Microalgae Composition for Crop Residue Decomposition and Soil Quality

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for managing crop residue are environmentally unfriendly and inefficient, leading to soil productivity issues such as erosion, nutrient immobilization, and soil cooling, while mechanical removal is costly and energy-intensive.

Innovation Solution

Applying a composition comprising a culture of microalgae, such as Chlorella, to crop residue to reduce its amount, enhance nutrient availability, and increase soil organic matter, thereby reducing erosion and improving soil quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If mechanical means are used to remove crop residue, then crop residue amount is reduced, but cost and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop residue amountVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical removal systems with a biological solution using microalgae. The microalgae composition is applied to crop residue, which then decomposes through microbial action, eliminating the need for expensive and energy-intensive mechanical equipment while achieving residue reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The microalgae composition applies itself to the crop residue and utilizes natural microbial decomposition processes to break down the residue. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external mechanical intervention, reducing both cost and energy consumption while effectively managing crop residue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Object-affected harmful factors

If excessive crop residue is left in the field, then soil organic matter content is maintained and erosion is protected, but soil productivity is reduced due to cooling and wetness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveerosion protectionVSAvoidsoil productivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the decomposition rate parameter of crop residue by applying microalgae composition. This accelerates the decomposition process, transforming the residue from a long-lasting protective layer into a faster-decomposing material that releases nutrients quickly while reducing excessive residue accumulation that causes cooling and wetness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The microalgae composition is applied to crop residue before the residue becomes a problem for soil productivity. This preliminary action accelerates decomposition in advance, preventing the residue from causing excessive cooling and wetness during the critical planting season while maintaining erosion protection benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If insufficient crop residue is left on the soil surface, then soil productivity is improved, but soil quality deteriorates due to loss of organic matter and increased erosion

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil productivityVSAvoidsoil erosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures continuous beneficial action by applying microalgae composition that continuously decomposes residue and releases nutrients. This continuous process maintains soil organic matter levels and erosion protection while preventing residue accumulation that would harm productivity, achieving both goals simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 method promotes microbial growth, enhances nutrient availability, increases soil organic matter, and reduces erosion, leading to warmer soil temperatures, earlier planting, and increased crop yields.

Implementation Method 1

The present disclosure provides a method for decreasing a crop residue of a plant by applying a composition comprising a culture of microalgae to the crop residue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMicrobial decomposition: Decomposition (biological)

Implementation Method 2

enhancing the availability of a nutrient in a crop residue of a plant... increasing soil organic matter with a crop residue of a plant

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOrganic matter accumulation: Composting

Data Source

PatentUS12369590B2Methods of crop residual management with microalgae compositions

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 HELIAE DEVELOPMENT LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure provides methods of decreasing a crop residue of a plant, enhancing the availability of a nutrient in a crop residue of a plant, increasing soil organic matter (SOM) with a crop residue of a plant, and reducing erosion with a crop residue of a plant by applying a composition comprising a culture of microalgae to the crop residue.