Agricultural composition and method for producing same

Abstract

The present invention describes a composition with fungicidal activity and the ability to provide nutrients to a crop, aiming to optimize the control of fungal diseases and promote the healthy growth of plants. The composition consists of a mixture of two blends, wherein the first blend comprises ozonized vegetable oil with high peroxide levels, ensuring the antifungal property of the composition. In addition to combating fungal growth, the invention aims to improve agricultural yield and preserve the quality of the soil and local ecosystems, providing an environmentally friendly and efficient alternative to conventional chemical products.

Description

Agricultural Composition and its Production Method - Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of application relating to agricultural technologies, more specifically to the development of compositions to optimize plant cultivation. The invention discloses a composition and its production method for the efficient supply of nutrients and for the protection of crops, promoting greater productivity and sustainability in the agricultural sector as a whole, that is, both of plant species and preserving soil quality. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Fungicides have been widely used in agriculture to control fungal and bacterial diseases that affect crops, ensuring productivity and harvest quality. However, the prolonged and inappropriate use of these products has led to the emergence of resistance in fungi, as well as raising concerns related to environmental impacts and food safety due to the persistence of chemical residues in soil, water, and food.

[0003] In this scenario, ozonized vegetable oil can represent a natural and viable alternative, especially due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. The ozonization process of vegetable oil generates oxygenated compounds, such as peroxides, responsible for biocidal action against various microorganisms, including pathogenic fungi that cause damage to plants. Furthermore, it is a sustainable solution, since ozonized oil decomposes without leaving toxic residues in the environment, unlike many conventional fungicides.

[0004] Ozonation of vegetable oils is a chemical process that involves introducing ozone gas (O3) into the oil. This highly reactive gas reacts primarily with the double bonds present in the unsaturated fatty acids of the vegetable oil. As a result of these reactions, compounds such as ozonides, peroxides, and aldehydes are formed, which give the oil antimicrobial and antifungal properties widely documented in scientific studies. The efficiency of the process is largely evaluated by the peroxide index, which indicates the amount of peroxidative compounds present in the oil after ozonation.

[0005] In this sense, the article “Evaluation of the efficacy of ozonated olive oil for controlling the growth of Alternaria alternata and its toxins” (SEHIM, Amira E. et al.; 03 / 07 / 2023) is a study on the use of ozonated olive oil as a promising alternative for controlling fungi and inhibiting mycotoxins produced by Alternaria alternata. The study demonstrated that ozonated oil (OZO) showed remarkable efficacy, inhibiting fungal growth, spore germination, and the production of toxins such as alternariol (AOH), alternariol-9-methyl ether (AME), and tenuazonic acid (TeA).The following results were obtained: up to 98.8% reduction in spore germination with the application of 5 mg / mL of ozonized oil; significant decrease in the production of AOH, AME, and TeA, both in liquid medium and in citrus fruits, such as oranges, treated post-harvest; efficiency in preventing brown spots during fruit storage, a recurring problem that compromises its commercial quality. These data highlight ozonized oil as an effective and safe alternative for the management of fungi and mycotoxins in food, especially in fruits, where microbiological control is fundamental to preserving quality and extending the shelf life of stored products.

[0006] Patent document WO2015170252 discloses the use of ozonized vegetable oil as an agricultural pesticide. The process involves the ozonization of vegetable oils, such as olive oil and sunflower oil, using a machine capable of producing 1 to 1000 g / h of ozone. The resulting ozonized oil contains 1% to 10% ozone by weight and is sprayed directly onto plants or mixed with water and emulsifiers, such as soy lecithin, to form an oil-in-water emulsion. Treatments, carried out with different concentrations and frequencies, showed an improvement in plant health and fruit quality, without altering the physicochemical parameters. Furthermore, the method represents an effective and sustainable alternative for pest control, promoting additional benefits to plant nutrition and metabolism.

[0007] Patent document CN103430797 discloses a method for preventing and treating fungal diseases in cucumbers using ozonized vegetable oil. The process involves ozonizing vegetable oil, rich in unsaturated fatty acids, followed by the addition of surfactants and dilution in water to form an emulsion, which is applied to plants and soil. The ozonized oil exhibits broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, high stability, and efficacy comparable to common chemical fungicides, without side effects on plants. Furthermore, its application is simple and environmentally friendly, offering an effective and sustainable alternative for controlling agricultural diseases.

[0008] Patent document TR201804452 describes solutions containing ozonized oil, characterized by stabilized ozone particles in nano or micrometric sizes within an aqueous solution. The method used involves the ozonization of vegetable or chemical oils through a dissolution process in water. This method allows the creation of stable ozonized oil solutions, with particles ranging from nano to micrometric, depending on the process and formulation used. The solutions are composed of ozonized oil in nanometric or micrometric particle sizes, ozone gas, distilled water, and at least one emulsifier.

[0009] However, one of the biggest challenges in using ozonized vegetable oils is obtaining adequate peroxide levels. These levels are fundamental to determining the product's effectiveness, since peroxides are the main active agents against pathogens. Conventional methods face challenges such as low gas transfer efficiency, thermal degradation of the oil, and limitations in production scales.

[0010] To ensure proper peroxide formation, it is essential to precisely control variables such as the concentration of ozone applied, the oil's exposure time to the gas, and the process temperature. Deviations in these parameters can lead to the formation of undesirable byproducts, compromising the oil's properties such as stability, viscosity, and density, as well as potentially reducing its antimicrobial effectiveness.

[0011] In this context, the state of the art would benefit from a composition with fungicidal activity, capable of supplying nutrients to the crop without causing adverse environmental impacts. Such a composition would promote the efficient control of fungal diseases, while contributing to the healthy development of plants, improving agricultural yield and preserving the quality of the soil and local ecosystems. Furthermore, by being formulated with biodegradable and sustainable components, it would reduce dependence on conventional chemical products, aligning with more responsible and ecological agricultural practices. OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION

[0012] In order to solve the problems of the state of the art, the present invention aims to provide a composition with fungicidal activity that is environmentally friendly.

[0013] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a composition with fungicidal activity that also supplies nutrients to the crop, promoting healthy and optimized plant development.

[0014] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a composition whose production optimizes the obtaining of substances that inhibit fungal growth. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In order to achieve the aforementioned objectives, the present invention provides an agricultural composition comprising fungicidal activity and delivering biostimulants and nutrients to plants, consisting of a mixture of a first blend and a second blend. The first blend comprises: between 0.1 and 99.9%, by weight, of ozonized vegetable oil with high levels of peroxide; and between 0.1 and 50%, by weight, of at least one biodegradable surfactant. The second blend consists of NPK fertilizer dissolved in water.

[0016] The present invention further discloses a method for producing such an agricultural composition comprising the following steps: step A): obtaining an ozonized vegetable oil with peroxide levels ranging from 10 to 800 meq / Kg; step B): forming the first blend by adding a biodegradable surfactant to the ozonized vegetable oil; step C): forming the second blend by dissolving the NPK fertilizer in water; and step D): mixing the blends for application. The process for obtaining said ozonized oil comprises the following steps: preparation of the vegetable oil, in which the vegetable oil is placed in a reactor constructed of ozone-resistant materials; generation and insertion of ozone using a microperforated diffuser or porous material inserted into the oil to disperse the ozone uniformly, or by circulating the oil inside a microbubble generator with the application of ozone gas inside; and filtration and storage in which the oil is filtered and stored in dark containers.

[0017] The solubilization between the two blends is immediate and requires little agitation, instantly forming a whitish to yellowish solution. When applied together, the ozonized oil, biodegradable surfactant, and NPK act in a complementary way, enhancing their benefits to the soil and the plant. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The subject matter of the present invention will become fully clear in its technical aspects from the detailed description that will be made based on the figures below, in which the following are revealed: Figure 1 shows a production plant with 5-ton capacity 316L stainless steel reactors with explosion-proof agitation and internal cooling system. Figure 2 shows an industrial ozone generator with a capacity of 5,000 to 20,000 V. Figure 3 shows a high-pressure microbubble generator made of 316L stainless steel with the application of O3 ozone gas. Figure 4 shows a jacketed system for internal reactor cooling connected to the cooling chiller. Figure 5 shows an upper mezzanine for access to the reactors for the addition of vegetable oils, biodegradable surfactant, and NPK. Figure 6 shows the front view of the electrical control box for temperature and agitation control of the pumps and reactors. Figure 7 shows the internal part of the reactor for adding vegetable oils, biodegradable surfactant, and manufacturing the NPK blend. Figure 8 shows the before and after results of using the composition on coffee plants to treat halo spots. Figure 9 shows the before and after results of using the compound on coffee plants to treat rust. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] In accordance with the aforementioned objectives, the present invention provides a composition for improving plant crops, planting, tilling, and sowing.

[0020] The composition includes fungicidal, bactericidal, herbicidal, acaricidal, pesticidal, and insecticidal activity that promotes the treatment and prevention of crop diseases, without causing environmental impacts due to its rapid degradation and the generation of very few potentially harmful residues. The composition also aims to improve the efficiency of nutrient / micronutrient and biostimulant delivery to plants, promoting healthy growth, pest resistance, and increased productivity.

[0021] The aforementioned composition is a mixture of a first blend with a second blend.

[0022] The first blend is composed of: Between 0.1 and 99.9%, by weight, of ozonized vegetable oil with optimized peroxide levels ranging from 10 to 800 mEq; and Between 0.1 and 50%, by weight, of at least one biodegradable surfactant, whether anionic, non-ionic, cationic or amphoteric, and any product derived from natural sources, such as polyglycerols or ethoxylated fatty alcohols, to improve the dispersion and adhesion of the oil to plant surfaces.

[0023] Surfactants play an essential role in reducing the surface tension between oil and water, promoting the formation of stable emulsions. They exhibit broad compatibility, being effective with various oils, such as mineral, vegetable, ozonized, and oil-based agricultural pesticides. They also act as wetting agents, improving the dispersion of ozonized oil and NPK fertilizers in planting and / or soil.

[0024] Its biodegradability is a significant advantage. Under aerobic conditions, more than 60% of the compound degrades within 28 days, meeting test standards such as OECD 301, while complete degradation occurs over time, transforming into carbon dioxide, water, and microbial biomass. Furthermore, these surfactants leave little to no toxic residue in the environment, making them a safer ecological choice.

[0025] In agricultural use, surfactants improve the solubilization of oils, promoting uniform application to leaves and fruits, and stabilize emulsions and / or suspensions, preventing stains and optimizing coverage. This uniformity increases the efficiency of treatments, enhancing the control of pests and pathogens with ozonized oils. They are also compatible with other inputs, such as liquid fertilizers, allowing for integrated applications. By improving application efficiency, they reduce the need for larger volumes of pesticides, minimizing environmental impact. At recommended doses, they have a limited environmental impact due to their rapid biodegradability after coming into contact with the external environment.

[0026] The second blend should preferably be liquid and composed of proportions divided as follows: Between 1 and 50%, by weight, Nitrogen; Between 1 and 50%, by weight, Potassium; and Between 1 and 50%, by weight, Phosphorus; and The values ​​mentioned above can be combined in different ways to reach the final value of 100%.

[0027] Blend 2 is a liquid fertilizer composed exclusively of NPK, which facilitates its application in agriculture through various spraying systems, eliminating the risk of clogging in the applicator nozzles. Its formulation is adjustable, allowing variations in the proportions of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which can range from 0 to 50% for each component. This flexibility allows the composition to be adapted according to the crop, the growth phase of the plants, and the results of soil analyses.

[0028] In the production of liquid NPK fertilizer, highly water-soluble salts are used, ensuring easy dissolution and stability of the mixture. These salts provide the essential nutrients for plant development: nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K). The choice of salts is based on the desired NPK concentration, the pH of the solution, the chemical compatibility between the components, and the planned application method.

[0029] For application, the mixture is prepared immediately before use, combining the two blends in specific proportions (e.g., 1:1 or 1:2, depending on the crop), preferably 30% of the first blend and 70% of the second blend. Application can be done by foliar spraying or drip irrigation. The solubilization between the two blends is immediate and requires little manual or mechanical agitation, instantly forming a whitish to yellowish solution.

[0030] When applied together, ozonized oil, biodegradable surfactant, and NPK act in a complementary way, enhancing their benefits in the soil and the plant. Preferred embodiment of the invention

[0031] Table 1 below comprises the components used in a preferred embodiment of the invention. Table 1: Ingredients and their concentrations present in the composition in a preferred embodiment of the invention.

[0032] The present invention further discloses a method for producing said agricultural composition, in which optimized ozonation of vegetable oil produces high levels of peroxide. The claimed method utilizes industrial, portable, and domestic ozone generators, combined with a gas diffusion system using microbubbles or porous stones.

[0033] This method offers several advantages, being efficient and scalable, making it suitable for different volumes and applications, from industrial processes to simpler uses in domestic and portable environments. The flexibility to work with various types of ozone generators expands its application possibilities. Furthermore, the use of microbubble systems or porous stones contributes to better ozone dispersion in the vegetable oil, optimizing the reaction and increasing the process's effectiveness. The method also ensures that the oil maintains its thermal and chemical stability throughout the ozonation process, guaranteeing the quality of the final product. Therefore, the process becomes a viable and efficient solution in different contexts and scales.

[0034] The gas diffusion system includes the use of three types of ozone generators, each designed to meet different scales and volumes. The industrial generator is ideal for large operations, with a capacity exceeding 100 g / h, obtaining ozone concentrations between 2% and 10%, operating with pure oxygen or compressed air. For smaller volumes, a portable generator is suitable, with a capacity of 0.5 g / ha to 5 g / h, powered by ambient air and designed for volumes of 1 to 10 liters of oil. The domestic generator is compact and ideal for non-industrial use, with a capacity of 0.1 g / ha to 1 g / h, also powered by ambient air.

[0035] The ozone generator operates using the corona discharge (CD) technique, in which a high-voltage electrical discharge, ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 V, generates an intense electric field between two electrodes, which can be metallic or ceramic. During the process, pure oxygen (O2), from a cylinder, is subjected to this discharge, resulting in the separation of molecules into individual atoms (O). These atoms then react with other oxygen molecules (O2), giving rise to ozone (O3).

[0036] Furthermore, the invention utilizes an efficient diffusion system, which includes microbubbles and porous stones to optimize the interaction between ozone and vegetable oil. The microbubbles, generated by diffusers made of ceramic, sintered glass, or stainless steel, are smaller than 100 micrometers, which increases the contact area and improves process efficiency. The porous stones, produced with materials such as silica or ceramic, are a more economical option and suitable for smaller-scale operations. Execution Examples

[0037] Example 1: Volume: 50 liters of sunflower oil. Generator: Capacity of 100 g / h, with pure oxygen. Diffusion: Microbubbles for 8 hours. Result: peroxide value of 600 mmol / kg.

[0038] Example 2: Volume: 5 liters of coconut oil. Generator: Capacity of 2 g / h, with ambient air. Diffusion: Porous stone for 6 hours. Result: peroxide value of 400 mmol / kg.

[0039] Example 3: Volume: 1 liter of olive oil. Generator: Capacity of 0.5 g / h, with ambient air. Diffusion: Porous stone for 4 hours. Result: peroxide index of 300 mmol / kg.

[0040] The production process of the aforementioned composition comprises the following steps: A, B, C, and D: Step A: obtaining an ozonized vegetable oil optimized in peroxide levels; Step B: forming the first blend by adding a biodegradable surfactant to the ozonized vegetable oil; Step C: forming the second blend by dissolving the NPK fertilizer in water; and Step D: Mixing the blends for application.

[0041] The process of ozonizing vegetable oils to optimize peroxide levels comprises the following steps: Preparation of vegetable oil: The vegetable oil is placed in a reactor constructed with ozone-resistant materials (stainless steel or borosilicate glass), and the reaction takes place at a temperature ranging from 20°C to 45°C, preventing degradation. The oil chosen must be of high quality, with low initial acidity and peroxide values. Ozone generation and insertion: Ozone is obtained through an electrical discharge of 5,000-20,000 V that creates a strong electric field between two electrodes (metallic or ceramic) where the oxygen (O2 - from a pure oxygen cylinder) that passes through them is "broken" into individual atoms (O) and after this passage they react with O2, forming O3. A microperforated or porous material diffuser is inserted into the oil to disperse the ozone uniformly, or the oil circulates inside a microbubble generator with the application of ozone gas inside, for a period of 1 to 72 h; Filtration and storage: the oil is filtered to remove impurities and the product is stored in dark containers, preventing degradation from light or oxygen.

[0042] The oil used should be a vegetable oil, preferably chosen from sunflower, soybean, cottonseed, canola, sesame, corn, palm, olive, avocado, coconut, Brazil nut, almond, and macadamia oils. It should be of high quality and have low initial acidity and peroxide values.

[0043] The production process of ozonized oil involves several steps to ensure the efficiency and quality of the final product. Initially, ozone is applied under pressure of up to 3 kilograms to the vegetable oil, using a system that generates microbubbles of gas with a diameter between 10 and 100 micrometers. Since the reaction with ozone generates heat, a cooling system, such as a chilled water chiller, is used to maintain the oil temperature between 15°C and 30°C, preventing the formation of undesirable compounds.

[0044] The oil is processed in a 316 stainless steel reactor, with headspace limited to one-third of the reactor's capacity to ensure effective ozonation. The process continues until the oil reaches peroxide levels between 10 and 800 mEq, depending on the desired application. Ozonation time varies: low levels (10-50 mEq) require a few hours, while medium levels (50-300 mEq) require 10 to 20 hours, and high levels (300-800 mEq) can take 20 to 40 hours or more.

[0045] For better control, periodic analyses of the peroxide index can be performed to determine the ideal time to stop the process. After production, the oil can be stored in the reactor for up to six months or in sealed plastic containers for up to one year.

[0046] The waste gases are captured and treated with a catalytic ozone destruction system.

[0047] The following advantages and potential uses are observed: Increases foliar and root absorption of nutrients; It reduces environmental impact through the use of biodegradable compounds; and It offers an efficient and sustainable alternative for plant nutrition and protection; Examples of use: Tomato: Increases resistance to fungi and pests; Corn: Promotes greater nutrient absorption and uniformity in production; Vegetables: Reduces the use of pesticides due to the antimicrobial properties of ozonized oil.

[0048] The examples described above are not exhaustive and may additionally include the use of the composition in all plant species such as grains in general, ornamental flowers, fruit trees, vegetables, legumes, gardening, forests, and other habitats, ecotones, or biomes.

[0049] It should be understood that the present description does not limit the application to the details described herein and that the invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or performed in a variety of ways, within the scope of the claims. Although specific terms have been used, such terms should be interpreted in a generic and descriptive sense, and not for the purpose of limitation.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. “AGRICULTURAL COMPOSITION”, characterized by comprising fungicidal, bactericidal, herbicidal, acaricidal, pesticidal and insecticidal activity, and delivering biostimulants and nutrients to plants, being composed of a mixture between a first blend and a second blend, wherein the first blend comprises: between 0.1% and 99.9%, by weight, of ozonized vegetable oil with high levels of peroxide; and - between 0.1 and 50%, by weight, of at least one biodegradable surfactant, The second blend consists of NPK fertilizer dissolved in water in the maximum quantity of each element as follows: N = 1 - 50% / P = 1 - 50% / K = 1 - 50%.

2. “AGRICULTURAL COMPOSITION”, according to claim 1, characterized in that the high levels of peroxide contained in the ozonized vegetable oil range between 10 and 800 meq / Kg.

3. “AGRICULTURAL COMPOSITION”, according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that at least one biodegradable surfactant is selected from any product derived from natural sources, such as polyglycerols or ethoxylated fatty alcohols.

4. “AGRICULTURAL COMPOSITION”, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that at least one biodegradable surfactant is preferably anionic, non-ionic-cationic and amphoteric.

5. “AGRICULTURAL COMPOSITION”, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the vegetable oil is any one of sunflower, soybean, cottonseed, canola, sesame, corn, palm, olive, avocado, coconut, Brazil nut, almond and macadamia oils, preferably sunflower or soybean oil.

6. “AGRICULTURAL COMPOSITION”, according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the application of the composition is preferably carried out via foliar spraying or drip irrigation.

7. “METHOD OF PRODUCING AN AGRICULTURAL COMPOSITION”, the composition as defined in any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by comprising the following steps: Step A): Obtaining an ozonized vegetable oil with peroxide levels ranging from 10 to 800 meq / Kg; Step B): Formation of the first blend by adding a biodegradable surfactant to the ozonized vegetable oil; Step C): forming the second blend by dissolving the NPK fertilizer in water; and Step D): Mixing the blends for application, where the process of obtaining said ozonized oil comprises the following steps: Preparation of vegetable oil, in which high-quality vegetable oil with low initial acidity and peroxide levels is placed in a reactor constructed with ozone-resistant materials; Ozone generation and insertion using a microperforated or porous material diffuser inserted into the oil to disperse the ozone uniformly, or by circulating the oil inside a microbubble generator with the application of ozone gas inside, where the microbubbles have a diameter ranging from 10 to 100 µm; and Filtration, cooling and storage in which the oil is filtered, cooled to between 10 and 800 mEq, and stored in dark containers.

8. “METHOD”, according to claim 7, characterized in that in the process of obtaining ozonized oil, the reactor material is preferably stainless steel or borosilicate glass.

9. “METHOD”, according to any one of claims 7 or 8, characterized in that in the process of obtaining ozonized oil, the reaction preferably occurs at a temperature ranging between 20 °C and 45 °C.

10. “METHOD”, according to any one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the process of inserting ozone into the oil occurs over a period that varies.

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