Alkali humate-containing and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions from renewable raw materials with high water storage capacity and growth-promoting effect

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing alkali humate-containing and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions, wherein, in the method, a reaction mass comprising (i) a humic acid-containing composition synthesised by hydrothermal carbonisation (HTC) from renewable cellulose-containing and hemicellulose-containing raw materials, (ii) water, (iii) KOH, NaOH, and / or NH4OH, and (vi) at least one alkali metal and / or ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid, is provided, and wherein in the method the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition are converted into alkali humates and / or ammonium humates in the reaction mass, wherein the concentration of chloride in the reaction mass is 80 mmol / kg to 360 mmol / kg in relation to the total mass of the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition. The invention further relates to liquid and dry products of the alkali humate-containing and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions and their uses, as well as plant biostimulants, soil improvers and fertilisers containing the alkali humate-containing and / or ammonium humate-containing composition.

Description

[0001] COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING ALKALI HUMAT AND / OR AMMONIUM HUMAT FROM

[0002] RENEWABLE RAW MATERIALS WITH HIGH WATER STORAGE CAPACITY AND

[0003] Growth stimulant effect

[0004] Technical area

[0005] The invention relates to processes for producing an alkali humate- and / or ammonium humate-containing composition from renewable raw materials, which can be advantageously used in the field of agriculture. The invention further relates to liquid and dry products obtained by the inventive processes described herein, as well as to plant biostimulants, soil improvers, and fertilizers containing the liquid and dry products according to the invention. The invention further relates to uses of the liquid and dry products according to the invention for agricultural applications.

[0006] Technical background

[0007] Humic substances are high-molecular-weight organic compounds with a complex macromolecular structure that arise from plant decomposition products and are found in all soils and waters. Due to their heterogeneous composition, the class of humic substances does not have a uniform structural formula, but can be divided into the fractions humic acid, fulvic acid, and humins by alkaline extraction. Humic acid also consists of a complex, heterogeneous mixture of high-molecular-weight compounds. The salts of humic acid are called humates. Humic acid (here also referred to synonymously as "humic acids"), as the main fraction, forms the biological center of humus. Fertile soil contains approximately 3% humic acids, and peat about 3-10%.

[0008] In certain layers of lignite, known as leonardite, humic acids are found in concentrations of over 50%. Since the discovery of the high concentrations of humic acids in leonardite, it has become the most important starting material for the commercial production of humic acids and humic acid-based products for agriculture and other sectors. Current scientific studies have shown that soil fertility is largely determined by the humic acid content of the soil. Their high cation exchange capacity and mineral retention function, their improvement in plant nutrient uptake, and their good water retention capacity make humic acids and humic acid products particularly suitable for soil fertility.Humic acid-based products are a valuable tool for improving soil fertility and plant growth, as biological agents for industrial and scientific purposes and laboratories, as soil improvers for agriculture and horticulture, as fertilizers, as nutrients for plants and as seed preservatives.

[0009] The steadily increasing demand for humic acids is now largely met by the mining and extraction of leonardite. However, humic acids from this fossil precursor have ecological and economic disadvantages compared to humic acids from renewable raw materials, particularly those produced using the hydrothermal carbonization process (hereinafter referred to as the HTC process), due to the highly costly, complex, and environmentally damaging extraction process and the required hazardous waste disposal of environmentally harmful process residues.

[0010] The HTC process is an established method for producing humic or humic acid-containing products from biomass, such as agricultural and forestry waste, sewage sludge, and the like, and is well known in the specialist world. In the HTC process, moist biomass is hydrothermally treated under oxygen exclusion and at its own steam pressure. The HTC process is a comparatively mild process engineering technique that simulates natural humification but, due to the significantly elevated temperature, accelerates reaction times to only a few minutes to several hours. Furthermore, as a chemical process, the HTC process generally achieves excellent carbon yields and avoids metabolism, meaning that the majority of the carbon bound in the biomass is found in the humified product produced using the HTC process.Humic acid-containing compositions produced using the HTC process are commercially available (e.g. HUMIVERSE® from Terra Optima, Switzerland).

[0011] In the prior art, the HTC process was described, for example, in DE 102007062808, DE

[0012] 102007062809, DE 102007062810, DE 102007062811, DE 102007056170, DE 102008058444, EP 2716619 A2, and WO 2019052738A1. These documents describe the hydrothermal carbonization of various types of biomass under different reaction conditions and using various processes.

[0013] The most important commercial form of humic acids is their potassium salt, which is commonly obtained by reacting them with potassium hydroxide. These potassium humates are highly water-soluble and are used in agriculture in both solid and liquid form. Potassium humates are known to react sensitively to thermal stress, such as the thermal drying process of liquid products to obtain a dry product, or to transport or storage at elevated temperatures, so that thermal stress leads to losses in the effectiveness of the humates. Good thermal stability combined with satisfactory water storage capacity (also referred to herein as water storage capacity) and water retention is of great and increasing economic importance in agriculture.Given global warming and the resulting increase in extreme weather events such as drought and heavy rainfall, as well as the ever-expanding arid zones, long-term water retention can compensate for short to medium periods of drought, and the water storage capacity can contribute to making soils climate-fit and adapting to changing climatic conditions. Normally, and according to current practice, the minimum amount of a humic acid or humate-containing product required for each soil type to achieve satisfactory soil fitness is approximately 3 t / ha. Consequently, there is a great demand for humate-containing compositions that exhibit improved thermal stability as well as satisfactory water storage capacity and water retention, thus contributing to increasing soil value, developing and revitalizing arid soils, and maintaining the health of agriculturally cultivated plants.

[0014] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide processes for producing a composition containing alkali humate and / or ammonium humate, wherein the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition obtained by these processes exhibits excellent thermal stability, outstanding water retention, and good water storage capacity, as well as a higher biomass yield than known commercial products derived from leonardite. It is a further object of the invention to provide liquid and dry products obtained by these processes, as well as plant biostimulants, soil improvers, and fertilizers containing the liquid and dry products according to the invention.

[0015] Description of the invention

[0016] This object is achieved in one aspect with a first variant of the process according to the invention for producing an alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, which is characterized in that a reaction mass comprising:

[0017] (i) a humic acid-containing composition synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials,

[0018] (ii) water,

[0019] (iii) KOH, NaOH, and / or NH4OH

[0020] (iv) at least one alkali and / or ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid is provided, wherein, in order to obtain a liquid product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition are converted in the reaction mass to alkali humates and / or ammonium humates, wherein the concentration of the chloride in the reaction mass is 80 mmol / kg - 360 mmol / kg based on the total mass of the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition, and wherein, optionally, in order to obtain a dry product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, the liquid product obtained from the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition is subjected to a drying step.

[0021] In the course of developing the process according to the invention, the surprising fact was discovered by chance that the addition of chloride in the concentration defined herein during the production of alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions compensates for thermal instability of the alkali and / or ammonium humate and significantly increases the water storage capacity and water retention time of the resulting alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions compared to a chloride-free composition; see the accompanying experimental data in Example 2 below. The increased thermal stability observed in connection with the invention, combined with good water storage capacity and excellent water retention, is, as mentioned at the outset, of great economic importance.The present invention thus contributes to increasing soil value, developing and revitalizing arid soils, and maintaining the health of agriculturally cultivated plants. It has also been found that a composition containing alkali humate and / or ammonium humate according to the invention exhibits a higher biomass yield and thus a greater biostimulant effect than commercially available potassium humate and humic acid products (see Example 3 below).

[0022] A further great advantage of the process according to the invention is that humic acid-containing compositions synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials are used, thus eliminating the need for products from leonardite of lignite or hard coal.

[0023] The starting product for the manufacturing processes described herein is a humic acid-containing composition synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials. As mentioned above, the HTC process is an established process for producing humic substance- or humic acid-containing products from biomass and is well known in the art. Humic acid-containing compositions produced by the HTC process from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials are commercially available (e.g., HUMIVERSE® from Terra Optima, Switzerland). For the inventive processes described in this disclosure, the product HUMIVERSE® from Terra Optima, Switzerland, has proven to be a suitable humic acid-containing composition.The powdered humic acid-containing product HUMIVERSE® is obtained from wood (hard or soft wood) using the HTC process and has a solids content of 67 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition and a residual moisture content of 33 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition. The solids content and the residual moisture content add up to 100 wt.%, and the solids content contains approximately 90 wt.% of humic acids based on the solids content. However, it will be clear to a person skilled in the art that any other humic acid-containing composition having the properties defined herein is also suitable for practicing the invention.

[0024] As used herein, the terms "about," "circa," or "approx." in connection with a stated value mean that it lies within a statistically reasonable range of a value, e.g., a stated quantity, time frame, or temperature. That is, the terms "about," "circa," or "approx." are used here to extend the limits of the stated value upwards or downwards by a reasonable deviation. Such deviation may be within an order of magnitude, typically within 10 percent, more typically within 5 percent, above or below the stated value. Sometimes the deviation may also be within the experimental error typical of standard methods for measuring and / or determining a particular value. The permissible deviation encompassed by the terms "about," "circa," or "approx." will be readily recognized by those skilled in the art.

[0025] An advantageous embodiment variant (A) of the process according to the invention according to the first variant mentioned relates to a process for producing a dry product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, which is characterized by the following successive steps:

[0026] Step AA) Providing a reaction mass comprising:

[0027] (i) 39.551 - 43.716 wt.% of the humic acid-containing composition synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials, wherein the humic acid-containing composition has a solids content of 60 - 100 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition and a residual moisture content of 0 - 40 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition, wherein the solids content and the residual moisture add up to 100 wt.%, and wherein the solids content contains 80 - 100 wt.% of humic acids based on the solids content,

[0028] (ii) 49.075 - 54.689 wt% water, (iii) 5.512 - 6.092 wt% KOH, preferably 50% KOH, and

[0029] (iv) 0.248 - 1.117 wt.% of at least one alkali and / or ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid, wherein the concentration of the chloride in the reaction mass is 80 mmol / kg - 360 mmol / kg based on the total mass of the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition;

[0030] Step AB) converting the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition to alkali humates and / or ammonium humates, wherein the reaction mass provided in step AA) is stirred; and

[0031] Step AG) Adjusting the reaction product obtained in step AB) to a temperature of 80 to 135°C, preferably about 120°C, and maintaining the temperature for a predetermined period of time while stirring simultaneously, until a dry product of the alkali metal humate- and / or ammonium humate-containing composition with a residual moisture content of 5-15% is obtained. It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that in step AG), in which the reaction product is dried by applying heat, the water vapor formed during the heat application is simultaneously removed. While the water vapor formed can escape spontaneously from a reaction system open to the environment (e.g., a reaction vessel open at the top) and be released into the environment, in closed reaction systems (e.g., a closed reaction vessel), it will be necessary to remove the water vapor formed by means of a suitable removal device.Such discharge devices are well known in the art and are part of the general technical knowledge in this field; liquid ring pumps are a representative, non-limiting example of suitable discharge devices.

[0032] The inventors involved have discovered the surprising fact that a dry product of the alkali humate- and / or ammonium humate-containing composition with a residual moisture content of 5-15% can be produced using a one-pot synthesis process (also referred to herein as a "batch process"), i.e., steps AA), AB), and AG) of the described embodiment can be carried out in a single reaction vessel (also referred to herein as a chemical reactor). Therefore, the process according to the first embodiment is preferably carried out as a one-pot synthesis process. Advantages include the very low equipment expenditure and the greatly simplified implementation of the process, as well as the associated savings potential in terms of costs and space requirements.

[0033] Step AB) of the process, in which the viscous reaction mass is stirred and reacted, is preferably carried out over a period of at least 20 minutes. The viscous reaction mass located in a chemical reactor is stirred by means of a suitable stirring device with a high stirrer tip speed. Stirring devices or devices with high stirrer tip speeds are part of the general technical knowledge in this field and are well known; for example, but not limited to, stirring devices or devices with stirrer tip speeds between 300 - 3000 ms have been found suitable for carrying out the present invention. 1proven to be useful. In step AB), the reaction mass is stirred for a period of at least 20 minutes until the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition have been converted into alkali humates and / or ammonium humates. The stirring time depends on various factors, such as the volume of the reaction mass, the geometry of the chemical reactor, the ambient temperature, etc., and is typically in a range between 20 - 120 minutes. Step AB) is preferably carried out at normal ambient temperature, e.g., approx. 20 - 25°C, whereby during the chemical reaction (conversion of the humic acids to alkali humates and / or ammonium humates), the reaction mass heats up due to the heat of reaction released in the chemical reactor (at an ambient temperature of 20 - 25°C, typically to approx. 50 - 70°C).A person skilled in the art is able to determine the duration of step AB) as well as the choice of a suitable stirring device with a suitable stirrer tip speed depending on the geometry of the chemical reactor and the volume of the reaction mass by means of simple routine experiments.

[0034] Subsequently, in step AG), the temperature of the reacted reaction mass is increased, and the mass is further stirred. Advantageously, in step AG), the set temperature is maintained for a period of at least 1 hour, preferably for a period of about 2 hours, while stirring (while simultaneously removing the water vapor formed; see above for a detailed explanation), and in any case until a dry product of the alkali metal humate- and / or ammonium humate-containing composition with a residual moisture content of 5-15% is obtained.

[0035] In a further advantageous embodiment (B) of the process according to the invention according to the first variant mentioned, the process for producing the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition comprises the following successive steps BA) to BD):

[0036] Step BA) Providing the (i) humic acid-containing composition synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials,

[0037] Step BB) Preparation of the reaction mass containing:

[0038] (i) 1-30 wt.%, preferably 18-22 wt.%, most preferably 20 wt.%, of the humic acid-containing composition from step BA)

[0039] (ii) 61.25 - 98 wt% water,

[0040] (iii) 0.3 - 8.5 wt% KOH, preferably 50% KOH, and

[0041] (iv) 0.01 - 0.25 wt.% of at least one alkali and / or ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid, wherein the concentration of the chloride in the reaction mass is 80 mmol / kg - 360 mmol / kg based on the total mass of the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition;

[0042] Step BC) Converting the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition to alkali humates and / or ammonium humates by stirring the reaction mass at a temperature of 15°C - 85°C, preferably 20°C - 25°C, for a period of at least 60 minutes and until a stable pH in the range of 9.0 to 11.0, preferably a stable pH of about 10.6, is obtained, thereby obtaining a liquid product of the alkali humate- and / or ammonium humate-containing composition; in step BC), a liquid product of the alkali humate- and / or ammonium humate-containing composition is obtained in the form of a clear brown solution without any solids, wherein a clarity test can be carried out, for example, using the transmitted light measurement method.The chemical conversion of the reaction mass takes place in a chemical reactor equipped with a suitable stirring device; for the stirring device, see the explanations above in connection with process variant (A).

[0043] Step BD) optionally subjecting the liquid product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition obtained in step BC) to a drying step, whereby a dry product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition is obtained.

[0044] In a further development of the process, to obtain a dry product of the alkali metal humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, the initially obtained liquid product of the alkali metal humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition (cf. step BC) is subjected to a subsequent drying step (cf. step BD). The drying step for drying the liquid product can be carried out, for example, by spray drying, roller drying, or thin-film evaporation, wherein the resulting dry product of the alkali metal humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition preferably has a residual moisture content of 5-15 wt.% based on the total mass of the alkali metal humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition.By drying the liquid product to a dry product, a product is created that is space- and cost-saving for transport and storage and can be dissolved and diluted in water by the user in a conventional manner as needed and according to application.

[0045] Humic acid or humate-containing dry products, such as the dry products of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions according to the present disclosure, are essentially indispensable for long-distance transport; such dry products are also required for the production of fertilizer mixtures. The dry products according to the invention provide a space- and cost-saving product for transport and storage, which can be dissolved and diluted in water by the user, if necessary, as needed and according to application.

[0046] Preferably, in the process according to the invention, a humic acid-containing composition is provided which has a solids content of 60-100 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition and a residual moisture content of 0-40 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition, wherein the solids content and the residual moisture add up to 100 wt.%, and wherein the solids content contains 80-100 wt.% of humic acids based on the solids content. If the solids content of humic acids based on the solids content is less than 100 wt.%, the remaining solids content can be formed from fulvic acid. The product HUMIVERSE® from Terra Optima, Switzerland, has proven to be a very suitable humic acid-containing composition for this purpose.However, it will be clear to a person skilled in the art that any other humic acid-containing composition having the properties defined herein is also suitable for practicing the invention.

[0047] In a further aspect, the object of the invention is further achieved with a second alternative variant (C) of the process according to the invention for producing an alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, wherein this alternative process according to the invention includes an extrusion process and leads directly to a dry product; wherein the process (C) is characterized by the following sequential steps:

[0048] Step CA) Providing a reaction mass containing:

[0049] (i) 39.551 - 43.716 wt.% of a humic acid-containing composition synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials, wherein the humic acid-containing composition has a solids content of 60 - 100 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition and a residual moisture content of 0 - 40 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition, wherein the solids content and the residual moisture add up to 100 wt.%, and wherein the solids content contains 80 - 100 wt.% of humic acids based on the solids content

[0050] (ii) 49.075 - 54.689 wt% water,

[0051] (iii) 5.512 - 6.092 wt% KOH, preferably 50% KOH, and

[0052] (iv) 0.248 - 1.117 wt.% of at least one alkali and / or ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid, wherein the concentration of the chloride in the reaction mass is 80 mmol / kg - 360 mmol / kg based on the total mass of the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition;

[0053] Step CB) converting the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition into alkali humates and / or ammonium humates, wherein the reaction mass provided in step CA) is suitably stirred; and

[0054] Step CG) Obtaining a dry product using an extrusion process, wherein the reacted reaction mass obtained according to step CB) is fed to an extrusion device and extruded at a temperature of 50 - 120°C and, preferably, at a pressure of 0 - 180 bar, wherein a temperature ramp from 50°C to 120°C is preferably carried out in the extrusion device, and wherein an extruded dry product of the alkali humate- and / or ammonium humate-containing composition is obtained by the extrusion process and the extruded dry product obtained preferably has a residual moisture content of 5 - 15%.

[0055] Step CB), in which the viscous reaction mass provided in step CA) is stirred in a chemical reactor and thereby reacted and homogenized, is preferably carried out over a period of at least 20 minutes. The viscous reaction mass in the chemical reactor is stirred by means of a suitable stirring device with a high stirrer tip speed. Stirring devices or devices with high stirrer tip speeds are part of the general technical knowledge in this field and are well known; for example, but not limited to, stirring devices or devices with stirrer tip speeds between 300 - 3000 ms have been used for carrying out the present invention. 1proven to be useful. In step CB), the reaction mass is stirred for a period of at least 20 minutes until the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition have been converted into alkali humates and / or ammonium humates. The stirring time depends on various factors, such as the volume of the reaction mass, the geometry of the chemical reactor, the ambient temperature, etc., and is typically in the range between 20 - 120 minutes. Step CB) is preferably carried out at normal ambient temperature, e.g., approximately 20 - 25°C, whereby during the chemical reaction (conversion of the humic acids to alkali humates and / or ammonium humates), the reaction mass heats up due to the heat of reaction released in the chemical reactor (at an ambient temperature of 20 - 25°C, typically to approximately 50 - 70°C).A person skilled in the art is able to determine the duration of step CB) as well as the choice of a suitable stirring device with an appropriate stirrer tip speed depending on the geometry of the chemical reactor and the volume of the reaction mass by means of simple routine experiments.

[0056] The chemical conversion and homogenization of the reaction mass according to step CB) can, in certain embodiments, be carried out in a premixing chamber of an extrusion system, wherein the extrusion system comprises the premixing chamber and the extrusion device. The premixing chamber is designed as a chemical reactor, equipped with a suitable stirring device with an appropriate stirrer tip speed, and is arranged upstream of the extrusion device (e.g., a twin-screw extruder). For step CG), the extrusion device is fed with the converted reaction product from the premixing chamber.

[0057] In other embodiments, step CB) is carried out in a chemical reactor equipped with a suitable stirring device with an appropriate stirrer tip speed and not part of an extrusion line. For step CG), the extrusion device (e.g., a twin-screw extruder) is fed with the reacted reaction product after its external production (step CB)).

[0058] Extrusion systems and extrusion devices for carrying out the process according to the invention are of a conventional design and are known from the prior art. Representative examples of suitable extrusion devices include, in particular, twin-screw extruders and ring extruders, preferably twin-screw extruders. A person skilled in the art is able to determine the extrusion (step CG)) of the reaction mass converted in step CB) depending on the structural design of the extrusion device using simple routine experiments in order to obtain an extruded dry product of the alkali metal humate- and / or ammonium humate-containing composition. In this alternative variant of process (C) according to the invention, a dry product is obtained at the end by means of an extrusion process.The feature underlying the invention for solving the stated technical problem, namely the addition of chloride in the concentration defined herein in the production of compositions containing alkali metal humate and / or ammonium humate, is consistent with the first variant of the process described above. The addition of chloride also achieves the above-mentioned advantageous technical effects of the present invention in the second variant of the process. In particular, thermal instability of the alkali metal and / or ammonium humate is compensated for, and the water storage capacity of the resulting alkali metal and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions is significantly increased.

[0059] Preferably, a humic acid-containing composition is provided that has been synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials selected from the group consisting of: wood, agricultural waste such as straw, corn stalks, hemp stalks, reeds and cotton plant waste, plant biomass, and combinations thereof. Preferably, the wood is fast-growing wood, such as bluebell tree, willow, poplar, and bamboo. Preferably, the wood is wood from forestry waste.

[0060] Particularly preferably, a humic acid-containing composition is provided which has been synthesized from wood by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC).

[0061] Preferably, the wood is fast-growing wood such as bluebell wood, poplar wood, and willow wood. In certain advantageous embodiments, the wood is wood from wood industry waste.

[0062] Preferably, the at least one alkali metal and / or ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid is selected from the group consisting of KCl, NaCl, and NH4Cl, as well as mixtures thereof, preferably KCl. Particularly preferably, KCl is used as the alkali metal salt of hydrochloric acid in the processes according to the invention disclosed herein.

[0063] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a liquid product of an alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, which is produced by a process according to the invention as disclosed herein.

[0064] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a dry product of an alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, which is produced by a process according to the invention as disclosed herein.

[0065] The liquid product can, if necessary, be diluted with water in a manner known per se to the desired application concentration according to need and application. The dry product can, in a manner known per se, be dissolved in water by the user in a manner known per se to the desired application concentration according to need and application (which in turn gives rise to a liquid product) and diluted. With regard to the concentration or amount of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions according to the invention described herein to be applied to the soil or introduced into the soil, it is at the discretion and ability of the user, e.g. a farmer with knowledge of the application of humic acid-based products, to apply to the soil a concentration or amount per unit area adapted to the plant(s) to be cultivated and the prevailing soil and climatic conditions.into the soil and select dilution ratios appropriate to the needs and application.

[0066] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a plant biostimulant comprising a liquid product according to the invention or a dry product according to the invention. The plant biostimulant is preferably in the form of a liquid product. The term "plant biostimulant" as used herein is understood as follows: Plant biostimulants stimulate naturally occurring processes in the plant. They promote physiological processes such as nutrient uptake and therefore have a positive effect on growth performance. Furthermore, plant biostimulants bring about improved vitalization and strengthen the resistance of plants to abiotic stress. The biostimulant effect of the plant biostimulants of the present invention has been demonstrated by means of increased growth performance; see Example 3 below.

[0067] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a soil additive comprising a liquid product according to the invention or a dry product according to the invention. The soil additive is preferably in the form of a dry product. The term "soil additive" as used herein refers to the following properties: The primary task of soil additives is to positively influence the physical properties of water and nutrient storage, as well as symbiotic nitrogen fixation. Water storage is defined, on the one hand, by water retention (seepage delay in hours) and, on the other hand, by permanent water binding in percent. Both parameters change over time, and this change is considered a measure of the valence of a humic acid. The cation exchange capacity, on the one hand, and water retention and water storage, on the other hand, are considered parameters and measures of nutrient storage.The effects and advantages of an alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition according to the invention with respect to the above-mentioned parameters and thus its usefulness as a soil additive are demonstrated in the examples below (water retention and storage - see Example 2).

[0068] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a fertilizer comprising:

[0069] • Fertilizers selected from the group consisting of: organic fertilizers, liquid mineral fertilizers, solid mineral fertilizers, and combinations thereof, and

[0070] • a liquid product according to the invention, a dry product according to the invention, a plant biostimulant according to the invention or a soil additive according to the invention.

[0071] The fertilizer preferably contains 0.5 - 5.0 wt.% of alkali humate and / or ammonium humate based on the total mass of the fertilizer.

[0072] In the present invention, all organic fertilizers with a nitrogen content of > 4% can be used, especially those such as BioAgenasol® (Agrana, Austria, www.agrana.com) and Biosol (Sandoz, Austria, www.biosol.com). These are characterized by the rapid mineralization of nitrogen. The organic matter content is > 70%, and the starting material for these organic fertilizers consists of fungal, yeast, and bacterial biomasses.

[0073] Of the mineral fertilizers, urea is a preferred mixing component. The admixture rates of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition according to the invention in the form of a dry product, liquid product, plant biostimulant, or soil additive in a mineral fertilizer can preferably be 1.0-5.0 wt.%. Therefore, the mineral fertilizer preferably contains 1.0-5.0 wt.% of alkali humate and / or ammonium humate, based on the total mass of the mineral fertilizer.

[0074] Suspensions can be prepared from the above-mentioned organic fertilizers, and the above-mentioned mineral fertilizers can be provided as a complete solution. The proportion of the alkali humate- and / or ammonium humate-containing composition according to the invention is preferably calculated according to the dry product ratios.

[0075] In a further aspect, the present invention relates to the use of a liquid product according to the invention or a dry product according to the invention as a plant biostimulant, as a soil improver, as a fertilizer additive, or as a carrier material for trace elements, plant protection agents and / or microbial biostimulants.

[0076] In addition to the above-described uses as a plant biostimulant and soil additive, the invention is also useful in other applications. The alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition according to the invention extends the retention time, improves storage capacity, and reduces leaching and outgassing losses (ammonia and nitrous oxide) of the fertilizer effect. This results in an increase in fertilizer effect of approximately 20%, as demonstrated by the lawn test described below (see Example 3). The alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions disclosed herein also have an absorption-promoting effect on essential trace elements such as iron. The absorption-promoting and growth-stimulating effect are also responsible for an enhanced effect when used as a carrier material for plant protection products.In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a composition comprising: an alkali humate and / or an ammonium humate, preferably an alkali humate, most preferably potassium humate, a humic acid synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials, and chloride, wherein the concentration of the chloride is 80 mmol / kg - 360 mmol / kg based on the total mass of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate, preferably alkali humate, most preferably potassium humate, contained in the composition, and wherein the composition has a residual moisture content of 5 - 15%. Due to the residual moisture content of 5 - 15%, the composition is a dry composition (dry product).Preferably, the renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials are selected from the group consisting of wood, preferably fast-growing woods, agricultural waste such as straw, corn stalks, hemp stalks, reeds, and cotton plant waste, and combinations thereof. The renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw material is preferably wood, more preferably fast-growing woods. The composition finds use as a plant biostimulant, as a soil improver, as a fertilizer additive, or as a carrier material for trace elements, crop protection agents, and / or microbial biostimulants; see the description of the uses in this disclosure.

[0077] The invention and its advantages are described and explained in more detail below using the following non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0078] Fig. 1 shows the results of a lawn test (Example 3) to demonstrate the biostimulant effect of a plant biostimulant according to the invention.

[0079] Example 1: Production of potassium humate dry products according to the invention by a process according to the invention

[0080] For the production of potassium humate dry products according to the invention with different chloride concentrations (dry products 1A, 1B, 1C, ID) and a comparison dry product without added chloride, reaction masses were prepared in a first step from the components listed below in the amounts [g] stated below. HUMIVERSE® (manufacturer: Terra Optima, Switzerland) was used as the humic acid-containing composition. HUMIVERSE® is a humic acid produced from wood using a hydrothermal carbonization process (HTC process). The HUMIVERSE® used in Example 1 to produce dry products 1A, 1B, 1C, ID, and IE had a solids content of 64.7 wt.%, with approximately 100% of the solids content being humic acid, and a residual moisture content of 35.3 wt.%. The residual moisture content of HUMIVERSE® was determined using a Kern Type DLB-A infrared drying device with sample weights of 2 to 3 g at 120°C.

[0081] Reaction masses

[0082] Reaction mass for the preparation of dry product 1A with 85 mM chloride based on the solid substance (according to the invention):

[0083] • 469.7g HUMIVERSE®

[0084] • 114.0g KOH 50%

[0085] • 2.34g KCl

[0086] • 1249.4g water

[0087] Reaction mass for the preparation of dry product 1B with 120 mM chloride based on the solid substance (according to the invention):

[0088] • 469.7g HUMIVERSE®

[0089] • 114.0g KOH 50%

[0090] • 3.30g KCl

[0091] • 1249.4g water

[0092] Reaction mass for the preparation of dry product 1C with 175 mM chloride based on the solid substance (according to the invention):

[0093] • 469.7g HUMIVERSE®

[0094] • 114.0g KOH 50%

[0095] • 4.82g KCl

[0096] • 1249.4g water reaction mass for the preparation of dry product ID with 353 mM chloride based on the solid substance (according to the invention):

[0097] • 469.7g HUMIVERSE®

[0098] • 114.0g KOH 50%

[0099] • 9.87g KCl

[0100] • 1249.4g water

[0101] Reaction mass for the production of dry product IE without added chloride (comparison product, not according to the invention)

[0102] • 469.7g HUMIVERSE®

[0103] • 114.0g KOH 50%

[0104] • 0g KCl

[0105] • 1249.4g water

[0106] By mixing the components, reaction masses with a total batch amount of approximately 1835g and a solids content of approximately 20 wt.% were obtained.

[0107] The respective reaction masses were then stirred for 1 hour at room temperature (22°C) in a 5-liter reaction vessel, during which the humic acid was converted to alkali humate and the corresponding potassium humate liquid products according to the invention were obtained. The final criterion for this reaction was a stable pH of 10.6. Furthermore, a clarity test was performed by mixing a sample of the respective liquid reaction mass (liquid product) with water in a ratio of 1:30 or 1:100 and measuring it in transmitted light using a 15 mm diameter test tube. The final criterion was met when the transmitted light measurement showed a clear brown solution.

[0108] The resulting liquid reaction mixture, i.e., the liquid product according to the invention, was dried in a stainless steel cup (30 x 50 cm) at a liquid layer thickness of approximately 0.5 cm to 1.0 cm in a Haereus UT6200 drying cabinet at 80°C for 24 hours, yielding the potassium humate dry products 1A, 1B, 1C, and ID according to the invention, as well as the non-inventive potassium humate comparison dry product IE. Dry weight: 405 g with residual moisture content: 11%. Corresponding to a recovery of 99%.

[0109] Example 2: Carrying out lysimeter measurements to determine the water retention capacity and water storage capacity of chloride-containing potassium humate dry products according to the invention

[0110] 2.1 Samples tested:

[0111] In this example, the water retention capacity (water retention time in [h]) and water storage capacity (water storage capacity in [%]) of the following active substances were tested using lysimetry:

[0112] • the potassium humate dry products 1A, 1B, 1C and ID according to the invention prepared according to Example 1 above (different chloride concentrations)

[0113] • the non-inventive potassium humate comparison dry product IE (without chloride) prepared according to Example 1 above.

[0114] 2.2 Performing the lysimetry test procedure:

[0115] Using a glass cylinder lysimeter, the samples mentioned under 2.1 were tested for water retention and water storage.

[0116] Lysimeter

[0117] Dimensions: Height 21 cm, diameter 5.5 cm, stopcock on the outlet. Porcelain frit with porosity 2. Filter paper from Hammermühle, type 589 / 1, DP 58991 055

[0118] Test medium

[0119] The fill material consisted of Component 1 (top loess soil, sieved to 5 mm, dried for 24 hours at 50°C) and Component 2 (river sand, sieved and dried as per Component 1). The residual moisture content was 1-3% in each case. The residual moisture content was determined using an IR device; the maximum humus content was 1.5%; the heavy metal content was within the ecologically normal range. The mixing ratio was 50:50 (g / g). The mixture was mixed for 5 minutes in a concrete mixer.

[0120] Storage container: Plastic bucket with airtight closure.

[0121] Test samples

[0122] The inventive samples 1A, 1B, 1C, and ID, as well as the non-inventive comparative sample IE, were tested according to section 2.1. The respective test solutions were adjusted to 1.1 g of the respective active substance per 150 ml with tap water and mixed evenly into the filling material.

[0123] In addition to the active substances mentioned, a water control was also carried out in parallel.

[0124] Test procedure

[0125] 349g of the filling material was poured into the lysimeter cylinder, and the respective test solution or water control was mixed in. After filling, the tap was closed, and a 5-hour exposure time was observed.

[0126] After 5 hours, the tap was opened, and the draining time and the drained liquid volume were measured (main experiment, first infusion). After an approximately 24-hour break, 100 ml of tap water was added (second infusion), and the draining time and liquid volume were measured. The procedure of adding 100 ml of tap water (further infusions) was repeated two more times. The sum of the measured storage capacity and retention time was then determined.

[0127] The retention time (in [h]) comprised the time from opening the tap after the exposure time until the end of the draining time and the storage capacity was calculated as a percentage of the infusion volume.

[0128] To prevent evaporation, the lysimeter tube was covered with aluminum foil. Parameter evaluation

[0129] Retention time is the most important and most reproducible criterion and reflects the delay in water infiltration. Storage capacity represents the soil water content that is not subject to infiltration but is available to the plant. However, depending on the soil type, approximately 5-10% of this is inaccessible to the plants. Storage capacity only delivers very good values ​​in the first infusion. In subsequent infusions, only very efficient products show a good correlation with retention times. If longer intervals of several weeks are maintained between individual infusions, the improvement in storage capacity becomes increasingly apparent.

[0130] Advantages of the Lysimeter test system compared to conventional testing methods:

[0131] • Easy control of the required uniform compaction of the filling substance (loess / sand mixture).

[0132] • The glass cylinder provides information about layer and cavity formation as well as the height of the supernatant and a visual control of the behavior of the test sample.

[0133] • Easy to use and good reproducibility of results.

[0134] • Rapid availability of results so that development work can proceed quickly.

[0135] • Using graphics, you can easily check the methodology for the reliability of the results.

[0136] 2.2 Results of the lysimetry test procedure

[0137] The positive influence of chloride concentration on the thermal stability during drying of the dry products 1A, 1B, 1C, ID according to the invention compared to the reference dry product IE and the water control, measured by the water storage capacity (in [%]) and the retention time (in [h]) in the lysimeter, is shown in the following Table 1:

[0138] Table 1:

[0139] The results of the lysimetry test procedure show significantly higher retention times and a significantly higher storage capacity for the dry products according to the invention (1 A, 1 B, 1 C, ID) compared to the non-inventive chloride-free comparison dry product (IE) or the water control.

[0140] For the comparison composition (IE), storage capacity and retention time remained at the level of the main test and did not increase any further in the infusions with 100 ml of tap water each, while the storage capacity and retention time for the compositions according to the invention (1A, 1B, 1C, ID) stabilized at a high level and increased from infusion to infusion, ie it could be determined that the effects with regard to storage capacity and retention time are also time-dependent.

[0141] For example, an improvement in water retention time by more than a factor of 10 and more than a doubling of storage capacity means that even prolonged periods of drought can be survived. If the seepage water migrates downwards only slowly, the nutrients it contains are not leached out, or only to a negligible extent, which makes a significant contribution to the climate fitness of the soils. The lysimetry results show that the addition of chloride during the production of the compositions according to the invention has a positive effect on the thermal stability of the compositions; this can be deduced from the increasing effect depending on the chloride content.

[0142] With reference to the production process described above in Example 1, the lysimetry results show that the dry products 1A, IB, 1C and ID according to the invention produced therewith, which were obtained by drying the respective liquid products according to the invention, are significantly less susceptible to losing their effectiveness in terms of water retention and storage capacity after thermal stress, namely during the drying step, compared to the chloride-free comparative dry product (IE). It can therefore be stated that both the liquid products according to the invention and the dry products according to the invention subjected to thermal stress by drying (see Example 1; drying at 80°C for 24 hours) have increased thermal stability due to their chloride content compared to the comparative dry product (IE) produced without the addition of chloride. The excellent thermal stability of the compositions according to the invention and the comparative dry products according to the inventionProducts therefore have a beneficial effect on storage capacity and transport logistics, e.g. when the products are distributed in the form of dry products that must be subjected to a thermal drying process or when they are used in areas where the possibilities for refrigerated transport and storage are limited or non-existent.Thus, it can be deduced from the lysimetry results, without, however, being bound to a particular theory, that an addition of chloride in the concentrations defined herein during the preparation of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions according to the invention described in this disclosure compensates for a thermal instability of the alkali and / or ammonium humate and significantly increases the water storage capacity and water retention time of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions obtained thanks to this invention compared to chloride-free alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing compositions.

[0143] Example 3: Demonstration of the biostimulant effect of a plant biostimulant according to the invention in a lawn test

[0144] In this lawn trial, the effect of a liquid potassium humate product according to the invention was investigated as a plant biostimulant. For comparison purposes, a control (no added potassium humate) and three commercially available humic acid products made from leonardite were also tested.

[0145] The test products tested in the lawn trial are listed below:

[0146] • Potassium humate liquid product according to the invention ("HUMIVERSE Plus"): Dry product 1B, prepared according to the manufacturing process of Example 1 above; the dry product 1B was dissolved in water (20% solution) and used as a liquid product.

[0147] • HUMIFIRST (not according to the invention): liquid solution with potassium humate and fulvic acids from leonardite; manufacturer: Tradecorp, https: / / tradecorp.comde

[0148] • AGRO-LIG (not according to the invention): humic acid-containing product made from dried and crushed leonardite; manufacturer: Minerals Technologies BioAG, www.mineralstech.com

[0149] • POWHUMUS WSG 85 (“HUMINTECH”, not according to the invention): Potassium humate extracted from Leonardite; Manufacturer: Humintech, DE, www.humintech.com

[0150] Control: no treatment with a humate or humic acid product The plot size for the lawn trial was 1 m 2 . Number of plots: 2x In 2 per product or control (2 repetitions per variant).

[0151] The application rate for the above-mentioned products (H UMI VERSE-Plus, HUMIFIRST, AGRO-LIG, HUMINTECH) was 100kg active substance / ha (= 10g active substance / m 2 ), with the application taking place in May 2022. The products

[0152] H UMI VERSE-Plus, HUMIFIRST and HUMINTECH were applied to the plots in liquid form, while the product AGRO-LIG was applied in solid form (because it was insoluble).

[0153] Per m 2 Approximately 200g of grass seed was applied.

[0154] The lawn was cut at regular intervals (1st cut: July 2022; 2nd cut: August 2022; 3rd cut: September 2022; 4th cut: November 2022), and the harvested biomass was determined both fresh and dried. The growth period between cuts was 4-6 weeks, depending on weather conditions. The dried biomass was dried to approximately 90% dry matter (DM).

[0155] After the first cut (July 2022) and the third cut (September 2022), fertilization was carried out by dry application of the fertilizer BioAgenasol® (Agrana, Austria, www.agrana.com) on all plots, including the control plots, with 100g / m 2 or lt / ha. BioAgenasol® contains approximately 6% nitrogen.

[0156] The results of the turf trial (4th cut; November 2022) are shown in Fig. 1.

[0157] In summary, the biostimulant effect of the inventive, renewable-based potassium humate product HUMIVERSE-Plus (applied as a 20% liquid product; obtained by dissolving the dry product in water, see above) was clearly evident in the turf trial, resulting in increased growth performance compared to the commercially available leonardite-based products HUMIFIRST, HUMINTECH, and AGRO-LIG, and the control. This growth performance is reflected in the biomass yield (see diagram in Fig. 1). This means that the inventive, renewable-based product HUMIVERSE-Plus is significantly better than the comparable products HUMIFIRST and AGRO-LIG, and better than the comparable product HUMINTECH, increasing the fertilizer's effectiveness by an average of 21%, thus demonstrating a pronounced sustainability.Example 4: Preparation of potassium humate dry products according to the invention using a one-pot synthesis process (batch process).

[0158] In the experiments of this example, water-soluble potassium humate dry products were directly produced using a batch process.

[0159] The following reaction masses according to the invention were used:

[0160] Reaction mass 1:

[0161] • 283.0 g HUMIVERSE®

[0162] • 56.0 g KOH 50%

[0163] • 3.3 g KCl

[0164] • 141.0 g water

[0165] Reaction mass 2:

[0166] • 283.0 g HUMIVERSE®

[0167] • 56.0 g KOH 50%

[0168] • 3.3 g KCl

[0169] • 121.0 g water

[0170] The chloride concentration based on the total mass of humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition (HUMIVERSE®) in reaction masses 1 and 2 was in accordance with the invention, namely 219 mmol / kg.

[0171] The experiments were carried out at room temperature (20 - 25°C).

[0172] To obtain reaction masses 1 and 2, 50% KOH, KCl, and water were dissolved together in the specified amounts by stirring. This solution was placed in a suitable container equipped with a high-speed stirring tool (Moulinex Moulinette Type 883, Serial No. 03093, blade radius: 4 cm) and a jacket heater. While stirring, the humic acid composition HUMIVERSE® was added in the specified amounts. Although the humic acid composition was added last in this example, it is clear that the order of addition of the individual components to obtain reaction masses 1 and 2 is irrelevant, and the individual components can also be added in a different order or simultaneously.

[0173] The resulting reaction masses were further stirred at maximum stirring speed:

[0174] • After approximately 20 minutes, reaction mass 1 reached a temperature of approximately 50°C due to the ongoing conversion of the humic acids contained in HUMIVERSE® to potassium humates.

[0175] • After approximately 20 minutes, reaction mass 2 reached a temperature of approximately 50°C due to the ongoing conversion of the humic acids contained in HUMIVERSE® to potassium humates.

[0176] The experiments showed that on average after about 20 - 60 minutes the temperature of the reaction mass in the container increases to about 50 - 70°C due to the released reaction heat.

[0177] Subsequently, to obtain a dry product, the temperature of the respective mass in the container was increased to 120°C while the mass was continued to be stirred. The resulting water vapor was removed using a suitable device (in this specific example, a water ring pump). The temperature was maintained for a period of 1 hour (reaction mass 1) and 1 hour (reaction mass 2). The experiments showed that it typically takes about 1 to 2 hours to obtain a dry product according to the invention with a desired residual moisture content of between 5 and 15%.

[0178] The final products (dry products) resulting from reaction masses 1 and 2 were powdery, glossy black, and water-soluble. The residual moisture content of the final products was 14.14% (reaction mass 1) and 7.49% (reaction mass 2). Example 5: Production of inventive potassium humate dry products using an extrusion process

[0179] In this example, water-soluble potassium humate dry products are directly produced using an extrusion process using an extrusion device.

[0180] In this example, the following reaction mass (total approx. 5.1 kg) is used as the extruder batch:

[0181] • 2.94 kg HUMIVERSE®

[0182] • 0.58 kg KOH 50%

[0183] • 0.0616 KCl

[0184] • 1.50 kg water

[0185] The chloride concentration based on the total mass of humic acids contained in HUMIVERSE® in the respective reaction mass was in accordance with the invention, namely 222 mmol / kg.

[0186] To obtain the reaction mass, 50% KOH, KCl, and water are dissolved together in the specified quantities by stirring (solution density 1.08 kg / liter). This solution is placed in a suitable container (chemical reactor) equipped with a high-speed stirrer (ANDRITZ Gouda helix dryer). While stirring at maximum speed, the humic acid compound HUMIVERSE® is added in the specified amount to the container containing the solution. The mass is further stirred and homogenized for a period of 30 minutes. After approximately 30 minutes, the reaction mass reaches a temperature of approximately 50°C due to the ongoing conversion of the humic acids contained in HUMIVERSE® to potassium humates.Although the humic acid composition was added last in the present example, it is clear that the order in which the individual components are added to the premix container to obtain the reaction mass is irrelevant, and the individual components can also be added in a different order or simultaneously. To obtain a dry product, the homogenized, converted reaction mass is then subjected to an extrusion process. A twin-screw extruder (MAS 24 laboratory extruder from MAS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau Schulz GmbH, Austria) is used as the extrusion device. The extruder screw temperature is set to 120°C. The extrusion device is then fed with the homogenized, converted reaction mass, and the mass is further homogenized in the extruder screw in a conventional manner and extruded at a pressure of 80 bar.The resulting extruded end product is a dry product and is powdery, glossy black, and water-soluble. The residual moisture content of the extruded end product is 10%.

[0187] The above examples and described embodiments of this disclosure are merely illustrative of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting. Since modifications to the disclosed embodiments incorporating the content of the invention may occur to those skilled in the art, the invention is to be construed to include all that falls within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. A process for the preparation of an alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, which is characterized in that a reaction mass comprising: (i) a humic acid-containing composition synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials, (ii) water, (iii) KOH, NaOH, and / or NH 4 OH (iv) at least one alkali and / or ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid is provided, wherein, in order to obtain a liquid product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition are converted in the reaction mass to alkali humates and / or ammonium humates, wherein the concentration of the chloride in the reaction mass is 80 mmol / kg - 360 mmol / kg based on the total mass of the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition, and wherein, optionally, in order to obtain a dry product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, the liquid product obtained of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition is subjected to a drying step.

2. A process according to claim 1 for the preparation of a dry product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, which is characterized by the following successive steps: Step AA) Providing a reaction mass comprising: (i) 39.551 - 43.716 wt.% of the humic acid-containing composition which has been synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials, wherein the humic acid-containing composition has a solids content of 60 - 100 wt.% based on the Total mass of the humic acid-containing composition and a residual moisture content of 0 - 40 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition, wherein the solids content and the residual moisture add up to 100 wt.%, and wherein the solids content contains 80 - 100 wt.% of humic acids based on the solids content, (ii) 49.075 - 54.689 wt% water, (iii) 5.512 - 6.092 wt% KOH, preferably 50% KOH, and (iv) 0.248 - 1.117 wt.% of at least one alkali and / or ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid, wherein the concentration of the chloride in the reaction mass is 80 mmol / kg - 360 mmol / kg based on the total mass of the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition; Step AB) converting the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition into alkali humates and / or ammonium humates, wherein the reaction mass provided in step AA) is stirred; and Step AG) Adjusting the reaction product obtained in step AB) to a temperature of 80-135°C, preferably about 120°C, and maintaining the temperature for a predetermined period of time while stirring simultaneously until a dry product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition with a residual moisture content of 5-15% is obtained.

3. Process according to claim 2, characterized in that it is carried out as a one-pot synthesis process.

4. The method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that step AB) is carried out over a period of at least 20 minutes.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that in step AG) the set temperature is maintained for a period of at least 1 hour, preferably for a period of about 2 hours.

6. Method according to claim 1, which is characterized by the following sequential steps: Step BA) Providing the (i) humic acid-containing composition synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials, Step BB) Preparation of the reaction mass containing: (i) 1-30 wt.%, preferably 18-22 wt.%, most preferably 20 wt.%, of the humic acid-containing composition from step BA) (ii) 61.25 - 98 wt% water, (iii) 0.3 - 8.5 wt% KOH, preferably 50% KOH, and (iv) 0.01 - 0.25 wt.% of at least one alkali and / or ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid, wherein the concentration of the chloride in the reaction mass is 80 mmol / kg - 360 mmol / kg based on the total mass of the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition; Step BC) Converting the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition to alkali humates and / or ammonium humates by stirring the reaction mass at a temperature of 15°C - 85°C, preferably 20°C - 25°C, for a period of at least 60 minutes and until a stable pH in the range of 9.0 to 11.0, preferably a stable pH of about 10.6, is obtained, thereby obtaining a liquid product of the alkali humate- and / or ammonium humate-containing composition; Step BD) optionally subjecting the liquid product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition obtained in step BC) to a drying step, whereby a dry product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition is obtained.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that in order to obtain a dry product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, the liquid product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition is subjected to a drying step.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1, 6 or 7, characterized in that a humic acid-containing composition is provided which has a solids content of 60 - 100 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition and a residual moisture content of 0 - 40 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition, the solids content and the residual moisture adding up to 100 wt.%, and the solids content containing 80 - 100 wt.% of humic acids based on the solids content.

9. A process for the preparation of a dry product of an alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, which comprises an extrusion process and is characterized by the following sequential steps: Step CA) Providing a reaction mass containing: (i) 39.551 - 43.716 wt.% of a humic acid-containing composition synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials, wherein the humic acid-containing composition has a solids content of 60 - 100 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition and a residual moisture content of 0 - 40 wt.% based on the total mass of the humic acid-containing composition, wherein the solids content and the residual moisture add up to 100 wt.%, and wherein the solids content contains 80 - 100 wt.% of humic acids based on the solids content (ii) 49.075 - 54.689 wt% water, (iii) 5.512 - 6.092 wt% KOH, preferably 50% KOH, and (iv) 0.248 - 1.117 wt.% of at least one alkali and / or ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid, wherein the concentration of the chloride in the reaction mass is 80 mmol / kg - 360 mmol / kg based on the total mass of the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition; Step CB) converting the humic acids contained in the humic acid-containing composition into alkali humates and / or ammonium humates, wherein the reaction mass provided in step CA) is stirred; and Step CC) Obtaining a dry product using an extrusion process, wherein the reacted reaction mass obtained according to step CB) is fed to an extrusion device and extruded at a temperature of 50 - 120°C, and preferably at a pressure of 0 - 180 bar, wherein in the extrusion device a temperature ramp from 50°C to 120°C is preferably carried out, and wherein an extruded dry product of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition is obtained by the extrusion process and the extruded dry product obtained preferably has a residual moisture content of 5 - 15%.

10. The method according to claim 9, characterized in that step CB) is carried out over a period of at least 20 minutes.

11. Process according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that in step CC) the extrusion takes place at a pressure of 0 - 180 bar.

12. Process according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the extruded dry product obtained has a residual moisture content of 5 - 15%.

13. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that a temperature ramp from 50°C to 120°C is carried out in the extrusion device.

14. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that a humic acid-containing composition is provided which has been synthesized by means of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials selected from the group consisting of: wood, preferably fast-growing wood, agricultural waste such as straw, corn stalks, hemp stalks, reeds and waste from cotton plants, plant biomasses, and combinations thereof.

15. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that a humic acid-containing composition is provided which has been synthesized from wood by means of hydrothermal carbonization (HTC).

16. Process according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the at least one alkali and / or ammonium salt of hydrochloric acid is selected from the group consisting of KCl, NaCl and NH4Cl and mixtures thereof, preferably KCl.

17. A process according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that KCl is used as the alkali metal salt of hydrochloric acid in the process.

18. A liquid product of an alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, which is prepared by a process according to any one of claims 1, 6, 8 or 14 to 17.

19. A dry product of an alkali humate and / or ammonium humate-containing composition, which is prepared by a process according to any one of claims 2 to 5 or 7 to 17.

20. A plant biostimulant comprising a liquid product according to claim 18 or a dry product according to claim 19.

21. A soil additive comprising a liquid product according to claim 18 or a dry product according to claim 19.

22. Fertilizers containing: • Fertilizers selected from the group consisting of: organic fertilizers, liquid mineral fertilizers, solid mineral fertilizers, and combinations thereof, and • a liquid product according to claim 18, a dry product according to claim 19, a plant biostimulant according to claim 20 or a soil additive according to claim 21.

23. Fertilizer according to claim 22, characterized in that it contains 0.5 - 5.0 wt.% of alkali humate and / or ammonium humate based on the total mass of the fertilizer.

24. Use of a liquid product according to claim 18 or a dry product according to claim 19 as a plant biostimulant, as a soil improver, as a fertilizer additive, or as a carrier material for trace elements, plant protection products and / or microbial biostimulants.

25. Composition comprising: an alkali humate and / or an ammonium humate, preferably an alkali humate, most preferably potassium humate, a humic acid synthesized by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) from renewable cellulose- and hemicellulose-containing raw materials, and chloride, wherein the concentration of the chloride is 80 mmol / kg - 360 mmol / kg based on the total mass of the alkali humate and / or ammonium humate, preferably alkali humate, most preferably potassium humate, contained in the composition, and wherein the composition has a residual moisture content of 5 - 15%.

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