Soil conditioner composition containing cellulose-derivative-carrying particles

Abstract

Provided is a soil conditioner composition containing cellulose-derivative-carrying particles in which cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) are supported on the surface of water-insoluble particles (component (A)).

Description

Soil conditioner composition containing cellulose derivative-supported particles

[0001] The present invention relates to a soil conditioner composition containing cellulose derivative-supported particles.

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Cellulose derivatives such as carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) are used in a variety of fields due to their water absorption properties. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-236530 discloses a culture soil containing 0.0001 to 0.5 parts by weight of a water-soluble cellulose derivative per 100 parts by weight of soil. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-271597 discloses a sludge treatment agent containing 5 to 2,000 parts by weight of inorganic powder per 100 parts by weight of an alkali metal salt of carboxymethyl cellulose. Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-363562 discloses a granular soil-improvement water retention agent containing a base material and a water-soluble cellulose ether. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2002-556613 discloses a mixture of a carrier and an additive for use in a germination unit, the mixture containing one or more substances consisting of granular expanded vermiculite, perlite, zeolite, wood fiber, cellulose material, and mineral fiber, and further containing one or more water-absorbing substances such as superabsorbent polymer (SAP) or CMC. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-052659 discloses a granular treatment agent for treating manure, organic sludge, animals and plants, livestock, livestock barns, or soil, the treatment agent containing a granular aggregate containing slaked lime or limestone and a binder, and a water-absorbing polymer such as a cellulose-based polymer.

[0003] It is known that spraying cellulose derivatives such as CMC on soil improves soil drainage. However, soil spraying is generally performed outdoors, and the cellulose derivatives are often blown away by the wind, making spraying less efficient. Therefore, there is a need for a technology that can suppress the scattering of cellulose derivatives while achieving high drainage through the cellulose derivatives.

[0004] In order to solve the above problems, the present inventors conducted extensive research and found that by using cellulose derivative-supported particles in which cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) are supported on the surface of water-insoluble particles (component (A)), the drainage properties of the soil are improved and the scattering of the cellulose derivative-supported particles is effectively suppressed.

[0005] That is, the present invention relates to a soil improver composition comprising cellulose derivative-supported particles in which cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) are supported on the surfaces of water-insoluble particles (component (A)).Furthermore, the present invention relates to a soil improvement method using the soil improver composition comprising the cellulose derivative-supported particles.

[0006] By using the soil conditioner composition containing the cellulose derivative-supported particles of the present invention, it is possible to suppress scattering of the cellulose derivative while exhibiting good drainage properties due to the cellulose derivative.

[0007] (A) A 100x magnification micrograph of silica sand carrying a cellulose derivative on its surface. (B) A 50x magnification micrograph of component silica sand. (C) A 50x magnification micrograph of component carboxymethyl cellulose.

[0008] Modes for Carrying Out the Invention The soil conditioner composition of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the composition of the present invention) comprises cellulose derivative-supported particles (hereinafter referred to as "supported particles") in which cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) are supported on the surface of water-insoluble particles (component (A)). In the present invention, soil improvement means improving the drainage of soil. It is expected that the formation of soil aggregates, the air-phase ratio of the soil, and the soil hardness can be promoted. In fields where agricultural crops are grown, soil properties are an important factor in terms of productivity, etc. In particular, poor drainage in fields is known to cause reduced crop yields due to water damage ( Journal of the Crop Science Society of Japan, Crop Science Society of Japan, 2011, Vol. 80, No. 1, pp. 65-72). Various forms of soil conditioners have been proposed to improve drainage. However, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for more economical and user-friendly soil conditioners.

[0009] In the present invention, the cellulose derivative is sprayed on the soil without scattering, so it adheres to the soil effectively, forming aggregates and improving the soil's drainage. In particular, the cellulose derivative gels when it comes into contact with water, so it is thought to uniformly coat the soil, thereby maintaining the aggregates, improving drainage and reducing soil hardness. Therefore, even when the soil dries, the cellulose derivative coats the soil, suppressing cohesion.

[0010] Hereinafter, "drainage of soil" will also be referred to simply as "drainage." Furthermore, "dispersion of cellulose derivative particles (component (B))" will also be referred to simply as "dispersion." Furthermore, the suppression of "dispersion" will also be referred to simply as "dispersion suppression."

[0011] First, the definition and measurement method of the average particle size of the supported particles, the components (A) and (B) used in producing the supported particles, and the composition in the present invention will be described. In the present invention, the average particle size of the particles is measured using a sieve. Specifically, the supported particles, component (A), and composition are separated into six types of particles using five types of sieves with mesh sizes of 100 μm, 250 μm, 425 μm, 1000 μm, and 2000 μm: (ia) 2000 μm or more, (ii-a) 1000 μm or more but less than 2000 μm, (iii-a) 425 μm or more but less than 1000 μm, (iv-a) 250 μm or more but less than 425 μm, (va) 100 μm or more but less than 250 μm, and (vi-a) less than 100 μm. The average particle size is determined as the weight average value calculated using representative particle size values ​​for each particle: (ia) 3000 μm, (ii-a) 1500 μm, (iii-a) 712.5 μm, (iv-a) 337.5 μm, (va) 175 μm, and (vi-a) 50 μm.

[0012] Component (B) was sieved using six types of sieves with mesh sizes of 20 μm, 45 μm, 75 μm, 100 μm, 250 μm, and 425 μm, and the following particles were sieved: (ib) 425 μm or more, (ii-b) 250 μm or more but less than 425 μm, (iii-b) 100 μm or more but less than 250 μm, (iv-b) 75 μm or more but less than 100 μm, (vb) 45 μm or more but less than 75 μm, (vi-b) The particles are divided into seven types: (i) 20 μm or more but less than 45 μm, (ii-b) less than 20 μm, and (vii-b) less than 20 μm. The weight average particle size calculated using the representative particle diameter values ​​of each particle is (ib) 500 μm, (ii-b) 337.5 μm, (iii-b) 175 μm, (iv-b) 87.5 μm, (vb) 60 μm, (vi-b) 32.5 μm, and (vii-b) 10 μm. The distribution classified by the above method is referred to as the particle size distribution in this application.

[0013] In the present invention, the average particle size of the support particles is preferably 200 μm or more, more preferably 250 μm or more, even more preferably 300 μm or more, and preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 700 μm or less, and even more preferably 600 μm or less, from the viewpoint of improving drainage and scattering suppression. When the amount of support particles with a particle size of less than 250 μm is less than 50 mass%, scattering suppression is improved. Furthermore, when the amount of support particles with a particle size of 1000 μm or more is less than 30 mass%, drainage is improved. Note that support particles with a particle size of less than 250 μm refer to support particles that pass through a sieve with a mesh size of 250 μm. Furthermore, support particles with a particle size of 1000 μm or more refer to support particles that do not pass through a sieve with a mesh size of 1000 μm.

[0014] In the present invention, the amount of component (B) in the supported particles is, from the viewpoint of improving drainage, preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 3 parts by mass or more, and even more preferably 10 parts by mass or more, per 100 parts by mass of component (A), and is preferably 100 parts by mass or less, more preferably 70 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 50 parts by mass or less.

[0015] As will be described later, the average particle size of the insoluble particles of component (A), which is a constituent of the supported particles in the present invention, is preferably 180 μm or more, more preferably 200 μm or more, even more preferably 250 μm or more, and preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 650 μm or less, and even more preferably 350 μm or less. Furthermore, the average particle size of component (B) is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 20 μm or more, and preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less. Therefore, the resulting supported particles preferably have component (B) with a smaller particle size supported on the surface of component (A) with a larger particle size.

[0016] In addition, particles other than component (B) may be supported on the surface of component (A), but the content of particles of component (B) in the supported particles is preferably 70 mass% or more, more preferably 90 mass% or more, and preferably 100 mass% or less, from the viewpoint of improving drainage properties and scattering suppression properties.

[0017] The bulk density of the water-insoluble particles of component (A) is preferably 0.5 g / cm from the viewpoint of improving scattering suppression. ３ More preferably, 0.8 g / cm ３ More preferably, 1.0 g / cm ３ The bulk density of the water-insoluble particles of component (A) is preferably 1.5 g / cm3 or more from the viewpoint of drainage. ３ or less, more preferably 1.4 g / cm ３ More preferably, 1.35 g / cm or less ３ More preferably, 1.3 g / cm or less ３ The following is the result.

[0018] Specific examples of the water-insoluble particles of component (A) that can be used include vegetable substances such as palm kernel shells, peat moss, bagasse, rice husks, and sawdust; non-porous inorganic substances such as silica sand, sea sand, alumina sand, talc, bentonite, and calcium carbonate; and porous inorganic substances such as vermiculite, attapulgite, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, and perlite. Among these, palm kernel shells are preferred as the vegetable substance, zeolite is preferred as the porous inorganic substance, and at least one selected from silica sand, sea sand, alumina sand, talc, bentonite, and calcium carbonate is preferred as the non-porous inorganic substance, with non-porous inorganic substances being preferred in terms of their appropriate bulk density, good scattering suppression, low water absorption, and good drainage, and silica sand and calcium carbonate are more preferred.

[0019] The average particle size of the insoluble particles of the raw material (A), from the viewpoint of obtaining support particles with good drainage and scattering suppression, is preferably 180 μm or more, more preferably 200 μm or more, even more preferably 250 μm or more, and preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 650 μm or less, and even more preferably 350 μm or less. When the amount of particles with a particle size of less than 250 μm among the particles of component (A) is less than 50 mass%, scattering suppression is improved. Furthermore, when the amount of particles with a particle size of 1000 μm or more is less than 50 mass%, drainage is improved. Note that particles with a particle size of less than 250 μm refer to support particles that pass through a sieve with a mesh size of 250 μm. Furthermore, particles with a particle size of 1000 μm or more refer to support particles that do not pass through a sieve with a mesh size of 1000 μm.

[0020] The ratio of the average particle size of the supported particles to the average particle size of component (A), [average particle size of supported particles] / [average particle size of component (A)], is preferably 1.0 or more, more preferably 1.3 or more, and even more preferably 1.4 or more, from the viewpoint of improving drainage properties, and is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.5 or less.

[0021] The value of [average particle size of supported particles] / [average particle size of component (A)] can be determined, for example, as follows. Because the average particle size of component (A) used as described above is larger than that of component (B), when the composition is sieved, most of the particles having a particle size equal to or smaller than the maximum particle size of component (B) in the raw material can be safely assumed to be unsupported component (B). Therefore, the average particle size of supported particles obtained by subtracting the particles having a particle size equal to or smaller than the maximum particle size of component (B) can be calculated, and this can be calculated by dividing this by the average particle size of component (A) used as the raw material.

[0022] Alternatively, the cellulose derivative may be dissolved from the resulting supported particles in a solvent such as water in an amount 1000 times the amount of the supported cellulose derivative, followed by centrifugation and washing.Then, the average particle size of the freeze-dried (A) component may be measured using a sieve, and the average particle size of the supported particles may be divided by the average particle size of the remaining (A) component to calculate the average particle size.

[0023] Examples of the cellulose derivative that constitutes the cellulose derivative particles of component (B) include the following cellulose derivatives. (B-1) Carboxyalkyl cellulose or its salt in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose are substituted with carboxyalkyl groups, for example, carboxymethyl cellulose or its salt, carboxyethyl cellulose or its salt, etc., having a group in which a carboxy group is bonded to an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or its salt (here, the salt is sodium salt, potassium salt, calcium salt, ammonium salt, etc.); (B-2) (carboxyalkyl) alkyl cellulose or its salt in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose are substituted with a carboxyalkyl group and an alkyl group, for example, (carboxymethyl) methyl cellulose or its salt, (carboxymethyl) ethyl cellulose or its salt, etc., having a group in which a carboxy group is bonded to an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and an alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or its salt (here, the salt is sodium salt, potassium salt, calcium salt, ammonium salt, etc.); (B-3) Alkyl cellulose in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose are substituted with alkyl groups, for example, alkyl cellulose in which the alkyl group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose; (B-4) Hydroxyalkyl celluloses in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose have been substituted with hydroxyalkyl groups, such as hydroxyethyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose, in which the hydroxyalkyl group has 2 to 4 carbon atoms; (B-5) (alkyl)hydroxyalkyl celluloses in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose have been substituted with alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups, such as (hydroxyethyl)methyl cellulose, (hydroxyethyl)ethyl cellulose, (hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose, and (hydroxypropyl)ethyl cellulose, in which the alkyl group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms and the hydroxyalkyl group has 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0024] From the viewpoint of improving drainage, the cellulose derivative of component (B) is preferably (B-1) carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof. Of these, carboxymethyl cellulose or a salt thereof is preferred. The carboxy group may be an alkali metal salt such as a sodium salt or a potassium salt; an alkaline earth metal salt such as a magnesium salt or a calcium salt; or an ammonium ion salt. Of these, alkali metal salts are preferred, and sodium salts are more preferred.

[0025] The cellulose derivative constituting component (B) is one in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose have been substituted. The degree of substitution is defined as an index showing the degree of substitution of the hydrogen atoms of the three hydroxyl groups contained in the glucose unit of cellulose. For example, if on average one hydrogen atom of the hydrogen atoms of the three hydroxyl groups has been substituted, the degree of substitution is 1, and if all three hydrogen atoms have been substituted, the degree of substitution is 3. The degree of substitution can be calculated, for example, as follows: 1 H or １３ It can be calculated by determining the integral of the peak of the proton or carbon of the unsubstituted methylene in the glucose unit and the peak of the proton or carbon in the substituent by C-NMR measurement.

[0026] From the viewpoint of improving drainage, the degree of substitution is preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.6 or more, and even more preferably 1.0 or more, and is preferably 1.8 or less, and more preferably 1.6 or less.

[0027] From the viewpoint of improving drainage, the viscosity of the cellulose derivative of component (B) is preferably 5 mPa·s or more, more preferably 15 mPa·s or more, even more preferably 100 mPa·s or more, and is preferably 5000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 4000 mPa·s or less, even more preferably 3500 mPa·s or less.

[0028] The cellulose derivative of component (B) may be in the form of particles, fibers, film, etc., but is more preferably in the form of particles from the viewpoint of ease of support on the surface of component (A). That is, component (B) is preferably cellulose derivative particles.

[0029] When cellulose derivative particles are used as component (B), the average particle size of the particles is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 20 μm or more, and preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less. Furthermore, if the amount of particles with a particle size of 250 μm or more in component (B) is less than 50 mass%, the drainage property during use of the composition is improved. Furthermore, if the amount of particles less than 20 μm is less than 20 mass%, the preparation of supported particles is facilitated. Note that particles with a particle size of 250 μm or more refer to particles that do not pass through a sieve with a mesh size of 250 μm. Furthermore, particles with a particle size less than 20 μm refer to particles that pass through a sieve with a mesh size of 20 μm.

[0030] The average particle size of the supported particles can be measured by excluding the component (B) that is not supported on the surface of the component (A) during production. This measurement method can be performed, for example, as follows. Since the average particle size of the component (A) used as described above is larger than that of the component (B), most of the particles that are smaller than the maximum particle size of the component (B) after sieving can be safely assumed to be component (B). Therefore, the particles obtained by subtracting the particles smaller than the maximum particle size of the component (B) can be safely assumed to be almost all supported particles. The average particle size of these particles can be calculated and used as the average particle size of the supported particles. The average particle size of the supported particles obtained in this manner will be almost the same as or slightly larger than the content of the component (B) that is not supported on the surface of the component (A), depending on the content of the component (B) that is not supported on the surface of the component (A).

[0031] The method for producing the supported particles in the present invention is not particularly limited, and general-purpose methods such as a kneading method, an impregnation method, an incipient wetness method, etc. are usable. The kneading method carried out in the presence of water is preferred because it provides a high efficiency of supporting the cellulose derivative.

[0032] The kneading method carried out in the presence of water can be carried out, for example, by the following steps: (Step 1) mixing water-insoluble particles (component (A)) with water to obtain water-insoluble particles having water attached to their surfaces; (Step 2) adding cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) to the water-insoluble particles having water attached to their surfaces obtained in Step 1 and mixing them; and (Step 3) drying the water-containing mixture obtained in Step 2, while stirring as necessary, to obtain a composition containing supported particles in which cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) are supported on the surfaces of water-insoluble particles (component (A)).

[0033] Furthermore, the following step may be included as necessary: ​​(Step 4) A step of stirring the mixture obtained in Step 3 again to pulverize the aggregated support particles. Steps 3 and 4 may be carried out simultaneously.

[0034] The amount of water to be added in step 1 cannot be determined in general terms because it depends on the amount of component (B) relative to 100 parts by mass of component (A) used, but, for example, component (B) can be efficiently supported by adding 0.5 to 30 parts by mass of water relative to 100 parts by mass of component (A). That is, by adding 0.5 to 30 parts by mass of water relative to 100 parts by mass of component (A), nearly 100% of the added component (B) can be supported on the surface of component (A), and supported particles can be obtained in which the component (B) is present in an amount of 1 to 100 parts by mass relative to 100 parts by mass of component (A).

[0035] More specifically, when component (A) is a non-porous inorganic substance, from the viewpoint of improving the supportability of component (B) on component (A), the amount of water added is preferably 0.5 parts by mass or more and 15 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of component (A). When component (A) is a porous inorganic substance, the amount of water added is preferably 10 parts by mass or more and 30 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of component (A), since the porous inorganic substance absorbs water.

[0036] The mixing and stirring in steps 1 to 4 may be carried out on a stirrer using a propeller stirrer such as a Henschel mixer or a ribbon mixer, a screw stirrer such as a Nauta mixer, or a magnetic stirrer, or may be carried out by hand mixing. The stirring time may be 30 seconds or more, depending on the amounts of component (A) and component (B) used.

[0037] The obtained composition and supported particles may be dried as needed. Drying can be performed at 50°C or higher and 150°C or lower. The drying time may be 1 minute or longer, depending on the amounts of component (A), component (B), and water used. The obtained composition and supported particles may be stirred or otherwise used to break down aggregates into fine particles as needed. The drying time may be 1 minute or longer, depending on the amounts of component (A), component (B), and water used.

[0038] The composition of the present invention may contain, as necessary, a surfactant, a bactericide, a dispersant, a polymer, etc. Furthermore, the composition may further contain component (A).

[0039] The surfactant may be one or more surfactants selected from nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, and amphoteric surfactants, and preferably a nonionic surfactant. The content of these additives in the composition of the present invention may be 0.001% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less.

[0040] Furthermore, from the viewpoint of suppressing scattering and improving drainage properties, the composition of the present invention may contain cellulose derivative-supported particles in which cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) are supported on the surfaces of water-insoluble particles (component (A)), in an amount of preferably 60% by mass or more, more preferably 70% by mass or more, even more preferably 80% by mass or more, and even more preferably 90% by mass or more.

[0041] There is no particular limitation on the method for spraying the composition of the present invention, and a hand-pushed sprayer, lime sower, broadcaster, or the like can be used.

[0042] <Method for improving soil> The method for improving soil of the present invention can be carried out using the composition of the present invention, and is a method for improving soil by mixing the composition of the present application with soil.

[0043] The soil targeted by the present invention is preferably cultivated land for growing plants and crops. The soil targeted by the present invention can be applied to various soils, but is preferably agricultural soil, particularly field soil. That is, the soil improver composition of the present invention is preferably for agricultural use, more preferably for field use.

[0044] In the present invention, the composition of the present invention can be added to soil by mixing the composition with the soil, spraying the composition on the soil, or a combination thereof.

[0045] A specific method for adding component (A) and the composition of the present invention to soil in a farm field includes using a sprayer in combination with a tiller or the like and tilling the soil while spraying component (A) and the composition of the present invention.

[0046] In the present invention, the composition is added in an amount of preferably 0.001 part by mass or more, more preferably 0.005 part by mass or more, and preferably less than 10 parts by mass, more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 2.5 parts by mass or less, still more preferably 2.0 parts by mass or less, still more preferably 1.0 part by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.3 part by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of soil.

[0047] Furthermore, the amount of component (B) added to soil as a cellulose derivative is preferably 0.0001 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.0004 parts by mass or more, and preferably 0.95 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 0.05 parts by mass or less, and even more preferably 0.03 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of soil.

[0048] When the composition of the present invention is added to soil, for example by spraying, in the soil improvement method of the present invention, the composition is added in an amount of preferably 0.4 kg or more, more preferably 2 kg or more, and preferably 4,000 kg or less, more preferably 2,000 kg or less, even more preferably 1,000 kg or less, still more preferably 800 kg or less, still more preferably 400 kg or less, and even more preferably 120 kg or less per 10 a of soil.

[0049] The amount of cellulose derivative to be added to soil is preferably 0.04 kg or more, more preferably 1.6 kg or more, and preferably 390 kg or less, more preferably 200 kg or less, even more preferably 20 kg or less, and even more preferably 12 kg or less per 10 a of soil.

[0050] EXAMPLES The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to examples and comparative examples, but the present invention is not limited to the following descriptions.

[0051] The average particle size and particle size distribution of the raw material components (A) and (B), the produced composition, and the supported particles were measured by the method using the sieves described above.

[0052] (A) Component and supported particles: manufactured by Sanpo Co., Ltd. Model No. 200 x 45 / 100 μm (mesh diameter 100 μm), model No. 200 x 45 / 250 μm (mesh diameter 250 μm), model No. 200 x 45 / 425 μm (mesh diameter 425 μm), model No. 200 x 45 / 1 mm (mesh diameter 1000 μm), and model No. 200 x 45 / 2 mm (mesh diameter 2000 μm). (B) Component: manufactured by Ito Seisakusho Co., Ltd. Newpelon Sieve ψ200 (mesh diameter 20 μm), manufactured by Sanpo Co., Ltd. Model number 200 x 60 / 45 μm (mesh diameter 45 μm), model number 75 x 20 / 75 μm (mesh diameter 75 μm), model number 200 x 45 / 100 μm (mesh diameter 100 μm), model number 200 x 45 / 250 μm (mesh diameter 250 μm), and model number 200 x 45 / 425 μm (mesh diameter 425 μm).

[0053] <Production of Cellulose Derivative-Supported Particles> The following components were used as component (A). (A1) Silica sand 1: Silica sand No. 7 (A2) Silica sand 2: Yamashita Building Materials Co., Ltd. Silica sand No. 6 (A3) Silica sand 3: Yamashita Building Materials Co., Ltd. Silica sand No. 5 (A4) Silica sand 4: Yamashita Building Materials Co., Ltd. Silica sand obtained by sieving silica sand No. 5 and collecting particles with a particle size of 100 μm or more and less than 250 μm (A5) Silica sand 5: Yamashita Building Materials Co., Ltd. Silica sand obtained by sieving silica sand No. 4 and collecting particles with a particle size of 1000 μm or more and less than 2000 μm (A6) Silica sand 6: Yamashita Building Materials Co., Ltd. Silica sand obtained by sieving silica sand No. 5 and collecting particles with a particle size of 425 μm or more and less than 1000 μm (A7) Calcium carbonate 1: Sankyo Seiko Co., Ltd. K-1 (A8) Calcium carbonate 2: Sankyo Seiko Co., Ltd. K-3 (A9) Zeolite (abbreviated as ZE): Nitto Zeolite No. 1 manufactured by Nitto Funka Kogyo Co., Ltd. (A10) Palm kernel shell (abbreviated as PKS): Japan Pulp and Paper Co., Ltd. (A11) Diatomaceous earth: Showa Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. Radiolite #3000 The particle size distribution, average particle size, and bulk density of the above component (A) are shown in Table 1. The bulk density was measured using a bulk density meter (JIS K 3362) manufactured by Kyotsui Rikagaku Kikai.

[0054]

[0055] In the table, the lower limit of each particle size range of the particle size distribution is inclusive, but the upper limit is exclusive. For example, "100-250 μm" means "100 μm or more and less than 250 μm." The same applies to the following tables.

[0056] The following components were used as component (B): (B1) Carboxymethylcellulose sodium (hereinafter abbreviated as CMC) 1: Daicel Miraize Co., Ltd. CMC Daicel 1390 (B2) CMC 2: Daicel Miraize Co., Ltd. CMC Daicel 2260 (B3) CMC 3: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. F600MC (B4) CMC 4: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. Sunrose B3B (B5) CMC 5: Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. F300HG was sieved and particles of 425 μm or less were collected (B6) Hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (hereinafter abbreviated as HPMC): Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. Metrose 65SH-15000 (B7) Hydroxyethylcellulose (hereinafter abbreviated as HEC): Daicel Miraize Co., Ltd. HEC Daicel SP9000 (B8) Powdered cellulose (hereinafter abbreviated as CEL): Nippon Paper Industries Co., Ltd. W-300G (B9) Polyacrylamide, cross-linked acrylamide-acrylic acid copolymer (abbreviated as SAP): Fujifilm Wako Pure Chemical Industries, Ltd. Highly water-absorbent polymer (acrylate-based)

[0057] The particle size distribution, average particle size, viscosity, and degree of substitution of the above component (B) are shown in Table 2. The viscosity was measured by preparing a 1% aqueous solution of each component (B) and measuring it at 25°C using a viscometer (TVB-10 manufactured by Toki Sangyo Co., Ltd.).

[0058] The degree of substitution for (B1) to (B5) was measured by the following method. 0.1 g of CMC was placed in a 10 mL screw-cap test tube, 1 mL of heavy water and 1 mL of heavy water / bisulfuric acid (1 / 1) were added, and the mixture was stirred for 1 minute using a vortex mixer. The mixture was heated at 90°C for 2 hours and centrifuged. The supernatant was transferred to an NMR tube. 1 H-NMR measurement was carried out. From the obtained spectrum, the integral value of one proton of the sugar skeleton and the integral value of two methylene protons of the carboxymethyl group were calculated, and the value obtained by dividing (integral value of methylene protons of the carboxymethyl group / 2) by one proton of the sugar skeleton was determined as the degree of substitution. １ H-NMR measurement conditions> Apparatus: AVANCE NEO400N manufactured by Bruker Magnetic field strength: 400 MHz Number of accumulations: 128 Waiting time: 30 sec Pulse width: 45° Data points: 65536 Temperature: room temperature Observation width: 8196 Hz

[0059] The degree of substitution of (B6) was measured by the following method. 1 g of HPMC was placed in a beaker, and 30 mL of 65 wt % sulfuric acid was added, followed by stirring at 20°C for 30 minutes. 60 mL of ion-exchanged water was then added, followed by reaction at 90°C for 2 hours. After neutralization with barium carbonate, the mixture was filtered and concentrated. 1 mL of heavy water was added to the resulting concentrated solution, and 13 The degree of substitution was measured by C-NMR. The degree of substitution was calculated from the carbon atom derived from the methyl group and the carbon atom derived from the hydroxypropoxy group relative to the carbon atom at position 1 in the cellulose skeleton. １３ C-NMR measurement conditions> Apparatus: Varian Mercury 400BB Magnetic field strength: 100 MHz Number of accumulations: 5000 Waiting time: 1 sec Pulse width: 45° Data points: 65536 Temperature: room temperature Observation width: 25188.9 Hz

[0060]

[0061] Using the above components (A) and (B), cellulose derivative-supported particles were produced by the following method. A predetermined amount of component (A) was weighed into a 100 mL plastic container, and a predetermined amount of ion-exchanged water was added. The mixture was stirred for 1 minute until uniform, yielding mixture A. A predetermined amount of component (B) was added to mixture A, and the mixture was allowed to stand for 30 seconds and then stirred for 1 minute, yielding mixture B. Mixture B was dried at 80°C for 3 minutes, removed, and stirred for 1 minute, a total of 3 times, yielding a composition.

[0062] For Comparative Examples 9 and 14, cellulose derivative-supported particles were produced by the following method. Component (A) and component (B) were mixed as solids, and water was added according to the table. After stirring for 1 minute, 1.0 g of the mixture was tableted at a force of 20 MPa using a tablet press (MS05-100, manufactured by Riken Seiki Co., Ltd.), and then crushed with a hammer to obtain a composition.

[0063] The average particle diameters and blending ratios of components (A) and (B) used in the preparation of the support particles used in the Examples and Comparative Examples, as well as the amount of water used in the preparation, are shown in Tables 3 and 4, respectively.

[0064]

[0065]

[0066] Table 5 shows the particle size distribution and average particle size of the compositions of the examples produced under the conditions in Table 3. Table 6 also shows the particle size distribution and average particle size of the supported particles, the amount (parts by mass) of component (B) per 100 parts by mass of component (A) of the supported particles, and the average particle size ratio of the supported particles to the raw material component (A).

[0067] As shown in Table 2, all of the components (B) used had particle sizes of less than 100 μm, except for (B5), and therefore it is safe to assume that almost all of the particles less than 100 μm removed by sieving the compositions of the examples were component (B) that was not supported on the surface of component (A). Based on this, the amount (parts by mass) of component (B) per 100 parts by mass of component (A) of the obtained supported particles was calculated from [parts by mass of component (B) used - parts by mass of particles less than 100 μm].

[0068]

[0069]

[0070] The particle size distribution and average particle size of the comparative compositions produced under the conditions of Table 4 are shown in Table 7. The particle size distribution and average particle size of the comparative supported particles, the amount (parts by mass) of component (B) per 100 parts by mass of component (A) of the supported particles, and the average particle size ratio of the supported particles to component (A) of the raw material are shown in Table 8. The amount (parts by mass) of component (B) per 100 parts by mass of component (A) of the obtained supported particles was determined in the same manner as in the examples.

[0071]

[0072]

[0073] Representative micrographs (taken with a Keyence VHX-1000 digital microscope) of the supported particles, component (A) alone, and component (B) alone produced using 9 g of silica sand 1 as component (A), 1 g of CMC1 as component (B), and 0.5 g of water are shown in Figures 1, 2, and 3, respectively. It is clear from Figure 1 that cellulose derivative particles are supported on the surface of silica sand particles (component (A)) by the method of the present application. Furthermore, a comparison of Figures 2 and 3 with Figure 1 reveals that the particle sizes of components (A) and (B) are almost unchanged before and after the production of the supported particles.

[0074] Next, the drainage and scattering prevention tests using the obtained composition will be described.

[0075] Drainage was measured using the following method. (1) Preparation of soil for drainage measurement: Arakida soil (manufactured by Konan Co., Ltd.) was sieved through an 8 mm mesh sieve to obtain a sample that passed through the 8 mm sieve. The moisture content of this sample was adjusted to 21% by mass, and 80 g was weighed into a 300 mL plastic container. A predetermined amount of each composition listed in Table 5 was then sprinkled onto the Arakida soil. After allowing to stand for 3 minutes, the sample was stirred 30 times with a spatula to obtain the test soil. (2) Drainage test of the prepared test soil: Gauze was placed in the bottom of a 100 mL plastic container with a 1 cm diameter hole drilled in the bottom, and the test soil prepared in (1) was completely filled in. 25 mL of water was sprinkled onto the test soil using a Nakaya shower cap manufactured by Nakaya Chemical Industry Co., Ltd. to simulate rainfall, and the amount of water draining through the hole in the bottom was measured over time. The start of drainage is set to time 0, and the slope of (amount of drainage) ÷ (time) is calculated from measurements from 0 to 10 seconds. This operation is repeated five times, and the slope S (g / s) of the fifth operation is determined. Similarly, a 100 mL plastic container with a 1 cm diameter hole drilled in the bottom is filled with soil to which no composition has been added, and the same operation is repeated five times, and the slope B (g / s) of the fifth operation is determined. Using each of the obtained slopes, (slope S ÷ slope B) × 100 is calculated, which is the drainage ability. The larger this value, the better the drainage ability.

[0076] The scattering resistance is measured by the following method. While blowing air at a speed of 2 m / s into a range 12 cm vertically above the ground, 4 to 5 g of the obtained supported particles are dropped from 15 cm vertically above. After dropping, the air is stopped, and the composition remaining within 20 cm from the drop location is collected and its mass is measured. The calculation is (mass of composition remaining within 20 cm ÷ mass of composition before dropping) × 100, and this is taken as the scattering resistance. The higher this value, the higher the scattering resistance.

[0077] The compositions of the examples in Table 5 were used to evaluate drainage and scattering suppression. The results are shown in Table 9. The soil improver compositions were sprayed onto soil filled in a 100 mL plastic container so that the amount of composition added to the soil was the amount shown in Table 9. For example, when the soil improver composition was added in an amount of 0.1 part by mass to 100 parts by mass of soil, the soil surface area of ​​0.00196 m ２ In this case, 0.08 g of the soil improver composition was added to 1,000 m of soil. ２ In other words, the amount of the soil conditioner composition added per 10 a was 40.8 kg.

[0078]

[0079] As shown in Table 9, good drainage and scattering properties were observed when a composition containing particles in which CMC was supported on the surface of silica sand was used (Examples 1 to 13). Good drainage and scattering properties were also observed when a composition containing particles in which HPMC or HEC was supported on the surface of silica sand was used (Examples 14 and 15). Furthermore, good drainage and scattering properties were also observed when a composition containing particles in which CMC was supported on the surface of calcium carbonate, zeolite, or PKS was used (Examples 16 to 19).

[0080] Next, drainage and scattering suppression were evaluated using the comparative compositions in Table 7. The results are shown in Table 10. The amount of soil conditioner composition added per 10a was calculated in the same manner as in Table 9.

[0081]

[0082] The following points are clear from Table 10: Comparative Example 1 is a blank test for drainage of soil only (drainage 100), and scattering suppression was not evaluated.

[0083] When only silica sand 1 was used without adding component (B), the scattering suppression was good, but the drainage was extremely poor (Comparative Example 2). This shows that component (B) is essential to achieve good drainage. Furthermore, when evaluating only CMC1, the drainage was slightly improved, but the scattering suppression was extremely poor (Comparative Example 3). These results show that both component (A) and component (B) are necessary to achieve the object of the present application.

[0084] Furthermore, when silica sand 4 (175 μm) with a small average particle size or silica sand 5 (1500 μm) with a large average particle size were used, the former had poorer scattering suppression properties (Comparative Example 4), and the latter had poor drainage properties (Comparative Example 5). Furthermore, when a large ratio of the average particle size of the support particles to the average particle size of (A) was used, i.e., when aggregated support particles were used, scattering suppression properties were good but drainage properties were poor (Comparative Examples 6 and 7).

[0085] Furthermore, even when CMC5 (500 μm) having an extremely large average particle size was used, the drainage property was poor (Comparative Example 8).

[0086] When silica sand 1 and CMC 1, which showed good drainage and scattering suppression properties, were mixed and kneaded, tableted, and then pulverized, the mass ratio of the supported CMC 1 to silica sand 1 was extremely reduced (4.40%). Furthermore, pulverization increased the average particle size, resulting in a significant decrease in drainage (Comparative Example 9). Similarly, when calcium carbonate 3 was used as a carrier, drainage also decreased (Comparative Example 10).

[0087] When cellulose powder without hydroxyl group substitution was used, good drainage was not obtained (Comparative Example 11). Furthermore, when SAP, a water-absorbent polymer, was used as component (B), good drainage was not obtained (Comparative Example 12). Furthermore, when diatomaceous earth, which has a bulk density about 20% that of silica sand, was used, the scattering suppression was extremely reduced (Comparative Example 13).

[0088] Furthermore, when a large amount of the supported particles obtained from silica sand 1 and CMC 1, which showed good drainage and scattering suppression properties, was added to soil, clogging occurred and drainage properties were drastically reduced (Comparative Example 14).

[0089] In addition to the above-described embodiments, the present invention discloses the following aspects.

[0090] <1> A soil conditioner composition comprising water-insoluble particles (component (A)) carrying cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) on the surface thereof.

[0091] <2> The average particle size of the cellulose derivative-supported particles is preferably 200 μm or more, more preferably 250 μm or more, even more preferably 300 μm or more, and preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 700 μm or less, even more preferably 600 μm or less. The soil conditioner composition according to <1>.

[0092] <3> The soil conditioner composition according to <1> or <2>, wherein the component (A) is at least one selected from palm kernel shell, zeolite, silica sand, and calcium carbonate.

[0093] <4> The soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <3>, wherein the average particle size of component (A) is preferably 180 μm or more, more preferably 200 μm or more, even more preferably 250 μm or more, and preferably 1000 μm or less, more preferably 650 μm or less, even more preferably 350 μm or less.

[0094] <5> The bulk density of the component (A) is preferably 0.5 g / cm ３ More preferably, 0.8 g / cm ３ More preferably, 1.0 g / cm ３ and preferably 1.5 g / cm ３ or less, more preferably 1.4 g / cm ３ More preferably, 1.35 g / cm or less ３ More preferably, 1.3 g / cm or less ３ The soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <3> below.

[0095] <6> The soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <5>, wherein the cellulose derivative contained in the component (B) is a cellulose derivative in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose have been substituted.

[0096] <7> The soil conditioner composition according to any one of <1> to <6>, wherein the cellulose derivative contained in the component (B) is at least one selected from the group consisting of: (B-1) carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof; (B-2) (carboxyalkyl) alkyl cellulose or a salt thereof; (B-3) alkyl cellulose; (B-4) hydroxyalkyl cellulose; and (B-5) (alkyl) hydroxyalkyl cellulose.

[0097] <8> The cellulose derivative contained in the component (B) is: (B-1) a carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms on the hydroxyl groups of cellulose have been substituted with carboxyalkyl groups, preferably a carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof having a group in which a carboxy group is bonded to an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as carboxymethyl cellulose or a salt thereof, or carboxyethyl cellulose or a salt thereof (here, the salt is a sodium salt, potassium salt, calcium salt, ammonium salt, or the like) (hereinafter referred to as component (B-1)); (B-2) a (carboxyalkyl)alkyl cellulose or a salt thereof in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms on the hydroxyl groups of cellulose have been substituted with a carboxyalkyl group and an alkyl group, preferably a (carboxyalkyl)alkyl cellulose or a salt thereof having a group in which a carboxy group is bonded to an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms and an alkyl group having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as (carboxymethyl)methyl cellulose or a salt thereof, or (carboxymethyl)ethyl cellulose or a salt thereof (here, the salt is a sodium salt, potassium salt, calcium salt, ammonium salt, or the like) (hereinafter referred to as component (B-2)); (B-3) alkyl cellulose in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose have been substituted with alkyl groups, specifically alkyl celluloses in which the alkyl group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms, such as methyl cellulose and ethyl cellulose (hereinafter referred to as component (B-3)); (B-4) hydroxyalkyl cellulose in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose have been substituted with hydroxyalkyl groups, preferably hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, etc., hydroxyalkyl celluloses in which the hydroxyalkyl group has 2 to 4 carbon atoms (hereinafter referred to as component (B-4)); and(B-5) (Alkyl)hydroxyalkyl celluloses in which some or all of the hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl groups of cellulose have been substituted with alkyl groups and hydroxyalkyl groups, specifically (hydroxyethyl)methyl cellulose, (hydroxyethyl)ethyl cellulose, (hydroxypropyl)methyl cellulose, (hydroxypropyl)ethyl cellulose, etc., in which the alkyl group has 1 to 4 carbon atoms and the hydroxyalkyl group has 2 to 4 carbon atoms (hereinafter referred to as component (B-5)). The soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <6>, which is at least one selected from the group consisting of:

[0098] <9> The soil improver composition according to <8>, wherein the cellulose derivative contained in the component (B) is at least one selected from (B-1), (B-4), and (B-5).

[0099] <10> The soil conditioner composition according to <8> or <9>, wherein the carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof in (B-1) is preferably carboxymethyl cellulose or a salt thereof.

[0100] <11> The soil conditioner composition according to <8> or <9>, wherein the carboxy group of the carboxyalkyl cellulose or salt thereof (B-1) is an alkali metal salt such as a sodium salt or a potassium salt; an alkaline earth metal salt such as a magnesium salt or a calcium salt; or an ammonium ion salt, preferably an alkali metal salt, more preferably a sodium salt.

[0101] <12> The soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <11>, wherein the average particle size of the cellulose derivative particles contained in the component (B) is preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less.

[0102] <13> The soil conditioner composition according to <12>, wherein the average particle size of the cellulose derivative particles contained in component (B) is preferably 10 μm or more, more preferably 20 μm or more, and preferably 200 μm or less, more preferably 100 μm or less.

[0103] <14> The soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <13>, wherein the degree of substitution of hydrogen on hydroxyl groups of the cellulose derivative contained in component (B) is preferably 0.3 or more, more preferably 0.6 or more, even more preferably 1.0 or more, and is preferably 1.8 or less, more preferably 1.6 or less.

[0104] <15>: The soil conditioner composition according to any one of <1> to <14>, wherein the viscosity of a 1% aqueous solution of the cellulose derivative contained in component (B) at 25°C is preferably 5 mPa·s or more, more preferably 15 mPa·s or more, even more preferably 100 mPa·s or more, and is preferably 5000 mPa·s or less, more preferably 4000 mPa·s or less, even more preferably 3500 mPa·s or less.

[0105] <16> The soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <15>, wherein the amount of component (B) in the cellulose derivative-supported particles is preferably 1 part by mass or more, more preferably 3 parts by mass or more, even more preferably 10 parts by mass or more, and is preferably 100 parts by mass or less, more preferably 70 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 50 parts by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of component (A).

[0106] <17> The soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <16>, wherein the content of the particles of component (B) in the cellulose derivative-supporting particles is preferably 70% by mass or more, more preferably 90% by mass or more, and 100% by mass or less.

[0107] <18> The soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <17>, wherein [average particle size of the cellulose derivative-supporting particles] / [average particle size of the component (A)] is 3.0 or less.

[0108] <19> The soil improver composition according to <18>, wherein [average particle size of the cellulose derivative-supporting particles] / [average particle size of the component (A)] is 2.5 or less.

[0109] <20> The soil improver composition according to <18>, wherein [average particle size of the cellulose derivative-supporting particles] / [average particle size of component (A)] is 1.0 or more, more preferably 1.3 or more, even more preferably 1.4 or more, and is preferably 3.0 or less, more preferably 2.5 or less.

[0110] <21> The soil conditioner composition according to any one of <1> to <20>, wherein the component (A) is at least one selected from palm kernel shell, zeolite, silica sand, and calcium carbonate, and the component (B) is at least one selected from (B-1) carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof, (B-4) hydroxyalkyl cellulose, and (B-5) (alkyl)hydroxyalkyl cellulose.

[0111] <22> The soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <21>, wherein the component (A) is at least one selected from palm kernel shells, zeolite, silica sand, and calcium carbonate; the component (B) is at least one selected from (B-1) carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof, (B-4) hydroxyalkyl cellulose, and (B-5) (alkyl)hydroxyalkyl cellulose; and the ratio of [average particle size of cellulose derivative-supporting particles] / [average particle size of component (A)] is 3.0 or less, preferably 2.5 or less.

[0112] <23> A method for producing a soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <22>, wherein the method is a method for obtaining a composition comprising particles of the component (A) supported on the surface of the component (B) from the component (A) and the component (B), the method being selected from a kneading method, an impregnation method, and an incipient wetness method, and is preferably a kneading method carried out in the presence of water.

[0113] <24> A method for producing the soil improver composition according to <23>, wherein the kneading method carried out in the presence of water comprises the following steps: (Step 1) mixing the component (A) with water to obtain water-insoluble particles having water adhered to their surfaces, (Step 2) adding the component (B) to the water-insoluble particles having water adhered to their surfaces obtained in Step 1 and mixing them, and (Step 3) drying the mixture containing water obtained in Step 2, while stirring as necessary, to obtain a mixture containing particles having the component (B) supported on the surface of the component (A).

[0114] <25> The method for producing the soil improver composition according to <24>, further comprising the following steps: (Step 4) stirring the mixture obtained in Step 3 to refine the aggregated support particles;

[0115] <26> A soil improvement method comprising applying the soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <22> to soil 10a in an amount, calculated as cellulose derivative-supported particles, of preferably 0.4 kg or more, more preferably 2 kg or more, and preferably 4,000 kg or less, more preferably 2,000 kg or less, even more preferably 1,000 kg or less, still more preferably 800 kg or less, still more preferably 400 kg or less, and still more preferably 120 kg or less.

[0116] <27> A soil improvement method in which the soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <22> is added in an amount, in terms of cellulose derivatives, of preferably 0.04 kg or more, more preferably 1.6 kg or more, and preferably 390 kg or less, more preferably 200 kg or less, even more preferably 20 kg or less, and still more preferably 12 kg or less per 10 a of soil.

[0117] <28> A soil improvement method in which the soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <22> is added in an amount of preferably 0.001 part by mass or more, more preferably 0.005 part by mass or more, and preferably less than 10 parts by mass, more preferably 5 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 2.5 parts by mass or less, still more preferably 2.0 parts by mass or less, still more preferably 1.0 part by mass or less, and still more preferably 0.3 part by mass or less, per 100 parts by mass of soil.

[0118] <29> A soil improvement method in which the soil improver composition according to any one of <1> to <22> is added as the cellulose derivative of component (B) in an amount of preferably 0.0001 parts by mass or more, more preferably 0.0004 parts by mass or more, and preferably 0.95 parts by mass or less, more preferably 0.5 parts by mass or less, even more preferably 0.05 parts by mass or less, and still more preferably 0.03 parts by mass or less per 100 parts by mass of soil.

Claims

1. A soil conditioner composition comprising water-insoluble particles (component (A)) carrying cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) on the surface thereof.

2. The soil conditioner composition according to claim 1, wherein the average particle size of the cellulose derivative-supporting particles is from 200 μm to 1,000 μm.

3. The soil conditioner composition according to claim 1, wherein the cellulose derivative is at least one selected from the group consisting of (B-1) carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof, (B-2) (carboxyalkyl) alkyl cellulose or a salt thereof, (B-3) alkyl cellulose, (B-4) hydroxyalkyl cellulose, and (B-5) (alkyl) hydroxyalkyl cellulose.

4. A soil conditioner composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the average particle size of the cellulose derivative particles is 200 μm or less.

5. A soil conditioner composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the ratio of the average particle diameter of the cellulose derivative-supported particles to the average particle diameter of component (A) is 3.0 or less.

6. A soil conditioner composition as described in claim 5, in which the ratio of [average particle size of cellulose derivative-supported particles] / [average particle size of component (A)] is 2.5 or less.

7. A soil conditioner composition according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the degree of substitution of hydrogen on the hydroxyl group of the cellulose derivative contained in component (B) is 0.3 or more.

8. The soil conditioner composition according to claim 1, wherein the amount of component (B) in the cellulose derivative-supporting particles is 1 to 100 parts by mass per 100 parts by mass of component (A).

9. The soil conditioner composition according to claim 1, wherein component (A) is at least one selected from palm shell, silica sand, calcium carbonate, and zeolite.

10. The soil conditioner composition according to claim 1, wherein the component (B) is at least one selected from the group consisting of (B-1) carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof, (B-4) hydroxyalkyl cellulose, and (B-5) (alkyl)hydroxyalkyl cellulose.

11. The soil conditioner composition according to claim 1, wherein the component (A) is at least one selected from palm shell, silica sand, calcium carbonate, and zeolite, and the component (B) is at least one selected from (B-1) carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof, (B-4) hydroxyalkyl cellulose, and (B-5) (alkyl)hydroxyalkyl cellulose.

12. A soil conditioner composition comprising cellulose derivative-supported particles having component (B) supported on the surface of component (A), in which the ratio of [average particle size of cellulose derivative-supported particles] / [average particle size of component (A)] is 3.0 or less, wherein component (A) is at least one selected from palm shells, silica sand, calcium carbonate, and zeolite, and component (B) is at least one selected from (B-1) carboxyalkyl cellulose or a salt thereof, (B-4) hydroxyalkyl cellulose, and (B-5) (alkyl)hydroxyalkyl cellulose. The soil conditioner composition according to claim 1.

13. A method for producing a soil conditioner composition comprising cellulose derivative-supported particles in which cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) are supported on the surface of water-insoluble particles (component (A)), the method comprising the following steps: (Step 1) mixing water-insoluble particles (component (A)) with water to obtain water-insoluble particles having water attached to their surfaces; (Step 2) adding cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) to the water-insoluble particles having water attached to their surfaces obtained in step 1, and mixing; (Step 3) drying the mixture containing water obtained in step 2, while stirring as necessary, to obtain a composition comprising supported particles in which cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) are supported on the surface of water-insoluble particles (component (A)).

14. A soil improvement method comprising spraying a soil conditioner composition containing cellulose derivative-supported particles, the cellulose derivative-supported particles including water-insoluble particles (component (A)) and cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) supported on the surface of component (A), in an amount of 0.4 kg to 4,000 kg, calculated as cellulose derivative-supported particles, per 10a of soil.

15. A soil improvement method comprising spreading cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) contained in a soil improver composition containing cellulose derivative-supporting particles in an amount of 0.04 kg to 390 kg, calculated as cellulose derivative, per 10 a of soil.

16. A method for producing improved soil, comprising spraying a soil conditioner composition containing cellulose derivative-supported particles, the cellulose derivative-supported particles including water-insoluble particles (component (A)) and cellulose derivative particles (component (B)) supported on the surface of component (A), in an amount of 0.4 kg to 4,000 kg, calculated as cellulose derivative-supported particles, per 10a of soil.

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