Biochar Matrix for Controlled Release of Plant Active Compounds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current agricultural chemical applications face challenges in retaining and releasing active agents effectively, leading to excessive leaching into groundwater and surface waters, reducing their efficacy and requiring frequent re-application.
Innovation Solution
Agricultural biomass compositions, specifically biochar, are used as a matrix for the controlled or immediate release of plant active compounds, incorporating hygroscopic substances to enhance moisture retention and reduce drought stress, while impregnating active agents like insecticides and fungicides, thereby reducing leaching and improving application efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If chemicals are applied to soil for pest control, then the target organism is controlled, but the chemicals leach into groundwater and surface waters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary carrier material (such as clay, sand, or organic matter) that binds the chemical to soil particles, preventing direct leaching into groundwater while maintaining pest control efficacy. This mediator allows the chemical to be delivered to the target while reducing environmental loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs porous soil particles and organic matter as a matrix to retain chemicals through adsorption. The porous structure provides surface area for binding chemicals while allowing controlled release, preventing both complete immobilization and excessive leaching.
2Reliability
If chemicals are applied frequently to maintain efficacy, then pest control is sustained, but the environmental load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies chemicals in advance to soil particles or organic matter, creating a reservoir that releases the chemical gradually over time. This preliminary binding action ensures sustained pest control without requiring frequent re-application, thereby reducing cumulative environmental load.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a continuous release mechanism where chemicals are steadily delivered from the soil matrix to the target organisms over an extended period. This continuous action maintains pest control efficacy while reducing the frequency of application and associated environmental impact.
3Ease of operation
If chemicals remain dissolved in water, then they are mobile and can reach targets, but they leach into groundwater
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates localized zones of chemical concentration bound to soil particles or organic matter at the application site. The chemical remains concentrated where needed for pest control while the binding mechanism prevents widespread dissolution and leaching into groundwater systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent forms a composite system where chemicals are associated with soil particles, clay, sand, or organic matter. This composite structure provides both the mobility needed to reach target organisms and the retention capability to prevent groundwater contamination through adsorption and binding.
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
The biochar-based compositions effectively retain and meter the release of active agents, reducing leaching and enhancing plant growth, with controlled release profiles that minimize environmental impact and extend the duration of chemical activity.
Implementation Method 1
The addition of hygroscopic substances onto biochar function to retain and draw moisture to the root zone
Implementation Method 2
agricultural biomass, such as biochar, can be used as a matrix for the release of plant active compounds
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is directed to compositions comprising at least one agricultural biomass, at least one nitrogen source, at least one organic acid and at least one active agent wherein the agricultural biomass is impregnated with about 5% wt to about 45% wt of the active agent. Methods of their preparation and methods of use are also described. The composition effectively reduces the leaching of, and facilitates the metering of, loaded active agents for plant protection.