Depolymerized CMC in Agrochemical Formulations
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Solution Overview
Problem
The application of systemic active substances and microbial inoculants to soil is inefficient due to non-uniform or insufficient soil moisture, leading to reduced performance, leaching, and migration, which results in loss of efficacy and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating depolymerized carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) into aqueous formulations of systemic active substances and microbial inoculants to enhance moisture retention, prevent leaching, and improve the persistence and availability of these substances for plant absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If aqueous formulations are applied onto the soil for absorption by feeder roots, then sufficient concentration of systemic active substances can be supplied, but non-uniform or insufficient soil moisture causes reduced performance and leaching out of the soil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hydrogel-forming polymer as an intermediary substance that absorbs and retains water in the soil, creating a moisture reservoir that steadily releases water to the feeder roots. This mediator ensures uniform moisture conditions for consistent absorption of systemic active substances, preventing both leaching and insufficient moisture performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the soil environment by introducing a hydrogel polymer that alters water retention capacity and moisture distribution characteristics. This parameter change ensures stable moisture conditions regardless of external water application variability, achieving consistent drug absorption performance
2Quantity of substance
If aqueous formulations are applied onto the soil, then systemic active substances can be absorbed by plants, but leaching and migration occur causing loss of efficiency and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel polymer acts as a mediator that binds water and dissolved substances, restricting their movement through the soil profile. The polymer network structure physically retains the aqueous formulation at the application site, preventing leaching to groundwater and migration to non-target areas while still allowing plant absorption
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel forms a flexible, water-retaining matrix around the applied substances that acts as a containment structure. This gel matrix holds the aqueous formulation in place through its three-dimensional network, preventing uncontrolled dispersion and leaching while maintaining availability for root absorption
3Quantity of substance
If aqueous formulations are applied onto the soil, then active substances can reach plants, but microbial inoculants suffer reduced survival due to fluctuating soil water conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel polymer provides beforehand cushioning by creating a buffered microenvironment that dampens fluctuations in soil water conditions. This protective cushion maintains stable moisture and temperature conditions around the microbial inoculants, shielding them from environmental stress during the critical establishment period
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel serves as a protective intermediary between the microbial inoculants and the external soil environment. It creates a favorable microhabitat with stable moisture conditions that enhances microorganism survival and reproduction while still allowing interaction with the plant root system
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 use of depolymerized CMC in formulations improves the retention and movement of systemic active substances and microbial inoculants in the soil, reducing the frequency of applications, lowering costs, and minimizing ecological damage while enhancing crop yields and quality.
Implementation Method 1
the addition of a depolymerized carboxymethyl cellulose (depolymerized CMC) to ready-to-use aqueous formulations... improves moisture uniformity and retention and prevents or reduces the leaching out of the soil
Implementation Method 2
enhances the movement and retention of the systemic active substances in the soil... improves moisture uniformity and retention
Data Source
AI summary
Method for improving the performances of systemic active substances and microbial inoculants comprising the step of applying onto the soil a liquid aqueous formulation comprising a systemic active substance or a microbial inoculant and a depolymerized carboxymethyl cellulose having a weight average molecular weight comprised between 10,000 and 80,000 dalton.