Coated Biofertilizer Granules for Long Shelf-Life Microbial Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biofertilizers, particularly solid formulations, face challenges in achieving an extended shelf life of microorganisms while maintaining ecological sustainability and compatibility with standard fertilizers and agricultural practices, with liquid formulations being costly and environmentally detrimental.
Innovation Solution
A biofertilizer granule with a core comprising inorganic, organic, or mixed fertilizers, coated with a binding agent and a soil activator composition containing a bacterial mixture of Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas monteilii, and optionally Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, ensuring a shelf life of at least 2 years and up to 3 years with a bacterial count of 263 million cfu/g.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If liquid biofertilizer formulations are used to extend shelf life, then microbial stability is improved, but manufacturing costs increase and environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from liquid to solid granular form, and modifies the chemical composition by using specific carriers and protective agents in the coating layer, thereby extending shelf life without incurring the high costs and environmental impacts associated with liquid formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure with a core containing fertilizer and a coating layer containing protective agents, carriers, and microorganisms. This composite design protects the microorganisms while maintaining cost-effectiveness and ecological sustainability
2Ease of manufacture
If solid biofertilizer formulations are used to reduce costs, then manufacturing cost is improved, but shelf life of microorganisms deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary protective actions by incorporating protective agents and appropriate moisture content before storage, which prevents microbial degradation during shelf life while maintaining the cost advantages of solid formulations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes physical parameters such as moisture content (10-20%) and temperature control during storage, thereby extending the shelf life of solid biofertilizers to match or exceed liquid formulations while maintaining cost-effectiveness
3Reliability
If biofertilizer formulations with multiple ingredients are used to enhance functionality, then fertility-enhancing capability is improved, but ecological sustainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates multiple functional ingredients (fertilizers, protective agents, carriers, and microorganisms) in the coating layer rather than mixing them throughout the entire product, thereby maintaining ecological sustainability while achieving enhanced fertility capabilities through localized functional zones
Data Source
AI summary
Biofertilizer granule comprising a core and a coating, said core comprises at least one fertilizer chosen in the group comprising inorganic fertilizer, organic fertilizers, biofertilizer, and their mixture, said coating comprises at least a binding agent and a soil activator composition having an extended shelf-life duration, said soil activator composition comprising at least a carrier and at least a bacterial mixture containing at least a rhizobacteria species being a Bacillus subtilis and at least a bacteria species with some antifungal activity being different from Bacillus subtilis and being a Pseudomonas monteilii species, said bacterial mixture containing at least 263 million (2.63×108) cfu total bacteria /g soil activator composition after said extended shelf life measured according to ASTM-D5465-93 (dated 1998) standard.