Crop nutrition and enrichment compositions

Abstract

The present invention relates to a crop nutrition and enrichment composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur, one or more magnesium salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, one or more potassium fertilizers or salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, one or more iron salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, one or more zinc salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, and one or more excipients, wherein the composition is comprised of particles within the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns, and the elemental sulfur content is 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition, the elemental magnesium content is 0.1% to 40% by weight, the elemental potassium content is 0.1% to 40% by weight, the elemental iron content is 0.1% to 45% by weight, and the elemental zinc content is 0.1% to 45% by weight. The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the crop nutrition and enrichment composition and a method for treating plants, seeds, crops, plant propagation material, locus, parts thereof, or soil with the crop nutrition and enrichment composition.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a crop nutritional and enrichment composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur, one or more magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, and one or more excipients in a range of 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition, wherein the content of elemental sulfur in the composition is in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition, the content of elemental magnesium is in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, the content of elemental potassium is in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, the content of elemental iron is in the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition, and the content of elemental zinc is in the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition. In particular, the crop nutrition and fortification composition is comprised of particles within the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns, and the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by weight of the total composition.

[0002] More particularly, the crop nutrition and fortification compositions are in the form of water disintegrable granules, water dispersible granules or liquid suspensions.

[0003] The present invention also relates to a process for preparing the crop nutrition and enhancement composition and a method for treating plants, seeds, crops, plant propagation material, locus, parts thereof or soil with the crop nutrition and enhancement composition, wherein the composition is in the form of water-disintegrable granules, water-dispersible granules or a liquid suspension.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a method of treating plants with a crop nutrition and enrichment composition to meet their nutritional requirements by making essential nutrients such as sulfur, potassium, magnesium, and micronutrients such as iron and zinc available to the plants, and by liberating other micronutrients and trace elements present in the soil that would otherwise be unavailable due to various factors, primarily soil degradation or nutrient competition, or due to excessive use of NPK or ammonium sulfate fertilizers. Furthermore, the compositions of the present invention reduce the need for excessive application of conventional NPK fertilizers and avoid drawbacks such as nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions associated with excessive use of NPK fertilizers. [Background technology]

[0005] 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.

[0006] Nutrients are central to the growth and development of crops. Poor and insufficient availability of nutrients to plants results in the lack of proper growth and physiological development of the plant, making the plant more susceptible to attack by pests and diseases.

[0007] Macronutrients play an important role in plant growth and development. Macronutrients are also agriculturally important, helping plants mitigate environmental stresses, improving the nutritional quality of food, promoting increased crop yields, and improving crop quality. Deficiencies in macronutrient, secondary nutrient, and micronutrient availability have all been observed to result in poor overall crop growth and health. Furthermore, poor nutrient availability to plants also results in a lack of proper growth, making plants more susceptible to pest attack.

[0008] Potassium (K) is an essential nutrient that influences several biochemical and physiological processes that affect plant growth and metabolism. Potassium plays essential roles in enzyme activation, protein synthesis, photosynthesis, osmotic regulation, stomatal movement, energy transduction, phloem transport, cation-anion balance, and stress tolerance. Potassium deficiency in crops and plants results in chlorosis, wilting, and scorching of older leaves, leaf deformation and reduced size, reduced flowering and branching, reduced carbohydrate, protein, and chlorophyll formation, as well as reduced fruit and seed quality.

[0009] Magnesium (Mg) is a macronutrient essential for plant growth and development. It plays a major role in plant photosynthesis, cell division, and protein formation, and is an essential component for plant respiration. Due to its mobility within the plant, symptoms of magnesium deficiency first appear in younger, older leaves, followed by symptoms in younger leaves. Symptoms appear as yellow leaves with green veins along the margins (i.e., interveinal chlorosis). Purple, red, or brown spots may also appear on the leaves. Furthermore, due to its mobility, magnesium is lost from the soil. Magnesium levels in soil are also poor due to its tendency to leach from the soil and intensive crop production. Furthermore, high levels of potassium in the soil block magnesium, making it unavailable to plants. Complete magnesium deficiency in the soil dramatically reduces magnesium absorption by crop roots.

[0010] The role of sulfur as an essential growth nutrient and fertilizer has been known for many years. 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. Sulfur is often applied in the form of elemental sulfur or as a component of several fertilizers, such as superphosphate, ammonium sulfate, and potassium sulfate. Some of the other reasons for sulfur deficiency are the lack of availability of sulfur in a plant-absorbable form, sulfur losses caused by leaching and soil pH, and the insolubility of elemental sulfur in water.

[0011] Micronutrients are just as important to plant growth as macronutrients. Zinc, a known micronutrient, is an important component of several enzymes and proteins, and is involved in the formation of chlorophyll and some carbohydrates, as well as the conversion of starch to sugars; its presence in plant tissues helps plants tolerate low temperatures. Zinc is immobile, so deficiency symptoms occur in new leaves and manifest as several different patterns of chlorosis (often between the veins), necrotic spots can form on the margins or tips, and lead to the formation of smaller, often upward-pointing, cupped, or deformed leaves. In zinc-deficient plants, carbohydrate, protein, and chlorophyll formation are significantly reduced.

[0012] Iron plays a central role in energy transfer, nitrogen reduction, nitrogen fixation, chlorophyll production, and a series of enzyme and protein production processes. Iron is relatively immobile once incorporated into the upper plant tissues, resulting in limited iron transfer from one plant part to another, which leads to iron deficiency. Iron deficiency is commonly associated with chlorosis (yellowing) and poor nodule formation in legume crops, resulting in reduced size and yield.

[0013] It is also known that optimal levels of nutrients are required for the normal function and growth of plants, and any variation in levels can cause disturbances in overall crop growth and deteriorate its health either through deficiency or toxicity, which in turn can affect nutrients essential to the human diet.

[0014] Currently available traditional fertilizer or nutrient composition is in a form that is not sufficiently soluble or dispersible, and therefore is not available for easy uptake by plant roots, resulting in its deficiency.When macronutrients such as magnesium are applied to soil at higher doses, they tend to significantly increase soil salinity and leach out of soil.Therefore, it is desirable to apply macronutrients in a form and amount that provides timely uptake and availability.

[0015] Therefore, application of macro- and micronutrients in forms and amounts that provide timely uptake and availability is desirable.

[0016] Furthermore, modern agriculture is challenged by degraded soils caused by excessive fertilizer use and over-cultivation, which in turn leads to nutrient-depleted crops and harvests, ultimately affecting human nutrition and health. Recently, it has been observed that more than twice the amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers are being applied to soils than was applied 20 or 30 years ago to achieve similar yields. It has been observed that excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers has increased the risk of nitrous oxide emissions.

[0017] In agriculture, nitrous oxide is released into the atmosphere when microorganisms act on nitrogen introduced into the soil through animal urine and manure, synthetic fertilizers, and legumes. Both the production and use of nitrogen fertilizers result in the release of CO2, N2O, and CH4, which are among the most important greenhouse gases, contributing not only to climate change by trapping heat but also to respiratory diseases due to smog and air pollution. Such greenhouse gases contribute to extreme weather fluctuations and, by trapping solar heat, to the now-obvious global warming and climate change. Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizers has been observed to increase the amount of nitrous oxide emissions. Nitrous oxide poses the greatest risk to climate change; one pound of nitrous oxide has 300 times the global warming potential of one pound of carbon dioxide, thus exerting greater pressure on temperature fluctuations. Therefore, there is a real need to reduce nitrogen-based fertilizers and, consequently, nitrous oxide emissions.

[0018] Furthermore, significant ammonia loss reduces nitrogen use efficiency and increases the need for additional nitrogen fertilizer, which increases the risk of nitrate leaching. High levels of nitrate leaching are toxic and can contaminate drinking water sources with nitrate, a water-soluble chemical compound of nitrogen, and excessive nitrate consumption can pose health risks to humans. It has been observed that drinking water concentrations of nitrate exceeding 10 mg / L can cause immediate health problems for humans. At very high concentrations, nitrate can react with amides and amines to form compounds such as nitrosamines and nitrosamides, which can cause cancer in humans.

[0019] Additionally, excess nitrate that is not taken up by the plant leaches from the plant's root zone, leaving behind hydrogen ions, thereby increasing soil acidity and thus resulting in reduced nutrient uptake by the plant from acidic soils.

[0020] Furthermore, due to the high application of NPK fertilizers, potassium accumulates in the soil, which has an antagonistic effect on the uptake of other nutrients such as magnesium and calcium, i.e. it inhibits the uptake of magnesium or calcium by the plant, leading to a deficiency of these nutrients in the plant.

[0021] Furthermore, as the application rate of ammonium sulfate increased, the plants became increasingly magnesium deficient. The detrimental direct effect of ammonium sulfate on magnesium supply to plants was speculated to be due to the competitive effect of NH4 and H ions on Mg uptake. These ions are formed in great excess in root tissues immediately after the absorption of NH4 ions. (E.G. Mulder, * , Nitrogen-Magnesium Relationships in Crop Plants, Agricultural Experiment Station and Institute for Soil Research TNO, Groningen, The Netherlands).

[0022] Therefore, proper crop nutrition is crucial for optimizing crop growth and metabolism, which in turn contributes to improving crop yield and produce quality.

[0023] Furthermore, it has been observed that managing crop nutrition is difficult due to factors such as carbonate levels in the soil, soil salinity, soil moisture, soil alkalinity and low temperatures.

[0024] Addressing nutrient antagonism also presents significant challenges when multiple macronutrients and secondary or micronutrients are involved. It can be observed that interactions between plant nutrients can exhibit antagonistic or synergistic results, affecting nutrient utilization efficiency. Sometimes, plants are observed to suffer from "nutrient antagonism" when excessive application of a particular element blocks the absorption of another element needed by the plant, which can result in a deficiency in the plant. Unbalanced soils suffer from nutrient antagonism and require solutions different from common practices to be productive. Nutrients compete with each other when applied to the soil or in fertilizer compositions, as well as when applied as foliar fertilizer. Therefore, nutrient antagonism in both soil and inputs or fertilizers presents significant challenges, and both of these challenges must be addressed if balanced nutrition is to be delivered to crops. Some of the most common antagonisms are iron blocking zinc or manganese (or vice versa), magnesium blocking calcium (or vice versa), and potassium blocking both magnesium and calcium.

[0025] It is also known that excessive potassium supply inhibits magnesium uptake, resulting in K-Mg antagonism. Potassium and magnesium antagonistic interactions / competitive properties have been reported (KL Kabu et al., "Influence of potassium-magnesium antagonism on tomato plant growth," Can. J. Plant Sci. 50:711-715 (November 1970)). Soils containing high potassium fertilizers can reduce magnesium availability to plants, resulting in magnesium deficiency in crops grown in soils already low in magnesium. Conversely, crops grown in soils with high magnesium content may suffer from potassium deficiency, especially if the soil is high in phosphorus and low in potassium.

[0026] Therefore, considering the antagonism between magnesium and potassium or between zinc and iron, it has always been difficult to develop agricultural compositions that not only overcome this problem in terms of increasing the uptake of these nutrients, but also at the same time maintain the soil pH and successfully meet the nutritional requirements of both potassium and magnesium in plants, as well as other micronutrients such as zinc and iron that ultimately affect human nutrition.

[0027] Another reason plants may be deficient in certain nutrients is due to "binding," which occurs when elements mix and attach to each other, forming compounds that are insoluble and cannot be absorbed by plant roots. Therefore, applying balanced amounts of the most limiting nutrients is essential to obtain maximum yield while minimizing nutrient losses.

[0028] Therefore, providing sufficient and balanced nutrition in a form that provides maximum uptake of nutrients by the plant along with protection for the crop remains a major challenge.

[0029] Therefore, proper crop nutrition is crucial for optimizing crop growth and metabolism, which in turn contributes to improving crop yield and produce quality. Adequate crop nutrition is also essential while reducing the application of NPK or ammonium fertilizers to avoid the drawbacks associated with nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching from the soil.

[0030] Additionally, problems associated with agriculture include environmental conditions such as drought, biotic and abiotic stress, poor soil conditions, or depletion of nutrients in the soil, which result in reduced yield and quality of agricultural products.

[0031] Suitable compositions are not known that include macronutrients such as potassium, sulfur, magnesium in combination with other micronutrients such as iron and zinc, whereby the composition promotes maximum uptake of nutrients by plants while addressing the issue of nutrient competition.

[0032] A further object of the present invention is to develop a crop nutrition and enrichment composition that eliminates the excessive use of synthetic NPK fertilizers or ammonium sulfate-based fertilizers, which in addition to preventing soil degradation, reduces nitrous oxide emissions, avoids nitrate leaching, improves soil health and pH, as well as increases agricultural yield and quality at reduced application rates of the composition.

[0033] Currently available conventional fertilizers or nutrient compositions are in a form that is not sufficiently soluble or dispersible, and therefore is not readily available for uptake by plant roots, resulting in its deficiency. Furthermore, water-soluble fertilizers applied at higher concentrations tend to leach out of the soil after application, reducing their availability to crops or plants.

[0034] Conventionally, micronutrient-based compositions are also known in the art in the form of bentonite granules or tablets, pellets / granules, granules prepared via melting processes, etc. Such granule-, pellet-, or tablet-based compositions contain swelling clay and are associated with several drawbacks. These compositions are generally larger in size, which causes the clay to swell and disintegrate into coarse particles of non-uniform size upon contact with moisture. Such granules or tablets also exhibit irregular slow release of micronutrients, resulting in their reduced availability, not meeting plant nutritional requirements, and ultimately resulting in poor field efficacy.

[0035] Furthermore, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20170283334 discloses a micronutrient composition comprising a combination of water-insoluble and water-soluble micronutrients contained in a hydrated polyelectrolyte solution. The polyelectrolytes in such compositions are physically crosslinked to form a thick, gel-like matrix within which solid micronutrients are dispersed. Such compositions are intended to provide both immediate and sustained release of nutrients using polyelectrolytes and metal complexing agents. However, these highly concentrated formulations are difficult to dilute in water and tend to form hard lumps rather than stable dispersions, making them unsuitable for use. Such viscous formulations, which are impossible to pour, tend to clog nozzles, creating problems in delivering nutrients to plants or crops. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0036] [Patent Document 1] US Patent Application Publication No. 2017 / 0283334 [Non-patent literature]

[0037] [Non-Patent Document 1] EGMulder*, Nitrogen-Magnesium Relationships in Crop Plants, Agricultural Experiment Station and Institute for Soil Research TNO, Groningen, The Netherlands. [Non-patent document 2] KL Kabu et al., Influence of potassium-magnesium antagonism on tomato plant growth, Can. J. Plant Sci. 50:711-715 (November 1970) Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0038] The inventors have surprisingly discovered a crop nutrition and fortification composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, and one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, together with one or more excipients, wherein the composition comprises particles within the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns, and the water-soluble in the composition is It has been found that a crop nutrition and fortification composition in which the total content of elemental salts or derivatives or mixtures does not exceed 80% by weight of the total composition, the content of elemental sulfur in the composition is within the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition, the content of elemental potassium is within the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, the content of elemental magnesium is within the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, the content of elemental iron is within the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition, and the content of elemental zinc is within the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition, exhibits excellent field efficacy.

[0039] The inventors have discovered that crop nutrition and enrichment compositions containing specific ratios of various nutrients, when formulated according to embodiments of the present invention and containing particles with a specific particle size distribution, surprisingly address the issue of nutrient competition in the soil, for example, between zinc and iron, or between magnesium and potassium. Furthermore, application of the compositions of the present invention surprisingly allows for higher absorption of all nutrients, reducing the need for excessive application of conventional NPK fertilizers and avoiding drawbacks associated with excessive use of NPK fertilizers, such as nitrate leaching. This results in a more balanced uptake of all nutrients, resulting in healthier plants or crops and increased overall crop yield and produce quality. In particular, the crop nutrition and enrichment compositions of the present invention have been observed to not only eliminate the excessive use of NPK fertilizers applied at higher doses, but also meet crop needs by providing a multi-nutrient solution with improved crop uptake at reduced application rates of macronutrients, such as potassium, magnesium, and sulfur, along with other micronutrients trapped in the soil, while also improving soil health.

[0040] Furthermore, the inventors of the present application have determined that a crop nutrition and enhancement composition in the form of water dispersible granules, liquid suspensions or water disintegrating granules improves plant yield, improves soil health, maintains soil pH, balances the uptake of all nutrients by the crop or plant, reduces leaf yellowing, and exhibits improved plant physiological parameters such as increased rooting, improved shoots, disease resistance, and increased green color of the crop, providing a nutritionally rich and enhanced crop.

[0041] The compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions also exhibit excellent physical characteristics such as suspendability, dispersibility, flowability and wettability, which allows the compositions to exhibit superior field efficacy compared to the individual application of said nutrients or commercial products, even at reduced application doses.

[0042] The present invention relates to a crop nutrition and fortification composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, and one or more excipients. In particular, the crop nutrition and fortification composition comprises particles within the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns, and the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by weight of the total composition.

[0043] Therefore, application of macro- and micronutrients in forms and amounts that provide timely uptake and availability is desirable. More particularly, the crop nutrition and fortification composition comprises elemental sulfur in a range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition, elemental magnesium in a content ranging from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, elemental potassium in a content ranging from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, elemental iron in a content ranging from 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition, and elemental zinc in a content ranging from 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition.

[0044] According to certain embodiments, the composition is in the form of a solid, liquid, gel or paste. According to certain embodiments, the composition is in the form of a water-dispersible granule, a liquid suspension or a water-disintegrating granule.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules or liquid suspensions.

[0046] According to a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for treating a plant, a seed, a crop, a plant propagation material, a locus, a part thereof or a soil with a crop nutrition and enrichment composition.

[0047] It has been observed that the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of the present invention promotes the balanced uptake of all nutrients by crops or plants, and overcomes the drawbacks of nutrient antagonism that traditional multi-nutrient compositions exhibit.Moreover, it has been surprisingly observed that the use of this composition leads to healthier plants and higher nutrient yields in all types of soil, as well as improved soil health.The composition of the present invention acts as a nutrient-efficient composition while meeting crop needs by providing a multi-nutrient solution with improved uptake by crops.

[0048] Additionally, the compositions of the present invention reduce the need for excessive application of conventional NPK fertilizers and avoid drawbacks such as nitrate leaching and nitrous oxide emissions associated with excessive use of NPK fertilizers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0049] When describing embodiments of the present invention, specific terms are selected for clarity. However, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to the specific terms selected, and it should be understood that such specific terms include all technical equivalents that operate in a similar manner to accomplish the same purpose. Any numerical ranges listed herein are understood to include all subranges encompassed. Also, unless otherwise indicated, the percentages of components in compositions are presented as weight percents.

[0050] 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. As used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" also includes "in" and "on," unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] In some embodiments, numbers expressing quantities of ingredients, concentrations, and other properties used to describe and claim certain embodiments of the 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 invention are approximations, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific examples are reported as precisely as possible.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] Granules primarily refer to solid granules. Granules primarily refer to water-dispersible granules, water-disintegrable granules, extruded granules, or spheronized granules or pellets. As used herein, "GR" refers to water-disintegrable granules, which can be either extruded granules, spheronized granules, broadcast granules, or pellets.

[0059] 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, resulting in a fine particle suspension. Water-dispersible granules are formulated into small, easily measurable granules by blending and agglomerating crushed nutrients with surfactants and other formulation excipients, which disperse into finer / primary particles when added to water. Water-dispersible granules can be obtained by spray drying or by an extrusion process.

[0060] "Suspension" encompasses "aqueous suspension" or "aqueous dispersion" or "suspension concentrate (SC)" or "suspo-emulsion" or "liquid suspension" compositions. A suspension is defined as a composition in which solid particles are dispersed or suspended in a liquid. The liquid vehicle can be water and / or a water-miscible solvent. Water-miscible solvents are environmentally safe.

[0061] Water-disintegrating granules or "GR" refers to granular compositions containing agglomerated granules or particles that are generally hard and resistant to breaking down or crumbling. Upon contact with sufficient water or soil moisture, these granules disintegrate or break down into individual particles, releasing nutrients over an extended period of time.

[0062] The term "elemental sulfur" as used in the compositions refers to elemental sulfur (S°). The term includes allotropes of elemental sulfur, such as plastic (amorphous) sulfur, monoclinic sulfur, orthorhombic sulfur composed of S8 molecules, and other ring molecules such as S7 and S12. 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.

[0063] The term "derivatives" as used in this application is intended to encompass potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, boron, trace nutrients such as selenium or vanadium, and copper and magnesium minerals and ores containing the minerals. The term derivatives is also intended to encompass compounds from which potassium, magnesium, zinc, iron, boron, trace nutrients such as selenium or vanadium, and copper and magnesium can be obtained in a form that can be absorbed by plants.

[0064] 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.

[0065] As used herein, the term "location" of a plant 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The particle size of the composition is defined as the size of the particles of the composition in the form of water-dispersible granules (WG) or aqueous suspensions (SC) or water-disintegrable granules comprising sulfur, potassium salts, magnesium salts, zinc salts and iron salts and excipients as a whole.

[0068] D50 is the particle size corresponding to the cumulative percentage reaching 50%. D50 is also called median particle size or median particle size or average particle size, and indicates that on average 50% of all particles are smaller than the given size.

[0069] D90 is used to indicate particle size distribution and represents the average of 90% of the total particles smaller than a given size. D90 is also the particle size corresponding to the cumulative percentage reaching 90%.

[0070] The term "GHG" as used in this application encompasses greenhouse gases.

[0071] 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.

[0072] "Fast release" or "instant release" or "instant dispersal" can be used interchangeably and are applicable to granules that rapidly disperse and dissolve to release nutrients.

[0073] 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.

[0074] The present invention relates to a composition for crop nutrition or enrichment, comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, and one or more excipients in a range of 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition, wherein the composition contains elemental sulfur in a range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition, elemental potassium in a range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, elemental magnesium in a range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition, elemental iron in a range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition, and elemental zinc in a range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition. In some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition is in the form of a homogeneous mixture.

[0075] More specifically, the present compositions for crop nutrition and fortification are comprised of particles within the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns, the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the compositions does not exceed 80% by weight of the total composition, and exhibit improved physical properties in terms of dispersibility, suspendability, viscosity, spontaneity of dispersion, and pourability. The present compositions also exhibit excellent field efficacy, even at reduced application doses. Furthermore, it has been further observed that the present compositions prevent leaching of these nutrients, making them maximally available for uptake by the crop, resulting in increased overall yield.

[0076] More particularly, the composition of the invention for crop nutrition and fortification contains a total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures not exceeding 70% by weight of the total composition.

[0077] More particularly, the composition of the invention for crop nutrition and fortification contains a total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures not exceeding 60% by weight of the total composition.

[0078] More particularly, the compositions of the invention for crop nutrition and fortification contain a total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures not exceeding 50% by weight of the total composition.

[0079] The crop nutrition or fortification composition comprises elemental sulfur in the range of 5% w / w to 90% w / w, magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof in the range of 1% to 75% w / w of the total composition, potassium fertilizers, salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof present in the range of 1% to 55% w / w of the total composition, iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof in the range of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition, and zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof present in the range of 0.1% to 55% w / w of the total composition.

[0080] According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification composition is in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel. The solid composition is in the form of one of water-dispersible granules, broadcast granules, extruded granules, wettable powders, and water-disintegrating granules. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrating granules.

[0081] According to certain embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition is in the form of a liquid suspension.

[0082] According to certain embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules comprises: i. elemental sulfur, the elemental sulfur content being within the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental magnesium is in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; iii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, having an elemental potassium content ranging from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; iv. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental iron content is in the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition; v. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental zinc is within the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition; vi. one or more excipients in the range of 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition; wherein the composition is comprised of particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns, and the total content of water-soluble salts or derivatives or mixtures in the composition does not exceed 80% by weight of the total composition.

[0083] According to further embodiments, the water-dispersible granules are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm. According to further embodiments, the water-dispersible granules are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 3 mm. According to further embodiments, the water-dispersible granules are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 2 mm. According to further embodiments, the water-dispersible granules are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 1.5 mm.

[0084] According to further embodiments, the water-disintegrating granules are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm. According to further embodiments, the water-disintegrating granules are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 5 mm. According to further embodiments, the water-disintegrating granules are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm. According to further embodiments, the water-disintegrating granules are in the size range of 0.05 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0085] According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-dispersible granules comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-dispersible granules comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 25 microns. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-dispersible granules comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 20 microns. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-dispersible granules comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 15 microns.

[0086] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules comprises particles having a diameter distribution with a D90 of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules comprises particles having a diameter distribution with a D90 of about 10 microns.

[0087] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of the present invention in the form of a water-dispersible granule comprises particles having a diameter distribution with a D50 of about 10 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of the present invention in the form of a water-dispersible granule comprises particles having a diameter distribution of less than 1 micron.

[0088] According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-disintegrating granules comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-disintegrating granules comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 40 microns. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-disintegrating granules comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

[0089] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of the present invention in the form of water-disintegrable granules comprises particles having a diameter distribution with a D90 of about 30 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of the present invention in the form of water-disintegrable granules comprises particles having a diameter distribution with a D90 of about 20 microns.

[0090] Furthermore, it has been observed that the crop nutrition and fortification compositions of the present invention, when formulated as water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions with specific particle sizes of 0.1 microns to 30 microns, or as water-disintegrating granules within the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns, make nutrients such as sulfur, magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron readily available for plant uptake, increasing overall yield. Thus, the particle size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns for the crop nutrition and fortification compositions has been found to be important not only in terms of ease of use but also in terms of efficacy.

[0091] The composition of the present invention satisfies the nutritional requirements of crops or plants by providing a balanced uptake of essential nutrients such as potassium, sulfur, and magnesium along with micronutrients such as zinc and iron. Furthermore, it has surprisingly been observed that use of this composition results in healthier plants that can withstand pest infestations, higher nutrient yields in all soil types, and ultimately improves overall soil health. The composition of the present invention acts as a nutrient-use efficient composition by providing a multi-nutrient solution with improved uptake by the crop in a single application, while meeting crop needs.

[0092] According to another embodiment, the range of each nutrient is maintained broadly based on local soil requirements, soil type, previous fertilization practices, and even crop requirements. Often, a specific formulation with a specific range of nutrients such as sulfur, potassium, or magnesium is selected at the high or low end of the range to accommodate the soil pH along with the target yield. Often, higher amounts of nutrients are selected based on the stage of product application. Therefore, it is within the scope of the present invention to have a claimed nutrient range that exceeds what is exemplified or described in the embodiments herein.

[0093] According to one embodiment, a crop nutrition or fortification composition comprises elemental sulfur in the range of 5% w / w to 90% w / w; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof in the range of 1% to 75% w / w of the total composition; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers, salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof present in the range of 1% to 55% w / w of the total composition; one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof present in the range of 0.1% to 60% w / w of the total composition; and one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof present in the range of 0.1% to 55% w / w of the total composition, wherein the composition is in the form of a water-dispersible granule or a water-disintegrable granule.

[0094] According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules contains no more than 80% by weight of the total composition of a water-soluble salt, derivative, or mixture. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules contains no more than 70% by weight of the total composition of a water-soluble salt, derivative, or mixture. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules contains no more than 60% by weight of the total composition of a water-soluble salt, derivative, or mixture. According to further embodiments, the composition in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules contains no more than 50% by weight of the total composition of a water-soluble salt, derivative, or mixture.

[0095] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules, the elemental sulfur is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 10% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules, the elemental sulfur is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 20% w / w to 90% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules, the elemental sulfur is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 20% w / w to 70% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules, the elemental sulfur is present in the composition at a concentration ranging from 20% w / w to 50% w / w of the total composition.

[0096] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules, elemental potassium is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 35% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules, elemental potassium is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules, elemental potassium is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0097] According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental magnesium is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 35% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental magnesium is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, elemental magnesium is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition.

[0098] According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, elemental iron is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, elemental iron is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, elemental iron is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, elemental iron is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0099] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, elemental zinc is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, elemental zinc is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, elemental zinc is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, elemental zinc is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of a liquid suspension comprises: i. elemental sulfur in the range of 5% to 60% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental magnesium is in the range of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition; iii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, having an elemental potassium content ranging from 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition; iv. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental iron content is in the range of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition; v. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental zinc is within the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; vi. one or more excipients in the range of 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition; wherein the composition is comprised of particles in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns, and the composition comprises no more than 50% by weight of the total composition of a water-soluble salt or derivative or mixture.

[0101] A crop nutritional or fortifying composition in the form of a liquid suspension comprising elemental sulfur in the range of 5% w / w to 90% w / w, magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof in the range of 0.5% to 55% w / w of the total composition, potassium fertilizers, salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof present in the range of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition, iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof in the range of 0.1% to 35% w / w of the total composition, and zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof present in the range of 0.1% to 45% w / w of the total composition.

[0102] According to certain embodiments, the composition in the form of a liquid suspension contains no more than 40% by weight of the total composition of a water-soluble salt or derivative or mixture. According to further embodiments, the composition in the form of a liquid suspension contains no more than 30% by weight of the total composition of a water-soluble salt or derivative or mixture. According to further embodiments, the composition in the form of a liquid suspension contains no more than 20% by weight of the total composition of a water-soluble salt or derivative or mixture.

[0103] According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of a liquid suspension comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 25 microns. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of a liquid suspension comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 20 microns. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of a liquid suspension comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 15 microns.

[0104] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of the present invention in the form of a liquid suspension comprises particles having a diameter distribution with a D90 of about 20 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of the present invention in the form of a liquid suspension comprises particles having a diameter distribution with a D90 of about 10 microns.

[0105] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of the present invention in the form of a liquid suspension comprises particles having a diameter distribution with a D50 of about 10 microns. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of the present invention in the form of a liquid suspension comprises particles having a mean diameter distribution of less than 1 micron.

[0106] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental sulfur is present in the composition in a concentration range of 5% to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental sulfur is present in the composition in a concentration range of 5% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental sulfur is present in the composition in a concentration range of 5% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental sulfur is present in the composition in a concentration range of 5% to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0107] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental potassium is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 15% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental potassium is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 10% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental potassium is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 5% w / w of the total composition.

[0108] According to a further embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental magnesium is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to a further embodiment, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental magnesium is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0109] According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental iron is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental iron is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental iron is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0110] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental zinc is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental zinc is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental zinc is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to further embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, elemental zinc is present in the composition in a concentration range of 0.1% to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0111] According to further embodiments, magnesium salts include, but are not limited to, one or more of magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), magnesium molybdate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium calcium phosphate, tribasic magnesium phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium calcium silicate, ammonium magnesium phosphate, magnesium humate, magnesium fulvic acid, magnesium oxalate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium sulfide, or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other magnesium salts or derivatives thereof can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0112] According to further embodiments, water soluble magnesium salts include magnesium sulfate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium lignosulfonate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium lactate, magnesium aspartate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium acetate, and magnesium citrate, although one skilled in the art will recognize that other magnesium salts or derivatives thereof may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0113] According to some embodiments, the magnesium derivative in the composition comprises a mineral or ore, including, but not limited to, magnesium-containing ores such as periclase, brucite, cerreite, scutellite, pertsevite, suanite, magnesite, sazeberite, kieserite, dolomite, hydrated dolomite, and struvite. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other magnesium minerals may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0114] According to certain embodiments, the compositions of the present invention comprise a water-insoluble magnesium salt.

[0115] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules, the magnesium salt or a derivative or mixture thereof is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 65% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules, the magnesium salt or a derivative or mixture thereof is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 60% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules, the magnesium salt or a derivative or mixture thereof is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 55% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules or water-disintegrable granules, the magnesium salt or a derivative or mixture thereof is present in an amount ranging from 1% to 40% w / w of the total composition.

[0116] According to certain embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, the magnesium salt or derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 1% to 45% w / w of the total composition. According to certain embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, the magnesium salt or derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 1% to 25% w / w of the total composition.

[0117] According to certain embodiments, the potassium fertilizer or salt or derivative includes potassium chloride, potassium magnesium sulfate, potassium nitrate, potassium sodium nitrate, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, potassium orthophosphate, potassium polyphosphate, potassium phosphate, potassium metaphosphate, potassium sulfate, potassium magnesia sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium rock potash, bittern potassium salt (KCl(+NaCl+MgSO4)), wood ash (K2CO3+KHCO3) and seaweed ash (KCl+K2SO4), potassium fulvate, potassium humate, and potassium rock powder, or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other potassium salts, their derivatives, and derivatives may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0118] According to some embodiments, the potassium derivative in the composition comprises a mineral or ore, including potassium-containing ores, but not limited to, schoenite or picromerite, feldspar, orthoclase, potassium halite, carnallite, kainite, polyhalite or ischelite or polygalite, leucite, alogadite, gengenbachite, haigerachite, lepidolite, hesenite, kosnalite, langbeinite, leucophosphite, lipuite, manganoarrojadite, mantienneite, minulite, parwanite, phosphofibrite, sylvinite, taranakite, and tinsleyite. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other potassium minerals may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0119] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, the potassium fertilizer, salt, or derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 1% w / w to 45% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, the potassium fertilizer, salt, or derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 1% w / w to 35% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, the potassium fertilizer, salt, or derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition.

[0120] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, the potassium fertilizer, salt, or derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 25% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, the potassium fertilizer, salt, or derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, the potassium fertilizer, salt, or derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 1% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0121] According to further embodiments, the iron salt or derivative includes, but is not limited to, one or more of iron oxide, iron hydroxide, iron phosphate, iron fumarate, iron succinate, iron sulfide, iron tartrate, iron sucrate, iron carbonyl, iron silicate, iron carbonate, iron(II) oxalate (anhydrous), iron(II) oxalate (dihydrate), or derivatives or mixtures thereof. Iron oxides include, but are not limited to, ferrous oxide (FeO) or iron oxide, ferric oxide (FeO) or red oxide, and iron tetroxide (FeO) or black oxide. Iron hydroxides 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 include, but are not limited to, iron(II) phosphate or ferrous phosphate, ferric phosphate, ferric phosphate dihydrate, ferric phosphate hydrate, ferric glycerophosphate, ferrous pyrophosphate, and ferric pyrophosphate. Iron fumarates include, but are not limited to, ferrous fumarate and ferrous fumarate. Iron succinates include, but are not limited to, ferrous succinate and ferrous succinate. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other iron salts, derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0122] According to further embodiments, the water-soluble iron salt or derivative comprises one or more of iron sulfate, iron citrate, iron silicate, iron ascorbate, iron sucrose, iron gluconate, iron dextran, iron lignosulfonate, and iron chelates, however, one skilled in the art will recognize that other iron salts, derivatives thereof, or mixtures thereof may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0123] According to a further embodiment, the iron derivative in the composition comprises a mineral or ore, including iron-containing ores, but not limited to, rhauardite, wustite, magnetite, hematite, goethite, limonite, siderite, pyrite or marcasite, vernalite, and greenite. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other iron minerals may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0124] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, the iron salt or its derivative or mixture is present in the range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, the iron salt or its derivative or mixture is present in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, the iron salt or its derivative or mixture is present in the range of 0.1% to 35% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, the iron salt or its derivative or mixture is present in the range of 0.1% to 25% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, the iron salt or its derivative or mixture is present in the range of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition.

[0125] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension composition, the iron salt or derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension composition, the iron salt or derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension composition, the iron salt or derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 15% by weight of the total composition.

[0126] According to further embodiments, the water-insoluble zinc salt or derivative includes zinc oxide, zinc hydroxide, zinc chromate, zinc nitride, zinc carbonate, zinc sulfide, zinc molybdate, zinc nitrilotriacetic acid (nta), zinc phosphate, zinc phosphide, zinc borate, zinc silicate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc humate, zinc selenide, zinc telluride, zinc fulvate, zinc citrate, zinc oxalate, zinc monomethionine, zinc carnosine, and zinc aspartate, or derivatives or mixtures thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other zinc salts can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0127] According to further embodiments, the water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives include zinc sulfate, zinc sulfate monohydrate, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, zinc chelate, zinc oxysulfate, zinc chloride, zinc eugenol chelate, zinc glycine, zinc carbohydrate, zinc sucrate, zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc polyflavonoid, zinc glucoheptonate, zinc phenolate, and zinc lignosulfonate. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other zinc salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0128] According to a further embodiment, the zinc derivative of zinc in the composition comprises a mineral or ore. The ore includes zinc-containing ores, including, but not limited to, dumbite, ashoverite, periclase, sphalerite, wurtzite, hydrozincite, Bryan-Youngite, hemimorphite, smithsonite, bechererite, pyrodendrite, hopeite, hodgkinsonite, flypontite, junitite, clinolite, cristellite, gunningite, cianciulliite, ecandrewsite, bailichlore, boyleite, and bianchite. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other zinc minerals can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0129] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, the zinc salt, its derivative, or a mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, the zinc salt, its derivative, or a mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 35% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules, the zinc salt, its derivative, or a mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 25% by weight of the total composition.

[0130] According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, the zinc salt, its derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, the zinc salt, its derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, when the composition is in the form of a liquid suspension, the zinc salt, its derivative or mixture thereof is present in the range of 0.1% to 15% by weight of the total composition.

[0131] According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification composition comprises a water-insoluble iron salt and a water-insoluble zinc salt.

[0132] In certain embodiments, the crop nutrition and enhancement composition further comprises one or more excipients selected from one or more of a surfactant, emulsifier, wetting agent, dispersing agent, filler, carrier, diluent, spreading agent, colorant, anti-caking agent, binder, buffer, pH adjuster, neutralizing agent, pigment, stabilizer, anti-foaming agent, defoamer, penetrating agent, structuring agent, humectant, adhesive agent, anti-freeze agent, freezing point depressant, chelating, complexing, sequestrant, preservative, bactericide, antifungal or biocide, antimicrobial, or antioxidant.

[0133] According to some embodiments, the excipients are present in a concentration range of 0.01% to 60% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the excipients are present in a concentration range of 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the excipients are present in a concentration range of 0.1% to 50% by weight of the total composition.

[0134] According to certain embodiments, excipients used in the crop nutritional composition include one or more of a surfactant, an emulsifier, a wetting agent, and a dispersing agent.

[0135] According to an embodiment, the surfactant used in the composition comprises one or more of anionic, nonionic and polymeric surfactants. 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, alkyl benzene sulfonates or salts thereof, 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, and 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.

[0136] 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 include, but are not limited to, one or more of: 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 substances and EO / PO contents and ratios, polyoxyethylene hydrogenated castor oil, salts or derivatives thereof. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that different nonionic or polymeric surfactants can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0137] According to some embodiments, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the surfactant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0138] 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 recognize that different non-ionic dispersants can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0139] Anionic dispersants include one or more of the following: tristyrylphenol ethoxylate phosphate ester, lignin sulfonate, phenylnaphthalene sulfonate, alkali metal, alkylaryl sulfonate, alkyl sulfonate, mixture of sodium salt of naphthalene sulfonate urea formaldehyde condensate and sodium salt of phenolsulfonic acid formaldehyde condensate, polycarboxylate, sodium alkylbenzene sulfonate, sodium salt of sulfonated naphthalene, sodium naphthalene sulfonate formaldehyde condensate, condensation product of arylsulfonic acid and formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic sulfonate, sodium alkylaryl sulfonate 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.

[0140] In some embodiments, the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. In some embodiments, the dispersant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0141] 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 sulfonate, alkylaryl sulfonate, dioctyl sulfosuccinate, polyoxyethoxylated fatty alcohol, alkane sulfonate, alkyl benzene sulfonate, alkyl ether phosphate, alkyl ether sulfate and alkyl sulfosuccinate monoester, their salts or derivatives.However, those skilled in the art will understand that different wetting agents can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0142] According to one embodiment, the humectant is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0143] In some embodiments, the carrier used in the plant nutrition composition 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.

[0144] Solid carriers include natural minerals such as clays, for example china clay, acid clay, kaolin, for example kaolinite, dickite, nakruite, and synthetic and diatomaceous silica, mica, for example pyrophyllite, talc, silica, for example cristobalite and quartz, for example 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, for example 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.

[0145] In some embodiments, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 50% w / w of the composition. In some embodiments, the carrier is present in an amount of 0.1% to 30% w / w of the composition.

[0146] According to some embodiments, anti-foaming or defoaming agents used in the crop nutritional composition 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 their derivatives. Preferred anti-foaming agents include silicone emulsions, 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 used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0147] According to one embodiment, the anti-foaming agent is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0148] 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 their salts or derivatives. 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 their salts or derivatives, as well as one or more of the mono-, di-, or tribasic salts of these acids or their derivatives. According to certain embodiments, salts of inorganic acids include, but are not limited to, one or more alkali metal salts, such as sodium chloride, sodium nitrate, etc. Mixtures can also be used to prepare 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.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the pH adjusting or buffering agent is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0150] According to some embodiments, anti-caking agents used in the crop nutritional compositions include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following: polysaccharides, such as starch, alginic acid, mannose, galactose; poly(vinylpyrrolidone), fumed silica (white carbon), ester gum, petroleum resin, Foammaster® soap L sodium stearate, Brij® 700 polyoxyethylene (100) stearyl ether, sodium acetate, sodium metasilicate, sodium alkyl sulfosuccinate, sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, salts or derivatives thereof. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that different anti-caking agents can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0151] According to one embodiment, the anti-caking agent is present in an amount of 0.1% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0152] 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.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the spreading agent is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

[0154] 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.

[0155] According to one embodiment, the adhesive agent is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0156] In some embodiments, the structuring agent used in the crop nutrient composition may include, but is not limited to, one or more of a thickening agent, a viscosity modifier, a tackifier, a suspending aid, a rheology modifier, or an anti-settling agent. The structuring agent prevents settling of the nutrient particles after prolonged storage.

[0157] According to some embodiments, the structuring agent used in the composition includes, but is not limited to, one or more of polyacrylics, polysaccharides, cellulose derivatives, cellulose derivatives, copolymers of polyvinyl alcohol and derivatives; clays, such as kaolin, smectite, attapulgite and natural gums, such as guar gum, xanthan gum, gelatin, dextrin, fumed silica, mixtures of fumed silica and fumed aluminum oxide, swellable polymers, poly(ethylene glycol), stachyose, cellulose, such as hemicellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, ethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxy-methylethylcellulose, hydroxyethylpropylcellulose, methylhydroxyethylcellulose, methylcellulose, vegetable starch, such as 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] In some embodiments, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 20% w / w of the composition. In some embodiments, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 10% w / w of the composition. In some embodiments, the structuring agent is present in an amount of 0.01% to 5% w / w of the composition.

[0160] 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.

[0161] According to certain embodiments, the antifreeze or freezing point depressant is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0162] 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, thorium; 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 skilled in the art will recognize that different chelating agents can be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0163] According to one embodiment, the chelating agent is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0164] 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.

[0165] According to one embodiment, the osmotic agent is present in an amount of 0.01% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0166] According to some embodiments, the moisturizing agent is selected from one or more of polyoxyethylene / polyoxypropylene copolymers, particularly, but not limited to, block copolymers.Other moisturizing agents 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 ether, and their derivatives.However, those skilled in the art will understand that different moisturizing agents can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0167] According to one embodiment, the humectant is present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 40% w / w of the total composition.

[0168] 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.

[0169] According to one embodiment, the stabilizer is present in the range of 1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0170] 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® or Acticide® RS and Kathon® MK, sodium propionate (Sodium The antioxidant may be selected from one or more of the following: propinoate, 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. Antioxidants include, but are not limited to, 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.

[0171] According to one embodiment, the preservative is present in the range of 0.01% w / w to 2% w / w of the total composition.

[0172] According to some embodiments, pigments and colorants are selected from, but not limited to, synthetic chemicals obtained from various manufacturers. The pigments and colorants can be in lake form and can be water-soluble or water-insoluble. The dyes can be solvent dyes, acid dyes, or basic dyes. 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.

[0173] According to one embodiment, pigments and colorants are present in the range of 0.01% w / w to 5% w / w of the total composition.

[0174] 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.

[0175] According to one embodiment, the disintegrant is present in the range of 0.5% w / w to 15% w / w of the total composition.

[0176] According to certain embodiments, the binding agents or binders used in the agricultural compositions include, but are not limited to, one or more of proteins, gums, maltodextrins, 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.

[0177] According to one embodiment, the binder is present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 10% w / w of the total composition.

[0178] According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition optionally includes at least one additional active ingredient. According to some embodiments, the optional active ingredient includes one or more of a fertilizer, a trace nutrient, a biostimulant, a pesticide, or a mixture thereof. According to some embodiments, the biostimulant, for example, includes or contains organic carbon, or is a source of organic carbon. According to further embodiments, the biostimulant may be one or more of humic acid or humic acid substances, fulvic acid, or biochar. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that other active ingredients can be used without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0179] According to certain embodiments, the crop nutritional and enrichment compositions are free of fertilizers that primarily contain urea or other conventional nitrogen fertilizers.

[0180] According to one embodiment, the additional active ingredient is present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0181] According to certain embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition optionally comprises one or more phosphorus fertilizers or salts, derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental phosphorus in the composition is in the range of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

[0182] According to some embodiments, the content of elemental phosphorus is in the range of 0.1% to 20% by weight of the total composition. According to some embodiments, the content of elemental phosphorus can be in the range of 0.1% to 10% by weight of the total composition.

[0183] According to an embodiment, phosphorus fertilizers include potassium phosphate; dipotassium hydrogen phosphate; potassium dihydrogen phosphate; phosphate rock; ammonium sulfate phosphate ((NH4)2SO4 + NH4H2PO4); potassium sulfate ammonium phosphate ((NH4)2SO4 + NH4H2PO4 + K2SO4); dumpling fertilizer (ammonium sulfate + calcium superphosphate + potassium salt + peat, the form of phosphate is Ca(H2PO4)2); compound fertilizer (Ca(H2PO4)2, CaHPO4, Ca3(HPO4)2); calcium phosphate; dicalcium phosphate; tricalcium phosphate; bone meal; calcium superphosphate (Ca(H2PO4)2 + CaSO4); concentrated superphosphate (Ca (H2PO4)2); serpentine-superphosphate (calcium superphosphate + serpentine); fused phosphate fertilizer (CaO-MgO-P2O5-SiO2 glass); calcined phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2-CaNaPO4 solid solution); phosphate mixture (calcium superphosphate (concentrated superphosphate) + fused phosphate fertilizer); precipitated phosphate (CaHPO4); magnesium hydrogen phosphate; magnesium phosphate; ammonium phosphate; monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate; diammonium hydrogen phosphate, and mixed salts, such as dipotassium ammonium phosphate and potassium ammonium hydrogen phosphate, as well as hydrates or potassium derivatives of the aforementioned salts or mixtures thereof. According to certain embodiments, the phosphorus fertilizer may be in the form of elemental phosphorus. The phosphorus fertilizer may also be in the form of phosphoric acid. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that other phosphorus salts, or derivatives or mixtures thereof, may be utilized without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0184] According to certain embodiments, the phosphorus derivatives may be phosphorus fertilizers, salts, derivatives thereof, phosphorite, fluorapatite, francolite, phosphate rock or phosphate rock, feldspar or microcline, variscite, strengite, vivantite, struvite, turquoise, lazulite, triphylite, archelite, alogadite, alogadite, bicapite, francoanellite, gengenbachite, heikerlath ... and one or more of the phosphorus-containing minerals or phosphorus-containing ores or processed ores, including, but not limited to, zenite, kosnalite, leucophosphite, manganoalojadite, mantienneite, mantienneite, meta-ankoleite, millicite, minulite, phosphofibrite, phosphouranite, sphenisidite, struvite-(K), taranakite, tinsleyite, and one or more of apatite, bone meal, and bone ash. However, the above list of ores or minerals is exemplary and is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0185] According to some embodiments, phosphorus salts, derivatives and mixtures may be present in the range of 1% to 50% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, phosphorus salts, derivatives and mixtures may be present in the range of 1% to 40% w / w of the total composition. According to some embodiments, phosphorus salts, derivatives and mixtures may be present in the range of 1% to 30% w / w of the total composition.

[0186] The composition of the present invention has also been found to play a vital role in regulating soil pH and promoting plant uptake of other nutrients trapped in the soil due to various factors, mainly soil degradation caused by excessive use of synthetic fertilizers.The composition of the present invention provides a multi-nutrient solution with improved uptake by crops in a single application, thereby serving as a composition with high nutrient utilization efficiency, while meeting crop demands.

[0187] Surprisingly, it has been found that the crop nutrition and fortification compositions of the present invention enhance and improve the physical properties of dispersibility, suspendability, wettability, viscosity, pourability, hardness, crumbling, and abrasion resistance, providing ease of handling and also reducing material loss during handling of the product during packaging and field application.

[0188] 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 force 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 specified height into water in a beaker, and the time to complete wetting is determined. According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and enhancement composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a wettability of less than 2 minutes. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a wettability of less than 1 minute. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a wettability of less than 30 seconds.

[0189] According to some embodiments, crop nutrition and fortification compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid 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 compositions in the form of liquid suspensions and granules is measured 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.

[0190] In some embodiments, the crop nutritional composition in the form of a water-dispersible granule or liquid suspension has a wet sieve retention value of less than 2% on a 75 micron sieve. In some embodiments, the crop nutritional composition has 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 crop nutritional and enrichment composition helps prevent clogging of nozzles or filter equipment, facilitating application of the formulation.

[0191] According to certain embodiments, the plant nutritional composition in the form of a liquid 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.

[0192] According to some embodiments, the viscosity of the liquid 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 150 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.

[0193] According to some embodiments, the liquid suspension composition has a viscosity of less than 2000 cps at 25° C. According to some embodiments, the liquid suspension composition has 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.

[0194] According to certain embodiments, the liquid suspension compositions of the present invention are easily pourable. Pourability is a measure of the percentage of residue.

[0195] According to some embodiments, the pourability of a 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 further embodiments, the pourability of the liquid suspension composition is less than 5% rinse residue. According to further embodiments, the pourability of the liquid suspension composition is preferably less than 2.5% rinse residue.

[0196] In one embodiment, dispersion spontaneity is measured according to CIPAC MT 160. This involves preparing a 250 ml mixture of formulation and water, inverting the measuring cylinder only once to mix. After standing under defined conditions, the top nine-tenths is removed and the remaining tenth is assayed chemically, gravimetrically, or by solvent extraction. Dispersion spontaneity is easily calculated.

[0197] According to some embodiments, the liquid suspension compositions of the present invention have a dispersion spontaneity of at least 50%. According to some embodiments, the liquid suspension compositions of the present invention have a dispersion spontaneity of at least 60%. According to some embodiments, the liquid suspension compositions of the present invention have a dispersion spontaneity of at least 70%. According to some embodiments, the liquid suspension compositions of the present invention have a dispersion spontaneity of at least 80%.

[0198] 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.

[0199] According to some embodiments, the plant nutritional composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 4 Newtons. According to further embodiments, the plant nutritional composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 3 Newtons. According to further embodiments, the plant nutritional composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 2 Newtons. According to further embodiments, the plant nutritional composition in the form of water-dispersible granules has a hardness of less than 1 Newton.

[0200] 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.

[0201] The water-disintegrable granular composition is formulated in a manner that provides sufficient hardness to prevent the granules from crumbling during storage and transportation. The hardness that the granules exhibit is determined by the United States Pharmacopoeia, Section <1217> The hardness of the water-disintegrating granules of the present invention is estimated by a hardness tester such as those provided by Monsanto, Sotax, or Erweka, according to standard methods described in Pharmacopoeias such as those described in the Pharmacopoeias of the United States and other countries. According to one embodiment, the hardness of the water-disintegrating granules of the present invention is at least 5 Newtons. According to one embodiment, the hardness of the water-disintegrating granules of the present invention is at least 10 Newtons. According to one embodiment, the hardness of the water-disintegrating granules of the present invention is at least 25 Newtons. According to one embodiment, the hardness of the water-disintegrating granules of the present invention is at least 30 Newtons.

[0202] The dispersibility of a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of a water-dispersible granule is a measure of the percentage of dispersion. The dispersibility of the granular compositions of the present application can be determined according to the standard CIPAC test, MT174. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of a water-dispersible granule has a dispersibility of at least 50%. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of a water-dispersible granule has a dispersibility of at least 70%. According to some embodiments, the composition in the form of a water-dispersible granule has a dispersibility of at least 70%.

[0203] According to some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules demonstrate excellent stability in terms of dispersibility under accelerated storage conditions (ATS). According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules demonstrate a dispersibility of more than 40% under ATS. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules demonstrate a dispersibility of more than 60% under ATS. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules demonstrate a dispersibility of more than 80% under ATS.

[0204] According to certain embodiments, crop nutrition and fortification compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules exhibit near-instantaneous dispersion, thus making nutrients readily available to the crop.

[0205] According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-disintegrable granules has a percent disintegration value of greater than 30%. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-disintegrable granules has a percent disintegration value of greater than 50%. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-disintegrable granules has a percent disintegration value of greater than 70%. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-disintegrable granules has a percent disintegration value of greater than 90%.

[0206] Disintegration Method: A 1 gram sample is mixed in 100 ml of water at 300 rpm, the solution is passed through a 150 micron sieve, washed with water for 10 minutes, the resulting residue is dried and weighed, and the material that passes through the sieve is calculated as the % disintegration.

[0207] According to another embodiment, the solid biopesticidal composition in the form of water-disintegrating granules makes nutrients available instantly and also for extended periods of time, which can extend throughout the entire crop cycle, providing immediate and sustained release of nutrients, ultimately strengthening and protecting the crop at each and every stage of the crop cycle.

[0208] According to certain embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of water-disintegrating granules makes nutrients instantly and also available for a long period of time, which can be extended throughout the entire crop cycle, providing immediate and sustained release of nutrients, ultimately fortifying and protecting crops at any and all stages of the crop cycle.

[0209] According to certain embodiments, crop nutrients and fortifications in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions exhibit good suspendability.

[0210] Suspension is defined as the amount of nutrient suspended after a given time in a column of liquid of a specified height, expressed as a percentage of the amount of nutrient in the original suspension. The test for suspension is performed as per the CIPAC Handbook, "MT 184 Test for Suspension".

[0211] In some embodiments, the crop nutritional and enrichment compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions have a suspendability of at least 50%. In some embodiments, the crop nutritional and enrichment compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions have a suspendability of at least 70%. In some embodiments, the crop nutritional and enrichment compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions have a suspendability of at least 90%.

[0212] According to some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions demonstrate excellent stability in terms of suspension under accelerated storage conditions (ATS). According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions demonstrate a suspension level of greater than 40% under the ATS. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions demonstrate a suspension level of greater than 60% under the ATS. According to some embodiments, the crop nutrition and fortification compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions demonstrate a suspension level of greater than 80% under the ATS.

[0213] Abrasion resistance determines the resistance of a granular material to wear. Water-disintegrable granular compositions have good abrasion resistance. Samples can be tested for abrasion according to the CIPAC Handbook test "MT 178 - Abrasion Resistance of Granules." According to some embodiments, the abrasion resistance of the water-disintegrable granular composition is at least 50%. According to some embodiments, the abrasion resistance of the water-disintegrable granular composition is at least 60%. According to some embodiments, the abrasion resistance of the water-disintegrable granular composition is at least 70%. According to some embodiments, the abrasion resistance of the water-disintegrable granular composition is at least 80%. According to some embodiments, the abrasion resistance of the water-disintegrable granular composition is at least 90%. According to some embodiments, the abrasion resistance of the water-disintegrable granular composition is at least 99%.

[0214] Surprisingly, the inventors have also determined that crop nutrition and fortification compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules exhibit superior efficacy compared to previously known compositions, even when applied at reduced application rates.

[0215] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process for preparing a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrating granules or liquid suspension, the composition comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, and one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof. and one or more excipients, wherein the composition comprises particles within a size range of 0.1 to 50 microns, the elemental sulfur content is within the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition, the elemental potassium content is within the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight, the elemental magnesium content is within the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight, the elemental iron content is within the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight, and the elemental zinc content is within the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight, and the composition comprises particles within a size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns.

[0216] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process in which the composition in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules comprises no more than 80% by weight of the total composition of a water-soluble salt or derivative or mixture.

[0217] According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a process in which the composition in the form of a liquid suspension comprises no more than 50% by weight of the total composition of a water-soluble salt or derivative or mixture.

[0218] According to another embodiment, the crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of water dispersible or water disintegrable granules is prepared by various techniques such as spray drying, fluidized bed granulation, pan granulation, pin agglomerator, spheronizer, freeze drying, etc. The granules can also be extruded through an extruder to obtain extruded granules.

[0219] According to one embodiment, a process for preparing a water-dispersible granular crop nutrition and enrichment composition involves milling an admixture containing an effective amount of elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or their salts, derivatives, or mixtures, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures, and one or more excipients to obtain a slurry or wet mix having particles in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns. The resulting wet mix is ​​then dried, for example, in a spray dryer, fluidized bed dryer, or any suitable granulation equipment, followed by sieving to remove undersized and oversized granules, as needed, to obtain water-dispersible granules in the size range of 0.05 to 4.00 mm. The granules obtained from the granulator can also be dried or air-dried in the open air to remove any residual moisture, if any. The resulting water-dispersible granules have an elemental sulfur content in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition, an elemental potassium content in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight, an elemental magnesium content in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight, an elemental iron content in the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight, and an elemental zinc content in the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight.

[0220] According to another embodiment, a crop nutrition and fortification composition in the form of water-dispersible granules is also prepared by dry-milling an effective amount of elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or their derivatives or mixtures, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or their salts, derivatives, or mixtures, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or their derivatives or mixtures, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or their derivatives or mixtures, and one or more excipients in an air mill or jet mill to obtain a mixture having a particle size in the range of 0.1 to 30 microns. Water is added to the dry powder, and the mixture is blended to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder. The resulting extrudate is dried by suitable means, such as air drying, a fluidized bed dryer, or a tray dryer, and then sieved to remove undersized and oversized granules to obtain granules in the size range of 0.05 to 3.0 mm.

[0221] According to another embodiment, the present invention further relates to a process for preparing water-disintegrating granules, comprising milling an admixture containing an effective amount of elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers, salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, and one or more excipients to obtain a slurry or wet mix, wherein the particles are in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns. The resulting wet mix is ​​then dried, for example, in a spray dryer, fluidized bed dryer, or any suitable granulation equipment, followed by sieving to remove undersized and oversized granules to obtain a dry mix. Water is added to the dry mix and blended to obtain a dough or paste, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain extruded granules in the size range of 0.025 to 6 mm. Alternatively, the resulting wet mix or dry mix is ​​agglomerated in an agglomerator to obtain a spheronized granular composition within the size range of 0.025 mm to 6 mm. The resulting water-disintegrable granules have an elemental sulfur content within the range of 5% to 90% by weight, an elemental potassium content within the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight, an elemental magnesium content within the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight, an elemental iron content within the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight, and an elemental zinc content within the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition.

[0222] The agglomerator may include a variety of equipment, such as a disc pelletizer or pan agglomerator, a pin agglomerator, a spheronizer, or a combination thereof.

[0223] According to one embodiment, the present invention further relates to a process for preparing water-disintegrable granules, comprising milling an admixture comprising an effective amount of elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers, or salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts, derivatives, or mixtures thereof, and one or more excipients to obtain a dry mix, wherein the particles are in the size range of 0.1 micron to 50 microns. Water is introduced into the dry mix, which is then extruded through a large extruder to form water-disintegrable granules of 0.05 mm to 6 mm.

[0224] According to one embodiment, there is provided a process for preparing a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of a liquid suspension, the process comprising the step of homogenizing effective amounts of elemental sulfur, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, and at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient in a liquid vehicle to obtain a suspension, the liquid suspension comprising elemental sulfur in a range of 5% to 60% by weight of the total composition, elemental potassium at a content ranging from 0.1% to 20% by weight, elemental magnesium at a content ranging from 0.1% to 30% by weight, elemental iron at a content ranging from 0.1% to 30% by weight, and elemental zinc at a content ranging from 0.1% to 40% by weight. The process further involves wet-milling the suspension to obtain a composition having a particle size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns. According to one embodiment, the composition in the form of a liquid suspension comprises no more than 50% by weight of the total composition of a water-soluble salt or derivative or mixture.

[0225] According to certain embodiments, the present invention further relates to the use of the crop nutrition or enhancement composition as at least one of a nutritional composition, a crop supplement composition, a soil conditioner composition, a crop enhancement composition, a crop protection and yield enhancer composition.

[0226] According to a further embodiment, the present invention also relates to a method of application of the present invention, wherein the composition is applied to a seed, a seedling, a crop, a plant, plant propagation material, a locus, a part thereof, or the surrounding soil.

[0227] According to certain embodiments, the present invention further relates to a method for providing a balanced uptake of all nutrients, improving crop health, improving crop nutrition by promoting the uptake of essential nutrients, protecting crops, enhancing crop yield, strengthening plants, or conditioning soil, comprising the step of treating at least one of a seed, a seedling, a crop, a plant, a plant propagation material, a location, a portion thereof, or the surrounding soil with application of an effective amount of the crop nutrition and strengthening composition of the present invention.

[0228] According to one embodiment, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising: i. Elemental sulfur, the content of which is in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental magnesium is in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; iii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, having an elemental potassium content ranging from 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; iv. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental iron is in the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition; v. One or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental zinc is within the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition; and vi. one or more excipients in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; The present invention relates to a method for treating plants and meeting their nutritional requirements by enhancing the uptake of sulfur, magnesium, potassium, iron, and zinc by application of a crop nutritional composition comprising a mixture of:

[0229] The composition of the present invention can be applied by various methods.The method of applying to soil includes any suitable method that ensures that the composition penetrates into the soil, such as seedling tray application, furrow application, drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, soil drench, soil injection or incorporation into soil and other such methods.The composition can also be applied in the form of foliar spray.

[0230] The application rate or dose of the composition will depend on the type of crop or the specific nutrients in the composition, but will be such that the nutrients are in an effective amount to provide the desired effect, such as crop protection, crop yield and nutrient uptake.

[0231] The compositions of the present invention have been observed to demonstrate enhanced, effective, and superior performance in the field. The inventors have discovered that application of the compositions of the present invention not only results in a more balanced uptake of magnesium even in the presence of potassium, or iron in the presence of zinc, but also promotes the uptake of all macronutrients and micronutrients contained in the compositions. Furthermore, application of the compositions has also been observed to enable higher absorption of all nutrients, especially in acidic soils. This results in a more balanced uptake of all nutrients, leading to healthier plants and more nutritious yields. The compositions of the present invention minimize the number of applications or the amount of nutrients, fertilizers, or pesticides. The compositions of the present invention have been found to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as CO₂ and N₂O, thereby providing a high level of safety for users and the environment. The compositions of the present invention have been observed to not only be synergistic, but also improve crop yields and physiological characteristics of crops, such as increased green color and improved foliage. Thus, the compositions of the present invention have been observed to demonstrate enhanced, effective, and superior performance in the field at reduced application doses. The compositions of the present invention also promote soil health.

[0232] It has also been observed that when the particles of the composition are in the form of water dispersible granules or liquid suspensions or water disintegrating granules and comprise particles within the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns, the composition provides better uptake of magnesium, zinc, iron and other micronutrients trapped in the soil along with the macronutrients.

[0233] Furthermore, it has been observed that the compositions of the present invention allow for higher absorption of all nutrients, reducing the need for over-application of traditional NPK fertilizers, thereby eliminating drawbacks such as nitrous oxide emissions and nitrate leaching associated with the excessive use of NPK fertilizers. In particular, it has been observed that the crop nutrition and fortification compositions of the present invention not only eliminate the over-use of NPK fertilizers applied at higher doses, but also meet crop needs by providing a multi-nutrient solution with improved uptake by crops of macronutrients such as potassium, magnesium, and sulfur at reduced application rates, along with other micronutrients trapped in the soil, while also improving soil health.

[0234] Additionally, various advantageous properties associated with compositions according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, improved stability, improved toxicity and / or biotoxicity behavior, improved crop yield, crop quality, improved crop characteristics including improved rooting, dense foliage and characteristics, and other benefits well known to those skilled in the art.

[0235] From the foregoing, it will be seen that numerous modifications and variations may be made 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. [Example]

[0236] A. Preparation example The following examples illustrate the basic methodology and versatility of the compositions of the present invention. The magnesium, zinc, iron sources, and water-soluble or water-insoluble potassium sources exemplified in the preparation examples can be replaced with any other salts or derivatives of magnesium, zinc, iron, or water-soluble or water-insoluble potassium salts, respectively, to modify the claimed concentration ranges and be included herein. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to these examples.

[0237] I. Water-dispersible granular composition or water-disintegrable granular composition Example 1: GR of 90% sulfur + 1% magnesium carbonate (elemental Mg: 0.28%) + 1% potassium schoenite (elemental K: 0.19%) + 0.2% iron oxide (elemental Fe: 0.14%) + 0.15% zinc oxide (elemental Zn: 0.12%) 91 parts of technical sulfur were combined with 1 part magnesium carbonate, 1 part potassium schoenite, 0.2 parts iron oxide, 0.15 parts zinc oxide, 3 parts kaolin, 2.35 parts sodium lauryl sulfate, and 1.3 parts sodium alkylnaphthalene sulfonate condensate in a ribbon blender to produce a powder. The mixture was then jet-milled to produce a powder of the desired particle size.

[0238] 10 grams of water was added to the above mixture to prepare a dough, then the material was granulated and dried to obtain granules with a mesh size of less than 4 mm.

[0239] Results: The composition exhibited an abrasion resistance of 98%, a disintegration value of 70% and a hardness of 15 N. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 7.5 microns; D50: 10.5 microns and D90: 13.2 microns.

[0240] Example 2: GR of 5% sulfur + 65% magnesium oxide (elemental Mg: 39.197%) + 1% potassium carbonate (elemental K: 0.57%) + 12% iron oxide (elemental Fe: 8.604%) + 8% zinc carbonate (elemental Zn: 4.17%) 5.5 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 65 parts of magnesium oxide, 1 part of potassium carbonate, 12 parts of iron oxide, 8 parts of zinc carbonate, 1.5 parts of clay, 3 parts of sodium lauryl sulfate, 2 parts of sodium lignosulfonate, and 2 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet-milled to obtain a powder with the desired particle size. 10 grams of water was added to the mixture to prepare a dough, and the material was then granulated and dried to obtain granules with a mesh size of less than 3 mm.

[0241] Results: The composition exhibited an abrasion resistance of 99%, a disintegration of 75% and a hardness of 20 N. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 5.5 microns; D50: 9.5 microns and D90: 11.4 microns.

[0242] Example 3: Spray drying of WG containing 45% sulfur, 1% magnesium hydroxide (0.416% elemental Mg), 1% potassium silicate (0.5% elemental K), 1% ferric oxide (0.67% elemental Fe), and 40% zinc oxide (32.1% elemental Zn). 46 parts of technical sulfur was blended with 1 part magnesium hydroxide, 1 part potassium silicate, 1 part ferric oxide, 40 parts zinc oxide, 4 parts mixture of salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid and phenolsulfonic acid condensation products, and 4 parts sodium lignosulfonate in 120 parts water and ground to an average desired particle size. 3 parts sodium citrate was added to the blended ground slurry and stirred for 1 hour. The material was then spray dried / fluid-bed dried to obtain water-dispersible granules with a granule size of less than 1 mm.

[0243] Results: The composition exhibited 90% suspendability, a wet sieve retention of 0.4% on a 75 micron sieve, 86% dispersibility, 94% attrition resistance, and a wettability of less than 15 seconds. The composition further demonstrated approximately 85% suspendability, 82% dispersibility, and a wettability of less than 10 seconds under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 2.2 microns; D50: 4.3 microns, and D90: 9.5 microns.

[0244] Example 4: Spray drying of WG containing 5% sulfur + 24% magnesium oxide (14.47% elemental Mg) + 1% potassium silicate (0.5% elemental K) + 57% ferrous oxide (44.3% elemental Fe) + 1% zinc carbonate (0.52% elemental Zn) 5.5 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 24 parts of magnesium oxide, 1 part of potassium silicate, 57 parts of ferrous oxide, 1 part of zinc carbonate, 3 parts of a mixture of salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid and phenolsulfonic acid condensation products, 5.9 parts of sodium lignosulfonate in 120 parts of water and ground to obtain the desired particle size. 2.6 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate were added to the ground slurry during mixing and stirred for 1 hour. The resulting mixture was then spray-dried / fluid-bed dried to obtain a product with a granule size of less than 1 mm. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D10: 4.5 microns; D50: 8.9 microns; and D90: 15.5 microns.

[0245] Results: The composition exhibited 85% suspendability, 0.5% wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve, 80% dispersibility, 92% attrition resistance, and a wettability of less than 10 seconds. The composition further demonstrated approximately 80% suspendability, 75% dispersibility, and a wettability of less than 8 seconds under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 3.4 microns; D50: 4.9 microns, and D90: 10.6 microns.

[0246] Example 5: GR of 5% sulfur + 1% magnesium sulfate (elemental Mg: 0.20%) + 55% potassium hydroxide (elemental K: 38.32%) + 10% iron oxide (elemental Fe: 7.17%) + 16% zinc oxide (elemental Zn: 12.85%) 5.5 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 1 part magnesium sulfate, 55 parts potassium hydroxide, 10 parts iron oxide, 16 parts zinc oxide, 6 parts talc, 4.5 parts dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate, and 2 parts kraft lignin polymer in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet-milled to obtain a powder with the desired particle size. 7 grams of water was added to the mixture to prepare a dough, and the material was then granulated and dried to obtain granules with a mesh size of less than 5 mm.

[0247] Results: The composition exhibited 98% abrasion resistance, 80% disintegration and a hardness of 23 N. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D10: 8.3; D50: 2.2 and D90: 18.3.

[0248] Example 6: Working Group of 20% Sulfur + 15% Magnesium Carbonate (4.32% Elemental Mg) + 15% Potassium Schoenite (2.9% Elemental K) + 15% Ferric Oxide (10.10% Elemental Fe) + 15% Zinc Oxide (12.04% Elemental Zn) 20.5 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 15 parts of magnesium carbonate, 15 parts of potassium schoenite, 15 parts of ferric oxide, 15 parts of zinc oxide, 6 parts of a mixture of salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid and phenolsulfonic acid condensation products, and 9.4 parts of sodium lignosulfonate in 120 parts of water and ground to obtain the desired particle size.

[0249] 4.1 parts of alkyl naphthalene sulfonate sodium condensate was added to the milled slurry during mixing and stirred for 1 hour. The resulting mixture was then spray dried / fluid-bed dried to obtain water-dispersible granules having a granule size of less than 2 mm.

[0250] Results: The composition exhibited 95% suspendability, 0.2% wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve, 90% dispersibility, 90% abrasion resistance, and a wettability of less than 5 seconds. The composition further demonstrated approximately 90% suspendability, 80% dispersibility, and a wettability of less than 10 seconds under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 3.3; D50: 8.5, and D90: 11.2.

[0251] Example 7: Spray-Drying of WG: 70% Sulfur + 5% Magnesium Phosphate (1.387% Elemental Mg; 1.16% Elemental P) + 2% Potassium Sulfate (0.448% Elemental K) + 5% Ferrous Oxide (3.88% Elemental Fe) + 5% Zinc Silicate (2.93% Elemental Zn) 71 parts of technical sulfur was mixed with 5 parts of magnesium phosphate, 2 parts of potassium sulfate, 5 parts of ferrous oxide, 5 parts of zinc silicate, 6.33 parts of sodium lignosulfonate, 5.67 parts of a salt of a naphthalene sulfonic acid condensation product in 120 parts of water and milled to obtain the desired particle size. The milled slurry was then spray dried / fluid bed dried to obtain water dispersible granules with a granule size of less than 1.5 mm.

[0252] Results: The composition exhibited 70% suspendability, 0.09% wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve, 65% dispersibility, 98.4% abrasion resistance, and a wettability time of less than 5 seconds. The composition further demonstrated 65% suspendability, 60% dispersibility, and a wettability time of less than 10 seconds under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 2.5 microns; D50: 6.4 microns, and D90: 10.8 microns.

[0253] Example 8: GR of 5% sulfur + 25% magnesium phosphate (elemental Mg: 6.93%) + 1% potassium schoenite (elemental K: 0.194%) + 1% iron carbonate (elemental Fe: 0.48%) + 55% zinc oxide (elemental Zn: 44.17%) 5.5 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 25 parts of magnesium phosphate, 1 part of potassium schoenite, 1 part of iron carbonate, 55 parts of zinc oxide, 1.5 parts of sodium isopropyl naphthalene sulfonate, 2 parts of talc, 8 parts of clay, and 1 part of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate in a ribbon blender to obtain a homogeneous powder. The mixture was then jet-milled to obtain a powder with the desired particle size range. 12 grams of water was added to the mixture to prepare a dough, and the material was then granulated and dried to obtain water-disintegrable granules with a size range of less than 2.5 mm.

[0254] Results: The composition exhibited an abrasion resistance of 98% and a hardness of 21 N. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D10: 5.5 microns; D50: 12.5 microns and D90: 21 microns.

[0255] Example 9: Working Group of 5% Sulfur + 30% Magnesium Sulfate (Elemental Mg: 6.057%) + 20% Potassium Sulfate (Elemental K: 4.487%) + 5% Ferric Oxide (Elemental Fe: 3.36%) + 30% Zinc Sulfate (Elemental Zn: 12.147%) 5.5 parts of technical sulfur were mixed with 30 parts of magnesium sulfate, 20 parts of potassium sulfate, 5 parts of ferric oxide, 30 parts of zinc sulfate, 3 parts of a mixture of salts of naphthalenesulfonic acid and phenolsulfonic acid condensation products, and 3 parts of sodium lignosulfonate in 120 parts of water and ground to obtain the desired particle size.

[0256] 3.5 parts of sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate condensate was added to the milled slurry during mixing and stirred for 1 hour. The resulting mixture was then spray dried / fluid-bed dried to obtain water-dispersible granules having a granule size of less than 2 mm.

[0257] Results: The composition exhibited a 70% suspendability, a wet sieve retention of 0.8% on a 75 micron sieve, a 66% dispersibility, a 90% attrition resistance, and a wettability of less than 10 seconds. The composition further demonstrated approximately 67% suspendability, 64% dispersibility, and a wettability of less than 15 seconds under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution based on the insoluble component as follows: D10: 4.5 microns; D50: 9.0 microns, and D90: 15.5 microns.

[0258] II. Liquid Suspension Compositions Example 10: SC of 60% sulfur + 0.5% magnesium silicate (0.12% elemental Mg) + 0.15% potassium hydroxide (0.104% elemental K) + 0.1% ferric oxide (0.06% elemental Fe) + 0.1% zinc carbonate (0.05% elemental Zn) Five parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate and 50 parts of propylene glycol were added to 310 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. 610 parts of sulfur powder, 5 parts of magnesium silicate, 1.5 parts of potassium hydroxide, 1 part of ferric oxide, and 1 part of zinc carbonate were further added to the homogenized mixture, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture was homogenized. To the above mixture, 10 parts of a solution of modified styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer and 0.5 parts of a 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, 1.3 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the remaining water, and 0.5 parts of the polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added with continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0259] Results: The composition had a viscosity of 850 cps and a suspendability of 92%. The pourability rinsed residue was found to be 0.82%, the spontaneity of the dispersion was 88%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve was found to be 0.08%. The composition further demonstrated a suspendability of approximately 86% and a spontaneity of the dispersion of 84% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 2.84 microns; D50: 4.56 microns, and D90: 12 microns.

[0260] Example 11: SC of 5% sulfur + 50% magnesium oxide (elemental Mg: 30.1%) + 1% potassium carbonate (elemental K: 0.57%) + 3% iron oxide (elemental Fe: 2.17%) + 1% zinc oxide (elemental Zn: 0.803%) 10 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate and 70 parts of propylene glycol were added to 295 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirrer. 51 parts of sulfur powder, 500 parts of magnesium oxide, 10 parts of potassium carbonate, 30 parts of iron oxide, and 10 parts of zinc oxide were further added to the homogenized mixture, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture became homogenous. 15 parts of a solution of modified styrene-maleic anhydride copolymer and 0.5 parts of a polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to the above mixture with continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension composition. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce particle size. 1.3 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the remaining water, and 0.5 parts of the polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were then added with continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0261] Results: The composition had a viscosity of 850 cps and a suspendability of 92%. The rinse residue pourability was found to be 0.82%, the dispersion spontaneity was 88%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve was found to be 0.08%. The composition further demonstrated a suspendability of approximately 88% and a spontaneity of dispersion of 83% under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 3.5 microns; D50: 6.68 microns, and D90: 14 microns.

[0262] Example 12: SC of 5% sulfur + 15% magnesium silicate (elemental Mg: 3.632%) + 30% potassium carbonate (elemental K: 16.9%) + 1% ferric oxide (elemental Fe: 0.67%) + 5% zinc oxide (elemental Zn: 4%) 25 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate and 70 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 310 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirrer. 52 parts of sulfur powder, 150 parts of magnesium silicate, 300 parts of potassium carbonate, 10 parts of ferric oxide, and 50 parts of zinc oxide were added to the homogenized mixture, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture became homogenous. 18 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. 1.2 parts of xanthan gum, 0.75 parts 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.

[0263] Results: The composition had a viscosity of 600 cps and a suspendability of 91%. The rinse residue pourability was found to be 0.53%. The spontaneity of the dispersion was 88% with a wet sieve retention of 0.07% on a 75 micron sieve. The composition further demonstrated approximately 88% suspendability and 83% spontaneity of the dispersion under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 2.75 microns, D50: 8.2 microns, and D90: 10.5 microns.

[0264] Example 13: SC of 10% sulfur + 0.35% magnesium phosphate (0.10% elemental Mg) + 0.5% potassium schoenite (0.10% elemental K) + 0.5% iron silicate (0.137% elemental Fe) + 35% zinc oxide (28.11% elemental Zn) 30 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 90 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 290 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. 102 parts of sulfur powder, 3.5 parts of magnesium phosphate, 5 parts of potassium schoenite, 5 parts of iron silicate, and 350 parts of zinc oxide were further added to the homogenized mixture, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture became homogenous. 20 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 particle size. 2 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the remaining water, and 0.6 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were then added while continuously homogenizing to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0265] Results: The composition had a viscosity of 800 cps and a suspension property of 96%. The rinse residue pourability was found to be 0.52%, the dispersion spontaneity was 90%, and the wet sieve retention value on a 75 micron sieve was found to be 0.08%. The composition further demonstrated approximately 92% suspension property and 85% dispersion spontaneity under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had the following particle size distribution: D10: 2.11 microns; D50: 4.9 microns, and D90: 9.3 microns.

[0266] Example 14: SC of 5% sulfur + 15% magnesium phosphate (4.16% elemental Mg; 3.5% elemental P) + 2% potassium sulfate (0.448% elemental potassium) + 35% ferrous oxide (27.2% elemental Fe) + 5% zinc carbonate (2.60% elemental Zn) 35 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 88 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 330 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. 52 parts of sulfur powder, 150 parts of magnesium phosphate, 20 parts of potassium sulfate, 350 parts of ferrous oxide, and 50 parts of zinc carbonate were further added to the homogenized mixture, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture became homogenous. 20 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 particle size. 1.5 parts of xanthan gum, 1 part of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the remaining water, and 0.9 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were then added while continuously homogenizing to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0267] Results: The composition had a viscosity of 900 cps and a suspension of 75%. The rinse residue pourability was found to be 0.72%, the dispersion spontaneity was 70%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve was found to be 0.09%. The composition further demonstrated approximately 70% suspension and 65% dispersion spontaneity under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 2.90 microns; D50: 5.3 microns, and D90: 11.3 microns.

[0268] Example 15: SC of 20% sulfur + 10% magnesium carbonate (elemental Mg: 2.88%) + 5% potassium schoenite (elemental K: 0.971%) + 7.5% iron oxide (elemental Fe: 5.377%) + 15% zinc oxide (elemental Zn: 12.04%) 28 parts of alkyl polyalkylene glycol ether and 80 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 300 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. 200 parts of sulfur powder, 100 parts of magnesium carbonate, 50 parts of potassium schoenite, 75 parts of iron oxide, and 150 parts of zinc oxide 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 0.6 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 0.7 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were then added while continuously homogenizing to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0269] Results: The composition had a viscosity of 500 cps and a suspension property of 85%. The rinse residue pourability was found to be 0.32%, the dispersion spontaneity was 80%, and the wet sieve retention on a 75 micron sieve was found to be 0.06%. The composition further demonstrated approximately 80% suspension property and 75% dispersion spontaneity under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 2.70 microns; D50: 7.3 microns, and D90: 19.3 microns.

[0270] Example 16: SC of 5% sulfur + 15% magnesium sulfate (3.028% elemental Mg) + 30% potassium carbonate (16.9% elemental K) + 1% ferric oxide (0.67% elemental Fe) + 5% zinc sulfate (2.02% elemental Zn) 25 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate and 70 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 310 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. 52 parts of sulfur powder, 150 parts of magnesium sulfate, 300 parts of potassium carbonate, 10 parts of ferric oxide, and 50 parts of zinc sulfate were further added to the homogenized mixture, and the mixture was continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture became homogenous. 18 parts of polyalkylene oxide-modified heptamethyltrisiloxane and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were added to the above mixture with continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension. The resulting suspension was then passed through a wet mill to reduce particle size. 1.2 parts of xanthan gum, 0.75 parts of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one, the remaining water, and 0.5 parts of polydimethylsiloxane emulsion were then added with continuous homogenization to obtain a liquid suspension.

[0271] Results: The composition had a viscosity of 500 cps and a suspension property of 80%. The pourability of the rinse residue was found to be 0.47%. The spontaneity of the dispersion was 85% with a wet sieve retention value of 0.04% on a 75 micron sieve. The composition further demonstrated approximately 75% suspension property and 81% suspension property under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 3.78 microns, D50: 9.5 microns, and D90: 12.6 microns.

[0272] Example 17: SC of 5% sulfur + 7.5% magnesium silicate (1.816% elemental Mg) + 23.5% potassium carbonate (13.24% elemental K) + 1% ferric oxide (0.67% elemental Fe) + 5% zinc oxide (4% elemental Zn) + 14% rock phosphate (0.83% elemental P) 25 parts of sodium alkylnaphthalenesulfonate condensate and 70 parts of ethylene glycol were added to 310 parts of water and homogenized by feeding them into a vessel equipped with a stirring device. 52 parts of sulfur powder, 75 parts of magnesium silicate, 235 parts of potassium carbonate, 10 parts of ferric oxide, 50 parts of zinc oxide, and 140 parts of phosphate rock were further added to the homogenized mixture and continuously stirred for approximately 10 minutes until the entire mixture became homogenous. 18 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. 1.2 parts of xanthan gum, 0.75 parts 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.

[0273] Results: The composition had a viscosity of 700 cps and a suspendability of 90%. The pourability of the rinse residue was found to be 0.55%. The spontaneity of the dispersion was 85% with a wet sieve retention of 0.05% on a 75 micron sieve. The composition further demonstrated approximately 80% suspendability and 80% spontaneity of the dispersion under accelerated storage conditions. The composition had a particle size distribution as follows: D10: 2.85 microns, D50: 7.25 microns, and D90: 10.5 microns.

[0274] B. Field Survey Experiment 1: To study the effect of "Sulfur, Potassium, and Salts of Magnesium, Zinc and Iron" compositions in the form of water dispersible granules, suspension concentrates and water disintegrating granules and comprising particles within the size range as per embodiments of the present invention in commercially grown paddy rice crops compared to comparative samples comprising particles in a larger size range.

[0275] (On-site experiment method) A field trial was conducted in Koppal, Karnataka to assess the effect of an embodiment of the composition of the present invention on rice (paddy rice) yield. 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 meters (8 m x 5 m) was maintained for each treatment. The prescribed doses of the test product were applied as top dressing 15 days after transplanting the rice. The paddy rice crops in the trial field were grown in accordance with good agricultural practice. Seeds of the paddy rice variety Jaya were used for seedling raising, and 25-day-old seedlings were transplanted into the trial field with a planting spacing of 30 cm between rows and 25 cm between plants. The nutrient doses applied in the field experiment were elemental sulfur, elemental potassium, elemental magnesium, elemental zinc, and elemental iron.

[0276] (Experiment details) a) Location of trial: Koppal, Karnataka b) Crop: Rice (variety Jaya) c) Experimental Season: Khalifa 2023 d) Trial design: Randomized block method e) Iterations: 4 f) Processing: 9 g) Plot size: 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Transplant date: 16.06.2023 i) Applicable date: 1.07.2023 j) Application method: Top dressing k) Harvest date: 30.09.2023

[0277] Yield observations were recorded at harvest and average data are presented in Table 1, listing the efficacy of the "sulfur, potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron" composition prepared according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0278] [Table 1]

[0279] From the data set forth in Table 1 above, it can be inferred that treatment T1 with a water-dispersible granular composition according to an embodiment of the present invention having a particle size in the range of 0.1 micron to 30 microns demonstrated a significantly enhanced increase in yield compared to treatment T2 with a water-dispersible granular composition having particles in the size range of 0.1 micron to 100 microns, or compared to treatment T3 with a water-dispersible granular composition having particles in the size range of 51 microns to 100 microns. It can be seen that treatment T1 with a composition according to the present invention exhibited a 20.35% increase in yield over the untreated control compared to treatments T2 and T3, which exhibited only an 8.69% and 5.54% increase in yield over the untreated control, respectively. Furthermore, treatment T4 with a liquid suspension composition as per the present invention having a particle size in the range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns demonstrated a significant enhancement in yield of 20.03% compared to treatments T5 and T6 with a larger particle size range, which only showed a 7.90% and 4.88% yield increase, respectively, over the untreated control. Furthermore, treatment T7 with a water-disintegrable granular composition as per an embodiment of the present invention having a particle size in the range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns demonstrated a 17.35% yield increase in paddy rice compared to treatment T8 with a composition having a larger particle size range, which only showed a 6.49% yield increase over the untreated control. This result is all the more surprising since the nutrient dosage in each of the comparative treatments was the same.

[0280] [Table 2]

[0281] From the data set forth in Table 1A above, it can be inferred that treatments T1, T4, and T7 with water-dispersible granule, liquid suspension, and water-disintegrable granular compositions having particle size ranges as per embodiments of the present invention demonstrated significantly enhanced rice plant height increase at 60 DAA and a significant increase in the number of tillers at 60 DAA compared to treatments T2, T3, T5, T6, and T8 with compositions having larger particle size ranges. It can be seen that treatment T1 with a composition as per the present invention exhibits a 24.46% plant height increase over the untreated control compared to treatments T2 or T3, which only exhibited 14.77% and 9.52% increases over the untreated control. Furthermore, treatments T4 and T7 with compositions as per the present invention showed a 26.92% and 25.45% increase in plant height at 60 DAA over the untreated control, respectively, compared to treatments T5, T6, and T8 with compositions having a larger particle size range, which only showed a 15.27%, 11.49%, and 10.18% increase in height over the untreated control, respectively. Furthermore, treatments T1, T4, and T7 with compositions as per the present invention showed a 23.58%, 24.05%, and 17.45% increase in tiller number over the untreated control, respectively, compared to treatments T2, T3, T5, T6, and T8 with compositions having a larger particle size range.

[0282] Furthermore, from Table 1A above, it can be observed that the compositions having particle size ranges as per embodiments of the present invention showed a significant increase in the seed nutrient content of potassium, zinc, iron, and magnesium in the rice grains compared to the comparative samples having larger particle size ranges. This surprising result is observed despite the nutrient dosages in each of the comparative treatments being the same.

[0283] Experiment 2: To study the effect on commercially grown tomato crops of a composition containing sulfur, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron in the form of water-disintegrating granules and a liquid suspension, along with comparative samples, each of which did not contain any of the sulfur, zinc, iron, magnesium, or potassium.

[0284] The trial was conducted in Pimpalgaon, Nashik, Maharashtra 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 composition being evaluated contained sulfur, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron as per the present invention, along with a control. Tomato crops at the trial site were grown in accordance with good agricultural practices. Seeds of tomato variety HS101 were used in the study and planted at a spacing of 120cm between rows and 45cm between plants. The details of the experiment are as follows:

[0285] (Experiment details) a) Trial location: Pimpalgaon, Nashik, Maharashtra b) Crop: Tomato (variety HS101) c) Experimental Season: Khalifa 2023 d) Trial design: Randomized block method e) Iterations: 4 f) Processing: 8 g) Plot size: 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Applicable date: 10.07.2022 i) Application method: bending / lateral installation j) Porting date: 10.07.2022 k) Picking date: 23.10.2022, 1.11.2022, 8.11.2022

[0286] Fruit set was monitored by tagging newly bloomed flowers once a week and counting the number of tagged flowers that had set fruit one week later. Fruit was harvested six times and weighed each time. The observations were recorded in the table below.

[0287] [Table 3]

[0288] From the data set forth in Table 2 above, it can be noted that treatment T1 with the water-disintegrating granular composition (GR) according to an embodiment of the present invention demonstrated a significant enhancement in tomato yield compared to treatment T2 with the comparative sample excluding elemental sulfur, or treatment T3 without any zinc salts, and treatment T4 excluding iron salts. It was observed that treatment T1 exhibited a 15.44% yield increase over the untreated control, compared to treatments T2, T3, and T4, which exhibited only 5.96%, 6.72%, and 6.16% yield increases over the untreated control, respectively. Furthermore, treatment T5 with the liquid suspension composition according to the present invention exhibited a 15.08% enhanced yield increase compared to treatment T6 excluding magnesium salts or treatment T7 excluding potassium salts, which exhibited only 7.09% and 5.70% yield increases, respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that plants treated with the compositions of the present invention exhibited increased green color and improved root development.

[0289] [Table 4]

[0290] It can be noted from Table 2A above that treatment T1 with the water-disintegrating granular composition having a particle size according to an embodiment of the present invention and treatment T5 with the liquid suspension composition demonstrated significantly enhanced increases in tomato plant height and number of fruits per plant compared to treatments T2, T3, T4, or treatments T6 or T7. Comparative treatment T2 excluded elemental sulfur, and treatment T3 did not contain any zinc salts, while treatments T4, T6, and T7 excluded iron salts, magnesium salts, and potassium salts, respectively. Treatments T1 and T5 with the compositions according to the present invention showed increases in plant height of 16.86% and 17.52%, respectively, over the untreated control, while treatments T2, T3, T4, T6, and T7 showed increases in plant height of only 6.32%, 6.98%, 6.58%, 7.77%, and 8.16%, respectively, over the untreated control. Furthermore, treatments T1 and T5 with the composition as per the present invention showed an increase of 16.73% and 17.99%, respectively, in the number of fruits per plant over the untreated control, while treatments T2, T3, T4, T6 and T7 showed only an increase of 3.76%, 6.27%, 5.02%, 7.53% and 5.43%, respectively, over the untreated control.

[0291] The surprising results observed in Tables 2 and 2A with treatments comprising the compositions as per the present invention can be attributed to the presence of all elements, namely sulfur, potassium, and insoluble salts of magnesium, zinc and iron, at the specific concentrations and formulations, with particle sizes as per embodiments of the present invention, and it was found that the absence of any one element, namely sulfur, potassium, or insoluble salts of magnesium, zinc and iron, shows a significant reduction in tomato fruit yield and other crop characteristics.

[0292] Experiment 3: To evaluate the efficacy in maize of different formulations containing sulfur, potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron, the composition having a particle size as per an embodiment of the present invention, applied in combination with various doses of RDF (120-60-60 N-P2O5-K2O / ha), and a composition containing only RDF.

[0293] (On-site experiment method) The trial was conducted during the kharif season in a randomized block design (RBD) with eight treatments including an untreated control replicated four times. Maize crops at the trial sites were grown in accordance with good agricultural practices.

[0294] (Experiment details) a) Trial location: Shimoga, Karnataka b) Crop and variety: DHM103 c) Experimental Season: Khalifa 2023 d) Trial design: Randomized block method e) Iterations: 4 f) Processing: 8 g) Plot size: 6m x 5m = 30 sq.m h) Sowing date: 14.07.2023 i) Applicable date: 14.07.2023 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: 22.11.2023 l) Soil pH: 6.5-7

[0295] Observations were recorded at harvest and average data is presented in Table 3, listing the efficacy of compositions in the form of liquid suspensions prepared according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0296] [Table 5]

[0297] From the data set forth in Table 3, it can be observed that treatment T1 is carried out using a liquid suspension composition according to an embodiment of the present invention with 25% RDF. Treatments T2 and T3 are carried out using a composition according to an embodiment of the present invention combined with 50% RDF and 100% RDF. Treatments T4, T5, and T6 are carried out using a three-way composition of sulfur, potassium, and magnesium at various concentrations, with treatment T4 containing 25% RDF, treatment T5 containing 50% RDF, and treatment T6 containing 100% RDF. Treatment T7 is carried out using RDF only. From the data set forth in the above table, it can be noted that treatment T1 with a composition according to an embodiment of the present invention applied at a formulation dose of 24,000 g / acre with 25% RDF showed a good increase in yield compared to RDF alone (treatment T7). The composition in T1 according to the present invention also showed a significant increase in yield over treatment T4 with a three-way composition of nutrients.

[0298] It is more pertinent to note that the composition in T1 as an embodiment of the present invention resulted in a significant reduction in NO and CO emissions compared to treatment T7, thereby making the composition environmentally friendly and eliminating the harm associated with nitrous oxide emissions.

[0299] It is further noted that treatments T1 and T2 with compositions according to embodiments of the present invention, when applied with 25% RDF, i.e., 75% reduction in RDF and 50% reduction in RDF (conventional NPK fertilizer), respectively, not only showed good yields in corn, but also exhibited significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. For example, treatment T1 with a composition according to the present invention containing 25% RDF showed surprisingly significant reductions in CO2 and N2O emissions compared to treatment T7 containing only RDF.

[0300] Furthermore, treatments T1, T2 and T3 with the composition as per the invention showed a significant increase in yield compared to treatments T4, T5 and T6 containing the ternary composition of sulfur, potassium and magnesium.

[0301] Experiment 4: To study the effect of different compositions of sulfur, potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron in the form of water dispersible granules and suspension concentrates as per an embodiment of the present invention along with comparative samples, one of which does not contain magnesium salts, a second sample does not contain zinc and potassium, and a third sample does not contain zinc, iron and potassium, and the trial is conducted on a commercially grown peanut crop.

[0302] A field trial was conducted in Junagadh, Gujarat, to evaluate the composition of the present invention on a peanut crop, variety JL-501. The trial was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with six treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times. A plot size of 35 square meters (7 m x 5 m) was maintained for each treatment. Defined doses of test nutrient compositions according to embodiments of the present invention and comparative samples in the form of water-dispersible granules or suspension concentrates with various concentration ranges were applied as root applications at the time of sowing of the peanut crop. The nutrient doses applied in the field experiment were elemental sulfur, elemental potassium, elemental magnesium, elemental zinc, and elemental iron.

[0303] The details of the experiment are as follows. a) Trial location: Junagadh, Gujarat b) Crop: Peanut (variety JL-501) c) Experimental season: Rabi 2023 d) Trial design: Randomized block method e) Iterations: 4 f) Processing: 6 g) Plot size: 7m x 5m = 35 sq m h) Applicable date: 26.01.2023 i) Sowing date: 26.01.2023 j) Application method: stock origin k) Harvest date: 1.05.2023

[0304] [Table 6]

[0305] From the data set forth in Table 4, it can be observed that treatments T1 and T2 with compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules and liquid suspensions containing various concentrations of sulfur, magnesium, zinc, iron, and potassium according to embodiments of the present invention demonstrated significantly enhanced increases in peanut yield of 24.23% and 23.14%, respectively, compared to treatment T3, which did not contain magnesium in the composition, or treatment T4, which did not contain zinc and potassium in the composition, or treatment T5, which did not contain zinc, iron, and potassium in the composition. It can be seen that treatments T2, T3, and T4 only exhibited increases in yield of 13.31%, 9.38%, and 5.24%, respectively. Furthermore, crops treated with compositions according to the present invention exhibited increased branching and greener foliage.

[0306] [Table 7]

[0307] Furthermore, it can be noted from Table 4A that treatments T1 and T2 with compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules and suspension concentrates according to embodiments of the present invention demonstrated an increase in the number of peanut pods per plant and an increase in protein content in the peanuts compared to treatment T3, which did not have magnesium in the composition, or treatment T4, which did not have zinc and potassium in the composition, or compared to treatment T5, which did not have zinc, iron, and potassium in the composition. It can be seen that treatments T1 and T2 showed a 26.47% and 25.73% increase in the number of peanut pods per plant over the untreated control, while treatments T3, T4, and T5 showed only a 13.6%, 9.19%, and 5.14% increase in the number of peanut pods, respectively. Furthermore, it can be seen that treatments T1 and T2 showed a 26.92% and 26.52% increase in protein content in groundnut seeds compared to treatments T3, T4 and T5 which showed only a 14.43%, 10.30% and 5.46% increase, respectively, in protein content of groundnut seeds over the untreated control.

[0308] The surprising results observed in Tables 4 and 4A with treatments comprising the compositions as per the present invention can be attributed to the presence of insoluble salts of all elements, namely sulfur, potassium, and especially magnesium, zinc, and iron, at specific concentrations and formulations, with particle sizes as per embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, from the above tables, it can be noted that treatments T3, T4, and T5 with quaternary, ternary, and binary combinations of nutrients showed dramatic reductions in yield and other parameters, such as number of peanut pods per plant or protein content in peanut seeds, compared to the compositions as per the present invention comprising sulfur, potassium, and salts of magnesium, zinc, and iron, and that all five components need to be present at specific concentrations and forms to exhibit enhanced efficacy.

[0309] Experiment 5: Evaluating in soybeans a composition comprising sulfur, potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron in the form of water-disintegrating granules, comprising particles within the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns as per the present invention, compared to comparative samples in the form of water-disintegrating granules comprising any of the water soluble salts of zinc, iron and magnesium at a concentration of greater than 80% by weight in the form of water-dispersible granules or greater than 50% by weight in the form of a liquid suspension.

[0310] (On-site experiment method) A field trial was conducted in Satara, Maharashtra to observe the efficacy of water-disintegrable granules containing sulfur, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron as per the present invention, along with a control, on soybeans. The trial was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with three treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times during the kharif season. A plot size of 30 square meters (6 m x 5 m) was maintained for each treatment. Defined doses of test product compounds in various concentration ranges of the water-disintegrable granular composition as per the present invention, along with the control composition, were applied to the soil at the time of sowing. Soybean crops at the trial site were grown in accordance with good agricultural practice.

[0311] (Experiment details) a) Trial location: Satara, Maharashtra b) Crop and variety: Soybean (KPS-344) c) Experimental Season: Khalifa 2023 d) Trial design: Randomized block method e) Iterations: 4 f) Processing: 3 g) Plot size: 6m x 5m = 30 sq.m h) Sowing date: 25.07.2023 i) Applicable date: 25.07.2023 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: 28.10.2023

[0312] The observations were recorded in the table below.

[0313] [Table 8]

[0314] From the data set forth in the above table, it can be seen that after treatment with the compositions according to embodiments of the present invention and the comparative samples, treatment T1 in the form of water-dispersible granules according to embodiments of the present invention having a water-soluble nutrient content not exceeding 80% demonstrated a significant enhancement in soybean yield of 16.07% over the untreated control, compared to treatment T2 with a composition containing a water-soluble nutrient salt concentration of more than 80% by weight. It was also found that over an extended period of time, the composition of T2 deteriorated and became hygroscopic, making it unsuitable for application.

[0315] [Table 9]

[0316] The soil nutrient content before sowing and after application of the treatments was estimated and it was noted that the plots under treatment and observation initially had a magnesium content of 1049 ppm, a zinc content of 1020 ppm, an iron content of 980 ppm and a potassium content of 950 ppm.

[0317] From the data set forth in the table above, it can be seen that treatment T1 with a composition in the form of water-dispersible granules according to an embodiment of the present invention, comprising 80% water-soluble nutrient salts, demonstrated a significant enhancement in the uptake of zinc, iron, magnesium and potassium from the soil compared to treatment T2, in which the composition comprised a higher concentration of water-soluble nutrient salts.

[0318] Experiment 6: To evaluate the efficacy of different formulations of sulfur, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron, the compositions having particle sizes as per embodiments of the present invention, compared to comparative conventional samples having a larger particle size range, in commercially grown wheat crops.

[0319] (On-site experiment method) A field trial was conducted in Kaithal, Haryana to observe the efficacy of water-dispersible granular or liquid suspension compositions of the present invention in wheat compared with conventional compositions in pellet form. The trial was conducted during the rabi season in a randomized block design (RBD) with nine treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times. A plot size of 30 square meters (6 m x 5 m) was maintained for each treatment. Various concentration ranges of test product compounds and their combinations as water-dispersible granular or liquid suspension compositions according to the present invention, along with control samples, were applied to the soil at the time of the first irrigation of wheat (25 days after sowing). Wheat crops at the trial site were grown in accordance with good agricultural practice.

[0320] (Experiment details) a) Trial location: Kaithal, Haryana b) Crop: Wheat (variety Sonalika) c) Experimental season: Rabi 2022 d) Trial design: Randomized block method e) Iterations: 4 f) Processing: 9 g) Plot size: 6m x 5m = 30 sq.m h) Sowing date: 04-11-2022 i) Applicable date: 29-11-2022 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: 18-03-2023

[0321] [Table 10]

[0322] From Table 6 above, it can be observed that treatments T1, T3, T5 and T7 with compositions in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions or water-disintegrating granules having particle sizes as per embodiments of the present invention demonstrated significantly enhanced increases in wheat yield compared to treatments T2, T4, T6 and T8 with conventional pellet compositions comprising swelling clay and having a particle size range of greater than 75 microns. It can be seen that treatments T1, T3, T5 and T7 with compositions as per the present invention exhibited increases in wheat yield of 25.07%, 22.41%, 18.09% and 21.42%, respectively, over the untreated control, compared to treatments T2, T4, T6 and T8, which exhibited only increases in yield of 11.42%, 8.25%, 7.94% and 8.73%, respectively, over the untreated control.

[0323] [Table 11]

[0324] From the data set forth in Table 6A above, it can be observed that treatments T1, T3, T5, and T7 in the form of water-dispersible granules or liquid suspensions or water-disintegrating granules having particle sizes as per embodiments of the present invention demonstrated significantly enhanced wheat plant height increase at 60 DAA and a significant increase in tiller number at 40 DAA compared to treatments T2, T4, T6, and T8. Treatments T2, T4, T6, and T8 were performed using a conventional pellet composition containing swelling clay and having a particle size range of greater than 75 microns. It can be seen that treatments T1, T3, T5, and T7 with compositions as per the present invention exhibited wheat plant height increases of 23.93%, 22%, 21.62%, and 20.84%, respectively, over the untreated control, compared to treatments T2, T4, T6, and T8, which exhibited only plant height increases of 9.26%, 10.81%, 9.26%, and 7.33%, respectively, over the untreated control. Furthermore, the compositions of treatments T1, T3, T5 and T7 as per embodiments of the present invention also recorded a surprising increase in the number of tillers at 40 DAA compared to T2, T4, T6 and T8 with conventional pellet compositions having a larger particle size range.

[0325] Experiment 7: To study the effect of a composition of sulfur, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and iron containing particles with an average particle size distribution of less than 1 micron compared to a control sample with a larger average particle size distribution in commercially grown rice crops.

[0326] (On-site experiment method) A field trial was conducted in Kheder, Gujarat to assess the effect of embodiments of the composition of the present invention on rice (paddy rice) yield.

[0327] The trial was conducted in a randomized block design (RBD) with five treatments, including an untreated control, replicated four times during the kharif season. A plot size of 40 square meters (8 m x 5 m) was maintained for each treatment. The test product at the prescribed dose was applied as a top dressing 15 days after transplanting the rice. The rice crop in the trial field was grown in accordance with good agricultural practice. Seeds of rice variety PUSA-205 were used for raising seedlings, and 25-day-old seedlings were used for transplanting in the trial field with a planting spacing of 30 cm between rows and 25 cm between plants. The active doses applied in the field experiments were nutrient doses of elemental sulfur, elemental potassium, elemental magnesium, elemental zinc, and elemental iron.

[0328] (Experiment details) a) Trial location: Kheder, Gujarat b) Crop: Rice (variety: PUSA-205) c) Experimental Season: Khalifa 2023 d) Trial design: Randomized block method e) Iterations: 4 f) Processing: 5 g) Plot size: 8m x 5m = 40 sq.m h) Transplant date: 25.06.2023 i) Applicable date: 10.07.2023 j) Application method: Top dressing k) Harvest date: 03.10.2023

[0329] Yield observations were recorded at harvest and the data are presented in the table below.

[0330] [Table 12]

[0331] From Table 7 above, it is clear that treatments T1 and T3 with water dispersible granular and liquid suspension compositions having particle size ranges as per embodiments of the present invention showed significant yield enhancement and plant height increase compared to compositions having a larger particle size range, i.e., treatments T2 and T4.

[0332] It can be observed that treatments T1 and T3 with compositions having an average particle size distribution of less than 1 micron according to embodiments of the present invention exhibited a yield increase of 24.64% and 27.94%, respectively, over the untreated control, while treatments T2 and T4 with compositions having particles in the size range of 0.1-100 microns and an average particle size distribution of less than 30 microns exhibited only a 10.17% and 12.09%, respectively, yield increase over the untreated control.

[0333] Experiment 8: To study the effect of a composition of "Sulphur, Potassium, Magnesium, Zinc and Iron and Biostimulants" in the form of water-disintegrating granules having a particle size range as an embodiment of the present invention, combined with various doses of RDF (120-60-60 N-P2O5-K2O / ha) on commercially grown paddy rice.

[0334] (On-site experiment method) The trial was conducted during the kharif season in a randomized block design (RBD) with three treatments replicated four times. Paddy crops at the trial sites were grown in accordance with good agricultural practices.

[0335] (Experiment details) a) Trial location: Umargaon, Gujarat b) Crop and variety: Paddy rice c) Experimental Season: Khalifa 2023 d) Trial design: Randomized block method e) Iterations: 4 f) Processing: 3 g) Plot size: 6m x 5m = 30 sq.m h) Sowing date: 20.06.2023 i) Applicable date: 05.07.2023 j) Application method: Soil application k) Harvest date: 06.10.2023 l) Soil pH: 6.5-7

[0336] Yield observations were recorded at harvest and average data are presented in Table 8, listing the efficacy of compositions containing sulfur, potassium, magnesium, zinc and iron prepared according to embodiments of the present invention.

[0337] [Table 13]

[0338] From Table 8 above, it is pertinent to note that treatments T1 and T2 with compositions in the form of water-disintegrable granules as per an embodiment of the present invention, when applied with 25% RDF (conventional NPK fertilizer), resulted in a significant increase in yield and a reduction in CO2 and CH4 emissions compared to treatment T3 with 100% RDF alone, thereby making the compositions of the present invention environmentally friendly. Furthermore, treatment T1 with a composition comprising biochar (biostimulant) shows a relatively greater reduction in CO2 and CH4 emissions compared to treatments 2 and 3.

[0339] It can be observed that treatments T1 and T2 with 25% RDF containing a composition according to an embodiment of the present invention showed better yields compared to treatment T3 containing only RDF (100%), while also exhibiting significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. For example, treatment T1 with a composition according to an embodiment of the present invention showed a 37.04% increase in yield, as well as a surprising 83.25% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 13.57% reduction in CH4 emissions, compared to treatment T3, which contained only RDF.

[0340] The inventors of the present invention further observed that apart from the magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron salts listed in Tables 1 to 8 above, other magnesium, potassium, zinc, and iron salts as per the present application also exhibited similar effects in terms of efficacy when applied as per the embodiments of the present invention.

[0341] The compositions of the present invention have been observed to demonstrate enhanced, effective, and superior performance in the field. The inventors have discovered that application of the compositions of the present invention not only results in a more balanced uptake of magnesium, even in the presence of potassium, or iron in the presence of zinc, but also promotes the uptake of all macronutrients and micronutrients contained in the compositions. Furthermore, application of the compositions has been observed to enable higher absorption of all nutrients, especially in acidic soils. This results in a more balanced uptake of all nutrients, leading to healthier plants and more nutritious yields. The compositions of the present invention minimize the number of applications or the amount of nutrients, fertilizers, or pesticides. The compositions are highly safe for users and the environment. The compositions of the present invention have been observed to not only be synergistic, but also improve crop yields and physiological characteristics of crops, such as increased green color and improved foliage. Thus, the compositions of the present invention have been observed to demonstrate enhanced, effective, and superior performance in the field at reduced application doses. The compositions of the present invention also promote soil health.

[0342] It has also been observed that when the composition is in the form of water dispersible granules or liquid suspensions or water disintegrating granules and comprises particles in the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns, the composition of the present invention provides better uptake of magnesium, zinc, iron and other micronutrients trapped in the soil along with the macronutrients.

[0343] Additionally, various advantageous properties associated with compositions according to the present invention include, but are not limited to, improved stability, improved toxicity and / or biotoxicity behavior, improved crop yield, crop quality, improved crop characteristics including improved rooting, dense foliage and characteristics, and other benefits well known to those skilled in the art.

[0344] From the foregoing, it will be seen that numerous modifications and variations may be made 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, wherein the elemental sulfur content is in the range of 5% to 90% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the content of elemental magnesium is in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; iii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental potassium content is in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; iv. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental iron content is in the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition; v. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.1% to 45% by weight of the total composition; vi. one or more excipients in the range of 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition; 1. A crop nutrition and enrichment composition comprising: said composition being comprised of particles in the size range of 0.1 to 50 microns; and wherein the total content of said water-soluble salt or derivative or mixture in said composition does not exceed 80% by weight of the total composition.

2. 2. The composition of claim 1, comprising a magnesium fertilizer or a salt or derivative or mixture thereof in the range of 1% w / w to 75% w / w of the total composition, a potassium salt or a derivative or mixture thereof present in the range of 1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition, said iron salt or a derivative or mixture thereof in the range of 0.1% w / w to 60% w / w of the total composition, and said zinc salt or a derivative or mixture thereof present in the range of 0.1% w / w to 55% w / w of the total composition.

3. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition is in the form of a solid, liquid, or gel.

4. 4. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the solid composition is in the form of water-dispersible granules, wettable powders, scattering granules, extruded granules, water-disintegrating granules or spheronized granules.

5. 5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the solid composition is in the form of water-dispersible or water-disintegrable granules.

6. 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the water-dispersible granules are within the size range of 0.05 mm to 4 mm and comprise particles within the size range of 0.1 microns to 30 microns.

7. 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the water-dispersible granules are comprised of particles having a mean diameter distribution (D50) of less than 10 microns.

8. 7. The composition of claim 6, wherein the composition in the form of a water-dispersible granule is composed of particles having a mean diameter distribution (D50) of less than 1 micron.

9. 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the water-disintegrable granules or spheronized granules are within the size range of 0.05 mm to 6 mm and comprise particles within the size range of 0.1 microns to 50 microns.

10. 4. The composition of claim 3, wherein the liquid composition is in the form of a liquid suspension.

11. 11. The composition of claim 10, wherein the liquid suspension composition comprises: i. elemental sulfur, wherein the elemental sulfur content is in the range of 5% to 60% by weight of the total composition; ii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental magnesium content is in the range of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition; iii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental potassium content is in the range of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition; iv. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental iron content is in the range of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition; v. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, wherein the elemental zinc content is in the range of 0.1% to 40% by weight of the total composition; vi. one or more excipients in the range of 0.1% to 60% by weight of the total composition; wherein said composition is comprised of particles in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns, and wherein the total content of said water-soluble salt or derivative or mixture in said composition does not exceed 50% by weight of the total composition.

12. 12. The composition of claim 11, characterized in that it is comprised of particles having a mean diameter distribution (D50) of less than 10 microns.

13. 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the composition is comprised of particles having a mean diameter distribution of less than 1 micron.

14. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water-insoluble magnesium salt or derivative comprises one or more of magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide (milk of magnesia), magnesium molybdate, magnesium phosphate, magnesium calcium phosphate, tribasic magnesium phosphate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium aluminum silicate, magnesium calcium silicate, ammonium magnesium phosphate, magnesium humate, magnesium fulvate, magnesium oxalate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium sulfide, or periclase, brucite, cerraite, scutellite, perzevite, suanite, magnesite, sazeberite, kieserite, dolomite, hydrated dolomite, and struvite.

15. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water-soluble magnesium salt comprises one or more of magnesium sulfate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium lignosulfonate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium lactate, magnesium aspartate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium acetate, and magnesium citrate.

16. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a water-insoluble magnesium salt.

17. 2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the potassium fertilizer is selected from the group consisting of potassium chloride, potassium magnesium sulfate, potassium nitrate, potassium sodium nitrate, potassium hydroxide, potassium carbonate, potassium orthophosphate, potassium polyphosphate, potassium phosphate, potassium metaphosphate, potassium sulfate, potassium magnesia sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium rock, bitter potassium salt (KCl (+NaCl + MgSO4)), wood ash (K2CO3 + KHCO3) and seaweed ash (KCl + K2SO4), potassium fulvic acid, potassium humic acid, potassium rock A composition comprising stone powder, schoenite or picromerite, feldspar, orthoclase, potassium halite, carnallite, kainite, polyhalite or ischelite or polygallite, leucite, alogadite, gengenbachite, hykerlachite, leucite, hazenite, kosnalite, langbeinite, leucophosphite, lipuite, manganoallogadite, mantienneite, minulite, parwanite, phosphofibrite, sylvinite, taranakite and tinsleyite.

18. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water-insoluble iron salt or derivative comprises one or more of iron oxide, iron hydroxide, iron phosphate, iron fumarate, iron succinate, iron sulfide, iron sucrate, iron tartrate, iron carbonyl, iron silicate, iron carbonate, iron (II) oxalate (anhydrous), iron (II) oxalate (dihydrate), rhaldite, wustite, magnetite, hematite, goethite, limonite, siderite, pyrite or marcasite, vernalite, greenite, and mixtures thereof.

19. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water-soluble iron salt comprises one or more of iron sulfate, iron citrate, iron silicate, iron ascorbate, iron sucrose, iron gluconate, iron dextran, iron lignosulfonate, and iron chelates.

20. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the water-insoluble zinc salt or derivative comprises one or more of zinc oxide, zinc sulfide, zinc hydroxide, zinc carbonate, zinc molybdate, zinc phosphate, zinc borate, zinc silicate, zinc pyrophosphate, zinc humate, zinc fulvate, zinc citrate, zinc oxalate, zinc monomethionine, zinc carnosine, zinc chromate, zinc nitride, zinc nitrilotriacetate (NTA), zinc phosphide, zinc selenide, zinc telluride, zinc aspartate, dumbite, aschobelite, periclase, sphalerite, wurtzite, hydrozincite, Bryan-Youngite, hemimorphite, smithsonite, becklerite, pyrozinite, hopeite, hodgkinsonite, flypontite, junitite, clinolite, cristellite, gunningite, cyanusiulite, ecandrusite, bailichlore, boyleite, and bianchite.

21. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a water-soluble zinc salt selected from one or more of zinc sulfate, zinc sulfate monohydrate, zinc sulfate heptahydrate, zinc chelate, zinc oxysulfate, zinc chloride, zinc eugenol chelate, zinc lignophosphonate, zinc glycine, zinc carbohydrate, zinc sucrate, zinc acetate, zinc gluconate, zinc polyflavonoid, zinc glucoheptonate, and zinc phenolate.

22. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises a water-insoluble iron salt and a water-insoluble zinc salt.

23. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the excipient comprises one or more of anionic and nonionic surfactants.

24. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the excipient is selected from one or more of an emulsifying agent, a wetting agent, and a dispersing agent.

25. 25. The composition of claim 24, wherein the dispersing agent is a nonionic dispersing agent 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.

26. 25. The composition of claim 24, wherein the dispersant is an anionic dispersant selected from one or more of sulfated fatty alcohol glycol (glycol) ethers, tristyrylphenol ethoxylate phosphate esters, lignin sulfonates, phenyl naphthalene 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 aryl sulfonic acids and formaldehyde, polycyclic aromatic sulfonates, and sodium alkylaryl sulfonates.

27. 10. The composition of claim 1, further comprising one or more of a filler or carrier or diluent, a spreading agent, a colorant, an anti-caking agent, a disintegrant, a binder, a buffer or pH adjuster or neutralizing agent, a pigment, a stabilizer, an anti-foaming or defoaming agent, a penetrating agent, a UV absorber, a structuring agent, a humectant, a sticking agent, an anti-freeze or freezing point depressant, a chelating agent or complexing agent or sequestering agent, a preservative or bactericide or anti-fungal agent or biocide or anti-microbial agent and an antioxidant.

28. 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the liquid suspension composition further comprises a structuring agent selected from one or more of a thickening agent, a suspending agent, a suspending aid, a viscosity or rheology modifier, a tackifier, and an anti-settling agent.

29. 30. The composition of claim 28, wherein the structuring agent is present in the range of 0.01% w / w to 20% w / w of the total composition.

30. 6. The composition of claim 5, wherein the water-dispersible granular composition has a dispersibility of at least 50%.

31. 12. The composition of claim 5 or 11, wherein the water-dispersible granular composition or the liquid suspension composition has a suspendability of at least 50%.

32. 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the liquid suspension composition has a pourability of less than 5% rinse residue.

33. 12. The composition of claim 11, wherein the liquid suspension composition has a viscosity of 150 cps to 2000 cps at 25°C.

34. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition optionally further comprises one or more phosphorus fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof, and wherein the elemental phosphorus content is in the range of 0.1% to 30% by weight of the total composition.

35. 35. The composition of claim 34, wherein the phosphorus fertilizer or a salt or derivative thereof is selected from the group consisting of elemental phosphorus, potassium phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, rock phosphate, ammonium sulfate phosphate ((NH4)2SO4 + NH4H2PO4), potassium sulfate ammonium phosphate ((NH4)2SO4 + NH4H2PO4 + K2SO4), ball fertilizer (ammonium sulfate + calcium superphosphate + potassium salt + peat, the form of phosphate is Ca(H2PO4)2), compound fertilizer (Ca (H2PO4)2, CaHPO4, Ca3(HPO4)2), calcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, tricalcium phosphate, bone meal, calcium superphosphate (Ca(H2PO4)2 + CaSO4), concentrated superphosphate (Ca(H2PO4)2), serpentine-superphosphate (calcium superphosphate + serpentine), fused phosphate fertilizer (CaO-MgO-P2O5-SiO2 glass), calcined phosphate (Ca3(PO4)2-CaNaPO4 solid solution), phosphate mixture (calcium superphosphate (concentrated superphosphate) + fused phosphate fertilizers), precipitated phosphates (CaHPO4), magnesium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium phosphate, ammonium phosphate, monoammonium dihydrogen phosphate, diammonium hydrogen phosphate and mixed salts, e.g. dipotassium ammonium phosphate, potassium ammonium hydrogen phosphate, phosphorite, fluorapatite, francolite, feldspar or microcline, variscite, strengite, vivantite, struvite, turquoise, lazulite, triphilite, archelite, alogadite, alogaite 1. A composition comprising one or more of the following: dite, bicapite, francoanelite, gengenbachite, hykerlachite, hesenite, kosnalite, leucophosphite, manganoalojadite, mantienneite, mantienneite, meta-anchorite, millicite, minulite, phosphofibrite, phosphouranite, sphenisidite, struvite (K), taranakite, tinsleyite, and apatite, bone meal, bone ash, or mixtures thereof.

36. 10. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition optionally further comprises an active ingredient selected from one or more of a micronutrient, a biostimulant, and an insecticidal active ingredient or mixtures thereof, wherein the additional active ingredient is present in a concentration range of 0.001% w / w to 30% w / w of the total composition.

37. 37. The composition of claim 36, wherein the biostimulant comprises organic carbon.

38. 6. A process for the preparation of a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-dispersible granules according to claim 5, comprising: a. i. elemental sulfur, ii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; iii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; iv. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; v. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; vi. one or more excipients; milling the admixture to obtain a slurry or wet mix; b. drying the slurry or wet mix to obtain the water-dispersible granules; wherein the granules of the composition are comprised of particles in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns.

39. 12. A process for the preparation of a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of a liquid suspension according to claim 11, comprising: a. i. elemental sulfur, ii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; iii. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; iv. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; v. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; one or more excipients, to obtain a slurry or wet mix, wherein said composition is comprised of particles in the size range of 0.1 to 30 microns.

40. 7. A process for the preparation of a crop nutrition and enrichment composition in the form of water-disintegrable granules according to claim 5 or 6, comprising: i. a. elemental sulfur; b. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble magnesium salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; c. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble potassium fertilizers or salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; d. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble iron salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; e. one or more water-insoluble or water-soluble zinc salts or derivatives or mixtures thereof; f. at least one pesticidally acceptable excipient; to obtain a homogeneous powder; ii. grinding the powder obtained in step (i) in a suitable grinding device; iii. adding water to obtain a dough, which is then extruded through an extruder to obtain said water-disintegrable granules; A process comprising:

41. 38. The crop nutrition and enhancement composition according to any one of claims 1 to 37, wherein the composition is at least one of a fertilizer composition, a nutritional composition, a crop supplement composition, a soil conditioner composition, or a yield enhancer composition.

42. 38. A method for improving plant health or yield, comprising treating at least one of a plant, plant propagation material, a location or plant part thereof, a seed, a seedling, or the surrounding soil with the crop nutrition and enrichment composition of any one of claims 1 to 37.

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