Soil wetting composition

Abstract

A soil wetting agent is shown and described herein. The soil wetting agent comprises (a) a siloxane alkoxylate; (b) a polymeric dispersant; (c) a pH adjuster; (d) a sugar; and (e) a carrier resin. The soil wetting agent can provide improved distribution of water and / or bioactive substances or nutrients to a soil area (which can help improve irrigation of the area) and improved properties of crops grown in the area in terms of germination, crop yield, crop size, etc.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Indian Patent Registered Provisional Application No. 202021033013 filed on July 31, 2020, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to soil wetting compositions comprising silicone alkoxylates. In particular, the present invention relates to powder-based soil wetting compositions comprising silicone alkoxylates that can improve the distribution of water and / or nutrients such as biologically active substances (e.g., fertilizers) across a soil profile. Background Art

[0004] Crop nutrient compositions are often used to improve crop vigor and yield. However, the distribution of soil-applied fertilizers or micronutrients in soil profiles is often poor. Poor distribution can make these materials inefficient, which can lead to local overfertilization, runoff or poor yield. Poor water / fertilizer distribution is typically due to uneven soil compositions, in which wetting properties can vary on soil profiles. For example, some areas of the soil surface may be more hydrophobic (i.e., more difficult to wet) than other areas. These hydrophobic areas show slow or no soil water absorption, which can lead to puddles or channels where most of the rainwater or irrigation water enters the soil in one place. The result is a poor distribution of fertilizers and moisture in the surrounding area, or it can prevent the area from being processed at all. Its overall impact can be an unbalanced availability of moisture and fertilizer to the expected crop, which can lead to poor crop vigor and lower yield.

[0005] Current practice for applicators applying fertilizer formulations, typically powder or granular based materials, is to spread the formulations manually or via mechanical spreaders. Unfortunately, poor absorption can occur because the powders are often unevenly distributed across the soil profile, and / or because of the aforementioned problems, which can be related to irrigation or rainwater and the wetting characteristics of the soil being treated. Summary of the invention

[0006] The following presents an overview of the disclosure to provide a basic understanding of some aspects. This overview is neither intended to confirm key or critical elements, nor intended to define any limitation of embodiments or claims. In addition, this overview can provide a simplified summary of some aspects that can be described in more detail in other parts of the disclosure.

[0007] A soil wetting agent comprising a siloxane alkoxylate is provided. In one aspect, the soil wetting agent comprises a siloxane alkoxylate, an anionic polymeric dispersant, a pH adjuster, a sugar, and a carrier resin.

[0008] The present soil wetting agent can provide an enhanced distribution of water across the soil profile. The soil wetting agent can also provide an enhanced distribution of biologically active substances (e.g., fertilizers and other nutrients) across the soil profile. Improving the distribution of water and / or biologically active substances across the soil can have benefits such as improved germination, crop yield, crop size, etc. In addition, improving water distribution can allow for a reduction in the amount of water required for irrigation, which can allow for avoiding wasted water, especially in areas that may have limited water supplies.

[0009] In one aspect, a soil wetting agent is provided, comprising: (a) a siloxane alkoxylate; (b) a polymeric dispersant; (c) a pH adjuster; (d) a sugar; and (e) a carrier resin.

[0010] In one embodiment, the siloxane alkoxylate (a) is selected from compounds of formula (I):

[0011] M 1 D 1 x D 2 y M 2 (I)

[0012] in:

[0013] M 1 =(R 1 )(R 2 )(R 3 )SiO 0.5

[0014] M 2 =(R 4 )(R 5 )(R 6 )SiO 0.5

[0015] D 1 =(R 7 )(R 8 )SiO

[0016] D 2 =(R 9 )(R 10 )SiO

[0017] x is an integer from about 0 to about 50;

[0018] y is an integer from about 1 to about 15;

[0019] R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 Each is independently selected from a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0020] R 6 For R 11 or Z, and R 9 For R 11 or Z, where R 6 or R 9 At least one of is Z;

[0021] R 11 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0022] Z is a polyalkyleneoxy group having the following general formula:

[0023] -R 12 -O-[C2H4O] a -[C3H6O] b -[C4H8O] c -R 13 ,in

[0024] R 12 is a linear or branched divalent hydrocarbon group of 3 to 4 carbon atoms, R 13 Selected from H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and acetyl, a is 4 to 20, b is 0 to 30, and c is 0 to 10, provided that 4≤a+b+c≤45 and a≥4; and when b+c=0, then a=5-12.

[0025] In one embodiment, the siloxane alkoxylate (a) is present in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 60 wt %; the polymeric dispersant (b) is present in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %; the pH adjuster (c) is present in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %; the sugar component (d) is present in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 15 wt %; and the resin carrier is present in an amount of about 20 wt % to about 50 wt %, based on the weight of the soil wetting agent composition.

[0026] In one embodiment, x is 0; y is 1-15; R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R8 and R 10 Each is independently methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl; R 9 Z; R 12 is a divalent hydrocarbon having 3-4 carbon atoms; a is 4-15; b is 0-25; c is 0; and R 13 It is hydrogen or methyl.

[0027] In one embodiment, the soil wetting agent is a powder.

[0028] In one embodiment, the polymeric dispersant is selected from anionic polyacrylate carboxylate copolymers, anionic styrene acrylic copolymers, anionic alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate polymers, sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone copolymers, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0029] In one embodiment, the pH adjuster is selected from a carboxylic acid, a hydroxy acid, a phosphoric acid, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0030] In one embodiment, the sugar is selected from lactose, maltose, maltodextrin, galactose, xylose, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0031] In one embodiment, the carrier resin is selected from urea-formaldehyde resins.

[0032] In one embodiment, the siloxane alkoxylate (a) is present in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 60 wt %; the polymeric dispersant (b) is present in an amount of about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %; the pH adjuster (c) is present in an amount of about 0.1 wt % to about 5 wt %; the sugar (d) is present in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 15 wt %; and the carrier resin (e) is present in an amount of about 20 wt % to about 50 wt %, and the wt % are based on the total weight of the soil wetting composition.

[0033] In another aspect, an agricultural chemical composition is provided, comprising the soil wetting agent.

[0034] In one embodiment, the agrochemical composition further comprises a biologically active substance.

[0035] In yet another aspect, a soil composition is provided, comprising a soil wetting agent dispersed in soil.

[0036] In yet another aspect, a method of improving water distribution to an agricultural area is provided, comprising distributing the soil wetting agent within the agricultural area. In one embodiment, the soil wetting agent is applied separately from any other materials such as nutrients, biologically active substances, etc. In one embodiment, the soil wetting agent is distributed as part of an agricultural chemical composition comprising the soil wetting agent and the biologically active substance. In one embodiment, the soil wetting agent is distributed as part of a soil composition applied to the agricultural area to be treated.

[0037] The present soil wetting agent can solve one or more problems related to water and / or nutrient distribution in agricultural areas by providing an enhanced distribution of these nutrient applications throughout the soil profile. In addition, due to the high level of wettability of the present composition, water applied by irrigation or rainwater is also more effectively distributed throughout the soil profile, resulting in better utilization of water and nutrient additives by crops. This can be observed through a number of properties or parameters, including but not limited to improved plant health, increased yield, visual observation of moisture distribution in the soil, etc.

[0038] Furthermore, due to the high wetting efficiency of the compositions of the present invention, the amount of water required to irrigate a particular crop can be reduced, thereby providing additional benefits in terms of water conservation, which can result in lower costs to treat or cultivate areas, and protect natural resources.

[0039] The following description and the accompanying drawings disclose a number of illustrative aspects. Some improvements and new aspects can be explicitly identified, while others can be apparent from the description and the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] Exemplary embodiments will now be introduced, examples of which are described herein. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural and functional changes may be made. In addition, the features of the various embodiments may be combined or changed. Therefore, the following description is presented only as an example and should never limit the various substitutions and modifications that may be made to the illustrated embodiments. In the present disclosure, numerous specific details provide a thorough understanding of the subject disclosure. It should be appreciated that aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced with other embodiments, etc., that may not necessarily include all aspects described herein.

[0041] A soil wetting agent comprising a siloxane alkoxylate material is provided. In one aspect, the soil wetting agent comprises (a) a siloxane alkoxylate material; (b) a polymeric dispersant; (c) a pH adjuster; (d) a sugar; and (e) a resin carrier. In one aspect, the soil wetting agent is a powder-based composition. Also provided are an agricultural chemical composition comprising the soil wetting agent, a soil composition comprising the soil wetting agent, and a method for treating soil and agricultural land using the soil wetting agent or the agricultural chemical composition comprising the soil wetting agent.

[0042] As used herein, the terms "example" and "exemplary" mean an example, or illustration. The terms "example" or "exemplary" do not indicate a critical or preferred aspect or implementation.

[0043] The word "or" is intended to be inclusive rather than exclusive, unless the context dictates otherwise. As an example, the phrase "A employs B or C" includes any inclusive permutation (e.g., A employs B; A employs C; or A employs B and C). As another matter, the articles "a" and "an" are generally intended to mean "one or more," unless the context dictates otherwise.

[0044] All methods described herein can be carried out in any suitable order, unless otherwise stated herein or otherwise clearly contradictory with context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein is intended only to better illustrate the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, unless otherwise stated.

[0045] No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

[0046] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "containing," "characterized by," and grammatical equivalents thereof are inclusive or open-ended terms that do not exclude additional, unrecited elements, or method steps, but will also be understood to include the more restrictive terms "consisting of," and "consisting essentially of."

[0047] It will be understood that any numerical range recited herein includes all sub-ranges within that range and any combination of the various endpoints of such ranges or sub-ranges.

[0048] It will be further understood that any compound, material or substance explicitly or implicitly disclosed in the specification and / or recited in the claims as belonging to a group of structurally, compositionally and / or functionally related compounds, materials or substances includes individual representatives of the group and all combinations thereof.

[0049] The term "agrochemical" as used herein is understood to mean all biologically active compounds suitable for agricultural use (e.g. pesticides, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, nematicides, larvicides, acaricides, ovicides, plant growth regulators, seed treatment agents, etc.), biological materials (including extracts, fractions and by-products thereof), living organisms including microorganisms, etc.

[0050] The term "agricultural land" refers to an area of ​​land in which plants are grown. The term does not refer to or is not limited to any particular size for an area of ​​land, and it may encompass areas that are separate open areas, enclosed areas (e.g., within a greenhouse), areas within confined spaces (e.g., pots or other types of containers), etc.

[0051] The term "adjuvant" means any composition, material or substance that improves the efficacy (effectiveness) of a biologically active material. The expressions "anti-drift adjuvant" and "anti-drift composition" are used synonymously herein.

[0052] The term "biologically active" refers to agricultural chemicals or materials including, but not limited to, pesticides, such as, but not limited to, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, miticides, and molluscicides; plant nutrients; defoliants; and, plant growth regulators.

[0053] The expression "hydrocarbyl" means any hydrocarbon from which one or more hydrogen atoms have been removed, and includes alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl, cycloalkenyl, cycloalkynyl, aryl, aralkyl and arenyl, and includes hydrocarbyl groups containing at least one heteroatom.

[0054] The term "alkyl" means any monovalent, saturated straight chain, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon group. The term "alkenyl" means any monovalent straight chain, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon group containing one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, wherein the attachment (connection) site of the group can be at a carbon-carbon double bond or other positions therein. The term "alkynyl" means any monovalent straight chain, branched or cyclic hydrocarbon group containing one or more carbon-carbon triple bonds and optional one or more carbon-carbon double bonds, wherein the attachment site of the group can be at a carbon-carbon triple bond, a carbon-carbon double bond or other positions therein. The example of alkyl includes but is not limited to methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, butyl, isobutyl, tert-butyl, amyl, hexyl, octyl, nonyl, decyl, etc. The example of alkenyl includes but is not limited to vinyl, propenyl, allyl, methylallyl, ethylidene norbornane, ethylidene norbornane alkyl, ethylidene norbornene and ethylidene norbornene base. Examples of alkynyl groups include, but are not limited to, ethynyl, propynyl, and methylethynyl.

[0055] The expressions "cycloalkyl", "cycloalkenyl" and "cycloalkynyl" include bicyclic, tricyclic and higher cyclic structures as well as the aforementioned cyclic structures further substituted with alkyl, alkenyl and / or alkynyl. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, norbornyl, norbornenyl, ethylnorbornyl, ethylnorbornenyl, cyclohexyl, ethylcyclohexyl, ethylcyclohexenyl, cyclohexylcyclohexyl and cyclododecatrienyl.

[0056] The term "superspreader" as used herein refers to the property of "superspreading" or "superwetting". Superspreading / superwetting is the ability of a droplet of a solution of a superspreader material to spread to a diameter that is greater than the diameter of a droplet of distilled water on a hydrophobic surface and also greater than the diameter at which a solution of water and a non-superspreading surfactant spreads on a hydrophobic surface. In addition to this difference in spreading diameter, the contact angle of a droplet of a solution containing a superspreader material on a surface is <5° and is therefore less than the contact angle of a solution of a non-superspreading material on the same surface.

[0057] As used herein, numerical values ​​can be combined to form new and unspecified ranges, and can be used to define the lower and upper endpoints of such ranges.

[0058] The soil wetting agent comprises: (a) siloxane alkoxylate; (b) polymer dispersant; (c) pH adjuster; (d) sugar; and (e) carrier resin.

[0059] The siloxane alkoxylate (a) is selected from compounds of formula (I):

[0060] M 1 D 1 x D 2 y M 2 (I)

[0061] in:

[0062] M 1 =(R 1 )(R 2 )(R 3 )SiO 0.5

[0063] M 2 =(R 4 )(R 5 )(R 6 )SiO 0.5

[0064] D 1 =(R 7 )(R 8 )SiO

[0065] D 2 =(R 9 )(R 10 )SiO

[0066] x is an integer from about 0 to about 50;

[0067] y is an integer from about 1 to about 15;

[0068] R1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 Each is independently selected from a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0069] R 6 For R 11 or Z, and R 9 For R 11 or Z, where R 6 or R 9 At least one of is Z;

[0070] R 11 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms;

[0071] Z is a polyalkyleneoxy group having the following general formula:

[0072] -R 12 -O-[C2H4O] a -[C3H6O] b -[C4H8O] c -R 13 ,in

[0073] R 12 is a linear or branched divalent hydrocarbon group of 3 to 4 carbon atoms, R 13 Selected from H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and acetyl, a is 4 to 20, b is 0 to 30, and c is 0 to 10, provided that 4≤a+b+c≤45 and a≥4; and when b+c=0, then a=5-12.

[0074] In one or more embodiments, the siloxane alkoxylate (a) may have any combination of the corresponding variables / components:

[0075] ·R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 are each independently methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl;

[0076] ·R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 Each is a methyl group;

[0077] At least R 9 is Z;

[0078] x is an integer 0-50, 1-50, 5-40, 10-30 or 15-25;

[0079] y is an integer of 1-15, 2-12, 3-10, 4-8 or 5-6;

[0080] a is an integer from 4 to 20, 4 to 15, 9 to 15, 10 to 15, 4 to 12, 5 to 10, 7 to 10, 4 to 6 or 7 to 8;

[0081] b is an integer of 0-30, 0-25, 0-20, 1-25, 1-20, 1-15, 2-10, 3-8, 4-6 or 7-10;

[0082] c is an integer 0-10, 1-8, 2-6 or 3-5

[0083] ·R 13 It is H or C1-C6 alkyl.

[0084] In one embodiment, a siloxane alkoxylate is provided such that: x is 0; y is 1; R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 is methyl; R 9 Z; R 12 is a divalent hydrocarbon having 3-4 carbon atoms; a is 7 to 8; b and c are 0; and R 13 It is hydrogen or methyl.

[0085] In one embodiment, a siloxane alkoxylate is provided such that: x is 0; y is 1-15; R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 Each is independently methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl and in one embodiment is methyl; R 9 Z; R 12is a divalent hydrocarbon having 3-4 carbon atoms; a is 4-15; b is 0-25 and in one embodiment is 1-15; c is 0; and R 13 It is hydrogen or methyl.

[0086] In another embodiment, a siloxane alkoxylate is provided such that: x is 0; y is 1; R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 is methyl; R 9 Z; R 12 is a divalent hydrocarbon having 3 carbon atoms; a is 4 to 6; b is 1 to 3; c is 0; and R 13 For hydrogen.

[0087] In yet another embodiment, a siloxane alkoxylate is provided such that: x is 0; y is 1; R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 is methyl; R 9 Z; R 12 is a divalent hydrocarbon having 3 or 4 carbon atoms; a is 9 to 15; b is 1 to 5; c is 0; and R 13 It is hydrogen or methyl.

[0088] In yet another embodiment, a siloxane alkoxylate is provided such that: x is 0; y is 1; R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 is methyl; R 9 Z; R 12 is a divalent hydrocarbon having 4 carbon atoms; a is 9 to 15; b is 0; c is 0; R 13 is hydrogen or butyl.

[0089] In yet another embodiment, a siloxane alkoxylate is provided such that: x is 0; y is 1.9; R 1 , R 2 , R3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 is methyl; R 9 Z; R 12 is a divalent hydrocarbon having 3 or 4 carbon atoms; a is 7 to 8; b and c are 0; and R 13 It is hydrogen or methyl.

[0090] In yet another embodiment, a siloxane alkoxylate is provided such that: x is 15 to 18; y is 5 to 7; R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 is methyl; R 9 Z; R 12 is a divalent hydrocarbon having 3 or 4 carbon atoms; a is 7 to 8; b and c are 0; and R 13 It is hydrogen or methyl.

[0091] In another embodiment, a siloxane alkoxylate is provided such that: x is 20 to 25; y is 3 to 6; R1, R2, R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 is methyl; R 9 Z; R 12 is a divalent hydrocarbon having 3 or 4 carbon atoms; a is 7 to 10; b is 7 to 10; subscript c is 0; and R 13 It is hydrogen or methyl.

[0092] In yet another embodiment, a siloxane alkoxylate is provided such that: x is from 38 to 45; y is from 4 to 12; R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 is methyl; R 9 Z; R 12is a divalent hydrocarbon having 3 or 4 carbon atoms; a is 10 to 15; subscript b is 22 to 28; c is 0; R 13 It is hydrogen or methyl.

[0093] The soil wetting agent includes a polymeric dispersant (b). In one embodiment, the polymeric dispersant can be selected from a dispersant selected from the following: anionic polyacrylate carboxylate copolymers, anionic styrene acrylic copolymers, anionic alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate polymers, sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone copolymers, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0094] "Anionic polyacrylate carboxylate copolymers" refers to a group of polymers based on acrylate monomers having vinyl groups and carboxylic acid ends neutralized as sodium salts. Examples of suitable anionic copolymer dispersants include, but are not limited to 789 dispersant (a hydrophobically modified copolymer available from AkzoNobel Agrochemicals, Agrilan is a registered trademark of Akzo Nobel Chemicals International), 700 dispersant (also available from AkzoNobel Agrochemicals) and Acrylic polymer (available from BASF, Sokolan is a registered trademark of BASF Aktiengesellschaft).

[0095] "Anionic styrene acrylic copolymer" refers to a group of sodium neutralized styrene acrylic copolymers. Examples of suitable anionic copolymer dispersants include, but are not limited to 2700 (which is a styrene acrylic STYMA-based dispersant available from Huntsman Corporation, Tersperse is a registered trademark of Huntsman Petrochemical Corporation) and Atlox Metasperse TM 550S (available from CRODA).

[0096] "Polyvinyl pyrrolidone copolymer" refers to a linear nonionic polymer that has good solubility in many organic solvents and water. Examples of suitable polyvinyl pyrrolidone copolymers include, but are not limited to, EasySperse TM P-20 spray-dried, optimized composite polyvinyl pyrrolidone and methyl vinyl ether / maleic acid half ester dispersant (available from Ashland), Polymer (available from Ashland, Agrimer is a registered trademark of ISP Investments Inc.) and Luvitec TM Polymer (available from BASF).

[0097] The alkylnaphthalene sulfonate may have an alkyl group with 1 to 10 carbon atoms, such as methyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, sec-butyl, and nonyl. Suitable alkylnaphthalene sulfonates include, but are not limited to, sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonates. Some examples include, but are not limited to, sodium butylnaphthalene sulfonate and sodium nonylnaphthalene sulfonate. Examples of commercially available alkylnaphthalene sulfonates are B and Morwet IP.

[0098] Examples of suitable polymeric dispersants include, but are not limited to, Petro AA, 789, 788, D-425 and EFW.

[0099] The composition may include a pH adjusting agent (c). In one embodiment, the pH adjusting agent may be an acidulant for controlling the pH so that the pH is less than 5. Lowering the pH to between pH 4 and 5 may help with herbicide uptake and address water hardness issues. Suitable pH adjusting agents include carboxylic acids (including hydroxy acids) and phosphoric acid. Some specific examples of suitable pH adjusting agents include, but are not limited to, propionic acid, dimethylolpropionic acid, acetic acid, lactic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, butyric acid, glycolic acid, valeric acid, cyclopentanecarboxylic acid, 2-methylvaleric acid, and the like.

[0100] The soil wetting agent comprises one or more sugars (d). The sugar can be selected from any sugar as required for a specific purpose or intended application. In one embodiment, the sugar can be selected from lactose, maltose, maltodextrin, galactose, xylose, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0101] The soil wetting agent includes a resin carrier (e) selected from urea-formaldehyde resins. The urea-formaldehyde resin is not particularly limited and can be selected as needed for a particular purpose or intended application. In one embodiment, the urea-formaldehyde resin can be a polymethylurea resin having approximately 0.6% reactive hydroxymethyl groups. In one embodiment, the urea-formaldehyde resin can have primary particles of 0.1 to 0.15 microns, thereby forming agglomerates with an average diameter of 3.5 to 6.5 microns. An exemplary urea-formaldehyde resin is PERGOPAK 2 (a trademark of Albemarle Corporation), which contains about 10% to 15% water. In another embodiment, the urea-formaldehyde is PERGOPAK The unrefined precursor of 2 is sometimes referred to as "filter cake" and contains about 40% to 80% water.

[0102] The siloxane alkoxylate (a) may be present in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 60 wt %; about 10 wt % to about 50 wt %; about 15 wt % to about 40 wt %; or about 20 wt % to about 30 wt %, based on the total weight of components (a)-(e). In one embodiment, the siloxane alkoxylate (a) is present in an amount of about 20 wt % to about 60 wt %, based on the total weight of the soil wetting agent composition.

[0103] The polymeric dispersant (b) may be present in an amount of: about 1 wt % to about 10 wt %; about 2 wt % to about 7 wt %; about 3 wt % to about 5 wt %, based on the weight of the soil wetting agent composition.

[0104] The pH adjuster (c) may be present in an amount of about 0.1 wt. % to about 5 wt. %; about 0.5 wt. % to about 3 wt. %; or about 1 wt. % to about 2 wt. %, based on the weight of the soil wetting agent composition.

[0105] The sugar component (d) may be present in an amount of about 5 wt % to about 15 wt %; about 7 wt % to about 12 wt %; or about 8 wt % to about 10 wt %.

[0106] The resin carrier is present in an amount of about 20 wt % to about 50 wt %; about 25 wt % to about 45 wt %; or about 30 wt % to about 40 wt %, based on the weight of the soil wetting agent composition.

[0107] The weight percentages of the respective components of the soil wetting composition are based on the total weight of the components of the soil wetting composition. In addition, it will be understood that even though the sum of the endpoints of the respective ranges may be greater than or less than 100, those skilled in the art will understand that when providing the soil wetting composition, the percentages of the components will add up to 100.

[0108] Soil wetting agents can be provided in any suitable form as needed for a specific purpose. In one embodiment, soil wetting agents are provided as a powder-based composition. In one embodiment, soil wetting agents can be prepared by blending and mixing the corresponding components to form a dry mixture. In one embodiment, a powder-based soil wetting composition is prepared by combining a resin carrier (e), a polymeric dispersant (b) and a pH regulator (c), and mixing to form a uniform dry mixture (A). Then a siloxane alkoxylate (a) is applied to the mixture (A). Siloxane alkoxylates can be applied by any suitable method. In one embodiment, siloxane alkoxylates are applied by spraying. Spraying can be accomplished by applying siloxane alkoxylates multiple times. Then the mixture with siloxane alkoxylates is homogenized until uniformly mixed. Then sugar (d) is added to the powder mixture, and the mixture is mixed to form a uniform powder.

[0109] The soil wetting agents may be used to treat agricultural areas to provide improved distribution of water and / or nutrients to the area.

[0110] Soil wetting agents may be applied alone to an area, or may be provided as part of a composition with other materials (eg, nutrients, biologically active substances, etc.), or as part of a soil composition.

[0111] In one embodiment, the soil wetting agent is provided as part of an agricultural chemical composition to be distributed to an agricultural area. The soil wetting agent of the present invention can be combined with any of a variety of agricultural chemicals (including but not limited to pesticides, fertilizers, and micronutrients, etc.) according to procedures well known in the art and in an amount sufficient to improve, enhance or increase the delivery, availability and / or efficacy of their biologically active components.

[0112] The term "pesticide" herein means any compound used to eliminate harmful organisms, such as rodenticides, insecticides, miticides, fungicides, herbicides, etc. Typical uses of pesticides include agricultural, gardening, lawn, ornamental, courtyard and garden, animal husbandry and forestry applications. The pesticide formulation of the present invention also includes at least one pesticide. Optionally, the pesticide formulation may include excipients, cosurfactants, solvents, foam control agents, deposition aids, drift retardants, biological agents (biological), micronutrients, fertilizers, etc. Illustrative examples of pesticides that can be used include, but are not limited to, mitotic interrupters, lipid biosynthesis inhibitors, cell wall inhibitors, and cell membrane interrupters. The amount of the pesticide used in the agricultural chemical formulation can vary with the type of pesticide used. More specific examples of pesticide compounds that can be used with the formulation include, but are not limited to, herbicides and growth regulators such as phenoxyacetic acid, phenoxypropionic acid, phenoxybutyric acid, benzoic acid, triazines and s-triazines, substituted ureas, uracil, bentazon, betamethasone, chlorpyrifos, benzalide, chlorpyrifos, chlorfenapyr, clomazone, fluazifop, norflurazon, dinitroaniline, isothiocarb, chlorpyrifos, pendimethalin, aminopropyralin, trifluralin, glyphosate, sulfonylureas, imidazolinone, clethodim, dimethoate, fenthiocarb, cypermethrin, quinazolin, sethoxydim, dichlorvos, isoxadiazine and bipyridinium compounds.

[0113] The fungicide compositions that can be used with the present invention include, but are not limited to, cartap, clorin, dodecacyclic morpholine, dimethomorph; flusilazole, pentoconazole, cyproconazole, fluepiconazole, furiconazole, propiconazole, tebuconazole, etc.; imazalil, thiophanate-methyl, benomyl, carbendazim, thiophanate-methyl, chloranil, trifloxystrobin, fluoxystrobin, etherstrobin, azoxystrobin, furcaranil, prochloraz, sulfamethoxam, famoxadone, captan, maneb, mancozeb, dodesin, dodinoline, and metalaxyl.

[0114] Insecticides (which include larvicides, acaricides and ovicide compounds) that can be used with the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, Bacillus thuringiensis, spinosad, avermectin, doramectin, lepidomectin, pyrethrins, carbaryl, primicarb, aldicarb, methomyl, amitraz, boric acid, chlordimeform, metronidazole, diflubenzuron, diflubenzuron, diflubenzuron, imidacloprid, diazinon, acephate, endosulfan, kefran, dimethoate, azinphos-methyl, azinphos-methyl, isoxathion, chlorpyrifos, clofothiazide, lambda-cyhalothrin, permethrin, bifenthrin, cypermethrin, and the like.

[0115] Fertilizers and micronutrients include, but are not limited to, zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, ammonium sulfate, urea, urea ammonium nitrogen, ammonium thiosulfate, potassium sulfate, monoammonium phosphate, urea phosphate, calcium nitrate, boric acid, potassium and sodium salts of boric acid, phosphoric acid, magnesium hydroxide, manganese carbonate, calcium polysulfide, copper sulfate, manganese sulfate, ferric sulfate, calcium sulfate, sodium molybdate, calcium chloride, or a combination of two or more thereof.

[0116] The respective components of the agrochemical composition comprising the present soil wetting agent are preferably provided as part of a dry mix which is mixed with the soil wetting composition.

[0117] In one embodiment, the powder-based soil wetting composition is mixed with at least one fertilizer to provide a uniform mixture of the powder-based soil wetting composition and the fertilizer, which is then distributed over a given land area. The amount of the powder-based soil wetting agent used with the fertilizer can be selected as desired for a particular purpose or intended application. In one embodiment, the powder-based soil wetting composition is provided in an amount of about 5 g / kg fertilizer, about 10 g / kg fertilizer, about 15 g / kg fertilizer, or about 20 g / kg fertilizer.

[0118] In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a soil composition comprising a powder-based soil wetting agent. The soil composition may be an independent natural soil area (e.g., an independent agricultural area) to which the soil wetting composition is added. Alternatively, the soil composition may be a premixed soil composition containing a soil wetting agent and soil material. The premixed soil composition containing the soil wetting agent may then be distributed over the desired area of ​​the agricultural area to be treated. The amount or concentration of the soil wetting composition in the soil is not particularly limited and may be selected as needed to provide the desired amount / concentration of the soil wetting composition in the area to be treated.

[0119] Soil wetting agents can be applied to land areas or blocks (e.g., agricultural arable land). The use of the present powder-based soil wetting composition can be used to improve the moisture content of the area. This can increase the overall distribution of water in the treated area. In addition, the use of soil wetting agents can also allow the use of a lower amount of water, which can be applied to the treated area, but still provide enough hydration for the area. In one embodiment, the use of the present powder-based soil wetting composition to treat a land block allows the use of 5% less water, 10% less water, 15% less water, 20% less water, 25% less water, 30% less water, 40% less water, 50% less water, 60% less water, and even up to 70% less water compared to the amount of water required to treat the same area without the present powder-based soil wetting composition. In one embodiment, use of the soil wetting agent to treat a plot of land allows for the use of 5% to 70% less water, 10% to 65% less water, 15% to 60% less water, 20% to 55% less water, or 25% to 50% less water as compared to the amount of water required to treat the same area without the present powder-based soil wetting composition.

[0120] The present powder-based soil wetting composition may also have the benefit of improving the effectiveness of micronutrients and bioactive substances (e.g., fertilizers). Improving the effectiveness of fertilizers, nutrients, etc. may be demonstrated by a number of characteristics or properties associated with the growth of a given plant (including, but not limited to, germination rate, length, number of leaves, bulb size, fruit body size, etc.).

[0121] The use of the present soil wetting agents is not limited to use with a particular type of soil or with respect to the types of crops or plants grown in the area of ​​land treated with the soil wetting agent.

[0122] To treat a plot of land with a powder-based soil wetting composition, the powder-based soil wetting composition may be distributed as desired within a given area of ​​the plot of land. The powder-based soil wetting composition may be distributed separately from other materials distributed within the area to be treated, or it may be distributed as a mixture with one or more other materials to be placed within the treatment area. The powder-based soil wetting composition (whether alone or as part of a mixture with other materials) may be distributed within a given area by any suitable method or means of distributing such materials, including but not limited to spreading by hand or by a mechanical spreading mechanism such as a spreader.

[0123] The present soil wetting composition, agricultural chemical composition comprising the present soil wetting composition, method of using the same, etc. can be used to treat areas where various crops, plants, etc. may be grown. Examples of suitable crop plants whose production and growth can be enhanced by the presence of the present soil wetting composition (alone or in combination with fertilizers, nutrients, etc.) include, but are not limited to, cereals, such as wheat, rye, barley, triticale, oats, rice, etc.; beets, such as sugar, fodder beets, etc.; pome fruits, stone fruits and stoneless fruits, such as apples, pears, plums, peaches, almonds, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries, etc.; legumes, such as beans, lentils, peas, alfalfa, soybeans, etc.; oil crops, such as rapeseed, mustard, olives, sunflowers, coconuts, cocoa, castor beans, oil palms, peanuts, soybeans, etc.; melon vegetables, such as pumpkin / squash, cucumbers, melons, etc.; fiber crops, such as cotton, flax, hemp, jute, etc.; citrus fruits, such as oranges, Lemon, grapefruit, orange, etc.; vegetable plants, such as spinach, lettuce, asparagus, cabbage, carrot, onion, tomato, eggplant, potato, pumpkin / squash, radish, pepper, etc.; laurel plants, such as avocado, cinnamon, camphor, etc.; ginger plants, such as ginger, turmeric, cardamom, galangal, etc.; energy crops and industrial raw material crops, such as corn, soybean, wheat, rapeseed, sugarcane, oil palm, etc.; corn; tobacco leaves; nuts; coffee; tea; banana; wine (fresh grapes and grapes for winemaking); hops; grasses, such as turf; sweet leaves (Stevia rebaudiana); rubber plants and forest plants, such as flowers, shrubs, deciduous trees and coniferous trees, and propagation materials such as seeds, and harvested products of these plants.

[0124] Aspects and embodiments of the present invention may be further understood with reference to the following examples. These examples are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, but are intended to show representative examples and exemplary embodiments of powder-based soil wetting compositions, and examples of using such compositions to treat agricultural areas and promote plant growth.

[0125] Example

[0126] Embodiment 1:

[0127] The siloxane alkoxylates used in the examples have the following formula:

[0128] M 1 D 1 x D 2 y M 2

[0129] in:

[0130] M 1 =(R 1 )(R2 )(R 3 )SiO 0.5

[0131] M 2 =(R 4 )(R 5 )(R 6 )SiO 0.5

[0132] D 1 =(R 7 )(R 8 )SiO

[0133] D 2 =(R 9 )(R 10 )SiO

[0134] R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 Each is a methyl group, and R 9 is Z, where Z is –CH2CH2CH2-O-(C2H4O) a (C3H6O) b (C4H8O) c R 13 Table 1 provides the various groups of siloxane alkoxylates and the R 13 Description of the variable of the group.

[0135] Table 1 - Description of Siloxane Alkoxylate Compositions

[0136]

[0137]

[0138] Example 2

[0139] The composition of the present invention is prepared by mixing urea formaldehyde resin, citric acid and Agrilan 789 in a mixer and stirring until a homogeneous dry mixture is obtained.

[0140] The trisiloxane alkoxylate component of the present invention was slowly sprayed onto the premix in three separate samples (15kg + 15kg + 20kg) and homogenized until uniformly mixed. Next, Supertab 21AN was added to the powder mixture using a Ribbon blender with a chopper to obtain a uniform powder.

[0141] Table 2 provides the formulation of the powder-based soil wetting composition of the present invention. The product is a powder wetting agent (ID: PWA-1).

[0142] Table 2 - Formulation of powder-based soil wetting composition (ID: PWA-1)

[0143]

[0144] Tables 3A and 3B provide the properties of two batches (A and B) of the powder-based soil wetting composition of the present invention (PWA-1).

[0145] Table 3A - Physical Properties of Powder-Based Soil Wetting Composition (PWA-1A)

[0146]

[0147]

[0148] Table 3B - Physical Properties of Powder-Based Soil Wetting Composition (PWA-1B)

[0149]

[0150] Example 3

[0151] The effect of the composition of the invention, Formulation 1, on fertilizer effectiveness was determined in a field trial based on onion yield. A test plot of 528 m2 was treated with NPK (nitrogen / phosphorus / potassium) fertilizer (10:26:26) at 18 kg / plot, either alone or in combination with Formulation 1 (5 g, 10 g, 15 g or 20 g per kg fertilizer) at different dosage rates.

[0152] Fertilizers and appropriate doses of PWA-1 were measured out onto plastic sheets and dry mixed by hand until a homogeneous mixture was obtained. This dry mix was then spread over the plots by hand, ensuring that the mix surrounds the area above the root zone of the crop.

[0153] A minimum of two applications were made: the first 30 days after transplanting the seedlings and the second 60 days after transplanting.

[0154] After each application, treatments were watered into the soil via irrigation, 15,675 liters of water per plot. Water was applied at a rate of 5.5 liters / second over a period of 47.5 minutes, equivalent to approximately 118,800 liters / acre.

[0155] Table 4 illustrates that the composition of the present invention improves fertilizer performance relative to a fertilizer formulation without PWA-1, thereby increasing total onion leaf length, average leaf number, and onion bulb size.

[0156] Table 4 - Effects of adjuvants and fertilizers on onion vigor and size

[0157]

[0158] *Control: Fertilizer mixture alone

[0159] Example 4 - Effect of PWA-1 on Peanut Germination

[0160] This example shows that the composition of the present invention helps to reduce the irrigation water required for a given crop. 2 ) and two days after sowing, the fields were irrigated with water at a rate equivalent to 100,000 liters per acre.

[0161] One plot was used as standard treatment (water alone) and the composition of the invention PWA-1 was applied to the second plot as an irrigation aid. Therefore, 150 grams of PWA-1 were premixed into 10 kg of soil by hand. The soil containing PWA-1 was then spread by hand to evenly distribute the mixture over the test plot.

[0162] For each treatment, the plots were evaluated for the number of plants that germinated. Thus, 15 days after sowing, five randomly selected sectors (15 x 20 cm) in each plot were evaluated for the total number of peanut plants present.

[0163] Table 5 shows that the addition of PWA-1 improved the overall germination rate of peanut, such that the number of peanut plants germinated in the plots containing the PWA-1 treatment was higher than that in the water-only plots.

[0164] Table 5 Peanut germination (with and without adjuvant)

[0165]

[0166] Example 5: Effects of adjuvants and fertilizers on soil moisture levels and peanut yield

[0167] The effect of adjuvants on peanut productivity is demonstrated in this example where NPK fertilizer treatments (20:20:0) were applied at an equivalent rate of 150 kg / acre with and without the inventive composition PWA-1 (equivalent rates between 0.75 and 3 kg / acre). Two applications were made for each treatment. The first treatment was applied at planting. The second fertilizer treatment was applied 60 days after planting.

[0168] The fertilizer treatment without adjuvant is the current commercial standard application and is used as the benchmark herein.The treatment scale was scaled down to 135 square meters (0.0334 acres) plots and results are reported in yield / acre equivalent.

[0169] The NPK fertilizer was poured out onto a plastic mat and the PWA-1 composition was added on top at the desired use rate (5, 10, 15 or 20 grams per kilogram of fertilizer). The fertilizer and PWA-1 were then thoroughly mixed together by hand. The mixture was spread by hand throughout the peanut crop, aiming at or near the base of the peanut plants.

[0170] The plots were irrigated at a rate of 2500 liters / plot (equivalent to 74,974 liters / acre) and moisture measurements were taken 7 days after treatment. Moisture measurements were taken using a moisture sensing probe from "The EMPL Company" India.

[0171] Peanut yield was determined at harvest, 140-150 days after sowing, where five (5) randomly selected plants (4 corners and 1 center) were evaluated for pod number, pod weight, kernel number and kernel weight.

[0172] Table 6 shows that treatments (TMT numbers: T2, T3, T4 and T5) containing the composition of the present invention (PWA-1) significantly increased peanut yield at all levels relative to the standard treatment (TMT T1).

[0173] The treatments containing the composition of the present invention (PWA-1) increased the number of pods, pod weight, kernel number and kernel weight. In addition, treatments T2-T5 increased the relative yield of peanuts by 2-fold to 4-fold (as evidenced by the increase in yield from 1267 kg / acre in the control to 5380 kg / acre in treatment T5).

[0174] Another important aspect of the results for the treatments containing PWA-1 is the water availability and retention relative to the standard treatments. The water readings decrease in value as the water level increases. For example:

[0175] 0-10 centibar = saturated soil (do not irrigate)

[0176] 10-30 centibars = soil is fully moist (except for coarse sand which is drying)

[0177] 30-60 centibar = normal range for irrigation (most soils) (requires irrigation)

[0178] Recommended by: "The Irrometer Company", Riverside, California; https: / / www.irrometer.com / basics.html

[0179] Treatments containing PWA-1 gave lower water tensiometer values, indicating more water was retained 7 days after treatment than the standard application treatment T1 (Table 6, see "Soil Tensiometer Readings (centibars)" column).

[0180] Table 6 Effects of adjuvants and fertilizers on soil moisture levels and peanut yield

[0181]

[0182] Example 6: Retention of root mass during rice transplantation

[0183] This example evaluates the effect of treating rice seedlings with a composition of the invention, and in particular the effect the composition may have on plucking efficiency. Improvements in plucking efficiency were evaluated as improvements in the percentage of rice seedlings that retained their root system after being plucking for transplanting.

[0184] Treatments were prepared by placing 5 kg of sand on a plastic mat and adding the required amount of PWA-1 or SA-2. The components were then mixed by hand to ensure uniform distribution of the adjuvant in the sand. The mixture was then spread by hand over the entire plot (100 m2). The plot was irrigated with approximately 1800 liters of water (equivalent to approximately 180,000 liters / hectare).

[0185] Nursery grown rice seedlings (28 days old) were treated with the composition of the invention (PWA-1) or the comparative trisiloxane alkoxylate (SA-2) 24 hours before pulling out. These were also compared to a typical untreated application. Note that the SA-2 comparative trisiloxane alkoxylate was dosed at an equal ratio to the SA component in PWA-1.

[0186] Table 7 shows that the treatments with the adjuvant provided better seedling removal (more intact roots) compared to the typical application (water only). Moreover, the number of seedlings with intact roots increased with increasing adjuvant dosage rates. In addition, the composition of the present invention significantly improved the number of surviving rice seedling transplants (observed as the percentage of plants with intact roots) relative to liquid SA-2 trisiloxane alkoxylate and the control that received irrigation water only (i.e., T7 without adjuvant). Therefore, this shows that the composition of the present invention significantly improved seedling survival, thereby reducing losses (up to 30% in the typical treatment).

[0187] Another important result to note is that although the dosage ratios of the SA components to PWA-1 and SA-2 were essentially equal in all treatments, application of the dry powder formulation containing PWA-1 provided an unexpected increase in the number (and percentage) of surviving seedlings harvested by pulling out.

[0188] Table 7 - Effect of adjuvants on root retention in transplanted rice seedlings

[0189]

[0190] Example 7 Improved Moisture Retention (Prophetic Example)

[0191] More efficient water retention can mean that less water may be needed for irrigation (up to 60-70% less water). Due to the hydrophobic nature of some soils, water is not always evenly distributed in the soil profile, so that there may be spots where channeling occurs (water is absorbed at one spot, leaving surrounding areas deprived of water), or water may flow to lower points in the field (pooling) or to the edges of the field where water is unavailable to the crop. By applying the correct amount of the composition of the present invention, either alone or with a fertilizer, water absorption can be increased, resulting in a more even distribution in the soil profile, thereby minimizing runoff or pooling or channeling.

[0192] Example 8 - Water Retention Capacity

[0193] The water holding capacity of soil is a key factor in irrigation, seed germination and crop sustainability. Soil can become hydrophobic for a variety of reasons. For example, a natural hydrophobic film secreted by decaying organic matter or microorganisms at the surface can make the soil surface repel water. In addition, the mineral content of the soil can promote water repellency.

[0194] This example demonstrates that the composition of the present invention promotes the wetting of hydrophobic soils and thereby increases the water retention capacity, which is essential for plant viability.

[0195] Formulations of "powder wetting agent" compositions according to aspects and embodiments of the present invention were prepared according to the methods and compositions outlined in Table 3 of Example 2. The only difference in composition was that several silicone alkoxylate (SA) components were substituted for SA-1 as illustrative examples of different types of SA components that can be used in the present invention.

[0196] Table 8 provides the SA components used in each of the following powder wetting agent formulation compositions.

[0197] Table 8 - SA components used in PWA formulations

[0198]

[0199] Water holding capacity test:

[0200] Soil samples (Miracle-Gro, Seed Starting Potting Mix) were mixed with different PWA compositions as follows. 1.0 g of the PWA formulation was mixed into 65.0 g of potting soil (equivalent to 15 g PWA / kg soil) using an overhead paddle stirrer and mixed until homogenous (approximately 5 minutes). 10 g of the soil mixture was carefully weighed onto a piece of aluminum foil (~8x8") as a compact pile. Using an inverted 10Dram bottle, a depression (well) approximately 1 cm deep was formed in the center of the pile. The sample was then titrated with water (using a burette). Water was added dropwise to the soil at a rate of approximately 3 drops / second. The endpoint was reached when the water flowed to or broke through the sides to the surface of the foil, indicating saturation. The volume of water delivered at the endpoint (mL) is recorded in Table 9. The higher the volume required to reach the endpoint, the greater the water retention capacity.

[0201] Table 9 shows the water holding capacity of soil containing the composition of the present invention compared to hydrophobic soil (control). The soil mixture containing the PWA composition of the present invention significantly increased the water holding capacity of the soil by more than 6.5 times relative to water alone (PWA component>31 mL, while soil alone was 4.7 mL).

[0202] Table 9 - Effect of PWA components on the "water holding" capacity of soil

[0203]

[0204] What has been described above includes examples of this specification. Of course, it is not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methods for the purpose of describing this specification, but it will be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art that many other combinations and arrangements of this specification are possible. Therefore, this specification is intended to cover all such changes, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In addition, to the extent that the term "comprising" is used in a detailed description or claim, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising", as explained when "comprising" is used as a transitional word in a claim.

[0205] The foregoing description identifies various non-limiting embodiments of soil wetting compositions (including powder-based soil wetting compositions), agricultural chemical compositions containing the soil wetting compositions, soil compositions containing the soil wetting compositions, and treating agricultural areas (including crops, plants, etc.) with the soil wetting agents. Various modifications will occur to those skilled in the art and those who can implement and use the invention. The disclosed embodiments are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention or the subject matter set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A soil wetting agent comprising: (a) a siloxane alkoxylate; (b) a polymeric dispersant; (c) a pH adjuster; (d) a sugar; and (e) a carrier resin, wherein the siloxane alkoxylate (a) is selected from compounds of formula (I): M 1 D 1 x D 2 y M 2 (I) in: M 1 =(R 1 )(R 2 )(R 3 )SiO 0.5 M 2 =(R 4 )(R 5 )(R 6 )SiO 0.5 D 1 =(R 7 )(R 8 )SiO D 2 =(R 9 )(R 10 )SiO x is an integer from 0 to 50; y is an integer from 1 to 15; R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 Each is independently selected from a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; R 6 For R 11 or Z, and R 9 For R 11 or Z, where R 6 or R 9 At least one of is Z; R 11 is a monovalent hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; Z is a polyalkyleneoxy group having the following general formula: -R 12 -O-[C2H4O] a -[C3H6O] b -[C4H8O] c -R 13 ,in R 12 is a linear or branched divalent hydrocarbon group of 3 to 4 carbon atoms, R 13 Selected from H or a monovalent hydrocarbon group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and acetyl, a is 2 to 20, b is 0 to 30, and c is 0 to 10, provided that 4≤a+b+c≤45 and a≥4; and when b+c=0, then a=5-12.

2. The soil wetting agent according to claim 1, wherein the siloxane alkoxylate (a) is present in an amount of 5 to 60 wt %; the polymeric dispersant (b) is present in an amount of 1 to 10 wt %; the pH adjuster (c) is present in an amount of 0.1 to 5 wt %; the sugar component (d) is present in an amount of 5 to 15 wt %; and the resin carrier is present in an amount of 20 to 50 wt %, based on the weight of the soil wetting agent composition.

3. The soil wetting agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein x is 0; y is 1-15; R 1 , R 2 , R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 and R 10 Each is independently methyl, ethyl, propyl or butyl; R 9 Z; R 12 is a divalent hydrocarbon having 3-4 carbon atoms; a is 4-15; b is 0-25; c is 0; and R 13 It is hydrogen or methyl.

4. The soil wetting agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the soil wetting agent is a powder.

5. The soil wetting agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the polymeric dispersant is selected from anionic polyacrylate carboxylate copolymers, anionic styrene acrylic copolymers, anionic alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate polymers, sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, polyvinyl pyrrolidone copolymers, or a combination of two or more thereof.

6. The soil wetting agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pH adjuster is selected from carboxylic acids, hydroxy acids, phosphoric acids, or a combination of two or more thereof.

7. The soil wetting agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sugar is selected from lactose, maltose, maltodextrin, galactose, xylose, or a combination of two or more thereof.

8. The soil wetting agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the carrier resin is selected from urea-formaldehyde resin.

9. The soil wetting agent according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the siloxane alkoxylate (a) is present in an amount of 5 to 60 wt %; the polymeric dispersant (b) is present in an amount of 1 to 10 wt %; the pH adjuster (c) is present in an amount of 0.1 to 5 wt %; the sugar (d) is present in an amount of 5 to 15 wt %; and the carrier resin (e) is present in an amount of 20 to 50 wt %, and the wt % is based on the total weight of the soil wetting composition.

10. A soil composition comprising the soil wetting agent according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. An agrochemical composition comprising the soil wetting agent according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

12. The agrochemical composition according to claim 11, comprising a fertilizer.

13. Method for treating an agricultural area by applying a soil wetting agent according to any one of claims 1 to 9 to an area of ​​an agricultural area.

14. The method of claim 13, comprising applying water to the agricultural area.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein 10% to 70% less water is applied to the agricultural area than would be required in the absence of the soil wetting agent.

16. Method for treating an agricultural area by applying an agrochemical composition according to claim 11 or 12 to an area of ​​an agricultural area.

17. The method of claim 16, comprising applying water to the agricultural area.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein 10% to 70% less water is applied to the agricultural area than would be required in the absence of the soil wetting agent.

Images