Seed unit with charcoal and polymeric superabsorbent

Abstract

Seed unit (1) in the form of a pellet comprising at least one seed (2) and a layer (3) comprising charcoal, a polymeric superabsorbent (5) and an adhesive of biological origin (4), wherein the layer (3) at least partially encloses the seed (2), characterized in that - the polymeric superabsorbent (5) has a particle size of 50 µm - 400 µm; - the polymeric superabsorbent (5) is embedded as particles in the layer (3); and - the layer (3) consists of at least 50% by weight of coal.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a seed unit (1) comprising at least one seed (2), a layer (3), for example of biochar, and a polymeric superabsorbent (5), such as a cross-linked acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium salt, as well as optionally a coating (9) and further auxiliary materials, wherein the polymeric superabsorbent (5) has a particle size of 50 µm - 400 µm and serves not only as a water reservoir but also as an explosive element.

[0002] Agriculture is already directly affected by climate change. The predicted shift in precipitation to winter and long, dry summers were particularly evident in 2018. In addition, there is an increase in extreme weather events such as heavy rain, storms, and floods. A little-noticed phenomenon is the absence of cold spells. For agriculture in the mid-latitudes, however, this is of great importance: pests and their larvae are no longer exposed to severe frost in winter, so more of them survive.

[0003] Furthermore, the EU Commission is reducing the number of approved herbicides, insecticides, and fungicides by allowing their authorizations to expire, not approving new products, and limiting the use of approved products. Its aim is to better protect both people and the environment from these toxins. At the same time, however, conventional agriculture lacks alternatives for protecting its crops, leading to repeated special permits being granted to protect farmers from crop failures.

[0004] Seed pelleting with neonicotinoids is also subject to bans and exemptions. Pelleting involves coating the seeds with various substances before sowing. This has several advantages: 1. Homogenization of the seed. This allows for easier and more precise mechanical sowing, ensuring the optimal seeding rate per m². 2. The pelleting compound contains plant protection products tailored to the specific crop. This allows for highly targeted application in small quantities. Furthermore, the pelleting provides excellent protection for the plant during a particularly critical growth phase – germination. 3. Plant-specific nutrients can be added to the pelleting mass. Here, too, the addition is carried out in a particularly targeted manner.

[0005] Given the major challenges facing agriculture, methods like pelleting or granulation are beneficial because they precisely target crop weaknesses, thus contributing to food security. Furthermore, they deliver pesticides only where needed, significantly reducing their consumption. Therefore, further development of pelleting or granulation is desirable to better prepare agriculture for the challenges of the 21st century.

[0006] The prior art has described the use of charcoal and / or polyacrylates in connection with seeds in various ways.

[0007] CN109168409A, for example, describes a seed lubricant in which biochar is mixed with, among other things, a humectant made of potassium and sodium acrylate. However, the humectant made of potassium and sodium acrylate is ground very finely ("1000 to 1500 meshes") and therefore cannot be used as an explosive.

[0008] JPH09248017A describes a coated rice seed in which, for example, polyacrylic resin is applied to the seed surface and activated charcoal powder is added. However, in this case, the polyacrylate resin is used for bonding / gluing and not in particulate form.

[0009] DE 699 05 889 T2 (the German translation of European patent EP 1 091 641 B1) describes a substrate additive as a pourable granulate with a grain size of 0.3 to 3.0 mm for use in germination units. The substrate additive comprises various substances, including superabsorbent polymers (SAPs, such as Stockosorb in the examples). ® (used) are called, as well as fillers such as vermiculite, wood fibers or mineral fibers, with polyethylene glycol and polyvinyl alcohol being mentioned as binding agents. However, no pellet is formed around the seed, and the superabsorbent polymer is placed directly into the soil, where it serves only as a water reservoir and not (also) as an extrudant.

[0010] EP 0 373 348 A2 describes a substrate additive containing a porous ion exchange material, a porous mineral additive, charcoal / activated charcoal, and polyacrylamide. However, this additive does not form a pellet around the seed, and the polyacrylamide is introduced at the plant root, where it serves only as a water reservoir and not (also) as an excipient.

[0011] WO2004 / 036975 A1 describes a process for producing a pellet in which peat is mixed with, for example, an insecticide, and in which a seed is inserted through a hole into the dried mixture. Apart from the fact that peat, unlike biochar, has an acidic pH, no superabsorbent is used in this process.

[0012] EP 2680685 B1 describes a composition for coating a seed wherein the seed is at least partially surrounded by a layer of guar or derivatized guar.

[0013] US 2012 / 0 220 454 A1 describes seed coatings that allow improved use of water and / or nutrients by the seed.

[0014] WO 2020 / 173 987 A1 describes a seed coating comprising at least one binder, at least one vegetable oil, at least one surfactant, at least one carboxylic acid and at least one extract from plant material.

[0015] EP 3 003 003 B1 describes granulated seed comprising seeds coated with a silicic acid-containing coating.

[0016] CA 2 398 647 C describes a seed tape for a controlled germination process.

[0017] US 2017 / 0 022 117 A1 describes particles coated with biochar and a method for coating the particles with biochar.

[0018] As can be seen from the above-mentioned state of the art, there is still a need for a seed unit consisting of a seed and a surrounding advantageous and adaptable layer as a result of pilling or pelleting, in order to combat the weaknesses of the respective crops in a very targeted manner. SUMMARY AND DEFINITIONS

[0019] Accordingly, one of the objects of the present invention is a seed unit in the form of a pellet comprising at least one seed and a “layer” comprising carbon, a polymeric superabsorbent and an adhesive of biological origin, wherein the layer at least partially (in particular completely) encloses the seed, and wherein - the polymeric superabsorbent has a particle size of 50 µm - 400 µm; - the polymeric superabsorbent is embedded as particles in the "layer"; and - wherein preferably the "layer" consists of at least 50% by weight of coal.

[0020] Compared to the prior art, this seed unit has the advantage that the combination with the polymeric superabsorbent polymer breaks up the layer / pellet / pill, thus facilitating seed dispersal after planting. The surprising germination success of the seed unit according to the invention is likely due to the fact that the polymeric superabsorbent polymer, which in the prior art only served as a water reservoir, can expand enormously upon absorbing water and thus break up the layer / pellet / pill. However, it appears that the polymeric superabsorbent polymer should have a specific particle size, which must not be too large or too small, in order to achieve this effect. Furthermore, the invention also offers a solution to the problems of increasing drought in agriculture.

[0021] The term "seed unit" as used in the invention refers to a unit comprising a seed and a "layer" that at least partially surrounds the seed, preferably consisting of a seed and a layer that at least partially surrounds the seed. Preferably, the seed unit takes the form of a pellet or a pill. Equally preferably, the "layer" completely encloses the seed (2) and / or the "layer" and the seed constitute the pellet / pill. The seed unit is particularly adapted to the standard dimensions for commercially available seed drills, such that the seed unit has, for example, a diameter of 2 mm to 20 mm, 3 mm to 15 mm, 5 mm to 20 mm, or 3 mm to 10 mm.

[0022] The term "pellet" or "pill" as used in the invention refers to a form of "seed unit" in which the "layer" at least partially or (at least almost) completely encloses the "seed," so that the "layer" and the "seed," possibly with a "coating," constitute the pellet / pill. The mass of which the "layer" is made is applied to the seed by means of a pelletizing or pilling process. The pellet / pill usually has a round or elliptical shape. In this text, "pellet" and "pill" are used synonymously.

[0023] The term "seed" as used in the invention refers in principle to any type of seed and includes, in particular, the individual unit of such seed. Especially small-seeded seeds (<3.5 mm) benefit from the seed unit (pelleting / piling) according to the invention, as this allows them to be adapted to the aforementioned standard size for commercially available seed drills. Preferably, the "seed" is selected from seeds of carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, sugar beets, fodder beets, rapeseed, camelina, flax, brassicas, beetroot, radish, parsnip, celery, parsley, chives, or for medicinal herbs such as valerian, thyme, oregano, ribwort plantain, or echinacea.

[0024] The term "layer" as used in the invention refers to a mass or matrix that at least partially, and in particular completely, envelops the seed, for example as a result of a pelletizing or pilling process, and which contains a polymeric superabsorbent and a binder of biological origin, and optionally further additives. The main component of the layer is, for example, charcoal (which may form a matrix), wherein this charcoal is preferably selected from activated charcoal, plant charcoal, and / or biochar. Preferably, the "layer" contains 5–30 wt.% or 10–20 wt.% of a polymeric superabsorbent. The "layer" may also preferably contain 1–15 wt.% of a binder of biological origin, 5–30 wt.% or 10–20 wt.% of a polymeric superabsorbent, and 55–94 wt.% of charcoal. The “layer” can also contain, in particular, 1-15 wt% adhesive of biological origin, 5-30 or 10-20 wt% polymeric superabsorbent, 1-20 or 5-15 wt%The layer contains -% nutrients or nutrient elements (if present), 1-10 wt% repellent and / or feeding deterrent elements (if present), 0.001-1 wt% strengthening agents or strengthening agent elements (if present), the remainder of the layer consisting of carbon. Optionally, the layer may be enclosed in a shell. It is also preferred if the layer contains at least 50 wt%, at least 75 wt%, at least 90 wt%, at least 94 wt%, or at least 95 wt% carbon. Preferably, the superabsorbent and any further additives are embedded in the layer—particularly as particles—and / or the adhesive of biological origin is distributed approximately uniformly or homogeneously in the layer, and especially in the carbon.

[0025] The term "coal" as used in this invention refers in principle to any type of coal, whereby activated charcoal, wood charcoal, biochar, or plant charcoal are particularly preferred. Pyrolytically produced plant charcoal is especially preferred. An example is plant charcoal from HerCarbo, for instance, made from herbs or forest wood chips. It is particularly preferred if the coal is preferably ground, and / or if the particle size of the coal is ≤ 150 µm, ≤ 200 µm, ≤ 250 µm, or ≤ 300 µm, particularly ≤ 200 µm. It is also preferred if the coal in the “layer” consists of at least 50 wt.%, at least 75 wt.%, at least 90 wt.%, at least 95 wt.%, at least 99 wt.% or 100 wt.% activated coal, plant coal and / or biochar, preferably activated coal or plant coal, in particular pyrolytically produced plant coal.In particular, thanks to its composition, biochar contains trace elements that are immediately available to the seedling emerging from the seed, both temporally and spatially.

[0026] The basis of the seed unit according to the invention, and in particular the mass from which the “layer” consists, is to be formed in particular by pyrolytically produced biochar.

[0027] Biochar has two important properties. It has a very large surface area that can absorb nutrients and water and serves as a habitat for microorganisms. This protects seedlings from drought, reduces the need for additional irrigation, and creates ideal growing conditions. Furthermore, its structure remains stable for several decades. Since it typically consists of over 90% carbon, this carbon is permanently removed from the atmosphere.

[0028] The term “polymeric superabsorbent” as used in the invention is defined as a polymer capable of absorbing many times its own weight in polar liquids. Examples include mineral or starch-based polyacrylates. Preferably, the “polymeric superabsorbent” serves as a water storage and disintegrating element, and / or is solid or crystalline, or both, and / or is milled and / or has a particle size of 100 µm to 350 µm, 150 µm to 300 µm, or 175 µm to 225 µm. Preferably, the superabsorbent is embedded in the “layer”—particularly as particles—and / or is present in the “layer” at a weight of 5 to 30 wt.% or 10 to 20 wt.%. Preferably the “polymeric superabsorbent” is a polyacrylamide or a cross-linked acrylamide / acrylic acid, a polyacrylate, an acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer, which may optionally be cross-linked, or mixtures thereof.Particularly preferred is the “polymeric superabsorbent” a sodium polyacrylate or potassium polyacrylate or acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium or sodium salt, or a cross-linked acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium or sodium salt, a cross-linked acrylamide / acrylic acid in the form of a potassium or sodium salt, or mixtures thereof. A particularly preferred example is Stockosorb. ® .

[0029] The term "adhesive of biological origin" as used in the invention is defined as any form of binding material of biological origin that binds the components of the "layer," such as the charcoal / biochar, and integrates them with the polymeric superabsorbent and, optionally, the additives in the "layer," whereby the "layer" is also bonded to (or around) the seed—for example, in the case of a pellet. Preferably, the adhesive of biological origin is a protein-containing adhesive, in particular a gluten-based adhesive, a fibrin-based adhesive, an adhesive based on the amino acid DPPA, or fish glue. A fish glue derived from cold-water fish is particularly preferred. The adhesive of biological origin may also contain additives such as gum arabic or protein hydrolysate. Preferably, the adhesive of biological origin is distributed approximately uniformly or homogeneously in the "layer," and especially in the charcoal.The “layer” may preferably contain 1-15 wt% adhesive of biological origin.

[0030] The term "coating" as used in the invention is defined as a solid encapsulation of the seed unit, wherein the coating preferably (almost) completely encloses the layer. Preferably, the coating consists of gelatin, cellulose, carrageenan, starch, or glue.

[0031] The term “auxiliary substances” within the meaning of the invention is defined as substances that are immediately available to the seedling emerging from the seed in terms of time and space and provide additional biostimulants to ensure a high germination and growth rate.

[0032] In particular, the additives comprise nutrients or nutrient elements, repellents or feeding deterrents, and strengthening agents or strengthening agent elements. Preferably, the additives are embedded in the "layer," and in particular, they are embedded in the "layer" as particles. The "layer" may preferably contain 1–20 or 5–15 wt.% nutrients or nutrient elements (if present), 1–10 wt.% repellents and / or feeding deterrents (if present), and 0.001–1 wt.% strengthening agents or strengthening agent elements (if present).

[0033] The term "nutrients or nutrient elements" as used in the invention is defined as macro- and micronutrients that are immediately available to the seedling emerging from the seed, both temporally and spatially. Preferably, these are fertilizers, for example, protein-based fertilizers such as vinasse / stillage or protein hydrolysates. Preferably, the nutrients or nutrient elements are organically based, preferably protein-based fertilizers, more specifically vinasse / stillage or protein hydrolysates. The "layer" may preferably contain 1-20% or 5-15% by weight of nutrients or nutrient elements (if present). Preferably, the "nutrients or nutrient elements" are embedded in the "layer"—in particular, as particles.

[0034] In particular, the biochar will be "charged" with an organic fertilizer. This fertilizer is immediately available to the seedling in terms of both time and space, providing additional biostimulants. This ensures a high germination and growth rate.

[0035] The term "repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements" within the meaning of the invention is defined as substances that protect the seedling emerging from the seed directly from damage by pests, both temporally and spatially. In particular, the repellents and feeding inhibitor elements used according to the invention are based on aromas or extracts, preferably on plant and / or aroma extracts, especially on essential plant and / or aroma extracts. Specifically, the repellents and feeding inhibitor elements used according to the invention are extracts of cayenne pepper, neem, ginger, oregano, geraniums (especially South African Cape geranium), rockrose, or thyme. Preferably, the repellents and feeding inhibitor elements used according to the invention (if present) are embedded in the "layer," wherein the repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (if present) are present in the "layer" at a concentration of 1–10% by weight.Preferably, the “repellent and / or anti-feeding elements” are embedded in the “layer” – in particular as particles.

[0036] Another objective of the invention is to add natural plant protection agents to the seed unit (the pellet). The aim is not to kill the pests, but rather to repel them in a targeted manner, for example through essential oils, which prevent the pest from damaging the seed.

[0037] The term "plant strengthener" or "plant strengthening agent" as used in the invention is defined as agents intended to strengthen and maintain the health of plants. For example, they can increase frost resistance, optimize nutrient utilization, and improve plant growth. A plant strengthener does not supply the plant with nutrients, nor does it combat weeds or parasites. Once a plant is diseased, plant strengtheners cannot cure the disease. However, after the disease has subsided, plant strengtheners can help accelerate plant growth and regeneration. A preferred strengthening agent or plant strengthening agent is a tonic derived from sticky catchfly and lupin. Preferably, the strengthening agents or plant strengthening agents (if present) are present in the "layer" at a concentration of 0.001–1% by weight.Preferably, the “strengthening agents or strengthening agent elements” are embedded in the “layer” - in particular as particles.

[0038] Another object of the present invention is a method for producing a seed unit according to the invention as discussed above, comprising the following steps: STEP 1: - Presenting the coal in ground form as part of the "layer" - Mixture with a polymeric superabsorbent; - possibly mixed with nutrients or nutrient elements and / or - possibly mixed with tonics or tonic elements, - wherein the optional mixing takes place before transfer to a mixing unit (A) or in the mixing unit (A). - Grinding in a grinding apparatus (B); optional STEP II: optionally adding at least one type of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor element, preferably several different types of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements previously mixed in a mixing unit, to the ground mixture from stage I in a mixing unit (D); STEP III: Addition of the seed (2) and the adhesive of biological origin (3), which may be mixed before addition, to the mixture from stage II in a pelletizing / pelleting plant (E) wherein the seed (2) forms the core around which pelletizing or pelletizing takes place.

[0039] The term “mixing unit” as used in the invention is defined as apparatus (see (A), (C), (D) in Fig. 3)), in which components of the seed unit according to the invention, in particular components of the “layer”, such as the (matrix-forming) carbon, the polymeric superabsorbent, (possibly the adhesive of biological origin) and optionally further auxiliary materials, are mixed together before grinding or pelleting / piling.

[0040] The term “grinding apparatus” within the meaning of the invention is defined as an apparatus in which components of the seed unit according to the invention, in particular components of the “layer”, such as the (matrix-forming) carbon, the polymeric superabsorbent, (possibly the adhesive of biological origin) and optionally further auxiliary materials, are ground before possible pelleting or pilling.

[0041] The term "pilling plant" within the meaning of the invention is defined as an apparatus in which the seed unit according to the invention is formed into a pellet or a pill. The seed forms the core, around which – via the pelleting / pilling process – a layer, and thus the pellet / pill, is formed from the components of the "layer", such as the (matrix-forming) carbon, the polymeric superabsorbent and optionally other additives, with the aid of the adhesive of biological origin.

[0042] The term "pilled" or "pelleted" within the meaning of the invention is defined as a process step in which the seed unit according to the invention is formed into a pellet or pill in an apparatus (a pelletizing or pelletizing plant). The seed forms the core around which a layer, and thus the pellet / pill, is formed – via the pelletizing / pilling process – from the components of the "layer", such as the (matrix-forming) carbon, the polymeric superabsorbent, and optionally other additives, with the aid of the adhesive of biological origin.

[0043] Another object of the present invention is a seed unit encased in a “layer” of biochar, producible by a process comprising the following steps STEP 1: Placing the biochar in ground form as part of the layer (3), Mixture with a polymeric superabsorbent (5) containing ≥50 wt% polyacrylate; optionally a mixture with nutrients or nutrient elements (6) and / or optionally a mixture with tonics or tonic elements (8), wherein the optional mixing takes place before transfer to a mixing unit (A) or in the mixing unit (A). Grinding in a grinding apparatus (B); optional STEP II: Optionally, the addition of at least one type of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor element (7), preferably several different types of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor element (7) previously mixed in a mixing unit (C), to the ground mixture from stage I in a mixing unit (D); STEP III: Addition of the seed (2) and the adhesive of biological origin (4), optionally mixed before addition, to the mixture from stage II in a pelletizing / pelleting plant (E) wherein the seed (2) forms the kernel, around which it is pelletized or formed into pellets. DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1) schematically shows a seed unit (1) according to the invention in the form of a pellet with a seed (2), a layer (3) (made of charcoal with an adhesive of biological origin (4)), a polymeric superabsorbent (5), a shell (9), nutrients (6), repellents and feeding inhibitors (7) and strengthening agents (8). Fig. Figure 2) shows in A a seed mixture of valerian seeds consisting of several seeds (2) and in C the seed unit (1) according to the invention obtained therefrom by the method according to the invention. The figure also shows in B a seed mixture of raspberry seeds consisting of several seeds (2) and in D the seed unit (1) according to the invention obtained therefrom by the method according to the invention. Fig. 3) schematically shows a method for producing a seed unit (1) according to the invention comprising the following steps: STEP 1: - The coal is placed in ground form as part of the layer (3) already mixed with the polymeric superabsorbent (5); - Mixture with nutrients (6) and mixture with tonics (8) in a mixing unit (A) - Grinding in a grinding apparatus (B); STEP II: Mixture (in this case of three types) of repellents and feeding inhibitors (7) in a mixing unit (C) and addition to the ground mixture from stage I in a mixing unit (D); STEP III: Addition of the seed (2) and the adhesive of biological origin (4) to the mixture from stage II in a pelleting plant (E), wherein the seed (2) forms the core around which pelleting or pelleting takes place, so that the seed unit (1) is formed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] As stated above, the main subject matter of the present invention is a seed unit (1) in the form of a pellet comprising at least (in particular exactly) one seed (2) and a layer (3) comprising charcoal, a polymeric superabsorbent (5) and an adhesive of biological origin (4), wherein the layer (3) at least partially (in particular completely) encloses the seed (2), wherein - the polymeric superabsorbent (5) has a particle size of 50 µm - 400 µm; - the polymeric superabsorbent (5) is embedded as particles in the layer (3); and - wherein layer (3) consists of at least 50 wt.% coal (in particular activated coal, biochar or plant charcoal).

[0045] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, the polymeric superabsorber (5) is a polyacrylamide, a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid, a polyacrylate or an acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer, and / or the charcoal is selected from activated charcoal, biochar or plant charcoal.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, the charcoal in layer (3) consists of at least 50 wt.%, at least 75 wt.%, at least 90 wt.%, at least 95 wt.%, or at least 99 wt.% activated charcoal, plant charcoal and / or biochar, preferably activated charcoal or plant charcoal, wherein the charcoal is preferably ground, and / or wherein the particle size of the charcoal is ≤ 150 µm, ≤ 200 µm, ≤ 250 µm or ≤ 300 µm, in particular ≤ 200 µm.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, the adhesive of biological origin (4) is a protein-containing adhesive, preferably a gluten-based adhesive, a fibrin-based adhesive, or an adhesive based on the amino acid DPPA, or a fish glue, particularly preferably a fish glue from cold-water fish, wherein the adhesive of biological origin may contain additives such as gum arabic or protein hydrolysate.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit according to the invention (1) - the layer (3) completely encloses the seed (2); and / or - the superabsorbent (5) and any additional additives are embedded in the layer (3) - in particular as particles - and / or - is the adhesive of biological origin (4) in the layer (3) and in particular in the coal, distributed approximately evenly or homogeneously, and / or - if necessary, the shell (9) completely encloses the layer (3).

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, the optionally further auxiliary materials are selected from: - Nutrients or nutrient elements (6); - Repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7); and / or - tonics or tonic elements (8).

[0050] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit according to the invention (1) - the polymeric superabsorbent (5) serves as a water storage and explosive element, and / or - is the polymeric superabsorbent (5) solid or crystalline or solid and crystalline, and / or - is the polymeric superabsorbent (5) milled and / or - the polymeric superabsorbent (5) has a particle size of 100 µm - 350 µm or of 150 µm - 300 µm or of 175 µm - 225 µm.

[0051] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, the polymeric superabsorbent (5) is a polyacrylamide or a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid, a polyacrylate, an acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer (optionally cross-linked), or mixtures thereof, preferably sodium polyacrylate or potassium polyacrylate or arylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium or sodium salt, or a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium or sodium salt, a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid in the form of a potassium or sodium salt, or mixtures thereof, in particular preferably potassium polyacrylate or arylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium salt, or a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium salt, or a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid in the form of a potassium salt (for example, Stockosorb). ® ) or mixtures thereof, wherein the polymeric superabsorbent (5) - serves as a water storage and explosive element, and / or - is solid or crystalline, or solid and crystalline, and / or - is ground and / or - has a grain size of 100 µm - 350 µm or of 150 µm - 300 µm or of 175 µm - 225 µm.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, a further auxiliary material is nutrients or nutrient elements (6) which are included by the seed unit (1) and are preferably embedded in the layer (3), wherein the nutrients or nutrient elements (6) are preferably macro- and micronutrients and / or nutrients or nutrient elements (6) on an organic basis, wherein these are preferably protein-based fertilizers, preferably vinasse / stillage or protein hydrolysates.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, a further auxiliary material is repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7) which are encompassed by the seed unit (1) and are preferably embedded in the layer (3), wherein the repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7) are preferably based on plant and / or aroma extracts, optionally on essential plant and / or aroma extracts, in particular comprising extracts of cayenne pepper, neem tree ginger, oregano, geraniums, rockrose herb or thyme.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, a further auxiliary material is a strengthening agent or strengthening agent elements (8) which are included by the seed unit (1) and are preferably embedded in the layer (3), wherein the strengthening agent elements (8) preferably comprise organic fertilizers, preferably a strengthening agent obtained from sticky catchfly and lupin.

[0055] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, the seed unit (1) also comprises a casing (9), wherein the casing (9) preferably completely encloses the layer (3), wherein the casing (9) preferably consists of gelatin, cellulose, carrageenan, starch or glue.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, the seed (2) is a small-grained seed (2), in particular a seed (2) of a size < 3.5 mm, preferably the seed (2) is selected from seeds for carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, sugar beets, fodder beets, rapeseed, camelina, flax, cabbage vegetables, beetroot, radish, parsnip, celery, parsley, chives, or medicinal herbs such as valerian, thyme, oregano, ribwort plantain, echinacea.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit according to the invention (1) - the layer (3) consists of 5 - 30 wt.% or 10 - 20 wt.% of the polymeric superabsorbent (5); preferably - the layer (3) consists of 1 - 15 wt.% of the adhesive of biological origin; - the layer (3) consists of 5 - 30 (preferably 10 - 20) wt% of the polymeric superabsorbent (5), and - layer (3) consists of 55 - 94 wt.% coal; in particular - the layer (3) consists of 1 - 15 wt.% of the adhesive of biological origin; - the layer (3) consists of 5 - 30 (preferably 10 - 20) wt% of the polymeric superabsorbent (5), and / or - the layer (3) consists of nutrients or nutrient elements (6) when optionally added to 1 - 20 (preferably 5 - 15) wt%, - the layer (3) consists of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7) when optionally added at a wt.% of 1 - 10 wt.%, - the layer (3) consists of strengthening agents or strengthening agent elements (8) when optionally added at a weight of 0.001 - 1 wt.%, - the remainder of layer (3) consists of coal, which is pelletized or granulated around it.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, the layer (3) contains no guar and no guar derivative.

[0059] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit according to the invention (1) - the seed unit (1) takes the form of a pellet or a pill, wherein preferably the layer (3) completely encloses the seed (2) and / or the layer (3) and the seed (2), optionally together with the covering (9) surrounding the layer (3), are / form the pellet / pill; - the seed (2) was subjected to a pelletizing process or a pilling process with the mass of which the layer (3) consists, so that preferably the layer (3) and the seed (2), optionally with the covering (9) surrounding the layer (3), form the pellet or the pill.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, the seed unit (1) contains exactly one seed.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the seed unit (1) according to the invention, the seed unit (1) consists of at least (in particular exactly) one seed (2), a layer (3), a polymeric superabsorbent (5) and an adhesive of biological origin (4), as well as optionally a coating (9) and further auxiliary materials ((6), (7) and (8)).

[0062] As mentioned above, another object of the present invention is a method for producing a seed unit (1) according to the invention comprising the following steps: STEP 1: - Presenting the coal in ground form as part of the layer (3) - Mixture with a polymeric superabsorbent (5); - possibly mixed with nutrients or nutrient elements (6) and / or - possibly mixture with tonics or tonic elements (8), - wherein the optional mixing takes place before transfer to a mixing unit (A) or in the mixing unit (A). - Grinding in a grinding apparatus (B); optional STEP II: optionally adding at least one type of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor element (7), preferably several different types of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor element (7) previously mixed in a mixing unit (C), to the ground mixture from stage I in a mixing unit (D); STEP III: Addition of the seed (2) and the adhesive of biological origin (3), which may be mixed before addition, to the mixture from stage II in a pelleting machine (E) wherein the seed (2) forms the core around which pelleting or pelleting takes place.

[0063] As mentioned above, another object of the present invention is a seed unit (1) coated with a layer of biochar, producible by a process comprising the following steps STEP 1: Placing the biochar in ground form as part of the layer (3), Mixture with a polymeric superabsorbent (5) containing ≥50 wt% polyacrylate; optionally a mixture with nutrients or nutrient elements (6) and / or optionally a mixture with tonics or tonic elements (8), wherein the optional mixing takes place before transfer to a mixing unit (A) or in the mixing unit (A). Grinding in a grinding apparatus (B); optional STEP II: Optionally, the addition of at least one type of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor element (7), preferably several different types of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor element (7) previously mixed in a mixing unit (C), to the ground mixture from stage I in a mixing unit (D); STEP III: Addition of the seed (2) and the adhesive of biological origin (3), which may be mixed before addition, to the mixture from stage II in a pelleting machine (E) wherein the seed (2) forms the core around which pelleting or pelleting takes place. FORM OF EXECUTION:

[0064] The invention is illustrated in particular by the following list of embodiments: A1) Seed unit (1) (in particular in the form of a pellet) comprising at least (in particular exactly) one seed (2), a layer (3), a polymeric superabsorbent (5) and an adhesive of biological origin (4), and optionally a coating (9) and further auxiliary materials, wherein the layer (3) at least partially (in particular completely) encloses the seed (2), characterized in that - the layer (3) comprises the adhesive of biological origin (4) and the polymeric superabsorbent (5); and - the polymeric superabsorbent (5) has a particle size of 50 µm - 400 µm, and - the layer (3) comprises coal (especially activated coal, biochar or plant charcoal), - wherein preferably the layer (3) consists of at least 50 wt.% coal (in particular activated coal, biochar or plant charcoal). A2) Seed unit (1) according to embodiment A1), characterized in that the charcoal in layer (3) consists of at least 50 wt.%, at least 75 wt.%, at least 90 wt.%, at least 95 wt.%, or at least 99 wt.% activated charcoal, plant charcoal and / or biochar, preferably activated charcoal or plant charcoal, wherein the coal is preferably ground, and / or wherein the grain size of the coal is ≤ 200µm. A3) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) or A2), characterized in that the adhesive of biological origin (4) is a protein-containing adhesive, preferably a gluten-based adhesive, a fibrin-based adhesive, or an amino acid DPPA-based adhesive, or a fish glue, particularly preferably a fish glue from cold-water fish, wherein the adhesive of biological origin may contain additives such as gum arabic or protein hydrolysate. A4) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A3), characterized in that - the layer (3) completely encloses the seed (2); and / or - the superabsorbent (5) and any additional additives are embedded in the layer (3) - in particular as particles - and / or - the adhesive of biological origin (4) in the layer (3) and in particular in the coal, is distributed approximately uniformly or homogeneously, and / or - if necessary, the shell (9) completely encloses the layer (3). A5) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A4), characterized in that the optionally further auxiliary materials are selected from: - Nutrients or nutrient elements (6); - Repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7); and / or - tonics or tonic elements (8). A6) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A5), characterized in that the polymeric superabsorbent (5) - serves as a water storage and explosive element, and / or - is solid or crystalline, or solid and crystalline, and / or - is ground and / or - has a grain size of 100 µm - 350 µm or of 150 µm - 300 µm or of 175 µm - 225 µm. A7) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A6), characterized in that the polymeric superabsorbent (5) is a polyacrylamide or a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid, a polyacrylate, an acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer (optionally cross-linked) or mixtures thereof, preferably sodium polyacrylate or potassium polyacrylate or arylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium or sodium salt or a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium or sodium salt, a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid in the form of a potassium or sodium salt or mixtures thereof, in particular preferably potassium polyacrylate or arylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium salt or a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium salt or a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid in the form of a potassium salt (for example, Stockosorb). ® ) or mixtures thereof, wherein the polymeric superabsorbent (5) - serves as a water storage and explosive element, and / or - is solid or crystalline, or solid and crystalline, and / or - is ground and / or - has a grain size of 100 µm - 350 µm or of 150 µm - 300 µm or of 175 µm - 225 µm. A8) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A7), characterized in that as a further auxiliary material nutrients or nutrient elements (6) are comprised of the seed unit (1) and are preferably embedded in the layer (3), wherein the nutrients or nutrient elements (6) are preferably macro- and micronutrients and / or nutrients or nutrient elements (6) on an organic basis, wherein these are preferably protein-based fertilizers, preferably vinasse / stillage or protein hydrolysates. A9) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A8), characterized in that repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7) are comprised of the seed unit (1) as a further auxiliary material and are preferably embedded in the layer (3), wherein the repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7) are preferably based on plant and / or aroma extract, optionally on essential plant and / or aroma extract, in particular comprising extracts of cayenne pepper, neem tree ginger, oregano, geraniums, rockrose herb or thyme. A10) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A9), characterized in that as a further auxiliary material, strengthening agent or strengthening agent elements (8) are included by the seed unit (1) and are preferably embedded in the layer (3), wherein the strengthening agent elements (8) preferably comprise organic fertilizers, preferably a strengthening active ingredient obtained from sticky catchfly and lupin. A11) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A10), characterized in that the seed unit (1) also comprises a casing (9), wherein the casing (9) preferably completely encloses the layer (3), wherein the casing (9) preferably consists of gelatin, cellulose, carrageenan, starch or glue. A12) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A11), characterized in that the seed (2) is a small-seeded seed (2), in particular a seed (2) of a size < 3.5 mm, preferably the seed (2) is selected from seeds for carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, sugar beets, fodder beets, rapeseed, camelina, flax, cabbage vegetables, beetroot, radish, parsnip, celery, parsley, chives, or medicinal herbs such as valerian, thyme, oregano, ribwort plantain, echinacea. A13) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A12), characterized in that - the layer (3) consists of 5 - 30 wt.% or 10 - 20 wt.% of the polymeric superabsorbent (5); preferably - the layer (3) consists of 1 - 15 wt.% of the adhesive of biological origin; - the layer (3) consists of 5 - 30 (preferably 10 - 20) wt% of the polymeric superabsorbent (5), and - the layer (3) consists of 55 - 94 wt.% coal; in particular - the layer (3) consists of 1 - 15 wt.% of the adhesive of biological origin; - the layer (3) consists of 5 - 30 (preferably 10 - 20) wt% of the polymeric superabsorbent (5), and / or - the layer (3) consists of 1 - 20 (preferably 5 - 15) wt% nutrients or nutrient elements (6) when optionally added, - the layer (3) consists of 1 - 10 wt% repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7) when optionally added, - the layer (3) consists of, with the optional addition of 0.001 - 1 wt.% strengthening agents or strengthening agent elements (8), - the rest of layer (3) consists of coal. A14) Method for producing a seed unit (1) according to one of embodiments A1) to A13), comprising the following steps: STEP 1: - Presenting the coal in ground form as part of the layer (3) - Mixture with a polymeric superabsorbent (5); - possibly mixed with nutrients or nutrient elements (6) and / or - possibly mixture with tonics or tonic elements (8), - wherein the optional mixing takes place before transfer to a mixing unit (A) or in the mixing unit (A). - Grinding in a grinding apparatus (B); optional STEP II: optionally adding at least one type of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor element (7), preferably several different ones previously in a mixing unit (C) of mixed types of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7), to the ground mixture from stage I in a mixing unit (D); STEP III: Addition of the seed (2) and the adhesive of biological origin (3), which may be mixed before addition, to the mixture from stage II in a pelleting machine (E) wherein the seed (2) forms the core around which pelleting or pelleting takes place. A15) Seed unit (1) coated with a layer of biochar, producible by a process comprising the following steps STEP 1: Placing the biochar in ground form as part of the layer (3), Mixture with a polymeric superabsorbent (5) containing ≥50 wt% polyacrylate; optionally a mixture with nutrients or nutrient elements (6) and / or optionally a mixture with tonics or tonic elements (8), wherein the optional mixing takes place before transfer to a mixing unit (A) or in the mixing unit (A). Grinding in a grinding apparatus (B); optional STEP II: Optionally, the addition of at least one type of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor element (7), preferably several different ones previously in a mixing unit (C) of mixed types of repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7), to the ground mixture from stage I in a mixing unit (D); STEP III: Addition of the seed (2) and the adhesive of biological origin (3), which may be mixed before addition, to the mixture from stage II in a pelleting machine (E) wherein the seed (2) forms the core around which pelleting or pelleting takes place. A16) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A13), characterized in that the layer (3) does not contain guar or a guar derivative. A17) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A13) and A16), characterized in that - the seed unit (1) takes the form of a pellet or a pill, wherein preferably the layer (3) completely encloses the seed (2) and / or the layer (3) and the seed (2), optionally together with the covering (9) surrounding the layer (3), are / form the pellet / pill; - the seed (2) has been subjected to a pelletizing process or a pilling process with the mass of which the layer (3) consists, so that preferably the layer (3) and the seed (2), optionally with the covering (9) surrounding the layer (3), form the pellet or the pill. A18) Seed unit (1) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A13), A16) and A17), characterized in that the seed unit (1) contains exactly one seed. A19) Seed unit (1) (in particular in the form of a pellet) according to one of the embodiments A1) to A13) and A16) to A18), characterized in that the seed unit (1) consists at least (in particular exactly) of a seed (2), a layer (3), a polymeric superabsorbent (5) and an adhesive of biological origin (4), as well as optionally a coating (9) and further auxiliary materials ((6), (7) and (8)). EXAMPLES

[0065] Fig. 2) shows the results of pelletizing different seeds, namely valerian seeds (A) and raspberry seeds (B), according to the inventive method (see also Fig. 3), so that seed units according to the invention were produced in the form of pellets (C) or (D). REFERENCE SYMBOL LIST FOR FIGURE Fig. 3) 1 seed unit 2 seeds 3-layer (coal) 4 adhesives of biological origin 5 polymeric superabsorbents 6 Nutrients 7 Repellent and feeding inhibitor element 8 tonics A mixing unit B Grinding apparatus C Mixing unit D Mixing unit E Pilling plant

Claims

[1] Seed unit (1) in the form of a pellet comprising at least one seed (2) and a layer (3) comprising carbon, a polymeric superabsorbent (5) and an adhesive of biological origin (4), wherein the layer (3) at least partially encloses the seed (2), characterized by , that - the polymeric superabsorbent (5) has a grain size of 50 µm - 400 µm; - the polymeric superabsorbent (5) is embedded in the layer (3) as particles; and - the layer (3) consists of at least 50% by weight of coal. [2] Seed unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the polymeric superabsorbent (5) is a polyacrylamide, a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid, a polyacrylate or an acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer, and / or that the carbon is selected from activated carbon, biochar or biochar, preferably characterized bythat the polymeric superabsorbent (5) is a polyacrylamide, a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid, a polyacrylate or an acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer, and that the carbon is selected from activated carbon, biochar or biochar. [3] Seed unit (1) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by that the layer (3) - consists of at least 60 wt.%, at least 70 wt.%, at least 95 wt.%, or at least 99 wt.% biochar, wherein the biochar is preferably ground, and / or wherein the grain size of the biochar is ≤ 200 µm. [4] Seed unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the glue of biological origin (4) is a protein-containing glue, preferably a glutin-based glue, a fibrin-based glue, or a glue based on the amino acid DPPA, or a fish glue, particularly preferably a fish glue from cold-water fish, wherein the glue of biological origin may contain additives such as gum arabic or protein hydrolysate. [5] Seed unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by that any additional excipients are selected from: - nutrients or nutrient elements (6); - repellent and / or anti-feeding elements (7); and / or - tonics or tonic elements (8). [6] Seed unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized bythat the polymeric superabsorbent (5) is a sodium polyacrylate or potassium polyacrylate or acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium or sodium salt or a cross-linked acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium or sodium salt, a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid in the form of a potassium or sodium salt or mixtures thereof, in particular preferably potassium polyacrylate or acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium salt or a cross-linked acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer potassium salt or a cross-linked arylamide / acrylic acid in the form of a potassium salt or mixtures thereof, wherein the polymeric superabsorbent (5) - serves as a water storage and explosive element, and / or - is solid or crystalline or solid and crystalline, and / or - is ground and / or - has a grain size of 100 µm - 350 µm or 150 µm - 300 µm or 175 µm - 225 µm. [7] Seed unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized bythat as a further auxiliary substance, nutrients or nutrient elements (6) are comprised by the seed unit (1) and are preferably embedded in the layer (3), wherein the nutrients or nutrient elements (6) are preferably macro- and micronutrients and / or nutrients or nutrient elements (6) on an organic basis, wherein these are preferably protein-based fertilizers, preferably vinasse / stillage or protein hydrolysates. [8] Seed unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized bythat as a further auxiliary substance, repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7) are comprised by the seed unit (1) and are preferably embedded in the layer (3), wherein the repellent and / or feeding inhibitor elements (7) are preferably based on plant and / or flavor extracts, optionally on essential plant and / or flavor extracts, in particular extracts from cayenne pepper, neem tree, ginger, oregano, geraniums, cistus herb or thyme. [9] Seed unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that as a further auxiliary substance, strengthening agents or strengthening elements (8) are comprised by the seed unit (1) and are preferably embedded in the layer (3), wherein the strengthening elements (8) preferably comprise organic fertilizers, preferably a strengthening active ingredient obtained from catchfly and lupin. [10] Seed unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized bythat the seed (2) is a small-grained seed (2), in particular a seed (2) of a size <3.5 mm, preferably the seed (2) is selected from seeds for Carrots, lettuce, tomatoes, sugar beets, fodder beets, rapeseed, camelina, flax, brassicas, beetroot, radish, parsnip, celery, parsley, chives, or medicinal herbs such as valerian, thyme, oregano, ribwort plantain, and echinacea. [11] Seed unit (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by , that - the layer (3) consists of 5 - 30 wt.% or 10 - 20 wt.% of the polymeric superabsorbent (5); preferably - the layer (3) consists of 1 - 15 wt.% of the adhesive of biological origin; - the layer (3) consists of 5 - 30 wt.% of the polymeric superabsorbent (5), and - the layer (3) consists of 55 - 94 wt.% coal; in particular - the layer (3) consists of 1 - 15 wt.% of the adhesive of biological origin; - the layer (3) consists of 5 - 30 wt.% of the polymeric superabsorbent (5), and / or - the layer (3) with the optional addition of 1 - 20 wt.% of nutrients or nutrient elements (6), - the layer (3) in the optional addition of which consists of 1 - 10 wt.% of repellent and / or anti-feeding elements (7), - the layer (3) in the optional addition of which consists of 0.001 - 1 wt.% of strengthening agents or strengthening elements (8), - the rest of the layer (3) consists of coal.

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