Fertilizer composition and method for producing the same

Abstract

To meet two needs of providing a novel fertilizer composition including excellent characteristics, and heightening, in a case where a lignin-derived component is used to grow a plant, persistence of effects of lignin-derived component.SOLUTION: A fertilizer composition is obtained by blending nucleic acid having a weight average molecular weight of 5,000-100,000, a yeast cell wall component, and lignin sulfonic acid or salt thereof. The fertilizer composition may be obtained by preparing, respectively, the nucleic acid, the yeast cell wall component, and the lignin sulfonic acid or the salt thereof and mixing those materials. The fertilizer composition may be obtained by cultivating yeast in a medium including the lignin sulfonic acid or the salt thereof, alkaline-treating the yeast, and recovering the admixture containing the medium including the lignin sulfonic acid or the salt thereof, the nucleic acid derived from the yeast, and the yeast cell wall component derived from the yeast.SELECTED DRAWING: None

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a fertilizer composition and a method for producing the same, and more particularly to a fertilizer composition using yeast and a method for producing the same. [Background technology]

[0002] Yeast contains abundant nutrients, and it has been proposed to use extracted nucleic acids, amino acids, peptides, etc. as growth promoters for plants and mushrooms (e.g., Patent Documents 1 to 3). In addition, because yeast cell walls contain glucan and mannan components, it has been proposed to use these as plant growth promoters (e.g., Patent Document 4).

[0003] Lignin is an aromatic polymer found in plant cell walls and is a naturally occurring, abundant biomass resource. Traditionally, lignin has been recovered from black liquor, a waste product of the pulp and paper manufacturing process, and has been used primarily as fuel for boilers, but development of a wider range of applications is currently underway. The main source of lignin is wood, and expectations are growing for it to be a sustainable resource suitable for sustainable development. Because lignin is an aromatic polymer, it is expected to be used in a variety of fields, including as a raw material for chemicals, resins, rubber, and other products.

[0004] Proposed uses of lignin in the field of plant cultivation include, for example, use as a plant water-retaining material or soil conditioner (for example, Patent Document 5), and use as a plant growth promoter (for example, Patent Document 6). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] International Publication No. 2016 / 148193 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-262663 [Patent Document 3] JP 2013-021989 A [Patent Document 4] International Publication No. 2006 / 059683 [Patent Document 5] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-227301 [Patent Document 6] Patent No. 6498853 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] As described above, the use of yeast-derived components and lignin-derived components has been attempted in various applications. However, until now, they have only been used separately, and the combined use of the two has remained an unknown area with little progress in research and development.

[0007] The present inventors have been conducting extensive and intensive research into new fertilizer compositions for plant growth and have found that the desired effects of lignin-derived components may not last long in soil.

[0008] In view of the above circumstances, one of the problems to be solved is to provide a new fertilizer composition with excellent properties. Another problem to be solved is to increase the durability of the effects of lignin-derived components when the lignin-derived components are used for plant cultivation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] The invention presented in this disclosure can be understood as several aspects from various perspectives, and includes, for example, aspects that can be embodied as follows as means for solving the problems. Hereinafter, the invention presented in this disclosure will also be referred to as "the present invention."

[0010] [1] A nucleic acid having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000; Yeast cell wall components, Lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof, A fertilizer composition comprising: [2] The fertilizer composition according to the above [1], wherein the content of lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof is 1 to 30% by weight. [3] The fertilizer composition according to [1] or [2] above, wherein the nucleic acid is a ribonucleic acid. [4] The fertilizer composition according to any one of [1] to [3] above, further comprising an amino acid. [5] The fertilizer composition according to any one of the above [1] to [4], further comprising a sulfite. [6] A method for producing a fertilizer composition, comprising mixing a nucleic acid having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000, a yeast cell wall component, and lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof. [7] A method for producing the fertilizer composition according to [6] above, comprising subjecting yeast to a nucleus treatment to separate the nucleic acid and the enucleated yeast, and recovering the separated nucleic acid and the enucleated yeast, and separately preparing the nucleic acid having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000 and the yeast cell wall component. [8] A method for producing a fertilizer composition containing a nucleic acid having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000, a yeast cell wall component, and lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof, comprising: Culturing yeast in a medium containing lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof; treating the yeast with alkali; recovering a mixture containing a medium containing the lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof, nucleic acids derived from the yeast, and yeast cell wall components derived from the yeast; The manufacturing method comprising: [9] A fertilizer composition containing the mixture recovered by the production method described in [8] above. [Effects of the Invention]

[0011] According to one aspect of the invention presented in the present disclosure, a new fertilizer composition can be provided that uses a yeast-derived component and a lignin-derived component, and that is highly sustainable and exhibits excellent effects. In one embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the taste quality of leafy vegetables can be improved. In another embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, the yield of crops such as fruit vegetables and root vegetables can be increased. In another embodiment of the invention disclosed herein, trace element deficiencies can be alleviated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described. In this disclosure, unless otherwise specified, the expression "MM to NN" regarding a numerical range means "not less than MM and not more than NN" (where "MM" and "NN" represent arbitrary numerical values). Furthermore, unless otherwise specified, the units of the lower and upper limits are the same as the units immediately following the latter (i.e., "NN" here). In this disclosure, the expression "X and / or Y" means both X and Y, or either one of them.

[0013] 1. Fertilizer composition One embodiment of the present invention may be a fertilizer composition. In the present disclosure, the "fertilizer composition" includes an embodiment in which the composition is used as a "fertilizer" as is, and an embodiment in which the composition is used as a "fertilizer additive" by mixing with other fertilizers. In one embodiment of the invention, the fertilizer composition contains a nucleic acid having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000, a yeast cell wall component, and lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof.

[0014] The uses of the fertilizer composition include various aspects of its use as a fertilizer, and there are no particular limitations on the target plants. Target plants include, for example, fruit trees, vegetables, grains, and ornamental plants. In one embodiment of the present invention, the composition is expected to aid in the absorption of nitrogen (N) components and may be suitable as a fertilizer for leafy vegetables, for example. In another embodiment of the present invention, lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof has a chelating effect and is expected to improve deficiencies in inorganic components or trace elements.

[0015] The present inventors have found that when lignin-derived components are used alone, their effects may not last long in soil. The inventors have found that one reason for this is that the lignin-derived components contain chelating components, such as lignosulfonic acid, which are easily washed away by the supply of water, such as irrigation. Although the mechanism of action is not entirely clear, it is presumed that by culturing yeast in a medium containing the lignin-derived components, the lignin-derived components are taken up by the yeast or adhere to the yeast cell wall, remaining in the yeast cell wall components even after harvesting and processing, making it difficult for the lignin-derived components, such as lignosulfonic acid or its salts, to wash away.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fertilizer composition contains nucleic acid. By incorporating nucleic acid into the fertilizer composition, decomposition and the like are promoted through the action of soil microorganisms, and excellent fertilizer efficacy can be achieved.

[0017] The nucleic acid may be not only a nucleic acid as a polymer but also a nucleotide, which is a structural unit of nucleic acid, but a molecule of a certain size is preferable. In one preferred embodiment, for example, the fertilizer composition contains a nucleic acid molecule having a weight-average molecular weight (Mw) in the range of 50,000 to 100,000.

[0018] The lower limit of the weight average molecular weight (Mw) of the nucleic acid can be preferably 5,000 or more, more preferably 6,000, 7,000, 8,000, or 9,000 or more, and even more preferably 10,000, 15,000, or 20,000 or more. The upper limit of the weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of the nucleic acid can be preferably 100,000 or less, more preferably 80,000 or less, and even more preferably 70,000, 60,0000, or 50,000 or less. The weight-average molecular weight (Mw) of a nucleic acid can be determined, for example, by GPC (gel permeation chromatography).

[0019] The type of sugar constituting nucleic acid may be either deoxyribose or ribose. That is, nucleic acid may be either deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) or ribonucleic acid (RNA). The main types of bases constituting nucleic acid include adenine, guanine, thymine, cytosine, and uracil. The phosphate constituting nucleotide may be monophosphate or may be composed of multiple phosphates. Commercially available products may be used as nucleic acid. One type of nucleic acid may be formulated alone, or multiple types may be formulated in combination. Ribonucleic acid is preferably used as nucleic acid.

[0020] The origin of the nucleic acid is not particularly limited, and it may be artificially synthesized or derived from a natural product. For example, nucleic acids extracted or purified from microorganisms such as yeast may be used. By using wood sugars contained in waste biological resources, such as waste wood, to grow microorganisms such as yeast, obtain nucleic acids, and incorporate them into a fertilizer composition, the waste material can be converted into useful substances, thereby contributing to the formation of a sustainable recycling-based society.

[0021] The content of nucleic acid in the fertilizer composition may be adjusted appropriately depending on the use of the fertilizer composition. For example, the content will generally differ between fertilizers and fertilizer additives. For example, the nucleic acid content when the fertilizer composition is used as a fertilizer is as follows:

[0022] The lower limit of the nucleic acid content in the fertilizer composition is preferably 3% by weight or more, more preferably 5, 6, or 7% by weight or more, and even more preferably 8, 9, or 10% by weight or more. The upper limit of the nucleic acid content in the fertilizer composition is preferably 50% by weight or less, more preferably 30% by weight or less, and even more preferably 20% by weight or less. A preferred embodiment is a fertilizer composition containing the nucleic acid having the preferred weight-average molecular weight (for example, 5,000 to 100,000) shown above in the preferred content shown here.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fertilizer composition contains a yeast cell wall component, which can contribute to increased yields of fruit vegetables, root vegetables, and the like.

[0024] The term "yeast cell wall component" refers to a part or the whole of a cell wall derived from yeast, or a fibrous component. The yeast cell wall component may be an enucleated yeast obtained by enucleating nucleic acids from yeast cells, a cell wall that retains the shape of the yeast outer shell, or a cell wall that has been crushed to the extent that the shape of the outer shell is no longer retained.

[0025] The content of the yeast cell wall component in the fertilizer composition may be adjusted appropriately depending on the intended use of the fertilizer composition. For example, the content will generally differ between fertilizers and fertilizer additives. For example, the following is a guideline for the content of the yeast cell wall component when the fertilizer composition is used as a fertilizer. The lower limit of the content of the yeast cell wall component in the fertilizer composition is preferably 3% by weight or more, more preferably 5% by weight or more, and even more preferably 10% by weight or more. The upper limit of the content of yeast cell wall components in the fertilizer composition is preferably 30% by weight or less, more preferably 25% by weight or less, and even more preferably 20% by weight or less.

[0026] Yeast can be used as a raw material for nucleic acids and yeast cell wall components in the fertilizer composition. The type of yeast that can be used may be either spore-forming yeast or non-spore-forming yeast. Specific examples of yeast include the following types:

[0027] Examples of spore-forming yeasts include yeasts of the genera Shizosaccharomyces, Saccharomyces, Kluyveromyces, Hansenula, Pichia, Debaryomyces, and Lipomyces, and more specifically, Shizosaccharomyces pombe, Shizosaccharomyces octosporus, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces uvarum, and Saccharomyces rookii. rouxii; Kluyveromyces fragilis, Kluyveromyces lactis; Hansenula anomala; Pichia membranaefaciens; Debaryomyces hansenii; and Lipomyces starkeyi.

[0028] Examples of non-sporulating yeasts include yeasts of the genera Torulopsis, Candida, and Rhodotorula, more specifically, Torulopsis versatilis, Candida tropicalis, Candida lipolytica, Candida utilis, and Rhodotorula glutinis. Taxonomically, yeasts of the genus Candida are also called torula yeasts, and are sometimes classified as yeasts of the genus Cyberlindnera.

[0029] Suitable yeasts that can be used include, for example, brewer's yeast, wine yeast, baker's yeast, and torula yeast. More specifically, examples of suitable yeasts include Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Saccharomyces uvarum, Saccharomyces rouxii, Kluyveromyces fragilis, Torulopsis versatilis, Candida tropicalis, Candida lipolytica, Candida utilis, and Rhodotorula glutinis. Taxonomically, Candida utilis is sometimes classified as a species of torula yeast (Cyberlindnera jadinii).

[0030] In one embodiment of the present invention, the fertilizer composition contains lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof. By incorporating lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof, spoilage of the fertilizer composition made from yeast can be suppressed.

[0031] Lignosulfonic acid is a compound having a skeleton in which a sulfo group is introduced by cleavage of the α-carbon atom of the side chain of the hydroxyphenylpropane structure of lignin. Lignosulfonic acid can be in the form of a salt. That is, lignosulfonic acid may be added to a fertilizer composition in the form of a salt. Examples of lignosulfonates include calcium salts, magnesium salts, sodium salts, calcium-sodium mixed salts, ammonium salts, and organic ammonium salts. Lignosulfonic acid or its salts can be obtained, for example, from sulfite pulp effluent generated in the papermaking industry. Furthermore, the lignosulfonic acid or its salts used in the present invention may be lignosulfonic acid or its salts modified with a polyelectrolyte having functional groups such as sulfonic, carboxyl, and phenolic hydroxyl groups.

[0032] The content of lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof in a fertilizer composition may be adjusted appropriately depending on the intended use of the fertilizer composition. For example, the content will generally differ between fertilizers and fertilizer additives. Although it is difficult to uniformly determine the content, the following is an example of a guideline for the content of lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof when the fertilizer composition is used as a fertilizer. The lower limit of the content of lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof in the fertilizer composition is preferably 1% by weight or more, more preferably 3% by weight or more, and even more preferably 5% by weight or more. The upper limit of the content of lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof in the fertilizer composition is preferably 50% by weight or less, more preferably 40% by weight or less, and even more preferably 30% by weight or less.

[0033] Another preferred embodiment of the fertilizer composition may be a composition containing an amino acid. The incorporation of an amino acid can contribute to the cultivation of agricultural crops with good flavor, and is particularly suitable for improving the flavor of leafy vegetables. The amino acid contained in the fertilizer composition is preferably an amino acid derived from yeast.

[0034] In another preferred embodiment of the fertilizer composition, a sulfite may be blended in. Blending of a sulfite can contribute to inhibiting oxidation of the fertilizer composition and inhibiting the growth of various bacteria.

[0035] In addition, the fertilizer composition may contain, as necessary, optional components such as water, oil, pH adjuster, antioxidant, preservative, coloring material, fragrance, excipient, vitamins, hormones, amino acids, antibiotics, antibacterial agents, disinfectants, and insecticides.

[0036] The fertilizer composition may be in a form generally used as a fertilizer or fertilizer additive. Examples of the form of the fertilizer composition include powder, granules, mash, pellets, crumbles, and flakes. The fertilizer composition may be in a single form or a mixed form of two or more of the above forms, such as a mixture of pellets and flakes, or a mixture of mash and pellets.

[0037] The fertilizer composition may be used, for example, as a fertilizer or fertilizer additive. When used as a fertilizer, the mixture containing the above-mentioned nucleic acid, yeast cell wall component, and lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof may be used as a fertilizer as is.

[0038] Furthermore, when the fertilizer composition is used as a fertilizer, the fertilizer composition may contain main fertilizer components (hereinafter also referred to as major fertilizer components). Examples of major fertilizer components include nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), and sulfur (S). Furthermore, trace elements used as fertilizers may be contained in the fertilizer composition. Examples of trace elements for fertilizers include iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), boron (B), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), and copper (Cu). Some of these elements can be supplied by the inorganic components contained in the lignosulfonate.

[0039] When the fertilizer composition is used as a fertilizer additive, it may be added as an additive to a general fertilizer whose main components are nitrogen-phosphate-potassium.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fertilizer composition can be used as an organic fertilizer. Because nucleic acids, yeast cell wall components, and lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof are all organic components, a fertilizer composition containing these three components can be used as an organic fertilizer as is. As described below, these components can also be produced by culturing yeast in one embodiment of the production method, making this a fertilizer that can be produced sustainably. In one embodiment of the present invention, other organic fertilizer components may be blended into the fertilizer composition. Examples of other organic fertilizer components include oil cake, chicken manure, fish meal, rice bran, and wood ash. One or more of these may be appropriately combined and blended into the fertilizer composition of the present disclosure.

[0041] In another embodiment of the present invention, a so-called chemical fertilizer may be blended into the fertilizer composition. In the present disclosure, chemical fertilizer refers to a fertilizer produced through an industrial process using inorganic raw materials. Examples of chemical fertilizers include nitrogen-based fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate, urea, ammonium nitrate, and lime nitrogen; phosphate-based fertilizers such as superphosphate and fused phosphate fertilizer; potassium-based fertilizers such as potassium sulfate and potassium chloride; calcareous fertilizers such as slaked lime, calcium carbonate, and magnesia lime; and magnesia fertilizers such as magnesium hydroxide and magnesium sulfate. One or more of these may be appropriately combined and blended into the fertilizer composition of the present disclosure.

[0042] 2. Method for producing fertilizer composition Some embodiments of the present invention include methods of making the fertilizer compositions.

[0043] <First embodiment relating to manufacturing method> A first embodiment of the production method of the present invention comprises mixing nucleic acid having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000, a yeast cell wall component, and lignosulfonic acid.

[0044] Ultimately, the three components of nucleic acid, yeast cell wall components, and lignosulfonic acid are mixed together, and each component may be mixed individually or simultaneously. The nucleic acid, yeast cell wall components, and lignosulfonic acid are as described above. Each component may be prepared separately, or yeast may be cultured and the nucleic acid and yeast cell wall may be prepared using the yeast as a starting material.

[0045] For example, as a modification of the first embodiment, yeast may be subjected to a nucleus removal treatment to separate the nucleic acid and the enucleated yeast, which are then recovered, and the nucleic acid and yeast cell wall component having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000 may be prepared separately. A fertilizer composition can be obtained by adding lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof to the nucleic acid and yeast cell wall component thus prepared.

[0046] The nucleus removal treatment can be carried out by, for example, contacting the yeast with an alkaline chemical, saline, a cell wall-lytic enzyme, etc. to dissolve the yeast cell wall, eluting the yeast contents into a medium, and separating the cell wall components from other components. The separated components may be purified and powdered as necessary.

[0047] In one embodiment of the present invention, when nucleic acid and yeast cell wall components are mixed, the yeast cells may be mixed as they are, or the nucleic acid and yeast cell wall components may be separated and then mixed again.

[0048] The alkali treatment may be carried out by a conventional method used to obtain yeast extract. That is, an alkaline chemical may be used to dissolve or destroy part or all of the yeast cell wall, thereby allowing the components within the yeast cell to be eluted. Preferred alkaline chemicals include, for example, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, barium hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and sodium carbonate.

[0049] According to the first embodiment of the production method, a fertilizer composition that is less susceptible to spoilage can be produced at low cost. Furthermore, the first embodiment of the production method allows for easy adjustment of the amount of lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof added. Therefore, the first embodiment is easy to implement when it is desired to reduce the amount of lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof added, for example, to 10% by weight, 8% by weight, or 5% by weight or less.

[0050] <Second embodiment regarding manufacturing method> A second embodiment of the manufacturing method of the present invention comprises the following steps: Culturing yeast in a medium containing lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof; treating the yeast with alkali; recovering a mixture containing a medium containing the lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof, nucleic acids derived from the yeast, and yeast cell wall components derived from the yeast; Includes:

[0051] In a second embodiment of the production method, lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof is blended into a culture medium for culturing yeast. By blending lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof into the culture medium, it is possible to inhibit the yeast from spoiling during yeast culture. Furthermore, since the culture medium containing lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof is recovered and used as a fertilizer composition, the fertilizer composition can also be made less susceptible to spoilage.

[0052] The medium used for culturing yeast may be a medium generally used for culturing yeast, to which lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof has been added. The lower limit of the content of lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof in the medium is preferably 1% by weight or more, more preferably 3% by weight or more, and even more preferably 5% by weight or more. The upper limit of the content of lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof in the medium is preferably 50% by weight or less, more preferably 40% by weight or less, and even more preferably 30% by weight or less.

[0053] Once a sufficient amount of yeast has been cultured, the yeast is treated with alkali in the same manner as in the first embodiment, thereby eluting the nucleic acid into the medium.

[0054] After the alkali treatment, the medium containing lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof, the nucleic acid derived from the yeast, and the yeast cell wall component derived from the yeast are collected together to obtain a mixture containing the three components of nucleic acid, yeast cell wall component, and lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof. After the alkali treatment, it is preferable to adjust the pH to a level suitable for use as a fertilizer before or after collection.

[0055] In the second embodiment, the number of steps required to obtain a mixture containing the above three components can be reduced, and therefore a fertilizer composition can be produced simply and at low cost.

[0056] Furthermore, in the fertilizer composition produced according to the second embodiment, yeast is cultured in a medium containing lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof, and therefore lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof adheres to the inside and outside of the yeast cell walls, forming a complex in a very loose bond. Therefore, after the fertilizer composition thus obtained is applied to soil or a medium, it is presumed that the lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof adhered to the yeast cell walls is less likely to be washed out of the soil, etc. by irrigation, rainfall, or the like than free lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof. [Example]

[0057] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to examples, but the technical scope of the present invention in this disclosure is not limited to the following examples.

[0058] 1. Fertilizer Preparation <Example 1 (Fertilizer 1)> An RNA formulation (product name: RNA-M, manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.) and a de-nucleated yeast product (product name: Cavi Torula, manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd.) were weighed out at a weight ratio of 1:9 and mixed in a blender to prepare Example 1 (Fertilizer 1). Note that the de-nucleated yeast "Cavi Torula" contains lignosulfonate.

[0059] <Example 2 (Fertilizer 2)> The starting yeast (Cyberlindnera jadinii) was cultured in a sulfite pulp effluent medium containing 3% sugar and 10% lignosulfonic acid, and the yeast was harvested. The yeast harvest contained 20% lignosulfonic acid or its salts by weight, calculated as lignosulfonic acid. 3,000 g of the resulting yeast was then stirred in a boiling bath at 95°C for 10 minutes to inactivate the intracellular enzymes. The pH was then adjusted to 8.5 with 48% NaOH aqueous solution in a water bath regulated at 55°C, followed by stirring for 2 hours for an alkaline extraction reaction. After the reaction, the pH was adjusted to 7.0 with 35% HCl. The resulting mixture was then dried in a double drum dryer (surface temperature 120°C, 3 rpm), and the dried product was ground in a mortar to obtain a dried product (powder). The powder contained nucleic acids derived from the yeast, enucleated yeast cell walls, and the lignosulfonic acid or its salt used in the culture. This powder was designated as Example 2 (Fertilizer 2).

[0060] The composition of the fertilizer was analyzed as follows: <Analysis of soluble and insoluble nucleic acids> The nucleic acids in the soluble and insoluble components obtained by suspending each fertilizer in water were measured according to the Schmidt-Thannhauser-Schneider method for quantifying high molecular weight nucleic acids (see "Biological Chemistry Experiments," University of Tokyo Press, 1969, first edition, pp. 16-28). Note that "soluble nucleic acids" can be measured by classifying them into relatively high molecular weight nucleic acids (e.g., weight-average molecular weight, approximately 10,000-50,000) and relatively low molecular weight nucleic acids (e.g., weight-average molecular weight, less than approximately 10,000).

[0061] <Analysis of Lignosulfonic Acid Magnesium Salt> Generally, there are methoxyl groups bonded to aromatic nuclei in the lignin structure. Therefore, the methoxyl group content serves as an indicator of the lignin content. For example, the methoxyl group content was measured by the method for quantifying methoxyl groups according to the Viebock and Schwappach method (refer to "Research Methods of Lignin Chemistry", P.336-340, 1994, published by Yuni Publishing Co., Ltd.), and the amount of magnesium lignosulfonate was quantified from the measured methoxyl group content.

[0062] <Analysis of <β-glucan>> It was measured using the method described in the β-glucan (β-1,3:1,6 yeast type) assay kit manufactured by Nippon Biocon Co., Ltd.

[0063] <Analysis of N (nitrogen)> The total nitrogen content was determined by the 4.1.1.a method (Kjeldahl method) specified in the "Test Methods for Fertilizers, etc." (Method of the Institute of Agricultural Environment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2018).

[0064] <Analysis of P (phosphorus)> The total amount of phosphoric acid (P2O5) was determined by the 4.2.1.a method (ammonium vanadomolybdate absorptiometry) specified in the "Test Methods for Fertilizers, etc." (Method of the Institute of Agricultural Environment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 2018).

[0065] <Analysis of K (potassium)> The total amount of potassium (K2O) was determined by the 7.5 method (method for quantifying various elements by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) emission spectrometry) specified in the "Fertilizer Analysis Method" (Method of the Institute of Agricultural Environment Technology, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, 1992).

[0066] The analysis values of Examples 1 and 2 are shown in Table 1. Note that "P" represents the analysis value as "P2O5", and "K" represents the analysis value as "K2O".

[0067]

Table 1

[0068] <Analysis of free amino acids> The content of free amino acids contained in the fertilizer of Example 1 or 2 was measured by HPLC for measuring amino acids and calculated using the following formula 1.

[0069] <Expression 1> Free amino acid content (wt%) = free amino acid weight (g) / dry weight (g) × 100

[0070] The weight of free amino acids was determined using a high performance liquid chromatography system (manufactured by Tosoh Corporation) under the following conditions. Column: TSK-GEL Amino Pak (Tosoh Corporation) Detection: Fluorescence detection Eluent: Gradient elution with citrate buffer (pH 3 → pH 9)

[0071] The results of the free amino acid analysis are shown in Table 2.

[0072] [Table 2]

[0073] 2. Growth test (Komatsuna) A growth test was conducted using Komatsuna. The following two test plots were set up. <Test area 1> A commercially available horticultural potting soil (product name: Planta Potting Soil PD20, manufactured by Iseki Kanto Koshinetsu Co., Ltd.) was used as the potting soil. The fertilizer used was the fertilizer of Example 2.

[0074] <Test area 2> Commercially available horticultural soil (product name: Planta Bai-do PD20, manufactured by Iseki Kanto Koshinetsu Co., Ltd.) was used as the culture medium. Commercially available compound fertilizer (product name: Advanced Chemical 444, manufactured by Seiwa Fertilizer Co., Ltd.) containing 14% by weight of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium was used as the fertilizer.

[0075] <Cultivation method> In test area 1, 50 g of the fertilizer of Example 2 was added to 4 L of culture soil. On the other hand, in test area 2, the above-mentioned compound chemical fertilizer was added to 4 L of culture soil so that the nitrogen content was similar to that of test area 1. Thereafter, a growth test was conducted for three months. No particular temperature control was performed.

[0076] The results of the Komatsuna growth test are shown in Table 3.

[0077] [Table 3]

[0078] As shown in Table 3, it was clear that the use of the fertilizer of Example 2 resulted in a higher yield, better growth conditions, and better taste.

[0079] 3. Growth test (Morning jasmine) Growth tests were conducted using Malabar japonica. The following four test plots were set up.

[0080] <Test area 1> The soil used for the test was from the grounds of Nippon Paper Industries' Gotsu Mill in Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. No fertilizer was added.

[0081] <Test area 2> The soil used for the test was from the grounds of the Nippon Paper Industries Gotsu Mill in Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. The fertilizer used was magnesium lignosulfonate (product name: P321) manufactured by Nippon Paper Industries.

[0082] <Test area 3> The soil used for the test was from the site of Nippon Paper Industries' Gotsu Mill in Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. The fertilizer used was the fertilizer of Example 1.

[0083] <Test area 4> The soil used for the test was from the site of Nippon Paper Industries' Gotsu Mill in Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. The fertilizer used was a commercially available compound fertilizer (product name: Sanpuku Kasei Toku No. 8, manufactured by LO Co., Ltd.) containing 8% by weight of nitrogen, phosphate, and potassium.

[0084] <Growing method and taste test> Approximately 4.5 L of soil was placed in a planter (14 cm x 18 cm x 11.5 cm) and 30 g of each type of fertilizer was added. Two Tsuyumurasaki plants were then planted. The growth test was carried out for two months. No particular temperature control was performed. After two months, the height and leaf size were measured, and after harvesting, the boiled leaves were tested for taste.

[0085] The measurement results for length etc. and the results of the actual test are shown in Table 4.

[0086] [Table 4]

Claims

1. a nucleic acid having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000; A yeast cell wall component having lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof attached thereto; A fertilizer composition comprising:

2. 2. The fertilizer composition according to claim 1, wherein the content of lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof is 1 to 30% by weight.

3. The fertilizer composition according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the nucleic acid is a ribonucleic acid.

4. The fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising an amino acid.

5. The fertilizer composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising a sulfite.

6. 6. The fertilizer composition according to claim 1, wherein the yeast cell wall component is a yeast cell wall component derived from a yeast of the genus Candida.

7. A method for producing a fertilizer composition, comprising mixing a nucleic acid having a weight-average molecular weight of 5,000 to 100,000 with a yeast cell wall component having lignosulfonic acid or a salt thereof attached thereto, to obtain a fertilizer composition.

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