Novel crop nutritional composition

Abstract

In particular, the present invention relates to a crop nutrition and fortifying composition comprising: elemental sulfur accounting for 1% to 90% of the total weight of the composition; at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, where the content of the element selenium or vanadium accounts for 0.001% to 10% of the total weight of the composition; and at least one nonionic or anionic surfactant; wherein the composition comprises microparticles having a size of 0.1 [mu] m to 30 [mu] m, and the composition is a water dispersible granule or an aqueous suspension. The invention also relates to a preparation method of the crop nutrition and fortifying composition. The present invention also relates to a method of enhancing nutrient uptake or improving plant health and yield by treating a plant, plant propagation material, a locus or parts thereof, seeds, seedlings or surrounding soil with a crop nutrition and fortifying composition.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a crop nutrition and fortification composition comprising elemental sulfur, at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; wherein the composition has a particle size ranging from 0.1 micron to 30 microns. More specifically, the present invention relates to a crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions, comprising from 1% to 90% elemental sulfur, based on the total weight of the composition; at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental selenium or vanadium is present in an amount ranging from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, ranging from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total weight of the composition, wherein the composition has particles ranging from 0.1 micron to 30 microns in size.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for improving plant health, increasing plant yield, and enhancing plant uptake of nutrients; wherein the method comprises treating at least one of a plant, plant propagation material, a locus or plant part thereof, a seed, a seedling, or surrounding soil with the crop nutrition and enhancement composition of the present invention.

[0003] The invention also relates to a method for treating plants and meeting their nutritional needs by providing them with nutrients such as sulfur, selenium and vanadium, while releasing other micronutrients and trace elements in the soil that have been unavailable so far due to various factors, mainly soil degradation or antagonism between nutrients caused by excessive use of synthetic fertilizers. Background of the Invention

[0005] In describing the embodiments of the present invention, specific terms have been selected for clarity, but the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0006] Nutrition plays a vital role in plant growth and development. Poor nutrient availability and insufficiency affect plant metabolism, leading to poor growth or lack of plant physiological development. As a result, plants become more susceptible to disease and pest attack. Therefore, providing sufficient and balanced nutrition in a way that maximizes plant absorption remains a significant challenge.

[0007] Plants are a well-known food source for humans and animals, providing nutrients essential for regulating human biochemical functions. Nutrient deficiencies contribute significantly to the global burden of disease. Biostructuring of crops presents a promising strategy for increasing the content of specific nutrients.

[0008] The use of fertilizers to supply plant nutrients and prevent soil degradation has always been an integral part of crop management. However, excessive and indiscriminate application of fertilizers, particularly chemical fertilizers such as urea and DAP, can lead to severe imbalances in soil pH and nutrient antagonism, resulting in nutrient-deficient agricultural products. In addition to the aforementioned conditions, environmental conditions such as drought, biotic and abiotic stresses can also affect the yield and quality of agricultural products. Furthermore, nutrient leaching during heavy rains not only prevents plants from absorbing the same nutrients available, but also contributes to groundwater contamination.

[0009] Furthermore, addressing nutrient antagonism when multiple macronutrients, secondary macronutrients, micronutrients, and micronutrients are involved in fertilizers is another challenge. The interactions between different types of plant nutrients are highly complex and can exhibit antagonistic or synergistic effects, depending on the mix of elements / nutrients, their composition, concentration, and other factors, potentially impacting nutrient use efficiency. Therefore, meeting food requirements in terms of quantity and nutritional content is a challenging task, but provides farmers with better economic returns.

[0010] Sulfur is an essential plant nutrient, best known for its role as a fertilizer. Over the past few decades, sulfur deficiencies have become widespread in most agricultural regions of the world, leading to sulfur being identified as a limiting factor to high yields and fertilizer efficiency. One of the recent causes of sulfur deficiency is the global mandate to use desulfurized fuels to meet stringent emission standards, resulting in a lack of soil sulfur replenishment, largely due to atmospheric sulfur delivered in the form of rainwater. Other causes of sulfur deficiency include unavailable plant forms of sulfur, plant losses, leaching and soil pH, and the insolubility of elemental sulfur in water.

[0011] Selenium and vanadium are trace elements that are essential for plants, which may be one of the reasons why effective commercial products cannot obtain these nutrients with high nutrient utilization efficiency. Although selenium is not essential for plants, it is an essential micronutrient required for balanced nutrition in animals and humans. The main source of selenium for animals and humans comes from diet, which in turn depends on the selenium content in the soil and its bioavailability. Due to insufficient dietary intake (NDA / BLA multidisciplinary review and assessment NDA 209379, U.S. FDA), selenium deficiency affects approximately 500 million to 1 billion people worldwide. In addition, human selenium deficiency is associated with several cancers, heart disease and other chronic and life-threatening conditions (Gupta et.al, Selenium in oils and crops, its deficiencies in livestock and humans: Implications for management, Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 31: 11-14, 1791-1807, 2000). Selenium is also considered a beneficial element for higher plant life, enhancing antioxidant metabolism, photosynthesis, secondary metabolites, and carbohydrate production in plant leaves. Selenium deficiency in plants can lead to stunted growth and chlorination of leaves. Selenium uptake by plants is controlled by various environmental factors, such as soil pH and the concentration of other competing plant nutrients.

[0012] Vanadium is known for its dual role in the environment, as it can have both beneficial and harmful effects on plants and humans. Vanadium also stimulates antioxidant function and helps improve nutrient absorption of phosphorus, iron, copper, zinc, and molybdenum in plants. Vanadium deficiency in humans has been linked to stunted growth, bone deformities, and infertility, while vanadium deficiency can affect plant growth and yield.

[0013] Despite the well-known benefits of elemental sulfur and trace nutrients, deficiencies have become widespread in most agricultural regions of the world over the past few decades, leading to these nutrients being identified as limiting factors for improving plant growth, yield, and fertilizer efficiency. These deficiencies are caused by excessive and indiscriminate use of fertilizers, nutrient antagonists, and other factors that lead to imbalanced soil pH. Furthermore, deficiencies in these micronutrients in plants can impact animal and human health.

[0014] The interactions between different types of plant nutrients can be antagonistic or synergistic. Due to the application of excessive nutrients, plants may experience "nutrient antagonism", that is, the excess of a certain element may hinder the plant's absorption of another required element. This phenomenon may occur with elements of similar size and charge (positive or negative), resulting in plant nutrient deficiency. For example, due to the similar chemical and physical properties of sulfur and selenium, sulfur is replaced by selenium during plant metabolism. This causes them to compete with each other in the absorption, transport and assimilation processes of the plant. In addition, there are reports that selenium and micronutrients have antagonistic effects when combined (The effects of selenium and other micronutrients on the antioxidant activities and yield of corn (Zea mays L.) under drought stress Nour Ali Sajedi & Mohammad Reza Ardakani & Hamid Madani & Ahmad Naderi & Mohammad Miransari, Physiol Mol Biol Plants (July–September 2011) 17(3): 215–222).

[0015] In addition, a review article (Selenium Biofortification and Interaction With Other Elements in Plants, Front Plant Sci. 2020; 11: 586421) reported that nitrate ions, selenium ions, and selenite ions can antagonize or compete with each other's absorption individually or collectively, and high nitrogen application can reduce the absorption of selenium sulfate.

[0016] In addition, antagonistic / competitive interactions between vanadium and potassium, magnesium, and manganese have been reported in plant leaves ( A et.al, (2018), PLoS ONE 13(8):e0201908). In addition, there is a negative correlation between vanadium and iron (Effect of Vanadium on dry matter and nutrient concentration in sweet basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) (2016) AJCS10(2):199-206).

[0017] Therefore, it is a challenge to develop crop nutrition and fortification ingredients that comprise elemental sulfur and at least one trace nutrient selected from selenium or vanadium.There is a need, therefore, for crop nutrition and fortification products that would address the above-discussed shortcomings.

[0018] A further challenge in arriving at an effective product lies in identifying and formulating the right formulation type, as the effectiveness of the active agent also depends on the type of formulation and the other ingredients used in the composition. A major problem with several crop nutrients, fertilizers, or plant growth promoting products is that they are in an unusable form at the time of application and are not readily available to the plant due to their rapid migration or physical form and characteristics or their inability to penetrate quickly into the soil. Consequently, fewer nutrients are available to the plant, and these products result in less efficient nutrient utilization.

[0019] Several prior art methods disclose selenium-containing fertilizers. However, these methods involve combining selenium with nitrogen fertilizers, such as ammonium sulfate or citric nitrogen, urea, or NPK fertilizers. However, since selenium absorption decreases with increasing nitrogen use, such combinations do not make selenium readily available for plant absorption.

[0020] Furthermore, due to their poor physical characteristics, such prior art products are either difficult to apply in the field or not readily absorbed by plants, and therefore their effectiveness is less than desired. For example, powder compositions not only present practical application-related issues such as dust generation, but also pose risks to users due to eye irritation, inhalation risks, and skin irritation.

[0021] Furthermore, such formulations are difficult to disperse and can clog nozzles when applied via drip irrigation, making them unsuitable for use in irrigation systems. Furthermore, these compositions have been found to have poor suspendability, resulting in a random and uneven distribution of the active ingredient across the target area. This negatively impacts the efficient delivery of nutrients to crops, ultimately leading to poor nutrient absorption by plants. Due to these issues, these compositions must also be applied in large quantities, making them both uneconomical and environmentally unsafe.

[0022] U.S. Patent No. 4,847,087 discloses a composition of sulfur and selenium, which is mainly used for pasture application to provide selenium to herbivores gradually and long-term. The composition is in the form of a porous structure and is prepared by dissolving elemental selenium in molten elemental sulfur and then cooling it to form a solid solution. The production process of such products has several defects, the most important of which is the risk of fire and explosion. Another problem is that the size and shape of the particles of the composition are uneven, and the selenium is released slowly, resulting in poor field application. In addition, once the molten elemental sulfur composition solidifies, it does not release sulfur, and the particles remain intact in the soil, sometimes even not being decomposed after a season of crop harvest.

[0023] CN109453736 discloses a multi-component composite attapulgite soil conditioner, which is a process of adsorbing sulfur and calcium in the form of calcium sulfate on attapulgite powder, which is then mixed with a silica sol containing selenium and zinc adsorbed in the form of zinc selenite, and then gelled, granulated, and dried to obtain a silicon-sulfur-selenium-zinc multi-element composite soil conditioner. The soil conditioner is coated with a silica sol coating on the attapulgite powder. After high-temperature calcination, the particles coated with silica sol release a small amount of nutrients and trace elements such as silicon, selenium, and zinc. Since these particles only slowly release active substances under high temperature conditions, the active substances will stay in the soil for a long time and cannot be absorbed by plants, thereby failing to meet the immediate nutritional needs of plants. Due to the lack of nutrition in the seedling stage, crops are susceptible to a variety of diseases, which ultimately leads to growth stunting and reduced yields.

[0024] CN112321350 discloses a soluble fertilizer for foliar spraying, which contains sodium selenite, sulfur in the form of sulfates (including manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, magnesium sulfate), calcium chloride, ammonium molybdate, alkyl polysaccharide and chitosan quaternary ammonium salt. However, this type of composition that provides sulfur nutrients in the form of sulfates (such as calcium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, etc.) is not very effective because it is easily leached during heavy rainfall or irrigation and is difficult to be absorbed by plants, thereby causing groundwater pollution. As soil salinization intensifies, the ability of plants to absorb water and nutrients from the soil decreases significantly. This not only causes a significant reduction in fertilizer efficiency, but also causes serious environmental problems.

[0025] Therefore, proper crop nutrition is crucial to optimize crop growth and metabolism, which in turn helps to increase crop yield and product quality.

[0026] There is currently no known suitable composition comprising elemental sulfur and at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium, which composition enables plants to effectively absorb these elements, thereby meeting the balanced nutritional needs of plants while reducing the application amount of the composition and solving the shortcomings of the existing known compositions.

[0027] According to the present invention, this need is addressed by providing a crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur, the content of which is 1% to 90% of the total weight of the composition; an effective amount of at least one micronutrient, which is selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, their salts, complexes or derivatives, wherein the content of elemental selenium or vanadium is 0.001% to 10% of the total weight of the composition, and at least one surfactant, which is selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, the content of which is 0.1% to 40% of the total weight of the composition; wherein the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions, and the composition comprises microparticles having a size range of 0.1 to 30 microns. Summary of the Invention

[0028] The present invention relates to a crop nutrition and strengthening composition comprising:

[0029] (i) elemental sulfur;

[0030] (ii) at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or a salt, complex or derivative thereof; and

[0031] (iii) at least one surfactant selected from nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants; wherein the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or an aqueous suspension and comprises particles having a size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0032] The present invention particularly relates to a crop nutrition and strengthening composition comprising:

[0033] (i) elemental sulfur, which constitutes 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition;

[0034] (ii) at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental selenium or vanadium is present in an amount of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and

[0035] (iii) at least one surfactant selected from nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants, accounting for 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition;

[0036] The composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions, and comprises microparticles with a size of 0.1 micron to 30 microns.

[0037] The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or an aqueous suspension, the composition comprising:

[0038] (i) elemental sulfur, which constitutes 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition;

[0039] (ii) at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental selenium or vanadium is present in an amount of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition;

[0040] (iii) and at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, representing from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition;

[0041] The composition comprises microparticles with a size of 0.1 micron to 30 microns.

[0042] The present invention also relates to a method of enhancing nutrient uptake and improving plant health and yield by treating plants, crops, plant propagation material, loci or parts thereof, seeds, seedlings or surrounding soil with the crop nutrition and strengthening composition of the present invention.

[0043] The invention also relates to a method for treating plants and meeting their nutritional needs by enabling them to utilize nutrients such as sulfur, selenium and vanadium, while releasing other micronutrients and trace elements present in the soil that were previously unavailable due to various factors, mainly antagonism between nutrients or soil degradation due to excessive use of synthetic fertilizers. Detailed Description of the Invention

[0045] When describing the embodiments of the present invention, specific terminology has been selected for clarity. However, the present invention is not limited to the specific terminology selected, and it is understood that these specific terms encompass all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar purposes. It is understood that any numerical ranges recited herein encompass all subranges therein. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, the percentages of components in the compositions are expressed as weight percentages.

[0046] The grouping of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting. Each group member may be cited and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group may be included in or removed from the group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0047] As used in this specification and the claims that follow, the meanings of "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in this specification, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0048] The terms "include", "comprising", "having", "containing", "involving" and the like used herein should be understood as open ended, i.e. including but not limited to. "Preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the present invention that may bring certain benefits in certain circumstances.

[0049] In any aspect or embodiment described below, the word "comprising" can be replaced with "consisting of," "consisting essentially of," or "consisting essentially of. In these aspects or embodiments, the composition comprises, comprises, consists of, consists essentially of, consists essentially of, and does not include other ingredients or excipients not specifically listed herein.

[0050] References in this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic associated with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" appearing throughout this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0051] In certain embodiments, the numerals for describing and claiming the number of components, characteristics (such as concentration) etc. of certain embodiments of the present invention should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in some cases. Therefore, in certain embodiments, the numerical parameters listed in the written specification are approximate values, which can vary according to the desired properties obtained by a particular embodiment. In certain embodiments, the interpretation of numerical parameters should consider the number of significant digits reported and apply conventional rounding techniques. Although the numerical range and parameters of the wide range of certain embodiments of the present invention are approximate values, the numerical values ​​listed in the specific embodiments are reported as accurately as possible. However, any numerical value itself necessarily includes some errors, and these errors necessarily originate from the standard deviation in its respective test measurements.

[0052] The numerical ranges herein are listed for convenience only, with each value within the range being cited individually. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each value is considered to be cited individually and incorporated into this specification.

[0053] Furthermore, it should be understood that any numerical range recited herein is intended to encompass all subranges contained therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is intended to encompass all subranges between (and including) the stated minimum value of 1 and the stated maximum value of 10, i.e., the minimum value is equal to or greater than 1 and the maximum value is equal to or less than 10. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated, the percentages of components in the compositions are expressed as weight percentages.

[0054] Unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by the context, all methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order. Any and all examples or exemplary expressions (e.g., "for example") provided herein for certain embodiments are intended only to better illustrate the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. No wording in the specification should be construed as indicating any undeclared element that is essential to the practice of the present invention.

[0055] As used herein, the terms "plant" and "crop" are used interchangeably, and wherever the term "plant" is used, it also refers to vegetation of similar nature, i.e., crops, trees, shrubs, herbs, etc. The term "plant" refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, leaves, and fruits. The term "plant" includes both transgenic and non-transgenic plants.

[0056] As used herein, the term "locus" of a plant is intended to encompass the location where the plant is growing, where plant propagation material is sown or where plant propagation material is to be placed in the soil.

[0057] The term "plant propagation material" is to be understood as meaning reproductive parts of plants, such as seeds, vegetative material (e.g. cuttings or tubers), roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and parts of plants, germinated plants and seedlings to be transplanted after germination or after emergence. These seedlings may be protected before transplantation by a full or partial seed soaking treatment.

[0058] The term "derivatives" as used in this application also encompasses minerals and ores containing selenium and vanadium minerals. The term "derivatives" also encompasses compounds that allow selenium and vanadium to be obtained in a form that can be absorbed by plants.

[0059] The term "salt" used in the present invention also encompasses compounds containing selenium and vanadium. Selenium compounds include selenium dioxide, and vanadium compounds include vanadium oxide.

[0060] As used herein, the term "sulfur" refers to elemental sulfur (S°) obtained from natural or synthetic sources. The term includes allotropes of elemental sulfur, such as plastic (amorphous) sulfur, monoclinic sulfur, rhombohedral sulfur consisting of S8 molecules, and other cyclic molecules, such as S7 and S12. The term also includes sulfur produced by petrochemical processing and refining. The term also includes "biosulfur." ​​The term also includes elemental sulfur produced by microbial processes.

[0061] Selenium refers to elemental selenium, or selenium in the form of its salts, derivatives or complexes.

[0062] Vanadium refers to vanadium or vanadium in the form of a salt, derivative or complex thereof.

[0063] As used herein, "WG" or "WDG" refers to water-dispersible granules, defined as formulations that rapidly disperse or dissolve upon addition to water, forming a fine particle suspension. Water-dispersible granules are small, easily metered granules formed by mixing and agglomerating the ground active ingredient with a surfactant and other formulation excipients. These granules disperse into even finer, primary particles upon addition to water. Water-dispersible granules can be obtained by spray drying or extrusion.

[0064] The terms “immediate release” or “immediate release” or “instantaneous dispersion” are used interchangeably and apply to particles that release nutrients rapidly.

[0065] As defined herein, "aqueous suspension" refers to a composition in which solid particles are dispersed or suspended in a liquid. The terms "suspension concentrate" or "aqueous suspension" or "aqueous dispersion" or "SC composition" are used interchangeably.

[0066] Furthermore, the effective dose of the active ingredient in the composition applied in the field trials was the elemental active ingredient.

[0067] Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is the ability of plants to utilize applied mineral nutrients. Improving NUE is a necessary prerequisite for expanding crop production to marginal lands with low nutrient use efficiency and is also a way to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers.

[0068] The particle size of a composition refers to the particle size of the composition in the form of a water dispersible granule (WG) or aqueous suspension (SC), which consists of elemental sulfur, selenium, vanadium, surfactants, and other excipients (if any). D50 is the particle size at which the cumulative percentage reaches 50%. D50 is also called the median particle size or median particle size and indicates that on average 50% of the total particles are smaller than a defined particle size. D90 is used to indicate the particle size distribution and indicates that on average 90% of the total particles are smaller than a defined particle size. D90 is also the particle size at which the cumulative percentage reaches 90%.

[0069] The present invention relates to a crop nutrition and fortification composition comprising: elemental sulfur; at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof; and at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, wherein the composition comprises microparticles having a size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns.

[0070] The composition is a water-dispersible granule or an aqueous suspension. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition comprises: elemental sulfur; at least one micronutrient selected from elemental selenium and vanadium or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof; and at least one surfactant selected from nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants.

[0071] According to further embodiments, the crop nutrition and strengthening composition comprises fine particles having a size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns and exhibits improved physical properties in terms of dispersibility, suspensibility, viscosity, spontaneity of dispersion, wettability, and pourability or flowability.

[0072] More specifically, the present invention relates to a crop nutrition and fortification composition comprising: 1% to 90% elemental sulfur, representing a total weight of the composition; at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental content of selenium or vanadium in the composition is 0.001% to 10% of the total weight of the composition; and at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, representing a total weight of 0.1% to 40% of the total weight of the composition; wherein the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or an aqueous suspension, and the composition comprises microparticles having a size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns.

[0073] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that compositions comprising effective amounts of elemental sulfur, at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form or their salts, complexes or derivatives, and at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, in the form of water-dispersible granules and aqueous suspensions, exhibit a synergistic effect compared to the activity of the individual active ingredients alone.

[0074] In addition to the synergistic effects of the compositions of the present invention, the inventors have unexpectedly discovered that a crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions comprising: 1% to 90% elemental sulfur, at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental content of selenium or vanadium is from 0.001% to 10% of the total weight of the composition; and at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, which is from 0.1% to 40% of the total weight of the composition; and wherein the particle size range of the composition is from 0.1 micron to 30 microns; provides excellent crop nutrition and fortification and improves yield.

[0075] Furthermore, when the composition is in the form of a water-dispersible granule or aqueous suspension, it enhances the physical properties of the formulation by providing improved suspendability and dispersibility of elemental sulfur and micronutrients when applied via soil or foliar application. The inventors of the present invention unexpectedly discovered that when the composition comprises elemental sulfur and at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium, and is in the form of a water-dispersible granule or suspension with a particle size between 0.1 micron and 30 microns, not only is the stability of the formulation enhanced, but the absorption of sulfur, selenium, and / or vanadium when applied via soil or foliar application is also improved, thereby enhancing crop nutrition and achieving superior results in terms of yield, plant growth, vigor, nutritional value, and disease prevention. The specific particle size range of the crop nutrition and fortification composition increases the surface area of ​​the elemental sulfur, selenium, and vanadium particles, thereby enabling the product to cover a larger surface area, thereby achieving bioavailability at a lower dosage.

[0076] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly discovered that a composition comprising elemental sulfur and at least one of selenium and vanadium at specific concentrations not only exhibits a synergistic effect but also overcomes the disadvantages associated with the assimilation of iron, potassium, magnesium, and manganese.

[0077] According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 1% to 80% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 1% to 70% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is preferably present in a range of 1% to 65% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is preferably present in a range of 1% to 60% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 10% to 90% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 10% to 80% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 10% to 70% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is preferably present in a range of 10% to 60% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is preferably present in a range of 20% to 90% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur is preferably present in a range of 20% to 80% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the content of elemental sulfur is preferably in the range of 30% to 90% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the content of elemental sulfur is preferably in the range of 30% to 80% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the content of elemental sulfur is preferably in the range of 40% to 90% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, elemental sulfur preferably accounts for 40% to 80% of the total weight of the composition.

[0078] According to a further embodiment, the at least one micronutrient is selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the elemental content of selenium in the composition is 0.001 to 10% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the elemental content of selenium in the composition is 0.01 to 10% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the elemental content of selenium in the composition is preferably 0.01 to 5% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the elemental content of selenium in the composition is preferably 0.1 to 10% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the elemental content of selenium in the composition is preferably 0.1 to 5% of the total weight of the composition.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the vanadium content of the composition is in the range of 0.001 to 10% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the vanadium content of the composition is in the range of 0.01 to 10% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the vanadium content of the composition is preferably in the range of 0.01 to 5% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the vanadium content of the composition is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 10% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the vanadium content of the composition is preferably in the range of 0.1 to 5% of the total weight of the composition.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the at least one micronutrient is selected from selenium and vanadium. The micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium is present in its elemental form or in the form of a salt, derivative or complex thereof.

[0082] According to further embodiments, the micronutrient derivatives or sources in the composition may include minerals. The micronutrients may also be in the form of ores. The ores may include, but are not limited to, oxides; silicate or carbonate ores; sulfide ores; or halide ores.

[0083] According to further embodiments, the salt of selenium or vanadium includes a water-soluble or water-insoluble salt.

[0084] According to further embodiments, water-insoluble selenium salts include, but are not limited to, selenium, selenium carbonate, vanadium selenide, magnesium selenide, manganese selenide, selenium sulfide, copper selenide, iron selenide, molybdenum selenide, cobalt selenide, bismuth selenide, zinc selenide, zinc selenite, copper selenite, calcium selenite, magnesium selenite, manganese selenite, or cobalt selenite. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other water-insoluble selenium salts may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention (let's reconfirm the list).

[0085] According to further embodiments, water-soluble selenium salts include, but are not limited to, selenium dioxide, selenourea, sodium selenide, potassium selenide, ammonium selenide, sodium selenite, potassium selenite, ammonium selenite, ferric selenite, sodium selenate, magnesium selenate, potassium selenate, calcium selenate, copper selenate, ammonium selenate, ferric selenate, cobalt selenate, or zinc selenate. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other water-soluble selenium salts may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0086] According to further embodiments, selenium derivatives include but are not limited to potassium selenate, selenium sulfide, selenous acid, selenoyl chloride, selenic acid, selenium yeast, etc. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other selenium derivatives may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0087] According to one embodiment, selenium is present in the form of a salt, derivative or complex thereof, and its content is 0.001% to 30% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, at least one selenium is present in the form of a salt, derivative or complex thereof, and its content is 0.01% to 30% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, selenium is present in the form of a salt, derivative or complex thereof, and its content is 0.01% to 20% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, selenium is present in the form of a salt, derivative or complex thereof, and its content is preferably 0.1% to 30% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, selenium is present in the form of a salt, derivative or complex thereof, and its content is preferably 0.1% to 20% of the total weight of the composition.

[0088] According to another embodiment, the water-insoluble vanadium salt includes, but is not limited to, vanadium (II) oxide, vanadium (IV) oxide, vanadium (III) oxide, vanadium selenide, vanadium pentoxide, copper vanadate, bismuth vanadium oxide, or bismuth vanadate. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other water-insoluble vanadium salts may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0089] According to further embodiments, water-soluble vanadium salts include, but are not limited to, vanadyl sulfate, sodium vanadate, sodium metavanadate, potassium metavanadate, vanadyl oxalate, or ammonium metavanadate. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other water-soluble vanadium salts may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0090] According to further embodiments, vanadium derivatives include but are not limited to vanadyl acetylacetonate, sodium metavanadate, and ammonium metavanadate. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other vanadium derivatives may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0091] According to another embodiment, the micronutrients selected from selenium and vanadium in the composition may also be present in the form of minerals, concentrates, processed ores, or ores containing the micronutrients. The selenium ores include, but are not limited to, achávalite, ferroselite, downeyite, and the like; the vanadium ores include, but are not limited to, karelianite, paramontroseite, shcherbinaite, patrónite, munirite, and metamunirite. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other vanadium- and selenium-containing minerals and ores may also be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0092] According to one embodiment, vanadium is present in the form of a salt, derivative, or complex thereof, and its content is 0.001% to 30% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, vanadium is present in the form of a salt, derivative, or complex thereof, and its content is 0.01% to 30% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, vanadium is present in the form of a salt, derivative, or complex thereof, and its content is 0.01% to 20% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, vanadium is present in the form of a salt, derivative, or complex thereof, and its content is preferably 0.1% to 30% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, vanadium is present in the form of a salt, derivative, or complex thereof, and its content is preferably 0.1% to 20% of the total weight of the composition.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a size range of 0.1 micron to 25 microns. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a size range of 0.1 micron to 20 microns. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a size range of 0.1 micron to 15 microns. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a size range of 0.1 micron to 10 microns.

[0094] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a D50 diameter distribution of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a D50 diameter distribution of about 15 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a D50 diameter distribution of about 10 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a D50 diameter distribution of about 8 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a D50 diameter distribution of about 5 microns.

[0095] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a D90 diameter distribution of about 30 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a D90 diameter distribution of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a D90 diameter distribution of about 15 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a D90 diameter distribution of about 10 microns.

[0096] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a particle size distribution of D50 of about 10 microns and D90 of about 15 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention comprises microparticles having a particle size distribution of D50 of about 5 microns and D90 of about 10 microns.

[0097] According to one embodiment, when the crop nutrition and strengthening composition is a water-dispersible granule, the size of the granule is in the range of 0.05 mm to 5 mm. According to another embodiment, when the crop nutrition and strengthening composition is a granule, the size of at least one dimension is in the range of 0.05 mm to 5 mm.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water dispersible granules has a size ranging from 0.05 mm to 4 mm. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water dispersible granules has at least one dimension ranging from 0.05 mm to 4 mm.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the size of the crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water-dispersible granules is preferably in the range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to another embodiment, the size of at least one dimension of the crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water-dispersible granules is in the range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and strengthening composition of the present invention does not contain fertilizers mainly comprising ammonium sulfate or urea or nitrogen fertilizers or phosphate rock or other conventional fertilizers.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions, comprising:

[0102] i. elemental sulfur, which accounts for 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition;

[0103] ii. at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium or vanadium is from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and

[0104] iii. at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, representing 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition;

[0105] The composition comprises microparticles with a size of 0.1 micron to 30 microns.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions, comprising:

[0107] i. elemental sulfur, which accounts for 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition;

[0108] ii. Selenium in elemental form or a salt, complex, derivative or mixture thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content is 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and

[0109] iii. at least one nonionic or anionic surfactant, representing 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition;

[0110] The composition comprises microparticles with a size of 0.1 micron to 30 microns.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions, comprising:

[0112] i. elemental sulfur, which accounts for 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition;

[0113] ii. Vanadium in elemental form or a salt, complex, derivative or mixture thereof, wherein the content of elemental vanadium is from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition;

[0114] iii. and at least one nonionic or anionic surfactant, representing 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition;

[0115] The composition comprises microparticles with a size of 0.1 micron to 30 microns.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions, comprising:

[0117] i. elemental sulfur, which accounts for 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition;

[0118] ii. Selenium in elemental form or a salt, complex, derivative or mixture thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content is 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition;

[0119] iii. Vanadium in elemental form or a salt, complex, derivative or mixture thereof, wherein the elemental vanadium content is from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and

[0120] iv. at least one nonionic or anionic surfactant, representing 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition;

[0121] The composition comprises microparticles with a size of 0.1 micron to 30 microns.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a water-dispersible granule comprising:

[0123] i. elemental sulfur, which accounts for 20% to 90% by weight of the total composition;

[0124] ii. at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium or vanadium is from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and

[0125] iii. at least one nonionic or anionic surfactant, representing 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition;

[0126] The composition comprises microparticles with a size of 0.1 micron to 30 microns.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to an aqueous suspension comprising:

[0128] i. elemental sulfur, which accounts for 1% to 70% by weight of the total composition;

[0129] ii. at least one trace element selected from selenium and vanadium, in elemental form or in salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium or vanadium is from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and

[0130] iii. at least one nonionic or anionic surfactant, representing 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition;

[0131] The composition comprises microparticles with a size of 0.1 micron to 30 microns.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the composition further comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient. According to another embodiment, the content of the agrochemically acceptable excipient ranges from 0.1% w / w to 98% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, the content of the agrochemically acceptable excipient ranges from 0.1% w / w to 95% w / w of the total composition.

[0133] According to one embodiment, said composition comprises one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients, selected from one or more of surfactant, disintegrant, filler or carrier or diluent, spreading agent, colorant, anticaking agent, bonding agent, buffer or pH adjusting agent or neutralizing agent, pigment, stabilizer, defoamer or defoamer, penetrant, structurant, wetting agent, tackifier, antifreeze or freezing point depressant, chelating agent or complexing agent or sequestrant, preservative. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that, without departing from the scope of the invention, other agrochemically acceptable excipients can be used. These agrochemically acceptable excipients are commercially produced and can be purchased by multiple companies.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the surfactant used in the crop nutrition and strengthening composition of the present invention includes one or more of an emulsifier, a wetting agent, and a dispersant. According to one embodiment, the surfactant used in the composition includes one or more of an anionic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, and a polymeric surfactant.

[0135] Anionic surfactants include one or more of the following, but are not limited to: fatty acid salts, polycarboxylates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, aryl sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, alkyl diphenyl oxide disulfonates, polystyrene sulfonates, alkyl phosphate salts, alkyl aryl phosphates, styryl aryl phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate salts, α-olefin sulfonic acid sodium salts, alkylbenzene sulfonates or their salts, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sulfosuccinates, polyacrylates, alkyl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl phosphate salts, sulfosuccinate-monoesters and other diesters, phosphate esters, Isopropyl and butyl alkylnaphthalenesulfonate derivatives, alkyl aryl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene aryl ether phosphate salts, monoalkyl sulfosuccinates, aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonates, lauryl ammonium sulfate, soaps, soap substitutes, sodium alkyl sulfates, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium laurate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, alkyl carboxylates, sodium stearate, α-olefin sulfonates, naphthalenesulfonates, alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid fatty acid salts, naphthalenesulfonic acid condensates-sodium salts, fatty alcohol sulfates, alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid condensates-sodium salts, naphthalenesulfonic acid condensates with formaldehyde or salts of alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid condensates with formaldehyde; or salts or derivatives thereof. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that different anionic surfactants may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0136] The nonionic surfactant or polymeric surfactant includes one or more but is not limited to polyol esters, polyol fatty acid esters, ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, EO and PO block copolymers, diblock, triblock copolymers, polysorbates, alkyl polysaccharides, polyoxyethylene glycol, sorbitan derivatives, sorbitan fatty acid esters (Spans) and their ethoxylated derivatives (Tweens), cocamide monoethanolamine (MEA), decyl, narrow chain ethoxylates, oleyl alcohol, PEG-10, polysorbates, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, benzyl alcohol, PEG-20, polysorbate 10, polysorbate 11, polysorbate 12, polysorbate 13, polysorbate 14, polysorbate 15, polysorbate 16, polysorbate 17, polysorbate 18, polysorbate 19, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 21, polysorbate 22, polysorbate 23, polysorbate 24, polysorbate 25, polysorbate 26, polysorbate 27, polysorbate 28, polysorbate 29, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 2 Sorbitan, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monostearate, sorbitan distearate, stearyl alcohol, castor oil ethoxylate, polyethylene glycol ether, polyadduct of ethylene oxide and propylene, polyoxyethylene sorbitan, fatty acid polyglycerol esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene styryl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, alcohol ethoxylates (C6 to C16 / 18 linear and branched alcohols), alcohol alkoxylates (various hydrophobic groups and different EO / PO contents and ratios), polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, salts or derivatives thereof. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that different nonionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the content of the surfactant is 0.1% to 40% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the content of the surfactant is 0.1% to 30% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the content of the surfactant is 0.1% to 20% of the total weight of the composition.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the dispersant used in the crop nutrition and strengthening composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more nonionic dispersants selected from polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, ethoxylated fatty acids, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl ethoxylates, EO-PO blocks and graft copolymers; however, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that different nonionic dispersants may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0139] According to one embodiment, the dispersant used in the crop nutrition and strengthening composition includes, but is not limited to, an anionic dispersant selected from one or more of the following: tristyrylphenol ethoxylated phosphate, lignin sulfonate, phenylnaphthalene sulfonate, alkali metal, alkylaryl sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, a mixture of sodium salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid urea formaldehyde condensate and sodium salts of phenolsulfonic acid formaldehyde condensate, polycarboxylates, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate, sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, sodium naphthalenesulfonate formaldehyde condensate, condensates of arylsulfonic acid and formaldehyde, polyaromatic hydrocarbon sulfonate, sodium alkylaryl sulfonate, and kraft lignin. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that different anionic dispersants may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the content of the dispersant is 0.1% to 40% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the content of the dispersant is 0.1% to 30% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the content of the dispersant is 0.1% to 20% of the total weight of the composition.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the wetting agent used in the crop nutrient composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of phenol naphthalene sulfonate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium naphthalene sulfonate, dibutyl naphthalene sulfonic acid, alkyl aryl sulfonate, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohols, alkyl sulfonate, alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl ether phosphate, alkyl ether sulfate, and alkyl sulfosuccinic acid monoester, salts thereof, and derivatives thereof. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that different wetting agents may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the content of the wetting agent is 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the content of the wetting agent is 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the content of the wetting agent is 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the carrier used in the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a solid carrier, a filler, or a diluent. According to another embodiment, the carrier includes a mineral carrier, a plant carrier, a synthetic carrier, or a water-soluble carrier. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that different carriers may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0145] Solid carriers include natural minerals such as clays (e.g., china clay, acid clay), kaolins (e.g., kaolinite, dickite, nacrite), synthetic and diatomaceous earth silica, mica (e.g., pyrophyllite), talc, silica (e.g., cristobalite) and quartz (e.g., attapulgite and sepiolite), vermiculite, synthetic laponite, pumice, bauxite, hydrated alumina, perlite, sodium bicarbonate, limestone, natural and synthetic silicates, silica, surface-modified silica, zeolites, diatomaceous earth, loess, sodium sulfate, white carbon, slaked lime, synthetic silicic acid, starch, modified starch, cellulose, plant carriers (e.g., cellulose, husks, wheat flour, wood flour, starch, rice bran, wheat bran, and soy flour), sodium caseinate, sucrose, salt cake, potassium pyrophosphate, tripolyphosphate, or derivatives or mixtures thereof. Commercially available silicates include Aerosil brand, Sipernat brand (e.g., 22S and CALFLOE) and kaolin 1777.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 95% by weight of the composition. According to another embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 80% by weight of the composition. According to another embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 70% by weight of the composition. According to another embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the composition.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the defoaming agent or defoaming agent used in the crop nutrition and strengthening composition of the present invention includes but is not limited to one or more of silicon dioxide, siloxane, silicon dioxide, polydimethylsiloxane, alkyl polyacrylate, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymer, silicone oil, magnesium stearate or its derivatives. Preferred defoaming agents include silicone emulsions (e.g., SRE, Wacker, or Rhodia ), long-chain alcohols, fatty acids, fluorine-containing organic compounds. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that different defoaming agents may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the content of the defoaming agent is 0.01% to 20% of the total weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the content of the defoaming agent is 0.01% to 10% of the total weight of the composition.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the pH adjusting agent, buffer or neutralizing agent used in the composition includes organic or inorganic type acid and base and mixtures thereof. According to another embodiment, the pH adjusting agent, buffer or neutralizing agent includes but is not limited to one or more of organic acid, inorganic acid and alkali metal compound or its salt, derivative. According to one embodiment, organic acid includes but is not limited to one or more of citric acid, malic acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid and tartaric acid, or its salt, derivative, and monobasic salt, dibasic salt or ternary salt of these acids or their derivatives. According to one embodiment, inorganic acid salt includes but is not limited to one or more of alkali metal salts, such as sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc. A mixture can also be used to prepare pH adjusting agent, buffer or neutralizing agent. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that different pH adjusting agents can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0150] According to one embodiment, the content of the pH adjuster or buffer is 0.01% to 20% of the total weight of the composition.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the anticaking agent used in the crop nutrient composition includes but is not limited to one or more of the following: polysaccharides, fumed silica and precipitated silica (white carbon black), petroleum resin, Soap L sodium stearate, 700 polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether, sodium acetate, sodium metasilicate, sodium alkyl sulfosuccinate or its derivatives. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that different anti-caking agents can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the content of the anti-caking agent is 0.1% to 20% of the total weight of the composition.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the spreading agent used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: a copolymer of maleic acid and a styrene compound, a (meth)acrylic acid copolymer, an aliphatic alcohol, a vegetable oil (e.g., cottonseed oil) or an inorganic oil, a petroleum distillate, a trisiloxane and a modified trisiloxane, or a derivative thereof. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that different spreading agents may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the content of the spreading agent is 0.01% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the adhesive used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: paraffin wax, polyamide resin, polyacrylate, polyoxyethylene, wax, latex, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, gum (e.g., xanthan gum), vegetable oil (e.g., cottonseed oil), inorganic oil, petroleum fraction, modified trisiloxane, polyethylene glycol, synthetic resin emulsion, or salts or derivatives thereof. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that different adhesives may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the content of the adhesive is 0.01% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the structuring agent used in the crop nutrient composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of a thickener, a viscosity modifier, a tackifier, a suspension aid, a rheology modifier, or an anti-settling agent. The structuring agent can prevent the active ingredient particles from settling after long-term storage.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the structuring agent used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: polyacrylic acids, polysaccharides, cellulose derivatives, copolymers of cellulose derivatives, polyvinyl alcohol and its derivatives; clays such as kaolin, montmorillonite, attapulgite, and gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gelatin, and dextrin; fumed silica, a mixture of fumed silica and fumed alumina, a swellable polymer, polyethylene glycol, and stachyose; celluloses such as hemicellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl propyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, and methyl cellulose; and plant starches such as corn starch and potato starch. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that different structuring agents may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0159] Preferred structurants include one or more of xanthan gum, aluminum silicate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, polysaccharides, alkaline earth metal silicates, clays, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0160] According to one embodiment, the content of the structuring agent is 0.01% to 20% by weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the content of the structuring agent is 0.01% to 10% by weight of the composition. According to one embodiment, the content of the structuring agent is 0.01% to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze or freezing point depressant used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: polyols, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, monohydric alcohols or polyhydric alcohols, glycol ethers, and glycerol. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that different antifreeze agents may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the content of the antifreeze agent or freezing point depressant is 0.01% to 30% of the total weight of the composition.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the chelating agent, complexing agent or sequestrant used in the composition includes but is not limited to one or more of the following: polycarboxylic acids, such as polyacrylic acid and various hydrolyzed poly (methyl vinyl ether / maleic anhydride); N-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), N,N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, N-hydroxyethyl-N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid and N,N,N',N",N"-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; α-hydroxy acids, such as citric acid, tartaric acid and gluconic acid; orthophosphate, disodium phosphate, monosodium phosphate; condensed phosphates, such as sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate and sodium tetrapolyphosphate; ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), N-hydroxyethylethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), ethylenediaminediacetic acid (EDDA), ethylenediaminebis(o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) (EDDHA), cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CDTA), fulvic acid, humic acid, nucleic acids, cyclodextrin, humic acid, pyrophosphate. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that different chelating agents may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the content of the chelating agent is 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the penetrant used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: alcohol, ethylene glycol, glycol ether, ester, amine, alkanolamine, amine oxide, quaternary ammonium compound, triglyceride, fatty acid ester, fatty acid ether, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide or dimethyl sulfoxide, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropylene glycol ester, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan hexaoleate. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that different penetrants may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the content of the penetrant is 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the humectant is selected from, but not limited to, one or more of the following: polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene copolymers, particularly block copolymers. Other humectants include propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerol, and the like; and polyol compounds such as propylene glycol ethers and their derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that different humectants may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the content of the moisturizing agent is 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the stabilizer used in the crop nutrition and fortification composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: peroxides (e.g., hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides), zeolites, antioxidants (e.g., phenolic compounds, phosphoric acid compounds, EDTA, sodium sulfite, citric acid, citrates, etc.). However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that other conventionally known stabilizers may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the content of the stabilizer is 1% to 30% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the preservative is selected from one or more of the following: formic acid and derivatives of 2H-isothiazol-3-one (so-called isothiazolone derivatives), such as alkylisothiazolinones (e.g. 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, MIT; chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, CIT), benzisothiazolinones (e.g. 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, BIT, manufactured by Arch Biocides Ltd. under the trade name commercially available from Arch Biocides Ltd.) or 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MTIT), or from Thor Chemie RS and from Lanxess MK, sodium propionate, sodium benzoate, propyl parahydroxybenzoate, sodium propyl parahydroxybenzoate, potassium sorbate, potassium benzoate, phenylmercuric nitrate, phenylethyl alcohol, sodium, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, methyl parahydroxybenzoate, butyl parahydroxybenzoate, benzyl alcohol, benzethonium chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride. Antioxidants include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: imidazole and imidazole derivatives (e.g., urocanic acid), 4,4′-thiobis-6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT), pentaerythritol tetrakis[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)]propionate; amine antioxidants. However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that other conventionally known preservatives may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the content of the preservative is 0.01% to 2% by weight of the total weight of the composition.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the pigments and colorants are selected from, but not limited to, synthetic chemicals from different manufacturers. The pigments and colorants can be water-soluble or water-insoluble and exist in the form of lakes. The dye can be a solvent dye, an acid dye, or a basic dye. Examples of such products include, but are not limited to, Unisperse Red 3855, Pigmosol Agro Red 3785, and Pigment 15. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other conventionally known pigments and colorants may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the content of the pigment and colorant is 0.01% to 5% of the total weight of the composition.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the disintegrant used in the crop nutrition and fortification composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: inorganic water-soluble salts, such as sodium chloride; water-soluble organic compounds, such as agar, hydroxypropyl starch, carboxymethyl starch ether, tragacanth gum, cross-linked sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearates, cellulose powder, dextrin, methacrylate copolymers, XL-10 (cross-linked polyvinyl pyrrolidone), polyvinyl pyrrolidone. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other conventionally known disintegrants may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the content of the disintegrant is 0.5% to 15% of the total weight of the composition.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the binding agents used in the crop nutrition and strengthening composition include, but are not limited to, one or more of maltodextrin, carbohydrates (e.g., monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides), complex organic matter, synthetic organic polymers or derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. However, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that other conventionally known binding agents may be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the content of the binder is 0.1% to 10% of the total weight of the composition.

[0179] Surprisingly, the crop nutrition and strengthening compositions of the present invention have enhanced and improved physical properties of dispersibility, suspensibility, wettability, viscosity, pourability, flowability and spontaneity of dispersion, making them easier to handle and reducing material losses when handling the product during packaging and field application.

[0180] Wettability refers to the state of wettability and can be defined as the degree to which a solid is wetted by a liquid, measured by the adhesion between the solid and liquid phases. The wettability of granular compositions is measured using standard CIPAC test MT-53, which describes a method for determining the time required for complete wetting of wettable formulations. A weighed amount of granular composition is added dropwise from a specified height onto water in a beaker, and the time to complete wetting is measured.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the wettability of the composition of the present invention is less than 2 minutes. According to one embodiment, the wettability of the composition of the present invention is less than 1 minute.

[0182] The dispersibility of the water-dispersible granule composition of the present invention is measured according to standard CIPAC test MT 174. According to one embodiment, the dispersibility of the water-dispersible granule composition is at least 30%. According to one embodiment, the dispersibility of the water-dispersible granule composition is at least 50%. According to one embodiment, the dispersibility of the water-dispersible granule composition is at least 70%. According to one embodiment, the dispersibility of the water-dispersible granule composition is at least 90%. The composition of the present invention, when contacted with water, can be uniformly dispersed into finer particles having a size ranging from 0.1 micrometers to 30 micrometers.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water-dispersible granules can be dispersed almost instantly, thereby allowing the active ingredients to be readily absorbed by the crop.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the dispersibility of the composition under ATS conditions is greater than 85%. According to one embodiment, the dispersibility of the composition under ATS conditions is greater than 70%. According to one embodiment, the dispersibility of the composition under ATS conditions is greater than 50%. According to one embodiment, the dispersibility of the composition under ATS conditions is greater than 40%.

[0185] Abrasion resistance determines the wear resistance of a granular material. The granular composition of the present invention has good abrasion resistance. Samples can be subjected to abrasion testing according to the CIPAC manual, test "MT178.2 - Abrasion Resistance of Granules." According to one embodiment, the granular composition of the present invention has an abrasion resistance of at least 50%. According to one embodiment, the granular composition of the present invention has an abrasion resistance of at least 80%. According to one embodiment, the granular composition of the present invention has an abrasion resistance of at least 90%.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the compositions of the present invention, in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions, pass the wet sieve retention test. This test is used to determine the amount of undispersed material in a formulation applied as an aqueous dispersion. The wet sieve retention value of agrochemical compositions in the form of liquid suspensions and granules is measured using standard CIPAC test MT-185, which describes a method for measuring the amount of material retained on a sieve. A sample of the formulation is dispersed in water, and the resulting suspension is then transferred to a sieve and washed. The amount of material retained on a sieve is determined by drying and weighing.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the composition of the present invention in the form of a water-dispersible granule or aqueous suspension has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 2%. According to one embodiment, the composition has a wet sieve retention value on a 75-micron sieve of less than 0.2%. A wet sieve retention value of less than 2% indicates that the composition facilitates the preparation of a formulation and prevents clogging of nozzles or filtration equipment.

[0188] Suspension rate is defined as the amount of active ingredient suspended in a liquid column of a specified height after a specified time, expressed as a percentage of the amount of active ingredient in the original suspension. The suspension rate test is performed in accordance with the CIPAC manual "MT184 Suspension Rate Test".

[0189] According to one embodiment, the composition of the present invention has a suspension rate of at least 30%. According to one embodiment, the composition has a suspension rate of at least 60%. According to one embodiment, the composition has a suspension rate of at least 80%. According to one embodiment, the composition has a suspension rate of at least 90%.

[0190] According to one embodiment, the composition of the present invention exhibits excellent suspensibility under accelerated storage conditions (ATS). According to one embodiment, the composition exhibits greater than 85% suspensibility under ATS. According to one embodiment, the composition exhibits greater than 60% suspensibility under ATS. According to one embodiment, the composition exhibits greater than 40% suspensibility under ATS.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of an aqueous suspension is not highly concentrated and is easily pourable.The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its ability to resist gradual deformation under shear stress or tensile stress.

[0192] According to one embodiment, the viscosity of an aqueous suspension is measured according to CIPAC MT-192. The sample is transferred to a standard measuring system. Measurements are performed under various shear conditions, and the apparent viscosity is determined. During the test, the liquid temperature is kept constant. According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the liquid suspension composition at 25°C is between 200 cps and 2000 cps, which makes it pourable. According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the liquid suspension composition at 25°C is between 200 cps and 1000 cps.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the aqueous suspension composition has a viscosity of less than 2000 cps at 25° C. According to one embodiment, the liquid suspension composition has a viscosity of less than 1000 cps at 25° C. Compositions with excessively high viscosity and concentration tend to clump, making them unpourable and therefore undesirable.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the liquid suspension composition of the present invention is easy to pour. Pourability is a measure of the percentage of residue.

[0195] According to one embodiment, the pourability of the composition is measured according to CIPAC MT-148.1 by allowing the composition to stand for 24 hours and measuring the amount remaining in the container after a standardized pouring procedure. The container is rinsed, the remaining amount is measured, and the maximum rinse residue percentage is calculated. According to another embodiment, the pourability of the composition is less than 5% of the rinse residue. According to another embodiment, the pourability of the composition is preferably less than 2.5% of the rinse residue.

[0196] According to one embodiment, the spontaneity of dispersion is measured according to CIPAC MT 160. This method comprises preparing a mixture of 250 ml of the formulation and water by simply inverting the graduated cylinder once. After standing under specified conditions, the top nine-tenths of the formulation are removed, and the remaining tenth is analyzed chemically, gravimetrically, or by solvent extraction. Spontaneity of dispersion is easily calculated. According to one embodiment, the spontaneity of dispersion of the suspension concentrate composition is 30%. According to one embodiment, the spontaneity of dispersion of the composition is 60%. According to one embodiment, the spontaneity of dispersion of the composition is 80%. According to one embodiment, the spontaneity of dispersion of the composition is 95%.

[0197] According to one embodiment, the composition of the present invention exhibits excellent stability against heat, light, temperature, and caking. According to one embodiment, the composition has a stability of at least 3 years. According to another embodiment, the composition has a stability of at least 2 years. According to another embodiment, the composition has a stability of at least 1 year. According to another embodiment, the composition has a stability of at least 6 months.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the hardness of the crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules is less than 4 Newtons. According to another embodiment, the hardness of the crop nutrition composition in the form of water-dispersible granules is less than 3 Newtons. According to another embodiment, the hardness of the crop nutrition composition in the form of water-dispersible granules is less than 2 Newtons. According to another embodiment, the hardness of the crop nutrition composition in the form of water-dispersible granules is preferably less than 1 Newton.

[0199] More preferably, the crop nutrient composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has zero hardness. Zero hardness means that the hardness of the granules cannot be measured by a hardness measuring instrument. The hardness of the granules can be estimated by a hardness tester (e.g., Vinsyst Portable Tabletop Hardness Tester VTHT Series).

[0200] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions, the composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of elemental sulfur in a concentration range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental selenium or vanadium is present in an amount of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; wherein the composition comprises microparticles having a size range of 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0201] According to further embodiments, the crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water dispersible granules is prepared by various techniques such as spray drying, fluidized bed granulation, extrusion, freeze drying, spheronization, and the like.

[0202] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for preparing a crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water-dispersible granules, the method comprising:

[0203] a. Grind a homogeneous mixture of the following ingredients in water:

[0204] i. elemental sulfur, in an amount of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition;

[0205] ii. one or more micronutrients, or selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium or vanadium is from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and

[0206] iii. one or more surfactants selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total weight of the composition to obtain a slurry or wet mixture, wherein the particle size of the composition is between 0.1 microns and 30 microns.

[0207] b. Dry the slurry or wet mixture using a spray dryer, fluidized bed dryer or any suitable granulation equipment to obtain water dispersible granules. The water dispersible granules are further sieved to remove undersized and oversized particles and obtain the desired size.

[0208] According to another embodiment, a crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of water dispersible granules is also prepared by dry-milling the following homogeneous mixture in a jet mill or a jet mill:

[0209] i) elemental sulfur, which constitutes 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition;

[0210] ii) one or more micronutrients selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental selenium or vanadium is present in an amount of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and

[0211] iii) one or more surfactants selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, accounting for 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition.

[0212] To obtain a uniform mixture with a fine particle size, water is added to the dry powder and stirred into a dough, paste, or wet mixture, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain particles with a size range of 0.1 to 30 microns. The water-dispersible granules are further screened to remove undersized and oversized particles until the desired particle size is achieved.

[0213] According to one embodiment, a method for preparing an aqueous suspension composition comprises: homogenizing a mixture of elemental sulfur; one or more micronutrients selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof; and at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants to obtain a suspension; and wet-milling the obtained suspension to provide a composition having a particle size ranging from 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0214] The method for preparing an aqueous suspension comprises sending one or more excipients into a container equipped with a stirring device for homogenization. Elemental sulfur and one or more micronutrients selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form or its salt, complex or derivative are added to the homogenized mixture, and continuous stirring is continued for about 5 to 10 minutes until the mixture is completely uniform. Subsequently, the suspension obtained is passed through a wet grinder to obtain the required particle size within the range of 0.1 to 30 microns. If necessary, under continuous homogenization conditions, one or more excipients (such as structuring agents or optional bactericides or preservatives) are added to the suspension obtained. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that, without departing from the scope of the invention, the process or process parameters for obtaining the suspension concentrate composition may be modified, changed or altered.

[0215] The present invention also relates to a method for preparing a crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of an aqueous suspension, the method comprising:

[0216] a. Grind a homogeneous mixture of the following ingredients in water:

[0217] i. elemental sulfur, which accounts for 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition;

[0218] ii. one or more micronutrients selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium or vanadium is from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and

[0219] iii. one or more surfactants selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, representing 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total weight of the composition, to obtain a homogeneous suspension, wherein the particle size of the composition is between 0.1 microns and 30 microns;

[0220] b. Add structuring agents and other excipients as needed and add the balance of water to obtain an aqueous suspension.

[0221] According to one embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method for enhancing nutrient absorption and improving plant health and yield by treating plants, plant propagation materials, loci or parts thereof, seeds, seedlings, or surrounding soil with a crop nutrition and strengthening composition. The composition comprises:

[0222] i. elemental sulfur in a concentration range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition;

[0223] ii. at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium or vanadium ranges from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and

[0224] iii. at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, in a concentration range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition;

[0225] The composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions; and the composition comprises microparticles having a size range of 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0226] The composition can be applied by a variety of methods. Application to the soil includes any suitable method that ensures penetration of the composition into the soil, such as seedling tray application, broadcast application, furrow application, soil drench application, soil injection, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, seed treatment, seed coating, and the like. The composition can also be applied as a foliar spray.

[0227] The application rate or dosage of the composition will depend on the type of use, crop type, or specific active ingredients in the composition, but must ensure that an effective amount of the crop nutritional active ingredient provides the desired effect (e.g., crop nutrition, crop yield).

[0228] It has been observed that the compositions of the present invention, comprising elemental sulfur; at least one micronutrient selected from elemental selenium and vanadium, or salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof; and at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants present at a specific concentration, when formulated as water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions having a specific particle size, can enhance plant uptake of these nutrients, thereby increasing crop yields and improving crop physiological characteristics. It has further been observed that the compositions of the present invention can prevent leaching of these nutrients, and that the synergistic effects within the compositions maximize crop uptake of these nutrients, thereby increasing overall yields at reduced application rates. Consequently, the compositions of the present invention have been observed to exhibit enhanced, effective, and superior performance in the field at lower dosages.

[0229] Even more surprising is that balanced nutrient absorption leads to healthier plants, better resistance to pests and diseases, and higher nutrient yields in all soil types, ultimately improving the overall health of the soil. This composition is a highly efficient nutrient utilization composition that meets the needs of crops. It provides a multi-nutrient solution that increases crop absorption with a reduced dosage and is easy to apply in the field, making it both economical and environmentally friendly.

[0230] Preparation example:

[0231] The following examples illustrate the basic process and versatility of the compositions of the present invention. The selenium and vanadium sources listed in the preparation examples can be replaced with any other salt or derivative encompassed herein, but the desired concentration ranges must be modified accordingly. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0232] A. Water dispersible granule composition (WDG or WG):

[0233] Example 1: Elemental sulfur 45% + selenium dioxide 7% (Se = 5%) water-dispersible granules (WG)

[0234] 46 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 7.20 parts of selenium dioxide, 5 parts of a mixture of naphthalenesulfonate and phenolsulfonic acid condensate, 10 parts of sodium ligninsulfonate, 27.8 parts of clay, and 100 parts of water, and ground to an average particle size of less than 3 microns. To the ground mixture was added 4 parts of sodium citrate, stirred for 1 hour, and then spray-dried / fluid-bed dried to produce a granular product with a size of less than 1.5 mm. The composition had a suspension efficiency of 83%, a wet sieve retention of 0.11% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 78%, an abrasion resistance of 92%, and a wetting time of 10 seconds.

[0235] Example 2: Elemental sulfur 70% + iron selenide 13% (Se = 7.61%) water-dispersible granules (WG)

[0236] 71 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 13.2 parts of iron selenide, 5 parts of a mixture of naphthalenesulfonate and phenolsulfonic acid condensate, and 8.2 parts of sodium ligninsulfonate in 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 2.5 microns. 2.6 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate were added to the ground mixture, stirred for 1 hour, and then spray-dried / fluidized-bed dried to produce a granular product with a size of less than 1 mm. The composition had a suspension efficiency of 81%, a wet sieve retention of 0.11% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 78%, an abrasion resistance of 92.3%, and a wetting time of 5 seconds.

[0237] Example 3: Elemental sulfur 90% + iron selenide 0.25% (Se = 0.15%) water-dispersible granules (WG)

[0238] 91 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 0.26 parts of iron selenide, 6 parts of sodium lignin sulfonate, 2.74 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, and 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 2 microns. The ground slurry was spray-dried / fluid-bed dried to obtain a granular product with a size of less than 1 mm.

[0239] The composition had a suspension rate of 71%, a wet sieve retention rate on a 75 micron sieve of 0.13%, a dispersibility of 72%, an abrasion resistance of 96.4%, and a wetting time of 10 seconds.

[0240] Example 4: 50% elemental sulfur + 2% vanadium pentoxide (V = 1%) water-dispersible granules (WG)

[0241] 51 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 2.2 parts of vanadium pentoxide, 10 parts of sodium lignin sulfonate, 4 parts of sodium citrate, 5 parts of a mixture of naphthalenesulfonate and phenolsulfonic acid condensate, and 27.8 parts of clay. The mixture was added to 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 5 microns. The ground slurry was spray-dried / fluidized-bed dried to produce a granular product with a size of less than 2.5 mm. The composition had a suspension efficiency of 71%, a wet sieve retention of 0.02% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 69%, an abrasion resistance of 93.2%, and a wetting time of 8 seconds.

[0242] Example 5: Elemental sulfur 90% + vanadium (II) oxide 0.14% (V = 0.15%) water-dispersible granules (WG)

[0243] 91 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 0.145 parts of vanadium(II) oxide, 4.36 parts of sodium lignin sulfonate, 3 parts of a mixture of naphthalenesulfonate and phenolsulfonic acid condensate, and 1.495 parts of clay. The mixture was added to 110 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 7 microns. The ground slurry was spray-dried / fluidized-bed dried to produce granules with a size of less than 3 mm.

[0244] The composition had a suspension rate of 65%, a wet sieve retention rate on a 75 micron sieve of 0.13%, a dispersibility of 62%, an abrasion resistance of 97.2%, and a wetting time of 5 seconds.

[0245] Example 6: Elemental sulfur 60% + selenium dioxide 14% (Se = 10%) + vanadyl sulfate 0.5% (V = 0.10%) water-dispersible granules (WG)

[0246] 60.7 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 14.4 parts of selenium dioxide, 0.530 parts of vanadyl sulfate, 6 parts of kraft lignin polymer, 2.47 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate, and 15.9 parts of clay in 120 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 7 microns. The ground slurry was spray-dried / fluid-bed dried to produce a granular product with a size of less than 1 mm.

[0247] The composition had a suspension rate of 73%, a wet sieve retention rate on a 75 micron sieve of 0.08%, a dispersibility of 71%, an abrasion resistance of 98.2%, and a wetting time of 4 seconds.

[0248] Example 7: Elemental sulfur 30% + potassium metavanadate 0.004% (V = 0.001%) water-dispersible granules (WG)

[0249] 30.3 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 0.005 parts of potassium metavanadate, 6.255 parts of sodium lignin sulfonate, 2.74 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate, and 60.7 parts of clay in 120 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 5 microns. The ground slurry was then spray-dried / fluid-bed dried to obtain a granular product with a size of less than 1 mm.

[0250] The composition had a suspension rate of 70%, a wet sieve retention rate on a 75 micron sieve of 0.06%, a dispersibility of 68%, an abrasion resistance of 97%, and a wetting time of 5 seconds.

[0251] Example 8: Elemental sulfur 85% + selenium dioxide 0.002% (Se = 0.001%) water-dispersible granules (WG)

[0252] 86 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 0.002 parts of selenium dioxide, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulfate, 8 parts of sodium lignin sulfonate, 2 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate, and 1.998 parts of clay in 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 4 microns. The ground slurry was spray-dried / fluidized bed dried to produce a granular product with a size of less than 1 mm. The composition had a suspension efficiency of 68%, a wet sieve retention of 0.04% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 62%, an abrasion resistance of 98%, and a wetting time of 4 seconds.

[0253] Example 9: Elemental sulfur 80% + zinc selenide 5.5% (Se = 3%) water-dispersible granules (WG)

[0254] 81 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 5.7 parts of zinc selenide, 9.3 parts of sodium lignin sulfonate, 4 parts of naphthalenesulfonic acid condensate salt, and 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 4 microns. The ground slurry was spray-dried / fluidized-bed dried to obtain a granular product with a size of less than 1 mm.

[0255] The composition had a suspension rate of 86%, a wet sieve retention rate on a 75 micron sieve of 0.01%, a dispersibility of 80%, an abrasion resistance of 97%, and a wetting time of 2 seconds.

[0256] Example 10: Elemental sulfur 10% + vanadium pentoxide 18% (V=10%) water-dispersible granules (WG).

[0257] 10.3 parts of technical sulfur, 18.20 parts of vanadium pentoxide, 32.5 parts of bentonite, 1 part of sodium isopropylnaphthalene sulfonate, 15 parts of talc, 15 parts of clay, 5 parts of sodium lignin sulfonate, and 3 parts of sodium lauryl sulfate were mixed with 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 4 microns. The ground slurry was spray-dried / fluid-bed dried to produce a granular product with a size of less than 1 mm. The composition had a suspension efficiency of 75%, a wet sieve retention of 0.02% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 67%, an abrasion resistance of 97%, and a wetting time of 4 seconds.

[0258] B. Aqueous Suspension (SC)

[0259] Example 11: 55% elemental sulfur + 0.45% iron selenide (Se = 0.26%) suspension concentrate (SC)

[0260] 25 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate and 50 parts of propylene glycol were added to 330 parts of water and homogenized in a container equipped with a stirrer. 560 parts of sulfur powder and 0.46 parts of iron selenide were further added to the homogenized mixture and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the mixture was completely homogenized. While continuing to homogenize, 10 parts of polyalkylene oxide-modified heptamethyltrisiloxane and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to the mixture to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, while continuing to homogenize, 1.3 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the balance of water, and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to obtain a liquid suspension. The particle sizes of this composition were D10 1.52 μm, D50 2.82 μm, and D90 3.91 μm, with a viscosity of 780 cps and a suspension ratio of 89%. The pourable rinse residue was determined to be 0.89%, the dispersibility was 85%, and the 75 micron wet sieve retention was 0.04%.

[0261] Example 12: Elemental sulfur 10% + copper selenide 28% (Se=10%) suspension concentrate (SC)

[0262] 25 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 100 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 280 parts of water and homogenized in a container equipped with a stirrer. 110 parts of sulfur powder and 283 parts of copper selenide were further added to the homogenized mixture and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the mixture was completely homogenized. While continuing to homogenize, 15 parts of a polycarboxylate and 0.4 parts of a polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to the mixture to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, while continuing to homogenize, 1.8 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the balance of water, and 0.4 parts of a polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to obtain a liquid suspension. The composition had a particle size of D10 of 2.11 μm, D50 of 3.78 μm, and D90 of 4.52 μm, a viscosity of 610 centipoise, and a suspension ratio of 90%. The pourable rinse residue was 0.74%, the spontaneity of dispersion was 88%, and the retention on a 75 micron wet sieve was 0.12%.

[0263] Example 13: Elemental sulfur 40% + vanadium pentoxide 9% (Va=5%) suspension concentrate (SC)

[0264] 25 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate and 70 parts of glycerin were added to 320 parts of water and homogenized in a container equipped with a stirrer. 410 parts of sulfur powder and 93 parts of vanadium pentoxide were further added to the homogenized mixture and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the mixture was completely homogenized. While continuing to homogenize, 5 parts of a polymeric surfactant and 0.4 parts of a polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to the mixture to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, while continuing to homogenize, 1.2 parts of xanthan gum, 0.5 parts of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, 0.5 parts of a mixture of methylisothiazolinone and methylchloroisothiazolinone, the remainder of the mixture, and 0.4 parts of a polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added sequentially to obtain a suspension.

[0265] The particle size of the composition is: D10 of 1.34 microns, D50 of 2.56 microns, D90 of 4.21 microns, viscosity of 720 centipoise, suspension efficiency of 95%, pourable rinse residue of 0.84%, spontaneity of dispersion of 90%, and retention rate of 0.06% on a 75 micron wet sieve.

[0266] Example 14: Elemental sulfur 35% + vanadium (II) oxide 13% (V = 10%) suspension concentrate (SC)

[0267] 30 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate and 70 parts of propylene glycol are added to 300 parts of water and sent to a container equipped with a stirring device for homogenization. 357 parts of sulfur powder and 133 parts of vanadium (II) oxide are further added to the homogenized mixture and stirred for about 10 minutes until the mixture is completely homogenized. Under continuous homogenization, 20 parts of polyalkylene oxide-modified heptamethyl trisiloxane and 0.4 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion are added to the above mixture to obtain a liquid suspension. Subsequently, the obtained suspension is passed through a wet grinder to reduce the particle size. Then, under continuous homogenization, 1.8 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the remainder of water and 0.4 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion are added to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0268] The composition had a particle size of D10 of 1.62 microns, D50 of 2.93 microns, D90 of 4.90 microns, a viscosity of 580 centipoise, a suspension rate of 91%, a pourable rinse residue of 0.42%, a spontaneous dispersibility of 90%, and a 75 micron wet sieve retention of 0.12%.

[0269] Example 15: Elemental sulfur 45% + vanadyl sulfate 0.5% (V = 0.15%) suspension concentrate (SC)

[0270] 25 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate and 95 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 270 parts of water and homogenized in a container equipped with a stirrer. 460 parts of sulfur powder and 5.3 parts of vanadyl sulfate were further added to the homogenized mixture and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the mixture was completely homogenized. While continuing to homogenize, 10 parts of polyalkylene oxide-modified heptamethyltrisiloxane and 0.4 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to the mixture to form a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, while continuing to homogenize, 2.3 parts of magnesium aluminum silicate, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the balance of water, and 0.4 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to form a liquid suspension. The particle sizes of this composition were D102.11 μm, D503.78 μm, and D904.51 μm, with a viscosity of 900 centipoise and a suspension ratio of 94%. The pourable rinse residue was 0.82%, the spontaneous dispersion was 91%, and the 75 micron wet screen retention was 0.04%.

[0271] Example 16: Elemental sulfur 55% + selenium dioxide 0.14% (Se=0.10) suspension concentrate (SC)

[0272] 5 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate and 70 parts of propylene glycol were added to 320 parts of water and homogenized in a container equipped with a stirring device. 560 parts of sulfur powder and 1.45 parts of selenium dioxide were further added to the homogenized mixture and stirred continuously for approximately 10 minutes until the mixture was completely homogenized. While continuing to homogenize, 20 parts of a modified styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer solution and 0.5 parts of a polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to the mixture to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce the particle size. Then, while continuing to homogenize, 1.2 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the balance of water, and 0.5 parts of a polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to obtain a liquid suspension. The particle sizes of this composition were D10 1.34 μm, D50 2.66 μm, and D90 4.23 μm, with a viscosity of 800 cps and a suspension ratio of 93%. The pourable rinse residue was 0.82%, the spontaneity of dispersion was 87%, and the 75 micron wet sieve retention was 0.08%.

[0273] Field research:

[0274] Field trial 1: To investigate the synergistic effect of elemental sulfur, selenium or vanadium water-dispersible granules (WG) on tomato growth and yield.

[0275] A field trial investigated the effects of elemental sulfur and selenium on tomato growth and yield. Conducted during the autumn harvest season, the trial employed a randomized block design (RBD) with six treatments (including an untreated control) and four replications. Sulfur, selenium, and vanadium were applied individually and in combination with the specified doses via soil application. Tomatoes were grown in the experimental fields according to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). The tomato variety, Abhilash, was used, with row spacing of 120 cm and plant spacing of 45 cm.

[0276] The trial details are as follows:

[0277] Trial details

[0278]

[0279]

[0280] Ten plants were randomly selected from each treatment group for each replicate. Plant height was measured at 50 DAA and the mean value was calculated. Plant vigor (0-200%) was recorded visually at 50 DAA, with the UTC scale always set at 100%. Yield observations were recorded at harvest, and the mean values ​​are listed in Table 1.

[0281] Table 1:

[0282]

[0283] *Expected production increase percentage

[0284] DAA-days after administration

[0285] It can be seen from the data in Table 1 that the compositions T1 and T2 according to the examples of the present invention exhibit a synergistic effect.

[0286] The definition of "synergism" was proposed by Colby SR in an article entitled "Calculation of synergistic and antagonistic effects of herbicide combinations", published in Weeds, 1967, Vol. 15, pp. 20-22. The expected effect of a given combination of two active ingredients can be calculated as follows:

[0287] E=X+Y–(XY) / 100

[0288] in,

[0289] E = the expected percentage effect of two products X and Y mixed at the specified dosages.

[0290] X = Observed percentage effect of product A

[0291] Y = Observed effect percentage of product B

[0292] The synergy factor (SF) was calculated using the Abbott formula (Formula (2) (Abbott, 1925)).

[0293] SF = observed effect / expected effect

[0294] Among them, SF>1 is a synergistic reaction; SF<1 is an antagonistic reaction; SF=1 is an additive reaction.

[0295] When the observed combination yield effect percentage is greater than the expected percentage, it can be inferred that the combination has a synergistic effect. When the observed combination yield effect percentage is equal to the expected percentage, it can be inferred that the combination has only an additive effect. When the observed combination yield effect percentage is lower than the expected percentage, it can be inferred that the combination has an antagonistic effect.

[0296] As can be seen from the data shown in Table 1, application of the combination of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules (WDG) has a synergistic effect on tomato crop yield.

[0297] Based on the data and calculations, the combination of elemental sulfur and selenium is expected to increase tomato yield by 22.23%. However, as clearly shown in Table 1 above, treatment group T1, using water-dispersible granules (WG) containing 80% elemental sulfur and 2.5% zinc selenide (Se content 1.37%) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showed a 29.41% increase in yield compared to the untreated control. Similarly, the combination of elemental sulfur and vanadium is expected to increase tomato yield by 18.47%. However, treatment group T2, using water-dispersible granules (WG) containing 80% elemental sulfur and 2% vanadium pentoxide (Va content 1.12%) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showed a 25% increase in yield compared to the untreated control.

[0298] The synergy factors for treatments T1 and T2 were 1.32 and 1.35, respectively, indicating that the composition exhibited a synergistic effect. Therefore, according to the present invention, treatments T1 and T2, treated with the WDG composition, exhibited a synergistic effect compared to the active ingredient alone. This result was all the more surprising because treatments T1 and T2, as well as treatments T3-T5 alone, were administered the same doses of active ingredient: 16,000 g / ha of sulfur, 274 g / ha of selenium, and 224 g / ha of vanadium. The observations also revealed that tomato plant height and plant vigor were greater in treatments T1 and T2 compared to the active ingredient alone.

[0299] Field experiment 2: To investigate the synergistic effects of elemental sulfur and selenium / vanadium aqueous suspension (SC) combination on eggplant growth and yield.

[0300] The trial was conducted using a randomized block design (RBD) during the autumn harvest season, with six treatments (including an untreated control) and four replications. Each treatment plot was 40 square meters (8 meters x 5 meters). The ingredients evaluated included elemental sulfur, selenium / vanadium in combination, and applied individually. Eggplant crops in the experimental plots were grown in accordance with Good Agricultural Practices. Eggplant (Pusa Purple Long) seeds were used in the study, with row spacing of 120 cm and plant spacing of 45 cm. The trial details are as follows:

[0301] Trial details

[0302] Trial location Nashik(MH) crop: Eggplant (Variety: Purple Long Eggplant) Trial Season Khalif Ji Experimental design Randomized block design Number of repetitions 4 Plot area 8 meters x 5 meters = 40 square meters Administration drip irrigation Water consumption: 500L / ha Date of application July 22, 2022 (apply once near the root zone as base fertilizer) Transplanting date July 22, 2022 Picking date November 5, 2022, November 15, 2022, November 20, 2022

[0303] In each treatment group, 10 plants were randomly selected from each replicate, and their plant heights were measured at 50 DAA, and the average values ​​were calculated. Yield observations were recorded at harvest, and the average data are listed in Table 2.

[0304] Table 2:

[0305]

[0306]

[0307] *Expected production increase percentage

[0308] Based on the data in Table 2, it can be concluded that treatments T1 and T2 according to the present invention showed synergistic effects. This synergistic effect of the combination of the present invention applied in the form of an aqueous suspension (SC) can be observed in the yield of eggplant crops.

[0309] Based on the data and calculations, the expected yield increase for eggplants using a combination of elemental sulfur and selenium is 31.20%. However, as can be clearly seen from Table 2 above, treatment group T1, which used a 45% elemental sulfur + 1% iron selenide (Se 0.59%) suspension concentrate according to an embodiment of the present invention, saw a 38.46% yield increase compared to the untreated control group. Similarly, the expected yield increase for eggplants using a combination of elemental sulfur and vanadium is 29.99%. However, treatment group T2, which used a 45% elemental sulfur + 1% vanadium dioxide (V = 0.76%) suspension concentrate according to an embodiment of the present invention, saw a 35.38% yield increase compared to the untreated control group.

[0310] The synergy factors for treatments T1 and T2 were 1.23 and 1.17, respectively, indicating that the compositions exhibited a synergistic effect. Thus, treatments T1 and T2 using the suspension concentrate compositions according to embodiments of the present invention exhibited a synergistic effect compared to the individual active ingredients applied. Because treatments T1 and T2, as well as individual treatments T3 through T5, used the same active ingredient dosages—15,750 g / ha of sulfur, 207 g / ha of selenium, and 266 g / ha of vanadium—the results were even more surprising. Furthermore, plant height was also higher in the eggplant plants in treatments T1 and T2 compared to the individual active ingredients.

[0311] Field trial 3: Study on the synergistic effect of elemental sulfur and selenium in rice.

[0312] The trial was conducted during the autumn harvest season using a randomized block design (RBD) with six treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times. Each treatment plot was 40 square meters (8 meters x 5 meters). Rice crops in the experimental fields were cultivated according to good agricultural practices. Seedlings of the Gurjari rice variety were used for seedling cultivation, and 25-day-old seedlings were transplanted to the experimental fields with 30-cm row spacing and 25-cm plant spacing. The trial details are as follows:

[0313] Trial location Punjab crop: Rice (variety: Gurjali) Trial Season Khalif Ji Experimental design Randomized block design Number of repetitions 4 Plot area 8 meters x 5 meters = 40 square meters Application type top dressing Sowing date July 10, 2022 Date of application July 25, 2022 (one application) Yield Harvest

[0314] 50 days after application, plant vigor (0-200%) was recorded by visual observation, with the UTC scale always being 100%. Yield observations were recorded at harvest and the average data are listed in Table 3 to illustrate the efficacy of the composition of the present invention.

[0315] Table 3:

[0316]

[0317]

[0318] *Expected production increase percentage

[0319] The present inventors have tested the composition comprising elemental sulfur and selenium in WG and SC formulations according to the embodiments of the present invention and compared them with the individual active ingredients. The average data of all observations are listed in Table 3 to illustrate the effect of the combination of elemental sulfur and selenium according to the embodiments of the present invention on rice yield.

[0320] As shown in Table 3, treatment group T1, which included 75% elemental sulfur and 6% selenium dioxide (Se content 4.27%) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showed a 40.70% increase in yield compared to the untreated control, exceeding the expected 22.37% yield increase for treatment group T1. Therefore, it can be concluded that treatment group T1 according to an embodiment of the present invention exhibited a synergistic effect.

[0321] Surprisingly, despite the lower application dose than the individual active ingredients, the composition of the present invention exhibited higher yields in T2 and treatment group T3 than expected. The same trend was observed in terms of plant vigor and other growth parameters (such as plant height, greenness, etc.).

[0322] Therefore, it can be concluded that the application of the composition comprising a combination of elemental sulfur and selenium in the form of WG and SC of the present application shows superior efficacy in increasing yield and improving plant physiological parameters at reduced application doses compared to the individual active substances.

[0323] Field experiment 4: Study the effect of elemental sulfur and selenium / vanadium combination on the particle size distribution of wheat.

[0324] The experiment was conducted during the Rabi season using a randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatments (including an untreated control) and four replications. Each treatment plot was 30 square meters (6 meters x 5 meters). Wheat crops in the experimental fields were cultivated using good agricultural practices.

[0325] Trial details

[0326] Trial location Malerkotla, Punjab crop: Wheat (variety: PBW-660) Trial Season Rabbi Experimental design Randomized block design Number of repetitions 4 Plot area 30 square meters (6 meters x 5 meters) Fertilization method Soil fertilization (surface spreading) Sowing date November 25, 2022 Date of application November 25, 2022 Harvest date April 20, 2023

[0327] Ten plants were randomly selected for each repeated treatment and the tiller number observations were recorded. The average values ​​were calculated at 40 DAA and the yield was observed at harvest. The average data are listed in Table 4 to illustrate the efficacy of the elemental sulfur and selenium / vanadium compositions with a particle size range of 0.1 to 30 μm and the compositions with a particle size greater than 0.1 to 30 μm prepared according to the embodiments of the present invention.

[0328] Table 4:

[0329]

[0330]

[0331] *Expected return percentage increase

[0332] Table 4 (continued):

[0333]

[0334] As can be seen from the data in Table 4, treatments T1 to T3 using compositions according to embodiments of the present invention having particle sizes ranging from 0.1 to 30 μm and containing elemental sulfur and selenium / vanadium significantly increased yield and nutrient uptake compared to the same compositions having particle sizes exceeding 0.1 to 30 μm (i.e., T4 to T8). For example, treatment T3, which used a composition according to embodiments of the present invention having particle sizes ranging from 0.1 to 30 μm and containing 65% sulfur and 7% vanadium (IV) oxide (Va 4.30%) WG, showed a yield increase of approximately 42.42% compared to the control, exceeding the expected yield increase of 24.07% calculated based on Colby's equation. Treatment T8, which used a composition having particle sizes ranging from 0.1 to 50 μm, showed a yield increase of only 14.81%, also far below the expected yield increase. The results are all the more surprising since treatments T3 and T8, which contained combinations of elemental sulfur and vanadium in different particle size ranges, and the independent treatments T9 and T11, applied the same dose of active material to the soil, i.e. 13,000 g / ha for sulfur and 860 g / ha for vanadium.

[0335] Similarly, treatment group T2, which used an elemental sulfur 65% + iron selenide 7% (Se4.1%) WG composition with a particle size range of 0.1 to 30 μm according to an embodiment of the present invention, showed higher yields compared to treatment groups T4 to T7, which used the same composition with a particle size range of more than 0.1-30 μm, even though the same active dose of 13,000 g / ha of sulfur and 820 g / ha of selenium was applied in all these treatment methods.

[0336] In addition, it can be seen from the above table that treatment group T1, which used the WG composition having a particle size range of 0.1 to 10 μm and including 65% elemental sulfur + 7% iron selenide (Se 4.1%) according to an embodiment of the present invention, showed the highest yield and nutrient absorption compared with other treatment groups applied with higher dosages (13,000 g / ha of sulfur and 820 g / ha of selenium) despite the lower application dosage of 9,750 g / ha of sulfur and 615 g / ha of selenium.

[0337] Similarly, it was observed that treatments T1 to T3 using the composition of the present invention exhibited better absorption of nutrients such as iron, potassium, magnesium, as well as sulfur, selenium, and vanadium compared to the other treatments. Thus, it can be seen that the composition of the present invention, having a particle size ranging from 0.1 micrometers to 30 micrometers, can not only absorb nutrients already present in the composition but also enhance the utilization of nutrients already present in the soil, making them more readily available for crop uptake.

[0338] From the above data, it can be concluded that compositions comprising elemental sulfur and selenium or vanadium with particle sizes ranging from 0.1 to 30 microns exhibit a synergistic effect and demonstrate significantly higher nutrient uptake and higher yields. Thus, the present invention, in the form of the claimed compositions, has been found to exhibit higher nutrient utilization efficiencies.

[0339] Field trial 5: Investigation of the efficacy of a combination comprising elemental sulphur and selenium at low doses compared to the individual active ingredients in tomatoes (pot trial).

[0340] The trial was conducted during the rainy season using a randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatments, including an untreated control, and four replications. Each treatment plot measured 4 square meters (2 meters x 2 meters). The compound fertilizers evaluated included elemental sulfur, selenium / vanadium, and single nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) fertilizers. Tomatoes in the experimental plots were cultivated according to Good Agricultural Practices. The tomato variety Abhilash was used for this study, with row spacing of 60 cm and plant spacing of 30 cm.

[0341] The trial details are as follows:

[0342] Trial details

[0343] Trial location Umargaon, Maharashtra crop: Tomato, variety: Abhilash Trial Season rainy season Experimental design Randomized block design Number of repetitions 4 Plot area 2 meters x 2 meters = 4 square meters Application type Basic application rate Transplanting date July 1, 2023 Application time July 1, 2023 Observation indicators Plant height, stem diameter, and yield

[0344] Observations of plant height and stem girth were recorded at 70 DAA, and yield was recorded at harvest, and the average data are listed in Table 5 to illustrate the efficacy of the compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules and aqueous suspensions prepared according to the examples of the present invention and applied at a reduced dose compared to the independent active ingredients.

[0345] Table 5:

[0346]

[0347]

[0348]

[0349] As can be seen from the data shown in Table 5, compared with the application of the active substance alone and the traditional fertilization method, the treatment groups T1 to T7 using the composition comprising elemental sulfur and selenium; elemental sulfur and vanadium; and elemental sulfur, selenium and vanadium according to an embodiment of the present invention showed higher yields and improved growth parameters such as greenness, plant height, number of pods, number of nodules, plant vigor, etc., even if the active substance dosage was reduced.

[0350] It can be seen that the yield of the treatment group T1 applied with the composition of 20% elemental sulfur + 0.5% potassium selenate (Se 0.18%) + 1% vanadium pentoxide (Va 0.56%) SC@80000 g / ha (dosage is sulfur @16000 g / ha + selenium @143 g / ha + vanadium @448 g / ha) according to an embodiment of the present invention increased by 43.94% compared with the untreated plot, while the yield of sulfur @17500 g / ha (T8), selenium @830 g / ha (T9) and vanadium @840 g / ha (T10) treated alone only increased by 16.67%, 7.58% and 6.06%, respectively.

[0351] In addition, the treatment group T7 using the composition comprising elemental sulfur 70% + potassium selenite 8.64% (Se 3.32%) + vanadium pentoxide 6% (Va 3.36%) WG @ 25000 g / ha according to an embodiment of the present invention showed better plant growth and a yield increase of 48.48% compared with the untreated control. Even when the same dosage (i.e., sulfur @ 17500 g / ha, selenium @ 830 g / ha and vanadium @ 840 g / ha) was applied, the yield was much higher than that of using the active substances alone.

[0352] Similarly, it can be observed that treatments T2 to T6 also exhibited superior plant growth and tomato yield compared to the active ingredient alone. Even more surprisingly, treatments T2 to T6, comprising the composition of elemental sulfur and selenium or vanadium, were applied at lower active ingredient dosages compared to treatments T8 to T10, which were applied alone. Furthermore, as can be seen in the table above, treatments T1 to T7, utilizing the composition of the present invention, exhibited superior yield and plant growth compared to conventional fertilization methods (treatment T11).

[0353] From the above data, it can be concluded that the composition consisting of a uniform mixture of elemental sulfur and selenium and / or vanadium, with a particle size ranging from 0.1 to 30 microns, provides surprisingly higher field efficacy at a reduced application dosage of the composition, making it commercially economical and environmentally friendly.

[0354] Field Trial 6: Evaluation of different formulations of elemental sulfur and selenium in combination with sulfated sulfur and other prior art granules in tomatoes:

[0355] The experiment was conducted during the autumn harvest season using a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatment groups (including an untreated control) replicated four times. Each treatment group had a plot area of ​​40 square meters (8 meters x 5 meters).

[0356] The tomato crops in the experimental field were grown according to good agricultural practices. Tomato (Arkavishal) seeds were used in this study, with row spacing of 120 cm and plant spacing of 45 cm. The experimental details are as follows:

[0357] Trial location Manchal, Pune, Maharashtra crop: Tomato (variety: Arkavishal) Trial Season Khalif Ji Experimental design Randomized block design Number of repetitions 4 Plot area 8 meters x 5 meters = 40 square meters Fertilization method Furrow application / side application (furrow application) Transplanting date July 12, 2022 Fertilization date July 12, 2022 (one fertilization) Harvest date October 20, 2022, October 30, 2022, November 4, 2022

[0358] In each replicate of each treatment group, 10 plants were randomly selected from each treatment group. Plant heights were measured at 45 DAA and the average values ​​were calculated. Yield observations were recorded at harvest, and the average data are listed in Table 6.

[0359] Table 6:

[0360]

[0361]

[0362] *Expected production increase percentage

[0363] The present inventors tested the combination of elemental sulfur and selenium according to embodiments of the present invention and compared it with compositions of sulfur in the form of sulfate (i.e., calcium sulfate or ammonium sulfate) and other prior art compositions to illustrate the effects of the combination of elemental sulfur and selenium according to embodiments of the present invention on tomato yield and plant growth parameters.

[0364] As can be seen from the data in Table 6, the compositions of the present invention, namely T1, T2 and T3, which contain a combination of elemental sulfur and selenium in the form of water-dispersible granules, significantly increase the plant height, yield, etc. of tomato crops compared to the other treatment groups, namely T4-T8.

[0365] As can be seen from the table above, treatment T1, using a homogeneous water-dispersible granule formulation comprised of 40% elemental sulfur and 5% elemental selenium, according to an embodiment of the present invention, achieved a yield increase of approximately 30.88% compared to the untreated control. Treatment T4, however, using a mixture comprised of 40% elemental sulfur and 5% elemental selenium, prepared according to U.S. Patent No. '087, wherein elemental selenium is dissolved in molten sulfur (porous granules), achieved a yield increase of only 13.24%. This yield increase is all the more surprising given that treatments T1 and T4 used nearly identical active ingredient dosages: 6800 g / ha of sulfur and 850 g / ha of selenium.

[0366] Similarly, treatment T2, which was treated with a composition according to the present invention in the form of WG and comprising a homogeneous mixture of elemental sulfur 75% + potassium selenite 7.61% (Se 2.93%), was compared with treatment T5, which was treated with granules comprising sulfur in the form of sulfate, i.e. ammonium sulfate 80% (S 19.2%) + potassium selenite 1.95% (Se 0.75%). When applied at almost the same active doses (i.e. sulfur @ 11,000 g / ha and selenium @ 430 g / ha), it was observed that T2 showed a yield increase of 42.65% over the untreated control, which was higher than the expected yield increase of 16.96% calculated according to the Colby method, while T5 showed only a yield increase of 14.71%, which was not only much lower than T2 but also lower than the expected yield increase, indicating the antagonistic nature of the composition.

[0367] Furthermore, treatment T3, which was administered with a composition comprising a homogenous mixture of 20% elemental sulfur and 5% zinc selenite (Se 2.1%) in the form of WG according to an embodiment of the present invention, showed a yield increase of approximately 39.71% compared to the untreated control. In contrast, a silica-coated granule composition prepared according to CN'736 (containing sulfur in the form of sulfate, i.e., 75% calcium sulfate and 5% zinc selenite (Se 2.05%)) showed a yield increase of only 8.82% compared to the untreated control. Because treatment T3 used a lower amount of active ingredient than treatment T6, the yield increase was even more dramatic.

[0368] This unexpected and surprising yield increase was observed with the compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules (comprising a homogeneous combination of elemental sulfur and selenium), whereas this yield increase was not observed with prior art compositions prepared using sulfated sulfur or molten sulfur (porous compositions) or silica-coated granules. The same trend was observed with respect to plant height and other growth parameters, such as plant vigor, fruit weight, number of branches, number of flowers, etc.

[0369] The excellent effect of the composition of the present invention is due to the element combination being a homogeneous combination of elemental sulfur and selenium in WDG and SC formulation types and a specific particle size of 0.1 to 30 microns, and the same effect is not observed when any one of these elements is varied.

[0370] The inventors also tested the WDG and SC composition of the present invention on other crops, such as peppers and cowpeas. The results showed that the composition of the present invention can further increase crop yield and crop characteristics, such as straw weight, crop greenness, plant height, and fruit weight, improve photosynthesis, enhance stress resistance, and increase the nutritional value of crops.

[0371] The compositions of the present invention have been observed to exhibit enhanced, efficient, and superior performance in the field. The compositions of the present invention can minimize the number or amount of nutrient, fertilizer, or pesticide applications. Furthermore, compared to existing known compositions, the compositions of the present invention exhibit surprisingly higher field efficacy at reduced application doses. The compositions are highly safe for both users and the environment. This novel composition helps increase plant yield, balances the absorption of all nutrients, reduces leaf yellowing, and improves plant physiological parameters, resulting in nutrient-rich crops.

[0372] Furthermore, various advantageous properties are associated with the compositions of the present invention including, but not limited to, improved stability, improved toxicological and / or ecotoxicological behavior, improved crop characteristics (including crop yield, crop quality and properties), and other advantages familiar to those skilled in the art.

[0373] It can be seen from the above that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of the present invention. It should be understood that the specific embodiments shown are not intended to limit the present invention and should not be interpreted as limiting.

Claims

1. A crop nutrition and strengthening composition comprising: i. elemental sulfur, which accounts for 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein The elemental selenium or vanadium is present in an amount of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; as well as iii. at least one surfactant selected from nonionic surfactants and anionic surfactants, representing 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; The composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions; and the composition comprises microparticles having a size of 0.1 to 30 microns.

2. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition according to claim 1, wherein The selenium salt, derivative or complex is selected from one or more of the following: selenium, selenium carbonate, vanadium selenide, magnesium selenide, manganese selenide, selenium sulfide, copper selenide, iron selenide, molybdenum selenide, cobalt selenide, bismuth selenide, zinc selenide, copper selenite, calcium selenite, magnesium selenite, manganese selenite, cobalt selenite, selenium dioxide, selenourea, sodium selenide, potassium selenide, copper selenide, ammonium selenide, sodium selenite, potassium selenite, ammonium selenite, iron selenite, zinc selenite, sodium selenate, magnesium selenate, potassium selenate, calcium selenate, copper selenate, ammonium selenate, iron selenate, Downeyite, Achávalite, potassium selenate, selenite sulfide, selenous acid, selenoyl chloride, selenic acid and selenium yeast.

3. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition according to claim 1, wherein The vanadium salt, derivative or complex is selected from one or more of vanadium (II) oxide, vanadium (IV) oxide, vanadium (III) oxide, vanadium selenide, vanadium pentoxide, vanadium oxyoxalate, bismuth vanadium oxide, copper vanadate, vanadium oxysulfate, sodium vanadate, sodium metavanadate, potassium metavanadate, bismuth vanadate, ammonium metavanadate, vanadium oxyacetonate, sodium metavanadate and ammonium metavanadate.

4. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition according to claim 1, wherein The surfactant includes one or more of an emulsifier, a wetting agent, and a dispersant.

5. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition according to claim 4, wherein The anionic dispersant is selected from the group consisting of: lignin sulfonates or alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts and ammonium salts thereof, phenylnaphthalene sulfonates, alkylaryl sulfonates or sodium salts thereof, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, polycarboxylates, sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, sodium naphthalenesulfonate formaldehyde condensate, condensates of arylsulfonic acid and formaldehyde, polyarylsulfonates, a mixture of the sodium salt of naphthalenesulfonic acid urea formaldehyde condensate and the sodium salt of phenolsulfonic acid formaldehyde condensate, tristyrylphenol ethoxylated phosphate or a mixture thereof.

6. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition according to claim 4, wherein The nonionic dispersant is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, fatty acids, ethoxylated fatty acids, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl ethoxylates, EO-PO block copolymers, graft copolymers, addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters, ethoxylated alkylphenols, polyoxyethylene styrylphenyl ethers or mixtures thereof.

7. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition according to claim 1, wherein The composition further comprises an agrochemically acceptable excipient selected from one or more of a filler or carrier or diluent, a disintegrant, a dispersant, a structuring agent, a colorant, an anticaking agent, a binder, a buffer or pH regulator or neutralizer, a viscosity increasing agent, a pigment, a stabilizer, a defoaming agent or a defoaming agent, an anti-settling agent, a penetrant, a preservative, a humectant, a sticker, an antifreeze agent or a freezing point depressant, a chelating agent or a complexing agent or a sequestering agent.

8. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition according to claim 1, wherein The aqueous suspension composition further comprises a structuring agent in the range of 0.01 to 5% w / w of the total composition and is selected from one or more of a thickener, a suspending agent or suspending aid, a viscosity modifier or rheology modifier, a viscosifier and an anti-settling agent.

9. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition of claim 1, comprising: I (a) 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition of elemental sulfur, and selenium in elemental form or a salt, complex, derivative or mixture thereof, wherein, Elemental selenium is present in an amount of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; or I (b) 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition of elemental sulfur, and elemental form or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof vanadium, wherein the content of elemental vanadium is 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; or I(c). 1% to 90% by weight of the total weight of the composition of elemental sulfur, and elemental selenium in elemental form or in its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content is 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition, and elemental vanadium in elemental form or in its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental vanadium content is 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and II. at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, representing 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; and The composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions; and the composition comprises microparticles having a size of 0.1 to 30 microns.

10. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition according to claim 1, wherein The composition has a D50 of less than 5 microns and a D90 of less than 10 microns.

11. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition according to claim 1, wherein The water-dispersible granule composition has a dispersibility of at least 40%.

12. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition according to claim 1, wherein The pourability of the aqueous suspension composition is less than 5% rinse residue.

13. The crop nutrition and strengthening composition according to claim 1, wherein The aqueous suspension composition has a viscosity at 25° C. of 150 cps to 2000 cps.

14. A method for preparing the crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of water-dispersible granules as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The method includes: a. Grinding in water: i. elemental sulfur, wherein the content is 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more micronutrients selected from selenium and vanadium, in elemental form or in the form of a salt, complex or derivative thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium or vanadium is from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and iii. one or more surfactants selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition to obtain a slurry or wet mixture, wherein the particle size of the composition is between 0.1 microns and 30 microns; b. Drying the slurry or wet mixture to obtain granules.

15. A method for preparing the crop nutrition and strengthening composition in the form of an aqueous suspension as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The method includes: a. Grinding in water: i. elemental sulfur, wherein the content is 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more micronutrients selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium or vanadium is from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total weight of the composition; and iii. one or more surfactants selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total weight of the composition to obtain a uniform suspension, wherein the particle size of the composition is between 0.1 microns and 30 microns; b. Add structuring agents and other excipients as needed, and add the remaining amount of water to obtain an aqueous suspension.

16. A method of enhancing nutrient uptake and improving the health or yield of a crop, the method comprising treating at least one of a plant, plant propagation material, a locus or part thereof, a seed, a seedling, or surrounding soil with a composition comprising: i. elemental sulfur, which accounts for 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. at least one micronutrient selected from selenium and vanadium in elemental form, or salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein The elemental selenium or vanadium is present in an amount of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; as well as iii. at least one surfactant selected from nonionic and anionic surfactants, representing 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; The composition is a water-dispersible granule or an aqueous suspension; and the composition comprises microparticles with a size of 0.1 to 30 microns.

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