Compositions for increasing irrigation efficiency and methods of use thereof

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method for irrigating a plant growth medium. The method includes providing a plant growth medium and blending water with an irrigation additive composition to form an irrigation water composition, the irrigation additive composition comprising: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt% thickener; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt% water-soluble divalent salt; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt% foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 60.0 wt% metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt% film-forming agent; and irrigating the plant growth medium with the irrigation water composition. Also disclosed are irrigation water compositions, compositions suitable for cultivating plants, and methods for improving plant growth conditions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 436,974, filed January 4, 2023, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods of use for increasing irrigation efficiency.

[0003] The demand for irrigation efficiency is understood to be globally significant. Population growth and climate change are increasing the need for agricultural irrigation, while other water uses are placing even greater pressure on global water resources. Furthermore, proper root zone conditions are important for plant growth.

[0004] Developing more efficient irrigation methods and materials and optimizing root zone conditions are essential for the future of agriculture and society's water resources in general. Estimates suggest that approximately 70% of global freshwater withdrawals are used for agricultural irrigation (Sojka et al., "Irrigation: An Historical Perspective," Encyclopedia of Soil Science (2012)), three times the amount used 50 years ago. By 2050, irrigation is estimated to increase global agricultural water demand by an additional 19%. Water scarcity is already a serious problem in some parts of the world. Unless patterns of overuse, waste, and pollution change, the situation will worsen in the coming decades. Because available water is essentially finite, developing technologies to increase irrigation water use efficiency is essential.

[0005] The goal of efficient irrigation is to deliver the exact amount of water needed by growing crop plants. This is a technical challenge. Traditional flood irrigation wastes most of the water used by the irrigated plants. Spray methods improved efficiency, but still resulted in significant evaporation losses. Drip irrigation was a major innovation in irrigation efficiency.

[0006] The history of irrigation has been a series of technological breakthroughs, including flood irrigation, aquifer extraction, pumping and pressurization, and various spray devices (Sojka et al., "Irrigation: An Historical Perspective," Encyclopedia of Soil Science (2012)). The invention of "drip irrigation" technology and equipment in the 1960s marked a technological leap forward in the efficiency of agricultural irrigation. Drip irrigation can reduce energy costs by as much as 50% and improve water efficiency by 40–70% compared to high-pressure, high-energy systems (see, for example, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Resources Conservation Service, “Irrigation Guide,” USDA (2020)). Drip irrigation systems can improve water use efficiency by up to 70% compared to spray and flood irrigation. This efficiency means significantly less irrigation water is used for the same crop growth results. First introduced in California in the late 1960s, the system was in use on only 5% of irrigated land by 1988. By 2010, 40% of California's irrigated land was using the system (Zilberman & David, “The Diffusion of Process Innovation: The Case of Drip Irrigation in California,” 2015 AAEA & WAEA Joint Annual Meeting, July 26–28, San Francisco, California, Agricultural and Applied Economics Association). (2015)). Recent developments such as "microjet / micro-spray", "drip-tape", and "subsurface emitters" are all designed to increase the water-use efficiency of agricultural irrigation.

[0007] Improving soil properties through chemical amendments has developed over the decades. A significant amount of innovation has led to numerous chemical treatments designed to increase irrigation efficiency. Among other factors, various soil physics issues underlie the challenge of irrigation efficiency: the tendency of surface soils to resist water infiltration and, therefore, the "infiltration rate" of water into the subsoil; the variability of soil moisture as it moves horizontally through the soil; and the soil's ability to retain water in porous areas accessible to plant roots. Irrigation efficiency is improved when water quickly infiltrates the soil subsurface (making it available to roots). Furthermore, water that remains on the surface is prone to evaporation (especially in hot, dry climates). Irrigation efficiency is also improved when soil moisture can easily move horizontally, especially through the soil-water repellency (SWR) zone defined by the soil's physicochemical properties.

[0008] A common approach to improving soil infiltration rates is the application of surfactants, wetting agents, and related compounds. These compounds effectively reduce water tension, allowing water to penetrate and flow more easily through the soil pores. These surfactants and wetting agents also allow water to flow more uniformly through the soil.

[0009] Several attempts have been made to improve problems related to irrigation water use efficiency, typically using so-called "soil wetting" agents (primarily surfactants). Additionally, efforts have been made to improve the combination of irrigation and crop fertilization (i.e., "fertigation"). These irrigation and fertigation enhancers include liquid and solid formulations of chemicals that are added to irrigation water or soil to affect various phenomena that affect the amount of irrigation water required for optimal crop growth or to enhance the effectiveness of fertilizers. These agents have various effects on the rate of water infiltration to the soil surface, the lateral spread of water across the soil profile, the improvement of soil water repellency, and water retention in the root zone. These treatments include anionic, cationic, amphoteric, and nonionic molecules, such as block copolymers, methyl-capped triblock copolymers, propylene oxide-ethylene oxide triblock copolymers, amino acid copolymers, alkyl polyglucosides, alkylphenol ethoxylates, D-limonene, organosilicone surfactants, amphiphilic lipids, and modified fatty acids. Other chemical surfactants and wetting agents that have been used to enhance soil water infiltration include anionic surfactants, acrylic copolymers, polyelectrolytic polymers, starch or cellulose xanthate, acid-hydrolyzed cellulose microfibrils, chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, acrylates, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, polyvinyl alcohol, sodium polyacrylate, vinyl acetate, various graft polymers, and polyols.Other methods to enhance soil infiltration of irrigation water include the application of clay, slow-release fertilizers, lime, fungicides, earthworm stimulation, selection of adapted vegetation, irrigation, cultivation, soil aeration, and compaction (Muller & Deurer, “Review of the Remediation Strategies for Soil Water Repellency,” Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 144(1):208-221 (2011)).

[0010] The use of soil water management agents has historically focused on two primary issues: erosion control and SWR. For erosion control, polyacrylamide (PAM) has been evaluated (usually at high application rates (see, e.g., Sojka et al., Polyacrylamide in Agriculture and Environmental Land Management, Advances in Agronomy, 92: 75-162 (2007))), but has proven suboptimal for agricultural use due to cost and application difficulties, and has not been used for irrigation water use efficiency (see, e.g., Sojka et al., “Soil Water Measurements Relevant to Agronomic and Environmental Functions of Chemically Treated Soil,” Journal of ASTM International 6:1 (2007)).SWR has driven more product development, particularly in turfgrass soils (Dekker et al., “The Impact of Water Repellency on Soil Moisture Variability and Preferential Flow,” Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J., 9:498-505 (2001)), but also in agriculture (Hallet, PD, “An Introduction to Soil Water Repellency,” Proc. 8th International Symposium on Adjuvants for Agro-chemicals (ISAA2007), Columbus, OH, Aug. 6-9, 2007; Hopkins and Cook, “Water Repellent Soils in Potato Production,” ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings Abstracts 2007: 329-11 (2007); and Lehrsch et al, “Surfactant and Irrigation Effects on Wettable Soils: Runoff, Erosion, and Water Retention” Responses,” Hydrol. Process. 25:766‐777 (2011)).Surfactants have received particular attention in the following areas: SWR turf care treatments (Kosta et al., “Irrigation Efficiency - Surfactants can save water and help maintain turfgrass quality,” Golf Course Industry, 19, 4, 91-95 (2007)), and agriculture (Moore et al., “The Effect of Soil Surfactants on Soil Hydrological Behavior, the Plant Growth Environment, Irrigation Efficiency and Water Conservation,” J. Hydrol. Hydromech. 58(3):142-148 (2010); and Speth et al., “Use of Surfactant to Improve Water and Nitrogen Efficiency in Potato Production on Sandy Soils,” ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings Abstracts (2005); THE IRRIGATION ASSOCIATION, 2003: Irrigation Scheduling. Chapter 5 in Principles of Irrigation, IA, Falls Church, VA, p. 98 (2205); and Orts, W., “Use of Synthetic Polymers and Biopolymers for Soil Stabilization in Agricultural, Construction, and Military Applications,” J. of Materials in Civil Engineering ASCE (2007)).

[0011] Soil wetting agents are divided into two main applications: turf management and agriculture. Soil wetting agents have a relatively long history in turf management, but not in agriculture. The turf management industry has routinely used soil wetting agents for decades—86% of surveyed golf course superintendents reported using soil wetting agents (Karnok et al., “Wetting Agents: What are they, and how do they work?” Golf Course Superintendents Association Survey (2004)). Turf management currently accounts for a larger market, but agriculture is growing faster (see “Global Soil Wetting Agents Industry (2020-2017) - Key Market Drivers and Trends - ResearchAndMarkets.com” in Businesswire (2021)). The global chemigation and fertigation market was valued at $44 billion in 2021 and is projected to grow to $54.24 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 3.03% (8). This market includes fertigation and chemigation and, like the general irrigation market, is primarily focused on equipment (“Microirrigation Systems Market by Type (Drip and Micro Sprinkler), Application (Orchard Crops & Vinyards, Plantation Crops, and Field Crops), End User (Farmers and Industrial Users), and Region - Global Forecast to 2026,” in Market Research Report (2021)). Soil water retention additives that reduce leaching losses should be particularly valuable in this market, given the potential savings in fertilizer and / or pesticide costs.

[0012] It's worth considering the historically greater use of surfactants and polymers for soil moisture management in the turf care industry compared to agriculture. Why is the market for such products so much larger for turfgrass than for agriculture? The answer may lie in the fact that turfgrass is essentially a monoculture of very shallow-rooted plants (grass). Agriculture is a much more complex and diverse mix of plants with different root depths and structures. However, research has been conducted to evaluate soil moisture management agents in agriculture. For example, surfactants have been shown to be effective in increasing yields of potatoes, peanuts, and lettuce (Moore et al., “The Effect of Soil Surfactants on Soil Hydrological Behavior, the Plant Growth Environment, Irrigation Efficiency and Water Conservation,” J. Hydrol. Hydromech., 58(3):142-148 (2010); and Oostindie et al., “Influence of a Single Soil Surfactant Application on Potato Ridge Moisture Dynamics and Crop Yield in a Water-Repellent Sandy Soil,” Acta. Horticulturae 938:341-346 (2012)).

[0013] As mentioned above, polymers have been used for water retention in agriculture and horticulture. Hydrogels are soft, solid polymer composites (with diverse chemistries) that are highly hygroscopic (Trinchera and Baratella, “Use of a Non-Ionic Water Surfactant in Lettuce Fertigation for Optimizing Water Use, Improving Nutrient Use Efficiency, and Increasing Crop Quality,” Water 10(5):613 (2018)).They have been used to improve soil water retention (Koupai et al., “Enhancing the Available Water Content in Unsaturated Soil Zone Using Hydrogel, to Improve Plant Growth Indices,” Ecohydrology & Hydrobiology 8(1):67-75 (2008); Wang et al., “Chapter 10: Hydrogels,” in Polymer Science and Nanotechnology: Fundamentals and Applications Elsevier (2020); Elshafie et al., “Applications of Absorbent Polymers for Sustainable Plant Protection and Crop Yield Journal Sustainability,” 13(6):3253 (2021); Abobatta, W., “Impact of Hydrogel Polymer in Agricultural Sector,” J. Adv. Agric. Environ. Sci. 1(2):59-64 (2018); and Saha et al., “Superabsorbent Hydrogel (SAH) as a Soil Amendment for Drought Management: A review,” Journal Soil & Tillage Research 204:104736 (2020). However, the cost and feasibility of these solids limit their application to horticulture and similar small-scale applications.Water-soluble polymers (WSPs) are a growing field in irrigation and agricultural applications, where they show great promise but present several challenges (Guido et al., “Biodegradation of Water-Soluble and Water-Dispersible Polymers for Agricultural, Consumer, and Industrial Applications—Challenges and Opportunities for Sustainable Materials Solutions,” J. Polymer Science 60(12):1797-1813 (2022); Puoci et al., “Polymer in Agriculture: A Review,” American Journal of Agricultural and Biological Sciences 3(1):299-314 (2008); Wallace and Wallace, “Soil and Crop Improvement with Water-Soluble Polymers,” Soil Technology 3(1):1-8 (1990); and Skider, et al., “Recent Trends in Advanced Polymer Materials in Agriculture Related Applications,” ACS Appl. Polym. Mater. 3(3):1203-1217 (2021)).

[0014] Table 1 below lists exemplary soil drenchants, 13 of which are polymer-based. [Table 1-1] [Table 1-2] [Table 1-3] [Table 1-4] [Table 1-5]

[0015] The present application aims to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings in the art.

[0016] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of irrigating a plant growth medium, the method comprising providing a plant growth medium and mixing water with an irrigation additive composition to form an irrigation water composition, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically-modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically-modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically-modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically-modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former. The method further includes irrigating a plant growth medium (plant cultivation medium) with the irrigation water composition.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method comprises providing (preparing) a plant growing medium and blending water with an irrigation additive composition to form an irrigation water composition, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 50.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0018] In some embodiments, the method comprises providing a plant growing medium and blending water with an irrigation additive composition to form an irrigation water composition, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 30.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0019] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an irrigation water composition comprising less than 0.8 wt.% of an irrigation additive composition and more than 99.2 wt.% of water, wherein the water is blended with the irrigation additive composition. The irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 80.00 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0020] In some embodiments, the irrigation water composition comprises the irrigation additive composition in the following amounts: less than 0.8 wt%, less than 0.7 wt%, less than 0.6 wt%, less than 0.5 wt%, less than 0.4 wt%, less than 0.3 wt%, less than 0.2 wt%, less than 0.1 wt%, less than 0.09 wt%, less than 0.08 wt%, less than 0.07 wt%, less than 0.06 wt%, less than 0.05 wt%, less than 0.04 wt%, less than 0.03 wt%, less than 0.02 wt%, less than 0.01 wt%, less than 0.009 wt%. less than 0.008wt%, less than 0.007wt%, less than 0.006wt%, less than 0.005wt%, less than 0.004wt%, less than 0.003wt%, less than 0.002wt%, less than 0.001wt%, less than 0.0009wt%, less than 0.0008wt%, less than 0.0007wt%, less than 0.0006wt%, less than 0.0005wt%, less than 0.0004wt%, less than 0.0003wt%, less than 0.0002wt%, less than 0.0001wt%, or any amount therebetween.

[0021] In some embodiments, the irrigation water composition comprises greater than 99.2 wt%, greater than 99.3 wt%, greater than 99.4 wt%, greater than 99.5 wt%, greater than 99.6 wt%, greater than 99.7 wt%, greater than 99.8 wt%, greater than 99.9 wt%, greater than 99.91 wt%, greater than 99.92 wt%, greater than 99.93 wt%, greater than 99.94 wt%, greater than 99.95 wt%, greater than 99.96 wt%, greater than 99.97 wt%, greater than 99.98 wt%, greater than 99.99 wt%, greater than 99.991 wt%, greater than 99.992 wt%. %, greater than 99.993wt%, greater than 99.994wt%, greater than 99.995wt%, greater than 99.996wt%, greater than 99.997wt%, greater than 99.998wt%, greater than 99.999wt%, greater than 99.9991wt%, greater than 99.9992wt%, greater than 99.9993wt%, greater than 99.9994wt%, greater than 99.9995wt%, greater than 99.9996wt%, greater than 99.9997wt%, greater than 99.9998wt%, greater than 99.9999wt%, or any amount of water in between.

[0022] In some embodiments, the irrigation water composition comprises less than 0.8 wt% of the irrigation additive composition and more than 99.2 wt% of water, wherein the water is blended with the irrigation additive composition. The irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 60.00 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 30.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0023] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a composition suitable for growing plants, comprising a plant growth medium and an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure.

[0024] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for improving plant growing conditions, wherein the plant growing conditions are selected from the group consisting of: (1) increasing the yield of a plant part; (2) increasing irrigation efficiency; (3) increasing the rate of water infiltration to the surface of the growing medium; (4) increasing water retention in the plant-growth medium rhizosphere; (5) enhancing lateral water movement through the subsurface growing medium; (6) reducing the change in growth medium water content over time; (7) reducing growth medium water content at shallow growth medium depths; (8) increasing growth medium water uptake by plant roots; (9) increasing the cation exchange capacity of the growing medium system; (10) retaining ions in the plant-growth medium rhizosphere; (11) enhancing the activity of beneficial growth medium microorganisms; (12) increasing root biomass; and (13) increasing chlorophyll content in plant leaves. The method includes: (a) providing plants and / or plant seeds to a plant growth medium; (b) blending the water with the irrigation additive composition to form an irrigation water composition. wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali-soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; and (iv) 5.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former; (c) irrigating the plant growth medium with the irrigation water composition (supplying the irrigation water composition to the plant growth medium); (d) growing the plant or plant seed to maturity in a plant growth medium; and (e) harvesting plant parts from mature plants, wherein said methods respectively produce the following results compared to irrigating with irrigation water that does not contain said irrigation additive: (1) increases plant yield; (2) increases irrigation efficiency; (3) increases water infiltration rate to the surface of the growing medium; (4) increases water retention in the plant-growing medium rhizosphere; (5) increases lateral water movement through the subsurface growing medium; (6) decreases fluctuations in growing medium water content over time; (7) decreases growing medium water content at shallow depths in the soil; (8) increases uptake of growing medium water by plant roots; (9) increases the cation exchange capacity of the growing medium system; (10) increases ion retention in the plant-growing medium rhizosphere; (11) increases the activity of beneficial growing medium microorganisms; (12) increases root biomass; and (13) increases chlorophyll content in plant leaves.

[0025] In some embodiments, (b) blending water with the irrigation additive composition to form the irrigation water composition comprises using an irrigation additive composition comprising: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iv) 5.0 to 50.0 wt% of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt% of a film former.

[0026] In some embodiments, (b) blending water with the irrigation additive composition to form the irrigation water composition comprises using an irrigation additive composition comprising: (i) 30.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 30.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0027] Irrigation of plant growth media with an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure improves water use efficiency (increasing the soil infiltration / percolation rate of surface-applied water, increasing the soil's water-holding capacity, thereby increasing "field capacity," and reducing soil leaching by water). In field trials, irrigation performed with an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure required 30% less water to maintain soil moisture content compared to water alone.

[0028] U.S. Patent No. 11,457,624 to LeFiles et al. describes the use of a plant treatment chemical formulation containing a thickener, a water-soluble divalent salt, a foam control agent, a metal ion complexing agent, a film-forming agent, and water to treat plant seeds or growing plants. When applied to the surface of a plant seed or growing plant, the formulation in U.S. Patent No. 11,457,624 to LeFiles forms a dry coating material that adheres to the surface of the plant seed or growing plant and allows the aqueous material to penetrate the plant seed or growing plant while minimizing water loss or loss of plant treatment chemicals from the plant seed or growing plant. LeFiles does not suggest using the subject formulation for irrigating plant growth medium (i.e., soil) and plants or plant parts, and LeFiles does not teach or suggest aqueous dilution levels of the formulation in this disclosure. Without being bound by theory, significant dilution of soil-water applications of irrigation water compositions according to the present disclosure is necessary to achieve unique characteristics of dynamic interactions with ambient water, dissolved ions, soil particle surfaces, and root surfaces. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0029] Figure 1 shows a heat map. The precision agriculture system using a John Deere S770S combine and the "Active Yield" yield monitoring system (also from John Deere) is a widely used yield mapping system that combines a precision grain flow sensor mounted on the combine with a georeferenced GPS satellite link. The system creates color-coded yield maps that help growers assess how to address problem areas in their fields and how new technologies are working. Yield levels shown in the grayscale heatmap of Figure 1 are in bushels / acre, with shades of gray corresponding to increasing yield: light gray indicates lowest yield (186.43-225.51 bushels / acre), darker shades of gray indicate higher yield (225.52-254.35 bushels / acre, 254.36-277.81 bushels / acre, 277.82-299.78 bushels / acre, 299.79-325.64 bushels / acre), and darkest gray indicates highest yield of 325.65 bushels / acre or greater. From the figure, it is clear that a pattern of increased yield is observed in the top half of the circular image (pivot-based irrigation pattern) treated with the irrigation water formulation of the present disclosure.

[0030] Figure 2 shows the pattern of root water uptake at multiple depths over a 10-week period. Each bar on the y-axis represents the total average root uptake (in inches of water) for that location and treatment, while each bar on the x-axis represents approximately one week, with the total number of days in the treatment shown on the x-axis. Figure 2 shows a plot of total root uptake over several weeks, broken down by treatment number. Data was filtered for times ranging from 12:00:00 AM on Day 75 to 11:59:59 PM on Day 152, and includes null values. Data is shown by measurement depth and total root uptake.

[0031] 3 is a graph in which the y-axis represents the average chlorophyll-content index (CCI) in corn leaves from samples taken from four different irrigated field treatments. The x-axis represents the four different irrigation treatments. "Control" represents two plots irrigated with water containing no irrigation supplement, and Formulation J and Formulation I represent two plots irrigated with water containing irrigation supplement Formulations J and I according to the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 4 is a plot showing the average % soil water over time at each treatment location, averaged over all measurements at a depth of 15 cm. The Y-axis shows "M%," which is the percentage of soil moisture (also known as water), and the X-axis shows the time the measurement was taken. For this data, automated measurements of % soil moisture were taken every 15 minutes from 12:00 AM on Day 75 to 12:00 AM on Day 152. The treatments of the present disclosure are the average of Formulation J of the present disclosure (sensor-driven irrigation) and Formulation I of the present disclosure (standard / calendar-driven irrigation). The control is the average of the % soil-water measurements taken with sensor-driven irrigation and (standard / calendar-driven irrigation method / location).

[0033] 5A-5B are heat maps showing the % soil moisture in a field drip-irrigated with an irrigation water composition containing a control (no irrigation supplement; FIG. 5A) and a field drip-irrigated with an irrigation supplement of the present disclosure (FIG. 5B). The soil moisture percentage is shown by a grayscale "heat map" (see scale bar) depicting the change in soil moisture percentage. The heat map also displays "terrain-style" lines indicating adjacent areas of soil moisture percentage. The x-axis shows the distance between emitter rows along the horizontal Sentek probe. The probes measured soil moisture at 5 cm, 15 cm, 25 cm, and 35 cm, with 45 cm being the midpoint between two emitters. The y-axis shows the time (in days) since the irrigation event (days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22).

[0034] FIG. 6 is a table showing soil moisture content measured every 15 minutes at depths of 5 cm, 15 cm, 25 cm, 35 cm, 45 cm, 55 cm, 65 cm, 75 cm, and 85 cm (approximately equal to 2 inches, 6 inches, 10 inches, 14 inches, 18 inches, 22 inches, 26 inches, 30 inches, and 33 inches) for three weeks following treatment with a control or an irrigation water composition containing an irrigation adjuvant of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figures 7A-7C are plots and insets showing soil moisture content measured electronically and automatically every 15 minutes at a depth of 10 cm from the surface. Figure 7A shows continuous soil moisture content at 10 cm for the control (top plot, [GSP] = control, i.e., no irrigation supplement treatment) and the disclosed irrigation supplement treatment (bottom plot, [IRM3]). The average soil moisture content at 10 cm over several weeks is shown in Figure 7A: 37.49% for the control (top plot) and 43.92% for the disclosed irrigation supplement treatment (bottom plot). In addition to the overall difference in soil moisture content between the control and the disclosed irrigation supplement treatment, significant differences are observed over specific short periods. Dramatic differences are seen over several days in May. The slope of soil moisture content change is clearly steeper with the disclosed irrigation supplement (see enlarged insets of the control and disclosed irrigation supplement plots, respectively, in Figures 7B and 7C). Because the rapid removal of water from the soil-water-plant system is largely due to plant root water uptake, the steeper slope indicates a significant increase in plant root water uptake. The graph for the irrigation adjuvant treatment has a steeper slope, indicating that it significantly enhances plant root water uptake.

[0036] FIG. 8 is a plot showing soil moisture fraction measured at depths of 50 cm and 10 cm below the surface for a control (top plot; [GSP], i.e., irrigation without an irrigation supplement of the present disclosure) and an irrigation supplement treatment of the present disclosure (bottom plot; [IRM3]). Observation of these two plots reveals notable differences. Without treatment with an irrigation supplement of the present disclosure, the soil moisture fraction at 50 cm remains relatively constant at around 45%. Over the same period, soil moisture fraction at the same depth with an irrigation supplement of the present disclosure remains between 25% and 35%, indicating that the treatment retains soil moisture at higher depths (where plant roots are most prevalent). This is consistent with the observation that the average soil moisture fraction at 10 cm is higher (44%) with the irrigation supplement than without it (37.5%).

[0037] 9A-9E are sequential plots showing soil moisture fraction over several weeks in an irrigated corn field: a control without irrigation supplement treatment (top plot; Gold Standard Practice [GSP]) and an irrigation supplement treatment of the present disclosure (bottom plot; [IRM3]), at a single point and at several successive depths below the soil surface: 10 cm (FIG. 9A), 20 cm (FIG. 9B), 30 cm (FIG. 9C), 40 cm (FIG. 9D), and 50 cm (FIG. 9E). Each of FIGS. 9A-9E shows the average soil moisture fraction over all depths (in cm) and weeks. Over a multiweek period (measured in 15-minute increments), mean soil moisture content was higher for the disclosed irrigation supplement treatments than for the control at 10 cm (44% vs. 37.5%), 20 cm (42.3% vs. 38.2%), and 30 cm (43% vs. 36.4%), demonstrating the soil root zone water retention benefits of the disclosed irrigation supplement. At 40 cm, the treatments and controls had similar soil moisture content means (40.7% vs. 40.3%), and at 50 cm, the soil moisture content mean was greater for the control (47%) than for the irrigation supplement treatment (32.3%), indicating significantly reduced water retention in the upper depths for the control. This is particularly relevant for plant growth because the upper depths (i.e., below 30 cm) are the region dominated by plant roots.

[0038] 10A-10B are bar graphs showing chlorophyll content index (FIG. 10A) and yield (bushels / acre) (FIG. 10B) for corn plants irrigated with irrigation water formulations of the present disclosure (irrigation water formulations U, V, W, X, and Y) and a control irrigation water formulation.

[0039] definition Unless otherwise stated, the definitions and embodiments set forth in this and other sections are intended to be applicable to all embodiments and aspects of this application where they are appropriate, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0040] The singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a "method" includes one or more methods, and / or one or more steps, of the type described herein and / or that will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. As another example, reference to a "compound" includes both a single compound and a plurality of different compounds.

[0041] The term "about" or "approximately" includes within a statistically significant range of values. Such a range can be within one order of magnitude of a given value or range, preferably within 50%, more preferably within 20%, even more preferably within 10%, and even more preferably within 5%. The allowable variation encompassed by the term "about" or "approximately" depends on the particular system under study and is readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0042] As used herein, the term "and / or" means that the listed items are present or usable either individually or in any combination. In effect, the term means that "at least one" or "one or more" of the listed items are used or present.

[0043] As will be understood by those skilled in the art, for all purposes, including in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein encompass all possible subranges (narrower ranges) and combinations of subranges. Any recited range can be readily recognized as fully descriptive and allowing for the same range to be broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein can be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third, upper third, etc. As will also be understood by those skilled in the art, all terms such as "up to," "at least," etc., are inclusive of the recited numbers and refer to ranges, and ranges can be broken down into subranges as described above. Finally, as will be understood by those skilled in the art, a range includes its individual members.

[0044] For purposes of understanding the scope of this application, the term "comprises" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other, unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The same also applies to words of similar meaning, such as the terms "contain," "involve," and "have" and their derivatives. The term "consisting of" and its derivatives as used herein are intended to be closed terms that specify the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but exclude the presence of other, unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The term "consisting essentially of" as used herein is intended to specify the presence of stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, as well as the presence of things that do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. In embodiments or claims in which the term "comprising" or similar language is used as a transitional phrase, such embodiments may replace the term "comprising" with the term "consisting of" or "consisting essentially of." The disclosed methods, kits, systems, and / or compositions may comprise, consist essentially of, or consist of the disclosed components.

[0045] In embodiments that include an "additional" or "second" component, the second component, as used herein, is different from the other components or the first component. A "third" component is different from the other components, the first component, and the second component, and further listed or "additional" components are likewise different.

[0046] As used herein, the term "plant" includes living plants and living plant parts, including fresh fruits, vegetables, and seeds. Similarly, as used herein, the term "plant" encompasses whole plants, ancestors and descendants of plants and plant parts, including seeds, shoots, stems, leaves, roots (including tubers), flowers, and tissues and organs. Certain terms used in the specification, examples, and claims are collected herein. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this disclosure have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.

[0047] Preferences and options with respect to a given aspect, feature, embodiment, or parameter of the present disclosure should be considered to be disclosed in combination with all preferences and options with respect to all other aspects, features, embodiments, and parameters of the present disclosure, unless the context indicates otherwise.

[0048] Soil / Root / Water System Plant roots growing in moist soil appear to be a simple combination of soil, water, and roots. This simplicity also extends to irrigation: plants need water to survive and grow; when plants lack sufficient water, irrigation water is applied to the soil, resulting in survival, growth, and a harvest. However, upon closer inspection, it quickly becomes clear that this simple system is anything but simple. Soils are themselves highly complex systems, varying widely in mineralogy, chemical properties, physical properties, particle size, and spatial heterogeneity. Water in soil exhibits a wide range of properties depending on soil pore size, soil chemistry, water chemistry, soil horizons, and site-specific hydrology. Roots are also highly complex and vary from species to species. Some roots are well-adapted to low-water root zone (rhizosphere) regimes (e.g., desert plants), while others have evolved in very moist soils (e.g., wetland plants). Roots differ in their water physiology, their physical structure (i.e., size, surface area, penetration depth, etc.), and their ability to acquire nutrients from the soil-water system.

[0049] All plants require water in the rhizosphere to survive and grow. Plants need a lot of water, and it is natural to think that irrigation is most effectively achieved by providing too much water for the crop rather than too little, but this contradicts a fundamental fact: roots respire (i.e., consume O2 and excrete CO2; they are aerobes). Roots must have oxygen to function—otherwise, they will "drown." Furthermore, for some plant species, too much water can lead to a dramatic increase in microbial root diseases. Clearly, plants generally require a "Goldilocks" amount (not too much / too little) of water in the rhizosphere.

[0050] Another factor that adds complexity to the soil / root / water system is the soil-water ionic chemistry. This chemistry directly influences root and overall plant physiology, as plant roots acquire almost all plant nutrients from this pool of aqueous ions. These ionic nutrients include nitrate (NO3), phosphate (PO4), potassium ion (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), chlorine (Cl), and silicon (Si). The concentrations of these ions in the soil-water solution are highly dynamic and depend on a variety of factors, including the mineralogy and chemistry of solid soil particles, the intrinsic chemistry of the soil-water system, and the uptake of nutrient ions by plant roots. The amount and availability of plant nutrient ions in the soil system are constantly in a dynamic equilibrium, dependent on these factors. The fundamental soil property that determines the dynamic plant ionic nutrient availability is the "cation exchange capacity" (CEC). CEC is determined by the amount of calcium (Ca 2+ ), magnesium (Mg 2+ ), potassium (K + The CEC of a soil is a measure of the total amount of negative charge in the soil system that adsorbs plant nutrient cations, such as phosphates, phosphates, and phosphates. The CEC of a soil indicates its ability to provide nutrient cations to the soil-water solution for uptake by plants.

[0051] As a result of all these interacting and complex factors, it is necessary to think of the roots of plants growing in moist soil as an interactive and dynamic "soil / water / nutrient / oxygen / root complex."

[0052] Further complexity in the soil / water / root system involves the xyz movement of water beneath the soil surface. The inherent chemical and physical properties of solid soil materials (and organic matter) cause subsurface soils to either repel or attract water (within soil pores). In most agricultural fields, significant heterogeneity typically exists in the subsurface regions that repel or attract water. This heterogeneity creates subsurface flow patterns in which some zones receive significant water flow while the repellent zone receives much less. This heterogeneity can have a significant impact on crop irrigation, as achieving sufficient water levels in the repellent zone requires the application of excess water to the attractor zone, resulting in wasted irrigation water. Furthermore, soil water repellency is often a problem at the soil surface, where it results in very slow infiltration rates and high water loss through evaporation.

[0053] Soil water repellency (SWR) is a widespread problem in agriculture, leading to suboptimal plant growth and excessive irrigation water use (Lehrsch et al., “Surfactant and Irrigation Effects on Wettable Soils: Runoff, Erosion, and Water Retention Responses,” Hydrol. Process. 25:766-777 (2011), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). SWR affects the plant available water capacity (PAWC) of crop fields and turfgrasslands. PAWC is a function of water availability in the plant root zone and has two dimensions: vertical, where soil water moves downward from the surface, primarily due to gravity, and horizontal, or lateral, distribution. This lateral movement of soil water is important but often overlooked. In many soils, different zones of SWR result in uneven distribution of water content below the soil surface. Water flows to areas with low SWR and flows out of areas with high SWR. Such horizontal non-uniformity in water distribution / water content can have a significant impact on PAWC in all crop plants. This differential flow of groundwater is called "preferential flow" and affects crop yield (Dekker et al., "The Impact of Water Repellency on Soil Moisture Variability and Preferential Flow," Int. Turfgrass Soc. Res. J., 9:498-505 (2001), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

[0054] How to Irrigate Your Growing Medium As described in more detail below, aspects of the present disclosure generally encompass methods of making and using irrigation water compositions for improved water infiltration, where improved water infiltration is obtained by introduction of the irrigation water composition into a plant growth medium. The term water infiltration refers to the penetration of an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure into a plant growth medium (e.g., a plot of soil) during an irrigation period.

[0055] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of irrigating a plant growth medium, the method comprising providing a plant growth medium and mixing water with an irrigation additive composition to form an irrigation water composition, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt % of a thickening agent, wherein the thickening agent is selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former. The method further includes irrigating the plant growth medium with the irrigation water composition.

[0056] In some embodiments, the irrigation additive composition is 30.0wt%, 31.0wt%, 32.0wt%, 33.0wt%, 34.0wt%, 35.0wt%, 36.0wt%, 37.0wt%, 38.0wt%, 39.0wt%, 40.0wt%, 41.0wt%, 42.0wt%, 43.0wt%, 44.0wt%, 45.0wt%, 46.0wt%, 47.0wt%, 48.0wt%, 49.0wt%, 50.0wt%, 51.0wt%, 52.0wt%, 53.0wt%, 54.0wt%, 55.0wt%, 56.0wt%, 57.0wt%, 58.0wt%, 59.0wt%, 60.0wt%, 61.0wt%, 62.0wt%, 63.0wt%, 64.0wt%, 65.0wt%, 66.0wt%, 67.0wt%, 68.0wt%, 69.0wt%, 70.0wt%, 71.0wt%, 72.0wt%, 73.0wt%, 74.0wt%, 75.0wt%, 76.0wt%, 77.0wt%, 78.0wt%, 79.0wt%, 80.0wt%, 81.0wt%, 82.0wt%, 83.0wt%, 84.0wt%, 85.0wt%, 86.0wt%, 87.0wt%, 88.0wt%, 89.0wt%, 90.0wt%, 91.0wt%, 92 %, 56.0 wt%, 57.0 wt%, 58.0 wt%, 59.0 wt%, 60.0 wt%, 61.0 wt%, 62.0 wt%, 63.0 wt%, 64.0 wt%, 65.0 wt%, 66.0 wt%, 67.0 wt%, 68.0 wt%, 69.0 wt%, 70.0 wt%, 71.0 wt%, 72.0 wt%, 73.0 wt%, 74.0 wt%, 75.0 wt%, 76.0 wt%, 77.0 wt%, 78.0 wt%, 79.0 wt%, 80.0 wt%, or any amount therebetween of thickener. For example, the irrigation additive composition may include 70.0 wt% to 80.0 wt% thickener.

[0057] In some embodiments, the irrigation additive composition is 5.0wt%, 6.0wt%, 7.0wt%, 8.0wt%, 9.0wt%, 10.0wt%, 11.0wt%, 12.0wt%, 13.0wt%, 14.0wt%, 15.0wt%, 16.0wt%, 17.0wt%, 18.0wt%, 19.0wt%, 20.0wt%, 21.0wt%, 22.0wt%, 23.0wt%, 24.0wt%, 25.0wt%, 26.0wt%, 27.0wt%, 28.0wt%, 29.0wt%, 30.0wt%, 31.0wt%, 32.0wt%, 33.0wt%, 34.0wt%, 35.0wt%, 36.0wt%, 37.0wt%, 38.0wt%, 39.0wt%, 40.0wt%, 41.0wt%, 42.0wt%, 43.0wt%, 44.0wt%, 45.0wt%, 46.0wt%, 47.0wt%, 48.0wt%, 49.0wt%, 50.0wt%, 51.0wt%, 52.0wt%, 53.0wt%, 54.0wt%, 55.0wt%, 56.0wt%, 57.0wt%, 58.0wt%, 59.0wt%, 60.0wt%, 61.0wt%, 62.0wt%, 63.0wt%, 64.0wt%, 65.0wt%, 66.0wt%, 67.0wt%, %, 34.0wt%, 35.0wt%, 36.0wt%, 37.0wt%, 38.0wt%, 39.0wt%, 40.0wt%, 41.0wt%, 42.0wt%, 43.0wt%, 44.0wt%, 45.0wt%, 46.0wt%, 47.0wt%, 48.0wt%, 49.0wt%, 50.0wt%, 51.0wt%, 52.0wt%, 53.0wt%, 54.0wt%, 55.0wt%, 56.0wt%, 57.0wt%, 58.0wt%, 59.0wt%, 60.0wt%, or any amount therebetween of a metal ion complexing agent. For example, the irrigation additive composition can include 5.0 to 50.0 wt%, 15.0 to 60.0 wt%, 15.0 to 50.0 wt%, 15.0 to 40.0 wt%, 15.0 to 30.0 wt%, or 15.0 wt% to 20.0 wt% of the metal ion complexing agent.

[0058] In some embodiments, a method of irrigating a plant growth medium according to the present disclosure comprises providing a plant growth medium and blending water with an irrigation additive composition to form an irrigation water composition, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt % of a thickening agent, wherein the thickening agent is selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 50.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0059] In some embodiments, a method of irrigating a plant growth medium according to the present disclosure comprises providing a plant growth medium and blending water with an irrigation additive composition to form an irrigation water composition, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 60.0 wt % of a thickener, wherein the thickener is selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 30.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0060] As used herein, the term "plant growth medium" refers to any medium suitable for growing plants and / or sowing seeds. Suitable plant growth media include, but are not limited to, organic materials (e.g., peat moss, coniferous bark, compost, manure, coconut coir, worm castings, kenaf, bone meal, blood meal, fish meal, feather meal, fish emulsion, soybean meal, alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal, kelp and seaweed, wood ash), non-organic materials (e.g., clay minerals such as zeolite, bentonite, and kaolinite; soil, sand, grit, gravel, perlite, vermiculite, and expanded polystyrene), and combinations of organic and non-organic materials.

[0061] In some embodiments of the methods according to the present disclosure, the plant growth medium is soil, which may be selected from the group consisting of sandy soil, silty soil, clay soil, organic soil (e.g., peat, muck, mucky peat), loamy soil, chalk soil, and mixtures thereof.

[0062] Sandy soils are generally gravelly and formed from weathered rocks (such as limestone, quartz, granite, and shale). They may contain a fair to large amount of organic matter, which makes them relatively easy to cultivate.

[0063] Silty soils are generally composed of minerals (mainly quartz) and fine organic particles, and are richer in nutrients than well-drained sandy soils. In dry conditions, silty soils have a smooth texture and resemble black sand. Because the soil structure is not well defined, they are easy to cultivate when wet and retain moisture well.

[0064] Clay (or clayey) soils are generally sticky, lumpy, and soft when moist, but typically form hard clumps when dry. Clay soils are difficult to cultivate, generally have poor drainage, and tend to become waterlogged in the spring because they are composed of very fine particles and have few air voids. Blue and gray clays have low air permeability and need to be loosened to support healthy growth. The red color of clay soil indicates a "loose" soil that is permeable and well-drained. Clay is rich in nutrients, so plants thrive in the soil when it's properly drained.

[0065] Organic soils vary in organic matter content, ranging from 20 to 95%. They are generally classified by the degree of decomposition (decay) of the organic deposits. Common terms used are muck, peat, and mucky peat. Muck is well-decomposed organic matter. Peat is raw, undecomposed, highly fibrous organic matter, with the original fibers making up all the material. Because the acidity of peat soils inhibits the decomposition process, they generally contain more organic matter than other soils. These soils are poorer in nutrients than many other soils and prone to excessive water retention.

[0066] Loamy soils are typically a mixture of about 40% sand, 40% silt, and 20% clay. Loamy soils range from fertile, organically rich soils that are easy to cultivate to densely packed grass. Loamy soils typically drain water but retain moisture and are rich in nutrients.

[0067] Chalk soils are generally alkaline and may contain stones of various sizes. This type of soil dries quickly and tends to trap trace elements such as iron and manganese, which prevents plants from obtaining nutrients, leading to poor growth and yellowing of leaves. Chalk soils are generally considered to be of poor quality and require large amounts of fertilizer and other soil amendments.

[0068] In some embodiments of methods according to the present disclosure, one or more plants and / or plant seeds are grown in a plant growth medium.

[0069] In some embodiments, the plant is a crop. As used herein, the term "crop" or grammatical variations thereof refers to and includes plants that are cultivated for the purpose of extracting one or more plant parts, where the plant part or parts are considered to be useful products.

[0070] Crops suitable for use in the present disclosure include, for example, those having edible plant parts, those having plant parts that are not edible but are useful for other purposes, and combinations thereof. Also contemplated as suitable crops are those from which useful materials can be extracted; such useful materials can be, for example, food materials, manufacturing raw materials, medicinally useful materials, and materials useful for other purposes.

[0071] Additionally, suitable crops are those that produce plant parts that are useful for their aesthetic and / or decorative properties. Such ornamental plant parts include, for example, flowers and other ornamental plant parts (e.g., ornamental leaves, etc.). Some such plants also produce useful bulbs. In some embodiments, the entire ornamental plant is considered a useful plant part.

[0072] Crops that produce edible plant parts are also suitable. Crops that produce edible plant parts of any kind are contemplated as suitable for use in the present disclosure.

[0073] Crops suitable for the present disclosure may be crops that produce fruits, vegetables, spices, herbs, or plants or plant parts grown for ornamental purposes. In some embodiments, the crop produces fruits or vegetables. In some embodiments, the crop produces vegetables.

[0074] Additional suitable plants and / or plant seeds for use in the methods of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, fruit-bearing plants or plant seeds, nut-bearing plants or plant seeds, seed-producing plants, flowering plants or plant seeds, ornamental plants or plant seeds, legume plants or seeds, and other types of plants and plant seeds.

[0075] In some embodiments of the methods according to the present disclosure, the one or more plants and / or plant seeds may be selected from the group consisting of monocotyledonous plants, dicotyledonous plants, solanaceous vegetable crops (e.g., tomato, pepper, eggplant, white potato, red potato, and tomatillo), and tree crops.

[0076] In some embodiments of the methods according to the present disclosure, the one or more plants and / or plant seeds may be selected from the group consisting of grasses (e.g., clover, rye, bermuda, and other grasses), almonds and pistachios, alfalfa, citrus and subtropical fruits (e.g., grapefruit, lemons, oranges, dates, avocados, olives, jojoba, etc.), sugar beets, deciduous fruits (e.g., apples, apricots, walnuts, cherries, peaches, nectarines, pears, plums, prunes, kiwi, etc.), cotton, onions, garlic, potatoes, grapes (e.g., table grapes, raisin grapes, wine grapes).

[0077] In some embodiments of methods according to the present disclosure, the one or more plants and / or plant seeds may be selected from the group consisting of canola, alfalfa, rice, wheat, barley, rye, cotton, sunflower, peanut, corn, potato, sweet potato, bean, pea, chicory, lettuce, endive, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, beet, parsnip, cauliflower, broccoli, turnip, radish, spinach, onion, garlic, eggplant, pepper, celery, carrot, squash, zucchini, cucumber, apple, pear, melon, citrus fruit, strawberry, grape, raspberry, pineapple, soybean, tobacco, tomato, sorghum, and sugarcane.

[0078] In some embodiments of methods according to the present disclosure, the one or more plants and / or plant seeds may be selected from the group consisting of potted ornamental plants, such as annuals, perennials, shrubs, and the like.

[0079] In some embodiments of methods according to the present disclosure, the one or more plants and / or plant seeds are flowering plants.

[0080] In some embodiments of methods according to the present disclosure, the one or more plants and / or plant seeds are trees. Suitable trees include, but are not limited to, any citrus tree (e.g., lemon tree, lime tree, orange tree, grapefruit tree, tangerine tree, bitter orange tree, blood orange tree, mandarin orange tree, mandarin orange tree, tangerine tree, pummelo tree, tangelo tree, Ugli fruit tree, yuzu tree, calamondin tree, citron tree, Persian lime (Tahitian lime) tree, key lime tree), any stone fruit tree (e.g., mango tree, olive tree, coconut tree, apricot tree, peach tree, plum tree), any pome fruit tree (e.g., apple tree, pear tree, Asian pear tree, quince tree), any berry tree (e.g., avocado tree, banana tree, mulberry tree, acai berry tree, elderberry tree, goji berry tree), any berry tree (e.g., avocado tree, banana tree, mulberry tree, acai berry tree, elderberry tree, goji berry tree), any stone fruit tree (e.g., mango tree, olive tree, coconut tree, apricot tree, peach tree, plum tree), any pome fruit tree (e.g., apple tree, pear tree, Asian pear tree, quince tree), any berry tree (e.g., avocado tree, banana tree, mulberry tree, acai berry tree, elderberry tree, goji berry tree), any stone fruit tree (e.g., mango tree, olive tree, coconut tree, apricot tree, peach tree, plum tree), any stone fruit tree (e.g., mango tree, olive tree, coconut tree, apricot tree, peach tree, plum tree), any stone fruit tree (e.g., apple tree, pear tree, Asian pear tree, quince tree), any stone fruit tree (e.g., apple tree, pear tree, Asian pear tree, quince tree), any stone fruit tree (e.g., apple tree, pear tree, pear tree, quince tree), any stone fruit tree (e.g. berry) trees), any nut tree (e.g., almond tree, walnut tree, pistachio tree, chestnut tree, hazelnut tree, pecan tree), any other tree, vine, or woody plant.

[0081] In some embodiments, the one or more plants or plant seeds may be cucumber (Cucumis sativus) or corn (Zea mays).

[0082] As used herein, the term "irrigation" refers to the controlled supply of water for agricultural purposes through man-made systems to supply water needs not met by rainfall. Methods according to the present disclosure can be practiced by any method of irrigation, including, but not limited to, surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, micro-irrigation, and / or subsurface irrigation (seepage irrigation).

[0083] Each irrigation method and system has its own site-specific applicability, capabilities and limitations. There are a wide range of factors to consider, including the crop being grown, topography or physical site conditions, water supply, climate, available energy, chemigation, operational and management skills, environmental issues, soil, farm equipment and costs.

[0084] Surface irrigation (also known as flood irrigation) is a traditional irrigation method and remains one of the most commonly used irrigation methods. Surface irrigation refers to an irrigation system that distributes and distributes water needed to replenish the root zone of crops by spraying water at specific locations and allowing it to flow freely over the surface. Surface irrigation contrasts with sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation, in which water is distributed over the field in pressurized pipes and delivered to the soil surface through sprinklers or drippers. In any embodiment of the methods disclosed herein, the irrigation is performed by surface irrigation.

[0085] Surface irrigation can be classified as basin irrigation, border irrigation, furrow irrigation, and wild flooding (see, e.g., "Chapter 4: Surface Irrigation," in Part 623 Irrigation National Engineering Handbook from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (2012) (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety)). Basin irrigation is characterized by a completely level field with a perimeter dike to control and / or prevent runoff. Furrow irrigation is the exact opposite of basic surface irrigation configurations. Rather than flooding the entire field, irrigation is achieved through the formation of small channels called furrows and sometimes creases, rills, or corrugations. The volume of water per unit width in a furrow-irrigated field is only 20% of the water flowing through a similar width in basin irrigation. Infiltration (percolation) is two-dimensional through the wetted perimeter rather than vertically in one dimension. The edges of the furrows may be blocked to prevent runoff. Border irrigation looks like basin irrigation and functions like furrow irrigation. Border irrigation is achieved by flooding a rectangular, level, strip of land bounded by a ridge. Water is supplied at a rate sufficient to move the strip in a uniform sheet, and the downstream end may be blocked to prevent runoff. A border strip with no downstream slope is called a level border system.

[0086] In sprinkler irrigation, water is supplied to the point of use by a system of nozzles (impact and gear-driven sprinklers or spray heads), where the water is delivered to the sprinkler heads by above-ground pipelines, underground pipelines, or both (see, e.g., "Chapter 5: Selecting an Irrigation Method," in Part 652 Irrigation National Engineering Handbook from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (1997) (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety)). In contrast to surface irrigation techniques, in sprinkler irrigation, water is supplied so that puddling does not occur, or occurs only temporarily. In any embodiment of the methods disclosed herein, irrigation is performed by sprinkler irrigation.

[0087] Examples of sprinkler irrigation systems include: fixed systems (portable and permanent), handmove laterals, side roll laterals or wheel-line laterals, end tow laterals, hose-fed (pull) laterals, perforated pipe laterals, high- and low-pressure center-pivot and linear-move laterals, stationary or mobile gun sprinklers, and boom systems (see, e.g., "Chapter 6: Sprinkle Irrigation Systems," in Part 652 Irrigation National Engineering Handbook from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (1997) (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety)). Low Energy Precision Application (LEPA) and Low Pressure In Canopy (LPIC) systems are included in sprinkler systems as operational improvements over center pivot and linear mover systems. Sprinkler system pressure is generally provided by an electric motor and a pump powered by a diesel, natural gas, LPG, or gasoline engine. If sufficient elevation difference is available, sprinkler systems can be gravity-activated to provide the required operating pressure.

[0088] Micro-irrigation is a broad category of frequent, low-volume, low-pressure application of water to or below the soil surface by drippers, drip emitters, spaghetti tubes, underground or surface drip tubes, basin bubblers, sprayers, or mini-sprinkler systems. It is also called drip irrigation or trickle irrigation (see, e.g., "Chapter 6: Irrigation System Design," in Part 652 Irrigation National Engineering Handbook from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (1997) (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety)). In micro-irrigation, water is applied as individual or continuous droplets, small streams, or miniature sprays through drip emitters or spray heads installed along water delivery lines, called lateral or feeder lines. Generally, water is delivered at low pressure (5-20 sq m) from a distribution pipe network. lb / in 2 ) and sprayed in a predetermined pattern. The water-dispensing device that controls the water release is called an emitter. Water moves through the soil from the point of release to areas of higher water tension due to both capillary forces and gravity. The amount of soil wetted depends on the soil properties, the length of the irrigation period, the emitter release rate, and the number and spacing of emitters. The number and spacing of emitters depend on the spacing and size of the plants being irrigated. With proper water management, line source emitters can be used for row crops. Micro-irrigation can efficiently distribute limited water supplies. In any embodiment of the methods disclosed herein, the irrigation is performed by drip irrigation.

[0089] Exemplary micro-irrigation systems include, but are not limited to, point-source emitters (drip / trickle / bubbler), surface or subsurface linear emitter systems, basin bubblers, and spray or mini-sprinkler systems. In point-source micro-irrigation, water is delivered to the soil surface through small orifices in discrete or continuous drops, trickles, or small fountains. Discharge rates are expressed in gallons per hour (gph) or gallons per minute (gpm) at specified pressure ranges. Discharge rates typically range from 0.5 gallons per hour to approximately 0.5 gallons per minute for individual drip emitters. Basin bubbler micro-irrigation systems deliver water to the soil surface in a small, fountain-type stream. This stream has a higher point discharge rate than typical point or linear systems, but is generally less than 1 gallon per minute. The rate of release usually exceeds the rate of soil infiltration, so small basins are used to hold the water until infiltration occurs. Release is generally from small diameter (3 / 8 to 1 / 2 inch) flexible tubing attached to each vine or tree, connected to underground or surface laterals. No typical emitter device is used, and release pressures are very low (<5 lb / in 2 In spray or mini-sprinkler micro-irrigation systems, water is delivered to the soil surface as spray droplets from small, low-pressure heads. Typical wetting diameters are 2 to 7 feet. Discharge rates are generally less than 30 gallons per hour (0.5 gpm). Wetting patterns are larger than with typical drip emitter systems, and fewer applicators per plant are generally required.

[0090] In subsurface irrigation, water is supplied to crop root systems by upward capillary flow through the soil profile from a controlled groundwater level (see, e.g., "Chapter 6: Irrigation System Design," in Part 652 Irrigation National Engineering Handbook from the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service (1997) (incorporated herein by reference in its entirety)). Subsurface irrigation systems can lower an existing groundwater level, maintain an existing groundwater level, or raise the groundwater level to a desired level. The groundwater level typically remains constant during the growing season but can fluctuate. Water from the groundwater level is supplied to plant roots by upward capillary movement through the soil profile, also known as upflux. The groundwater level can be controlled by the following methods: draining groundwater to lower or maintain an existing groundwater level or using buried laterals to remove water from the soil profile; controlling drainage by capturing rainfall to raise the groundwater level to a desired level at or above the buried lateral; and introducing irrigation water through a buried lateral system to raise or maintain the groundwater level at or above the buried lateral. In any embodiment of the methods disclosed herein, irrigation is by subirrigation.

[0091] Without being bound by theory, irrigating a plant growth medium with an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure increases irrigation efficiency compared to when the irrigation is performed in the absence of the irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure. In some embodiments, increased irrigation efficiency is measured in terms of crop-water use efficiency, which is defined as the amount of vegetative dry matter produced per unit volume of water taken up by the crop from the soil. Crop-water use efficiency may be increased by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, or more.

[0092] In other embodiments, the increase in irrigation efficiency is measured in terms of soil moisture, which may be defined as the amount of water accessible by plant roots. In some embodiments of methods according to the present disclosure, irrigating the plant growth medium with an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure may be performed to increase soil moisture content by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, or more, compared to irrigation performed in the absence of the irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure.

[0093] In some embodiments, the increase in irrigation efficiency is measured in terms of the water-retention capacity of the soil. The term "water-retention capacity" refers to the ability of soil to hold water. In some embodiments of methods according to the present disclosure, irrigating the plant growth medium with an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure can be performed to increase the water retention capacity of the soil by at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, or more, compared to irrigation performed in the absence of the irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure.

[0094] The term "field capacity" refers to the maximum amount of water a soil can hold. In contrast, the term "wilting point" refers to soil that is so dry that plants cannot utilize the remaining moisture from the soil particles. Available moisture is the water that plants and / or seeds can utilize from the soil within the range between the field capacity and the wilting point. In some embodiments of methods according to the present disclosure, irrigating the plant growth medium with an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure may be carried out to increase field water capacity by at least 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100% or more compared to irrigation carried out in the absence of an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure.

[0095] As a result of the increased irrigation efficiency provided by an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, soil irrigated with the irrigation water composition supports plant seed germination and / or plant growth for a longer period of time than when irrigation is performed in the absence of an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure. Similarly, soil irrigated with the irrigation water composition prevents wilting between irrigation events for a longer period of time than when irrigation is performed in the absence of an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure.

[0096] How to improve plant growing conditions As described herein, methods according to the present disclosure can be used to enhance irrigation water use, thereby improving growing conditions for various plants. Exemplary plant growing conditions include, but are not limited to: -Improved water infiltration rate into the soil surface Drip irrigation trials of California cucumbers observed a dramatic reduction in surface "puddling." Improved water retention in the root zone, generally reducing water and ion leaching(Rhizosphere = the top few inches of the soil column containing the majority of plant root biomass) Under conditions of water deficit, the irrigation water compositions of the present disclosure increase soil moisture content. Reduces leaching of plant nutrient ions A reduction in soil / dye migration is observed in the soil column. -Improved water use efficiency (i.e., "more crop per drop"): The irrigation water compositions of the present disclosure increased crop yield per acre per volume of irrigation water (e.g., fruits / acre / gallon). Facilitates lateral movement of water through subsurface soil The irrigation water compositions of the present disclosure promote the lateral movement of water through the subsurface soil. -Reduces fluctuations in soil moisture over time The irrigation water compositions of the present disclosure increase soil moisture content over time compared to soil irrigated in the absence of the disclosed irrigation adjuvant. Consistently low soil moisture content at shallow soil depths The irrigation water composition of the present disclosure exhibits higher soil moisture content at depths of, for example, 65 cm, 75 cm, and 85 cm. Increased soil water uptake by plant roots at a specific depth Irrigation water compositions of the present disclosure may more than double root water uptake at a depth of, for example, 25 cm in a growing corn field. Increased cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil systems The chemistry of the irrigation water composition of the present disclosure has an inherent CEC that contributes to the overall CEC of the soil system to which it is added. ·Ion retention in the rhizosphere In growing corn field soils, soil-water ion concentrations (conductance) are generally high at various soil depths, and in cucumber fields, soil-water ion concentrations are also generally high at various soil depths. The irrigation water composition of the present disclosure produced higher soil nitrogen (ppm) at 5" and 10" depths, and higher soil phosphorus and potassium at 5", indicating retention of P and K ions in the upper part of the soil column.

[0097] These various phenomena act in some combination to increase irrigation water use efficiency, significantly reduce overall irrigation water use, and optimize soil / water / oxygen / nutrient / plant dynamics. This results in increased crop yields and / or the same yield with less irrigation water used. Evidence that the irrigation water of the present disclosure optimizes crop performance (corn and cucumber) when added to supplied irrigation water is summarized as follows: Increased root biomass (root mass) In a field grown cucumber plant, irrigation with the irrigation water composition of the present disclosure increased root mass by 65% ​​compared to irrigation without the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure (see Example 7). Increased chlorophyll content in plant leaves In a field of growing corn plants, irrigation with the irrigation water composition of the present disclosure increased the chlorophyll content index (CCI) of corn plant leaves by 15.2 to 35.5% (Example 5) and 33% (Example 6) compared to irrigation without the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure. Increased yield In a field of growing corn plants, irrigation with the irrigation water composition of the present disclosure increased the number of fruits / acre by 31% and the pounds / acre by 23% compared to irrigation without the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure (see Example 1).

[0098] Accordingly, another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for improving plant growing conditions, wherein the plant growing conditions are selected from the group consisting of: (1) increased yield of plant parts; (2) increased irrigation efficiency; (3) increased water infiltration rate to the surface of the growing medium; (4) increased water retention in the plant-growth medium rhizosphere; (5) increased lateral water movement through the subsurface growing medium; (6) reduced fluctuations in growth medium moisture content over time; (7) reduced growth medium moisture content at shallow growth medium depths; (8) increased growth medium water uptake by plant roots; (9) increased cation exchange capacity of the growth medium system; (10) ion retention in the plant-growth medium rhizosphere; (11) enhanced activity of beneficial growth medium microorganisms; (12) increased root biomass; and (13) increased chlorophyll content in plant leaves. The method comprises the steps of: (a) providing plants and / or plant seeds in a plant growth medium; (b) blending water with an irrigation additive composition to form an irrigation water composition, the irrigation additive composition comprising: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; and (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former; (c) irrigating the plant growth medium with the irrigation water composition; (d) growing the plant or plant seed to maturity in a plant growth medium; and (e) Harvesting plant parts from mature plants. wherein the methods each result in the following, compared to irrigation with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive: (1) increased yield of the plant part; (2) increased irrigation efficiency; (3) increased water infiltration rate to the surface of the growth medium; (4) increased water retention in the plant growth medium rhizosphere; (5) increased lateral water movement through the subsurface growth medium; (6) decreased fluctuation in growth medium moisture content over time; (7) decreased growth medium moisture content at shallow soil depths; (8) increased growth medium moisture uptake by plant roots; (9) increased cation exchange capacity of the growth medium system; (10) increased ion retention in the plant-growth medium rhizosphere; (11) increased activity of beneficial growth medium microorganisms; (12) increased root biomass; and (13) increased chlorophyll content in plant leaves.

[0099] In some embodiments, (b) blending water with the irrigation additive composition to form the irrigation water composition comprises using an irrigation additive composition comprising: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 50.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0100] In some embodiments, (b) blending water with the irrigation additive composition to form the irrigation water composition comprises using an irrigation additive composition comprising: (i) 30.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a foam control agent; (iv) 30.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0101] Thickeners, water-soluble divalent salts, metal ion complexing agents, and film-forming agents suitable for use in the methods according to the present disclosure are described in more detail below.

[0102] Plant growth media suitable for use in the methods of the present disclosure are described in more detail below. In some embodiments, the plant growth medium is soil. According to such embodiments, the soil may be selected from the group consisting of sandy soil, silty soil, clay soil, peat soil, loamy soil, chalk soil, and mixtures thereof.

[0103] The method of increasing plant yield according to the present disclosure may be practiced by surface irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, micro-irrigation, sub-irrigation, and combinations thereof.

[0104] As used herein, the term "harvesting" or grammatical variations thereof means and includes the act of removing useful plant parts from a plant (e.g., a crop).

[0105] As used herein, the term "yield" refers to the amount of mature plant parts harvested from a mature plant or a defined group of plants (e.g., a defined group of mature plants). In some embodiments, the term "defined group of plants" refers to a group of plants occupying an area of ​​ground (this definition is often used when plants are grown as a contiguous group in a field). In other embodiments, the term "defined group of plants" refers to a specific number of individually identified plants (e.g., a specific number of individually identified plants in a field, in pots, in a greenhouse, or any combination thereof).

[0106] Yield can be defined in various ways. In the practice of the present disclosure, yield may be measured, for example, by any of the following methods: weight, volume, number, or biomass of harvested plant parts. Methods are also contemplated in which yield is measured as the amount of a particular component (e.g., sugar, starch, or protein) in a crop. Methods are also contemplated in which yield is measured as the amount of a particular characteristic (e.g., redness, which may be used to measure tomato yield). Methods are also contemplated in which yield is measured as the amount of a particular portion of a harvested plant part (e.g., kernel number or kernel weight, which may be used to measure corn yield, or lint weight, which may be used to measure cotton yield).

[0107] In some embodiments, yield is defined as the amount of crop per unit area of ​​land. That is, the area of ​​land where the crop is harvested is measured and the amount of crop divided by the land area to calculate the yield. For example, yield may be reported as weight per area (e.g., kilograms per hectare).

[0108] In some embodiments, harvested plant parts that contribute to yield are those that meet minimum quality standards appropriate for that type of plant part. That is, when plant parts are harvested from a particular plant, the yield is, for example, the weight of plant parts of acceptable quality harvested from those plants. Acceptable quality can be determined by any of the common standards used by those who harvest or handle the plant parts of interest. Criteria for acceptable quality of such plant parts may be, for example, one or more of size, weight, hardness, resistance to bruising, flavor, sugar / starch balance, color, aesthetics, other quality criteria, or any combination thereof. Also considered as a quality criterion, alone or in combination with any of the aforementioned criteria, is the time a plant part maintains its quality (as determined by any of the aforementioned criteria).

[0109] Some illustrative (but non-limiting) examples of yield are, for example, the total weight of harvested plant parts; the total number of harvested plant parts; the weight (or number) of harvested plant parts that each meet or exceed a certain minimum weight for that type of plant part; or the weight (or number) of harvested plant parts that each meet or exceed a certain minimum quality standard (e.g., color, flavor, texture, or other standard, or a combination thereof) for that type of plant part; the weight (or number) of harvested plant parts that are edible; or the weight (or number) of harvested plant parts that are salable. In each case, as defined herein above, yield is the amount per unit area of ​​land on which the plant parts are grown.

[0110] In some embodiments, the methods of the present disclosure increase the yield of plant parts harvested from a mature plant or a defined group of mature plants (e.g., a plot of mature plants, a field of mature plants, a greenhouse of mature plants) compared to the yield of harvested plant parts that would have been obtained from the mature plant or a defined group of mature plants if not treated with the methods of the present disclosure.

[0111] In some embodiments, the growth medium may be used to measure (1) plant part yield, (2) irrigation efficiency, (3) water infiltration rate to the surface of the growing medium, (4) water retention in the plant growth medium rhizosphere, (5) lateral water movement through the subsurface growing medium, (8) growth medium water uptake by plant roots, (9) cation exchange capacity of the growing medium system, (10) ion retention in the plant growth medium rhizosphere, (11) activity of beneficial growing medium microorganisms, (12) root biomass, and / or (13) chlorophyll content of plant leaves. (5) the increase in moisture content of the growing medium over time and / or (6) the change in moisture content of the growing medium at shallow soil depths, compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive; and / or (7) the change in moisture content of the growing medium at shallow soil depths. The reduction in is at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive.

[0112] For example, in some embodiments, when a method of improving growing conditions for a plant includes (1) increasing the yield of a plant part, a mature plant may have at least a 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from a plant irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive.

[0113] An increased yield of harvested plant parts can be obtained in any of a variety of ways. For example, one way an increased yield of harvested plant parts can be obtained is if each plant can produce a greater number of useful plant parts. As another example, one way an increased yield of harvested plant parts can be obtained is if each useful plant part can have a higher weight. As a third example, the yield of harvested plant parts can be increased if a greater number of potentially useful plant parts meet minimum standards of acceptable quality. Other methods of increasing the yield of harvested plant parts can also result from the practice of the present disclosure. Increased yield of harvested plant parts that occurs by any combination of methods is also contemplated.

[0114] For example, in some embodiments, when the method of improving plant growing conditions includes (2) increasing irrigation efficiency, a mature plant may have at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from a plant irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0115] In some embodiments, when the method for improving plant growth conditions includes (3) increasing the rate of water infiltration into the surface of the growth medium, the rate of water infiltration into the surface of the growth medium is increased by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, or more, compared to that obtained from a surface of the growth medium irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition. Due to this increased rate of water infiltration to the surface of the growing medium, mature plants may have at least a 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. Similarly, due to such an increase in the rate of water infiltration into the surface of the growing medium, mature plants may have at least a 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increase in yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0116] In some embodiments, when the method for improving plant growth conditions includes (4) increasing water retention in the rhizosphere of a plant growth medium, the water retention in the rhizosphere of the plant growth medium is increased by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more compared to that obtained from the rhizosphere of a plant grown in the plant growth medium irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition. Due to such increased water retention in the plant growth medium rhizosphere, mature plants may have at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. Similarly, due to such increased water retention in the plant growth medium rhizosphere, mature plants may have at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0117] In some embodiments, when the method for improving plant growth conditions includes (5) enhancing lateral water movement through a subsurface growing medium, the lateral water movement through the subsurface growing medium is increased by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more compared to that observed below the surface of a growing medium irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition. Due to this enhanced lateral movement of water through the subsurface growing medium, mature plants may have at least a 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. Similarly, such enhanced lateral movement of water through the subsurface growing medium may result in mature plants having at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0118] In some embodiments, when the method of improving plant growth conditions includes (6) reducing fluctuations in growth medium moisture content over time, the fluctuations in growth medium moisture content over time are reduced by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more compared to that observed in a growth medium irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition. Due to such reduced fluctuations in growth medium moisture content over time, mature plants may have at least a 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. Similarly, due to such reduced fluctuations in growth medium moisture content over time, mature plants may have at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0119] In some embodiments, when the method of improving plant growth conditions includes (7) reducing growth medium moisture content at shallow growth medium depths, the growth medium moisture content at shallow soil depths is reduced by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more compared to that observed in the growth medium irrigated with irrigation water that does not include the irrigation additive composition. Such reduced growth medium moisture content at shallower growth medium depths may result in mature plants having at least a 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. Similarly, such reduced growing medium moisture content at shallow growing medium depths may result in mature plants having at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0120] In some embodiments, when the method of improving plant growth conditions includes (8) increasing uptake of growth medium water by plant roots, uptake of growth medium water by plant roots is increased by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more compared to that obtained from plant roots grown in a growth medium irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition. Due to this increased uptake of growth medium moisture by plant roots, mature plants may have at least a 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. Similarly, due to such increased uptake of growing medium water by plant roots, mature plants may have at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0121] In some embodiments, when the method of improving plant growth conditions includes (9) increasing the cation exchange capacity of a growth medium system, the cation exchange capacity of the growth medium system is increased by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, or more, compared to that obtained from a growth medium system irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition. Such an increase in cation exchange capacity of the growth medium system may result in mature plants having at least a 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. Similarly, such an increase in cation exchange capacity of the growing medium system may result in mature plants having at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0122] In some embodiments, when the method of improving plant growth conditions includes (10) retaining ions in the rhizosphere of a plant growth medium, the retention of ions in the rhizosphere of a plant growth medium is increased by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more compared to the retention of ions in the rhizosphere of a growth medium irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition. Due to such increased retention of ions in the plant growth medium rhizosphere, mature plants may have at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. Similarly, such increased ion retention in the plant growth medium rhizosphere may result in mature plants having at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0123] In some embodiments, when the method of improving plant growing conditions includes (11) increasing the activity of beneficial growth medium microorganisms, the activity of beneficial growth medium microorganisms is increased by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more compared to the activity of beneficial growth medium microorganisms in the growth medium irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition. Such enhanced activity of beneficial growth medium microorganisms may result in mature plants having at least a 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. Similarly, such enhanced activity of beneficial growth medium microorganisms may result in mature plants having at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0124] In some embodiments, when the method of improving plant growing conditions includes (12) increasing root biomass, the root biomass increases by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more compared to the root biomass obtained in a growth medium irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition. Such an increase in root biomass may result in a mature plant having at least a 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from a plant irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. Similarly, such an increase in root biomass may result in mature plants having at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0125] In some embodiments, when the method for improving plant growth conditions includes (13) increasing the chlorophyll content of plant leaves, the plant leaf chlorophyll content is increased by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more compared to that obtained from plant leaves of plants grown in the plant growth medium irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition. Such an increase in plant leaf chlorophyll content may result in a mature plant having at least a 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield of harvested plant parts compared to that obtained from a plant irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. Similarly, such an increase in plant leaf chlorophyll content may result in mature plants having at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120% or more increased yield per unit volume of irrigation water compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive composition.

[0126] Irrigation water composition Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to an irrigation water composition comprising less than 0.8 wt.% of the irrigation additive composition and greater than 99.2 wt.% water, wherein the water is blended with the irrigation additive composition. The irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; and (iv) 5.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0127] In some embodiments, the irrigation water composition contains less than 0.8 wt%, less than 0.7 wt%, less than 0.6 wt%, less than 0.5 wt%, less than 0.4 wt%, less than 0.3 wt%, less than 0.2 wt%, less than 0.1 wt%, less than 0.09 wt%, less than 0.08 wt%, less than 0.07 wt%, less than 0.06 wt%, less than 0.05 wt%, less than 0.04 wt%, less than 0.03 wt%, less than 0.02 wt%, less than 0.01 wt%, less than 0.009 wt%, less than 0.008 ... and containing less than 0.007 wt%, less than 0.006 wt%, less than 0.005 wt%, less than 0.004 wt%, less than 0.003 wt%, less than 0.002 wt%, less than 0.001 wt%, less than 0.0009 wt%, less than 0.0008 wt%, less than 0.0007 wt%, less than 0.0006 wt%, less than 0.0005 wt%, less than 0.0004 wt%, less than 0.0003 wt%, less than 0.0002 wt%, less than 0.0001 wt%, or any amount therebetween of the irrigation additive composition.

[0128] In some embodiments, the irrigation water composition contains more than 99.2 wt%, more than 99.3 wt%, more than 99.4 wt%, more than 99.5 wt%, more than 99.6 wt%, more than 99.7 wt%, more than 99.8 wt%, more than 99.9 wt%, more than 99.91 wt%, more than 99.92 wt%, more than 99.93 wt%, more than 99.94 wt%, more than 99.95 wt%, more than 99.96 wt%, more than 99.97 wt%, more than 99.98 wt%, more than 99.99 wt%, more than 99.991 wt%, more than 99.992 wt%. more than 99.993wt%, more than 99.994wt%, more than 99.995wt%, more than 99.996wt%, more than 99.997wt%, more than 99.998wt%, more than 99.999wt%, more than 99.9991wt%, more than 99.9992wt%, more than 99.9993wt%, more than 99.9994wt%, more than 99.9995wt%, more than 99.9996wt%, more than 99.9997wt%, more than 99.9998wt%, more than 99.9999wt%, or any amount of water in between.

[0129] In some embodiments, the irrigation water composition comprises less than 0.8 wt% of the irrigation additive composition and greater than 99.2 wt% of water, wherein the water is blended with the irrigation additive composition. The irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 80.00 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; and (iv) 5.0 to 50.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0130] In some embodiments, the irrigation water composition comprises less than 0.8 wt% of the irrigation additive composition and greater than 99.2 wt% of water, wherein the water is blended with the irrigation additive composition. The irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 60.00 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt comprises a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; and (iv) 30.0 to 60.0 wt % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

[0131] As used herein, the term "blend" refers to a combination or association of one or more components such that the separate components are indistinguishable from one another. In some embodiments, an aqueous blend is produced by blending an irrigation additive composition with water.

[0132] The term "aqueous" as applied to an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure means that a sufficient amount of water is present to at least dissolve the irrigation additive composition, including the thickener, the water-soluble divalent salt, the foam control agent, the metal ion complexing agent, and the film former. In some embodiments of a composition according to the present disclosure, the irrigation water composition is an aqueous blend.

[0133] Irrigation water compositions according to the present disclosure may be formed by blending the irrigation additive composition with water in the following ratios: 1:125 to 1:30,000, 1:125 to 1:20,000, 1:125 to 1:20,000, 1:125 to 1:15,000, 1:125 to 1:10,000, 1:250 to 1:30,000, 1:250 to 1:25,000, 1:250 to 1:20,000, 1:250 to 1:15,000, 1:250 to 1:10,000, 1:500 to 1:30,000, 1: 500-1:25,000, 1:500-1:20,000, 1:500-1:15,000, 1:500-1:10,000, 1:1,000-1:30,000, 1:1,000-1:25,000, 1:1,000-1:20,000, 1:1,000-1:15,000, 1:1,000-1:10,000, 1:5,000-1:30,000, 1:5,000-1:25,000, 1:5,000-1:20,000, 1:5,000-1:15,000, or 1:5,000-1:10,000. For example, the ratio of irrigation additive composition to water is 1:250, 1:500, 1:1.00, 1:2.000, 1:3.000, 1:4.000, 1:5.000, 1:6.000, 1:7.000, 1:8.000, 1:9.000, 1:10.000, 1:11.000, 1:12.000, 1:13.000 In some embodiments, the irrigation additive composition and the water may be blended at a ratio of 1:10,000 to 1:20,000 or 1:25,000 to 1:30,000 irrigation additive composition:water.

[0134] In any embodiment of the methods and compositions according to the present disclosure, the water may be derived from any common source such as rivers, lakes, canals, dams, wells, rain, and groundwater, and may include, for example, any potable water, some non-potable water, and recycled water such as runoff / wastewater.

[0135] Composition suitable for growing plants A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a composition suitable for growing plants, comprising a plant growth medium and an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure.

[0136] Suitable plant growth media have been described in detail above.

[0137] Suitable irrigation water compositions have been described in detail above. In some embodiments, the irrigation water composition is an aqueous blend of an irrigation additive composition according to the present disclosure and water; for example, the irrigation additive composition may include a ratio of irrigation additive composition to water of 1:250 to 1:30,000.

[0138] In some embodiments of the methods and compositions according to the present disclosure, the thickener is a naturally occurring thickener.Naturally occurring thickeners include polysaccharides or amino acid building blocks and are generally water-soluble.Exemplary naturally occurring thickeners include, but are not limited to, cellulose and carboxymethylcellulose, and their derivatives.

[0139] In some embodiments of the methods and compositions according to the present disclosure, the thickener is a synthetic, non-naturally occurring thickener. Suitable synthetic, non-naturally occurring thickeners include, but are not limited to, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, and alkali-soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers.

[0140] In some embodiments, the thickener is an associative thickener. As used herein, the term "associative thickener" refers to a water-soluble polymer that comprises hydrophobic groups that interact with each other and with other components of the composition to form a three-dimensional network. Exemplary associative thickeners include hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, and mixtures thereof.

[0141] Hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers are commonly used to improve the rheological properties of aqueous emulsion systems. Under the influence of an organic or inorganic base, HASE particles gradually swell, forming a three-dimensional network through intermolecular hydrophobic aggregation between HASE polymer chains and / or emulsion components. This network, combined with the hydrodynamic excluded volume formed by the swollen HASE chains, produces the desired thickening effect. This network is sensitive to applied stress, rupturing upon shear and recovering upon stress release. HASE polymers are homopolymers of (meth)acrylic acid or copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid, (meth)acrylic acid esters, and maleic acid (modified with hydrophobic vinyl monomers). Exemplary commercially available HASE polymers include ACUSOL® from The Dow Chemical Company. TM 801S, ACUSOL TM 805S, ACUSOL TM 820, ACUSOL TM 823, ACULYN TM 22, ACULYN TM 28, ACRYSOL TM TT-615, and ACRYSOL TM One example is sold under the trade name TT-935.

[0142] Further exemplary commercially available HASE polymers include RHEOVIS from BASF (登録商標) Products sold under the trade name HS, such as RHEOVIS (登録商標) HS 1152, RHEOVIS (登録商標) HS 1162, RHEOVIS (登録商標) HS 1212, and RHEOVIS (登録商標) There is HS 1332.

[0143] Hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers are linear reaction products of polyethylene oxide and diisocyanates end-capped with hydrophobic hydrocarbon groups. Exemplary commercially available HEUR polymers include ACUSOL POLYMERS from Dow Chemical Company. TM 880, ACUSOL TM 882, ACRYSOL TM RM-2020, ACRYSOL TM RM-8W, and ACRYSOL TM Further exemplary commercially available HEUR polymers include those sold under the tradename SCT-275 from BASF. (登録商標) Products sold under the trade name PU, such as RHEOVIS (登録商標) PU 1185, RHEOVIS (登録商標) PU 1191, RHEOVIS (登録商標) PU 1214NC, RHEOVIS (登録商標) PU 1235, RHEOVIS (登録商標) PU 1250 NC, RHEOVIS (登録商標) PU 1251, RHEOVIS (登録商標) PU 1291, and RHEOVIS (登録商標) PU 1341 is an example.

[0144] Hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers are organic synthetic nonionic associative thickening additives that comprise a class of hydrophobically modified poly(acetal- or ketal polyether) derivatives. Exemplary commercially available HMPEs include RHEOVIS from BASF. (登録商標) PE, e.g. RHEOVIS (登録商標)PE 1320 NC and RHEOVIS (登録商標) An example is sold under the trade name PE 1331.

[0145] Hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers contain a polyethylene glycol backbone and aminoplast linking groups with hydrophobic end caps. Exemplary commercially available HEAT polymers include Optiflo from BYK. (登録商標) Some are sold under the product name L100.

[0146] In some embodiments, the thickening agent is ACUSOL TM 823. Acusol TM 823 (The Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI) is a HASE anionic associative thickener containing hydrophobic groups that can form intramolecular associations and adsorb to the surface of dispersed particles, thus providing thickening and stabilization.

[0147] In some embodiments, the thickener is a non-associative thickener.As used herein, the term "non-associative thickener" refers to a high molecular weight water-soluble polymer that comprises hydrophobic groups that interact with each other to form a three-dimensional network.Suitable non-associative thickeners include alkali-soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers and cellulose ethers.

[0148] Alkali-soluble / swellable emulsion (ASE) polymers are water-insoluble acrylic polymers dispersed in water with a high percentage of acid groups distributed throughout the polymer chain. When these acid groups are neutralized, the salt formed becomes hydrated. Depending on the concentration of acid groups, molecular weight, and degree of crosslinking, the salt will either swell in aqueous solution or become completely water-soluble. Increasing the concentration of neutralized polymer in an aqueous formulation will cause the polymer chains to swell, thereby increasing viscosity. Exemplary commercially available ASE polymers include, but are not limited to, ACUSOL TM 810A, ACUSOL TM 830, ACUSOL TM835, ACUSOL TM 842, ACUSOL TM 445N, ACRYSOL TM ASE-60, ACRYSOL TM ASE-75ER, ACRYSOL TM ASE-95NP, RHOPLEX TM ASE-95NP RHOPLEX TM ASE-108NP, ACULYN TM 33, ACULYN TM 38, JONCRYL TM 60, and JONCRYL TM 678 polymers.

[0149] Further exemplary commercially available ASEs include RHEOVIS from BASF (登録商標) Products sold under the trade name AS, e.g., RHEOVIS (登録商標) AS 1125 NA, RHEOVIS (登録商標) AS 1127, RHEOVIS (登録商標) AS 1130, RHEOVIS (登録商標) AS 1187, RHEOVIS (登録商標) AS 1337, and RHEOVIS (登録商標) Includes AS 1920.

[0150] In some embodiments, the thickening agent is Joncryl (登録商標) 60. Joncryl (登録商標) 60 (BASF Corporation, Florham Park, New Jersey) is a general-purpose, mid-range molecular weight acrylic resin in water and ammonia.

[0151] Cellulose ethers are water-soluble polymers derived from cellulose. Exemplary cellulose ethers include, but are not limited to, methyl cellulose (MC), ethyl cellulose (EC), methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (MHEC), methyl hydroxyethyl-hydroxypropyl cellulose (MHEHPC), methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose (MHPC), ethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EHEC), ethyl hydroxypropyl cellulose (EHPC), ethyl methyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (EMHEC), ethyl methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose (EMHPC), hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC), hydroxymethyl-ethyl cellulose (HMEC), hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose (HEMC), hydroxyethyl-propyl cellulose (HEPC), hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), hydroxypropyl-methyl cellulose (HPMC), hydroxypropyl-hydroxyethyl cellulose (HPHEC), carboxy-methyl cellulose (CMC), carboxymethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (CMHEC), carboxy- Methyl hydroxypropyl cellulose (CMHPC), hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (HMHEC), sulfoethyl cellulose (SEC), sulfopropyl cellulose (SPC), carboxymethyl sulfoethyl cellulose (CMSEC), carboxymethyl sulfopropyl cellulose (CMSPC), hydroxyethyl-sulfoethyl cellulose (HESEC), hydroxypropyl sulfoethyl cellulose (HPSEC), hydroxyethyl hydroxypropyl sulfoethyl cellulose (HEHPSEC), methyl hydroxyethyl-sulfoethyl cellulose (MHESEC), methyl hydroxypropyl-sulfoethyl cellulose (MHPSEC), methyl-hydroxyethyl-hydroxypropyl sulfoethyl cellulose (MHEHPSEC), allyl cellulose (AC), allyl-methyl cellulose (AMC), allyl ethyl cellulose (AEC), carboxymethyl allyl cellulose (CMAC), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl cellulose (DMAEC), N,N-diethylaminoethyl cellulose (DEACC), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (DMAEHEC), N,N-dimethylaminoethyl hydroxypropyl cellulose (DMAEHPC), benzyl cellulose (BC), methylbenzyl cellulose (MBC), benzyl hydroxyethyl cellulose (BHEC), sodium carboxymethyl cellulose ether (Na-CMCE).

[0152] Carboxymethylcellulose (also known as CMC cellulose gum, sodium cellulose glycolate, and CMC sodium) is synthesized by the chemical reaction of cellulose with monochloroacetic acid, followed by neutralization with sodium salt. Carboxymethylcellulose is stable over a wide pH range from 4 to 10 and is compatible with most nonionic and anionic species, as well as monovalent and divalent salts. Carboxymethylcellulose polymers are available in the CALEXIS (登録商標) , CEKOL (登録商標) , CELFLOW (登録商標) , CELLUFIX (登録商標) , and FINNFIX (登録商標) It is commercially available under the trade name.

[0153] In some embodiments, the cellulose ether is not carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0154] HMHEC polymers include hydroxyethyl cellulose modified with hydrophobic alkyl chains. HMEC polymers are available from, for example, BERMOCOLL (登録商標) EHM 100, BERMOCOLL (登録商標) EHM 100 ED, BERMOCOLL (登録商標) EHM 200, BERMOCOLL (登録商標) EHM 200 ED, BERMOCOLL (登録商標) EHM 300, BERMOCOLL (登録商標) EHM 500, and BERMOCOLL (登録商標) It is commercially available as EHM Extra.

[0155] In some embodiments, the cellulose ether is not a hydrophobically modified hydroxyethyl cellulose (HMHEC) polymer.

[0156] In some embodiments of the methods and compositions according to the present disclosure, the thickening agent does not include a cellulose ether. For example, some embodiments of the methods and compositions according to the present disclosure exclude the use of carboxymethylcellulose and / or HMEC polymers as thickening agents.

[0157] In any embodiment of the method according to the present disclosure, the irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or the composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the thickener may be an anionic thickener. In accordance with such embodiments, the anionic thickener may be a naturally occurring thickener (e.g., a cellulose or cellulose-based thickener) or a non-cellulose-based, synthetic thickener (e.g., an alkali-soluble emulsion (ASE) polymer or a hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion (HASE) polymer). Suitable non-cellulose-based synthetic thickeners have been described in detail above.

[0158] In any embodiment of the method according to the present disclosure, the irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or the composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the thickener may be selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali-swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, alkali-soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and combinations thereof. Suitable HEUR polymers, HASE polymers, and ASE polymers have been described in detail above.

[0159] In any embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure, an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or a composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the irrigation additive composition may be 30.0 wt%, 31.0 wt%, 32.0 wt%, 33.0 wt%, 34.0 wt%, 35.0 wt%, 36.0 wt%, 37.0 wt%, 38.0 wt%, 39.0 wt%, 40.0 wt%, 41.0 wt%, 42.0 wt%, 43.0 wt%, 44.0 wt%, 45.0 wt%, 46.0 wt%, 47.0 wt%, 48.0 wt%, 49.0 wt%, 50.0 wt%, 51.0 wt%, 52.0 wt%, 53.0 wt%, 54.0 wt%, 55.0 wt%, 56.0 wt%, 57.0 wt%, 58.0 wt%, 59.0 wt%, 60.0 wt%, 61.0 wt%, 62.0 wt%, 63.0 wt%, 64.0 wt%, 65.0 wt%, 66.0 wt%, 67.0 wt%, 68.0 wt%, 69.0 wt%, 70.0 wt%, 71.0 wt%, 72.0 wt%, 73.0 wt%, 74.0 wt%, 75.0 wt%, 76.0 wt%, 77.0 wt%, 78.0 wt%, 79.0 wt%, 80.0 wt%, 81.0 wt%, 82.0 wt%, 83.0 wt%, 84.0 wt%, 85.0 wt%, 86.0 wt%, 87.0 w %, 53.0wt%, 54.0wt%, 55.0wt%, 56.0wt%, 57.0wt%, 58.0wt%, 59.0wt%, 60.0wt%, 61.0wt%, 62.0wt%, 63.0wt%, 64.0wt%, 65.0wt%, 66.0wt%, 67.0wt%, 68.0wt%, 69.0wt%, 70.0wt%, 71.0wt%, 72.0wt%, 73.0wt%, 74.0wt%, 75.0wt%, 76.0wt%, 77.0wt%, 78.0wt%, 79.0wt%, 80.0wt%, or any amount in between of thickener.

[0160] As used herein, the term "water-soluble" refers to a compound that readily dissolves or substantially dissolves (i.e., dissolves, disintegrates, solubilizes, etc.) when contacted with an aqueous fluid (e.g., water) at, for example, ambient temperature (e.g., room temperature, ambient temperature, etc.).

[0161] Water-soluble divalent salts are well known in the art and include, for example, barium acetate (Ba(C2H3O2)2), barium bromide (BaBr2), barium chlorate (Ba(ClO3)2), barium chlorite (Ba(ClO2)2), barium chloride (BaCl2), barium formate (Ba(HCO2)2), barium hydroxide octahydrate (Ba(OH)2·8H2O), barium chloride dihydrate (BaCl2·2H2O), barium nitrate (Ba(NO3)2), barium nitrite (Ba(NO2)2), calcium acetate (Ca(CH3COO) 2), calcium chloride (CaCl2), calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2·2H2O), calcium benzoate (Ca(C7H5O2)2·3H2O), calcium bromide (CaBr2), calcium formate (Ca(HCO2)2), calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2), calcium iodate (Ca(IO3)2), calcium iodide (CaI2), calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (Ca(NO3)2·4H2O), calcium nitrite tetrahydrate (Ca(NO2)2·4H2O), calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4·2H2O), cobalt chloride (II ) (CoCl2), cobalt(II) chloride monohydrate (CoCl2·H2O), cobalt(II) chloride dihydrate (CoCl2·2H2O), cobalt(II) chloride hexahydrate (CoCl2·6H2O), cobalt(II) chloride nonahydrate (CoCl2·9H2O), cobalt(II) sulfate (CoSO4), cobalt(II) sulfate hexahydrate (CoSO4·6H2O), cobalt(II) sulfate heptahydrate (CoSO4·7H2O), cobalt(II) nitrate hexahydrate (Co(NO3)2·6H2O), cobalt(II) bromide (CoBr2), cobalt(II) nitrate ) (Co(NO3)2), cobalt nitrite (Co(NO2)2), cobalt chlorate (Co(ClO3)2), copper(II) sulfate (CoSO4), copper(II) sulfate monohydrate (CuSO4·H2O), copper(II) sulfate dihydrate (CuSO4·2H2O), copper(II) sulfate pentahydrate (CuSO4·5H2O), copper(II) bromide (CuBr2), copper(II) chloride (CuCl2), copper(II) fluorosilicate (CuSiF6), copper(II) nitrate (Cu(NO3)2), copper(II) selenite (CuSeO4), iron(II) sulfate monohydrate (FeSO4·H2O),Iron(II) sulfate heptahydrate (FeSO4·7H2O), iron(II) chloride (FeCl2), iron(II) chloride monohydrate (FeCl2·H2O), iron(II) chloride dihydrate (FeCl2·2H2O), iron(II) bromide (FeBr2), iron(II) fluoride (FeF2), magnesium sulfate (MgSO4), magnesium sulfate tetrahydrate (MgSO4·4H2O), magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO4·7H2 O), magnesium bromide (MgBr2), magnesium chlorate (Mg(ClO3)2), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), magnesium formate (Mg(HCO2)2), magnesium nitrate (Mg(NO3)2), manganese(II) sulfate (MnSO4), manganese(II) sulfate monohydrate (MnSO4·H2O), manganese(II) chloride (MnCl2), manganese(II) bromide (MnBr2), manganese iodide MnI2), strontium(II) chloride (StCl2), strontium(II) iodide (StI2), strontium nitrate (Sr(NO3)2), strontium perchlorate (Sr(ClO4)2), zinc(II) acetate (Zn(CH3CO2)2), zinc(II) acetate dihydrate (Zn(CH3CO2)2·2H2O), zinc(II) bromide (ZnBr2), zinc(II) chlorate (Z n(ClO3)2), zinc(II) chloride (ZnCl2), zinc(II) formate, zinc(II) iodide (ZnI2), zinc(II) nitrate (Zn(NO3)2), zinc(II) sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO4·H2O), zinc(II) sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO4·7H2O), zinc(II) sulfate hexahydrate (ZnSO4·6H2O), zinc(II) sulfate anhydrous (ZnSO4), zinc formate (Zn(HCO2)2).

[0162] In any embodiment of the methods and compositions according to the present disclosure, the water-soluble divalent salt is selected from the group consisting of zinc(II) acetate (Zn(CHCO)), zinc(II) acetate dihydrate (Zn(CHCO)·2H2O), zinc(II) bromide (ZnBr), zinc(II) chlorate (Zn(ClO)), zinc(II) chloride (ZnCl), zinc(II) formate, zinc(II) iodide (ZnI), zinc(II) nitrate (Zn(NO)), zinc(II) sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO·H2O), zinc(II) sulfate heptahydrate (ZnSO·7H2O), zinc(II) sulfate hexahydrate (ZnSO·6H2O), zinc(II) sulfate anhydrous (ZnSO), and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, the water-soluble divalent salt is zinc(II) sulfate.

[0163] In any embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure, an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or a composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the water-soluble divalent salt is zinc sulfate.

[0164] In any embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure, an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or a composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the irrigation additive composition may be present in an amount of 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 1.1 wt%, 1.2 wt%, 1.3 wt%, 1.4 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 1.6 wt%, 1.7 wt%, 1.8 wt%, 1.9 wt%, 2.0 wt%, 2.1 wt%, 2.2 wt%, 2.3 wt%, 2.4 wt%, or , 2.5 wt%, 2.6 wt%, 2.7 wt%, 2.8 wt%, 2.9 wt%, 3.0 wt%, 3.1 wt%, 3.2 wt%, 3.3 wt%, 3.4 wt%, 3.5 wt%, 3.6 wt%, 3.7 wt%, 3.8 wt%, 3.9 wt%, 4.0 wt%, 4.1 wt%, 4.2 wt%, 4.3 wt%, 4.4 wt%, 4.5 wt%, 4.6 wt%, 4.7 wt%, 4.8 wt%, 4.9 wt%, 5.0 wt%, or any amount therebetween of a water soluble divalent salt.

[0165] In any embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure, an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or a composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the foam control agent is a silicone-based foam control agent.

[0166] The terms "foam control agent," "anti-foaming agent," and "defoamer" can be used interchangeably and refer to compounds that reduce, eliminate, or prevent the formation of foam. Foam control agents act by altering the surface tension properties of a solution or emulsion, thereby inhibiting or modifying foam formation. Foam control agents may be added to irrigation water compositions to prevent or combat foam generation.

[0167] The foam control agent may be selected from the group consisting of alkyl polyacrylates, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, silicone-based foam control agents, and mixtures thereof.

[0168] Alkyl polyacrylates consist of acrylate monomer species with various alkyl substitutions adjacent to the ester. Acrylates belong to a family of vinyl polymers, which are esters, salts, and conjugate bases of acrylic acid and its derivatives. These vinyl acrylate monomers polymerize to form acrylate polymers due to the ease of polymerization of the vinyl group. Depending on the lateral substituents of the polymer chain on the α-vinyl carbon or on the ester, acrylates have a wide variety of properties, ranging from superabsorbency, transparency, flexibility, toughness, to hardness. Examples of acrylate monomers include ethyl acrylate, ethylene-methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, 2-chloroethyl vinyl ether, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, and trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). Suitable alkyl polyacrylates include, for example, poly(methyl acrylate) (PMA), poly(ethyl acrylate), poly(butyl acrylate), poly(2-ethylhexyl acrylate), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), poly(ethyl methacrylate) (PEMA), and poly(d-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (poly-HEMA).

[0169] The fatty acids or fatty alcohols have alkyl chains containing 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Suitable fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated and can be obtained from natural sources (e.g., palm oil, coconut oil, babassu oil, safflower oil, tall oil, castor oil, tallow oil and fish oil, grease, and mixtures thereof) or can be synthetically prepared. Suitable fatty acids include, for example, capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, arachidic acid, behenic acid, and the like.

[0170] Fatty alcohols derived from the above-mentioned fatty acids are suitable for the foam control agents of the present disclosure, including, for example, capryl alcohol, lauryl alcohol, myristyl alcohol, palmitoleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, arachidyl alcohol, and behenyl alcohol.

[0171] As used herein, the term "glyceride" refers to an ester in which one, two, or three of the -OH groups of glycerol are esterified. Monoglycerides, diglycerides, and triglycerides may include esters of any of the fatty acids described below.

[0172] As used herein, the term "silicone-based foam control agent" refers to a polymer having a silicone backbone. In any embodiment of the methods and compositions according to the present disclosure, the foam control agent is a silicone-based foam control agent. Suitable silicone-based foam control agents include, but are not limited to, polydimethylsiloxane solution and polydimethylsiloxane-treated silica. In some embodiments of the methods and compositions according to the present disclosure, the foam control agent is a silicone-based foam control agent. Exemplary commercially available silicone-based foam control agents include Antifoam 10 FG (AF 10 FG), Antifoam 30 Food Grade (AF-30 FG), Antifoam 100 Industrial Grade (AF-100 IND), Antifoam 8810 FG (AF 8810 FG), Antifoam 8820 FG (AF 8820 FG), and Antifoam 8830 FG (AF 8830 FG), which are available from Harcros Chemicals.

[0173] In some embodiments, the foam control agent is Antifoam (登録商標) 8810. Antifoam (登録商標)8810 (HARCROS, Kansas City, Kansas) is a 10% active food-grade emulsion of polydimethylsiloxane formulated for foam control in both food and industrial processing.

[0174] Additional exemplary commercially available foam control agents include, but are not limited to, Antifoam HL 27 (HL-27), Antifoam HL 36 Food Grade (HL-36), Antifoam HL 40 Food Grade (HL-40), Antifoam HL 52 Food Grade (HL-52), and Antifoam 645-35, available from Harcros Chemicals. Further exemplary commercially available ASEs include: XFO-5S (5% active silicone emulsion), XFO-10S (10% active silicone emulsion), XFO-220 (10% active silicone emulsion), XFO-225 (30% active silicone emulsion), XFO-30S (30% active silicone emulsion), XFO-722 (10% active silicone emulsion), XFO-724 (30% active silicone emulsion), XFO-600 (100% silicone compound), XFO-636 (silicone polyether emulsion), XFO-637 (silicone polyether emulsion), XFO-638 (high-activity silicone polyether emulsion), XFO-64 (high-activity modified siloxane emulsion), XFO-100S (100% active silicone compound), XFO-374 (100% active polyol and hydrophobic silica blend), XFO-376 (100% active polyol and hydrophobic silica blend), and XFO-378 (100% active polyol and hydrophobic silica blend), all available from Ivanhoe Industries.

[0175] In any embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure, an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or a composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the irrigation additive composition may be present in an amount of 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 1.1 wt%, 1.2 wt%, 1.3 wt%, 1.4 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 1.6 wt%, 1.7 wt%, 1.8 wt%, 1.9 wt%, 2.0 wt%, 2.1 wt%, 2.2 wt%, 2.3 wt%, 2.4 wt%, 2.5 wt%, 2.6 wt%, 2.7 wt%, 2.8 wt%, 2.9 wt%, 3.0 wt%, 3.1 wt%, 3.2 wt%, 3.3 wt%, 3.4 wt%, 3.5 wt%, 3.6 wt%, 3.7 wt%, 3.8 wt%, 3.9 wt%, 4.0 wt%, 4.1 wt%, 4.2 wt%, 4.3 wt%, 4.4 wt%, 4.5 wt%, 4.6 wt%, 4.7 wt%, 4.8 wt%, 4.9 wt%, 5.0 wt%, 5.1 wt%, 5.2 wt%, 5.3 wt%, 5.4 wt%, 5.5 wt%, 5.6 wt%, 5.7 wt%, 5.8 wt%, 5.9 wt%, 6.0 wt%, 6.1 wt%, 6.2 wt%, 6.3 wt%, 6.4 wt%, 6.5 wt%, 6.6 wt%, 6.7 wt%, 6.8 wt%, 6.9 wt%, 7 %, 2.5wt%, 2.6wt%, 2.7wt%, 2.8wt%, 2.9wt%, 3.0wt%, 3.1wt%, 3.2wt%, 3.3wt%, 3.4wt%, 3.5wt%, 3.6wt%, 3.7wt%, 3.8wt%, 3.9wt%, 4.0wt%, 4.1wt%, 4.2wt%, 4.3wt%, 4.4wt%, 4.5wt%, 4.6wt%, 4.7wt%, 4.8wt%, 4.9wt%, 5.0wt%, or any amount in between of foam control agent.

[0176] As used herein, the term "complexing agent" refers to a substance capable of complexing metal ions. The term "metal ion complexing agent" refers to an ion, molecule, or functional group of a molecule that can bind to a metal ion through one or several atoms to form a complex.

[0177] Suitable exemplary metal ion complexing agents include, but are not limited to, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), N-(1,2-dicarboxyethyl)-D,L-aspartic acid, iminodisuccinic acid (IDS), polyaspartic acid (DS), N,N′-ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (EDDS), N,N-bis(carboxylmethyl)-L-glutamic acid (GLDA), methylglycine diacetic acid (MGDA), and mixtures thereof (Kolodynska, D., “Application of a New Generation of Complexing Agents in Removal of Heavy Metal Ions from Different Wastes,” Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. Int. 20(9):5939-5949 (2013), incorporated herein by reference in its entirety).

[0178] In any embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure, an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or a composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the metal ion complexing agent may be selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), and mixtures thereof.

[0179] In any embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure, an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or a composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the irrigation additive composition may be 5.0 wt%, 6.0 wt%, 7.0 wt%, 8.0 wt%, 9.0 wt%, 10.0 wt%, 11.0 wt%, 12.0 wt%, 13.0 wt%, 14.0 wt%, 15.0 wt%, 16.0 wt%, 17.0 wt%, 18.0 wt%, 19.0 wt%, 20.0 wt%, 21.0 wt%, 22.0 wt%, 23.0 wt%, 24.0 wt%, 25.0 wt%, 26.0 wt%, 27.0 wt%, 28.0 wt%, 29.0 wt%, 30.0 wt%, 31.0 wt%, 32.0 wt%, 33.0 wt%, 34.0 wt%, 35.0 wt%, 36.0 wt%, 37.0 wt%, 38.0 wt%, 39.0 wt%, 40.0 wt%, 41.0 wt%, 42.0 wt%, 43.0 wt%, 44.0 wt%, 45.0 wt%, 46.0 wt%, 47.0 wt%, 48.0 wt%, 49.0 wt%, 50.0 wt%, 51.0 wt%, 52.0 wt%, 53.0 wt%, 54.0 wt%, 55.0 wt%, 56.0 wt%, 57.0 wt%, 58.0 wt%, 59.0 wt%, 60.0 wt%, 61.0 wt%, 62.0 wt%, 63 , 19.0wt%, 20.0wt%, 21.0wt%, 22.0wt%, 23.0wt%, 24.0wt%, 25.0wt%, 26.0wt%, 27.0wt%, 28.0wt%, 29.0wt %, 30.0wt%, 31.0wt%, 32.0wt%, 33.0wt%, 34.0wt%, 35.0wt%, 36.0wt%, 37.0wt%, 38.0wt%, 39.0wt%, 40.0wt %, 41.0wt%, 42.0wt%, 43.0wt%, 44.0wt%, 45.0wt%, 46.0wt%, 47.0wt%, 48.0wt%, 49.0wt%, 50.0wt%, 51.0w t%, 52.0wt%, 53.0wt%, 54.0wt%, 55.0wt%, 56.0wt%, 57.0wt%, 58.0wt%, 59.0wt%, 60.0wt%, 61.0wt%, 62.0w The irrigation additive composition may comprise 63.0 wt%, 64.0 wt%, 65.0 wt%, 66.0 wt%, 67.0 wt%, 68.0 wt%, 69.0 wt%, 70.0 wt%, 71.0 wt%, 72.0 wt%, 73.0 wt%, 74.0 wt%, 75.0 wt%, 76.0 wt%, 77.0 wt%, 78.0 wt%, 79.0 wt%, 80.0 wt%, or any amount therebetween of metal ion complexing agent. In some embodiments, the irrigation additive composition comprises 5.0 to 50 wt% metal ion complexing agent.

[0180] As used herein, the term "film former" refers to an agent that functions to facilitate film formation. Suitable exemplary film formers include, but are not limited to, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and mixtures thereof.

[0181] In any embodiment of the method, irrigation water composition, or composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the film-forming agent is polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of 25,000 to 175,000, or any molecular weight therebetween. Alternatively, the film-forming agent is polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of 80,000 to 150,000. For example, the film-forming agent may be polyvinyl alcohol having a molecular weight of 100,000.

[0182] In any embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure, an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or a composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the irrigation additive composition may be present in an amount of 0.5 wt%, 0.6 wt%, 0.7 wt%, 0.8 wt%, 0.9 wt%, 1.0 wt%, 1.1 wt%, 1.2 wt%, 1.3 wt%, 1.4 wt%, 1.5 wt%, 1.6 wt%, 1.7 wt%, 1.8 wt%, 1.9 wt%, 2.0 wt%, 2.1 wt%, 2.2 wt%, 2.3 wt%, 2.4 wt%, The film former may comprise 2.5 wt%, 2.6 wt%, 2.7 wt%, 2.8 wt%, 2.9 wt%, 3.0 wt%, 3.1 wt%, 3.2 wt%, 3.3 wt%, 3.4 wt%, 3.5 wt%, 3.6 wt%, 3.7 wt%, 3.8 wt%, 3.9 wt%, 4.0 wt%, 4.1 wt%, 4.2 wt%, 4.3 wt%, 4.4 wt%, 4.5 wt%, 4.6 wt%, 4.7 wt%, 4.8 wt%, 4.9 wt%, 5.0 wt%, or any amount therebetween.

[0183] In any embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure, an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or a composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the soil additive composition comprises 30-80 wt%, 40-80 wt%, 50-80 wt%, 60.0-80 wt%, or 70-80 wt% thickener; 1.8-2.8 wt%, 2.3-2.8 wt%, or 1.8-2.3 wt% water-soluble divalent salt; 1.8-2.8 wt%, 2.3-2.8 wt%, or 1.8-2.3 wt% foam control agent; 5.0-50 wt%, 5.0-40 wt%, 5.0-30 wt%, 5.0-20.0 wt%, 10.0-50.0 wt%, 10.0-40.0 wt%, 10.0-30.0 wt%, 10.0-20.0 wt%, 15.0-50.0 wt%, 15.0-40.0 wt%, 15.0-30.0 wt%, or 15.0-20.0 wt% complexing agent; and 1.8-2.8 wt%, 2.3-2.8 wt%, or 1.8-2.3 wt% film former.

[0184] In any embodiment of a method according to the present disclosure, an irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or a composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the irrigation water composition may contain greater than 99.2 wt%, greater than 99.3 wt%, greater than 99.4 wt%, greater than 99.5 wt%, greater than 99.6 wt%, greater than 99.7 wt%, greater than 99.8 wt%, greater than 99.9 wt%, greater than 99.91 wt%, greater than 99.92 wt%, greater than 99.93 wt%, greater than 99.94 wt%, greater than 99.95 wt%, greater than 99.96 wt%, greater than 99.97 wt%, greater than 99.98 wt%, greater than 99.9 ... It may contain greater than 9.991 wt%, greater than 99.992 wt%, greater than 99.993 wt%, greater than 99.994 wt%, greater than 99.995 wt%, greater than 99.996 wt%, greater than 99.997 wt%, greater than 99.998 wt%, greater than 99.999 wt%, greater than 99.9991 wt%, greater than 99.9992 wt%, greater than 99.9993 wt%, greater than 99.9994 wt%, greater than 99.9995 wt%, greater than 99.9996 wt%, greater than 99.9997 wt%, greater than 99.9998 wt%, greater than 99.9999 wt%, or any amount of water in between.

[0185] In accordance with such embodiments, the irrigation water composition may contain less than 0.8 wt%, less than 0.7 wt%, less than 0.6 wt%, less than 0.5 wt%, less than 0.4 wt%, less than 0.3 wt%, less than 0.2 wt%, less than 0.1 wt%, less than 0.09 wt%, less than 0.08 wt%, less than 0.07 wt%, less than 0.06 wt%, less than 0.05 wt%, less than 0.04 wt%, less than 0.03 wt%, less than 0.02 wt%, less than 0.01 wt%, less than 0.009 wt%, less than 0.008 wt%, less than 0. The irrigation additive composition may comprise less than 0.007 wt%, less than 0.006 wt%, less than 0.005 wt%, less than 0.004 wt%, less than 0.003 wt%, less than 0.002 wt%, less than 0.001 wt%, less than 0.0009 wt%, less than 0.0008 wt%, less than 0.0007 wt%, less than 0.0006 wt%, less than 0.0005 wt%, less than 0.0004 wt%, less than 0.0003 wt%, less than 0.0002 wt%, less than 0.0001 wt%, or any amount therebetween.

[0186] In any embodiment of the method according to the present disclosure, the irrigation water composition according to the present disclosure, or the composition suitable for cultivating plants according to the present disclosure, the irrigation water composition further comprises a plant treatment chemical selected from the group consisting of pesticides, fertilizers, and growth regulators.

[0187] As used herein, the term "pesticide" refers to an agent that can be used to control and / or kill harmful organisms or microorganisms. Pesticides are well known in the art and include, for example, herbicides for controlling harmful weeds and plants; insecticides for controlling insects; fungicides for controlling fungi; acaricides for controlling mites; nematicides for controlling nematodes; acaricides for controlling arachnids or spiders; and viricides for controlling viruses. The plant treatment chemical may be a pesticide selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, acaricides, and nematicides.

[0188] In some embodiments, the composition suitable for cultivating plants further comprises a plant treatment chemical selected from the group consisting of pesticides, fertilizers, and growth regulators.

[0189] In other embodiments, the plant treatment chemical is a pesticide selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, miticides, and nematicides.

[0190] In a further embodiment, the plant treatment chemical is a herbicide selected from the group consisting of acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors (ACCase), acetolactate synthase inhibitors (ALS), microtubule assembly inhibitors (MT), growth regulators (GR), photosynthesis II, binding site A inhibitors (PSII(A)), photosynthesis II, binding site B inhibitors (PSII(B)), photosynthesis II, binding site C inhibitors (PSII(C)), shoot inhibitors (SHT), enolpyruvyl-shikimate-phosphate synthase inhibitors (EPSP), glutamine synthase inhibitors (GS), phytoene desaturase synthase inhibitors (PDS), diterpene inhibitors (DITERP), protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors (PPO), shoot and root inhibitors (SHT). root inhibitors (SHT / RT), photosystem electron diverters (ED), hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase synthesis inhibitors (HPPD), and combinations thereof.

[0191] Suitable herbicides include, but are not limited to, those listed in Table 2. [Table 2]

[0192] In some embodiments, the plant treatment chemical is an insecticide selected from the group consisting of carbamates, organochlorines, nicotinoids, phosphoramidothioates, organophosphates, pyrethroids, and combinations thereof.

[0193] Suitable insecticides include, but are not limited to, those listed in Table 3. [Table 3]

[0194] In some embodiments, the plant treatment chemical is a fungicide selected from the group consisting of aliphatic nitrogens, benzimidazoles, dicarboximides, dithiocarbamates, imidazoles, strobins, anilides, aromatics, sulfur derivatives, copper derivatives, and combinations thereof.

[0195] Suitable disinfectants include, but are not limited to, those listed in Table 4. [Table 4]

[0196] In some embodiments, the plant treatment chemical is an acaricide selected from the group consisting of carbamates, carbazates, diphenyloxazolines, glycides, macrocycles, METI-acaricides, naphthoquinone derivatives, organochlorines, organophosphates, organotins, oils, pyrethroids, pyridazinones, pyrroles, soaps, sulfur, tetrazines, tetronic acids, and combinations thereof.

[0197] Suitable acaricides include, but are not limited to, those listed in Table 5. [Table 5-1] [Table 5-2]

[0198] In other embodiments, the plant treatment chemical is a nematicide selected from the group consisting of carbamates, organophosphates, halogenated hydrocarbons, methyl isothiocyanate liberating substances, and combinations thereof.

[0199] Suitable nematicides include, but are not limited to, those listed in Table 6. [Table 6]

[0200] In some embodiments, the plant treatment chemical is a fertilizer comprising a plant nutrient selected from the group consisting of sulfur, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, molybdenum, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, boron, cobalt, chlorine, and combinations thereof.

[0201] In other embodiments, the plant treatment chemical is a growth regulator selected from the group consisting of auxins, cytokinins, defoliants, ethylene-releasing agents, gibberellins, growth inhibitors, growth retarders, growth stimulants, and combinations thereof.

[0202] Suitable growth regulators include, but are not limited to, those listed in Table 7. [Table 7] [Example]

[0203] The following examples are intended to illustrate the practice of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention.

[0204] Materials and Methods for Examples 1-14 The irrigation adjuvant compositions used in Examples 1 to 14 are shown in Table 8. [Table 8]

[0205] Acusol TM 823 (Dow Chemical Co., Midland, MI) is a hydrophobically modified alkali-soluble acrylic polymer emulsion (HASE) anionic associative thickener that contains hydrophobic groups that form intramolecular associations and adsorb to the dispersed particle surface, providing thickening and stabilization.

[0206] Joncryl (登録商標) 60 (BASF, Florham Park, New Jersey) is a general-purpose, medium molecular weight acrylic resin containing water and ammonia.

[0207] Antifoam (登録商標) 8810 (HARCROS, Kansas City, Kansas) is a 10% active, food-grade emulsion of polydimethylsiloxane formulated for foam control in both food and industrial processing. Example 1

[0208] A drip irrigation field trial of California cucumber [TRACS 21RDK19] demonstrated increased water use efficiency and improved crop yield. The study was conducted in a cucumber field in Visalia, California, from August to October, on a Nord Loamy Sand soil.

[0209] All trials were performed in 3.3 ft x 100 ft plots using drip irrigation for 6 weeks with two chemigation treatments (plus irrigation water as needed to prevent wilting). Trials were performed in quadruplicate, with treatments replicated in two blocks. The irrigation water formulations used in each trial are listed in Table 9. [Table 9]

[0210] Irrigation of plots with the irrigation water formulations shown in Table 9 resulted in significant increases in fruit (pounds) / acre and number of fruits / acre in Block 104 (Formulation A mean = 4.4 lbs (SD = 0.5) vs. water alone mean = 2.2 lbs (SD = 1.0)). Most notable was the difference in root mass (also in Block 104): Formulation C mean = 89.3 g (SD = 10.3) vs. water alone mean = 62.3 g (SD = 3.1). Plots irrigated with Formulation A, Formulation B, and Formulation CC had reduced yield (pounds) compared to the control; plots irrigated with Formulation C had statistically similar yield (pounds and number of fruits) to the control. Among the other treatments, plots irrigated with Formulation M showed significant yield increases in both yield (pounds) and fruit count (per acre): Formulation M averaged 32,144 pounds / acre vs. control averaged 26,095 pounds / acre (i.e., a 23% increase); Formulation M averaged 63,111 fruits / acre vs. control averaged 48,069 fruits / acre (i.e., a 32% increase). Plots irrigated with Formulation C showed an average 15% increase in fruit count per acre compared to the control (i.e., 55,263 fruits / acre vs. 48,069 fruits / acre). Interestingly, Formulation M increased yield but not root volume or diameter. With rare exceptions, irrigating plots with Formulations O, P, Q, and R did not result in any difference in moisture or yield compared to the control.

[0211] Water efficiency comparisons can be calculated based on 1935 gallons of total irrigation water for both formulations with irrigation supplements and those with the control treatment: Formulation M = 63,111 fruits / acre / 1935 gallons = 32.6 fruits / acre / gallons vs. Control 48,069 fruits / acre / 1935 gallons = 24.8 fruits / acre / gallons (i.e., a 31% increase in water use efficiency in fruits per gallon per acre). Yield (weight) water efficiency for Formulation M = 32,144 lb / acre / 1935 gallons = 16.6 lb / acre / gallons vs. Control 26,095 lb / acre / 1935 gallons = 13.5 lb / acre / gallons (i.e., a 23% increase in water use efficiency when using the irrigation water formulation with the irrigation supplements in Table 9). Example 2

[0212] Colorado Center-Pivot Irrigated Corn Trial Demonstrates Increased Water Use Efficiency and Improved Crop Yields Nine replicate trials were conducted in corn fields by the Irrigation Research Foundation in Yuma, Colorado, from March to September. These trials involved field trials of corn on loamy sandy soils using a single tractor-drawn fertilizer application followed by center-pivot irrigation. In all trials, fields were strip-tilled (i.e., no irrigation supplement) with fertilization on day 0 and spray-irrigated (center-pivot) with a fertigation mix on days 82, 92, 99, and 106; herbicides / pesticides were applied according to standard procedures; and corn was harvested on day 181. The experimental protocol included two types of irrigation: set water volume / timing (i.e., standard irrigation) versus sensor-driven (conductance probe) irrigation (i.e., data-driven irrigation).

[0213] In the standard irrigation trials, a center-pivot spray system applied a set amount of water to the corn field on a pre-set time schedule. In the data-driven irrigation trials, water was applied to the corn field through the same system, which turned on when soil moisture (capacitance) probes in the soil reached a programmed threshold reading. In the data-driven trials, irrigation water was delivered only when the soil moisture reached a predetermined, pre-determined "dry" level.

[0214] A total of four plots were evaluated: one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via standard irrigation, one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via data-driven irrigation, one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via standard irrigation without the irrigation supplement, and one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via data-driven irrigation without the irrigation supplement. Yield monitoring was replicated nine times for each of the four plots. The irrigation water formulation was applied at two treatments of 18.8 gallons and two treatments of 14.6 gallons, evenly distributed across four irrigation events (days 82, 92, 99, and 106).

[0215] The irrigation water formulations used in each test are shown in Table 10. [Table 10]

[0216] Table 11 shows the effect of irrigation supplements (Formulations I and J) on corn yield (bushels / acre) when irrigation water was applied using standard and data-driven irrigation protocols. The results in Table 11 demonstrate a clear difference in mean yield between the standard and data-driven irrigation protocols. The water use efficiency (bushels / acre / gallon) for the standard irrigation protocol without irrigation supplements was 0.38, compared with 0.40 for standard irrigation with the irrigation supplements identified in Table 10. However, the difference between the data-driven irrigation protocol without irrigation supplements and data-driven irrigation with the irrigation supplements identified in Table 10 was 0.33 vs. 0.39, representing a more than three-fold improvement in water use efficiency (5.5% vs. 18%). This is particularly noteworthy because data-driven irrigation is primarily driven by enhanced water uptake by plant roots. These findings suggest that the irrigation adjuvants in Table 10 enhance plant function by optimizing the soil / water / nutrient / oxygen system, while also increasing yield per unit volume of water applied. [Table 11]

[0217] Table 11 demonstrates that irrigation with Formulation I or Formulation J resulted in increased yield compared to irrigation with the control. For standard irrigation, irrigation with Formulation I averaged 131.8 bushels / acre compared to an average of 123.2 bushels / acre for the control (a 7.0% yield increase). For soil moisture sensor-driven irrigation (data-driven irrigation), irrigation with Formulation J averaged 132.5 bushels / acre compared to an average of 108.6 bushels / acre for the control (a 22.0% yield increase). Example 3

[0218] Nebraska Center Pivot Irrigated Corn Trial Demonstrates Increased Water Use Efficiency and Improved Crop Yields The study was conducted by Winsome, of Holdridge, Nebraska, from June to October.

[0219] This study evaluated center-pivot irrigated corn in a Sandy Loam type soil. The irrigation water formulations used in this study are listed in Table 12. [Table 12]

[0220] The objective of the trial was to use Formulation W on a commercial scale under "real-world" conditions. The field trial consisted of 150 acres. Due to supply chain issues and transportation difficulties, Formulation W required for this large-scale trial arrived in Nebraska late in the corn irrigation schedule. Ideally, irrigation water Formulation W should be applied early in the growing cycle, during the first pivot irrigation. However, due to its late arrival, Formulation W was only used once during the last irrigation of the season. Formulation W was applied to the northern half of the field (the upper half of the yield map), while the producer's standard program was implemented in the southern half of the field (i.e., control = lower half of the yield map). Much of the yield potential of this crop had already been determined by the last irrigation of the season. Despite poor application timing, yields in the northern (upper) half of the field increased by 16 bushels. The only difference between the two fields was the use of Formulation W in the last irrigation of the season.

[0221] The yield map in Figure 1 is typical of what corn growers use to monitor and assess yield. This precision agriculture system, using a John Deere S770S combine and the "Active Yield" yield monitoring system (also manufactured by John Deere), is a widely used yield mapping system that combines the combine's precision grain flow sensors with a georeferenced GPS satellite link. Yield levels shown in the grayscale heat map of Figure 1 are in bushels / acre with corresponding shades of gray indicating increasing yield: light gray indicates lowest yield (186.43-225.51 bushels / acre), darker shades of gray indicate higher yields (225.52-254.35 bushels / acre, 254.36-277.81 bushels / acre, 277.82-299.78 bushels / acre, 299.79-325.64 bushels / acre), and highest yields indicated by the darkest gray are 325.65 bushels / acre and above. From the illustration, it is clear that a pattern of increasing yield can be seen in the top half of the circular image (pivot irrigation pattern) treated with the irrigation water formulation of the present disclosure. Example 4

[0222] Center-pivot irrigation trials of corn in Colorado demonstrate increased soil water uptake by plant roots at critical root zone depths. Nine replicate trials were conducted in corn fields by the Irrigation Research Foundation in Yuma, Colorado, from March to September. These trials involved field trials of corn on loamy sandy soils using a single tractor-drawn fertilizer application followed by center-pivot irrigation. In all trials, fields were "strip-tilled" with fertilizer application on day 0 (i.e., no irrigation supplement) and spray-irrigated (center-pivot) with a fertigation mix on days 82, 92, 99, and 106; herbicides / pesticides were applied according to standard procedures; and corn was harvested on day 181. The experimental protocol included two types of irrigation: set water volume / timing (i.e., standard irrigation) versus sensor-driven (conductance probe) irrigation (i.e., data-driven irrigation).

[0223] In the standard irrigation trials, a center-pivot spray system applied a set amount of water to the corn field on a pre-set time schedule. In the data-driven irrigation trials, water was applied to the corn field through the same system, which turned on when soil moisture (capacitance) probes in the soil reached a programmed threshold reading. In the data-driven trials, irrigation water was delivered only when the soil moisture reached a predetermined, pre-determined "dry" level.

[0224] A total of four plots were evaluated: one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via standard irrigation, one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via data-driven irrigation, one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via standard irrigation without the irrigation supplement, and one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via data-driven irrigation without the irrigation supplement. Yield monitoring was replicated nine times for each of the four plots. The irrigation water formulation was applied at two treatments of 18.8 gallons and two treatments of 14.6 gallons, evenly distributed across four irrigation events (days 82, 92, 99, and 106).

[0225] The irrigation water formulations used in each test are shown in Table 13. [Table 13]

[0226] Soil moisture content was measured at each of the four treatments and locations using Sentek probes. Sentek probes indirectly measure soil moisture content using capacitance (i.e., the dielectric properties of the soil). These capacitance probes were placed at nine depths: 5 cm, 15 cm, 25 cm, 35 cm, 45 cm, 55 cm, 65 cm, 75 cm, and 85 cm (equivalent to approximately 2 inches, 6 inches, 10 inches, 14 inches, 18 inches, 22 inches, 26 inches, 30 inches, and 33 inches). The probes automatically recorded capacitance measurements at each depth every 15 minutes. Measurements were taken from day 75 to day 151 (approximately 10 weeks). Specifically, for each location / treatment (two control and two experimental conditions) and at each depth, 80,640 capacitance measurements (i.e., every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day) were taken over 10 weeks.

[0227] Root uptake metrics are calculated based on measurements of soil moisture fraction change over time at a specific probe depth. This estimates the amount of soil water that roots are taking up from the soil (i.e., removing from the soil-water system). Root uptake is calculated from the change in soil moisture fraction over a specific period of time at a specific probe depth. This is based on the assumption that there are only four ways that soil moisture can decrease over time at a specific measurement depth: 1) gravity (vertically downward); 2) lateral (i.e., horizontally—any direction is acceptable; water moves from wet soil to dry soil to equilibrate the soil-water system); 3) evaporation (vertically upward); and 4) root uptake. The root uptake method determines the rate of soil moisture loss and subtracts very high removal rates (caused by gravity; i.e., leaching) from very low removal rates (caused by lateral and wet-to-dry "equilibration"). The intermediate rate of soil moisture loss is assumed to be root uptake. This assumption is verified by observing root uptake, where the daytime soil moisture change rate is significantly negative (i.e., water is being removed from the soil-moisture system) and the nighttime root uptake rate is zero.

[0228] The root water uptake patterns at several depths over a 12-week period are shown in Figure 2. In Figure 2, each bar on the y-axis represents the total average root uptake of water (shown in inches of water on the y-axis) at that location and treatment, while each bar on the x-axis represents a week, with the total number of days shown below the axis. The color bar indicates the portion of the total root uptake for that week attributable to a particular depth. Figure 2 compares the root uptake patterns of two controls (11.85" fixed-time irrigation, 12.05" sensor-directed irrigation) with two formulations of irrigation water compositions containing the irrigation supplements in Table 13. There was a significant difference between these root uptake patterns, indicating the effect of the irrigation water compositions containing the irrigation supplements in Table 13 on plant root activity related to water absorption.

[0229] Inspection of the patterns in Figure 2 reveals a notable difference between the control and irrigations with the irrigation water formulations in Table 13. At a depth of 25 cm, across all sample times (over 80,000 measurements), the average root water uptake (in inches) averaged 18% of the total average root water uptake, compared to an average of 10% for the control (Table 14). [Table 14] Example 5

[0230] In a Colorado corn center pivot irrigation trial, corn trials demonstrated improved chlorophyll content in field-grown corn irrigated with the irrigation additive composition. Nine replicate trials were conducted in corn fields by the Irrigation Research Foundation in Yuma, Colorado, from March to September. These trials involved field trials of corn on loamy sandy soils using a single tractor-drawn fertilizer application followed by center-pivot irrigation. In all trials, fields were "strip-tilled" with fertilizer application on day 0 (i.e., no irrigation supplement) and spray-irrigated (center-pivot) with a fertigation mix on days 82, 92, 99, and 106; herbicides / pesticides were applied according to standard procedures; and corn was harvested on day 181. The experimental protocol included two types of irrigation: set water volume / timing (i.e., standard irrigation) versus sensor-driven (conductance probe) irrigation (i.e., data-driven irrigation).

[0231] In the standard irrigation trials, a center-pivot spray system applied a set amount of water to the corn field on a pre-set time schedule. In the data-driven irrigation trials, water was applied to the corn field through the same system, which turned on when soil moisture (capacitance) probes in the soil reached a programmed threshold reading. In the data-driven trials, irrigation water was delivered only when the soil moisture reached a predetermined, pre-determined "dry" level.

[0232] A total of four plots were evaluated: one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via standard irrigation, one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via data-driven irrigation, one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via standard irrigation without the irrigation supplement, and one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via data-driven irrigation without the irrigation supplement. Yield monitoring was replicated nine times for each of the four plots. The irrigation water formulation was applied at two treatments of 18.8 gallons and two treatments of 14.6 gallons, evenly distributed across four irrigation events (days 82, 92, 99, and 106).

[0233] The irrigation water formulations used in each test are shown in Table 15. [Table 15]

[0234] At the end of the growing season, just prior to harvest, one corn leaf from each of the ten rows in each treatment block (i.e., 10 samples) was analyzed nondestructively using the "Chlorophyll-Content-Index (CCI)" method. CCI was measured using an Apogee Instruments MC-100 chlorophyll concentration meter. This meter consists of two light-emitting diodes (one emitting visible red wavelengths and the other near-infrared wavelengths) paired with a detector. The meter measures the ratio of the radiant transmittance from these two different wavelengths, and an algorithm outputs the chlorophyll concentration. The meter reading is in μmoles / m 2 or CCI units.

[0235] The average CCI for irrigation with Irrigation Water Formulation I or Irrigation Water Formulation J was 16.2, and the average CCI for control irrigation was 13.0 l (Figure 3). Irrigation with Irrigation Water Formulation I or Irrigation Water Formulation J increased chlorophyll content in corn leaves by 25%. Example 6

[0236] South Carolina irrigated corn field trial demonstrates increased chlorophyll content in field-grown corn irrigated with an irrigation additive composition The trials were conducted in corn fields irrigated with pivot irrigation. The irrigation water formulations used in each trial are listed in Table 16. [Table 16]

[0237] Just before harvest, one randomly selected corn leaf from each of the 10 rows in each treatment (i.e., 10 samples) was analyzed nondestructively using the "Chlorophyll-Content-Index (CCI)" method. CCI was measured using an Apogee Instruments MC-100 chlorophyll concentration meter. This meter consists of two light-emitting diodes (one emitting red radiation and one emitting near-infrared radiation) paired with a detector. The meter measures the ratio of radiation transmittance from these two different wavelengths (red and near-infrared) and outputs chlorophyll concentration, which is calculated by an internal algorithm from the transmittance ratio measurement. The meter's reading is in μmoles or CCI.

[0238] Corn leaves grown in soil irrigated with the irrigation water formulation containing the irrigation supplements from Table 16 had a treatment mean = 535 μmol; control mean = 445 μmol, with the highest level of chlorophyll produced by Formulation X being 600 μmol compared to a control mean of 445 μmol. Irrigation with the irrigation water formulation containing the irrigation supplements from Table 16 resulted in a 34.8% increase in chlorophyll content of corn in this trial (Figure 10A), and yield increased by 14 bushels / acre (an 8.4% increase) for Formulation X compared to the control (Figure 10B). Example 7

[0239] A drip irrigation field trial of California cucumber [TRACS 21RDK19] demonstrated increased root biomass in fields irrigated with an irrigation additive composition. The test was conducted in a cucumber field in Visalia, California, from August to October on a Nord-type loamy sand soil.

[0240] All trials were drip irrigated for 6 weeks in 3.3 ft x 100 ft plots with two chemigation sessions (+ irrigation water as needed to prevent wilting). Trials were run in quadruplicate, with treatments replicated in two blocks. The irrigation water formulations used in each trial are listed in Table 17. [Table 17]

[0241] To measure root biomass, one plant was taken from four locations in each treatment block, washed, and the roots were weighed.

[0242] Use of the irrigation water formulation containing the irrigation adjuvants in Table 17 increased the average root mass of cucumber by 65% ​​(Irrigation water formulation containing irrigation adjuvants in Table 17, average root mass = 109 grams (SD = 12.0); Control average root mass = 66 grams (SD = 12.3)). Use of the irrigation water formulation containing the irrigation adjuvants in Table 17 increased root biomass by an average of 65%. Example 8

[0243] Colorado corn center-pivot irrigation trials demonstrated reduced temporal variability in soil moisture content Nine replicate trials were conducted in corn fields by the Irrigation Research Foundation in Yuma, Colorado, from March to September. These trials involved field trials of corn on loamy sandy soils using a single tractor-drawn fertilizer application followed by center-pivot irrigation. In all trials, fields were "strip-tilled" with fertilizer application on day 0 (i.e., no irrigation supplement) and spray-irrigated (center-pivot) with a fertigation mix on days 82, 92, 99, and 106; herbicides / pesticides were applied according to standard procedures; and corn was harvested on day 181. The experimental protocol included two types of irrigation: set water volume / timing (i.e., standard irrigation) versus sensor-driven (conductance probe) irrigation (i.e., data-driven irrigation).

[0244] In the standard irrigation trials, a center-pivot spray system applied a set amount of water to the corn field on a pre-set time schedule. In the data-driven irrigation trials, water was applied to the corn field through the same system, which turned on when soil moisture (capacitance) probes in the soil reached a programmed threshold reading. In the data-driven trials, irrigation water was delivered only when the soil moisture reached a predetermined, pre-determined "dry" level.

[0245] A total of four plots were evaluated: one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via standard irrigation, one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via data-driven irrigation, one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via standard irrigation without the irrigation supplement, and one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via data-driven irrigation without the irrigation supplement. Yield monitoring was replicated nine times for each of the four plots. The irrigation water formulation was applied at two treatments of 18.8 gallons and two treatments of 14.6 gallons, evenly distributed across four irrigation events (days 82, 92, 99, and 106).

[0246] The irrigation water formulations used in each test are shown in Table 18. [Table 18]

[0247] Soil moisture content was measured at each of the four treatments and locations using Sentek probes. Sentek probes indirectly measure soil moisture content using capacitance (i.e., the dielectric properties of the soil). These capacitance probes were placed at nine depths: 5 cm, 15 cm, 25 cm, 35 cm, 45 cm, 55 cm, 65 cm, 75 cm, and 85 cm (equivalent to approximately 2 inches, 6 inches, 10 inches, 14 inches, 18 inches, 22 inches, 26 inches, 30 inches, and 33 inches). The probes automatically recorded capacitance measurements at each depth every 15 minutes. Measurements were taken from day 75 to day 151 (approximately 10 weeks). Specifically, for each location / treatment (two control and two experimental conditions) and at each depth, 80,640 capacitance measurements (i.e., every 15 minutes, 24 hours a day) were taken over 10 weeks.

[0248] In Figure 4, the y-axis represents soil moisture content averaged across all depths, and the x-axis represents the time periods measured for the control and irrigation water formulations I and J (averaged over both formulations). The soil moisture content of the control exhibited significantly more "spiking" of high and low values ​​(indicating higher and lower soil moisture content) throughout the 10-week measurement period compared to soil irrigated with irrigation water formulations I and J. This reduction in soil moisture content fluctuations may also reduce stress on plants and their root systems. Also notable in the data in Figure 4 is a trend toward significantly lower soil moisture content over several weeks with irrigation water formulations I and J. This may be related to gradual root growth and subsequent root uptake of soil water. If this hypothesis is correct, irrigation water formulations I and J increased plant root activity (and possibly root mass). Example 9

[0249] A drip irrigation study (TRACS 21RDK03) demonstrated reduced leaching of plant nutrient ions from the rhizosphere (i.e., iron retention). A drip irrigation experiment was conducted in Visalia, California, from January to June on a loamy sandy soil without crops. The primary objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of irrigation water formulations containing irrigation supplements on the movement of macro-plant nutrient ions (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). As shown in Table 19, irrigation events occurred on days 1, 84, 93, 97, 111, and 122. Blocks were irrigated when the moisture meter reached a specific level, allowing for different irrigation regimes for each block based on their individual moisture levels and needs. [Table 19]

[0250] The first irrigation occurred on Day 1 and lasted for 5 hours. 150 gallons of water were applied over the 5-hour irrigation period, and the beds were 100 feet long and 3.33 feet (40 inches) wide. Subsequent irrigation events were adjusted to 2.5 hours each, resulting in no puddling.

[0251] The irrigation water formulations used in each test are shown in Table 20. [Table 20]

[0252] Formulations C, D, E, F, and G were compared with an untreated control. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels were measured at 5 and 10 inches of soil depth. Rainfall was recorded (11 times) from day 1 through day 106. Only one rainfall exceeded 0.4 inches (1.1 inches). The beds were irrigated six times with a drip system. Irrigation was triggered when the Watermark "Irrometer" sensor reached a specific reading (50 bars). The drip system was then activated manually. No NPK fertilizer was applied through the drip system. The only fertilizer applied was a side-applied application of 40 pounds of 15-15-15 (NPK) carefully placed 2 inches below the drip emitters, typical of San Joaquin Valley cucumber production systems. The fertilizer was applied directly below the planned cucumber furrows. All six treatments received the same amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. A single soil sample was taken at day 141 for each treatment and each depth (Table 21).

[0253] Irrigation with all irrigation water formulations containing the irrigation supplements shown in Table 19 resulted in higher potassium soil concentration levels at a depth of 5 inches compared to irrigation without the irrigation supplements of the present disclosure (control). Irrigation with all irrigation water formulations containing the irrigation supplements of the present disclosure shown in Table 20 resulted in lower potassium soil concentration levels at a depth of 10 inches compared to the untreated control, suggesting that irrigation with irrigation water formulations containing the irrigation supplements of the present disclosure shown in Table 20 slows the downward movement of potassium in the soil. Irrigation with all irrigation water formulations containing the irrigation supplements of the present disclosure shown in Table 20 resulted in higher phosphorus soil concentration levels at a depth of 5 inches than the untreated baseline. Irrigation with all irrigation water formulations containing the irrigation supplements of the present disclosure shown in Table 20 resulted in lower phosphorus concentrations at a depth of 10 inches than the untreated baseline. Irrigation with all irrigation water formulations containing the irrigation supplements of the present disclosure shown in Table 20 resulted in higher nitrogen soil concentrations at both 5-inch and 10-inch depths compared to the untreated control. The optimal formulation was found to be Formulation C. The data demonstrate that when introduced to the soil through irrigation water, the irrigation supplements of the present disclosure shown in Table 20 reduce downward movement (i.e., delay leaching) of plant nutrient ions from the top to the bottom layers of the soil profile (Table 21). [Table 21] Example 10

[0254] Drip irrigation experiments (21RDK03) demonstrated increased water infiltration rates into the soil surface. A drip irrigation study was conducted in Visalia, California, from January through June on a loamy, sandy soil without a crop. The primary objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of irrigation water formulations containing the disclosed irrigation supplements on the movement of macro-plant nutrient ions (e.g., nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Irrigation events occurred on days 1, 84, 93, 97, 111, and 122, as shown in Table 22. Blocks were irrigated when the moisture meter reached a specific level, allowing for different irrigation regimes for each block based on their individual moisture levels and needs. [Table 22]

[0255] The first irrigation occurred on Day 1 and lasted for 5 hours. 150 gallons of water were applied over the 5-hour irrigation period, and the beds were 100 feet long and 3.33 feet (40 inches) wide. Subsequent irrigation events were adjusted to 2.5 hours each, resulting in no puddling.

[0256] The irrigation water formulations used in each study are shown in Table 23. [Table 23]

[0257] This field trial evaluated the effect of irrigating soil with the irrigation water formulations in Table 23 on the rate of water infiltration into the soil surface. Infiltration rate was expressed by measuring the diameter of the surface puddle directly below the drip emitter.

[0258] Two and a half hours after the start of irrigation, no puddles were observed under the emitters of any of the six treatments (reference and five formulations). At the end of the five-hour irrigation period, ten puddles with an average diameter of 3.75 inches were observed in the untreated reference (Treatment #1), while ten puddles (each) with a diameter of 0.50 inches or less were observed in all irrigations with Formulations C, D, E, F, and H, respectively. Smaller puddle sizes indicate faster infiltration rates into the soil. The irrigation adjuvant of the present disclosure increased the rate at which water infiltrated into the soil at all different irrigation water formulation ratios. Example 11

[0259] Drip irrigation experiments demonstrated that it promotes lateral (i.e., horizontal) movement of subsurface soil. A drip irrigation field trial was conducted in South Carolina in April. The purpose of the trial was to evaluate whether irrigation water formulations containing the irrigation supplements of the present disclosure can promote lateral (i.e., horizontal) movement of water through subsurface soil. Irrigation water compositions were prepared by blending 10,000 parts water with 1 part irrigation supplement 3 (Formulation W). A control irrigation water composition was prepared in the absence of the irrigation additive composition.

[0260] The loamy sand soil was drip irrigated with the irrigation water composition at a rate of 1 gallon per hour per emitter. Drip emitters were spaced 30 inches apart in rows spaced 36 inches apart.

[0261] Lateral water movement in the loamy sand was measured using stacked Sentek (capacitance) probes positioned horizontally (5 inches below the ground surface) and perpendicular to drip emitters (emitters were arranged in two rows 36 inches apart, with drip emitters 30 inches apart within each row).

[0262] In Figures 5A and 5B, soil moisture content is shown as a "heat map" (see gray bars), with soil moisture content noted on the map. The x-axis indicates the distance along the horizontal Sentek probe between emitter rows. Probes measured soil moisture content at 5 cm, 15 cm, 25 cm, and 35 cm, with 45 cm being the midpoint between two emitters. The y-axis indicates time (in days) since the irrigation event (days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22).

[0263] Figure 5A is a color heat map showing soil moisture content in a loamy sand field treated with irrigation water without an irrigation adjuvant composition. Figure 5B is a similar heat map showing soil moisture content in the same loamy sand field treated with an irrigation water composition containing an irrigation adjuvant. The irrigation water volume was the same for both treatments.

[0264] The patterns of soil moisture content treated with the disclosed irrigation supplements (FIG. 5B) and untreated (FIG. 5A) are clearly significantly different. Soil moisture content is significantly higher across the x-axis in FIG. 5B than in the control (FIG. 5A). These results demonstrate that the claimed irrigation water additives and compositions promote enhanced lateral soil water movement over water alone. Example 12

[0265] Agrimeasures "Stacked Probe" soil moisture corn testing demonstrated consistent low soil moisture levels at shallow soil (i.e., root zone) depths Nine replicate trials were conducted in corn fields by the Irrigation Research Foundation in Yuma, Colorado, from March to September. These trials involved field trials of corn on loamy sandy soils using a single tractor-drawn fertilizer application followed by center-pivot irrigation. In all trials, fields were "strip-tilled" with fertilizer application on day 0 (i.e., without the disclosed irrigation supplement) and spray-irrigated (center-pivot) with a fertigation mix on days 82, 92, 99, and 106; herbicides / pesticides were applied according to standard procedures; and corn was harvested on day 181. The experimental protocol included two types of irrigation: set water volume / timing (i.e., standard irrigation) versus sensor-driven (conductance probe) irrigation (i.e., data-driven irrigation).

[0266] In the standard irrigation trials, a center-pivot spray system applied a set amount of water to the corn field on a pre-set time schedule. In the data-driven irrigation trials, water was applied to the corn field through the same system, which turned on when soil moisture (capacitance) probes in the soil reached a programmed threshold reading. In the data-driven trials, irrigation water was delivered only when the soil moisture reached a predetermined, pre-determined "dry" level.

[0267] A total of four plots were evaluated: one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via standard irrigation, one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via data-driven irrigation, one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via standard irrigation without the irrigation supplement, and one plot irrigated with the irrigation supplement of the present disclosure via data-driven irrigation without the irrigation supplement. Yield monitoring was replicated nine times for each of the four plots. The irrigation water formulation was applied at two treatments of 18.8 gallons and two treatments of 14.6 gallons, evenly distributed across four irrigation events (days 82, 92, 99, and 106).

[0268] The irrigation water formulations used in each test are shown in Table 24. [Table 24]

[0269] Soil moisture was measured every 15 minutes for three weeks at the following depths: 5 cm, 15 cm, 25 cm, 35 cm, 45 cm, 55 cm, 65 cm, 75 cm, and 85 cm (equivalent to approximately 2 inches, 6 inches, 10 inches, 14 inches, 18 inches, 22 inches, 26 inches, 30 inches, and 33 inches) (Figure 6).

[0270] Average soil moisture content was lower in soils irrigated with Formulation I and Formulation J at 5 cm, 15 cm, and 25 cm compared to their respective controls; no discernible differences in soil moisture content were observed at 35 cm, 45 cm, and 55 cm; irrigation with Formulation I and Formulation J resulted in higher soil moisture content at 65 cm, 75 cm, and 85 cm. The lower soil moisture content at 5 cm, 15 cm, and 25 cm indicates increased root water uptake activity. The reduced soil moisture content is likely the result of enhanced root water uptake. This hypothesis is consistent with the enhanced root absorption observed in Example 4. Example 13

[0271] Summary of Field Trial Data; IRF, Yuma, Colorado (2022); Irrigation Aid Treatment TM Fertigation of corn using a center pivot Irrigation Research Foundation, Yuma, Colorado, conducted field trials of Irrigation Supplement 3 (Table 8), diluted 1:20,000 (Irrigation Water Formulation U, Table 9), in corn plants from April through October. These trials utilized center-pivot irrigation for corn field trials on loamy sandy soils. In all treatment and control blocks, fields were strip-tilled with fertilizer (25-17-1.5 + 0.24 Zn) one month prior to planting on May 7 (April 4). On planting day 1, initial fertilizer applications (45-17-0-10 + 0.1 Zn) were applied as ground sprays, and an in-furrow insecticide application (Force 10 GHC @ 2.26 lb / A) was applied. Fields were planted with corn variety P0339Q. All treatment and control blocks received ground applications of Acuron (3 qt / A), Atrizine 90DF (0.3 lb / A), DriftFiant (0.225 pt / A), Full Load (0.45 pt / A), and Mad Dog (0.22 oz / A) on May 16. Fields were broadcast fertilized with 28-0-0-5 fertilizer at the usual application rate per acre using a center pivot system on June 22, July 4, July 11, and August 15.

[0272] In irrigation systems, an "inch of water" refers to the volume of water required to cover a defined two-dimensional area to a depth of one inch. In U.S. agricultural irrigation systems, the standard area is one acre. Therefore, "one inch of water" usually refers to the volume of water required to cover one acre with one inch of water. This volume of water for one acre of land is equivalent to 27,154 gallons.

[0273] Three water-irrigation regimes were used: 100% of the recommended seasonal total irrigation water volume applied per acre (i.e., 18.86 inches of water), 88% of the recommended irrigation water application rate (16.59 inches of water), and 82% of the recommended irrigation water volume (15.46 inches of water). Treatment and control blocks were replicated as shown in Table 25 below. [Table 25]

[0274] Corn was mechanically harvested and grain yield was measured in bushels per acre (bu / A) for each sample block. In addition to grain yield, leaf tissue samples were taken from selected plants in each treatment and control block.

[0275] Irrigation adjuvant treatments vs. control under different irrigation regimes 100% irrigation water Table 26 shows the mean yield (bushels / acre) for the Formulation U treatments (n=24) and the control (n=18) in a 100% (18.89") water application regime. The Formulation U treatments and the control produced essentially the same mean yields: the mean yield for the Formulation U treatment was 210.5 bushels / acre and for the control was 210.7 bushels / acre (Table 26). The range of yields was much greater for the Formulation U treatment (152.3 bushels / acre) versus the control (91.8 bushels / acre). [Table 26]

[0276] 88% irrigation water Table 27 shows the average yield (bushels / acre) for the U and control treatments at an 88% water application regime (16.59"). The effect of the U treatment is clear. With a sample size of 17, the average yield for the U treatment was 194 bushels / acre compared to 174.2 bushels / acre for the control treatment, an 11% increase in yield with the treatment. The U treatment also had higher maximum and minimum yields than the control. Under reduced water conditions, the U treatment had a smaller range and standard deviation than the control, indicating that the U treatment reduces yield variability under reduced water application. [Table 27]

[0277] 82% of irrigation water Table 28 shows the mean yield (bushels / acre) for the U and control treatments at an 82% water application regime (15.46"). The effect on yield of the U treatment at 82% water was even more pronounced than at 88% water. The mean yield for the U treatment at 82% water was 192.9 bushels / acre, a 19% increase compared to the control treatment mean yield of 161.8 bushels / acre. The mean minimum and maximum yields were higher for the U treatment, but the range and standard deviation were similar to the control. [Table 28]

[0278] Percentage change in yield Table 29 shows the percent change in mean yield for the Formulation U treatment compared to the control when watering was reduced from 100% to 88%, from 88% to 82%, and from 100% to 82%. Mean yield decreased with reduced watering for both the Formulation U treatment and the control. However, as watering decreased, the mean percent decrease in yield for the Formulation U treatment was significantly lower compared to the control. When watering was reduced from 100% to 88%, the percent change in yield for the control was -17.3%, while the percent change in yield for the Formulation U treatment was -7.8%.

[0279] Similarly, when irrigation water was reduced from 88% to 82% of the recommended amount, the yield change for the control was -7%, while the yield change for the U treatment was only -1%. Comparing 100% and 82% of the recommended amount, the yield change for the control was -23%, while the yield change for the U treatment was only -8%. [Table 29]

[0280] conclusion The irrigation supplement treatment significantly reduced yield losses due to reduced irrigation water compared to the control. When 100% irrigation water was applied, the yields of the irrigation supplement treatment with Formulation U were comparable to those of the control in bushels per acre. This suggests that under conditions of sufficient soil moisture, the Formulation U treatment does not result in increased yield. However, when irrigation rates were reduced to 88% and 82% of the recommended amount, the Formulation U treatment consistently increased yield compared to the control (11% increase at 88% water and 19% increase at 82% water). This suggests that Formulation U treatment mitigates yield losses caused by reduced soil moisture conditions. This may manifest as yield maintenance under drought conditions or a general reduction in irrigation water use. Example 14

[0281] Colorado Center-Pivot Irrigated Corn Trial Demonstrates Improved Soil Water / Plant Uptake Efficiency and Increased Crop Yields The Irrigation Research Foundation in Yuma, Colorado, conducted field trials of irrigation supplement composition 3 (Table 8) diluted 1:20,000 (irrigation water formulation U, Table 9) in corn from March to September. These trials involved a single tractor-drawn fertilizer application followed by center-pivot irrigation in a loamy sandy soil. In all trials, fields were strip-tilled with fertilizer on day 0 (i.e., no irrigation supplement) and spray-irrigated (center-pivot) with a fertigation mix on days 82, 92, 99, and 106. Herbicides / pesticides were applied according to standard procedures; corn was harvested on day 181. The experimental protocol included sensor-driven (conductance probe) irrigation (i.e., data-driven irrigation), with the total amount of water delivered to the field being set.

[0282] In data-driven irrigation trials, water was delivered to corn fields through a system that turned on when soil moisture (capacitance) probes in the soil reached a programmed threshold reading. In these trials, irrigation water was delivered only when the soil moisture reached a predetermined "dry" level.

[0283] In this example, two Sentek multi-unit soil probe units were installed at two separate locations in the experimental corn field: one in the irrigation adjuvant-treated field and one in the untreated control field. Each Sentek unit contained a soil moisture content (i.e., soil mass electrical resistivity) probe and an ion concentration (i.e., soil water electrical conductivity) probe at soil depths of 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, and 50 cm below the surface. Each probe at each depth was electronically monitored, and soil moisture content and soil ion concentration measurements were taken every 15 minutes.

[0284] The data below represent a total of 12,096 data points (i.e., 96 measurements / day x 126 days) at each depth and location (irrigation adjuvant treatment vs. control).

[0285] Soil moisture content at various depths during the growing season Figure 7A shows soil moisture content at a depth of 10 cm from the soil surface from May to September. The top graph shows the control (GSP) and the bottom graph shows the irrigation supplement treatment (IRM3). The x-axis shows the date (every day from May 13 to September 17), and the y-axis shows the soil moisture content (25%-55%). Soil moisture content is measured by soil / water electrical resistivity and varies as a function of soil water content. Soil moisture content is calibrated as the ratio of water to the total volume of the soil / water mixture. Figure 7A shows the complex diversity of dynamic changes in soil moisture content over time. The top graph shows the control, and the bottom graph shows the irrigation supplement treatment (IRM3).

[0286] The 10 cm depth in Figure 7A is important because this is the depth where much of the plant root water uptake activity occurs. Figures 7B and 7C are insets of the identified region in Figure 7A, showing a "sawtooth" pattern of increase and decrease in soil water content, caused by the diurnal plant root water uptake cycle—a daily decrease in soil water content (driven by transpiration) and a nighttime increase driven by water filtration. This plant-based "staircase" pattern can be seen in Figures 7B and 7C, and in both the irrigation supplement treatment and the control, particularly during the time frame of August 26 to September 23.

[0287] A significant difference in slope between the Formulation U treatment and the control treatment was evident (see Figures 7B and 7C), indicating that the Formulation U treatment significantly enhanced water uptake by plant roots. Because rapid water removal from the soil-water-plant system is largely due to water uptake by plant roots, a steeper downward slope indicates a significant increase in water absorption by plant roots due to the irrigation supplement treatment.

[0288] Figure 7A also shows large "spikes" of soil moisture content increase and decrease. These soil moisture "spikes" are increases due to irrigation events, followed by a gradient of soil moisture content decrease. During the peak corn development period (i.e., June) (see the upper and lower brackets in Figure 7A), the amplitude of the soil moisture content increase and decrease spikes can be seen. It is clear that the amplitude of these soil moisture content spikes is much greater during this June plant development period in the Formulation U treatment than in the control treatment. This indicates that the plants are absorbing more water significantly with the Formulation U treatment.

[0289] Another easily observable feature in Figure 7A is the line showing the overall average soil moisture percentage across all depths and weeks. The Formulation U treatment averaged 43.92%, while the control treatment averaged 37.49%. Clearly, the Formulation U treatment increased soil water retention.

[0290] Figure 8 shows data lines for both the 10 cm (shallowest) and 50 cm (deepest) for the control and irrigation adjuvant treatments, while Figures 9A-9E show data lines for the control and irrigation treatments at depths of 10 cm, 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, and 50 cm, respectively. Average soil moisture percentages over the weeks (measured in 15-minute increments) were higher for the Formulation U treatment than for the control treatment at 10 cm (44% vs. 37.5%), 20 cm (42.3% vs. 38.2%), and 30 cm (43% vs. 36.4%), demonstrating the effectiveness of the irrigation adjuvant formulation of the present disclosure in maintaining water retention in the soil root zone. At 40 cm, the U treatment and the control had similar soil moisture means (40.7% vs. 40.3%), and at 50 cm, the control (47%) had a greater soil moisture mean than the U treatment (32.3%), indicating a significant reduction in upper soil moisture retention in the control. This is particularly relevant for plant growth, as the upper soil layers (i.e., below 30 cm) are the root-dominated zone.

[0291] In addition to the significant difference in data line slope between the control and the irrigation supplement U treatment at 10 cm in May, this graph reveals another key phenomenon due to the irrigation supplement treatment. Most notably, at 50 cm, the control's soil moisture content remained roughly between 45% and 50% throughout the growing season. However, at the same depth, the soil moisture content of the irrigation supplement treatment essentially never exceeded 35%. This indicates that the irrigation supplement U treatment retained much more moisture at a shallower depth than the control, which seeped moisture deeper into the soil. This is important because most crops absorb much of their moisture in the shallow soil.

[0292] While preferred embodiments have been illustrated and described in detail herein, it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that various modifications, additions, substitutions, and the like may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention, and therefore are deemed to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims that follow.

Claims

1. 1. A method of irrigating a plant growing medium, comprising the steps of: providing a plant growth medium; blending water with an irrigation additive composition to form an irrigation water composition; wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) to (v) (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt comprising a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a film former; and Irrigating a plant growth medium with said irrigation water composition.

2. 10. The method of irrigating a plant growing medium of claim 1, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt comprising a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 50.0 wt. % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a film former; and irrigating a plant growth medium with said irrigation water composition.

3. 10. A method of irrigating the plant growing medium of claim 1, comprising: The irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt comprising a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; (iv) 30.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a film former; and irrigating a plant growth medium with said irrigation water composition.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the plant growth medium is soil.

5. 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the soil is selected from the group consisting of sandy soil, silty soil, clayey soil, peat soil, loamy soil, chalky soil, and mixtures thereof.

6. 6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the one or more plants and / or plant seeds are grown in a plant growth medium.

7. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more plants and / or plant seeds are selected from the group consisting of canola, alfalfa, rice, wheat, barley, rye, cotton, sunflower, peanut, corn, potato, sweet potato, bean, pea, chicory, lettuce, endive, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, beet, parsnip, cauliflower, broccoli, turnip, radish, spinach, onion, garlic, eggplant, pepper, celery, carrot, squash, pumpkin, zucchini, cucumber, apple, pear, melon, citrus fruits, strawberry, grape, raspberry, pineapple, soybean, tobacco, tomato, sorghum, clover, rye, Bermuda or other grasses, almond, pistachio, date, avocado, olive, jojoba, apricot, walnut, cherry, peach, nectarine, plum, fig, kiwi, and sugarcane.

8. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more plants and / or plant seeds are selected from the group consisting of cucumber and corn.

9. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more plants and / or plant seeds are selected from the group consisting of monocotyledonous plants, dicotyledonous plants, solanaceous vegetable crops, and tree crops.

10. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more plants and / or plant seeds are selected from the group consisting of annuals, perennials, and shrubs.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the irrigation is carried out by surface irrigation.

12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the irrigation is carried out by sprinkler irrigation.

13. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the irrigation is carried out by micro-irrigation.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the irrigation is carried out by subirrigation.

15. An irrigation water composition comprising less than 0.8% of an irrigation additive composition and more than 99.2 wt.% water; an irrigation water composition, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises the following, and wherein the irrigation additive composition is blended with the water: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyethers (HMPE), hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt comprising a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

16. 15. The irrigation water composition of claim 14, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyethers (HMPE), hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt comprising a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 50.0 wt. % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

17. 15. The irrigation water composition of claim 14, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyethers (HMPE), hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt comprising a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; (iv) 30.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

18. The irrigation water composition according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the irrigation additive composition and water are blended in a ratio of irrigation additive composition:water = 1:125 to 1:30,000.

19. The irrigation water composition according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the irrigation additive composition and water are blended at a ratio of irrigation additive composition:water = 1:250 to 1:25000.

20. The irrigation water composition according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the irrigation additive composition and water are blended in a ratio of irrigation additive composition:water = 1:500 to 1:20,000.

21. The irrigation water composition according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the irrigation additive composition and water are blended at a ratio of irrigation additive composition:water = 1:1,000 to 1:20,000.

22. 1. A composition suitable for growing plants, comprising: Plant growth medium and The irrigation water composition according to any one of claims 15 to 21. A composition suitable for growing plants, comprising:

23. 23. A composition suitable for cultivating plants according to claim 22, wherein the plant growth medium is soil.

24. 24. A composition suitable for growing plants as described in claim 23, wherein the soil is selected from the group consisting of loamy soil, silty soil, peat soil, chalky soil, sandy soil, clayey soil, and mixtures thereof.

25. 1. A method for improving the growing conditions of a plant, wherein the growing conditions of the plant are selected from the group consisting of: (1) Increased yield of plant parts; (2) Increased irrigation efficiency; (3) Increased rate of water infiltration into the plant growth medium; (4) Improving water retention in the root zone of plant growth media; (5) promoting lateral movement of water through the underground growing medium; (6) Reduced fluctuations in moisture content of the growing medium over time; (7) Decreasing moisture content of growing medium at shallow growing medium depths; (8) Increased absorption of growing medium water by plant roots; (9) Increased cation exchange capacity of the growth medium system; (10) ion retention in the rhizosphere of plant growth media; (11) Enhancement of the activity of beneficial growth medium microorganisms; (12) Increased root biomass (13) Increased chlorophyll content in plant leaves wherein the method comprises the steps of: (a) providing plants and / or plant seeds in a plant growth medium; (b) blending water with an irrigation additive composition to form an irrigation water composition, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) a water-soluble irrigation additive composition; (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt comprising a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former; (c) irrigating the plant growth medium with the irrigation water composition; (d) growing the plant or a seed of the plant in a plant growth medium to maturity; and (e) harvesting plant parts from mature plants; wherein said method results in the following results, respectively, compared to irrigation with irrigation water that does not contain said irrigation additive: In the case of (1), an increase in the yield of plant parts; In the case of (2), an increase in irrigation efficiency; In the case of (3), the rate of water penetration to the surface of the growing medium increases; In the case of (4), improvement of water retention in the root zone of the plant growth medium; In the case of (5), promotion of lateral movement of water through the underground growing medium; In the case of (6), the decrease in the fluctuation of the moisture content of the growing medium over time; In the case of (7), a decrease in the moisture content of the growing medium at shallow soil depths; In the case of (8), increased absorption of water in the growing medium by plant roots; In the case of (9), an increase in the cation exchange capacity of the growth medium system; In the case of (10), improved retention of ions in the rhizosphere of the plant growth medium; In the case of (11), enhanced activity of beneficial growth medium microorganisms; In the case of (12), an increase in root biomass; (13) In the case of an increase in chlorophyll content in plant leaves.

26. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 80.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt comprising a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; (iv) 5.0 to 50.0 wt. % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

27. 26. The method of claim 25, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises: (i) 30.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a thickener selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, hydrophobically modified polyether (HMPE) polymers, hydrophobically modified ethoxylated aminoplast (HEAT) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and cellulose ethers; (ii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a water-soluble divalent salt comprising a divalent cation selected from the group consisting of barium(II), calcium(II), cobalt(II), copper(II), iron(II), magnesium(II), manganese(II), strontium(II), zinc(II), and mixtures thereof; (iii) 0.5 to 5.0 wt. % of a foam control agent; (iv) 30.0 to 60.0 wt. % of a metal ion complexing agent; and (v) 0.5 to 5.0 wt % of a film former.

28. 28. The method of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the plant growth medium is soil.

29. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the soil is selected from the group consisting of sandy soil, silty soil, clay soil, peat soil, loamy soil, chalky soil, and mixtures thereof.

30. The plant and / or plant seed may be canola, alfalfa, rice, wheat, barley, rye, cotton, sunflower, peanut, corn, potato, sweet potato, bean, pea, chicory, lettuce, endive, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, beet, parsnip, cauliflower, broccoli, turnip, radish, spinach, onion, garlic, eggplant, pepper, celery, carrot, squash, pumpkin, zucchini, 28. The method of any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the fruit is selected from the group consisting of cucumber, apple, pear, melon, citrus fruits, strawberry, grape, raspberry, pineapple, soybean, tobacco, tomato, sorghum, clover, rye, Bermuda and other grasses, almond, pistachio, date, avocado, olive, jojoba, apricot, walnut, cherry, peach, nectarine, plum, fig, kiwi, and sugarcane.

31. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the plant and / or plant seed is selected from the group consisting of cucumber and corn.

32. 28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the plants and / or plant seeds are selected from the group consisting of monocotyledonous plants, dicotyledonous plants, solanaceous vegetable crops, and tree crops.

33. 28. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 27, wherein the plants and / or plant seeds are selected from the group consisting of annual plants, perennial plants, and shrubs.

34. 34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the irrigation is carried out by surface irrigation.

35. 34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the irrigation is carried out by sprinkler irrigation.

36. 34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the irrigation is carried out by micro-irrigation.

37. 34. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 33, wherein the irrigation is carried out by subirrigation.

38. (1) yield of plant parts, (2) irrigation efficiency, (3) rate of water penetration to the surface of the growing medium, (4) water retention in the rhizosphere of the plant growing medium, (5) lateral movement of water through the subsurface growing medium, (8) uptake of growing medium water by plant roots, (9) cation exchange capacity of the growing medium system, (10) ion retention in the rhizosphere of the plant growing medium, (11) activity of beneficial growing medium microorganisms, and (12) root biomass and / or leaf cloning of the plant. the lophyll content is increased by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, or more, compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive; and / or (6) a change in growing medium moisture content over time, and / or (7) a decrease in growing medium moisture content at shallow soil depths by at least 5%, 6%, 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 100%, 105%, 110%, 115%, 120%, or more, compared to that obtained from plants irrigated with irrigation water that does not contain the irrigation additive. The method according to any one of claims 25 to 37.

39. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 or claims 25 to 38, the irrigation water composition of any one of claims 15 to 21, or the composition suitable for growing plants of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the thickener is an anionic thickener.

40. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 or claims 25 to 38, the irrigation water composition of any one of claims 15 to 21, or the composition suitable for growing plants of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the thickener is selected from the group consisting of hydrophobically modified ethoxylated urethane (HEUR) polymers, hydrophobically modified alkali swellable emulsion (HASE) polymers, alkali soluble emulsion (ASE) polymers, and combinations thereof.

41. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 or claims 25 to 38, the irrigation water composition of any one of claims 15 to 21, or the composition suitable for growing plants of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the foam control agent is a silicone-based foam control agent.

42. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 or claims 25 to 38, the irrigation water composition of any one of claims 15 to 21, or the composition suitable for cultivating plants of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the water-soluble divalent salt is zinc sulfate.

43. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 or claims 25 to 38, the irrigation water composition of any one of claims 15 to 21, or the composition suitable for growing plants of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the foam control agent is selected from the group consisting of alkyl polyacrylates, fatty acids, fatty alcohols, monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, silicone-based foam control agents, and mixtures thereof.

44. 39. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 or claims 25 to 38, the irrigation water composition of any one of claims 15 to 21, or the composition suitable for cultivating plants of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the metal ion complexing agent is selected from the group consisting of diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), ethylenedinitrilotetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA), diethanolamine (DEA), triethanolamine (TEA), and mixtures thereof.

45. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 or claims 25 to 38, the irrigation water composition of any one of claims 15 to 21, or the composition suitable for growing plants of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the film-forming agent is selected from the group consisting of polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl acetate, and mixtures thereof.

46. 39. The method of any one of claims 1, 2, 4 to 14, 25, 26, or 28 to 38, the irrigation water composition of any one of claims 15, 16, or 18 to 21, or the composition suitable for growing plants of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises 45 to 80 wt% of a thickening agent; 1.8 to 2.8 wt% of a water-soluble divalent salt; 1.8 to 2.8 wt% of a foam control agent; 10 to 40 wt% of a metal ion complexing agent; and 1.8 to 2.8 wt% of a film former.

47. 39. The method of any one of claims 1, 2, 4 to 14, 25, 26, or 28 to 38, the irrigation water composition of any one of claims 15, 16, or 18 to 21, or the composition suitable for growing plants of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the irrigation additive composition comprises 70 to 80 wt% of a thickener; 1.8 to 2.8 wt% of a water-soluble divalent salt; 1.8 to 2.8 wt% of a foam control agent; 10 to 20 wt% of a metal ion complexing agent; and 1.8 to 2.8 wt% of a film former.

48. 39. The method of any one of claims 1 to 14 or 25 to 38, the irrigation water composition of any one of claims 15 to 21, or the composition suitable for growing plants of any one of claims 22 to 24, wherein the irrigation water composition further comprises a plant treatment chemical selected from the group consisting of a pesticide, a fertilizer, and a growth regulator.

49. 49. The method or irrigation water composition or composition suitable for growing plants of claim 48, wherein the plant treatment chemical is a pesticide selected from the group consisting of herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, miticides, and nematicides.

50. 50. The method or irrigation water composition or composition suitable for growing plants of claim 49, wherein the plant treatment chemical is a herbicide selected from the group consisting of: Acetyl-CoA carboxylase inhibitors (ACCase), acetolactate synthase inhibitors (ALS), microtubule formation inhibitors (MT), growth regulators (GR), photosynthesis II binding site A inhibitors (PSII(A)), photosynthesis II binding site B inhibitors (PSII(B)), photosynthesis II binding site C inhibitors (PSII(C)), shoot inhibitors (SHT), enolpyruvyl-shikimate-phosphate synthase inhibitors (EPSP), glutamine synthase inhibitors (GS), phytoene desaturase synthase inhibitors (PDS), diterpene inhibitors (DITERP), protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors (PPO), shoot / root inhibitors (SHT / RT), photosystem electron diverters (ED), hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase synthesis inhibitors (HPPD), and combinations thereof.

51. 50. The method or irrigation water composition or composition suitable for growing plants of claim 49, wherein the plant treatment chemical is an insecticide selected from the group consisting of carbamates, organochlorines, nicotinoids, phosphoramidothioates, organophosphates, pyrethroids, and combinations thereof.

52. 50. The method or irrigation water composition or composition suitable for growing plants of claim 49, wherein the plant treatment chemical is a fungicide selected from the group consisting of aliphatic nitrogens, benzimidazoles, dicarboximides, dithiocarbamates, imidazoles, strobins, anilides, aromatics, sulfur derivatives, copper derivatives, and combinations thereof.

53. 50. The method or irrigation water composition or composition suitable for growing plants of claim 49, wherein the plant treatment chemical is an acaricide selected from the group consisting of carbamates, carbazates, diphenyloxazolines, glycides, macrocycles, METI-acaricides, naphthoquinone derivatives, organochlorines, organophosphates, organotins, oils, pyrethroids, pyridazinones, pyrroles, soaps, sulfur, tetrazines, tetronic acids, and combinations thereof.

54. 50. The method or irrigation water composition or composition suitable for growing plants of claim 49, wherein the plant treatment chemical is a nematicide selected from the group consisting of carbamates, organophosphates, halogenated hydrocarbons, methyl isothiocyanate releasing materials, and combinations thereof.

55. 49. The method or irrigation water composition or composition suitable for growing plants of claim 48, wherein the plant treatment chemical is a fertilizer comprising a plant nutrient selected from the group consisting of sulfur, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, molybdenum, copper, zinc, manganese, iron, boron, cobalt, chlorine, and combinations thereof.

56. 49. The method or irrigation water composition or composition suitable for growing plants of claim 48, wherein the plant treatment chemical is a growth regulator selected from the group consisting of auxins, cytokinins, defoliants, ethylene releasing agents, gibberellins, growth inhibitors, growth retarders, growth stimulants, and combinations thereof.

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