A slow-release fertilizer formulation for pecan

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of fertilizer technology, specifically to a slow-release fertilizer formula for thin-shelled pecans, comprising an organic slow-release carrier portion and an inorganic slow-release core nutrient portion, with the two portions accounting for 40% and 60% by weight, respectively. The organic slow-release carrier portion includes the following components in the following weight ratio: well-rotted organic manure: biochar: fermented pecan shells = 5:2:3. The inorganic slow-release core nutrient portion includes macro-elements and micro-elements, wherein the slow-release unit ratio of macro-elements is N:P2O5:K2O = 18:10:15. Micro-elements are provided by additional compounds added to each unit of finished slow-release fertilizer granules, including the following components in the following weight ratio: zinc sulfate 0.8%~1.2%, borax 0.2%~0.3%, ammonium molybdate 0.05%~0.1%. This achieves synchronous matching between the nutrient release rate and the nutrient requirements of thin-shelled pecans during their reproductive growth period, avoiding the problems of early waste and late deficiency of fast-acting fertilizers.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fertilizer technology, and more specifically to a slow-release fertilizer formulation for thin-shelled pecans. Background Technology

[0002] Pecan, also known as thin-shelled pecan, is a valuable specialty nut-bearing forest tree species. Fruit set rate is a core indicator determining its yield. Currently, thin-shelled pecans generally suffer from low fruit set rates, primarily due to the rapid release of nutrients from traditional fast-acting fertilizers, their mismatch with the tree's nutrient requirements during its reproductive growth stage, and the lack of targeted supplementation of key micronutrients such as zinc, boron, and molybdenum, leading to severe flower and fruit drop. Existing slow-release fertilizers mostly focus on the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium ratios, failing to deeply couple organic carriers with core nutrients, and rarely utilizing waste resources such as pecan shells for synergistic effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a slow-release fertilizer specifically designed for thin-shelled pecans with a suitable nutrient ratio and consideration for rhizosphere improvement to enhance its fruit set rate. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to solve the problem by providing a slow-release fertilizer formula for thin-shelled pecans. This slow-release fertilizer can slowly release nutrients according to the nutrient requirements of the pecan tree during its reproductive growth period, and specifically provide some of the trace elements required during the growth period, while also reducing production costs by utilizing related agricultural by-products.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a slow-release fertilizer formulation for thin-shelled pecans, wherein the slow-release fertilizer granules comprise an organic slow-release carrier portion and an inorganic slow-release core nutrient portion, with the two portions accounting for 40% and 60% by mass, respectively.

[0005] The organic slow-release carrier portion comprises the following components, in the following weight ratio: well-rotted organic manure: biochar: fermented pecan shells = 5:2:3;

[0006] The inorganic slow-release core nutrient component includes macro-elements and micro-elements. The slow-release unit ratio of macro-elements is N:P2O5:K2O=18:10:15. Micro-elements are provided by additional compounds added to each unit of finished slow-release fertilizer granules, which include the following components in weight proportions: zinc sulfate 0.8%~1.2%, borax 0.2%~0.3%, and ammonium molybdate 0.05%~0.1%.

[0007] Preferably, the decomposed organic manure is decomposed animal manure.

[0008] Preferably, the organic slow-release carrier portion is characterized in that the pecan shell fermentation product is the finished product of thin-shelled pecan shells after aerobic fermentation, impurity removal and pulverization, with a fermentation maturity of ≥90% and a particle size controlled at 2-5mm.

[0009] Preferably, the macro-element raw materials of the inorganic slow-release core nutrient component are urea, monoammonium phosphate, and potassium sulfate that have undergone sulfur coating slow-release treatment, and the coating thickness is controlled at 0.3-0.6 mm.

[0010] Through the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0011] 1. This invention achieves synchronous matching between the nutrient release rate and the nutrient requirements of thin-shelled pecans during their reproductive growth period through an organic slow-release carrier component and an inorganic slow-release core nutrient component, thus avoiding the problems of waste in the early stage and insufficient supply in the later stage of fast-acting fertilizers.

[0012] 2. The organic slow-release carrier uses a specific ratio of well-rotted organic manure, biochar, and fermented pecan shells. This not only extends the fertilizer effect by utilizing the high adsorption capacity of biochar, but also makes resource utilization of waste from thin-shelled pecan processing, effectively improving the rhizosphere soil environment and promoting the absorption of nutrients by the roots.

[0013] 3. In the inorganic slow-release core nutrient component, the macro-elements adopt a specially adapted ratio of N:P2O5:K2O=18:10:15, and trace elements such as zinc sulfate, borax, and ammonium molybdate are added in a targeted manner to accurately meet the key nutrient requirements of thin-shelled pecans during flowering, pollination and young fruit development, and significantly reduce physiological flower and fruit drop caused by nutrient deficiency. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an external ball cage oil injection device provided by the present invention;

[0015] Figure 2 This is a state diagram of the outer ball cage during the processing of this invention;

[0016] Figure 3 Is Figure 1 A bottom side view of the middle section;

[0017] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the ratchet mechanism in this invention.

[0018] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0019] 1. Base; 2. Support frame; 3. Workbench; 5. Oil reservoir; 6. Conical sleeve; 10. Outer ball cage; 31; 32; 51. Oil nozzle; 71. Clamping arm; 72. Ratchet; 73. Pawl; 81. Upright rod; 82. Sliding rod; 83. Locking component. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To further illustrate the technical means and effects of the present invention in achieving its intended purpose, the following detailed description of the specific implementation methods, structures, features and effects of the present invention, in conjunction with some embodiments, is provided below.

[0021] Example 1:

[0022] Formula component preparation: 20 parts of well-rotted sheep manure, 8 parts of biochar, 12 parts of fermented hickory shells, 21.3 parts of urea, 9.8 parts of monoammonium phosphate, 18 parts of potassium sulfate, 1 part of zinc sulfate, 0.3 parts of borax, 0.1 parts of ammonium molybdate, and 9.5 parts of attapulgite, totaling 100 parts. Among them, attapulgite is used as filler and granulation binder for the inorganic slow-release core nutrient part.

[0023] The components of the organic slow-release carrier are mixed and pulverized through an 80-mesh sieve, and the components of the inorganic slow-release core nutrient are mixed and pulverized through a 100-mesh sieve. They are mixed evenly at a mass ratio of 40:60, granulated by disc granulation, dried to a moisture content of ≤5%, and sieved to obtain slow-release fertilizer granules with a particle size of 2-4mm.

[0024] Select 100 mature thin-shelled pecan trees with similar environment and growth status that are in the budding stage. Dig 6-10 holes evenly around the outer edge of the canopy of each tree, about 30cm deep, and sow this slow-release fertilizer in each hole. The total amount of fertilizer per tree is 2 kg. After fertilizing, cover with soil and water thoroughly.

[0025] Example 2:

[0026] The parts that are the same as in Example 1 will not be described in detail; only the parts that are different from Example 1 will be shown.

[0027] Formula components preparation: 20 parts well-rotted sheep manure, 8 parts biochar, 12 parts fermented hickory shells, 20.5 parts urea, 10.2 parts monoammonium phosphate, 17.8 parts potassium sulfate, 0.8 parts zinc sulfate, 0.2 parts borax, 0.05 parts ammonium molybdate, and 10.45 parts attapulgite, totaling 100 parts.

[0028] Comparative Example 1 (without organic sustained-release carrier):

[0029] The parts that are the same as in Example 1 will not be described in detail; only the parts that are different from Example 1 will be shown.

[0030] Formula component preparation: 40 parts inert quartz sand, 21.3 parts urea, 9.8 parts monoammonium phosphate, 18 parts potassium sulfate, 1 part zinc sulfate, 0.3 parts borax, 0.1 parts ammonium molybdate, 9.5 parts attapulgite, totaling 100 parts.

[0031] Comparative Example 2 (Conventional Organic Sustained-Release Carrier)

[0032] The parts that are the same as in Example 1 will not be described in detail; only the parts that are different from Example 1 will be shown.

[0033] Formula components preparation: 40 parts of well-rotted chicken manure, 21.3 parts of urea, 9.8 parts of monoammonium phosphate, 18 parts of potassium sulfate, 1 part of zinc sulfate, 0.3 parts of borax, 0.1 parts of ammonium molybdate, and 9.5 parts of attapulgite, totaling 100 parts.

[0034] Compare with Example 3 (no trace elements added).

[0035] The parts that are the same as in Example 1 will not be described in detail; only the parts that are different from Example 1 will be shown.

[0036] Formula components preparation: 20 parts well-rotted sheep manure, 8 parts biochar, 12 parts fermented hickory shells, 21.3 parts urea, 9.8 parts monoammonium phosphate, 18 parts potassium sulfate, 10.9 parts attapulgite soil, totaling 100 parts.

[0037] Experimental example:

[0038] Experimental subject: 5-year-old thin-shelled pecan trees in the budding stage

[0039] Experimental group 1: The slow-release fertilizer formulated in Example 1 was applied.

[0040] Experimental group 2: The slow-release fertilizer formulated in Example 2 was applied.

[0041] Control group 1: The slow-release fertilizer of control example 1 was applied.

[0042] Control group 2: The slow-release fertilizer formulated in control example 2 was applied.

[0043] Control group 3: The slow-release fertilizer formulated in control case 3 was applied.

[0044] Control group 4: Apply commercially available common fast-acting fertilizer (NPK 15-15-15).

[0045] Blank control group: No fertilizer was applied, relying only on normal agricultural management and watering.

[0046] Fertilization Management: Seventy 5-year-old thin-shelled pecan trees with similar environment and growth status, all in the budding stage, were selected from a pecan orchard. All tested plants were of the Bonny variety, and those with poor quality had been removed. They were randomly divided into 7 groups corresponding to each treatment group, with 10 replicates per treatment group. Six to ten holes, approximately 30 cm deep, were dug evenly around the outer edge of the canopy (vertical projection) of each tree. The corresponding fertilizer was sown in each hole (no fertilizer was applied to the blank control group). The total amount of fertilizer per tree was 2 kg. After fertilization, the soil was covered (the blank control group was directly covered with soil), and the soil was thoroughly watered once.

[0047] Measurement indicators: Soil improvement indicators 90 days after fertilization, tree growth indicators during the vigorous growth period of new shoots, fruit setting indicators after physiological fruit drop, and yield and quality indicators.

[0048] Partial soil test data for each experimental group 90 days after fertilization:

[0049] Experimental group 1 28.6 112.4 42.7 136.8 Experimental group 2 27.9 108.6 41.3 132.5 Control group 1 16.3 82.1 30.4 98.2 Control group 2 22.7 91.5 34.6 110.3 Control group 3 28.2 110.7 42.1 135.4 Control group 4 14.8 76.3 27.9 86.7 Control group 5 12.1 62.4 19.8 72.5

[0050] Conclusion: The data above demonstrate that the organic slow-release carrier significantly improves soil structure. Compared to experimental groups 1 and 2, which completely lack the organic slow-release carrier, control group 1 experienced faster release and greater nutrient loss in the soil after 90 days. Furthermore, control group 2, containing conventional organic slow-release carrier, showed significantly better results than control group 1. This also verifies the irreplaceable role of the organic slow-release component of this invention in improving soil fertility. Control group 3 contained all the components of the organic slow-release carrier except for trace elements. Compared to the aforementioned experimental groups, it can be concluded that trace elements do not affect the changes in soil structure caused by the organic slow-release carrier.

[0051] Tree growth indicators during the vigorous growth period of new shoots in each experimental group:

[0052] Experimental group 1 46.2 52.8 94.3 Experimental group 2 43.5 50.6 92.7 Control group 1 32.8 41.2 78.5 Control group 2 37.4 45.7 84.2 Control group 3 44.1 51.3 93.6 Control group 4 35.2 48.5 81.4 Control group 5 26.7 36.4 69.8

[0053] Fruit set indicators and yield and quality indicators after physiological fruit drop in each experimental group:

[0054] Experimental group 1 38.6 21.2 4.82 58.4 Experimental group 2 36.1 23.7 4.46 56.7 Control group 1 22.4 38.6 2.73 49.2 Control group 2 27.8 32.5 3.35 52.1 Control group 3 24.3 42.8 3.18 50.6 Control group 4 25.7 45.3 2.97 51.3 Control group 5 12.6 58.7 1.42 45.8

[0055] Conclusion: The above experimental data show that the slow-release fertilizer of this invention, through the synergistic effect of the organic slow-release carrier and the inorganic slow-release core nutrient component, exhibits significant advantages in soil improvement, nutrient supply, and fruit tree growth and development.

[0056] This slow-release fertilizer can significantly promote the robust growth of thin-shelled pecan trees, optimize the growth of new shoots, the photosynthetic performance of leaves, and the uniformity of bud break. Furthermore, the fruit set indicators after physiological fruit drop in each experimental group show that the micronutrients added to the formula are the core key to improving the fruit set rate and reducing physiological fruit drop. The lack of micronutrients will directly lead to a significant deterioration in the fruit set effect.

[0057] In addition, the slow-release fertilizer of this invention can simultaneously and significantly increase the yield of dried fruit and the kernel yield of thin-shelled pecan trees. The comparison between the experimental group and the control group shows that the slow-release fertilizer of this invention has a significant effect on increasing fruit yield.

[0058] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the present invention is not limited thereto. Within the scope of the inventive concept, various simple modifications can be made to the technical solutions of the present invention. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the present invention will not describe the various possible combinations separately. However, these simple modifications and combinations should also be considered as the content disclosed in the present invention and are all within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A slow release fertilizer formulation for Carya illinoensis characterized in that, The slow-release fertilizer granules consist of an organic slow-release carrier portion and an inorganic slow-release core nutrient portion, with the two portions accounting for 40% and 60% of their respective mass. The organic slow-release carrier portion comprises the following components, in the following weight ratio: well-rotted organic manure: biochar: fermented pecan shells = 5:2:3; The inorganic slow-release core nutrient component includes macro-elements and micro-elements. The slow-release unit ratio of macro-elements is N:P2O5:K2O=18:10:

15. Micro-elements are provided by additional compounds added to each unit of finished slow-release fertilizer granules, which include the following components in weight proportions: zinc sulfate 0.8%~1.2%, borax 0.2%~0.3%, and ammonium molybdate 0.05%~0.1%.

2. The slow release fertilizer formulation for Carya illinoensis of claim 1, wherein, The decomposed organic manure is decomposed livestock manure.

3. The slow release fertilizer formulation for Carya illinoensis of claim 1, wherein, In the organic slow-release carrier portion, the pecan shell fermentation product is the finished product of thin-shelled pecan shells after aerobic fermentation, impurity removal and pulverization, with a fermentation maturity of ≥90% and a particle size controlled at 2-5mm.

4. The slow release fertilizer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inorganic slow-release core nutrient component uses macro-element raw materials such as urea, monoammonium phosphate, and potassium sulfate that have undergone sulfur coating slow-release treatment, with the coating thickness controlled at 0.3-0.6 mm.

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