Soil conditioning agent and a process for its preparation

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a soil conditioning agent and a process for the preparation of the soil conditioning agent. The soil conditioning agent has optimized surface area enabling enhanced soil penetration and rapid release of the soil nutrients. The present disclosure provides a simple and economic process for the preparation of the soil conditioning agent.

Description

[0001] SOIL CONDITIONING AGENT AND A PROCESS FOR ITS PREPARATION

[0002] FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure relates to agriculture and horticulture. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to the treatment of minerals for various applications for use in soil conditioning and nutrient delivery.

[0004] DEFINITIONS

[0005] As used in the present disclosure, the following terms are generally intended to have the meaning as set forth below, except to the extent that the context in which they are used, indicate otherwise.

[0006] Mineral: The term “mineral” refers to an inorganic substance that contains essential nutrients required for plant growth and soil health.

[0007] Slag: The term “slag” refers to a non-metallic by-product formed during metal smelting, refining, or combustion processes and can include different types of ash such as fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), pond ash, bottom ash and the like. It is used in the construction industry as a cementitious material and also used as additives in various chemical compositions.

[0008] BACKGROUND

[0009] The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

[0010] Minerals are essential for plants as they support growth, development, and reproduction. They also play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy percentage of Soil Organic Matter (SOM). Soil Organic Matter (SOM), is the organic component of soil, consisting of plant and animal residues in various stages of decomposition, as well as microbial biomass and substances synthesized by soil microbes. SOM plays a critical role in soil health and fertility by improving soil structure, water retention, nutrient cycling, and providing habitat for soil organisms.

[0011] Minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are key components of proteins, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and energy molecules, while others such as magnesium, calcium, iron and the like, play critical roles in photosynthesis, cell structure, and enzyme function. Without adequate minerals, plants cannot perform these functions effectively, leading to poor growth, nutrient deficiencies, and reduced productivity.

[0012] Conventionally supplied minerals, especially in synthetic fertilizer form, often have drawbacks related to their release and limited soil penetration. These minerals dissolve quickly, which can lead to a sudden nutrient surge that plants cannot fully absorb, resulting in nutrient losses through leaching or runoff. This not only reduces fertilizer efficiency but also contributes to environmental pollution. Additionally, poor soil penetration means that nutrients may remain concentrated near the surface, limiting their availability to deeper plant roots and leading to uneven nutrient distribution resulting in reduced long-term effectiveness of these conventional mineral applications and can compromise both plant health and soil quality.

[0013] Further, excessive use of these fertilizers / minerals can degrade soil structure, reduce natural fertility, and disrupt the balance of essential nutrients, leading to deficiencies or toxicities. These fertilizers may also harm beneficial soil microbes, reducing microbial diversity and activity crucial for healthy soil ecosystems. Additionally, nutrient runoff from conventional fertilizers contributes to water pollution and eutrophication of nearby water bodies.

[0014] Therefore, there is felt a need for a soil conditioning agent that obviates the drawbacks mentioned hereinabove or at least provides an alternative solution.

[0015] OBJECTS

[0016] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:

[0017] It is an object of the present disclosure to ameliorate one or more problems of the background or to at least provide a useful alternative.

[0018] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil conditioning agent.

[0019] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil conditioning agent having optimized particle shape, surface area and particle size.

[0020] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil conditioning agent for use in soil conditioning and nutrient delivery. Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil conditioning agent by treating slag particles.

[0021] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a soil conditioning agent by treating slag particles thereby promoting recycling and utilization of industrial byproducts, reducing waste and thereby minimizing the environmental impact of slag disposal.

[0022] Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0023] SUMMARY

[0024] The present disclosure relates to soil conditioning agents and a process for its preparation.

[0025] In an aspect of the present disclosure, the soil conditioning agent comprises an additive coated particle, wherein the soil conditioning agent is characterized by having at least one of the following:

[0026] • a particle size in the range of 1 p to 5 p; and

[0027] • a specific surface area in the range of 50 m2 / g to 100 m2 / g.

[0028] In accordance with the present disclosure, the particles are selected from minerals and slag particles.

[0029] In accordance with the present disclosure,

[0030] • the mineral is at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium and silica; and

[0031] • the slag particle is at least one selected from the group consisting of fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), pond ash, mine ash and bottom ash.

[0032] In accordance with the present disclosure, the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine and nickel.

[0033] In accordance with the present disclosure, a predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is in the range of 1:9 to 1:99.

[0034] In accordance with the present disclosure, the soil conditioning agent is in a form selected from spherical form and conical form. In accordance with the present disclosure, the soil conditioning agent is used for at least one of, improving soil structure, increasing water retention, enhancing nutrient holding capacity, adjusting soil pH, promote microbial activity, improve root penetration and delivering nutrient to soil.

[0035] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for the preparation of a soil conditioning agent, the process comprising the following steps: a. obtaining particles having predetermined characteristics; b. grinding the particles at a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time period to maintain a predetermined temperature during grinding to obtain ground particles; and c. incorporating an additive to the ground particles in a predetermined mass ratio at the predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time period to obtain the soil conditioning agent.

[0036] In accordance with the present disclosure,

[0037] • the predetermined characteristics of the particles have

[0038] ■ a particle size in the range of 10 p to 100 p; and

[0039] ■ at least one shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, conical, parabolic, rhomboidal, polyhedral, polygonal and cylindrical; and

[0040] • a predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is in the range of 1:9 to 1:99.

[0041] In accordance with the present disclosure,

[0042] • the predetermined speed is in the range of 15 rpm to 40 rpm;

[0043] • the predetermined temperature is in the range of 50 °C to 80 °C;

[0044] • the first predetermined time period is in the range of 30 minutes to 45 minutes; and

[0045] • the second predetermined time period is in the range of 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

[0046] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING The present disclosure will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:

[0047] Figure 1 illustrates a graphical representation of the comparison of nutrient surface availability versus absorption efficiency in plants by using the soil conditioning agent of the present disclosure.

[0048] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0049] The present disclosure relates to agriculture and horticulture. Particularly, the present disclosure relates to the treatment of particles for various applications for use in soil conditioning and nutrient delivery.

[0050] Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing. Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.

[0051] The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms "a,” "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," “including,” and “having,” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and / or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0052] As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements. The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.

[0053] Minerals are vital for plant growth, development, and reproduction, but conventionally supplied synthetic fertilizers pose several challenges. Their rapid release and limited soil penetration often lead to nutrient losses through leaching or runoff, reducing efficiency and causing environmental pollution. Surface accumulation can limit nutrient availability to deeper roots, while excessive use degrades soil structure, disrupts nutrient balance, and harms beneficial soil microbes. Overtime, this can reduce soil fertility, compromise plant health, and contribute to water pollution through runoff and eutrophication.

[0054] In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a soil conditioning agent comprising additive coated particles. The soil conditioning agent is characterized by having at least one of the following:

[0055] • a particle size in the range of 1 p to 5 p; and

[0056] • a specific surface area in the range of 50 m2 / g to 100 m2 / g.

[0057] In an exemplary embodiment, the soil conditioning agent, i.e., the additive coated particles have the particle size in the range of 1 p to 2 p.

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the soil conditioning agent, i.e., the additive coated particles have the surface area of 76 m2 / g. In another exemplary embodiment, the soil conditioning agent has the surface area of 80 m2 / g. In still another exemplary embodiment, the soil conditioning agent has the surface area of 92 m2 / g.

[0059] In accordance with the present disclosure, the particles are selected from minerals and slag particles.

[0060] In accordance with the present disclosure,

[0061] • the mineral is at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium and silica; and

[0062] • the slag particle is at least one selected from the group consisting of fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), pond ash, mine ash and bottom ash. In accordance with the present disclosure, the particle is a single mineral.

[0063] In accordance with the present disclosure, the particle is a combination of two or more minerals.

[0064] In an exemplary embodiment, the mineral is calcium. In another exemplary embodiment, the mineral is magnesium.

[0065] In an exemplary embodiment, the slag particle is fly ash.

[0066] Slags are valuable byproducts of industrial processes such as coal combustion in thermal power plants and iron and steel production. However, the disposal of slag needs to be managed carefully due to environmental and regulatory challenges. These can be processed to improve their performance and address the disposal issues.

[0067] In accordance with present disclosure, the raw slag particles are beneficiated to make it a commercially useful product. The slag particles are further treated / processed for value addition with additives.

[0068] In accordance with the present disclosure, the additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine and nickel. In an exemplary embodiment, the additive is iron. In another exemplary embodiment, the additive is zinc. In still another exemplary embodiment, the additive is manganese.

[0069] In accordance with the present disclosure, a predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is in the range of 1:9 to 1 :99. In an embodiment, the predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is in the range of 1:2 to 1:20. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is 1:3. In another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is 1 :4. In still another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is 1: 19.

[0070] In accordance with the present disclosure, the soil conditioning agent is in a form selected from spherical form and conical form.

[0071] In accordance with the present disclosure, the soil conditioning agent is used for at least one selected from the group consisting of improving soil structure, increasing water retention, enhancing nutrient holding capacity, adjusting soil pH, promote microbial activity, improve root penetration and delivering nutrient to soil. In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for the preparation of a soil conditioning agent, the process comprises the following steps: a. obtaining particles having predetermined characteristics; b. grinding the particles at a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time period to maintain a predetermined temperature during grinding to obtain ground particles; and c. incorporating an additive to the ground particles in a predetermined mass ratio at the predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time period to obtain the soil conditioning agent.

[0072] In a first step, particles having predetermined characteristics are obtained. In accordance with the present disclosure, the predetermined characteristics of the particles are

[0073] • a particle size in the range of 10 p to 100 p; and

[0074] • at least one shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, conical, parabolic, rhomboidal, polyhedral, polygonal and cylindrical.

[0075] In accordance with the present disclosure, a predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is in the range of 1:9 to 1:99. In an embodiment, the predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is in the range of 1:2 to 1:20. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is 1:3. In another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is 1 :4. In still another exemplary embodiment, the predetermined mass ratio of the additive to the particles is 1: 19.

[0076] In the next step, the particles are ground at a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time period to maintain a predetermined temperature during grinding to obtain ground particles.

[0077] In accordance with the present disclosure, the predetermined speed is in the range of 15 rpm to 40 rpm. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined speed is 30 rpm.

[0078] In accordance with the present disclosure, the predetermined temperature is in the range of 50 °C to 80 °C. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined temperature is in the range of 55 °C to 70 °C.

[0079] In accordance with the present disclosure, the first predetermined time period is in the range of 30 minutes to 45 minutes. In an exemplary embodiment, the first predetermined time period is 40 minutes. In accordance with the present disclosure, raw slag particles, typically in the size 200 mesh to 300 mesh are ground in a particle grinding machine, where the raw slag particles of uneven shapes, sizes and unevenly distributed are roughly made uniform, spherical in shape with minimum or optimum angular friction and an optimized size distribution of 700 mesh to 1500 mesh.

[0080] During the grinding process, the ground slag particles are continuously re-fed to the inlet hopper of the grinding machine until desired sized and shaped particles are obtained. Grinding done in accordance with present disclosure is a significant step of the process of present disclosure for surface treatment that not only reduces the particle size of the raw slag particles but simultaneously increases their surface area. The grinding step provides the following benefits:

[0081] Increased Reactivity: Finer particles will have a higher reactive surface area, which can improve their reactivity in further applications like adding to soil and the like, where it works as an excellent material for use in soil conditioning and nutrient delivery.

[0082] Improved Physical Properties: Uniform particle size distribution which can lead to better packing density and improved mechanical properties of the treated slag particles. These uniform particles are easier to disperse and suspend during further processing in different applications.

[0083] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, during the grinding step, the raw slag particles are blended with other material which modify their physical characteristics.

[0084] In an exemplary embodiment, raw slag particles are fly ash. Fly ash is the most widely used supplementary cementitious material in concrete. It is a byproduct of the combustion of pulverized coal in electric power generating plants. Upon ignition in the furnace, most of the volatile matter and carbon in the coal are burned off. During combustion, the coal’s mineral impurities (such as clay, feldspar, quartz, and shale) fuse in suspension to form fly ash.

[0085] Most of the fly ash particles are solid uneven non-shaped particles of various sizes and shapes, particularly angular. The ground / treated slag particles have improved adhesion, cohesiveness, and reactivity. The ground / treated open ended particles result in better chain formation, cross linking with like particles and other materials. In accordance with the present disclosure, whilst grinding the particles additional materials to the extent of 0.1 % to 25 % of the mass of the raw slag particles are added to beneficiate the raw slag particles to be converted to soil conditioning agent, i.e, the additive coated particles. The additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine and nickel.

[0086] During the grinding operation, the temperature of the mixture of raw slag particles and the additives reaches up to 50 °C to 80 °C. This thermal increase also facilitates in the particle treatment by making slag particles thermally active. The grinding operation is carried out with the help of hammers as well as grinding discs. Typically, the rpm of the motor is set at 15 rpm to 40 rpm and the motor is typically selected between 100 horsepower (hp) to 150 hp.

[0087] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground / treated slag particles for use in soil conditioning and nutrient delivery are further processed, wherein an additive is incorporated to the ground / treated slag particles, with or without the addition of other particles. The other particles added optionally to the ground / treated slag particles is selected from the group consisting of calcium or micro / nano calcium, micro / nano silica, micro / nano alumina, micro / nano quartz, and a combination of the additives.

[0088] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ground / treated slag particles of size 700 mesh to 1500 mesh optionally along with the other particles are led to a coating machine or apparatus, in which the particles are fed in a batch process, typical batch size ranging from 600 kg to 900 kg. Before introducing the particles to the machine or apparatus, various particle parameters are checked such as particle size, particle distribution, moisture content, bulk density and specific gravity. These parameters may vary depending upon the end application of these particles for use in soil conditioning and nutrient delivery.

[0089] A batch of the particles whose parameters have been checked and confirmed are fed to the hopper of the apparatus. A typical apparatus comprises a main chamber connected to the hopper. The main chamber may be provided with a central shaft driven by a geared motor along with two side motors for enhancing the friction of the particles introduced in the main chamber. The main chamber can have a hydraulic release at the operative bottom for discharging the coated material.

[0090] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the material introduced in the main chamber is thermally charged for coating. For thermally charging, the shaft is fitted with vanes which displace the material introduced in the main chamber at speed ranging between 15 rpm to 50 rpm, so that the particles in the material rub against each other and this friction causes heat to generate typically in the range of 50 °C to 80 °C and also causes activation and charging of the particles in the material. Due to this process a static charge is built up on the surface of these particles in the material. Typically, the displacement of the particles is done for a time period ranging from 10 minutes to 30 minutes. During this process not only the particles are displaced angularly but they are also compacted with the side motors so that the displacement of the particles is always under pressure. Typically, the side motors which enable compaction of the particles during their displacement are run at speed ranging between 100 rpm to 200 rpm which results in side ramming of the particles towards the vanes of the rotating central shaft causing additional friction of the particles. This step ensures that all the particles in the material get appropriately and evenly charged and even random particles do not remain uncharged.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, after the charging step is complete, an additive is introduced to the main chamber. The additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine and nickel. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the additive is selected from the group consisting of micro / nano calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, micro / nano silica and micro / nano alumina. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the additive is selected from the group consisting of kaolin clay, gypsum, micro / nano quartz, binders, stabilizers, temperature regulating particles, dispersing agents, solubilizing agents, desiccants, hygroscopic agents, hydrophobic and hydrophilic agents. These additives are added depending upon the end result required and the application for which these soil conditioning agent, i.e., the additive coated particles are to be used.

[0092] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the ratio of the additive to the mass of the batch size of the particles for charging is in the range of 0.01 % to 5 %. After the additive is introduced, the central shaft and side motors continue to run for period of 25 minutes to 35 minutes at the same speeds. The resultant soil conditioning agent, i.e., additive coated particles have sizes in the range of 500 mesh to 1400 mesh, depending upon the end application. The size can be controlled by the size of the particles, the quantity of additive added, the speed at which the additive is added to the main chamber and the time period and speed for which the coating apparatus is run after the addition of the additive in the main chamber. In accordance with the present disclosure, the activated and charged substrate particles are evenly coated layer by layer in a controlled manner by the additive by the forces of attraction starting from Van der Waals forces to other attractive forces of static charge, so that each layer of the additive adheres to the activated particles of the substrate and the previously coated layer. The thickness of each layer of the additive which contains soil conditioning elements and micronutrients will depend upon the state of the soil and the particular plant or crop that needs to be planted in the soil. The thickness of the coat ranges from 5 p to 100 p and coats are applied sequentially on the top of each other depending upon the soil conditioning element or the micronutrient that is required to be introduced into the soil. A particular feature of present disclosure is the serial application of additive and their varying thicknesses over each other for use in soil conditioning and nutrient delivery. The treated and coated particles are now ready for use and are packed and stored fortheir end applications in moisture proof packing.

[0093] When applied to the soil, due to the presence of water in the soil, the coated layer by layer gets introduced into the soil in desired quantities and at predetermined points in times and intervals for conditioning the soil in a systematic manner and for uptake by the plants that are planted in the soil.

[0094] In the next step, an additive is incorporated to the ground particles in a predetermined mass ratio at the predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time period to obtain the soil conditioning agent.

[0095] In accordance with the present disclosure, the predetermined temperature is in the range of 50 °C to 80 °C. In an exemplary embodiment, the predetermined temperature is in the range of 55 °C to 70 °C.

[0096] In accordance with the present disclosure, the second predetermined time period is in the range of 10 minutes to 30 minutes. In an exemplary embodiment, the second predetermined time period is 20 minutes.

[0097] The shape, surface area, and selective delivery of nutrients in the soil are key factors in plant nutrient uptake. The soil conditioning agent, i.e., the additive coated particles of the present disclosure having a particle size in the range of 1 p to 5 p, a specific surface area in the range of 50 m2 / g to 100 m2 / g and a spherical form aids in increasing contact with plant roots by providing more nutrient exchange sites. This leads to enhanced nutrient retention and absorption by the plants. Further, the process of the process of the present disclosure uses lag particles which are ground / treated resulting in improved product and converts otherwise waste material into a useful and commercially valuable material and is therefore a green process, substantially reducing the carbon footprint and hence environmental friendly.

[0098] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment but are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0099] The present disclosure is further illustrated herein below with the help of the following experiments. The experiments used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of the ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the experiments should not be construed as limiting the scope of embodiments herein. These experiments can be scaled up to industrial / commercial scale and the results obtained can be extrapolated to industrial / commercial scale.

[0100] EXPERIMENTAL DETAILS:

[0101] Experiment 1: Preparation of a soil conditioning agent in accordance with the present disclosure

[0102] A predetermined amount of particles having a particle size in the range of 10 p to 100 p, and having a shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, conical, parabolic, rhomboidal, polyhedral, polygonal and cylindrical were obtained. The particles had irregular and non- uniform morphology. The so obtained particles were ground at a speed of 30 rpm (predetermined speed) for 40 minutes (first predetermined time period) to obtain ground particles (the temperature of ground particles reached to 55 °C to 70 °C). An additive was incorporated into the ground particles in a high shear mixer and mixed at a temperature in the range of 55 °C to 70 °C (predetermined temperature) for 20 minutes (second predetermined temperature) to obtain soil conditioning agent, i.e., the additive coated particles (Experiments 1 to 3). The additive coated particles obtained had uniform and spherical morphology. The size of the additive coated particles was in the range of 1 p to 5 p. A comparative Experiment (Experiment 4) was carried out in a similar manner except NOT adding the additives in the particles.

[0103] The details of the experiments are provided in Table 1.

[0104] Figure 1 illustrates the comparison of nutrient surface availability versus absorption efficiency in plants. The nutrients vary in bioavailability based on their surface presence and absorption efficiency. It is seen from Figure 1 that nitrogen (N), potassium (K), and sulfur (S) have high surface availability and hence are efficiently absorbed by plants. Calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) have moderate surface availability resulting in moderate adsorption by the plants. Nutrients, such as phosphorus (P), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) show low surface availability and poor absorption, despite being abundant in the soil.

[0105] The soil conditioning agent of the present disclosure having a particle size in the range of 1 p to 5 p and specific surface area in the range of 50 m2 / g to 100 m2 / g is capable of enhancing the dissolution and release of low-availability nutrients like phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn), thereby improving their bioavailability and uptake efficiency in plants.

[0106] Table 2 illustrates the variation in surface availability and absorption efficiency of different nutrients. It is seen from Table 2 that nitrogen and sulfur, present as fully dissolved ions, show high availability and uptake. The soil conditioning agent of the present disclosure helped in improving the delivery of nitrogen and sulfur ions by 10 % to 15 %. Further, potassium, calcium, and magnesium have moderate availability and absorption. The soil conditioning agent of the present disclosure improved the uptake of potassium, calcium, and magnesium by improving selective delivery and managing soil acidity and enhanced the efficiency by 5 % to 30 %. Still further, phosphorus and micronutrients have low absorption in the range of 5 % to 30 %. The soil conditioning agent of the present disclosure improves the uptake of these nutrients by 20 % to 30 %. Hence, it is seen from Table 2 that the soil conditioning agent of the present disclosure enhanced the nutrient availability and the absorption efficiency for all the nutrients and thereby improving the nutrient accessibility, and targeted delivery.

[0107] TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a soil conditioning agent that:

[0108] • has uniform shape and high surface area; • is capable of improving the availability of different minerals or soil nutrients; and

[0109] • has enhanced soil penetration capacity; and, a process for preparing a soil conditioning agent that:

[0110] • is simple, economic and easy to scale.

[0111] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0112] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveals the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

[0113] The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired object or results.

[0114] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application. The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher / lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary. While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A soil conditioning agent comprising additive coated particles, wherein said soil conditioning agent is characterized by having at least one of the following:• a particle size in the range of 1 p to 5 p; and• a specific surface area in the range of 50 m2 / g to 100 m2 / g.

2. The soil conditioning agent as claimed in claim 1, wherein said particles are selected from minerals and slag particles.

3. The soil conditioning agent as claimed in claim 2, wherein• said mineral is at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium, magnesium and silica; and• said slag particle is at least one selected from the group consisting of fly ash, ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), pond ash, mine ash and bottom ash.

4. The soil conditioning agent as claimed in claim 1, wherein said additive is at least one selected from the group consisting of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, chlorine and nickel.

5. The soil conditioning agent as claimed in claim 1, wherein a predetermined mass ratio of said additive to said particles is in the range of 1 : 1 to 1:99.

6. The soil conditioning agent as claimed in claim 1 is in a form selected from spherical form and conical form.

7. The soil conditioning agent as claimed in claim 1 is used for at least one of, improving soil structure, increasing water retention, enhancing nutrient holding capacity, adjustingsoil pH, promote microbial activity, improve root penetration and delivering nutrient to soil.

8. A process for the preparation of a soil conditioning agent, said process comprising the following steps: a. obtaining particles having predetermined characteristics; b. grinding said particles at a predetermined speed for a first predetermined time period to maintain a predetermined temperature during grinding to obtain ground particles; and c. incorporating an additive to said ground particles in a predetermined mass ratio at said predetermined temperature for a second predetermined time period to obtain said soil conditioning agent.

9. The process as claimed in claim 8, wherein• said predetermined characteristics of said particles have■ a particle size in the range of 10 p to 100 p; and■ at least one shape selected from the group consisting of spherical, conical, parabolic, rhomboidal, polyhedral, polygonal and cylindrical; and• a predetermined mass ratio of said additive to said particles is in the range of 1:9 to 1:99.

10. The process as claimed in claim 8, wherein• said predetermined speed is in the range of 15 rpm to 40 rpm;• said predetermined temperature is in the range of 50 °C to 80 °C;• said first predetermined time period is in the range of 30 minutes to 45 minutes; andsaid second predetermined time period is in the range of 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

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