Coated Fertilizer Particles for Controlled Phosphorus Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current phosphorus fertilizers have low nutrient use efficiency, leading to environmental issues such as eutrophication and phosphorus loss from farm fields, which contributes to the depletion of this non-renewable resource.
Innovation Solution
Development of particles with a core of rock phosphate or hydroxyapatite coated with multiple layers of polycation and polyanion polymers, such as chitosan and poly(citric acid-co-glycerol), to control the release of phosphorus in a sustainable manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If phosphorus fertilizers are applied to improve plant growth, then nutrient availability is improved, but phosphorus loss and environmental pollution increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of phosphorus fertilizers by coating them with polymers and surface modifiers. This modifies the surface properties and release characteristics of phosphorus, enabling controlled release that reduces both nutrient deficiency and phosphorus loss to waterways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates composite fertilizer particles by combining phosphorus-containing materials with polymers and surface modifiers. These composite structures enable controlled phosphorus release through degradation of the coating materials, improving nutrient use efficiency while reducing environmental pollution.
2Productivity
If conventional phosphorus fertilizers are used to ensure sufficient nutrient supply, then crop yield is improved, but environmental pollution and resource depletion worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous phosphorus release through polymer coatings that degrade over time. This provides sustained nutrient supply to plants throughout the growing season, maintaining crop yield while reducing the need for excessive fertilizer application that causes environmental pollution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the release rate and duration of phosphorus through polymer coating parameters. By adjusting coating thickness, composition, and degradation characteristics, the system provides controlled phosphorus release that supports continuous crop growth without causing environmental harm.
3Reliability
If phosphorus fertilizers are applied to prevent nutrient deficiency, then plant growth is improved, but phosphorus loss from farm fields increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies polymer coatings to phosphorus fertilizers before application to fields. This preliminary modification creates a controlled-release system that prevents rapid phosphorus dissolution and runoff, ensuring reliable nutrient supply while reducing phosphorus loss from farm fields.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer coating acts as an intermediary between the phosphorus fertilizer and the soil environment. This intermediate layer controls the release rate of phosphorus, preventing direct contact with water that would cause runoff and loss, while ensuring reliable nutrient availability to plants.
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 coated particles enhance phosphorus use efficiency by controlling the release of phosphorus, reducing environmental losses, and extending the availability of this critical nutrient for plant growth.
Implementation Method 1
The first layer is disposed on at least a portion of the core. The second layer is disposed on at least a portion of the first layer.
Implementation Method 2
to control the release of phosphorus in a sustainable manner
Data Source
AI summary
A particle that includes a core and one or more layers. The core includes a fertilizer element. The one or more layers may include a polycation polymer and/or a polyanion polymer. Compositions include a plurality of particles and methods of using the particles and compositions containing the same.