Dispersible bauxite particles and methods of improving soil with bauxite

Abstract

Disclosed is a dispersible bauxite particle comprising at least one bauxite domain and at least one nutrient domain, at least one pesticide domain, at least one bio-additive domain, at least one adsorbent domain, or a combination thereof, present in the dispersible bauxite particle, aggregated together as different domains, or comprising bauxite pellets and a water-soluble binder that agglomerates a plurality of bauxite pellets into dispersible bauxite pellets, wherein the bauxite pellets are not chemically modified by NaOH. A method of improving soil with bauxite is disclosed, comprising applying bauxite to the soil wherein the bauxite is mineral bauxite that is not chemically modified with NaOH, the bauxite having a moisture content of less than 10% by weight, the bauxite having a size of less than 0.6 mm, the bauxite improving the efficacy of phosphates present in the soil by at least 5%.

Description

[0001] Related Applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 399,383, filed on August 19, 2022, entitled “Dispersible Bauxite Granules and Methods for Amending Soil with Bauxite,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present application relates to dispersible bauxite particles and methods for improving soil with bauxite. Specifically, the present application relates to dispersible bauxite particles having at least one bauxite domain and at least one supplementary domain aggregated together as different domains, dispersible bauxite particles agglomerated with a water-soluble binder without NaOH chemical modification, and methods for improving soil with bauxite without NaOH chemical modification. Background Art

[0004] Phosphorus is a critical nutrient for plant growth. Phosphorus must be available in a soluble form to be absorbed by crops. Although most soils have a long history of P application, only a small fraction of the P is available in a soluble, plant-available form. Generally, the vast majority of P is precipitated and / or adsorbed by soil particles after application. Soils with a high P buffering capacity, often approximated by the Phosphorus Buffering Index (“PBI”), rapidly and tightly bind P fertilizer, making it unavailable to plants. High PBI soil systems require excessive P application to achieve adequate soluble P reserves for maximum crop yields. This disproportionate ratio of P application to P uptake results in increased P runoff, exacerbating already fragile environmental systems.

[0005] In contrast, an optimal soil system would regulate phosphorus buffering capacity by sorbing phosphorus in an easily accessible manner so that it can be rapidly desorbed and dissolved when needed by plants. Certain soil amendments, such as activated alumina, attempt to mimic this phosphorus regulation property as they exhibit phosphorus concentration-dependent desorption properties and pH-dependent desorption properties. However, high manufacturing carbon footprints and financial costs make these systems impractical for large-scale agricultural applications. Ultimately, sustainable options with ample, long-term supplies will be preferable.

[0006] Bauxite is a mined ore with a relatively high aluminum content. It is therefore the primary source of raw material for the production of aluminum metal and alumina. Unlike refined aluminum, bauxite ore contains a number of other minerals, including iron oxides and titanium oxides. The aluminum present in bauxite occurs in the form of various geological mineral types and polymorphs, such as gibbsite, boehmite, and diaspore. Despite the material agglomeration, bauxite is an effective adsorbent and is sometimes used in wastewater treatment processes to adsorb, without desorbing, phosphates, fluorides, and other contaminants. While the quality and material composition of bauxite varies across the globe, current global reserves are estimated to be in excess of 30 billion tons. Summary of the invention

[0007] In an exemplary embodiment, the dispersible bauxite particle comprises at least one bauxite domain and at least one supplemental domain selected from the group consisting of at least one nutrient domain, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, at least one sorbent domain, and combinations thereof. The at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are present in the dispersible bauxite particle as distinct domains aggregated together.

[0008] In another exemplary embodiment, a dispersible bauxite particle comprises bauxite particles and a water soluble binder, wherein the water soluble binder agglomerates a plurality of bauxite particles into the dispersible bauxite particles, wherein the bauxite particles are not chemically modified with NaOH.

[0009] In another exemplary embodiment, a method of amending soil with bauxite comprises applying bauxite to soil, wherein the bauxite is mineral bauxite that has not been chemically modified with NaOH, the bauxite is mineral bauxite that has not been chemically modified with NaOH, the moisture content of the bauxite is less than 10% by weight, the size of the bauxite is less than 0.6 mm, and the bauxite increases the effectiveness of phosphate present in the soil by at least 5%.

[0010] Other aspects of the disclosed subject matter are provided by:

[0011] The dispersible bauxite particle comprises at least one bauxite domain and at least one supplemental domain selected from the group consisting of at least one nutrient domain, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, at least one sorbent domain, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are present in the dispersible bauxite particle as distinct domains aggregated together.

[0012] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein the at least one supplementation domain comprises at least one nutrient domain, and the at least one nutrient domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of bioavailable substances of phosphorus, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, copper, cobalt, iron, nickel, manganese, vanadium, calcium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, silicon, magnesium, sodium, nitrogen, boron and combinations thereof.

[0013] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein said at least one nutrient domain comprises at least one phosphate domain as a bioavailable source of phosphorus.

[0014] Any of the preceding dispersible bauxite particles, wherein the at least one phosphate domain is selected from the group consisting of diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, triple superphosphate, single superphosphate, and combinations thereof.

[0015] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one biological domain, and the at least one biological domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of humic substances, fulvic acid, live microorganisms, microbial metabolites, plant extracts, exogenous plant hormones, and combinations thereof.

[0016] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one pesticide domain, and the at least one pesticide domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, and combinations thereof.

[0017] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one adsorbent domain, and the at least one adsorbent domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of zeolites, zeolite-types, and combinations thereof.

[0018] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein the at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one phosphate domain and at least one of: an additional nutrient domain other than phosphate, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, and combinations thereof.

[0019] A dispersible bauxite particle as in any preceding item, wherein the dispersible bauxite particle is a bonded dispersible bauxite particle and at least one bauxite domain and at least one supplementary domain are present in the bonded dispersible bauxite particle as distinct domains coherently agglomerated together such that the bonded dispersible bauxite particle has an inter-particle variability in the bauxite domain to supplementary domain weight ratio of ±40% and a bonded dispersible bauxite particle crush strength of at least 3 lbf.

[0020] The dispersible bauxite particles of any preceding item, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles are agglomerated dispersible bauxite particles.

[0021] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item further comprises at least one layer disposed on the dispersible bauxite particle, wherein the at least one layer is selected from the group consisting of at least one nutrient layer, at least one pesticide layer, at least one biological additive layer, at least one adsorption layer and combinations thereof.

[0022] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein the at least one bauxite domain comprises an activated bauxite domain.

[0023] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplementary domain are uniformly distributed within the particle in the dispersible bauxite particle.

[0024] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplementary domain are uniformly distributed in the dispersible bauxite particle.

[0025] The dispersible bauxite particles of any preceding item, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles are provided as a coating on a seed.

[0026] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein the at least one bauxite domain has an alumina content of at least 35 wt% based on the total weight of the at least one bauxite domain.

[0027] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein the at least one bauxite domain has a combined content of aluminum oxide and iron oxide of at least 55 wt % based on the total weight of the at least one bauxite domain.

[0028] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein said at least one bauxite domain comprises mineral bauxite that has not been chemically modified with NaOH.

[0029] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein the at least one bauxite domain comprises at least one of laterite-type bauxite or karst-type bauxite.

[0030] The dispersible bauxite particles of any preceding item further comprise at least one of a water-soluble binder, a suspending agent or an emulsifier.

[0031] The dispersible bauxite particles include bauxite particles and a water-soluble binder, wherein the water-soluble binder agglomerates a plurality of bauxite particles into the dispersible bauxite particles, wherein the bauxite particles are not chemically modified with NaOH.

[0032] The dispersible bauxite particles of any preceding item, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles are provided as a coating on a seed.

[0033] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein the bauxite particle has an alumina content of at least 35 wt % based on the total weight of the bauxite particle.

[0034] The dispersible bauxite particle of any preceding item, wherein the bauxite particle has a total content of aluminum oxide and iron oxide of at least 55 wt%, based on the total weight of the bauxite particle.

[0035] The dispersible bauxite particles of any preceding item, wherein the bauxite particles comprise at least one of laterite-type bauxite or karst-type bauxite.

[0036] Any of the preceding dispersible bauxite particles, further comprising at least one of a suspending agent or an emulsifier.

[0037] Any of the preceding dispersible bauxite particles, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles have a moisture content of less than 10% by weight.

[0038] Any of the preceding dispersible bauxite particles, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles have a size of less than 0.6 mm.

[0039] A method of amending soil with bauxite, comprising applying bauxite to the soil, wherein the bauxite is mineral bauxite that has not been chemically modified with NaOH, the moisture content of the bauxite is less than 10% by weight, the size of the bauxite is less than 0.6 mm, and the bauxite increases the effectiveness of phosphate present in the soil by at least 5%.

[0040] The method of any preceding item, wherein bauxite is present in the dispersible bauxite particles as at least one bauxite domain, the dispersible bauxite particles further comprising at least one supplemental domain selected from the group consisting of at least one nutrient domain, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, at least one adsorbent domain, and combinations thereof, and the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are present in the dispersible bauxite particles as distinct domains aggregated together.

[0041] The method of any of the preceding items, wherein the at least one supplementation domain comprises at least one nutrient domain, and the at least one nutrient domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of bioavailable substances of phosphorus, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, copper, cobalt, iron, nickel, manganese, vanadium, calcium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, silicon, magnesium, sodium, nitrogen, boron, and combinations thereof.

[0042] Any of the preceding methods, wherein the at least one nutrient domain comprises at least one phosphate domain as a bioavailable source of phosphorus.

[0043] The method of any preceding item, wherein the at least one phosphate domain is selected from the group consisting of diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, triple superphosphate, normal superphosphate, and combinations thereof.

[0044] The method of any preceding item, wherein at least one supplementation domain comprises at least one biological domain, and the at least one biological domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of humus, fulvic acid, live microorganisms, microbial metabolites, plant extracts, exogenous plant hormones, and combinations thereof.

[0045] The method of any preceding item, wherein the at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one pesticide domain, and the at least one pesticide domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, and combinations thereof.

[0046] The method of any preceding item, wherein at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one adsorbent domain, and the at least one adsorbent domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of zeolites, zeolite-types, and combinations thereof.

[0047] The method of any preceding item, wherein the at least one supplementation domain comprises at least one phosphate domain and at least one of: an additional nutrient domain other than phosphate, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, and combinations thereof.

[0048] The method of any preceding item, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles are bonded dispersible bauxite particles and at least one bauxite domain and at least one supplementary domain are present in the bonded dispersible bauxite particles as distinct domains bondedly agglomerated together such that the bonded dispersible bauxite particles have an inter-particle variability in bauxite domain to supplementary domain weight ratio of ±40% and a bonded dispersible bauxite particle crush strength of at least 3 lbf.

[0049] Any preceding method, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles are agglomerated dispersible bauxite particles.

[0050] Any of the preceding methods, further comprising at least one layer disposed on the dispersible bauxite particles, the at least one layer selected from the group consisting of at least one nutrient layer, at least one pesticide layer, at least one biological additive layer, at least one adsorption layer, and combinations thereof.

[0051] The method of any preceding item, wherein the at least one bauxite domain comprises an activated bauxite domain.

[0052] The method of any preceding item, wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are uniformly distributed within the particle in the dispersible bauxite particle.

[0053] The method of any preceding item, wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are uniformly distributed among the dispersible bauxite particles.

[0054] Any of the preceding methods, further comprising at least one of a water-soluble binder, a suspending agent or an emulsifier.

[0055] The method of any preceding item, wherein the bauxite is provided as a coating on the seed.

[0056] The process of any preceding item, wherein the bauxite has an alumina content of at least 35 wt % based on the total weight of the bauxite.

[0057] The process of any preceding item, wherein the bauxite has a combined content of alumina and iron oxide of at least 55 wt%, based on the total weight of the bauxite.

[0058] The method of any of the preceding items, wherein the bauxite comprises at least one of laterite-type bauxite or karst-type bauxite. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0059] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present subject matter will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0060] Figure 1 is a bar graph showing the effect of bauxite application on shoot mass of annual ryegrass plants after 50% phosphorus reduction according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0061] Figure 2 is a bar graph showing the total mass of roots and stems of ryegrass after 21 days of growth of treated samples according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0062] Figure 3 is a bar graph showing total phosphorus uptake by ryegrass after 21 days of growth of treated samples according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0063] Figure 4 is a bar graph showing the total biomass of roots and stems of ryegrass after 21 days of growth of treated samples according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0064] Figure 5 is a bar graph showing the total biomass of roots and stems of ryegrass after 21 days of growth of treated samples according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0065] Figure 6 is a bar graph showing the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index for various plots treated at different phosphorus application rates and bauxite particle rates according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0066] Figure 7 is a bar graph showing phosphate uptake in various plots receiving different applications of phosphate and bauxite according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0067] Figure 8 is a bar graph showing corn yield in various plots receiving different applications of phosphorus and bauxite according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] Disclosed herein are dispersible bauxite particles and methods for amending soil with bauxite. Compared to particles and methods lacking one or more of the features disclosed herein, embodiments of the present disclosure reduce costs, reduce negative environmental impacts, reduce carbon emissions, reduce the production of red mud byproducts, or a combination thereof.

[0069] As used herein, "about" means a deviation of up to 10% from the value so modified. All values ​​modified with "about" are also intended to convey the unmodified value as an alternative, thus, for example, "about 10 μm" discloses a range of 9-11 μm as well as specifically 10 μm.

[0070] As used herein, "bonded" dispersible particles are distinguished from "agglomerated" dispersible particles in that "agglomerated" refers to particles formed by mechanically agglomerating at least two types of pre-granulated particles together, while "bonded" refers to particles formed by agglomerating one type of pre-granulated particles with a second material domain formed simultaneously. The structural differences between bonded dispersible particles and agglomerated dispersible particles include, but are not limited to, greater particle crush strength, improved abrasion resistance, reduced moisture content, higher hygroscopic stability, less inter-particle variability in the bauxite:supplementary domain weight ratio, greater contact surface area between bauxite and supplementary domain resulting in tighter bonding, increased bauxite surface area, reduced binder incorporation, greater degree of mixed domains, or a combination thereof.

[0071] In one embodiment, the dispersible bauxite particles include bauxite particles and a water-soluble binder, wherein the water-soluble binder agglomerates a plurality of bauxite particles into dispersible bauxite particles, wherein the bauxite particles are not chemically modified by NaOH. Based on the total weight of the bauxite particles, the bauxite particles can have an alumina content of at least 35% by weight, or at least 40% by weight, or at least 45% by weight, or at least 50% by weight, or at least 55% by weight. Based on the total weight of the bauxite particles, the bauxite particles can have a total content of aluminum oxide and iron oxide of at least 55% by weight, or at least 60% by weight, or at least 65% by weight, or at least 70% by weight, or at least 75% by weight. The bauxite particles can include at least one of laterite bauxite or karst bauxite. The dispersible bauxite particles can further include at least one of a suspending agent or an emulsifier. The dispersible bauxite particles may have a moisture content of less than 10%, or less than 8%, or less than 6%, or less than 5%, or less than 4%, or less than 3%, or less than 2%, or less than 1% by weight. The dispersible bauxite particles may have any suitable size, including but not limited to a size of less than 0.6 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.4 mm, or less than 0.3 mm, or less than 0.2 mm, or less than 0.1 mm.

[0072] In one embodiment, the dispersible bauxite particle comprises at least one bauxite domain and at least one supplemental domain, the supplemental domain being selected from the group consisting of at least one nutrient domain, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, at least one adsorbent domain, and combinations thereof. The at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are present in the dispersible bauxite particle as distinct domains aggregated together. The at least one bauxite domain may comprise an activated bauxite domain. The activated bauxite may be activated by calcination, acid treatment, or a combination thereof.

[0073] At least one bauxite domain may have any suitable alumina content, including but not limited to an alumina content of at least 35 wt%, or at least 40 wt%, or at least 45 wt%, or at least 50 wt%, or at least 55 wt%, based on the total weight of the at least one bauxite domain.

[0074] At least one bauxite domain may have any suitable combined content of aluminum oxide and iron oxide, including but not limited to a combined content of aluminum oxide and iron oxide of at least 55 weight percent, or at least 60 weight percent, or at least 65 weight percent, or at least 70 weight percent, or at least 75 weight percent, based on the total weight of the at least one bauxite domain.

[0075] In one embodiment, the at least one bauxite domain comprises mineral bauxite that has not been chemically modified by NaOH. In contrast, bauxite residue (also known as red mud, bauxite tailings, red sludge or alumina refining residue) from processing bauxite into alumina using the Bayer process or similar processes is chemically altered by methods such as treating bauxite with NaOH.

[0076] The at least one bauxite domain may include any suitable bauxite mineral, including but not limited to laterite-type bauxite, karst-type bauxite, or combinations thereof.

[0077] The dispersible bauxite particles may further include at least one additional metal oxide domain. Suitable additional metal oxide domains include, but are not limited to, aluminum oxide, alpha-alumina, beta-alumina, gamma-alumina, delta-alumina, trihydrated aluminum oxide, monohydrated aluminum oxide, boehmite, pseudoboehmite, gibbsite, iron oxide, hematite, hematite, magnetite, goethite, iron hydroxide, calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, copper oxide, magnesium oxide, manganese oxide, manganese dioxide, nickel oxide, silicon dioxide, zinc oxide, any of the above activated metal oxide forms or combinations thereof. The metal oxide can be activated by calcination, acid treatment or a combination thereof. As used herein, "metal oxide" is understood to include metal oxide hydrates and metal oxide hydroxides.

[0078] The dispersible bauxite particles may be bonded dispersible bauxite particles or agglomerated dispersible bauxite particles. In one embodiment, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles are bonded dispersible bauxite particles, and at least one bauxite domain and at least one supplementary domain are present in the bonded dispersible bauxite particles as distinct domains bonded together such that the bonded dispersible bauxite particles have an inter-particle variability in the bauxite domain to supplementary domain weight ratio of ±40% and a bonded dispersible bauxite particle crush strength of at least 3 lbf, or at least 3.5 lbf, or at least 4 lbf, or at least 4.5 lbf, or at least 5 lbf. The bonded dispersible bauxite particles may have reduced inter-particle variability in the ratio of bauxite domain to supplementary domain, or 5% lower, or 10% lower, or 15% lower, or 20% lower, or 25% lower inter-particle variability in the ratio of bauxite domain to supplementary domain, compared to otherwise identical agglomerated dispersible bauxite particles. In one embodiment, the bonded dispersible bauxite particles have an inter-particle variability of the bauxite domain to supplementary domain weight ratio of ±40%, or ±35%, or ±30%, or ±25%, or ±20%, or ±15%. As used herein, the inter-particle variability is measured relative to the smaller component of the bauxite domain and the supplementary domain, as measured by the average value of the entire bonded dispersible bauxite particle, so that if the average value of the bauxite domain:supplementary domain weight ratio is 50:50 and the inter-particle variability is ±40%, the weight ratio of bauxite domain:supplementary domain can be in the range of 30:70 to 70:30. As a further explanation, if the average value of the bauxite domain:supplementary domain weight ratio is 25:75 and the inter-particle variability is ±40%, the weight ratio of bauxite domain:supplementary domain can be in the range of 15:85 to 35:65.

[0079] The structural differences between "bonded bauxite dispersible particles" and "agglomerated dispersible bauxite particles" include, but are not limited to, greater particle crush strength, improved abrasion resistance, reduced moisture content, greater hygroscopic stability, less inter-particle variability in the bauxite domain:supplementary domain weight ratio, greater contact surface area between bauxite and supplementary domains, tighter bonding between bauxite and supplementary domains, increased bauxite surface area, reduced binder incorporation, a greater degree of intermixed domains, or a combination thereof.

[0080] Suitable at least one nutrient domain includes, but is not limited to, bioavailable substances of phosphorus, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, copper, cobalt, iron, nickel, manganese, vanadium, calcium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, silicon, magnesium, sodium, nitrogen, boron, or a combination thereof. Bioavailable substances of the above nutrients include, but are not limited to, MoO2 – 、SeO2 – 、Zn 2+ 、ZnCl – 、CuCO3、Co2+ , Fe 2+ , Fe 3+ 、Ni 2+ 、NiCl + , Mn 2+ 、MnCl + 、HVO4 2– , Ca 2+ , K + 、SO4 2– , Cl – 、SiOH4、Mg 2+ 、Na + NH4 + 、NO3 – , H3BO3 and B4O7 2– In one embodiment, the at least one nutrient domain includes at least one phosphate domain as a bioavailable source of phosphorus. Suitable phosphates for the bioavailable source include, but are not limited to, diammonium phosphate ("DAP"), monoammonium phosphate ("MAP"), triple superphosphate ("TSP"), normal superphosphate ("SSP"), or combinations thereof.

[0081] At least one suitable biological additive domain includes but is not limited to humus, fulvic acid, live microorganisms, microbial metabolites, plant extracts, exogenous plant hormones or combinations thereof. Any suitable modification of the preparation containing humic acid or fulvic acid or any material derived from organic matter and containing multiple humic acid and / or fulvic acid species can be used. Microorganisms may include but are not limited to Rhodopseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., Saccharomyces spp., Aspergillus spp., Candida spp., Streptococcus spp., Lactobacillus spp. or combinations thereof. Plant extracts may include but are not limited to plant hormones, quinols, plastoquinones, flavonoids, metabolites promoting plant growth or combinations thereof. Exogenous plant hormones may include, but are not limited to, IDAA, gibberellins, abscisic acid, auxins, jasmonates, brassinosteroids, cytokinins, salicylic acid, or a combination thereof.

[0082] At least one suitable pesticide domain includes but is not limited to herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides or combinations thereof. Suitable herbicides include but are not limited to sulfonylureas, HPPD inhibitors, chloroacetamides, PPO inhibitors, phenylureas, triazines or combinations thereof. Suitable insecticides include but are not limited to organophosphates, ureas, pyrethrins, neonicotinoids, spinosins, indoxacarb, diamides or combinations thereof. Suitable bactericides include but are not limited to strobilurines, pyrimidines, triazoles, dicarboximides or combinations thereof. Suitable nematicides include but are not limited to avermectins, carbamates, organophosphates or combinations thereof.

[0083] At least one adsorbent domain may include, but is not limited to, a zeolite, a zeolite-type, or a combination thereof.

[0084] In one embodiment, the at least one supplementation domain includes at least one phosphate domain and at least one, at least two, or each of: an additional nutrient domain other than phosphate, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, or a combination thereof.

[0085] The dispersible bauxite particle may include at least one layer disposed on the dispersible bauxite particle, wherein the at least one layer is at least one nutrient layer, at least one pesticide layer, at least one biological additive layer, at least one adsorbent layer, or a combination thereof.

[0086] At least one bauxite domain and at least one supplementary domain may be distributed in the dispersible bauxite particle uniformly or non-uniformly within the particle. At least one bauxite domain and at least one supplementary domain may be distributed in the dispersible bauxite particle uniformly or non-uniformly between particles.

[0087] The dispersible bauxite particles may be provided as a coating on the seeds.

[0088] In one embodiment, each of the at least one bauxite domain is at least 50% surrounded by at least one supplementary domain, or at least 60% surrounded, or at least 70% surrounded, or at least 80% surrounded, or at least 90% surrounded, or at least 95% surrounded, or at least 99% surrounded, or completely surrounded.

[0089] The dispersible bauxite particles may have any suitable weight ratio of bauxite to supplementary domain, including but not limited to a weight ratio of 10:1 to 1:10, or 8:1 to 1:8, or 7:1 to 1:7, or 6:1 to 1:6, or 5:1 to 1:5, or 4:1 to 1:4, or 3:1 to 1:3, or 2:1 to 1:2, or 3:1 to 1:1, or 1:1 to 1:3, or about 2:1, or about 1:1, or about 1:2, or any sub-range or combination of ranges thereof.

[0090] The dispersible bauxite particles may include at least one of a water-soluble binder, a suspending agent, or an emulsifier. In one embodiment, the dispersible bauxite particles include 1-40% by weight, or 5-35% by weight, or 5-15% by weight, or 10-20% by weight, or 15-25% by weight, or 20-30% by weight, or 25-35% by weight, or any sub-range or combination thereof of a water-soluble binder. Suitable water-soluble binders include, but are not limited to, calcium lignin sulfonate, ammonium lignin sulfonate, or a combination thereof. Suitable suspending agents include, but are not limited to, polysaccharides, inorganic salts, carbomers, or a combination thereof. Suitable emulsifiers include, but are not limited to, plant derivatives such as acacia, tragacanth, agar, pectin, carrageenan, or lecithin, animal derivatives such as gelatin, lanolin, or cholesterol, semisynthetic agents such as methylcellulose or carboxymethylcellulose, synthetic agents such as benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, alkaline soaps including sodium oleate or potassium oleate, amine soaps including triethanolamine stearate, detergents including sodium lauryl sulfate, dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, or sodium docusate, sorbitan esters, polyethylene oxide derivatives of sorbitan esters, glycerides, or combinations thereof.

[0091] The dispersible bauxite particles may further include at least one additional domain present as a distinct domain. Suitable additional domains include, but are not limited to, at least one nutrient domain, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, at least one adsorbent domain, or a combination thereof. In the dispersible bauxite particles, at least one additional domain may be cohesively agglomerated with at least one bauxite domain and at least one supplemental domain, the at least one additional domain may be agglomerated with at least one cohesively agglomerated bauxite domain and at least one supplemental domain, at least one additional domain may be coated onto the dispersible bauxite particles, at least one additional domain may be mixed with the dispersible bauxite particles, or a combination thereof.

[0092] The bauxite particles comprising at least one bauxite domain may have any suitable size, including but not limited to less than about 300 μm, or less than about 150 μm, or less than about 100 μm, or less than about 75 μm, or less than about 50 μm, or less than about 25 μm, or less, or any sub-ranges or combinations thereof.

[0093] In one embodiment, the dispersible bauxite particles comprise 5-80 wt% bauxite domains, 10-95 wt% supplementary domains, and optionally, 1-50 wt% water-soluble binder, or 30-40 wt% bauxite domains, 30-40 wt% supplementary domains, and 20-40 wt% water-soluble binder, or 35 wt% bauxite domains, 35 wt% supplementary domains, and 30 wt% water-soluble binder. In another embodiment, the dispersible bauxite particles comprise 5-70 wt% bauxite domains, 10-70 wt% supplementary domains, up to 50 wt% water-soluble binder, and up to 20 wt% surfactants and emulsifiers in total, or consist of 5-50 wt% bauxite domains, 10-50 wt% supplementary domains, up to 50 wt% water-soluble binder, and up to 5 wt% surfactants and emulsifiers in total.

[0094] The dispersible bauxite particles may have any suitable size (measured by diameter based on the median within the sample). Suitable sizes for the dispersible bauxite particles may include, but are not limited to, about 0.4 mm to about 4.0 mm, or about 0.4 mm to about 1.2 mm, or about 0.9 mm to about 1.5 mm, or about 1.2 mm to about 1.8 mm, or about 1.5 mm to about 2.1 mm, or about 1.8 mm to about 2.4 mm, or about 2.1 mm to about 2.7 mm, or about 2.4 mm to about 3.0 mm, or about 2.7 mm to about 3.3 mm, or about 3.0 mm to about 3.6 mm, or about 3.3 mm to about 4.0 mm, or about 0.4 mm, or about 0.5 mm, or about 0.6 mm, or about 0.7 mm, or about 0.8 mm, or about 0.9 mm, or about 1.0 mm, or about 1.1 mm, or about 1.2 mm , or about 1.3 mm, or about 1.4 mm, or about 1.5 mm, or about 1.6 mm, or about 1.7 mm, or about 1.8 mm, or about 1.9 mm, or about 2.0 mm, or about 2.1 mm, or about 2.2 mm, or about 2.3 mm, or about 2.4 mm, or about 2.5 mm, or about 2.6 mm, or about 2.7 mm, or about 2.8 mm, or about 2.9 mm, or about 3.0 mm, or about 3.1 mm, or about 3.2 mm, or about 3.3 mm, or about 3.4 mm, or about 3.5 mm, or about 3.6 mm, or about 3.7 mm, or about 3.8 mm, or about 3.9 mm, or about 4.0 mm, or greater than about 4.0 mm, or any sub-range or combination thereof. In one non-limiting example, a golf green may use dispersible bauxite particles of about 0.5 mm to about 0.8 mm. In another non-limiting example, corn can use about 2.4 mm dispersible bauxite particles by broadcast application. In a third non-limiting example, any crop applied with a strip tiller can use about 1.5 mm dispersible bauxite particles. In one embodiment, suitably, e.g. for application as a suspension, the dispersible bauxite particles are micronized and have a particle size as measured by maximum particle size of less than about 200 μm, or less than about 150 μm, or less than about 100 μm, or less than about 75 μm, or less than about 1 μm, or less than about 1 μm, or less than about 50 μm, or less than about 25 μm, or less than about 10 μm, or less than about 5 μm, or less than about 2 μm, or less than about 1 μm, or less than about 0.75 μm, or less than about 0.5 μm, or less than about 0.25 μm, or less than about 0.1 μm, or less than about 0.05 μm, or less than about 0.01 μm.

[0095] In one embodiment, a method of forming bonded dispersible bauxite particles comprises mixing phosphoric acid and sulfuric acid in an acid buffer tank, reacting the phosphoric acid and ammonia in the presence of sulfuric acid in a reaction vessel to form ammonium phosphate, introducing bauxite particles in the presence of the ammonium phosphate, co-agglomerating the ammonium phosphate and bauxite particles in a rotary drum ammoniating granulator to form bonded dispersible bauxite particles, and drying the bonded dispersible bauxite particles, wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental (phosphate) domain are present in the bonded dispersible particles as distinct domains that are cohesively agglomerated together.

[0096] In one embodiment, a method of forming bonded dispersible particles comprises mixing phosphoric acid and ground phosphate rock in a reactor, feeding the slurry into a granulator, introducing bauxite particles in the presence of agglomerated superphosphate, co-agglomerating the superphosphate and bauxite particles in the granulator to form bonded dispersible bauxite particles, and drying the bonded dispersible bauxite particles, wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental (phosphate) domain are present in the bonded dispersible bauxite particles as distinct domains that are cohesively agglomerated together.

[0097] Introducing the bauxite pellets in the presence of ammonium phosphate may include premixing the bauxite pellets with phosphoric acid prior to reacting the phosphoric acid with ammonia, adding the bauxite pellets to an acid buffer tank, adding the bauxite pellets to a reaction vessel, adding the bauxite pellets to a rotary drum amination granulator, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the bauxite pellets are maintained within a pH range of about 1.5 to about 7.5, or about 1.5 to 2.5, or about 2 to 3, or about 2.5 to 3.5, or about 3 to 4, or about 3.5 to 4.5, or about 4 to 5, or about 4.5 to 5.5, or about 5 to 6, or about 5.5 to 6.5, or about 6 to 7, or about 6.5 to 7.5, or any sub-range or combination thereof, from introduction to bonding agglomeration.

[0098] Drying the bound dispersible bauxite particles may include drying the bound dispersible bauxite particles in a rotary dryer. Additional bauxite particles may be introduced into the rotary dryer for drying and further agglomeration with the bound dispersible bauxite particles.

[0099] In one embodiment, the method of improving soil with bauxite comprises applying bauxite to soil, wherein the bauxite is mineral bauxite that has not been chemically modified with NaOH. The bauxite can have any suitable moisture content, including but not limited to a moisture content of less than 10%, or less than 8%, or less than 6%, or less than 5%, or less than 4%, or less than 3%, or less than 2%, or less than 1% by weight. The bauxite can have any suitable size, including but not limited to a size of less than 0.6 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.4 mm, or less than 0.3 mm, or less than 0.2 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. The bauxite increases the efficacy of phosphate present in the soil by at least 5%, or at least 10%, or at least 15%, or at least 20%, or at least 25%, or at least 30%, or at least 35%, or at least 40%, or at least 45%, or at least 50%. As used herein, the efficacy of increasing the phosphate present in the soil means that for plants grown in the soil at a particular phosphate loading, at least one of stem mass or root mass produced is increased by the stated amount as a measure of efficacy.

[0100] The bauxite may be applied to the soil by any suitable technique, including but not limited to no-till application, tillage application, in-furrow application, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the bauxite is applied to non-bauxite soil.

[0101] Bauxite is present as at least one bauxite domain in a dispersible bauxite particle, the dispersible bauxite particle further comprising at least one supplemental domain selected from the group consisting of at least one nutrient domain, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, at least one adsorbent domain, and combinations thereof, and as described above, the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are present in the dispersible bauxite particle as distinct domains aggregated together.

[0102] Bauxite can be applied as a coating to seeds and then applied to the soil by distributing the thus coated seeds into the soil.

[0103] The bauxite may have any suitable alumina content including, but not limited to, an alumina content of at least 35 wt%, or at least 40 wt%, or at least 45 wt%, or at least 50 wt%, or at least 55 wt%, based on the total weight of the at least one bauxite domain.

[0104] The bauxite may have any suitable combined content of aluminum oxide and iron oxide, including but not limited to a combined content of aluminum oxide and iron oxide of at least 55 weight percent, or at least 60 weight percent, or at least 65 weight percent, or at least 70 weight percent, or at least 75 weight percent, based on the total weight of the at least one bauxite domain.

[0105] The bauxite may not be chemically modified by NaOH. The bauxite may be laterite bauxite, karst bauxite or a combination thereof. The bauxite may include at least one of a water-soluble binder, a suspending agent or an emulsifier.

[0106] Example

[0107] refer to Figure 1 , annual ryegrass was subjected to a 21-day growth chamber trial in pots with altered phosphorus levels. Various unprocessed bauxite sources and alumina were applied as 250 μm (-60 mesh) powders at a conversion rate of 100 lbs / acre. Plant stem mass data indicated that similar stem growth was achieved with only 50% of the applied P2O5 relative to the control when the soil was supplemented with unprocessed bauxite powder.

[0108] Experimental methods

[0109] Growth Chamber Studies:

[0110] Bauxite (Bauxite #1, Bauxite #2, Bauxite #3, Bauxite #4 and Bauxite #5) was prepared for plant growth chamber studies by grinding and sieving the resulting powder to the specified mesh size. The experimental treatment (Bauxite + reduced phosphorus) was compared to one negative reference (no phosphorus fertilizer) and two positive references (100% and 50% phosphorus controls). Bauxite #1, Bauxite #2, Bauxite #3, Bauxite #4 and Bauxite #5 were bauxites from different geographical regions.

[0111] The agronomic efficiency of bauxite was investigated in pot trials with perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) in a controlled growth chamber facility. Plant growth test conditions included a 13.33:1 graded mixture of 100% fine sand and peat moss as soil with 75% by weight water, low nitrogen (10 kg N / ha), reduced phosphorus (100% phosphorus is defined as 45.4 kg P2O5 / ha) and low potassium (10 kg K2O / ha) in 6-inch square pots, each with 900 g of medium and a surface area of ​​127.69 cm 2 Each treatment was repeated 10 times, with 0.5 g of seeds per pot. The light source was 300–350 μmol / m 2 / s, with a 16-h light and 8-h dark cycle, at 28°C in the light and 22°C in the dark. Fertilizers were applied (10-0-32 (N-P2O5-K2O) at a rate of 0.1 g per pot was applied once after planting; monoammonium phosphate 11-52-0 (N-P2O5-K2O) at different rates of P2O5 per pot was applied once after planting, and urea 46-0-0 (N-P2O5-K2O) was supplemented once after planting as needed to ensure a total of 0.032 g N per pot). On the 10th day, growth was thinned to 30 seedlings per pot to standardize the subsequent biomass increase for comparison. Growth was monitored for a total of 21 days, and root and shoot biomass were analyzed.

[0112] Small plot field test:

[0113] A small plot field trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of varying rates of granular bauxite on corn (#2 yellow dent) yield at reduced rates of phosphorus fertilizer (50% and 25%). Controls were examined at 100% phosphorus plant standard practice as well as 50% phosphorus and 25% phosphorus levels. The trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design ("RCBD") with 10 treatments and 6 replications per treatment. Each plot was four rows wide and 40 feet long. Yield data were obtained only from the middle two rows of each plot to avoid overlap of treatment effects that might be seen at the edges of the plot. The trial was conducted by a third party research facility in Troy, Ohio. Reported field soil conditions were 40 ppm phosphorus, 3.8% organic matter, and pH 5.4.

[0114] refer to Figure 2 For each treated sample, the total mass of ryegrass roots and stems was measured after 21 days of growth. Despite only 50% of the phosphorus applied compared to the 100% phosphorus applied control, the samples co-applied with raw, calcined or pelletized bauxite maintained statistical equivalence (or exceeded) with the 100% phosphorus applied control.

[0115] refer to Figure 3 For each treated sample, total phosphorus uptake by ryegrass after 21 days of growth was measured. Despite applying only 50% of the phosphorus compared to the 100% phosphorus control, samples co-applied with raw, calcined or pelletized bauxite showed increased phosphorus uptake compared to the 50% phosphorus control.

[0116] refer to Figure 4For each treatment sample, the total mass of roots and stems of ryegrass was measured after 21 days of growth. The percentages in brackets refer to the bauxite input concentration during production. Despite applying only 50% of the phosphorus compared to the 100% phosphorus application control, where bauxite and phosphorus source were co-granulated in a single pellet, the samples treated with bauxite co-granules maintained statistical equivalence (or exceeded) the 100% phosphorus application control. A consistent trend was that greater inclusion of bauxite in the pellets resulted in greater biomass, regardless of whether pelletization was performed by chemical or agglomeration-based pelleting methods.

[0117] refer to Figure 5 For each treated sample, total root and stem biomass of ryegrass was measured after 21 days of growth. Despite applying only 50% of the phosphorus compared to the 100% phosphorus application control, each sample co-applied with unprocessed bauxite maintained statistical equivalence (or exceeded) that of the 100% phosphorus application control. Calcination of unprocessed bauxite at different time and temperature conditions had no statistical effect on biomass.

[0118] Table 1. Treatments for various small agricultural corn plots in Sidney, Ohio (weights represent application rates in pounds per acre (lb / ac)).

[0119]

[0120]

[0121] refer to Figure 6 , measured the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index ("NDVI") for various plots treated with different P rates and bauxite pellet ratios. Despite only 50% or 25% P rates compared to plots treated with 100% P, plots treated with granular bauxite showed no statistical difference compared to plots treated with 100% P.

[0122] refer to Figure 7 , measured phosphorus uptake in small plots of cropland with varying amounts of phosphorus and bauxite. Despite applying only 50% or 25% of the phosphorus compared to the 100% phosphorus control, each group of plots co-applied with unprocessed bauxite maintained statistical equivalence (or exceeded) that of the 100% phosphorus control plots.

[0123] refer to Figure 8 , measured corn yields in various small plots with varying rates of phosphorus and bauxite. Despite applying only 50% or 25% of the phosphorus compared to the 100% phosphorus control, each group of plots co-applied with unprocessed bauxite maintained statistical equivalence (or exceeded) the 100% phosphorus control plots. A clear trend was observed that the greater the rate of granular bauxite applied, the higher the yield, depending on the phosphorus application rate.

[0124] Although the foregoing description illustrates and describes exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for its elements without departing from the scope of the present invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt specific situations or materials to the teachings of the present invention without departing from the basic scope of the present invention. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed as the best mode for carrying out the present invention, and the present invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. Dispersible bauxite particles comprising: at least one bauxite field; as well as at least one supplemental domain selected from the group consisting of at least one nutrient domain, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, at least one sorbent domain, and combinations thereof, Wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplementary domain are present in the dispersible bauxite particles as distinct domains aggregated together.

2. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one supplementation domain comprises at least one nutrient domain, and the at least one nutrient domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of bioavailable substances of phosphorus, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, copper, cobalt, iron, nickel, manganese, vanadium, calcium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, silicon, magnesium, sodium, nitrogen, boron, and combinations thereof.

3. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 2, wherein the at least one nutrient domain comprises at least one phosphate domain as a bioavailable source of phosphorus.

4. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 3, wherein the at least one phosphate domain is selected from the group consisting of diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, triple superphosphate, normal superphosphate, and combinations thereof.

5. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one biological domain, and the at least one biological domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of humic substances, fulvic acid, live microorganisms, microbial metabolites, plant extracts, exogenous plant hormones, and combinations thereof.

6. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one pesticide domain, and the at least one pesticide domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, and combinations thereof.

7. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one adsorbent domain, and the at least one adsorbent domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of zeolites, zeolite-types, and combinations thereof.

8. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one phosphate domain and at least one of: an additional nutrient domain other than phosphate, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, and combinations thereof.

9. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the dispersible bauxite particle is a bonded dispersible bauxite particle and at least one bauxite domain and at least one supplementary domain are present in the bonded dispersible bauxite particle as distinct domains that are adhesively agglomerated together such that the bonded dispersible bauxite particle has an inter-particle variability in bauxite domain to supplementary domain weight ratio of ±40% and a bonded dispersible bauxite particle crush strength of at least 3 lbf.

10. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the dispersible bauxite particle is an agglomerated dispersible bauxite particle.

11. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, further comprising at least one layer disposed on the dispersible bauxite particle, the at least one layer selected from the group consisting of at least one nutrient layer, at least one pesticide layer, at least one biological additive layer, at least one adsorption layer, and combinations thereof.

12. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one bauxite domain comprises an activated bauxite domain.

13. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are uniformly distributed within the particle in the dispersible bauxite particle.

14. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are interparticle-uniformly distributed in the dispersible bauxite particle.

15. The dispersible bauxite particles of claim 1, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles are disposed as a coating on a seed.

16. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one bauxite domain has an alumina content of at least 35 wt% based on the total weight of the at least one bauxite domain.

17. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one bauxite domain has a combined content of aluminum oxide and iron oxide of at least 55 wt%, based on the total weight of the at least one bauxite domain.

18. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one bauxite domain comprises mineral bauxite that has not been chemically modified with NaOH.

19. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1, wherein the at least one bauxite domain comprises at least one of laterite-type bauxite or karst-type bauxite.

20. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 1 further comprising at least one of a water soluble binder, a suspending agent, or an emulsifier.

21. A dispersible bauxite particle comprising: Bauxite pellets; and a water-soluble binder which agglomerates the plurality of bauxite particles into dispersible bauxite granules, The bauxite particles are not chemically modified with NaOH.

22. The dispersible bauxite particles of claim 21, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles are disposed as a coating on a seed.

23. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 21, wherein the bauxite particle has an alumina content of at least 35 wt% based on the total weight of the bauxite particle.

24. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 21, wherein the bauxite particle has a combined content of aluminum oxide and iron oxide of at least 55 wt%, based on the total weight of the bauxite particle.

25. The dispersible bauxite particles of claim 21, wherein the bauxite particles comprise at least one of laterite-type bauxite or karst-type bauxite.

26. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 21 further comprising at least one of a suspending agent or an emulsifier.

27. The dispersible bauxite particle of claim 21, wherein the dispersible bauxite particle has a moisture content of less than 10% by weight.

28. The dispersible bauxite particles of claim 21, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles have a size less than 0.6 mm.

29. A method for improving soil with bauxite, comprising: Applying bauxite to the soil, in: The bauxite is mineral bauxite that has not been chemically modified by NaOH; The bauxite has a moisture content of less than 10% by weight; The bauxite has a size of less than 0.6 mm; and The bauxite increases the effectiveness of phosphates present in the soil by at least 5%.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein bauxite is present in the dispersible bauxite particle as at least one bauxite domain, the dispersible bauxite particle further comprises at least one supplemental domain selected from the group consisting of at least one nutrient domain, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, at least one adsorbent domain, and combinations thereof, and the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are present in the dispersible bauxite particle as distinct domains aggregated together.

31. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one supplementation domain comprises at least one nutrient domain, and the at least one nutrient domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of bioavailable substances of phosphorus, molybdenum, selenium, zinc, copper, cobalt, iron, nickel, manganese, vanadium, calcium, potassium, sulfur, chlorine, silicon, magnesium, sodium, nitrogen, boron, and combinations thereof.

32. The method of claim 31 , wherein the at least one nutrient domain comprises at least one phosphate domain as a bioavailable source of phosphorus.

33. The method of claim 32, wherein the at least one phosphate domain is selected from the group consisting of diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, triple superphosphate, normal superphosphate, and combinations thereof.

34. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one supplementation domain comprises at least one biological domain, and the at least one biological domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of humus, fulvic acid, live microorganisms, microbial metabolites, plant extracts, exogenous plant hormones, and combinations thereof.

35. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one pesticide domain, and the at least one pesticide domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, nematicides, and combinations thereof.

36. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one supplemental domain comprises at least one adsorbent domain, and the at least one adsorbent domain comprises at least one additive selected from the group consisting of zeolites, zeolite-types, and combinations thereof.

37. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one supplementation domain comprises at least one phosphate domain and at least one of: an additional nutrient domain other than phosphate, at least one pesticide domain, at least one biological additive domain, and combinations thereof.

38. The method of claim 30, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles are bonded dispersible bauxite particles and at least one bauxite domain and at least one supplementary domain are present in the bonded dispersible bauxite particles as distinct domains that are adhesively agglomerated together such that the bonded dispersible bauxite particles have an inter-particle variability in bauxite domain to supplementary domain weight ratio of ±40% and a bonded dispersible bauxite particle crush strength of at least 3 lbf.

39. The method of claim 30, wherein the dispersible bauxite particles are agglomerated dispersible bauxite particles.

40. The method of claim 30, further comprising disposing on the dispersible bauxite particles at least one layer selected from the group consisting of at least one nutrient layer, at least one pesticide layer, at least one biological additive layer, at least one adsorption layer, and combinations thereof.

41. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one bauxite domain comprises an activated bauxite domain.

42. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are uniformly distributed within the dispersible bauxite particle within the particle.

43. The method of claim 30, wherein the at least one bauxite domain and the at least one supplemental domain are interparticle-uniformly distributed in the dispersible bauxite particles.

44. The method of claim 29, further comprising at least one of a water-soluble binder, a suspending agent, or an emulsifier.

45. The method of claim 29, wherein the bauxite is disposed on the seed as a coating.

46. ​​The method of claim 29, wherein the bauxite has an alumina content of at least 35 wt% based on the total weight of the bauxite.

47. The method of claim 29, wherein the bauxite has a combined content of aluminum oxide and iron oxide of at least 55 wt%, based on the total weight of the bauxite.

48. The method of claim 29, wherein the bauxite comprises at least one of laterite-type bauxite or karst-type bauxite.

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