A compositon for Anti-caking and / or moisture reduction for fertilizers comprised of an amino acid alk(EN)yl (ARYL) derivative

Abstract

An amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative for anti-caking and / or inhibiting moisture uptake reduction for fertilizer applications is disclosed. Also included herein is a fertilizer coating comprising an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative. Further included is a granular fertilizer comprising a core comprising a nutrient and an exterior coating. Preferable the extrior coating has a sufficient amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative to nihibit moisture uptake of the granular fertilizer. It is also preferred the granular fertilizer is in solid form. Methods of making the granular fertilizer are also included herein.

Description

[0001] A COMPOSITION FOR ANTI-CAKING AND / OR MOISTURE REDUCTION FOR FERTILIZERS COMPRISED OF AN AMINO ACID ALK(EN)YL (ARYL) DERIVATIVE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates generally to granular fertilizers including an amino acid a lk(en)yl (aryl) derivative. The granular fertilizers are more moisture resistant, exhibit reduced caking and / or generate less dust. The present invention also relates to the method making an anti-caking granular fertilizer having reduced moisture uptake. The granular fertilizer may be formed by incorporating an amino acid al k(en)yl (aryl) derivative into the fertilizer. Methods that may be used to incorporate the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl derivative may include coatings, crystallization, granulation or prilling.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Currently coatings used to protect the fertilizer for moisture resistance and anti-caking typically use materials such as stearyl amines which are not environmentally friendly. The use of waxes is another approach to provide the aforementioned added value. However, many of these waxes are petroleum based and provide lower performance.

[0006] The need for "environmentally friendly" fertilizer coatings has been mentioned in various publications. Various examples of environmentally friendly coatings have been mentioned in prior art such as EP0711739A1 which describes the use of N-alkyl-N-alkanolamines for anti-caking which are more biodegradable than that previous embodiments, W02006091076 describes the use of vegetal residues as anti-caking agents.

[0007] The use of amino acids in agriculture has been recorded in prior art for other uses. US20130303377A1 describes the usage of amino acid blends applied to crops to influence the life processes of plants. Other prior art such as US3947589A describes the use of amino acids, alkyl ester of, and salts thereof as fungicides. US20170042150A1 describes the use of amino acids applied to the foliage of plants as herbicides. US20220087928A1 describes the use of amino acid derivatives in cosmetic applications.

[0008] BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0009] Herein in one embodiment, the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative is incorporated into fertilizers for the purposes of anti-caking and / or moisture uptake control and / or anti-dusting. The amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative may be applied via coatings, crystallization, granulation or prilling. Preferably, the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative is biodegradable, biobased, and a non-dangerous good. Traditional anti-caking and moisture control ingredients are non-biodegradable, typically classified as dangerous goods (i.e. during transportation), and potentially bio accumulative and are made up of alkyl amines, phosphate alkyl esters, and quaternary ester ammonium compounds. The use of amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivatives and related compounds therein allows for a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fertilizer coating and anti-caking / moisture uptake reduction additive.

[0010] One embodiment disclosed herein is a granular fertilizer comprising a nutrient and an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative. An amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises a sufficient amount to function as an anti-caking additive and / or inhibit moisture uptake of the granular fertilizer. Preferably the granular fertilizer is in solid form. Another embodiment disclosed herein is a coated granular fertilizer comprising a core having a nutrient and an exterior coating, wherein the exterior coating comprises an amino acid a lk(en)yl (aryl) derivative. The exterior coating has a sufficient amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (ary!) derivative to function as an anti-caking coating and / or inhibiting moisture uptake of the granular fertilizer. The granular fertilizer is in solid form. Preferably the exterior coating at least partially encompasses the core, more preferably the exterior coating at least substantially covers the core, further preferably the exterior coating completely covers the core.

[0011] Also disclosed herein is a granular fertilizer having an exterior surface comprising a coating. The coating is bio-degradable, not a marine pollutant and is in a sufficient amount to inhibit caking (function as an anti-cake) and / or inhibit moisture uptake of the granular fertilizer.

[0012] A further embodiment disclosed herein is a coating comprising an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative for fertilizer treatment. Also another additional embodiment disclosed herein is a fertilizer coating comprising an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.

[0013] Also included herein is a granular fertilizer comprising a nutrient and a coating . The coating comprising a bio-degradable, non-marine pollutant in a sufficient amount to inhibit moisture uptake and / or inhibit caking of the granular fertilizer. The coating is located adjacent to at least a portion of the nutrient. Optionally, the coating may inhibit dust production.

[0014] Additionally disclosed herein is a method of making a fertilizer granular comprising forming a solid granular. The granular may comprise a nutrient and an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.

[0015] Further disclosed herein is a method of making the coating comprising blending an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative and a carrier such that the coating is thereby capable of being applied to a fertilizer substrate, preferably the carrier comprises at least one of a water-soluble component or an oil-based component, preferably the coating may be applied in a form of at least one of a powder, an emulsion, an oil soluble formula or a water-soluble coating. Optionally, the coating may be applied in one or more steps.

[0016] An additional embodiment herein is a method of coating fertilizer comprising applying a coating comprising an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative to an exterior surface of the fertilizer, preferably wherein the applying comprises one of spraying, immersing in a bath, mixing, and combinations thereof. More preferably a concentration of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative in the coating comprises at least about 1 wt% of the weight of the coating, further preferably at least about 5 wt%, more preferably at least about 10 wt%, even more preferably at least about 15 wt%, most preferably at least about 20 wt% or in an amount of at least about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 15 wt% to about 20 wt% or about 20 wt% to about 25 wt% or combinations thereof.

[0017] In an embodiment, applying the coating material to the fertilizer substrate may comprise combining the coating material and the fertilizer substrate in a coating drum to at least partially coat the fertilizer substrate with the coating material. The coating material may have a suitable viscosity to be pumped into a blending tank or a coating drum. An example of suitable viscosity may be at least about 100 cP. Other examples of a suitable viscosity may range from at least about 100 cP up to about 300 cP. The above viscosities are preferably at the application temperature or temperature of the operating step. Non-limiting examples of the coating for application may include oil soluble emulsions or water-soluble emulsions.

[0018] Another method of making a coating is included herein. The method comprises blending an amino acid alk(en)y I (aryl) derivative and a carrier such that the coating is capable of being applied to a fertilizer substrate. Preferably the carrier comprises at least one of a water-soluble component or an oil-based component, or preferably the coating may be applied in a form of at least one of a powder, an emulsion, a solution, an oil soluble formula or a water-soluble coating or dispersions.

[0019] In another embodiment, the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative is added to the nutrient during the production of the fertilizer, before or during the granulation or prilling or crystallization step of the process.

[0020] By following the embodiments disclosed herein one or more of the following benefits may be realized: dust reduction, the coating may function as a dust inhibitor, moisture uptake reduction, or the coating may function as a caking inhibitor and / or protect the fertilizer.

[0021] Advantages in practicing one or more of the above embodiments may include at least one or more of (1) a reduction in moisture uptake of the coated granular fertilizer as compared to the uncoated granular fertilizer, (2) a reduction in moisture uptake as compared to fertilizer granular coating with conventional coatings, (3) a reduction in caking as compared to the uncoated granular fertilizer, (4) a reduction in caking as compared to fertilizer granular coating with conventional coatings, (5) a dust reduction as compared to the uncoated granular fertilizer, (6) a dust reduction as compared to fertilizer granular coating with conventional coatings.

[0022] Advantages in practicing one or more of the above embodiment in which the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative is an ingredient in the process of making the granular fertilizer may include at least one or more of the following: (1) the granular fertilizer including the nutrient and the amino acid alk(en)yi (aryl) derivative exhibits reduced caking, reduced moisture uptake and / or dust reduction as compared to fertilizer not including the amino acid a I k(en )y I (aryl) derivative.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0024] Figure 1 depicts environmental hazard to aquatic and other environments under the Global Harmonization System (GHS) (AKA Pictogram)

[0025] Figure 2 depicts the hazardous substance marking under the Global Harmonization System (GHS) (AKA Pictograms)

[0026] Figure 3 depicts an alternate pictogram for a marine pollutant.

[0027] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Before explaining at least one embodiment of the present disclosure in detail, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components or steps or methodologies set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present disclosure is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0029] Unless otherwise defined herein, technical terms used in connection with the present disclosure shall have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. Further, unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular.

[0030] All patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications mentioned in the specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled in the art to which the present disclosure pertains. All patents, published patent applications, and non-patent publications referenced in any portion of this application are herein expressly incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual patent or publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0031] All of the articles and / or methods disclosed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the articles and methods of the present disclosure have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations may be applied to the articles and / or methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method(s) described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the present disclosure. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the present disclosure.

[0032] As utilized in accordance with the present disclosure, the following terms, unless otherwise indicated, shall be understood to have the following meanings.

[0033] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction with the term "comprising" may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." The use of the term "or" is used to mean "and / or" unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only if the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and "and / or." Throughout this application, the term "about" is used to indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for the quantifying device, the method(s) being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects. For example, but not by way of limitation, when the term "about" is utilized, the designated value may vary by plus or minus twelve percent, or eleven percent, or ten percent, or nine percent, or eight percent, or seven percent, or six percent, or five percent, or four percent, or three percent, or two percent, or one percent. The use of the term "at least one" will be understood to include one as well as any quantity more than one, including but not limited to, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 100, etc. The term "at least one" may extend up to 100 or 1000 or more depending on the term to which it is attached. In addition, the quantities of 100 / 1000 are not to be considered limiting as lower or higher limits may also produce satisfactory results. In addition, the use of the term "at least one of X, Y, and Z" will be understood to include X alone, Y alone, and Z alone, as well as any combination of X, Y, and Z. The use of ordinal number terminology (i.e., "first", "second", "third", "fourth", etc.) is solely for the purpose of differentiating between two or more items and, unless otherwise stated, is not meant to imply any sequence or order or importance to one item over another or any order of addition. As used herein, the words "comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and "comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and "has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes" and "include") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as "contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps. The terms "or combinations thereof" and "and / or combinations thereof" as used herein refer to all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the term. For example, "A, B, C, or combinations thereof" is intended to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC and, if order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA, BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more items or terms, such as BB, AAA, AAB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless otherwise apparent from the context.

[0034] For purposes of the following detailed description, other than in any operating examples, or where otherwise indicated, numbers that express, for example, quantities of ingredients used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term "about". The numerical parameters set forth in the specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties to be obtained in carrying out the invention.

[0035] One embodiment disclosed herein is a granular fertilizer comprising a nutrient . The granular fertilizer may include an exterior coating. The exterior coating comprises an amino acid a lk(en)yl (aryl) derivative and the exterior coating has a sufficient amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative to inhibit moisture uptake and / or reduce caking of the granular fertilizer. Preferably the granular fertilizer is in solid form. It is also preferred that the coating at least partially encompasses a core of the granular fertilizer, more preferably the coating at least substantially encompasses the core, further preferred the coating encompasses the core.

[0036] As used herein the phrase amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative includes the amino acid derivatives having at least one of an alkyl group, an alkenyl group, an aryl group and combinations thereof.

[0037] Non-limiting examples of the amino acid a I k(en)y I (aryl) derivative comprises at least one of Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Sparagine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Selenocysteine, Pyrrolysine derivative and combinations thereof. Preferred embodiments may include L-lysine based alkyl derivative, more preferably a N6-lau roy l-l-lysine.

[0038] Alternatively, the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative may comprise one selected from the group of L- amino acids containing an N-atom and where the alk(en)y l(ary I) chain is a hydrocarbon -based chain having 2 to 75 carbon atoms, optionally the hydrocarbon chain may be linear, branched, saturated, unsaturated, containing at least one aromatic ring, containing at least one non-aromatic ring and combinations thereof.

[0039] In a further option the amino acid alk(e n)y I (aryl) derivative may be derived from at least one of alpha- fa-), beta- (P-), gamma- (y-) or delta- (6-) amino acids. In an even further option, the amino acid a I k(en)y I (aryl) derivative may comprise at least one of an alkyl ester or an alkyl amide. In another embodiment the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises a modified amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative. Preferably, the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises a bio-based compound, preferably synthesized from a bio-based carbon source.

[0040] In another particular embodiment, the amino acid a lk(en)yl (aryl) derivate does not comprise a straight chain amino acid.

[0041] Also, the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative may comprise a C6 to C44 carbon chain, preferably the C6 to C44 carbon chain comprises at least about an 8 carbon chain (C8).

[0042] In one embodiment the amount of the amino acid al k(en)y I (aryl) derivative included in the granular fertilizer is preferably at least about 10 ppm, preferably about 30 ppm, more preferably about 50 ppm. In further embodiments the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative may be applied to the fertilizer at a rate of up to about 10 lbs. of the amino acid a lk(en)yl (aryl) derivative / ton of fertilizer, preferably up to about 8 lbs. of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative / ton of fertilizer, more preferably up to about 6 lbs. / ton of fertilizer, further preferably up to about 4 lbs. / ton of fertilizer, even more preferably no more than about 2 lbs / ton of fertilizer. in another embodiment, the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises less than about 20 wt% of the coating, preferably less than about 15 wt% of the coating, further preferably less than about 10 wt% of the coating, more preferably no more than about 5 wt% of the coating. In a further embodiment a minimum amount of amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative may be at least 15 ppm, preferably at least 50 ppm, more preferable at least 1 wt% of the coating.

[0043] Optionally the exterior coating may further comprise a carrier, preferably the carrier comprises an oil based compound, more preferably the oil based compound comprises a wax, further preferably, the carrier comprises at least about 50 wt% of the coating but less than 100 wt% of the coating, even further preferred no more than about 95 wt% of the coating, also preferred the oil based compound may comprise at least one of mineral oil, vegetable oil and combinations thereof. Alternatively, the carrier of the exterior coating may comprise a water soluble material, such as molasses, glycerol, ethylene glycol and combinations thereof. In the case of the water soluble material as the carrier, the carrier may comprise at least about 50 wt% of the coating but less than 100 wt% of the coating, even further preferred no more than about 95 wt% of the coating.

[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the amino acid alk(en)y I (aryl) derivative may comprise no more than 99 wt% of the exterior coating, preferably no more than about 75 wt%, more preferably no more than about 50 wt%, further preferably no more than about 30 wt%, even more preferably no more than about 20 wt% or the amino acid alk(en)y) (aryl) derivative may be present in an amount of no more than 99 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 60 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 5 wt% and combinations thereof.

[0045] In another optional embodiment the exterior coating may comprises a fatty acid. The fatty acid may include 4-22 carbon atoms in the fatty chain and a terminal carboxyl group. Preferred fatty acids may include straight-chain fatty acids, branched chain fatty acids, cyclical molecules containing fatty acids, saturated, unsaturated, aromatic containing fatty acids, fatty acids containing at least one pendant hydroxyl group, preferably containing from 12 to 22 carbon atoms. Examples of sources of the fatty acid include vegetable or animal fats and oils. Tall oil fatty acid (TOFA), Soya fatty acid and canola fatty acid are preferred. Examples of a suitable fatty acids include ricinoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, lauric acid, butyric acid, linoleic acid and combinations thereof.

[0046] Alternatively, the amino acid a I k(en)yl (aryl) derivative may form a powder which forms the exterior coating. The amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative may comprises all of the powder or a portion of the powder. In another alternative the exterior coating comprises a suspension of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.

[0047] In one particular embodiment, the coating consists of at least one biodegradable material, preferably more than one biodegradable material, more preferably only biodegradable materials.

[0048] In a further particular embodiment, if desired, the coating of the granular fertilizer may comprise optional materials such as but not limited to oligoelements, micronutrients, pigments, bacteria, yeast, fungi, enzymes, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and any combination thereof.

[0049] The granular fertilizer includes at least one nutrient. Examples of the nutrient may include phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and / or other alkaline metals and / or alkaline earth metals, sulfur in its different oxidation states, nitrogen in its nitrate and / or ammonium and / or urea state, such as ammonium nitrates, ammonium sulphates and phosphates, potassium chloride (e.g., MOP) and complex nitrogen-based and / or phosphorus-based and / or potassium-based fertilizers, including NPK, NP, PK, and others, biological origin and combinations thereof, more preferably biological origin comprises at least one from the group of animal waste, crop residues, compost, biosolids and combinations thereof.

[0050] As stated above examples of the nutrient may include at least one of nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous, potassium and combinations thereof. Further examples of the nutrient may include a plurality of nutrients. The plurality of nutrients may be referred to as a blend of nutrients, preferably the blend of nutrients comprises at least one of ammonium nitrates ("AN"), ammonium sulfates ("AS") and phosphates, potassium chloride (e.g., MOP (muriate of potash) and complex nitrogen-based and / or phosphorus-based and / or potassium-based fertilizers, including urea, potash, NPK, NP, MAP (monoammonium phosphate) , DAP (diammonium phosphate), TSP (trisodium phosphate), PK, micronutrients, biological origins and combinations thereof, preferably biological origins may comprise one of animal waste, crop residues, compost, biosolids and combinations thereof.

[0051] If an organic granular fertilizer is desired in many cases, the nutrient is at least one from the above 'biological origin' such as animal waste, crop residues, compost, biosolids and combinations thereof.

[0052] Optionally in addition to the nutrient, the fertilizer may include fillers, oligoelements, micronutrients, bio stimulants, pigments, bacteria, yeast, fungi, enzymes, pesticides, fungicides, herbicides and combinations thereof.

[0053] In many instances the granules are hygroscopic. The fertilizers are generally produced in the form of granules, through processes of granulation, crystallization, compaction or prilling, which are stored in bulk or in bags. During storage, under the influence of compaction and / or climatic fluctuations, more particularly variations in the degree of humidity, granular fertilizers may go through crystal structure changes (expand and contract) depending on the conditions and the exchange of moisture from the granule to environment or environment to granule can impact the integrity of the finished product.

[0054] Embodiments included herein may also include an embodiment in which the granular fertilizer includes the nutrient and the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative. The amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative may not be in the form of a coating. Alternatively a first portion of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative may not be in the form of a coating and a second portion of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative is in the form of a coating. Two techniques that may be used to form an embodiment in which the amino acid a lk(e n)yl (aryl) derivative is not in the form of a coating is crystallization or prilling.

[0055] Embodiments disclosed herein may have a reduction in moisture uptake of more than about 20% compared to uncoated fertilizer granular, preferably more than about 24%, further preferably at least about 25%, even more preferably at least about 30%, most preferably at least about 35%.

[0056] Embodiments disclosed herein may exhibit a reduction in caking (AKA anti-caking) of at least about 20% as compared to granular fertilizer not including the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative, preferably at least about 25%, more preferably at least about 50%, further preferably at least about 60%, even more preferably at least about 70%, even further preferably at least about 80% and most preferably at least about 90%.

[0057] The International Fertilizer Development Center ("IFDC") is a source for methods for testing moisture uptake, anti-dusting and / or anti-caking. The IFDC methods are incorporated herein by reference.

[0058] Additionally, dust levels may be determined by using a dust tower described from U.S. Pat. No. 6,062,094 to Carlini et al. In this test, the fertilizer particles are passed through a counter current air stream and are agitated at the same time by passing through a series of grates. The dust particles are collected on a filter and the dust levels are determined by measuring the changes in weight on an analytical balance. Dust level may be determined both initially after treatment with the coating formulations and again after aging for up to four weeks. This aging process is used to simulate the increase in dust levels normally encountered during the storage of fertilizers.

[0059] Caking levels may be determined by using a compaction instrument to evaluate the strength required for breaking the caked fertilizer. In this test the fertilizer particles may be placed into a conditioning chamber where controlled temperature, humidity, and pressure conditions are used to induce caking. The caked fertilizer particles may be placed under a probe attached to a digital force gauge. The probe is lowered at a controlled rate into the fertilizer granules to a depth of % inch. The force required to break up the caked fertilizer is recorded from the force gauge and is a measurement of the extent of caking.

[0060] Moisture absorption may be determined in accordance with ASTM D2974.

[0061] Regarding the granular fertilizer coating, preferably it does not contain a hazardous to aquatic life material, preferably the granular fertilizer coating does not contain a sufficient amount of an undesired material such that an SDS for the granular fertilizer coating would contain the GHS symbol (AKA pictogram) illustrated in Figure 1, or a transportation classification of Figure 3 for a marine pollutant.

[0062] Regarding granular fertilizer embodiments in which the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative is not in a coating, the granular fertilizer preferably does not contain a component requiring the SDS to include an environmental hazard to aquatic and other environments pictogram, preferably the granular fertilizer does not contain a sufficient amount of an undesired material such that an SDS for the granular fertilizer coating contains the GHS symbol (AKA pictogram) illustrated in Figure 1, or a transportation classification of Figure 3 for a marine pollutant. Stated in the alternative, the fertilizer coating preferably does not contain a sufficient amount of a material for the material to be an environmental hazard to aquatic and other environments, preferably the fertilizer coating does not contain a marine pollutant, more preferably a SDS for the granular fertilizer does not comprise Environmentally Hazardous Substance Marking (AKA pictogram) under the Global Harmonization System (GHS).

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the granular fertilizer has an exterior surface comprising a coating, the coating comprises a bio-degradable, non-marine pollutant amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative in a sufficient amount to inhibit moisture uptake of the granular fertilizer, more preferred the coating is biobased, even further preferred the coating does not contain a sufficient amount of dangerous ingredient. In one option a sufficient amount of a dangerous ingredient is used to designate an SDS for a material including the coating under the Global Harmonization System would be required to include one or more of the Hazardous Substance Markings (pictogram), e.g., shown in Figure 2. Alternatively, the dangerous good may be defined according to the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods or the International Martine Dangerous Goods Code Index.

[0064] In one particular embodiment, an SDS for the granular fertilizer does not include the pictogram of at least one of Figure 1, Figure 3 or both, more preferably the SDS does include the amino acid a I k(en)yl (aryl) derivative in the compositional section of the SDS.

[0065] Optionally the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative of the granular fertilizer does not function to regulate plant growth. It is further optional the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative of the granular fertilizer comprises a biodegradable component, preferably a non-marine pollutant. In another alternate embodiment, the granular fertilizer comprises an insufficient amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative to function as a bio stimulant, preferably an insufficient amount to stimulate plant growth, more preferably an insufficient amount to increase the efficiency of the fertilizer.

[0066] In a further alternative, the exterior coating may comprise less than about 10 wt% of polyoxy ethylene, preferably less than about 5 wt%, further preferably less than about 2 wt%, more preferably less than about 1 wt% and most preferably no more than trace amounts. Also, the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative may not be present in sufficient amount to comprise a plant nutrient. It is also preferred the amino acid alkyl derivate comprises no more than a nominal amount of nitrogen for the granular fertilizer. The various alternatives listed herein may be practiced in any combination thereof.

[0067] If so desired, the coating may be substantially devoid of at least one of alkyl amine, phosphate alkyl esters, ammonium esters and combinations thereof.

[0068] If so desired, the granular fertilizer may be devoid of a pesticide selected from the group of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, bactericides, nematicides, algicides, molluscicides, rodenticides, virucides, substances which induce plant resistance, biological control agents such as viruses, bacteria, nematodes, fungi and other microorganisms, repellents of birds and animals, plant growth regulators, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0069] Optionally, the carrier package may include the addition of compounds that include acetyl or acyl groups.

[0070] Optional components of the coatings disclosed herein may include at least one emulsifier system.

[0071] Typically an emulsifier system is defined to include at least one surfactant, and preferably a mixture of surfactants. Classes of suitable surfactants may include non-ionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant, and amphoteric surfactant.

[0072] Non-ionic surfactants that may be used include, but are not limited to, ethoxylated HLB fatty alcohols between 1 and 14, fatty acid and polyol esters, amides obtained by reaction of fatty acids with (alkanol)amines, and others. Examples of anionic surfactants that may be used include, but are not limited to, alk(en)yl (aryl) phosphoric esters, alk(en)yl (aryl) phosphates, alk(en)yl (aryl)sulfonates, alk(en)yl (aryl) (alkoxylated)sulfates, and others, as well as mixtures of two or more of them.

[0073] Examples of other optional components includes (1) anti-caking agents, such as alkyl amines, alkyl phosphoric esters, linear alkyl alcohols, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, aryl sulfonates, alkyl ether sulfonates, and combinations thereof, preferably salts of alkyl amines with alkyl phosphoric esters, (2) rheology modifiers such as biodegradable and non-biodegradable polymers, waxes, preferably waxes from renewable, mineral sources or synthetic waxes, such as Fischer-Tropsch waxes, amidoamides, alkylamidoamides, (3) hydrophobing agents such as linear alkyl alcohols, and microcrystalline and / or macrocrystalline waxes, (4) dispersion agents such as oils from vegetal and mineral sources, (5) dyes, U.V. tracers, pigments, (6) mineral and / or organic micronutrients and oligo-elements, that may preferably, though not required to be, finely dispersed, and / or compatibilized, for example metal complexes, (7) bacteria, yeast, fungi, viruses, enzymes, (8) anti-oxidants, preservatives, anti-UV agents, (9) odor-masking agents, anti-odorants, aromas, fragrances and (10) as well as mixtures of two or more of the above listed components.

[0074] Generally, in the case of the coating in the form of an emulsion, the emulsion may include an amount of the surfactant package (either a single or mixture of the above surfactants) between about 0.05 percent and up to about 20 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the emulsion, preferably up to 10 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the emulsion, and in one embodiment between about 0.1 percent and about 2 percent, preferably between about 0.1 and about 1 percent of at least one nonionic surfactant, and between about 0.1 percent and about 2 percent, preferably between about 0.1 and about 1 percent of at least one anionic surfactant. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the emulsions may comprise about 1 percent of at least one nonionic surfactant and about 1 percent of at least one anionic surfactant.

[0075] The emulsion may also comprise one or more thickeners, known to the skilled person and conventionally used for aqueous continuous phase emulsions. These include, but are not limited to, cellulose and cellulose ethers such as carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, carboxymethyl- hydroxy-ethy) cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carrageenan, xanthan gum, polyfethylene glycols), polyvinyl alcohol, aqueous phase polymer thickeners commonly used in the field, and others, as well as mixtures of two or more several of them.

[0076] Water-based polymer thickeners are well known to the skilled person, and preferably those selected from, but not limited to, synthetic polymers such as polyacrylates and polyacrylamides, hydrolyzed vinyl esters. Poly(-N-vinylpyrrolidones), homo- and co-polymers, as well as water-soluble salts, styrene / maleic anhydride and / so-butylene / ma)eic anhydride copolymers can also be used as thickening agents.

[0077] Aqueous phase thickening agents may also be selected from known mineral-based thickening agents, such as, but not limited to, hydrated silica, bentonites, and hydrated magnesium aluminum silicates. Of course, mixtures of two or more of the above thickeners may be used. Generally, the amount of thickener(s) included in the emulsions is less than about 10 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the emulsion, preferably between 0 percent and 10 percent by weight, preferably still between about 0.2 percent and about 7 percent by weight, and even more preferably, between about 0.3 percent and about 5 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the emulsion, alternatively the thickener may be present in an amount of at least about 0.1 wt% to about 1 wt%, or about 1 wt% to about 2 wt%, or about 2 wt% to about 3 wt%, or about 3 wt% to about 4 wt%, or about 4 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 6 wt%, or about 6 wt% to about 7 wt% or about 7 wt% to about 8 wt% or about 8 wt% to about 9 wt% or about 9 wt% to about 10 wt% or combinations thereof.

[0078] The emulsions of this invention may also comprise one or more U.V. tracers, known to the skilled person, which are generally and not limited to solid powders, comprising compounds having a stilbenic group substituted by diamines and sulfonic groups.

[0079] When present, UV tracers may be present in quantities generally between about 50 ppm and about 1000 ppm by weight relative to the total weight of the emulsion, preferably between about 100 and about 500 ppm.

[0080] The oil phase of the emulsions may possibly include, in addition to at least one fatty amine as described above, at least one liquid oil at room temperature and pressure, mineral, vegetable or animal, well known to the skilled person.

[0081] Examples include, but are not limited to, mineral oils include petroleum-derived liquid oils consisting of mixtures of aliphatic, naphthenic and aromatic hydrocarbon products, and more generally paraffinic or naphthenic oils. Also, by way of non-exhaustive examples, vegetable or animal oils include olive, corn, soybean, canola, cotton, coconut, sesame, sunflower, borage seed, clove, hemp, flax, Chinese wood, carthane, oiticica, canelin, tung, hemp, wheat germ, oenother, herring, cod liver or salmon oils, derivatives of aforesaid oils such as esters, in particular methyl esters, and mixtures of two or more of these oils and derivatives in any proportion.

[0082] The amount of oil(s) present in the emulsion can vary greatly and is generally between 0 percent (no oil) (preferably more than 0 percent oil) and about 70 percent, preferably about 50 percent, preferably again between about 5 percent and about 48 percent, preferably again between about 25 percent and about 45 percent, by weight relative to the total weight of the emulsion or alternatively the oil may be present in an amount of at least about 1 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 20 wt% or about 20 wt% to about 30 wt% or about 30 wt% to about 40 wt% or about 40 wt% to about 50 wt% or about 50 wt% to about 60 wt% or about 60 wt% or about 70 wt% or combinations thereof.

[0083] In addition, the emulsion may contain one or more other additives commonly used in the field, including but not limited to dyes, pigments, defoamers, and deaerators, including silicone emulsion in water, e.g., organic silicones such as dimethyl silicone, and others.

[0084] The additives, when present in the emulsions according to the present invention, are present in quantities ranging from more than 0 percent to about 2 percent, preferably from about 0.01 percent to about 1 percent, preferably from about 0.02 percent to about 0.7 percent by weight relative to the total weight of the emulsion.

[0085] The emulsion subject to the present invention may be prepared by any method of emulsion preparation known to the skilled person, e.g., by direct mixing of the various compounds constituting said emulsion with emulator, mill, blade shaft type mixers, the latter type being preferred because of its simplicity of implementation on an industrial scale.

[0086] The emulsion is preferably sprayed on core portion of the granular fertilizer whose massing, caking, watering, and as a general rule any physical phenomenon disturbing or likely to disturb the proper flow of said granules by the end user is to be avoided.

[0087] A dosage rate of the coating may comprise up to about 10 lbs. of amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative per ton of fertilizer, preferably at least about 0.5 lb. / ton, more preferably at least about 1 lb. / ton, further preferably at least about 2 lbs. / ton, even more preferably at least bout 3 lbs. / ton and most preferably no more than about 8 Ibs. / ton or the dosage rate may be in an amount of at least about 0.5 Ibs. / ton to about 2 Ibs. / ton or about 2 lbs. / ton to about 4 lbs. / ton or about 4 Ibs. / ton to about 6 Ibs. / ton or about 6 Ibs. / ton or about 8 Ibs. / ton or about 8 Ibs. / ton to about 10 Ibs. / ton or combinations thereof.

[0088] Also included herein is a method of coating fertilizer comprising applying a coating which includes an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative to an exterior surface of the fertilizer, preferably wherein the applying comprises one of spraying, immersing in a bath, mixing, and combinations thereof, more preferably a concentration of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative in the coating comprises at least about 1 wt% of the coating, further preferably at least about 5 wt%, more preferably at (east about 10 wt%, even more preferably at least about 15 wt%, most preferably at least about 20 wt% or alternatively the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative may be present in an amount of at least about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 15 wt% to about 20 wt% or about 20 wt% to about 25 wt% or combinations thereof. Optionally the coating may comprise at least one of a powder, an emulsion, an oil soluble formula, or a water-soluble coating.

[0089] Further included herein is a method of making a coating comprising blending the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative and a carrier such that the coating is thereby capable of being applied to a fertilizer substrate, preferably the carrier comprises at least one of a water-soluble component or an oil-based component, or preferably the coating may be applied in a form of at least one of a powder, an emulsion, an oil soluble formula or a water soluble coating.

[0090] Preferred is the following set of clauses 1 to 76:

[0091] (1) A granular fertilizer comprising a core comprising a nutrient and an exterior coating, wherein the exterior coating comprises an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative, wherein the exterior coating having a sufficient amount of the amino acid alk(en)y) (aryl) derivative to inhibit moisture uptake and / or inhibit caking (AKA anti-caking) of the granular fertilizer, the granular fertilizer in solid form.

[0092] (2) The granular fertilizer of clause 1 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative does not function to regulate plant growth.

[0093] {3) (3) The granular fertilizer of either of clauses 1 or 2 wherein the amino acid a I k(en )y I (aryl) derivative is a biodegradable component, preferably a non-marine pollutant.

[0094] (4) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises at least about 50 ppm the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative upto about a dosage rate of up to 10 lbs amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative per ton of fertilizer, preferably up to about 8 lbs of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative per metric ton of fertilizer, more preferably up to about 6 lbs of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative per metric ton of fertilizer, further preferably up to about 4 lbs of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative per metric ton of fertilizer, even more preferably no more than about 2 lbs of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative per metric ton of fertilizer or the dosage rate may be in an amount of at least about 0.5 Ibs. / ton to about 2 Ibs. / ton or about 2 lbs. / ton to about 4 lbs. / ton or about 4 Ibs. / ton to about 6 Ibs. / ton or about 6 Ibs. / ton or about 8 Ibs. / ton or about 8 Ibs. / ton to about 10 Ibs. / ton or combinations thereof.

[0095] (5) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative in an insufficient amount to function as a bio stimulant, preferably an insufficient amount to stimulate plant growth, more preferably an insufficient amount to increase the efficiency of the fertilizer.

[0096] (6) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the exterior coating further comprises a carrier, preferably the carrier comprises an oil based compound, more preferably the oil based compound comprises a wax, further preferably, the carrier comprises at least about 50 wt% of the coating but less than 100 wt% of the coating, even more further preferred no more than about 95 wt%, also preferred the oil based compound may comprise at least one of mineral oil, vegetable oil and combinations thereof or alternatively, the oil present in an amount of at least about 50 wt% to about 60 wt% or about 60 wt% to about 70 wt% or about 70 wt% to about 80 wt% or about 80 wt% to about 90 wt% or about 90 wt% to less than 100 wt% or combinations thereof.

[0097] (7) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the exterior coating in the form of a powder and the powder comprises the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.

[0098] (8) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses 1-6 wherein the exterior coating comprises a suspension of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.

[0099] (9) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the amino acid a I k(en)y I (aryl) derivative comprises a modified amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.

[0100] (10)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the amino acid alk(e n )y I (aryl) derivative comprises no more than about 20 wt% of the coating, preferably less than about 15 wt% of the coating, further preferably less than about 10 wt% of the coating, more preferably no more than about 5 wt% of the coating or the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative present in an amount of at least about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 10 wt% or about 10 wt% to about 15 wt% or about 15 wt% to no more than 20 wt% or combinations thereof or alternatively any one of the preceding clauses 1-5 or 7-9 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises no more than 99 wt% of the coating, preferably no more than about 75 wt%, more preferably no more than about 50 wt%, further preferably no more than about 30 wt%, even more preferably no more than about 20 wt% or the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative in an amount of no more than 99 wt% to about 80 wt%, about 80 wt% to about 60 wt%, about 60 wt% to about 40 wt%, about 40 wt% to about 20 wt%, about 20 wt% to about 10 wt%, about 10 wt% to about 5 wt% and combinations thereof.

[0101] (11)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the exterior coating comprises less than about 10 wt% of polyoxy ethylene, preferably less than about 5 wt%, further preferably less than about 2 wt%, more preferably less than about 1 wt% and most preferably no more than trace amounts.

[0102] (12)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative does not comprise a plant nutrient. (13)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises at least one of Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Sparagine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Selenocysteine, Pyrrolysine and combinations thereof.

[0103] (14)The granular fertilizer of any one of preceding clauses 1-12 wherein the amino acid al k(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises one selected from the group of L-amino acids containing an N-atom in an R- group, preferably the R-group represents a hydrocarbon based chain having 2 to 75 carbon atoms, optionally the hydrocarbon chain comprises at least one of linear, branched, saturated, unsaturated, containing at least one aromatic ring, containing at least one non-aromatic ring and combinations thereof.

[0104] (15)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses 1-12 wherein the amino acid a lk(e n )y I (aryl) derivative derived from at least one of alpha- (a-), beta- (0-), gamma- (y-) or delta- (8-) amino acid.

[0105] (16) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses 1-12 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises L-lysine based alkyl derivative, preferably a N6-lauroyl-l-lysine.

[0106] (17) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein in the nutrient comprises at least one of nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous, potassium and combinations thereof.

[0107] (18) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the amino acid a I k(en )y I (aryl) derivative comprises no more than a nominal amount of nitrogen for the granular fertilizer.

[0108] (19) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the nutrient comprises at least one nutrient, preferably a plurality of nutrients, preferably either the at least one nutrient or the plurality of nutrients comprises at least one of ammonium sulfate, urea, potash (e.g., muriate of potash), potassium chloride, NPK, biological origin and combinations thereof, more preferably biological origin comprises at least one from the group of animal waste, crop residues, compost, biosolids and combinations thereof.

[0109] (20) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses having a reduction in moisture uptake of more than about 20% compared to uncoated granular fertilizer, preferably more than about 24%, further preferably at least about 25%, even more preferably at least about 30%, most preferably at least about 35% or alternatively the reduction in moisture uptake comprises a percentage of at least about 20% to about 25% or about 25% to about 30% or about 30% to about 35% or combinations thereof.

[0110] (21) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the coating further comprises a fatty acid.

[0111] (22)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises at least one of an alkyl ester or an alkyl amide.

[0112] (23)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses further devoid of a pesticide selected from the group of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, bactericides, nematicides, algicides, molluscicides, rodenticides, virucides, substances which induce plant resistance, biological control agents such as viruses, bacteria, nematodes, fungi and other microorganisms, repellents of birds and animals, plant growth regulators, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0113] (24) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the coating substantially devoid of at least one of alkyl amine, phosphate alkyl esters, ammonium esters and combinations thereof. (25)The granular fertilizer of any one of preceding clauses wherein the amino acid alk(en)y I (aryl) derivative comprises a bio-based compound, preferably synthesized from a bio-based carbon source.

[0114] (26)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the coating consists of at least one compostable material.

[0115] (27)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the amino acid alkyl derivate not comprise a straight chain amino acid.

[0116] (28)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses not containing a hazardous to aquatic life material, preferably a SDS for the granular fertilizer not containing the GHS symbol illustrated in Figure 1.

[0117] (29)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises a C6 to C44 carbon chain, preferably the C6 to C44 carbon chain comprises at least 8 carbon atoms.

[0118] (30)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the coating further comprises a non-dangerous filler.

[0119] (31)A granular fertilizer having an exterior surface of the fertilizer granular comprising a coating, the coating comprising a bio-degradable, non-marine pollutant in a sufficient amount to inhibit moisture uptake of the granular fertilizer.

[0120] (32)The granular fertilizer of clause 31 wherein the bio-degradable, non-marine pollutant comprises an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative, preferably the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises a bio-based compound, preferably synthesized from a bio-based carbon source.

[0121] (33)The granular fertilizer of either of clauses 31 or 32 wherein the coating consists of biodegradable material.

[0122] (34)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses 33-33 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivate not comprise a straight chain amino acid.

[0123] (35)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses 31-34 not containing a sufficient amount of a material that is considered hazardous to aquatic life, preferably not containing a marine pollutant, more preferably a SDS for the granular fertilizer not including figure 1 under the Global Harmonization System (GHS).

[0124] (36)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses 32-35 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises a C6 to C44 carbon chain, preferably the C6 to C44 carbon chain comprises at least about an 8 carbon chain (C8).

[0125] (37)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses 31-36 wherein the coating further comprises a non-dangerous filler.

[0126] (38)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses 32-37 wherein the granular fertilizer comprises an insufficient amount of amino alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative to influence life processes of a plant.

[0127] (39)A coating comprising an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative for fertilizer treatment.

[0128] (40)The coating of clause 39 wherein the coating further comprises a carrier, preferably the carrier comprises an oil based compound, more preferably the oil based compound comprises a wax, further preferably, the carrier comprises at least about 50 wt% of the coating but less than 100 wt% of the coating, even further preferred no more than about 95 wt% or alternatively, the oil based compound present in an amount of at least about 50 wt% to about 60 wt% or about 60 wt% to about 70 wt% or about 70 wt% to about 80 wt% or about 80 wt% to about 90 wt% or about 90 wt% to less than 100 wt% or combinations thereof, also preferred the oil based compound may comprise at least one of mineral oil, vegetable oil and combinations thereof.

[0129] (41) The coating of either one of clauses 39 or 40 wherein the amino acid al k(en)y I (aryl) derivative comprises a modified amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.

[0130] (42)The coating of any one of clauses 39-41 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises less than about 20 wt% of the coating, preferably wherein less than about 15 wt% of the coating, further preferably less than about 10 wt% of the coating, more preferably no more than about 5 wt% of the coating.

[0131] (43)The coating of any one of clauses 39-42 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises at least one of Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Sparagine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Selenocysteine, Pyrrolysine and combinations thereof.

[0132] (44)The coating of any one of clauses 39-42 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises one selected from the group of L-amino acids containing an N-atom in an R-group, preferably the R represents a hydrocarbon-based chain having 2 to 75 carbon atoms, optionally the hydrocarbon chain comprises at least one of linear, branched, saturated, unsaturated, containing at least one aromatic ring, containing at least one non-aromatic ring and combinations thereof.

[0133] (45)The coating of any one of clauses 39-42 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative derived from at least one of alpha- (a-), beta- (0-), gamma- (y-) or delta- (5-) amino acid.

[0134] (46)The coating of either one of clauses 39-42 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises L-lysine based alkyl derivative, preferably a N6-lauroyl-l-lysine.

[0135] (47)The coating of any one of clauses 39-46 wherein the coating further comprises a fatty acid.

[0136] (48)The coating of any one of clauses 39-47 wherein the amino acid al k(e n )y I (aryl) derivative comprises at least one of an alkyl ester or an alkyl amide.

[0137] (49)A fertilizer coating comprising the coating of any one of clauses 39- 48.

[0138] (50)A coating for reducing moisture uptake, the coating comprising anyone of clauses 39-49.

[0139] (51)A dust inhibitor for fertilizer comprising the coating of clauses 39-50.

[0140] (52)A caking inhibitor comprising the coating of clauses 39-51.

[0141] (53)The use of anyone of coatings of clauses 1-52 to protect a fertilizer.

[0142] (54)A fertilizer coating for at least one of anti-caking / moisture uptake reduction wherein the coating of claims 39- 53 comprises a biodegradable, biobased and non-dangerous ingredient.

[0143] (55)The fertilizer coating of clause 54 wherein the non-dangerous good defined according to the UN Recommendations on the Transport of Dangerous Goods or the International Martine Dangerous Goods Code Index.

[0144] (56) A method of coating a fertilizer granular comprising applying a coating comprising an amino acid a I k(en)y I (aryl) derivative to an exterior surface of the fertilizer granular, preferably wherein the applying comprises one of spraying, immersing in a bath, mixing, and combinations thereof, more preferably a concentration of the amino acid a lk(en)y I (aryl) derivative in the coating comprises at least about 1 wt% of the coating, further preferably at least about 5 wt%, more preferably at least about 10 wt%, even more preferably at least about 15 wt%, most preferably at least about 20 wt% or alternatively the amino acid a I k(en )y I (aryl) derivative present in an amount of at least about 1 wt% to about 5 wt%, or about 5 wt% to about 10 wt%, or about 10 wt% to about 15 wt%, or about 15 wt% to about 20 wt% or about 20 wt% to about 25 wt% or combinations thereof. (57)The method of clause 56 wherein the coating comprises at least one of a powder, an emulsion, an oil soluble formula, or a water soluble coating.

[0145] (58)A method of making a coating comprising blending an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative and a carrier such that the coating is thereby capable of being applied to a fertilizer substrate, preferably the carrier comprises at least one of a water-soluble component or an oil-based component, or preferably the coating may be applied in a form of at least one of a powder, an emulsion, an oil soluble formula or a water-soluble coating.

[0146] (59) A granular fertilizer comprising a nutrient and an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative, wherein an amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises a sufficient amount to inhibit moisture uptake and / or inhibit caking of the granular fertilizer, the granular fertilizer in solid form.

[0147] (60) A method of making a fertilizer granular comprising forming a solid granular, the granular comprising a nutrient and an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.

[0148] (61)The method of clause 60 wherein the forming comprises at least partially coating a core comprising the nutrient and the coating comprising the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.

[0149] (62)The method of clause 60 wherein the forming comprises one of crystallization, prilling or granulation.

[0150] (63)The method of any one of clauses 60-62 wherein an amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises a sufficient amount for dust control.

[0151] (64)The method of any one of clauses 60-62 wherein an amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises at least about 50 ppm, preferably a dosage rate of the amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative to fertilizer comprises up to about 10 lbs. of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative / ton of fertilizer, preferably up to about 8 lbs. of the amino acid al k(en )y I (aryl) derivative / ton of fertilizer, more preferably up to about 6 lbs. of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative / ton of fertilizer, further preferably about 4 lbs. of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative / ton of fertilizer, even more preferably no more than about 2 lbs. of the amino acid a lk(en)y I (aryl) derivative / ton of fertilizer or alternatively the dosage rate may be in an amount of at least about 0.5 Ibs. / ton to about 2 Ibs. / ton or about 2 lbs. / ton to about 4 lbs. / ton or about 4 Ibs. / ton to about 6 Ibs. / ton or about 6 Ibs. / ton or about 8 Ibs. / ton or about 8 Ibs. / ton to about 10 Ibs. / ton or combinations thereof.

[0152] (65)The method of any one of claims 60-62 wherein a sufficient amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises less than 10 wt% of the granular fertilizer.

[0153] (66)The method of any one of claims 60-62 wherein a sufficient amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises at least about 10 ppm, preferably at least about 25 ppm, more preferably at least about 50 ppm, further preferably at least about 100 ppm, even more preferably up to about 400 ppm of the granular fertilizer.

[0154] (67)The method of any one of claims 60-62 wherein a sufficient amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises at least about .025 kg of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative / metric ton of fertilizer, preferably at least about .05 kg / metric ton of fertilizer, more preferably at least about 0.1 kg / metric ton of fertilizer.

[0155] (68)A granular fertilizer comprising a nutrient and a carrier wherein the carrier is a non-ecotoxic.

[0156] (69)The granular of clause 68 having a moisture uptake reduction of more than about 20% compared to uncoated granular fertilizer, preferably more than about 24%, further preferably at least about 25%, even more preferably at least about 30%, most preferably at least about 35% or alternatively the moisture uptake reduction exhibited at percentage of at least about 20% to about 25% or about 25% to about 30% or about 30% to about 35% or combinations thereof.

[0157] (70) The granular fertilizer of any one of clauses 68 or 69 having a reduction in caking (AKA anti-caking) of at least about 20% as compared to granular fertilizer not including the carrier, preferably of at least about 25%, more preferably at least about 50%, further preferably at least about 60%, even more preferably at least about 70%, even further preferably at least about 80% and most preferably at least about 90% or alternatively, the reduction in caking exhibited at a percentage of at least about 20% to about 30% or about 30% to about 40% or about 40% to about 50%, or about 50% to about 60% or about 60% to about 70% or about 70% to about 80%, or about 80% to about 90% or combinations thereof.

[0158] (71)The granular fertilizer of any one of clauses 68-70 wherein the carrier comprises an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.

[0159] (72) The granular fertilizer of any one of clauses 1-30 having a reduction in caking (AKA anti-caking) of at least about 20% as compared to granular fertilizer not including the carrier, preferably of at least about 25%, more preferably at least about 50%, further preferably at least about 60%, even more preferably at least about 70%, even further preferably at least about 80% and most preferably at least about 90% or alternatively, the reduction in caking exhibited at a percentage of at least about 20% to about 30% or about 30% to about 40% or about 40% to about 50%, or about 50% to about 60% or about 60% to about 70% or about 70% to about 80%, or about 80% to about 90% or combinations thereof.

[0160] (73) The granular fertilizer of any one of clauses 1-30 or clause 72 wherein the exterior coating comprises a plurality of layers.

[0161] (74)The granular fertilizer of any one of clauses 1-30 or clauses 72 or 73 wherein the exterior coating applied a plurality of steps.

[0162] (75)The method of any one of clause 56-58 wherein the applying comprises a plurality of steps.

[0163] (76)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding clauses wherein the exterior coating not containing a hazardous to aquatic life material, preferably a SDS for the granular fertilizer not containing the GHS symbol illustrated in Figure 1.

[0164] The coatings and granular fertilizer and their applications according to the present disclosure may be prepared and used according to the examples set out below. These examples are presented herein for purposes of illustration of the present disclosure and are not intended to be limiting, for example, the preparations of the coatings or granular fertilizers and their applications.

[0165] Examples

[0166] Amino acid alk(en)y I (aryl) derivative ( for example but not limited to N6-Lauroyl-L-Lysine) may be either suspended in a carrier package or is used alone and applied to a fertilizer substrate or fertilizer substrate blend at an appropriate rate depending on the substrate.

[0167] The example includes 2 controls, 1 commercially available product from ArrMaz Products Inc. (Control 1) and an amino acid version of the formulas contemplated herein (Control-2). The inventive samples included in the example included 1-20 wt% of amino acid a I k(e n)y I (aryl) derivative in the coating. The inventive examples included 80-99 wt% of a carrier. The wt% of the carrier is of the coating. Table 1

[0168] Typical error rate for the Caking and Moisture Uptake data is + 5%.

[0169] Procedure

[0170] The coating was formed by blending. The hydrocarbon waxes were heated until melted and the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative was added and mixed until evenly dispersed.

[0171] Coating Substrate: Representative samples of fertilizer substrates (i.e., typical average size and shape distribution as compared to commercial products) were conditioned at 60°C for two hours until they were evenly heated. The above melted and evenly dispersed coating was applied to the conditioned fertilizer substrates drop-wise until the desired dosage rate was obtained. The coated fertilizer substrates were tumbled in a container with baffles. Heat was externally applied until the coating formula was evenly distributed amongst the fertilizer substrates.

[0172] Testing Performed: Both Anti-caking and Moisture Uptake Reduction Testing.

[0173] Reduction Moisture Uptake

[0174] In terms of reduction in moisture uptake, the inventive samples all exhibited a positive reduction in moisture uptake. Conversely, the amino acid Control-2 exhibited a negative reduction of moisture uptake AKA an increase in moisture uptake.

[0175] The commercially available product Control 1 (without the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative) exhibited a reduction of moisture uptake that was roughly only a 1 / 3 of the reduction exhibited by inventive formulas 1 and 2 on a granular fertilizer having NPK as the nutrient. Regarding AS, Invention 1 having a similar amount of carrier and non-carrier (Carrier: Control-177% vs. Invention 1 80%, Noncarrier: Control-1 23% vs. Invention 1 20% ) exhibited more than about twice the reduction in moisture uptake than Control-1. Inventions 3 and 4 having 5% and 1% of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative exhibited a reduction in moisture uptake comparable to Control-1.

[0176] Anti-caking Reduction

[0177] Regarding Control-1, Inventions 1,2, 4 and 5 all exhibited similar or better anti-caking results than Control-1. Notable results Inventions 1 and 4 exhibited 20-35% improved anti-caking performance over Control-1 on the AS nutrient.

[0178] Regarding Control-2, All of the inventive samples exhibited better anti-caking performance on MOP. The inventive samples represented at least a 30% improvement in anti-caking reduction on MOP. All inventive samples which included just the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative as the non-carrier exhibited better anti-caking performance than the amino acid Control-2 for the example which included "AS" as the nutrient. While this invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to those precise embodiments. Rather, in view of the present disclosure, many modifications and variations would present themselves to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:(1) A granular fertilizer comprising a nutrient and an amino acid alk(en)y I (aryl) derivative, wherein an amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises a sufficient amount to inhibit caking and / or inhibit moisture uptake of the granular fertilizer, the granular fertilizer in solid form.(2) The granular fertilizer of claim 1, wherein the nutrient disposed at least in a core of the fertilizer and the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative, comprises at least part of an exterior coating of the granular fertilizer.(3) The granular fertilizer of claim 2 wherein the exterior coating further comprises a carrier, preferably the carrier comprises an oil based compound, more preferably the oil based compound comprises a wax, further preferably, the carrier comprises at least about 50 wt% of the coating but less than 100 wt% of the coating, even more further preferred no more than about 95 wt%, also preferred the oil based compound may comprise at least one of mineral oil, vegetable oil and combinations thereof.(4) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding claims 2 or 3 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative dispersed in a powder and the powder forms the exterior coating.(5) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding claims 2-4 wherein the exterior coating comprises a suspension or solution of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.(6) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding claims 2-5 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises less than about 20 wt% of the coating, preferably less than about 15 wt% of the coating, further preferably less than about 10 wt% of the coating, more preferably no more than about 5 wt% of the coating.(7) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding claims wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises at least one of Alanine, Arginine, Asparagine, Aspartic Acid, Cysteine, Glutamic Acid, Glutamine, Glycine, Histidine, Isoleucine, Leucine, Lysine, Methionine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Serine, Sparagine, Threonine, Tryptophan, Tyrosine, Valine, Selenocysteine, Pyrrolysine and combinations thereof.(8) The granular fertilizer of any one of preceding claims 1-6 wherein the amino acid a lk(e n )y I (aryl) derivative comprises one selected from the group of L-amino acids containing an N-atom in an R- group, preferably the R-group represents a hydrocarbon based chain having 2 to 75 carbon atoms, optionally the hydrocarbon chain comprises at least one of linear, branched, saturated, unsaturated, containing at least one aromatic ring, containing at least one non-aromatic ring and combinations thereof.(9) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding claims 1-8 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative derived from at least one of alpha- (a-), beta- (p-), gamma- (y-) or delta- (6-) amino acid.(10) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding claims 1-6 wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises a L-lysine based alkyl derivative, preferably a N6-lauroyl-l-lysine.(11) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding claims wherein in the nutrient comprises at least one of nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorous, potassium and combinations thereof.(12)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding claims wherein the nutrient comprises a plurality of nutrients, preferably the plurality of nutrients comprises at least one of urea, potash (preferably a muriate of potash (MOP)), NPK, PK, NP, MAP, DAP, TSP, AS, AN, biological origin, micronutrients, and combinations thereof, more preferably biological origin comprises at least one from the group of animal waste, crop residues, compost, biosolids and combinations thereof.(13)The granular fertilizer granular of any one of the preceding claims wherein the amino acid al k(en)y I (aryl) derivative comprises at least one of an alkyl ester or an alkyl amide.(14)The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding claims wherein the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises a C6 to C44 carbon chain, preferably the C6 to C44 carbon chain comprises at least about an 8 carbon chain (C8).(15) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding claims wherein the sufficient amount of the amino acid a I k(en)y I (aryl) derivative comprises less than 10 wt% of the granular fertilizer, preferably less than about 8 wt% of the granular fertilizer, more preferably less than about 6 wt% of the granular fertilizer, further preferably at less than about 4 wt% of the granular fertilizer.(16) The granular fertilizer of any one of the preceding claims wherein the sufficient amount of the amino acid alkyl comprises at least about .025 kg of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative / metric ton of fertilizer, preferably at least about .05 kg / metric ton of fertilizer, more preferably at least about 0.1 kg / metric ton of fertilizer.(17)The granular fertilizer of any one of claims 1 -16 wherein the sufficient amount of the amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative comprises at least about 10 ppm, preferably at least about 25 ppm, more preferably at least about 50 ppm, further preferably at least about 100 ppm, even more preferably up to about 400 ppm of the granular fertilizer.(18)A coating comprising an amino acid alk(en)y) (aryl) derivative for fertilizer treatment.(19)A fertilizer coating comprising an amino acid a lk(en )yl (aryl) derivative.(20)A fertilizer additive comprising an amino acid alk(en)yl (aryl) derivative.