System and method for preparing a nutrient solution for plants

Abstract

Disclosed is a method for preparing a nutrient solution for plants. The disclosure further relates to a system for using one or more gas streams comprising ammonia, carbon dioxide or a combination thereof for preparing the nutrient solution for plants in hydroponics cultivation. The nutrient solution disclosed herein comprises nutrients in the ionic forms that are most desired and readily adsorbed by the plants.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A NUTRIENT SOLUTION FOR PLANTS

[0003] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to and the benefit of Indian Provisional Patent Application No.

[0004] 202441102618, filed December 24, 2024, the contents of which is incorporated into the present application by reference in its entirety.

[0005] FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] The present disclosure relates to a system for preparing a nutrient solution for plants. The disclosure further relates to a method for using one or more gas streams comprising ammonia, carbon dioxide or a combination thereof for preparing the nutrient solution for plants in hydroponics cultivation.

[0007] BACKGROUND

[0008] Nitrogen (N) is the most important plant nutrient. For most, nitrogen has to be applied to crops and delivered in the form of fertilizers. Today, urea is the most common, preferred, and economic source of nitrogen for plant growth and enhanced yields. This fertilizer has been used primarily to increase soil-based food production. However, a significant amount of nitrogen in urea is lost by volatilization and leaching. Additionally, urea is associated with the release of CO2 and N2O in the air, leading to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Therefore, it is found that most of the nutrients from these fertilizers get wasted leading to an increased carbon footprint. In limited areas, mainly the USA, ammonia (NH3) is directly applied to soils, giving farmers some economic advantages over the other sources of N. However, this method also comes with some safety challenges and more importantly it leads to major NH3 loss in the air under certain environmental conditions. Further, although ammonia itself is not a greenhouse gas, following deposition into soil it may be converted and emitted into atmosphere as nitrous oxide which is a long-lived, potent greenhouse gas.

[0009] Additionally, carbon dioxide (CO2) is a perfect nutrient for plants. The more CO2 a plant inhales, the faster the rate of photosynthesis and the greater rate of growth. Additionally, more carbon dioxide provides plants a stronger immune system to protect against disease anddrought. More CO2 in the atmosphere means increased yield per acre with stronger and healthier plants that can withstand drought.

[0010] While CO2 is essential for photosynthesis and plant growth, it’s important to realize that using it incorrectly can lead to potential hazards for people working in or around these facilities. The potential dangers involved in CO2 cultivation and application involve CO2 poisoning risk and ventilation challenges. Managing ventilation challenges in CO2 cultivation most of the times lead to leakage of CO2 into the atmosphere and hence increased carbon footprint.

[0011] In order to address the above problems associated with the use of urea and use of ammonia and carbon dioxide in the soil, soilless and hydroponic systems were introduced. However, the efforts to use necessary nutrients in soilless and hydroponic systems are limited mainly because in hydroponics, fertilizers must dissolve completely in water or the nutrient solution to ensure plants can absorb the necessary nutrients. Among some good sources of water-soluble fertilizers are ammonium carbonate ((NH^CCh) and ammonium bicarbonate (NH4HCO3) fertilizers which are considered to be one of the best sources of carbon and nitrogen. Therefore, there is a need for the development and optimization of a system and a method that can avoid urea and directly use NH3 and CO2 in forms that can be readily taken up by plants. Further, there is a need to develop a sustainable and efficient system and method to produce a nutrient solution for plants that involves reduction or elimination of greenhouse gas emissions. Such systems and methods related thereto are disclosed herein.

[0012] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the above problems. In accordance with the present invention, disclosed herein is a system and a method for preparing a nutrient solution for plants. Preferably, the system and method may be used for preparing a nutrient solution for plants in hydroponic cultivation.

[0014] Accordingly, the system and the method as disclosed herein use one or more gas streams comprising ammonia, carbon dioxide or a combination thereof for preparing the nutrient solution that comprises nutrients in the ionic forms. The ammonia and / or carbon dioxide gases get converted into ionic forms such as ammonium, carbonate and / or bicarbonate ions by in-situ generation of ammonium carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate. These ionic forms are most desired and readily adsorbed by the plant for higher yields, thereby enabling a highly efficient and sustainable system and method thereof for use of gas streams.In some embodiments, the present invention disclosed herein relates to a system for preparing a nutrient solution for plants comprising:

[0015] a. a liquid stream;

[0016] b. a reactor configured to receive at least

[0017] i. the liquid stream, and

[0018] ii. one or more gas streams from one or more inlets in the reactor, to produce a first solution;

[0019] c. a reservoir configured to receive at least a part of the first solution from the reactor to produce the nutrient solution; and

[0020] d. a plant carrying unit configured to receive at least a part of the nutrient solution from the reservoir,

[0021] wherein the one or more gas streams comprises ammonia, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof.

[0022] In some embodiments, the subject matter of the present invention disclosed herein is directed to a method for preparing a nutrient solution for plants, comprising:

[0023] a. feeding a liquid stream to a reactor;

[0024] b. feeding one or more gas streams to the reactor from one or more inlets in the reactor;

[0025] c. stirring the liquid stream and one or more gas streams in the reactor to produce a first solution;

[0026] d. transferring at least a part the first solution from the reactor to a reservoir to produce the nutrient solution; and

[0027] e. dispensing at least a part of the nutrient solution to a plant carrying unit, wherein the one or more gas streams comprises ammonia, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof.

[0028] In some embodiments, the subject matter of the present invention disclosed herein is directed to the use of the system and method for preparing the nutrient solution for enhancing the growth of plants in water and / or soil.

[0029] The present inventors have found that use of such system and method involve the maximum use of nitrogen from the ammonia gas stream and carbon from the carbon dioxide gas stream by significantly reducing or eliminating the undesirable loss of nitrogen and emission of greenhouse gases i.e., nitrous oxide (N2O) & carbon dioxide (CO2). Without willing to bebound by any particular theory, the method disclosed herein makes the most efficient use of the one or more gas streams comprising ammonia, carbon dioxide or a combination thereof. The system and method use one or more gas streams for in-situ conversion into ionic forms that are more suitable to be taken up by plants. The system and method thus not only use greenhouse gases and / or components that can emit greenhouse gases but also eliminates the release of GHG into the atmosphere. Therefore, the method disclosed herein is more environmental, sustainable, efficient, and economic, and most importantly helps in achieving United Nations sustainable development goals (UN SDGs).

[0030] It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this specification can be implemented with respect to any method or composition of the invention, and vice versa. Furthermore, the compositions of the invention can be used to achieve methods of the invention.

[0031] Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description. It should be understood, however, that the detailed description and the specific examples, while indicating specific embodiments of the invention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changes and modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this detailed description.

[0032] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are included to further demonstrate certain aspects of the present invention. The invention may be better understood by reference to one or more of these drawings in combination with the detailed description of specific embodiments presented herein.

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a system for preparing a nutrient solution according to a non-limiting example of a system and method disclosed herein.

[0035] FIG. 2 is a schematic depiction of a system for preparing a nutrient solution including a recycling unit according to a non-limiting example of a system and method disclosed herein.

[0036] FIGs. 3A and 3B are schematic depictions of a system for preparing a nutrient solution including a micronutrients tank (FIG. 3A) or a micronutrients tank and a recycling unit (FIG.

[0037] 3B) according to a non-limiting example of a system and method disclosed herein.FIGs. 4A and 4B are schematic depictions of a system for preparing a nutrient solution including a phosphorous source (FIG.4A) or a phosphorous source and a recycling unit (FIG.

[0038] 4B) according to a non-limiting example of a system and method disclosed herein.

[0039] FIGs. 5A and 5B are schematic depictions of a system for preparing a nutrient solution including a micronutrients tank and a phosphorous source tank (FIG. 5A), or a micronutrients tank, a phosphorous source tank and a recycling unit (FIG. 5B) according to a non-limiting example of a system and method disclosed herein.

[0040] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] The presently disclosed subject matter will now be described more fully hereinafter. However, many modifications and other aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions. Therefore, it is to be understood that the presently disclosed subject matter is not to be limited to the specific aspects disclosed and that modifications and other aspects are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. In other words, the subject matter described herein covers all alternatives, modifications, and equivalents. If one or more of the incorporated literature, patents, and similar materials differ from or contradict this application, including but not limited to defined terms, term usage, described techniques, or the like, this application controls. Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in this field.

[0042] Certain embodiments of the present invention are characterized through the following aspects.

[0043] In some aspects, the disclosed system and method for preparing a nutrient solution involves conversion of one or more gas streams into the ionic forms more suitable for absorption by the plants. Preferably, the disclosed method for preparing a nutrient solution involves conversion of ammonia gas and / or carbon dioxide gas into the ionic forms more suitable for absorption by the plants.

[0044] One of the aspects relates to a system for preparing a nutrient solution for plants comprising:

[0045] a. a liquid stream;

[0046] b. a reactor configured to receive at least

[0047] i. the liquid stream, andii. one or more gas streams from one or more inlets in the reactor,

[0048] to produce a first solution;

[0049] c. a reservoir configured to receive at least a part of the first solution from the reactor to produce the nutrient solution; and

[0050] d. a plant carrying unit configured to receive at least a part of the nutrient solution from the reservoir,

[0051] wherein the one or more gas streams comprises ammonia, carbon dioxide or a combination thereof.

[0052] In some aspects, the liquid stream comprises at least water. The liquid stream can be selected from one or more of well water, rain harvested water, dam water, storage / reservoir water, tap water, industrial process waste water, and discharged water from an ammonia plant. In some aspects, the liquid stream comprises discharged water from an ammonia plant to attain more ideal nitrogen nutrient levels for highest plant growth and yield. The discharged water from an ammonia plant comprises at least 3 ppm ammonia. In some aspects, the discharged water from an ammonia plant comprises 3-8 ppm ammonia. In some aspects, the discharged water from an ammonia plant comprises 3-7 ppm, preferably 3-6 ppm, preferably 3-5 ppm, preferably 3-4 ppm, preferably 4-8 ppm, preferably 4-7 ppm, preferably 4-6 ppm, preferably 4-5 ppm, preferably 5-8 ppm, preferably 5-7 ppm, preferably 5-6 ppm, preferably 6-8 ppm, and / or preferably 6-7 ppm ammonia.

[0053] In some aspects, the reactor is a continuous stir tank reactor. In some aspects, the reactor involves stirring at regular intervals.

[0054] In some aspects, the one or more gas streams comprises ammonia, carbon dioxide or a combination thereof. The one or more gas streams are sourced from industrial plants, flue gas, an ethylene oxide plant, a stream cracking process, a reforming plant, gas cylinders, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, the one or more gas streams comprises at least one ammonia gas stream and / or one carbon dioxide gas stream. In some aspects, the one or more gas streams is an ammonia gas stream. In some aspects, the one or more gas streams is a carbon dioxide gas stream. In some aspects, the one or more gas streams are an ammonia gas stream and a carbon dioxide gas stream. In some aspects, the ammonia gas increases ammonia concentration in water from the liquid stream by at least 10% in the reactor. In some aspects, the ammonia gas increases ammonia concentration in water from the liquid stream by 10% to1Q% in the reactor. In some aspects, the ammonia gas increases ammonia concentration in water from the liquid stream by at least 10%, preferably 20%, preferably 30%, preferably 40%, preferably 50%, preferably 60%, and / or preferably 70% in the reactor. In some aspects, the carbon dioxide gas stream increases carbon dioxide concentration in water from the liquid stream by at least 5% in the reactor. In some aspects, the carbon dioxide gas stream comprises 5% to 35% CO2. In some aspects, the carbon dioxide gas stream comprises at least 5% CO2, preferably 10% CO2, preferably 15% CO2, preferably 20% CO2, preferably 25% CO2, preferably 30% CO2, and / or preferably 35% CO2 in the reactor.

[0055] In some aspects, the reactor is configured to receive one or more gas streams from one or more inlets in the reactor. In some aspects, the one or more inlets include at least a first inlet and / or a second inlet in the reactor. In some aspects, the reactor is configured to receive one or more gas streams from a first inlet. In some aspects, the reactor is configured to receive one or more gas streams at least from a first inlet and a second inlet. In some aspect, the reactor is configured to receive a gas stream comprising ammonia from a first inlet and a gas stream comprising carbon dioxide from a second inlet.

[0056] In some aspects, the first solution comprises at least ammonium ions and / or carbonate ions. In some aspects, the reservoir is further configured to receive a solution comprising a phosphorus source from a phosphorous source tank before dispensing the nutrient solution from the reservoir into a plant carrying unit. The solution comprising a phosphorus source may be a solution comprising phosphoric acid. Accordingly, in some aspects, the reservoir is further configured to receive a solution comprising phosphoric acid from a phosphorous source tank before dispensing the nutrient solution from the reservoir into a plant carrying unit. The phosphoric acid solution not only provides phosphorus nutrient to the nutrient solution but also acts as a pH regulator to maintain the desired pH of 5.5 to 7 of the nutrient solution. Furthermore, the reservoir is further configured to receive a solution comprising one or more micronutrients from a micronutrient tank before dispensing the nutrient solution from the reservoir into a plant carrying unit. In some aspects, one or more micronutrients are selected from one or more of inorganic or organometallic compounds of boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chlorine (Cl), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni) or zinc (Zn) from a micronutrient tank before dispensing the nutrient solution from the reservoir into a plant carrying unit. In some aspects, the nutrient solution dispensed into the plant carrying unit is not completely used leading to some unsued nutrient solution. In some aspects, the reservoir isfurther connected with a recycling unit configured to receive and recycle the unused nutrient solution from the plant carrying unit. In some aspects, the recycled nutrient solution is circulated back into the reactor.

[0057] In some aspects, methods of dispensing the nutrient solution for plants are described. The method can include dispensing the nutrient solution to the plant carrying unit. The plant carrying unit comprises plants in water and / or soil. In some aspects, the nutrient solution is allowed to run through the plant carrying unit at the rate of 3-5 L / hour. Overall, the method and system disclosed herein may be applied to enhance the growth of plants or crops in water and / or soil.

[0058] Some aspects relate to a method for preparing nutrient solution for plants, comprising:

[0059] a. feeding a liquid stream to a reactor;

[0060] b. feeding one or more gas streams to the reactor from one or more inlets in the reactor;

[0061] c. stirring the liquid stream and one or more gas streams in the reactor to produce a first solution;

[0062] d. transferring at least a part the first solution from the reactor to a reservoir to produce the nutrient solution; and

[0063] e. dispensing at least a part of the nutrient solution to a plant carrying unit, wherein the one or more gas streams comprises ammonia, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof.

[0064] In some aspects, one or more gas streams are fed to the reactor from one or more inlets in the reactor. In some aspects, the one or more inlets include at least a first inlet and / or a second inlet in the reactor. In some aspects, one or more gas streams are fed to the reactor from a first inlet. In some aspects, the one or more gas streams are fed to the reactor from a first inlet and a second inlet. In some aspects, the gas stream comprising ammonia is fed from a first inlet and the gas stream comprising carbon dioxide is fed from a second inlet.

[0065] In some aspects, the part of the first solution transferred from the reactor to the reservoir is in the amount of 30 vol.% to 100 vol.%, preferably 40 vol.% to 100 vol.%, preferably 50 vol.% to 100 vol.%, preferably 60 vol.% to 100 vol.%, preferably 70 vol.% to 100 vol.%, preferably 80 vol.% to 100 vol.%, and / or preferably 90 vol.% to 100 vol.%.

[0066] In some aspects, the part of the nutrient solution dispensed from the reservoir to the plant carrying unit is in the amount of 30 vol.% to 100 vol.%, preferably 40 vol.% to 100 vol.%,preferably 50 vol.% to 100 vol.%, preferably 60 vol.% to 100 vol.%, preferably 70 vol.% to 100 vol.%, preferably 80 vol.% to 100 vol.%, and / or preferably 90 vol.% to 100 vol.%.

[0067] In some aspects, the reactor is a continuous stir tank reactor. The liquid stream and the one or more gas streams react with each other in the reactor. Non-limiting example reactions can include the following:

[0068] NH3+ H2O NH40H

[0069] 2NH4OH + CO2(NH4)2CO3+ H2O

[0070] (NH4)2CO3+ H2O + CO22NH4HCO3

[0071] (NH4)2CO32NH4++ CO32’

[0072] NH4HCO3NH4++ HCO3

[0073] In some aspects, the reactor may be configured to receive one or more fertilizers. The one or more fertilizers can be selected from nitrogen based fertilizers, phosphorus based fertilizers, potassium based fertilizers, or a combination thereof.

[0074] The above and other non-limiting aspects of the present invention are discussed in further detail in the following sections. The following also includes definitions of various terms and phrases used throughout this specification.

[0075] The terms “about” or “approximately” are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. In one non-limiting embodiment, the terms are defined to be within 10%, preferably within 5%, more preferably within 1%, and most preferably within 0.5%. The terms “%” and “vol.%” refer to a percentage or a volume percentage of a component, respectively, based on the total percentage or the total volume of material that includes the component. In a non-limiting example, 10 mL of a solution out of 100 mL of the solution is 10 vol% of the solution.

[0076] The terms “eliminating” or “inhibiting” or “reducing” or “preventing” or “avoiding” or any variation of these terms, when used in the claims and / or the specification, includes any measurable decrease or complete inhibition / elimination to achieve a desired result.

[0077] The term “effective,” as that term is used in the specification and / or claims, means adequate to accomplish a desired, expected, or intended result.

[0078] The use of the words “a” or “an” when used in conjunction with any of the terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” or “having” in the claims, or the specification, may mean “one,” butit is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more,” “at least one,” and “one or more than one.”

[0079] The words “comprising” (and any form of comprising, such as “comprise” and “comprises”), “having” (and any form of having, such as “have” and “has”), “including” (and any form of including, such as “includes” and “include”), or “containing” (and any form of containing, such as “contains” and “contain”) are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.

[0080] The term “remaining”, as that term is used in the specification and / or claims, means not transferred, still existing after transferring some part / portion of a component, reactant, product, solvent or solution to accomplish a desired, expected, or intended result.

[0081] The term “unused”, as that term is used in the specification and / or claims, means not used or not used fully or partially to accomplish a desired, expected, or intended result.

[0082] The method for preparing a nutrient solution for plants and a system for preparing a nutrient solution for plants of the present invention can “comprise,” “consist essentially of,” or “consist of’ particular steps, ingredients, components, solutions, compositions, etc. disclosed throughout the specification.

[0083] The term “nutrient solution” is defined as a solution comprising one or more nutrients in the form of one or more ions that is supplied to plant carrying unit in water and / or soil to facilitate plants with one or more plant nutrients essential or beneficial for the growth of plants and / or stimulants or enhancers to increase or enhance plant growth. Non-limiting examples of nutrient solutions include one or more nutrients in the form of ammonium ions, carbonate ions, bicarbonate ions, nitrate ions, sulfate ions, phosphate ions, potassium ions, chloride ions, calcium ions, and / or magnesium ions.

[0084] In some aspects, the nutrient solution comprises at least ammonium ions, carbonate ions, or a combination thereof. In another aspect, the nutrient solution comprises ammonium ions, carbonate ions, bicarbonate ions, or a combination thereof. In some aspects, nutrient solution further comprises one or more of nitrate ions, sulfate ions, phosphate ions, potassium ions, chloride ions, or calcium ions.

[0085] In some aspects, the nutrient solution includes micronutrients selected from one or more of iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum, and / or chlorine. The nutrient solution may include agents that enhance plant growth and / or enhance the ability for a plant to receive thebenefit of the nutrients in a nutrient solution, such as, but not limited to organic matter, biostimulants, and / or pH buffers.

[0086] In some instances, the pH buffer comprises phosphoric acid. In some aspects, the pH buffer may include MgO, KH2PO4, NaHCOs, chalk powder, aluminum, magnesium hydroxide, aluminum hydroxide / magnesium hydroxide co-precipitate, aluminum hydroxide / sodium bicarbonate co-precipitate, calcium acetate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium borate, calcium carbonate, calcium bicarbonate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, calcium hydroxide, dibasic sodium phosphate, dipotassium hydrogen phosphate, dipotassium phosphate, disodium hydrogen phosphate, magnesium acetate, magnesium borate, magnesium bicarbonate, magnesium carbonate, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium lactate, magnesium oxide, magnesium phosphate, magnesium silicate, magnesium succinate, magnesium tartrate, potassium acetate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium borate, potassium citrate, potassium metaphosphate, potassium phthalate, potassium phosphate, potassium polyphosphate, potassium pyrophosphate, potassium succinate, potassium tartrate, sodium acetate, sodium bicarbonate, sodium borate, sodium carbonate, sodium citrate, sodium gluconate, sodium hydrogen phosphate, sodium hydroxide, sodium lactate, sodium phthalate, sodium phosphate, sodium polyphosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, sodium tartrate, sodium tripolyphosphate, synthetic hydrotalcite, tetrapotassium pyrophosphate, tetrasodium pyrophosphate, tripotassium phosphate, trisodium phosphate, trometamol, or combinations thereof.

[0087] The invention relates to a method for preparing a nutrient solution for plants in hydroponics cultivation. The invention further relates to a system for preparing a nutrient solution for plants in hydroponics cultivation. In some aspects, hydroponics cultivation means the cultivation of plants without soil, and can include an aggregate substrate, or growing media, such as vermiculite, coconut coir, perlite, gravel, or other substrates. Plants are cultivated using a liquid solution of water and nutrients. In some aspects, the nutrients used in hydroponics cultivation system can come from many different organic or inorganic sources, including fish excrement, duck manure, chemical fertilizers, converted chemical fertilizers, and / or artificial standard or hybrid nutrient solutions.

[0088] The fertilizer can comprise one or more nutrients to facilitate plants with one or more plant nutrients essential or beneficial for the growth of plants and / or stimulants or enhancers to increase or enhance plant growth. These nutrients can be used as is or can be converted into a more acceptable form for plants. The fertilizer can comprise one or more macronutrients and / ormicronutrients and can be applied directly in the soil and / or water, or can be converted into other forms suitable to be taken up by plants. Non-limiting examples of fertilizers include materials having one or more of urea, ammonium nitrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, urea calcium sulfate, ammonium carbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, one or more superphosphates, binary NP fertilizers, binary NK fertilizers, binary PK fertilizers, NPK fertilizers, molybdenum, zinc, copper, boron, cobalt, manganese, nickel, chlorine, or iron. In some embodiments, fertilizers include agents that enhance plant growth and / or enhance the ability for a plant to receive the benefit of a fertilizer, such as organic matter, bio stimulants, urease inhibitors, and nitrification inhibitors. As used herein, a “macronutrient” is a chemical element or substance used in relatively large to moderate amounts for plant growth and are less likely to limit crop growth. Non-limiting examples of macro nutrients include N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S. As used herein, a “micronutrient” is a chemical element or substance used in trace amounts for the normal growth and development of a plant. Non-limiting examples of micronutrients include B, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Zn, Se, and Si or compounds thereof.

[0089] The fertilizer can be of any suitable shape or may be a liquid, powder, or slurry. Non-limiting shapes include spherical, cuboidal, cylindrical, puck shape, oval, and oblong shapes. In some aspects, the fertilizer can be of a prismatic or cylindrical shape with a circular, elliptical, ovular, triangular, square, rectangular, pentagonal, or hexagonal cross section, although a prismatic or cylindrical shaped core having a cross section of other shapes can also be made. In some aspects, the fertilizer at its widest dimension can be 0.5 mm to 6 mm, or 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 4 mm, or at least any one of, at most any one of, equal to any one of, or between any two of 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, and 6 mm. In some particular aspects, the fertilizer can have a substantially spherical shape with an average diameter 0.5 mm to 6 mm, or 0.5 mm to 5 mm, preferably 1 mm to 4 mm, or at least any one of, at most any one of, equal to any one of, or between any two of 0.5 mm, 1 mm, 1.5 mm, 2 mm, 2.5 mm, 3 mm, 3.5 mm, 4 mm, 4.5 mm, 5 mm, 5.5 mm, and 6 mm.

[0090] The fertilizer can or cannot be water soluble. In some aspects, a fertilizer, such as a fertilizer granule having a size of 2 mm to 4 mm prior to adding to water, can disintegrate into particles having sizes less than 1 mm, less than 0.9 mm, less than 0.8 mm, less than 0.7 mm, less than 0.6 mm, less than 0.5 mm, less than 0.4 mm, or less than 0.3 mm, within 1 minute of adding the fertilizer to water at a pH level of 7, while stirring at a rate 90 rpm to 110 rpm, at an ambient temperature.Method of preparing the nutrient solution:

[0091] Certain aspects herein use a liquid stream and one or more gas streams to prepare a nutrient solution for plants. In certain aspects, the liquid stream and one or more gas streams react with each other in a reactor to produce a first solution comprising the nutrients in ionic forms. These ionic forms are more readily absorbed by the plants. In certain aspects, the method comprises feeding the reactor with a liquid stream, followed by feeding one or more gas streams comprising ammonia, carbon dioxide or a combination thereof into the reactor to produce a first solution; transferring at least a part of the first solution from the reactor to a reservoir to produce the nutrient solution; and dispensing at least a part of the nutrient solution in the reservoir to a plant carrying unit.

[0092] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic depiction of a system and method for preparing a nutrient solution according to one example of the present invention is described. The system 100 can include a reactor 102. A liquid stream 106 and a gas stream 104 can be fed into the reactor 102. The reactor 102 can be capable of having conditions suitable for the reactions described herein to produce a first solution 108. A part of the first solution 108 can be transferred to a reservoir 114 to produce a nutrient solution 116. A part of the nutrient solution 116 can then be dispensed from the reservoir 114 into a plant carrying unit 118. The reactor 102 of the system 100 can be further capable of receiving more than one gas stream from one or more inlets in the reactor.

[0093] Referring to FIG. 2, a schematic depiction of a system and method for preparing a nutrient solution according to one example of the present invention is described. The system 200 can include a reactor 202. A liquid stream 206 and a gas stream 204 can be fed into the reactor 202. The reactor 202 can be capable of having conditions suitable for the reactions described herein to produce a first solution 208. A part of the first solution 208 can be transferred to a reservoir 214 to produce a nutrient solution 216. A part of the nutrient solution 216 can then be dispensed from the reservoir 214 into a plant carrying unit 218. In some instances, the system can be configured to have a recycling unit 220. The unused nutrient solution 210 from the plant carrying unit 218 can be recycled into the recycling unit before circulating back into the reactor. The reactor 202 of the system 200 can be further capable of receiving more than one gas stream from one or more inlets in the reactor.

[0094] Referring to FIGs. 3A and 3B, a schematic depiction of a system and method for preparing a nutrient solution according to one example of the present invention is described. FIG. 3A depicts the system 300, which can include a reactor 302. A liquid stream 306 and a gas stream304 can be fed into the reactor 302. The reactor 302 can be capable of having conditions suitable for the reactions described herein to produce a first solution 308. A part of the first solution 308 can be transferred to a reservoir 314. The reservoir 314 can be further configured to receive a solution 312 comprising one or more micronutrients from a micronutrients tank 322 to produce a nutrient solution. A part of the nutrient solution 316 can then be dispensed from the reservoir 314 into the plant carrying unit 318. FIG. 3B depicts the system 300 wherein the system can be further configured to have a recycling unit 320. The unused nutrient solution 310 from the plant carrying unit 318 can be recycled into the recycling unit 320 before circulating back into the reactor. The reactor 302 of the system 300 can be further capable of receiving more than one gas stream from one or more inlets in the reactor.

[0095] Referring to FIGs. 4A and 4B, a schematic depiction of a system and method for preparing a nutrient solution according to one example of the present invention is described. FIG. 4A depicts the system 400, which can include a reactor 402. A liquid stream 406 and a gas stream 404 can be fed into the reactor 402. The reactor 402 can be capable of having conditions suitable for the reactions described herein to produce a first solution 408. A part of the first solution 408 can be transferred to a reservoir 414. The reservoir 414 can be further configured to receive a solution 426 comprising phosphoric acid from a phosphorous source tank 424 to produce a nutrient solution 416. A part of the nutrient solution 416 can then be dispensed from the reservoir 414 into the plant carrying unit 418. FIG. 4B depicts the system 400 wherein the system can be further configured to have a recycling unit 420. The unused nutrient solution 410 from the plant carrying unit 418 can be recycled into the recycling unit 420 before circulating back into the reactor. The reactor 402 of the system 400 can be further capable of receiving more than one gas stream from one or more inlets in the reactor.

[0096] Referring to FIGs. 5A and 5B, a schematic depiction of a system and method for preparing a nutrient solution according to one example of the present invention is described. FIG. 5A depicts the system 500, which can include a reactor 502. A liquid stream 506 and a gas stream 504 can be fed into the reactor 502. The reactor 502 can be capable of having conditions suitable for the reactions described herein to produce a first solution 508. A part of the first solution 508 can be transferred to a reservoir 514. The reservoir 514 can be further configured to receive a solution 512 comprising one or more micronutrients from the micronutrients tank 522 and to receive a solution 526 comprising phosphoric acid from a phosphorous source tank 524 to produce a nutrient solution 516. A part of the nutrient solution 516 can then be dispensed from the reservoir 514 into the plant carrying unit 518. FIG. 5B depicts the system 500 whereinthe system can be further configured to have a recycling unit 520. The unused nutrient solution 510 from the plant carrying unit 518 can be recycled into the recycling unit 520 before circulating back into the reactor. The reactor 502 of the system 500 can be further capable of receiving more than one gas stream from one or more inlets in the reactor.

[0097] In some aspects, methods of dispensing the nutrient solution for plants are described. A method can include dispensing the nutrient solution to a plant carrying unit. The plant carrying unit comprises plants in water and / or soil. In some aspects, the nutrient solution is allowed to run through the plant carrying unit at the rate of 3-5 L / hr such as 3 L / hr, 3.5 L / hr, 4 L / hr, 4.5 L / hr, 5 L / hr. In some aspects, the nutrient solution is dispensed for 2-5 hours with a scheduled break of 1-2 hours. In some aspects, the nutrient solution is dispensed for 2-5 hours, preferably 2-4 hours, preferably 2-3 hours, preferably 3-5 hours, preferably 3-4 hours, preferably 4-5 hours, with a scheduled break of 1-2 hours, preferably 1 hour, preferably 2 hours. In some aspects, the nutrient solution is not dispensed at night for 5-10 hours. In some aspects, the nutrient solution is not dispensed at night for 5-10 hours, preferably 6-10 hours, preferably 7-10 hours, preferably 8-10 hours, preferably 9-10 hours, preferably 5-9 hours, preferably 5-8 hours, preferably 6-9 hours, preferably 6-8 hours, preferably 7-9 hours, and / or preferably 7-8 hours. In some aspects, the plants are harvested every 2-4 weeks.

[0098] EXAMPLES

[0099] The present invention will be described in greater detail by way of specific examples. The following examples are offered for illustrative purposes only, and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize a variety of noncritical parameters which can be changed or modified to yield essentially the same results.

[0100] Example 1

[0101] Comparative Example: Preparation of a nutrient solution

[0102] A reactor was filled with 5 L of water and 300 g ammonium carbonate and ammonium bicarbonate mixture in the weight ratio of 9: 1 was added and mixed thoroughly for 30 minutes at 25 °C to prepare a first solution. The first solution from the reactor was then transferred to a reservoir to produce the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution was then dispensed to a plant carrying unit at the rate of 4 L / hour.Example 2

[0103] Inventive Example 1: Preparation of a nutrient solution

[0104] A reactor was filled with 10 L of water comprising 5000 ppm of ammonia. While stirring at 120 rpm, ammonia gas was added with a flow rate of 92 L / hour and CO2 was added with a flow rate of 71 L / hour within 3 hours. The mixture in the reactor was at continuous stirring at 25 °C to prepare a first solution. The first solution from the reactor was then transferred to a reservoir to produce the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution was then dispensed to a plant carrying unit at the rate of 4 L / hour. The unused nutrient solution from the plant carrying unit was then transferred to the recycling unit before circulating back into the reactor.

[0105] Example 3

[0106] Inventive Example 2: Preparation of a nutrient solution

[0107] Example 3 was the same as example 2 till preparing the first solution. The first solution from the reactor was then transferred to a reservoir and then a solution containing micronutrients with concentrations of 4.6M H3BO3, 0.5M MnCl2-4H2O, 0.2M ZnSCL 7H2O, 0.1M NH4(6MO7O24 4H2O), 0.2M CuSO4 5H2O, and 45M FeCh was fed into the reservoir. The reservoir was further fed with a phosphoric acid solution in the range 54-68% P2Os to produce the nutrient solution. The nutrient solution was then dispensed to a plant carrying unit at the rate of 4 L / hour.

[0108] Analysis of first solution and nutrient solution

[0109] Samples of the first solution from the comparative example and inventive examples were analyzed and found that the solution from the comparative example contained ammonium hydroxide and no carbonates / bicarbonates. The first solution from the inventive examples contained ammonium (NH4+) ions. Further, the Nitrogen uptake by plants was determined using standard lab method for all the samples and then compared the data for inventive examples to data for the comparative example to assess the effect of ammonium ions. The total biomass for normal and control plants was further determined to assess the effect of bicarbonate / carbonate on carbon absorption through roots and its effect on plant growth. Total biomass for normal and control plants was determined to assess the effect of bicarbonate / carbonate on carbon absorption through roots and its effect on plant growth.All of the methods and system disclosed and claimed herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. While the methods and systems of this invention have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations may be applied to the methods and in the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain agents which are both chemically and physiologically related may be substituted for the agents described herein while the same or similar results would be achieved. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A system for preparing a nutrient solution for plants, comprising:a. a liquid stream;b. a reactor configured to receive at leasti. the liquid stream, andii. one or more gas streams from one or more inlets in the reactor, to produce a first solution;c. a reservoir configured to receive at least a part of the first solution from the reactor to produce the nutrient solution; andd. a plant carrying unit configured to receive at least a part of the nutrient solution from the reservoir,wherein the one or more gas streams comprises ammonia, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the reservoir is further configured to receive a solution comprising phosphoric acid from a phosphorous source tank before dispensing the nutrient solution from the reservoir into a plant carrying unit.

3. The system of any of claims 1 and 2, wherein the reservoir is further configured to receive a solution comprising one or more micronutrients selected from one or more of inorganic or organometallic compounds of boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chlorine (Cl), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), or zinc (Zn) from a micronutrient tank before dispensing the nutrient solution from the reservoir into a plant carrying unit.

4. The system of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reactor is further connected with a recycling unit configured to receive and recycle the unused nutrient solution from the plant carrying unit.

5. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid stream can be selected from one or more of well water, rain harvested water, dam water, storage / reservoir water, tap water, industrial process waste water, or discharged water from an ammonia plant.

6. The system of any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquid stream comprises discharged water from an ammonia plant.

7. The system of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the discharged water from the ammonia plant comprises at least 3 ppm ammonia.

8. A method for preparing a nutrient solution for plants, comprising:a. feeding a liquid stream to a reactor;b. feeding one or more gas streams to the reactor from one or more inlets in the reactor;c. stirring the liquid stream and one or more gas streams in the reactor to produce a first solution;d. transferring at least a part of the first solution from the reactor to a reservoir to produce the nutrient solution; ande. dispensing at least a part of the nutrient solution to a plant carrying unit, wherein the one or more gas streams comprises ammonia, carbon dioxide, or a combination thereof.

9. The method of claim 8, wherein the one or more gas streams increases ammonia concentration in water from the liquid stream by at least 10% in the reactor and / or CO2 concentration by at least 5% in the reactor.

10. The method of any of claims 8 and 9, wherein the method comprises feeding a solution comprising phosphoric acid from a phosphorous source tank into the reservoir before dispensing the nutrient solution from the reservoir into a plant carrying unit.

11. The method of any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the method comprises feeding a solution comprising one or more micronutrients selected from one or more of inorganic or organometallic compounds of boron (B), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), chlorine (Cl), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni) or zinc (Zn) from a micronutrient tank into the reservoir before dispensing the nutrient solution from the reservoir into a plant carrying unit.

12. The method of any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the nutrient solution comprises at least ammonium ions, carbonate ions, or a combination thereof.

13. The method of any of claims 8 to 12, wherein the ammonia gas stream is fed to the reactor at a flow rate of 85 liters / hour to 100 liters / hour and / or the carbon dioxide gas stream is fed to the reactor at a flow rate of 65 liters / hour to 75 liters / hour.

14. The method of any of claims 8 to 13, wherein the first solution in the reactor is produced at a temperature of 25-50 °C.

15. Use of the system of any of claims 1 to 7 and the method of any of claims 8 to 14 for enhancing the growth of plants or crops in water and / or soil.

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