Fertiliser Pellets with Water Absorbent Polymer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Establishing new turf requires excessive amounts of fertilizers and water, with traditional methods leading to inefficiencies due to phase separation and water loss, and existing products are difficult to apply correctly in proportion.
Innovation Solution
A stable fertiliser composition in the form of pellets or granules combining organic fertiliser and water absorbent polymer, produced by mixing, pelletising, and drying, which maintains structure for storage and application, allowing for controlled water absorption and nutrient release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple products (fertiliser and water absorbent polymer) are mixed together to form a salt and pepper mixture, then application is simplified, but phase separation occurs during production, distribution and application limiting correct rate application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple products (fertiliser and water absorbent polymer) into a single unified granule structure. This merging eliminates phase separation by ensuring the components remain mixed at the granule level, while still allowing each component to function independently. The granule structure maintains composition stability throughout production, distribution and application.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the mixture into discrete granules rather than creating a homogeneous salt and pepper mixture. Each granule acts as an independent unit containing both components in correct proportions, preventing phase separation during handling and application while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If inorganic or synthetic fertilisers are used to provide rapid nutrients, then turf growth is accelerated, but over application becomes toxic to turf and leads to environmental damage through leaching
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fertiliser by incorporating water absorbent polymers that control water solubility. This parameter change allows the fertiliser to provide rapid nutrients through controlled dissolution while preventing excessive leaching and toxicity through regulated water uptake and release mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite material combining inorganic fertiliser with water absorbent polymer. This composite maintains the rapid nutrient delivery of synthetic fertilisers while adding the water-retaining and leaching-prevention properties of the polymer, thus reducing harmful effects through material composition.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If organic fertilisers are used to avoid toxicity and leaching, then environmental damage is reduced, but the water soluble content is low requiring extended biodegradation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the biodegradation parameter by incorporating water absorbent polymers that accelerate the breakdown process. The polymers increase water solubility and facilitate microbial activity, thereby reducing the extended biodegradation time of organic fertilisers while maintaining the environmental benefits of reduced toxicity and leaching.
4Loss of energy
If water absorbent polymers are added to reduce water requirements, then water loss is diminished, but the amount of fertiliser to be applied increases substantially making correct proportion application difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water absorbent polymer with the fertiliser into a single granule product. This combination eliminates the need to apply separate products in correct proportions, reducing application complexity while maintaining the water-saving benefits of the polymer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional granule that simultaneously provides fertilisation and water retention capabilities. This universal product performs multiple functions (nutrient delivery and water management) in a single application, eliminating the complexity of applying multiple separate products.
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 composition provides efficient water retention and nutrient delivery to turf, reducing water requirements and promoting healthy turf growth by stabilizing the fertiliser and polymer mixture, ensuring accurate application and prolonged nutrient release.
Implementation Method 1
water absorbent polymers absorb and retain water for the roots of turf to use
Implementation Method 2
water absorbent polymers absorb and retain water for the roots of turf to use
Data Source
AI summary
This invention relates to a storage stable fertilizer composition in the form of pellets or granules comprising an organic fertilizer in admixture with a water absorbent polymer. This invention also relates to a process for producing a storage stable fertilizer composition, the process comprising: i) mixing an organic fertilizer and a water absorbent polymer to form a mixture; ii) pelletizing or granulating the mixture; and iii) drying the pellets or granules for a time and under conditions sufficient to form a storage stable fertilizer composition.