Crop nutrition and fortification compositions

Abstract

The present application relates to a composition for nutrition and fortification of crops. It relates to a water dispersible granular composition comprising 0.1-70% of boron salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof by weight of the total composition, 1-90% of elemental sulphur by weight of the total composition and 1-30% of dispersing agents by weight of the total composition, the granule size ranging between 0.1-2.5 mm and the microparticles ranging between 0.1-20 microns. It also relates to a liquid suspension composition comprising 0.1-55% of boron salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof by weight of the total composition, 1-65% of elemental sulphur by weight of the total composition, at least one structuring agent and at least one surfactant, the particle size of the composition ranging between 0.1-20 microns. It also relates to a process for the preparation of the composition for nutrition and fortification of crops and a process for the treatment of plants, seeds, crops, plant propagation material, locus, parts thereof or soil with the composition.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the application filed on May 8, 2019, with application number 201980031236.2 and invention title "Novel Crop Nutrition and Fortification Composition". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a crop nutrient and fortification composition comprising an effective amount of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures, elemental sulfur, and at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient. The composition has a particle size of about 0.1-20 micrometers. More specifically, this invention relates to a crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible particles, said water-dispersible particles comprising boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures, elemental sulfur, and at least one dispersant, wherein the particle size of said water-dispersible particle composition is in the range of 0.1-20 micrometers. Furthermore, this invention relates to a crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of a liquid suspension, comprising an effective amount of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures, elemental sulfur, at least one structuring agent, and at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient, wherein the particle size of said liquid suspension composition is about 0.1-20 micrometers. Furthermore, this invention relates to processes for preparing crop nutrient and fortification compositions in the forms of water-dispersible particles and liquid suspensions, and to methods for treating plants, seeds, crops, plant propagation material, their locations, portions, or soil with crop nutrient and fortification compositions. Background Technology

[0003] In describing embodiments of the invention, specific terms have been chosen for clarity. However, it is not intended to limit the invention to the specific terms chosen so far, and it should be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar purposes.

[0004] Observations suggest that intensive agriculture and the adoption of high-yield crop varieties are crucial for meeting the food demands of a growing population. Boron deficiency in plants and soil is one of the limiting factors for improving crop yield and quality. Boron (B) is a micronutrient essential for various physiological processes required for plant growth, development, and reproduction, but in relatively small amounts, thus classifying it as a micronutrient. Furthermore, boron plays a vital role in cell wall formation and stability, the movement and metabolism of sugars or energy in plants or their growing parts, pollination and fruit setting of plant hormones and nucleic acids, and their synthesis. Boron is one of the most important micronutrients affecting membrane stability because it supports the structural and functional integrity of plant cell membranes. It also plays a role in lignin formation in cell walls. Boron's primary function is to provide structural integrity for plant cell walls. Other functions include maintaining plasma membranes and other metabolic pathways. In legume crops, sufficient boron is also required for efficient nitrogen fixation and nodulation. In addition, boron plays a key role in cell wall structure, carbohydrate metabolism, RNA metabolism, respiration, indoleacetic acid (IAA) metabolism, phenolic metabolism, and ascorbic acid metabolism. Plants absorb boron in oxidized forms, H3BO3 (boric acid) and H2BO3- (borates).

[0005] Most crops cannot transfer boron from vegetative tissues to actively growing meristematic tissues, such as buds, root tips, flowers, seeds, or fruits. Instead, boron transport primarily occurs in xylem channels due to transpiration. Therefore, deficiency symptoms first appear in newly formed plant tissues, such as young leaves, shoots, and reproductive structures.

[0006] Boron deficiency in plants affects both vegetative and reproductive growth, leading to inhibited cell proliferation, meristematic tissue death, and reduced fertility. In severe boron deficiency, stunted growth and death of the meristematic growth point are common. Boron deficiency causes significant physiological disorders in plants, such as black necrosis of young leaves and terminal buds, hardening and brittleness of stems, increased lateral branching, and fruit necrosis. Other common reactions include reduced root elongation, inability of flowers to set seeds, and fruit abortion. Insufficient boron supply can also adversely affect pollination and fruit set without obvious foliar deficiency symptoms. Furthermore, poor boron nutrition can lead to significant losses in crop yield, crop quality, and growth. However, high levels of boron in soil and plants have also been observed to cause boron toxicity, resulting in poor plant growth and development and potentially reduced yield. Therefore, it is necessary to provide crops or soil with appropriate proportions of boron to avoid toxicity caused by boron salts.

[0007] It has been observed that managing boron nutrition in crops is difficult due to factors such as insufficient boron supply to plants or depletion of boron content in the soil, for example, soil erosion, intensive agriculture and the adoption of high-yield crop varieties, low soil organic matter, poor soil fertility, fertilizer imbalance, soil type, soil nutrient interactions, soil pH, soil carbonate content, salinity, soil moisture, soil alkalinity, low temperature, and the concentration and interactions of other nutrients (e.g., competing micronutrients, such as nitrogen and potassium, can also affect boron availability and sometimes lead to boron deficiency).

[0008] Plants' responsiveness to boron availability ultimately impacts human nutrition, both in terms of crop yield and boron concentration in edible plant tissues. Therefore, adequate boron nutrition is crucial for optimizing crop nutrition and metabolism, which in turn helps improve crop yield and quality.

[0009] Various fertilizers are available on the market, including direct boron fertilizers and boron-fortified fertilizers containing other nutrients, to meet the boron requirements of plants.

[0010] It has been observed that known boron fertilizers are inefficient at utilizing nutrients, leading to reduced boron utilization or absorption by plants. Therefore, large amounts of boron fertilizer are required to meet the plant's limited boron needs. Such fertilizers result in insufficient boron supply to plants, are more prone to leaching loss, and exhibit adverse interactions with other nutrients, thus inhibiting the utilization of required nutrients by plants. Furthermore, if used at the optimal dosage, they can be toxic to plants.

[0011] It can be seen that known boron-based compositions in pellet, tablet, and other forms have a large size distribution, resulting in poor suspension, uneven distribution in the soil, and uneven coverage on crops. Furthermore, these conventional fertilizers exist in incompletely dissolved or poorly dispersed forms. This poses significant challenges to users and the environment. Because these compositions are incompletely dissolved, they leave residues. These commercially available boron-based compositions also tend to settle or precipitate at the bottom of the packaging or container from which they are applied, thus failing to exhibit the desired results, coverage, and tending to clog nozzles and cause problems during application. Drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation is currently the most commonly used irrigation method, and this is further complicated by the increasing labor shortage and the lack of uniform distribution of components for proper crop absorption.

[0012] The role of sulfur as an essential and ever-growing nutrient and fertilizer is well-known. The most economical and effective way to introduce sulfur into the soil is to use elemental sulfur, as elemental sulfur is 100% sulfur. The teachings in this art will encourage those skilled in the art to prepare compositions with larger particle sizes, as grinding elemental sulfur can cause explosion or fire hazards; therefore, incorporating reduced-particle-size elemental sulfur into compositions remains a greater challenge. Conventionally, sulfur-based compositions known in the art have larger particle sizes, such as bentonite particles, sulfur pellets, sulfur granules, and molten sulfur.

[0013] There is a need to make agricultural fertilizer compositions more effective at inhibiting their conversion into less stable forms in the soil, or to improve the utilization of plant nutrients. The efficiency of boron fertilizer compositions must be increased to enhance plant uptake of boron.

[0014] Agricultural compositions comprising fertilizers and micronutrients are known in the art. Such compositions are mostly discussed only in terms of grinding or pulverizing insoluble micronutrients to form fine powder or dust. However, merely grinding insoluble micronutrients and subsequently mixing them with other fertilizers will result in uneven mixing of the active ingredients in the formulation, which may be undesirable for its application, and will lead to poor nutrient absorption by plants.

[0015] Furthermore, the development of compositions including sulfur and boron has encountered significant difficulties. For example, when borate compounds are added as a boron source to molten elemental sulfur, the mixture foams, making the production of fertilizer compositions challenging.

[0016] US6749659B1 discloses a composition containing elemental sulfur and fertilizer material. However, this composition is entirely different because it inherently requires swollen clay material as a forming agent and the presence of ammonium sulfate to control the release of this fertilizer component. The composition is in tablet form, with large particles and a large particle size. This does not meet the purpose of making crop nutrients readily available to plants.

[0017] US8801827B2 discloses micronutrient tablets or pellets, for example, using boron and sulfur from molten sulfur, anhydrous boron compounds, and expanded clay, whereby the pellets or tablets swell and decompose upon contact with water to release the active substance. Such pellets or tablets result in irregular release of micronutrients, leading to poor field efficacy in crops. Similarly, such tablet compositions are only suitable for broadcast applications due to drawbacks (i.e., poor dispersibility and suspension in water due to nozzle clogging in spraying caused by their large size), posing problems for nutrient delivery to plants or crops. On the other hand, powder formulations are difficult to disperse and can pose significant health risks due to dust generation and inhalation of dust particles by end-users. Due to these drawbacks, such prior art tablet compositions containing boron and sulfur are commercially unfeasible and have zero applicability in drip or sprinkler irrigation systems, which are becoming increasingly important with rising labor shortages and water becoming a scarce resource.

[0018] Furthermore, other formulations disclosed in this art (US20170283334A1) lead to highly concentrated viscous liquids, resulting in problems in practical applications. These highly concentrated formulations are difficult to dilute in water. Such highly concentrated formulations cannot form stable dispersions and tend to form hard packs, thus making the composition unsuitable for use. This non-pourable, viscous, large-particle-size formulation often clogs nozzles and causes problems for nutrient delivery to plants or crops.

[0019] Therefore, there is no known or suitable composition containing boron and fertilizers such as sulfur that can be effectively used as a nutrient to meet the needs of plants, increase the efficiency of nutrient utilization, or increase nutrient absorption and overcome the shortcomings of the aforementioned known compositions. Summary of the Invention

[0020] The inventors have noted that the compositions of the present invention disperse almost immediately in water and soil upon application or use, thereby facilitating their availability to plant surfaces from which plants must absorb the composition through root cut-off or surface covering. The compositions of the present invention have been found to be inherently synergistic, and when formulated at specific particle sizes, make both sulfur and boron readily absorbable by plants, increasing overall plant health and yield. Furthermore, it has been observed that selecting specific types of boron salts in combination with elemental sulfur can prevent boron leaching, allowing it to be most fully utilized for crop absorption. This helps reduce chlorosis in younger, growing leaves, increases chlorophyll content, disease resistance, and boron uptake, resulting in nutrient-rich crops.

[0021] Furthermore, the inventors of this invention have discovered that applying sulfur in the form of the compositions of this invention, together with boron, improves the nutrient utilization efficiency of sulfur and boron in plants, meaning that plants absorb higher amounts of sulfur and boron from a smaller amount of fertilizer applied to the soil. In addition, the inventors of this application have determined that the crop nutrient or fortifying compositions of this invention, comprising an effective amount of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures; elemental sulfur; and at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient; compositions with a particle size in the range of 0.1-20 micrometers exhibit excellent field efficacy. This novel composition improves plant health and development, the absorption of boron and other nutrients, pollination, cell integrity, and other plant physiological parameters, such as increased rooting, improved foliage and disease resistance, and increased crop greenness, thereby providing nutrient-rich and fortified crops, increasing crop productivity and yield. The composition can be in the form of water-dispersible particles and liquid suspension compositions. The compositions of this invention also exhibit excellent physical properties, such as suspension, dispersibility, flowability, wettability, and improved viscosity, resulting in better pourability. The compositions of this invention also exhibit excellent performance under accelerated storage conditions and are effective in drip irrigation. Furthermore, the composition exhibits surprisingly higher field efficacy at reduced dosages.

[0022] The inventors have identified a water-dispersible granular crop nutrient and fortification composition comprising an effective amount of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures, elemental sulfur, and at least one dispersant, which provides higher yields and improves plant physiological parameters in a variety of crops. The water-dispersible particles comprise one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures, at a concentration ranging from 0.1% to 70% of the total composition weight, elemental sulfur at a concentration ranging from 1% to 90% of the total composition weight, and at least one dispersant. The dispersant is present at a concentration of 1% to 30% of the composition weight. The water-dispersible granular composition for crop nutrition and fortification also includes an agrochemically acceptable excipient at a content of 1% to 98% of the total composition weight. Furthermore, the water-dispersible granular crop nutrient and fortification composition has a size range of 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, comprising particles with a size range of 0.1 to 20 micrometers. The water-dispersible particles are dispersed into particles with a size of 0.1 to 20 micrometers. According to one embodiment, the boron salt contained in the water-dispersible particulate composition includes a water-soluble salt or a water-insoluble salt.

[0023] Furthermore, the inventors of this application have surprisingly discovered that crop nutrient and fortification compositions in liquid suspension form, comprising one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures; elemental sulfur; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient and at least one structuring agent, exhibit high yields in certain crops and can be directly used in micro-irrigation systems.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the liquid suspension composition comprises a boron salt, its complex, derivative, or mixture, at a concentration ranging from 0.1% to 55% of the total composition weight. The liquid suspension composition contains elemental sulfur at a concentration of 1% to 65% of the total composition weight. An agrochemical excipient is present at a concentration of 1% to 98.99% of the composition weight. The liquid suspension composition contains an agrochemically acceptable excipient, such as a surfactant. The surfactant is present at a concentration of 0.1% to 60% of the total composition weight. The composition includes a structural agent at a concentration of 0.01% to 5% of the total composition weight. The liquid suspension composition contains particles with a size of 0.1 to 20 micrometers. According to one embodiment, the boron salt contained in the liquid suspension comprises a water-soluble salt or a water-insoluble salt.

[0025] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a crop nutrient and fortification composition comprising an effective amount of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures, elemental sulfur and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition exists in the form of a water-dispersible particulate and liquid suspension composition, wherein the particle size of the composition is 0.1-20 micrometers.

[0026] The present invention also relates to a method of treating plants, seeds, crops, plant propagation materials, their locations, portions or soils with crop nutrition and fortification compositions, said compositions comprising an effective amount of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures, elemental sulfur and at least one agriculturally chemically acceptable excipient.

[0027] The crop nutrient and fortifying composition can be applied as a foliar spray or to the soil by broadcasting or bending / side-laying, watering, drilling, or through micro-irrigation (e.g., drip or sprinkler irrigation). The latter, using drip or sprinkler irrigation, further optimizes farming methods, while increasing labor and water shortages pose significant challenges. Therefore, the compositions of this invention can be used in all possible application methods under different agronomic approaches to crop cultivation, according to the user's convenience.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the present invention further relates to a method for improving soil fertility, plant health, improving plant nutrition, strengthening or enhancing plants, protecting plants, increasing plant yield, or conditioning soil. The method comprises treating at least one of seeds, seedlings, crops, plants, plant propagation material, their location, part, or surrounding soil with a crop nutrient and fortification composition, said composition comprising an effective amount of one or more boron, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, elemental sulfur, and at least one agriculturally chemically acceptable excipient.

[0029] It was observed that the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits good physical and chemical properties, is easy to disperse, has enhanced suspension, is non-sticky, easy to pour, does not form hard cakes, and shows enhanced stability even when stored at high temperatures for a long time, thus resulting in better field performance.

[0030] This application provides the following: 1. A liquid suspension composition for crop nutrition and fortification, wherein the liquid composition comprises: Elemental sulfur, wherein the elemental sulfur constitutes 1% to 65% of the total composition by weight; At least one boron salt, its complex, derivative or mixture thereof, wherein the concentration of the boron salt, its complex, derivative or mixture thereof is 0.1%-55% of the total composition by weight; At least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; and At least one structural agent, said structural agent comprising 0.01%-5% of the total composition by weight. The composition comprises particles with a size of 0.1-20 micrometers.

[0031] 2. A water-dispersible granular composition for use in crop nutrition and fortification compositions, wherein the composition comprises: Elemental sulfur, wherein the elemental sulfur constitutes 1%-90% of the total composition by weight; At least one boron salt, its complex, derivative, or mixture thereof, wherein the boron salt, its complex, derivative, or mixture thereof constitutes 0.1%-70% of the total composition by weight; and At least one dispersant, said dispersant being present in an amount of 1% to 30% w / w of the total composition by weight; The composition contains particles in the range of 0.1-2.5 mm and includes microparticles in the range of 0.1-20 micrometers in size.

[0032] 3. The composition according to 1 or 2, wherein the boron salt comprises a water-soluble and / or water-insoluble boron salt, its complex, derivative or mixture thereof.

[0033] 4. The composition according to 1 or 2, wherein the boron salt comprises at least one water-insoluble boron salt, its complex, derivative or mixture thereof.

[0034] 5. The composition according to 1 or 2, wherein the water-insoluble boron salt comprises at least one of calcium borate or sodium tetraborate decahydrate; zinc borate; magnesium borate or borazite; aluminum borate; boron phosphate; boron trioxide or its complexes, derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof.

[0035] 6. The composition according to 1 or 2, wherein the boron salt, its complex or derivative thereof comprises one or more water-soluble boron salts selected from boric acid or orthoboric acid; borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate; sodium borosilicate; sodium tetraborate decahydrate; disodium tetraborate; potassium tetraborate; boron trichloride or boron(III) chloride or trichloroborane; boron triiodide or triiodoborane; sesquioxide or boric anhydride; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate or Aquabor / sodium borooxide or sodium octaborate or Tim-bor insecticide or Polybor; borax pentahydrate or Bor48 or 5Mol borax; boron oxide or low boron oxide or boron monoxide; boron hydroxide, sodium calcium borate; boron trifluoride; boron oxide; disodium octaborate; sodium borohydride or sodium tetrahydroborate; sodium cyanoborohydride; sodium triacetoxyborohydride or sodium triacetoxyborohydride; sodium triethylborohydride; and its complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof.

[0036] 7. The composition according to 1 or 2, wherein the water-soluble boron salt comprises at least one of the following: borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate or sodium tetraborate decahydrate or sodium tetraborate pentahydrate; sodium borosilicate; boron trioxide; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate and its complexes or derivatives or mixtures thereof.

[0037] 8. The composition according to 1 or 2, wherein the boron salt comprises one or more of the following: boric acid; calcium borate; zinc borate; magnesium borate; boron trioxide; borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate or sodium tetraborate decahydrate or sodium tetraborate pentahydrate; boron oxide; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate and its complexes, derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof.

[0038] 9. The water-dispersible particulate composition according to claim 2, wherein the particle size range of the composition is 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0039] 10. The water-dispersible particulate composition according to claim 2, wherein the particles of the composition comprise microparticles with a size of 0.1-10 micrometers.

[0040] 11. The liquid suspension composition according to claim 1, wherein one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof are in a weight ratio of 1:600 ​​to 55:1 with elemental sulfur.

[0041] 12. The liquid suspension composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur is 1:50 to 35:1; the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur is optionally 1:10 to 10:1, and the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur is optionally 1:2.5 to 1.5:1.

[0042] 13. The water-dispersible particulate composition according to claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur is 1:90 to 70:1; optionally, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur is 1:90 to 3.5:1.

[0043] 14. The liquid suspension composition according to claim 1, wherein the liquid composition comprises elemental sulfur at a concentration of 1% to 60% by weight of the total composition.

[0044] 15. The liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the composition is in the range of 10 cps to 1200 cps.

[0045] 16. The liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the composition is in the range of 10 cps to 500 cps.

[0046] 17. The liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein the structural agent comprises one or more of a thickener, viscosity modifier, viscous agent, suspending agent, rheology modifier, and antisettling agent.

[0047] 18. The liquid suspension composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients selected from surfactants, dispersants, wetting agents, water-miscible solvents, spreading agents, penetrants, adhesives, drift inhibitors, ultraviolet absorbers, ultraviolet scattering agents, preservatives, stabilizers, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizers, antifreeze or freezing point inhibitors, defoamers and anti-caking agents.

[0048] 19. The composition according to 1 or 2, wherein the suspension degree of the composition is at least 30%.

[0049] 20. The composition according to 1 or 2, wherein the composition optionally further comprises at least one additional active ingredient selected from micronutrients, macronutrients, biostimulants, insecticidal active substances and / or fertilizers selected from nitrogen fertilizers, phosphate fertilizers, potassium fertilizers and their salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof.

[0050] 21. The composition according to 1 or 2, wherein the micronutrient, its salt, its complex, its derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 70% by weight of the total composition, optionally in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition.

[0051] 22. The water-dispersible particulate composition according to claim 2, wherein the composition further comprises one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients selected from decomposing agents, wetting agents, binders or fillers or carriers or diluents, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizers, defoamers, anti-drift agents, anti-caking agents, spreading agents, penetrants, adhesives and mixtures thereof.

[0052] 23. The water-dispersible particulate composition according to claim 2, wherein the composition has at least 40% dispersibility.

[0053] 24. A method for preparing a liquid suspension of a crop nutrient and fortification composition, said crop nutrient and fortification composition comprising elemental sulfur, at least one boron salt, its complex, derivative or mixture thereof, at least one structural agent and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, said method comprising: grinding a mixture of elemental sulfur, at least one boron salt, its complex, derivative or mixture thereof, at least one structural agent and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient to obtain a slurry or wet mixture with a particle size range of 0.1-20 micrometers.

[0054] 25. A method for preparing a water-dispersible particulate composition for crop nutrition and fortification, wherein the composition comprises elemental sulfur, at least one boron salt, its complex, derivative, or mixture thereof, and at least one dispersant; wherein the process includes: a. Grinding elemental sulfur, at least one boron salt, its complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof with at least one dispersant to obtain a slurry or wet mixture; and b. Dry the wet mixture to obtain a water-dispersible particulate composition with a particle size of 0.1-20 micrometers.

[0055] 26. The method of 25, wherein the grinding step further comprises at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient selected from decomposing agents, wetting agents, binders or fillers or carriers or diluents, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizers, defoamers, drifting agents, reducing agents, anti-caking agents, spreading agents, penetrants and adhesives.

[0056] 27. A method for improving plant health or yield, the method comprising treating at least one of a plant, plant propagation material, site or part thereof, seed, seedling or surrounding soil with a crop nutrient and fortification composition according to 1 or 2. Attached Figure Description

[0057] To gain a more complete understanding of the invention, reference should now be made to the embodiments shown in more detail in the accompanying drawings and described by way of examples of the invention.

[0058] Figure 1AThis is a diagram illustrating the effect of 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate in different forms (e.g., water-dispersible particles, tablets, and liquid suspensions) on the availability of sulfur in soil.

[0059] Figure 1B This is a diagram illustrating the effect of 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate in different forms (e.g., water-dispersible particles, tablets, and liquid suspensions) on the availability of boron in soil. Specific Implementation In describing embodiments of the invention, specific terms have been chosen for clarity. However, it is not intended to limit the invention to the specific terms chosen so far, and it should be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to achieve similar purposes. It should be understood that any numerical ranges listed herein are intended to include all included subranges. Similarly, unless otherwise stated, percentages of components in the composition are expressed as weight percentages.

[0061] Water-dispersible particles can be defined as formulations to be applied after being dispersed and suspended in water, and that formulation consists of particles. As described herein, “WG” or “WDG” refers to water-dispersible particles.

[0062] According to the present invention, the term "liquid suspension" is defined as a stable suspension of a composition in a fluid, such as water or a water-miscible solvent, which is typically used for dilution with water prior to use. Furthermore, the term or phrase "liquid suspension" also encompasses "aqueous dispersion," "aqueous suspension," "suspension concentrate," "SC composition," or "suspension emulsion" composition.

[0063] Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is defined as a measure of how well plants utilize existing mineral nutrients. Improving NUE is a necessary prerequisite for expanding crop production to marginal lands with low nutrient utilization and is also a way to reduce the use of inorganic fertilizers.

[0064] This invention relates to a composition for crop nutrition or fortification, comprising an effective amount of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, elemental sulfur, and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, thereby exhibiting improved dispersibility and suspension properties. The concentrations of the boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof range from 0.1% to 70% w / w, and the concentrations of elemental sulfur range from 1% to 90% w / w. The particle size of the composition is in the range of 0.1-20 micrometers, thereby exhibiting improved dispersibility and suspension properties.

[0065] According to one embodiment, boron salts, their complexes or derivatives include water-soluble and / or water-insoluble boron salts or their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof.

[0066] According to one embodiment, boron salts, their complexes, or derivatives thereof particularly include one or more water-insoluble salts. According to one embodiment, water-insoluble salts include, but are not limited to, calcium borate or sodium tetraborate; zinc borate; magnesium borate or borazite; calcium borate; aluminum borate; boron phosphate; boron trioxide or boron trioxide; elemental boron, boron nitride, boron nitrite, boron carbide; aluminum dodecoborate and its complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, one or more of these. According to one embodiment, calcium borate includes calcium tetraborate or vitrabor. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-insoluble boron salts may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0067] According to one embodiment, optional water-insoluble boron salts include, but are not limited to, one or more of calcium borate, magnesium borate, zinc borate, boron phosphate, boron trioxide or boron trioxide and their complexes, derivatives or mixtures. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-insoluble boron salts may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0068] According to one embodiment, the boron salt includes one or more water-soluble salts. According to one embodiment, the water-soluble salt includes diborate, triborate, tetraborate, and hexaboride. According to one embodiment, boric acid or orthoboric acid or boracic acid or acidum boricum; borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate or sodium borosilicate; or sodium tetraborate decahydrate or sodium tetraborate; sodium tetraborate octahydrate; potassium tetraborate; boron trichloride or boron(III) chloride or trichloroborane; boron triiodide or triiodoborane; sodium tetraborate decahydrate; sesquioxide or boric anhydride; sodium perborate; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate or Aquaboron Sodium boron oxide or sodium octaborate or Tim-bor insecticide or Polybor; one or more of borax pentahydrate or Bor48 or 5 mol borax; boron oxide, including low boron oxide or boron monoxide; boron hydroxide; sodium calcium borate; boron trifluoride; boron tribromide; boron oxide; sodium octaborate; sodium borohydride or sodium tetrahydroborate or sodium tetrahydroborate; calcium borogluconate; sodium cyanoborohydride; sodium pentaborate; ammonium pentaborate, sodium triacetoxyborohydride or sodium triacetoxyborohydride; sodium triethylborohydride; complexes thereof; derivatives thereof; or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-soluble boron salts may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0069] According to one embodiment, optional water-soluble boron salts include boric acid, borax, sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, sodium borosilicate; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate; and one or more of their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-soluble boron salts can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0070] According to one embodiment, the boron salt may optionally include boric acid; calcium borate; zinc borate; magnesium borate; boron trioxide; borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate or sodium tetraborate decahydrate or sodium tetraborate pentahydrate; boron oxide; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate and its complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the concentration of boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof is from 0.1% to 70% of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the concentration of boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof is from 0.1% to 55% of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the concentration of boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof is from 0.1% to 45% of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the concentration of boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof is from 0.1% to 25% of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the concentration of boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof is from 0.1% to 10% of the total composition weight.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the amount of elemental sulfur present is 1%-90% of the weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition. According to one embodiment, the amount of elemental sulfur present is 1%-80% of the weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition. According to one embodiment, the amount of elemental sulfur present is 1%-65% of the weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition. According to one embodiment, the amount of elemental sulfur present is 1%-50% of the weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition. According to one embodiment, the amount of elemental sulfur present is 1%-40% of the weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition.

[0073] According to one implementation, the amount of elemental sulfur present is 20%-40% of the weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition.

[0074] According to one embodiment, the particle size of the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the range of 0.1-20 micrometers. According to another embodiment, the particle size of the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the range of 0.1-15 micrometers. According to one embodiment, the particle size of the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the range of 0.1-10 micrometers.

[0075] According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur is from 1:900 to 70:1. According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur is from 1:90 to 70:1.

[0076] According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur is from 1:90 to 3.5:1. According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur is from 1:90 to 5:4.

[0077] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition is in solid or liquid form, such as a wettable powder, aqueous suspension, suspension emulsion, water-dispersible granules, seed dressing agent, or seed treatment composition and combinations thereof.

[0078] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the form of water-dispersible particles. According to one embodiment, the composition in water-dispersible particle form specifically comprises one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, accounting for 0.1% to 70% of the total weight of the composition. Elemental sulfur accounts for 1% to 90% of the total weight of the composition, and the concentration of at least one dispersant ranges from 1% to 30% of the total weight of the composition. The size of the water-dispersible particles is in the range of 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, and the particle size of the composition is in the range of 0.1 to 20 micrometers.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules comprises one or more of a water-soluble boron salt or a water-insoluble boron salt.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible particles specifically comprises one or more water-insoluble boron salts, their complexes, or derivatives thereof, accounting for 0.1%-70% of the total composition weight, elemental sulfur accounting for 1%-90% of the total composition weight, and at least one dispersant accounting for 1%-30% of the total composition weight. The size of the water-dispersible particles is in the range of 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, and includes microparticles with a size of 0.1-20 micrometers.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible particles specifically comprises one or more of the following by weight: boron trioxide or boron bis(trioxide); calcium borate or sodium tetraborate; zinc borate; magnesium borate; aluminum borate; boron phosphate; and their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures; elemental sulfur by weight: 0.1%-90% of the total composition; and at least one dispersant by weight: 1%-30% of the total composition. The size of the water-dispersible particles is in the range of 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm, and includes microparticles with a size of 0.1-20 micrometers.

[0082] According to one embodiment, a crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules comprises 0.1% to 70% by weight of one or more water-soluble boron salts, their complexes or derivatives, elemental sulfur comprising 0.1% to 90% by weight of the total composition, and at least one agrochemical excipient, wherein the composition comprises particles with a size of 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm and includes microparticles with a size of 0.1 micrometer to 20 micrometer.

[0083] According to one embodiment, a crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules comprises 0.1%-70% by weight of boric acid or orthoboric acid or boric acid or boric acid, borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate or sodium tetraborate decahydrate or sodium tetraborate pentahydrate or disodium tetraborate; potassium tetraborate; boron oxide; boron trioxide; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate; one or more of their complexes, derivatives and mixtures thereof; 0.1%-90% by weight of elemental sulfur; and at least one agrochemical excipient; wherein the composition comprises particles with a size of 0.1 mm-2.5 mm and microparticles with a size of 0.1-20 micrometers.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof in water-dispersible particulate form to elemental sulfur is 1:900 to 70:1. According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur in water-dispersible particulate form is 1:90 to 70:1. According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof in water-dispersible particulate form to elemental sulfur is 1:90 to 3.5:1. According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof in water-dispersible particulate form to elemental sulfur is 1:10 to 10:1. According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof in water-dispersible particulate form to elemental sulfur is 1:5 to 5:1. According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof in water-dispersible particulate form to elemental sulfur is 1:1.5 to 2.5:1. According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof in the form of water-dispersible particles to elemental sulfur is 1:1 to 2:1.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, wherein the particle size ranges from 0.1 to 2.5 mm. Optionally, according to one embodiment, the particle size of the water-dispersible granule form of the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the range of 0.1-2 mm. Optionally, according to one embodiment, the particle size of the water-dispersible granule form of the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the range of 0.1-1.5 mm. Optionally, the particle size of the water-dispersible granule form of the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the range of 0.1-1 mm. Optionally, the particle size of the water-dispersible granule form of the crop nutrient and fortification composition is 0.1-0.5 mm.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the water-dispersible particles are in the form of microparticles. These particles comprise microparticles with a size of 0.1-20 micrometers.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the form of a liquid suspension. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the form of a liquid suspension comprising 0.1%-55% by weight of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, and 1%-65% by weight of elemental sulfur; at least one structural agent in the range of 0.01%-5% by weight of the total composition; and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient, wherein the composition comprises particles with a size of 0.1-20 micrometers.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the liquid suspension contains one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof in a weight ratio of 0.1% to 55%.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the liquid suspension contains one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof in a weight ratio of 0.1% to 45%.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the liquid suspension contains one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof in a weight ratio of 0.1% to 35%.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the liquid suspension contains one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof in a weight ratio of 0.1% to 25%.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the liquid suspension contains one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof in a weight ratio of 0.1% to 10%.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of a liquid suspension contains elemental sulfur in a weight ratio of 1% to 65%.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of a liquid suspension contains elemental sulfur in a weight ratio of 1% to 60%.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of a liquid suspension contains elemental sulfur in a weight ratio of 1% to 45%.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of a liquid suspension contains elemental sulfur at a weight ratio of 1% to 35%.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of a liquid suspension contains 1%-20% elemental sulfur by weight.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition is in the form of a liquid suspension containing one or more water-soluble or water-insoluble boron salts.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form specifically comprises 0.1% to 55% by weight of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, and 1% to 65% by weight of elemental sulfur; at least one structural agent and at least one agrochemically acceptable excipient in the range of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition, wherein the composition comprises particles with a size of 0.1 to 20 micrometers.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form specifically comprises one or more of calcium borate, magnesium borate, zinc borate, boron phosphate, boron trioxide or boron trioxide, their complexes, derivatives and mixtures thereof, in an amount of 0.1% to 55% of the total weight of the composition; elemental sulfur in an amount of 0.1% to 65% of the total weight of the composition; at least one structuring agent and at least one agrochemical excipient in an amount of 0.01% to 5% of the total weight of the composition; wherein the particle size of the composition is 0.1 to 20 micrometers.

[0101] According to one embodiment, a crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form comprises, by weight, 0.1% to 55% of one or more water-soluble boron salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, elemental sulfur in the range of 1; 1% to 65% of the total composition by weight, at least one agrochemical excipient; and 0.01% to 5% of the total composition by weight, at least one structural agent, wherein the particle size of the composition is 0.1 micrometers to 20 micrometers.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form specifically comprises one or more of a water-soluble boron salt, its complex or derivative, in an amount of 0.1% to 55% of the total weight of the composition; elemental sulfur in an amount of 0.1% to 65% of the total weight of the composition; at least one structuring agent and at least one agrochemical excipient in an amount of 0.01% to 5% of the total weight of the composition; wherein the particle size of the composition is 0.1 to 20 micrometers.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form comprises 0.1%-55% by weight of sodium borosilicate; boric acid or orthoboric acid or boracic acid or acidum boricum; borax or sodium borate or sodium tetraborate or sodium tetraborate decahydrate or sodium tetraborate pentahydrate or disodium tetraborate; potassium tetraborate; boron oxide; boron trioxide; disodium octaborate tetrahydrate; one or more of their complexes, derivatives and mixtures thereof; elemental sulfur comprising 0.1%-65% by weight of the composition; at least one structural agent and at least one agrochemical excipient comprising 0.01% to 5% by weight of the composition; wherein the particle size of the composition is 0.1 micrometer to 20 micrometers.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof in the liquid suspension composition to elemental sulfur is from 1:600 ​​to 55:1.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof in the liquid suspension composition to elemental sulfur is from 1:50 to 35:1.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof in the liquid suspension composition to elemental sulfur is from 1:10 to 10:1.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof in the liquid suspension composition to elemental sulfur is from 1:2.5 to 1.5:1.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the weight ratio of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof in the liquid suspension composition to elemental sulfur is 1:1.

[0109] According to one embodiment, crop nutrient and fortification compositions in liquid suspension and water-dispersible particulate form comprise particles with a size of 0.1-20 micrometers, optionally 0.1-15 micrometers, and most preferably in the range of 0.1-10 micrometers. It has been observed that boron and sulfur uptake is particularly high for compositions with particles in the size range of approximately 0.1-20 micrometers. Therefore, a particle size of 0.1-20 micrometers for crop nutrient and fortification compositions has been found to be important not only in terms of ease of application but also in terms of efficacy.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition optionally further comprises at least one additional active ingredient, said at least one additional active ingredient including fertilizers, micronutrients, macronutrients, vitamins, microorganisms, bacterial spores, one or more insecticidal active substances, and biostimulants. The microorganisms, bacterial spores, and biostimulants are commercially developed and manufactured and are available from multiple suppliers worldwide.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the additional active ingredient is present in an amount of 1% to 90% by weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the additional active ingredient is present in an amount of 1% to 60% of the weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the additional active ingredient is present in an amount of 1% to 40% of the weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the additional active ingredient is present in an amount of 1% to 20% of the weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition may optionally contain at least one fertilizer. Fertilizer is simply a nutrient used to nourish crops in farmland to replenish essential elements naturally present in the soil. As crops continuously absorb nutrients, these nutrients are lost through water, leaching, evaporation, and soil erosion, causing the soil to often lose its fertility and thus fail to meet the needs of crops. Fertilization not only helps increase yield and promote healthy crops but also helps defend against pests and diseases. Therefore, applying the optimal amount and type of fertilizer to crops is crucial to meeting their nutritional requirements.

[0116] According to one embodiment, the fertilizer includes single-nutrient fertilizers, multi-nutrient fertilizers, binary fertilizers, compound fertilizers, organic fertilizers, or mixtures thereof. According to one embodiment, the fertilizer optionally included in the crop nutrition and fortification composition comprises one or more of water-soluble fertilizers or water-insoluble fertilizers or salts or their complexes or derivatives, or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other fertilizers known in the art can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0117] According to another embodiment, the fertilizer includes one or more of the following: nitrogen fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer, potash fertilizer, ammonium nitrate, urea, sodium nitrate, potassium fertilizers such as potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium nitrate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, calcium ammonium nitrate, hyperphosphatemia, phosphogypsum, triple hyperphosphatemia, NPK fertilizer, or their salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other fertilizers can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. These fertilizers are commercially produced and available from various companies.

[0118] According to one implementation plan, the fertilizer is present in an amount of 1% to 90% by weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition.

[0119] According to one implementation scheme, the fertilizer is present in an amount of 1% to 40% by weight of the crop nutrient and fortification composition.

[0120] According to one implementation plan, the fertilizer is present in an amount of 1% to 20% by weight of the crop nutrient and fortifying composition.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition may contain at least one micronutrient. According to another embodiment, the micronutrient contains zinc, calcium, manganese, magnesium, copper, iron, silicon, cobalt, chlorine, sodium, molybdenum, chromium, vanadium, selenium, nickel, iodine, fluorine, phosphorus, and potassium, in elemental form or their salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof. The micronutrient may also contain one or more vitamins, organic acids or their salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof. However, the above list of optional micronutrients is exemplary and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that other micronutrients may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Micronutrients are commercially produced and available from various companies.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the micronutrient is present in an amount of 0.1% to 70% w / w of the composition by weight. According to another embodiment, the micronutrient is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the composition by weight. According to yet another embodiment, the micronutrient is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the composition by weight.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the composition may further comprise one or more biostimulants selected from, but not limited to, enzymes, humic acids, and fulvic acids. The biostimulants used are commercially produced and come from various commercial manufacturers worldwide. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different biostimulants can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0124] According to one implementation plan, insecticidal active substances include antifouling agents, insecticides, fungicides, herbicides, nematicides, pheromones, defoliants, acaricides, plant growth regulators, algaecides, antifeedants, bird killers, fungicides, bird repellents, biopesticides, biological agents, chemical fungicides, safety agents, insect attractants, insect repellents, insect growth regulators, mammal repellents, mating disruptors, disinfectants, molluscicides, antimicrobial agents, acaricides, ovicides, fumigants, plant activators, rodenticides, synergists, viricides, microbial pesticides, plant protectants, other miscellaneous pesticide active substances or salts, derivatives, and mixtures.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the insecticide is present in an amount of 0.1% to 80% w / w of the total weight of the composition. According to another embodiment, the insecticide is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total weight of the composition. According to yet another embodiment, optionally, the insecticide is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total weight of the composition.

[0126] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition includes agrochemically acceptable excipients, such as surfactants, dispersants, wetting agents, binders or adhesives, decomposing agents, fillers or carriers or diluents, emulsifiers, spreading agents, coating agents, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizers, defoamers or defoaming agents, penetrants, preservatives, ultraviolet absorbers, ultraviolet scattering agents, stabilizers, pigments, colorants, structuring agents, chelating or complexing or isolating agents, suspending agents or suspending aids, wetting agents, binders, antifreeze or freezing point depressants, water-miscible solvents, and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other agrochemically acceptable excipients may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Agrochemically acceptable excipients are commercially produced and available from various companies.

[0127] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules further comprises one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients. These agrochemically acceptable excipients include one or more of the following: decomposing agents; optionally, decomposing agents, wetting agents, binders; filler carriers or diluents; buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizers; defoamers; anti-drift agents; anti-caking agents; spreading agents; penetrants; and adhesives. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other agrochemically acceptable excipients may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0128] According to one embodiment, a crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form comprises one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients. According to one embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipients comprise one or more surfactants. According to one embodiment, the agrochemically acceptable excipients in the liquid suspension composition further comprise one or more dispersants, wetting agents, spreading agents, suspending agents or suspending aids, penetrants, binders, drift inhibitors, UV absorbers, UV scattering agents, preservatives, stabilizers, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizers, antifreeze or freezing point lowering agents, defoamers, and anti-caking agents. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other agrochemically acceptable excipients may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0129] According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipient is present at a concentration ranging from 1% to 98.9% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipient is present at a concentration ranging from at least 98% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipient is present at a concentration ranging from at least 95% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipient is present at a concentration ranging from at least 80% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipient is present at a concentration ranging from at least 60% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipient is present at a concentration ranging from at least 40% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipient is present at a concentration ranging from at least 20% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipient is present at a concentration ranging from at least 10% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipient is present at a concentration ranging from at least 5% by weight of the total composition. According to one embodiment, the agricultural chemical excipient is present at a concentration ranging from at least 1% by weight of the total composition.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the surfactant used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions includes one or more of anionic, cationic, nonionic, amphoteric, and polymeric surfactants. According to one embodiment, the surfactant includes one or more of emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersants.

[0131] Anionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, fatty acid salts, benzoates, polycarboxylates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl aryl sulfates, alkyl diethylene glycol ether sulfates, alcohol sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, alkyl aryl sulfonates, aryl sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonates, polystyrene sulfonates, alkyl phosphates, alkyl aryl phosphates, styrene aryl phosphates, docusate sulfonates, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether sulfates, alkyl sarcosine salts, sodium α-olefin sulfonate, alkylbenzene sulfonate or its salts, sodium lauroyl sarcosine, sulfosuccinates, polyacrylates, polyacrylates - free acid and sodium salts, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ether sulfate hydrochloride esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether phosphates, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl phosphates, sulfosuccinates - mono- and other diesters, phosphate esters, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates - isopropyl and butyl derivatives, alkyl ether sulfates - sodium salts and ammonium salts. Salts, alkyl aryl ether phosphates, ethylene oxide and its derivatives, polyoxyethylene aryl ether phosphate salts, monoalkyl sulfosuccinates, aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonates, 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, ammonium lauryl sulfate, ammonium perfluorononanoate, docusate, disodium cocoa diacetate, magnesium lauryl sulfate, perfluorobutane sulfonic acid, perfluorononanoic acid, carboxylates, perfluorooctane sulfonic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, phospholipids, potassium dodecyl sulfate, soap, soap substitutes, sodium alkyl sulfate, dodecyl sulfate Sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sodium dodecyl sulfonate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium milosulfonate, sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, sodium p-hydroxybenzoate, alkyl carboxylates, sodium stearate, α-olefin sulfonates, sulfonates, naphthalene sulfonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonic acid fatty acid salts, sodium naphthalene sulfonate condensate, sodium fluorosulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate, naphthalene sulfonate condensed with formaldehyde, or alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensed with formaldehyde or their salts or derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other anionic surfactants may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0132] Cationic surfactants include, but are not limited to, dialkyldimethylammonium chloride, alkylmethylethoxylated ammonium chloride or its salt, dodecyl, cocoyl, hexadecyl, octadecyl, octadecyl / benzeneyl, docosyl, cocamidopropyl, trimethylammonium chloride; cocoyl, stearyl-, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)methylammonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride; alkyl-, tetratrol-, octadecyl-dimethylbenzylammonium chloride; dioctyl-, di(octyl-decyl)-, didecyl-, hexadecyl-, distearate- Di(hydrogenated tallow)-, dimethylammonium chloride; di(hydrogenated tallow)benzyl-, trioctyl-, tri(octyldecyl)-, tri-dodecyl-, trihexadecylmethylammonium chloride; dodecyltrimethyl-, dodecyldimethylbenzyl-, di-(Octyl-Decyl)dimethyl, didecyldimethylammonium bromide; quaternized amine ethoxylates; benzalkonium chloride; benzyl chloride; benzyl dodecyl ammonium bromide; bromonidazole dioxane; quaternary ammonium salts; 1-ethoxycarbonylpentadecanyl-trimethyl-ammonium bromide; hexadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; cetrimonium bromide; cetrimonium chloride; hexadecylpyridine chloride; didecyldimethylammonium chloride; dimethyl octadecyl ammonium bromide; dimethyl octadecyl ammonium bromide; dimethyl octadecyl ammonium bromide; deuterium bromide; lauryl methyl glucosyl ether-10 Hydroxypropyl dimethylammonium chloride; oteninidine dihydrochloride; olafluridine; N-oleo-1,3-propanediamine; tetrodotoxin; stearylammonium chloride; tetramethylammonium hydroxide; tonzolam bromide; or one or more of their salts or derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other cationic surfactants may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0133] Nonionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, polyol esters, polyol fatty acid esters, polyethoxylated esters, polyethoxylated alcohols, ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, ethoxylated and propoxylated alcohols, EO / PO copolymers; EO and PO block copolymers, di- and tri-block copolymers; block copolymers of polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol, poloxamer, polysorbates, alkyl polysaccharides (such as alkyl polyglycosides) and mixtures thereof, amine ethoxylates, sorbitan fatty acid esters, ethylene glycol and glycerides, glucoside alkyl ethers, sodium shea butter, polyoxyethylene glycol, sorbitol alkyl esters, dehydrated sorbitol derivatives, fatty acid esters of dehydrated sorbitol (Spans) and their ethoxylated derivatives (Tweens), and lipids. Fatty acid sucrose esters, cetearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, cocamide DEA, cocamide MEA, decyl glucoside, decyl polydextrose, glyceryl monostearate, lauryl glucoside, maltodextrin, monolaurate, narrow-range ethoxylates, ethylphenyl polyethylene glycol, nonylphenyl polyol-9, nonylphenyl alcohol ether, octaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, N-octyl β-D-thiopyranoside, octyl glucoside, oleyl alcohol, PEG-10 sunflower seed glyceride, pentaethylene glycol monododecyl ether, polydextrose, poloxamer 407, poloxamer 407 Polyethoxylated tallow amine, polyglycerol polyricinoleate, polysorbate, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, sorbitol, sorbitol monolaurate, sorbitol monostearate, sorbic acid stearate, stearyl alcohol, surface actin, glyceryl laurate, lauryl glucoside, nonylphenol polyethoxyethanol, nonylphenol polyethylene glycol ether, castor oil ethoxylate, polyethylene glycol ether, block copolymers of ethylene oxide and polyoxyalkylene ethers of polypropylene oxide and hydroxystearic acid, tributylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol, octylphenoxypolyethoxyethanol, ethoxylated tristyrenephenol, ethoxylated alcohols, polyoxyethylene dehydrated sorbitol, fatty acid polyglycerol esters, fats Acid-coated polyethylene glycol ethers, ethynyl glycol, ethynyl alcohol, oxidized olefin block polymers, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene styrene aryl ethers, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, polyethylene glycol, polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene glycerol fatty acid esters, polyoxyethylene ethers - C6 to 06 / 18 alcohols, linear and branched, alcohol alkoxylates - various hydrophobic compounds and EO / PO content and ratio, fatty acid esters - monoesters and diesters; lauric acid, stearic acid and oleic acid; glycerol esters - with and without EO; lauric acid, stearic acid, cocoa and tall oil derivatives, ethoxylated glycerol, sorbitan esters - with or without EO;Lauric acid, stearic acid, and oleic acid groups; mono- and triesters, castor oil ethoxylates - 5 to 200 mol EO; non-hydrogenated and hydrogenated block polymers, amine oxides - ethoxylated and non-ethoxylated; alkyl dimethyl, fatty amine ethoxylates - coconut oil, tallow, stearic acid, oleylamine, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, or polyoxypropylene fatty acid esters; salts or derivatives thereof, and mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other nonionic surfactants may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0134] Amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants include, but are not limited to, one or more of betaine, cocoa and lauroylaminopropyl betaine, cocoa alkyl dimethylamine oxide, alkyl dimethyl betaine, C8 to C18, alkyl dipropionate-sodium dodecyliminodipropionate, cocamidopropyl hydroxysulfonate betaine, imidazoline, phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine and sphingomyelin, lauryl dimethylamine oxide, alkyl diacetate acetamide and propylene dipropionate and malonate or their derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other amphoteric or zwitterionic surfactants may be used without departing from the scope of this invention.

[0135] Commercially available surfactants under various trademarks include, but are not limited to, Atlas G5000, TERMUL 5429, TERMUL 2510, ECOTERIC®, EULSOGEN® 118, Genapol® X, Genapol® OX-080, Genapol® C 100, Emulsogen® EL 200, Arlacel P135, Hypermer 8261, Hypermer B239, Hypermer B261, Hypermer B246sf, Solutol HS 15, Promulgen™ D, Soprophor 7961P, Soprophor TSP / 461, Soprophor TSP / 724, Croduret 40, Etocas 200, Etocas 29, Rokacet R26, Cetomacrogol 1000, CHEMONIC OE-20, Triton N-101, and Triton X-100, Tween 20, 40, 60, 65, 80, Span20, 40, 60, 80, 83, 85, 120, Brij®, Atlox 4912, Atlas G5000, TERMUL 3512, TERMUL3015, TERMUL 5429, TERMUL 2510, ECOTERIC®, ECOTERIC® T85, ECOTERIC® T20, TERIC12A4, EULSOGEN® 118, Genapol® B261, Hypermer B246sf, Solutol HS 15. Promulgen™ D, Soprophor 7961 P, Soprophor TSP / 461, Soprophor TSP / 724, Croduret 40, Etocas 200, Etocas 29, Rokacet R26, CHEMONIC OE-20, Triton™ N-101, IGEPAL CA-630 and Isoceteth-20.

[0136] However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known surfactants can be used without departing from the scope of this invention. Surfactants are commercially manufactured and available from various companies.

[0137] According to one embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition by weight.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the solvent used in the crop nutrition and fortification composition comprises a water-miscible solvent. Water-miscible solvents include, but are not limited to, one or more of 1,4-dioxane, ethylene glycol, glycerol, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 1,3-propanediol, 1,5-pentanediol, propylene glycol, triethylene glycol, 1,2-butanediol, 1,3-butanediol, 1,4-butanediol, dimethylformamide, dimethoxyethane, dimethyloctamide, and dimethyldecylamide, or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other water-miscible solvents may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. According to one embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 0.1-95% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 0.1-60% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 0.1-40% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the solvent is present in an amount of 0.1-30% w / w of the total composition weight.

[0139] According to one embodiment, dispersants used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions include, but are not limited to, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, lignin sulfonates, phenylnaphthalene sulfonates, alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts and ammonium salts of lignin sulfonic acid, lignin derivatives, dibutylnaphthalene sulfonic acid, alkyl aryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfates, alkyl sulfonates, fatty alcohol sulfates, fatty acids and sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, lauryl sulfate, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, polyoxyethylene styrene phenyl ether sulfates, their alkali metal salts, ammonium salts or amine salts, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene styrene phenyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters or polyoxyethylene sorbitol alkyl esters, naphthalene A mixture of sodium salts of sulfonylurea formaldehyde condensates and sodium salts of phenolsulfonate formaldehyde condensates; ethoxylated alkylphenols; ethoxylated fatty acids; alkoxylated linear alcohols; polyaryl sulfonates; sodium alkylaryl sulfonates; glycerides; ammonium salts of maleic anhydride copolymers; maleic anhydride copolymers; phosphate esters; condensation products of aryl sulfonic acids and formaldehyde; addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters; salts of addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters; sodium salts of isodecylsulfosuccinate half-esters; polycarboxylates; sodium alkylbenzene sulfonates; sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalene; sulfonated naphthalene; polyacrylates; sodium condensed phenolsulfonates; naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensates; sodium naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensates; tristyrylphenol ethoxylated phosphates; fatty alcohol ethoxylates; alkyl ethoxylates; EO-PO block copolymers; graft copolymers; ammonium salts of sulfonated naphthalene; and salts of polyacrylic acid.

[0140] Commercially available dispersants include Morwet D425 (sodium naphthalene formaldehyde condensate, Witco Corporation, USA), Morwet EFW (alkyl carboxylate sulfate and sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate), Tamol PP (sodium salt of phenol sulfonate condensate), Reax 80 (sodium lignin sulfonate), and Wettol D1 (sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, purchased from BASF). However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known dispersants can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The dispersants are commercially manufactured and available from various companies. According to one embodiment, the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the dispersant is present in an amount of 3% to 20% w / w of the total composition weight.

[0141] According to one embodiment, the wetting agent used in crop nutrient and fortification compositions includes, but is not limited to, one or more of phenol naphthalene sulfonate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium sulfonated alkyl carboxylate, polyoxyalkylated ethylphenol, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohol, polyoxyethoxylated fatty amine, lignin derivatives, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, polycarboxylate salts, sulfosuccinate salts, alkyl polyethylene glycol ether sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulfates, and alkyl sulfosuccinate monoesters. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known wetting agents can be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. The wetting agents are commercially manufactured and are available from various companies. According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition weight.

[0142] Emulsifiers used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions include, but are not limited to, Atlas G5000, TERMUF5429, TERMUF 2510, ECOTERIC®, EMULSOGEN®118, Genapol®X, Genapol®OX-080, Genapol®C, Emulsogen®EL 200, Arlacel P135, Hypermer 8261, Hypermer B239, Hypermer B261, Hypermer B246sf, Solutol HS 15, Promulgen™D, Soprophor 7961P, Soprophor TSP / 461, Soprophor TSP / 724, Croduret 40, Etocas 200, Etocas 29, Rokacet R26, CHEMONICOE-20, Triton™ N-101, and Tween. 20, 40, 60, 65, 80, Span20, 40, 60, 80, 83, 85, 120, Brij®, Triton™ Atlox 4912, Atlas G5000, TERMUL 3512, TERMUL 3015, TERMUL 5429, TERMUL2510, ECOTERIC®, ECOTERIC® T85, ECOTERIC® T20, TERIC 12A4, EULSOGEN® 118, Genapol® B239, Hypermer B261, Hypermer B246sf, Solutol HS 15, Promulgen™ D, Soprophor 7961 P, Soprophor TSP / 461, Soprophor TSP / 724, Croduret 40, Etocas 200, Etocas 29, Rokacet R26, CHEMONIC OE-20, Triton™ N-101, Tween 20, 40, 60, 65, 80 and Span 20, 40, 60, 80, 83, 85, 120 or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known emulsifiers or surfactants may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The emulsifiers are commercially manufactured and available from various companies. According to one embodiment, the emulsifier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition.According to one embodiment, the emulsifier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to another embodiment, the emulsifier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition by weight.

[0143] According to one embodiment, decomposing agents used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions include, but are not limited to, inorganic water-soluble salts, such as sodium chloride and nitrates; water-soluble organic compounds, such as agar, hydroxypropyl starch, carboxymethyl starch ether, astragalus gum, gelatin, casein, microcrystalline cellulose, croscarmellose sodium, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearates, cellulose powder, dextrin, methyl methacrylate copolymer, Polyplasdone® XL-10 (cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone), poly(vinylpyrrolidone), polyaminocarboxylic acid chelates, polyacrylate salts of methacrylic acid, starch-polyacrylonitrile graft copolymers, sodium bicarbonate or sodium bicarbonate / carbonate or mixtures thereof, or mixtures of salts and acids, such as citric acid and fumaric acid, or salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different decomposing agents can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The decomposing agents are commercially manufactured and available from various companies.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the decomposing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% w / w of the composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the decomposing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the decomposing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the decomposing agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the composition by weight.

[0145] According to one embodiment, the binder or adhesive used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions includes, but is not limited to, at least one of proteins, lipoproteins, lipids, glycolipids, glycoproteins, carbohydrates such as monosaccharides, disaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, complex organic compounds, synthetic organic polymers or derivatives, and combinations thereof. The binder also includes corn syrup, cellulose, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl propyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose; and cellulose. Starch; starch acetate, starch hydroxyethyl ether, ionic starch, long-chain alkyl starch, corn starch, potato starch, xanthan gum, glycogen, agar, gluten, alginic acid, fucoidan, gum arabic, guar gum, kalaya gum, astragalus gum, and locust bean gum. The binder or adhesive also includes complex organic substances such as phenylnaphthalene sulfonates, lignin and nitrated lignin, lignin derivatives such as lignin sulfonates, including calcium lignin sulfonate and sodium lignin sulfonate, and complex carbohydrate-based compositions containing organic and inorganic components (e.g., molasses). The adhesive also includes synthetic organic polymers such as ethylene oxide polymers or copolymers, propylene oxide copolymers, polyethylene glycol, polyethylene oxide, polyacrylamide, polyacrylates, polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyalkylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinyl acrylate, polyvinyl acetate, sodium polyacrylate, polylactic acid, polyethoxylated fatty acids, polyethoxylated fatty alcohols, latex or its salts, and derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different adhesives can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The adhesives are commercially manufactured and available from various companies.

[0146] According to another embodiment, the adhesive is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% w / w of the composition by weight. According to a further embodiment, the adhesive is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the composition by weight. According to a further embodiment, the adhesive is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the composition by weight. According to another embodiment, the adhesive is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the composition by weight.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the carrier used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions includes, but is not limited to, one or more solid carriers, fillers, or diluents. According to another embodiment, the carrier includes mineral carriers, plant carriers, synthetic carriers, and water-soluble carriers. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different carriers can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The carriers are commercially manufactured and available from various companies.

[0148] Solid carriers include natural minerals such as clay (e.g., kaolin), acidic clay, kaolinite (e.g., kaolinite, dickite, pearl clay, and halloysite), serpentine (e.g., chrysotile, lizardite, serpentine, and ironstone), synthetic diatomaceous earth, silica, montmorillonite minerals (e.g., sodium montmorillonite), montmorillonite (e.g., saponite, lithium montmorillonite, zinc montmorillonite, and zeolite), mica (e.g., pyrophyllite, talc, mica), mica, muscovite, pyroxene, sericite, and illite, silica such as cristobalite and quartz, attapulgite and sepiolite; dolomite, gypsum, tuff, vermiculite, lithium saponite, pumice, bauxite, hydrated alumina, calcined alumina, perlite, sodium bicarbonate, volcanic ash, vermiculite, limestone, natural and synthetic silicates; charcoal, silica The invention includes: wet silica, dry silica, calcined products of wet silica, surface-modified silica, mica, zeolite, diatomaceous earth, calcined alumina and its derivatives; chalk (Omya®), loose soil, loess, mirabilite, white carbon, quicklime, synthetic silica, starch, cellulose, rice husk, wheat flour, wood flour, starch, rice bran, wheat bran, as well as soybean flour, tobacco flour, vegetable flour, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinylidene chloride, methylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, sodium carboxymethylcellulose, propylene glycol alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, carboxyvinyl polymers, sodium caseinate, sodium chloride, salt cake, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, maleic acid, fumaric acid and malic acid or their derivatives or mixtures thereof. Commercially available silicates are Aerosil brand, Sipemat brand, such as 50S and CALFLO E, and kaolin 1777. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different solid carriers can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Solid carriers are commercially manufactured and available from a variety of companies.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 98% w / w of the composition by weight. According to another embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 80% w / w of the composition by weight. According to another embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the composition by weight. According to another embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the composition by weight. According to another embodiment, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the composition by weight.

[0150] According to one embodiment, anti-caking agents used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions include, but are not limited to, one or more polysaccharides, such as starch, alginic acid, poly(vinylpyrrolidone), fumed silica (white carbon), ester gum, petroleum resin, Foammaster® Soap L sodium stearate, Brij® 700 polyoxyethylene (100) stearate ether, Aerosol® OT-B sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, Silwet® L-77 silicone-polyether copolymer, sodium metasilicate, alkyl sulfosuccinate, sodium carbonate, or their bicarbonates, salts, or derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various anti-caking agents can be used without departing from the scope of this invention. Anti-caking agents are commercially manufactured and available from various companies.

[0151] According to one embodiment, defoamers or defoaming agents used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions include, but are not limited to, one or more of silica, siloxanes, silica dioxide, polydimethylsiloxane, alkyl polyacrylates, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymers, polyethylene glycol, silicone oils, and magnesium stearate or their derivatives. Optional defoamers include siloxane emulsions (e.g., SRE, Wacker, or Rhodiasil from Rhodia), long-chain alcohols, fatty acids, and fluorinated organic compounds. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known defoamers may be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0152] The defoamer is commercially produced and available from various companies. According to one embodiment, the defoamer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the defoamer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the defoamer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the defoamer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 1% w / w of the total composition by weight.

[0153] According to one embodiment, pH adjusters, buffers, or neutralizers used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions include organic or inorganic acids and bases, and mixtures thereof. According to another embodiment, pH adjusters, buffers, or neutralizers include, but are not limited to, organic acids, inorganic acids, and alkali metal compounds or salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof. According to one embodiment, organic acids include, but are not limited to, citric acid, malic acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid, or their salts or derivatives; and one or more mono-, di-, or ternary salts of these acids or their derivatives. Alkali metal compounds include alkali metal hydroxides such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide, alkali metal carbonates, alkali metal bicarbonates such as sodium bicarbonate, and alkali metal phosphates such as sodium phosphate, and mixtures thereof. According to one embodiment, inorganic acid salts include, but are not limited to, alkali metal salts such as lithium chloride, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, lithium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, lithium sulfate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc. Mixtures can also be used to produce pH adjusters, buffers, or neutralizers. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known pH adjusters, buffers, or neutralizers can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0154] pH adjusters, buffers, or neutralizers are commercially manufactured and available from various companies. According to one embodiment, the pH adjuster or buffer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the pH adjuster or buffer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the pH adjuster or buffer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the pH adjuster or buffer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 1% w / w of the total composition by weight.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the spreading agent used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions includes, but is not limited to, one or more of cellulose powder, cross-linked poly(vinylpyrrolidone), water-soluble salts of hemiester polystyrene sulfonic acid of polymers composed of polyols and dicarboxylic anhydrides, fatty acids, latex, aliphatic alcohols, vegetable oils (such as cottonseed) or inorganic oils, petroleum distillates, modified trisiloxanes, polyethylene glycol, polyethers, inclusion compounds, or their salts or derivatives. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known spreading agents can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The spreading agent is commercially produced and available from various companies. According to one embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 5% w / w of the total composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 1% w / w of the total composition by weight.

[0156] According to one embodiment, the adhesive used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions includes, but is not limited to, one or more of paraffin wax, polyamide resin, polyacrylate, polyoxyethylene, wax, polyvinyl alkyl ether, alkylphenol-formalin condensate, fatty acid, latex, fatty alcohol, vegetable oil (such as cottonseed) or inorganic oil, petroleum distillate, modified trisiloxane, polyethylene glycol, polyether, inclusion complex, synthetic resin emulsion, or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known adhesives can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The adhesives are commercially manufactured and available from various companies. According to one embodiment, the adhesive is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the adhesive is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the adhesive is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition weight.

[0157] According to one embodiment, stabilizers used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions include, but are not limited to, peroxide compounds such as hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides, alkyl nitrites such as ethyl nitrite, alkyl glyoxylates such as ethyl glyoxylate, zeolites, antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, amine compounds, sulfur compounds, phosphoric acid compounds, etc.; and ultraviolet absorbers such as salicylic acid compounds, benzophenone compounds, or derivatives thereof, one or more of these. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known stabilizers can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The stabilizers are commercially manufactured and available from various companies. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition weight.

[0158] According to one embodiment, preservatives used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions include, but are not limited to, one or more of fungicides, antifungals, biocides, antimicrobials, and antioxidants. Non-limiting examples of preservatives include benzoic acid and its esters and salts, p-hydroxybenzoic acid (p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters) and its esters and salts, propionic acid and its salts, salicylic acid and its salts, 2,4-adipic acid (sorbic acid) and its salts, formaldehyde and paraformaldehyde, 1,2-benzothiazolin-3-one, 2-hydroxydiphenyl ether and its salts, 2-zinc thiopyridine pyridine N-oxide, inorganic sulfites and bisulfites, sodium iodate, and chlorine. Butanol, dehydrated acetic acid, formic acid, 1,6-di(4-amil-2-bromophenoxy)-n-hexane and its salts, 10-undecenoic acid and its salts, 5-amino-1,3-bis(2-ethylhexyl)-5-methylhexahydropyrimidine, 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3-dioxane, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol, 2,4-dichlorobenzyl alcohol, N-(4-chlorophenyl)-N'-(3, 4-Dichlorophenyl)urea, 4-chloro-m-cresol, 2,4,4'-trichloro-2'-hydroxydiphenyl ether, 4-chloro-3,5-dimethylphenol, 1,1'-methylenebis(3-(1-hydroxymethyl-2,4-dioxaimidazoline-5-yl)urea), poly(hexamethylene diguanidine) chloride, 2-phenoxyethanol, hexamethylenetetramine, 1-(3-chloroallyl)-3,5,7-triaza-1-aza-adamantanoyl chloride, 1(4-chlorophenoxy)-1-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)-3,3-dimethyl-2-butanone, 1,3-bis(hydroxymethyl)-5,5-dimethyl-2,4-imidazolidinedione, benzyl alcohol, octopone, 1,2-dibromo-2,4-dicyanobutane, 2, 2'-Methylenebis(6-bromo-4-chlorophenol), bromochlorobenzene, dichlorobenzene, 2-benzyl-4-chlorophenol, 2-chloroacetamide, chlorhexidine, chlorhexidine acetate, chlorhexidine gluconate, chlorhexidine hydrochloride, 1-phenoxypropane-2-ol, N-alkyl(Cl2-C22)trimethylammonium bromide and its chloride, 4,4-dimethyl-1,3-oxazolidine, N-hydroxymethyl-N-(1,3-di(hydroxymethyl)-2,5-dioxoimidazoline-4-yl)-N'-hydroxymethylurea, 1,6-bis(4-amiylphenoxy)-n-hexane and its salts, glutaraldehyde, 5-ethyl-1-aza-3,7-dioxabicyclo(3.3).0) Octane, 3-(4-chlorophenoxy)propane-1,2-diol, imine, alkyl (C8-C18) dimethylbenzylammonium chloride, alkyl (C8-C18) dimethylbenzylammonium bromide, alkyl (C8-Cl8) dimethylbenzylammonium saccharin, benzyl hemiformaldehyde, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butylcarbamate, sodium hydroxymethylaminoacetate, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide, hexadecylpyridinium chloride and derivatives of 2H isothiazol-3-one (so-called isothiazolone derivatives) such as alkyl isothiazolones (e.g. 2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, MGG; 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one, CIT), benzisothiazolinones (e.g. 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3(2H)-one, BIT, available from ICI in Proxel® type) or 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-2H-isothiazolidin-3-one (MTIT), C1-C4 alkyl para-hydroxybenzoate, dichlorophenol, Proxel® from ICI or Acticide® RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon® MK from Rohm & Haas, Bacto-100, thimerosal, sodium propionate, sodium benzoate, propylparaben, sodium propylparaben, potassium sorbate, potassium benzoate, phenylmercuric nitrate, ethyl phenyl alcohol, sodium, ethylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, benzyl alcohol, benzyl chloride, hexadecylpyridinium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, 1,2-benzothiazolidin-3-one, Preventol® Lanxess®, butylated hydroxytoluene, organic potassium sorbate compounds, sorbitol iodide in the form of 3-bromo-2,3-diiodo-2-propenyl ethyl carbonate, 3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate, 2,3,3-triiodoallyl alcohol and p-chlorophenyl-3-iodopropynyl formaldehyde; benzimidazole compounds and benzothiazole compounds, such as 2-(4-thiazolyl)benzimidazole and 2-thiocyanomethylthiobenzothiazole; triazole compounds, such as 1-(2-(2',4'-dichlorophenyl)-1,3-dioxolane-2-ylmethyl)-1 H-1,2,4-triazole, 1-(2-(2',4'-dichlorophenyl)-4-propyl-1,3-dioxolane-2-ylmethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole and α-(2-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl)-α-(1,1-dimethylethyl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-1-ethanol; naturally occurring compounds, such as 4-isopropyltrothophenone (palmitol) and borax salts or derivatives thereof.

[0159] Antioxidants include, but are not limited to, one or more imidazoles and imidazole derivatives (e.g., urethane), 4,4'-thiobis-6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol, 2,6-di-tert-butyl-p-cresol (BHT), and pentaerythritol [3-(3,5'-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)]propionate; amine antioxidants, such as N,N′-di-2-naphthyl-p-phenylenediamine; quinoline antioxidants, such as 2,5-di(tert-amyl)hydroquinoline; and phosphorus-containing antioxidants, such as triphenyl phosphate, carotenoids, carotenes (e.g., α-carotene, β-carotene, lycopene) and their derivatives, lipoic acid and its derivatives (e.g., dihydrolipoic acid). Thioglucose, propylthiouracil and other thio compounds (e.g., thioglycerol), thiosorbitol, thioglycolic acid, thioredoxin and its glycosyl, N-acetyl, methyl, ethyl, propyl, pentyl, butyl, lauryl, palmitoyl, oleyl, g-linoleyl, cholesterol and glycerides) and their salts, dilauryl thiodipropionate, distearate thiodipropionate-salt, thiodipropionic acid and its derivatives (esters, ethers, lipids, nucleotides, nucleosides and their salts), and sulfinimide compounds (e.g., butylthionine sulfoxides, homocysteine ​​sulfinimides, butylthiosulfone, 5-,6-heptylthiosulfinylfoxomethylamine) at very low tolerated doses (e.g., pmol). / kg to pmol / kg), and metal chelating agents (e.g., α-hydroxy fatty acids, EDTA, EGTA, phytic acid, lactoferrin), α-hydroxy acids (e.g., citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid), humic acid, galactose (e.g., propyl, octyl and dodecyl galactose), unsaturated fatty acids and their derivatives, hydroquinone and its derivatives (e.g., arbutin), ubiquinone and ubiquinone and its derivatives, ascorbate palmitate, stearate, dipalmitate, acetate, magnesium ascorbate phosphate, sodium and magnesium ascorbate, disodium and sulfate ascorbate phosphate, potassium ascorbate tocopheryl phosphate, isoascorbic acid and its derivatives, benzoin resin coniferyl benzoate, rutin, rutinic acid and its derivatives, disodium rutin disulfide, dibutylhydroxytoluene, 4,4-thiobis-6-tert-butyl-3-methylphenol, butyl hydroxyanisole, p-octylphenol, mono(di or tri)methylbenzylphenol, 2,6- One or more of the following are permitted: tert-butyl-4-methylphenol, pentaerythritol tetra(3-(3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)propionate, butylated hydroxyanisole, guaiac acid, nordihydroguaiac acid, trihydroxybutylphenyl ketone, uric acid and its derivatives, mannose and its derivatives, selenium and selenium derivatives (e.g., selenomethionine), stilbene and stilbene derivatives (e.g., stilbene oxide and trans-styrene dioxide). However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known preservatives may be used without departing from the scope of this invention. These preservatives are commercially produced and available from various companies.

[0160] According to a further embodiment, the preservative, bactericide, antifungal agent, biocide, antimicrobial agent, or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition weight. According to a further embodiment, the preservative, bactericide, antifungal agent, biocide, antimicrobial agent, or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition weight. According to another embodiment, the preservative, bactericide, antifungal agent, biocide, antimicrobial agent, or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 5% w / w of the total composition weight. According to another embodiment, the preservative, bactericide, antifungal agent, biocide, antimicrobial agent, or antioxidant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 1% w / w of the total composition weight.

[0161] According to one embodiment, the structuring agent used in crop nutrition and fortification compositions includes one or more of thickeners, viscosity modifiers, viscous agents, suspending agents, rheology modifiers, or antisettling agents. The structuring agent prevents the sedimentation of active ingredient particles after prolonged storage.

[0162] According to one embodiment, the structural agent used in the liquid suspension composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more polymers, such as polyacrylic acids, polyacrylamide, polysaccharides, hydrophobically modified cellulose derivatives, copolymers of cellulose derivatives, carboxyvinyl or polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyethylene, polyethylene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol and its derivatives; clays, such as bentonite, kaolin, green clay, palygorskite, clays with high surface area silica, and natural gums, such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, astragalus gum, rhamnose gum, locust bean gum, carrageenan gum, vilan gum, magnesium aluminum silicate, gelatin, dextrin, collagen; polyacrylic acid and its sodium salt; condensation products of fatty alcohols with polyethylene oxide or polypropylene oxide and mixtures thereof. Glycol ethers, including ethoxylated alkylphenols (also known in the art as alkylaryl polyether alcohols); ethoxylated fatty alcohols (or alkyl polyether alcohols); ethoxylated fatty acids (or polyoxyethylene fatty acid esters); ethoxylated dehydrated sorbitol esters (or polyethylene sorbitan fatty acid esters) that are nonionic in alkaline solutions; long-chain amines and cyclic amine oxides; long-chain tertiary phosphine oxides; long-chain dialkyl sulfoxides; pyrolytic silica; mixtures of pyrolytic silica and pyrolytic alumina; swellable polymers; polyamides or their derivatives; polyols such as glycerol, polyvinyl acetate, sodium polyacrylate, polyethylene glycol; phospholipids (e.g., cephalin); stachyose, fructooligosaccharides, amylose, pectin, alginate, hydrocolloids, and mixtures thereof. Cellulose, such as hemicellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxymethyl ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl propyl cellulose, methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, etc. Starches, such as starch acetate, starch hydroxyethyl ether, ionic starch, long-chain alkyl starch, corn starch, amine starch, phosphate starch, and dialdehyde starch; plant starches, such as corn starch and potato starch; other carbohydrates, such as pectin, amylopectin, glycogen, agar, gluten, alginic acid, alginate, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known structuring agents can be used without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0163] Optional structural agents include one or more of xanthan gum, aluminum silicate, methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, polysaccharides, alkaline earth metal silicates, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol. These structural agents are commercially produced and available from various companies.

[0164] According to one embodiment, the structural agent is present in an amount of 0.01%-5% w / w of the composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the structural agent is present in an amount of 0.01%-4% w / w of the composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the structural agent is present in an amount of 0.01%-3% w / w of the composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the structural agent is present in an amount of 0.01%-2% w / w of the composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the structural agent is present in an amount of 0.01%-1% w / w of the composition by weight. According to one embodiment, the structural agent is present in an amount of 0.01%-0.1% w / w of the composition by weight.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the antifreeze or freezing point depressant used in the liquid suspension composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more polyols, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, butyrolactone, N,N-dimethylformamide, glycerol, mono- or polyols, ethylene glycol ethers, ethylene glycol monoethers (e.g., methyl, ethyl, propyl, and butyl ethers of ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, propylene glycol and dipropylene glycol, ethylene glycol diethers, such as methyl and ethylene glycol, ethyl diethers of diethylene glycol and dipropylene glycol, or urea, especially calcium chloride, isopropanol, propylene glycol monomethyl ether, di or tripropylene glycol monomethyl ether, or cyclohexanol. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different antifreeze agents can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Antifreeze agents are commercially manufactured and available from various companies.

[0166] According to one embodiment, the chelating agent, complexing agent, or sesquiterpene agent used in the liquid suspension composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more polycarboxylic acids, such as polyacrylic acid and various hydrolyzed poly(methyl vinyl ether / maleic anhydride); amino polycarboxylic acids, such as N-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, hypozinotriacetic acid (NTA), N,N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, N-hydroxyethyl-N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and N,N,N'N',N'-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; α-hydroxy acids, such as citric acid, tartaric acid, and gluconic acid; orthophosphates, such as trisodium phosphate, disodium phosphate, and monosodium phosphate; condensed phosphates, such as sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and sodium tetrapolyphosphate. 5-Sulfono-8-hydroxyquinoline; and 3,5-disulfocatechol, aminopolycarboxylic acids, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDPA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), ethylenediamine diacetate (EDDA), ethylenediamine di(o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) acid (EDDHA), cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CDTA), polyvinylamine polyacetic acid, lignin sulfonates, calcium salts, potassium salts, sodium salts and ammonium salts, fulvic acid, nitric acid, nucleic acids, humic acid, pyrophosphates, chelating resins such as iminodiacetic acid, etc., or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other chelating agents, complexing agents, or sesquiterpenes may be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Chelating agents, complexing agents, or sesquiterpenes are commercially produced and available from various companies.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the penetrant used in the liquid suspension composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of alcohols, glycols, ethylene glycol ethers, esters, amines, alkanolamines, amine oxides, quaternary ammonium compounds, triglycerides, fatty acid esters, fatty acid ethers, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide or dimethyl sulfoxide, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane monooleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane glycolate, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, and polyoxyethylene sorbitan hexaoleate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different penetrants can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. The penetrants are commercially manufactured and available from various companies.

[0168] According to one embodiment, the ultraviolet absorber is selected from, but not limited to, 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole, 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyl oxalic acid bisphenylamine, dimethyl-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine condensate of succinate, benzotriazole compounds, such as 2-(2'-hydroxy-5'-methylphenyl)benzotriazole and 2-(2'-hydroxy-4'-n-octoxyphenyl)benzotriazole; benzophenone compounds, such as 2-hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone and 2-hydroxy-4-n-octoxybenzophenone; and salicylic acid compounds, such as phenyl salicylate and p-tert-butyl phenyl salicylate. One or more of 2-ethylhexyl-2-cyano-3, 3-diphenyl acrylate, 2-ethoxy-2'-ethyl oxalate bisphenylamine, and dimethyl succinate-1-(2-hydroxyethyl)-4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine condensate or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different UV absorbers can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Such UV absorbers are commercially manufactured and available from various companies.

[0169] According to one embodiment, ultraviolet scattering agents, including titanium dioxide, can be used. However, those skilled in the art will understand that various ultraviolet scattering agents can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Such ultraviolet scattering agents are commercially manufactured and are available from various companies.

[0170] According to one embodiment, the humectant is selected from, but not limited to, one or more of polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene copolymers, particularly block copolymers, such as Synperonic PE series copolymers that may be derived from Uniqema and its salts and derivatives. Other humectants are propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, hexanediol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), glycerin, etc.; polyol compounds, such as propylene glycol ethers and their derivatives. Other humectants also include aloe vera gel, α-hydroxy acids such as lactic acid, egg yolk and egg white, triacetin, honey, lithium chloride, etc. The aforementioned nonionic surfactants are also used as humectants. However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known humectants can be used without departing from the scope of the invention. Humectants are commercially manufactured and available from various companies.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in the range of 0.1% to 90% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in the range of 0.1% to 70% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in the range of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in the range of 0.1% to 50% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in the range of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition weight. According to one embodiment, the wetting agent is present in the range of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition weight.

[0172] The inventors further determined that the compositions of the present invention surprisingly possess enhanced dispersibility, suspension, flowability, wetting time, good pourability, reduced viscosity, ease of handling, and reduced material loss during product handling during packaging and field application. Surprisingly, the inventors also determined that the crop nutrient and fortification compositions in liquid suspension and water-dispersible particulate forms exhibit superior efficacy at reduced dosages compared to prior art compositions.

[0173] The dispersibility of water-dispersible granular crop nutrient and fortification compositions is a measure of the percentage of dispersion. Dispersibility is calculated by the minimum percentage of dispersion. Dispersibility is defined as the ability of granules to disperse after being added to a liquid, such as water or a solvent. To determine the dispersibility of a granular composition according to the CIPAC, MT 174 test standard, a known amount of the granular composition is added to a defined volume of water and mixed by stirring to form a suspension. After standing for a short period of time, the top nine-tenths are removed, the remaining one-tenth is dried, and the dispersibility is determined by gravimetric analysis. This method is essentially a simplified test of suspension and is suitable for determining how easily a granular composition can be uniformly dispersed in water.

[0174] It can be observed that the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules exhibits almost instantaneous dispersibility, thus making the active ingredient readily applicable to crops. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a dispersibility of at least 40%. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a dispersibility of at least 50%. According to one embodiment, the water-dispersible granules have a dispersibility of at least 60%. According to one embodiment, the water-dispersible granules have a dispersibility of at least 70%. According to one embodiment, the water-dispersible granules have a dispersibility of at least 80%. According to one embodiment, the water-dispersible granules have a dispersibility of at least 90%. According to one embodiment, the water-dispersible granules have a dispersibility of at least 99%. According to one embodiment, the water-dispersible granules have a dispersibility of 100%.

[0175] According to one implementation, crop nutrient and fortification compositions in both water-dispersible granule and liquid suspension forms exhibit good suspension properties. Suspension property is defined as the amount of active ingredient suspended in a liquid column of a certain height after a given time, expressed as a percentage of the active ingredient content in the original suspension. The suspension property of water-dispersible granules can be tested according to the CIPAC manual "MT 184 Suspension Property Test" by preparing a suspension of the granule composition of known concentration in CIPAC standard water, placing it in a temperature-controlled graduated cylinder, and allowing it to remain undisturbed for a specified time. The top 9 / 10 is removed, and the remaining 1 / 10 is then determined by chemical, gravimetric analysis, or solvent extraction methods, and the suspension property is calculated.

[0176] The suspension viscosity of a liquid suspension is the amount of active ingredient remaining suspended in a liquid column of a certain height after a given time, expressed as a percentage of the active ingredient content in the original suspension. According to CIPAC, MT-161, this is achieved by preparing a 250 ml diluted suspension, placing it in a graduated cylinder under specified conditions, and removing nine-tenths of it. The remaining one-tenth is then analyzed by chemical, gravimetric, or solvent extraction methods, and the suspension viscosity is calculated.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the suspension degree of the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible particles and liquid suspension is at least 30%. According to one embodiment, the suspension degree of the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible particles and liquid suspension is at least 40%. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible particles and liquid suspension has a suspension degree of at least 50%. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible particles and liquid suspension has a suspension degree of at least 60%. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible particles and liquid suspension has a suspension degree of at least 70%. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible particles and liquid suspension has a suspension degree of at least 80%. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible particles and liquid suspension has a suspension degree of at least 90%. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible particles and liquid suspension has a suspension degree of at least 99%. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of liquid suspension has a suspension degree of 100%.

[0178] According to one implementation, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in water-dispersible granular form has virtually no hardness. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be assessed using hardness testers such as those offered by Shimadzu, Brinell Hardness Tester (AKB-3000 type), Mecmesin, Agilent, Vinsyst, Ametek, and Rockwell.

[0179] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in both water-dispersible particulate and liquid suspension forms exhibits excellent stability against heat, light, temperature, and agglomeration. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits stability for more than 3 years. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits stability for more than 2 years. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits stability for more than 1 year. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits stability for more than 10 months. According to a further embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits stability for more than 8 months. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits stability for more than 6 months. According to a further embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits stability for more than 3 months.

[0180] Wettability is a condition or state of wettability and can be defined as the degree to which a solid is wetted by a liquid, measured by the adhesive forces between the solid and liquid phases. The wettability of particulate compositions is tested using the standard CIPAC MT-53, which describes a procedure for determining the complete wetting time of a wettable formulation. A certain weight of the particulate composition can be dropped dropwise from a specified height into water in a beaker, and the time for complete wetting is determined. According to another embodiment, the water-dispersible particulate composition has a wettability of less than 2 minutes. According to another embodiment, the water-dispersible particulate composition has a wettability of less than 1 minute. According to another embodiment, the water-dispersible particulate composition has a wettability of less than 30 seconds.

[0181] According to one embodiment, a crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form passed a wet sieve retention test. This test is used to determine the amount of non-dispersible substances in a formulation used in water as a dispersion. The wet sieve retention values ​​of crop nutrient and fortification compositions in liquid suspension and water-dispersible particulate form can be measured using the standard CIPACTest MT-185, which describes a procedure for measuring the content of substances remaining on a sieve. The formulation sample is dispersed in water, the resulting suspension is transferred to a sieve and washed. The content of substances remaining on the sieve is determined by drying and weighing.

[0182] According to one embodiment, the wet sieve retention value of the crop nutrient and fortification composition on a 75-micron sieve is less than 10%. According to one embodiment, the wet sieve retention value of the crop nutrient and fortification composition on a 75-micron sieve is less than 7%. According to one embodiment, the wet sieve retention value of the crop nutrient and fortification composition on a 75-micron sieve is less than 5%. According to one embodiment, the wet sieve retention value of the crop nutrient and fortification composition on a 75-micron sieve is less than 2%.

[0183] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in liquid suspension form is not highly concentrated and is easily poured out. The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its ability to resist gradual deformation caused by shear or tensile stress.

[0184] The viscosity of the liquid suspension was determined (according to CIPAC MT-192). The sample was transferred to a standard measuring system. Measurements were performed under different shear conditions to determine the apparent viscosity. The liquid temperature was kept constant during the testing process. According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the aqueous suspension composition at 25°C is about 10 cps-1200 cps, making it pourable. According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the aqueous suspension composition at 25°C is about 10 cps-500 cps. According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the aqueous suspension composition at 25°C is about less than 500 cps. According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the aqueous suspension composition at 25°C is about 10 cps to about 400 cps. According to one embodiment, the viscosity of the aqueous suspension composition at 25°C is about 10 cps-300 cps. Crop nutrient and fortification compositions with a viscosity in the range of 10 cps-1200 cps are pourable. Compositions with excessively high viscosity and high concentration tend to form a cake, making them non-pourable, which is therefore undesirable.

[0185] According to one embodiment, crop nutrient and fortification compositions in both water-dispersible particulate and liquid suspension forms exhibit excellent stability in terms of suspension properties under accelerated storage conditions (ATS). According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits a suspension property greater than 90% under ATS. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits a suspension property greater than 80% under ATS. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits a suspension property greater than 70% under ATS. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits a suspension property greater than 60% under ATS. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits a suspension property greater than 50% under ATS. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits a suspension property greater than 40% under ATS. According to one embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition exhibits a suspension property greater than 30% under ATS.

[0186] According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for preparing crop nutrient and fortification compositions, the method comprising one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, elemental sulfur, and at least one dispersant in the form of water-dispersible particles. The crop nutrient and fortification compositions in the form of water-dispersible particles are prepared by a variety of techniques, such as spray drying, fluidized bed granulation, extrusion, freeze drying, etc.

[0187] According to one embodiment, a method for preparing an aqueously dispersible particulate composition includes milling a mixture of one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, elemental sulfur, and at least one dispersant to obtain a slurry or wet mixture, wherein the concentration of the boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, and mixtures is 0.1%-70% of the total composition weight; and the concentration of elemental sulfur ranges from 1%-90% of the total composition weight. Milling is performed using a suitable bead mill or wet milling equipment to obtain a particle size in the range of 0.1-20 micrometers. According to one embodiment, the milling step further includes optionally adding one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients to obtain a slurry. According to one embodiment, the mixing step may further optionally include one or more additional active ingredients selected from fertilizers, micronutrients, macronutrients, biostimulants, insecticidal active substances, or mixtures thereof. The resulting wet mixture is then dried, for example in a spray dryer, fluidized bed dryer, or any suitable granulation equipment to obtain granules. Following the spray drying process, sieving is performed to remove particles that are too small or too large to obtain particles of the desired size.

[0188] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrient and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules is also prepared by: dry milling one or more boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof; elemental sulfur; and at least one dispersant in an air mill or jet mill to obtain a desired particle size in the range of 0.1-20 micrometers, optionally in the range of 0.1-10 micrometers. Water is added to the dry powder, the mixture is mixed to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain granules of the desired size.

[0189] According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for preparing crop nutrient and fortification compositions in the form of liquid suspensions. According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for preparing liquid suspension compositions comprising one or more of boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, elemental sulfur, at least one agriculturally chemically acceptable excipient, and at least one structuring agent.

[0190] According to one embodiment, a method for preparing a liquid suspension composition includes homogenizing it by feeding one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients, such as surfactants, into a container equipped with a stirring device. Boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, along with elemental sulfur, are further added to the homogenized mixture, and stirring continues for approximately 5-10 minutes until the total mixture becomes homogeneous. The resulting liquid suspension is then passed through a suitable wet mill to obtain a suspension with a particle size of 0.1-20 micrometers, optionally 0.1-10 micrometers. A desired amount of a structuring agent is then added to the obtained suspension, and the liquid suspension composition is obtained under continuous homogenization.

[0191] According to one embodiment, the present invention further relates to the use of crop nutrient or fortification compositions as at least one of nutrient compositions, crop enhancer compositions, soil conditioner compositions, crop fortification, crop protection and yield-increasing compositions.

[0192] According to another embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for applying an effective amount of a crop nutrient and fortification composition, said crop nutrient and fortification composition comprising one or more of boron salts, their complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, elemental sulfur and pesticide excipients, wherein the particle size of the composition is in the range of 0.1-20 micrometers, and said composition is applied to seeds, seedlings, crops, plants, plant propagation material, their location, part or surrounding soil.

[0193] According to one embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method for improving soil fertility, plant health, and crop nutrition by promoting the absorption of essential nutrients, protecting plants, increasing plant yield, enhancing plants, or regulating soil. The method comprises treating seeds, seedlings, crops, plants, plant propagation material, their location, portions, or surrounding soil with an effective amount of a crop nutrient and fortifying composition, the composition comprising one or more of boron salts, their complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof; elemental sulfur; and at least one agriculturally chemically acceptable excipient having a particle size between 0.1 and 20 micrometers.

[0194] This composition can be applied by a variety of methods. Methods of application to the soil include any suitable method to ensure the composition penetrates the soil, such as application in seedling trays, furrow application, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, soil soaking, soil injection, top dressing, broad spreading, or incorporation into the soil. The composition can also be applied as a foliar spray. The application rate or dosage of the composition depends on the type of application, the boron and sulfur deficiency levels in the soil, the type of crop, or the specific active ingredient in the composition, but should ensure that the agrochemical active ingredient provides the desired effect (e.g., plant nutrient uptake activity, crop yield) at an effective content.

[0195] Preparation Examples The following examples illustrate the basic methods and versatility of the compositions of the present invention. It should be recognized that the specific parameters and scope disclosed herein can be changed, and many different ways of changing the disclosed variables may exist in the art. However, it should be noted that these preparation examples are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and it should be understood that, as shown in the specification and drawings, only alternative embodiments of these elements are disclosed herein. The invention should not be limited thereto, but should be interpreted in accordance with the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0196] A. Aqueous dispersible particulate composition of boron salt and elemental sulfur Example 1: Aqueous Dispersible Particulate Composition of 5% Calcium Borate and 90% Elemental Sulfur: 90 parts of elemental sulfur, 5 parts of calcium borate, and 5 parts of naphthalene sulfonate condensate were mixed together to obtain an additive mixture. The additive mixture was wet-milled using a suitable bead mill or wet milling equipment to obtain an average particle size of less than 20 micrometers. The resulting wet-milled slurry was then spray-dried at an inlet temperature of less than 170°C and an outlet temperature of less than 70°C, and then sieved to remove particles that were too small or too large, thereby obtaining an aqueous dispersible particulate composition comprising 90% elemental sulfur and 5% calcium borate. The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 less than 0.9 micrometers; D50 less than 3.5 micrometers; D90 less than 12 micrometers. The composition has almost no hardness. The particle size of the composition is in the range of 0.1-2.0 mm.

[0197] The composition exhibits 88% dispersibility and 99% suspension. The wet sieve retention value of the composition is 1%. The suspension of the composition under accelerated storage conditions is 88%. The composition also demonstrates wettability for 60 seconds. Particle hardness was observed to be minimal.

[0198] Example 2: A water-dispersible particulate composition of 70% zinc borate and 20% elemental sulfur. The water-dispersible particulate composition was prepared according to the method steps described in Example 1, wherein the composition comprises 70 parts zinc borate, 20 parts elemental sulfur, 5 parts phenylnaphthalene sulfonate, 3 parts sodium lignosulfonate and 2 parts kaolin.

[0199] The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 less than 0.4 micrometers; D50 less than 4.5 micrometers; D90 less than 10 micrometers. The particle size of the composition is in the range of 0.1-2.5 mm.

[0200] The composition exhibits 40% dispersibility and 30% suspension. The wet sieve retention value of the composition is 1.5%. The suspension under accelerated storage conditions is 25%. The composition also demonstrates wettability for 120 seconds.

[0201] Example 3: Aqueous dispersible particulate composition of 25% calcium borate and 50% elemental sulfur. The aqueous dispersible particulate composition was prepared according to the method steps described in Example 1, wherein the composition comprises 25 parts calcium borate, 50 parts elemental sulfur, 5 parts naphthalene sulfonic acid condensate, 8 parts sodium lignin sulfonate, and 12 parts precipitated silica.

[0202] The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 less than 1.5 micrometers; D50 less than 5 micrometers; D90 less than 15 micrometers. The particle size of the composition is in the range of 0.1-0.5 mm.

[0203] The composition exhibits a dispersibility of 80% and a suspension density of 86%. The wet sieve retention value is 0.7%. The suspension density of the composition under accelerated storage conditions is 80%. The composition also demonstrates wettability for 20 seconds. Particle hardness was observed to be minimal.

[0204] Example 4: Aqueous dispersible particulate composition of 25% sodium borate and 60% elemental sulfur. The aqueous dispersible particulate composition was prepared according to the method steps described in Example 1, wherein the composition comprises 25 parts sodium borate, 60 parts elemental sulfur, 9 parts naphthalene sulfonate condensate, and 6 parts kaolin.

[0205] The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 less than 1.0 micrometer; D50 less than 3 micrometers; D90 less than 18 micrometers. The particle size of the composition is in the range of 0.1-1.5 mm.

[0206] The composition exhibits 55% dispersibility and 60% suspension. It has a 1.2% wet sieve retention. Under accelerated storage conditions, the composition maintains 55% suspension. The composition also demonstrates a 5-second wettability.

[0207] Example 5: Aqueous dispersible granular composition of 60% disodium octaborate tetrahydrate and 25% elemental sulfur: The water-dispersible particulate composition prepared according to the method steps in Example 1, wherein the composition comprises 60 parts of disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, 25 parts of elemental sulfur, 10 parts of naphthalene sulfonate condensate and 5 parts of sodium lignin sulfonate.

[0208] The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 less than 0.6 micrometers; D50 less than 3.5 micrometers; D90 less than 9 micrometers. The particle size of the composition is in the range of 0.1-2.5 mm.

[0209] The composition has a dispersibility of 84% and a suspension of 92%. The wet sieve retention value of the composition is 0.6%. The suspension of the composition under accelerated storage conditions is 85%. The composition also exhibits wettability for 65 seconds and the particles have almost no hardness.

[0210] Example 6: A water-dispersible granular composition of 35% calcium borate, 10% elemental sulfur and 5% bifenthrin: A water-dispersible granular composition was prepared according to the method steps described in Example 1, wherein the composition comprises 35 parts calcium borate, 10 parts elemental sulfur, 5 parts bifenthrin, 15 parts naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 10 parts sodium lignin sulfonate and 25 parts kaolin.

[0211] The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 less than 2 micrometers; D50 less than 6 micrometers; D90 less than 18 micrometers. The particle size of the composition is in the range of 0.1 mm to 2.0 mm.

[0212] The composition has a dispersibility of 85% and a suspension of 85%. The wet sieve retention value of the composition is 0.9%. The suspension of the composition under accelerated storage conditions is 78%. The composition also exhibits wettability for 90 seconds.

[0213] B. Liquid suspension composition of boron salt and elemental sulfur: Example 7: Liquid suspension composition of 55% sulfur and 5% boric acid: A liquid suspension composition was prepared by mixing 5 parts boric acid, 55 parts elemental sulfur, and 7.1 parts sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate. The mixture was homogenized in water by feeding these components into a vessel equipped with a stirrer to obtain a homogeneous mixture. The obtained mixture was passed through a suitable wet mill to obtain a suspension with a particle size less than 20 micrometers. Then, 3 parts gum arabic were added continuously and uniformly as a structuring agent to obtain the liquid suspension composition. This composition contains 29.9 parts water. The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 less than 0.8 micrometers; D50 less than 4 micrometers; D90 less than 13 micrometers.

[0214] The sample had a suspension degree of approximately 98% and a viscosity of approximately 450 cps. Under accelerated storage conditions, the sample had a suspension degree of 90%.

[0215] Example 8: A liquid suspension composition of 5% elemental sulfur and 55% boron phosphate: The liquid suspension composition was prepared by the same process steps as described in Example 7, wherein the composition comprises 55 parts boron phosphate, 5 parts elemental sulfur, 8 parts sodium phenylnaphthalene sulfonate, 4 parts sodium lignosulfonate, 1 part formaldehyde, 2.5 parts carboxymethyl cellulose, and 24.5 parts glycerol. The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 < 0.5 μm; D50 < 4.0 μm; D90 < 12 μm.

[0216] The sample had a suspension degree of approximately 30% and a viscosity of approximately 1200 cps. Under accelerated storage conditions, the sample had a suspension degree of 25%.

[0217] Example 9: Liquid suspension composition of 10% elemental sulfur and 50% zinc borate: The liquid suspension composition was prepared by the same process steps as described in Example 7, wherein the composition comprises 50 parts zinc borate, 10 parts elemental sulfur, 3 parts phenylnaphthalene sulfonate, 4 parts gum arabic, and 33 parts water. The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 less than 1 micrometer; D50 less than 3.5 micrometers; D90 less than 18 micrometers.

[0218] The sample had a suspension degree of approximately 90% and a viscosity of approximately 250 cps. Under accelerated storage conditions, the sample had a suspension degree of 82%.

[0219] Example 10: A liquid suspension composition of 60% elemental sulfur and 5% disodium octaborate tetrahydrate: The liquid suspension composition was prepared according to the same process steps as described in Example 7, wherein the composition comprises 5 parts disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, 60 parts elemental sulfur, 10 parts naphthalenesulfonic acid condensate, 5 parts sodium lignosulfonate, and 20 parts propylene glycol. The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 < 1.4 μm; D50 < 5 μm; D90 < 15 μm.

[0220] The sample had a suspension density of approximately 85% and a viscosity of approximately 500 cps. Under accelerated storage conditions, the sample had a suspension density of 80%.

[0221] Example 11: Liquid suspension composition of 35% sulfur and 30% zinc borate: The liquid suspension composition was prepared by following the same process steps as described in Example 8, wherein the composition comprises 30 parts zinc borate, 35 parts elemental sulfur, 5 parts naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 5 parts sodium lignosulfonate, and 25 parts propylene glycol. The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 less than 1.4 micrometers; D50 less than 5 micrometers; D90 less than 15 micrometers.

[0222] The sample had a suspension density of approximately 85% and a viscosity of approximately 500 cps. Under accelerated storage conditions, the sample had a suspension density of 80%.

[0223] Example 12: Liquid suspension composition of 30% elemental sulfur and 35% boron trioxide: The liquid suspension composition was prepared by the same process steps as described in Example 8, wherein the composition comprises 35 parts boron trioxide, 30 parts elemental sulfur, 10 parts naphthalene sulfonate condensate, 1 part 1,2-benzothiophene-oxazoline-3-one, 1.5 parts carboxymethyl cellulose as a structuring agent, and 22.5 parts water. The composition has the following particle size distribution: D10 less than 1.5 micrometers; D50 less than 3 micrometers; D90 less than 16 micrometers.

[0224] The sample had a suspension density of approximately 75% and a viscosity of approximately 650 cps. Under accelerated storage conditions, the sample had a suspension density of 68%. Example 13: A liquid suspension composition of 30% elemental sulfur, 15% sodium borate, and 4% bifenthrin: The liquid suspension composition was prepared by following the same process steps as described in Example 7, wherein the composition comprises 15 parts sodium borate, 30 parts elemental sulfur, 4 parts bifenthrin, 1.5 parts 1,2-benzothiophene-3-one, 0.5 parts gum arabic, and 49 parts water. The particle size distribution of the composition is approximately D10 less than 0.3 micrometers; D50 less than 2.5 micrometers; and D90 less than 10 micrometers.

[0225] The sample had a suspension degree of approximately 70% and a viscosity of approximately 400 cps. Under accelerated storage conditions, the sample had a suspension degree of 60%.

[0226] field research Experiment 1: A field study was conducted to evaluate the synergistic effect of the aqueous dispersible particulate composition and liquid suspension composition of elemental sulfur and calcium borate according to an embodiment of the present invention in a commercially cultivated tomato field in Nashik, Maharashtra.

[0227] Field experimental methods: Experimental sites were selected based on the possibility of boron deficiency symptoms in tomato crops and locations where the boron content in the soil was below the deficit level.

[0228] The experiment was conducted in the fall harvest season using a randomized block design (RBD), with six treatments and a control group (untreated) replicated four times. Each treatment maintained a plot size of 40 square meters (8m x 5m). The compositions evaluated included individual sulfur and calcium borate, as well as different formulations including combinations of sulfur and boron, with sulfur and boron applied at the same dosage in each treatment. The compositions were applied by bending / side-down placement, just before the tomato crop flowering stage. The tomato crop in the experimental field was grown according to good agricultural practices. Tomato seeds, Veer 2182 variety, were used for the study and planted at a row spacing of 120 cm and a plant spacing of 45 cm. Details of the experiment are as follows: Experimental details a) Experimental site: Najik Aduan (MH) b) Crop: Tomato (Variety: Veer 2182) c) Experimental season: Autumn 2018 d) Experimental Design: Randomized Block Design e) Repeat four times f) Process six times g) Plot size: 8m x 5m = 40 square meters h) Application date: 01.09.2018 i) Application method: Bent / sideways placement j) Transplantation date: 04.08.2018 k) Material requisition dates: First time - October 23, 2018; Second time - October 27, 2018; Third time - November 4, 2018; Fourth time - November 10, 2018 Fifth time - November 16, 2018; Sixth time - November 22, 2018 The fruit set percentage was observed by marking newly opened flowers weekly and counting the number of flowers marked after one week. Fruit was harvested six times, weighed each time. Cracked or deformed tomatoes were removed, and the remaining fruit was counted from 100. Fifty fruits were randomly selected from each plot and placed on a well-ventilated table at room temperature (25°C ± 2) to assess their shelf life. Table 1 presents the average data for all observations to illustrate the effects of individual sulfur and calcium borate, in water-dispersible granular and liquid suspension forms, and combinations thereof, and other known tablets on tomato yield and other parameters according to embodiments of the invention.

[0229] Table 1: Evaluation of the synergistic effects of different sulfur and calcium borate formulations in commercially cultivated tomato fields: * indicates the percentage increase in production. The selected boron salt and the concentration used are exemplary and can be replaced by other boron salts with different concentrations as required by the present invention.

[0230] The data observed in Table 1 lead to the conclusion that compositions T5 and T6 according to embodiments of the present invention exhibit synergistic behavior.

[0231] For a combination of two active substances (e.g., sulfur and calcium borate), the expected percentage increase in production is calculated as follows: E = X + Y - (XY / 100) in, E = the expected effect of mixing two products X and Y at a specified dosage.

[0232] X = % of the observed effect of product A (treatment T2) Y = % of the observed effect of product B (treatment T1) The synergy factor (SF) is calculated using the Abbott formula (Formula (2) (Abbott, 1925)).

[0233] SF = Observed effect / Expected effect Where SF > 1 indicates a synergistic effect; SF < 1 indicates an antagonistic effect; and SF = 1 indicates an additive effect.

[0234] When the observed percentage increase in yield of a combination equals the expected percentage, only an additive effect can be inferred; where the observed percentage increase in yield of a combination is less than the expected percentage, an antagonistic effect can be inferred. The term "synergistic effect" was defined by Colby SR in Weeds, 1967, 15, pp. 20-22, in his paper entitled "Calculation of synergistic and antagonistic effects of herbicide combinations." A synergistic effect can be inferred when the observed percentage (E) of the yield effect of a combination is greater than the expected percentage.

[0235] Based on the data and calculations, the expected percentage increase in fruit yield was found to be 18.1%. As can be clearly seen from Table 1 above, according to the embodiments of the present invention, treatment T5 with a 50% sulfur + 20% calcium borate (B-1.815%) water-dispersible granular composition showed a 21.1% increase in tomato fruit yield. According to the embodiments of the present invention, treatment T6 with a 25% sulfur + 10% calcium borate (B-0.907%) suspension concentrate showed a 19% increase in tomato yield.

[0236] However, the yield of T4 tomatoes treated with 50% sulfur + 20% calcium borate (B-18.55%) tablets increased by only 7.9%. Therefore, according to embodiments of the invention, T5 and T6, treated with water-dispersible granules and liquid suspension compositions respectively, showed a synergistic effect compared to treatments using only the active ingredient or tablet composition. The results were even more surprising because all treatments T4-T6 applied the same dosage of sulfur and boron to the soil, i.e., 2500 g / acre of sulfur and 90.8 g / acre of boron.

[0237] Compared to treatment T4 (fruit yield of 339.6 quintals / acre), treatment T2 (fruit yield of -348.4 quintals / acre) using calcium borate water-dispersible granules, and treatment T6 (fruit yield of -340.9 quintals / acre) using 90% WDG sulfur (fruit yield of -340.9 quintals / acre), the highest fruit yields of treatments T5 and T6 were approximately 381.2 quintals / acre and 374.7 quintals / acre, respectively.

[0238] As can also be seen from Table 1, compared with treatments T2 and T3 using calcium borate and sulfur alone, and treatment T4 using 50% sulfur + 20% calcium borate (Bl. 85%) tablets, treatments T5 and T6 using the composition according to an embodiment of the invention showed a surprising reduction in fruit cracking points and also showed an extended shelf life, wherein sulfur and boron were applied in the same dosage in each treatment. Therefore, according to an embodiment of the invention, the combination of sulfur and boron salts in the form of water-dispersible granules and suspended concentrates is inherently synergistic and shows a surprising increase in yield and improvement in plant physiological parameters.

[0239] Compared to treatments involving the application of the active ingredient alone, or to a combination of sulfur and calcium borate tablets, the compositions according to embodiments of the present invention exhibit increased greenness and improved fruit size and color in tomatoes.

[0240] Experiment 2: Field trials were conducted to investigate the effects of different concentrations of various sulfur (S) + boron salt formulations, including compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, calcium borate, boron trioxide, and boron phosphate, on sulfur and boron uptake in leaves, total soluble solids (Burley's content), average fruit weight, plant dry weight, and marketable fruit yield. The experiments were conducted in commercially grown tomato fields in Idar, Gujarat.

[0241] This experiment was conducted in the fall harvest season using a randomized block design (RBD) with 10 treatments, including an untreated control, replicated three times. Each treatment maintained a plot size of 40 square meters (8m x 5m). At flowering time of the tomato crop, prescribed doses of sulfur and combinations of various salts in different forms and concentrations were applied as side / head applications. Tomato crops were planted in the experimental fields following good agricultural practices. Tomato seeds (variety Avinash) were used for the study, planted at a row spacing of 120 cm and a plant spacing of 45 cm.

[0242] Experimental details a) Trial location: Idar, Gujarat b) Crop: Tomato (Variety: Avinash) c) Experimental season: Autumn 2018 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: three f) Processing: Ten g) Plot area: 8m x 5m = 40 square meters h) R x P spacing: 120cm x 45cm h) Transplantation date: July 27, 2018 i) Application date: August 20, 2018 j) Application method: Place sideways / bent over the surface k) Harvest dates: First harvest - October 3, 2018; Second harvest - October 11, 2018; Third time - October 16, 2018; Fourth time - October 22, 2018 Fifth time - October 28, 2018; Sixth time - November 4, 2018 Twenty days after application, leaf samples were collected from the top four leaves of tomato plants to observe the sulfur and boron nutrient content in the leaves. The absorbed concentrations of sulfur and boron were analyzed in the laboratory using prescribed methods. At the second harvest, total soluble solids (TSS) and average fruit weight were analyzed from 10 fruits from each plot; the average values ​​for the 10 fruits are listed in Table 2. At the final harvest, plant dry weight was measured, with six harvests and weighing at each time. Table 2 lists the average data for all observations to illustrate the effects of different formulations and concentrations of sulfur and boron combinations on tomato yield and other parameters.

[0243] Table 2: Effects of different formulations and concentrations of sulfur and boron salts on tomatoes: As observed in Table 2, compared to untreated plants, according to embodiments of the present invention, treatment with different concentrations of sulfur and boron salts in water-dispersible granule form for treatments T1, T2, and T3 showed increases in tomato fruit yield of 11%, 15.6%, and 13.1%, respectively. Furthermore, according to embodiments of the present invention, treatments T7, T8, and T9 using different concentrations of sulfur and boron salts in suspension concentrate form showed tomato fruit yields exceeding those of the untreated control, increasing by 9.2%, 11.9%, and 10.3%, respectively. On the other hand, it was observed that treatment with sulfur and boron salts in tablet form at different concentrations known in the art (treatments T4, T5, and T6) resulted in tomato fruit yields exceeding those of the untreated control, increasing by only 1.5%, 3.3%, and 3.5%, respectively.

[0244] It was also observed that, according to embodiments of the invention, treatments T1, T2, T3, T7, T8, and T9 with the composition showed an unexpectedly significant increase in the sulfur and boron content of tomatoes. At the same treatment dosage, the dry weight and average fruit weight of tomatoes were significantly increased compared to the untreated control, or compared to sulfur-boron treatments in known tablet forms (treatments T4, T5, and T6).

[0245] Furthermore, when comparing treatments T1, T4, and T7, according to embodiments of the invention, it was observed that treatments T1 and T7, using the sulfur and boron phosphate composition in the form of water-dispersible granules and suspension concentrate, showed yield increases of 11% and 9%, respectively, compared to the untreated control, while treatment T4, using the sulfur and boron phosphate composition in tablet form, showed a yield increase of 1.5%. For treatments T1 and T7, using the composition according to the invention, boron absorption was approximately 37.34 mg / kg and 38.07 mg / kg, respectively, while for treatment T4 using the sulfur and boron phosphate tablet composition, boron absorption was only approximately 21.51 mg / kg. These results are surprising because the amounts of sulfur and boron applied in each treatment T1, T4, and T7 were the same, i.e., 2500 g / acre of sulfur and 76.65 g / acre of boron.

[0246] It was also observed that, according to embodiments of the invention, the sulfur absorption of compositions T1 and T7 treated with sulfur and boron phosphate was about 12.17 g / kg and 11.52 g / kg, respectively, while that of T4 (tablet composition) was only about 6.64 g / kg.

[0247] Furthermore, when comparing treatments T2, T5, and T8, it was observed that treatments T2 and T8, which used sulfur and calcium borate in the form of water-dispersible particles and suspended concentrates, both showed increased yields of 15.6% and 11.9%, respectively, compared to the untreated control, while treatment T5 (an ingot composition of sulfur and calcium borate) only increased yields by 3.3%.

[0248] Further observation revealed that, compared to the treatment of T5 with sulfur and calcium borate tablets, the calcium absorption was also improved in the treatments of T2 and T8 with sulfur and calcium borate in the form of water-dispersible particles and suspended concentrates according to the present invention.

[0249] Treatments T2 and T8 with the composition according to the invention showed boron absorption of 44.82 and 41.44 mg / kg, respectively, while treatment T5 (a tablet composition of sulfur and calcium boric acid) showed only 24.64-41.44 mg / kg of boron absorption. Further treatments T2 and T8 also showed higher sulfur absorption compared to treatments with the tablet composition. According to embodiments of the invention, further treatments T3 and T9 with a sulfur and boron trioxide aqueous dispersible granule and suspension concentrate composition also showed increased boron and sulfur absorption by the plant compared to treatment T6 with a tablet composition of sulfur and boron trioxide. The results are even more surprising because each treatment comparison, for example, T1, T4, and T7 or T2, T5, and T8 or T3, T6, and T9, has the same dosage of sulfur and boron.

[0250] Therefore, according to the present invention, compositions of sulfur and boron salts at different concentrations in the form of water-dispersible particles and suspension concentrates exhibit significantly higher tomato yields and nutrient absorption compared to compositions in tablet form.

[0251] It was observed that, in addition to the boron salts listed in the table above, other boron salts claimed in this application also exhibit synergistic effects with elemental sulfur within the concentration range required by this invention.

[0252] Experiment 3: A field study was conducted to evaluate the synergistic effects of sulfur and zinc borate in different formulations used alone and in combination as particulate, liquid suspension, and tablet forms, respectively, according to the present invention. This field study was conducted in a commercially grown vineyard located in Najik Aduan (MH).

[0253] Field experimental methods The experiment was conducted in winter using a randomized block design (RBD), with six treatments administered, including an untreated control, and replicated four times. Six vines were maintained after each treatment. The compositions evaluated included individual sulfur and zinc borate applied immediately after forward pruning as a lateral / bending application, as well as different formulations and concentrations of sulfur and zinc borate. Grapevines were planted in the experimental field following good agricultural practices. Five-year-old Thomson seedless grapevines were used in the study.

[0254] Experimental details a) Experiment location: Najik Aduan (MH) b) Crop: Grapes (Variety: Thomson Seedless) c) Experimental season: October 2018 to February 2019 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: Four f) Processing: Six g) Plot area: 2.4m x 9m = 21.6 sq.m h) Pruning date: 02.10.2018 i) Application date: 04.10.2018 j) Application method: Bent / sideways placement k) Harvest date: 08.03.2019 At harvest, observations of fruit size, bunch size, berry sugar content, and grape yield were recorded. The average data are listed in Table 5 to illustrate the effects of combinations of sulfur and zinc borate, as well as different formulations and concentrations, on the yield of commercially grown grapes.

[0255] Table 3: Effects of sulfur and zinc borate on grapes Synergistic effect As can be seen from the table above, compared with the untreated control, the compositions of treatment T5 (40% sulfur + 40% zinc borate (B-2.756%) water-dispersible granules) and treatment T6 (20% sulfur + 20% zinc borate (B-1.378%) suspension concentrate) according to the present invention showed an increase in fruit yield of approximately 17.3% and 16%, respectively, while the tablets of treatment T4 (40% sulfur + 40% zinc borate (B-2.756%)) showed an increase in yield of only 11%.

[0256] The expected yield increase for all applied treatments was found to be 15.9%. Therefore, when comparing the treatments listed in the table above, it is noted that the sulfur and boron salts in the water-dispersible particulate and suspended concentrate forms according to the invention exhibit a synergistic effect, resulting in a significantly higher yield compared to mixtures of sulfur and boron salts in tablet form.

[0257] Further observations revealed that, according to embodiments of the present invention, using the compositions treated with T5 and T6, the bunch weight of grape berries and the sugar content in grape berries were significantly higher than those of the untreated control or the tablet composition treated with T4.

[0258] Therefore, it is shown that the water-dispersible granular and suspension concentrate forms of sulfur and zinc borate compositions prepared according to embodiments of the present invention exhibit significantly improved yields and other plant parameters, while requiring lower application doses to meet the plant's nutrient requirements for sulfur and boron.

[0259] Experiment 4: Field studies were also conducted to evaluate the effects of different formulations of various sulfur and boron salts (including compositions according to embodiments of the invention) at different concentrations on yield and yield contribution parameters in commercially grown vineyards in Nashik, Maharashtra.

[0260] Field trials were conducted to investigate the effects of formulations of different concentrations of sulfur and boron salts, such as zinc borate, calcium borate, and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, including compositions according to embodiments of the invention, on grape yield and quality parameters. The trials were conducted in winter using a randomized block design (RBD) with 10 treatments, including an untreated control, repeated three times. For each treatment, six vine bushes were maintained. Test samples of the prescribed doses of the zinc borate and sulfur composition were applied immediately after positive pruning of the vines, using a lateral / bending method. Grapes were planted in the experimental field following good agricultural practices. The Thomson seedless grape variety was used in the study.

[0261] Experimental details a) Trial location: Nashik, Maharashtra b) Crop: Grapes (Variety: Thomson Seedless) c) Experimental season: October 2018 to March 2019 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: three f) Processing: Ten g) Plant / treatment quantity: six grapevine bushes h) Plot area: 2.4m x 9m = 21.6 square meters h) Sowing date: October 14, 2018 i) Application date: October 16, 2018 j) Application method: Applying by bending / sideways k) Harvest date: March 15, 2019 Table 4: Effects of different concentrations of sulfur (S) and various boron salts on grape yield and yield-contributing factors *-% Increase or decrease relative to control As observed in Table 4, compared with untreated plants, treatments T1, T2, and T3 with different concentrations of water-dispersible granular sulfur and boron, according to the embodiments of the present invention, showed a significant increase in fruit yield of grape plants. Furthermore, compared with the untreated control, treatments T7, T8, and T9 with different concentrations of suspensions of sulfur and boron, according to the present invention, showed an increase in fruit yield.

[0262] When comparing treatments T1, T4, and T7, it was observed that treatments T1 and T7, using the composition of sulfur and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate according to the present invention, showed yield increases of approximately 13.8% and 14.8%, respectively, compared to the untreated control. Treatment T4, using the tablet composition of sulfur and disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, showed a yield increase of only 4.2% compared to the untreated control. For treatments T1 and T7 using the composition of the present invention, sulfur absorption was approximately 9.23 g / kg and 8.72 g / kg, respectively, while for treatment T4 (tablet composition), sulfur absorption was only 3.77 g / kg.

[0263] Furthermore, boron absorption was observed to be approximately 31.22 g / kg and 29.53 g / kg in treatments T1 and T7, respectively, with water-dispersible particles and suspended concentrates according to the present invention, while boron absorption was only approximately 19.52 g / kg in treatment T4, which has an tablet composition.

[0264] Furthermore, when comparing treatments T2, T5, and T8, it was observed that treatments T2 and T8 (containing the composition according to the invention) showed an increase in yield of approximately 17.7% and 15.9% compared to the untreated control, while treatment T5, containing the tablet composition, showed an increase in yield of only 7.5%. For treatments T2 and T8, containing water-dispersible particles and suspended concentrate according to the invention, sulfur absorption was approximately 9.82 g / kg and 9.5 g / kg, respectively, while for treatment T5, sulfur absorption was only approximately 4.12 g / kg. Meanwhile, it was observed that boron absorption was approximately 34.82 g / kg and 30.04 g / kg for treatments T2 and T8, respectively, while for treatment T5 it was approximately 20.31 g / kg.

[0265] Furthermore, compared with the tablet composition for treating T6, the treatment of T3 and T9 with the composition according to the invention showed an increase in yield of only 10.1% and 12.9%, respectively, and an increase in T6 yield of only 5.2%.

[0266] Furthermore, compared with treatments using the tablet composition, treatments T1 to T3 and treatments T7 to T9 using the composition according to embodiments of the invention also showed an increase in sugar content in the berries.

[0267] Compared to treatment T5 using the tablet composition, treatments T2 and T8, according to embodiments of the invention, using water-dispersible granules of sulfur and calcium borate and a suspension concentrate, respectively, also showed increased calcium absorption by plants. Furthermore, compared to treatment T6 using the tablet composition, treatments T3 and T9, according to embodiments of the invention, using water-dispersible granules of sulfur and zinc borate and a suspension concentrate, respectively, showed increased zinc absorption by plants.

[0268] The results were even more surprising because each comparative treatment, such as T1 and T7 (the compositions of the present invention) versus T4 (the tablet compositions); T2 and T8 (the compositions of the present invention) versus T5 (the tablet compositions); and T3 and T9 (the compositions of the present invention) versus T6 (the tablet compositions), had the same dosage of sulfur and boron.

[0269] Therefore, according to the embodiments of the present invention, sulfur and boron salts in water-dispersible particulate form and suspended concentrate form... Compared to sulfur and boron salt compositions in tablet form, the yield is significantly increased, and the absorption of boron and sulfur is enhanced, resulting in a synergistic effect.

[0270] Experiment 5: Field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of different formulations of 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate (B-2.272%) compositions on the availability of sulfur and boron nutrients in soil.

[0271] Pot test method: Pot experiments were conducted to observe the effects of different formulations of 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate (B-2.272%) compositions on the availability of sulfur and boron nutrients in the soil over a period of time.

[0272] The soil basins were filled with two kilograms of sandy soil, divided into five groups, and sampled at 3, 20, 40, 60, and 80 days, with three treatments and three replicates. Three different formulations of sulfur and calcium borate were used: T1 – 5% sulfur + 25% calcium borate (B-2.272%) tablets, T2 – 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate (B-2.272%) water-dispersible granules, and T3 – 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate (B-2.272%) suspension concentrate. For each treatment, 2 grams were measured, carefully replicated, poured into their respective treatment basins, and thoroughly mixed. The experimental basins were maintained at 25°C and kept adequately moist throughout the experiment. 100g samples were taken from the first treatment group (i.e., 3 days after treatment) to assess the availability of sulfur and boron in the soil at 3 days. Similarly, soil samples were taken from the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th pots at 20 days, 40 days, 60 days and 80 days, respectively.

[0273] The relative utilization rates of sulfur and boron nutrients during different treatment processes were evaluated and displayed. Figure 1A and Figure 1B In order to assess the utilization rate of sulfur and boron nutrients over a period of time.

[0274] from Figure 1A and Figure 1B As can be seen from the figures, compared to the treatment of T1 with 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate (B-2.272%) tablets, as known in the art, the treatment of T2 with 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate (B-2.272%) water-dispersible granules and T3 with 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate (B-2.272%) suspension concentrate, according to the present invention, showed a significant increase in the uptake of boron and sulfur in the soil samples. It is noteworthy that sulfur and boron are readily available to crops, while tablets require relatively more time to meet the nutritional needs of crops. Figure 1A and Figure 1B It can be seen that sulfur and boron can be taken up immediately after application in the form of water-dispersible particles or suspension concentrates, while the tablets release very little sulfur and boron only three days after application.

[0275] Experiment 6: A field study was conducted to investigate the effects of different formulations of sulfur and calcium borate on the control of wheat yellow rust (caused by wheat stripe rust fungus Westend var. tritici).

[0276] Field experimental methods: A field trial was conducted to observe the effects of different formulations of sulfur + calcium borate on the control of yellow rust (caused by the wheat stripe rust fungus *Westend var. tritici*) in Kanar, Haryana. The trial was conducted in winter using a randomized block design (RBD) with six treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times. Each treatment maintained a plot size of 30 square meters (6m x 5m). The test compounds, sulfur and calcium borate alone, and their combinations, were applied to the soil at the first irrigation of the wheat (25 days after sowing), at prescribed doses. Wheat was planted in the experimental field following good agricultural practices. Seeds of the yellow rust-prone wheat variety PBW 343 were used for the study, planted at a row spacing of 30 cm and a plant spacing of 10 cm. Yellow rust inoculum was sprayed onto the wheat crop throughout the treatment areas (including the untreated area in mid-January) to ensure even disease coverage.

[0277] Experimental details a) Experiment location: Kanar, Haryana b) Crop: Wheat (Variety: PBW 343) c) Experimental season: Winter 2018 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: Four f) Processing: Six g) The plot area is 6m x 5m = 30 square meters. h) Sowing date: November 4, 2018 i) Application date: November 30, 2018 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: April 19, 2019 Using a modified Cobb's 0-9 rating scale (Peterson et al., 1948), the severity of yellow rust was recorded as a percentage at regular intervals of 50, 75, and 100 days after treatment.

[0278] Table 5 lists the average data for plant mortality rate and disease control rate.

[0279] Disease control (%) = (CT) / C * 100 Where C = disease incidence in the control group; T = disease incidence in the treatment group. Table 5 lists the treatments evaluated to assess the effects of different combinations and formulations of sulfur and calcium borate on yellow rust in wheat: Table 5: DAT = Days after treatment; * Average of four replicates As can be seen from the table above, the compositions of treatments T5 and T6 according to embodiments of the present invention showed a significantly higher percentage of control for yellow rust in wheat compared to the untreated control or the use of various active ingredients alone at the same dosage. It can be seen that treatment 5 (according to an embodiment of the present invention), using water-dispersible granules of 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate (B-2.272%) and suspension concentrates of 25% sulfur + 12.5% ​​calcium borate (B-1.81%) (according to an embodiment of the present invention), showed 29.5% and 33% disease control, respectively, compared to the untreated control or treatments T2 or T3 using individual active ingredients, even though all treatments T2, T3, T5, and T6 used the same total amount of active substances. In fact, it can be seen that treatment T4, using tablets of 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate (B-2.272%), showed only 9.4% disease control compared to treatments T5 and T6 using compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, which are being applied.

[0280] Experiment 7: A field study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different particle size ranges of the sulfur (S) + zinc borate (B) composition on cauliflower yield. Field experimental methods In Nashik, Maharashtra, a field trial was conducted to observe the effect of different particle size ranges of sulfur (S) + zinc (B) compositions on cauliflower yield.

[0281] The experiment was conducted in spring using a randomized block design (RBD) with five treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times. Each treatment maintained a plot size of 30 square meters (6m x 5m). The test product was applied at a prescribed dose via drip irrigation 15 days after transplanting the cauliflower. Cauliflower crops were planted in the experimental field according to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). Cauliflower seeds, GS 277 variety, were sown at a row spacing of 50 cm and a plant spacing of 30 cm.

[0282] Experimental details a) Experiment location: Nashik, Maharashtra b) Crop: Cauliflower (Variety: GS 277) c) Experimental season: Spring - March to May d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Repeat: Four f) Processing: 5 g) Plot area: 6m x 5m = 30 square meters h) Transplantation date: March 3, 2019 i) Application date: March 17, 2019 j) Usage: Drip irrigation k) Harvest date: May 16, 2019 At harvest, observations of yield were recorded, and the average data are listed in Table 6 to examine the impact of different treatments on cauliflower yield.

[0283] Table 6: As can be seen from the data shown in Table 6, compared with treatment T3 using 50% sulfur + 35% zinc borate (B-2.4l%) water-dispersible particles with a particle size ranging from 0.1 to 50 micrometers, treatment T4 using 50% sulfur + 35% zinc borate (B-2.4l%) water-dispersible particles with a particle size ranging from 20 to 50 micrometers, and treatment T5 using 50% sulfur + 35% zinc borate (B-2.4l%) water-dispersible particles with a particle size ranging from 50 to 100 micrometers, according to the embodiments of the present invention, treatment T2 (a water-dispersible particle composition of 50% sulfur + 35% zinc borate (B-2.4l%)), with a particle size ranging from 0.1 to 20 micrometers, showed a significant increase in cauliflower yield and average curd weight. It was observed that treatment T2, using the composition of the present invention, showed a remarkably significant increase in cauliflower yield of 26.4% compared to the untreated control group, while treatments T3, T4, and T5 showed yield increases of only 16.2%, 15.5%, and 11.7%, respectively, compared to the untreated control. It should be noted that the aqueous granular formulation composition of the present invention, comprising particles ranging in size from 0.1 micrometers to 20 micrometers, exhibited superior performance compared to aqueous granular formulations with a wider particle size range.

[0284] Experiment 8: Conduct field studies to investigate the effects of different formulations of sulfur and boron on corn yield.

[0285] Field experimental methods Field trials were conducted to observe the effects of different doses and formulations of active substances of sulfur and boron, including compositions according to embodiments of the invention, on the yield of commercially cultivated maize fields in Gandinagagar Chandra.

[0286] The experiment was conducted in winter using a randomized block design (RBD), with four treatments including an untreated control, replicated four times. Each treatment maintained a plot size of 40 square meters (8m x 5m). Treatments included different forms of sulfur and boron compositions at varying dosages, applied as a basal fertilizer at maize planting time. Maize crops were planted in the experimental fields following good agricultural practices.

[0287] Experimental details a) Experimental locations: Chjandra, Guj b) Crop: Corn (Variety: GM 6) c) Experimental season: Winter 2018 d) Experimental design: randomized block design e) Copying: Four f) Processing: Four g) Plot area: 8m x 5m = 40 square meters h) Implantation date: November 6, 2018 i) Application date: November 6, 2018 j) Application method: Basic application k) Harvest date: April 4, 2019 Grain yield observations were recorded at harvest time, and the average data of all observations are listed in Table 6 to illustrate the effect of the sulfur and boron combination on maize yield.

[0288] Table 7: Evaluation of the effects of different sulfur and boron compositions on maize yield As observed in the table above, compared to treatment T4 using a bentonite-sulfur and boron ingot composition, according to embodiments of the present invention, the grain yields of T2 using 50% sulfur + 25% calcium borate (B-2.272%) water-dispersible particles and T3 using a 25% sulfur + 12.5% ​​calcium borate (B-1.136%) suspension were significantly increased compared to the untreated control. In fact, T2 and T3, treated with the compositions of the present invention, increased maize grain yield by 27.9% and 25%, respectively, compared to the untreated control, while treatment T4 only increased it by 18.6% compared to the untreated control. The results of treatments T2 and T3 according to the present invention are even more surprising because treatments T2 and T3 were applied at significantly lower doses compared to treatment T4, which was applied at a very high dose.

[0289] Furthermore, the inventors of this invention have also tested combinations of elemental sulfur and boron salts with fertilizers or other micronutrients on certain crops such as tomatoes and grapes. It was observed that adding other micronutrients, such as manganese or zinc salts, to the compositions of this invention further enhances crop characteristics, such as greenness, fruit weight, plant height, and increases the nutritional value of the crop. In addition, such combinations can further help increase crop yield, improve photosynthesis, increase chlorophyll content, and facilitate the absorption of other nutrients.

[0290] Therefore, the compositions of the present invention have been observed to exhibit enhanced, efficient, and superior behavior in this field. The advantages exhibited by the compositions according to the invention include, but are not limited to, improved stability, improved toxicological behavior, improved crop physiological parameters such as enhanced root systems, increased plant height, larger leaves, fewer dead basal leaves, stronger tillering, greener leaves, increased tillering and branching growth, enhanced plant vigor, earlier flowering, increased productivity from tillering, and enhanced disease control. These plants also exhibit improved leaf chlorophyll content and are characterized by: improved nutrient composition, protein content, photosynthetic activity, earlier seed germination, earlier grain maturity, improved product quality, plant fortification, soil improvement, and increased crop yield. Similarly, the compositions of the present invention are suitable for drip irrigation or sprinkler irrigation, in addition to other applications of agricultural compositions, where most commercially available products cannot be used.

[0291] The compositions of this invention minimize the frequency of application or the amount of nutrients, fertilizers, or pesticides used. These compositions are highly safe for users and the environment.

[0292] As can be seen from the foregoing, various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concept of this invention. It should be understood that no limitation is intended or should be inferred of the specific embodiments shown.

Claims

1. A liquid suspension composition for crop nutrition and fortification, wherein the liquid composition comprises: Elemental sulfur, wherein the elemental sulfur constitutes 5%-60% of the total composition by weight; At least one boron oxide, boron hydroxide, boron salt, or mixture thereof, wherein the concentration of said boron oxide, boron hydroxide, boron salt, or mixture thereof is 5%-55% of the total composition by weight; wherein said boron salt is selected from one or more of the following: calcium borate, zinc borate, magnesium borate, aluminum borate, boron phosphate, boric acid, borax, disodium tetraborate, potassium tetraborate, disodium tetraborate tetrahydrate, borax pentahydrate, sodium calcium borate, sodium borosilicate, sodium borate, boron trichloride, boron triiodide, and boron trifluoride; At least one agrochemically acceptable excipient; and At least one structural agent, said structural agent comprising 0.01%-5% of the total composition by weight, wherein said structural agent is selected from one or more of thickeners, viscosity modifiers, viscous agents, suspending agents, rheology modifiers and antisettling agents; in, The composition comprises particles with a size of 0.1-20 micrometers.

2. A water-dispersible granular composition for use in crop nutrition and fortification compositions, wherein the composition comprises: Elemental sulfur, wherein the elemental sulfur constitutes 10%-90% of the total composition by weight; At least one boron oxide, boron hydroxide, boron salt, or mixture thereof, wherein the boron oxide, boron hydroxide, boron salt, or mixture thereof constitutes 5%-70% of the total composition by weight; wherein the boron salt is selected from one or more of the following: calcium borate, zinc borate, magnesium borate, aluminum borate, boron phosphate, boric acid, borax, sodium borosilicate, sodium tetraborate decahydrate, disodium tetraborate, potassium tetraborate, boron trichloride, boron triiodide, disodium octaborate tetrahydrate, borax pentahydrate, sodium calcium borate, sodium borate, and boron trifluoride; and At least one dispersant, said dispersant being present in an amount of 1%-30% w / w of the total composition, said dispersant being selected from one or more of the following: polyvinylpyrrolidone; polyvinyl alcohol; lignin sulfonate; phenylnaphthalene sulfonate; alkali metal salts, alkaline earth metal salts and ammonium salts of lignin sulfonic acid; lignin derivatives; dibutylnaphthalene sulfonic acid; alkyl aryl sulfonate; alkyl sulfate; alkyl sulfonate; fatty alcohol sulfate; fatty acid and sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ether; polyoxyethylene alkyl ether; dioctyl sulfosuccinate; Lauryl sulfate; polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate; polyoxyethylene styrene phenyl ether sulfate and its alkali metal salts, ammonium salts or amine salts; polyoxyethylene alkyl phenyl ether; polyoxyethylene styrene phenyl ether; polyoxyethylene alkyl ester or polyoxyethylene sorbitol alkyl ester; mixtures of sodium salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid urea formaldehyde condensate and sodium salts of phenolsulfonic acid formaldehyde condensate; ethoxylated alkylphenols; ethoxylated fatty acids; alkoxylated linear alcohols; polyaryl sulfonates; sodium alkylaryl sulfonates; glycerides Ammonium salts of maleic anhydride copolymers; maleic anhydride copolymers; phosphate esters; condensation products of aryl sulfonic acids and formaldehyde; addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters; salts of addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters; sodium salts of isodecyl sulfosuccinate half esters; polycarboxylate salts; sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate; sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalene; ammonium salts of sulfonated naphthalene; salts of polyacrylic acid; sodium condensed phenol sulfonate and naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensates; sodium naphthalene sulfonate-formaldehyde condensates; tristyrylphenol ethoxylated phosphate esters; fatty alcohol ethoxylates; alkyl ethoxylates; EO-PO block copolymers; graft copolymers, ammonium salts of sulfonated naphthalene, and salts of polyacrylic acid; in, The composition contains particles in the range of 0.1-2.5 mm and includes microparticles in the range of 0.1-20 micrometers in size.

3. The water-dispersible particulate composition according to claim 2, wherein the particle size range of the composition is 0.1 mm to 1.5 mm.

4. The water-dispersible particulate composition according to claim 2, wherein the particles of the composition comprise microparticles with a size of 0.1-10 micrometers.

5. The liquid suspension composition according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of one or more boron oxides, boron hydroxides, boron salts or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur is from 1:600 ​​to 55:

1.

6. The water-dispersible particulate composition according to claim 2, wherein the weight ratio of one or more boron oxides, boron hydroxides, boron salts or mixtures thereof to elemental sulfur is from 1:90 to 3.5:

1.

7. The liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein the viscosity of the composition is in the range of 10 cps to 500 cps.

8. The liquid composition according to claim 1, wherein, The structural agent is selected from one or more of the following: polyacrylic acid, polysaccharides, cellulose derivatives, clay, natural gum, alkaline earth metal silicates, aluminum silicate, pyrolytic silica or a mixture thereof with pyrolytic alumina, swellable polymers, polyamides, polyols, stachyose, fructooligosaccharides, hydrocolloids, cellulose, starch, plant starch, carbohydrates or derivatives thereof.

9. The liquid suspension composition according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients selected from surfactants, dispersants, wetting agents, water-miscible solvents, spreading agents, penetrants, adhesives, drift inhibitors, ultraviolet absorbers, ultraviolet scattering agents, preservatives, stabilizers, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizers, antifreeze or freezing point inhibitors, defoamers and anti-caking agents.

10. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the suspension degree of the composition is at least 30%.

11. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the boron oxide comprises one or more of the following: boron trioxide, low boron oxide, boron monoxide, and sodium boron oxide.

12. The composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition further comprises at least one additional active ingredient selected from one or more of micronutrients, macronutrients, biostimulants, insecticidal active substances and / or fertilizers and their salts, complexes, derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof.

13. The composition of claim 12, wherein the micronutrient, its salt, its complex, its derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 70% by weight of the total composition.

14. The water-dispersible particulate composition of claim 2, wherein the composition further comprises one or more agrochemically acceptable excipients selected from decomposing agents, wetting agents, binders or fillers or carriers or diluents, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizers, defoamers, anti-drift agents, anti-caking agents, spreading agents, penetrants, binders and mixtures thereof.

15. The water-dispersible particulate composition according to claim 2, wherein the composition has at least 40% dispersibility.

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