Acetate-Based Fertilizer Formulation for Micronutrient Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fertilizers often lead to inefficient micronutrient absorption by plants, resulting in reduced crop yields and increased environmental impact due to leaching of soluble components into groundwater.
Innovation Solution
The development of fertilizers based on acetates of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese, and copper, which are designed to be quickly absorbed by plants and maintain stability in soil solutions, reducing the risk of precipitation and equipment clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional soluble fertilizers are used to provide micronutrients to plants, then nutrient availability is improved, but nutrient loss to groundwater through leaching increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses acetate ions as intermediary carriers to transport micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) to plant roots. The acetate-chelated micronutrients are applied as granular fertilizer that dissolves slowly, providing a controlled release mechanism that maintains nutrient availability while reducing leaching losses to groundwater.
2Speed
If highly soluble fertilizers are applied to ensure quick nutrient uptake, then absorption speed is improved, but precipitation and equipment clogging occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters by using acetate salts instead of traditional sulfates or nitrates. Acetate forms stable, soluble complexes with micronutrients that maintain low precipitation tendency even at higher concentrations, enabling quick nutrient release without clogging irrigation equipment.
3Quantity of substance
If micronutrient concentrations in fertilizer are increased to improve plant nutrition, then nutrient sufficiency is improved, but precipitation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates composite acetate-fertilizer granules containing multiple micronutrients (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu) combined with acetate salts. This composite formulation maintains high micronutrient concentrations while the acetate matrix prevents precipitation, ensuring solution stability during storage and application.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
These acetate-based fertilizers enhance the absorption and utilization of micronutrients by plants, leading to improved crop yields and reduced environmental impact by minimizing nutrient loss to the environment.
Implementation Method 1
These acetate-based fertilizers enhance the absorption and utilization of micronutrients by plants
Implementation Method 2
designed to be quickly absorbed by plants and maintain stability in soil solutions, reducing the risk of precipitation and equipment clogging
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid or solid fertiliser composition and to a method for obtaining the same. The main product includes acetates of potassium, calcium, magnesium and microelements including iron, zinc, manganese and copper, obtained from the cold reaction of the carbonate of the element diluted in water, with the addition of acetic acid or vinegar in a reactor with continuous stirring and with recirculation of the carbon dioxide obtained during the reaction. The fertiliser obtained substantially improves nutrient absorption in plants where it is applied. A new product for agricultural use, which changes maximum crop yield with minimal environmental impact, allows the doses of fertilising units providing potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, manganese and copper to be reduced, and can be incorporated into the soil by fertilisation, using sprinkler irrigation or drip irrigation.