Plant-based organic fertilizer from fragmented licorice root residual and filled with a natural polymer matrix contains nutritional elements as a slow released fertilizer

Abstract

The application of natural-based fertilizers is considered a practical solution to enhance soil fertility and maintain soil quality. Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of organic matrix- based slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) on plant growth. This novel process presents a beneficial method of preparing a natural and biocompatible matrix based on slow-release plant-based organic fertilizer that is improved with specific nutritious natural ingredients and other additives.

Description

[0001] PLANT-BASED ORGANIC FERTILIZER FROM FRAGMENTED LICORICE ROOT RESIDUAL AND FILLED WITH A NATURAL POLYMER MATRIX CONTAINS NUTRITIONAL ELEMENTS AS A SLOW RELEASED FERTILIZER

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to the field of fertilizers. More specifically the present invention relates to the field of slow / controlled release fertilizer, particularly the method of preparation and the used organic matter thereof.

[0004] Background Art

[0005] Use of fertilizers is a very common practice followed in agricultural sector as soil alone is not capable of providing all the essential nutrients required by the plants for its optimal growth and productiveness. An alarming increase in the use of fertilizers has been observed over the recent years due to increase in the agricultural production to meet the ever increasing world food demand.

[0006] The purpose of any fertilizer is to increase the amount of nutrients in soil that make it more fertile and friendly to plant growth. Typically present in fertilizers are one or more of the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, or NPK. Any one of these is pretty much all a plant needs to grow fast.

[0007] According to CA. pat numbered 1047272, Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are the primary essential elements for plant growth, and commercially available fertilizers invariably comprise either or both an organic and an inorganic compound containing one or more of these elements in some form. Agronomically, most commercially available fertilizer materials are marked by one notably detrimental physical property - high water solubility. Thus, treatment of plants with highly water soluble fertilizer materials, particularly Nitrogencontaining, can be undesirable because the fertilizers are readily solubilized, thereby releasing nutrients in the soil at high concentrations. This results in luxury consumption and nutrient imbalances. If the release of nutrients were controlled to more closely match actual plant requirements, a number of advantages would accrue. Evaluated from the viewpoint of plant physiology, controlled' release fertilizers, as compared to many conventional 20 fertilizers, maintain a more optimum concentration of ' nutrient in the root zone over a longer part of the plant growth period. Particularly in the case of turfgrass, controlled-release fertilizers applied in a single application provide a more even rate of growth than split applications of a soluble fertilizer at comparable rates.

[0008] Summary of Invention

[0009] A slow release fertilizer product comprises a fertilizer and a slow release agent, the agent being a biodegradable agent whereby the biodegradable agent is able to provide for a controlled release of the fertilizer without ecologically damaging the environment, and the biodegradable agent being such that it is a water soluble binder for the fertilizer whereby the slow release fertilizer product is such that it does not crumble in dry conditions of use, whereby the fertilizer is only released in moist conditions of use, and whereby the fertilizer content of the slow release fertilizer product is consistent throughout the slow release fertilizer product. The release agent, a layer of which may cover the fertilizer, may be tallow, soap, coconut oil or animal fat and the product may contain a seed or seeds, or an agent e.g. wood flour edible by pests. The product may comprise layers of different fertilizers.

[0010] Accordingly, this specific invention provides an improved method of producing slow-release fertilizer, especially based on a nature-friendly composition. In the said process natural materials are used not to harm the environment and benefit from an affordable price for mass production.

[0011] In the mentioned invention, fragmented licorice root is the main material that protects the moisture and water of the fertilizer, this valuable substance makes the final product.

[0012] Technical Problem

[0013] Much like humans, the soil needs a delicate balance of nutrients to remain healthy.

[0014] One of the problems with chemical fertilizers is they seep through the soil into the groundwater and other water sources, leading to contamination, the known slow release fertilizer products often employ a polymer based slow release agent which can be damaging to the environment.

[0015] In addition, excessive use of traditional fertilizers has led to several issues such as serious soil degradation, nitrogen leaching, soil compaction, reduction in soil organic matter, and loss of soil carbon.

[0016] NPKs can definitely help plants and crops grow, simply adding them to the soil without regard for keeping the balance can lead to unintended consequences or hidden dangers. Solution to Problem

[0017] To solve the mentioned problems, the present invention offers a biocompatible and naturefriendly sustainable and efficient process for nutrient management against traditional fertilizers and even some current NPKs.

[0018] Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0019] This invention consists of fertilizer compounds coated with natural or synthetic biocompatible polymers such as a binder to control the release of nutrients for plants over an extended time.

[0020] Moreover, these matrices or carriers are often biodegradable materials that gradually break down in the soil, releasing nutrients in a controlled manner.

[0021] The most important advantage of this nature-friendly fertilizer compared to other examples of natural fertilizers is the use of fragmented licorice root compost in its composition. The usage of this supplement, which has the property of preserving moisture and water, in the composition of this SRF makes this product especially fruitful in areas with low water and salinity and greenhouses.

[0022] Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] Fig.l - This figure shows the schematic view of the invention. Description of Embodiments

[0024] The present invention describes a Natural and biocompatible matrix-based on slow-release fertilizer, consists of fertilizer compounds coated with natural materials as matrices to control the release of nutrients to plants over an extended period of time. These matrices or carriers are often biodegradable materials that gradually break down in the soil, releasing nutrients in a controlled manner.

[0025] Industrial Applicability

[0026] NPK can definitely help plants and crops grow, simply adding them to the soil without regard for keeping the balance can lead to unintended consequences or hidden dangers. SRFs can reduce nutrient losses, increase nutrient-use efficiency, and protect the environment. This specific invention is applicable in green houses, farms, ... .

Claims

Claims

1. This disclosure presents a method for preparing a specific kind of natural matrix slow-released fertilizer, comprising : Fragmented Licorice Root, Gelatin, fertilizer elements and compounds, a kind of gum and some additives.

2. According to claim 1, Fragmented licorice root is the essential material in this fertilizer. This natural substance preserves moisture and water. Applying crushed licorice root pulp that increases the biodegradation life time of the polymer matrix and increases the lifespan of the slow release fertilizer system.

3. According to claims 1,2, Fragmented licorice root is the main ingredient to make this fertilizer a suitable and economic product.

4. According to claimsl,2,3, the gelatin and biopolymer solution, additives, and nutritional elements or compounds cover fragmented licorice roots.

5. According to claims 1&4, urea or other fertilizing elements and compounds should be added to gelatin and biopolymer solution.

6. According to claiml, after mixing fragmented licorice root with solution, the materials should be converted into platelets shape.

7. According to the above claims, the final product should be dried to be packed.[claim8] This specific natural fertilizer is cost-effective and affordable.

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