Hydrogel Nitrogen Fertilizer Composition for Water Retention Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrogels used in agriculture are not compatible with common fertilizers, leading to incompatibility issues and inefficiencies in water retention and fertilization.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising a copolymer of polyacrylate and potassium acrylamides hydrogel combined with pure nitrogen fertilizers, which exhibits compatibility and synergistic water retention and nitrogen release properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogel is combined with common fertilizers, then fertilization function is provided, but compatibility issues arise and water retention efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a specifically formulated hydrogel as an intermediary substance that mediates between water and nitrogen fertilizer. The hydrogel's polymer structure acts as a compatible carrier that retains water while gradually releasing nitrogen, avoiding the incompatibility issues that arise when hydrogel is combined with common fertilizers. This intermediary approach allows both water retention and fertilization functions to work synergistically without interference.
2Quantity of substance
If pure nitrogen fertilizer is applied, then nitrogen availability is high, but leaching losses increase and fertilizer efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The hydrogel performs preliminary action by absorbing and retaining water in advance before nitrogen release is needed. This pre-retained water is then gradually released along with nitrogen, ensuring that nitrogen is always accompanied by adequate moisture for plant uptake. This preliminary water retention action prevents nitrogen leaching by ensuring water is available when nitrogen is released, thereby increasing fertilizer efficiency and reducing losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The hydrogel provides continuous useful action through its gradual release mechanism. Both water and nitrogen are released continuously over time rather than all at once, maintaining optimal conditions for plant absorption throughout the growth period. This continuous release pattern prevents nitrogen leaching by ensuring that nitrogen remains in the root zone where plants can absorb it, thereby maintaining high fertilizer efficiency while reducing waste.
3Productivity
If conventional fertilizer application is used, then fertilization is provided, but water stress occurs and watering costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate functions - water retention and nitrogen fertilization - into a single integrated hydrogel system. The hydrogel simultaneously performs both water storage and nitrogen release functions, eliminating the need for separate watering and fertilizing operations. This merging of functions reduces water stress on plants while decreasing watering costs, as the hydrogel provides both moisture and nutrients in one application, thereby improving productivity without increasing energy input for irrigation.
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 combination promotes optimal nitrogen absorption by plants, reduces fertilizer waste, and minimizes environmental impacts, while ensuring gradual nutrient release and uniform distribution.
Implementation Method 1
Hydrogels are water-retaining products that began to be developed in the 1960s by the United States Department of Agriculture
Implementation Method 2
it has the capacity to absorb and retain large quantities of water
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a water-retaining fertilizer composition intended to improve fertilization efficiency in agriculture. More particularly, the invention is based on the use of a specific hydrogel composed of a copolymer of polyacrylate and potassium acrylamides, in combination with at least one pure nitrogen fertilizer.