Biofertilizer Formulations with Chelating Agents for Shelf Life
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current dry biofertilizer formulations have a short shelf life of about 6 months, while liquid biofertilizers, although more stable, are costly and often incompatible with standard phosphate fertilizers, making them impractical for large-scale agriculture.
Innovation Solution
Agricultural formulations comprising living microorganisms and an elevated concentration of chelating agents, along with macronutrients and biostimulants, which improve nutrient uptake and compatibility with standard fertilizers, extending shelf life and reducing production costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If liquid biofertilizer formulations are used, then shelf life is improved (up to 2 years), but production cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameters of the liquid formulation by incorporating specific stabilizing agents, chelating agents, and protective compounds that extend shelf life without requiring expensive production processes. This allows achieving long shelf life through compositional modification rather than costly manufacturing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite liquid formulation combining biofertilizer microorganisms with stabilizing agents, carriers, and protective compounds. This composite structure protects the microorganisms during storage while maintaining affordability through the use of cost-effective composite materials rather than expensive pure substances.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If liquid biofertilizer formulations are used, then shelf life is improved, but compatibility with standard phosphate fertilizers deteriorates (forms precipitates)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces compatibility agents and chelating compounds as intermediaries between the liquid biofertilizer formulation and standard phosphate fertilizers. These intermediaries prevent direct harmful interactions that would cause precipitation, allowing the biofertilizer to be mixed with standard fertilizers without compromising either product's effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation adjusts pH parameters, ionic strength, and chemical composition to ensure compatibility with standard phosphate fertilizers. By controlling these parameters, the patent prevents precipitation reactions while maintaining the stability and shelf life of the liquid biofertilizer formulation.
3Ease of manufacture
If dry biofertilizer formulations are used, then production cost is reduced, but shelf life deteriorates (6 months or less)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs liquid-based formulations with hydraulic carriers that provide a protective environment for microorganisms. This liquid medium, when properly formulated with stabilizers, extends shelf life significantly compared to dry formulations, while the overall production process remains cost-effective through simple mixing and formulation methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite liquid system combining affordable carriers, stabilizing agents, and protective compounds that work together to extend shelf life. This composite approach achieves long-term stability without requiring expensive manufacturing processes, making it both economical and effective.
4Ease of manufacture
If dry biofertilizer formulations are used, then production cost is reduced, but microorganism viability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes moisture content, pH, and chemical composition parameters in the liquid formulation to create an environment that maintains high microorganism viability. By controlling these parameters, the invention ensures reliable microorganism survival without requiring expensive specialized manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The formulation includes protective compounds and stabilizing agents that act as intermediaries between the microorganisms and harsh environmental conditions. These intermediaries shield the microorganisms from damage during storage and handling, maintaining viability while keeping production costs low through the use of effective protective additives.
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 formulations enhance plant growth, nutrient uptake, and compatibility with standard fertilizers, offering an extended shelf life beyond a single growing season at a lower production cost.
Implementation Method 1
a chelate composition comprising at least one chelating agent and at least one micronutrient
Implementation Method 2
The microorganisms, when applied to soil, seeds, or plants, can assist plants in accessing nutrients available in the surrounding environment
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, an agricultural formulation includes living microorganisms and an elevated concentration of a chelating agent. Formulations include one or more populations of live microorganisms, a chelate composition including at least one chelating agent and at least one micronutrient, and optionally one or more macronutrients and/or a biostimulant. Formulations can have a shelf life of at least 2 years.