the activities of β-glucosidase and acid phosphatase in the soil.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorus-containing fertilizer is in solid, dry, granular or powder form.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the microbial fermentation product is adsorbed onto the surface of the phosphorus-containing fertilizer and / or adsorbed beneath the surface of the phosphorus-containing fertilizer to form a soil treatment product.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the moisture content of the soil treatment product is less than or equal to 25%.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the microbial fermentation product does not contain live and / or viable microorganisms.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorus-containing fertilizer comprises a nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilizer.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the phosphorus-containing fertilizer does not contain urea.

8. The method according to claim 1, wherein: The phosphorus-containing fertilizer and the microbial fermentation product are co-applied to the soil in liquid form; Mixing the phosphorus-containing fertilizer in liquid form and the microbial fermentation product in liquid form to form a liquid soil treatment product, the method comprising applying the liquid soil treatment product to the soil; The phosphorus-containing fertilizer in liquid form and the microbial fermentation product in liquid form are separately applied to the soil; Or The phosphorus-containing fertilizer and the microbial fermentation product are co-applied to the soil in solid, dry, granular or powder form.

9. The method according to claim 1, further comprising quantifying the amount of p-nitrophenol released from the soil after adding p-nitrophenyl β-D-glucopyranoside and p-nitrophenyl phosphate.

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