Method of using metal-carbon nanocomposites to regulate improve the morphometric parameters of agricultural products

Abstract

The present invention relates to agriculture, namely to the use of nanopowder compositions (powder mixtures) of various materials with a core-shell structure (metal-carbon nanocomposite), in which the core is a nano-sized particle of a simple substance, the shell is active carbon containing a large amount of unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds. The specified composition can be used in various options as a fertilizer, additive to fertilizers, biologically active additives, etc., in order to improve specified indicators in crop production, livestock farming, poultry farming, aquaculture, insect breeding, as well as to regulate the biochemical composition of agricultural products.

Description

[0001] Method of Using Metal-Carbon Nanocomposites to Regulate Improve the Morphometric Parameters of Agricultural Products

[0002] Field of invention

[0003] The present invention relates to agriculture, namely to the use of nanopowder compositions or mixtures of metal-carbon nanocomposites. A metal-carbon nanocomposite is a nano-sized particle that has a core-shell structure with the core being a nano-sized particle of a simple substance and the shell being active carbon containing a large number of unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds.

[0004] The specified composition can be used in various options as a fertilizer, an additive to fertilizers, biologically active additives, etc., to improve specified parameters in crop production, livestock and poultry farming, aquaculture, insect breeding, as well as to regulate the biochemical composition of agricultural products.

[0005] Based on compositions or mixtures of metal-carbon nanocomposites (simple substances with a carbon shell), customized fertilizers and biologically active additives can be produced, specially selected for certain crops, agroclimatic regions, certain soils, plant varieties or animal breeds to improve specified parameters and biochemical composition.

[0006] Background

[0007] Microelements play an important role in the growth and improvement of quality level of agricultural products, both in crop and livestock production. Therefore, addition of essential micronutrients is one of the modem methods of agriculture to ensure healthy growth of crops and livestock.

[0008] For instance, it has been established that plants are capable of absorbing up to 70 chemical elements, which affect the morphometric parameters of the plant, see: Semenova, I. N., Singizova, G. Sh., Zulkaranaev, A. B., & Ilbulova, G. Sh. (2015). “The influence of copper and lead on the growth and development of plants using the example of Anethum graveolens L. Modern problems of science and education” (3). For example, with a sufficient amount of copper (Cu), the contents of sugars, ascorbic acid and chlorophyll increase in plants, and the role of copper in the process of photosynthesis is also important. With its deficiency, whitening and drying of the tops of young leaves are observed. Dry tops are observed in fruit crops. Copper helps increase plant resistance to fungal and bacterial diseases. Copper is part of plastocyanin, which is involved in photosynthesis, and some other copper-containing proteins and oxidative enzymes. Copper increases drought, frost and heat resistance of plants.

[0009] Crop quality indicators include various parameters that evaluate agricultural activities associated with growing plants, such as crop yield, estimated by the amount of products per unit area over a certain period of time; product quality, characterized by the quality of crop products (for example, appearance, nutritional value, resistance to diseases and pests) as well as indicators such as the efficiency of applying fertilizers and chemicals to increase productivity and protect plants from diseases and pests, drought resistance, and resource efficiency.

[0010] Indicators of the quality of crop production include also economic characteristics, namely: assessment of the costs of crop production and product processing and storage; and environmental indicators: assessment of the environmental impact of agricultural activities, including the conservation of biodiversity, reduction of soil and water pollution, conservation of ecosystems.

[0011] These crop quality indicators are important for assessing the efficiency and sustainability of agricultural systems, as well as for developing strategies to improve crop production from the point of economic, environmental and social perspectives.

[0012] Livestock quality indicators include various metrics and data characterizing the livestock production, living conditions of animals, their productivity, etc., such as the total number of livestock production per a certain period of time, production intensity: the number of products per animal or per unit area, feed efficiency: the relationship between the volume of feed consumed by animals and the resulting livestock product, production costs, reproductive performance and environmental performance, i.e., environmental impact of livestock farming.

[0013] The above are just some of the main quality indicators used to evaluate the efficiency of livestock production.

[0014] In most cases, the quality indicators of crop and livestock production are assessed by morphometric parameters.

[0015] Morphometric parameters in crop production refer to the measurements and characteristics of the shape, size and structure of plants. They are important tools for assessing various aspects of plant growth and development as well as determining their productivity. These parameters include, but are not limited to: plant height, leaf length, width and area, which are important indicators for assessing the plant potential productivity and photosynthetic capacity. In addition, the volume of the root system, which determines the plant ability to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, the number of leaves and shoots, and the ratio between root mass and above-ground mass are important for assessing plant biomass and their overall productivity.

[0016] Livestock morphometric characteristics refer to the measurements and the physical parameters of animals, such as size, weight, body shape and other anatomical features.

[0017] The deficiency, excess or required amount of microelements affect the morphometric characteristics of agricultural products, both crop and livestock production, which characterize the quality of the agricultural products themselves. Thus, by regulating the amount of added microelements, it is possible to set and achieve the required quality indicators for the resulting agricultural products.

[0018] Common methods for replenishing microelements in plants include: seed dressing with a solution of microelements, additional fertilization by spraying branches, foliar spraying, and so on. Although these traditional technologies can solve some plant growth problems, research shows that traditional methods of micronutrient replenishment are not only limited in increasing the yield and quality of agricultural products, but also cause soil pollution, which does not contribute to sustainable agricultural development.

[0019] For example, copper (Cu) is a toxic heavy metal; the range of copper concentrations when this metal does not exhibit its toxic effect is very small. Even doubling the optimal concentration of Cu can cause negative effects. Increased copper content can cause a decrease in accumulation of phytomass and a decrease in tissue hydration and chlorophyll content. Similarly, deficiency or excess of microelements affects the growth, development and health of animals. For each microelement there is an optimal concentration in both livestock and crop production.

[0020] Therefore, the use of effective means and methods for introducing microelements necessary for agricultural crops, as well as for livestock farming, is one of the key issues in the development of modern agriculture.

[0021] Targeted delivery of microelements to plant tissues or animal organs can be performed using nanotechnology, namely, by a promising method of introducing the necessary microelements in the form of nanoparticles.

[0022] Nanoparticles are particles or objects with a size from 1 to 100 nanometers. They can be made from various materials, such as metals, dielectrics or semiconductors, and have unique physical and chemical properties due to their high surface activity. This makes them potentially useful in various fields such as medicine, electronics, cosmetics, catalysis and many others. It is known that metal nanoparticles have a large specific surface area, so they can be used in microdoses. The toxicity of metal nanoparticles is 10-40 times lower than that of salts of the same metals.

[0023] Nanoparticles of simple substances, i.e. substances consisting of atoms of one chemical element, for example, metals, can be used as fertilizer components. The small size of nanoparticles allows them to penetrate plants faster and more efficiently through their roots or leaves, improving nutrient availability. It is known that nanoparticles of metals such as copper or silver are used as antimicrobial additives, protecting plants from diseases (see: Yamanova, R. R., & Nikolaenko, G. R. (2013). “On the use of silver nanoparticles in consumer goods industry”, Bulletin of Kazan Technological University, 16(22), 39-41). Nanoparticles of other elements, such as phosphorus or potassium, can also be included in fertilizers to provide plants with essential nutrients.

[0024] Nanoparticles make fertilizers more effective in improving soil and increasing crop yields. Various methods of using nanoparticles as fertilizers are known, for example, in the description of a patent for an invention “Fertilizer special for hybrid rice”:

[0025] - increased nutrient availability: nanoparticles can provide more efficient distribution and uptake of nutrients by plants, leading to increased yields;

[0026] - fertilizer release control: nanoparticles can be used to control the rate of fertilizer release, providing more stable and long-lasting plant nutrition.

[0027] Nanoparticles are also used in livestock farming, poultry, aquaculture and insect breeding as feed and food additives: this is one of the modem areas of nanotechnology that has the potential to improve the production and health of living organisms. Nanoparticles can be used for a variety of purposes, such as improving digestion, boosting immunity, increasing nutritional efficiency, and even reducing environmental pollution.

[0028] Among the methods of using nanoparticles in livestock farming, the following can be listed (see: Yausheva, E. V. (2013). “The use of nanoparticles of metal microelements in livestock farming: prospects and threats (review)”. Livestock and feed production, 3(81), 7- 11):

[0029] - improving nutrient absorption: nanoparticles can be specifically designed to improve the absorption of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients by animals;

[0030] - improving the health of living organisms: some types of nanoparticles may have antibacterial or anti-inflammatory properties, which helps prevent disease and improve the overall health of animals; - improving the quality of meat and livestock products: the introduction of nanoparticles into the diet can help improve the health and general condition of living organisms, which can ultimately lead to improved quality of meat, milk and other livestock products;

[0031] - reducing the use of antibiotics: some nanoparticles may have properties that improve the immunity of living organisms, which may reduce the need for the use of antibiotics;

[0032] - improving environmental sustainability: nanoparticles can be used to improve nutrient absorption, which can reduce the amount of unprocessed waste and environmental pollution caused by livestock farming.

[0033] Currently, one of the main problems in the use of chemical compounds in agriculture is ineffective use. For example, most of the applied fertilizers are not absorbed by plants, thereby polluting the environment. The situation in livestock farming is similar; dietary supplements and vitamin-mineral complexes are used in larger dosages than necessary to achieve the required effect.

[0034] For example, one of the ways to increase the efficiency of applied fertilizers and feed additives is the use of so-called customized fertilizers and feed additives, i.e. fertilizers and feed additives designed specifically to meet the specific needs of a particular crop or soil. They take into account factors such as soil type, plant growth stage and desired yield. Custom fertilizers can be more effective and environmentally friendly than traditional fertilizers for general use because they provide plants with only the nutrients they need.

[0035] Advantages of customized fertilizers (see: Vidyashree, B. S., & Arthanari, P. M. (2021). “Customized fertilizers - an artifact in Indian agriculture: A review”. Agricultural Reviews, 42(1), 105-110): increased yields: fertilizers formulated for specific crops and soils can provide optimal plant nutrition, resulting in higher yields; improved crop quality: customized fertilizers can help to improve crop quality, such as size, color and nutrient content; increased efficiency: customized fertilizers provide plants with only the nutrients they need, reducing losses and increasing nutrient use efficiency; environmental performance: customized fertilizers can help to reduce environmental pollution as they reduce excess application of nutrients.

[0036] The use of nanomaterials (nanoparticles) in agriculture is promising due to the unique properties of such materials. The size of nanomaterial particles, smaller than that of most plant cells and living organisms, and in some cases smaller than the pore size of the cell membrane, ensures the ability of such particles to penetrate and be absorbed into the cells of plants and living organisms.

[0037] As a result, it is possible to significantly increase efficiency while simultaneously reducing the amount of target substances used in agriculture.

[0038] Target substance, as a term used herein, covers any inorganic, organic, metal alloy, protein, genetic or nucleic material, antigen or antibody, composite, composition or containing ingredient that affects or participates in physiology of living organisms or plants or their microflora, or living organisms or plants with microflora, when the ingredient is applied or delivered by any means and in any form.

[0039] Essential nutrients, as the term used herein, include one or more essential micronutrients and macronutrients such as, but not limited to: Cu, Zn, K, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, Co, Na and other metals and elements, e.g., P, Si, N.

[0040] For example, the use of nanoparticles allows uniform distribution of the target substance over the volume or surface of a plant or living organism, thereby ensuring more efficient absorption of the target substance by plants or living organisms. Uniform absorption of the target substance improves its effectiveness and prevents contamination of the environment with nutrients that were not used by living organisms.

[0041] It is possible to ensure prolonged release and absorption of target substances by crops and living organisms, which can reduce their applied quantity, which, in turn, reduces processing costs, and also reduces the amount of environmental pollution.

[0042] According to the available literature, nanomaterials from oxide compounds such as titanium, iron, silicon and zinc oxide are used in agriculture, see: CN 112296329. There is very little information about the use of nanoparticles of simple substances for agricultural purposes.

[0043] In addition, it is worth noting that nanomaterials from simple substances obtained by the known methods indicated below tend to coagulate, which, in turn, prevents their absorption by plants and leads to a decrease in their effectiveness. The use of nanomaterials from simple substances with limited coagulation capabilities for various purposes in agriculture seems to be a promising direction in the development of nanotechnology and agriculture.

[0044] According to the description of the patent for the invention EP 2911997 “Plant growth enhancer” dated 10 / 24 / 2013 (publication of international application WO 2014 / 064205 dated 05 / 01 / 2014), it is known that nano-sized porous particles of silicon dioxide can be used as a plant growth enhancer. The known granular composition contains a carrier material and one or more spherical porous silica particles embedded in said carrier material, and each spherical porous silica particle contains silicon dioxide with particles of pure silicon and / or silver with zero oxidation level.

[0045] The purpose of the cited invention is the use of additional and / or improved compounds that are capable of increasing the crop yields without growth damaging or damaging the nutrient medium, as well as creating such compounds that can be most easily applied in agriculture, for example, using a hydroponic system.

[0046] The common features of the known invention and the claimed technical solution are the use of nano-sized particles of simple substances, such as metals, with a low degree of oxidation, as well as providing nano- sized particles with conditions that prevent their oxidation and coagulation.

[0047] The disadvantage of the known technical solution is that metals of group 11 are used as metal particles, including silver, obtained by grinding. This means that the sizes of metal particles and especially porous particles of silicon dioxide and granular composition cannot be within the nanometer range, which, in turn, means that the surface area of a certain weight of crushed metal is significantly inferior to the surface area of nanoparticles of the same weight.

[0048] It is known that nanoparticles of simple substances with a core-shell structure can be used to stimulate the growth of agricultural crops and increase their yield. The method for the production and application of iron, copper and silicon nanomaterials with an oxide film stimulating the growth of crops, increasing productivity and improving the quality of the crop is known from the description of the patent for the invention CN 112296329 B dated 10 / 09 / 2020 “Elementary substance nanopowder material with core-shell structure, preparation method thereof and application thereof in agriculture.

[0049] The surface oxide layer in the described method is obtained by passivation of iron, copper and silicon nanomaterials in a mixture of argon and oxygen at a pressure of 8000 to 12000 Pa for 2 to 24 hours, depending on the required thickness of the resulting coating layer. Also, depending on the needs and the material to be passivated, temperatures of up to 250°C are maintained. The layer of the resulting surface oxide coating is 2-10 nm.

[0050] The common features of the known invention and the claimed technical solution are: the use of nano-sized metal particles with a surface coating that prevents further oxidation and coagulation of nanoparticles.

[0051] The disadvantage of the known technical solution is that the shell for nanoparticles of a simple metal is a dense oxide shell of this metal, which significantly complicates desorption of atoms of a pure compound through it. A nutrient solution for plants, containing nanocarbon and many microelements, and a method for its preparation are known from the patent for the invention CN 106699319 dated July 29, 2015 “Nanocarbon plant nutrient solution and preparation method thereof’. This solution contains ionic nanocarbon sol, microelements, polyaspartic acid and fulvic acid, expressed in weight percent.

[0052] A finely dispersed suspension based on a metal-carbon composite and a method for its preparation are disclosed in the patent for the invention RU 2436623 dated April 19, 2010 “Finely dispersed organic suspension of carbon nanostructures for modifying epoxy resins and a method for its production”. Its use in plant growing, taken as a prototype is proposed as a technical solution: Korepanov, D. A., Chirkova, N. M., Rudenok, V. A., Grabovsky, I. V., & Sergeeva, E. A. (2013). “The influence of a finely dispersed suspension based on a metal / carbon nanocomposite of copper on the sowing qualities of Pinus silvestris L.”, Bulletin of the Udmurt University. Series “Biology. Geosciences”, (2), 003-007 and Lekontseva, T. G., Fedorov, A. V., & Kuznetsova, V. A. (2020). “Fine suspension of metal-carbon copper nanocomposite as a stimulator of root formation when cutting ornamental crops”, Bulletin of Udmurt University. Series “Biology. Geosciences", 30(3), 357-363 (DOI: 10.35634 / 2412-9518-2020-30-3-357- 363).

[0053] Common features of the known technical solutions and the claimed solution are as follows: the use of a suspension of particles of metal-carbon nanocomposites, namely, a suspension based on a metal-carbon nanocomposite of copper in crop production, in particular, for seed dressing or seed dipping before sowing and for stimulating root formation during vegetative propagation of plants.

[0054] The disadvantage of the described solutions is the need to stabilize the applied suspension with a 5% sugar solution, and only copper is used, and there is no information about the particle sizes and the possibility of regulating their sizes.

[0055] In the proposed technical solution, to obtain a stable suspension based on a solid composite nanomaterial, the use of either sugar or any other surfactant is not required.

[0056] Summary of the invention

[0057] In view of the problems existing in the background art, the present technical solution proposes the use of a metal-carbon nanocomposite to regulate the morphometric parameters of crop and livestock products. A metal-carbon nanocomposite has a core-shell structure, in which the core is a nanosized particle of a simple substance, for example, metal, and the shell is active carbon containing a large number of unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds. Metal nanoparticles have a characteristic size from 1 nanometer to 100 nanometers.

[0058] The agriculture use of the proposed nano-structured metal-carbon composites of various chemical elements in the form of mixtures of different proportions and concentrations as fertilizers, biologically active additives, additives or components for feed or fertilizers, etc., allows regulation of morphometric quality indicators in crop and livestock production.

[0059] A nanocomposite is a structure in which nano-sized particles (usually metal) have a carbon shell. This allows the beneficial properties of both materials to be used in one structure. The current technical solution proposes the use of compositions of nanoparticles of target substances in a carbon shell (metal-carbon composite) as fertilizers or components of fertilizers in crop production, as well as biologically active additives to feed in livestock and poultry farming, aquaculture and insect breeding.

[0060] The nanopowder composition of metal-carbon nanocomposites in the described technical solution includes various types of nanopowder materials, mainly from iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), cobalt (Co) and others metals in a carbon shell, mixed in various proportions depending on the application purpose of the resulting composition.

[0061] The technical result of the proposed technical solution, in addition to the general characteristics of nanomaterials, is the fact that the carbon surface coating, forming a core-shell structure, prevents oxidation and coagulation of simple substance nanoparticles during storage, transportation and use. In addition, said shell consists of carbon, which is a constituent element of organic compounds.

[0062] Brief description of the figures

[0063] The accompanying figures are presented to provide further understanding of the present technical solution and form part of the description for explaining the present technical solution together with embodiments of the present technical solution and do not constitute a limitation of the present invention.

[0064] FIG. 1 represents a TEM image (obtained using a transmission electron microscope) of a nanopowder of a simple substance (Fe) with a carbon shell. FIG. 2 represents a TEM image (obtained using a transmission electron microscope) of a nanopowder of a simple substance (Cu) with a carbon shell.

[0065] FIG. 3 represents a TEM image (obtained using a transmission electron microscope) of a nanopowder of a simple substance (Mn) with a carbon shell.

[0066] FIG. 4 represents a TEM image (obtained using a transmission electron microscope) of a nanopowder of a simple substance (Zn) with a carbon shell.

[0067] FIG. 5 represents a TEM image (obtained using a transmission electron microscope) of a nanopowder of a simple substance (Mg) with a carbon shell.

[0068] FIG. 6 represents the meteorological conditions of the growing season for an experiment on regulating crop production indicators, carried out by adding an aqueous sol from a composition of metal nanoparticles: cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn), coated with a carbon (C) shell, in various concentrations.

[0069] FIG. 7 represents morphometric indicators: the number of leaves for table carrots according to the results of an experiment on regulating the indicators of crop production, carried out by adding an aqueous sol from a composition of metal nanoparticles: cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) coated with a carbon (C) shell, in various concentrations.

[0070] FIG. 8 represents morphometric indicators: the length of the root crop for table carrots, according to the results of an experiment on regulating the indicators of crop production, by adding an aqueous sol from a composition of metal nanoparticles: cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) coated with a carbon (C) shell, in various concentrations.

[0071] FIG. 9 represents the yield indicators for table carrots according to the results of an experiment on regulating the indicators of crop production, by adding an aqueous sol from a composition of metal nanoparticles: cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and zinc (Zn) coated with a carbon (C) shell, in various concentrations.

[0072] FIG. 10 represents the yield of marketable products for table carrots based on the results of an experiment on regulating the indicators of crop production, by adding an aqueous sol from a composition of metal nanoparticles: cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg) and zinc ( Zn) coated with a carbon (C) shell, in various concentrations.

[0073] Detailed description of embodiments

[0074] Further, the features of the embodiment of the claimed technical solution will be considered. If the following description as well as the claims state that an element “comprises” (“comprising”, “contained”, “including” and other similar terms), then this understands the inclusion of the specified elements and not the exclusion of any other elements.

[0075] This technical solution proposes the use of compositions of nanoparticles of target substances in a carbon shell (metal-carbon composite with a core-shell structure) as fertilizers or components of fertilizers in crop production, as well as biologically active additives to feed in livestock and poultry farming, aquaculture and insect breeding.

[0076] The nanopowder composition of metal-carbon nanocomposites in the described technical solution includes various types of core materials, mainly iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), cobalt (Co) and other metals in a carbon shell, mixed in various proportions depending on the purpose of resulting composition application.

[0077] A metal-carbon composite has a core-shell structure, in which the core is a nano-sized particle of a simple substance, and the shell is active carbon containing a large number of unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds. Metal nanoparticles have a characteristic size from 1 nanometer to 100 nanometers.

[0078] The specified metal-carbon nanocomposite with a core-shell structure is produced by known methods, for example, plasma-arc technology for the synthesis of metal nanoparticles on a carbon matrix.

[0079] For example, the most preferred method is electric arc synthesis in arc discharge plasma, which allows the control of the synthesized material morphology by varying the buffer gas pressure, discharge current and composition of the sputtered electrode.

[0080] The process of plasma-arc synthesis of metal-carbon nanocomposites is based on sputtering a composite electrode (carbon + metal) and allows obtaining of highly dispersed systems of metal nanoparticles encapsulated in a carbon matrix.

[0081] For example, a method for synthesizing a metal-carbon composite involves spraying a composite electrode in the form of a graphite rod with a drilled cavity filled with a pressed mixture of metal and carbon powders, for example, graphite in the plasma of an electric arc discharge of direct current in the inert gas atmosphere. The metal concentration ranges from 0.01 to 50 wt. %. Sputtering is carried out in the plasma of a direct current electric arc discharge at a buffer gas pressure of 1-500 tor, a discharge current of 100-300 A and a discharge voltage of 15-35 V. The nanocomposite is a carbon matrix with metal nanoparticles ranging in size from 1 to 100 nm. One of the embodiments of the claimed technical solution for the purpose of regulating the performance of agricultural products is an aqueous sol of nanoparticles (metal-carbon nanocomposites), for example, cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn), covered with a carbon (C) shell.

[0082] The mass ratio of metal nanoparticles, the general ratio of the mass of metals to the mass of carbon and the aqueous sol concentration are selected for the specific tasks of using the specified aqueous sol. For example, the mass content of metals can vary from 0.01 to 50%, and the concentration of the aqueous sol used can vary from 0.1 to 1000 pg / ha.

[0083] The specified embodiment of the claimed technical solution in the form of an aqueous sol is mainly used in crop production.

[0084] Another embodiment of the claimed technical solution with the purpose of regulation of the performance of agricultural products is a suspension of nanoparticles with a carbon shell (metal-carbon nanocomposites), for example, a suspension of a pair of elements, for example, cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) or iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn).

[0085] This embodiment of the claimed technical solution in the form of suspensions is primarily used in livestock farming, for example, in poultry farming as a feed additive.

[0086] It should be noted that the foregoing represents only preferred embodiments of the present technical solution and is not intended for its limitation. Although the present technical solution has been described in detail with reference to previous embodiments, nevertheless, the technical solutions described in the previous embodiments may be changed or certain technical characteristics may be replaced in an equivalent manner. Any modifications, equivalent replacements, improvements, etc. made within the essence and principles of this technical solution shall be included within the scope of protection of this claimed solution.

[0087] Experimental results

[0088] To confirm the achievability of the stated technical result, the following experiments were carried out.

[0089] The effect of suspensions of metal nanoparticles with a carbon shell (Co+Cu; Zn+Fe) with food on the productivity and health of quails was tested in vivarium.

[0090] To determine the effect of metal nanoparticles, the experiments were carried out with Estonian quails at the age of 10-80 days.

[0091] The specimen was given in a dosage of 100 ml of each suspension per 1 kg of feed. Suspension No. 1 (Cl) contained a mixture of iron and zinc metal nanoparticles with carbon (Fe, Zn, C). Suspension No. 2 (C2) contained a mixture of nanoparticles of cobalt and copper metals with carbon (Co, Cu, C). The suspensions were pre-mixed in a mixer with a valuable feed; the feeding rate was 30 g of mixed feed (excluding suspensions) for 1 individual per day. The duration of specimen application was 76 days. During the experiment, the dosage of the specimen was gradually reduced.

[0092] At the first stage, food with nanoparticles was fed to quails of the experimental group from 10 to 14 days. At the second stage of the study, the dosage of the specimen was reduced by 25%. At the third stage, the dosage of nanoparticles was further reduced to 50% of the original. The scheme of experiment is presented in Table 1.

[0093] Table 1. Scheme of experiment.

[0094] To perform the experiment, quails from one day of age were placed in brooder cages under identical housing conditions. The total size of experimental and control groups of quails at the beginning of the experiment was 140 heads. One of the groups was randomly designated as a control group. The diets in the control group and in the experimental group were the same and corresponded in nutritional value to accepted standards. In the experimental brooders, microelements were fed in the form of metal nanoparticles in accordance with the research plan. The following were taken into account: poultry reduction. Live weight was recorded weekly starting from day 35.

[0095] The following data were obtained:

[0096] At the beginning of the experiment in the vivarium (day 35), the average live weight of quails in the experimental group was 220.87 g for males and 238.53 g for females; during the period of drinking the suspension, the birds started molting, and the average live weight was 227.86 g for males and 262.4 g for females after the end of molting (day 57). In the control group at the same age, the average live weight was 225.6 g for males and 248.3 g for females. The results of the experiment are presented in Table 2. Table 2. Experimental information on live weight indicators.

[0097] It is known that after a certain age, birds begin to reduce gradually their live weight gain. However, as follows from the data in Table 2, after feeding, the quail in the experimental group showed a slight increase in live weight gain. At the same time, the control group experienced the expected decline in live weight gain and meat productivity.

[0098] In addition, there was a tendency to improve feed intake.

[0099] The following results were obtained in terms of egg-laying rates:

[0100] Egg laying of quails in the experimental group began somewhat earlier (by 5 days). It is noted that the egg yield of the control group is lower than that of the experimental group. At the 12thweek of the experiment, 12 out of 15 females in the experimental group laid eggs, and in the control group, 10 out of 15 females laid eggs. In the control group, there were cases of eggs without shells; in the experimental group, all eggs were with shells.

[0101] Thus, the addition of microelements in the form of a suspension of metal nanoparticles (Co+Cu; Zn+Fe) in a carbon shell had a positive effect on appetite, live weight and egg yield. Viability of the experimental group is 100%.

[0102] Experiments regulating the performance of crop production were also carried out by adding an aqueous sol from a composition of metal nanoparticles: cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) coated with a carbon (C) shell, in various concentrations. The studies were carried out using table carrots (Nantes variety) and Mitchamskaya and Orange peppermint varieties, as well as Morocco spearmint variety.

[0103] The agrochemical characteristics of soil in the area where the experiment was carried out are as follows: pH - 6.8; humus content (according to Tyurin) - 6.5%; N l.g., mg / kg soil - 140; P2O5, Mg / kg soil - 540; K2O, mg / kg soil - 390; S, mg eq / lOOg soil - 27.8; T, mEq / lOOg soil - 29.

[0104] Meteorological conditions of the growing season are presented in Fig. 6.

[0105] Scheme of experiment

[0106] • option I - control / distilled water.

[0107] • option II - 250 pg / ha (an aqueous sol of nanoparticle composition: Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn coated with a carbon (C) shell). To treat an area of 100 m2(at a consumption rate of 200 1 / ha), 2 liters of distilled water with the addition of concentrate in the amount of 1.25 ml are required.

[0108] • option III - 500 pg / ha (an aqueous sol of nanoparticle composition: Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn coated with a carbon (C) shell). To treat an area of 100 m2(at a consumption rate of 200 1 / ha), 2 liters of distilled water with the addition of concentrate in the amount of 2.5 ml are required.

[0109] • option IV - 750 pg / ha (an aqueous sol of nanoparticle composition: Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn coated with a carbon (C) shell). To treat an area of 100 m2(at a consumption rate of 200 1 / ha), 2 liters of distilled water with the addition of concentrate in the amount of 3.75 ml are required.

[0110] • option V - 1000 pg / ha (an aqueous sol of nanoparticle composition: Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Zn coated with a carbon (C) shell). To treat an area of 100 m2(at a consumption rate of 200 1 / ha), 2 liters of distilled water with the addition of concentrate in the amount of 5.00 ml are required.

[0111] The plants were treated 3 times: the 1sttreatment was carried out in the phase of 5-6 true leaves; the 2ndone was carried out when the leaf height reached 10 cm, and the 3rdtreatment was carried out 14 days after the 2ndtreatment.

[0112] Morphmetric indicators of carrots

[0113] It can be noted that the onset of “the beginning of root crop formation” phase occurred 4 days earlier in options II and III in comparison with the control option and 2 days earlier in comparison with options IV and V. The onset of technical ripeness in all studied options was noted at 76 day. The observation data are presented in Table 3.

[0114] Comparison of the morphometric indicators: the number of leaves for table carrots is presented in Fig. 7

[0115] The length of root crops in the phase of harvest ripeness varied slightly and amounted to 19.48 - 22.80 cm in all studied options. It should be noted that at the beginning of the root crop formation, the greatest length of 18.1 cm was noted in option II, 250 pg / ha, which is 4-5 cm more in comparison with other studied options.

[0116] Comparison of the morphometric indicators: the root crop length for table carrots is presented in Fig. 8.

[0117] The crop yield is the highest in option II, 250 pg / ha (80.6 t / ha), it is on average 5-12 t / ha more than in other options (Fig. 5). The minimum yield of carrot was noted for option III (68.14t / ha).

[0118] Comparison of indicators: the crop yield for table carrot is presented in Fig. 9 The commercial output of carrot in options II and IV was higher by 1.3-4.6% as compared to the control option (92%). The highest commercial output of 96.6% was noted in option II. The smallest output of 88.3% was in option V.

[0119] Comparison of indicators: the commercial output for table carrot is presented in Fig. 10. The biochemical composition of carrot roots was studied according to the following indicators: AA (ascorbic acid) content was studied by the method of Sapozhnikova and Dorofeeva. The dry matter content was determined by drying the sample to a constant weight; the monosaccharide content was determined by the cyanide method. The results of the study of the biochemical composition of carrot roots are presented in Table 4.

[0120] Maximum permissible concentration of nitrates in carrots is 250 mg / kg.

[0121] Table 4. Biochemical composition of carrot roots.

[0122] Morphometric indicators of mint

[0123] Studying the effect of nanoparticles on rooting, growth and development of green cuttings of two types of mint. As a result of taking into account the rooting ability, all options showed similar results, that is, the rooting ability was more than 90%. This result was expected, since mint is characterized by high regenerative ability. The rooting ability was slightly higher in peppermint and slightly lower in spearmint.

[0124] The main indicators of the effectiveness of nanoparticles application can be the parameters of cuttings, which determine the viability and appearance of seedlings. The results of biometric measurements are presented in Table 5. A change in plant height in different options was within the experimental error, however, there is a clear tendency to a decrease in the height and size of leaves under the influence of nanoparticles. However, this indicates that plants under the influence of the specimen were less prone to elongation and formed denser tissues, which subsequently leads to better adaptation under open ground conditions when planting seedlings. When treated with concentrations of 1.25 and 3.75 ml / 1, the number of stolons increased, which allows for the subsequent formation of a more powerful bush, a larger number of shoots and, accordingly, a higher yield in the future.

[0125] Table 5. Morphometric parameters of rooted cuttings of peppermint, variety Mitchamskaya.

[0126] The length of roots is determined after washing the lump, but this indicator cannot be considered accurate due to the fact that when lifting the cassettes, roots are often torn off and grow through the hole at the bottom of the cell. Very important and more indicative are the maturity of the root system and the density of root germination in the soil lump in the cell. The difference between the options was clearly visible. After treatment with a solution of nanoparticles at a concentration of 2.5, with a shorter root length as compared to the control group, the lump was braided with roots more tightly and the number of small roots was correspondingly higher. This indicator is very important for the further survival of seedlings after planting in the field.

[0127] As a result of experiments, it was found that the effect of application of nanopowders of metals and their compounds on the growth, development and yield of table carrots is the highest in option II, 250 pg / ha (the sum of 5 elements): this increased the yield by 5-12 t / ha in comparison with other options. The effect of application of nanopowders of metals and their compounds on the growth, development and yield of mint is the highest in option II, 250 pg / ha (sum of 5 elements) and option III, 500 pg / ha (sum of 5 elements), which allowed an increase in the content of ether oil and the proportion of leaves in the harvest, respectively.

Claims

Claims1. A method for regulating morphometric indicators in plant growing, livestock and poultry farming, aquaculture, as well as insect breeding, which consists in the use of nano-sized metal- carbon composites, wherein said composite contains nano-sized metal particles, and the size of said nano-sized particles ranges from 1 to 100 nm, characterized by the fact that the specified metal-carbon composite has a core-shell structure, in which the core is the specified nano-sized metal particle, and the shell is active carbon containing a large number of unsaturated carboncarbon bonds, and the specified carbon shell prevents oxidation and coagulation of the specified nano-sized metal particles.

2. Metal-carbon composite according to claim 1, produced, for example, by the plasma- arc method;3. The method according to claim 1, which consists in using a composition of metal-carbon nanocomposites of various metals, for example, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), cobalt (Co);4. The method according to claim 3, in which said composition is used, for example, in the form of aqueous suspensions or mixtures of aqueous suspensions;5. A mixture of suspensions according to claim 4, consisting of a suspension of a pair of elements, for example, cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) and a suspension of a pair of elements, for example, iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn);6. Aqueous suspension according to claim 4, used within the concentration of metal-carbon nanocomposites from 10 p.g / 1 to 1 g / 1;7. The method according to claim 3, in which the mentioned mixture is used in dry form, as an additive to a carrier, for example, carbon black, within the concentration of metal-carbon nanocomposites relative to the carrier from 10 pg / kg to 1 g / kg.

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