A soil rejuvenation device and a method thereof

Abstract

This invention is related to the soil rejuvenation device Specifically, the present invention is an electrical-discharge -based soil-processing technique for soil rejuvenation. The invention discloses a device performing a high voltage electrical breakdown of the air (N2, O2, H2O, CO2, Ar) leading to gaseous discharge and formation of plasma with active species such as N+ 2 + O2 - + O3 - + H2O2 + NH + N + N+ + NH+ + OH- + HO2 + + O- + NO+ + H+, COO-, CO etc. that are supplied to soil replenishing the degraded chemicals such as Nitrogen, Carbon and Hydrogen improving soil's physical and chemical properties for corp cultivation.

Description

[0001] A SOIL REJUVENATION DEVICE AND A METHOD THEREOF

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention is related to the soil rejuvenation device Specifically, the present invention is an electrical -discharge -based soil-processing technique for soil rejuvenation.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The most of available land for agriculture is cultivated only once in the year. However, to meet the growing demand for food and biofuel production necessitates multiple crop cultivation in the available land and the expansion of the cultivable land. It necessitates use of chemical fertilizers to improve soil fertility and productivity. Nitrogenous fertilizers are widely used to replenish nitrogen levels in soils, supporting the cultivation of crops on newly developed or underutilized land. The intensive usage in agriculture causes many health problems and unrecoverable environmental pollution. Excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers causes leaching that could result in severe pollution (air, water), global climate change (i.e., ozone depletion in the stratosphere), compromised water quality in surface and groundwater, contamination of biodiversity loss, and acidification in terrestrial ecosystems. Nitrogen fertilizers increase soil acidity and lead to the development of infertile soils that do not respond well to crop yields with further application of nitrogen fertilizers, thereby resulting in inefficient use of fertilizers. The intense application of these fertilizers also affected the health of humans and livestock. Their overuse can lead to an imbalance of soil nutrients, depleting other essential nutrients like potassium and phosphorus. Agricultural chemicals have contaminated ground and surface waters, harmed fish and wildlife, and greatly increased agricultural dependence on fossil fuel resources. Thus, there is a need to evolve an alternative method by which we can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers.

[0006] Nitrogen fixation in soil and photosynthesis in the leaf is the basis of plant life and consequently all life on the Earth. However, no plant fixes its own nitrogen. Few unique species of plants fix nitrogen via symbiotic anaerobic microorganisms in the soil.

[0007] The nitrogen element is an indispensable element for plant growth, and soil nitrogen fixation has important significance for ensuring normal growth of crops, improving grain yield and ensuring grain safety. The existing soil nitrogen fixation technologies are mainly divided into two types, one type is microorganism nitrogen fixation, nitrogen in the atmosphere is fixed by using nitrogen fixing bacteria to provide an organic nitrogen source for plant production, for example, the method of fixing nitrogen in soil by using waste fungus culture medium and combining nitrogen fixing bacteria as described in CN109824404A has low conversion rate and large consumption of raw material resources, and cannot be popularized and used on a large scale. Soil improvement and nitrogen fixation were carried out by making a soil improvement composition as disclosed in CN 105482826A. However, the soil improvement composition has various raw materials and complex process. The other method is to utilize low-temperature plasma to fix nitrogen in soil, for example, the method disclosed in CN110972590A utilizes low-temperature plasma technology to realize soil propulsion type in- situ nitrogen fixation, the method firstly prepares activated water in a liquid phase to realize nitrogen fixation, and then introduces tail gas after reaction into soil to carry out gas phase nitrogen fixation, the method has the advantages that the gas flow required for preparing the activated water through jet flow is large, the loss problem of nitride exists in the soil after secondary reaction through a conveying device, and meanwhile, the device is large in size and difficult to transport due to the fact that screw propulsion is required.

[0008] The possibility of genetic engineering major crops to adapt a capability to symbiosis with microbes or by introducing nitrogenase directly into the plant, was proposed in 1970s, however, no experimental breakthrough reported yet owing to the complexity of the nature of the biological nitrogen fixation process. The present invention relates to generation of active nitrogenous using electrical breakdown of gas supplied to soil leading to enhancement of microbe’s population and thus resulting in rapid augmentation of symbiotic process of fixation of nitrogen in the soil enhancing its fertility.

[0009] The production of nitrogenous fertilizers primarily based on ammonia synthesis is based on the fundamental research work of Fritz Haber, Carl Bosch. The chemical reaction is expressed as 3H2+ N22NH3

[0010] A hydrogen-nitrogen mixture reacts on the iron catalyst at elevated temperature in the range 400-500 °C, operating pressures above 100 bar, and the unconverted part of the synthesis gas is recirculated after removal of the ammonia formed and supplemented with fresh synthesis gas to compensate for the amount of nitrogen and hydrogen converted to ammonia. Though progress made in mechanical and chemical engineering and increased theoretical knowledge have led to improvements in efficiency, converter design and energy recovery in the synthesis section, but really dramatic changes happened over the years in the technology of synthesis gas generation

[0011] The present technology has some major limitations as the natural gas is the main feedstock for ammonia production and the energy consumption is quite high ~ 28 GJ / t of NH3 of the natural gas-based steam reforming ammonia process. This necessitate to revisit the natural process of nitrogen fixation. Annually, approximately 2.5* 1011kg NH3 are fixed from the atmosphere by biological nitrogen fixation (by legumes and cyanobacteria) approximately 8x 1010kg NH3 are manufactured by ammonia industry. Lightning worldwide may also contribute approximately 1 x IO10kg NHs / year. Currently, approximately 2 tons of industrially-fixed nitrogen are needed as fertilizer for crop production to equal the effects of 1 ton of nitrogen biologically-fixed by legume crops. Therefore, biologically-fixed nitrogen influences the global nitrogen cycle substantially less than industrially-fixed nitrogen.

[0012] The invention aims to provide an economic soil rejuvenation device to solve the problems in the background technology.

[0013] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The object of the invention is the development of a air plasma discharge apparatus for generation of active species in air.

[0015] It is object of the invention to generate the large number of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species to enhance soil fertility, which helps in plant growth.

[0016] It is other object of the invention to modify the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soil by supply of nitrogen forming reactive nitrogen species and free radicals.

[0017] It is another object of the inventio to provide a low-cost, chemical-free, and sustainable solution to maintain soil fertility.

[0018] It is still other object of the invention to break down or extract the harmful contaminants like hydrocarbons, or organic pollutants contributes to soil remediation. The object is to fix the nitrogen in soil into different forms of nitrogen like ammonia, ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite using electrical breakdown of the air.

[0019] It is further object of the invention to overcome the high bond dissociation energy of molecular nitrogen available in our environment and to break the triple bond of nitrogen into plant usable form.

[0020] It is an object of the invention to provide an energy-efficient, sustainable alternative to other traditional nitrogen fixation methods.

[0021] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The invention discloses a device performing a high voltage electrical breakdown of the air (N2, O2, H2O, CO2, Ar) leading to gaseous discharge and formation of plasma with active species such as N+2 + Of + O3' + H2O2 + NH + N + N++ NH++ OH' + HO2++ O' + NO++ H+, COO' , CO etc. that are supplied to soil replenishing the degraded chemicals such as Nitrogen, Carbon and Hydrogen improving soil's physical and chemical properties for corp cultivation. Nitrogen is fixed in different forms of nitrogen, like ammonia, ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite in soils. The method of high voltage electrical discharge plasma is an excellent approach for enriching nitrogen in the soil.

[0023] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0024] FIG. 1 : Atmospheric Gaseous Discharge Apparatus

[0025] 101-high voltage power supply

[0026] 102 -metallic pointed electrode

[0027] 103 -gaseous discharge i.e. air plasma with active species

[0028] 104-wire connecting high voltage power supply and electrode

[0029] 105-soil sample under treatment

[0030] 106-sample holder

[0031] 107-table / grounded base

[0032] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] This invention introduces an electrical -discharge-based soil rejuvenation technique that mimics the natural process of lightning to augment biological nitrogen fixation. By applying a high- voltage pulsed electrical discharge to a pointed electrode, the device generates air plasma or gaseous discharge through the breakdown of air, resulting in the formation of reactive nitrogen and oxygen species. These species, including nascent nitrogen atoms and other active radicals, are delivered directly to the soil, where they replenish essential nutrients, promote microbial activity, and improve the soil’s physical and chemical properties. This invention relates to augmentation of biological nitrogen fixation by means of gaseous discharge replicating the natural process of lightening.

[0034] The invention leverages the principle of air plasma formation, where atmospheric gases such as nitrogen (N2N_2), oxygen (O2O_2), carbon dioxide (CO2CO_2), water vapor (H2OH_2O), and argon (ArAr) are ionized to produce highly reactive species. These include N2+, O2-, O3-, H2O2, NH, NO+, N_2A+, O_2A-, O_3A-, H_2O_2, NH, NOA+, and H+HA+, among others. When these reactive species interact with the soil, they break down organic matter and contaminants. It increases supply of nitrogen in bioavailable forms such as ammonia, ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite. The effect is enhancement of microbial populations, particularly nitrogen-fixing bacteria, leading to faster and more efficient nitrogen fixation. Thus, it helps replenish essential elements like carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur in the soil, which can increase up to 400% following treatment.

[0035] The device comprises high-Voltage Pulsed Power Supply that operates in the range of 2 kV to 100 kV, with a frequency range of 100 Hz to 200 kHz and metallic Needles serve as pointed electrodes, creating localized high-intensity electric fields that initiate plasma generation.

[0036] When activated, the high voltage causes electrical breakdown of the air surrounding the electrode, forming plasma. The plasma contains reactive nitrogen and oxygen species, free radicals, and ions. These active species are delivered directly to the soil through a controlled discharge process, enabling precise nutrient enrichment.

[0037] In an aspect it leads to soil rejuvenation by restoring soil fertility by replenishing lost nitrogen, carbon, and hydrogen thus leading to improvement in microbial populations critical for symbiotic nitrogen fixation.

[0038] In other aspect, it provides a sustainable chemical-free alternative to synthetic fertilizers, reducing environmental pollution and dependency on fossil fuels.

[0039] In an related aspect, it offers an energy-efficient method for nitrogen fixation, significantly lowering the energy demands compared to conventional techniques like the Haber-Bosch process.

[0040] In a further aspect, the technology can be applied to various soil types (dry, wet, slurry) and can be combined with organic manure for enhanced results. It is scalable for use with agricultural machinery such as tractors, enabling field-scale soil treatment.

[0041] In still further aspect, it Enhances Crop Productivity by supplying nitrogen in forms readily usable by plants, promoting faster growth and higher yields. Thus, it enhances the physical, chemical, and biological properties of the soil, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.

[0042] In other aspect it helps in soil remediation by breaking down harmful pollutants such as hydrocarbons and organic contaminants, further improving soil health.

[0043] This method represents a green and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional nitrogen fixation techniques. It mimics a natural process, enabling rapid and sustainable nitrogen enrichment without the negative environmental impact associated with chemical fertilizers. By improving soil health and fertility through a natural augmentation of nitrogen fixation, this invention supports long-term agricultural productivity and reduces the ecological footprint of farming practices.

[0044] The invention uses controlled plasma generation to break the triple bond of molecular nitrogen (N2N_2) a challenging task due to its high bond dissociation energy. The electrical discharge method optimizes energy consumption, making it a cost-effective alternative to energy- intensive processes like ammonia synthesis. The treatment creates a conducive environment for nitrogen-fixing microbes, further augmenting the natural nitrogen cycle.

[0045] The invention herein is a method of enhancing growth of plants comprisinga soil rejuvenator comprising a pulsed high voltage electrical power supply, a plurality of metallic needle which on application of high voltage causes electrical breakdown of the air (N2, O2, Ar, CO2, H2O etc.) surrounding the needle, forming air plasma, resulting in generation of active species such as N2++ Of + O< + H2O2 + NH + N + N++ NH++ OH’ + HO2++ O + NO++ H+, CO; CO, C2, CN and supplying these active species to the soil replenishing chemicals in soil resulting in population rise of microbes consequently increasing nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon uptake by the plant. The active species generated are absorbed or supplied from the air plasma to the dry soil, wet soil and / or soil slurry replenishing the chemical and rise of population of the microbes in the soil. The active species from air plasma when supplied to the soil increases nitrogen, hydrogen and carbon in soil uptake by the plant in multi-folds. This further leads to rise of population of microbes the soil, specifically the nitrogen capturing bacteria. The microbial fixation of nitrogen in soil increases enhancing plant growth. The metallic needle is operated in range of high voltages 2kV - lOOkV, at frequency range 100 Hz - 200kHz. The device can be operated in air and / or controlled gaseous composition of gases like N2, CH4, CO2, and Ar. The device comprising high voltage pulsed power supply and plurality of metallic needle producing electrical discharge can be installed on another apparatus (tractor) or QQQ to supply the active species directly to the soil enriching the precursors to support rise in population of microbes and symbiotic fixation of nitrogen and consequently enhancing soil fertility. The device and the method is an energy-efficient, chemical free, sustainable alternative to other conventional nitrogen fixation methods.

[0046] The invention aims to provide a device for plasma soil rejuvenation without any chemical pollution.

[0047] The invention provides a plasma soil rejuvenation device that includes base plate as soil sample holder, quartz capsule, metallic electrode and high voltage power supply. The base comprises lower plate and lateral side wall. The device is provided with the quartz capsule, inside the fixed mounting of quartz capsule is the metallic electrode with pointed head. The pointed end of the metallic electrode protrudes out through the small hole at the center of the lower side of the quartz capsule ensuring focused plasma discharge. The high voltage power supply is connected to the outer upper end of the high voltage power supply electric connection.

[0048] In an embodiment, the base plate of the device has soil that is to be rejuvenated. The soil sample holder is filled with soil till the rim. In the embodiment the quartz capsule contains pointed metallic electrode made up of corrosionresistant material.

[0049] In the further embodiment, the bottom of quartz capsule sets up the opening for the pointed end of the metallic electrode. The other embodiment is the pointed end of the metallic electrode is in contact with the air through the hole in the center of the lower portion of the quartz tube.

[0050] In the further embodiment, the number of the quartz tubes may be more than one, each with the metallic electrode. The quartz tubes when more than one are arranged annularly.

[0051] The invention is a device that carries out high voltage electrical breakdown of the air (N2, O2, H2O, CO2, Ar) leading to gaseous discharge and formation of plasma with active species such as N+2 + O2’ + O3’ + H2O2 + NH + N + N++ NH++ OH’ + HO2++ O + NO++ H+, COO', CO etc. that are aerated into the soil and that replenish the degraded chemicals such as Nitrogen, Carbon and Hydrogen improving soil's physical and chemical properties for crop cultivation. The effect of electrical discharge on the physical and chemical properties of different soils by the highly reactive species is observed by the different characterization techniques. Nitrogen is fixed in different forms of nitrogen, like ammonia, ammonium, nitrate, and nitrite in soils. The method of high voltage electrical discharge plasma is an excellent approach for enriching nitrogen in the soil. This method is a rapid, greenest, and environmentally friendly technique to increase the nitrogen in the soils. This process contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and enhancing soil fertility through natural processes.

[0052] When the nitrogen fixation of the soil is carried out, the soil is filled into the soil holder, the high-voltage power supply 6 is turned on, the metallic electrode 5 discharges to generate plasma at its free outer pointed end, the plasma reacts with the molecules (N2, O2, H2O, CO2, Ar) in the air to generate active species (N2, O2, H2O, CO2, Ar) that are blown into the soil are blown into the soil. The active species so generated reacts forming nitrogen oxides, from the small holes of the quartz medium tube along with air flow, the nitrogen oxides further react with water molecules in the soil to generate nitrate and meanwhile, the ozone generated by the discharge can oxidize large organic nitrogen molecules to generate small molecular nitrogen.

[0053] EXAMPLE

[0054] The invention is a device and a method to rejuvenate the different types of soil to improve soil productivity for crops. During the electrical discharge, surrounding air molecules near the pointed electrode are ionized, and different oxygen and nitrogen-forming reactive oxygen species (ROS) and hydroxyl radicals such as N2++ 02" + O< + H2O2 + NH + N + N++ NH++ OH" + HCh++ O' + NO++ H+, CO', CO, C2, CN etc. are produced. These highly reactive oxygen and nitrogenous species interact with soil components, breaking down organic matter and oxidation of harmful substances in the soil. After discharge treatment on soils, the changes in the physical, chemical, and biological properties are observed. The supply of active species to the soil results rise in population of microbes and microbes fixes nitrogen in form of ammonium that supplies nitrogen to plants necessary for growth. The process results in enhancement of chemical elements such as CHNS (Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen and Sulphur) up to 400%.

[0055] The device disclosed herein is a plasma soil rejuvenation device that includes base plate as soil sample holder, quartz capsule, metallic electrode and high voltage power supply. The base plate os covered with a chamber. The base comprises lower plate and lateral side wall providing structural stability and containment for the device. The device is provided with the quartz capsule, inside the fixed mounting of quartz capsule is the metallic electrode with pointed head. The pointed end of the metallic electrode protrudes out through the small hole at the center of the lower side of the quartz capsule. The device may have more than one quartz capsule with metallic electrode fixed inside. The high voltage power supply is connected to the outer upper end of the metallic elctrode supply through electrical wire connection. The metallic needle is operated in range of high voltages 2kV - lOOkV, at frequency range 100 Hz - 200kHz. the high-voltage power supply is adjustable to vary the voltage and frequency based on specific soil treatment requirements.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A device for soil rejuvenation comprising: a base plate covered with a chamber; at least one quartz capsule positioned inside the chamber from the upper surface of the chamber; at least one metallic electrode fixed in the quartz capsule and a high-voltage power supply connected to an outer upper end of the metallic electrode.

2. The device for soil rejuvenation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base plate has a lower surface and lateral side wall providing structural stability and containment for the device.

3. The device for soil rejuvenation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the base plate serves as a soil sample holder.

4. The device for soil rejuvenation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the metallic electrode has a pointed head that is in contact with air.

5. The device for soil rejuvenation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the pointed head of the metallic electrode is in in contact with air through a small hole located at the centre of the lower side of the quartz capsule.

6. The device for soil rejuvenation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the metallic electrode operates within a voltage range of 2 kV to 100 kV and a frequency range of 100 Hz to 200 kHz.

7. The device for soil rejuvenation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the device comprises a plurality of quartz capsules, each having a metallic electrode with a pointed head fixed inside.

8. The device for soil rejuvenation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the quartz capsule is configured to generate plasma for soil treatment when the high-voltage power supply is activated.

9. The device for soil rejuvenation as claimed in claim 1 wherein the metallic electrode is made of a corrosion-resistant material.

10. The plasma soil rejuvenation device of claim 1, wherein the small hole at the centre of the lower side of the quartz capsule ensures focused plasma discharge onto the soil sample.

11. The plasma soil rejuvenation device of claim 1, wherein the high-voltage power supply is adjustable to vary the voltage and frequency based on specific soil treatment requirements.

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