Composition, method for producing composition, method for using composition, fertilizer composition, and method for using fertilizer composition

Abstract

To provide a composition that enables a reduction in the number of application times.SOLUTION: The composition comprises an active ingredient and biomass, and the composition contains hemicellulose, and the hemicellulose content contained in the composition is 10 mass% or less.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a composition, a method for producing the composition, a method for using the composition, a fertilizer composition, and a method for using the fertilizer composition.

Background Art

[0002] Excessive fertilizers are wasted and released into the environment, causing groundwater pollution, accumulation of carcinogen precursors (e.g., nitrates) in crops, and N2O emissions that contribute to global warming gases. In agriculture, due to the decrease in the number of agricultural workers, there is an increasing demand for labor-saving in agriculture. Also, from the perspective of safety, the need for organic fertilizers is increasing. Furthermore, in recent years, from the perspective of reducing the environmental burden, sustained-release fertilizers in which fertilizer components gradually dissolve have been attracting attention.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a coated fertilizer particle including a granule and one or more layers of polyurethane coating layers, wherein the one or more layers of polyurethane coating layers substantially enclose the granule, and a release-controlled fertilizer composition including the coated fertilizer particle. In this release-controlled fertilizer composition, the one or more layers of polyurethane coating layers are formed from a reaction product of a polyol composition and an isocyanate curing agent, and at least one of the one or more layers of polyurethane coating layers contains inorganic particles. Also, Patent Document 2 discloses a granular fertilizer produced by granulating a sustained-release granular urea formaldehyde polymer together with a solid for enhancing fertilizer and a binder. This sustained-release granular urea formaldehyde polymer is produced by acidifying an aqueous solution of methylol urea, wherein the aqueous solution of methylol urea contains a dispersant or is subjected to high-shear conditions during acidification to form an aqueous dispersion of insoluble urea formaldehyde polymer particles, and drying the dispersion to recover the urea formaldehyde polymer particles.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004] Patent Document 1 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-535047 Patent Document 2 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-521761 Summary of the Invention Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] However, although the release control type fertilizer composition described in Patent Document 1 and the granular fertilizer described in Patent Document 2 have biodegradable fertilizer components, they are easily affected by temperature because they are decomposed by microorganisms. Therefore, there is a problem that it is difficult to control the decomposition (control of sustained release). On the other hand, coated fertilizers with a surface coated with a film such as plastic are known, but they are difficult to decompose in the soil, and there are concerns about the environmental impact caused by the outflow of the film shells after use from the fields to the ocean.

[0006] From the viewpoints of recent labor-saving in agriculture and further reduction of environmental load, there is a demand for a fertilizer composition capable of reducing the number of fertilizations and a sustained-release composition capable of reducing the number of applications. Furthermore, there is also a demand to effectively utilize unused biomass resources.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a composition capable of reducing the number of applications, a method for producing the composition, and a method for using the composition. Another object of the present invention is to provide a fertilizer composition capable of reducing the number of fertilizations. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing a fertilizer composition capable of reducing the number of fertilizations and a method for using the fertilizer composition. Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] [1] A composition containing an active ingredient and biomass, wherein the composition contains hemicellulose, and the content of hemicellulose contained in the composition is 10% by mass or less. [2] The active ingredient is at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pheromone agents, agricultural chemicals, and biostimulants. The composition according to [1] above. [3] The composition is a granulated product. The composition according to [1] or [2] above. [4] The biomass passes through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm. The composition according to any one of [1] to [3] above. [5] Among the biomass in the composition, the amount of biomass that does not pass through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm is less than 20% by mass of the total amount of the biomass in the composition. The composition according to any one of [1] to [4] above. [6] The biomass is steam-exploded biomass. The composition according to any one of [1] to [5] above. [7] The content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass is 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The composition according to [6] above. [8] Further comprising a binder. The composition according to any one of [1] to [7] above. [9] A fertilizer composition comprising an organic fertilizer and biomass, wherein the fertilizer composition contains hemicellulose, and the content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition is 10% by mass or less. Fertilizer composition.

[10] The fertilizer composition is a granulated product. The fertilizer composition according to [9] above.

[11] The biomass passes through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm. The fertilizer composition according to [9] or

[10] above.

[12] Among the biomass in the fertilizer composition, the amount of biomass that does not pass through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm is less than 20% by mass of the total amount of the biomass in the fertilizer composition. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [9] to

[11] .

[13] The biomass is steam-exploded biomass. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [9] to

[12] .

[14] The content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass is 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The fertilizer composition according to

[13] .

[15] The organic fertilizer is a fermented product or a mixture containing a fermented product and an unfermented product. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [9] to

[14] .

[16] The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken manure, cow manure, pig manure, fermented chicken manure, fermented cow manure, fermented pig manure, fermentation residue, and food waste. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [9] to

[15] .

[17] The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of fermented chicken manure, dried chicken manure, and fermentation residue. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [9] to

[16] .

[18] Further comprising a binder. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [9] to

[17] .

[19] When 4.0 g of the fertilizer composition is dissolved in 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 13°C or higher and 15°C or lower, the dissolution ratio satisfies the relationship of the following formula (Formula D1). The fertilizer composition according to any one of [9] to

[18] . Dissolution ratio [mass%] = ((4.0 g - insoluble matter [g]) / 4.0 g) × 100 ≤ 10.0... (Formula D1)

[20] 4.0 g of the fertilizer composition is immersed in 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 13°C or higher and 15°C or lower, and the concentration C of total nitrogen atoms in the ion-exchanged water measured after 7 days, 21 days, and 36 days N satisfies the relationships of the following formula (Formula 1) and formula (Formula 2). The fertilizer composition according to any one of [9] to

[19] . 1.0 < (C after 21 days N ) / (C after 7 days N ) < 1.5 (Equation 1) (C after 21 days N ) / (C after 7 days N ) < (C after 36 days N ) / (C after 7 days N ) (Equation 2) (The unit of C N is mg / L.)

[21] A method of using the composition according to any one of [1] to [8] above, comprising the step of releasing the active ingredient contained in the composition into at least one environment selected from the group consisting of air, water, and soil. Method of using the composition.

[22] A method of using the fertilizer composition according to any one of [9] to

[20] above, comprising the step of releasing the organic fertilizer contained in the fertilizer composition into at least one environment of water or soil. Method of using the fertilizer composition.

[23] A step of steam-exploding biomass to obtain steam-exploded biomass, and a step of obtaining a mixture by mixing the steam-exploded biomass and an active ingredient. Method for producing the composition.

[24] After the step of obtaining the mixture, a step of granulating the mixture is included. Method for producing the composition according to

[23] above.

[25] The steam-exploded biomass passes through a mesh with an opening size of 1.18 mm. Method for producing the composition according to

[23] or

[24] above.

[26] The content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass is 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. Method for producing the composition according to any one of

[23] to

[25] above.

[27] The step of obtaining the mixture is a step of mixing the steam-exploded biomass and the active ingredient such that the content of the steam-exploded biomass in the mixture is 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and the content of the active ingredient is 40% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less. The method for producing the composition according to any one of

[23] to

[26] above.

[28] The step of obtaining the mixture is a step of mixing the steam-exploded biomass, the active ingredient, and further a binder. The method for producing the composition according to any one of

[23] to

[27] above.

[29] The active ingredient is at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pheromone agents, agricultural chemicals, and biostimulants. The method for producing the composition according to any one of

[23] to

[28] above.

[30] The active ingredient is an organic fertilizer. The method for producing the composition according to any one of

[23] to

[28] above.

[31] The organic fertilizer is a fermented product or a mixture containing a fermented product and an unfermented product. The method for producing the composition according to

[30] above.

[32] The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken manure, cow manure, pig manure, fermented chicken manure, fermented cow manure, fermented pig manure, fermentation residues, and food waste. The method for producing the composition according to

[30] or

[31] above.

[33] The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of fermented chicken manure, dried chicken manure, and fermentation residues. The method for producing the composition according to any one of

[30] to

[32] above.

[34] The content of hemicellulose contained in the produced composition is 10% by mass or less. The method for producing the composition according to any one of

[23] to

[33] above.

[0009] [1A] A fertilizer composition comprising an organic fertilizer and biomass, The content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition is 15% by mass or less. Fertilizer composition. [2A] The fertilizer composition is a granulated product. The fertilizer composition according to [1A]. [3A] The biomass passes through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm. The fertilizer composition according to [1A] or [2A]. [4A] Among the biomass in the fertilizer composition, the amount of biomass that does not pass through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm is less than 20% by mass of the total amount of biomass in the fertilizer composition. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [1A] to [3A]. [5A] The biomass is steam-exploded biomass. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [1A] to [4A]. [6A] The content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass is 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The fertilizer composition according to [5A]. [7A] The organic fertilizer is a fermented product or a mixture containing a fermented product and an unfermented product. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [1A] to [6A]. [8A] The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken manure, cow manure, pig manure, fermented chicken manure, fermented cow manure, fermented pig manure, fermentation residue, and food waste. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [1A] to [7A]. [9A] The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of fermented chicken manure, dried chicken manure, and fermentation residue. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [1A] to [8A]. [10A] Further comprising a binder. The fertilizer composition according to any one of [1A] to [9A]. [11A] When 4.0 g of the fertilizer composition is dissolved in 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 13°C or higher and 15°C or lower, the dissolution ratio satisfies the relationship of the following formula (Formula D1). The fertilizer composition according to any one of [1A] to [10A]. Dissolution ratio [mass%] = ((4.0 g - insoluble matter [g]) / 4.0 g) × 100 ≦ 10.0…(Equation D1) [12A] Immerse 4.0 g of the fertilizer composition in 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 13°C or higher and 15°C or lower, and measure the concentration C of total nitrogen atoms in the ion-exchanged water after 7 days, 21 days, and 36 days. N satisfies the relationships of the following formulas (Formula 1) and (Formula 2): The fertilizer composition according to any one of [1A] to [11A]. 1.0 < (C after 21 days N ) / (C after 7 days N ) < 1.5 (Formula 1) (C after 21 days N ) / (C after 7 days N ) < (C after 36 days N ) / (C after 7 days N ) (Formula 2) (The unit of C N is mg / L.) [13A] A step of steam-exploding biomass to obtain steam-exploded biomass, and A step of obtaining a mixture by mixing the steam-exploded biomass and an organic fertilizer. A method for producing a fertilizer composition. [14A] After the step of obtaining the mixture, it has a step of granulating the mixture. The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to [13A]. [15A] The steam-exploded biomass passes through a mesh with an opening size of 1.18 mm. The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to [13A] or [14A]. [16A] The organic fertilizer is a fermented product or a mixture containing a fermented product and an unfermented product. The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to any one of [13A] to [15A]. [17A] The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken manure, cow manure, pig manure, fermented chicken manure, fermented cow manure, fermented pig manure, fermentation residues, and food waste. The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to any one of [13A] to [16A]. [18A] The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of fermented chicken manure, dried chicken manure, and fermentation residue. The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to any one of [13A] to [17A]. [19A] The content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass is 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to any one of [13A] to [18A]. [20A] The step of obtaining the mixture is a step of mixing the steam-exploded biomass and the organic fertilizer so that the content of the steam-exploded biomass in the mixture is 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and the content of the organic fertilizer is 40% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less. The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to any one of [13A] to [19A]. [21A] The step of obtaining the mixture is a step of mixing the steam-exploded biomass, the organic fertilizer, and a binder. The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to any one of [13A] to [20A]. [22A] The content of hemicellulose contained in the produced fertilizer composition is 15% by mass or less. The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to any one of [13A] to [21A].

Advantages of the Invention

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a composition capable of reducing the number of applications, a method for producing the composition, and a method for using the composition. According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a fertilizer composition capable of reducing the number of fertilization times. According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a method for producing the fertilizer composition capable of reducing the number of fertilization times, and a method for using the fertilizer composition.

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] In this specification, a numerical range represented by "~" means a range including the numerical value described before "~" as the lower limit value and the numerical value described after "~" as the upper limit value. In this specification, semi-carbonization means a state in which at least a part of the biomass is carbonized. Examples of the method of semi-carbonization include a method of steam-exploding biomass and a method of heating (roasting) biomass at 250°C or higher and 500°C or lower in a container (preferably in a container with air cutoff). In this specification, semi-carbonized biomass may be referred to as "semi-carbonized biomass". One aspect of semi-carbonized biomass is steam-exploded biomass. Another aspect of semi-carbonized biomass is roasted biomass. In the description of this specification, steam-exploded biomass may be referred to as "steam-exploded biomass", and roasted biomass may be referred to as "roasted biomass". Also, when "steam-exploded biomass" and "roasted biomass" are not particularly distinguished, they may be collectively referred to as "biomass" or "semi-carbonized biomass".

[0012] 〔First Embodiment〕 〔Composition〕 The composition according to the first embodiment will be described. In the description of the first embodiment, the same configurations as those of the second embodiment described later can be incorporated with the configurations and preferred configurations described in the second embodiment. Also, in the description of the first embodiment, for configurations not particularly mentioned, the configurations described in the second embodiment can be incorporated.

[0013] The composition according to the first embodiment includes an active ingredient and biomass, the composition contains hemicellulose, and the content of hemicellulose contained in the composition is 10% by mass or less. "The content of hemicellulose contained in the composition is 10% by mass or less" indicates that the biomass contained in the composition is semi-carbonized. In the composition according to the first embodiment, the content of hemicellulose contained in the composition is preferably 5.0% by mass or less, more preferably 2.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or less. Further, the content of hemicellulose contained in the composition may be 0.01% by mass or more, 0.05% by mass or more, 0.1% by mass or more, or 0.5% by mass or more. Therefore, similar to the second embodiment described later, the composition according to the first embodiment contains semi-carbonized biomass, so that the interaction between the separated components of biomass (such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) and the active ingredient in the composition is enhanced, and it is considered that the active ingredient is easily retained and released appropriately. Thereby, it is considered that it becomes easier to control the sustained release property of the active ingredient in the composition. According to the composition according to the first embodiment, the active ingredient can be sustainedly released over a long period, and as a result, the number of application times can be reduced. According to the composition according to the first embodiment, the number of application times can be reduced.

[0014] In the composition according to the first embodiment, the biomass preferably passes through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm. In the composition according to the first embodiment, the amount of biomass that does not pass through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm among the biomass in the composition is preferably less than 20% by mass of the total amount of the biomass in the composition. In the composition according to the first embodiment, the biomass is preferably steam-exploded biomass. In the composition according to the first embodiment, the content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass is preferably 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The composition according to the first embodiment is preferably a granulated product. The composition according to the first embodiment preferably further contains a binder.

[0015] <Active ingredient> In the composition according to the first embodiment, the active ingredient is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pheromone agents, agricultural chemicals, and biostimulants.

[0016] (Fertilizer) Fertilizers are generally classified into organic fertilizers and chemical fertilizers. Examples of the organic fertilizer include the organic fertilizers described in the second embodiment. Chemical fertilizers are fertilizers produced by chemical methods and containing at least one of the elements of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are the three major fertilizer elements.

[0017] In the composition according to the first embodiment, when the active ingredient includes a fertilizer, from the viewpoint of reducing the environmental load, the fertilizer is preferably an organic fertilizer or a fertilizer mixture containing an organic fertilizer and a chemical fertilizer. It is preferable not to use a chemical fertilizer alone. When the composition according to the first embodiment contains a fertilizer mixture as the active ingredient, the content rate of the chemical fertilizer in the fertilizer mixture is preferably 50% by mass or less, more preferably 40% by mass or less, and still more preferably 20% by mass or less. The lower limit value of the content rate of the chemical fertilizer in the fertilizer mixture is, for example, 5% by mass or more. The content rate of the organic fertilizer in the fertilizer mixture is preferably 50% by mass or more, more preferably 60% by mass or more, and still more preferably 80% by mass or more. The upper limit value of the content rate of the organic fertilizer in the fertilizer mixture is, for example, 95% by mass or less. The upper limit value of the total content rate of the chemical fertilizer and the organic fertilizer in the fertilizer mixture is 100% by mass. When using a fertilizer mixture as the active ingredient, it is considered that the sustained release property of the fertilizer components into water is enhanced compared to the case of using a chemical fertilizer alone. This is because when the composition contains an organic fertilizer (organic matter), the solubility of the composition in water tends to decrease, and the physical interaction with the semi-carbonized biomass becomes stronger. Therefore, when using a fertilizer mixture as the active ingredient, the content rate of the organic fertilizer in the fertilizer mixture is preferably as large as possible (that is, 50% by mass or more).

[0018] (Pheromone agent) A pheromone agent is a substance that chemically synthesizes information - transmitting chemical substances (such as sex pheromones, aggregation pheromones, and warning pheromones, etc.) possessed by insects and disrupts and attracts insect communication. Known substances and commercially available products can be used as the pheromone agent. The pheromone agent may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0019] (Pesticide) Examples of pesticides include fungicides, mildew - proof agents, insecticides, herbicides, rodenticides, and plant growth regulators (such as plant hormone agents, etc.). Known substances and commercially available products can be used as the pesticide. The pesticide may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0020] (Biostimulant) A biostimulant is a substance that protects plants from abiotic stress through plant physiology. The types of biostimulants are mainly classified into (i) humus and organic acid materials, (ii) seaweeds, seaweed extracts and polysaccharides, (iii) amino acids and peptide materials, (iv) trace minerals and vitamins, (v) microbial materials, and (vi) others. Specific examples of the above (i) include, for example, humic acid and fulvic acid. The effects of the above (i) include, for example, growth promotion and improvement of nutrient absorption. Specific examples of the above (ii) include, for example, seaweed extract and specific polysaccharides. The effects of the above (ii) include, for example, growth promotion and improvement of stress tolerance. Specific examples of the above (iii) include, for example, amino acids and peptides derived from plants and microorganisms. The effects of the above (iii) include, for example, stimulation of physiological activities and promotion of nutrient absorption. Specific examples of the above (iv) include, for example, necessary trace minerals and vitamins. The effects of the above (iv) include, for example, promotion of physiological activities and support for healthy growth. Specific examples of the above (v) include, for example, Trichoderma, mycorrhizal fungi, yeast, Bacillus subtilis, and Rhizobium. Examples of the effects of the above (v) include, for example, improvement of soil health, nutrient absorption, and improvement of disease resistance. Specific examples of the above (vi) include, for example, functional components derived from animals and plants, microbial metabolites, and microbial activation materials. Examples of the effects of the above (vi) include, for example, support for plant health and growth.

[0021] In the composition according to the first embodiment, the suitable contents of the semi-carbonized biomass and the active ingredient in the composition are preferably in the same range as the "suitable contents of the semi-carbonized biomass and the organic fertilizer in the fertilizer composition" described in the second embodiment. In the composition according to the first embodiment, when the composition contains a semi-carbonized biomass, an active ingredient, and a binder, the suitable contents of the semi-carbonized biomass, the active ingredient, and the binder in the composition are preferably in the same range as the "suitable contents of the semi-carbonized biomass, the organic fertilizer, and the binder in the fertilizer composition" described in the second embodiment.

[0022] The composition according to the first embodiment may contain other components other than the semi-carbonized biomass, the active ingredient, and the binder. Examples of other components include other components (except chemical fertilizers) described in the second embodiment. Examples of the uses of the composition according to the first embodiment include, for example, the same uses as the fertilizer composition described in the second embodiment, slow-release pheromones, and slow-acting fertilizers. The composition according to the first embodiment can be applied by substituting the fertilizer composition and the organic fertilizer in the second embodiment with the composition and the active ingredient, respectively (except for the "characteristics of the fertilizer composition").

[0023] 〔Second Embodiment〕 〔Fertilizer Composition〕 The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment will be described. The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment is an example of the composition according to the first embodiment. The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment is an example of the first embodiment and is an example when organic fertilizer is used as an active ingredient. In other respects, it is the same as the first embodiment except for "characteristics of the fertilizer composition". One aspect of the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment includes an organic fertilizer and biomass, and the content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition is 15% by mass or less. In one aspect of the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment, "the content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition is 15% by mass or less" indicates that the biomass contained in the fertilizer composition is semi-carbonized. The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment includes an organic fertilizer and biomass, the fertilizer composition contains hemicellulose, and the content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition is 10% by mass or less. The content of hemicellulose contained in semi-carbonized biomass (for example, lignocellulosic biomass) decreases compared to non-semi-carbonized biomass. Therefore, "the content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition is 10% by mass or less" indicates that the biomass contained in the fertilizer composition is semi-carbonized. That is, the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment includes an organic fertilizer and semi-carbonized biomass, and the content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition is 10% by mass or less.

[0024] The significance of the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment containing semi-carbonized biomass will be described. Biomass is more easily separated into its constituent components when semi-carbonized. For example, when the biomass is plant-derived biomass, it is more easily separated into cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, etc. when semi-carbonized. Therefore, when the fertilizer composition contains semi-carbonized biomass, the interaction between the separated components of the biomass (cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, etc.) and the organic fertilizer in the fertilizer composition is enhanced, and it is considered that the organic fertilizer is more easily retained and released appropriately. As a result, it becomes easier to control the sustained release of the organic fertilizer in the fertilizer composition. Therefore, according to the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment, the fertilizer components can be slowly released over a long period of time. As a result, the number of fertilization times can be reduced.

[0025] When biomass is steam-exploded, it is refined and its surface area increases. Therefore, when the fertilizer composition contains steam-exploded biomass, the separation components (such as cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) present on the surface of the refined biomass are more likely to interact with the organic fertilizer, and the fertilizer components are slowly released. As a result, it is considered that it becomes easier to control the slow-release property of the organic fertilizer in the fertilizer composition.

[0026] In addition, when biomass is steamed and baked, many pores are formed in the biomass. Therefore, when the fertilizer composition contains steamed and baked biomass, the fertilizer components are easily adsorbed into the pores of the biomass. As a result, when the fertilizer components adsorbed in the pores are released, the interaction between the steamed and baked biomass and the fertilizer components becomes stronger, so that the fertilizer components are slowly released. As a result, it is considered that it becomes easier to control the slow-release property of the organic fertilizer in the fertilizer composition. Note that even if the biomass is steam-exploded, biomass containing pores can be obtained, but more pores are formed when such biomass is steamed and baked.

[0027] The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment preferably has a structure in which semi-carbonized biomass functions as a matrix and the organic fertilizer is dispersed in the semi-carbonized biomass. Thereby, in the fertilizer composition, the interaction between the semi-carbonized biomass and the organic fertilizer is further enhanced, and it becomes easier to control the slow-release property of the organic fertilizer in the fertilizer composition.

[0028] The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment is preferably a granulated product. When the fertilizer composition is a granulated product, the fertilizer components are covered with the shell of the matrix. Therefore, due to physical resistance, it is considered that it becomes difficult for the fertilizer components to come into contact with water, and the elution rate of the fertilizer components is suppressed. In addition, the effect that the fertilizer composition is a granulated product is more pronounced when the biomass is a lignocellulosic biomass. When the lignocellulosic biomass is carbonized by steaming, a semi-carbonized biomass containing more pores can be obtained. Since it is considered that the fertilizer components are adsorbed and present in these pores, when the fertilizer composition is a granulated product, it is considered that the fertilizer components are less likely to elute due to physical resistance.

[0029] The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment is preferably composed substantially only of biomass-derived materials and does not contain materials other than biomass-derived materials. Thereby, the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment is more easily applicable and safer for organic agriculture than conventional fertilizer compositions. It is also excellent in soil improvement. "Composed substantially only of biomass-derived materials" means that the whole, excluding components that are not intentionally added (hereinafter also referred to as inevitable components), is only biomass-derived materials. The inevitable components are, for example, 0.5 mass% or less, preferably 0.1 mass% or less, based on the total amount of the fertilizer composition. In the second embodiment, the biomass-derived materials are organic fertilizers, steam-exploded biomass, carbonized biomass by steaming, and binders described later, etc.

[0030] In the second embodiment, the biomass (semi-carbonized biomass) contained in the fertilizer composition preferably passes through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm. The sieve with a mesh opening of 1.18 mm is a sieve according to the standard of JIS Z8801-1 (2019). "Biomass passing through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm" indicates that the semi-carbonized biomass is fine.

[0031] In the second embodiment, among the biomass (preferably steam-exploded biomass) in the fertilizer composition, the amount of biomass passing through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm is preferably 80% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass or more, still more preferably 95% by mass or more, still more preferably 99% by mass or more, and still more preferably 100% by mass of the total amount of biomass in the fertilizer composition. That is, among the biomass (preferably steam-exploded biomass) in the fertilizer composition, the amount of biomass not passing through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm is preferably less than 20% by mass, more preferably less than 10% by mass, still more preferably less than 5.0% by mass, still more preferably less than 1.0% by mass, and still more preferably 0% by mass of the total amount of biomass in the fertilizer composition. Hereinafter, the amount of biomass passing through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm may be referred to as the "passing ratio of biomass", and the amount of biomass not passing through the mesh may be referred to as the "non-passing ratio of biomass".

[0032] The passing ratio of biomass and the non-passing ratio of biomass are calculated by the following method using a measurement sample X prepared by the following (Method i) or (Method ii), for example, when the semi-carbonized biomass is steam-exploded biomass. (Method i) The steam-exploded biomass before mixing with the organic fertilizer is vacuum-dried at 80°C for 2 hours at 5 kPa. 10 g of the vacuum-dried steam-exploded biomass is collected and used as the measurement sample X. The measurement sample X (10 g) is passed through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm. The mass [g] of the steam-exploded biomass that did not pass through the mesh is measured, and the passing ratio and non-passing ratio of the biomass are calculated by the following mathematical formulas (Formula X1) and (Formula X2), respectively. (Method ii) The fertilizer composition is vacuum-dried at 80 °C for 2 hours at 5 kPa, and 10 g is taken. When the fertilizer composition is a granulated product, the fertilizer composition after vacuum drying is ground in a mortar, and 10 g is taken from the ground fertilizer composition (powdered product). The collected sample is designated as measurement sample X. Measurement sample X is passed through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm, and the passing ratio and non-passing ratio of the biomass may be calculated based on the mass of the steam-exploded biomass contained in the fertilizer composition that did not pass through the mesh. For example, when no steam-exploded biomass can be confirmed in the fertilizer composition that did not pass through the mesh, the passing ratio of the biomass can be calculated as 100% by mass.

[0033] Passing ratio of biomass [% by mass] = (Mass of measurement sample X [g] - Mass of steam-exploded biomass that did not pass through the mesh [g]) / (Mass of measurement sample X [g]) × 100… (Equation X1) (In the above formula (Equation X1), the mass of measurement sample X [g] is 10 g.) Non-passing ratio of biomass [% by mass] = 100 [% by mass] - Passing ratio of biomass [% by mass]… (Equation X2)

[0034] It is more preferable that the steam-exploded biomass passes through a mesh with an opening of 0.5 mm. The "passing ratio of biomass" and "non-passing ratio of biomass" when the steam-exploded biomass is passed through a mesh with an opening of 0.5 mm are preferably in the same range as the "passing ratio of biomass" and "non-passing ratio of biomass" when passed through the mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm described above. The sieve with a mesh opening of 0.5 mm is a sieve according to the standard of JIS Z8801-1 (2019).

[0035] <Steam-exploded biomass> Steam explosion refers to a process in which biomass is steamed for a short time with high-temperature and high-pressure saturated steam in a sealed container such as a pressure-resistant container, and then rapidly released to atmospheric pressure, rapidly cooled, and the structure of the biomass (in the case of wood, the wood structure) is destroyed by adiabatic expansion. Biomass is pulverized and refined by steam explosion. Also, the biomass is semi-carbonized by steam explosion.

[0036] The major axis diameter of the steam-exploded biomass varies depending on the size and shape of the biomass used for steam explosion. For example, when the shape of the biomass is chip-shaped (biomass chips), the average major axis diameter of the steam-exploded biomass obtained by steam explosion is preferably 1000 μm or less, and more preferably 500 μm or less. The average major axis diameter of the steam-exploded biomass can be measured by the following method. Using an image analysis particle size distribution meter, measure the major axis diameters of arbitrarily selected steam-exploded biomass (100 pieces), and take the average value of these major axis diameters as the "average major axis diameter of the steam-exploded biomass". As the image analysis particle size distribution meter, for example, "DW-3000" manufactured by Jasco International Co., Ltd. can be used. In this specification, the major axis diameter means the maximum diameter. For example, the major axis diameter of the biomass means the maximum length of the straight line connecting any two points on the outer contour line of the biomass.

[0037] In the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment, the content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition is 10% by mass or less. The content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition is preferably 5.0% by mass or less, more preferably 2.5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or less. The lower limit value of the content of the hemicellulose is 0.001% by mass or more. Also, the content of the hemicellulose may be 0.01% by mass or more, 0.05% by mass or more, 0.1% by mass or more, or 0.5% by mass or more. Since hemicellulose has a cross-linked structure and is easily decomposed, it is considered that the retention power of the fertilizer components is low. Therefore, the lower the content of the hemicellulose, the more preferable.

[0038] In the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment, the content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass is preferably 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or less, and still more preferably 5.0% by mass or less, based on the total amount of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin. The lower limit of the content of the hemicellulose is, for example, 0.001% by mass or more.

[0039] In the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment, the ratio R1 of the content of hemicellulose to the content of cellulose in the steam-exploded biomass (the content of the hemicellulose / the content of the cellulose) is preferably 0.0005 or more and 0.40 or less, more preferably 0.001 or more and 0.30 or less, and still more preferably 0.01 or more and 0.20 or less. When the ratio R1 (the content of the hemicellulose / the content of the cellulose) is 0.0005 or more, the complete carbonization of the biomass is suppressed, and the yield is less likely to decrease. When the ratio R1 (the content of the hemicellulose / the content of the cellulose) is 0.40 or less, the fibers become finer, and the semi-carbonized state is easily maintained. As a result, the miscibility with the fertilizer components becomes good.

[0040] In the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment, the content of hemicellulose contained in the roasted biomass is preferably in the same range as the content of hemicellulose contained in the aforementioned steam-exploded biomass. In the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment, the ratio R2 of the content of hemicellulose to the content of cellulose in the roasted biomass (the content of the hemicellulose / the content of the cellulose) is preferably in the same range as the aforementioned ratio R1 (the content of the hemicellulose / the content of the cellulose).

[0041] The content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition, the content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass, the content of hemicellulose contained in the steamed biomass, the ratio R1 (the content of hemicellulose / the content of cellulose), and the ratio R2 (the content of hemicellulose / the content of cellulose) can be calculated by a method according to the composition analysis of herbaceous biomass, the composition analysis of lignocellulosic biomass, or the sugar analysis in biomass described below. For the measurement of the content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition, the fertilizer composition is used as a sample for measurement. For the measurement of the content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass and the ratio R1 (the content of hemicellulose / the content of cellulose), the fertilizer composition or the raw material (steam-exploded biomass) is used as a sample for measurement. For the measurement of the content of hemicellulose contained in the steamed biomass and the ratio R2 (the content of hemicellulose / the content of cellulose), the fertilizer composition or the raw material (steamed biomass) is used as a sample for measurement. Hereinafter, the sample for measurement may be simply referred to as a sample.

[0042] The composition analysis of herbaceous biomass, the composition analysis of lignocellulosic biomass, and the sugar analysis in biomass will be described.

[0043] When the biomass is herbaceous biomass, the composition analysis of herbaceous biomass can adopt a test method defined by the feed analysis standard and the Van Soest method. The feed analysis standard is an analysis standard defined by the National Institute of Agrobiological Sciences (FAMIC). From the sample for measurement, components other than fibers, hemicellulose, and cellulose are removed in order, and the contents of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin in the sample are calculated from the difference in mass. Specifically, let the mass of the sample A1 before the removal treatment be MA1 [g]. Let the mass of the sample after removing components other than fibers from sample A1 before the removal treatment (referred to as sample A2) be MA2 [g], the mass of the sample after removing hemicellulose from sample A2 (referred to as sample A3) be MA3 [g], the mass of the sample after removing cellulose from sample A3 (referred to as sample A4) be MA4 [g], and the mass of the sample after removing lignin from sample A4 (referred to as sample A5) be MA5 [g]. Then, the masses of components other than fibers, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin in sample A1 are calculated from the following mathematical formulas (formulas C1) to (C4), respectively. From the obtained values, the contents of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin in the sample are calculated. Mass of components other than fibers [g] = MA1 [g] - MA2 [g] …(formula C1) Mass of hemicellulose [g] = MA2 [g] - MA3 [g] …(formula C2) Mass of cellulose [g] = MA3 [g] - MA4 [g] …(formula C3) Mass of lignin [g] = MA4 [g] - MA5 [g] …(formula C4)

[0044] When the biomass is lignocellulosic biomass, for the compositional analysis of lignocellulosic biomass, test methods defined by Japan TAPPI, the Wise method, and the Klason method can be adopted. By this test method, the contents of α-cellulose and lignin (acid-insoluble lignin and acid-soluble lignin) in the sample can be determined.

[0045] For the sugar analysis in biomass, a test method can be adopted in which the sample is hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid to decompose polysaccharides such as cellulose into monosaccharides, and the content of the monosaccharides is measured. Specifically, sulfuric acid hydrolysis is performed based on the procedure of NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) / TP - 510 - 42618, and the content of monosaccharides is measured by the derivatization - GC / MS method. This sugar analysis is mainly used for measuring the sugar potential related to the saccharification utilization of biomass. By this sugar analysis, the ratio R1 (the content of hemicellulose / the content of cellulose) and the ratio R2 (the content of hemicellulose / the content of cellulose) can also be calculated. In the compositional analysis of herbaceous biomass, the compositional analysis of woody biomass, and the sugar analysis in biomass, the following literature can be referred to. Literature: Determination of Structural Carbohydrates and Lignin in Biomass Laboratory Analytical Procedure (LAP) (Version 08-03-2012)

[0046] In addition, when the biomass is biomass other than herbaceous and woody biomass, the content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition, the content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass, the content of hemicellulose contained in the baked biomass, the ratio R1 (the content of hemicellulose / the content of cellulose), and the ratio R2 (the content of hemicellulose / the content of cellulose) can be calculated by a method according to the aforementioned compositional analysis of herbaceous biomass, compositional analysis of woody biomass, and sugar analysis in biomass.

[0047] <Baked biomass> Baked biomass can be obtained, for example, by heating (baking) biomass at 250°C or higher and 500°C or lower in a container with air blocked to semi-carbonize it. In the second embodiment, examples of the method for obtaining a fertilizer composition containing organic fertilizer and baked biomass include the following methods (1), (2), and (3). (1) A method having, in this order, a step of obtaining a mixture by mixing non-semi-carbonized biomass and organic fertilizer, a step of granulating the mixture, and a step of heating the granulated product obtained in the granulating step to bake the biomass contained in the granulated product. (2) A method comprising, in this order: a step of heating non-semi-carbonized biomass to obtain steamed biomass; a step of pulverizing the steamed biomass; a step of obtaining a mixture by mixing the pulverized steamed biomass and organic fertilizer; and, if necessary, a step of granulating the mixture. (3) A method comprising, in this order: a step of pulverizing non-semi-carbonized biomass; a step of heating the pulverized biomass to obtain steamed biomass; a step of obtaining a mixture by mixing the obtained steamed biomass and organic fertilizer; and, if necessary, a step of granulating the mixture. The method of (1) above corresponds to the manufacturing method of the fifth embodiment described below, the method of (2) above corresponds to the manufacturing method of the sixth embodiment described below, and the method of (3) above corresponds to the manufacturing method of other embodiments.

[0048] The preferred size of the steamed biomass contained in the fertilizer composition varies depending on the methods of (1) to (3) above. This will be described in the "Method for Manufacturing Fertilizer Composition" of the fourth embodiment described below.

[0049] (Biomass) The biomass used as the raw material for steam explosion or steaming is not particularly limited, and examples include woody biomass, herbaceous biomass, agricultural residue biomass, palm coconut biomass, cellulose products, and pulp products. In this specification, agricultural residue biomass means parts other than the edible parts. In this specification, palm coconut biomass means agricultural waste of palm coconuts that can be used as biomass fuel. The biomass is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of woody biomass, herbaceous biomass, agricultural residue biomass, and palm coconut biomass.

[0050] Examples of lignocellulosic biomass include coniferous trees (e.g., cedar, pine, eucalyptus, cypress, and fir, etc.), broad-leaved trees (e.g., white birch, beech, zelkova, katsura, paulownia, rubber tree, and camphor tree, etc.), bamboo (madake, moso bamboo, hachiku, medake, kuma-sasa, etc.). The lignocellulosic biomass may be wood powder, pruned trees, construction waste (e.g., cut end materials, scraps generated in processing plants, and sawdust, etc.), forest residues, thinned and discarded wood, and bamboo, etc. Examples of herbaceous biomass include grass, naturally growing plants, and artificially planted plants, etc. The herbaceous biomass may be hemp, cotton, rice straw, rice husk, rice bran, wheat straw, sasa, napier grass, sorghum, and susuki, etc.

[0051] Examples of crop residue biomass include, for example, leaves, cobs, stems, roots, and other non-edible parts of crops. Examples of the crops include wheat, corn, potato, sugarcane (including bagasse), and banana, etc.

[0052] Examples of palm coconut biomass include, for example, palm kernel shell (PKS), empty fruit bunch (EFB), palm trunk, etc. The biomass described above may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0053] <Organic fertilizer> Organic fertilizer refers to a fertilizer made from organic substances derived from living organisms. Although not particularly limited, examples of organic fertilizers include chicken manure, cow manure, pig manure, fermented chicken manure, fermented cow manure, fermented pig manure, fermentation residues, food waste, oil cakes, fish meal, bone meal, rice bran, bat guano, bokashi fertilizer, plant ash, and organic lime, etc. The organic fertilizer is a fermented product or a mixture containing fermented and unfermented substances. In the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment, the organic fertilizer is preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken manure, cow manure, pig manure, fermented chicken manure, fermented cow manure, fermented pig manure, fermentation residue, and food waste. In the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment, the organic fertilizer is more preferably at least one selected from the group consisting of fermented chicken manure, dried chicken manure, and fermentation residue. Since chicken manure fertilizer is likely to exhibit immediate effectiveness, by using chicken manure as the organic fertilizer, an organic fertilizer composition excellent in both immediate effectiveness and sustained release can be obtained. The above-described organic fertilizers may be used alone or in combination of two or more.

[0054] <Binder> The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment may further contain a binder. When the fertilizer composition contains a binder, the binder becomes a physical barrier to the elution of the fertilizer components. Also, the binder may become an obstacle due to its interaction with the fertilizer components. As a result, the elution rate of the fertilizer components is suppressed, and the fertilizer components are slowly released little by little. Moreover, when the fertilizer composition contains a binder and is a granulated product, the strength of the granulated product can be increased. Examples of the binder include polysaccharides (such as cellulose, starch, amylose, and glycogen, etc.), wheat flour, and pulp, etc.

[0055] <Other Components> The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment may contain other components other than steam-exploded biomass, roasted biomass, organic fertilizer, and binder. Examples of other components include various additives, iron, molybdenum, magnesium, zinc, nickel, calcium, sulfur, boron, silica, and amino acids, etc. When the fertilizer composition contains an additive as other components, the content of the additive in the fertilizer composition is preferably 0.01% by mass or more and 1.00% by mass or less.

[0056] The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment may contain a chemical fertilizer as another component, but it is preferably not contained. When the fertilizer composition contains a chemical fertilizer, the content of the chemical fertilizer in the fertilizer composition is preferably 1.0% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, still more preferably 0.2% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or less. The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment may contain, as another component, at least one resin selected from the group consisting of a polyolefin resin, a polyester resin, and a polyurethane resin (hereinafter sometimes referred to as resin C), but it is preferably not contained. When the fertilizer composition contains the resin C, the content of the resin C in the fertilizer composition (the total content of the at least one resin) is preferably 1.0% by mass or less, more preferably 0.5% by mass or less, still more preferably 0.2% by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.1% by mass or less.

[0057] <Properties of the fertilizer composition> (Dissolution ratio of the fertilizer composition in ion-exchanged water) In the second embodiment, when 4.0 g of the fertilizer composition is dissolved in 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 13°C or higher and 15°C or lower, the dissolution ratio preferably satisfies the relationship of the following mathematical formula (Formula D1), more preferably satisfies the relationship of the following mathematical formula (Formula D2), and still more preferably satisfies the relationship of the following mathematical formula (Formula D3). The specific measurement method of the dissolution ratio of the fertilizer composition in ion-exchanged water will be described in the section of Examples. Dissolution ratio [% by mass] = ((4.0 g - insoluble matter [g]) / 4.0 g) × 100 ≦ 10.0... (Formula D1) Dissolution ratio [% by mass] = ((4.0 g - insoluble matter [g]) / 4.0 g) × 100 ≦ 6.0... (Formula D2) Dissolution ratio [% by mass] = ((4.0 g - insoluble matter [g]) / 4.0 g) × 100 ≦ 4.0... (Formula D3)

[0058] (Concentration C of total nitrogen atoms in ion-exchanged water N ) In the second embodiment, 4.0 g of the fertilizer composition was immersed in 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 13°C or higher and 15°C or lower, and the concentration C of total nitrogen atoms in the ion-exchanged water measured after 7 days, 21 days, and 36 days N preferably satisfies the relationships of the following formulas (Formula 1) and (Formula 2). The concentration C of total nitrogen atoms in the ion-exchanged water N more preferably satisfies the relationship of the following formula (Formula 11) or (Formula 12). The concentration C of total nitrogen atoms in the ion-exchanged water N The specific measurement method will be described in the section of Examples. 1.0 < (C after 21 days N ) / (C after 7 days N ) < 1.5 (Formula 1) 1.0 < (C after 21 days N ) / (C after 7 days N ) < 1.4 (Formula 11) 1.0 < (C after 21 days N ) / (C after 7 days N ) < 1.3 (Formula 12) (C after 21 days N ) / (C after 7 days N ) < (C after 36 days N ) / (C after 7 days N ) (Formula 2) (The unit of C N is mg / L.)

[0059] (The concentration C of total potassium atoms in the ion-exchanged water K ) In the second embodiment, 4.0 g of the fertilizer composition was immersed in 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 13°C or higher and 15°C or lower, and the concentration C of total potassium atoms in the ion-exchanged water measured after 7 days, 21 days, and 36 days K preferably satisfies the relationships of the following formulas (Formula 3) and (Formula 4). The concentration C of total potassium atoms in the ion-exchanged water K more preferably satisfies the relationship of the following formula (Formula 31) or (Formula 32). The concentration C of total potassium atoms in the ion-exchanged water K The specific measurement method will be described in the section of Examples. 1.0 < (C after 21 days K ) / (C after 7 days K ) < 1.4 (Equation 3) 1.0 < (C after 21 days K ) / (C after 7 days K ) < 1.3 (Equation 31) 1.0 < (C after 21 days K ) / (C after 7 days K ) < 1.2 (Equation 32) (C after 21 days K ) / (C after 7 days K ) < (C after 36 days K ) / (C after 7 days K ) (Equation 4) (The unit of C K is mg / L.)

[0060] (The concentration C of all phosphorus atoms in ion-exchanged water P ) In the second embodiment, 4.0 g of the fertilizer composition is immersed in 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 13°C or higher and 15°C or lower, and the concentration C of all phosphorus atoms in the ion-exchanged water measured after 7 days, 21 days, and 36 days P preferably satisfies the relationships of the following formulas (Equation 5) and (Equation 6). The concentration C of all phosphorus atoms in the ion-exchanged water P more preferably satisfies the relationship of the following formula (Equation 51). The specific measurement method of the concentration C of all phosphorus atoms in the ion-exchanged water P will be described in the section of the examples. 1.0 < (C after 21 days P ) / (C after 7 days P ) < 1.3 (Equation 5) 1.0 < (C after 21 days P ) / (C after 7 days P ) < 1.2 (Equation 51) (C after 21 days P ) / (C after 7 days P ) < (C after 36 days P ) / (C after 7 days P ) (Equation 6) (The unit of C P is mg / L.)

[0061] (Preferred Contents of Semi-Carbonized Biomass and Organic Fertilizer) The preferred contents of semi-carbonized biomass (steam-exploded biomass or roasted biomass) and organic fertilizer in the fertilizer composition are as follows. The content of semi-carbonized biomass is preferably 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or more and 50% by mass or less, and even more preferably 15% by mass or more and 40% by mass or less. The content of organic fertilizer is preferably 40% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less, more preferably 50% by mass or more and 90% by mass or less, and even more preferably 60% by mass or more and 85% by mass or less. The upper limit of the total content of semi-carbonized biomass and organic fertilizer in the fertilizer composition is 100% by mass.

[0062] (Preferred Contents of Semi-Carbonized Biomass, Organic Fertilizer and Binder) When the fertilizer composition contains semi-carbonized biomass (steam-exploded biomass or roasted biomass), organic fertilizer and binder, the preferred contents of semi-carbonized biomass, organic fertilizer, and binder in the fertilizer composition are as follows. The content of semi-carbonized biomass is preferably 5% by mass or more and 59% by mass or less, more preferably 9.5% by mass or more and 49% by mass or less, and even more preferably 14% by mass or more and 39% by mass or less. The content of organic fertilizer is preferably 40% by mass or more and 94% by mass or less, more preferably 49.5% by mass or more and 89% by mass or less, and even more preferably 59% by mass or more and 84% by mass or less. The content of binder is preferably 1.0% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less, more preferably 1.5% by mass or more and 5% by mass or less, and even more preferably 2.0% by mass or more and 3.0% by mass or less. The upper limit of the total content of semi-carbonized biomass, organic fertilizer and binder in the fertilizer composition is 100% by mass. The fertilizer composition may contain only one type of semi-carbonized biomass or two or more types. The fertilizer composition may contain only one type of organic fertilizer or two or more types. The fertilizer composition may contain only one type of binder or two or more types.

[0063] 〔Use of the fertilizer composition〕 The fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment can be mainly used in the agricultural and horticultural fields. Further, the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment can be used not only for soil but also for hydroponic cultivation of tomatoes and water environments such as paddy rice. When the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment is used in the agricultural field, it can effectively supply nutrients to the soil, supply nutrients to plants (such as grains), and improve the soil.

[0064] 〔Third embodiment〕 〔Method for manufacturing the composition〕 The method for manufacturing the composition according to the third embodiment will be described. In the description of the third embodiment, the same configurations as those of the fourth embodiment described later can be incorporated with the configurations and preferred configurations described in the fourth embodiment. Further, in the description of the third embodiment, the configurations described in the fourth embodiment can also be incorporated for the configurations not specifically mentioned.

[0065] The method for manufacturing the composition according to the third embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as "the manufacturing method of the third embodiment") includes a step of steam-exploding biomass to obtain steam-exploded biomass, and a step of obtaining a mixture by mixing the steam-exploded biomass and an active ingredient. The manufacturing method according to the third embodiment is the same as the manufacturing method of the fourth embodiment, except that an active ingredient is used instead of the organic fertilizer used in the fourth embodiment described later. According to the manufacturing method of the third embodiment, the composition according to the first embodiment can be obtained. According to the manufacturing method of the third embodiment, a composition in which the active ingredient is easily retained and released appropriately can be obtained. As a result, a composition in which the active ingredient can be slowly released over a long period and the number of application times can be reduced can be obtained.

[0066] The biomass used in the production method of the third embodiment can be the biomass described in the second embodiment. The active ingredient used in the production method of the third embodiment can be the active ingredient described in the first embodiment. In one aspect of the third embodiment, the active ingredient is at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pheromone agents, agricultural chemicals, and biostimulants. In one aspect of the third embodiment, the active ingredient is an organic fertilizer.

[0067] (Step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass) The "step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass" of the third embodiment is the same as the "step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass" of the fourth embodiment. In one aspect of the third embodiment, the steam-exploded biomass passes through a mesh with an opening size of 1.18 mm. In one aspect of the third embodiment, the content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass is 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.

[0068] (Step of obtaining a mixture) The "step of obtaining a mixture" of the third embodiment can be incorporated by substituting "organic fertilizer" used in the "step of obtaining a mixture" of the fourth embodiment with "active ingredient". In one aspect of the third embodiment, the step of obtaining a mixture is a step of mixing the steam-exploded biomass, the active ingredient, and further a binder. In one aspect of the third embodiment, the step of obtaining a mixture is a step of mixing the steam-exploded biomass and the active ingredient such that the content of the steam-exploded biomass in the mixture is 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and the content of the active ingredient is 40% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less.

[0069] In one aspect of the third embodiment, after the step of obtaining the mixture, there is a step of granulating the mixture. Note that the granulation process, heating process, and other processes (pre-washing process, first pulverization process, pre-drying process, second pulverization process, post-washing process, and drying process) described in the fourth embodiment below can be applied to the third embodiment by replacing the "organic fertilizer" used in each process with "active ingredient".

[0070] [Fourth Embodiment] [Method for Producing Fertilizer Composition] The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to the fourth embodiment will be described. The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to the fourth embodiment is an example of the third embodiment and is an example when an organic fertilizer is used as an active ingredient. Other points are the same as those in the third embodiment. The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to the fourth embodiment (hereinafter also referred to as the "production method of the fourth embodiment") includes a step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass by subjecting biomass to steam explosion, and a step of obtaining a mixture by mixing the steam-exploded biomass and an organic fertilizer. According to the production method of the fourth embodiment, the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment can be obtained. According to the production method of the fourth embodiment, for the same reason as in the second embodiment, a fertilizer composition in which the organic fertilizer is easily retained and released appropriately can be obtained. As a result, a fertilizer composition capable of slowly releasing fertilizer components over a long period and reducing the number of fertilizations can be obtained.

[0071] The steam-exploded biomass and organic fertilizer used in the production method of the fourth embodiment can be the steam-exploded biomass and organic fertilizer described in the second embodiment.

[0072] (Step of Obtaining Steam-Exploded Biomass) In the step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass, the shape of the biomass used for steam explosion is not particularly limited. Examples of the shape of the biomass include the shape of the biomass itself (e.g., empty fruit bunches of palm coconuts), chip shape, long shape, powder shape, and irregular shape, etc. The biomass used for steam explosion may be the biomass in the obtained state, or the biomass after the obtained biomass is crushed into an arbitrary shape and size. For example, empty fruit bunches of palm coconuts can be used as they are in the obtained state.

[0073] The temperature of steam explosion is preferably 100°C or higher and 300°C or lower, more preferably 100°C or higher and 280°C or lower. The pressure of steam explosion is preferably 0.1 MPa or higher and 9.0 MPa or lower, more preferably 1.0 MPa or higher and 6.5 MPa or lower. The time of steam explosion is preferably 10 minutes or longer and 60 minutes or shorter, more preferably 15 minutes or longer and 30 minutes or shorter.

[0074] In the step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass, steam explosion is preferably carried out in a closed container under saturated steam at 100°C or higher and 300°C or lower, 0.1 MPa or higher and 9.0 MPa or lower, and more preferably under saturated steam at 100°C or higher and 280°C or lower, 1.0 MPa or higher and 6.5 MPa or lower.

[0075] The size of the steam-exploded biomass is preferably such that it can pass through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm (preferably a mesh with an opening of 0.5 mm). The average major axis diameter of the steam-exploded biomass is preferably in the same range as in the second embodiment.

[0076] In the step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass, the content of hemicellulose contained in the steam-exploded biomass is preferably in the same range as the range described in the second embodiment and can be measured by the same method as the method described in the second embodiment.

[0077] (Step of obtaining a mixture) In the production method of the fourth embodiment, the step of obtaining a mixture is a step of mixing steam-exploded biomass and organic fertilizer. The mixing method is not particularly limited. The step of obtaining a mixture can be carried out using a known mixer (such as a ball mill, etc.).

[0078] The step of obtaining the mixture is preferably a step of mixing the steam-exploded biomass and the organic fertilizer so that the content of the steam-exploded biomass in the mixture is 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and the content of the organic fertilizer is 40% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less. The step of obtaining the mixture is preferably a step of mixing the steam-exploded biomass and the organic fertilizer so that the contents of the steam-exploded biomass and the organic fertilizer in the mixture are within the range of the "preferred contents of the steam-exploded biomass and the organic fertilizer" described in the second embodiment.

[0079] In the production method of the fourth embodiment, the step of obtaining the mixture may be a step of mixing the steam-exploded biomass, the organic fertilizer, and a binder. In this case, the step of obtaining the mixture is preferably a step of mixing these so that the contents of the steam-exploded biomass, the organic fertilizer, and the binder in the mixture are within the range of the "preferred contents of the steam-exploded biomass, the organic fertilizer, and the binder" described in the second embodiment.

[0080] (Granulation step) In the production method of the fourth embodiment, after the step of obtaining the mixture, it is preferable to have a step of granulating the mixture (hereinafter also referred to as the granulation step). By the granulation step, a granulated product is obtained. Examples of the granulated product include pellets and granules. Examples of the granulation method include rolling granulation, stirring granulation, compression granulation, extrusion granulation, crushing granulation, and spray granulation. Among them, as the granulation method, compression granulation and extrusion granulation are preferable. The granulation step can be carried out using a known granulator. The granulation conditions are appropriately selected according to the granulator. For example, when the granulation method is compression granulation, the pressure when compressing the mixture is, for example, 50 MPa or more and 150 MPa or less, and the compression time is, for example, 1 minute or more and 20 minutes or less.

[0081] When the granulated product is a pellet, the pellet is usually cylindrical. The size of the pellet is preferably 5 mm or more and 100 mm or less in diameter and 5 mm or more and 100 mm or less in length. When the granulated product is a granule, the shape of the granule is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include spherical, tablet-shaped, cylindrical, polyhedral, plate-shaped, fibrous, and irregular shapes.

[0082] (Heating step) The production method of the fourth embodiment may have a heating step of heating the mixture after the step of obtaining the mixture and before the granulation step. Alternatively, the granulation step may be carried out (granulated) while heating the mixture. By heating the mixture, a sterilized granulated product can be obtained. In the heating step and the granulation step, the temperature when heating the mixture is preferably 80°C or more and 200°C or less. In the heating step and the granulation step, the heating time of the mixture depends on the size of the granulated product, but is preferably 1 minute or more and 20 minutes or less.

[0083] In the granulation step, water or hot water may be added to the mixture to be granulated. Specifically, the granulation step may have an addition step of adding water or hot water to the mixture obtained in the step of obtaining the mixture, and may be a step of granulating the mixture (the mixture to which water or hot water has been added) obtained in the addition step. In the addition step, water or hot water is preferably added to the mixture so as to be 2% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less (more preferably 4% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less) based on the total amount of the mixture. When the added water or hot water is within the above range, it is easy to form a pellet shape. In the addition step, the temperature of the hot water is, for example, 40°C or more and 80°C or less.

[0084] [Other steps] (Pre-washing step) In the production method of the fourth embodiment, before the step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass, a pre-washing step of washing the biomass may be included. The pre-washing step is mainly performed to remove dirt adhering to the biomass.

[0085] (First pulverization step) In the production method of the fourth embodiment, before the step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass, it is preferable to have a first pulverization step of pulverizing the steam-exploded biomass. As one aspect of the pulverization in the first pulverization step, an aspect of pulverizing the obtained biomass into a shape (for example, chip shape, long shape, etc.) that is easy to introduce into the steam explosion device can be mentioned. The pulverization method is not particularly limited, and the biomass can be pulverized into chip shape, long shape, etc. using a known pulverizer. The size of the chip shape is not particularly limited. For example, when pulverizing lignocellulosic biomass into chip shape, the major axis diameter is preferably 5.0 cm or less, more preferably 1.0 cm or less.

[0086] (Pre-drying step) In the production method of the fourth embodiment, before the step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass, it is preferable to have a pre-drying step of drying the biomass. The pre-drying step is a step of drying the biomass and adjusting the moisture content of the biomass. The washing conditions of the pre-drying step may be the same as or different from those of the post-drying step. The moisture content of the biomass obtained in the pre-drying step is preferably 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less. By drying the biomass so that the moisture content becomes 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less in the pre-drying step, saturated steam is likely to be evenly contained in each biomass during steam explosion, and uniform steam explosion is expected. Therefore, by implementing the pre-drying step, in the subsequent step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass, steam-exploded biomass having a more uniform property can be obtained. Also, by drying the biomass so that the water content becomes 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less in the pre-drying step, the moldability of the granulated product (for example, pellets) is improved in the granulation step.

[0087] (Second pulverization step) The production method of the fourth embodiment preferably also has a second pulverization step of pulverizing the steam-exploded biomass after the step of obtaining the steam-exploded biomass. As one aspect of the pulverization in the second pulverization step, there is an aspect of further pulverizing the steam-exploded biomass when the biomass of a relatively large size (for example, the major axis diameter is on the order of several tens of centimeters) is steam-exploded.

[0088] (Post-washing step) In the production method of the fourth embodiment, after the step of obtaining the steam-exploded biomass, there may be a post-washing step of washing the steam-exploded biomass. As the washing water, for example, water or hot water can be used. The temperature of the hot water is, for example, 40°C or more and 80°C or less. The post-washing step gives a steam-exploded biomass with reduced chlorine and alkali components.

[0089] (Drying step) In the production method of the fourth embodiment, after the step of obtaining the steam-exploded biomass, there may be a drying step of drying the obtained steam-exploded biomass. The drying step is a step of adjusting the water content of the steam-exploded biomass. The water content of the steam-exploded biomass obtained in the drying step is preferably 10% by mass or more and 20% by mass or less, more preferably 10% by mass or more and 15% by mass or less. By adjusting the water content of the steam-exploded biomass, the moldability of the granulated product is improved in the granulation step. The drying step may be natural drying or heat drying. The drying temperature and drying time in the drying step are appropriately selected according to the type and size of the biomass. The drying time of the steam-exploded biomass is, for example, 30 minutes or more.

[0090] The manufacturing method of the fourth embodiment is preferably carried out in the following order. · A step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass, a step of obtaining a mixture, and a granulation step. · A step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass, a step of obtaining a mixture, a granulation step, and a drying step. · A step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass, a step of obtaining a mixture, a drying step, and a granulation step. · A step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass, a post-washing step, a step of obtaining a mixture, a heating step, and a granulation step.

[0091] 〔Fifth Embodiment〕 〔Method for Manufacturing Fertilizer Composition〕 The method for manufacturing a fertilizer composition according to the fifth embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as "the manufacturing method of the fifth embodiment") includes a step of obtaining a mixture by mixing uncarbonized biomass and organic fertilizer, a step of granulating the mixture (granulation step), and a step of heating the granulated product obtained in the granulation step to carbonize the biomass contained in the granulated product (hereinafter, also referred to as the carbonization step) in this order. According to the manufacturing method of the fifth embodiment, the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment can be obtained. Therefore, for the same reasons as in the second embodiment, a fertilizer composition in which the organic fertilizer is easily retained and released appropriately can be obtained. As a result, a fertilizer composition capable of slowly releasing fertilizer components over a long period and reducing the number of fertilization times can be obtained. In the fifth embodiment, for materials not specifically mentioned, the same materials as those described in the second embodiment and the fourth embodiment can be used. The biomass and organic fertilizer used in the manufacturing method of the fifth embodiment can be the biomass and organic fertilizer described in the second embodiment.

[0092] (Step of Obtaining Mixture) In the manufacturing method of the fifth embodiment, the step of obtaining a mixture is a step of mixing uncarbonized biomass and organic fertilizer. The mixing method is not particularly limited. The step of obtaining the mixture is preferably a step of mixing them such that the content of "uncarbonized biomass" in the mixture is 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and the content of the organic fertilizer is 40% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less. In the step of obtaining the mixture, the average minor axis of the uncarbonized biomass is preferably 1 mm or more and 100 mm or less, more preferably 2 mm or more and 60 mm or less, and still more preferably 3 mm or more and 40 mm or less. The average minor axis of the uncarbonized biomass can be measured using calipers. In this specification, the average minor axis is obtained by measuring the minor axes of arbitrarily selected measurement objects (100 pieces) and taking the average value thereof as the average minor axis of the measurement objects. Examples of the method for adjusting the biomass to the average minor axis within the above range include a method of pulverizing the obtained biomass to have the average minor axis within the above range by a known method, and a method of obtaining biomass with an adjusted average minor axis.

[0093] In the production method of the fifth embodiment, the step of obtaining the mixture may be a step of mixing uncarbonized biomass, an organic fertilizer, and a binder. In this case, the step of obtaining the mixture is preferably a step of mixing them such that the contents of "uncarbonized biomass", the organic fertilizer, and the binder in the mixture are within the range of the "preferred contents of carbonized biomass, organic fertilizer, and binder" described in the second embodiment.

[0094] (Step of granulating the mixture (granulation step)) The granulation step of the fifth embodiment is a step of granulating the mixture obtained in the step of obtaining the mixture. The granulation step of the fifth embodiment can be carried out under the same conditions as the granulation step of the fourth embodiment. The production method of the fifth embodiment may have a heating step of heating the mixture after the step of obtaining the mixture and before the granulation step. Alternatively, the granulation step may be carried out while heating the mixture. The heating step can be carried out under the same conditions as the granulation step of the fourth embodiment. The granulation process may have a step of adding water or hot water to the mixture obtained in the step of obtaining the mixture, and a step of granulating the mixture obtained in the adding step, similar to the fourth embodiment.

[0095] (Steaming process) The steaming process of the fifth embodiment is a process of heating the granulated product obtained in the granulation process to steam (semi-carbonize) the biomass contained in the granulated product. In the steaming process of the fifth embodiment, as a method of heating the granulated product, that is, a method of heating the biomass contained in the granulated product, for example, a method of heating the granulated product in a container (preferably in a container with air blocked) for a certain period of time (for example, air heating, exhaust gas heating, and direct heating, etc.) can be mentioned. Examples of the heating method include a rotary kiln method, a screw reaction method, a multi-stage reaction method, a fluidized bed reaction method, a microwave reaction method, and a moving bed reaction method, etc. In the steaming process, the temperature for heating the granulated product is preferably 250°C or more and 450°C or less. The heating time of the granulated product depends on the heating temperature and the size of the biomass contained in the granulated product, but usually it is 1 minute or more and 240 minutes or less, preferably 1 minute or more and 60 minutes or less.

[0096] 〔Sixth embodiment〕 〔Method for producing fertilizer composition〕 The method for producing a fertilizer composition according to the sixth embodiment (hereinafter, also referred to as "the production method of the sixth embodiment") has, in this order, a step of heating non-semi-carbonized biomass to obtain steamed biomass, a step of pulverizing the steamed biomass, a step of obtaining a mixture by mixing the pulverized steamed biomass and an organic fertilizer, and a step of granulating the mixture (granulation step) as necessary. The granulation step can be carried out under the same conditions as the granulation step of the fourth embodiment or the fifth embodiment. According to the manufacturing method of the sixth embodiment, a fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment can be obtained. Therefore, for the same reasons as in the second embodiment, a fertilizer composition in which the organic fertilizer is easily retained and released appropriately can be obtained. As a result, a fertilizer composition that can release fertilizer components slowly over a long period and can reduce the number of fertilizations can be obtained. In the sixth embodiment, for materials not specifically mentioned, the same materials as those described in the second to fifth embodiments can be used. As the biomass and organic fertilizer used in the manufacturing method of the sixth embodiment, the biomass and organic fertilizer described in the second embodiment can be used.

[0097] (Step of obtaining steamed biomass) In the manufacturing method of the sixth embodiment, the step of obtaining steamed biomass is a step of heating biomass that has not been semi-carbonized to steam-bake the biomass. In the step of obtaining steamed biomass in the sixth embodiment, the shape of the biomass used for steaming (biomass that has not been semi-carbonized) is not particularly limited. Examples of the shape of the biomass include the shape of the biomass itself (e.g., empty fruit bunches of palm coconuts, etc.), chip shape, long shape, powder shape, and irregular shape. The biomass used for steaming may be the biomass in the obtained state, or the biomass after pulverizing the obtained biomass into an arbitrary shape and size. In the step of obtaining steamed biomass in the sixth embodiment, the steaming conditions (heating conditions) are appropriately selected according to the type and size of the biomass, but can be the same conditions as the steaming step of the fifth embodiment.

[0098] (Step of pulverizing steamed biomass) In the manufacturing method of the sixth embodiment, the step of pulverizing steamed biomass is a step of pulverizing the steamed biomass to a size that is easy to mix with the organic fertilizer. Examples of the means for pulverizing the steamed biomass include a roller mill, a jet mill, a high-speed rotary pulverizer, a container-driven mill, and a ball mill. The average minor axis of the baked biomass after pulverization is preferably 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less, more preferably 10 μm or more and 0.6 mm or less, and still more preferably 10 μm or more and 0.1 mm or less. The average minor axis of the baked biomass can be measured by the following method. Using an image analysis particle size distribution meter, measure the minor axis of arbitrarily selected baked biomass (100 pieces), and take the average value of these minor axes as the "average minor axis of the baked biomass". As the image analysis particle size distribution meter, for example, "DW-3000" manufactured by Jasco International Co., Ltd. can be used. The baked biomass after pulverization is preferably sized to pass through a mesh with an opening of 1.18 mm (preferably a mesh with an opening of 0.5 mm). The passing ratio and non-passing ratio of the baked biomass are preferably in the same range as the passing ratio and non-passing ratio of the steam-exploded biomass described above. The passing ratio and non-passing ratio of the baked biomass can be measured by replacing the steam-exploded biomass in the above-mentioned (Method i) or (Method ii) with the baked biomass.

[0099] (Step of obtaining a mixture) In the production method of the sixth embodiment, the step of obtaining a mixture is a step of mixing the pulverized baked biomass and the organic fertilizer. The mixing method is not particularly limited. The step of obtaining a mixture is preferably a step of mixing them so that the content of "pulverized baked biomass" in the mixture is 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and the content of the organic fertilizer is 40% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less.

[0100] In the production method of the sixth embodiment, the step of obtaining a mixture may be a step of mixing the pulverized baked biomass, the organic fertilizer, and further a binder. In this case, the step of obtaining the mixture is preferably a step of mixing "pulverized steamed biomass", organic fertilizer, and binder in the mixture so that their contents are within the range of "preferred contents of semi-carbonized biomass, organic fertilizer, and binder" described in the second embodiment.

[0101] 〔Seventh Embodiment〕 〔Method of Using the Composition〕 The method of using the composition according to the seventh embodiment includes a step of releasing the active ingredient contained in the composition according to the first embodiment into at least one environment selected from the group consisting of the atmosphere, water, and soil. According to the method of using the composition according to the seventh embodiment, since the composition according to the first embodiment is used, the active ingredient can be slowly released over a long period, and the number of times of applying the composition can be reduced.

[0102] In the seventh embodiment, examples of the step of releasing the active ingredient into the atmosphere include a method of scattering the composition on the ground, a method of placing the composition on the branches and leaves of a tree, and a method of installing a stand and placing the composition thereon. Among them, when the active ingredient is an aromatic component, a method of putting the composition into a container with holes is also included. The release of the active ingredient into the atmosphere is likely to exhibit a sustained release effect when the active ingredient is a pheromone agent or a pesticide.

[0103] In the seventh embodiment, examples of the step of releasing the active ingredient into water include a method of scattering an appropriate amount of the composition into the sea, a river, or a lake, and a method of putting the composition into a net-like bag or a container with a lid and fixing it to a rod so that it is constantly in contact with water. The release of the active ingredient into water is likely to exhibit a sustained release effect when the active ingredient is a fertilizer. In the seventh embodiment, examples of the step of releasing the active ingredient into the soil include a method of burying the composition in the soil and a method of scattering the composition on the surface of the soil. The release of the active ingredient into the soil is likely to exhibit a sustained release effect when the active ingredient is a fertilizer or a pesticide.

[0104] [Embodiment 8] [Method of Using Fertilizer Composition] The method of using the fertilizer composition according to the eighth embodiment includes a step of releasing the organic fertilizer contained in the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment into at least one of the underwater or soil environments. According to the method of using the fertilizer composition of the eighth embodiment, since the fertilizer composition according to the second embodiment is used, the fertilizer components can be released slowly over a long period of time, and the number of fertilizer applications can be reduced.

[0105] In the eighth embodiment, as the step of releasing the organic fertilizer into the water, for example, there are a method of sprinkling an appropriate amount of the fertilizer composition into the sea, river, or lake, and a method of putting the fertilizer composition into a net-like bag or a container with a lid and fixing it to a rod so that it is always in contact with water. In the eighth embodiment, as the step of releasing the organic fertilizer into the soil, for example, there are a method of burying the fertilizer composition in the soil and a method of sprinkling the fertilizer composition on the surface of the soil.

[0106] [Other Embodiments] The method for producing the fertilizer composition according to another embodiment is a production method in which the order of the step of obtaining the steamed biomass in the fifth embodiment and the step of pulverizing the steamed biomass is reversed. Specifically, the method for producing the fertilizer composition according to another embodiment includes, in this order, a step of pulverizing the non-semi-carbonized biomass, a step of heating the pulverized biomass to obtain the steamed biomass, a step of obtaining a mixture by mixing the steamed biomass and the organic fertilizer, and a granulation step as required. Other conditions are the same as those of the production method of the fifth embodiment. As the means for pulverizing the biomass, known pulverizing means can be used. From the viewpoints of ease of steaming and ease of mixing with the organic fertilizer, the average minor axis of the biomass after pulverization is preferably 10 μm or more and 1 mm or less, more preferably 10 μm or more and 0.6 mm or less, and still more preferably 10 μm or more and 0.1 mm or less. The average minor axis of the biomass can be measured in the same manner as the average minor axis of the steamed biomass described in the sixth embodiment. The step of obtaining the steamed biomass can be carried out under the same conditions as the step of obtaining the steamed biomass in the sixth embodiment.

[0107] The method for producing the fertilizer composition described in the fifth and sixth embodiments can be read as a composition and an active ingredient for the fertilizer composition and the organic fertilizer in the fifth and sixth embodiments, respectively. For example, the method for producing a composition according to one aspect of another embodiment includes a step of obtaining a mixture by mixing non-semi-carbonized biomass and an active ingredient, a step of granulating the mixture, and a step of heating the granulated product obtained in the granulating step to steam the biomass contained in the granulated product, in this order. Also, the method for producing a composition according to one aspect of another embodiment includes a step of heating non-semi-carbonized biomass to obtain steamed biomass, a step of pulverizing the steamed biomass, a step of obtaining a mixture by mixing the pulverized steamed biomass and an active ingredient, and a step of granulating the mixture as necessary, in this order.

[0108] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and modifications, improvements, etc. within the scope that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

Examples

[0109] Hereinafter, examples according to the present invention will be described. The present invention is not limited by these examples.

[0110] The properties of the EFB chips used in the examples are shown in Tables 1 and 2.

[0111]

Table 1

[0112]

Table 2

[0113] ·Explanation of Tables 1 and 2 The industrial analysis values are the values measured in accordance with JIS M8812 (2004). Among the elemental analysis values, carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur are the values measured in accordance with JIS M8819 (1997), and oxygen is the value calculated from other analysis values in accordance with JIS M8813 (2004). Among the chemical analysis values in Table 2, Na and K are the values measured in accordance with ISO 16967, and the other elements are the values measured in accordance with ISO 16968. The chlorine content (mg / kg, db) is the value measured in accordance with JIS Z7302-6 (1999). The fluorine content (mg / kg, db) is the value measured in accordance with ISO 11724. The higher heating value is the value measured in accordance with JIS M8814 (2003). The lower heating value is the value measured in accordance with JIS M8814 (2003). The fuel ratio is "fixed carbon / volatile matter". The calorific value on a dry basis (DB) represents the calorific value in the dry state. "AD" and "ad" are abbreviations for Air Dry Basis, representing the air-dry basis and indicating the state of being dried in the atmosphere. "AR" indicates the as-received basis. "db" indicates the dry basis. "daf" indicates the dry ash-free basis. "ash" indicates the ash basis. "-" represents that it was not detected. "<0.005" represents "less than 0.005".

[0114] 〔Preparation of fertilizer composition〕 〔Example 1〕 The defatted empty fruit bunches of palm (defatted EFB) obtained by pressing the empty fruit bunches of palm were used as biomass.

[0115] (Pre-washing process) The squeezed EFB (500 kg) was washed using a washing device equipped with a washing tank. The squeezed EFB was retained in the washing water stored in the washing tank for 15 minutes. Tap water was used as the washing water.

[0116] (Step of obtaining steam-exploded biomass) The pre-washed squeezed EFB was introduced into a steam explosion device (pressure-resistant container) connected to a steam boiler. The saturated steam generated by the steam boiler was introduced into the steam explosion device, and the squeezed EFB was steam-exploded by saturated steam under the conditions of 210 °C, 2.2 MPa, and 15 minutes. Then, it was rapidly released to atmospheric pressure and cooled to obtain powdered steam-exploded EFB.

[0117] (Post-washing step) Next, the steam-exploded EFB was washed using a washing device similar to the washing device used in the pre-washing step. The steam-exploded EFB was retained in the washing water for 15 minutes.

[0118] (Drying step) Next, the steam-exploded EFB was dried in a heating furnace. 15 g of the dried steam-exploded EFB was collected and used in the step of obtaining the following mixture.

[0119] (Step of obtaining a mixture) 15 g of steam-exploded EFB, 15 g of fermented chicken manure, and 9 g of ion-exchanged water were stirred in a 100 mL container using a spatula, and then stirred at 2000 rpm for 2 minutes using a rotation-revolution type mixer Awatori Renketsu (manufactured by THINKY, ARE-400TWIN) to obtain a mixture.

[0120] (Granulation step) Next, a cylindrical metal mold with a total of 4 holes with a diameter of 4 cm and a height of 2 cm was prepared. 8 g of the obtained mixture was collected from the total amount of the mixture and put into one of the holes of the mold. Similarly, 8 g of the mixture was put into each of the remaining 3 holes. Next, cylindrical hard rubber pieces of the same size as the holes in the mold were placed on top of the holes into which the mixture was poured, and pressure was applied for 1 minute using a press (10t). By taking out the compressed mixture from the mold, four pellets with a diameter of 4 cm and a height of 2 cm were obtained. Subsequently, by heating in an oven at 160 °C for 1 hour, four Pellet A (fertilizer composition) were obtained.

[0121] 〔Example 2〕 In the step of obtaining the mixture of Example 1, four Pellet B (fertilizer composition) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that 6 g of steam-exploded EFB and 24 g of fermented chicken manure were used instead of 15 g of steam-exploded EFB and 15 g of fermented chicken manure.

[0122] 〔Example 3〕 In the step of obtaining the mixture of Example 1, four Pellet C (fertilizer composition) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that 3 g of steam-exploded EFB and 24 g of fermented chicken manure were used instead of 15 g of steam-exploded EFB and 15 g of fermented chicken manure, and 3 g of wheat flour was further added.

[0123] 〔Example 4〕 In the step of obtaining the mixture of Example 1, the mixture before forming Pellet A (fertilizer composition) was used as Powder Fertilizer E (fertilizer composition) of Example 4. Specifically, Powder Fertilizer E was produced by the following method. 15 g of steam-exploded EFB, 15 g of fermented chicken manure, and 9 g of ion-exchanged water were stirred in a 100 mL container using a spatula, and then stirred at 2000 rpm for 2 minutes using a rotation-revolution mixer AWATORI REBORN (manufactured by THINKY CORPORATION, ARE-400TWIN) to obtain Powder Fertilizer E (fertilizer composition).

[0124] 〔Comparative Example 1〕 In the step of obtaining the mixture of Example 1, four Pellet D (fertilizer composition) were obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that 15 g of pulp (fibrous, manufactured by AWAGAMI FACTORY) was used instead of 15 g of steam-exploded EFB.

[0125] 〔Comparative Example 2〕 In the step of obtaining the mixture of Example 1, pellet F (fertilizer composition) was obtained in the same manner as in Example 1, except that cedar wood powder (standard passing through a 178-μm screen (178-μm pass), Nakaura Wood Co., Ltd., MOKUFUN) was used instead of 15 g of steam-exploded EFB.

[0126] 〔Evaluation〕 〔Size of Biomass〕 In Examples 1 to 4, the steam-exploded EFB (20 g) obtained in the step of obtaining the steam-exploded biomass was vacuum-dried at 80°C for 2 hours at 5 kPa, and then 10 g was collected. The pulp (20 g) used in Comparative Example 1 was vacuum-dried at 80°C for 2 hours at 5 kPa, and then 10 g was collected. After vacuum drying, the collected steam-exploded EFB (10 g) was used as measurement sample X, passed through a mesh with a screen opening of 1.18 mm by the method described above, and the passing ratio and non-passing ratio of the biomass were calculated, respectively. After vacuum drying, for the collected pulp (10 g), the passing ratio and non-passing ratio of the biomass were calculated in the same manner as for the steam-exploded EFB. For the cedar wood powder (10 g) used in Comparative Example 2, the passing ratio and non-passing ratio of the biomass were calculated in the same manner as for the steam-exploded EFB. Separately, 10 g of steam-exploded EFB was collected from the steam-exploded EFB after vacuum drying and passed through a mesh with a screen opening of 0.5 mm by the method described above. The passing ratio of the biomass was 100% by mass.

[0127] (Contents of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contained in the biomass) Using the defatted EFB (EFB before steam explosion) used in Example 1 and the steam-exploded EFB used in the measurement of "size of biomass", the contents of lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose contained in the defatted EFB and the steam-exploded EFB were measured by the method described above. The results are shown in Table 3.

[0128] (Content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition) Using pellet A obtained in Example 1, pellet B obtained in Example 2, pellet C obtained in Example 3, and powder fertilizer E obtained in Example 4, the content of hemicellulose contained in the fertilizer composition was measured by the method described above. The results are shown in Table 4.

[0129]

Table 3

[0130] ·Explanation of Table 3 [Mass%-Dry] represents the mass% on a dry basis. Ratio ((C) / (B)) represents the ratio (content of hemicellulose / content of cellulose). Ratio ((C) / ((A)+(B)+(C))) represents the ratio (content of hemicellulose / (content of cellulose + content of hemicellulose + content of lignin)). (Content of cellulose + content of hemicellulose + content of lignin) is the total amount [mass%-Dry] of the contents of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin contained in the defatted EFB or the steam-exploded EFB.

[0131] From Table 3, by steam explosion, the content of hemicellulose contained in the defatted EFB was significantly reduced. Also, the ratios ((C) / (B)) and ((C) / ((A)+(B)+(C))) in Table 3, which represent the ratio of hemicellulose, were also significantly reduced.

[0132] 〔Preparation of Samples for Evaluation〕 Pellets A to D, pellet F, and powder fertilizer E obtained in each example were dried at 160°C for 1 hour under normal pressure in air. They were then vacuum-dried at 80°C for 2 hours at 5 kPa. After vacuum drying, the outside of each pellet was shaved with sandpaper so that the mass of each pellet became 4 g. Pellets A to D and pellet F with the mass adjusted to 4 g, and the dried powder fertilizer E were used as samples for evaluation, and the following evaluations were performed.

[0133] 〔Dissolution Ratio of Fertilizer Composition in Ion-Exchanged Water〕 One pellet A (evaluation sample, 4 g) was ground in a mortar to obtain a ground product. The entire amount of the ground product was put into a 300 mL beaker with a stirrer containing 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 15°C, and stirred for 1 hour to obtain a suspension of pellet A. Suspensions of pellets B to D and pellet F were prepared in the same manner as the suspension of pellet A. The dried powder fertilizer E (evaluation sample, 4 g) was put into a 300 mL beaker with a stirrer containing 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 15°C, and stirred for 1 hour to obtain a suspension of powder fertilizer E. Thereafter, filter paper (manufactured by ADVANTEC, No. 5C) whose mass had been measured in advance was folded into pleats and placed in a funnel, and each suspension was filtered. Next, the insoluble matter remaining on the filter paper was dried together with the filter paper at 160°C for 5 hours, and then the mass was measured. The insoluble matter was calculated from the mass difference between this mass (total amount of the insoluble matter remaining on the filter paper and the filter paper) and the mass of the filter paper, and the dissolution ratio (mass %) of the fertilizer composition in ion-exchanged water was determined respectively by the following formula (Formula D). Dissolution ratio [mass%] = ((4.0 g - insoluble matter [g]) / 4.0 g) × 100…(Formula D)

[0134] 〔Sustained Release Evaluation〕 Three each of pellets A to D and pellet F (evaluation samples, 4 g per pellet) were prepared. Also, 18 glass bottles (capacity 200 mL) were prepared. 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 15°C was put into each glass bottle. The prepared pellets A to D and pellet F were put into the glass bottles, one by one. Regarding the dried powder fertilizer E (evaluation sample), 4 g each was put into the remaining three glass bottles. After 7 days, 21 days, and 28 days, filter paper (manufactured by ADVANTEC, No. 5C) was folded into pleats and placed in a funnel, and the aqueous solution containing the evaluation sample was filtered respectively to obtain an aqueous solution in which the fertilizer components had dissolved. The concentration C of all nitrogen atoms in the obtained aqueous solution N , the concentration C of all potassium atoms K and the concentration C of all phosphorus atoms PIt was measured by the following method. Concentration C N , concentration C K and concentration C P are both in the unit of [mg / L]. · Concentration of nitrogen atoms: Pyrolysis method described in JIS K0102 (2019) · Concentration of potassium: ICP emission spectrometry described in JIS K0102 (2019) · Concentration of phosphorus: ICP emission spectrometry described in JIS K0102 (2019)

[0135]

Table 4

[0136] (Dissolution ratio of fertilizer composition in ion-exchanged water) The fertilizer compositions of Examples 1 to 4 and Comparative Examples 1 to 2 had a low dissolution ratio in ion-exchanged water, which was 10% by mass or less.

[0137] The results of the sustained-release evaluation were as follows. Regarding Comparative Example 2, after pellet F was put into a glass bottle containing ion-exchanged water, pellet F disintegrated at the initial stage within 6 days, so the sustained release of each atom could not be confirmed. In Table 4, the "-" in the column of the sustained-release evaluation of Comparative Example 2 indicates that the sustained release could not be confirmed.

[0138] (Sustained release of nitrogen atoms) Comparing pellet A of Example 1 using steam-exploded biomass with pellet D of Comparative Example 1 using non-semi-carbonized biomass, the ratio of (C N ) after 21 days / (C N ) after 7 days N1 , and the ratio of (C N ) after 36 days / (C N ) after 7 days N2 were both in the relationship of Example 1 < Comparative Example 1. Even when comparing the powder fertilizer E of Example 4 with pellet D of Comparative Example 1, the said ratio N1 and the said ratio N2 were in the relationship of Example 4 < Comparative Example 1. Even when comparing Pellets B and C of Examples 2 to 3, which contain more organic fertilizer than Example 1, with Pellet D of Comparative Example 1, the said ratio N1 and the said ratio N2 were in the relationship of Examples 2 to 3 < Comparative Example 1. Therefore, it was confirmed that in the fertilizer compositions of Examples 1 to 4 containing organic fertilizer and steam-exploded biomass, nitrogen atoms in the fertilizer components were slowly and gradually released.

[0139] (Slow release property of potassium atoms) When comparing Pellet A of Example 1 using steam-exploded biomass with Pellet D of Comparative Example 1 using uncarbonized biomass, the ratio of (C after 21 days K ) / (C after 7 days K ), and the ratio of (C after 36 days K1 ) / (C after 7 days K ) K were both in the relationship of Example 1 < Comparative Example 1. K2 When comparing Powder Fertilizer E of Example 4 with Pellet D of Comparative Example 1, the said ratio and the said ratio K1 and the said ratio K2 were in the relationship of Example 4 < Comparative Example 1. Even when comparing Pellets B and C of Examples 2 to 3, which contain more organic fertilizer than Example 1, with Pellet D of Comparative Example 1, the said ratio K1 and ratio K2 were in the relationship of Examples 2 to 3 < Comparative Example 1. Therefore, it was confirmed that in the fertilizer compositions of Examples 1 to 4, potassium atoms in the fertilizer components were slowly and gradually released.

[0140] (Slow release property of phosphorus atoms) When comparing Pellet A of Example 1 using steam-exploded biomass with Pellet D of Comparative Example 1 using uncarbonized biomass, the ratio of (C after 21 days P ) / (C after 7 days P ), P1 (C after 36 days P ) / (C after 7 days P ) P2Both were in the relationship of Example 1 < Comparative Example 1. When comparing Pellets B and C of Examples 2 to 3, which contain more organic fertilizer than Example 1, with Pellet D of Comparative Example 1, the said ratio P1 was in the relationship of Examples 2 to 3 < Comparative Example 1, and the said ratio P2 was in the relationship of Example 2 < Comparative Example 1. Therefore, it was confirmed that in the fertilizer compositions (pellets) of Examples 1 to 3, the phosphorus atoms in the fertilizer components were slowly released.

[0141] From the above, according to the fertilizer compositions of Examples 1 to 4, it is expected that the fertilizer components (nitrogen atoms, potassium atoms, and phosphorus atoms) can be slowly released over a longer period, reducing the number of fertilizations.

Industrial Applicability

[0142] The composition and fertilizer composition of the present invention can be used in the fields of agriculture, horticulture, etc.

Claims

1. A composition comprising an active ingredient and biomass, The composition contains hemicellulose, and the content of hemicellulose in the composition is 10% by mass or less. composition.

2. The active ingredient is at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pheromone agents, pesticides, and biostimulants; The composition of claim 1.

3. The composition is a granulated product. The composition according to claim 1 or claim 2.

4. The biomass passes through a sieve with an opening of 1.18 mm. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The amount of the biomass in the composition that does not pass through a mesh having a sieve opening of 1.18 mm is less than 20% by mass of the total amount of the biomass in the composition. A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The biomass is steam exploded biomass; A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. The content of hemicellulose contained in the steam exploded biomass is 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The composition of claim 6.

8. Further comprising a binder, A composition according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. A fertilizer composition comprising an organic fertilizer and biomass, The fertilizer composition contains hemicellulose, and the content of hemicellulose in the fertilizer composition is 10% by mass or less. Fertilizer composition.

10. The fertilizer composition is a granulated product. The fertilizer composition of claim 9.

11. The biomass passes through a sieve with an opening of 1.18 mm. A fertilizer composition according to claim 9 or claim 10.

12. The amount of biomass in the fertilizer composition that does not pass through a mesh having a sieve opening of 1.18 mm is less than 20% by mass of the total amount of biomass in the fertilizer composition; A fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. The biomass is steam exploded biomass; A fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 9 to 12.

14. The content of hemicellulose contained in the steam exploded biomass is 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. The fertilizer composition of claim 13.

15. The organic fertilizer is a fermented product or a mixture containing fermented and unfermented products; A fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 9 to 14.

16. The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken manure, cow manure, pig manure, fermented chicken manure, fermented cow manure, fermented pig manure, fermentation residue, and food waste. A fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 9 to 15.

17. The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of fermented chicken manure, dried chicken manure, and fermentation residue. A fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 9 to 16.

18. Further comprising a binder, A fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 9 to 17.

19. When 4.0 g of the fertilizer composition is dissolved in 100 mL of ion-exchanged water having a temperature of 13 ° C. or higher and 15 ° C. or lower, the dissolution ratio satisfies the relationship of the following formula (D1): A fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 9 to 18. Dissolution ratio [mass%] = ((4.0 g - insoluble matter [g]) / 4.0 g) x 100 ≦ 10.0 ... (number D1)

20. 4.0 g of the fertilizer composition was immersed in 100 mL of ion-exchanged water at 13° C. or higher and 15° C. or lower, and the concentration C of total nitrogen atoms in the ion-exchanged water was measured after 7 days, 21 days, and 36 days. Ｎ satisfies the relationships of the following formulas (1) and (2):

20. A fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 9 to 19. 1.0 < (C after 21 days Ｎ ) / (7 days later C Ｎ ) < 1.5 (Equation 1) (21 days later Ｎ ) / (7 days later C Ｎ ) < (C after 36 days Ｎ ) / (7 days later C Ｎ ) (Equation 2) (C Ｎ The unit is mg / L.)

21. A method of using a composition according to any one of claims 1 to 8, comprising the steps of: The method comprises the step of releasing the active ingredient contained in the composition into at least one environment selected from the group consisting of the atmosphere, water, and soil. Methods of using the compositions.

22. A method of using a fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 9 to 20, comprising the steps of: The organic fertilizer contained in the fertilizer composition is released into at least one of water and soil environments. Methods of using the fertilizer composition.

23. steam exploding the biomass to obtain steam exploded biomass; and mixing the steam exploded biomass with an active ingredient to obtain a mixture. Method for producing the composition.

24. After the step of obtaining the mixture, a step of granulating the mixture is provided. A method for producing the composition of claim 23.

25. The steam exploded biomass passes through a sieve with an opening size of 1.18 mm. A method for producing the composition of claim 23 or claim 24.

26. The content of hemicellulose contained in the steam exploded biomass is 20% by mass or less based on the total amount of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin. A method for producing a composition according to any one of claims 23 to 25.

27. The step of obtaining the mixture is a step of mixing the steam exploded biomass and the active ingredient so that the content of the steam exploded biomass in the mixture is 5% by mass or more and 60% by mass or less, and the content of the active ingredient in the mixture is 40% by mass or more and 95% by mass or less. A method for producing a composition according to any one of claims 23 to 26.

28. The step of obtaining the mixture is a step of mixing the steam exploded biomass, the active ingredient, and a binder; A method for producing a composition according to any one of claims 23 to 27.

29. The active ingredient is at least one selected from the group consisting of fertilizers, pheromone agents, pesticides, and biostimulants; A method for producing a composition according to any one of claims 23 to 28.

30. The active ingredient is an organic fertilizer; A method for producing a composition according to any one of claims 23 to 28.

31. The organic fertilizer is a fermented product or a mixture containing fermented and unfermented products; A method for producing the composition of claim 30.

32. The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of chicken manure, cow manure, pig manure, fermented chicken manure, fermented cow manure, fermented pig manure, fermentation residue, and food waste. A method for producing the composition of claim 30 or claim 31.

33. The organic fertilizer is at least one selected from the group consisting of fermented chicken manure, dried chicken manure, and fermentation residue. A method for producing a composition according to any one of claims 30 to 32.

34. The hemicellulose content in the produced composition is 10% by mass or less. A method for producing a composition according to any one of claims 23 to 33.

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