A penetration aid and its use in improving water use efficiency of succulent plant nursery substrates

Abstract

The application discloses a penetration aid and application thereof in improving water use efficiency of succulent flower seedling raising substrate, and belongs to the technical field of horticulture. The penetration aid is made from a first component and a second component according to a weight ratio of (30-40):1; the first component is composed of fatty acid soap, quaternary ammonium salt and polyethylene glycol according to a weight ratio of (8-10):(10-14):(12-16); and the second component is diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid. The penetration aid can effectively reduce the surface tension when grass carbon contacts with water, improve the water penetration rate and penetration efficiency, and improve the maximum water holding capacity of the succulent flower seedling raising substrate containing the grass carbon component, so that the moisture retention and uniform distribution are more persistent.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of horticultural technology, specifically to a penetrating agent and its application in improving the water utilization efficiency of succulent seedling substrate. Background Technology

[0002] The essential nutrients required for the growth of succulents come directly from the cultivation substrate, which provides succulents with a balanced supply of water, fertilizer, and heat. The growth and development of succulents can be regulated by adjusting the composition and ratio of the substrate (An Baiyi et al., 2016).

[0003] Most existing succulent seedling substrates use a combination of peat moss and volcanic rock or vermiculite. Peat moss, also known as "peat" or "peat oil," is a mixture of plant debris, humus, and some minerals that has not completely decomposed and accumulated in waterlogged and anaerobic swamp conditions. Due to its lightweight texture and excellent water and fertilizer retention, it is commonly used as a seedling substrate for greenhouse potted plants and horticultural plants. Peat moss is a major organic component of many vegetable and flower seedling substrates, typically accounting for 50% to 80%. However, peat moss has a high surface tension, resulting in slow water penetration during sprinkler irrigation, often leading to a "false wetness" phenomenon: the surface of the substrate or the area around the substrate ball is moist, but water does not easily penetrate to the root zone. Instead, it flows along the walls of the seedling pot to the bottom, forming drips, misleading the manager into believing that the substrate is saturated when in reality only the surface is wet, with very little water penetrating into the interior. Alternatively, increasing the watering time allows water to slowly seep into the root zone, but this significantly increases irrigation costs. Therefore, developing penetrating agents that can improve the wetting properties of succulent seedling substrates containing peat moss is crucial for the cultivation of succulents. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above-mentioned prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a penetration enhancer and its application in improving the water use efficiency of succulent seedling substrate. The penetration enhancer of this invention can effectively improve water diffusivity and wetting permeability, increase water penetration rate and penetration efficiency; increase the maximum water holding capacity of succulent seedling substrate containing peat moss components, and maintain more lasting moisture and uniform distribution.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a penetration aid, which is made of a first component and a second component in a weight ratio of (30-40):1;

[0007] The first component is composed of fatty acid soap, quaternary ammonium salt and polyethylene glycol in a weight ratio of (8-10):(10-14):(12-16);

[0008] The second component is diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid.

[0009] Preferably, the fatty acid soap is sodium fatty acid; the quaternary ammonium salt is hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride; and the polyethylene glycol is PEG400.

[0010] A second aspect of the present invention provides a method for preparing the above-mentioned penetration aid, comprising the following steps:

[0011] The fatty acid soap, quaternary ammonium salt and polyethylene glycol are mixed in a weight ratio of (8-10):(10-14):(12-16) to obtain the first component;

[0012] Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid was added to the first component and mixed thoroughly to prepare the penetration aid.

[0013] A third aspect of the present invention provides the application of the above-mentioned penetration aid in improving the diffusivity and wetting permeability of water.

[0014] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides the application of the above-mentioned penetration aid in improving the water use efficiency of succulent seedling substrate.

[0015] In the above applications, preferably, the succulent seedling substrate includes peat moss, volcanic rock, and vermiculite, wherein the volume ratio of peat moss, volcanic rock, and vermiculite is 3:2:1.

[0016] A fifth aspect of the present invention provides a method for improving the water use efficiency of succulent seedling substrate, comprising the following steps:

[0017] Dilute the above-mentioned penetration aid with water 500-3000 times to obtain a diluted solution; then add the diluted solution to the succulent seedling substrate.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0019] (1) The penetrating agent of the present invention can effectively improve the diffusivity and wetting permeability of water, thereby improving the water permeability and can be used to solve the problem of "false wetness" in succulent flower substrate containing peat moss.

[0020] (2) The penetrating agent of the present invention can be used for water management in succulent seedling substrates, which can increase the maximum water holding capacity of the succulent seedling substrate and maintain more lasting moisture and uniform distribution. The peat moss, vermiculite and other components in the succulent seedling substrate are relatively light and tend to float on the surface of the liquid during irrigation, forming surface tension and hindering water infiltration. This not only affects the seedlings' absorption of water but also wastes water resources. After adding the penetrating agent, the water can be distributed more evenly in the composite substrate, water leaching (flow) is reduced, water use efficiency is improved, the water needs of the roots are guaranteed, and the quality of succulents is effectively improved. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 The diffusion properties of permeation aid aqueous solutions at different dilution ratios on PET films.

[0022] Figure 2 Actual contact between aqueous solutions and cotton canvas sheets at different dilution ratios of 'penetration aids'.

[0023] Figure 3 Actual situation when cotton canvas sheets are placed on the surface of aqueous solutions of penetrating aids with different dilution ratios for 150 seconds.

[0024] Figure 4 Actual penetration of 'penetration aid' aqueous solutions at different dilution ratios on the penetration surface of succulent substrate blocks.

[0025] Figure 5 Crown width of succulent plants treated with different dilution ratios of penetration aid.

[0026] Figure 6 The actual growth of wheat straw (A) and white moon shadow hybrid (B) under different dilution concentrations of penetration aid.

[0027] Figure 7 The weight of a single succulent plant irrigated with different dilution ratios of the penetration enhancer. Detailed implementation method:

[0028] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0029] To enable those skilled in the art to more clearly understand the technical solution of this application, the technical solution of this application will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments. If the specific experimental conditions are not specified in the embodiments, they are generally performed under conventional conditions or according to the conditions recommended by the reagent company; the reagents, consumables, etc. used in the following embodiments and comparative examples, unless otherwise specified, can be obtained commercially. Specifically: peat moss, volcanic rock, and vermiculite can all be existing commercially available products, with peat moss processed to a size of 0-10mm and pH 5.5; volcanic rock processed to a size of 3-6mm; and vermiculite processed to a size of 1-3mm. The CAS No. of sodium fatty acid is 61790-25-8.

[0030] Example 1: Preparation of a penetration enhancer to improve the water use efficiency of succulent seedling substrate

[0031] 1. Raw material composition:

[0032] Sodium fatty acid, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, polyethylene glycol 400, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid.

[0033] 2. Preparation method:

[0034] Sodium fatty acid, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, and polyethylene glycol 400 were mixed in a weight ratio of 8:10:12 to obtain the first component; diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid was used as the second component.

[0035] The second component is added to the first component, and the weight ratio of the first component to the second component is 30:1. The mixture is then thoroughly mixed to prepare the penetration aid.

[0036] Example 2: Preparation of a penetration enhancer to improve the water use efficiency of succulent seedling substrate

[0037] 1. Raw material composition:

[0038] Sodium fatty acid, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, polyethylene glycol 400, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid.

[0039] 2. Preparation method:

[0040] Sodium fatty acid, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, and polyethylene glycol 400 were mixed in a weight ratio of 10:14:16 to obtain the first component; diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid was used as the second component.

[0041] The second component is added to the first component, and the weight ratio of the first component to the second component is 40:1. The components are mixed evenly to prepare the penetration aid.

[0042] Example 3: Preparation of a penetration enhancer to improve the water use efficiency of succulent seedling substrate

[0043] 1. Raw material composition:

[0044] Sodium fatty acid, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, polyethylene glycol 400, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid.

[0045] 2. Preparation method:

[0046] Sodium fatty acid, hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, and polyethylene glycol 400 were mixed in a weight ratio of 9:12:14 to obtain the first component; diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid was used as the second component.

[0047] The second component is added to the first component, and the weight ratio of the first component to the second component is 35:1. The components are mixed evenly to prepare the penetration aid.

[0048] Comparative Example 1:

[0049] The first component from Example 1 was used alone as a penetration enhancer.

[0050] Comparative Example 2:

[0051] The second component from Example 1 was used alone as a permeation aid.

[0052] Experimental Example 1: Diffusivity Test

[0053] 1. Diffusivity test on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film

[0054] The penetrating agent prepared in Example 1 was diluted with water by 500 times, 1000 times, 2000 times and 3000 times respectively to obtain diluted solutions; then 50 μL of the diluted solution was dropped onto polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, and the diameter of the spreading surface when the droplet spread to the maximum was recorded; with water as a control, 5 groups were tested respectively, and the average value was taken. The spreading surface diameter was used to characterize the diffusivity. The larger the diameter, the better the diffusivity.

[0055] The results are as follows Figure 1 As shown, water droplets on the PET film form uniform "water beads" due to surface tension, and under natural conditions, it is difficult to break the tension to spread to a larger area. Figure 1 Treatment with the penetrating agent at dilution ratios of 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 times can break down surface tension and diffuse to a larger area; as the concentration of the penetrating agent decreases, the surface tension gradually increases, and the diffusion area of ​​the same volume of liquid gradually decreases. It is evident that adding the penetrating agent of this invention can effectively reduce the surface tension of water molecules and increase the contact area between irrigation water and the medium.

[0056] 2. Diffusion test on cotton canvas sheet

[0057] The penetrating agent prepared in Example 1 was diluted with water by 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 times to obtain diluted solutions. Then, 50 μL of the diluted solution was dropped onto a cotton canvas sheet, and the diameter of the spreading surface when the droplet reached its maximum diffusion was recorded. Water was used as a control (CK), and five groups were tested. The average value was taken, and the spreading surface diameter was used to characterize diffusivity; a larger diameter indicated better diffusivity. The phenomena were photographed at the beginning of diffusion, 1 minute, and 3 minutes. The spreading surface diameter characterizes diffusivity; a larger diameter indicates better diffusivity.

[0058] The results are as follows Figure 2 As shown, upon contact with the cotton canvas sheet, the 500x penetrating agent dilution spreads first. As the dilution ratio increases, the diffusion area decreases. Both the 3000x dilution and CK form 'water droplets' due to surface tension.

[0059] At 1 minute of contact time, the 500-fold diluted penetrating agent had almost penetrated the cotton canvas and continued to diffuse; the penetration and diffusion area of ​​the remaining three groups of water concentrations showed a decreasing trend, and the CK group still appeared as 'water droplets'.

[0060] At a contact time of 3 minutes, all five treatment groups reached their maximum penetration area, with the 500-fold dilution of the penetration aid showing the most significant and prominent penetration effect, exhibiting the largest diffusion surface diameter. The penetration area of ​​the other treatments decreased with increasing dilution ratio of the penetration aid.

[0061] Five minutes later, the maximum diameter of the diffusion surface in each of the three parallel experimental groups was measured, and the average diameter of the diffusion surface is shown in Table 1. It can be seen that the diffusivity of the penetration aid decreases with increasing dilution factor.

[0062] Table 1: Maximum diameter of the diffusion surface of 'penetration aid' aqueous solution after 5 min at different dilution ratios

[0063] deal with CK 500 1000 2000 3000 Maximum diameter (cm) 0.85 1.68 1.30 1.11 1.00 Increase percentage (%) 0 97.7 52.9 30.6 17.7

[0064] Test Example 2: Wetting and Penetration Test

[0065] The permeation aid prepared in Example 1 was diluted with water by 500, 1000, 2000, and 3000 times, respectively, to obtain diluted solutions. The diluted solutions were placed in 250 mL beakers. A standard cotton canvas sheet was placed on a clean wire ring and carefully moved to the surface of the liquid in the beaker. A stopwatch was started simultaneously. The time was recorded when the canvas was completely wetted and about to settle. Each test was performed in triplicate, and the average value was taken. Wetting time was used to characterize wetting and permeability. Water was used as a control (CK). The shorter the time, the better the permeability of the solution. The diameter of the standard round canvas sheet used in the test was 3.5 cm; the thickness of the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film used was 0.1 mm.

[0066] The results are as follows Figure 3 As shown, after 150 seconds, the cotton canvas pieces in the 500-fold dilution of the penetrating agent were completely wetted and settled to the bottom. In the 1000-3000-fold dilutions, the cotton canvas pieces showed varying degrees of penetration and diffusion from the edges to the center, with the degree of edge wetting decreasing as the concentration decreased. The cotton canvas pieces in the control group (CK) remained floating on the liquid surface, with unwetted edges. This indicates that the lower the concentration of the penetrating agent, the weaker its effect on reducing the surface tension of water molecules.

[0067] Table 2: Time for cotton canvas sheets to completely wet and settle when placed in aqueous solution of 'penetrating agent' at different dilution ratios.

[0068]

[0069] Table 2 shows that the treatment with a 3000-fold dilution of the penetrant had similar effects to the control (CK) treatment. The 500-fold and 1000-fold dilutions significantly reduced the surface tension of water molecules, accelerating the settling speed of the cotton canvas after contact with the water surface. As the concentration of the penetrant decreased, the settling time gradually increased.

[0070] Experimental Example 3: Permeability surface diameter (cm) and settling time (s) under 1000-fold dilution treatment with different permeability aid components

[0071] The permeation aids prepared in Example 1, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2 were diluted with water by 1000 times to obtain 1000-fold solutions of different permeation aid components.

[0072] The diffusion properties of 1000-fold dilutions of different penetrating agent components on cotton canvas were tested according to the method in Experimental Example 1, and the diameter of the penetration surface was recorded at 5 minutes. The wetting and penetrating properties of 1000-fold dilutions of different penetrating agent components were tested according to the method in Experimental Example 2, and the settling time was recorded. Water was used as a control (CK), and the results are shown in Table 3.

[0073] Table 3: Permeability surface diameter and settling time after treatment with 1000x dilution of different 'permeability aid' components

[0074]

[0075] The diffusion results showed that, compared with the control (CK), the diameter of the permeable surface increased by 21.2% under the treatment of Comparative Example 1; the diameter of the permeable surface increased by 18.8% under the treatment of Comparative Example 2; and the diameter of the permeable surface increased by 52.9% under the treatment of Example 1. The results demonstrate that the first and second components in the permeation aid of the present invention have a synergistic effect in improving the diffusion.

[0076] The wetting and permeability results showed that the cotton canvas sheets in the control group (CK) were difficult to absorb water and sink due to surface tension. [The effect of the permeation aid was measured by the reduction in the settling time of the cotton canvas sheets compared to tap water; the relative reduction in settling time = (complete settling time of cotton canvas sheets under tap water treatment - complete settling time of cotton canvas sheets under different permeation aid treatments) / complete settling time of cotton canvas sheets under tap water treatment * 100%]. With a 1000-fold dilution of permeation aid, only 2′48″74 cotton canvas sheets were completely wetted and settled to the bottom, a time reduction of over 90.7% compared to the control group (CK); the treatment time for control example 1 was reduced by 85.0%; and the treatment time for control example 2 was reduced by 81.2%.

[0077] Experimental Example 4: Matrix water holding capacity under 1000-fold dilution treatment with different penetrating agent components

[0078] The permeation aids prepared in Example 1, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2 were diluted with water by 1000 times to obtain 1000-fold solutions of different permeation aid components.

[0079] Fill the seedling tray with substrate (the substrate is composed of peat moss, volcanic rock and vermiculite in a volume ratio of 3:2:1, 60g / cell), add 50mL of 1000 times diluted solution of different penetration aid components, and use a graduated cylinder to collect the liquid flowing out of the bottom hole of the seedling tray.

[0080] Water use efficiency = (water holding capacity / water added) * 100%.

[0081] The results are shown in Table 4.

[0082] Table 4: Matrix water holding capacity under 1000-fold dilution treatment with different 'penetration aid' components

[0083]

[0084] Experiment Example 5: Actual penetration of penetration aids at different dilution ratios in cultivation substrate blocks

[0085] The penetration enhancer prepared in Example 1 was diluted with water by 1000, 2000, and 3000 times, respectively, to obtain diluted solutions. 10 ml of the diluted solution was poured onto the surface of a succulent plant cultivation substrate block (the substrate block was composed of peat moss, volcanic rock, and vermiculite in a volume ratio of 3:2:1, and the substrate block dimensions were 5cm*5cm*4cm); water was used as a control. The penetration of the liquid into the cultivation substrate block was observed.

[0086] The results are as follows Figure 4 As shown, due to surface tension, water in CK forms spherical "droplets" when it comes into contact with the matrix surface, making it difficult to penetrate. Because the matrix surface is uneven, water easily flows outwards. With a 1000-fold dilution of the penetrating agent, water penetrates instantly and over a wide area, almost covering the entire matrix. As the concentration of the penetrating agent decreases, the amount of water penetrating the matrix gradually decreases, while the amount flowing outwards increases, and the diffusion surface formed on the matrix surface decreases accordingly.

[0087] Experiment 6: Effects of different dilution ratios of penetration enhancers on the growth of succulent plants

[0088] Succulent varieties: "Wheat Straw" and "White Moon Shadow Mixed"; Succulent cultivation substrate: composed of peat moss, volcanic rock and vermiculite in a volume ratio of 3:2:1.

[0089] The penetration enhancer prepared in Example 1 was diluted with water at ratios of 1000, 2000, and 3000 to obtain diluted solutions. Potassium dihydrogen phosphate was added to the three dilution gradients to ensure a consistent final concentration of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (0.1%), thus obtaining nutrient solutions. A 0.1% potassium dihydrogen phosphate nutrient solution without the penetration enhancer prepared in Example 1 was used as a control (CK). The nutrient solutions were sprayed on succulent plants every 15 days, ensuring even coverage of the entire plant and wetting of the substrate surface each time. After 3 months of treatment, the crown width and biomass of the succulent plants were measured, with the crown width per plant and average weight per plant used to assess their growth.

[0090] The results are as follows Figure 5-7As shown, the results indicate that a 1000-fold dilution of the penetration enhancer can significantly increase the crown width and individual plant weight of succulents; as the concentration of the penetration enhancer decreases, its effect on plant biomass gradually decreases.

[0091] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A penetration enhancer, characterized in that, It is made from the first component and the second component in a weight ratio of (30-40):1; The first component is composed of fatty acid soap, quaternary ammonium salt and polyethylene glycol in a weight ratio of (8~10):(10~14):(12~16); the fatty acid soap is sodium fatty acid, the quaternary ammonium salt is hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride, and the polyethylene glycol is PEG400. The second component is diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid.

2. The method for preparing the penetration enhancer according to claim 1, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The fatty acid soap, quaternary ammonium salt and polyethylene glycol are mixed in a weight ratio of (8~10):(10~14):(12~16) to obtain the first component; Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid was added to the first component and mixed thoroughly to prepare the penetration aid.

3. The application of the penetrating agent according to claim 1 in improving the water utilization efficiency of succulent seedling substrate; wherein the succulent seedling substrate is composed of peat moss, volcanic rock and vermiculite, and the volume ratio of peat moss, volcanic rock and vermiculite is 3:2:

1.

4. A method for improving the water use efficiency of succulent seedling substrate, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: The penetrating agent described in claim 1 is diluted with water 500-3000 times to obtain a diluted solution; then the diluted solution is added to the succulent flower seedling substrate. The succulent seedling substrate is composed of peat moss, volcanic rock, and vermiculite, with a volume ratio of 3:2:1.

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