Composition, seed composition, method for promoting plant growth, and method for soil improvement

Abstract

The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a composition, a seed composition, a method for promoting plant growth, and a method for soil improvement that are capable of promoting plant growth by combined use of a biosurfactant and a specific ion.　One aspect of the present disclosure is a composition comprising a biosurfactant and one or more ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, iron ions, manganese ions, calcium ions, ammonium ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and phosphate ions, wherein the mass ratio of the total concentration of the ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant in the composition is 0.070-10.

Description

Composition, Seed Composition, Method for Promoting Plant Growth, and Method for Improving Soil

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a composition, a seed composition, a method for promoting plant growth, and a method for improving soil.

[0002] Various studies have been conventionally conducted to efficiently grow plants (such as vegetables and fruit trees). For example, Patent Document 1 discloses the use of at least one lipopeptide as a plant vigor agent for plant growth.

[0003] Japanese Patent Translation of PCT International Publication No. 2020-504768

[0004] In Patent Document 1, no consideration has been given to the combined use of a lipopeptide and an ion.

[0005] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a composition, a seed composition, a method for promoting plant growth, and a method for improving soil, which can promote the growth of plants by using a biosurfactant and a specific ion in combination.

[0006] Aspects of the present disclosure are described as follows.

[0007] [1] A composition containing a biosurfactant and one or more ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, iron ions, manganese ions, calcium ions, ammonium ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and phosphate ions, wherein the mass ratio of the total concentration of the ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant in the composition is 0.070 to 10. [2] The composition according to [1], wherein the concentration of the biosurfactant in the composition is 0.00002% by mass to 50% by mass. [3] The composition according to [1] or [2], wherein the biosurfactant is surfactant. [4] The composition according to any one of [1] to [3], further comprising an additive. [5] The composition according to any one of [1] to [4], wherein the composition is a liquid. [6] The composition according to any one of [1] to [5], wherein the oil content in the composition is 1% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the composition. [7] The composition according to any one of [1] to [6], wherein the composition is an agricultural composition. [8] A seed composition comprising seeds, a biosurfactant, and one or more ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, iron ions, manganese ions, calcium ions, ammonium ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and phosphate ions, wherein the mass ratio of the total concentration of the ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant in the seed composition is 0.070 to 10. [9] The seed composition according to [8], wherein the biosurfactant is surfactant.

[10] A method for promoting plant growth, comprising applying a biosurfactant and one or more ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, iron ions, manganese ions, calcium ions, ammonium ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and phosphate ions to a plant, wherein the mass ratio of the total concentration of the ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant is 0.070 to 10.

[11] The method for promoting plant growth according to

[10] , wherein the concentration of the biosurfactant is 0.00002% by mass to 50% by mass.

[12] The method for promoting plant growth according to

[10] or

[11] , wherein the biosurfactant is surfactant.

[13] A soil improvement method comprising applying a biosurfactant and one or more ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, iron ions, manganese ions, calcium ions, ammonium ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and phosphate ions to soil, wherein the mass ratio of the total concentration of the ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant is 0.070 to 10.

[14] The soil improvement method according to

[13] , wherein the concentration of the biosurfactant is 0.00002% by mass to 50% by mass.

[15] The soil improvement method according to

[13] or

[14] , wherein the biosurfactant is surfactant. This specification includes the disclosures of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-170708, which forms the basis of the priority of this application.

[0008] The compositions, seed compositions, plant growth promotion methods, and soil improvement methods disclosed herein are capable of promoting plant growth.

[0009] The present invention will now be described in detail. The compositions of this disclosure contain a biosurfactant and specific ions. The compositions of this disclosure may further contain a herbicide. The seed compositions of this disclosure contain seeds, a biosurfactant and specific ions. The plant growth promoting method of this disclosure involves applying a biosurfactant and specific ions to a plant. The soil improvement method of this disclosure involves applying a biosurfactant and specific ions to soil. The compositions of this disclosure can be used as liquid compositions. In the compositions of this disclosure, the oil content may be 1% by mass or less of the total mass of the composition. In the compositions of this disclosure, the oil content may be 0.1% by mass or less of the total mass of the composition. Here, "oil" refers to any base component that constitutes the oil phase, which is used mainly as an oily component in cosmetics and determines the dosage form of cosmetics. Examples include hydrocarbon oils, ester oils, fats and oils, silicone oils, etc. Note that the oil does not include additives which will be described in detail below. The compositions of this disclosure can be used as agricultural compositions. The agricultural compositions disclosed herein can promote plant growth when applied to plants and can be used as plant growth promoting compositions. The agricultural compositions disclosed herein may be applied directly to plant seeds, leaves, stems, roots, etc., applied to soil, or added to water supplied to plants. The plant growth promoting method disclosed herein can promote plant growth by applying a biosurfactant and specific ions to plants. The plant growth promoting method disclosed herein may involve applying a biosurfactant and specific ions simultaneously, applying a biosurfactant followed by a specific ion, or applying a specific ion followed by a biosurfactant. The soil improvement method disclosed herein can improve soil quality by applying a biosurfactant and specific ions to soil, and plants can be suitably grown in soil with improved quality.The soil improvement method of this disclosure may involve applying a biosurfactant and specific ions simultaneously, applying a biosurfactant and then specific ions, or applying specific ions and then biosurfactant.

[0010] In this disclosure, promoting plant growth may mean promoting the initial growth of plants under conditions where environmental stress is present or present where environmental stress is absent, or it may mean increasing the final yield of plants.

[0011] Environmental stress refers to environmental factors that inhibit the growth of a plant. Environmental stress is non-biological stress related to environmental or physical factors, and does not include biological stress such as infection by pathogens. Specific examples of environmental stress include, but are not limited to, salt stress, low-temperature stress, high-temperature stress, drought stress, excessive moisture stress, and light stress. Salt stress refers to stress that occurs under environmental conditions where the salt concentration of the soil in which the plant is growing shifts beyond the optimal growth concentration towards the high-concentration side, but is not limited to this. Low-temperature stress refers to stress that occurs under environmental conditions where the temperature of the environment in which the plant is growing falls below the optimal growth temperature or below the low-temperature limit, but is not limited to this. High-temperature stress refers to stress that occurs under environmental conditions where the temperature of the environment in which the plant is growing exceeds the upper limit of the optimal growth temperature, but is not limited to this. Drought stress refers to stress that occurs when a plant becomes dehydrated due to drought, but is not limited to this. Waterlogging stress refers to, but is not limited to, the stress that occurs when the water content in the soil in which plants are growing exceeds the amount optimal for their growth, resulting in a state of excessive waterlogging. Light stress refers to, but is not limited to, the stress that occurs when the light intensity in the environment in which plants are growing exceeds the upper limit or falls below the lower limit of the optimal light intensity for their growth.

[0012] A state in which the initial growth of a plant is promoted usually means a state in which the growth of at least one of the above-ground and underground parts, or in one embodiment, both, is promoted. According to the inventors' research, many conventional plant growth-promoting compositions have been confirmed to promote the growth of either the above-ground or underground parts, and there has been a desire for compositions that promote the growth of both above-ground and underground parts. The agricultural composition of this disclosure is preferable because it can promote the growth of both above-ground and underground parts.

[0013] An increase in the final yield of a plant refers to a state in which the mass of any part of the plant harvested as a crop, or the mass of the plant itself, has increased. In the case of dent corn, for example, "any part" may refer to the mass of all above-ground parts, or it may refer only to the mass of the pistil. In the case of soybeans or wheat, for example, it refers only to the grain. In the case of an increase in the final yield of a plant, it is preferable that the mass of the fruit, seeds, leaves, or stems of the plant harvested as a crop increases.

[0014] <Plants> In this disclosure, plants are not particularly limited. In one embodiment, the plant is a crop plant. In one embodiment, the plant is an edible plant. Examples of crop plants include corn (maize), wheat, barley, rye, oats, rice, soybeans, canola (rapeseed), cotton, sunflower, sugar beet, potato, tobacco, broccoli, lettuce, cabbage, spinach, komatsuna, cauliflower, coconut, tomato, cucumber, eggplant, melon, pumpkin, okra, bell pepper, watermelon, carrot, radish, onion, leek, fruit trees, flowers, turf, pasture grass, etc. Also, in this disclosure, seeds are not particularly limited, and examples include the seeds of the aforementioned plants. The seed compositions of this disclosure include seeds.

[0015] <Biosurfactant> The compositions and seed compositions of this disclosure contain a biosurfactant. The plant growth promotion method and soil improvement method of this disclosure also use a biosurfactant. Examples of biosurfactants include at least one biosurfactant selected from the group consisting of peptide-type biosurfactants and sugar-type biosurfactants. The compositions of this disclosure may contain one biosurfactant alone or two or more biosurfactants. The methods of this disclosure may use one biosurfactant alone or two or more biosurfactants. Because the compositions of this disclosure contain a biosurfactant and specific ions, and because the methods of this disclosure use a biosurfactant and specific ions, plant growth can be promoted. This effect is not observed when synthetic surfactants are used.

[0016] Furthermore, in the agricultural compositions disclosed herein, it is preferable from the viewpoint of odor and food hygiene to use a biosurfactant that does not originate from Wickerhamomyces anomalus yeast.

[0017] Examples of peptide-type biosurfactants include lipopeptide biosurfactants. Lipopeptide biosurfactants are peptides that contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups, exhibiting surfactant activity, and are produced by microorganisms. Examples of lipopeptide biosurfactants include surfactant, aruthlofactin, ituline, phendisine, cerawettin, lykesin, viscosine, and their salts.

[0018] Examples of peptide-type biosurfactants include at least one peptide-type biosurfactant selected from the group consisting of surfactant and its salts. Surfactin and surfactant salts can be represented by the following general formula (1). One type of surfactant or two or more types of surfactant salts may be used.

[0019] [In formula (1), X represents a residue of an amino acid selected from the group consisting of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, R represents an alkyl group having 9 to 18 carbon atoms, and M ＋ each independently represents a hydrogen ion (H + ), an alkali metal ion, an ammonium ion, or a pyridinium ion. ]

[0020] Note that when M ＋ is a hydrogen ion, it means that CO ２ － (M ＋ ) is a carboxy group (COOH group). When two M ＋ are hydrogen ions, it is surfactin, and when at least one of M ＋ is an alkali metal ion, an ammonium ion, or a pyridinium ion, it means a salt of surfactin. The general formula of surfactin is shown in the following general formula (1').

[0021] [In formula (1'), X and R have the same meanings as in formula (1). ]

[0022] X is a residue of an amino acid selected from the group consisting of leucine, isoleucine, and valine, and it may be a residue of an L-form amino acid or a residue of a D-form amino acid. In one embodiment, X is a residue of an L-form amino acid.

[0023] R is an alkyl group having 9 to 18 carbon atoms, which is a linear or branched monovalent saturated hydrocarbon group having 9 or more and 18 or less carbon atoms. Examples of the alkyl group having 9 to 18 carbon atoms include n-nonyl group, 6-methyloctyl group, 7-methyloctyl group, n-decyl group, 8-methylnonyl group, n-undecyl group, 9-methyldecyl group, n-dodecyl group, 10-methylundecyl group, n-tridecyl group, 11-methyldodecyl group, n-tetradecyl group, n-pentadecyl group, n-hexadecyl group, n-heptadecyl group, n-octadecyl group, etc. In one embodiment, R is a 10-methylundecyl group.

[0024] M ＋ each independently represents a hydrogen ion (H ＋), alkali metal ions, ammonium ions, or pyridinium ions. Alkali metal ions are not particularly limited, but include lithium ions, sodium ions, potassium ions, etc. Ammonium ions are not particularly limited, but for example, N(R) １ ) ４ ＋ An example of an ammonium ion is represented by R. １ Each independently represents hydrogen or an organic group. As for the ammonium ion, R １ One preferred embodiment is a quaternary ammonium ion in which all atoms are organic groups. Examples of organic groups include alkyl groups, aralkyl groups, and aryl groups. Specifically, examples of alkyl groups include C1-C10 alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, and t-butyl; examples of aralkyl groups include C7-C12 aralkyl groups such as benzyl, methylbenzyl, and phenylethyl; and examples of aryl groups include C6-C15 aryl groups such as phenyl, toluyl, and xylyl. Examples of ammonium ions include tetramethylammonium ions and tetraethylammonium ions. The pyridinium ion is not particularly limited. In the pyridinium ion, the hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atoms constituting the pyridine ring may be substituted with organic groups. In addition, the pyridinium ion may include N atoms constituting the pyridine ring. ＋ The bond to it can be, for example, hydrogen or an organic group. The organic group that the pyridinium ion possesses is R. １ The organic groups mentioned in the explanation can be used as appropriate.

[0025] The two Ms present in general formula (1) ＋ These two Ms may be the same or different. ＋ For example, some M ＋ These are hydrogen ions, and some M ＋ One preferred embodiment is that M is an alkali metal ion. The alkali metal ion is not particularly limited, but represents lithium ions, sodium ions, potassium ions, etc. Note that the two M present in general formula (1)＋ However, if there are two or more ions, when we focus on one molecule (salt), there are two M ＋ These may be the same type of ion. ＋ When there are two types of ions, the ratio (molar ratio) of ion A to ion B is, for example, usually 1:10 to 10:1, in one embodiment 1:5 to 5:1, and in another embodiment 1:3 to 3:1. The two M present in general formula (1) ＋ Some of it is hydrogen ions, and some of it is sodium ions (Na ＋ Being one of the desirable characteristics is one of the characteristics.

[0026] Peptide-type biosurfactants, such as surfactant or surfactant salts, can be obtained by culturing a microorganism, such as a strain belonging to Bacillus subtilis, according to known methods, and isolating it from the culture medium. Refined products may be used, or unpurified products, such as the culture medium, may be used. Products obtained by chemical synthesis can also be used if they have the same molecular structure. Commercially available products can also be used.

[0027] Examples of glycoside biosurfactants include rhamnolipid, sophorolipid, mannosylerythritol lipid, cellobiose lipid, trehalose lipid, succinoyltrehalose lipid, glucose lipid, polyol lipid, oligosaccharide fatty acid esters, and salts thereof.

[0028] Examples of glycosphagnum biosurfactants include at least one glycosphagnum biosurfactant selected from the group consisting of rhamnolipid, sophorolipid, and salts thereof.

[0029] Glycosyl biosurfactants can be obtained according to known methods. Commercially available products can also be used.

[0030] As a biosurfactant, at least one biosurfactant selected from the group consisting of surfactant, rhamnolipid, sophorolipid, and salts thereof is one preferred embodiment. Furthermore, as a biosurfactant, at least one biosurfactant selected from the group consisting of surfactant and salts thereof is one particularly preferred embodiment.

[0031] <Specific Ions> The compositions and seed compositions of this disclosure contain specific ions. The plant growth promoting method and soil improvement method of this disclosure also use specific ions. The specific ions are one or more ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, iron ions, manganese ions, calcium ions, ammonium ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and phosphate ions. Here, the specific ions are the counterions of the biosurfactant mentioned above, for example, when the biosurfactant is surfactant, M ＋ It contains specific ions. An "ion" refers to an atom or molecule (group) that is charged due to an excess or deficiency of electrons. Ions typically include cations, anions, and zwitterions. Ions usually have a charge based on their valence, which allows them to exist stably as ions. For example, a sodium ion is a monovalent ion (Na). ＋ ) contains. Potassium ions are monovalent ions (K ＋ ) contains. Magnesium ions are divalent ions (Mg ２＋ ) contains. Iron ions are divalent ions (Fe ２＋ ) and trivalent ions (Fe ３＋ ) contains. Manganese ions are divalent ions (Mn ２＋ ), trivalent ions (Mn ３＋ ), tetravalent ions (Mn ４＋ ), hexavalent ion (Mn ６＋ For example, MnO ４ ２－ ) and heptavalent ions (Mn ７＋ For example, MnO ４ － ) contains. Calcium ions are divalent ions (Ca ２＋) contains. The ammonium ion is not particularly limited, but for example, N(R) １ ) ４ ＋ It contains ammonium ions represented by R. １ Each independently represents hydrogen or an organic group. As for the ammonium ion, R １ One preferred embodiment is a quaternary ammonium ion in which all atoms are organic groups. Examples of organic groups include alkyl groups, aralkyl groups, and aryl groups. Specifically, examples of alkyl groups include C1-C10 alkyl groups such as methyl, ethyl, n-propyl, isopropyl, n-butyl, and t-butyl; examples of aralkyl groups include C7-C12 aralkyl groups such as benzyl, methylbenzyl, and phenylethyl; and examples of aryl groups include C6-C15 aryl groups such as phenyl, toluyl, and xylyl. Examples of ammonium ions include tetramethylammonium ions and tetraethylammonium ions. The pyridinium ion is not particularly limited. In the pyridinium ion, the hydrogen atoms bonded to the carbon atoms constituting the pyridine ring may be substituted with organic groups. In addition, the pyridinium ion may include N atoms constituting the pyridine ring. ＋ The bond to it can be, for example, hydrogen or an organic group. The organic group that the pyridinium ion possesses is R. １ The organic groups mentioned in the explanation can be used as appropriate. The sulfate ion is a divalent sulfate ion (SO ４ ２－ ), monovalent hydrogen sulfate ions (HSO ４ － ), divalent sulfite ions (SO ３ ２－ ), monovalent bisulfite ions (HSO4 ３ － ) contains. Nitrate ions are monovalent nitrate ions (NO ３ － ), monovalent nitrite ion (NO ２ － Phosphate ions, including ), are trivalent phosphate ions (PO ４ ３－ ), divalent hydrogen phosphate ion (HPO ４２－ ), monovalent dihydrogen phosphate ion (H ２ PO ４ － ), trivalent phosphite ions (PO ３ ３－ ), divalent hydrogen phosphite ion (HPO ３ ２－ ), monovalent dihydrogen phosphite ion (H ２ PO ３ － ) contains. Ions usually exist as a salt of a specific ion and its counterion, or as a complex or complex salt containing the specific ion. The atoms constituting the counterion and the complex or complex salt are not limited, and the atoms constituting the counterion and the complex or complex salt may also contain other specific ions.

[0032] The compositions and seed compositions of this disclosure may contain other ions not included in the specific ions described above. Examples of other ions include ions of elements necessary for plant growth (for example, one or more selected from the group consisting of Cl, Mo, Co, B, Cu, and Zn).

[0033] <Additives> The compositions of this disclosure may optionally contain additives other than the biosurfactant and specific ions described above. The seed compositions of this disclosure may optionally contain additives other than the seeds, biosurfactant and specific ions described above. The plant growth promoting method and soil improvement method of this disclosure may optionally use additives other than the biosurfactant and specific ions.

[0034] The compositions of this disclosure may contain one or more additives. The methods of this disclosure may use one or more additives. Examples of additives include thickeners, dispersants, humectants, colorants, defoamers, UV protectants, antifreeze agents, preservatives, biological control agents or biocides, and herbicides (for example, phenoxy, bipyridinium, urea, sulfonylurea, fatty acid, acid amide, inorganic, triazine, triazole, nitrile, uracil, carbamate, aniline, organophosphorus, amino acid, and bio-based herbicides, specifically glyphosate, glyfosinate, and paraquat). Examples of additives include, but are not limited to, diquat, emulsifiers, fillers, scavengers, plasticizers, phospholipids, fluidizers, fusion aids, waxes, preservatives, fillers (e.g., clay, talc, glass fiber, cellulose, pulverized wood, etc.), plant growth regulators, functional fertilizer components (biostimulants), fungicides, insecticides, and / or elements necessary for plant growth (e.g., one or more selected from the group consisting of Cl, Mo, Co, B, Cu, and Zn). By further including additives, the composition of this disclosure can promote the absorption of the additive by plants and increase and improve the effect of the additive. In one embodiment, by further including a herbicide as an additive, the composition of this disclosure can improve the effect of the herbicide. Therefore, when the composition of this disclosure includes additives, the composition of this disclosure can be used as a composition for promoting and enhancing the effect of the additive. When the method of this disclosure uses additives, the method of this disclosure can be used as a method for promoting and enhancing the effect of the additive.

[0035] Further specific examples of herbicides include, for example, phenoxy acid herbicides (2,4-PA, MCPA, MCPB, MCPP, triclopyr, clomeprop, naproanilide, cyhalofop-butyl, fluadifop, quizalofop-ethyl, fluadifop-P), carbamate herbicides (IPC, fenmedifam, desmedifam, benthiocarb, orisobencarb, esprocarb, molinate, dimepiperate, pyributicarb), and acid amide herbicides (DCPA, alachlor, butachlor). , pretilachlor, metrachlor, dimethylnamide, tenylchlor, bromobutide, etobenzanide, diflufenican, mefenacet, napropamide, cafenstrol, propizamide, isoxaben, ashuram), urea herbicides (DCMU, linuron, siduron, dimuron, methyl dimuron, cumylon, carbyrate, isouron, tebuthiuron), sulfonium urea herbicides (bensulfuron methyl, ethoxysulfuron, pyrasulfuron ethyl, azimusul Fluorocarbon agents, halosulfuron-methyl agents, flazasulfuron agents, cinosulfuron agents, nicosulfuron agents, limsulfuron agents, thifensulfuron-methyl agents, imazosulfuron agents, metosulfuron-methyl agents, cyclosulfamuron agents, floraslam agents, trifloxysulfuron sodium salt agents), pyrimidyloxybenzoic acid herbicides (pyriminobac-methyl agents, bispyribac sodium salt agents), triazine herbicides (CAT agents, atrazine agents, simetryn agents, ametrine agents, promethrine agents, dimethametryn agents, cyanazine agents, triaziflam agents, metho Herbicides (including rivudine, metmitron), dianodine-based herbicides (Terbasil, flumasil, renacil, PAC, bentazon, tazomet), diazole-based herbicides (pyrazolate, pyrazoxifen, benzofenap), bipyridium-based herbicides (paraquat, diquat), dinitroaniline-based herbicides (trifluralin, veslodin, prodiamine, pendimethalin, oryzalin), aromatic carboxylic acid-based herbicides (MDBA, imazapyr, imazakine, imazakine ammonium salt, dithiopyr, TCTP),Imazamox ammonium salt), fatty acid herbicides (DPA, tetrapion), organophosphate herbicides (amiprophos-methyl, butamiphos, SAP, anirophos), amino acid herbicides (glyphosate, bialaphos, glufosinate), others (ioxynil, bifenox, DBN, DCBN, cethoxidim, cretoxidim, tepraloxidim, ACN, chlorphthalim, flumioxazine) Herbicides such as scinmethilin, carphetrazone ethyl, endotal disodium salt, benfresate, pentoxazone, pyraflufen ethyl, carbam, oxadiclomefone, indanophan, fentrazamide, benzobicyclon, butaphenacil, azaphenidine, pyrifthalide, fluthiaset-methyl, oxaziargyl, oxadiazone, and decyl alcohol can be used. Herbicides are typically used to suppress the growth of unwanted plants in agricultural land, etc., and by applying them together with (or included in) the composition of this embodiment, it becomes possible to suppress the growth of such plants with a smaller amount. This reduces the risk of soil contamination and suppression of crop growth due to herbicide residue in the soil.

[0036] Plant growth regulators are not particularly limited, but examples include ethylene agents, auxin agents (indolebutyrate, eticlozate, cloxifonac, dichlorprop, 1-naphthylacetamide, 4-CPA), auxin antagonists (maleic acid hydrazide), cytokinin agents (benzylaminopurine, forflorfenuron), gibberellins, dwarfing agents (inabenfide, uriconazole P, chlormecoat, paclobutrazol, flurprimidol, me Other agents that can be used include picort chloride, prohexadione calcium salt, trinexapac ethyl, daminozide, imazapyr, and others (isoprothiolane, oxine sulfate, cyanamide, choline, decyl alcohol, piperonyl butoxide, bendimethalin, MCPA, MCPB, NAC, quinoxaline / DEP, pyraflufen ethyl, prohydrojasmon, abscisic acid, chlorella extract, shiitake mushroom mycelium extract). Plant growth regulators are typically used in the cultivation of crops to increase yields, etc. By applying them together with (or included in) the composition of this embodiment, it becomes possible to obtain the desired effect with a smaller amount.

[0037] In this disclosure, "functional fertilizer" includes those classified as "biostimulants" and refers to those that enhance resistance to non-biological stress, thereby achieving increased yield and improved quality. More specifically, it refers to fertilizers containing components that have functions that affect plant growth, such as suppressing reactive oxygen species, improving plant photosynthetic capacity, promoting flowering and fruiting, controlling transpiration, regulating osmotic pressure, improving the rhizosphere environment, increasing root mass, and promoting establishment. Functional fertilizer components refer to components that possess these functions. Functional fertilizer components that can be used include peptides (e.g., glutathiones (oxidized glutathione, reduced glutathione), soybean peptides), amino acids (e.g., 5-aminolevulinic acid, glycine betaine, methionine), sugars (oligosaccharides (e.g., raffinose), trehalose, polysaccharides (e.g., alginic acid)), seaweed extracts, humic substances, organic acids, nucleic acids, plant extracts, microbial metabolites, etc. Functional fertilizers are usually used in the cultivation of crops, etc., with the aim of increasing yields. When applied together with (or included in) the composition of this embodiment, the desired effect can be obtained with a smaller amount.

[0038] The bactericides are not particularly limited, but examples include copper bactericides (organocopper agents, nonylphenolsulfonate copper agents, DBEDC agents), organosulfur bactericides (zineb agents, maneb agents, manzeb agents, ambam agents, polycarbamate agents, propineb agents, dilam agents, thiram agents, thiadiazine agents), organophosphorus bactericides (IBP agents, EDDP agents, triflofosmethyl agents, fosetyl agents), organochlorine agents (TPN agents), melanin biosynthesis inhibitors (fusalide agents, tricyclazole agents, pyroquilon agents, carpropamide agents), and benzimidazole bactericides (thiophanate-methyl agents, benomyl agents). (Antimicrobial agents, thiabenzol agents), dicarboxyimide fungicides (iprodione agents, procymidone agents), acid amide fungicides (mepronil agents, flutolanil agents, flametopyr agents, tifluzamide agents, metalaxyl agents, oxadixyl agents, fenhexamide agents, phenoxanil agents), sterol biosynthesis inhibitors (triadimefone agents, vitertanol agents, mycrobutanil agents, hexaconazole agents, tebuconazole agents, propiconazole agents, difenoconazole agents, ipconazole agents, imibenconazole agents, cyproconazole agents, triflumizole agents, prochloraz agents, pefura Zoate, phenalimol, pyrifenox, triforin, tetraconazole, oxpoconazole fumarate, fenbuconazole, simeconazole), methoxyacrylate fungicides (azoxystrobin, kresoximmethyl, metminostrobin, trifloxystrobin, famoxadone), anilinopyrimidine fungicides (mepanipyrim, cyprodinil, pyrimethanil), synthetic antibacterial agents (tecrophthalam, oxolinic acid), soil fungicides (fursulfamide, hydroxyisoxazole, eclomethamyl Zole preparations, dazomet preparations, chloreneb preparations, metasulfocarb preparations, methyl isothiocyanate preparations, D-D preparations, methyl bromide, chloropicrin preparations, carbams, sodium carbams), antibiotic fungicides (streptomycin preparations, oxytetracycline preparations, blastosidine S preparations, kasugamycin preparations, polyoxin preparations, validamycin preparations, mildiomycin preparations), natural fungicides (machine oil preparations, rapeseed oil preparations), probenazole preparations, isoprothiolan preparations, ferimzone preparations, diclomazine preparations, pencyclon preparations, fluorimide preparations, captan preparations, sulfenate preparations,Dithianone, quinoxaline, diflumetrim, fludioxonil, bentazole, acibenzolar-S-methyl, triazine, fluazinam, diethofencarb, cymoxanil, iminoctadine acetate, iminoclazine albesilate, propamocarb hydrochloride, dimethomorph, diclocimet, famoxadone, cyazofamide, cyflufenamide, thiadinil, etc. can be used. Fungicides are used to prevent infection of crops with pathogenic bacteria. By applying them together with (or included in) the composition of this embodiment, the desired effect can be obtained with a smaller amount.

[0039] Insecticides include organophosphate insecticides (CYAP, MPP, MEP, ECP, pyrimiphos-methyl, dianodine, quinalphos, isoxathion, pyridafenthion, chlorpyrifos-methyl, chlorpyrifos, malathion, PAP, dimethoate, ethylthiometon, phosalon, PMP, DMPT, prothiophos, sulprophos, profenophos, pyraclophos, DDVP, monoclotophos, BRP, CVMP, dimethylvinphos, CVP, propaphos, acephate, isofenphos, D EP agents, EPN agents, ethione agents), carbamate insecticides (NAC agents, MIPC agents, BPMC agents, PHC agents, XMC agents, ethiofencarb agents, carbosulfan agents, benfuracarb agents, flatiocarb agents, methomyl agents, oxamyl agents, thiodicarb agents, alanicarb agents), pyrethroid insecticides (allethrin agents, resmethrin agents, permethrin agents, cypermethrin agents, cyfluthrin agents, cyhalothrin agents, tralomethrin agents, fenpropathrin agents, bifenthrin agents, fenvalerate agents, esfenvalerate agents, flucitrinate agents, fluvalinate agents Insecticides (acrin, cycloprothrin, etofenprox, silafluofen, tefluthrin), nereistoxin insecticides (cartap, thiocyclam, bensultap), neonicotinoid insecticides (imidacloprid, acetamiprid, nitenpyram, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, dinotefuran, clothianidin), insect growth regulators (buprofezin, isoprothiolane, diflubenzuron, tiflubenzuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, flufenoxuron, chlorfluaz) (Lon, tebufenozide, chromafenozide, cyromazine, methoxyfenozide, pyriproxyfen), natural insecticides (pyrrhizum, deris, nicotine sulfate, machine oil, rapeseed oil, starch, fatty acid glycerides, diatomaceous earth), acaricides (Kelthane, phenisobromolate, tetradiphon, BPPS, quinoxaline, amitraz, phenothiocarb, hexythiazox, fenbutatin oxide, dienochlor, fenpyroximate, tebufenpyrad, fluazinam, pyridaben, pyrimidife,Clofendecine, etoxazole, halfenprox, milbemectin, bialaphos, acekinosyl, bifenazate, propylene glycol monofatty acid ester, fluacrypyrim, spirofuclofen), nematicides (D-D, DCIP, methyl isothiocyanate, dazomet, benomyl, fostiazate, oxamyl, pyraclophos, carbam, carbam sodium salt, kazusaphos), pine wood nematode control agents (pinene oil, carbam, carbam sodium salt, ME P-agents, MPP-agents, pyridafenthion-agents, prothiophos-agents, malathion-agents, NAC-agents, acetamiprid-agents, thiacloprid-agents, mesulfenphos-agents, morantel-agents, rebamizole-hydrochloride-agents, nemadectin-agents, emamectin-benzoic acid-agents, milbemectin-agents), slug control agents (metaldehyde-agents), benzoepins-agents, fibronil-agents, chlorfenavir-agents, diafenthiuron-agents, pyrometrozine-agents, emamectin-benzoic acid-agents, sodium oleate-agents, DBEDC-agents, indoxacarb-agents, tolfenpyrad-agents, etc. can be used. Insecticides are used to prevent pest damage to crops, etc. By applying them together with (or included in) the composition of this embodiment, it is possible to obtain the desired effect with a smaller amount.

[0040] <Composition> The composition of the present disclosure comprises a biosurfactant and specific ions as described above.

[0041] The concentration of the biosurfactant in the compositions of this disclosure is not limited. Here, the concentration of the biosurfactant means the concentration of the biosurfactant ion without counterions, where the biosurfactant may also exist as a salt. Here, a counterion means an ion that cancels out the charge of an ion that constitutes the main part of the biosurfactant. The concentration of the biosurfactant in the composition of this disclosure is typically 0.00002% by mass or more, in one embodiment 0.00020% by mass or more, in one embodiment 0.0020% by mass or more, in one embodiment 0.0050% by mass or more, in one embodiment 0.010% by mass or more, in one embodiment 0.020% by mass or more, in one embodiment 0.035% by mass or more, in one embodiment 0.050% by mass or more, and typically 50% by mass or less, in one embodiment 40% by mass or less, in one embodiment 30% by mass or less, in one embodiment 20% by mass or less, in one embodiment 10% by mass or less, in one embodiment 5.0% by mass or less, in one embodiment 1.0% by mass or less, in one embodiment 0.50% by mass or less, and in one embodiment 0.10% by mass or less, based on the total mass of the composition. The concentration of the biosurfactant in the composition of this disclosure can be calculated depending on the amount of biosurfactant added during the production of the composition. Alternatively, the concentration of the biosurfactant in the composition of this disclosure can be calculated, for example, by measuring the amount of biosurfactant in the composition using high-performance liquid chromatography. For example, if the biosurfactant is surfactant, the amount of surfactant in the culture medium or composition can be quantified by the following method. When quantifying surfactant contained in the culture medium, the supernatant obtained by centrifugation of the culture medium is used as the analytical sample.

[0042] Analytical method: HPLC method Sample volume: 20 μl Column: ODS-2, 4.6 mm × 250 mm (e.g., GL Sciences) Column temperature: 40°C Eluent: 80 v / v% acetonitrile, 3.8 mM trifluoroacetic acid Flow rate: 1.5 ml / min Detector: UV detector Wavelength: 205 nm Note that quantitative analysis can be performed by creating a calibration curve using a standard sample of surfactin (e.g., Sigma-Aldrich).

[0043] The concentration of the specific ions in the compositions of this disclosure is not limited. The total concentration of the specific ions in the compositions of this disclosure is usually 0.014 ppm or more, in one embodiment 0.14 ppm or more, in one embodiment 1.4 ppm or more, in one embodiment 14 ppm or more, in one embodiment 24 ppm or more, and usually 10,000,000 ppm or less, in one embodiment 5,000,000 ppm or less, in one embodiment 4,000,000 ppm or less, and in one embodiment 3,000,000 ppm or less. Here, "ppm" is an abbreviation for "parts per million", and 1 ppm corresponds to 0.0001% by mass of the total mass of the composition. The concentration of each ion in the specific ions is not limited. For example, the concentration of sodium ions in the compositions of the present disclosure is typically 0.014 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 0.14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 1.4 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 24 ppm or higher, and typically 5,000,000 ppm or less, in one embodiment 4,000,000 ppm or less, and in one embodiment 3,000,000 ppm or less. The concentration of magnesium ions in the compositions of the present disclosure is typically 0.014 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 0.14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 1.4 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 24 ppm or higher, and typically 5,000,000 ppm or less, in one embodiment 4,000,000 ppm or less, and in one embodiment 3,000,000 ppm or less. The concentration of iron ions in the compositions of this disclosure is typically 0.014 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 0.14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 1.4 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 24 ppm or higher, and typically 5,000,000 ppm or less, in one embodiment 4,000,000 ppm or less, and in one embodiment 3,000,000 ppm or less.The concentration of manganese ions in the compositions of this disclosure is typically 0.014 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 0.14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 1.4 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 24 ppm or higher, and typically 5,000,000 ppm or less, in one embodiment 4,000,000 ppm or less, and in one embodiment 3,000,000 ppm or less. The concentration of calcium ions in the compositions of this disclosure is typically 0.014 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 0.14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 1.4 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 24 ppm or higher, and typically 5,000,000 ppm or less, in one embodiment 4,000,000 ppm or less, and in one embodiment 3,000,000 ppm or less. The concentration of ammonium ions in the compositions of this disclosure is typically 0.014 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 0.14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 1.4 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 24 ppm or higher, and typically 5,000,000 ppm or less, in one embodiment 4,000,000 ppm or less, and in one embodiment 3,000,000 ppm or less. The concentration of sulfate ions in the compositions of this disclosure is typically 0.014 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 0.14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 1.4 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 14 ppm or higher, in one embodiment 24 ppm or higher, and typically 5,000,000 ppm or less, in one embodiment 4,000,000 ppm or less, and in one embodiment 3,000,000 ppm or less. The concentration of nitrate ions in the compositions of this disclosure is typically 0.014 ppm or higher, 0.14 ppm or higher in one embodiment, 1.4 ppm or higher in one embodiment, 14 ppm or higher in one embodiment, 24 ppm or higher in one embodiment, and typically 5,000,000 ppm or less, 4,000,000 ppm or less in one embodiment, and 3,000,000 ppm or less in one embodiment.The concentration of phosphate ions in the compositions of this disclosure is typically 0.014 ppm or higher, 0.14 ppm or higher in one embodiment, 1.4 ppm or higher in one embodiment, 14 ppm or higher in one embodiment, 24 ppm or higher in one embodiment, and typically 5,000,000 ppm or less, 4,000,000 ppm or less in one embodiment, and 3,000,000 ppm or less in one embodiment. The concentration of the particular ion in the compositions of this disclosure can be calculated depending on the amount of the particular ion added during the production of the composition, for example, raw materials containing the particular ion, such as salts, complex salts, and / or complexes. Alternatively, the concentration of the particular ion in the compositions of this disclosure can be calculated, for example, by measuring the ion content of the composition using ion chromatography.

[0044] The compositions of this disclosure have a mass ratio of the total concentration of the specific ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant in the composition (total concentration of specific ions / concentration of biosurfactant) of 0.070 or more, 0.080 or more in one embodiment, 0.082 or more in one embodiment, 0.085 or more in one embodiment, 0.10 or more and 10 or less in one embodiment, 9 or less in one embodiment, and 8 or less in one embodiment. As stated above, the concentration of the biosurfactant means the concentration of the biosurfactant ions that do not include counterions, in the case of a biosurfactant that can also exist as a salt.

[0045] The compositions of this disclosure may contain additives in addition to biosurfactants and specific ions. The concentration of the additives can be changed depending on the type of additive, etc., and is not limited. Seed compositions can be obtained by coating plant seeds with the compositions of this disclosure, for example, agricultural compositions.

[0046] The form of the compositions disclosed herein is not limited. Examples of the forms of the compositions disclosed herein include liquids, suspensions, pastes, or solids, with liquids being one preferred embodiment. The compositions disclosed herein are particularly suitable for use as agricultural compositions, but can also be used, for example, as cosmetic compositions or cleaning compositions.

[0047] There are no particular limitations on the method for producing the compositions of this disclosure, but for example, one method is to prepare a liquid composition by dissolving or dispersing the components constituting the compositions of this disclosure, namely biosurfactants and specific ions, such as raw materials containing specific ions, such as salts, complex salts, and / or complexes, and optionally used additives, in water or the like. Examples of solvents used when preparing the liquid composition include water, organic solvents (e.g., methyl ether, ethyl ether, propyl ether, butyl ether), and mixed solvents of water and organic solvents, with water being one preferred embodiment. By adjusting the amount of solvent in the liquid composition, a suspension, paste, or solid composition can be prepared. The amount of solvent can be adjusted, for example, by changing the amount of solvent added or by removing the added solvent by evaporation.

[0048] When preparing an agricultural composition for coating plant seeds, the amount of water used can be adjusted according to the water absorption capacity of the target seed. For example, for seeds with low water absorption (e.g., corn, soybeans, wheat, etc.), the amount of water can be adjusted so that 8 to 10 liters of the agricultural composition are used per ton of seeds to prepare an agricultural composition for coating seeds with low water absorption. For example, for seeds with moderate water absorption (e.g., barley, rice, oilseed rapeseed, oats, etc.), the amount of water can be adjusted so that 10 to 12 liters of the agricultural composition are used per ton of seeds to prepare an agricultural composition for coating seeds with moderate water absorption. For example, for seeds with high water absorption (e.g., sugar beets, spinach, etc.), the amount of water can be adjusted so that 12 to 150 liters of the agricultural composition are used per ton of seeds to prepare an agricultural composition for coating seeds with high water absorption. The agricultural composition prepared in this way can be used to coat the target seed. Seeds coated with the aforementioned agricultural composition can then be used as a seed composition by drying them as needed.

[0049] As described above, the compositions of this disclosure can be used even in environments in which plants may be subjected to environmental stress.

[0050] <Seed Composition> The seed composition of this disclosure comprises seeds, a biosurfactant, and specific ions as described above. The seed composition of this disclosure comprises a biosurfactant and specific ions, and may also contain additives. In the seed composition of this disclosure, these components may be present on the surface of the seed, or they may be present inside the seed by penetration into the seed, or some may be present on the surface of the seed and some may be present inside the seed.

[0051] The seed composition of this disclosure is provided with 0.25 × 10 units of the biosurfactant per 100% by mass of the seeds. －４ Mass%~2.0×10 －２ It may contain mass%, 0.3 × 10 －４ Mass%~1.5×10 －２ It may contain mass%, 0.35 × 10 －４ Mass%~1.3×10 －２ It may contain mass%, 0.4 × 10 －４ Mass%~1.1×10 －２ It may contain mass%.

[0052] The seed composition of this disclosure has a mass ratio of the total concentration of the specific ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant in the seed composition (total concentration of specific ions / concentration of biosurfactant) of 0.070 or more, 0.080 or more in one embodiment, 0.082 or more in one embodiment, 0.085 or more in one embodiment, 0.10 or more and 10 or less in one embodiment, 9 or less in one embodiment, and 8 or less in one embodiment. As stated above, the concentration of the biosurfactant means the concentration of the biosurfactant ions that do not contain counterions, in the case of a biosurfactant that can also exist as a salt.

[0053] There are no particular limitations on the method for producing the seed composition of this disclosure, but for example, one method is to prepare the above-mentioned agricultural composition as a liquid agricultural composition (coating solution) and then coat the surface of the seeds with the coating solution to prepare the seed composition. Alternatively, the seed composition may be prepared by separately coating the seeds with the above-mentioned biosurfactant and specific ions.

[0054] As described above, the seed composition of this disclosure can be used even in environments in which the seed composition and / or plants may be subjected to environmental stress.

[0055] <Method for promoting plant growth> The method for promoting plant growth described herein involves applying a biosurfactant and specific ions to plants as described above. There are no particular restrictions on the method of applying the biosurfactant and specific ions to plants; it may be done by preparing the aforementioned agricultural composition and applying the composition to the plants. Alternatively, the biosurfactant and specific ions may be applied to the plants separately. When applying to plants, it may be applied directly to the seeds, leaves, stems, roots, etc., applied to the soil, or added to the water supplied to the plants.

[0056] The plant growth promotion method of this disclosure is characterized in that the mass ratio of the total concentration of the specific ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant applied to the plant (total concentration of specific ions / concentration of biosurfactant) is 0.070 or higher, 0.080 or higher in one embodiment, 0.082 or higher in one embodiment, 0.085 or higher in one embodiment, 0.10 or higher and 10 or less in one embodiment, 9 or less in one embodiment, and 8 or less in one embodiment. As stated above, the concentration of the biosurfactant refers to the concentration of the biosurfactant ions that do not contain counterions, in the case of a biosurfactant that can also exist as a salt.

[0057] For example, when applying the composition as a foliar spray in the plant growth promotion method of this disclosure, a composition for foliar spraying can be prepared by appropriately diluting the composition, and foliar spraying can be carried out using said composition.

[0058] As described above, the plant growth promotion method described herein can be implemented even in environments where plants may be subjected to environmental stress.

[0059] <Soil Improvement Method> The soil improvement method of this disclosure involves applying a biosurfactant and specific ions to the soil as described above. There are no particular restrictions on the method of applying the biosurfactant and specific ions to the soil; it may be done by preparing the aforementioned composition and applying the composition to the soil. Alternatively, it may be done by applying the biosurfactant and specific ions to the soil separately.

[0060] The soil improvement method of this disclosure has a mass ratio of the total concentration of the specific ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant applied to the soil (total concentration of specific ions / concentration of biosurfactant) of 0.070 or more, 0.080 or more in one embodiment, 0.082 or more in one embodiment, 0.085 or more in one embodiment, 0.10 or more and 10 or less in one embodiment, 9 or less in one embodiment, and 8 or less in one embodiment. As stated above, the concentration of the biosurfactant means the concentration of the biosurfactant ions that do not contain counterions, in the case of a biosurfactant that can also exist as a salt.

[0061] For example, when implementing the soil improvement described herein, a soil improvement composition can be prepared by appropriately diluting the composition described above, and the soil can be improved by applying the composition to the soil.

[0062] As described above, the soil improvement method described herein can be implemented even under environmental stress.

[0063] The compositions, seed compositions, plant growth promoting methods, and soil improvement methods of this disclosure enable the promotion of plant growth. Furthermore, the compositions, seed compositions, plant growth promoting methods, and soil improvement methods of this disclosure have the effect of promoting penetration into plants or soil. Here, in this disclosure, promoting penetration means promoting the penetration of biosurfactant into soil or plants, or promoting the penetration of additives that are in close proximity to the biosurfactant. By promoting the penetration of biosurfactant, the effect of additives that are in close proximity to the biosurfactant can be increased, for example, if the additive is a herbicide, the herbicidal effect can be increased. As one embodiment of this disclosure, a weed control method with an increased herbicidal effect is illustrated below.

[0064] <Weed Control Method> This disclosure also relates to a method for controlling unwanted plants (e.g., weeds). The weed control method involves applying a biosurfactant, specific ions, and herbicides to the unwanted plants as described above. There are no particular restrictions on the method of applying the biosurfactant, specific ions, and herbicides to the unwanted plants. A weed control composition may be prepared by adding an herbicide as an essential component to the aforementioned composition, and this composition may be applied to the unwanted plants. Alternatively, the biosurfactant, specific ions, and herbicides may be applied separately to the unwanted plants. When applying to unwanted plants, the materials may be applied directly to the seeds, leaves, stems, roots, etc. of the unwanted plants, applied to the soil, or added to the water provided to the plants to be grown.

[0065] The weed control method of this disclosure is characterized in that the mass ratio of the total concentration of the specific ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant applied to unwanted plants (total concentration of specific ions / concentration of biosurfactant) is 0.070 or higher, 0.080 or higher in one embodiment, 0.082 or higher in one embodiment, 0.085 or higher in one embodiment, 0.10 or higher and 10 or less in one embodiment, 9 or less in one embodiment, and 8 or less in one embodiment. As stated above, the concentration of the biosurfactant refers to the concentration of the biosurfactant ions that do not contain counterions, in the case of a biosurfactant that can also exist as a salt.

[0066] For example, when implementing the weed control method of this disclosure, a diluted composition can be prepared by appropriately diluting the herbicide composition described above, and weed control can be performed in the soil by applying the composition to the soil. Alternatively, when the weed control method of this disclosure involves foliar application of the herbicide composition, a composition for foliar application can be prepared by appropriately diluting the herbicide composition, and foliar application can be performed using the composition.

[0067] As described above, the weed control method described herein can be implemented even under environmental stress.

[0068] The weed control method disclosed herein can promote the absorption of herbicides by plants that do not require them, thereby improving the effectiveness of the herbicide. Therefore, the weed control method disclosed herein allows for a reduction in the amount of herbicide used, thereby reducing the risk of soil contamination and inhibiting crop growth due to residual herbicide in the soil.

[0069] The present disclosure will be explained below with reference to examples, but the present disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0070] In this embodiment, "SF" refers to Surfactin Na (product name Kaneka Surfactin, manufactured by Kaneka).

[0071] [Experimental Example 1: Soil Permeability Confirmation Experiment] As shown in the following table, liquid compositions for each treatment section were prepared, and the permeability to water-repellent soil made by processing silica sand was observed. The SF concentration indicates the concentration of surfactant not containing Na, which was measured by high performance liquid chromatography, and each ion concentration was measured by ion chromatography.

[0072] The permeability was determined by dropping 150 μL of the liquid composition for each treatment section onto the surface of the water-repellent soil and observing the state after 150 seconds.

[0073] Further, as a result of the degree of penetration, those that did not penetrate at all into the water-repellent soil (where wetting of the water-repellent soil could not be confirmed) were taken as 0%, and those in which the liquid composition on the surface of the water-repellent soil completely penetrated into the water-repellent soil and disappeared on the surface (where reflection of light by the droplets of the liquid composition could not be confirmed) were taken as 100%, and judged visually.

[0074] (1) Influence of sodium ion (Na ＋ ) and sulfate ion (SO ４ ２－ )

[0075]

[0076] From the results in Table 1, it was found that as the sulfate ion concentration increased, that is, as the mass ratio of the total ion concentration of specific ions to the SF concentration increased, the degree of penetration also increased.

[0077] (2) Influence of sodium ion (Na ＋ ) and nitrate ion (NO ３ － )

[0078]

[0079] From the results in Table 2, it was found that as the concentrations of sodium ion and nitrate ion increased, that is, as the mass ratio of the total ion concentration of specific ions to the SF concentration increased, the degree of penetration also increased.

[0080] (3) Sodium ion (Na ＋ ), nitrate ion (NO ３ －) and ammonium ions (NH ４ ＋ ) Impact

[0081]

[0082] The results in Table 3 show that as the concentrations of sodium and ammonium ions increase, that is, as the mass ratio of the total ion concentration of a particular ion to the SF concentration increases, the degree of permeation also increases.

[0083] Furthermore, the results in Tables 1-3 show that when the mass ratio of the total ion concentration of a specific ion to the SF concentration is 0.070 or higher, the degree of penetration increases.

[0084] (4) Effects of high concentrations of specific ions

[0085]

[0086] Table 4 shows that as the total ion concentration of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, ammonium ions, sulfate ions, and phosphate ions increases, that is, as the mass ratio of the total ion concentration of a particular ion to the SF concentration increases, the degree of penetration also increases. Furthermore, Table 4 shows that even when the mass ratio reached 3.3, there was no change in the effect on the degree of penetration.

[0087] [Experimental Example 2: Experiment to Confirm the Effect on Rhizobia] As shown below, liquid compositions for each treatment group were prepared and irrigated onto sown soybeans (variety: Fukuyutaka). Cultivation was carried out in an environmentally controlled greenhouse (daytime: 28°C / approximately 14 hours, nighttime: 18°C / approximately 10 hours) under normal conditions (under conditions with sufficient irrigation) or drought stress conditions (under conditions with reduced irrigation frequency). Six weeks after sowing, the number of root nodules, root nodule weight, above-ground dry weight, and underground dry weight were measured for soybeans grown under each condition. The results are shown in Tables 5 and 6.

[0088]

[0089]

[0090] Tables 5 and 6 show that drenching soybeans with a liquid composition containing specific ions along with SF resulted in better growth effects in terms of nodule count, nodule weight, above-ground dry weight, and underground dry weight compared to Control or SF alone.

[0091] [Experiment Example 3: Herbicide Efficacy Confirmation Experiment] As shown below, liquid compositions were prepared for each treatment area, sprayed onto the grass, and photographs were taken three weeks later. Image analysis of the photographic data was performed using ImageJ to calculate the area of ​​withered parts (brown) and non-withered parts (green). The results are shown in Table 7.

[0092]

[0093] Table 7 shows that treating weeds with a liquid composition containing specific ions along with herbicides and SF increased the brown area of ​​the leaves compared to herbicides alone and herbicides + SF, indicating that the effectiveness of the herbicide can be improved.

[0094] The upper and / or lower limits of the numerical ranges described herein can be arbitrarily combined to define a preferred range. For example, the upper and lower limits of a numerical range can be arbitrarily combined to define a preferred range, the upper limits of a numerical range can be arbitrarily combined to define a preferred range, and the lower limits of a numerical range can be arbitrarily combined to define a preferred range. Furthermore, in this application, a numerical range represented using the symbol "~" includes the numerical values ​​written before and after the symbol "~" as the lower and upper limits, respectively.

[0095] Although the present disclosure has been described in detail above, the specific configuration is not limited to these embodiments, and any design changes that do not depart from the gist of the present disclosure are also included in this disclosure.

[0096] All publications, patents, and patent applications cited herein shall be incorporated herein by direct reference.

Claims

1. A composition containing a biosurfactant and one or more ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, iron ions, manganese ions, calcium ions, ammonium ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and phosphate ions, wherein the mass ratio of the total concentration of the ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant in the composition is 0.070 to 10.

2. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the concentration of the biosurfactant in the composition is 0.00002% by mass to 50% by mass.

3. The composition according to claim 2, wherein the biosurfactant is surfactant.

4. The composition according to claim 3, further comprising an additive.

5. The composition according to claim 3, wherein the composition is a liquid.

6. The composition according to claim 1, wherein the oil content in the composition is 1% by mass or less with respect to the total mass of the composition.

7. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the composition is an agricultural composition.

8. A seed composition comprising seeds, a biosurfactant, and one or more ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, iron ions, manganese ions, calcium ions, ammonium ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and phosphate ions, wherein the mass ratio of the total concentration of the ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant in the seed composition is 0.070 to 10.

9. The seed composition according to claim 8, wherein the biosurfactant is surfactant.

10. A method for promoting plant growth, comprising applying a biosurfactant and one or more ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, iron ions, manganese ions, calcium ions, ammonium ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and phosphate ions to a plant, wherein the mass ratio of the total concentration of the ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant is 0.070 to 10.

11. The method for promoting plant growth according to claim 10, wherein the concentration of the biosurfactant is 0.00002% by mass to 50% by mass.

12. The method for promoting plant growth according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the biosurfactant is surfactant.

13. A soil improvement method comprising applying a biosurfactant and one or more ions selected from the group consisting of sodium ions, potassium ions, magnesium ions, iron ions, manganese ions, calcium ions, ammonium ions, sulfate ions, nitrate ions, and phosphate ions to soil, wherein the mass ratio of the total concentration of the ions to the concentration of the biosurfactant is 0.070 to 10.

14. The soil improvement method according to claim 13, wherein the concentration of the biosurfactant is 0.00002% by mass to 50% by mass.

15. The soil improvement method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the biosurfactant is surfactant.

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