Coated Biofertilizer Granules for Long-Term Microbial Viability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solid biofertilizers have a limited shelf life of around 6 months and require low-temperature storage to maintain microbial viability, while liquid biofertilizers are costly and environmentally detrimental due to water transportation, and none provide extended shelf life and ecological sustainability.
Innovation Solution
A biofertilizer granule with a core containing NPK fertilizers and a coating of a soil activator composition comprising a bacterial mixture with antifungal activity, ensuring at least 263 million cfu/g after 2-3 years, achieved through a combination of specific fertilizers and a binding agent.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If solid biofertilizers are used, then they are easier to transport and store, but they have a limited shelf life of around 6 months and require low-temperature storage to maintain microbial viability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the biofertilizer formulation by using a solid granular form with specific moisture content control and a protective coating system, allowing the product to maintain microbial viability at ambient temperatures for extended periods without requiring refrigeration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure consisting of a core containing the bacterial mixture and a protective coating layer that creates a controlled microenvironment, combining multiple materials (carrier, binding agents, protective coatings) to achieve both ease of handling and extended shelf life
2Reliability
If liquid biofertilizers are used, then they can maintain microbial viability, but they are costly and environmentally detrimental due to water transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions the biofertilizer from liquid phase to solid granular phase, allowing the microbial culture to be preserved in a dormant state within the solid matrix, then activated when applied to soil, thereby eliminating the need for water-based formulations and their associated environmental problems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a disposable solid granular formulation that can be stored at ambient temperatures without special conditions, eliminating the need for expensive refrigeration infrastructure and reducing environmental impact compared to liquid formulations requiring water transportation
3Duration of action of stationary object
If biofertilizers with extended shelf life are developed, then they can be stored for 2-3 years, but maintaining microbial viability over this period is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates protective coatings and a controlled microenvironment within the granule structure beforehand to cushion and protect the microorganisms from environmental stresses during long-term storage, ensuring their viability is maintained without requiring active preservation measures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an inert protective environment within the granule coating that shields the microbial culture from oxygen, moisture, and other environmental factors that would otherwise cause degradation, allowing long-term storage while maintaining high microbial viability
Data Source
AI summary
Biofertilizer granule comprising a core and a coating, said core comprises at least one fertilizer chosen in the group comprising NPK fertilizer, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP), potassium sulphate (SOP), single super phosphate (SSP), triple super phosphate (TSP), frass from insects, frass from fish or shellfish, and their mixture, said coating comprises at least a binding agent and a soil activator composition having an extended shelf-life duration.