Fertilizer Adducts for Nitrogen Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fertilizers face challenges in providing extended nitrification inhibition, as existing nitrification inhibitors tend to leach away from the plant site, reducing their effectiveness in preventing nitrogen loss through nitrification in soil.
Innovation Solution
The development of compositions including adducts from reactions between formaldehyde, dicyandiamide (DCD), urea, and an ammonia source, which form stable adducts that act as nitrification inhibitors, maintaining their effectiveness near the plant roots and reducing nitrogen loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional nitrification inhibitors are applied to fertilizer, then nitrogen loss through nitrification is reduced, but the inhibitors leach away from the plant site reducing their effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The nitrification inhibitor is pre-reacted with formaldehyde and an ammonia source to form stable adducts before application. This preliminary chemical modification allows the inhibitor to be incorporated into the fertilizer structure, ensuring it remains at the application site and activates only when needed, thereby maintaining reliability while preventing nitrogen loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Formaldehyde acts as an intermediary carrier that temporarily binds the nitrification inhibitor through adduct formation. This intermediary structure allows the inhibitor to be transported and retained at the plant site, then releases the active inhibitor component when conditions are appropriate, solving both the leaching problem and maintaining effectiveness.
2Quantity of substance
If nitrification inhibitors are added to fertilizer, then nitrogen availability to plants is enhanced, but the inhibitors leach into the subsoil becoming ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The nitrification inhibitor is merged with formaldehyde and ammonia source through chemical reaction to form integrated adduct structures. This combining approach ensures the inhibitor remains associated with the fertilizer at the application site, preventing leaching while maintaining nitrogen availability enhancement throughout the fertilizer's active period.
3Productivity
If urea is used as nitrogen source, then plant growth is supported, but rapid nitrification causes large percentage of nitrogen to be lost before plant utilization
Solution Approach 1:
The nitrification inhibitor is incorporated into the fertilizer formulation through adduct formation, creating a preliminary protective barrier against nitrification. This anti-action is established before nitrogen loss occurs, allowing urea to support plant growth while the pre-positioned inhibitor prevents rapid nitrification and subsequent nitrogen loss.
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
These compositions effectively inhibit nitrification, reducing nitrogen loss by maintaining the nitrification inhibitor at the application site, thereby enhancing nitrogen availability to plants and minimizing environmental losses.
Implementation Method 1
compositions can include one or more adducts arising from a reaction of formaldehyde, DCD, urea, and an ammonia source
Data Source
AI summary
Reaction products and methods for making and using the same are provided. The reaction products particularly may include adducts of two or more reactants. The adducts particularly can incorporate a nitrification inhibitor, such as DCD. In particular embodiments, reaction products may be formed from the reaction of formaldehyde, DCD, urea, and an ammonia source. The adducts may be included in agricultural products, including fertilizer compositions and nitrification inhibitor systems. Fertilizer compositions including the adducts can be beneficial for reducing leaching of nitrification inhibitors applied to soil.