Soil modifier, cultivated soil and method for producing a soil modifier

Abstract

A soil modifier comprises base particles (100), which are SiO2 particles with a particle size of 100 nm or more. The average particle size of the base particles (100) is 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less in a particle size distribution of SiO2 particles. A cultivated soil comprises soil and base particles (100).

Description

Soil conditioner, potting soil, and method for producing soil conditioner

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a soil conditioner, a potting soil, and a method for producing the soil conditioner.

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a silicic acid absorption promoter that promotes the absorption of silicic acid by grass plants. The silicic acid absorption promoter described in Patent Document 1 is an aqueous solution containing one or more sugars and an organic acid as additives that have the effect of enhancing the absorption effect of soluble silicic acid.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2017-214368

[0004] The silicic acid absorption promoter described in Patent Document 1 promotes the absorption of silicic acid in plants that absorb a large amount of silicic acid, such as grasses. Therefore, even if the silicic acid absorption promoter is administered to plants that have difficulty absorbing silicic acid, it is difficult to obtain the desired effect.

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, one aspect of the present disclosure is to provide a SiO ２ The SiO ２ The median particle size of the particles is ２ The particle size distribution of the particles is 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure is a method for producing a soil-based soil fertilizer comprising: ２ and the SiO particles having a particle size of 100 nm or more. ２ The median particle size of the particles is ２ The particle size distribution of the particles is 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less.

[0007] Furthermore, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a method for producing a glass film by a method comprising: an object introduction step of introducing an object to be coated with a glass film into a reaction vessel; a metal alkoxide introduction step of introducing a metal alkoxide or a metal alkoxide precursor into the reaction vessel; a catalyst introduction step of introducing a catalyst that promotes hydrolysis of the metal alkoxide into the reaction vessel; a film formation step of forming a glass film on a surface of the object by hydrolyzing and dehydrating condensation of the metal alkoxide; a recovery step of recovering a solution in the reaction vessel after the film formation step; and a method for producing a glass film by a method comprising the steps of: ２ and a drying step of drying the particles, wherein after the drying step, SiO particles having a particle size of 100 nm or more are obtained. ２ The particles of the SiO ２ This is a method for producing a soil conditioner in which the particle size distribution of the particles has a median particle size of 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less.

[0008] It can promote plant growth regardless of the plant's ability to absorb silicon.

[0009] FIG. 1 shows SiO ２ 2 is an image of SiO particles. ２ 3 is an image of a particle of SiO ２ FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the results of Comparative Test 1 and Comparative Test 2. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the results of Comparative Test 3. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram explaining a method for manufacturing a soil modifier. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram explaining a method for manufacturing a soil modifier. FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram explaining a method for manufacturing a soil modifier. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram explaining a method for manufacturing a soil modifier. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram explaining a method for manufacturing a soil modifier. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram explaining a method for manufacturing a soil modifier. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram explaining a method for manufacturing a soil modifier.

[0010] <First embodiment> Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a soil modifier, a culture medium, and a method for manufacturing the soil modifier will be described. (Regarding the soil modifier and the culture medium) The soil modifier is a substantially spherical SiO ２ Specifically, the soil conditioner is a collection of particles of SiO ２ The particles contained in the SiO2 powder are 99% or more by weight. ２is sometimes called silica. ２ "particles of SiO ２ This means that the soil conditioner is made up of particles containing Na, Cl, P ２ O ５ , S.O. ３ Specifically, the soil conditioner contains 6 ppm by weight of Na. The soil conditioner also contains 0.02% by weight of Cl and 0.01% by weight of P. ２ O ５ and 0.04% SO by weight ３ and includes.

[0011] SiO contained in soil conditioner ２ The coefficient of variation of the particles is 0.30 or less. ２ The standard deviation of the particle size of the SiO ２ This is the value obtained by dividing the particle size by the average particle size of the particles.

[0012] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the soil conditioner includes base particles 100 and fine particles 200. The "base particles" are made of SiO ２ Among the particles, SiO ２ The "fine particles" are particles of SiO ２ Among the particles, SiO particles having a particle size of less than 100 nm ２ In the first embodiment, when referring to the whole particle including both the base particle 100 and the fine particle 200, the term "SiO ２ The image shown in FIG. 1 was taken using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) at a magnification of 100,000 times. ２ The image shown in Figure 2 was taken at a magnification of 150,000 times using an SEM. ２ 2 and 1. The image capturing range of FIG. 2 overlaps with the image capturing range of FIG.

[0013] A plurality of fine particles 200 are attached to the outer surface of the base particle 100. Note that the term "attached" refers to, for example, particles of SiO ２This means that the microparticles 200 and the base particles 100 are integrated to such an extent that they do not fall off when the particles are washed with a liquid. Specifically, a chemical bond such as a covalent bond exists between the microparticles 200 and the base particles 100. Some of the base particles 100 also have cracks CR. Note that "crack" is a general term for linear images on the surface of the base particles 100 that are observed when an image is taken under the above conditions. In other words, the cracks CR are groove-like depressions, linear scratches, steps, etc. that occur on the surface of the base particles 100.

[0014] The median particle size of the base particles 100 is 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less in the particle size distribution of the base particles 100. The median particle size of the microparticles 200 is 10 nm or more and less than 100 nm in the particle size distribution of the microparticles 200. The "median particle size" refers to the median value of particle sizes in the particle size distribution. In other words, the "median particle size" is the so-called median diameter (D50).

[0015] In soil conditioners, SiO ２ The specific surface area of ​​the particles is 15m ２ / g or more 200m ２ / g or less. For example, in the first embodiment, SiO ２ The specific surface area of ​​the particles is 163 m ２ / g. The specific surface area is the value of the surface area per unit weight. SiO ２ The specific surface area of ​​the particles is measured, for example, by a gas adsorption measurement method using the BET method. The BET method is a method for measuring the surface area of ​​particles by adsorbing a gas having a known adsorption area onto the surface of the particles.

[0016] In soil conditioners, SiO ２ The particles contain carbon at a weight ratio of 1.5% to 5.0%. ２ The particles contain 1.5% carbon by weight. ２ The weight ratio of carbon contained in the particles can be measured using a carbon-sulfur analyzer (CS analyzer). ２ The particles are melted in a high-frequency heating furnace in an oxygen stream. ２The carbon components contained in the particles are CO, CO ２ Then, the amount of the carbon-derived gas is measured using an infrared detector. ２ The carbon contained in the particles is quantified. From the carbon quantification results, SiO ２ The weight ratio of carbon contained in the particles is calculated.

[0017] As shown in Fig. 3, the base particle 100 has voids 103 therein. Although not shown, the fine particles 200 also have voids 103 therein. ２ When one particle is viewed in cross section, the ratio of the area occupied by the voids 103 to the cross-sectional area of ​​the particle is defined as the porosity of the single particle. The porosity of the single particle is 0.2% or more and 6.0% or less. More specifically, in the first embodiment, the porosity of the single particle is 0.2% or more and 2.0% or less. For example, the porosity of the single particle is 1.2%. Note that the porosity can also be measured, for example, by analyzing images captured by a transmission electron microscope.

[0018] The culture soil contains soil and the soil modifier. ２ The soil itself has a pH of 6.5±0.5 and an electrical conductivity of 1.0 mS / cm. ２ The particles are contained in an amount of 0.2 g to 1.5 g per liter of the soil. ２ The particles dissolve in water in the soil and become silica.

[0019] In addition, SiO ２ It is preferable that the particles of SiO are contained in an amount of 0.2 g to 0.4 g per 1 liter of the soil. ２ In this example, about 0.27 g of SiO particles is added. ２ When the particles are dissolved in water, the silica concentration in the culture soil is ２ It is estimated that the concentration of silica particles will increase by approximately 21 ppm compared to before the particles dissolve. ４ SiO ４), metasilicic acid (H ２ SiO ３ In soil, silicic acid is a compound that is water-soluble and contains SiOH, such as calcium silicate (Ca ２ SiO ４ It may also exist as silicates such as sulphite.

[0020] The voltage generated by microbial power generation using the above-mentioned culture soil is 0.7 V or higher. The voltage generated by microbial power generation can be measured as follows: The culture soil was placed in a measuring device (microbial fuel cell experimental device, product number: MudWatt, Kenis Co.). Two weeks after the placement, the voltage generated between the electrodes of the above-mentioned microbial power generation measuring device was measured.

[0021] (Results of Comparative Test 1) Comparative Test 1 was conducted on the culture soil described in the first embodiment. In Comparative Test 1, daikon radish was cultivated for one month under four different conditions. Sample groups under each condition were designated as Example 1, Example 2, Comparative Example 1, and Comparative Example 2, and the average weight of the edible portion of the daikon radish after cultivation was determined. In this test, the edible portion of the daikon radish refers to the leaves, fruit, and roots.

[0022] Example 1 is a radish grown using the culture soil described in the first embodiment and spraying pure water. That is, the culture soil used for the cultivation of Example 1 contains 1000 SiO2 per 1 L of soil. ２ The culture medium contained about 0.27 g of particles. Radishes were sown in this culture medium. Immediately after sowing the radishes, about 21 mL of pure water per 1 L of culture medium was sprayed every day except on rainy days.

[0023] Example 2 is a radish grown using the culture soil described in the first embodiment and spraying with 1% salt water. The cultivation conditions for Example 2 are the same as those for Example 1, except for the type of water sprayed. Therefore, the culture soil used for cultivation in Example 2 contains 10 ... ２ Radish seeds were sown in this culture soil, and immediately thereafter, about 20 mL of 1% saline solution per 1 L of culture soil was sprayed every day except on rainy days.

[0024] Comparative Example 1 is a radish grown using the soil described in the first embodiment and sprayed with pure water. That is, the soil used in the cultivation of Comparative Example 1 does not contain the soil modifier. The cultivation conditions for Comparative Example 1 are the same as those for Example 1, except that the soil does not contain a soil modifier. Radish was sown in this soil, and immediately thereafter, approximately 20 mL of pure water per 1 L of culture soil was sprayed daily, except during rainy weather.

[0025] Comparative Example 2 is a radish grown using the soil described in the first embodiment and sprayed with 1% saline solution. In other words, the soil used in Comparative Example 2 does not contain the soil modifier. The cultivation conditions for Comparative Example 2 are the same as those for Example 2, except that the soil does not contain a soil modifier. Radishes were sown in this soil, and immediately thereafter, approximately 20 mL of 1% saline solution per liter of culture soil was sprayed at regular intervals.

[0026] As shown in Figure 4, the average weight of the fruit in Example 1 was approximately 19.7 g, and the average weight of the leaves was approximately 22.7 g. Therefore, the average weight of the edible portion in Example 1 was approximately 42.3 g. Furthermore, the ratio of the weight of the fruit to the weight of the leaves in Example 1 was approximately 0.9. On the other hand, the average weight of the fruit in Comparative Example 1 was approximately 10.2 g, and the average weight of the leaves was approximately 20.7 g. Therefore, the average weight of the edible portion in Comparative Example 1 was approximately 30.9 g. Furthermore, the ratio of the weight of the fruit to the weight of the leaves in Comparative Example 1 was approximately 0.5.

[0027] In Example 1, the silicon concentration contained in 50 g of radish fruit was 10 ppm. On the other hand, in Comparative Example 1, the silicon concentration contained in 50 g of radish fruit was 24 ppm. From these results, it can be seen that the above SiO ２ It was found that including these particles can promote growth regardless of the plant's ability to absorb silica.

[0028] Furthermore, the average weight of the fruit in Example 2 was approximately 8.2 g, and the average weight of the leaves was approximately 10.8 g. Therefore, the average weight of the edible portion in Example 2 was approximately 19.0 g. Furthermore, the ratio of the weight of the fruit to the weight of the leaves in Example 2 was approximately 0.8. Meanwhile, the average weight of the fruit in Comparative Example 2 was approximately 2.4 g, and the average weight of the leaves was approximately 5.3 g. Therefore, the average weight of the edible portion in Comparative Example 2 was approximately 7.6 g. Furthermore, the ratio of the weight of the fruit to the weight of the leaves in Comparative Example 2 was approximately 0.4. The results of Example 2 and Comparative Example 2 showed that resistance to salt damage could be improved.

[0029] The salt equivalent amount contained per 100 g of fruit in Example 1 was approximately 0.062 g. The salt equivalent amount contained per 100 g of fruit in Comparative Example 1 was approximately 0.05 g. The salt equivalent amount contained per 100 g of fruit in Example 2 was approximately 0.49 g. The salt equivalent amount contained per 100 g of fruit in Comparative Example 2 was approximately 0.45 g. The salt equivalent amount is calculated by multiplying the amount of sodium contained per 100 g of fruit by 2.54.

[0030] (Results of Comparative Test 2) Comparative Test 2 was conducted on the culture soil used in the first embodiment. In Comparative Test 2, komatsuna was cultivated for one month under four different conditions. Sample groups under each condition were designated Example 3, Example 4, Comparative Example 3, and Comparative Example 4, and the average weight of the edible portion of the komatsuna after cultivation was determined. In this test, the edible portion of the komatsuna refers to the stems and leaves excluding the roots.

[0031] In Example 3, Komatsuna was cultivated using the culture soil described in the first embodiment and by spraying pure water. That is, the culture soil used for cultivation in Example 3 contained SiO ２ The culture medium contained about 0.27 g of particles. Komatsuna was sown in this culture medium. Immediately after sowing the Komatsuna, about 20 mL of pure water per 1 L of culture medium was sprayed every day except on rainy days.

[0032] Example 4 is a Komatsuna plant cultivated using the culture soil described in the first embodiment and spraying with 1% salt water. The cultivation conditions for Example 4 are the same as those for Example 3 except for the type of water sprayed. Therefore, the culture soil used for cultivation in Example 3 contains 10 ... ２ Komatsuna was sown in this culture soil, and immediately thereafter, about 20 mL of 1% saline solution per 1 L of culture soil was sprayed every day except on rainy days.

[0033] Comparative Example 3 is komatsuna grown using the soil described in the first embodiment and sprayed with pure water. That is, the soil used in the cultivation of Comparative Example 3 does not contain the soil modifier. The cultivation conditions of Comparative Example 3 are the same as those of Example 3, except that the soil does not contain the soil modifier. Komatsuna was sown in this soil, and immediately thereafter, approximately 20 mL of pure water per 1 L of culture soil was sprayed every day except during rainy weather.

[0034] Comparative Example 4 is a komatsuna grown using the soil described in the first embodiment and sprayed with 1% saline solution. In other words, the soil used for cultivation in Comparative Example 4 does not contain the soil modifier. The cultivation conditions for Comparative Example 4 are the same as those for Example 4, except that the soil does not contain a soil modifier. Komatsuna was sown in this soil, and immediately thereafter, approximately 20 mL of 1% saline solution per liter of culture soil was sprayed every day except during rainy weather.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, the average weight of the edible portion in Example 3 was about 45.2 g. On the other hand, the average weight of the edible portion in Comparative Example 3 was about 26.4 g. From the test results of Example 3 and Comparative Example 3, it can be seen that the above-mentioned SiO ２ It was found that the inclusion of these particles can promote plant growth.

[0036] The average weight of the edible portion of Example 4 was about 22.5 g. On the other hand, the average weight of the edible portion of Comparative Example 4 was about 17.6 g. The results of Example 4 and Comparative Example 4 show that resistance to salt damage can be improved.

[0037] Furthermore, although not shown in the figures, many insect bites were observed on the komatsuna leaves of Comparative Example 3. On the other hand, almost no insect bites were observed on the komatsuna leaves of Example 3. Therefore, it was found that insect damage can be suppressed by adding a soil modifier to the soil. Furthermore, almost no insect bites were observed on the komatsuna leaves of Example 4 and Comparative Example 4. This is presumably because the soil contains a large amount of salt, which repels pests from the komatsuna leaves of Example 4 and Comparative Example 4.

[0038] Furthermore, the amount of salt equivalent contained per 100 g of edible portion in Example 3 was approximately 0.055 g. The amount of salt equivalent contained per 100 g of edible portion in Comparative Example 3 was approximately 0.056 g. The amount of salt equivalent contained per 100 g of edible portion in Example 4 was approximately 0.55 g. The amount of salt equivalent is calculated by multiplying the amount of sodium contained per 100 g of fruit by 2.54. Furthermore, from the ratio of the amount of salt equivalent in Comparative Example 2 and Example 2, the amount of salt equivalent contained per 100 g of edible portion in Comparative Example 4 can be estimated to be approximately 0.50 g.

[0039] (Results of Comparative Test 3) Comparative Test 3 was conducted on soil containing the soil modifier of the first embodiment and soil not containing the soil modifier. In Comparative Test 3, the amount of electricity generated by microbial power generation resulting from the metabolism of microorganisms contained in the culture soil or soil was measured. Specifically, the culture soil of Example 5 and the soil of Comparative Example 5 were first placed in a microbial power generation measuring device (microbial fuel cell experimental device, product number: MudWatt, Kenis). Then, two weeks after placement, the voltage generated between the electrodes of the microbial power generation measuring device was measured.

[0040] Example 5 is a culture soil prepared by spraying pure water onto soil containing the soil modifier described in the first embodiment. That is, the sample of Example 5 contains 1000 sachets of SiO per 1 L of soil. ２ The sample contains approximately 0.27 g of particles.

[0041] Comparative Example 5 is the soil described in the first embodiment, to which pure water was sprayed. That is, the soil of Comparative Example 5 does not contain the soil modifier. The conditions of Comparative Example 5 are the same as those of Example 5, except that the soil does not contain the soil modifier.

[0042] As shown in Figure 5, the microbial power generation voltage in the culture soil of Example 5 was 0.725 V. On the other hand, the microbial power generation voltage in the culture soil of Comparative Example 5 was 0.475 V. From these test results, it was found that the growth of microorganisms living in the soil was promoted approximately two weeks after mixing the soil with the soil modifier of the first embodiment. Furthermore, it was found that approximately two weeks after mixing the soil modifier of the first embodiment with the soil, a culture soil with a microbial power generation voltage of 0.7 V or more was obtained.

[0043] (Method for Producing Soil Modifier) ​​Next, a first embodiment of a method for producing a soil modifier will be described. In the first embodiment, the soil modifier is a SiO2 produced in the manufacturing process of electronic components. ２ It is manufactured using particles.

[0044] 6, the method for producing a soil modifier includes a laminate preparation step S11, a solvent introduction step S12, a catalyst introduction step S13, an object introduction step S14, a polymer introduction step S15, and a metal alkoxide introduction step S16. The method for producing a soil modifier further includes a film formation step S17, an element removal step S18, a recovery step S19, a drying step S20, and a firing step S21.

[0045] First, in forming the element body 10, in the laminate preparation step S11, a laminate is prepared, which is the rectangular parallelepiped element body 10. For example, first, a plurality of ceramic sheets that will become the element body 10 are prepared. The sheets are thin plate-like. A conductive paste that will become the electrodes and wiring is laminated on the sheets. A ceramic sheet that will become the element body 10 is laminated on the lamination paste. In this way, the ceramic sheets and the conductive paste are laminated. Then, by cutting to a predetermined size, an unfired laminate is formed. Thereafter, the unfired laminate is fired at a high temperature to prepare the laminate.

[0046] Next, as shown in Fig. 6, a solvent introduction step S12 is performed. As shown in Fig. 7, in the solvent introduction step S12, 2-propanol is introduced into the reaction vessel 11 as the solvent 12. Next, as shown in Fig. 6, a catalyst introduction step S13 is performed. As shown in Fig. 8, in the catalyst introduction step S13, first, stirring of the solvent 12 in the reaction vessel 11 is started. Then, ammonia water is introduced into the reaction vessel 11 as an aqueous solution 13 containing a catalyst. The catalyst in the first embodiment is hydroxide ions, which function as a catalyst for promoting hydrolysis of a metal alkoxide 15, which will be described later.

[0047] Next, an object introduction step S14 is performed as shown in Fig. 6. In the object introduction step S14, a plurality of element bodies 10 formed in advance in the laminate preparation step S11 described above are introduced into a reaction vessel 11 as objects as shown in Fig. 9.

[0048] Next, a polymer introduction step S15 is performed as shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 10, in the polymer introduction step S15, polyvinylpyrrolidone is introduced as the polymer 14 into the reaction vessel 11. As a result, the polymer 14 introduced into the reaction vessel 11 is adsorbed onto the outer surface of the element body 10.

[0049] Next, a metal alkoxide introduction step S16 is performed as shown in Fig. 6. As shown in Fig. 11, in the metal alkoxide introduction step S16, liquid tetraethyl orthosilicate is introduced into a reaction vessel 11 as a metal alkoxide 15. Note that tetraethyl orthosilicate is also called tetraethoxysilane.

[0050] Next, as shown in FIG. 6 , a film-forming step S17 is performed. In the film-forming step S17, the stirring of the solvent 12, which was started in the solvent-feeding step S12 described above, is continued for a predetermined time after the metal alkoxide 15 is fed into the reaction vessel 11 in the metal alkoxide-feeding step S16. As a result, the metal alkoxide 15 is hydrolyzed by hydroxide ions, which serve as a catalyst. When the metal alkoxide 15 is hydrolyzed, the hydrolyzed metal alkoxide 15 adheres to the surface of the element body 10. Then, the metal alkoxides 15 adhered to the surface of the element body 10 undergo dehydration condensation with each other to form a glass film. Therefore, in the film-forming step S17, a sol-like glass film is formed by a liquid-phase reaction in the reaction vessel 11. Furthermore, the dehydration condensation reaction between the metal alkoxides 15 also progresses in the solution. As a result, sol-like SiO is produced as a by-product. ２ particles are generated.

[0051] Next, an element removal step S18 is performed as shown in Fig. 6. In element removal step S18, element 10 is removed from reaction vessel 11 as shown in Fig. 12. By drying and firing element 10, an electronic component having a glass film formed on the outer surface of element 10 is obtained.

[0052] Next, as shown in Fig. 6, a recovery step S19 is performed. In the recovery step S19, SiO2 present in the solution in the reaction vessel 11 is recovered. ２ Specifically, the solvent 12 in the reaction vessel 11 is evaporated to recover the SiO particles remaining in the reaction vessel 11. ２ As described above, the solution contains sol-like SiO particles. ２ The recovered SiO particles are ２ Tetraethyl orthosilicate and polyvinylpyrrolidone are attached to the outer surface of the particles.

[0053] Next, as shown in Fig. 6, a drying step S20 is performed. In the drying step S20, the sol-like SiO ２ The particles are then dried. ２ Most of the liquid components such as 2-propanol and water are removed from the particles.２ As the particles, base particles 100 having a particle size of 100 nm or more are generated. The median particle size of the generated base particles 100 is 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less in the particle size distribution of the base particles 100. The particle size of the generated base particles 100 can be controlled by adjusting the time of the film formation step S17, for example.

[0054] Next, as shown in Fig. 6, a firing step S21 is performed. In the firing step S21, the SiO ２ The particles are baked at a temperature of 300 to 450 degrees Celsius for 5 to 40 minutes. Specifically, the particles are baked at a temperature of 400 degrees Celsius for 30 minutes. This allows the gel-like SiO 2 contained in the solution to be removed. ２ The particles are hardened by vaporizing the moisture and polymer 14. By undergoing this baking step S21, the SiO ２ As the particles, fine particles 200 having a particle size of less than 100 nm are generated. The median particle size of the generated fine particles 200 is 10 nm or more and 100 nm or less in the particle size distribution of the fine particles 200. Furthermore, of the generated fine particles 200, those in contact with the base particles 100 are sintered together with the base particles 100 during the firing step S21. Therefore, the fine particles 200 adhere to the surface of the base particles 100. Note that the generated SiO ２ The particle diameter of the SiO particles 200 can be controlled by adjusting the baking temperature and time in the baking step S21. ２ A soil conditioner is produced that includes the base particles 100 and the fine particles 200 having a median particle size of 10 nm or more and less than 100 nm.

[0055] (Effects of the First Embodiment) (1-1) In the first embodiment, the soil conditioner and the culture soil are made of SiO 2 having a median particle size of 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less in particle size distribution. ２ The results of Comparative Tests 1 and 2 show that by adding the soil modifier to the soil, plant growth can be promoted regardless of the type of plant, i.e., the plant's ability to absorb silica. Although the reason why plant growth can be promoted is not clear, it is believed that the SiO ２By containing these particles, beneficial microorganisms in the soil are activated, and excess salt in the soil is converted into SiO ２ It is speculated that this is due to the particles being adsorbed onto the surface.

[0056] (1-2) From the results of Comparative Test 1, the weight ratio of fruit to leaves in Example 1 was approximately 1.8 times that of Comparative Example 1. Therefore, by including the soil modifier in the soil, it is possible to particularly promote fruit growth.

[0057] (1-3) The results of Comparative Test 2 show that adding the soil modifier to soil suppresses insect damage. (1-4) The results of Comparative Tests 1 and 2 show that adding the soil modifier to soil prevents salt damage caused by high salinity. Furthermore, the weight ratio of fruit to leaves in Example 2 was approximately twice that of the same weight ratio in Comparative Example 2. Therefore, salt damage can be suppressed, particularly in the parts of the plant that come into direct contact with the soil. Furthermore, since plants can grow even in high-salinity soil, cultivating edible plants in high-salinity soil can impart a salty taste to the plants. This increases the possibility of cultivating edible plants using seawater or brackish water as spray water.

[0058] (1-5) In the first embodiment, the coefficient of variation, which is the ratio of the standard deviation of particle diameters to the average particle diameter, is 0.30 or less. When particle diameters are uniform, the reproducibility of the effect described in (1-1) is easily obtained.

[0059] (1-6) In the first embodiment, the soil modifier is SiO ２ The effect described in (1-1) is achieved by the use of SiO particles in an amount of 99% or more by weight. ２ is presumed to be the main cause, so SiO ２ The higher the content, the more easily the effect described in (1-1) is exhibited.

[0060] (1-7) In the first embodiment, the soil modifier is Na, Cl, P ２ O ５ , S.O. ３The soil further contains one or more elements or molecules selected from the group consisting of Na, Cl, P, and S, which are known as essential nutrients for plant growth. This eliminates the need to add other fertilizers to the soil.

[0061] (1-8) In the first embodiment, the culture soil contains 0.2 g to 1.2 g of SiO per liter of soil. ２ The particles are SiO ２ By containing this, it is easier to achieve the effect of promoting plant growth.

[0062] (1-9) In the first embodiment, the voltage generated by microbial power generation in the culture soil is 0.7 V or higher. Culture soil with active microbial activity is suitable for plant cultivation. (1-10) In the first embodiment, the soil modifier is an industrial by-product, SiO ２ It can be manufactured by using a solution containing particles of SiO ２ This eliminates the need to dispose of the solution containing the particles, and also reduces the energy consumed for the disposal, which is good for the environment.

[0063] (1-11) In the first embodiment, SiO ２ The surface area per unit weight ratio of the particles is 15m ２ / g or more 200m ２ / g or less. ２ The particles contain carbon in a ratio of 1.5% to 5.0% by weight. ２ The ratio of the volume of the voids 103 to the volume of the particles is 0.2% or more and 6.0% or less. As shown in the results of the above-mentioned comparative tests, the SiO ２ A soil conditioner containing the particles can promote plant growth.

[0064] (1-12) In the first embodiment, the fine particles 200 are attached to the outer surface of the base particle 100. The presence of these fine particles 200 allows the SiO ２ As a whole, the contact area of ​​the particles with the soil becomes large. ２ The particles are likely to promote plant growth.

[0065] Second Embodiment Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the soil modifier, the culture soil, and the method for producing the soil modifier will be described. (Regarding the soil modifier) ​​The soil modifier of the second embodiment is a SiO ２ As the particles, the base particles 100 are SiO 2 particles. ２ Among the particles, SiO ２ The median particle size of the base particles 100 is 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less in the particle size distribution of the base particles 100. On the other hand, the soil conditioner of the second embodiment is made of SiO 2 particles having a particle size of less than 100 nm. ２ For example, in the soil conditioner of the second embodiment, the SiO 2 particles having a particle size of less than 100 nm are not contained, or even if they are contained, the amount is very small compared to the amount of the base particles 100. ２ The number of particles in the matrix particles is 1 / 100 or less of the number of particles in the matrix particles 100.

[0066] In soil conditioners, SiO ２ The specific surface area of ​​the particles is 15m ２ / g or more 200m ２ / g or less. For example, in the second embodiment, SiO ２ The specific surface area of ​​the particles is 18.3 m ２ / g.

[0067] In soil conditioners, SiO ２ The particles contain carbon at a weight ratio of 1.5% to 5.0%. ２ The particles contain 4.4% carbon by weight.

[0068] As shown in Fig. 3, the base particle 100 has a core portion 101 and an outer layer 102. The core portion 101 is made of SiO ２ The core portion 101 has a substantially spherical shape including the center of gravity of the particle. The core portion 101 has a void 103 therein. The porosity of a single particle is 0.2% or more and 6.0% or less. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the porosity of a single particle is 2.5% or more and 6.0% or less. For example, the porosity of a single particle is 5.7%.

[0069] The outer layer 102 is a portion that covers the core portion 101 from the outside and includes the outer surface of the base particle 100. The outer layer 102 is provided on the surface side including the outer surface. The concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the outer layer 102 is ２ The concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the core portion 101 of the particle, excluding the outer layer 102, is higher than that in the outer layer 102 of the particle. ２ When the particle is imaged, the SiO ２ In the particle, a substantially clear interface is observed between the outer layer 102 and the portion other than the outer layer 102.

[0070] The ratio of the thickness T of the outer layer 102 to the particle diameter D of the base particle 100 is 2% or more. For example, the particle diameter D of the base particle 100 is about 260 nm. The thickness T of the outer layer 102 is about 15 nm. Therefore, SiO ２ The ratio of the thickness T of the outer layer 102 to the particle diameter D of the particles is about 5.2%.

[0071] The thickness T of the outer layer 102 is defined as follows: First, an image of the base particle 100 is taken using an FE-TEM or the like. In the image, the dimension of the outer layer 102 in a direction perpendicular to an arbitrary point on the outer surface of the base particle 100 is defined as the thickness T of the outer layer 102 at that point. More specifically, the "direction perpendicular to the outer surface of the base particle at an arbitrary point on the outer surface of the base particle" refers to the direction perpendicular to a tangent line drawn to the base particle 100 with the arbitrary point as the contact point. The "thickness of the outer layer" refers to the distance from the arbitrary point to the interface in the perpendicular direction.

[0072] (Method for Manufacturing Soil Modifier) ​​In the method for manufacturing the soil modifier of the second embodiment, the steps from the laminate preparation step S11 to the drying step S20 are the same as those in the first embodiment. After the drying step S20, the soil modifier of the second embodiment is prepared by adding SiO ２ In other words, the soil modifier of the second embodiment is the same as the manufacturing method of the first embodiment, except that the SiO particles are collected after the drying step S20 and before the firing step S21. ２ is a particle.

[0073] (Effects of the Second Embodiment) According to the second embodiment, in addition to the effects (1-1) to (1-11) of the first embodiment, the following effects are achieved.

[0074] (2-1) In the second embodiment, the base particle 100 has an outer layer 102 that covers the core 101. The main component of the outer layer 102 is polyvinylpyrrolidone. The ratio of the thickness T of the outer layer 102 to the particle diameter D of the base particle 100 is 2% or more. Polyvinylpyrrolidone has various properties such as high hygroscopicity and viscosity increasing properties. Therefore, when the base particle 100 has the outer layer 102, it can exhibit favorable effects for promoting plant growth, such as preventing soil from drying out and sustained release of active ingredients.

[0075] <Modifications> The above-described first and second embodiments and the following modifications can be implemented in combination with each other within the scope of technical compatibility.

[0076] ・SiO contained in soil conditioner ２ The coefficient of variation of the particle diameter of the particles may be greater than 0.30. Even if the particle diameter varies, the effect described in (1-1) can be obtained as long as the median particle diameter is 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less.

[0077] ・SiO contained in soil conditioner ２ The SiO particles contained in the soil conditioner may be less than 99% by weight. ２ Even if the relative amount of SiO particles is small, ２ If the absolute amount of particles is large, the effect described in (1-1) can be obtained.

[0078] ・Soil conditioners include Na, Cl, and P ２ O ５ , S.O. ３ It is also possible that the material does not contain any of these elements or molecules. ２ If the soil conditioner contains particles of Na, Cl, P, etc., the effect described in (1-1) can be obtained. ２ O ５ , and SO ３ The content ratio of each of the above is not limited to the example of the embodiment.

[0079] The soil contained in the culture medium is not limited to the examples of the above embodiment, as long as it is soil suitable for growing crops, such as sandy loam, loam, or clay loam. It can be changed appropriately to suit the crop being grown. The plants whose growth can be promoted by the soil modifier and culture medium are not limited to agricultural crops. For example, it is presumed that the effect described in (1-1) can be obtained by using the soil modifier and culture medium in floriculture.

[0080] SiO contained in the culture soil ２ The particles may be more than 1.5 g per liter of soil. There is no direct damage to plants from excessive silicon. Therefore, the SiO ２ Even if there are many, there is no direct adverse effect on plants.

[0081] The voltage generated by microbial power generation may be less than 0.7 V. The culture soil contains SiO 2 having a median particle size of 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less. ２ If the particles are contained, the effect described in (1-1) can be obtained.

[0082] The culture medium may contain microbial materials. Based on the results of Comparative Test 3, it is presumed that the culture medium promotes the growth of microorganisms living in the soil. This can improve the effectiveness of the microbial materials.

[0083] The soil modifier may be produced during the process of forming a glass film on the object, and may not be produced during the process of manufacturing the electronic component. In other words, the object introduced into the reaction vessel 11 in the object introduction step S14 does not have to be an element of an electronic component.

[0084] The solvent 12 introduced in the solvent introduction step S12 is not limited to the example of the above embodiment, and may be any liquid capable of adequately dispersing the metal alkoxide 15. The solvent introduction step S12 may be performed after the catalyst introduction step S13 or the object introduction step S14. The solvent introduction step S12 may be performed prior to at least one of the metal alkoxide introduction step S16 and the catalyst introduction step S13. The solvent introduction step S12 may also be omitted. In this case, for example, if the amount of water contained in the catalyst-containing aqueous solution 13 is adequately large, the metal alkoxide 15 will react in the liquid phase. The catalyst-containing aqueous solution 13 may also be introduced in a state where it is mixed with an organic solvent as the solvent 12.

[0085] Although the catalyst is described as being introduced as an aqueous solution 13 containing the catalyst, a solid compound containing the catalyst and water may be introduced separately into the reaction vessel 11. In this case, the catalyst can be considered to have been introduced into the reaction vessel 11 when it is produced in the reaction vessel 11. Alternatively, for example, a solid compound containing the catalyst may be introduced into the reaction vessel 11, and moisture in the air may be used as the water required for hydrolysis.

[0086] The object introduction step S14 may be performed before the catalyst introduction step S13. Furthermore, when the object introduction step S14 is performed before the catalyst introduction step S13, the metal alkoxide introduction step S16 may be performed before the catalyst introduction step S13 or the object introduction step S14. The object introduction step S14 may be performed before at least one of the metal alkoxide introduction step S16 and the catalyst introduction step S13.

[0087] In the metal alkoxide introduction step S16, the metal alkoxide 15 may be generated in the reaction vessel 11 instead of being introduced into the reaction vessel 11 after being generated outside the reaction vessel 11. For example, the metal alkoxide 15 is generated by the reaction of a metal salt with an alcohol. Therefore, even when a metal salt and an alcohol, which are metal alkoxide precursors, are introduced into the reaction vessel 11 and the metal alkoxide 15 is generated by the reaction between them, it can be considered that the metal alkoxide 15 has been introduced into the reaction vessel 11.

[0088] The metal alkoxide 15 is not limited to tetraethyl orthosilicate. The alkoxy group of the metal alkoxide 15 may be a methoxy group, a propoxy group, or the like, or may be modified with a functional group such as a long-chain alkyl group or an epoxy group, as in a coupling agent. Furthermore, the coordination number for the metal contained in the metal alkoxide 15 is not limited to tetracoordination, but may be 3 or 2.

[0089] The element body removal step S18 may be omitted. That is, the recovery step S19 may be performed while the element body 10 is present in the reaction vessel 11. In the firing step S21, the temperature at which the sol- or gel-like particles are fired may be less than 300°C or more than 450°C. The firing time may be less than 5 minutes or more than 40 minutes. For example, even if the temperature is higher than 450°C, firing for less than 5 minutes can produce SiO particles having a median particle size of 120 nm to 800 nm. ２ It is sufficient to be able to produce particles of this order.

[0090] In the recovery step S19, SiO ２ The method for collecting the particles is not limited to the example of the above embodiment. For example, the solvent 12 may be evaporated by drying under reduced pressure. ２ The particle size of the base particles 100 may be controlled by the concentration of the materials in each step.

[0091] As exemplified in the first and second embodiments, the soil modifier does not necessarily need to contain the microparticles 200, but may be composed of only the base particles 100. Furthermore, even if the soil modifier contains the microparticles 200, the microparticles 200 do not need to adhere to the base particles 100.

[0092] The soil modifier is SiO in the first embodiment. ２ and the SiO particles in the second embodiment. ２ In other words, the SiO particles after the firing step S21 may contain both. ２ and SiO particles after the drying step S20 without the firing step S21. ２ It may contain both particles of and.

[0093] SiO ２ The particle has a surface area per unit weight ratio of 15m ２ / g or less than 200m ２ / g. ２ The carbon content of the particles may be less than 1.5% by weight or more than 5.0% by weight. In either case, the effect described in (1-1) can be obtained.

[0094] SiO ２ The ratio of voids 103 inside the particles may be less than 0.2% or more than 6.0%. The core portion 101 may not necessarily have voids 103 inside. ２ The ratio of the thickness T of the outer layer 102 to the particle diameter D of the particles may be less than 2%. Even in these cases, the effect described in (1-1) can be obtained.

[0095] In the second embodiment, SiO ２ The concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the outer layer 102 of the particles may be equal to or lower than the concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the core portion 101. ２ The ratio of the thickness T of the outer layer 102 to the particle diameter D of the particles may be less than 2%. Even in these cases, the effect described in (1-1) can be obtained.

[0096] In the first embodiment, SiO ２ The particles are SiO ２ The ratio of the thickness T of the outer layer 102 to the particle diameter D of the particles is less than 2%, or the outer layer 102 is not provided. ２ The particles may have no clear boundary between the core portion 101 and the outer layer 102 .

[0097] <Supplementary Notes> The technical concepts that can be derived from the above-described embodiment and modifications are described below. [1] SiO ２ The SiO particles have a particle size of 100 nm or more. ２ The median particle size of the particles is ２A soil conditioner having a particle size distribution of 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less.

[0098] [2] The SiO ２ The average particle size of the SiO ２ The soil conditioner according to [1], wherein the coefficient of variation, which is the ratio of the standard deviation of the particle diameter of the particles, is 0.30 or less.

[0099] [3] The SiO ２ The soil conditioner according to [1] or [2], comprising 99% or more particles by weight.

[0100] [4] Na, Cl, P ２ O ５ , S.O. ３ The soil modifier according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising one or more selected from:

[0101] [5] The SiO having a particle size of 100 nm or more ２ When the particles are used as base particles, in addition to the base particles, ２ The particles are SiO having a particle size of less than 100 nm. ２ The soil conditioner according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the fine particles have a median particle size of 10 nm or more and less than 100 nm in the particle size distribution of the fine particles, and a plurality of the fine particles are attached to the outer surface of the base particle.

[0102] [6] The SiO ２ The surface area per unit weight ratio of the particles is 15m ２ / g or more 200m ２ / g or less [1] to [5]. The soil conditioner according to any one of [1] to [5].

[0103] [7] The SiO ２ The soil conditioner according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the particles contain carbon at a weight ratio of 1.5% to 5.0%.

[0104] [8] The SiO ２ The particles have voids inside, and ２When one of the particles is viewed in cross section, the ratio of the area occupied by the voids to the cross-sectional area of ​​the particle is 0.2% or more and 6.0% or less. [1] The soil conditioner according to any one of [7] to [8].

[0105] [9] The SiO having a particle size of 100 nm or more ２ The particles have a core portion and a SiO ２ and an outer layer including the outer surface of the particle, wherein the concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the outer layer is higher than the concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the core portion. [1] to [8] Any one of the soil conditioners described in.

[0106]

[10] When the dimension of the outer layer at any point on the outer surface in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface is the thickness of the outer layer at that point, ２ The soil conditioner according to [9], wherein the ratio of the thickness of the outer layer to the particle diameter of the particles is 2% or more.

[0107]

[11] Soil and SiO ２ and the SiO particles having a particle size of 100 nm or more. ２ The median particle size of the particles is ２ The particle size distribution of the culture soil particles is 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less.

[0108]

[12] The SiO having a particle size of 100 nm or more. ２ When the particles are used as base particles, in addition to the base particles, ２ The particles are SiO having a particle size of less than 100 nm. ２ The culture soil according to

[11] , comprising fine particles of the formula (I), wherein the median particle diameter of the fine particles is 10 nm or more and less than 100 nm in the particle size distribution of the fine particles, and a plurality of the fine particles are attached to the outer surface of the base particle.

[0109]

[13] 0.2 g to 1.5 g of the SiO per 1 liter of the soil. ２ The culture soil according to any one of

[11] or

[12] , comprising particles of

[0110]

[14] The culture soil according to any one of

[11] to

[13] , wherein the voltage generated by microbial power generation is 0.7 V or more.

[0111]

[15] An object introduction step of introducing an object to be coated with a glass film into a reaction vessel; a metal alkoxide introduction step of introducing a metal alkoxide or a metal alkoxide precursor into the reaction vessel; a catalyst introduction step of introducing a catalyst that promotes hydrolysis of the metal alkoxide into the reaction vessel; a film formation step of forming a glass film on the surface of the object by hydrolyzing and dehydrating condensation of the metal alkoxide; and, after the film formation step, removing SiO contained in the solution in the reaction vessel. ２ a recovery step of recovering the particles of the SiO ２ and a drying step of drying the particles of the SiO 2 having a particle size of 100 nm or more after the drying step. ２ The particles of the SiO ２ A method for producing a soil conditioner in which the median particle size in the particle size distribution of the particles is 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less.

[0112]

[16] The SiO having a particle size of 100 nm or more ２ When the particles are used as base particles, the method further comprises a firing step of firing the dried base particles after the drying step, and after the firing step, the SiO ２ The particles are SiO having a particle size of less than 100 nm. ２ The method for producing a soil conditioner according to

[15] , wherein the fine particles have a median particle size of 10 nm or more and less than 100 nm in the particle size distribution of the fine particles.

[0113] 100... Mother particle 101... Core portion 102... Outer layer 103... Void 200... Fine particle S13... Catalyst introduction step S14... Object introduction step S15... Polymer introduction step S16... Metal alkoxide introduction step S17... Film formation step S19... Recovery step S20... Drying step S21... Baking step

Claims

1. SiO ２ The SiO particles have a particle size of 100 nm or more. ２ The median particle size of the particles is ２ A soil conditioner having a particle size distribution of 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less.

2. The SiO ２ The average particle size of the SiO ２ 2. The soil conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the coefficient of variation, which is the ratio of the particle diameter of the soil to the standard deviation of the particle diameter of the soil, is 0.30 or less.

3. The SiO ２ The soil conditioner according to claim 1 or 2, comprising particles of the formula (I) in an amount of 99% or more by weight.

4. Na, Cl, P ２ O ５ , S.O. ３ The soil conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising one or more selected from:

5. The SiO having a particle size of 100 nm or more ２ When the particles are used as base particles, in addition to the base particles, ２ The particles are SiO having a particle size of less than 100 nm. ２ The soil conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 4, comprising fine particles of the formula (I), wherein a median particle size of the fine particles is 10 nm or more and less than 100 nm in a particle size distribution of the fine particles, and a plurality of the fine particles are attached to an outer surface of the base particle.

6. The SiO ２ The surface area per unit weight ratio of the particles is 15m ２ / g or more 200m ２ The soil conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the water content is 0.1g or less.

7. The SiO ２ The soil conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the particles contain carbon at a weight ratio of 1.5% to 5.0%.

8. The SiO ２ The particles have voids inside, and ２ When one of the particles is viewed in cross section, the ratio of the area occupied by the voids to the cross-sectional area of ​​the one particle is 0.2% or more and 6.0% or less. The soil conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The SiO having a particle size of 100 nm or more ２ The particles have a core portion and a SiO ２ and an outer layer including an outer surface of the particle, wherein the concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the outer layer is higher than the concentration of polyvinylpyrrolidone in the core portion. The soil conditioner according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. When the dimension of the outer layer at any point on the outer surface in a direction perpendicular to the outer surface is the thickness of the outer layer at that point, ２ The soil conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the ratio of the thickness of the outer layer to the particle diameter of the particles is 2% or more.

11. Soil and SiO ２ and the SiO particles having a particle size of 100 nm or more. ２ The median particle size of the particles is ２ The particle size distribution of the culture soil is 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less.

12. The SiO having a particle size of 100 nm or more ２ When the particles are used as base particles, in addition to the base particles, ２ The particles are SiO having a particle size of less than 100 nm. ２ The culture soil according to claim 11, comprising fine particles having a median particle size of 10 nm or more and less than 100 nm in the particle size distribution of the fine particles, and a plurality of the fine particles are attached to the outer surface of the base particle.

13. 0.2 g to 1.5 g of the SiO per liter of the soil ２ The culture soil according to claim 11 or 12, comprising particles of the formula:

14. The culture soil according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the voltage generated by microbial power generation is 0.7 V or more.

15. An object introduction step of introducing an object to be coated with a glass film into a reaction vessel; a metal alkoxide introduction step of introducing a metal alkoxide or a metal alkoxide precursor into the reaction vessel; a catalyst introduction step of introducing a catalyst that promotes hydrolysis of the metal alkoxide into the reaction vessel; a film formation step of forming a glass film on the surface of the object by hydrolyzing and dehydrating condensation of the metal alkoxide; and a method of forming a glass film on the surface of the object by removing SiO contained in the solution in the reaction vessel after the film formation step. ２ a recovery step of recovering the particles of the SiO ２ and a drying step of drying the particles of the SiO 2 having a particle size of 100 nm or more after the drying step. ２ The particles of the SiO ２ In the particle size distribution of the particles, the median particle size is 120 nm or more and 800 nm or less.

16. The SiO having a particle size of 100 nm or more ２ When the particles are used as base particles, the method further comprises a firing step of firing the dried base particles after the drying step, and after the firing step, the SiO ２ The particles are SiO having a particle size of less than 100 nm. ２ The method for producing a soil conditioner according to claim 15, wherein the soil conditioner comprises fine particles of the formula (I), wherein a median particle size of the fine particles is 10 nm or more and less than 100 nm in a particle size distribution of the fine particles.

Images