Liquid Phosphite Fertilizer Concentrate for Stable Plant Growth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional phosphite fertilizers face issues due to contamination with phosphates, leading to limited beneficial effects and environmental damage from fungicide runoff, and granular fertilizers have storage and handling problems.
Innovation Solution
A water-soluble liquid fertilizer concentrate using bio-available phosphite salts with optional phosphate salts, micronutrients, and pH buffering agents, formulated to promote plant growth and stability, reducing the need for phosphates and fungicides, and maintaining stability across a wide temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phosphates are intentionally included for fungicidal effect, then fungal control is improved, but environmental damage from fungicide runoff increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful fungicidal action of phosphates into a beneficial effect by using phosphite salts that naturally promote beneficial soil microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) which then outcompete and suppress harmful fungi through biological means rather than chemical fungicide action, eliminating environmental damage while maintaining fungal control
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces beneficial soil microorganisms as an intermediary between the phosphite fertilizer and harmful fungi. The phosphite promotes growth of beneficial bacteria and fungi that naturally suppress harmful fungi through competition and antimicrobial production, replacing direct phosphate fungicide action with a biological mediation system
2Ease of operation
If granular phosphite fertilizer is broadcast delivered as solid, then application coverage is improved, but storage and handling problems increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of phosphite fertilizer from solid granular form to liquid concentrate form. This parameter change eliminates hygroscopic properties and dissolution requirements, simplifying storage and handling while maintaining broadcast application capabilities through liquid delivery systems
3Reliability
If phosphite salts are dissolved in water prior to application, then bio-availability is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary dissolution action during the manufacturing process, producing a liquid concentrate that is already fully dissolved and ready for application. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site dissolution by the farmer, saving time while maintaining bio-availability of the phosphite
4Adaptability or versatility
If phosphite concentrate is stored at varying temperatures, then adaptability to storage conditions is improved, but precipitation stability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of the concentrate by selecting specific phosphite salt formulations and adjusting pH levels to create a stable liquid solution that remains precipitate-free across a wide temperature range from freezing to high heat, achieving both adaptability and stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite liquid concentrate formulation combining phosphite salts with specific pH buffering agents and chelating agents that work together to maintain solution stability across varying temperatures, preventing precipitation through synergistic chemical interactions
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 solution enhances plant growth, reduces environmental damage, and improves handling properties by providing a stable and efficient liquid fertilizer that promotes symbiotic effects between crops and beneficial soil organisms, while maintaining stability and reducing phosphate runoff.
Implementation Method 1
Phosphite is a source of bio-available phosphorous that has been recognized to be more slowly metabolized by microorganisms
Implementation Method 2
A water soluble liquid fertilizer concentrate is provided that includes a bio-available phosphorus source, said phosphorus source consisting essentially of a phosphite salt
Implementation Method 3
Phosphite has also been identified as promoting the growth of beneficial soil, bacteria, and fungi
Data Source
AI summary
A water soluble liquid fertilizer concentrate is provided that includes a bio-available phosphorus source, said phosphorus source consisting essentially of a phosphite salt. At least one of a bio-available nitrogen source and a bio-available potassium source are also provided. At least one micronutrient of calcium, magnesium, cobalt, iron, manganese, copper, boron, zinc, or molybdenum is present in the concentrate as an aqueous solute or soluble chelates. In some embodiments, the at least one phosphite salt is present at between 30 to 57 total weight percent dissolved in water and optionally contains a phosphate salt. A process of fertilizing a crop includes diluting the fertilizer concentrate with water to obtain a liquid fertilizer solution. The liquid fertilizer solution is then applied to the crop and after by allowing sufficient time, the fertilizer solution promotes growth of the crop.