Novel crop nutritional composition

Abstract

In particular, the present invention relates to a crop nutrition and enrichment composition comprising elemental sulfur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; one or more zinc components in the form of a water-insoluble salt, complex, or derivative thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental selenium or its salt, complex, derivative, or mixture thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content in the composition is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and at least one surfactant in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, wherein the composition has particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns, and the composition is in the form of granules or an aqueous suspension. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the crop nutrition and enrichment composition. The present invention further relates to a method for enhancing nutrient uptake and improving plant health and yield by treating plants, plant propagation material, locus or part thereof, seeds, seedlings, or surrounding soil with the crop nutrition and enrichment composition.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a crop nutrient and fortifying composition comprising elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, and at least one surfactant, wherein the composition has particles within the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns. More particularly, the present invention relates to a crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of granules or an aqueous suspension, comprising elemental sulfur in an amount ranging from 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content in the composition is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and at least one surfactant in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, wherein the composition has particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0002] The present invention further relates to methods for enhancing nutrient uptake and improving plant health and yield by treating plants, crops, plant propagation material, locus or parts thereof, seeds, seedlings, or surrounding soil with the crop nutrition and enrichment compositions of the present invention.

[0003] The present invention further relates to the use of the compositions of the present invention to enhance the uptake of sulfur, selenium and zinc by crops. [Background technology]

[0004] In describing embodiments of the present invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of clarity, however, it is understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so chosen, and that each specific term includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0005] It is known that optimal levels of nutrients are required for the normal function and growth of plants, and any fluctuations in nutrient levels can cause disturbances in the overall growth of crops, causing their health to decline due to either deficiency or toxicity, and thus affecting the nutrients essential for human diet.In addition, poor availability of nutrients to plants can also result in lack of proper growth, making plants more susceptible to pest attacks.Therefore, proper crop nutrition is crucial for optimizing crop growth and metabolism, which in turn contributes to improving crop yield and agricultural product quality.

[0006] In parallel, plants as a food source for humans and animals are well known to provide nutrients necessary to regulate the body's biochemical functions. Nutrient deficiencies contribute substantially to the global disease burden.

[0007] Selenium is a trace element not considered essential for plants, but is an essential trace nutrient required for balanced nutrition in animals and humans. Selenium (Se) is an essential trace mineral and a component of selenoproteins, which are responsible for important enzyme functions. The function of selenoproteins in human metabolism is most commonly related to immune function and cancer prevention. Additionally, it plays an important role in fertility and reproduction, brain function, mood, thyroid health, and cardiovascular disease (Rayman, M.P., Selenium and human health. Lancet 2012, 379, 1256–1268). Selenium deficiency, due to inadequate dietary intake, affects 500 million to 1 billion people worldwide (NDA / BLA Multi-disciplinary Review and Evaluation NDA 209379, US FDA). Selenium deficiency in humans has been linked to several types of cancer, heart disease, and other chronic and life-threatening conditions (Gupta et al., Selenium in soils and crops, its deficiencies in livestock and humans: Implications for management, Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 31:11-14, 1791-1807, 2000).

[0008] Inadequate dietary selenium intake is estimated to affect up to one billion people worldwide and is known to adversely affect the health of livestock. Because dietary Se intake is highly dependent on soil Se content and bioavailability to crops, the primary source of selenium for human food and animal feed is the soil-plant system. Rainfall, evaporation, and pH levels all affect selenium concentrations in soil, making selenium deficiency more common.

[0009] Zinc (Zn) plays a central role in nucleic acid and protein synthesis and is essential for maintaining the structure and activity of many enzymes. Zinc deficiency affects approximately 2 billion people worldwide, and inadequate dietary intake leads to more than 500,000 deaths annually among infants and children under the age of 5 (Ahsan Ak et al., Zinc Micronutrient Deficiency and Its Prevalence in Malnourished Pediatric Children as Compared to Well-Nourished Children: A Nutritional Emergency. Glob Pediatr Health. 2021 Oct 8).

[0010] Zinc is also essential in plant metabolism due to its central role in chloroplast development and function. Although most of the world's cultivated soils contain sufficient Zn to sustain its accumulation in the edible parts of plants, Zn plant availability is often the limiting factor for its uptake by roots, and it is estimated that approximately one-fifth of the world's population suffers from Zn deficiency (White, PJ; Pongrac, P.; Sneddon, CC; Thompson, JA; Wright, G. Limits to the biofortification of leafy brassicas with zinc. Agriculture 2018, 8, 32).

[0011] Although the benefits of these nutrients are well known, their deficiency has become widespread in most agricultural regions of the world over the past few decades, resulting in these nutrients being pointed out as limiting factors for improving plant growth, high yields and fertilizer efficiency. The reasons for these nutrient deficiencies are as follows: · Severe imbalance in soil pH caused by excessive and injudicious application of chemical fertilizers like urea, DAP etc. · Environmental conditions such as drought, biotic and abiotic stresses, soil health, etc. Nutrient competition due to injudicious use of multiple macronutrients, secondary macronutrients, micronutrients and trace nutrients in fertilizer irrigation. Both poor and insufficient availability of these nutrients in soil affect plant metabolism, resulting in poor growth or lack of physiological development of plants. As a result, plants become more susceptible to disease and pest attack. Deficiency of these nutrients in plants also affects the health of animals and humans.

[0012] Furthermore, sulfur (S) is an essential plant nutrient long known for its role as a fertilizer. Sulfur deficiency has become widespread in most agricultural regions of the world over the past few decades, resulting in sulfur being identified as a limiting factor for high yields and fertilizer efficiency. One of the reasons for the increase in sulfur deficiency in recent years is the global trend toward the use of desulfurized fuels to meet strict emission standards, resulting in a lack of soil sulfur replenishment, which was previously largely met due to the presence of atmospheric sulfur delivered in the form of rainwater. Other reasons for sulfur deficiency are the difficulty in obtaining sulfur in a plant-absorbable form, sulfur losses caused by leaching and soil pH, and the insolubility of elemental sulfur in water.

[0013] Therefore, optimizing soil conditions and managing crop nutrient use have been a long-felt need for farmers to improve crop nutrient use efficiency. However, meeting food requirements in terms of both quantity and nutrient content, while still providing farmers with better economic returns, is a challenging task. Significant research is being conducted to improve soil and plant health, provide farmers with better economic returns, and reduce the environmental burden due to the widespread use of conventional fertilizers and synthetic pesticides.

[0014] Biofortification of crops offers a promising strategy for increasing the content of specific nutrients. However, the interactions between different types of plant nutrients are highly complex and can be either antagonistic or synergistic depending on the element / nutrient mixture and its composition, concentration, etc., which can affect nutrient utilization efficiency. Application of excess nutrients can cause plants to suffer from "nutrient antagonism," whereby an excess of a particular element can block the absorption of another element required by the plant; this can occur with elements of similar size and charge (positive or negative), resulting in a deficiency in the plant. For example, the antagonistic interaction / competitive nature of sulfur and selenium for uptake by plants has been reported (Barak et al., J. Agric. Food Chem. 1997, 45, 4, 1290-1294; Murphy et al., (1997); The Effect of Sulfur / Nitrogen / Selenium Interactions on Herbage Yield and Quality. Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research, 36(1), 31-38). This may be due to the similar chemical and physical properties of Se and S, which can substitute for S in plant metabolism. This leads to their competition for uptake, transport, and absorption into plants. Additionally, the antagonistic properties of selenium and micronutrients when combined have also been reported (The effects of selenium and other micronutrients on the antioxidant activities and yield of corn (Zea mays L.) under drought stress, Nour Ali Sajedi, Mohammad Reza Ardakani, Hamid Madani, Ahmad Naderi, and Mohammad Miransari, Physiol Mol Biol Plants (July-September 2011) 17(3):215-222).Furthermore, a review article (Selenium Biofortification and Interaction With Other Elements in Plants, Front Plant Sci. 2020;11:586421) reports that nitrate, selenide, and selenite can individually and collectively antagonize or compete with each other's uptake, and that high nitrogen applications can reduce Se uptake by plants.

[0015] Therefore, considering the various properties of selenium when combined with other elements, it is difficult to provide a composition containing a combination of selenium. Furthermore, the efficacy of the active substance also depends on the type of formulation and other ingredients used in the composition. A major problem with some crop nutrients or fertilizers or plant growth promotion products is that they are present in an unusable form when applied, and due to their rapid migration into the soil or their physical form and characteristics, they are not well absorbed by plants or do not penetrate the soil quickly. Therefore, fewer nutrients are available to plants, and therefore these products have lower nutrient utilization efficacy.

[0016] Some prior art discloses multi-nutrient compositions in the form of powders, prills, pellets, etc., containing sulfur, zinc, selenium, and other elements. However, such prior art products are either difficult to apply in the field due to their poor physical characteristics, or are not as effective as required and therefore not readily available for plant absorption. For example, powder compositions not only have practical application problems such as dust generation, but also pose risks to users, primarily due to eye irritation, inhalation risks, and skin irritation. Furthermore, such formulations have a larger size distribution, resulting in poorer suspension and dispersibility, and tend to clog nozzles when applied via dripping, making them unsuitable for use in irrigation systems. Furthermore, these compositions have been found to have poor suspension properties, leading to random and non-uniform distribution of active ingredients in the target area, which causes undesirable effects and poses problems in the effective delivery of nutrients to plants or crops, resulting in poor uptake of nutrients by plants. Such problems also require these compositions to be used in large quantities, making them uneconomical and environmentally unsafe.

[0017] Chinese Patent No. 112321350 discloses a soluble fertilizer containing sodium selenite, sulfur as sulfate, manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, magnesium sulfate, calcium chloride, ammonium molybdate, alkyl polyglucoside, chitosan quaternary ammonium salt for foliar application.

[0018] Compositions that provide sulfur in sulfate form, i.e., calcium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, and water-soluble forms of zinc, i.e., zinc acetate, zinc nitrate, zinc sulfate, zinc chloride, zinc chlorate, etc., have proven to be ineffective because they tend to leach out during heavy rainfall or irrigation and cannot be absorbed by plants, which in turn causes groundwater contamination. This not only results in a significant decrease in efficiency, but also increases soil salinity. As soil salinity increases, plants are unable to draw as much water and nutrients from the soil, necessitating repeated applications of higher doses of fertilizer. This has serious environmental consequences. Furthermore, selenium is known to cause toxicity when applied in high doses.

[0019] Chinese Patent No. 109453736 discloses a multi-component complex attapulgite soil conditioner obtained by adsorbing sulfur and calcium as calcium sulfate onto attapulgite powder, mixing it with silica sol containing selenium and zinc as zinc selenite, gelling it, granulating it and drying it to obtain a silicon-sulfur-selenium-zinc multi-element complex soil conditioner with a silica sol coating on the attapulgite powder.

[0020] This kind of granule with silica sol coating can release small amounts of nutrients and trace elements such as silicon, selenium and zinc after high-temperature firing.They are designed in such a way that they release active substances very slowly and only under high-temperature conditions, so that active substances remain locked in soil for a long period of time and are unavailable for plant uptake, thus depriving plants of the immediate nutritional requirements.As a result of nutrient deficiency in young plants, plants are susceptible to various diseases, which ultimately hinders their growth and yield.

[0021] In addition, compositions prepared using molten sulfur or by reacting elemental sulfur and sulfuric acid have been reported in the art. However, the production process of such products has several disadvantages. The most important disadvantage is the risk of fire and explosion. Another problem with such compositions is the heterogeneity of the size and shape of the particles of the composition. Moreover, once solidified, the molten elemental sulfur composition does not release sulfur, and sometimes intact granules are found in the soil even one season after the crop is harvested. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0022] [Patent Document 1] Chinese Patent No. 112321350 [Patent Document 2] Chinese Patent No. 109453736 [Non-patent literature]

[0023] [Non-Patent Document 1] Rayman, M.P. Selenium and human health. Lancet 2012, 379, 1256-1268 [Non-patent document 2] NDA / BLA Multi-disciplinary Review and Evaluation NDA 209379, US FDA [Non-patent document 3] Gupta et al., Selenium in soils and crops, its deficiencies in livestock and humans: Implications for management, Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis, 31:11–14, 1791–1807, 2000. [Non-patent document 4] Ahsan Ak et al., Zinc Micronutrient Deficiency and Its Prevalence in Malnourished Pediatric Children as Compared to Well-Nourished Children:A Nutritional Emergency.Glob Pediatr Health.2021 Oct 8 [Non-patent document 5] White, PJ; Pongrac, P.; Sneddon, CC; Thompson, JA; Wright, G. Limits to the biofortification of leafy brassicas with zinc. Agriculture 2018, 8, 32 [Non-patent document 6] Barak et al., J. Agric. Food Chem. 1997, 45, 4, 1290-1294 [Non-Patent Document 7] Murphy et al. (1997); The Effect of Sulphur / Nitrogen / Selenium Interactions on Herbage Yield and Quality. Irish Journal of Agricultural and Food Research, 36(1), 31-38 [Non-patent document 8] The effects of selenium and other micronutrients on the antioxidant activities and yield of corn(Zea mays L.)under drought stress Nour Ali Sajedi&Mohammad Reza Ardakani&Hamid Madani&Ahmad Naderi&Mohammad Miransari, Physiol Mol Biol Plants(July-September 2011)17(3):215~222 [Non-Patent Document 9] Selenium Biofortification and Interaction With Other Elements in Plants, Front Plant Sci.2020;11:586421 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0024] Therefore, there is a need to develop a composition that contains selenium, sulfur, and zinc, and that can rapidly make the nutrients available to plants in effective amounts, thereby meeting the balanced nutritional requirements of plants and addressing the drawbacks associated with known compositions.Furthermore, there is a need for an agricultural product that provides high on-site efficacy while applying the composition at reduced doses, and a product that addresses the other drawbacks discussed above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0025] The inventors have surprisingly found that the compositions of the present invention, comprising elemental sulfur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition, one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental zinc in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition, elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition, and at least one surfactant in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, in the form of granules or aqueous suspensions having particles of the composition in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns, not only exhibit synergistic effects but are also effective in addressing the disadvantages discussed above.

[0026] The inventors were surprised to find that such excellent effects were not observed when using a combination of water-soluble salts or derivatives of sulfur and zinc in sulfate form, even when formulated in granular or aqueous suspension form. It was also observed that the compositions of the present invention, when formulated with specific particle sizes, further enhance the availability of sulfur, zinc, and selenium for plant uptake, even at the early stages of the plant's life cycle. It was even more surprising to observe that balanced nutrient uptake leads to healthier plants that can withstand pest infestations, higher nutrient yields in all types of soil, and ultimately improves overall soil health. The compositions of the present invention act as nutrient-use efficient compositions, satisfying crop needs by providing a multi-nutrient solution with improved crop uptake at reduced dosages. It was further observed that the compositions of the present invention prevent leaching of these nutrients, making them maximally available for plant uptake and increasing overall yield.

[0027] Notably, enhanced efficacy in terms of crop yield and nutrient uptake and growth characteristics has been observed when the composition is composed of water-insoluble salts or derivatives of elemental sulfur and zinc and elemental selenium or salts or derivatives thereof, formulated in the form of granules or aqueous suspensions, where the composition readily disperses in water or in the presence of soil moisture into fine particles in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns, making the nutrients readily available to the plant.

[0028] The inventors of the present application have determined that crop nutritional compositions in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrable granules, or aqueous suspensions comprising elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble zinc salts or derivatives thereof, and one or more selenium salts or derivatives thereof, together with at least one surfactant, wherein the crop nutritional composition comprises particles within the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns, demonstrate superior field efficacy even when applied at reduced dosage applications.

[0029] The present invention relates to a crop nutrition and fortification composition comprising elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, and at least one surfactant, wherein the composition comprises particles within the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0030] The present invention relates to a crop nutrition and fortification composition comprising elemental sulfur in an amount ranging from 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition, one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition, elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content in the composition is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition, and at least one surfactant in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns, and the composition is in the form of granules or an aqueous suspension.

[0031] The present invention further relates to a process for preparing a crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of granules or an aqueous suspension, comprising elemental sulfur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition, one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental zinc in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition, elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition, and at least one surfactant in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, wherein the composition has particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0032] The present invention also relates to a method for enhancing nutrient uptake and improving plant health and yield by treating a plant, crop, plant propagation material, locus or part thereof, seed, seedling, or surrounding soil with a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of granules or an aqueous suspension, comprising elemental sulfur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content in the composition is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and at least one surfactant in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0033] The present invention further relates to methods of treating plants to meet their nutritional requirements by making nutrients such as sulfur, zinc and selenium available to the plants. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0034] In describing embodiments of the present invention, specific terminology is chosen for the sake of clarity, however, it is understood that the present invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terminology so chosen, and that such specific terminology includes all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

[0035] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member may be referenced and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group may be included in or deleted from a group for reasons of convenience and / or patentability.

[0036] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meanings of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0037] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "including," "having," "containing," "with," and the like, should be understood to be open-ended, i.e., meaning including but not limited to. The terms "preferred" and "preferably" refer to embodiments of the invention that may yield certain benefits, under certain circumstances.

[0038] In any aspect or embodiment described herein below, the phrase comprising may be replaced by the phrase "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of" or "consisting substantially of." In these aspects or embodiments, the composition being described includes, or comprises, or consists of, or consists essentially of, or consists substantially of the specific ingredients recited therein, excluding other ingredients or excipients not specifically recited therein.

[0039] Throughout this specification, a reference to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0040] In some embodiments, numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, concentrations, and other properties used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the present invention should be understood to be modified in some instances by the term "about." Accordingly, in some embodiments, the numerical parameters set forth in the written specification are approximations that may vary depending on the desired properties sought to be obtained by a particular embodiment. In some embodiments, the numerical parameters should be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth the broad scope of some embodiments of the present invention are approximations, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements.

[0041] The recitation of ranges of values ​​herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, and unless otherwise indicated herein, each separate value is incorporated herein as if it were individually listed herein.

[0042] Also, any numerical range recited herein should be understood to be intended to include all subranges subsumed therein. For example, a range of "1 to 10" is intended to include all subranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of 1 and the recited maximum value of 10, i.e., having a minimum value of 1 or greater and a maximum value of 10 or less. Also, unless otherwise indicated, percentages of ingredients in a composition are presented as weight percent.

[0043] All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples or exemplary language (e.g., "etc.") provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better elucidate the invention and does not impose limitations on the scope of the invention as otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0044] As used herein, the terms "plant" or "crop" are interchangeable and wherever the term "plant" is used, it shall also refer to vegetation of a similar nature, i.e., crops, trees, shrubs, herbs, etc. The term "plant" refers to all physical parts of a plant, including seeds, seedlings, saplings, roots, tubers, stems, stalks, leaves, and fruits. The term plant includes transgenic and non-transgenic plants.

[0045] The term "location" of a plant as used herein is intended to encompass the location where the plant is growing, where the plant propagation material of the plant is sown or placed in soil.

[0046] The term "plant propagation material" is understood to denote reproductive parts of plants such as seeds, vegetative material such as cuttings or tubers, roots, fruits, tubers, bulbs, rhizomes and plant parts, as well as germinated plants and young plants that are transplanted after germination or emergence from the soil. These young plants may be protected by a total or local treatment by immersion before transplanting.

[0047] The term "sulfur" as used in the compositions refers to elemental sulfur (S) obtained via natural or synthetic sources. The term includes allotropes of elemental sulfur, such as plastic (amorphous) sulfur, monoclinic sulfur, orthorhombic sulfur composed of S molecules, and other ring molecules such as S and S. The term also includes sulfur produced via petrochemical processing and refining. The term also includes "biological sulfur." ​​The term also includes elemental sulfur produced via microbial processes.

[0048] Selenium refers to elemental selenium or selenium in the form of its salts, derivatives or complexes.

[0049] Zinc refers to zinc in the form of its salts, its derivatives or complexes.

[0050] The term "derivatives" as used in this application is intended to encompass minerals and ores containing minerals such as selenium and zinc. The term derivatives is also intended to encompass compounds from which selenium and zinc can be obtained in a form that can be absorbed by plants.

[0051] The term "salt" as used in the present invention also encompasses compounds containing zinc and selenium. Zinc compounds include zinc oxide, and selenium compounds include selenium dioxide.

[0052] As used herein, "WG" or "WDG" refers to water-dispersible granules, which are defined as formulations that rapidly disperse or dissolve when added to water to form a fine particle suspension. Water-dispersible granules are formulated as small, easily measurable granules (agglomerates of fine particles) by blending and agglomerating crushed active ingredients with surfactants and other formulation excipients that disperse into finer / primary particles when added to water. Water-dispersible granules can be obtained by spray drying or by an extrusion process.

[0053] "Fast release" or "instant release" or "instant dispersal" can be used interchangeably and are applicable to granules that disperse rapidly to release nutrients.

[0054] As used herein, the term "GR" refers to "water-disintegrating granules" and is defined as a granular composition comprising agglomerated granules or particles that, upon contact with sufficient water or soil moisture, disintegrate or break down into individual particles to release the active agent both instantaneously and over an extended period of time, which may extend throughout the entire crop cycle.

[0055] As defined herein, the term "aqueous suspension" is a composition in which solid particles are dispersed or suspended in a liquid. The terms "suspension concentrate" or "aqueous suspension" or "aqueous dispersion" or "SC composition" may be used interchangeably.

[0056] A mixture is defined as a combination of two or more substances that are not chemically integrated with each other. A homogeneous mixture is defined as one that has a uniform composition throughout the mixture. This is the type of mixture in which the composition is constant or the components that make up the mixture are uniformly distributed throughout the mixture.

[0057] Furthermore, the active doses of the active substances in the compositions applied in the field experiments are elementally active.

[0058] Nutrient use efficiency (NUE) is defined as a measure of how well a plant uses available mineral nutrients. Improving NUE is an essential prerequisite for extending crop production to marginal lands where nutrient availability is low, but it is also a method for reducing the use of inorganic fertilizers.

[0059] The particle size of the composition is defined as the size of the particles of the composition in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules or aqueous suspension containing elemental sulfur, zinc, selenium, and excipients as a whole. D50 is the particle size corresponding to the cumulative percentage reaching 50%. D50 is also called the median particle size or median particle size, and represents the average of 50% of the total particles being smaller than the specified size. D90 is used to indicate particle size distribution, and represents the average of 90% of the total particles being smaller than the specified size. D90 is also the particle size corresponding to the cumulative percentage reaching 90%.

[0060] The present invention relates to a crop nutrition and fortification composition comprising elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, and at least one surfactant. The composition is in the form of a granule or an aqueous suspension. The crop nutrition and fortification composition is in the form of a homogeneous mixture of elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, and at least one surfactant.

[0061] According to a further embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition comprises fine particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns and exhibits improved physical properties in terms of dispersibility, suspendability, viscosity, spontaneity of dispersion, wettability, and pourability or flowability. Due to their superior physical characteristics, the compositions of the present invention also find direct use in micro-irrigation or drip irrigation systems.

[0062] The compositions of the present invention have an elemental sulfur content ranging from 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition, elemental zinc ranging from 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition, and elemental selenium ranging from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0063] The present invention is particularly i. elemental sulfur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental zinc in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; iii. Elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; iv. at least one surfactant in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the composition; A crop nutrition and enrichment composition comprising: The composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns, and the composition is in the form of a granule or an aqueous suspension. It relates to crop nutrition and enrichment compositions.

[0064] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that compositions comprising elemental sulfur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition, one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental zinc in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition, and elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium in the composition is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition, demonstrate a synergistic effect compared to the activity of the individual active ingredients and the combination of the two actives at a time.

[0065] The compositions of the present invention in the form of water dispersible granules, water disintegrating granules or aqueous suspensions provide superior crop nutrition and enhancement in addition to synergistic effects, improving yield, plant growth, crop vigor and nutritional value when the particles in the composition are in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0066] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that when a composition contains elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium in the form of water-dispersible granules, water-disintegrating granules, or aqueous suspensions with particle sizes of the composition ranging from 0.1 to 30 microns, the absorption of sulfur, zinc, and selenium by crops upon application via soil or foliage is enhanced, as well as the stability of the formulation, thereby providing crop reinforcement and fortification, thereby preventing the occurrence of pests and diseases. The specific particle size range of the crop nutrient and fortification composition increases the surface area of ​​the elemental sulfur, zinc, and selenium particles, thereby allowing the product to cover a larger surface area, thereby enabling biological effectiveness at a substantially lower dose. Even more surprisingly, the inventors have found that the composition of the present invention also addresses the nutrient availability issues caused by the long-term application of NPK fertilizers, thereby making sulfur, zinc, selenium, and other nutrients readily available for uptake.

[0067] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly found that the composition of the present invention, which comprises elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, and elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, at specific concentrations, not only demonstrates synergistic effects, but also provides nutrients to plants, thereby showing significant enhancements in yield and other crop characteristics, such as improved plant height, root length, and foliage, compared to individual application of nutrients.The composition of the present invention acts as a highly nutrient-utilization-efficient composition, satisfying crop needs by providing a multi-nutrient solution with improved uptake by the crop in a single application.

[0068] According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 1% to 80% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 1% to 70% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is preferably present in a range of 1% to 65% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is preferably present in a range of 1% to 60% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 10% to 90% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 10% to 80% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is present in a range of 10% to 70% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is preferably present in a range of 10% to 60% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is preferably present in the range of 20% to 90% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is preferably present in the range of 20% to 80% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is preferably present in the range of 30% to 90% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is preferably present in the range of 30% to 80% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is preferably present in the range of 40% to 90% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental sulfur is preferably present in the range of 40% to 80% by weight of the total composition.

[0069] According to some embodiments, zinc is present in the form of its water-insoluble salt, derivative, or complex. According to further embodiments, the elemental zinc content in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental zinc is present in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental zinc is present in the range of 1% to 50% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental zinc is present in the range of 1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, elemental zinc is preferably present in the range of 5% to 50% by weight of the total composition, more preferably in the range of 5% to 40% by weight. According to some embodiments, elemental zinc is preferably present in the range of 10% to 50% by weight of the total composition, more preferably in the range of 10% to 40% by weight.

[0070] According to some embodiments, the water-insoluble zinc salt, complex, or derivative thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 90% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the water-insoluble zinc salt, complex, or derivative thereof is present in the range of 1% to 80% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the water-insoluble zinc salt, complex, or derivative thereof is present in the range of 1% to 70% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the water-insoluble zinc salt, complex, or derivative thereof is present in the range of 1% to 60% by weight of the total composition.

[0071] According to certain embodiments, the water-insoluble zinc salts include, but are not limited to, one or more of zinc oxide, zinc carbonate, zinc sulfide, zinc molybdate, zinc phosphate, zinc borate, zinc silicate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc citrate, complexes or derivatives thereof, however, one skilled in the art will recognize that other water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes or derivatives thereof may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0072] According to certain embodiments, the water-insoluble zinc salt, complex, or derivative thereof comprises one or more zinc-containing minerals or ores, or processed or refined ores, or ores containing trace nutrients selected from, but not limited to, Ashoverite, sphalerite, smithsonite, or wurtzite. However, the above list of ores or minerals is exemplary and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0073] In some embodiments, selenium is present in its elemental form or in the form of a salt, derivative, or complex thereof. In some embodiments, the elemental selenium content in the composition is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition. In some embodiments, the elemental selenium content in the composition is in the range of 0.005% to 10% by weight of the total composition. In some embodiments, the elemental selenium content in the composition is in the range of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition. In some embodiments, the elemental selenium content in the composition is in the range of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition. In some embodiments, the elemental selenium content in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition. In some embodiments, the elemental selenium content in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the selenium salt, complex, derivative, or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.001% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the selenium salt, complex, derivative, or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.001% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the selenium salt, complex, derivative, or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the selenium salt, complex, derivative, or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0075] According to a further embodiment, the selenium derivative or source in the composition can include minerals. The trace nutrients can also be in the form of ores. The ores can include, but are not limited to, oxides, silicates, carbonate ores, sulfide ores, or halide ores.

[0076] According to a further embodiment, the salt of selenium comprises a water-soluble or water-insoluble salt.

[0077] According to further embodiments, the water-insoluble selenium salts include, but are not limited to, selenium, selenium carbonate, vanadium selenide, magnesium selenide, manganese selenide, selenium sulfide, copper selenide, iron selenide, molybdenum selenide, cobalt selenide, bismuth selenide, zinc selenide, copper selenite, calcium selenite, magnesium selenite, manganese selenite, or cobalt selenite. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other water-insoluble salts of selenium can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. (Soluble / insoluble list must be reviewed.)

[0078] According to further embodiments, the water-soluble selenium salts include, but are not limited to, selenium dioxide, selenourea, sodium selenide, potassium selenide, ammonium selenide, sodium selenite, potassium selenite, ammonium selenite, iron selenite, zinc selenite, sodium selenate, magnesium selenate, potassium selenate, calcium selenate, copper selenate, ammonium selenate, iron selenate, cobalt selenate, or zinc selenate. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other water-soluble salts of selenium can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0079] According to further embodiments, selenium derivatives include, but are not limited to, potassium selenate, selenium sulfide, selenious acid, selenium oxychloride, selenic acid, selenium yeast, etc. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other selenium derivatives may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0080] According to further embodiments, the selenium in the composition can be in the form of a mineral, or a processed or refined ore, or a trace nutrient-containing ore, including, but not limited to, ferrocerite, downeyite;

[0081] According to some embodiments, the crop nutritional composition may further comprise at least one additional plant nutrient, which is present in the range of 0.001% to 80% by weight of the total composition.

[0082] According to certain embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition may further comprise one or more iron salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, with the content of elemental iron being in the range of 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition.

[0083] According to certain embodiments, the iron salts, complexes, and derivatives thereof include water-soluble and / or water-insoluble iron salts; or complexes or derivatives, or mixtures thereof. According to further embodiments, the water-soluble iron salts may include, but are not limited to, one or more of iron sulfate, iron succinate, iron fumarate, iron humate, iron fulvic acid, iron citrate, iron ascorbate, or mixtures thereof.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the iron salt, its complex, or derivative particularly includes a water-insoluble iron salt, complex, or derivative, or a mixture thereof. The inventors of the present invention have found that when a crop nutrient and fortifying composition further comprises an insoluble form of iron, the composition not only enhances the absorption of these nutrients by plants, but also demonstrates significant enhancements in yield and other crop characteristics, such as improved plant height, root length, and foliage, compared to the application of these nutrients individually. The inventors have also found that the effectiveness of using an insoluble form of iron when applied to soil in a soluble form also addresses the problem of leaching of these nutrients.

[0085] According to further embodiments, the water-insoluble iron salts can include, but are not limited to, one or more of iron oxide, iron hydroxide, iron phosphate, iron fumarate, iron succinate, iron sulfide, iron oxalate, iron sucrate, iron carbonyl, iron silicate, iron carbonate, or mixtures thereof. Iron oxides can include, but are not limited to, ferrous oxide (FeO), ferric oxide (FeO) or red iron oxide, and iron oxide trioxide (FeO) or black iron oxide. Iron hydroxides can include, but are not limited to, ferric hydroxide, yellow iron oxide (FeOOH), iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)), iron(III) hydroxide, iron oxyhydroxide, and limonite. Iron phosphates can include, but are not limited to, ferric phosphate, ferric phosphate dihydrate, ferric phosphate hydrate, ferric glycerophosphate, ferric phosphate, ferrous pyrophosphate, and ferric pyrophosphate. Iron fumarates include, but are not limited to, ferrous fumarate and ferric fumarate. Iron succinates include, but are not limited to, ferrous succinate and iron(II) succinate. In some embodiments, iron can be present in the crop nutrition and fortification composition in its elemental form or in the form of iron powder. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other water-insoluble iron salts can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0086] According to further embodiments, the water-insoluble iron can be in the form of a mineral, or a processed or refined ore, or an ore containing trace nutrients, such as, but not limited to, wustite, magnetite, hematite, monosulfite, goethite, greigite, siderite, pyrite or marcasite, or vernallite. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other iron minerals can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0087] According to some embodiments, the elemental iron content in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the elemental iron content in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the elemental iron content in the composition is in the range of 1% to 60% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the elemental iron content in the composition is in the range of 1% to 50% by weight of the total composition.

[0088] According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enhancement composition comprises particles within a size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enhancement composition comprises particles within a size range of 0.1 microns to 25 microns. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enhancement composition comprises particles within a size range of 0.1 microns to 20 microns. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enhancement composition comprises particles within a size range of 0.1 microns to 15 microns. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enhancement composition comprises particles within a size range of 0.1 microns to 10 microns.

[0089] According to another embodiment, the crop nutritional composition of the present invention comprises particles having a particle size distribution with a D50 of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutritional composition of the present invention comprises particles having a particle size distribution with a D50 of about 15 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutritional composition of the present invention comprises particles having a particle size distribution with a D50 of about 10 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutritional composition of the present invention comprises particles having a particle size distribution with a D50 of about 5 microns.

[0090] According to another embodiment, the crop nutritional composition of the present invention comprises particles having a particle size distribution with a D90 of about 30 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutritional composition of the present invention comprises particles having a particle size distribution with a D90 of about 25 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutritional composition of the present invention comprises particles having a particle size distribution with a D90 of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutritional composition of the present invention comprises particles having a particle size distribution with a D90 of about 10 microns.

[0091] According to another embodiment, the crop nutritional composition of the present invention in the form of a water-dispersible granule or aqueous suspension comprises particles having a particle size distribution of about 10 microns D50 and 20 microns D90. According to another embodiment, the crop nutritional composition of the present invention in the form of a water-dispersible granule or aqueous suspension comprises particles having a particle size distribution of about 5 microns D50 and 10 microns D90.

[0092] The inventors of the present invention have surprisingly observed that when the compositions of the present invention are formulated with specific particle sizes of 0.1 microns to 30 microns, particularly 0.1 microns to 10 microns, nutrients, specifically sulfur, zinc and selenium, are readily available for plant uptake, increasing overall yield. Thus, the particle size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns for crop nutritional compositions has been found to be important not only from the standpoint of ease of the present invention, but also from the standpoint of efficacy.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of granules has granules in the size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm. According to a further embodiment, the granular crop nutrition and enrichment composition, when in the form of granules, may have at least one dimension in the size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water dispersible granules is in the size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm.

[0095] According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible granules is in the size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible granules is preferably in the size range of 0.05 mm to 2.5 mm. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible granules is preferably in the size range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm.

[0096] According to a further embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible granules may have at least one dimension within the size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to a further embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible granules may have at least one dimension within the size range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm.

[0097] According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of a water-disintegrating granular form has granules in the size range of 0.1 mm to 6 mm. According to further embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-disintegrating granules may have at least one dimension in the size range of 0.1 mm to 6 mm.

[0098] According to some embodiments, the crop nutritional composition is devoid of fertilizers that primarily contain ammonium sulfate or urea or nitrogen fertilizers or other conventional fertilizers.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: i. elemental sulfur in the range of 1% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; iii. Elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; iv. at least one surfactant in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; A crop nutritional composition in the form of water-dispersible granules, water-disintegrating granules or aqueous suspensions, comprising: The composition comprises particles within a size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns. Concerning the nutritional composition of crops.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: i. elemental sulfur in the range of 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; iii. Elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; iv. at least one surfactant in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; A crop nutritional composition in the form of a water-dispersible granule comprising: The composition comprises particles within a size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns. Concerning the nutritional composition of crops.

[0101] According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification composition further comprises at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient. According to further embodiments, the pesticidally acceptable excipient is present in a range of 0.1% w / w to 98% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, the pesticidally acceptable excipient is present in a range of 0.1% w / w to 95% w / w of the total composition.

[0102] In some embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification composition comprises one or more agriculturally acceptable excipients selected from one or more of surfactants, disintegrants, fillers or carriers or diluents, spreading agents, colorants, anti-caking agents, binders, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, pigments, stabilizers, anti-foaming or defoaming agents, penetrating agents, structuring agents, humectants, adhesives, anti-freeze or freezing point depressants, chelating or complexing or sequestering agents, and preservatives. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that additional agriculturally acceptable excipients can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention. Agriculturally acceptable excipients are commercially produced and available through various companies.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the surfactants used in the crop nutrition and fortification compositions of the present invention include one or more of emulsifiers, wetting agents, and dispersing agents. According to some embodiments, the surfactants used in the compositions include one or more of anionic, nonionic, and polymeric surfactants.

[0104] Anionic surfactants include salts of fatty acids, polycarboxylates, alkyl ether sulfates, alkyl sulfates, alkylaryl sulfates, alkylaryl sulfonates, aryl sulfonates, lignin sulfonates, alkyl diphenyl ether disulfonates, polystyrene sulfonates, salts of alkyl phosphates, alkylaryl phosphates, styrylaryl phosphates, salts of polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfates, sodium alpha olefin sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates or their salts, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, sulfosuccinates, polyacrylates, alkyl ether phosphates, salts of polyoxyethylene alkylaryl phosphates, sulfosuccinate-mono and other diesters, phosphate esters, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates-isopropyl and butyl derivatives; alkylaryl ether phosphoric acid esters. The surfactants include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: acid salts, salts of polyoxyethylene aryl ether phosphate esters, mono-alkyl sulfosuccinates, aromatic hydrocarbon sulfonates, ammonium lauryl sulfate, soaps, soap substitutes, sodium alkyl sulfates, sodium dodecyl sulfates, sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate, sodium laurate, sodium laureth sulfate, sodium nonanoyloxybenzenesulfonate, alkyl carboxylates, sodium stearates, alpha-olefin sulfonates, naphthalenesulfonates, alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid fatty acid salts, naphthalenesulfonate condensates-sodium salts, fatty alcohol sulfates, alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensates-sodium salts, naphthalenesulfonic acid condensates condensates-sodium salts, salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde or alkylnaphthalenesulfonic acid condensed with formaldehyde, or salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different anionic surfactants can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0105] Nonionic or polymeric surfactants include polyol esters, polyol fatty acid esters, ethoxylated and propoxylated fatty alcohols, EO and PO block copolymers, di- and tri-block copolymers; polysorbates, alkyl polysaccharides, polyoxyethylene glycols, sorbitan derivatives, fatty acid esters of sorbitan (spans) and their ethoxylated derivatives (tweens), cocamide monoethanolamine (MEA), decyl, narrow range ethoxylates, oleyl alcohol, PEG-10, polysorbate, polysorbate 20, polysorbate 80, sorbitan, sorbitan monolaurate, sorbitan monostearate, tristearin. The surfactants may be one or more of the following: sorbitan acid, stearyl alcohol, castor oil ethoxylates, polyglycol ethers, polyadducts of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, polyoxyethylene sorbitan, fatty acid polyglycerides, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylaryl ethers, polyoxyethylene styrylaryl ethers, polyoxyethylene glycol alkyl ethers, alcohol ethoxylates—C6 to C16 / 18 alcohols, linear and branched, alcohol alkoxylates—various hydrophobic materials and EO / PO contents and ratios, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different nonionic or polymeric surfactants may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0106] According to some embodiments, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0107] According to some embodiments, the dispersant used in the crop nutritional composition includes, but is not limited to, a non-ionic dispersant selected from one or more of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ether, ethoxylated fatty acid, fatty alcohol ethoxylate; alkyl ethoxylate; EO-PO block and graft copolymer. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different non-ionic dispersants can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the dispersant used in the crop nutrition and fortification composition includes, but is not limited to, an anionic dispersant selected from one or more of tristyrylphenol ethoxylate phosphate esters; lignin sulfonates, phenylnaphthalene sulfonates, alkali metals, alkylaryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, a mixture of the sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate urea formaldehyde condensate and the sodium salt of phenolsulfonic acid formaldehyde condensate, polycarboxylates, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonates, sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalenes, sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, condensation products of arylsulfonic acid and formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic sulfonates, sodium alkylaryl sulfonates, and kraft lignin. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different anionic dispersants can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0109] According to some embodiments, the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the wetting agent used in the crop nutritional composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of phenol naphthalene sulfonate, alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium naphthalene sulfonate, dibutyl naphthalene sulfonic acid, alkylaryl sulfonate, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohol, alkane sulfonate, alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl ether phosphate, alkyl ether sulfate, and alkyl sulfosuccinic acid monoester, salt, and derivatives thereof.However, those skilled in the art will understand that different wetting agents can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0111] According to some embodiments, the humectant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the humectant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the humectant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0112] In some embodiments, the carrier used in the crop nutrition and fortification compositions of the present invention includes, but is not limited to, one or more of a solid carrier, a filler, or a diluent. In other embodiments, the carrier includes a mineral carrier, a plant carrier, a synthetic carrier, or a water-soluble carrier. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different carriers can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0113] Solid carriers include natural minerals such as clays, such as china clay, acid clay, kaolin, such as kaolinite, dickite, nakruite, and synthetic and diatomaceous silica, mica, such as pyrophyllite, talc, silica, such as cristobalite and quartz, such as attapulgite and sepiolite, vermiculite, laponite, pumice, bauxite, hydrated alumina, perlite, sodium bicarbonate, limestone, natural and synthetic silicates, silica, surface-modified silica, zeolites, diatomaceous earth, loess, mirabilite, white carbon, hydrated lime, synthetic silicic acid, starch, modified starch, cellulose, plant carriers such as cellulose, rice husk, wheat flour, wood flour, starch, rice bran, wheat bran, and soy flour, sodium caseinate, sucrose, salt of sodium, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium tripolyphosphate, or derivatives or mixtures thereof. Commercially available silicates are under the Aerosil trademark, Sipernat trademarks as Sipernat® 22S and CALFLO E, and Kaolin 1777.

[0114] In some embodiments, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 95% by weight of the composition. In further embodiments, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 80% by weight of the composition. In further embodiments, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 70% by weight of the composition. In further embodiments, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the composition.

[0115] According to certain embodiments, anti-foaming or defoaming agents used in the crop nutrition and enrichment compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, one or more of silica, siloxane, silicon dioxide, polydimethylsiloxane, alkyl polyacrylate, ethylene oxide / propylene oxide copolymer, silicone oil, and magnesium stearate or derivatives thereof. Preferred anti-foaming agents include silicone emulsions (e.g., Silicon® SRE from Rhodia, Wacker, or Rhodorsil®), long-chain alcohols, fatty acids, and fluorine-containing organic compounds. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different anti-foaming agents can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0116] According to some embodiments, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0117] According to certain embodiments, the pH adjuster, buffer, or neutralizer used in the composition includes both organic and inorganic acids and bases, as well as mixtures thereof. According to further embodiments, the pH adjuster, buffer, or neutralizer includes, but is not limited to, one or more of organic acids, inorganic acids, and alkali metal compounds or salts, or derivatives thereof. According to certain embodiments, organic acids include, but are not limited to, citric acid, malic acid, adipic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, succinic acid, and tartaric acid, or salts, derivatives thereof, and one or more of the mono-, di-, or tribasic salts of these acids or derivatives thereof. According to certain embodiments, salts of inorganic acids include, but are not limited to, one or more of alkali metal salts, such as sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium sulfate, potassium sulfate, sodium monohydrogen phosphate, potassium monohydrogen phosphate, sodium dihydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, etc. Mixtures can also be used to create the pH adjuster, buffer, or neutralizer. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different pH adjusters can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the pH adjuster or buffer is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0119] According to certain embodiments, anti-caking agents used in the crop nutritional compositions include, but are not limited to, one or more of polysaccharides, fumed and precipitated silica (white carbon), petroleum resins, Foammaster® soap L sodium stearate, Brij® 700 polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether, sodium acetate, sodium metasilicate, sodium alkyl sulfosuccinate, or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different anti-caking agents can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0120] According to one embodiment, the anti-caking agent is present in an amount of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0121] According to certain embodiments, the spreading agent used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of copolymers of maleic acid and styrene compounds, (meth)acrylic acid copolymers, fatty alcohols, vegetable oils such as cottonseed or mineral oils, petroleum distillates, trisiloxanes and modified trisiloxanes, or derivatives thereof, although one skilled in the art will recognize that different spreading agents can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0123] According to certain embodiments, the binder used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of paraffin, polyamide resin, polyacrylate, polyoxyethylene, wax, latex, polyvinylpyrrolidone, gums such as xanthan gum, vegetable oils such as cottonseed, or mineral oils, petroleum distillates, modified trisiloxanes, polyglycols, synthetic resin emulsions, or salts or derivatives thereof, however, those skilled in the art will recognize that different binders can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0124] According to one embodiment, the adhesive agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0125] In some embodiments, structuring agents used in the crop nutritional compositions include, but are not limited to, one or more of thickeners, viscosity modifiers, tackifiers, suspending aids, rheology modifiers, or anti-settling agents. The structuring agent prevents settling of the active ingredient particles after prolonged storage.

[0126] According to some embodiments, the structuring agent used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of: polyacrylic, polysaccharide, cellulose derivative, cellulose derivative, copolymer of polyvinyl alcohol and derivative; clay, for example, kaolin, smectite, attapulgite and gum, for example, guar gum, xanthan gum, gelatin, dextrin, fumed silica, mixture of fumed silica and fumed aluminum oxide, swellable polymer, poly(ethylene glycol), stachyose, cellulose, for example, hemicellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxy-methylethylcellulose, hydroxyethylpropylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose; vegetable starch, for example, corn starch and potato starch.However, those skilled in the art will understand that different structuring agents can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0127] Preferred structuring agents include one or more of xanthan gum, aluminum silicate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, polysaccharides, alkaline earth metal silicates, clay, gelatin, and polyvinyl alcohol.

[0128] In some embodiments, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the composition. In some embodiments, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the composition.

[0129] According to certain embodiments, the antifreeze or freezing point depressant used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of polyhydric alcohols, such as ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerol, monohydric or polyhydric alcohols, glycol ethers, glycerol, although one skilled in the art will recognize that different antifreeze agents may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0130] According to certain embodiments, the antifreeze or freezing point depressant is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0131] According to certain embodiments, the chelating or complexing or sequestering agent used in the composition is a polycarboxylic acid, such as polyacrylic acid and various hydrolyzed poly(methyl vinyl ether / maleic anhydride); N-hydroxyethyliminodiacetic acid, nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), N,N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, N-hydroxyethyl-N,N',N'-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid, and N,N,N',N",N"-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid; alpha-hydroxy acids, such as citric acid, tartaric acid, and gluconic acid; orthophosphates, disodium phosphate, monosodium phosphate condensed phosphates, such as sodium tripolyphosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, and sodium tetrapolyphosphate; ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), N-hydroxyethyl-ethylenediaminetriacetic acid (HEDTA), ethylenediaminediacetic acid (EDDA), ethylenediaminedi(o-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) (EDDHA), cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CDTA), fulvic acid, urmic acid, nucleic acid, cyclodextrin, humic acid, and pyrophosphate. However, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that different chelating agents can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0132] According to one embodiment, the chelating agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0133] According to some embodiments, the penetrant used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of alcohol, glycol, glycol ether, ester, amine, alkanolamine, amine oxide, quaternary ammonium compound, triglyceride, fatty acid ester, fatty acid ether, N-methylpyrrolidone, dimethylformamide, dimethylacetamide, or dimethyl sulfoxide, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane monooleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane dioleate, polyoxyethylene trimethylolpropane trioleate, polyoxyethylene sorbitol hexaoleate. However, those skilled in the art will understand that different penetrants can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the penetrant is present in an amount of 0.01% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0135] According to some embodiments, the moisturizer is selected from one or more of polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene copolymers, particularly block copolymers, but not limited to these.Other moisturizers are propylene glycol, monoethylene glycol, hexylene glycol, butylene glycol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, poly(ethylene glycol), poly(propylene glycol), glycerol, etc.; polyhydric alcohol compounds such as propylene glycol ethers, and their derivatives.However, those skilled in the art will understand that different moisturizers can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0136] According to one embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition.

[0137] According to certain embodiments, stabilizers used in agricultural compositions include, but are not limited to, one or more of peroxide compounds, such as hydrogen peroxide and organic peroxides, zeolites, antioxidants, such as phenolic compounds, phosphate compounds, EDTA, sodium sulfite, citric acid, citrate salts, etc. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other conventionally known stabilizers may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the stabilizer is present in the range of 1% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0139] According to certain embodiments, the preservatives are formic acid and derivatives of 2H-isothiazol-3-ones (so-called isothiazolone derivatives), such as alkylisothiazolones (e.g. 2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, MIT; chloro-2-methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one, CIT), benzisothiazolones (e.g. 1,2-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one, BIT, commercially available as Proxel® from Arch Biocides Ltd.) or 2-methyl-4,5-trimethylene-2H-isothiazol-3-one (MTIT), Proxel® from Arch Biocides Ltd. or Acticide® RS from Thor Chemie and Kathon® MK from Lanxess, sodium propionate (Sodium The preservatives may be selected from one or more of the following: sodium benzoate, propylparaben, sodium propylparaben (Sodium), potassium sorbate, potassium benzoate, phenylmercuric nitrate, phenylethyl alcohol, sodium, ethylparaben, methylparaben, butylparaben, benzyl alcohol, benzethonium chloride, and cetylpyridinium chloride; and the antioxidants may include, but are not limited to, one or more of imidazole and imidazole derivatives (e.g., urocanic acid), 4,4'-thiobis-6-t-butyl-3-methylphenol, 2,6-di-t-butyl-p-cresol (BHT), pentaerythrityl tetrakis[3-(3,5-di-t-butyl-4-hydroxyphenyl)]propionate; and amine antioxidants. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other conventional preservatives may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0140] According to one embodiment, the preservative is present in the range of 0.01% to 2% by weight of the total composition.

[0141] According to certain embodiments, pigments and colorants are selected from, but are not limited to, synthetic chemicals obtained from various manufacturers. Pigments and colorants can be in lake form and water-soluble or water-insoluble. Dyes can be solvent dyes, acid dyes, or basic dyes. Examples of such products include, but are not limited to, Unisperse Red 3855, Pigmosol Agro Red 3785, and Pigment 15. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other conventionally known pigments and colorants can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0142] According to one embodiment, pigments and colorants are present in the range of 0.01% to 5% by weight of the total composition.

[0143] According to some embodiments, the disintegrants used in agricultural compositions include, but are not limited to, inorganic water-soluble salts, such as sodium chloride; water-soluble organic compounds, such as agar, hydroxypropyl starch, carboxymethyl starch ether, tragacanth, cross-linked sodium carboxymethylcellulose, sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium hexametaphosphate, metal stearates, cellulose powder, dextrin, methacrylate copolymer, Polyplasdone® XL-10 (cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone), and poly(vinylpyrrolidone).However, those skilled in the art will understand that other conventionally known disintegrants can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0144] According to one embodiment, the disintegrant is present in the range of 0.5% to 15% by weight of the total composition.

[0145] According to certain embodiments, the binding agents or binders used in the agricultural compositions include, but are not limited to, one or more of maltodextrin, carbohydrates, including mono-, di-, oligo-, and polysaccharides, complex organic substances, synthetic organic polymers, or derivatives and combinations thereof, although one skilled in the art will recognize that other conventionally known binding agents may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0146] According to one embodiment, the binder is present in the range of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0147] Surprisingly, it has been found that the crop nutrition and fortification compositions of the present invention enhance and improve physical properties such as dispersibility, suspendability, wettability, viscosity, pourability, flowability and spontaneity of dispersion, providing ease of handling and also reducing material loss during handling of the product during packaging and field application.

[0148] Wettability is the state or condition of being wettable and can be defined as the degree to which a solid is wetted by a liquid, as measured by the adhesive forces between the solid and liquid phases. The wettability of a granular composition is measured using standard CIPAC test MT-53, which describes a procedure for determining the time to complete wetting of a wettable formulation. A weighed amount of the granular composition is dropped from a defined height into water in a beaker, and the time to complete wetting is determined.

[0149] According to some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention have a wettability of less than 2 minutes. According to some embodiments, the compositions have a wettability of less than 1 minute.

[0150] The dispersibility of the water-dispersible granular compositions of the present invention is determined according to the standard CIPAC test, MT174. According to some embodiments, the water-dispersible granular composition has a dispersibility of at least 30%. According to some embodiments, the water-dispersible granular composition has a dispersibility of at least 50%. According to some embodiments, the water-dispersible granular composition has a dispersibility of at least 70%. According to some embodiments, the water-dispersible granular composition has a dispersibility of at least 90%. Upon contact with water, the compositions of the present invention disperse uniformly into finer particles within the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0151] According to certain embodiments, crop nutritional compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules exhibit almost instantaneous dispersion, thus making the active materials readily available to the crop.

[0152] According to some embodiments, the composition demonstrates greater than 85% dispersibility under ATS. According to some embodiments, the composition demonstrates greater than 70% dispersibility under ATS. According to some embodiments, the composition demonstrates greater than 50% dispersibility under ATS. According to some embodiments, the composition demonstrates greater than 40% dispersibility under ATS.

[0153] Abrasion resistance determines the resistance of a granular material to wear. The present granular composition has good abrasion resistance. Samples can be tested for abrasion according to the CIPAC Handbook test "MT 178.2 - Abrasion Resistance of Granules." According to some embodiments, the abrasion resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 50%. According to some embodiments, the abrasion resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 80%. According to some embodiments, the abrasion resistance of the granular composition of the present invention is at least 90%.

[0154] According to one embodiment, the compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions pass the wet sieve retention test. This test is used to determine the amount of non-dispersible material in a formulation applied as a dispersion in water. The wet sieve retention value of pesticide compositions in the form of liquid suspensions and granules is measured by using the standard CIPAC test MT-185, which describes a procedure for measuring the amount of material retained on a sieve. A sample of the formulation is dispersed in water, and the resulting suspension is transferred to a sieve and washed. The amount of material retained on the sieve is determined by drying and weighing.

[0155] According to some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules or aqueous suspensions have a wet sieve retention value of less than 2% on a 75 micron sieve. According to some embodiments, the compositions have a wet sieve retention value of less than 0.2% on a 75 micron sieve. A wet sieve retention value of less than 2% indicates that the composition helps prevent clogging of nozzles or filter equipment in the formulation process.

[0156] Suspensionability is defined as the amount of active ingredient suspended after a given time in a column of liquid of a specified height, expressed as a percentage of the amount of active ingredient in the original suspension. The test for suspensionability is performed as per the CIPAC Handbook, "MT 184 Test for Suspensionability".

[0157] In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention have a suspendability of at least 30%. In some embodiments, the compositions have a suspendability of at least 60%. In some embodiments, the compositions have a suspendability of at least 80%. In some embodiments, the compositions have a suspendability of at least 90%.

[0158] According to some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention demonstrate excellent suspendability under accelerated storage conditions (ATS). According to some embodiments, the compositions demonstrate greater than 85% suspendability under ATS. According to some embodiments, the compositions demonstrate greater than 60% suspendability under ATS. According to some embodiments, the compositions demonstrate greater than 40% suspendability under ATS.

[0159] According to certain embodiments, the plant nutritional composition in the form of an aqueous suspension is not highly concentrated and is easily pourable. The viscosity of a fluid is a measure of its resistance to gradual deformation due to shear or tensile stresses.

[0160] According to some embodiments, the viscosity of the aqueous suspension is determined according to CIPAC MT-192. The sample is transferred to a standard measurement system. Measurements are performed under different shear conditions to determine the apparent viscosity. The temperature of the liquid is kept constant throughout the test. According to some embodiments, the liquid suspension composition has a viscosity of 200 cps to 2000 cps at 25°C and is pourable. According to some embodiments, the liquid suspension composition has a viscosity of 200 cps to 1000 cps at 25°C.

[0161] According to some embodiments, aqueous suspension compositions have a viscosity of less than 2000 cps at 25° C. According to some embodiments, liquid suspension compositions have a viscosity of less than 1000 cps at 25° C. Compositions that are too viscous and highly concentrated tend to form a solid and become unpourable, and are therefore undesirable.

[0162] According to certain embodiments, the liquid suspension compositions of the present invention are easily pourable. Pourability is a measure of the percentage of residue.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the pourability of the composition is determined by allowing the composition to stand for 24 hours and determining the amount remaining in the container after a standardized pouring procedure, as per CIPAC MT-148.1. The container is rinsed, the amount remaining is determined, and the maximum rinse residue is calculated as a percentage. According to a further embodiment, the pourability of the composition is less than 5% rinse residue. According to a further embodiment, the pourability of the composition is preferably less than 2.5% rinse residue.

[0164] According to some embodiments, dispersion spontaneity is measured according to CIPAC MT 160. This involves preparing a 250 ml mixture of formulation and water, with a single inversion of the graduated cylinder to mix. After standing under defined conditions, the top nine-tenths is removed, and the remaining one-tenth is assayed chemically, gravimetrically, or by solvent extraction. Dispersion spontaneity is easily calculated. According to some embodiments, suspension concentrate compositions have a dispersion spontaneity of 30%. According to some embodiments, compositions have a dispersion spontaneity of 60%. According to some embodiments, compositions have a dispersion spontaneity of 80%. According to some embodiments, compositions have a dispersion spontaneity of 95%.

[0165] According to some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention demonstrate excellent stability against heat, light, temperature, and solidification. According to some embodiments, the compositions exhibit stability for at least 3 years. According to further embodiments, the compositions exhibit stability for at least 2 years. According to further embodiments, the compositions exhibit stability for at least 1 year. According to further embodiments, the compositions exhibit stability for at least 6 months.

[0166] According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 4 Newtons. According to further embodiments, the crop nutrition composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 3 Newtons. According to further embodiments, the crop nutrition composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 2 Newtons. According to further embodiments, the crop nutrition composition in the form of water-dispersible granules preferably has a hardness of less than 1 Newton.

[0167] More preferably, the crop nutritional composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has zero hardness. Reference to zero hardness refers to the fact that the hardness of the granules cannot be measured by a hardness measuring device. The hardness exhibited by the granules can be estimated by a hardness tester, such as that provided by the Vinsyst portable benchtop hardness tester VTHT series.

[0168] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing the crop nutrition and fortification composition of the present invention, comprising elemental sulfur in an amount ranging from 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content in the composition is in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental selenium or a salt, complex, derivative, or mixture thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content in the composition is in an amount ranging from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and at least one surfactant in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, wherein the composition has particles in a size range of 0.1 to 30 microns, and the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, water-disintegrable granules, or an aqueous suspension.

[0169] According to further embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of water dispersible granules is prepared by various techniques such as spray drying, fluid bed granulation, extrusion, freeze drying, spheronization, etc.

[0170] The present invention relates to a process for preparing a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible granules, comprising: a) i) elemental sulfur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii) one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes or derivatives thereof, wherein the content of elemental zinc in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; iii) elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and iv) at least one surfactant in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; milling the mixture in water to obtain a slurry or wet mix having particles in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns; b) drying the slurry or wet mix in a spray dryer, fluid bed dryer, or any suitable granulation equipment to obtain water dispersible granules; The present invention also relates to a process including:

[0171] The water dispersible granules are further sieved to remove undersized and oversized granules to obtain the desired size.

[0172] According to another embodiment, the crop nutritional composition in the form of water dispersible granules comprises: i) elemental sulfur, ii) one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes or derivatives thereof; iii) elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, and mixtures thereof; and iv) at least one surfactant; They can also be made by dry-milling a mixture of the above in an air mill or jet mill to obtain a homogeneous mixture with a fine particle size. Water is added to the dry powder and the mixture is blended to obtain a dough or paste or wet mix, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain granules containing particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns. The water-dispersible granules are further sieved to remove undersized and oversized granules and obtain the desired size.

[0173] According to certain embodiments, the process for preparing the aqueous suspension composition involves homogenizing a mixture of elemental sulfur, one or more of a water-insoluble zinc salt, complex, or derivative thereof, elemental selenium or a salt, complex, derivative, or mixture thereof, and at least one surfactant to obtain a suspension, and wet-milling the resulting suspension to obtain a composition having a particle size range of 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0174] The process for preparing the aqueous suspension involves homogenizing one or more excipients by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. Elemental sulfur and one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof are added to the homogenized mixture and continuously stirred for about 5 to 10 minutes until the entire mixture is homogenized. The resulting suspension is then passed through a wet mill to obtain the desired particle size within the range of 0.1 to 30 microns. If necessary, one or more excipients, such as a structuring agent or, optionally, a biocide or preservative, are added to the resulting suspension while continuously homogenizing. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the process or process parameters can be modified, altered, or changed to obtain a suspension concentrate composition without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0175] According to certain embodiments, the composition of the present invention is at least one of a crop nutritional composition, a crop protection composition, a crop strengthening composition, and a yield enhancing composition.

[0176] In one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for enhancing nutrient uptake by plants and improving plant health and yield by treating plants, plant propagation material, locus or part thereof, seeds, seedlings, or surrounding soil with a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible granules, water-disintegrating granules, or an aqueous suspension, comprising: elemental sulfur in an amount ranging from 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content in the composition is ranging from 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content in the composition is ranging from 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and at least one surfactant in an amount ranging from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, wherein the composition comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns. The composition may be sprayed directly on the plants, for example, on their leaves, or applied to the plant propagation material or locus before it is sown or planted. The present invention further relates to a method of treating plants to meet their nutritional requirements by making essential nutrients such as sulfur, zinc and selenium available to the plants, and also by liberating other micronutrients and trace elements present in the soil that were previously unavailable due to a variety of factors, primarily soil degradation caused by the excessive use of synthetic fertilizers.

[0177] The composition may be applied to the soil by a variety of methods, including any suitable method that ensures penetration of the composition into the soil, such as seedling tray application, furrow application, soil drench, soil injection, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, broad casting, etc. The composition may also be applied in the form of a foliar spray.

[0178] The application rate or dose of the composition will depend on the type of use, the type of crop, or the specific active ingredients in the composition, but will be such that the crop nutritional active ingredients are in an effective amount to provide the desired effect (crop nutrition, crop yield, etc.).

[0179] According to one embodiment, the composition is applied at least 1 to 5 times during the life cycle of the crop.

[0180] It has been observed that the compositions of the present invention, comprising elemental sulfur, one or more of a water-insoluble zinc salt, complex, or derivative thereof, elemental selenium or a salt, complex, derivative, or mixture thereof, and at least one surfactant, when formulated in the form of water-dispersible granules, water-disintegrating granules, or aqueous suspensions with specific particle sizes, enhance the availability of nutrients for plant uptake, which in turn results in improved crop yield, enhanced crop physiological characteristics, etc. It has also been observed that the compositions of the present invention prevent the leaching of these nutrients, and the synergistic effects in the compositions maximize their availability for plant uptake, increasing overall yield. Thus, it has been observed that the compositions of the present invention demonstrate enhanced, effective, and superior field performance at reduced dosages.

[0181] It was even more surprising to observe that balanced nutrient uptake leads to healthier plants that can withstand pest infestations, higher nutrient yields in all soil types, and ultimately improved overall soil health. The compositions of the present invention provide a multi-nutrient solution with improved uptake by crops at reduced doses, along with ease of field application, making them economically beneficial and environmentally friendly, while meeting crop needs and acting as a highly nutrient-use efficient composition. [Example]

[0182] A. Preparation example: The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the compositions of the present invention. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples. The composition form, excipients, and concentrations of active substances and excipients can be replaced with any other form, excipient, and concentration as described in the present invention.

[0183] Example 1: Water-dispersible granules (WDG) of 20% sulfur, 18% zinc phosphate (Zn 9.14%), and 4% selenium dioxide (Se 2.85%) 20.3 parts of technical sulfur were blended with 18.4 parts of zinc phosphate powder, 4.3 parts of selenium dioxide, 14 parts of bentonite, 29 parts of clay, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulfate, 10 parts of sodium lignosulfonate, and 1 part of sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate in 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 4 microns. 1 part of sodium citrate was added to the blended ground slurry and stirred for 1 hour, then the material was spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain granules.

[0184] The composition had a particle size of about 4 microns (D90) and about 1 micron (D50) and a granule size of 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm. The composition had a suspendability of 89%, a wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve of 0.05%, a dispersibility of 85%, an attrition resistance of 95%, and a wetting time of 5 seconds.

[0185] Example 2: Water-dispersible granules (WDG) of 70% sulfur + 19% zinc sulfide (Zn 12.75%) + 0.2% potassium selenate (Se 0.071%) 71.5 parts of technical sulfur were blended with 19.2 parts of zinc sulfide powder, 0.21 parts of potassium selenate, 4.09 parts of a blend of salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid and phenolsulfonic acid condensation products, and 4 parts of sodium lignosulfonate in 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 3 microns. To the blended ground slurry, 1 part of sodium citrate was added and stirred for 1 hour, and the material was then spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain granules.

[0186] The composition had a particle size of about 5 microns (D90) and about 2 microns (D50) and a granule size of 0.1 mm to 2 mm. The composition had a suspendability of 90%, a wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve of 0.08%, a dispersibility of 88%, an attrition resistance of 94%, and a wetting time of 5 seconds.

[0187] Example 3: Water-dispersible granules (WDG) of 90% sulfur, 0.14% zinc oxide (Zn 0.11%), and 0.14% selenium dioxide (Se 0.1%) 91 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 0.145 parts of zinc oxide powder, 0.145 parts of selenium dioxide, 3.21 parts of a blend of salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid and phenolsulfonic acid condensation products, and 5.5 parts of sodium lignosulfonate in 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 3 microns. The ground slurry was then spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain granules.

[0188] The composition had a particle size of about 5 microns (D90) and about 3 microns (D50) and a granule size of 0.1 mm to 2.5 mm. The composition had a suspensibility of 82%, a wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve of 0.05%, a dispersibility of 76%, an attrition resistance of 92%, and a wetting time of 8 seconds.

[0189] Example 4: Water-dispersible granules (WDG) of 50% sulfur + 18% zinc molybdate (Zn 5.22%) + 14% selenium dioxide (Se 9.962%) 51 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 18.4 parts of zinc molybdate powder, 14.10 parts of selenium dioxide, 3.9 parts of a mixture of salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid and phenolsulfonic acid condensation products, 10 parts of sodium lignosulfonate, and 3 parts of a sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate in 100 parts of water and milled to an average particle size of less than 3 microns. The milled slurry was then spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain granules.

[0190] The composition had a particle size of about 5 microns (D90) and about 2 microns (D50) and a granule size of 0.1 mm to 2 mm. The composition had a suspensibility of 86%, a wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve of 0.02%, a dispersibility of 81%, an attrition resistance of 94%, and a wetting time of 5 seconds.

[0191] Example 5: Water-dispersible granules (WG) of 40% sulfur + 17% zinc carbonate (Zn 8.87%) + 25.7% potassium selenate (Se 9.17%) 41 parts of technical sulfur were blended with 17.2 parts of zinc carbonate, 25.9 parts of potassium selenate, 3 parts of a blend of salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid and phenolsulfonic acid condensation products, and 10.30 parts of sodium lignosulfonate in 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 2.5 microns. To the blended ground slurry was added 2.6 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate and stirred for 1 hour, then the material was spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain granules.

[0192] The composition had a particle size of about 3 microns (D90) and about 1.5 microns (D50) and a granule size of 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm. The composition had a suspensibility of 85%, a wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve of 0.09%, a dispersibility of 80%, an attrition resistance of 94.3%, and a wetting time of 8 seconds.

[0193] Example 6: Water-dispersible granules (WG) of 90% sulfur + 0.5% zinc oxide (Zn 0.40%) + 0.25% iron selenide (Se 0.146%) 91 parts of technical sulfur are blended with 0.58 parts of zinc oxide, 0.26 parts of iron selenide, 2.5 parts of a mixed blend of salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid and phenolsulfonic acid condensation products, and 2.66 parts of sodium lignosulfonate in 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 4 microns. An additional 3 parts of sodium lignosulfonate are added to the blended ground slurry and stirred for 1 hour, and then the material is spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain granules.

[0194] The composition had a particle size of about 5 microns (D90) and about 3 microns (D50), a granule size of 0.1 mm to 3 mm, a suspensibility of 72%, a wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve of 0.10%, a dispersibility of 68%, an attrition resistance of 94.5%, and a wetting time of 10 seconds.

[0195] Example 7: Water-dispersible granules (WG) of 1% sulfur + 90% zinc carbonate (Zn 46.94%) + 0.20% sodium selenite (Se 0.09%) 1.1 parts technical sulfur was mixed with 90.30 parts zinc carbonate, 0.21 parts sodium selenite, 4 parts sodium lignosulfonate, 2 parts kraft lignin, and 2.39 parts sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate in 100 parts water and ground to an average particle size of less than 2 microns. The ground slurry was then spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain granules.

[0196] The composition had a particle size of about 2 microns (D90) and about 1 micron (D50), a granule size of 0.1-1.5 mm, a suspensibility of 82%, a wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve of 0.15%, a dispersibility of 75%, an attrition resistance of 98.5%, and a wetting time of 7 seconds.

[0197] Example 8: Water-dispersible granules (WG) of 10% sulfur + 45% zinc oxide (36% Zn) + 0.10% iron selenide (0.06% Se) 10.2 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 46.6 parts of zinc oxide, 0.12 parts of iron selenide, 12 parts of sodium lignosulfonate, 3 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate, and 28.08 parts of clay in 100 parts of water and ground to an average particle size of less than 1.5 microns. The ground slurry was then spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain granules.

[0198] The composition had a particle size of about 1.5 microns (D90) and about 0.5 microns (D50), a granule size of 0.05 mm to 2 mm, a suspensibility of 79%, a wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve of 0.14%, a dispersibility of 71%, an attrition resistance of 94.5%, and a wetting time of 15 seconds.

[0199] Example 9: Water-dispersible granules (WDG) of 20% sulfur, 18% zinc oxide (Zn 14.46%), 30% iron oxide (Fe 23.32%), and 2% selenium dioxide (Se 1.423%) 21 parts technical sulfur was mixed with 18.5 parts zinc oxide powder, 2.10 parts selenium dioxide, 31 parts iron oxide, 12 parts bentonite, 5 parts talc, 2 parts sodium lauryl sulfate, 4 parts sodium lignosulfonate, and 4.4 parts sodium citrate in 100 parts water and milled to an average particle size of less than 4 microns. The milled slurry was then spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain granules.

[0200] The composition had a particle size of about 5 microns (D90) and about 3 microns (D50), a granule size of 0.05 mm to 2 mm, a suspensibility of 85%, a wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve of 0.10%, a dispersibility of 75%, an attrition resistance of 93.5%, and a wetting time of 10 seconds.

[0201] Example 10: Granule GR of 65% sulfur + 18% zinc oxide (Zn 14.46%) + 2% selenium dioxide (Se 1.423%) 65.85 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 18.4 parts of zinc oxide powder, 2 parts of selenium dioxide, 2 parts of sodium citrate, 3.75 parts of clay, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulfate, 5 parts of sodium lignosulfonate, and 1 part of sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet-milled to obtain a powder with a particle size of less than 10 microns. 8 gm of water was added to the powder to prepare a dough, and the material was then granulated and dried to obtain granules.

[0202] The composition had a particle size of about 20 microns (D90) and about 30 microns (D50) and a granule size of 1-4 mm. The composition had an abrasion resistance of 99.7%.

[0203] Example 11: Granules (GR) of 80% sulfur + 5% zinc sulfide (Zn 3.36%) + 1% potassium selenate (Se 0.357%) 80.9 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 5.2 parts of zinc sulfide, 1.1 parts of potassium selenate, 5 parts of bentonite, 2 parts of sodium lauryl sulfate, 5 parts of sodium lignosulfonate, and 0.8 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet-milled to obtain a powder with a particle size of less than 10 microns. 11 gm of water was added to the mixture to prepare a dough, and the material was then granulated and dried to obtain granules.

[0204] The composition had a particle size of about 20 microns (D90) and about 10 microns (D50) and a granule size of 1 mm to 5 mm. The composition had an attrition resistance of 99.2%.

[0205] Example 12: Suspension Concentrate (SC) of 1% Sulfur + 50% Zinc Oxide (Zn 40.16%) + 0.015% Selenium Dioxide (Se 0.01%) 15 parts polycarboxylate and 50 parts propylene glycol were added to 300 parts water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. 11 parts sulfur powder, 504 parts zinc oxide, and 0.15 parts selenium dioxide were further added to the homogenized mixture, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture was homogenized. 10 parts alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 0.5 parts polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to the above mixture while continuously homogenizing to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce particle size. 1.4 parts xanthan gum, 1 part 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the remaining water, and 0.5 parts polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were then added while continuously homogenizing to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0206] The composition had particle sizes of (D10) 0.41 microns, (D50) 0.56 microns, and (D90) 0.85 microns, a viscosity of 600 cps, and a suspendability of 95%. The pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.58%. The spontaneity of the dispersion was 89%, and the wet sieve retention at 75 microns was 0.05%.

[0207] Example 13: Suspension Concentrate (SC) of 10% Sulfur + 30% Zinc Phosphate (Zn 15.24%) + 8% Selenium Dioxide (Se 5.69%) Five parts of polycarboxylate and 80 parts of propylene glycol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. 102 parts of sulfur powder, 304 parts of zinc phosphate, and 80 parts of selenium dioxide were further added to the homogenized mixture, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture became homogenous. To the above mixture, 15 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether, 2 parts of polymeric surfactant, and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added with continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce particle size. Next, 1.2 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the remaining water, and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added with continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0208] The composition had a particle size of (D10) 1.2 microns, (D50) 2.1 microns, and (D90) 2.8 microns, a viscosity of 550 cps, and a suspension of 93%. The rinse residue pourability was found to be 0.48%, the dispersion spontaneity to be 87%, and the wet sieve retention at 75 microns to be 0.02%.

[0209] Example 14: Suspension Concentrate (SC) of 55% Sulfur + 1% Zinc Carbonate (Zn 0.52%) + 0.4% Sodium Selenite (Se 0.183%) 20 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate and 50 parts of propylene glycol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. 560 parts of sulfur powder, 11 parts of zinc carbonate, and 4.5 parts of sodium selenite were further added to the homogenized mixture, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture became homogenous. 10 parts of polyalkylene oxide-modified heptamethyltrisiloxane and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to the above mixture while continuously homogenizing to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce particle size. 1.5 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the remaining water, and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were then added while continuously homogenizing to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0210] The composition had a particle size of D10 1.45 microns, D50 2.23 microns, and D90 3.25 microns, a viscosity of 800 cps, and a suspension of 92%. The pourability of the rinse residue was found to be 0.78%. The spontaneity of the dispersion was 85%, and the wet sieve retention at 75 microns was 0.01%.

[0211] Example 15: Suspension Concentrate (SC) of 1% Sulfur + 48% Zinc Carbonate (Zn 25.03%) + 1% Iron Selenide (Se 0.586%) 10 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 50 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. 11 parts of sulfur powder, 485 parts of zinc carbonate, and 11 parts of iron selenide were further added to the homogenized mixture, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture became homogenous. 10 parts of polycarboxylate and 0.4 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to the above mixture while continuously homogenizing to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce the particle size. 1.1 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the remaining water, and 0.4 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were then added while continuously homogenizing to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0212] The composition had particle sizes of about 1.28 microns (D10), about 2.78 microns (D50), and about 3.895 microns (D90), a viscosity of 520 cps, and a suspension of 96%. The pourability of the rinse residue was found to be 0.52%. The spontaneity of the dispersion was 89%, and the wet sieve retention at 75 microns was 0.03%.

[0213] Example 16: Suspension Concentrate (SC) of 30% Sulfur + 20% Zinc Oxide (Zn 16.06%) + 0.01% Potassium Selenate (Se 0.004%) 35 parts of anionic tristyrylphenol phosphate and 50 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. 336 parts of sulfur powder, 201 parts of zinc oxide, and 0.11 parts of potassium selenate were further added to the homogenized mixture, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture was homogenized. 0.4 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to the above mixture while continuously homogenizing to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce particle size. 1.6 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the remaining water, and 0.4 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were then added while continuously homogenizing to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0214] The composition was found to have particle sizes of about 0.52 microns (D10), about 1.02 microns (D50), and about 2.23 microns (D90), a viscosity of 680 cps, and a suspension of 94%, with a rinse residue pourability of 0.62%, a dispersion spontaneity of 92%, and a wet sieve retention at 75 microns of 0.01%.

[0215] B. Field Study: Field trial 1: To study the synergistic effect of a composition containing elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium in water-dispersible granule (WDG) form on growth and yield in tomato. A field trial was conducted to study the effect of a combination of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium in water-dispersible granular form on growth and yield in tomato crops. The trial was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments including an untreated control replicated four times during the kharif season. Test product samples at the prescribed doses were applied as top dressing 30 days after transplanting of the tomato crops. Tomato crops at the trial site were grown in accordance with good agricultural practice.

[0216] [Table 1]

[0217] Plant height observations were made 50 days after application from 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replicate and the mean was calculated. Plant vigor observations were made 50 days after application on a 0-200% rating scale, where UTC (untreated control) should always be 100%. Yield observations were recorded at harvest and the mean data are presented in Table 1.

[0218] [Table 2]

[0219] From Table 1 it can be seen that treatment T1 with a composition in WDG form prepared according to an embodiment of the present invention comprising a combination of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium demonstrates synergistic effects in tomato crops.

[0220] "Synergism" is as defined by Colby SR in his article entitled "Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations," published in Weeds, 1967, 15, pp. 20-22. The expected effect of a given combination of two active ingredients can be calculated as follows: E=X+Y+Z-(XY+YZ+XZ) / 100+(XYZ / 10000) During the ceremony, E = expected effect in % of a mixture of two products X, Y and Z at a defined dose X = % observed effect of product A Y = % observed effect of product B Z = % observed effect of product C

[0221] The synergy factor (SF) is calculated by Abbott's formula (Equation (2) (Abbott), 1925) SF = observed effect / expected effect In the formula, SF>1 for a synergistic reaction; SF<1 for an antagonistic reaction; SF=1 for an additive reaction.

[0222] A synergistic effect of the combination can be inferred if the percentage yield effect observed for the combination is greater than the expected percentage, an additive effect can only be inferred if the percentage yield effect observed for the combination is equal to the expected percentage, and an antagonistic effect of the combination can be inferred if the percentage yield effect observed for the combination is lower than the expected percentage.

[0223] From Table 1, it can be observed that treatment T1 with the WDG composition of 70% elemental sulfur + 18% zinc oxide (Zn 14.46%) + 6.5% potassium selenite (Se 2.5%) was highly effective and demonstrated increased tomato yield compared to the binary combination treatments (T2, T3, and T4) and the individual active substance treatments (T5, T6, and T7). It can be seen that treatments T1 through T7 were applied at the same active doses, i.e., 10,500 gm / ha elemental sulfur, 2,169 gm / ha zinc, and 375 gm / ha selenium. The expected percent increase in yield calculated using Colby's formula for T1 was 34.72%, while the observed percent increase in yield for treatment T1 was 59.18%. Therefore, the synergy factor for treatment T1 was 1.7, indicating a synergistic effect.

[0224] From the observed results, it can be seen that the plant height and plant vigor in the tomato crop were higher in treatment T1 compared to the treatments with the binary combination and the individual treatments of the active substances. It was also observed that the leaves of the tomato plots treated with treatment T1 were greener compared to treatments T2 to T7 and the untreated plots where yellowing of leaves was observed.

[0225] Thus, the combination of 70% elemental sulfur in WDG form + 18% zinc oxide + 6.5% potassium selenite as an embodiment of the present invention is synergistic, providing higher crop yields and improved growth parameters compared to the application of individual active substances and binary combinations when applied at the same doses. The surprising synergistic results of treatment T1 are due to a composition comprising elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium as an embodiment of the present invention, where all three nutrients are present at specific concentrations in a single composition.

[0226] Field Trial 2: To study the synergistic effects of a composition containing elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium in the form of water-disintegrating granules (GR) on the growth and yield of eggplant. The trial was conducted during the kharif season in a randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times. A plot size of 40 square meters (8m x 5m) was maintained for each treatment. The compositions being tested included elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium, either in combination or alone. The eggplant crop at the trial site was grown in accordance with good agricultural practices. Seeds of eggplant, Pusa purple long, were used in the study and planted at a spacing of 120cm between rows and 45cm between plants. The experimental details are as follows:

[0227] [Table 3]

[0228] Observations for fruit number were made at 60 DAA from 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replicate and the mean was calculated. Plant vigor observations were made 50 days after application on a 0-200% rating scale, where UTC (untreated control) should always be 100%. Yield observations were recorded at harvest and the mean data are shown in Table 2.

[0229] [Table 4]

[0230] From Table 2, it can be observed that treatment T1 with the GR composition "50% sulfur + 10% zinc carbonate (Zn 5.22%) + 2.29% potassium selenite (Se 0.88%)" was highly effective and demonstrated increased eggplant yield compared to the binary combination treatments (T2, T3, and T4) and the individual active substance treatments (T5, T6, and T7). It can be seen that treatments T1 through T7 were applied at the same active doses: 15,000 gm / ha elemental sulfur, 1,566 gm / ha zinc, and 264 gm / ha selenium. The expected percent increase in yield calculated using Colby's formula for T1 was 30.81%, while the observed percent increase in yield for treatment T1 was 55.38%. Therefore, the synergy factor for treatment T1 is 1.8, indicating synergy.

[0231] From the observed results, it can be seen that the number of fruits per plant and plant vigor in the eggplant crop were higher in treatment T1 compared to the binary combination treatments and the individual treatments of the active substances. It was also observed that other plant growth parameters such as plant height, number of branches, and leaf greenness in the eggplant plots were better in treatment T1 compared to treatments T2-T7 and the untreated plots where yellow leaves and poor plant growth were observed.

[0232] Thus, the combination of 50% sulfur in GR form + 10% zinc carbonate + 2.29% potassium selenite as an embodiment of the present invention is synergistic, providing higher crop yields and improved growth parameters compared to the application of individual active substances and binary combinations when applied at the same doses. The surprising synergistic results of treatment T1 are due to a composition comprising elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium as an embodiment of the present invention, where all three nutrients are present at specific concentrations in a single composition.

[0233] Field Trial 3: To study the synergistic effect of a composition containing elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium in aqueous suspension (SC) form on the growth and yield of okra. The trial was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times during the kharif season. A plot size of 40 square meters (8m x 5m) was maintained for each treatment. The compositions being tested included elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium, either in combination or alone. Okra crops at the trial site were grown in accordance with good agricultural practices. Okra seeds, kumkum, and advanta seeds were used in the study and planted at a spacing of 120cm between rows and 45cm between plants. The experimental details are as follows:

[0234] [Table 5]

[0235] Plant height observations were made at 50 DAA from 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replicate and the mean was calculated. Yield observations were recorded at harvest and the mean data are presented in Table 3.

[0236] [Table 6]

[0237] From Table 3, it can be observed that treatment T1, an aqueous suspension composition of 25% sulfur + 4% zinc carbonate (Zn 2.09%) + 0.5% iron selenide (Se 0.293%), was highly effective and demonstrated increased yield of okra compared to the binary combination treatments (T2, T3, and T4) and the individual active substance treatments (T5, T6, and T7). It can be seen that treatments T1 through T7 were applied at the same active doses, i.e., 13,750 gm / ha elemental sulfur, 1,150 gm / ha zinc, and 161 gm / ha selenium. The expected percent increase in yield calculated using Colby's formula for T1 was 29.46%, while the observed percent increase in yield for treatment T1 was 57.50%. Therefore, the synergy factor for treatment T1 is 1.95, indicating synergy.

[0238] The results observed show that the plant height in the okra crop was higher in treatment T1 compared to the treatments with the binary combination and the individual treatments of the active substances.

[0239] Thus, the combination of 25% elemental sulfur in aqueous suspension form + 4% zinc carbonate + 0.5% iron selenide as an embodiment of the present invention is synergistic, providing higher crop yields and improved growth parameters compared to the application of individual active substances and binary combinations when applied at the same doses. The surprising synergistic results of treatment T1 are due to the composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium as an embodiment of the present invention, where all three nutrients are present at specific concentrations in a single composition.

[0240] Field Trial 4: To study the effect of particle size distribution in a composition containing elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium on tomatoes. The trial was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with 12 treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times during the rabi season. A plot size of 40 square meters (8m x 5m) was maintained for each treatment. The compositions being tested included elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium, either in combination or alone. Tomato crops at the trial site were grown in accordance with good agricultural practices. Tomato, Abhilash, seeds were used in the study and planted at a spacing of 120cm between rows and 45cm between plants. The experimental details are as follows:

[0241] [Table 7]

[0242] Nutrient uptake was measured 90 days after application by plucking leaves and analyzing them in the laboratory for nutrient content. Yield observations were recorded at harvest and average data are presented in Table 4, which lists the efficacy of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium compositions prepared according to embodiments of the present invention having particles within the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns compared to compositions having particle sizes greater than 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0243] [Table 8]

[0244] [Table 9]

[0245] From the data presented in Table 4, it can be seen that treatments with compositions comprising elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium according to embodiments of the present invention, i.e., T1 through T3, having composition particles within the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns, demonstrated significant increases in yield and nutrient uptake compared to the same compositions, i.e., T4 through T8, having particles within the size range of 0.1 to greater than 30 microns. For example, treatment T2 with a composition comprising WG of 40% sulfur + 30.6% zinc molybdate (Zn 8.89%) + 2.45% potassium selenate (Se 0.874%), having particle sizes within the range of 0.1 to 30 microns according to embodiments of the present invention, demonstrated a yield increase of around 35% over the control, higher than the expected yield increase of 27.5% calculated according to Colby's formula, whereas treatments with compositions having particle sizes greater than 0.1 to 30 microns (T4 through T7) showed yield increases of only between 8% and 24%, also lower than the expected yield increase. Similarly, treatment with the composition of the present invention demonstrated superior nutrient uptake compared to other treatments, indicating that superior and synergistic efficacy is observed when the composition particles are within the range of 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0246] The results were even more surprising when treatments T2 and T4 to T7, which contained combinations of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium with different particle size ranges, and stand-alone treatments T9 to T11, were applied to the soil at approximately the same doses of active substance, i.e., about 10,000 g / ha sulfur, about 2,223 g / ha zinc, and about 219 g / ha selenium.

[0247] Furthermore, from the above table it can be seen that treatment T1 with a composition according to an embodiment of the present invention having particles in the size range of 0.1 to 10 microns demonstrated the highest yield and nutrient uptake, even though it was applied at a reduced dose compared to the other treatments.

[0248] It can be observed that compositions having particles within the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns facilitated increased availability of nutrients present in the composition for uptake by crops at reduced doses applied.

[0249] Therefore, it can be concluded that compositions comprising elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium having particles in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns are synergistic in nature and demonstrated significantly higher uptake and higher yield of nutrients at reduced dosages. Thus, the compositions of the present invention in the form of the claimed compositions have been found to be highly nutrient-utilization efficient, commercially inexpensive, and environmentally friendly.

[0250] Field Trial 5: To study the efficacy of a composition containing elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium compared to the individual active substances at reduced doses in cowpea. The trial was conducted during the rainy season in a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times. A plot size of 40 square meters (8 m x 5 m) was maintained for each treatment. The compositions tested included elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium, either alone or in combination, along with the market-standard Yaramila fertilizer product (containing 20% ​​nitrogen, 4.5% PO, 7.5% KO, and 0.0015% Se) and traditional fertilizer practices (NPK). Cowpea crops at the trial site were grown in accordance with good agricultural practices. Seeds of cowpea, Gomati (UV-89), were used in the study and planted at a furrow spacing of 120 cm and a plant spacing of 45 cm. Experimental details are as follows:

[0251] [Table 10]

[0252] Observations for plant growth parameters were recorded at 30 DAA and 75 DAA, and the observed and average yield data at harvest are presented in Table 5, which lists the efficacy of compositions in water-dispersible granular form of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium prepared according to embodiments of the present invention and applied at reduced doses, compared to the stand-alone active substances.

[0253] [Table 11]

[0254] [Table 12]

[0255] The data presented in Table 5 show that treatments T1 to T3 with compositions according to embodiments of the present invention comprising a combination of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium demonstrated higher yields, along with improved growth parameters such as green color, plant height, pod number, nodule number, plant vigor, etc., even at reduced active doses, compared to stand-alone application of the actives and market standard and traditional fertilizer practices.

[0256] It can be seen that treatment T1, with the composition of the present invention containing WG (60% elemental sulfur + 12% zinc carbonate (Zn 6.26%) + 1.5% iron selenide (Se 0.88%) at a dose of 10,800 g / ha sulfur + 1,126 g / ha zinc + 158 g / ha selenium), showed a 36.36% increase in yield over the untreated plot, while the individual treatments with 17,000 g / ha sulfur (T4), 1,606 g / ha zinc (T5), and 252 g / ha selenium (T6) showed increases in yield of only 18.18%, 8.18%, and 1.82%, respectively. Similar results were observed in treatments T2-T3. The results of treatments T1-T3, which contained a combination of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium applied at reduced active doses, were even more surprising compared to stand-alone treatments T4-T6.

[0257] Furthermore, it can be seen from the above table that treatments T1 to T3 with compositions as per embodiments of the present invention demonstrated superior yield and plant growth compared to the market standard Yaramira fertilizer product (containing 20% ​​Nitrogen + 4.5% P2O5 + 7.5% K2O + 0.0015% Se) (T7) and traditional fertilizer practice, NPK (T8).

[0258] From the foregoing data, it can be concluded that a composition comprising elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium in WDG form having particles in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns provides surprisingly high on-site efficacy with application of the composition at reduced dosages, making it commercially inexpensive and environmentally friendly.

[0259] Field Trial 6: Evaluating the efficacy of different formulations of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium in tomatoes The trial was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with six treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times during the rabi season. A plot size of 40 square meters (8m x 5m) was maintained for each treatment. Tomato crops at the trial site were grown in accordance with good agricultural practices. Seeds of tomato variety Namdhari 1068 were used in the study and planted at a spacing of 120cm between rows and 45cm between plants. The experimental details are as follows:

[0260] [Table 13]

[0261] Plant vigor observations were made 50 days after application on a 0-200% rating scale, where UTC (untreated control) should always be 100%. Fruit was harvested three times and weighed each time, and the average data are presented in Table 6.

[0262] Here, the inventors tested a composition comprising a combination of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium as per embodiments of the present invention against a market standard, Yaramira fertilizer product (containing 20% ​​Nitrogen + 4.5% P2O5 + 7.5% K2O + 0.0015% Se), and traditional farmer practice (NPK), and the average data of all observations is presented in Table 6 to illustrate the effect of a combination of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium as per embodiments of the present invention on tomato yield, plant vigor, and other parameters.

[0263] [Table 14]

[0264] From the data presented in Table 6, it can be seen that treatments T1 to T3 with compositions according to embodiments of the present invention comprising a combination of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium in granular and aqueous suspension form at various concentrations demonstrated superior efficacy in terms of improved plant vigor and higher yields compared to market standards (Yaramila) and traditional fertilizer practices (NPK), even when applied at reduced doses.

[0265] The surprising synergistic results of treatments T1 through T3 are due to the composition comprising a homogenous mixture of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium as an embodiment of the present invention, where all three nutrients are present in a single composition at specific concentrations, specific particle sizes, and in the form of compositions in WDG, GR, and SC forms.

[0266] Field Trial 7: To evaluate the efficacy of different formulations of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium in comparison with a combination of selenium with a water-soluble zinc source and sulfur in the sulfate form in tomatoes. The trial was conducted during the kharif season in a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments including an untreated control replicated four times. A plot size of 40 square metres (8m x 5m) was maintained for each treatment. Tomato crops at the trial site were grown in accordance with good agricultural practices. Seeds of tomato, Ayaan, were used in the study and planted at a spacing of 120cm between rows and 45cm between plants. The experimental details are as follows:

[0267] [Table 15]

[0268] Observations on branch number were made 50 days after application from 10 randomly selected plants per treatment per replicate and the mean was calculated. Plant vigor was observed 50 days after application on a 0-200% rating scale, where UTC (untreated control) should always be 100%. Fruit was harvested three times and weighed each time, and the mean data are presented in Table 7.

[0269] Here, the inventors have tested compositions comprising a combination of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium according to embodiments of the present invention compared to compositions having sulfur in the sulfate form, i.e., calcium sulfate or ammonium sulfate, and a water-soluble zinc salt, i.e., zinc sulfate, and the average data of all observations is presented in Table 7 to illustrate the effect of a combination of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc, and selenium according to embodiments of the present invention on tomato yield, plant vigor, and other parameters.

[0270] [Table 16]

[0271] From the data presented in Table 7, it can be seen that treatments with compositions of the present invention comprising elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium in the form of water-dispersible granules and aqueous suspensions, i.e., T1, T5 and T6, demonstrated significant increases in plant vigor, yield, etc. in tomato crops compared to the other treatments, i.e., T2, T3, T4 and T7. In particular, when comparing T1 with T2 to T4, which were applied with approximately the same dosages of sulfur, zinc, and selenium, treatment T1 with elemental sulfur in the form of WG, a water-insoluble Zn salt, and selenium according to an embodiment of the present invention, showed an enhancement in yield of around 38.36%, while treatment T2 with a granular composition containing a combination of elemental sulfur, a water-soluble zinc salt (zinc sulfate), and selenium, treatment T3 with a granular composition containing sulfur in the form of a sulfate salt (i.e., ammonium sulfate), water-insoluble zinc and selenium, and treatment T4 with a water-soluble sulfur salt (ammonium sulfate), a water-soluble zinc salt (zinc sulfate), and selenium showed an increase in yield of around 6% to 15%.

[0272] This unexpected and surprising increase in yield was attributed to the combination of elemental sulfur, a water-insoluble zinc salt, and selenium and was not observed with other combinations, i.e., compositions containing either a water-soluble sulfur salt or a water-soluble zinc salt, or both sulfur and zinc in water-soluble forms. The same trends were observed with plant vigor and other growth parameters, such as fruit weight, branch number, and flower number.

[0273] In addition, treatments T5 and T6 with aqueous suspension and water-dispersible granular formulations according to embodiments of the present invention containing a combination of elemental sulfur, a water-insoluble zinc salt, and selenium demonstrated yield increases of 34.25% and 21.92%, respectively, over the untreated control when compared with treatment T7 with silica-coated granules prepared according to the teachings of Chinese Patent No. 109453736 containing sulfur in the sulfate form (i.e., calcium sulfate), which showed a yield increase of only 9.59% compared to the untreated control. The yield increases were all the more surprising because treatments T5 and T6 were applied at lower doses of active substance compared to the prior art composition (T7). Similar improvements were observed in plant growth parameters such as fruit weight, branch number, flower number, and plant vigor.

[0274] The superior effectiveness of the composition of the present invention is due to the fact that the components are a homogeneous mixture of elemental sulfur, water-insoluble zinc and selenium in granular and aqueous suspension form and with specific particle sizes ranging from 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0275] The inventors have surprisingly discovered that the invention resides not only in the combination of sulfur, zinc and selenium, but also in the identification of specific combinations of elemental sulfur and water-insoluble zinc and selenium salts formulated into water-dispersible granular or aqueous suspension compositions with specific particle size identification of 0.1 to 30 microns.

[0276] Additionally, the inventors of the present invention have also tested the granular and aqueous suspension compositions of the present invention on other crops such as pepper, wheat, etc. It was observed that the compositions of the present invention demonstrated enhancement of crop yield and crop characteristics such as straw weight, crop green color, plant height, fruit weight, improved photosynthesis, increased stress tolerance and also enhanced the nutritional value of the crop.

[0277] The composition of the present invention has been observed to demonstrate enhanced, effective, and superior performance in the field. The composition of the present invention minimizes the number of applications or the amount of nutrients, fertilizers, or pesticides. Moreover, the composition of the present invention exhibits surprisingly high field efficacy compared to known compositions, even when applied at reduced dosages. The composition is highly safe for users and the environment and does not exhibit any phytotoxicity. This novel composition helps improve plant yield, balanced uptake of all nutrients, reduce leaf yellowing, and improve plant physiological parameters, providing a nutritious crop.

[0278] Additionally, various advantageous properties associated with compositions according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, improved stability, improved toxicological and / or ecotoxicological behavior, improved crop characteristics including crop yield, crop quality and characteristics, and other benefits well known to those skilled in the art.

[0279] From the foregoing, it will be seen that numerous modifications and variations may be effected without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred.

Claims

1. i. elemental sulfur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; iii. Elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental selenium is in the range of 0.001% by weight to 10% by weight of the total composition; iv. at least one surfactant, in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; A crop nutrition and enrichment composition comprising: the composition comprises particles within a size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns; The composition is in the form of granules or an aqueous suspension. A crop nutrition and enrichment composition comprising:

2. 2. The crop nutrition and fortification composition of claim 1, wherein the water-insoluble zinc salt, derivative, or complex is selected from one or more of zinc oxide, zinc carbonate, zinc sulfide, zinc molybdate, zinc phosphate, zinc borate, zinc silicate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc citrate, ashoverite, sphalerite, smithsonite, and wurtzite.

3. 2. The crop nutrition and enrichment composition of claim 1, wherein the selenium salt, derivative or complex is selected from the group consisting of selenium, selenium carbonate, vanadium selenide, magnesium selenide, manganese selenide, selenium sulfide, copper selenide, iron selenide, molybdenum selenide, cobalt selenide, bismuth selenide, zinc selenide, copper selenite, calcium selenite, magnesium selenite, manganese selenite, cobalt selenite, selenium dioxide, selenourea, sodium selenide. , potassium selenide, copper selenide, ammonium selenide, sodium selenite, potassium selenite, ammonium selenite, iron selenite, zinc selenite, sodium selenate, magnesium selenate, potassium selenate, calcium selenate, copper selenate, ammonium selenate, iron selenate, cobalt selenite, zinc selenate, selenium sulfide, selenious acid, and selenium yeast.

4. 2. A crop nutrition and enrichment composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the surfactant is selected from nonionic or anionic surfactants or mixtures thereof.

5. 10. The crop nutrition and enrichment composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactant comprises one or more of an emulsifier, a wetting agent, and a dispersing agent.

6. 6. The crop nutrition and fortification composition of claim 5, wherein the dispersant is a non-ionic dispersant selected from one or more of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol, polyoxyethylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyethylene alkylphenyl ethers, ethoxylated fatty acids, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, alkyl ethoxylates; EO-PO block copolymers, graft copolymers, addition products of ethylene oxide and fatty acid esters, kraft lignin polymers, polyoxyethylene alkyl esters, polyoxyethylene sorbitan alkyl esters, ethoxylated alkylphenols, polyoxyethylene styryl phenyl ethers.

7. 6. The crop nutrition and fortification composition of claim 5, wherein the dispersant is an anionic dispersant selected from one or more of sulfated fatty alcohol glycol ethers, tristyrylphenol ethoxylate phosphate esters; lignin sulfonates, phenylnaphthalene sulfonates, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium salts of lignosulfonic acid, lignin derivatives, alkylaryl sulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, a mixture of the sodium salt of a naphthalene sulfonate urea formaldehyde condensate and the sodium salt of a phenolsulfonic acid formaldehyde condensate, polycarboxylates, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonates, sodium salts of sulfonated naphthalenes, sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensates, condensation products of arylsulfonic acids and formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic sulfonates, sodium alkylaryl sulfonates.

8. 10. The crop nutrition and fortification composition of claim 1, further comprising at least one agriculturally acceptable excipient selected from one or more of fillers or carriers or diluents, disintegrants, spreading agents, structuring agents, colorants, anti-caking agents, binders, buffers or pH adjusters or neutralizing agents, tackifiers, pigments, stabilizers, anti-foaming or defoaming agents, anti-settling agents, penetrating agents, preservatives, humectants, sticking agents, anti-freezing or freezing point depressants, chelating or complexing or sequestering agents.

9. 10. The crop nutrition and enrichment composition of claim 1, wherein the granules of said composition are within the size range of 0.05 mm to 6.0 mm.

10. 2. The crop nutrition and enrichment composition of claim 1, wherein the granules are in the form of water-disintegrating granules.

11. 10. The crop nutrition and enrichment composition of claim 1, wherein the granules are in the form of water-dispersible granules.

12. 12. A crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible granules according to claim 11, wherein said granules are within the size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm.

13. 12. A crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of a water-dispersible granule according to claim 11, wherein said water-dispersible granular composition has a dispersibility of at least 30%.

14. 12. The crop nutrition and enrichment composition of claim 11, wherein said composition has a D50 of less than 5 microns and a D90 of less than 10 microns.

15. 10. The crop nutrition and enrichment composition of claim 1, wherein said composition is in the form of an aqueous suspension.

16. 2. The crop nutrition and enhancement composition of claim 1, wherein the aqueous suspension composition further comprises a structuring agent selected from one or more of a thickening agent, a suspending agent or suspending aid, a viscosity or rheology modifier, a tackifier, and an anti-settling agent.

17. 17. A crop nutrition and enrichment composition according to claim 16, wherein the structuring agent is present in the range of 0.01% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

18. 10. The crop nutrition and enrichment composition of claim 1, wherein the aqueous suspension composition has a pourability of less than 5% rinse residue.

19. 10. The crop nutrition and enrichment composition of claim 1, wherein the aqueous suspension composition has a viscosity of 150 cps to 2000 cps at 25°C.

20. 10. A process for the preparation of a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-disintegrable granules according to claim 1, comprising: a. i. elemental sulfur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; iii. Elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and iv. one or more surfactants, in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; to obtain a powder having particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns; b. Adding water to the powder obtained in step (a) to prepare a dough; c. granulating and drying the dough to obtain a water-disintegrable granular composition in the size range of 0.1 mm to 6 mm; A process comprising:

21. 10. A process for the preparation of a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible granules according to claim 1, comprising: a. i. elemental sulfur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; iii. Elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and iv. one or more surfactants, in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; in water to obtain a slurry or wet mix in which the particles are in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns; b. drying the slurry or wet mix to obtain granules in the size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm; A process comprising:

22. 10. A process for the preparation of a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of an aqueous suspension according to claim 1, comprising: a. i. elemental sulfur in the range of 1% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; iii. Elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and iv. one or more surfactants, in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; in water to obtain a homogeneous suspension with particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns; b. adding a structuring agent and, if necessary, further excipients, and the remainder water to obtain an aqueous suspension; A process comprising:

23. 1. A method for enhancing nutrient uptake and improving plant health and yield, comprising: i. elemental sulfur in the range of 1% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble zinc salts, complexes, or derivatives thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition; iii. Elemental selenium or its salts, complexes, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental selenium content is in the range of 0.001% to 10% by weight of the total composition; and iv. at least one surfactant, in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; treating a plant, plant propagation material, its location or plant part, seed, seedling, or surrounding soil with a crop nutrition and enhancement composition comprising a homogeneous mixture of the composition comprises particles within a size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns; The composition is in the form of granules or an aqueous suspension. A method characterized by:

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