Urea-Free Fertilizer Composition for Clear Metal-Ion Solutions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fertilizer compositions, particularly those containing urea phosphate, face issues with precipitation and turbidity in aqueous solutions, especially when high concentrations of metals like calcium or magnesium are present, and require urea-free nitrogen sources and clear solutions for applications such as greenhouse and orchid soilless mixes.
Innovation Solution
A solid particulate fertilizer composition comprising phosphoric acid and monopotassium phosphate in a sub-equimolar ratio, which dissolves completely in water to form clear solutions even with high concentrations of calcium or magnesium, and can be used to prepare stable aqueous stock solutions with other nutrients without forming precipitates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If urea phosphate is used to provide nitrogen and phosphorus, then the fertilizer can provide necessary nutrients, but the solution becomes turbid and precipitation occurs when high concentrations of metals are present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by using phosphoric acid and monopotassium phosphate in a sub-equimolar ratio instead of urea phosphate, and controlling water content at 0.1-0.6%, to achieve clear solutions that remain stable with high metal concentrations without turbidity or precipitation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite fertilizer composition combining phosphoric acid and monopotassium phosphate in specific proportions, which together provide the solubility and stability properties needed to prevent precipitation while maintaining high nutrient concentrations with calcium, magnesium, and other metal ions
2Quantity of substance
If urea is used as nitrogen source, then nitrogen nutrition is provided, but it cannot be used in soilless mixes for orchids where urea-breaking bacteria are missing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes urea from the fertilizer composition entirely, extracting the problematic nitrogen source that requires bacterial breakdown, and replaces it with a urea-free phosphorus-potassium composition that can be directly used in soilless mixes and other applications where urea is not permitted or effective
3Quantity of substance
If high concentrations of calcium nitrate or magnesium nitrate are added to provide calcium and magnesium nutrients, then nutrient completeness is improved, but precipitation of solid materials occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the phosphate source and its ratio to monopotassium phosphate, which provides sufficient phosphate ions to maintain solubility of calcium and magnesium salts at high concentrations (up to 150 g/l each) without precipitation, while keeping the solution clear and stable
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 a clear, stable, and urea-free fertilizer solution that maintains solubility and clarity, even with high metal ion concentrations, facilitating easy handling and storage, and does not require chelating agents for metal nutrients, ensuring effective nutrient delivery in agricultural applications.
Implementation Method 1
which dissolves completely in water to form clear solutions even with high concentrations of calcium or magnesium
Data Source
AI summary
A solid free-flowing particulate fertilizer composition is provided, as well as a method of manufacturing same. The composition has low tendency to caking, is easy for storage and manipulation, dissolves rapidly and completely in water, and can be used directly as a fertilizer or serves in the preparation of concentrated aqueous fertilizer compositions comprising otherwise scarcely soluble nutrients.