Crop nutrition and fortification compositions

Abstract

This invention relates to a crop nutrition and fortification composition comprising: elemental sulfur, ranging from 1 wt% to 90 wt%; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental iron content ranges from 0.1 wt% to 50 wt%; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content ranges from 0.1 wt% to 55 wt%; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental magnesium content ranges from 0.5 wt% to 50 wt%; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental boron content ranges from 0.01 wt% to 25 wt%; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental manganese content ranges from 0.1 wt% to 40 wt%; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental copper content ranges from 0.1 wt% to 40 wt%; and one or more surfactants, ranging from 0.1 wt% to 40 wt%. The composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules and liquid suspensions, wherein the particle size range of the composition is 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers and the average particle size distribution is less than 1000 nanometers, and wherein the total content of the water-soluble salts, derivatives, or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% of the total weight of the composition. The invention also relates to methods for preparing the crop nutrient and fortification compositions, and methods for treating plants, seeds, crops, plant propagation materials, their sites or parts, or soil with the crop nutrient and fortification compositions.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a crop nutrient and fortification composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; and one or more surfactants, wherein the elemental sulfur content ranges from 1% to 90% of the total composition weight; the elemental magnesium content ranges from 0.5% to 50% of the total composition weight; the elemental iron content ranges from 0.1% to 50% of the total composition weight; the elemental zinc content ranges from 0.1% to 55% of the total composition weight; the elemental boron content ranges from 0.01% to 25% of the total composition weight; the elemental manganese content ranges from 0.1% to 40% of the total composition weight; and the elemental copper content ranges from 0.1% to 40% of the total composition weight. In particular, the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention is in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions and has a particle size of 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers; wherein the composition has an average particle size distribution of less than 1000 nanometers, and wherein the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% of the total weight of the composition.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a method for preparing the crop nutrition and fortification composition, and a method for treating plants, seeds, crops, plant propagation materials, their sites, parts or soil with the crop nutrition and fortification composition. Background Technology

[0003] In describing embodiments of the invention, specific terms have been chosen for clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the chosen specific terms, and it should be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve a similar purpose.

[0004] Nutrition is a key element for crop growth and development. It is also known that normal plant function and growth require optimal levels of nutrients; any change in nutrient levels can hinder overall crop growth and lead to decreased crop health due to deficiency or toxicity, thus affecting the nutrients essential for human diets. Insufficient or inadequate nutrient supply to plants results in poor plant growth and impaired physiological development, making them more susceptible to pest infestations.

[0005] Observations have shown that crop nutrient management is challenging due to factors such as soil carbonate content, soil salinity, soil moisture, soil alkalinity, low temperature, and the concentration of other elements (i.e., "competitive plant nutrients"). Sometimes, it has been noted that excessive nutrient application can lead to "nutrient antagonism," where an excess of a particular element hinders the plant's absorption of another required element, potentially resulting in nutrient deficiency symptoms.

[0006] Some of the most common antagonistic effects are that iron inhibits the absorption of zinc or manganese (or vice versa), and magnesium inhibits the absorption of calcium (or vice versa). Antagonistic interactions between copper and zinc in plant absorption have been reported. (FM Chaudhry; M. Sharif; A. Latif and RH Qureshi: Zinc-Copper antagonism in the nutrition of rice. Plant and Soil, 38; 573-580 (1973). Zinc application increased zinc content in rice plants but significantly decreased copper content.

[0007] Therefore, developing an agricultural composition that can overcome nutrient antagonism and successfully meet the nutritional needs of plants has always been challenging.

[0008] Furthermore, modern agriculture faces soil degradation due to excessive fertilizer use and over-cultivation, which in turn leads to nutrient deficiencies in crops and harvests, ultimately impacting human nutrition and health. It has been observed that to achieve similar yields today, the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers applied to the soil is more than double what it was 20 or 30 years ago. This long-term use of synthetic NPK fertilizers acidifies the soil and limits the absorption of other essential nutrients.

[0009] Macronutrients play a vital role in plant growth and development. The role of sulfur as an essential and increasingly important nutrient and fertilizer is well-established. Sulfur is typically applied as elemental sulfur or as a component of some fertilizers such as superphosphate, ammonium sulfate, and potassium sulfate. Sulfur deficiency is also caused by the inability of plants to utilize assimilateable forms of sulfur, sulfur loss due to leaching and soil pH, and the insolubility of elemental sulfur in water.

[0010] Magnesium (Mg) is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development, playing a crucial role in photosynthesis, cell division, and protein formation, and is also a vital component of plant respiration. Due to its mobility within the plant, magnesium deficiency symptoms first appear on the lower and older leaves, and then on the younger leaves. Symptoms manifest as yellowing of the leaves, while the veins and leaf margins remain green (i.e., interveinal yellowing). Purple, red, or brown spots may also appear on the leaves. Furthermore, due to its mobility, magnesium is lost from the soil. Because of the ease with which magnesium is leached from the soil and intensive crop production, the magnesium content in the soil is often very low. Absolute magnesium deficiency in the soil significantly reduces the absorption of magnesium by crop roots, leading to yellowing leaves, stunted plant growth, poor fruit quality, and even plant death.

[0011] When applied to soil in high doses as water-soluble salts such as magnesium sulfate, magnesium tends to be leached from the soil and washed away by rainfall. Furthermore, applying high doses of magnesium sulfate significantly increases soil salinity. Therefore, it is desirable to apply macronutrients in forms and amounts that can be readily absorbed and utilized.

[0012] Micronutrients are also important in agriculture, as they help plants alleviate environmental stress, improve the nutritional quality of food, promote crop yield, and enhance crop quality.

[0013] For example, zinc is an important component of many enzymes and proteins; it is responsible for the formation of chlorophyll and certain carbohydrates, the conversion of starch into sugars, and helps plants withstand low temperatures. Zinc is immobile, so zinc deficiency symptoms appear on new leaves, manifesting as various patterns of yellowing (usually interveinal yellowing), necrotic spots may form on leaf margins or tips, leading to smaller leaves that often curl upwards or become deformed. Zinc-deficient plants show a significant reduction in the formation of carbohydrates, proteins, and chlorophyll.

[0014] Iron plays a crucial role in energy transfer, nitrogen reduction, nitrogen fixation, chlorophyll production, and the manufacture of many enzymes and proteins. Once bound to the tissues of the upper part of a plant, iron is relatively immobile, thus restricting its transport from one part of the plant to another, leading to iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is commonly a cause of chlorosis (yellowing) and poor nodulation in legumes, resulting in reduced plant size and yield.

[0015] Boron (B) is a component of plant cell walls and reproductive structures. Boron deficiency symptoms manifest at the growing points of roots or stems, typically including stunting and deformity of the growing point, which may lead to growing point death, leaf brittleness, and yellowing of the lower leaf tips. Boron deficiency affects both vegetative and reproductive growth in plants, resulting in inhibited cell expansion, meristematic tissue death, and reduced fertility.

[0016] Manganese plays a crucial role in photosynthesis and nitrogen metabolism. Delayed maturity and premature leaf drop are consequences of manganese deficiency. In severely affected leaves, brown necrotic spots appear between the veins. Leaf margins may become wrinkled, curled, or wavy, and stem growth may be reduced. Copper is responsible for photosynthesis, grain production, and cell wall strengthening; its deficiency leads to leaf yellowing and stunted growth. Copper deficiency affects young tissues, particularly the active growth points of stems, roots, flowers, and fruits.

[0017] Therefore, proper nutrition is essential for optimizing plant nutrition and metabolism, which in turn helps to improve total crop yield, quality, and a nutritious diet for humans.

[0018] Currently available conventional fertilizers or nutrient compositions exist in forms that are either insoluble or not sufficiently dispersed, thus preventing them from being readily absorbed by plant roots and leading to their deficiency.

[0019] Typically, micronutrient-based compositions exist in the form of bentonite granules or tablets, granules / balls, or granules prepared by melt processing. These granules or tablets often include expansive clays such as bentonite and have several drawbacks. These compositions are relatively large, and the clay swells and disintegrates into large, uneven particles upon contact with water. Such granules or tablets also lead to irregular release of micronutrients, failing to meet the nutritional needs of plants and ultimately resulting in poor field performance.

[0020] Micronutrient compositions comprising soluble and insoluble micronutrients are known in the art. For example, prior art references such as US20170283334A1 disclose micronutrient-based compositions comprising a combination of insoluble micronutrients, soluble micronutrients, polyelectrolytes, and metal complexing agents, thereby having both immediate-release and slow-release components. In such compositions, the polyelectrolytes are physically cross-linked to produce a viscous, gel-like matrix in which solid micronutrients are dispersed. However, such compositions are difficult to dilute in water, tend to form pastes, cannot form stable dispersions, and form lumps, thus making them unsuitable for use. These viscous formulations are not pourable, easily clog nozzles, and pose problems for nutrient delivery to plants or crops. Furthermore, water-soluble fertilizer compositions tend to be leached from the soil upon application, reducing their effectiveness for crops or plants.

[0021] Furthermore, water-disintegrating micronutrient granular compositions for soil application are known in the art, which disintegrate upon contact with water or soil moisture. However, such compositions have a certain degree of stiffness and are designed to disintegrate or break into larger particles to release the active ingredient upon application and throughout the process. Due to their uneven disintegration and particle distribution, these particles often clog nozzles, making them unsuitable for modern irrigation systems such as drip irrigation. Moreover, these particles do not form a uniform suspension, resulting in uneven application to the crop surface and reduced field effectiveness.

[0022] Furthermore, particle size is significant in fertilizer or nutrient compositions. Micronutrient compositions in granular or liquid form are known to contain particles with diameters ranging up to 150 micrometers or larger. Such compositions do not form a stable dispersion when added to water, are not pourable, easily clog nozzles, and cause problems in the effective delivery of nutrients to plants or crops, sometimes resulting in uneven application. Moreover, these compositions have been found to be ineffective in improving plant yield and nutrient uptake.

[0023] Nanoparticle fertilizers are now being used to improve crop productivity and effectively regulate nutrient delivery to plants and targets. Although they do not directly deliver nutrients to crops, they outperform traditional fertilizers in terms of yield and product quality. While it is known that smaller particle size provides a larger surface area available for oxidation, which in turn improves the efficacy of the composition, there are also reports that the release of nanoparticle-based fertilizers into the environment and food chain may pose serious health hazards, such as phytotoxicity, inhibition of plant growth or germination, due to their extremely fine particle size. Phytotoxic effects of nanoparticle-based compositions include reduced root length, reduced stem length, reduced biomass production, and increased damage to genetic material.

[0024] Against this backdrop, the article titled “Developmental and Reproductive Effects of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles in Arabidopsis thaliana” (Sergey Bombin 1, Mitchell LeFebvre 2, Jennifer Sherwood 3, Yaolin Xu 4, Yuping Bao 5, Katrina M Ramonell, Int J Mol Sci. [International Journal of Molecular Sciences] 2015 Oct 13; 16(10):24174-93) was referenced, which mentioned the inhibitory effect of iron nanoparticles on plant development and reproduction. Further reference was made to the article titled "Magnesium Oxide nanoparticle effect on the growth, development, and microRNAs expression of Ananas comosus var. bracteatus" (Mark Owusu Adjei et al., College of Landscape Architecture, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, China, JOURNAL OF PLANT INTERACTIONS 2021), which reported the destructive effects of magnesium-based nanoparticles on plant growth and development. Additionally, the article "Phytotoxicity and bioaccumulation of zinc oxide nanoparticles in rice (Oryza sativa L.)" (Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, 130, by Chen Jing et al.) indicated that zinc oxide nanoparticles, at certain doses, can inhibit the growth of rice seedlings by reducing their biomass and exhibit decreased chlorophyll content.

[0025] Furthermore, an article titled "Phytotoxicity Assessment of Copper Oxide Nanoparticles on the Germination, Early Seedling Growth, and Physiological Responses in Oryzasativa L." (Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Vol. 104, pp. 770-777 (2020)) indicates that high concentrations of copper oxide nanoparticles significantly inhibit seed germination and early seedling growth, and that the toxicity of copper oxide nanoparticles originates from the nanoparticles themselves, rather than from the released Cu²⁺. + .

[0026] Therefore, developing a fertilizer composition with optimized particle size to avoid the toxicity issues observed in conventional nano-fertilizer compositions, while providing a solution that maximizes nutrient uptake and makes it highly effective in field application, and addressing the shortcomings of known compositions in the art.

[0027] Currently, suitable compositions containing macronutrients such as sulfur and magnesium in combination with other micronutrients such as iron, zinc, boron, copper, and manganese are unknown. Therefore, developing a fertilizer composition containing both macronutrients and micronutrients is a challenge, wherein the composition has an appropriate or optimized particle size distribution to avoid the toxicity problems observed in conventional nano-fertilizer compositions, while providing a composition with maximum nutrient uptake and yield-increasing effects, making it highly effective in field application; and simultaneously addressing the shortcomings of compositions known in the art.

[0028] Another objective of this invention is to develop a crop nutrition and fortification composition that eliminates the excessive use of synthetic NPK fertilizers, not only preventing soil degradation and improving soil health and pH, but also increasing yield and product quality while reducing the application rate of the composition, while eliminating the disadvantages of nutrient antagonism exhibited by conventional micronutrient compositions and the phytotoxicity exhibited by conventional nano-fertilizer compositions.

[0029] The inventors unexpectedly discovered that the crop nutrition and fortification composition comprises elemental sulfur, wherein the elemental sulfur content ranges from 1% to 90% by weight; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental magnesium content ranges from 0.5% to 50% by weight; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental iron content ranges from 0.1% to 50% by weight; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental zinc content ranges from 0.1% to 55% by weight; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental boron content ranges from 0.01% to 25% by weight; and one or more water-insoluble... The composition comprises a soluble or water-soluble manganese salt or its derivative or mixture thereof, wherein the elemental manganese content ranges from 0.1 wt% to 40 wt%; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or their derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental copper content ranges from 0.1 wt% to 40 wt%; and one or more excipients, ranging from 0.1 wt% to 60% of the total composition weight, wherein the composition has a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 μm and an average particle size distribution of less than 1000 nm, and wherein the total content of the water-soluble salts or their derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% of the total composition weight, the composition exhibiting significantly enhanced field effects at reduced application doses without causing the phytotoxicity typically observed in nanoscale fertilizer compositions.

[0030] It was further observed that the crop nutrient composition of the present invention can prevent nutrient leaching and maximize its availability for crop absorption, thereby increasing total yield.

[0031] It has also been observed that the compositions of the present invention contain a specific proportion of multiple nutrients, which, when formulated with a selected particle size distribution, enable the compositions to address the challenges of nutrient antagonism in the soil, such as antagonism between zinc and iron, iron and manganese, or zinc and copper. This results in a more balanced absorption of all nutrients, leading to healthier plants or crops and higher nutrient yields.

[0032] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have determined that the crop nutrient and fortification compositions of this invention, in the form of water-dispersible granules, liquid suspensions, or wettable powders, help increase plant yield, improve soil health, promote the absorption of all nutrients by crops or plants, reduce leaf yellowing, and improve plant physiological parameters such as increased rooting, improved leaf surface, disease resistance, and increased crop greenness, providing nutrient-rich and fortified crops. As a composition with high nutrient utilization efficiency, this composition provides a multi-nutrient solution and improves crop absorption through a single application, meeting the needs of the crop.

[0033] The compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions also exhibit excellent physical properties, such as suspension rate, dispersibility, flowability and wettability, thereby demonstrating superior field performance even at reduced application doses compared to the application of the active ingredient or commercially available products alone. Summary of the Invention

[0034] This invention relates to a crop nutrient and fortification composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur, wherein the elemental sulfur content ranges from 1% to 90% of the total composition weight; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental magnesium content ranges from 0.5% to 50% of the total composition weight; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental iron content ranges from 0.1% to 50% of the total composition weight; and one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental zinc content ranges from [missing information - likely a percentage] of the total composition weight. The composition comprises 0.1% to 55% by weight; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental boron content ranges from 0.01% to 25% by weight of the total composition; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental manganese content ranges from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental copper content ranges from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; and one or more excipients, ranging from 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition.

[0035] Specifically, the crop nutrition and fortification composition comprises particles with a particle size range of 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers, wherein the average particle size range of the particles is less than 1000 nanometers, and wherein the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% of the total weight of the composition.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a solid, liquid, gel, or paste. According to one embodiment, the composition is in the form of a water-dispersible granule, a liquid suspension composition, or a wettable powder composition.

[0037] The crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention has been observed to promote balanced absorption of all nutrients by crops or plants, while overcoming the drawbacks of nutrient antagonism exhibited by conventional multinutrient compositions. The composition also overcomes the phytotoxicity observed in conventional nano-based fertilizer compositions and provides a more balanced absorption of all nutrients, resulting in healthier plants or crops and higher nutrient yields.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for preparing the crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules, liquid suspension compositions, or wettable powders.

[0039] According to yet another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method of treating plants, seeds, crops, plant propagation materials, their sites, parts or soil with the crop nutrient and fortification composition.

[0040] The composition of this invention plays a crucial role in regulating soil pH, thereby promoting plant absorption of nutrients that have been fixed in the soil due to various factors, primarily soil degradation caused by excessive use of synthetic fertilizers.

[0041] Further surprising observations revealed that the use of this composition resulted in healthier plants, higher nutrient yields, and improved soil health in all types of soil. This composition is highly efficient in nutrient utilization, while simultaneously meeting crop needs by providing a multi-nutrient solution and improving crop uptake. Detailed Implementation

[0042] In describing embodiments of the invention, specific terms have been chosen for clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the chosen specific terms, and it should be understood that these specific terms include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar purposes. It should be understood that any numerical ranges described herein are intended to include all subranges covered. Furthermore, unless otherwise stated, percentages of components in the composition are expressed as weight percentages.

[0043] As used herein and in the appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "a" or "the" has the meaning of plural reference. Furthermore, as used herein, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, "in" has the meaning of both "in" and "on".

[0044] The grouping of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein should not be construed as limiting. Each member of a group may be individually mentioned and claimed, or arbitrarily combined with other members of groups or other elements herein. For convenience and / or patentability reasons, one or more members of a group may be included in or removed from the group.

[0045] As used herein, the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” etc., should be understood as open-ended, meaning including but not limited to. The terms “preferred” and “ideally” refer to embodiments of the invention that may provide certain benefits in certain circumstances.

[0046] In any aspect or embodiment described below, the phrase “comprising” may be replaced by the phrases “composed of”, “substantially composed of”, or “mainly composed of”. In these aspects or embodiments, the composition comprises or contains or is composed of or substantially composed of or mainly composed of the components specifically described herein, excluding other ingredients or excipients not specifically described herein.

[0047] Throughout this specification, references to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Therefore, the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in one embodiment" appearing in various places throughout this specification do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner.

[0048] In some embodiments, numerical values ​​used to describe and claim certain embodiments, such as the quantity of ingredients, properties, and concentrations, should be understood to be modified by the term "about" in some cases. Therefore, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written description are approximate values ​​that may vary depending on the desired properties expected to be obtained in a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, numerical parameters should be interpreted taking into account the number of significant figures reported and by applying common rounding techniques. Although the wide range of numerical ranges and parameters described in some embodiments of the invention are approximate values, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible.

[0049] The descriptions of numerical ranges in this document are intended only as a simplified way of referring to each individual value falling within that range. Unless otherwise stated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were described separately herein.

[0050] All methods described herein may be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise stated herein or the context clearly contradicts it. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein with respect to certain embodiments is intended only to better illustrate the invention and does not constitute a limitation on the scope of the otherwise claimed invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating that any unclaimed element is necessary for the practice of the invention.

[0051] Granules mainly involve solid particles. Specifically, granules refer to water-dispersible granules, broadcast granules, and extruded granules.

[0052] As described herein, "WG" or "WDG" refers to water-dispersible granules and is defined as a formulation that rapidly disperses or dissolves upon addition to water to produce a fine-particle suspension. Water-dispersible granules are formulated into small, easily measurable granules by blending and agglomerating a milled active ingredient with surfactants and other formulation excipients, which disperse into finer / primary particles upon addition to water. These water-dispersible granules are obtained by spray drying or extrusion methods.

[0053] As defined herein, the term "liquid suspension" is a composition in which solid particles are dispersed or suspended in water. The terms "suspension agent," "liquid suspension," "liquid aqueous dispersion," or "SC composition" are used interchangeably.

[0054] Water-disintegrating granules, or "GR," refer to granular compositions containing agglomerated particles or granules that are typically hard and resistant to breakage or fragmentation. These particles disintegrate or break into individual granules upon contact with sufficient water or soil moisture, thereby releasing the active ingredient over an extended period of time.

[0055] The term "elemental sulfur" as used in this composition refers to elemental sulfur (S°). This term includes allotropes of elemental sulfur, such as plastic (amorphous) sulfur, monoclinic sulfur, orthogonal sulfur composed of S8 molecules, and other cyclic molecules such as S7 and S12. The term also includes sulfur produced through the processing and refining of petrochemicals. The term also includes "bio-sulfur." ​​The term also includes elemental sulfur produced through microbial processes.

[0056] As used in this application, the term "derivative" shall include minerals and ores containing magnesium, zinc, iron, boron, manganese, and copper. The term "derivative" shall also include plant-assimilated forms of magnesium, zinc, iron, boron, manganese, and copper that can be obtained therefrom.

[0057] The term "plant" refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, culms, leaves, and fruits. The term "plant" includes both genetically modified and non-genetically modified plants. The terms "plant" and "crop" are used interchangeably in this invention, and when the term "plant" is used, it should also refer to plants of similar nature, i.e., crops, trees, shrubs, herbaceous plants, etc.

[0058] As used herein, the term “site” for plants is intended to include the site where plants grow, the site where plant propagation material is sown, or the site where plant propagation material is placed in the soil.

[0059] The term "plant propagation material" refers to the sexually propagated parts of a plant, such as seeds; and asexually propagated materials, such as cuttings or tubers, roots, fruits, rhizomes, bulbs, and parts of the plant, germinating plants, and seedlings that will be transplanted after germination or emergence. These seedlings may be protected by complete or partial immersion treatment before transplanting.

[0060] Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is defined as a measure of how well plants utilize available mineral nutrients. Improving NUE is a necessary prerequisite for extending crop production to marginal lands with low nutrient availability and is also a way to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers.

[0061] The particle size of the composition is defined as the size of the composition particles in the form of water-dispersible granules (WG) or aqueous suspensions (SC), wherein the composition as a whole comprises sulfur, magnesium salts, zinc salts, iron salts, boron salts, manganese salts, and copper salts, as well as excipients.

[0062] D50 is the particle size at which the cumulative percentage reaches 50%. D50 is also called the median particle size or median particle size, representing the average 50% of the total particles that are smaller than the defined size.

[0063] D90 is used to indicate particle size distribution, representing that on average 90% of the total particles are smaller than a defined size. D90 is also the particle size at which the cumulative percentage is achieved.

[0064] "Fast release," "instant release," or "instant dispersion" are used interchangeably and are applicable to granules that are rapidly dispersed and dissolved to release nutrients.

[0065] A mixture is defined as a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically bonded together. A homogeneous mixture is defined as a mixture in which the composition is uniform throughout. It is a type of mixture in which the composition remains constant throughout the process, or the components constituting the mixture are uniformly distributed.

[0066] This invention relates to a crop nutrient or fortification composition, wherein the composition comprises: a. elemental sulfur, ranging from 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; b. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental iron content ranges from 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; c. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content ranges from 0.1% to 55% by weight of the total composition; d. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental magnesium content ranges from 0.5% to 50% by weight of the total composition; e. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental boron content ranges from 0.01% to 25% by weight of the total composition; f. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental manganese content ranges from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; g. The composition comprises: h. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or their derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental copper content ranges from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; and h. one or more excipients, ranging from 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition, wherein the total content of the water-soluble salts or their derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by weight of the total composition. The crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the form of a homogeneous mixture.

[0067] More specifically, the crop nutrient and fortification composition comprises particles with a particle size ranging from 100 nm to 5 micrometers, an average particle size distribution of less than 1000 nanometers, and exhibits improved physical properties in terms of dispersibility, suspension rate, viscosity, spontaneous dispersibility, and dumpability. This composition demonstrates excellent field performance even at reduced application rates. Furthermore, it has been observed that this composition prevents the leaching of these nutrients and maximizes their availability for crop uptake, thereby increasing overall yield.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 70% of the total weight of the composition.

[0069] According to another embodiment, the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 60% of the total weight of the composition.

[0070] According to another embodiment, the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 50% of the total weight of the composition.

[0071] The crop nutrient and fortification composition comprises a water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 0.1% to 55% w / w of the total composition. A water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present in the composition ranging from 0.1% to 65% w / w of the total composition; a water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present ranging from 1% to 80% w / w of the total composition; and a water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present ranging from 0.1% to 80% w / w of the total composition. The composition comprises a water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 0.1% to 45% w / w of the total composition, and a water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present ranging from 0.1% to 45% w / w of the total composition.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in solid, liquid, or gel form. The solid composition is one of the following forms: water-dispersible granules, broadcast granules, extruded granules, and wettable powders. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in water-dispersible granule form.

[0073] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the form of a liquid suspension.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions comprise particles with a particle size range of 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers, and the average particle size distribution of these compositions is less than 1000 nanometers. Due to their excellent physical properties, the compositions of the present invention can be used directly in micro-irrigation or drip irrigation systems.

[0075] According to another embodiment, the size range of the water-dispersible granules is 0.05 mm to 4 mm. According to another embodiment, the size range of the water-dispersible granules is 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to another embodiment, the size range of the water-dispersible granules is 0.05 mm to 2 mm. According to another embodiment, the size range of the water-dispersible granules is 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0076] Surprisingly, the composition of the present invention prevents the leaching of the nutrients contained therein and maximizes the availability of nutrients for crop absorption, thereby increasing total yield. It has been observed that this composition not only effectively overcomes the antagonistic effects between nutrients in the composition, but also overcomes the shortcomings exhibited by known nano-fertilizer compositions.

[0077] This composition was also found to play a crucial role in regulating soil pH and promoting plant uptake of other nutrients fixed in the soil due to various factors, primarily soil degradation caused by excessive use of synthetic fertilizers. As a highly efficient nutrient utilization composition, this composition provides a multi-nutrient solution through a single application and improves crop uptake, meeting crop needs.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granule form comprises: a. Elemental sulfur, ranging from 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; b. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental iron content ranges from 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; c. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental zinc content ranges from 0.1% to 55% by weight of the total composition; d. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental magnesium content ranges from 0.5% to 50% by weight of the total composition; e. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental boron content ranges from 0.01% to 25% by weight of the total composition; f. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental manganese content ranges from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; g. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental copper content ranges from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; and, h. One or more excipients, ranging from 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition. The particle size range of the composition is 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers, and the average particle size distribution of the composition is less than 1000 nanometers, and the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% of the total weight of the composition.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the water-dispersible granule composition does not exceed 70% of the total weight of the composition.

[0080] According to another embodiment, the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the water-dispersible granule composition does not exceed 60% of the total weight of the composition.

[0081] According to another embodiment, the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the water-dispersible granule composition does not exceed 50% of the total weight of the composition.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granule form comprises a water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 0.1% to 55% w / w of the total composition; a water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salt or its derivatives or mixtures present in the composition ranging from 0.1% to 65% w / w of the total composition; a water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 1% to 80% w / w of the total composition; a water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 0.1% to 80% w / w of the total composition; a water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 0.1% to 45% w / w of the total composition; and a water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 0.1% to 45% w / w of the total composition.

[0083] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental sulfur is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 10% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental sulfur is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental sulfur is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 20% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition.

[0084] According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental iron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental iron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental iron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental iron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0085] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental zinc is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 45% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental zinc is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 35% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental zinc is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to yet another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental zinc is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0086] According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental magnesium is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.5% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental magnesium is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.5% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental magnesium is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.5% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental magnesium is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0087] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental boron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental boron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.01% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition. According to yet another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental boron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.01% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0088] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental manganese is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental manganese is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental manganese is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0089] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental copper is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental copper is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental copper is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form comprises: a. Elemental sulfur, ranging from 1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; b. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental iron content ranges from 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition; c. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental zinc content ranges from 0.1% to 35% by weight of the total composition; d. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental magnesium content ranges from 0.5% to 30% by weight of the total composition; e. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental boron content ranges from 0.01% to 15% by weight of the total composition; f. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental manganese content ranges from 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition; g. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental copper content ranges from 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and, h. One or more excipients, ranging from 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition. The particle size of the composition is 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers, and the average particle size distribution of the composition is less than 1000 nanometers, and the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 50% of the total weight of the composition.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the liquid suspension composition does not exceed 40% of the total weight of the composition.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 30% of the total weight of the composition.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form comprises a water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition; a water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salt or its derivatives or mixtures present in the composition ranging from 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition; a water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 1% to 50% w / w of the total composition; a water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 0.1% to 50% w / w of the total composition; a water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition; and a water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salt or its derivatives or mixtures, ranging from 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0094] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental sulfur is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental sulfur is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0095] According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental iron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental iron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental iron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0096] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in liquid suspension form, elemental zinc is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in liquid suspension form, elemental zinc is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition. According to yet another embodiment, when the composition is in liquid suspension form, elemental zinc is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0097] According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental magnesium is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.5% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental magnesium is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.5% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0098] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental boron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.01% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental boron is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.01% w / w to 5% w / w of the total composition.

[0099] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental manganese is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental manganese is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0100] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental copper is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental copper is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0101] According to another embodiment, water-insoluble magnesium salts include, but are not limited to, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide (magnesium emulsion), magnesium molybdate, magnesium phosphate, calcium magnesium phosphate, trimagnesium phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, calcium magnesium silicate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, magnesium humate, magnesium fulvic acid; magnesium oxalate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium sulfide, or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-insoluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the water-insoluble magnesium derivative in the composition comprises minerals or ores. The ores include, but are not limited to, magnesium-containing water-insoluble ores, but include, but are not limited to, periclase; brucite; fluorite; magnesia; pertsevite; pertsevite; sulphite; magnesite; borosilicate; kieserite; dolomite; hydrated dolomite; and struvite. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other magnesium minerals may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0103] According to another embodiment, the water-soluble magnesium salt includes magnesium sulfate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium glycine, magnesium lactate, magnesium aspartate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium lignosulfonate, magnesium acetate, and magnesium citrate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other magnesium salts or derivatives thereof may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises a water-insoluble magnesium salt.

[0105] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present in the range of 1% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present in the range of 1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present in the range of 1% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present in the range of 1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition.

[0106] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salt or its derivative or mixture is present in the range of 1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salt or its derivative or mixture is present in the range of 1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salt or its derivative or mixture is present in the range of 1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0107] According to another embodiment, water-insoluble iron salts include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: iron oxide, iron hydroxide, iron phosphate, iron fumarate, iron succinate, iron sulfide, iron tartrate, iron sucrose, iron carbonyl, iron silicate, iron carbonate; iron oxalate(II) (anhydrous), iron oxalate(II) (dihydrate), or derivatives or mixtures thereof. Iron oxides include, but are not limited to, ferrous oxide (FeO) or ferric oxide, iron(II) oxide (Fe2O3) or red iron oxide, and iron(II) oxide (Fe3O4) or black iron oxide. Iron hydroxides include, but are not limited to, iron hydroxide, yellow iron oxide (FeOOH), iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3), iron(III) hydroxide, iron(II) hydroxide, and limonite. Iron phosphates include, but are not limited to, iron(II) phosphate or ferrous phosphate, iron phosphate, iron phosphate dihydrate, iron phosphate hydrate, ferric glycerol phosphate, ferrous pyrophosphate, and iron pyrophosphate. Iron fumarate includes, but is not limited to, ferrous fumarate and iron fumarate. Ferric succinate includes, but is not limited to, ferrous succinate and ferric (II) succinate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-insoluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0108] According to another embodiment, the water-insoluble iron derivative in the composition comprises minerals or ores. The ores include, but are not limited to, iron-bearing water-insoluble ores, but are not limited to, roaldite, hematite, magnetite, hematite, goethite, limonite, siderite, pyrite or marcasite, Bernalite, and greenalite. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other iron minerals may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0109] According to another embodiment, the water-soluble iron salt includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: ferric sulfate, ferric citrate, ferric silicate, ferric ascorbate, ferric sucrose; ferric gluconate, ferric lignin sulfonate, ferric dextran, and iron chelates. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other iron salts, their derivatives, or mixtures may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises a water-insoluble iron salt.

[0111] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 45% of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 35% of the total composition weight.

[0112] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% of the total composition weight. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% of the total composition weight.

[0113] According to another embodiment, water-insoluble zinc salts include zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc chromate, zinc nitride, zinc carbonate, zinc sulfide, zinc molybdate, zinc hyponitrotriacetate (NTA), zinc phosphate, zinc phosphide, zinc borate, zinc silicate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc humate, zinc selenide, zinc telluride, zinc fulvate, zinc citrate, zinc oxalate, zinc monomethionine, zinc carnosine, and zinc aspartate, or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other zinc salts may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0114] According to another embodiment, the water-soluble zinc salt comprises one or more of the following: zinc sulfate, zinc sulfate monohydrate, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, zinc chelates, zinc oxysulfate, zinc chloride, eugenol chelate zinc, zinc glycinate, zinc lignin sulfonate, zinc carbohydrates, zinc sucrose, zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc polyflavones, zinc gluconate, and zinc phenolate, or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other zinc salts may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0115] According to another embodiment, the zinc derivative of the water-insoluble zinc in the composition comprises minerals or ores. The ores include, but are not limited to, zinc-containing water-insoluble ores, such as dambalite, Ashoverite, periclase, sphalerite, wurtzite, zeolite, Brianyoungite, hemimorphite, smithsonite, Bechererite, copper-zinc ore, zinc phosphate, Hodgkinsonite, Fraipontite, Junitoite, clinoptilolite, Christelite, Gunningite, Cianciulliite, Ecandrewsite, Baileychlore, Boyleite, and white zinc alum; however, those skilled in the art will understand that other zinc minerals may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the composition of the present invention comprises a water-insoluble zinc salt.

[0117] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 55% of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 45% of the total composition weight.

[0118] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% of the total composition weight. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% of the total composition weight.

[0119] According to another embodiment, the boron salt exists in a water-soluble or water-insoluble form. According to one embodiment, the water-insoluble boron salt includes aluminum borate; boron phosphate; boron oxide or boron trioxide; elemental boron; boron nitride; boron nitrite; boron carbide; magnesium diboride; aluminum dodecylboride, or derivatives or mixtures thereof.

[0120] According to one embodiment, water-soluble boron salts include boric acid (or orthoboric acid or boracic acid or acidum boricum); boron oxide; borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate; sodium borosilicate; sodium tetraborate decahydrate or disodium tetraborate; disodium tetraborate octahydrate; potassium tetraborate; boron trichloride or boron(III) chloride or trichloroborane; boron triiodide or triiodoborane; sodium tetraborate decahydrate; boron trioxide or boric anhydride; calcium borate or gertsley borate; zinc borate; magnesium borate or boromagnesite; boron trioxide; sodium perborate; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate or sodium borooxide or sodium octaborate or polyboron; borax pentahydrate or Bor48 or 5 Mol Borax; boron oxide, including boron suboxide or boron monoxide; boron hydroxide, sodium borate, boron trifluoride, boron tribromide; boron triiodide; boric anhydride; disodium octaborate, sodium borohydride, or sodium tetrahydroborate or sodium borohydride; calcium borogluconate; sodium borohydride; sodium cyanoborohydride; sodium pentaborate; ammonium pentaborate, sodium triacetoxyborohydride, or sodium triacetoxyborohydride (sodium triacetoxyborohydride or sodium triacetoxyhydroborate); sodium triethylborohydride; magnesium diborate; calcium aluminum triborate; or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other boron salts may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0121] According to another embodiment, the boron derivative included in the composition comprises minerals or ores. The ores include, but are not limited to, boron-containing water-insoluble minerals such as boromagnesite, borax, boraxite, boromagnesite, borosilicate, suirnite, dalbotanite, manganese boraxite, hydrobromoboraxite, Admontite, borosilicate, natural boric acid, borosilicate, borosilicate, orthorhombic hydroboraxite, and aboranite. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other boron minerals may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0122] According to one embodiment, preferred boron salts include one or more of the following: boron phosphate, magnesium borate; zinc borate; boron oxide or boron trioxide; boric acid, borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate or sodium tetraborate decahydrate, sodium tetraborate pentahydrate; calcium borate; sodium borosilicate; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate; or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-insoluble boron salts may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0123] According to one embodiment, boron in the composition exists in the form of elemental boron.

[0124] According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present in the range of 0.1% to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present in the range of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present in the range of 0.1% to 50% w / w of the total composition.

[0125] According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salt or its derivative or mixture is present in the range of 0.1%-40% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salt or its derivative or mixture is present in the range of 0.1%-30% w / w of the total composition.

[0126] According to another embodiment, the water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts are present in either a water-soluble or water-insoluble form. Water-insoluble copper salts include copper oxalate, copper carboxylate salts (e.g., citric acid, succinic acid, tartaric acid), copper oxide, copper hydroxide, copper molybdate, copper phosphate, copper oxides, cuprous oxide, copper chromite, copper oxide (I), copper octoate, copper oxychloride, copper-lime mixtures, copper linoleate, copper carbonate; copper humate; copper fulvic acid, copper selenide (I), copper selenide (II), copper arsenate (II), and copper oleate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other copper salts may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0127] Water-soluble copper salts include copper sulfide, copper sulfide, copper selenide, copper sulfate, basic copper carbonate, basic copper carbonate monohydrate, copper oxysulfate, cuprous chloride, tribasic copper sulfate, Bordeaux mixture, and copper sulfate pentahydrate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other copper salts can be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0128] According to another embodiment, the copper derivative included in the composition comprises a mineral or ore. The ore includes, but is not limited to, copper-containing water-insoluble minerals, such as cuprite, chalcocite, chalcocite, covellite, bornite, malachite, azurite, namuwite, and kësterite. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other copper minerals may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0129] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 35% of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 25% of the total composition weight.

[0130] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, a water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 15% of the total composition weight.

[0131] According to another embodiment, the manganese salt exists in either a water-soluble or water-insoluble form. Water-insoluble manganese salts include manganese oxide, trimanganese tetraoxide; manganese tetroxide, or manganese hydroxide, manganese phosphate, manganese phosphate heptahydrate, manganese carbonyl, manganese dioxide, manganese diselenide, manganese tetroxide, manganese carbonate, manganese molybdate, manganese selenide, manganese telluride, manganese titanate, manganese nitride, manganese oxalate, manganese borate, manganese sulfide, manganese trioxide, or derivatives or mixtures thereof. Manganese oxides include manganese(II) oxide, MnO (ferrite grade); manganese(II,III) oxide, Mn3O4; manganese(III) oxide, Mn2O3; manganese dioxide, (manganese(IV)) oxide, MnO2; manganese(VI) oxide, MnO3; and manganese(VII) oxide, Mn2O7. Manganese hydroxides include manganese dihydrogen hydrate and manganese hydroxide. Manganese phosphate includes manganese(II) phosphate, manganese diphosphate, and manganese tribasic phosphate; manganese dioxide includes manganese(IV) oxide, manganese peroxide, manganese black, battery-grade manganese dioxide, pyrolusite, and manganese superoxide. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other manganese salts can be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0132] Water-soluble manganese salts include manganese acetate, manganese diacetate, manganese gluconate, manganese succinate, manganese fumarate, and manganese chlorides including manganese dichloride, manganese trioxide, manganese sulfate, manganese sulfate monohydrate, manganese chelates, manganese citrate, manganese bicarbonate, manganese zinc ferrite, and sodium manganate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other manganese salts can be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0133] According to another embodiment, the manganese derivative included in the composition comprises minerals or ores. The ores include, but are not limited to, manganese-containing water-insoluble ores, such as rhodochrosite, pyrolusite, schreibersite, rhodochrosite, rhodochrosite, hetaerolite, hausmannite, zeylanite, and calcareous manganese ore. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other manganese minerals may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0134] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a manganese salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 35% of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a manganese salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 25% of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, a manganese salt or its derivative or mixture is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% of the total composition weight.

[0135] According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, the manganese salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, the manganese salt or its derivatives or mixtures are present in an amount of 0.1% to 15% of the total composition weight.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition comprises one or more excipients selected from one or more of the following: surfactants, emulsifiers, wetting agents and dispersants, fillers or carriers or diluents, spreading agents, colorants, anti-caking agents, binders, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizers, pigments, stabilizers, defoamers or antifoaming agents, penetrants, structuring agents, humectants, adhesives, antifreeze or freezing point depressants, chelating agents or complexing agents or masking agents, preservatives or fungicides or antifungals or biocides or antimicrobials or antioxidants.

[0137] According to another embodiment, the excipients used in the crop nutrient composition include one or more of the following: emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersants. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipients are present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 60% of the total composition by weight.

[0138] According to another embodiment, the excipients used in the crop nutrient composition include one or more of the following: emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersants. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipients are present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 50% of the total composition by weight.

[0139] According to another embodiment, the excipients used in the crop nutrient composition include one or more of the following: emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersants. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipients are present in an amount ranging from 0.01% to 40% of the total composition by weight.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the excipient used in the composition includes one or more of the following: anionic, nonionic, and polymeric surfactants.

[0141] Anionic surfactants include, 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 ether disulfonates, polystyrene sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl aryl phosphates, styryl aryl phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, sodium α-olefin sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonic acid or its salts, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sulfosuccinate, polyacrylate, alkyl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl phosphates, sulfosuccinate monoesters and other diesters, phosphates, and alkyl naphthalene sulfonates. Isopropyl and butyl derivatives, alkyl aryl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene aryl ether phosphate salts, monoalkyl sulfosuccinates, aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonates, ammonium lauryl sulfate, soaps, soap substitutes, sodium alkyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium lauryl ether sulfate, sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, alkyl carboxylates, sodium stearate, α-olefin sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate fatty acid salts, naphthalene sulfonate condensate-sodium salts, fatty alcohol sulfates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate-sodium salts, salts of naphthalene sulfonic acid and formaldehyde condensates or alkyl naphthalene sulfonic acid and formaldehyde condensates, or their salts or derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different anionic surfactants can be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0142] Nonionic surfactants or polymeric surfactants include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: polyol esters, polyol fatty acid esters, ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, EO and PO block copolymers, diblock and triblock copolymers; polysorbates, alkyl polysaccharides, polyethylene glycol, sorbitol derivatives, sorbitol fatty acid esters (Span) and their ethoxylated derivatives (Tween), cocoamide monoethanolamine (MEA), decyl, narrow-distribution ethoxylates, oleyl alcohol, PEG-10, polysorbates, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, and sorbitol... Sugar alcohols, sorbitol monolaurate, sorbitol monostearate, sorbitol tristearate, stearyl alcohol, castor oil ethoxylates, polyethylene glycol ethers, ethylene oxide and propylene oxide polyadducts, polyoxyethylene sorbitol, fatty acid polyglycerol esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene styrene aryl ethers, polyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, alcohol ethoxylates - C6 to C16 / 18 alcohols, linear and branched, alcohol alkoxylates - various hydrophobic compounds and EO / PO content and ratios, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, and their salts or derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different nonionic or polymeric surfactants can be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount from 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount from 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the dispersant used in the crop nutrient composition includes, but is not limited to, a nonionic dispersant selected from one or more of the following: polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, ethoxylated fatty acid, fatty alcohol ethoxylate, alkyl ethoxylate, EO-PO block and graft copolymer; however, those skilled in the art will understand that different nonionic dispersants may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0145] Anionic dispersants include one or more of the following: tristyrylphenol ethoxylate phosphate, lignin sulfonate, phenylnaphthalene sulfonate, alkali metals, alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, mixtures of sodium salts of naphthalene sulfonate urea formaldehyde condensate and sodium salts of phenol sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, polycarboxylates, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate, sodium sulfonate naphthalene, sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, aryl sulfonic acid and formaldehyde condensation products, polyaryl sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonate, and sulfate lignin. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different anionic dispersants can be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the wetting agent for crop nutrient compositions includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: phenol naphthalene sulfonate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium naphthalene sulfonate salt, dibutylnaphthalene sulfonic acid, alkyl aryl sulfonate, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohol, alkane sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonate, alkyl ether phosphate, alkyl ether sulfate, and alkyl sulfosuccinate monoester, salts, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different wetting agents may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1%-30% w / w of the total composition.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the carrier used in the crop nutrient composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of solid carriers, fillers, or diluents. According to another embodiment, the carrier includes mineral carriers, plant carriers, synthetic carriers, and water-soluble carriers. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different carriers can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0150] Solid carriers include natural minerals such as clay (e.g., porcelain clay, acid clay, kaolinite such as kaolinite, dickite, pearl clay), synthetic diatomaceous earth and diatomite, mica (e.g., pyrophyllite, talc), silica (e.g., cristobalite and quartz), attapulgite and sepiolite, vermiculite, lithium saponite, pumice, bauxite, hydrated alumina, perlite, sodium bicarbonate, limestone, natural and synthetic silicates, silica, surface-modified silica, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, loess, mirabilite, silica, quicklime, synthetic silica, starch, modified starch, cellulose, plant carriers such as cellulose, rice husks, wheat flour, wood flour, starch, rice bran, wheat bran and soybean flour, sodium caseinate, sucrose, mirabilite, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate or their derivatives or mixtures.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount from 0.1% w / w to 50% w / w of the composition by weight. According to another embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount from 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the composition by weight.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the defoaming agent or antifoaming agent used in crop nutrient compositions includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: silica, siloxanes, polydimethylsiloxane, alkyl polyacrylates, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymers, silicone oils, and magnesium stearate or derivatives thereof. Preferred defoaming agents include siloxane emulsions, long-chain alcohols, fatty acids, and fluorinated organic compounds. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different defoaming agents can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the defoamer is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the pH adjuster, buffer, or neutralizer used in the composition comprises organic or inorganic acids and bases, and mixtures thereof. According to another embodiment, the pH adjuster, buffer, or neutralizer includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: organic acids, inorganic acids, and alkali metal compounds or salts, and derivatives thereof. According to one embodiment, the organic acids include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: citric acid, malic acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid, or their salts, derivatives, and mono-, di-, or tri-basic salts of these acids or their derivatives. According to one embodiment, the inorganic acid salts include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: alkali metal salts such as sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc. Mixtures may also be used to prepare the pH adjuster, buffer, or neutralizer. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different pH adjusters may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the pH adjuster or buffer is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the anti-caking agent for crop nutrient compositions includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: polysaccharides (e.g., starch, alginate, mannose, galactose); polyvinylpyrrolidone, fumed silica (white carbon black), ester gum, petroleum resin, Foammaster® Soap L sodium stearate, Brij® 700 polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether, sodium acetate, sodium metasilicate, sodium alkyl sulfosuccinate, sodium carbonate or sodium bicarbonate, salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different anti-caking agents may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0157] According to one embodiment, the anti-caking agent is present in an amount of 0.1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0158] According to one embodiment, the spreading agent used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: copolymers of maleic acid and styrene compounds, (meth)acrylic acid copolymers, fatty alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed oil or inorganic oils, petroleum fractions, trisiloxanes and modified trisiloxanes or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different spreading agents may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0159] According to one embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0160] 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, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gums such as xanthan gum, vegetable oils such as cottonseed oil or inorganic oils, petroleum fractions, modified trisiloxanes, polyethylene glycol, synthetic resin emulsions or their salts or derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different adhesives may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the adhesive is present in an amount from 0.01% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the structural agent used in crop nutrient compositions includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: thickeners, viscosity modifiers, viscous agents, suspending agents, rheology modifiers, or anti-settling agents. The structural agent prevents the active ingredient particles from settling after long-term storage.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the structural agents used in the composition include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: polyacrylic acids, polysaccharides, cellulose derivatives, cellulose derivative copolymers, polyvinyl alcohol and its derivatives; clays such as kaolin, montmorillonite, attapulgite, and natural gums such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gelatin, dextrin, fumed silica, mixtures of fumed silica and fumed alumina, swellable polymers, polyethylene glycol, stachyose, cellulose such as hemicellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl propyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and plant starches such as corn starch and potato starch. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different structural agents may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0164] Preferred structural agents include one or more of the following: xanthan gum, aluminum silicate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, polysaccharides, alkaline earth metal silicates, clay, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the structural agent is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the structural agent is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 10% w / w of the composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the structural agent is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 5% w / w of the composition by weight.

[0166] 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 (e.g., ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin), monohydric alcohols or polyols, glycol ethers, glycerin; however, those skilled in the art will understand that different antifreeze agents may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze or freezing point depressant is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the chelating agent, complexing agent, or masking agent 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, hyponitrotriacetic acid (NTA), N,N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, N-hydroxyethyl-N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and N,N,N',N",N"-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; α-hydroxy acids, such as citric acid, tartaric acid, and glucose. Sugars and acids; orthophosphates, disodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate; condensed phosphates, such as sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and sodium tetrapolyphosphate; ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), ethylenediaminediacetic acid (EDDA), ethylenediaminedi(o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) (EDDHA), cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CDTA), humic acid, lignite, nucleic acids, cyclodextrin, humic acid, and pyrophosphates. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different chelating agents can be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the chelating agent is present in an amount from 0.01% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the penetrant used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: alcohols, glycols, glycol ethers, esters, amines, alkanolamines, amine oxides, quaternary ammonium compounds, triglycerides, fatty acid esters, fatty acid ethers, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide or dimethyl sulfoxide, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane dioleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane trioleate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan hexaoleate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different penetrants may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the penetrant is present in an amount from 0.01% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0172] According to one embodiment, the humectant is selected from, but not limited to, one or more of polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene copolymers, particularly block copolymers. Other humectants are propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, hexanediol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, glycerin, etc.; polyol compounds such as propylene glycol ethers and their derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different humectants can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0173] According to one embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition.

[0174] According to one embodiment, the stabilizer used in the agricultural composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: peroxide compounds such as hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides, zeolites, antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, phosphoric acid compounds, EDTA, sodium sulfite, citric acid, citrates, etc. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known stabilizers can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the stabilizer is present in the range of 1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0176] According to one embodiment, the preservative is selected from one or more of the following: formic acid, 2H-isothiazolinone derivatives (so-called isothiazolinone derivatives) such as alkylisothiazolinones (e.g., 2-methyl-2H-isothiazolinone, MIT; chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazolinone, CIT), benzisothiazolinones (e.g., 1,2-benzisothiazolinone, BIT, commercially available from Arch Biocides Ltd.'s Proxel® type), or 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-2H-isothiazolinone (MTIT), Proxel® or Acticide® RS and Kathon® MK, sodium propionate, sodium benzoate, propylparaben, sodium propylparaben, potassium sorbate, potassium benzoate, phenylmercuric nitrate, phenethyl alcohol, sodium, ethylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, benzyl alcohol, benzyl chloride, cetylpyridinium chloride; antioxidants including but not limited to imidazoles and imidazole derivatives (e.g., uric acid), 4,4'-thiobis-6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT), pentaerythritol tetratetra[3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)]propionate; amine antioxidants. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known preservatives may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the preservative is present in the range of 0.01% w / w to 2% w / w of the total composition.

[0178] According to one embodiment, the pigments and colorants are selected from, but not limited to, synthetic chemicals obtained from various manufacturers. The pigments and colorants may be water-soluble or water-insoluble, and exist in lake form. The dyes may be solvent dyes, acid dyes, or basic dyes. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known pigments and colorants may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the pigment and colorant are present in the range of 0.01% w / w to 5% w / w of the total composition.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the disintegrant used in agricultural compositions 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, croscarmellose sodium, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearate, cellulose powder, dextrin, methacrylate copolymers, Polyplasdone® XL-10 (croscarmellose), and polyvinylpyrrolidone. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known disintegrants may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0181] According to one embodiment, the disintegrant is present in the range of 0.5% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the adhesive for agricultural compositions includes, but is not limited to, one or more of the following: proteins, gums, maltodextrins, carbohydrates such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides and polysaccharides, complex organic substances, synthetic organic polymers or derivatives thereof, and combinations thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known adhesives may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the adhesive is present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0184] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition may optionally contain at least one additional active ingredient. According to one embodiment, the optional active ingredient may include one or more of the following: micronutrients, trace nutrients, biostimulants, or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other active ingredients may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0185] According to one embodiment, the additional active ingredient is present in the range of 0.001% to 30% by weight of the composition.

[0186] According to one embodiment, the biostimulant is an organic carbon source or contains organic carbon. The biostimulant can be any organic carbon source, such as humic acid, fulvic acid, biochar, etc.

[0187] According to one embodiment, the at least one trace nutrient is selected from selenium or vanadium.

[0188] Trace nutrients selected from selenium or vanadium, wherein the trace nutrients exist in their elemental form or in the form of their salts, derivatives or mixtures.

[0189] According to another implementation, the salts of selenium or vanadium include water-soluble or water-insoluble salts.

[0190] According to another embodiment, 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, copper selenite, calcium selenite, magnesium selenite, manganese selenite, or cobalt selenite. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-insoluble selenium salts may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0191] According to another embodiment, water-soluble selenium salts include, but are not limited to, selenium dioxide, selenourea, sodium selenide, potassium selenide, copper selenide, ammonium selenide, sodium selenite, potassium selenite, ammonium selenite, ferrous selenite, zinc selenite, sodium selenate, magnesium selenate, potassium selenate, calcium selenate, copper selenate, ammonium selenate, ferrous selenate, cobalt selenate, or zinc selenate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-soluble selenium salts may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0192] According to another embodiment, the selenium derivatives include, but are not limited to, potassium selenate, selenium sulfide, selenite, and selenium yeast. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other selenium derivatives can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the elemental content of selenium in the composition is from 0.001% to 10% of the total weight of the composition. According to another embodiment, the elemental content of selenium in the composition is from 0.001% to 5% of the total weight of the composition.

[0194] According to one embodiment, the selenium salt or derivative is present in the range of 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to another embodiment, the selenium salt or derivative is present in the range of 0.01% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0195] According to another embodiment, water-insoluble vanadium salts include, but are not limited to, vanadium(II), vanadium(IV), vanadium(III), vanadium selenide, vanadium pentoxide, vanadium oxalate, bismuth vanadate, or copper vanadate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-insoluble vanadium salts may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0196] According to another embodiment, water-soluble vanadium salts include, but are not limited to, vanadium oxysulfate, sodium vanadate, sodium metavanadate, potassium metavanadate, bismuth vanadate, or ammonium metavanadate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-soluble vanadium salts can be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0197] According to another embodiment, the vanadium derivatives include, but are not limited to, vanadium acetylacetonate, sodium metavanadate, and ammonium metavanadate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other vanadium derivatives may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0198] According to one embodiment, the vanadium content in the composition is from 0.001% to 10% of the total composition weight. According to another embodiment, the vanadium content in the composition is from 0.001% to 5% of the total composition weight.

[0199] According to one embodiment, at least one vanadium salt or derivative is present in a range of 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the vanadium salt or derivative is present in a range of 0.01% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0200] Surprisingly, the crop nutrition and fortification compositions of the present invention have enhanced and improved physical properties, such as dispersibility, suspension rate, wettability, viscosity, pourability, hardness, and abrasion resistance, and provide ease of handling, while also reducing material loss during product handling in packaging and field application.

[0201] Wettability is a state or condition in which a solid can be wetted, defined as the degree to which a solid is wetted by a liquid, and measured by the adhesion between the solid and liquid phases. The wettability of particulate compositions is measured using the standard CIPAC test MT-53, which describes the procedure for determining the time required for complete wetting of a wettable formulation. The weighed particulate composition is dropped dropwise from a specified height onto water in a beaker, and the time required for complete wetting is measured.

[0202] According to another embodiment, the wettability of the crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granule form is less than 2 minutes. According to another embodiment, the wettability of the crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granule form is less than 1 minute.

[0203] The dispersibility of crop nutrient and fortification compositions in water-dispersible granule form is a measure of the percentage of dispersion. The dispersibility of the granule compositions of this application can be determined according to the standard CIPAC test MT 174. 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 compositions of the present invention are uniformly dispersed into finer particles with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 micrometers upon contact with water, wherein the average particle size distribution of the composition is less than 1000 nm.

[0204] According to one embodiment, the aqueous dispersible granule composition exhibits a dispersibility of greater than 45% under ATS. According to one embodiment, the aqueous dispersible granule composition exhibits a dispersibility of greater than 60% under ATS. According to one embodiment, the aqueous dispersible granule composition exhibits a dispersibility of greater than 80% under ATS.

[0205] Abrasion resistance determines the resistance of granular materials to wear. The crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granule form of this invention exhibits good abrasion resistance. Abrasion resistance testing can be performed on the samples according to the test "MT 178.2 - Abrasion Resistance of Granules" specified in the CIPAC manual. According to one embodiment, the abrasion resistance of the water-dispersible granule composition is at least 50%. According to another embodiment, the abrasion resistance of the water-dispersible granule composition is at least 80%.

[0206] According to one embodiment, crop nutrient compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions are subjected to a wet sieve retention test. This test is used to determine the amount of non-dispersible material in formulations applied in water dispersion form. The wet sieve retention values ​​of agrochemical compositions in liquid suspension and granule forms are measured using the standard CIPAC test MT-185, which describes the procedure for measuring the amount of material retained on a sieve. The formulation sample is dispersed in water, the resulting suspension is transferred to a sieve and washed. The amount of material retained on the sieve is determined by drying and weighing.

[0207] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions has a wet sieve retention value of less than 2% on a 75-micron sieve. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions has a wet sieve retention value of less than 0.2% on a 75-micron sieve. A wet sieve retention value of less than 2% indicates that the crop nutrient and fortification composition contributes to easy application of the formulation and prevents clogging of nozzles or filtration equipment.

[0208] Suspension rate is defined as the amount of active ingredient suspended in a liquid column of a specified height after a given time, expressed as a percentage of the amount of active ingredient in the original suspension. The suspension rate test is performed according to the CIPAC manual "MT 184 Suspension Rate Test".

[0209] According to one embodiment, the suspension rate of the composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspension concentrates of the present invention is at least 50%. According to one embodiment, the suspension rate of the composition is at least 60%. According to one embodiment, the suspension rate of the composition is at least 80%. According to one embodiment, the suspension rate of the composition is at least 90%.

[0210] According to one embodiment, the compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions exhibit excellent suspension rates under ATS. According to one embodiment, the compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions exhibit a suspension rate greater than 45% under ATS. According to one embodiment, the compositions exhibit a suspension rate greater than 60% under ATS. According to one embodiment, the compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions exhibit a suspension rate greater than 60% under ATS.

[0211] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form has a low concentration and is easy to pour. The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its resistance to gradual deformation under shear or tensile stress.

[0212] According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the liquid suspension is determined according to CIPAC MT-192. The sample is transferred to a standard measuring system. Measurements are performed under different shear conditions, and the apparent viscosity is determined. The liquid temperature is kept constant during the test. According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form is 150 cps to 2000 cps at 25°C, making it pourable. According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the liquid suspension composition at 25°C is 200 cps to 1000 cps.

[0213] According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the liquid suspension composition at 25°C is less than 2000 cps. According to another embodiment, the viscosity of the liquid suspension composition at 25°C is less than 1000 cps. Overly viscous and highly concentrated compositions tend to form cakes, making them impossible to pour, which is undesirable.

[0214] 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.

[0215] According to one embodiment, the pourability of the composition is determined according to CIPAC MT-148.1 by allowing the composition to stand for 24 hours and measuring the amount of residue remaining in the container after a standardized pouring procedure. The container is rinsed and the amount of residue is measured to calculate the maximum rinse residue percentage. According to another embodiment, the pourability of the crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form is less than 5% rinse residue. According to another embodiment, the pourability of the composition in liquid suspension form is preferably less than 2.5% rinse residue.

[0216] According to one embodiment, spontaneous dispersibility is measured using a CIPAC MT 160. This involves preparing a 250 ml mixture of the formulation and water, mixing only once using an inverted graduated cylinder. After standing under specified conditions, the top nine-tenths are removed, and the remaining one-tenth is determined by chemical, gravimetric, or solvent extraction methods. Spontaneous dispersibility can be readily calculated.

[0217] According to one embodiment, the composition in liquid suspension form has a spontaneous dispersibility of 50%. According to one embodiment, the composition in liquid suspension form has a spontaneous dispersibility of 80%. According to one embodiment, the composition in liquid suspension form has a spontaneous dispersibility of 95%.

[0218] According to one embodiment, the composition of the present invention exhibits excellent stability against heat, light, temperature, and agglomeration. According to one embodiment, the composition exhibits stability for at least 3 years. According to another embodiment, the composition exhibits stability for at least 2 years. According to another embodiment, the composition exhibits stability for at least 1 year. According to yet another embodiment, the composition exhibits stability for at least 6 months.

[0219] According to one embodiment, the hardness of the crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granule form is less than 4 Newtons. According to another embodiment, the hardness of the crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granule form is less than 3 Newtons. According to another embodiment, the hardness of the crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granule form is less than 2 Newtons. According to yet another embodiment, the hardness of the crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granule form is less than 1 Newton.

[0220] More preferably, the crop nutrient composition in water-dispersible granule form has a hardness of zero. The mention of no hardness indicates that the hardness of the granules cannot be measured by a hardness measuring instrument. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be estimated using a hardness tester such as the Vinsyst VTHT series portable benchtop hardness tester.

[0221] Surprisingly, the inventors have also determined that the crop nutrition and fortification compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules and liquid suspensions exhibit excellent efficacy even at reduced application doses.

[0222] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for preparing a crop nutrient and fortification composition, said composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of: an effective amount of elemental sulfur; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof; and one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or derivatives thereof. The composition may contain a mixture thereof, and one or more excipients, wherein the elemental sulfur content ranges from 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; the elemental magnesium content ranges from 0.5% to 50% by weight of the total composition; the elemental iron content ranges from 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; the elemental zinc content ranges from 0.1% to 55% by weight of the total composition; the elemental boron content ranges from 0.01% to 25% by weight of the total composition; the elemental manganese content ranges from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; and the elemental copper content ranges from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, wherein the particle size of the composition ranges from 100 nm to 5 micrometers, and wherein the average particle size distribution of the composition is less than 1000 nanometers, and wherein the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by weight of the total composition.

[0223] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granule form is prepared by various techniques such as spray drying, fluidized bed granulation, extrusion, freeze drying, spheronization, etc. The granules can also be extruded using an extruder to obtain extruded granules.

[0224] According to one embodiment, a method for preparing a crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules includes milling a blend comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; and at least one excipient to obtain a slurry or wet mixture with a particle size ranging from 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers, wherein the average particle size of the composition is less than 1000 nanometers, and wherein the content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by weight of the composition. The resulting wet mixture is then dried, for example in a spray dryer, fluidized bed dryer, or any suitable granulation equipment, and subsequently sieved as needed to remove excessively fine and coarse particles, yielding water-dispersible granules with a size range of 0.05 mm to 4.00 mm. The granules obtained from the granulator may also be dried in the open air or in the air to remove any residual moisture (if any).

[0225] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granule form is prepared by dry milling a homogeneous mixture in an air mill or jet mill, the mixture containing an effective amount of elemental sulfur; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more boron salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or their derivatives or mixtures; and one or more excipients ranging from 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition to obtain a homogeneous mixture with fine particle size. Water is added to the dry powder, the mixture is blended to obtain a dough or paste, and then extruded through an extruder. The resulting extrudate is dried by a suitable method such as air drying, fluidized bed dryer, and disc dryer, and then sieved to remove excessively fine and coarse particles to obtain particles with a size range of 0.05-4.0 mm. The resulting water-dispersible granules comprise particles with a particle size range of 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers, wherein the average particle size of the composition is less than 1000 nanometers, and wherein the content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by weight of the composition.

[0226] According to one embodiment, a method for preparing the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of a liquid suspension comprises feeding one or more excipients into a container equipped with a stirring device and homogenizing them in water. Further, effective amounts of elemental sulfur; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or their derivatives or mixtures; and one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or their derivatives or mixtures are added to the homogenized blend, and the mixture is continuously stirred for about 5 to 10 minutes until the total mixture becomes homogeneous. Subsequently, the resulting suspension is passed through a wet mill to obtain a composition with a particle size range of 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers, wherein the average particle size of the composition is less than 1000 nanometers, and wherein the content of water-soluble salts or their derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 50% by weight of the composition. If necessary, one or more excipients, such as structuring agents or optional biocides or preservatives, may be added to the resulting suspension under continuous homogenization.

[0227] This invention relates to a method for preparing a wettable powder (WP), wherein the method comprises mixing an effective amount of elemental sulfur; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a mixture. The mixture is then passed through an air jet mill to obtain a wettable powder composition with a desired particle size range of 100 nm to 5 μm, wherein the average particle size of the composition is less than 1000 nm, and wherein the content of water-soluble salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by weight of the composition.

[0228] Alternatively, the wettable powder composition is prepared by mixing effective amounts of elemental sulfur; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or their derivatives or mixtures; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or their derivatives or mixtures; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, using a suitable mixer for 30 minutes, and then passing the mixture through an air jet mill to obtain a wettable powder composition with a desired particle size range of 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers, wherein the content of water-soluble salts or their derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by weight of the composition.

[0229] According to one embodiment, the present invention further relates to the use of the crop nutrient or fortification composition as at least one of a nutrient composition, a crop enhancement composition, a soil conditioner composition, a crop fortification composition, a crop protection composition, and a yield-increasing composition.

[0230] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for improving plant health or enhancing plant nutrient absorption or plant yield; wherein the method comprises treating at least one of the following: a plant, plant propagation material, its site or plant parts, seeds, seedlings or surrounding soil with the crop nutrient and fortification composition of the present invention.

[0231] The present invention further relates to a method for treating plants and meeting their nutritional needs by making essential nutrients such as sulfur, zinc, iron, magnesium, boron, manganese and copper available to the plants and releasing other micronutrients and trace elements present in the soil that have been unavailable until now due to various factors, primarily soil degradation caused by the overuse of synthetic fertilizers.

[0232] This composition can be applied by a variety of methods. Methods of application to the soil include any suitable method that ensures the composition penetrates the soil, such as application to seedling trays, strip application, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, soil soaking, soil injection, or mixing into the soil, and other such methods. The composition can also be applied as a foliar spray.

[0233] Further observations revealed that this composition prevents the leaching of these nutrients and maximizes their availability for crop uptake, thereby increasing overall yield. It was noted that the composition's efficacy leads to the rapid uptake of magnesium and other nutrients such as iron, zinc, boron, manganese, copper, and sulfur by the roots through positive interactions between these nutrients in the rhizosphere.

[0234] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for treating plants and meeting their nutritional needs by applying a crop nutrient composition, the method enhancing the absorption of sulfur, magnesium, iron, zinc, boron, copper and manganese, said crop nutrient composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of the following: i. Elemental sulfur, ranging from 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental iron content ranges from 0.1% to 55% by weight of the total composition; iii. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content ranges from 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; iv. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental magnesium content ranges from 0.5% to 50% by weight of the total composition; v. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental boron content ranges from 0.01% to 25% by weight of the total composition; vi. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental manganese content is from 0.1% to 40% of the total composition by weight; vii. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental copper content is from 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition, and at least one excipient; and, The particle size range of the composition is 100 nm to 5 micrometers, and the average particle size distribution of the composition is less than 1000 nanometers, and the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% of the total weight of the composition.

[0235] According to one embodiment, the present invention further relates to a method for providing balanced absorption of all nutrients, improving crop health, improving crop nutrition by promoting the absorption of essential nutrients, protecting crops, increasing crop yield, enhancing plants, or conditioning soil; said method comprising treating at least one of seeds, seedlings, crops, plants, plant propagation material, their sites, portions, or surrounding soil with an effective amount of the crop nutrient and fortification composition of the present invention.

[0236] This composition can be applied by a variety of methods. Methods of application to the soil include any suitable method that ensures the composition penetrates the soil, such as application to seedling trays, strip application, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, soil soaking, soil injection, or mixing into the soil, and other such methods. The composition can also be applied as a foliar spray.

[0237] Further observation revealed that this composition prevents the leaching of these nutrients and maximizes their availability for crop uptake, thereby increasing overall yield. It was noted that this synergistic effect in the composition results in the rapid uptake of all nutrients by the roots through positive interactions between these nutrients in the rhizosphere.

[0238] It was also observed that when the compositions of the present invention were formulated to a specific particle size, the availability of nutrients such as sulfur, zinc, iron, magnesium, boron, manganese, and copper to plants was further enhanced. Furthermore, the compositions were found to play a crucial role in regulating soil pH and promoting plant uptake of other nutrients fixed in the soil due to various factors, primarily soil degradation caused by excessive use of synthetic fertilizers.

[0239] Further, and surprisingly, it was observed that balanced nutrient uptake led to healthier plants, increased resistance to pests, higher nutrient yields across all soil types, and ultimately improved overall soil health. This composition, as a highly nutrient-efficient formulation, provides a multi-nutrient solution through a single application and improves crop uptake, meeting the crop's needs.

[0240] The application rate or dosage of the composition depends on the type of application, crop type, or specific active ingredient in the composition, but should ensure that the active ingredient provides the desired effect, such as crop protection, crop yield, and nutrient uptake, in an effective amount.

[0241] A. Preparation Example The following examples illustrate the basic method and versatility of the compositions of the present invention. The water-insoluble sources of magnesium, zinc, and iron, and the sources of manganese, copper, and boron exemplified in the preparation examples, may be replaced by any other water-insoluble salts or derivatives of magnesium, zinc, and iron covered in this specification, or other sources of manganese, copper, or boron, provided they are varied within the claimed scope. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0242] A. Water-dispersible granule composition: *: Element content Example 1: Sulfur 40% + Zinc phosphate 8% (elemental Zn content 4.06%) + Ferrous oxide 8% (elemental Fe content 4.06%) 6.2184%) + Cuprous oxide 0.7% (elemental Cu content 0.621%) + Magnesium oxide 18% (elemental Mg content 10.85%) + Boric acid 7.5% (1.31% elemental boron) + 2.5% manganese oxide (1.57% elemental Mn) WG (spray dried) 40.5 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 8 parts of zinc phosphate, 8 parts of ferrous oxide, 0.7 parts of cuprous oxide, 18 parts of magnesium oxide, 7.5 parts of boric acid, 2.5 parts of manganese oxide, 3.8 parts of alkyl polyethylene glycol ether sulfonate, 6.5 parts of sulfate lignin polymer, and 2.5 parts of humic acid in 100 parts of water and then ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0243] Two parts of polyvinylpyrrolidone were added to the milled slurry in a blending process and stirred for one hour. The slurry was then spray-dried or fluidized bed-dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a particle size of less than 1 mm.

[0244] Results: The composition exhibited a suspension rate of 73%, a wet sieve retention of 0.03% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 90%, an abrasion resistance of 94%, and a wettability of less than 30 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further exhibited a suspension rate of approximately 86%, a dispersibility of 85%, and a wettability of less than 35 seconds. After dispersion in water, the average particle size distribution was 450 nm.

[0245] Example 2: 90% sulfur + 0.1% zinc oxide (0.1% elemental Zn content) + 0.2% iron oxide (0.2% elemental Fe content) 0.134%) + Copper oxide 0.15% (elemental Cu content 0.11%) + Magnesium oxide 1% (Mg content 0.6%) + Sodium tetraborate 0.1% (yuan) Boron content 0.011% + Manganese dioxide 0.2% (Mn content 0.12%) WG (spray dried) A mixture of 91 parts industrial sulfur with 0.1 parts zinc oxide, 0.2 parts iron oxide, 0.15 parts copper oxide, 1 part magnesium oxide, 0.1 parts sodium tetraborate, 0.2 parts manganese dioxide, 1.5 parts sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 3 parts sodium lignin sulfonate, and 2.75 parts salt of naphthalene sulfonic acid and phenol sulfonic acid condensation product was blended in 120 parts water, and the resulting mixture was ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0246] The ground slurry is then spray-dried or fluidized bed-dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a particle size of less than 2 mm.

[0247] Results: The composition exhibited a suspension rate of 63%, a wet sieve retention of 0.02% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 60%, an abrasion resistance of 95%, and a wettability of less than 105 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further exhibited a suspension rate of approximately 60%, a dispersibility of 58%, and a wettability of less than 110 seconds. After dispersion in water, the average particle size distribution was 860 nm.

[0248] Example 3: Sulfur 15% + Zinc sulfate 5% (Zn content 2.02%) + Ferrous oxide 55% (Fe content 2.02%) 42.75%) + Cuprous oxide 1.5% (elemental Cu content 0.44%) + Magnesium oxalate 2% (elemental Mg content 0.432%) + Tetrahydrate Disodium borate 1% (elemental B content 0.21%) + manganese sulfate 0.5% (elemental Mn content 0.182%) WG (spray dried) 15.2 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 5 parts of zinc sulfate, 55 parts of ferrous oxide, 1.5 parts of cuprous oxide, 2 parts of magnesium oxalate, 1 part of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, 0.5 parts of manganese carbonate, 5 parts of alkyl ether sulfate, 8.125 parts of ammonium lignin sulfonate, 3.675 parts of sodium lauryl sulfate, and 1 part of cyclodextrin in 100 parts of water and then ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0249] Two parts of polycarboxylate were added to the milled slurry under blending conditions and stirred for one hour. The slurry was then spray-dried / fluidized bed dried to obtain a product with a particle size of less than 3 mm.

[0250] Results: The composition exhibited an 80% suspension rate, a wet sieve retention of 0.04% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 76%, an abrasion resistance of 92%, and a wettability of less than 10 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further exhibited approximately 76% suspension rate, 73% dispersibility, and a wettability of less than 15 seconds. After dispersion in water, the average particle size distribution was 612 nm.

[0251] Example 4: Sulfur 15% + Zinc oxide 30% (Zn content 24.69%) + Iron oxide 20% (Fe content 24.69%) 14.34% + Copper oxychloride 1% (elemental Cu content 0.59%) + Magnesium sulfate 5% (elemental Mg content 1.01%) + Octaboric acid tetrahydrate Disodium 4.5% (elemental B content 0.943%) + Manganese oxide 2.5% (elemental Mn content 1.58%) WG (spray dried) 15.5 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 30 parts of zinc oxide, 20 parts of iron oxide, 1 part of copper oxychloride, 5 parts of magnesium sulfate, 4.5 parts of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, 2.5 parts of manganese oxide, 5.7 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 4 parts of sodium lignin sulfonate, 7.8 parts of clay, and 4 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate in 100 parts of water and ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0252] The slurry is then spray-dried or fluidized bed-dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a particle size of less than 2.5 mm.

[0253] Results: The composition exhibited an 84% suspension rate, a wet sieve retention of 0.02% on a 75-micron sieve, an 80% dispersibility, a 98% abrasion resistance, and a wettability of less than 65 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further demonstrated an 80% suspension rate, 75% dispersibility, and a wettability of less than 70 seconds. After dispersion in water, the average particle size distribution was 712 nm.

[0254] Example 5: Sulfur 1% + Zinc carbonate 15% (elemental Zn content 7.821%) + Sucrose iron 0.5% (elemental Fe content 0.5%) 0.16% + Cuprous oxide 45% (elemental Cu content 39.96%) + Magnesium oxide 1% (elemental Mg content 0.6%) + Boron trioxide 24% (elemental B content 7.453%) + 0.5% manganese sulfate (elemental Mn content 0.18%) WG (spray dried) 1.1 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 15 parts of zinc carbonate, 0.50 parts of sucrose iron, 45 parts of cuprous oxide, 1 part of magnesium oxide, 24 parts of boron trioxide, 0.5 parts of manganese sulfate, 3.5 parts of alkyl aryl sulfonate, 4.3 parts of sodium lignosulfonate, 3.5 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 1 part of silica, and 0.60 parts of polycarboxylate in 110 parts of water and then ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0255] The resulting slurry is spray-dried or fluidized bed-dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a particle size of less than 0.5 mm.

[0256] Results: The composition exhibited a suspension rate of 86%, a wet sieve retention of 0.03% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 82%, an abrasion resistance of 97%, and a wettability of less than 25 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further exhibited a suspension rate of approximately 82%, a dispersibility of 78%, and a wettability of less than 20 seconds. After dispersion in water, the average particle size distribution was 653 nm.

[0257] Example 6: Sulfur 5% + Zinc oxide 65% (elemental Zn content 52.20%) + Ferric fumarate 2.5% (elemental Fe content 52.20%) 0.821%) + Copper sulfate 3.5% (elemental Cu content 1.39%) + Magnesium carbonate 5% (elemental Mg content 1.441%) + Boric acid 0.5% (yuan) (Elemental B content 0.087%) + Manganese carbonate 1.5% (Elemental Mn content 0.7%) WG (Spray dried) 5.2 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 65 parts of zinc oxide, 2.5 parts of ferric fumarate, 3.5 parts of copper sulfate, 5 parts of magnesium carbonate, 0.5 parts of boric acid, 1.5 parts of manganese carbonate, 3 parts of alkylbenzene sulfonate, 8 parts of sodium sulfonated naphthalene condensate, 4.26 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 1 part of tetrasodium pyrophosphate, and 0.54 parts of alkylaryl sulfate in 110 parts of water and then ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0258] The resulting slurry is spray-dried or fluidized bed-dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a particle size of less than 1 mm.

[0259] Results: The composition exhibited a suspension rate of 89%, a wet sieve retention of 0.05% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 82%, an abrasion resistance of 95%, and a wettability of less than 15 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further exhibited a suspension rate of approximately 86%, a dispersibility of 78%, and a wettability of less than 10 seconds. After dispersion in water, the average particle size distribution was 210 nm.

[0260] Example 7: Sulfur 2% + Zinc phosphate 2% (Zn content 1.04%) + Ferrous oxide 1.5% (Fe content 1.04%) 1.16% + Copper sulfate 2.5% (elemental Cu content 1%) + Magnesium oxide 80% (elemental Mg content 48.248%) + Calcium borate 2.5% (yuan) (Elemental B content 0.227%) + Manganese oxide 1.5% (Elemental Mn content 0.94%) WG (Spray dried) 2.2 parts of industrial sulfur were blended with 2 parts of zinc phosphate, 1.5 parts of ferrous oxide, 2.5 parts of copper sulfate, 80 parts of magnesium oxide, 2.5 parts of calcium borate, 1.5 parts of manganese oxide, 5.8 parts of alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 1.5 parts of isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, and 0.5 parts of sodium tripolyphosphate in 110 parts of water, and then ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size. The ground slurry was then spray-dried or fluidized bed-dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a particle size of less than 1 mm.

[0261] Results: The composition exhibited a suspension rate of 93%, a wet sieve retention of 0.04% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 84%, an abrasion resistance of 96%, and a wettability of less than 3 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further exhibited a suspension rate of 90%, a dispersibility of 80%, and a wettability of less than 6 seconds. After dispersion in water, the average particle size distribution was 640 nm.

[0262] Example 8: Sulfur 25% + Zinc sulfate 3.2% (elemental Zn content 2.57%) + Ferrous oxide 2.5% (elemental Fe content 2.5%) 1.94% + Copper hydroxide 3.5% (elemental Cu content 2.27%) + Magnesium carbonate 5% (elemental Mg content 1.441%) + Boron oxide 2.5% (Elemental boron content 0.776%) + Manganese dioxide 45% (Elemental Mn content 28.43%) WG (Spray dried) 25.2 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 3.2 parts of zinc sulfate, 2.5 parts of ferrous oxide, 3.5 parts of copper hydroxide, 5 parts of magnesium carbonate, 2.5 parts of boron oxide, 45 parts of manganese dioxide, 4 parts of alkyl ether phosphate, 4 parts of sodium lignosulfonate, 3.60 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalenesulfonate, 1 part of fulvic acid, and 0.5 parts of polycarboxylate in 110 parts of water and then ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0263] The resulting slurry is spray-dried or fluidized bed-dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a particle size of less than 1.5 mm.

[0264] Results: The composition exhibited an 88% suspension rate, a wet sieve retention of 0.06% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 85%, an abrasion resistance of 94%, and a wettability of less than 5 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further exhibited an 85% suspension rate, 80% dispersibility, and a wettability of less than 10 seconds. After dispersion in water, the average particle size distribution was 700 nm.

[0265] Example 9: Sulfur 5% + Zinc carbonate 1.5% (Zn content 0.78%) + Iron oxide 0.5% (Fe content 0.78%) 0.33% + Cuprous oxide 2.5% (elemental Cu content 2.22%) + Magnesium carbonate 0.5% (elemental Mg content 0.144%) + Boron oxide 80% (elemental boron content 24.83%) + 1.5% manganese chloride (elemental Mn content 0.65%) WG (spray dried) 5.2 parts of industrial sulfur were blended with 1.5 parts of zinc carbonate, 0.5 parts of iron oxide, 2.5 parts of cuprous oxide, 0.5 parts of magnesium carbonate, 80 parts of boron oxide, 1.5 parts of manganese chloride, 1.5 parts of dioctyl sulfosuccinate, 3 parts of phenyl naphthalene sulfonate, 2.60 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 1 part of sodium tripolyphosphate, and 0.2 parts of alkyl aryl ether phosphate in 110 parts of water and then ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0266] The resulting slurry is spray-dried or fluidized bed-dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a particle size of less than 4 mm.

[0267] Results: The composition exhibited a suspension rate of 65%, a wet sieve retention of 0.03% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 61%, an abrasion resistance of 92%, and a wettability of less than 3 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further exhibited a suspension rate of 61%, a dispersibility of 58%, and a wettability of less than 3 seconds. After dispersion in water, the particle size distribution was 855 nm.

[0268] Example 10: Sulfur 3% + Zinc carbonate 0.5% (Zn content 0.26%) + Ferrous oxide 0.5% (Fe content 0.26%) 0.38% + Copper oxychloride 25% (elemental Cu content 14.87%) + Magnesium oxide 40% (elemental Mg content 24.12%) + Tetrahydrate Disodium borate 1% (elemental boron content 0.21%) + manganese oxide 20% (elemental Mn content 12.63%) WG (spray dried) 3.2 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 0.5 parts of zinc carbonate, 0.5 parts of ferrous oxide, 25 parts of copper oxychloride, 40 parts of magnesium oxide, 1 part of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, 20 parts of manganese oxide, 4.5 parts of alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, 4.3 parts of polyaryl sulfonate and 1 part of humic acid in 100 parts of water and ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0269] The resulting slurry is spray-dried or fluidized bed-dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a particle size of less than 1.8 mm.

[0270] Results: The composition exhibited a suspension rate of 72%, a wet sieve retention of 0.02% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 69%, an abrasion resistance of 98%, and a wettability of less than 4 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further demonstrated a suspension rate of 68%, a dispersibility of 65%, and a wettability of less than 7 seconds. After dispersion in water, the particle size distribution was 834 nm.

[0271] Example 11: Sulfur 35% + Zinc phosphate 1.5% (Zn content 0.76%) + Sucrose iron 3.5% (Fe content 0.76%) 1.12% + Copper oxychloride 2% (elemental Cu content 1.19%) + Magnesium silicate 2% (elemental Mg content 0.48%) + Sodium tetraborate 39.5 (Elemental boron content 4.479%) + Manganese oxide 2.5% (Elemental Mn content 1.57%) WG (Spray dried) 35 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 1.5 parts of zinc phosphate, 3.5 parts of sucrose iron, 2 parts of copper oxychloride, 2 parts of magnesium silicate, 39.5 parts of sodium tetraborate, 2.5 parts of magnesium hydroxide, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulfate, 9 parts of sodium lignosulfonate, and 3 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalenesulfonate in 100 parts of water and ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0272] The resulting slurry is spray-dried or fluidized bed-dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a particle size of less than 2.5 mm.

[0273] Results: The composition exhibited a suspension rate of 74%, a wet sieve retention of 0.01% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 69%, an abrasion resistance of 97%, and a wettability of less than 8 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further demonstrated a suspension rate of approximately 71%, a dispersibility of 67%, and a wettability of less than 12 seconds. After dispersion in water, the average particle size distribution was 925 nm.

[0274] Example 12: Sulfur 35% + Zinc carbonate 15% (elemental Zn content 7.82%) + Iron oxide 5% (elemental Fe content 7.82%) 3.88% + Copper oxychloride 2.5% (elemental Cu content 1.48%) + Magnesium oxide 5% (elemental Mg content 3.01%) + Boron trioxide 1% (boron content 0.31%) + 1.5% manganese carbonate (Mn content 0.71%) + 0.1% selenium dioxide (Se content 0.1%) 0.071% WG (spray dried) 35.5 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 15 parts of zinc carbonate, 5 parts of iron oxide, 2.5 parts of copper oxychloride, 5 parts of magnesium oxide, 1 part of boron trioxide, 1.5 parts of manganese carbonate, 0.1 parts of selenium dioxide, 5 parts of alkyl polyethylene glycol ether sulfonate, 10 parts of sulfate lignin polymer, 1.5 parts of humic acid, and 15.9 parts of kaolin in 100 parts of water and then ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0275] Two parts of polyvinylpyrrolidone were added to the milled slurry in a blending process and stirred for one hour. The slurry was then spray-dried or fluidized bed-dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a particle size of less than 1.5 mm.

[0276] Results: The composition exhibited an 85% suspension rate, a wet sieve retention of 0.01% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 82%, an abrasion resistance of 90%, and a wettability of less than 10 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further exhibited approximately 80% suspension rate, 78% dispersibility, and a wettability of less than 15 seconds. After dispersion in water, the average particle size distribution was 480 nm.

[0277] Example 13: Sulfur 2% + Zinc sulfate 20% (elemental Zn content 8.08%) + Ferrous oxide 5.5% (elemental Fe content 8.08%) 4.275%) + Cuprous oxide 1.5% (elemental Cu content 0.44%) + Magnesium sulfate 40% (elemental Mg content 8.07%) + Tetrahydrate Disodium borate 20% (elemental B content 4.193%) + manganese oxide 0.5% (elemental Mn content 0.315%) WG (spray dried) 2.5 parts of industrial sulfur were mixed with 20 parts of zinc sulfate, 5.5 parts of ferrous oxide, 1.5 parts of cuprous oxide, 40 parts of magnesium sulfate, 20 parts of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, 0.5 parts of manganese oxide, 3 parts of alkyl ether sulfate, 2 parts of ammonium lignin sulfonate, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulfate, and 1 part of cyclodextrin in 100 parts of water and ground in a nanomill to obtain a slurry with the desired particle size.

[0278] Two parts of polycarboxylate were added to the milled slurry under blending conditions and stirred for one hour. The slurry was then spray-dried / fluidized bed dried to obtain a product with a particle size of less than 1.5 mm.

[0279] Results: The composition exhibited a suspension rate of 82%, a wet sieve retention of 0.06% on a 75-micron sieve, a dispersibility of 78%, an abrasion resistance of 90%, and a wettability of less than 12 seconds. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition further exhibited a suspension rate of approximately 78%, a dispersibility of 74%, and a wettability of less than 15 seconds. After dispersion in water, the average particle size distribution was 600 nm.

[0280] A. Liquid suspension composition: Example 14: Sulfur 1% + Zinc oxide 40% (elemental Zn content 32%) + Ferrous oxide 4% (elemental Fe content 3.1%) + Cuprous oxide 0.2% (elemental Cu content 0.17%) + Magnesium oxide 1% (elemental Mg content 0.6%) + Boric acid 0.1% (elemental boron content 0.6%) 0.017%) + Manganese oxide 0.15% (Elemental Mn content 0.1%) SC (Suspension agent) 10 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 50 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 370 parts of water and homogenized by feeding it into a container equipped with a stirring device.

[0281] 11 parts sulfur powder, 400 parts zinc oxide, 40 parts ferrous oxide, 2 parts cuprous oxide, 10 parts magnesium oxide, 1 part boric acid, and 1.5 parts manganese oxide were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for about 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 7.5 parts polycarboxylate and 0.5 parts polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a nanomill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.5 parts xanthan gum, 1 part 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the balance water, and 0.5 parts polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0282] Results: The composition had an average particle size distribution of 567 nm, a viscosity of 800 cps, and a suspension rate of 89%. The pourable wash residue was 0.4%, the spontaneous dispersibility was 84%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75-micron sieve was 0.05%. The suspension rate of the composition under accelerated storage conditions was 85%.

[0283] Example 15: Sulfur 5% + Zinc sulfate 0.5% (Zn content 0.202%) + Iron oxide 40% (Fe content 0.202%) 26.95% + Cuprous oxide 0.1% (elemental Cu content 0.088%) + Magnesium hydroxide 11% (elemental Mg content 4.58%) + Boric acid 0.1% (0.017% boron content) + 1% manganese chloride (0.44% Mn content) SC (suspending agent) 40 parts of tristyrylphenol phosphate and 65 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a container equipped with a stirring device.

[0284] 51 parts sulfur powder, 5 parts zinc sulfate, 400 parts iron oxide, 1 part cuprous oxide, 110 parts magnesium hydroxide, 1 part boric acid, and 10 parts manganese chloride were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for about 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 0.5 parts silica emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a nanomill to reduce the particle size. Then, under continuous homogenization, 1 part carboxymethyl cellulose, 1 part 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the balance water, and 0.5 parts polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0285] Results: The composition had an average particle size distribution of 482 nm, a viscosity of 430 cps, and a suspension rate of 99%. The pourable wash residue was 0.1%, the spontaneous dispersibility was 95%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 μm sieve was 0.01%. The suspension rate of the composition under accelerated storage conditions was 95%.

[0286] Example 16: Sulfur 1% + Zinc oxide 0.1% (Zn content 0.08%) + Ferric carbonate 0.1% (Fe content 0.08%) 0.048% + Copper hydroxide 0.1% (elemental Cu content 0.065%) + Magnesium oxide 50% (elemental Mg content 30.1%) + Boric acid 0.1% (Elemental boron content 0.017%) + Manganese hydroxide 0.15% (Elemental Mn content 0.1%) SC (Suspension agent) Add 50 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 50 parts of propylene glycol to 340 parts of water and homogenize by feeding it into a container equipped with a stirring device.

[0287] 11 parts sulfur powder, 1 part zinc oxide, 1 part ferric carbonate, 1 part copper hydroxide, 500 parts magnesium oxide, 1 part boric acid, and 1 part manganese hydroxide were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for about 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 0.5 parts polyethylene glycol emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a nanomill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.3 parts xanthan gum, 1 part 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the balance water, and 0.5 parts polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0288] Results: The composition had an average particle size distribution of 412 nm, a viscosity of 480 cps, and a suspension rate of 84%. The pourable wash residue was 0.35%, the spontaneous dispersibility was 80%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 μm sieve was 0.05%. The suspension rate of the composition under accelerated storage conditions was 80%.

[0289] Example 17: Sulfur 10% + Zinc oxide 0.5% (Zn content 0.4%) + Iron silicate 0.5% (Fe content 0.4%) 0.137% + Copper oxide 0.5% (elemental Cu content 0.4%) + Magnesium oxide 1% (elemental Mg content 0.6%) + Boric acid 0.5% (elemental... Boron content 0.87% + Manganese carbonate 30% (Elemental Mn content 14.33%) SC (Suspension agent) 58 parts of polymeric surfactant and 55 parts of glycerol were added to 340 parts of water and homogenized by feeding the mixture into a container equipped with a stirring device. 110 parts of sulfur powder, 5 parts of zinc oxide, 5 parts of ferric silicate, 5 parts of copper oxide, 10 parts of magnesium oxide, 5 parts of boric acid, and 300 parts of manganese carbonate were further added to the homogenized blend, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a nanomill to reduce the particle size. Then, 2 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the balance water, and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0290] Results: The composition had an average particle size distribution of 510 nm, a viscosity of 780 cps, and a suspension rate of 90%. The pourable wash residue was 0.75%, the spontaneous dispersibility was 85%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 μm sieve was 0.04%. The suspension rate of the composition under accelerated storage conditions was 85%.

[0291] Example 18: Sulfur 1% + Zinc oxide 5% (Zn content 4.01%) + Iron oxide 0.2% (Fe content 4.01%) 0.134%) + Copper oxychloride 30% (elemental Cu content 17.85%) + Magnesium oxide 1% (elemental Mg content 0.6%) + Boric acid 0.1% (yuan) Boron content 0.017% + Manganese carbonate 10% (Elemental Mn content 4.77%) SC (Suspension agent) 50 parts of polymeric surfactant and 51 parts of monoethylene glycol were added to 340 parts of water and homogenized by feeding the mixture into a container equipped with a stirring device. 11 parts of sulfur powder, 5 parts of zinc oxide, 2 parts of iron oxide, 300 parts of copper oxychloride, 10 parts of magnesium oxide, 1 part of boric acid, and 100 parts of manganese carbonate were further added to the homogenized blend, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 0.5 parts of polyethylene glycol emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a nanomill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.5 parts of carboxymethyl cellulose, 1 part of sodium benzoate, the balance water, and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0292] Results: The composition had an average particle size distribution of 150 nm, a viscosity of 530 cps, and a suspension rate of 89%. The pourable wash residue was 0.55%, the spontaneous dispersibility was 85%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 μm sieve was 0.05%. The suspension rate of the composition under accelerated storage conditions was 84%.

[0293] Example 19: Sulfur 50% + Zinc phosphate 0.5% (Zn content 0.25%) + Ferrous oxide 0.15% (Fe content 0.25%) 0.11% (amount) + 2% cuprous oxide (elemental Cu content 1.77%) + 2% magnesium oxide (elemental Mg content 1.2%) + 0.1% boric acid (yuan) Boron content 0.017% + Manganese sulfate 2.5% (Elemental Mn content 0.91%) SC 20 parts of alkylnaphthalenesulfonate sodium condensate and 50 parts of diethylene glycol were added to 320 parts of water and homogenized by feeding the mixture into a container equipped with a stirring device. 510 parts of sulfur powder, 5 parts of zinc phosphate, 1.5 parts of ferrous oxide, 20 parts of cuprous oxide, 20 parts of magnesium oxide, 1 part of boric acid, and 25 parts of manganese sulfate were further added to the homogenized blend, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 0.5 parts of silica emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a nanomill to reduce the particle size. Then, under continuous homogenization, 5 parts of trisiloxane ethoxylate, 1.2 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the balance water, and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0294] Results: The composition had an average particle size distribution of 210 nm, a viscosity of 800 cps, and a suspension rate of 70%. The pourable wash residue was 0.85%, the spontaneous dispersibility was 65%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 μm sieve was 0.04%. The suspension rate of the composition under accelerated storage conditions was 65%.

[0295] Example 20: Sulfur 1% + Zinc carbonate 0.2% (Zn content 0.104%) + Iron oxide 0.2% (Fe content 0.104%) 0.13% + Cuprous oxide 0.1% (elemental Cu content 0.1%) + Magnesium sulfate 1% (elemental Mg content 0.4%) + Boron trioxide 50% (Elemental boron content 15.528%) + Manganese tetroxide 0.2% (Elemental Mn content 0.14%) SC 25 parts of polyoxyalkylated ethylphenol and 70 parts of monoethylene glycol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized by feeding the mixture into a container equipped with a stirring device. 11 parts of sulfur powder, 2 parts of zinc carbonate, 2 parts of iron oxide, 1 part of cuprous oxide, 10 parts of magnesium sulfate, 500 parts of boron trioxide, and 2 parts of manganese tetroxide were further added to the homogenized blend, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a nanomill to reduce the particle size. Then, 20 parts of trisiloxane ethoxylate, 1.3 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-2H-isothiazolyl-3-one, the balance water, and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0296] Results: The composition had an average particle size distribution of 430 nm, a viscosity of 620 cps, and a suspension rate of 78%. The pourable wash residue was 0.40%, the spontaneous dispersibility was 74%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 μm sieve was 0.04%. The suspension rate of the composition under accelerated storage conditions was 74%.

[0297] Example 21: Sulfur 25% + Zinc oxide 20% (Zn content 16.06%) + Ferrous oxide 0.2% (Fe content 0.2%) 0.15% + Copper sulfate 14% (elemental Cu content 5.57%) + Magnesium oxide 1% (elemental Mg content 0.60%) + Boric acid 0.1% (elemental... Boron content 0.017% + Manganese carbonate 0.5% (Elemental Mn content 0.23%) SC (Suspension agent) Add 30 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 70 parts of ethylene glycol to 390 parts of water and homogenize by feeding it into a container equipped with a stirring device.

[0298] 26 parts sulfur powder, 200 parts zinc oxide, 2 parts ferrous oxide, 140 parts copper sulfate, 10 parts magnesium oxide, 1 part boric acid, and 5 parts manganese carbonate were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for about 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 6.5 parts polycarboxylate and 0.5 parts polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a nanomill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1 part carboxymethyl cellulose, 1 part 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the balance water, and 0.5 parts polyethylene glycol emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0299] Results: The composition had an average particle size distribution of 550 nm, a viscosity of 700 cps, and a suspension rate of 88%. The pourable wash residue was 0.45%, the spontaneous dispersibility was 82%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 μm sieve was 0.04%. The suspension rate of the composition under accelerated storage conditions was 84%.

[0300] Example 22: Sulfur 5% + Zinc oxide 0.2% (Zn content 0.16%) + Ferric carbonate 20% (Fe content 0.16%) 9.64% + Copper hydroxide 0.5% (elemental Cu content 0.32%) + Magnesium hydroxide 25% (elemental Mg content 10.41%) + Boric acid 0.1% (boron content 0.017%) + 0.1% manganese oxide (Mn content 0.063%) SC (suspending agent) 30 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 60 parts of propylene glycol were added to 340 parts of water and homogenized by feeding the mixture into a container equipped with a stirring device. 55 parts of sulfur powder, 2 parts of zinc oxide, 200 parts of ferric carbonate, 5 parts of copper hydroxide, 250 parts of magnesium hydroxide, 1 part of boric acid, and 1 part of manganese oxide were further added to the homogenized blend, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 0.5 parts of silica emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a nanomill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.5 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-2H-isothiazolyl-3-one, the balance water, and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0301] Results: The composition had an average particle size distribution of 790 nm, a viscosity of 450 cps, and a suspension rate of 98%. The pourable wash residue was 0.72%, the spontaneous dispersibility was 92%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 μm sieve was 0.04%. The suspension rate of the composition under accelerated storage conditions was 94%.

[0302] Example 23: Sulfur 10% + Zinc carbonate 5% (Zn content 2.60%) + Iron phosphate 3.5% (Fe content 2.60%) 1.29% + Copper sulfate 0.5% (elemental Cu content 0.2%) + Magnesium phosphate 18% (elemental Mg content 4.99%) + Calcium borate 4.5% (yuan) Boron content 0.40% + Manganese oxide 5% (Mn content 3.15%) + Vanadium pentoxide 0.01% (Va content 0.005%) SC (Suspension Agent) 40 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 80 parts of propylene glycol were added to 310 parts of water and homogenized by feeding the mixture into a container equipped with a stirring device. 100.5 parts of sulfur powder, 50 parts of zinc carbonate, 35 parts of ferric phosphate, 5 parts of copper sulfate, 180 parts of magnesium phosphate, 45 parts of calcium borate, 50 parts of manganese oxide, and 0.1 parts of vanadium pentoxide were further added to the homogenized blend, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 0.5 parts of silica emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a nanomill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1.5 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-2H-isothiazolyl-3-one, the balance water, and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0303] Results: The composition had an average particle size distribution of 340 nm, a viscosity of 610 cps, and a suspension rate of 90%. The pourable wash residue was 0.48%, the spontaneous dispersibility was 86%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 μm sieve was 0.02%. The suspension rate of the composition under accelerated storage conditions was 86%.

[0304] Example 24: Sulfur 1.5% + Zinc sulfate 25% (elemental Zn content 20.07%) + Ferrous oxide 0.2% (elemental Fe content 0.2%) 0.15% (elemental amount) + 14% copper sulfate (elemental Cu content 5.57%) + 10% magnesium sulfate (elemental Mg content 4.03%) + 1% boric acid (elemental... Boron content 0.17% + Manganese oxide 0.5% (Elemental Mn content 0.315%) SC (Liquid Suspension) Add 30 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 70 parts of ethylene glycol to 320 parts of water and homogenize by feeding it into a container equipped with a stirring device.

[0305] 16 parts sulfur powder, 250 parts zinc sulfate, 2 parts ferrous oxide, 140 parts copper sulfate, 100 parts magnesium sulfate, 10 parts boric acid, and 5 parts manganese oxide were further added to the homogenized blend and stirred continuously for about 10 minutes until the total mixture was homogeneous. To the above mixture, 6.5 parts polycarboxylate and 0.5 parts polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a nanomill to reduce the particle size. Then, 1 part carboxymethyl cellulose, 1 part 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the balance water, and 0.5 parts polyethylene glycol emulsion were added under continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0306] Results: The composition had an average particle size distribution of 450 nm, a viscosity of 500 cps, and a suspension rate of 92%. The pourable wash residue was 0.65%, the spontaneous dispersibility was 88%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 μm sieve was 0.04%. The suspension rate of the composition under accelerated storage conditions was 88%.

[0307] Field research Experiment 1: Evaluation of the efficacy of different formulations of sulfur with magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and boron salts in commercially grown wheat crops, wherein the particle size of the compositions is compared with that of a control sample having a wider particle size range according to an embodiment of the invention. Field experimental methods: Field trials were conducted in Sangrur, Punjab, India, to observe the effects of the water-dispersible granules or liquid suspension compositions of the present invention on wheat. The trials were conducted in the Rabi season using a randomized block design (RBD), comprising nine treatments (including an untreated control), replicated four times. For each treatment, the plot area was maintained at 30 sq.m. (6m x 5m). Test product compounds and combinations thereof in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspension compositions according to the present invention were applied to the soil at varying ranges and prescribed dosages at the time of the first irrigation of wheat (25 days after sowing). The wheat crop in the experimental fields was grown according to good agricultural practices.

[0308] Experiment Details a) Test location: Sanhur, Punjab, India b) Crop: Wheat (Variety DBW-222) c) Trial season: Rabbinic season 2022 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: four times f) Processing: Nine g) Area of ​​the residential area: 6m x 5m = 30 sq.m h) Sowing date: 2022-11-2022 i) Application date: 4-12-2022 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: 24-03-2023

[0309] As shown in Table 1, treatments using compositions T1, T2, T4, T5, and T7 in the form of water-dispersible granules or suspensions with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 μm and an average particle size distribution of <1000 nm, according to embodiments of the present invention, exhibited significantly increased wheat yields compared to treatment T3 with water-dispersible granules with a particle size range of 0.1 to 20 μm, treatment T6 with granular compositions with a particle size range of 0.1 to 50 μm, or treatment T8 with conventional tablet compositions containing expansive clay and a particle size range greater than 75 μm. It can be seen that treatments T1 and T2 with the compositions according to the present invention showed yield increases of 31.95% and 30.46% respectively compared to the untreated control, while treatment T3 showed only a yield increase of 16.22% compared to the untreated control. Furthermore, treatment of T4, T5, and T7 with the composition according to the invention showed yield increases of 31.78%, 31.29%, and 28.97% respectively compared to the untreated control, while treatment of T6 and T8 with conventional compositions showed yield increases of only 12.91% and 11.75% respectively compared to the untreated control. These unexpected results can be attributed to the composition according to embodiments of the invention, wherein the composition is in the form of an aqueous dispersible granule or a liquid suspension, and particularly comprises particles with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 micrometers and an average particle size distribution of <1000 nm.

[0310]

[0311] As shown in Table 1A, compositions T1, T2, T4, T5, and T7, in the form of water-dispersible granules or suspensions with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 μm and an average particle size distribution of <1000 nm according to embodiments of the present invention, showed significantly improved wheat plant height at 60 days post-sowing and tiller number at 40 days post-sowing compared to treatment T3 with water-dispersible granules with a particle size range of 0.1 to 20 μm, treatment T6 with granular compositions with a particle size range of 0.1 to 50 μm, or treatment T8 with conventional tablet compositions containing expansive clay and a particle size range greater than 75 μm. Specifically, treatments T1 and T2 with the compositions according to the present invention showed increases in plant height of 30.22% and 29.10% respectively compared to the untreated control, while treatment T3 showed only an increase of 11.19% compared to the untreated control. Furthermore, treatments T4, T5, and T7 with the compositions according to the present invention showed unexpected increases in wheat plant height compared to the untreated control, while treatments T6 and T8 with conventional compositions did not. Furthermore, treatment of wheat tillers with the compositions according to embodiments of the present invention (T1, T2, T4, T5, and T7) showed increases of 22.85%, 17.14%, 17.14%, 22.85%, and 21.42%, respectively, at 40 days post-sowing compared to the untreated control. On the other hand, the comparative samples T3, T6, and T8, which have a larger particle size range as described above, showed a poorer increase in wheat tiller numbers at 40 days post-sowing.

[0312] Experiment 2: To evaluate soil nutrient uptake after application of different formulations of the present invention containing "sulfur and magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper and boron salts" in commercially grown wheat crops, compared with control samples having a higher particle size distribution: Field experimental methods: Field trials were conducted in Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh, India, to observe the effects of the water-dispersible granules or liquid suspension compositions of the present invention on wheat. The trials were conducted in Rabiji using a randomized block design (RBD) comprising five treatments (including an untreated control), replicated four times. For each treatment, the plot area was maintained at 30 sq.m. (6m x 5m). Test product compounds and combinations thereof in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspension compositions according to the present invention were applied to the soil at varying ranges and prescribed dosages at the time of the first irrigation of wheat (25 days after sowing). The wheat crop in the experimental fields was grown according to good agricultural practices.

[0313] Experiment Details a) Test location: Sheapor, Madhya Pradesh, India b) Crop: Wheat (variety JW-1106) c) Trial season: Rabbinic season 2022 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: four times f) Processing: Five g) Area of ​​the residential area: 6m x 5m = 30 sq.m h) Sowing date: 28-11-2022 i) Application date: 22-12-2022 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: 1-04-2023

[0314] As shown in Table 2, the treatment with water-dispersible granule composition T1 (with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 μm and an average particle size distribution <1000 nm) according to the embodiments of the present invention significantly improved wheat yield compared to treatment with water-dispersible granules with a particle size range of 0.1 to 20 μm (T2), or treatment with water-dispersible granule composition with a particle size range of 0.1 to 50 μm (T3), or treatment with water-dispersible granule composition with a particle size range of 0.1 to 100 μm (T4). Specifically, treatment T1 with the composition of the present invention showed a yield increase of 35.17% compared to the untreated control; while the yield increases for treatments T2, T3, and T4 were only 22.71%, 15.29%, and 8.51%, respectively. These unexpected results can be attributed to the compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, wherein the compositions specifically comprise particles with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 μm and an average particle size distribution <1000 nm.

[0315]

[0316] Soil nutrient content was estimated prior to sowing and application of treatments. It was noted that the initial magnesium content in the treatment and observation plots was 1295 ppm, zinc 1089 ppm, iron 2465 ppm, boron 730 ppm, manganese 1345 ppm, and copper 1625 ppm.

[0317] As can be seen from the data in Table 2A above, treatment T1, using water-dispersible granules with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 μm and an average particle size distribution <1000 nm according to the embodiments of the present invention, showed significantly enhanced absorption of magnesium, zinc, iron, boron, manganese, and copper in the soil compared to the control samples T2, T3, and T4, which contained a larger particle size range. Furthermore, it can be seen that the composition of the present invention with optimized particle size distribution not only enhances the absorption of nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, iron, boron, manganese, and copper, but also solves and overcomes nutrient antagonism problems. As mentioned earlier, the presence of iron is known to inhibit the absorption of zinc or manganese from the soil by plants. Similarly, the presence of zinc in the composition reduces copper absorption. This can be seen from treatments 2, 3, and 4 in the table above, where the absorption of zinc or manganese is significantly poor due to the presence of iron in the composition, or the absorption of copper is reduced due to the presence of zinc. On the other hand, it is noted that treatment with the composition according to embodiments of the present invention shows an unexpectedly enhanced absorption of nutrients such as magnesium, zinc, iron, boron, manganese and copper applied to the soil, thereby overcoming nutrient antagonism problems and providing balanced nutrients for all crops.

[0318] Experiment 3: This study investigated the effects of a liquid suspension composition of sulfur with magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and boron salts on commercially grown rice crops. The composition contained particles ranging from 100 nm to 5 micrometers in size and with an average particle size distribution less than 1000 nm. This was compared to liquid suspension compositions with a larger particle size range. Field experimental methods: Field trials were conducted in Dharampur, Valsad County, to evaluate the impact of embodiments of the present invention on rice (paddy) yield.

[0319] The experiment was conducted in the Kharif season using a randomized block design (RBD), comprising five treatments (including an untreated control) replicated four times. For each treatment, the plot size was maintained at 40 sq.m. (8m x 5m). The prescribed dose of the test product was applied as a top dressing 15 days after rice transplanting. Rice in the experimental fields was cultivated according to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Seedlings of the rice variety Jaya were used for propagation, and 25-day-old seedlings were transplanted. The row spacing was 30 cm and the plant spacing was 25 cm. The active ingredients applied in the field trial were elemental sulfur, elemental magnesium, elemental zinc, elemental iron, elemental manganese, elemental copper, and elemental boron.

[0320] Experiment Details a) Test location: Dalampur, Varsad County b) Crop: Rice (variety Jaya) c) Trial season: Karif 2023 d) Experimental design: Randomized block design e) Repeat: Four times f) Processing: Five g) Area of ​​the residential area: 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Transplanting date: October 6, 2023 i) Application date: June 25, 2023 j) Application method: Topdressing k) Harvest date: 24.09.2023 Yield observation data were recorded at harvest time, and the average data are listed in Table 3 to illustrate the efficacy of the claimed liquid suspension composition of "sulfur, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper and boron" prepared according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0321]

[0322] As shown in Table 3 above, the treatment with the suspension composition T1 (with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 μm and an average particle size distribution <1000 nm) in the embodiments of the present invention exhibits a significant increase in yield compared to the treatment with the liquid suspension composition T2 (with a particle size range of 0.1 μm to 30 μm and a D50 greater than 5 μm), the treatment with the liquid suspension composition T3 (with a particle size range of 0.1 μm to 50 μm and a D50 <35 μm), or the treatment with the liquid suspension composition T4 (with a particle size range of 0.1 μm to 100 μm and a D50 <50 μm). It can be seen that compared to the untreated control, treatment T1 with the composition of the present invention shows a 33.13% increase in yield; while the increases in yield for treatments T2, T3, and T4 are only 15.98%, 9.88%, and 4.36%, respectively.

[0323] Experiment 4: Investigating the efficacy of a composition of sulfur with magnesium, zinc, iron, boron, manganese, and copper salts in commercially grown rice crops; wherein the composition comprises particles with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 micrometers and an average particle size distribution of less than 1000 nm, compared with a control sample having a larger particle size range: Field experimental methods: Field trials were conducted in Moga, Punjab, India, to evaluate the impact of embodiments of the present invention on rice yield.

[0324] The experiment was conducted in Karifti using a randomized block design (RBD), comprising eleven treatments (including a control), replicated four times. For each treatment, the plot size was maintained at 40 sq.m. (8m x 5m). The prescribed dose of the test product was applied as a top dressing 15 days after rice transplanting. Rice in the experimental fields was cultivated according to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Seedlings of the rice variety PUSA-44 were used for seedling raising, and 25-day-old seedlings were transplanted. The row spacing was 30 cm and the plant spacing was 25 cm. The active ingredients applied in the field trial were elemental sulfur, elemental magnesium, elemental zinc, elemental iron, elemental manganese, elemental copper, and elemental boron.

[0325] Experiment Details a) Test location: Moga, Punjab, India b) Crop: Rice (Variety: PUSA-44) c) Trial season: Karif 2023 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: four times f) Processing: 11 g) Area of ​​the residential area: 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Transplanting date: June 25, 2023 i) Application date: 10.07.2023 j) Application method: Topdressing k) Harvest date: 08.10.2023 Record the production observation data, which are listed in the table below.

[0326]

[0327] *Elemental activity content: Elemental content of S, Mg, Zn, Fe, B, Cu, and Mn As can be clearly seen from Table 4 above, the SC composition treatments with particle size ranges according to the embodiments of the present invention, T1, T3, T5, T7 and T9, showed significant increases in rice yield, at 19.73%, 16.92%, 19.39%, 16.72% and 16.2%, respectively. In contrast, the composition treatments with a larger particle size range, i.e., a particle size range of 0.1 to 30 micrometers and a D50 of less than 10 micrometers, T2, T4, T6, T8 and T10, showed decreases in rice yield, at 6.35%, 6.18%, 6.52%, 5.35% and 6.48%, respectively.

[0328] Experiment 5: An investigation was conducted on the effects of different combinations of sulfur, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and boron on commercially grown peanut crops, wherein, according to an embodiment of the invention, the content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures did not exceed 80% by weight, compared with a control sample containing more than 80% by weight of water-soluble salts. Field trials were conducted on peanut crop (variety JSP-39) in Darwade, Karnataka, India, to evaluate the compositions of the present invention. The trials were conducted using a randomized block design (RBD) comprising three treatments (including an untreated control), replicated four times. For each treatment, the plot area was maintained at 35 sq.m (7m x 5m). Test nutrient compositions (different ranges) and control samples in water-dispersible granule form according to embodiments of the present invention were applied as basal fertilizer at peanut sowing at specified doses. The active ingredients applied in the field trials were elemental sulfur, elemental magnesium, elemental zinc, elemental iron, elemental manganese, elemental copper, and elemental boron.

[0329] The experiment details are as follows: a) Test site: Dharwad, Karnataka b) Crop: Peanuts (variety JSP-39) c) Trial season: Rabbinic season 2023 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: four times f) Processing: Three g) Area of ​​the residential area: 7m x 5m = 35 sq.m h) Application date: 29.01.2023 i) Sowing date: January 29, 2023 j) Application method: Base fertilizer k) Harvest date: 04.05.2023 The observation data are recorded in the table below:

[0330] As shown in Table 5, treatment T1, using a water-dispersible granule composition with a water-soluble active content of 80% by weight according to an embodiment of the present invention, exhibits a significantly increased peanut yield compared to treatment T2, which uses a control sample with a water-soluble active content of 85% by weight. It can be seen that treatment T1, using the composition according to an embodiment of the present invention, shows a yield increase of 22.72%, while treatment T2, containing 85% by weight of water-soluble salt, shows only a yield increase of 7.7% compared to the untreated control.

[0331]

[0332] As can be further seen from Table 5A, composition T1 using the water-dispersible granule composition according to an embodiment of the present invention, compared with treatment T2 using a control sample containing a higher concentration of water-soluble salts, showed an increase in the number of peanut pods per plant and an increase in peanut protein content. Furthermore, crops treated with the composition according to an embodiment of the present invention showed enhanced greenness, improved leaf surface, and branching.

[0333] Experiment 6: This study investigated the effects of a seven-component composition containing sulfur, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and boron salts on commercially grown tomato crops. The composition comprised particles with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 micrometers and an average particle size distribution of less than 1000 nm. The results were compared with a control sample containing a six-component active ingredient composition. Field trials were conducted in Kolar, Karnataka, India, using a randomized block design (RBD) in Karifji, comprising nine treatments (including an untreated control) replicated four times. For each treatment, the plot size was maintained at 40 sq.m (8m x 5m). The compositions evaluated included water-insoluble salts of sulfur, magnesium, zinc, and iron according to the invention, as well as manganese, copper, and boron salts, and control samples. Tomato crops in the experimental fields were grown according to good agricultural practices. Seeds of the tomato HS102 variety were used in the study, with a row spacing of 120 cm and a plant spacing of 45 cm. Experimental details are as follows: Experiment Details a) Test location: Khoral, Karnataka b) Crop: Tomato (variety HS102) c) Trial season: Karif 2023 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: four times f) Processing: Nine g) Area of ​​the residential area: 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Application date: 5.07.2023 i) Application method: Band application / side placement j) Transplanting date: May 7, 2023 k) Harvesting dates: October 18, 2023; October 28, 2023; November 3, 2023 Fruit set was observed by marking newly opened flowers weekly and counting the number of flowers that had produced fruit after one week. The fruit was harvested six times, and weighed each time.

[0334] The observation results are recorded in the table below:

[0335] *Elemental activity content: Elemental content of S, Mg, Zn, Fe, B, Cu, and Mn As shown in Table 6, composition T1, using the water-dispersible granule composition according to an embodiment of the present invention, exhibits a significant increase in tomato yield compared to treatments T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, or T8. Treatment T2, using the comparative samples, is free of elemental sulfur; treatment T3 is free of zinc salts; and treatments T4, T5, T6, T7, and T8 are free of iron, manganese, magnesium, boron, and copper salts, respectively. It can be seen that application of treatment T1 showed a yield increase of 29.59%, while treatments T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, or T8 showed yield increases of only 14.31%, 15.75%, 15.05%, 16.25%, 16.58%, 13.60%, and 17.61%, respectively, compared to the untreated control.

[0336]

[0337] *Elemental activity content: Elemental content of S, Mg, Zn, Fe, B, Cu, and Mn As can be further seen from Table 6A, composition T1, using the water-dispersible granule composition according to an embodiment of the present invention, showed a significant increase in tomato plant height and number of fruits per plant compared to treatments T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, or T8. Treatment T2, using the comparative samples, was free of elemental sulfur, treatment T3 was free of zinc salts, while treatments T4, T5, T6, T7, and T8 were free of iron salts, manganese salts, magnesium salts, boron salts, and copper salts, respectively.

[0338] Experiment 7: Evaluation of the effect of compositions containing "sulfur, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper and boron" (seven-component compositions) on soybean crops, wherein the compositions comprise particles with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 micrometers and an average particle size distribution of less than 1000 nm according to the present invention, compared with hexa-, pentagonal, quaternary and ternary compositions of active ingredients: Field experimental methods: Field trials were conducted in Latur, Maharashtra, India, to observe the effects of a seven-component composition comprising sulfur, magnesium, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and boron, according to the invention, and a control sample, on soybean. The trials were conducted in Karifji using a randomized block design (RBD) comprising six treatments (including an untreated control), replicated four times. For each treatment, the plot area was maintained at 30 sq.m. (6m x 5m). Test product compounds with different ranges according to the invention, along with control compositions, were applied to the soil at specified dosages and according to the invention's particle size at sowing. Soybean crops in the experimental fields were grown according to good agricultural practices.

[0339] Experiment details: a) Test location: Latour, Maharashtra, India b) Crop & Variety: Soybean (KPS-344) c) Trial season: Karif 2023 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: 4 f) Processing: 6 g) Area of ​​the residential area: 6m x 5m = 30 sq.m h) Sowing date: July 15, 2023 i) Application date: 15.07.2023 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: 18.10.2023 The observation results are recorded in the table below:

[0340] *Elemental activity content: Elemental content of S, Mg, Zn, Fe, B, Cu, and Mn As shown in the table above, treatment T1, using a composition comprising sulfur, magnesium, iron, zinc, boron, copper, and manganese with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 μm and an average particle size distribution <1000 nm according to embodiments of the present invention, showed a significant yield increase of 32.45%, while the control sample with a similar particle size range did not. It can be seen that the composition of treatment T2 does not contain zinc, the composition of treatment T3 does not contain iron and boron, the composition of treatment T4 does not contain zinc, boron, and manganese, and the composition of treatment T5 does not contain zinc, iron, boron, and manganese. Treatments T2, T3, T4, and T5 showed yield increases of only 16.66%, 14.91%, 10.52%, and 6.72% respectively compared to the untreated control. Therefore, the unexpected 32.45% increase in yield observed with the T1 composition can be attributed to all seven components, namely sulfur, magnesium, iron, zinc, boron, copper and manganese, present at certain concentrations with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 micrometers and an average particle size distribution of <1000 nm according to embodiments of the invention, while the absence of any one or more of the components in the composition showed a significant decrease in yield.

[0341] Experiment 8: Evaluation of the performance of a nanocomposite containing sulfur, zinc, iron, boron, copper, manganese and magnesium, as well as biostimulants, in tomatoes.

[0342] Field trials were conducted in Nashik, Maharashtra, India, using a randomized block design (RBD) in Karifji, comprising nine treatments (including an untreated control) replicated four times. For each treatment, the plot size was maintained at 40 sq.m (8m x 5m). The compositions evaluated included water-insoluble salts of sulfur, magnesium, zinc, and iron according to the invention, as well as manganese, copper, and boron salts, and control samples. Tomato crops in the experimental fields were grown according to good agricultural practices. Seeds of the tomato HS102 variety were used in the study, with a row spacing of 120 cm and a plant spacing of 45 cm. Experimental details are as follows: Experiment Details a) Test location: Nashik, Maharashtra b) Crop: Tomato (Variety HS101) c) Trial season: Karif 2023 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: four times f) Processing: Three g) Area of ​​the residential area: 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Application date: 9.07.2023 i) Application method: strip application / side application j) Transplanting date: September 7, 2023 k) Harvesting dates: October 20, 2023; October 30, 2023; November 5, 2023 The fruit was harvested six times, and weighed each time. The observation results are recorded in the table below:

[0343] *Elemental activity content: Elemental content of S, Mg, Zn, Fe, B, Cu, and Mn As shown in Table 8 above, the treatment T1, which uses a composition containing sulfur, magnesium, iron, zinc, boron, copper, and manganese (the composition also containing biostimulants such as biochar) with a particle size range of 100 nm to 5 micrometers and an average particle size distribution of <1000 nm according to an embodiment of the present invention, showed a reduction in the number of tomato fruits dropped per plant and a significant 30% increase in yield compared to a control sample with a similar particle size range but without biochar.

[0344] It has been observed that the compositions of the present invention exhibit enhanced, efficient, and superior performance in the field. The inventors have noted that application of the compositions of the present invention results in greater and more balanced absorption of micronutrients such as iron in the presence of zinc, or manganese in the presence of iron, or zinc in the presence of copper. Furthermore, it has been observed that application of the compositions of the present invention having a particle size range of 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers (wherein the average particle size of the compositions is less than 1000 micrometers) allows for greater assimilation of all nutrients, resulting in healthier plants and higher nutrient yields.

[0345] The compositions of this invention minimize the frequency of application or the amount of nutrients, fertilizers, or pesticides used. The compositions are highly safe for users and the environment and do not cause any phytotoxicity typically observed in conventional nano-fertilizer compositions. The compositions of this invention have been observed to not only have synergistic effects but also increase crop yield and enhance crop physiological characteristics, such as increasing greenness and improving leaf appearance. Therefore, the compositions of this invention have been observed to exhibit enhanced, effective, and superior performance in the field at reduced application doses. The compositions of this invention also promote soil health by maintaining soil pH in a manner conducive to the uniform uptake of all nutrients by plants.

[0346] It was also observed that when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions and contains particles with a particle size range of 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers and an average particle size of less than 1000 nanometers, the composition provides better absorption of magnesium, zinc, iron, and other micronutrients and macronutrients fixed in the soil.

[0347] In addition, various advantageous properties associated with the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, improved stability, improved toxicological and / or ecotoxicological behavior, improved crop characteristics, including crop yield, crop quality, improved rooting, dense foliage, and other advantages known to those skilled in the art.

[0348] As can be seen from the foregoing, various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of this invention. It should be understood that no limitation is intended or inferred on the specific embodiments shown.

Claims

1. A crop nutrient and fortification composition comprising: a. Elemental sulfur, ranging from 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; b. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental iron content ranges from 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; c. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental zinc content ranges from 0.1% to 55% by weight of the total composition; d. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental magnesium content ranges from 0.5% to 50% by weight of the total composition; e. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental boron content ranges from 0.01% to 25% by weight of the total composition; f. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental manganese content ranges from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; g. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental copper content ranges from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; and, h. One or more excipients, ranging from 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition. The particle size range of the composition is 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers; and the average particle size distribution is less than 1000 nanometers, and the total content of the water-soluble salt, derivative or mixture in the composition does not exceed 80% of the total weight of the composition.

2. The composition of claim 1, comprising: the water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salt or its derivative or mixture, ranging from 0.1% to 55% w / w of the total composition; the water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salt or its derivative or mixture, ranging from 0.1% to 65% w / w of the total composition; the water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salt or its derivative or mixture, ranging from 1% to 80% w / w of the total composition; the water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salt or its derivative or mixture, ranging from 0.1% to 80% w / w of the total composition; the water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salt or its derivative or mixture, ranging from 0.1% to 45% w / w of the total composition; and the water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salt or its derivative or mixture, ranging from 0.1% to 45% w / w of the total composition.

3. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a solid, liquid or gel.

4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the solid composition is in the form of a water-dispersible granule, a wettable powder, a spreadable granule, an extruded granule, or a spheroidized granule.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the solid composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules.

6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the size of the water-dispersible granules ranges from 0.5 mm to 4 mm.

7. The composition of claim 3, wherein the liquid composition is in the form of a liquid suspension.

8. The composition of claim 7, wherein the composition in liquid suspension form comprises: a. Elemental sulfur, ranging from 1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; b. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental iron content ranges from 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition; c. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content ranges from 0.1% to 35% by weight of the total composition; d. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures, wherein the elemental magnesium content ranges from 0.5% to 30% by weight of the total composition; e. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental boron content ranges from 0.01% to 15% by weight of the total composition; f. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or derivatives thereof or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental manganese content ranges from 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition; g. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental copper content ranges from 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition; and, h. One or more excipients, ranging from 0.1% to 60% of the total composition by weight, wherein the particle size of the composition ranges from 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers; The composition has an average particle size distribution of less than 1000 nanometers, and the total content of the water-soluble salt, derivative or mixture in the composition does not exceed 50% of the total weight of the composition.

9. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water-insoluble magnesium salt or derivative comprises one or more of the following: magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide (magnesium emulsion), magnesium molybdate, magnesium phosphate, calcium magnesium phosphate, trimagnesium phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, calcium magnesium silicate, magnesium ammonium phosphate, magnesium humate, magnesium fulvic acid; magnesium oxalate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium sulfide, or periclase, brucite; fluorite; magnesia borate; Persev's stone; sulphite; magnesite; boromagnesite; magnesia ferromagnesia; dolomite; hydrated dolomite and struvite.

10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water-soluble magnesium salt comprises one or more of the following: magnesium sulfate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium glycine, magnesium lactate, magnesium aspartate, magnesium lignosulfonate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium acetate, and magnesium citrate.

11. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a water-insoluble magnesium salt.

12. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water-insoluble iron salt or derivative comprises one or more of the following: iron oxide, iron hydroxide, iron phosphate, iron fumarate, iron succinate, iron sulfide, iron sucrose, iron tartrate, iron carbonyl, iron silicate, iron carbonate; iron oxalate(II) (anhydrous), iron oxalate(II) (dihydrate), roaldite, chalcopyrite, magnetite, hematite, goethite, limonite, siderite, pyrite or marcasite, Bernalite, and iron serpentine.

13. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water-soluble iron salt comprises one or more of the following: ferric sulfate, ferric citrate, ferric lignin sulfonate, ferric silicate, ferric ascorbate, ferric sucrose; ferric gluconate, ferric dextran, and iron chelates.

14. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water-insoluble zinc salt or derivative comprises one or more of the following: zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, zinc hydroxide, zinc carbonate, zinc molybdate, zinc phosphate, zinc borate, zinc silicate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc humate, zinc fulvicate, zinc citrate, zinc oxalate, zinc monomethionine, zinc carnosine, zinc chromate, zinc nitride, zinc hyponitrotriacetate (NTA), zinc phosphide, zinc selenide, zinc telluride, zinc aspartate, tamparite, ashokaite, periclase, sphalerite, wurtzite, zeolite, buchnerite, hemimorphite, smithsonite, hydroxythiospore copper zincite, copper zinc ore, zinc phosphate, zinc manganese zinc ore, flebenstone, zeolite, clinoptilolite, crisscrossite, goninite, chancouliite, icanderoite, bailey chlorite, ballaisite, and white zinc alum.

15. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water-soluble zinc salt comprises one or more of the following: zinc sulfate, zinc sulfate monohydrate, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, zinc chelate, zinc oxysulfate, zinc chloride, zinc lignin sulfonate, eugenol chelate zinc, zinc glycinate, zinc carbohydrate, zinc sucrose, zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc polyflavones, zinc gluconate, and zinc phenolate.

16. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a water-insoluble iron salt and a water-insoluble zinc salt.

17. The composition of claim 1, wherein the boron salt or derivative comprises one or more of the following: zinc borate; boron phosphate; boron oxide or boron trioxide; magnesium diboride; boron nitride; boron nitrite; boron carbide; aluminum dodecylborate; boron oxide; calcium borate; magnesium borate; aluminum borate; magnesium diborate; calcium aluminum triborate; boric acid; borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate; sodium perborate; sodium borosilicate; sodium tetraborate decahydrate; disodium tetraborate; disodium tetraborate octahydrate; potassium tetraborate; boron trioxide; boron trichloride or boron(III) chloride or trichloroborane; boron triiodide or triiodoborane; sodium tetraborate decahydrate; boron trioxide; boric anhydride; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate or sodium borooxide or sodium octaborate; borax pentahydrate; boron suboxide; boron monoxide; boron hydroxide; sodium borate; trifluoride Boron tribromide; Boron triiodide; Boric anhydride; Disodium octaborate; Sodium tetrahydroborate or sodium borohydride; Calcium borogluconate; Sodium borohydride; Sodium cyanoborohydride; Sodium pentaborate; Ammonium pentaborate; Sodium tetrahydroborate or sodium borohydride; Sodium cyanoborohydride; Sodium triacetoxyborohydride or sodium triacetylborohydride; Sodium triethylborohydride; Magnesium diborate; Calcium aluminum triborate; Boric acid; Calcium borate; Zinc borate; Magnesium borate; boron trioxide; borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate or sodium tetraborate decahydrate or sodium tetraborate pentahydrate; boron oxide; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate; boromagnesite, borax, boromagnesite; sodium boromagnesite, suandite, hard boromagnesite, manganese borax, hydrochloric boromagnesite, Atman boromagnesite, borocalcite, natural boric acid, boropotassium boromagnesite, boroaluminate boromagnesite, orthorhombic hydroborax and sodium boromagnesite.

18. The composition of claim 1, wherein the manganese salt or derivative comprises manganese oxide, manganese tetroxide; manganese tetroxide or manganese hydroxide, manganese phosphate, manganese phosphate heptahydrate, manganese carbonyl, manganese dioxide, manganese diselenide, manganese tetroxide, manganese carbonate, manganese molybdate, manganese selenide, manganese telluride, manganese titanate, manganese nitride, manganese oxalate, manganese borate, manganese sulfide, manganese trioxide, manganese acetate, manganese diacetate, manganese gluconate, manganese succinate, manganese fumarate, manganese chloride including manganese dichloride, manganese trioxide, manganese sulfate, manganese sulfate monohydrate, manganese chelate, manganese citrate, manganese bicarbonate, manganese zinc ferrite, sodium manganate, leucite, pyrolusite, malachite, hygroscopicite, rhodochrosite, chrysoprase, zinc malachite, blue malachite, and black malachite.

19. The composition of claim 1, wherein the copper salt or derivative comprises copper oxalate; copper carboxylate salts, such as copper citrate, copper succinate, and copper tartrate; copper oxide; copper hydroxide; copper molybdate; copper phosphate; copper oxide; cuprous oxide; copper octoate; copper oxychloride; copper-lime mixture; copper linoleate; copper carbonate; copper humate; copper fulvic acid; copper selenide (I); copper selenide (II); copper arsenate; copper oleate; copper sulfide, cuprous sulfide, copper selenide, copper sulfate, basic copper carbonate, basic copper carbonate monohydrate, copper oxysulfate, cuprous chloride, tribasic copper sulfate, Bordeaux mixture, copper sulfate pentahydrate, cuprite, chalcocite, chalcocite, covellite, bornite, malachite, azurite, namuvitite, and copper-tin-zinc sulfide.

20. The composition of claim 1, wherein the excipient comprises one or more of the following: surfactants, emulsifiers; wetting agents; dispersants; fillers or carriers or diluents; spreading agents; colorants; anti-caking agents; disintegrants; binders; buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizers; pigments; stabilizers; defoamers or antifoaming agents; penetrants; ultraviolet absorbers; structural agents; humectants; adhesives; antifreeze agents or freezing point depressants; chelating agents or complexing agents or masking agents; preservatives or bactericides or antifungals or biocides or antimicrobials or antioxidants.

21. The composition of claim 20, wherein the dispersant is a nonionic dispersant selected from one or more of the following: polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, ethoxylated fatty acid, fatty alcohol ethoxylate; alkyl ethoxylate; EO-PO block copolymer; graft copolymer, addition product of ethylene oxide and fatty acid ester, sulfate lignin polymer, polyoxyethylene alkyl ester, polyoxyethylene dehydrated sorbitol alkyl ester, ethoxylated alkylphenol, polyoxyethylene styrene phenyl ether.

22. The composition of claim 20, wherein the dispersant is an anionic dispersant selected from one or more of the following: sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ether, tristyrylphenol ethoxylate phosphate; lignin sulfonate, phenylnaphthalene sulfonate, alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts and ammonium salts of lignin sulfonate, lignin derivatives, alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, a mixture of sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate urea formaldehyde condensate and sodium salt of phenol sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, polycarboxylate, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate, sodium sulfonate naphthalene, sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, condensation products of aryl sulfonic acids and formaldehyde, polyaryl sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonate.

23. The composition of claim 7, wherein the liquid suspension composition further comprises a structural agent selected from one or more of the following: thickeners, suspending agents or suspending aids, viscosity modifiers or rheology modifiers, viscous agents, and antisettling agents.

24. The composition of claim 20, wherein the structural agent is present in the range of 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

25. The composition of claim 5, wherein the dispersion of the water-dispersible granule composition is at least 50%.

26. The composition of claim 5 or 7, wherein the suspension rate of the water-dispersible granule composition or the liquid suspension composition is at least 50%.

27. The composition of claim 7, wherein the pourability of the liquid suspension composition is less than 5% rinse residue.

28. The composition of claim 7, wherein the viscosity of the liquid suspension composition at 25°C is from 150 cps to 2000 cps.

29. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition optionally comprises an additional active ingredient selected from one or more of the following: trace nutrients, micronutrients, biostimulants, or mixtures thereof, wherein the additional active ingredient is present in the range of 0.001% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

30. The composition of claim 29, wherein the biostimulant comprises organic carbon.

31. The composition of claim 29, wherein the trace nutrient comprises one or more of the following: selenium or vanadium, which are present in elemental form or in the form of their salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof.

32. A method for preparing a crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules as described in claim 5, wherein the method comprises: a. Grinding the blend in water to obtain a slurry or wet mixture, said blend comprising: i. Elemental sulfur; ii. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures thereof; iii. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures; iv. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures; v. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or their derivatives or mixtures thereof; vi. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or their derivatives or mixtures; vii. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or their derivatives or mixtures; and, viii. One or more excipients, ranging from 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition. b. Dry the slurry or wet mixture to obtain the water-dispersible granules; The particle size range of the composition is 100 nm to 5 micrometers, and the average particle size distribution is less than 1000 nanometers. The total content of the water-soluble salt, derivative, or mixture in the composition does not exceed 80% by weight, and The composition wherein the elemental content is: elemental sulfur is 1% to 90% of the total composition weight; Elemental iron comprises 0.1% to 50% of the total weight of the composition; Elemental zinc comprises 0.1% to 55% of the total composition by weight; Elemental magnesium comprises 0.5% to 50% of the total composition by weight; The elemental boron content is 0.01% to 25% of the total composition by weight; The elemental manganese comprises 0.1% to 40% of the total composition by weight, and Elemental copper accounts for 0.1% to 40% of the total composition by weight.

33. A method for preparing a crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of a liquid suspension as described in claim 7, wherein the method comprises: c. Grinding the blend in water to obtain the liquid suspension composition, the blend comprising: i. Elemental sulfur; ii. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures thereof; iii. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures; iv. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures; v. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble boron salts or their derivatives or mixtures thereof; vi. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble manganese salts or their derivatives or mixtures; vii. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble copper salts or their derivatives or mixtures; and, viii. One or more excipients, ranging from 0.1% to 60% of the total composition by weight; The composition has a particle size of 100 nanometers to 5 micrometers and an average particle size distribution of less than 1000 nanometers. The total content of the water-soluble salt, derivative, or mixture in the composition does not exceed 50% by weight, and The composition described herein has the following elemental content: elemental sulfur is 1% to 50% of the total composition weight; Elemental iron comprises 0.1% to 30% of the total weight of the composition; Elemental zinc comprises 0.1% to 35% of the total composition by weight; Elemental magnesium comprises 0.5% to 30% of the total composition by weight; The elemental boron content is 0.01% to 15% of the total composition by weight; The elemental manganese comprises 0.1% to 20% of the total composition by weight, and Elemental copper accounts for 0.1% to 20% of the total composition by weight.

34. The crop nutrition and fortification composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is at least one of a fertilizer composition, a nutrient composition, a crop enhancement composition, a soil conditioner composition, and a yield-increasing composition.

35. A method for improving plant health or yield; wherein the method comprises treating at least one of a plant, plant propagation material, its site or plant part, seed, seedling or surrounding soil with the crop nutrient and fortification composition of claim 1.

36. A method for treating plants and meeting their nutritional needs by applying the crop nutrient and fortification composition as described in claim 1 to enhance the absorption of sulfur, magnesium, iron, zinc, boron, copper and manganese.

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