Method for promoting plant growth and increasing plant yield using seed coating

Abstract

Seeds coated with seed grinds, and optionally sugar, bicarbonate or fertilizer nutrients to provide additional assimilable carbon and energy to plant roots to promote rapid growth. A method of coating seeds with the coating and a method of growing plants from the coated seeds.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to seed coatings using a seed grind which may also include a sugar source, a bicarbonate source and / or a fertilizer nutrient source, a method of growing plants using the seed coating, and a method of coating seeds with a seed coating. Background Art

[0002] Finding ways to improve food production is a serious issue due to the increasing population around the world and the limited arable land available for growing food. It is well known that plant growth requires energy, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, secondary nutrients, micronutrients, water and carbon or carbon dioxide.

[0003] When a plant seed first germinates and forms a tiny seedling, the only carbon, nutrients, and energy available for growth is stored in the seed. This storage contains everything the seedling needs to grow until it can form roots and produce leaves. Initially forming roots and then leaves, the tiny seedling's leaf surface area is very small, and photosynthesis is limited to the energy the leaves can absorb and the carbon the leaves and roots can use to build new plant cells. For this reason, to achieve early growth, the seedling uses the carbon and energy stored in the seed, along with the nutrients in the seed. If the plant gets a head start by receiving additional seed components and sufficient additional fertilizer nutrients, the seedling absorbs nutrients more efficiently and can produce more growth through photosynthesis. This head start allows the plant to outcompete other plants and weeds and begin growth before pests such as insects and mold have a chance to reproduce. As a result, plants with this early advantage are healthier and go on to produce higher crop yields. When a plant seed first germinates, the only nutrients and energy available for growth are stored in the seed. The roots that form upon emergence allow the plant to gather nutrients from the soil, absorbing energy and gases from the soil even before leaves form. It is well known that fine roots (hairy roots) are most important for nutrient absorption. If plants are stimulated to produce early roots, these roots will give the plants a good start, enabling them to absorb nutrients more efficiently.

[0004] As we all know, plant leaves absorb carbon dioxide and collect energy from the sun for photosynthesis, which produces new plant growth. However, the carbon dioxide content in the air is extremely low (currently around 400ppm), and carbon is the limiting nutrient in plant growth. Therefore, research has been conducted for many years to find other ways to supply carbon dioxide to plants. In addition, the surface area of ​​the leaves of small seedlings when they germinate is very small. Photosynthesis, which converts energy and carbon dioxide into plant food, is limited by the energy the leaves can absorb from sunlight and the carbon available for the plant to absorb and build new plant cells.

[0005] Past studies of providing carbon dioxide to plant roots have shown improvements in plant growth and yield. These studies have shown increased root growth and improved nutrient uptake. In addition, as soil temperatures increase, soil organisms flourish, consume nutrients in the soil, and produce carbon dioxide as a byproduct. Over time, this leads to increased carbon dioxide in the soil. By providing energy in the form of carbohydrates, it can promote the early growth of soil organisms, thereby increasing the early level of carbon dioxide in the soil, which leads to the early growth of plant roots.

[0006] Coating seeds is a common practice in agriculture. Seed coatings are often used to protect plants from disease, rot, and predators. In addition, seed coatings are used to provide microorganisms, such as rhizobacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, that improve soil health and interact with plants to promote growth. Summary of the Invention

[0007] A new seed coating has been developed that provides plants with extra energy and nutrients as they germinate from seed, by using seed grinds and optionally additional carbon dioxide and energy.

[0008] The present invention relates to a seed coating comprising a seed grind and further comprising a sugar source and / or a bicarbonate source, and further relates to a method of growing plants using the seed coating. The present invention provides additional absorbable phytonutrients, carbon, and energy-rich carbohydrates from the seed grind to plant roots, and further comprises a bicarbonate source and / or a sugar source to promote surprisingly rapid growth, which helps overcome small early leaf area and thereby promote plant growth. The phytonutrients, carbon, energy-rich carbohydrates, bicarbonate source, and sugar source are readily available to the root system during the early stages of plant growth.

[0009] When used, the bicarbonate source provides carbon dioxide to the plant roots.

[0010] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a seed coating comprising seed grinds and a bicarbonate source.

[0011] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a seed coating comprising seed grinds and a sugar source.

[0012] Another embodiment of the present invention is directed to a seed coating comprising seed grinds, a bicarbonate source, and a sugar source.

[0013] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a seed coating comprising a seed grind, a bicarbonate source, and a fertilizer nutrient source.

[0014] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a seed coating comprising a seed grind, a sugar source, and a fertilizer nutrient source.

[0015] An alternative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a seed coating comprising a seed grind, a bicarbonate source, a sugar source, and a fertilizer nutrient source. An alternative embodiment of the present invention is directed to a seed coating comprising a seed grind applied to a seed, the seed grind having a renewable biodegradable binder comprising sucrose octaester.

[0016] The seed coating of the present invention can increase early root growth and early leaf and stem growth of plants. The present invention is effective for growing many plants and crops, including cotton, soybeans, rice, wheat, corn, sugar beets, ornamental plants, trees, turf grasses, vegetables, sorghum, fruits, shrubs, energy grasses and other plants grown from seeds. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 Showing seeds (2) with additional coating (4);

[0018] Figure 2 are annotated photographs of the two plants grown in Comparative Example 5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the present invention provides a complete package of energy, carbon, protein, nutrients, minor nutrients and micronutrients in the form of a seed grind, and furthermore includes a source of carbon dioxide in the form of bicarbonate for plant uptake through the roots, and readily available additional energy and carbon in the form of sugars, a combination of ingredients that is specifically balanced to provide plants with what they need for early growth, thereby unexpectedly increasing plant growth and crop yields.

[0020] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the fertilizers of the present invention promote early root growth and early plant growth in plants, as shown in our examples.

[0021] Agronomists have strong evidence that when plants receive assistance during growth, they grow into healthier, more productive plants. A unique method was used to conduct a series of tests to observe early root growth without damaging the plant. This was achieved by planting seeds in soil in a transparent cup. This transparent cup was then placed inside an opaque cup, with the coated seeds planted against the inner surface of the transparent cup in the soil. The roots could be easily inspected by pulling the transparent cup out of the opaque cup and replacing it at the end of the observation period. The opaque cup protected the roots from light during growth, allowing the roots to be viewed and photographed without disturbing the plant as it developed. This allowed for early root development to be observed. Observing these early roots revealed their rate of development and allowed comparison with roots for baseline testing, demonstrating the significant benefits of the coated seeds even before significant plant foliage had formed. These observations, along with the crop yields obtained from plants transplanted from the cups, demonstrated that the improved early plant growth and development achieved by the present invention led to increased plant growth and crop yield. The improved roots of plants grown according to the present invention were readily apparent to observers even at this early stage of plant growth. Without being bound by any theory, the inventors believe this is because the plant's needs for nutrients, carbon dioxide, and energy are provided before the plant's leaves are able to provide them.

[0022] Figure 2 is an annotated photograph comparing two plants grown using the cup method described above. The cotton plant on the left, marked as baseline, was grown under the same conditions as the cotton plant in the cup on the right, except that it was grown from seeds that were not coated with the coating of the present invention. The plant in the cup on the right was grown from seeds coated with the coating of the present invention. The difference in the seedlings is very obvious. The coated seeds according to the present invention provide surprising and unexpected growth rates compared to the uncoated seeds.

[0023] For the purposes of this description, crop yield refers to the weight of plant product per unit of growing area, where plant product is the part of a plant valuable as a commercial product, such as grain. Crop yield is usually expressed in kilograms per hectare, tons per hectare, bushels per acre, bushels per hectare, or pounds per acre, depending on the type of crop grown.

[0024] Seed grinds are ground seeds. For the present invention, the seeds can be one of the following: whole seeds or whole seeds without a seed coating. For rice, the whole seed consists of the hull (seed shell) and the bran surrounding the endosperm and germ and is referred to as brown rice. For rice, if the hull is removed, the seed is brown rice, and if the bran is removed, the seed is white rice. Cereal crops have bran surrounding the seeds. When ground, the resulting seed grind is referred to as whole grain seed grind or brown seed grind.

[0025] The seed meal can include seeds that are not clean or pure and can be considered unsafe for human consumption because the seed meal is used in the present invention for plant growth. The seed meal can include other ingredients, such as one or more of the following ingredients: additional plant parts, dirt and / or other contaminants, mold, fungus, dispersants, release agents, binders, bacteria, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, stabilizers, and / or other contaminants or additives, and such seed meal does not require the use of seeds that have been cleaned to human consumption levels.

[0026] Without being bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the use of seed meal formed from ground seeds increases the available seed ingredients for the initial root growth from the seeds, which greatly enhances the initial root and plant growth, and that early root growth is more beneficial than promoting plant growth later in the growth cycle, for example, plants with enhanced early root growth remain ahead of other plants without enhanced early root growth throughout the growing season, and preferably, the seed meal is formed from the same type of seeds that are to be grown. For example, for planting rice seeds, ground rice seeds (seed meal) are preferably used to promote early root growth of the seeds, however, other types of seed meal (non-rice seeds) can be used as enhancers for rice, and also for example, it has been found that brown rice seed meal (non-cotton seeds) can be effective in promoting early root and plant growth of cotton seeds, corn seeds, and wheat seeds.

[0027] Seed meal can bring many benefits to plants. For example, according to the United States Department of Agriculture Nutrient Database (USDA, 2015), Table 1 shows a comparison of the energy and nutrient content of various seeds. https: / / fdc.nal.usda.gov /

[0028] Table 1: Energy and Nutrients in Specific Grains

[0029]

[0030] Brown rice also contains a variety of vitamins, and as can be seen from Table 1, brown rice contains energy in the form of carbohydrates and sugars, as well as nutrients that are beneficial for plant growth, and brown rice seed meal contains more of these than white rice seed meal, and also, corn seed meal contains nutrients that are not found in corn starch.

[0031] According to the chemical formula of corn starch, the carbon content in corn starch is 46.8%. Xie indicates that the carbon content in rice is 53-64% (Xie Weiwie, Evaluation of biophysical factors driving temporal variation in carbon gain, water use and yield production, Dissertation, Lanzhou University, January 2015). ​

[0032] Another embodiment of the present invention is a seed coating comprising a seed grind.

[0033] Seed grinds comprising whole seeds can provide more benefits to plant growth compared to seed grinds comprising only seeds without hulls, coatings and / or bran. For the present invention, the seed grinds include seeds selected from rice seed grinds, brown rice seed grinds, white rice seed grinds, brown rice seed grinds, rye seed grinds, cornmeal seed grinds, soybean seed grinds, buckwheat seed grinds, triticale seed grinds, wheat seed grinds, whole wheat wheat seed grinds, oat seed grinds or others. The seed grinds used are brown rice seed grinds or coarse rice seed grinds.

[0034] The present invention may also include a bicarbonate source, the bicarbonate source including at least one source selected from the group consisting of ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and sodium bicarbonate. The bicarbonate source may be at least one alkali metal bicarbonate.

[0035] The present invention may also include one or more sugar sources selected from the group consisting of sucrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, lactose, maltose, xylose, powdered sugar, corn syrup, cane syrup, agave, sorghum, honey, sugar cane, sugar beets, fruits, vegetables, and compounds that form or release sugars when the coated seeds are planted in soil.

[0036] The fertilizer nutrient sources of the present invention may include one or more of the following nutrient sources:

[0037] 1) one or more nitrogen compounds selected from the group consisting of urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate, diammonium phosphate (OAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), potassium nitrate, ammonium bicarbonate, potassium nitrate and / or sodium nitrate;

[0038] 2) one or more phosphorus compounds selected from the group consisting of triple superphosphate, single superphosphate, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate and / or potassium metaphosphate;

[0039] 3) one or more potassium compounds selected from potassium chloride, potassium bicarbonate, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate and / or potassium metaphosphate; and

[0040] 4) selected from elemental sulfur, calcium carbonate (limestone), dolomite, gypsum, shell, marl, iron sulfate, iron oxide, chelated iron, iron nitrate, zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, chelated zinc, zinc oxysulfate, zinc carbonate, copper oxide, copper sulfate, copper nitrate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, sodium borate, EDTA-chelated manganese, calcium sulfate, calcium nitrate, calcium oxide, magnesium carbonate, selenium sulfate and selenium oxide, sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax), sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, sodium tetraborate-sodium pentaborate, colemanite, ammonium molybdate, sodium molybdate, molybdenum oxide, sodium bicarbonate and / or manganese sulfate, etc.;

[0041] The bicarbonate source of the present invention is one or more bicarbonates selected from sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate or ammonium.

[0042] Because the seed coating is applied to the seed, the coating of the present invention can be applied to seedlings essentially immediately after root formation and can effectively promote growth at lower application rates than would be required to achieve the same effect by broadcasting the seed coating composition over the field to enhance growth levels.

[0043] The seed coating may be applied to the seeds by any desired method, such as film coating, pelleting or encrusting. Conventional seed coating methods are now well known and carrier components such as binders used in conventional seed coating methods may be used.

[0044] The seed coating can be applied to the seeds using one or more substantially water-free adhesives. The adhesive acts as a glue to secure the seed coating to the seed and includes waxes such as beeswax, paraffin wax, microcrystalline wax, vegetable waxes such as soy wax, biodegradable sucrose esters, and the like.

[0045] Another method of applying a seed coating may use an adhesive that contains water and crystallizes when dried. These adhesives may include one of the group consisting of corn syrup, cane syrup, agave, maple syrup, and the like.

[0046] An alternative method of applying the seed coating could be to compress the coating onto the seed without the use of water, similar to the method used for pharmaceutical pellets.

[0047] Alternative ways of applying a seed coating may be to use an anhydrous liquid to carry out the reaction to hold the coating on the seed, such as for epoxy coatings or polymerization of materials.

[0048] If a soil test indicates that the soil in which the plant is to be grown is deficient in one or more nutrients, a first fertilizer containing a small amount of nitrogen and other primary, secondary, and micronutrients at levels indicated by the soil test may be applied to the soil. The first fertilizer may be applied before, with, or after the coated seeds of the present invention.

[0049] At planting and before, during or after planting the coated seeds, a first fertilizer may be applied to the soil, preferably comprising up to 50.4 kg / ha (45 lb / acre) of nitrogen, more preferably up to 44.8 kg / ha (40 lb / acre) of nitrogen, more preferably 16.8-39.2 kg / ha (15-35 lb / acre), and most preferably 22.4-33.6 kg / ha (20-30 lb / acre) of nitrogen. In addition, the first fertilizer may include other nutrients and micronutrients recommended by soil test results of the crop being grown and the soil used to grow the crop.

[0050] Thus, the present invention may include a method of applying the coated seeds of the present invention, applying a first fertilizer and then applying the coated seeds of the present invention, or applying a first fertilizer and the coated seeds of the present invention simultaneously, or applying a first fertilizer contained within the coated seeds of the present invention.

[0051] The first fertilizer may contain one or more of the following nutrients:

[0052] 1) one or more nitrogen compounds selected from urea, ammonia, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, calcium nitrate, diammonium phosphate (OAP), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), potassium nitrate, ammonium bicarbonate, urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN), potassium nitrate and / or sodium nitrate;

[0053] 2) one or more phosphorus compounds selected from the group consisting of triple superphosphate, single superphosphate, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate and / or potassium metaphosphate;

[0054] 3) one or more potassium compounds selected from potassium chloride, potassium bicarbonate, potassium nitrate, potassium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate and / or potassium metaphosphate;

[0055] 4) selected from elemental sulfur, calcium carbonate (limestone), dolomite, gypsum, shell, marl, iron sulfate, iron oxide, chelated iron, iron nitrate, zinc sulfate, zinc oxide, chelated zinc, zinc oxysulfate, zinc carbonate, copper oxide, copper sulfate, copper nitrate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, magnesium oxide, sodium borate, boric acid, EDTA-chelated manganese, calcium sulfate, calcium nitrate, calcium oxide, magnesium carbonate, selenium sulfate and selenium oxide, sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax), sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, sodium tetraborate-sodium pentaborate, colemanite, ammonium molybdate, sodium molybdate, molybdenum oxide, sodium bicarbonate and / or manganese sulfate, etc.;

[0056] 5) one or more liquid nutrient sources selected from the group consisting of urea ammonium nitrate (UAN), ammonia, biomass slurries and other slurries and suspensions; and

[0057] 6) One or more organic nutrient sources selected from manure, animal bedding, etc.

[0058] Without wishing to be bound by any theory, the inventors believe that the fertilizers of the present invention promote early root growth and early plant growth in plants, as shown in our examples.

[0059] Unless otherwise stated, all component amounts of the coating are in wt % based on the total weight of the coating. For preferred coatings, the coating comprises 0.5 to 99 wt % seed grind and 1 to 99 wt % sugar source.

[0060] For another preferred coating, the coating comprises 0.5 to 99 wt% seed grind and 1 to 75 wt% bicarbonate source.

[0061] For another preferred coating, the coating comprises seed grinds in an amount of 1 to 99 wt %, a sugar source in an amount of 1 to 75 wt %, and a bicarbonate source in an amount of 1 to 75 wt %.

[0062] For another preferred coating, the coating comprises 1 to 100% by weight of the seed grind.

[0063] The coating level of the present invention refers to the percentage of the weight of the seed coating to the total weight of the coated seed. The preferred coating level is 0.5 to 85 weight %, most preferably 10 to 75 weight %.

[0064] Particularly effective coated seeds of the present invention include cotton seeds coated with potassium bicarbonate, brown rice seed grind, and corn syrup, as shown in Example 5.

[0065] Another method of the present invention comprises the following steps: step 1) testing the soil to determine the first fertilizer required to maximize root and plant growth; step 2) planting the coated seeds in 20 to 1000 cubic centimeters of the first fertilized soil, preferably 5 to 450 cubic centimeters of the first fertilized soil; step 3) transplanting the plants 1 to 16 weeks after emergence, more preferably 3 to 8 weeks after emergence; and step 4) testing the soil of the transplanted plants and applying fertilizer.

[0066] Another inventive method comprises the following steps:

[0067] Step 1) Test the soil to determine the first fertilizer needed to maximize growth; Step 2) Fertilize the soil first; Step 3) Plant the coated seeds; Step 4) Fertilize at least 2 weeks after emergence.

[0068] Another effective method of the present invention includes the following:

[0069] Step 1) Retain a portion of the crop harvest to make seed meal; Step 2) Apply the seed meal to the seed to produce coated seed; Step 3) Perform soil testing to identify primary, secondary, and micronutrient deficiencies; Step 4) Apply the first batch of nutrients to the soil at higher than the normally recommended levels for planting the crop at an early stage of planting the crop; Step 4) Plant the coated seed.

[0070] When using the coated seed of the present invention, more nitrogen should be applied to the crop than is normally applied because the increased plant growth will require increased amounts of nitrogen, which can be applied as the first fertilizer or can be applied later in the growth of the crop, the application of additional nitrogen produces much higher crop yield increases than applying the same level of nitrogen fertilizer without the coated seed.

[0071] All seed coating uses seed meal, for example, rice farmers can now use seed from previous crops to form seed meal, a small portion of the crop could be saved for planting the next season's growth, however, now using the present invention, an additional small percentage of the crop should be retained for grinding into seed meal to dramatically increase growth in the next season. The increase in growth is sufficient to offset the additional small portion of the crop that is retained.

[0072] In yet another method, the seed meal, which can contain bicarbonate or sugar sources, is applied to the seed with the applicator's choice of fertilizer.

[0073] The particle size range of the seed meal can be 95% by weight of the particles between 44 microns (325 ISO sieve designation) and 2.00 mm (10 ISO sieve designation) or 90% by weight of the particles between 63 and 13 microns (230 ISO sieve designation) and 2.00 mm (10 ISO sieve designation), we believe that over time, seed meal with a higher percentage of larger particle size releases benefits to the plant more slowly, while seed meal with a higher percentage of lower particle size will release benefits to the plant more quickly over time, therefore, the size of the seed meal particles can be adjusted for specific applications as needed.

[0074] The present invention will be illustrated with reference to the following examples, which are illustrative only and should not be construed as limiting.

[0075] Example

[0076] Example 1:

[0077] The seed used in this example was Oryza sativa long grain rice variety Nipponbare Diamond treated with Diamond treated with TMSeeds were carefully selected to be representative of all commercially grown rice and provided an excellent model for testing commercial rice, which was coated with a slurry of brown rice seeds by lightly spraying the seeds with water and then rolling them in the powder, the resulting coated seeds were visually inspected and then divided into two layers of coating: low coating and high coating.

[0078] Glass cylindrical vases, 2.54 cm in diameter and 22.9 cm in height, were filled to 2.54 cm from the top, rice seeds were planted 1.9 cm below the soil surface and covered with sand, the vases were wrapped with black paper and placed under artificial grow lights with a timer set to provide light from 6 am to 6 pm, and watered regularly, after 41 days, the plants were carefully removed from the vases, rinsed thoroughly and then placed in an oven set to 50°C to dry. The dry weight of the roots and plants are found in Table 2.

[0079] Table 2: Dry plant and dry root weights of coated rice seed test of Example 1

[0080] Seed coating Root weight (g) Root weight percentage % Uncoated 0.1490 Basic Brown rice seed grind - low quality 0.1594 +6.98％ Brown Rice Seed Grind-High Grade 0.1722 +15.6％

[0081] Conclusion:

[0082] • Rice seeds coated with brown rice seed slurry increased the root weight of plants grown for 41 days.

[0083] • Higher seed coating produced more root growth than lower seed coating.

[0084] • Coating seeds with brown rice seed slurry increased early root weight by 16% compared to plants grown from uncoated seeds.

[0085] Based on the general knowledge in the art prior to the present invention, the significant increase in early root weight was surprising and unexpected.

[0086] Example 2:

[0087] Example 2, wheat seeds were coated by lightly spraying the seeds with water and then rolling the seeds in the brown rice seed slurry.

[0088] Vases were prepared as described in Example 1, wheat seeds were planted 2.54 cm (1 inch) below the soil surface and covered with sand, the vases were placed under artificial grow lights with a timer set to provide light from 6 am to 6 pm, the vases were watered regularly to maintain normal moisture content, after 33 days, the plants were carefully removed from the vases, rinsed and placed in a 50°C oven to dry. The dry weights are found in Table 3.

[0089] Table 3: Dry weights of wheat test of Example 2

[0090]

[0091] in conclusion

[0092] After 33 days, wheat grown with the brown rice seed grind coating had 27% more root weight and 22% more root and plant weight compared to wheat grown without the seed coating.

[0093] The differences in the percentage increase in root weight were greater than the differences in the percentage increase in total plant and root weight, indicating that the coating had a greater effect on early root growth than on plant leaf growth.

[0094] The significant increase in early stage root weight and total plant and root weight was surprising and unexpected based on the general knowledge in the art prior to the present invention.

[0095] Example 3:

[0096] The coated seeds used for planting in Example 3 were cotton seeds obtained from a local cotton gin and pre-coated with a seed conditioning treatment, with pre-weighed cotton seed weights ranging from 0.0895 g to 0.1035 g.

[0097] The cotton seeds of Example 3 were coated with the coating of the present invention by first rolling the seeds in corn syrup and then rolling them in a mixture of 50% by weight baking powder and 50% by weight brown rice seed grind. The coating on 10 seeds was weighed and the average coating weight percentage was calculated and shown in Table 4. The corn syrup used to coat the seeds contained moisture and may not have been completely dried before weighing the coated seeds. The baking powder used was Clabber Double Acting Baking Powder, contains cornstarch, baking soda, sodium aluminum sulfate and monocalcium phosphate.

[0098] Table 4: Coatings on 10 cotton seeds from Example 3

[0099]

[0100] Sixteen ounce clear containers (cups) were prepared for planting coated seeds by placing 400 grams of screened, locally sourced topsoil in each container. Each container was fertilized with 0.125 grams of superphosphate (NPK 0-18-0) mixed into the soil. Each container was also given an additional first fertilizer as a 25 milliliter solution containing 0.2 grams of urea, 1.0 grams of Epsom salts, and 0.2 grams of potassium chloride per 25 milliliters of solution.

[0101] After the first fertilizer application, plant the coated seeds approximately 2.54 cm (1 in) below the soil surface. Add 25 ml of water to the container. Plant two seeds in each container, with three containers per test. Place the containers in an opaque container to prevent light from reaching the roots and water them regularly. Then place the containers under grow lights. By planting the seeds in a transparent container, you can regularly observe the growth of the root system. If two seeds germinate in the container, remove the smaller sprout.

[0102] After 29 days, the plants were transplanted into larger containers. The larger containers were 18.9 liters (5 gallons) and had holes drilled in them for drainage. Locally purchased sieved topsoil was used to grow the plants. Each container was filled to approximately 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) from the top of the container. This was approximately 20 kilograms of soil. A fertilizer solution containing 0.28 grams of urea and 0.63 grams of Epsom salts was applied to the soil. One cotton plant was transplanted into each container. The containers were placed in the field and watered regularly.

[0103] Twenty-one days after transplantation, each container was given 1.73 g of monoammonium phosphate, 2.0 g of KCl, 0.7 g of ZnSO4·H2O, 0.50 g of boric acid, and 33.4 g of Epsom salts, respectively. Thirty-nine days after transplantation, each container was given 1.12 g of urea, and 1.0 g of urea was given again 39 days later.

[0104] Bolls from the plants were cut, dried, and weighed. The average boll weight per container is shown in Table 5.

[0105] Table 5: Dry cotton boll weight of Example 3

[0106]

[0107]

[0108] Cotton bolls produced from plants grown from seeds coated with brown rice seed grind, corn syrup, and baking powder produced bolls that averaged 23% heavier than bolls produced from cotton plants not coated with the seeds of the present invention.

[0109] This significant increase in boll weight was surprising and unexpected based on the general knowledge in the art prior to the present invention.

[0110] Example 4.

[0111] The coated seeds used for planting in Example 4 were cotton seeds obtained from a local cotton gin and pre-coated with a seed conditioning treatment. The cotton seeds were pre-weighed to a weight ranging from 0.0895 grams to 0.1035 grams.

[0112] The cotton seeds of Example 4 were coated with the coating of the present invention by first rolling the seeds in corn syrup and then rolling them in a mixture of 50% by weight sodium bicarbonate and 50% by weight brown rice seed grinds. The coating on 10 seeds was weighed and the average coating percentage was calculated and given in Table 4. The corn syrup used to coat the seeds contained water and may not have been completely dried before the coated seeds were weighed.

[0113] Table 6: Coating on 10 cotton seeds of Example 4.

[0114]

[0115] Sixteen ounce clear containers (cups) were prepared for planting coated seeds by placing 400 grams of screened, locally sourced topsoil in each container. Each container was fertilized with 0.125 grams of superphosphate (NPK 0-18-0) mixed into the soil. Each container was also given an additional first fertilizer as a 25 milliliter solution containing 0.2 grams of urea, 1.0 grams of Epsom salts, and 0.2 grams of potassium chloride per 25 milliliters of solution.

[0116] After applying the first fertilizer, plant the coated seeds approximately 2.54 cm (1 inch) below the soil surface. Add another 25 ml of water to the container. Plant two seeds in each container. Place the container in an opaque container to prevent light from reaching the roots and water regularly. Then place the container under a grow light. By planting the seeds in a transparent container, you can regularly observe the growth of the root system. If two seeds germinate in the container, remove the smaller sprout.

[0117] 29 days after sowing, the plants were carefully removed from the containers, washed, dried and weighed. The weights are shown in Table 7.

[0118] Table 7: Plant and root weights of Example 4

[0119]

[0120]

[0121] After 29 days, cotton plants grown from seeds coated with brown rice seed milling, sodium bicarbonate, and corn syrup had 22% more plant and root weight than cotton plants without seed coating.

[0122] The significant increase in early stage root weight and total plant and root weight was surprising and unexpected based on the general knowledge in the art prior to the present invention.

[0123] Example 5.

[0124] The coated seeds used for planting in Example 5 were cotton seeds obtained from a local cotton gin and pre-coated with a seed conditioning treatment. The cotton seeds were pre-weighed to a weight ranging from 0.0895 grams to 0.1035 grams.

[0125] The cotton seeds of Example 5 were coated with the coating of the present invention by first rolling them in corn syrup and then in the mixture. The coating on 15 seeds was weighed and the average coating percentage was calculated and given in Table 8. The corn syrup used to coat the seeds contained water and may not have been completely dry before the seeds with the coating thereon were weighed.

[0126] Table 8: Coating on 15 cotton seeds of Example 5

[0127]

[0128] *KBC = Potassium Bicarbonate, SG = Ground Brown Rice Seed, CS = Corn Syrup

[0129] Sixteen ounce clear containers (cups) were prepared for planting the coated seeds. 420 grams of sieved, locally sourced topsoil was placed in each container. Each container was fertilized with 0.125 grams of superphosphate (NPK 0-18-0) mixed into the soil. Each container was also given an additional first fertilizer as a 25 milliliter solution containing 0.2 grams of urea, 1.0 grams of Epsom salts, and 0.2 grams of potassium chloride per 25 milliliters of solution.

[0130] After applying the first fertilizer, plant the coated seeds approximately 2.54 cm (1 inch) below the soil surface. Add 25 ml of water to the container. Plant two seeds in each container, with three containers per test. Place the containers in an opaque container to prevent light from reaching the roots and water them regularly. Then place the containers under grow lights. By planting the seeds in a transparent container, you can regularly observe the growth of the root system. If two seeds germinate in the container, remove the smaller sprout.

[0131] After 31 days, the plants were transplanted into larger 18.9-liter (5-gal) containers that had holes drilled in them for drainage. Locally purchased, sieved topsoil was used to grow the plants. Each container was filled to approximately 7.6 centimeters (3 inches) from the top of the container. This was approximately 20 kilograms of soil, and 2.0 grams of triple superphosphate was mixed into the topsoil of each container. A fertilizer solution containing 0.5 grams of urea, 2.2 grams of KCl, 0.7 grams of ZnSO₄·H₂O, 0.5 grams of boric acid, and 34.4 grams of Epsom salts was applied to the soil. One cotton plant was transplanted into each container. Due to the lateness of the season, the containers were placed in a greenhouse and watered regularly. Based on the number of surviving germinated plants, three containers were planted for Test C, one for Test D, three for Test G, and one for Test BL.

[0132] Thirty-six days after transplanting, add 1.12 grams of urea per bucket, and fourteen days later, add another 2.37 grams of urea per bucket.

[0133] In December, 184 days after the cotton seeds were first sown, the cotton plants were cut at the soil surface, dried and weighed, and the average weight of the plants from the replicate tests is shown in Table 9. Table 9: Dry cotton plant weights of Example 5

[0134] type Cotton plant dry weight (g) %Basic Difference Coating content BL1 39.9 0％ Basic C 49.9 +25％ 40% KBC + 60% SG + CS D 46.9 +18％ 20% KBC + 80% SG + CS G 43.2 +8.4％ 100% SG+CS

[0135] *KBC = Potassium Bicarbonate, SG = Ground Brown Rice Seed, CS = Corn Syrup

[0136] Cotton plants grown from seeds coated with the present invention had an average increase in total plant weight of up to 25% compared to plants grown without the seed coating of the present invention.

[0137] It should be understood that the foregoing exemplary embodiments are provided for illustrative purposes only and are in no way to be construed as limiting the present invention. The words used herein are descriptive and illustrative, rather than restrictive. Furthermore, the advantages and purposes described herein may not be achieved by implementing every embodiment of the present invention. Furthermore, although the present invention has been described herein with reference to specific structures, materials or embodiments, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the details disclosed herein. On the contrary, the present invention extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art who have benefited from the teachings of this specification may make many modifications thereto and may make changes without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

[0138] Example 6

[0139] For Example 6, 61 centimeters (24 inches) of drop curtain drum was used to successfully coat black-eyed pea seeds, wherein a flight within the drum lifted the seeds and dropped the seeds at a short distance onto a collection pan near the top of the drum, then the seeds rolled off the collection pan and formed a curtain of falling seeds, hot corn syrup was sprayed onto the seeds at the bottom of the falling curtain to form a spray coated seed, rice meal was sprinkled onto the sprayed seed bed after the thin coating was sprayed onto the seeds to form the coated seeds of the present invention, rice seed meal was continuously added after the material in the drum was allowed to run for a few minutes and the rice seed meal was forced into the spray coating, until an excess of seed was milled with the coated seeds of the present invention, then low heat air was blown into the drum to dry the coated seeds of the present invention, the process of spraying corn syrup, spraying rice seed meal and drying was repeated several times, during which the material in the drum remained free flowing, the final product had a hard coating.

[0140] To estimate the percent of coating, 100 seeds without coating were weighed and found to weigh 22.8 grams, the next 100 seeds with coating were weighed and found to weigh 32.2 grams, therefore, the average percent of coating was 29.2%.

[0141] While only a few exemplary embodiments of the present application have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible and can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the application and that the scope of the application should not be limited to the above exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of the application.

[0142] Example 7

[0143] For Example 7, a tumbler was used to successfully coat rice seeds, wherein the blades within the tumbler were angled backward to roll the seeds without lifting and dropping, biodegradable sucrose octaester was poured onto the rolling bed of seeds, finely ground rice seed meal was sprinkled onto the coated seed bed to form the coated seeds of the present invention, during which the material in the drum remained free flowing.

[0144] While only a few exemplary embodiments of the present application have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible and can be made to the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the application and that the scope of the application should not be limited to the above exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, the following claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations as falling within the scope of the application.

Claims

1. A seed coating having an increased seedling growth rate, which is used for coating seeds, the seed coating comprising the following ingredients: 1% to 99% seed grind, wherein the seed grind is formed from whole seeds, and the seed grind is enhanced with seed components required for seedling growth to promote seedling growth; 0.2% to 97% sugar; 0.1% to 77% bicarbonate; and 0.1% to 60% fertilizer nutrients; wherein the sugar is selected from sucrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, lactose, maltose, xylose, powdered sugar, corn syrup, cane syrup, honey, or a compound that forms or releases sugar when the coated seeds are planted in soil; The bicarbonate comprises sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate or a combination of sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate; The seed coating is applied to the seeds with a binder comprising one of corn syrup, cane syrup, agave, and maple syrup.

2. The seed coating according to claim 1, wherein The coated seeds are selected from the group consisting of cotton, soybean, rice, wheat, corn or sugar beet seeds.

3. The seed coating according to claim 1, characterized in that The coated seeds are selected from seeds of ornamental plants, trees, turf grasses, vegetables, sorghum, fruits, shrubs or energy grasses.

4. The seed coating according to claim 1, characterized in that The seed grind is not suitable for human consumption and may contain additional plant parts, dirt, contaminants, mold, fungus, dispersants, release agents, binders, bacteria, herbicides, pesticides, fungicides, stabilizers, or additives.

5. The seed coating according to claim 1, wherein The coated seeds include rice and the seed grind includes crushed rice seeds.

6. A method for promoting early plant growth, comprising: applying a coating to the seeds, the coating consisting of 1% to 99% seed grind, 0.2% to 97% sugar, 0.1% to 77% bicarbonate, and 0.1% to 60% fertilizer nutrients, the seed grind being in an amount to promote growth of a seedling grown from the seeds, wherein the seed grind is formed from whole seeds; wherein the sugar is selected from sucrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, lactose, maltose, xylose, powdered sugar, corn syrup, cane syrup, honey, or a compound that forms or releases sugar when the coated seeds are planted in soil; The bicarbonate comprises sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate or a combination of sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate; The coating is applied to the seeds with a binder comprising one of corn syrup, cane syrup, agave, and maple syrup.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein: The seed grind comprises ground seeds of the same plant type as the coated seeds.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein the seed grind is selected from the group consisting of rice seed grind, brown rice seed grind, white rice seed grind, rough rice seed grind, rye seed grind, soybean seed grind, buckwheat seed grind, triticale seed grind, wheat seed grind, whole wheat seed grind, and oat seed grind.

9. The method of claim 6, wherein the coated seeds comprise rice and the coating comprises crushed rice seeds.

10. A method of growing seedlings at an increased rate, comprising: A seed and a coating on the seed are provided, wherein the seed is coated and then planted in soil to form a planted seed, the coating comprising 0.1% to 77% bicarbonate, 1% to 99% seed grind, 0.2% to 97% sugar, and 0.1% to 60% fertilizer nutrients, the seed grind being in an amount that promotes growth of seedlings grown from the coated seed and allows the coated seed to grow into seedlings at a greater rate, wherein the seed grind is formed from whole seeds; and wherein the sugar is selected from sucrose, fructose, galactose, glucose, lactose, maltose, xylose, powdered sugar, corn syrup, cane syrup, honey, or a compound that forms or releases sugar when the coated seed is planted in soil; The bicarbonate comprises sodium bicarbonate or potassium bicarbonate or a combination of sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate; The coating is applied to the seeds with a binder comprising one of corn syrup, cane syrup, agave, and maple syrup.

11. The method of claim 10, further comprising measuring nutrients in the soil in which the seedlings are planted and applying fertilizer to the soil surrounding the planted seeds.

12. The method of claim 10, further comprising adding 15 to 25% more nitrogen to the soil than would be required without the seed grinds.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The seed grind comprises ground seeds of the same type of plant as the seeds.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein: The seeds comprise rice and the coating comprises crushed rice seeds.

15. The method according to claim 10, wherein The coating is applied to the seeds in a rotating drum with lifting blades.

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