Microalgae Consortium for Soil Health and Plant Growth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Long-term use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides depletes soil of beneficial organisms, leading to lower soil quality, reduced plant growth, and increased susceptibility to infections.

Innovation Solution

The use of a microalgae consortium composition, comprising a combination of microalgae species such as Scenedesmus dimorphus, Chlorella sorokiniana, and Chlamydomonas moewusii, applied directly to the soil or mixed with irrigation water to enhance soil health and plant growth.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If chemical fertilizers and pesticides are used long-term, then plant growth and yields are improved, but soil quality deteriorates and beneficial organisms are depleted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant growth and yieldsVSAvoidsoil quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the chemical composition parameters of soil amendments by using microalgae-based products instead of synthetic chemicals. The microalgae consortium modifies soil chemistry through natural metabolic processes, producing organic matter, enzymes, and bioactive compounds that improve soil quality while maintaining plant productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces microalgae as an intermediary organism that mediates between applied nutrients and plant uptake. The microalgae consortium processes nutrients through biological transformations, making them more available to plants while simultaneously improving soil structure and supporting beneficial soil organisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If chemical fertilizers are applied, then nutrient availability is improved, but soil microbial diversity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenutrient availabilityVSAvoidsoil microbial diversity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite microalgae consortium comprising multiple species (Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus obliquus, Nannochloropsis oculata, and Spirulina maxima) working together. This composite biological system provides diverse metabolic functions that support both nutrient availability and microbial diversity in the soil ecosystem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The microalgae consortium performs self-service by producing its own biomass and metabolic products that directly benefit the soil ecosystem. The microalgae fix carbon, process nutrients, and release organic compounds that sustain soil microbial communities without requiring external chemical inputs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If pesticides are used, then pest control is improved, but soil health and plant immune response deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest controlVSAvoidsoil health and plant immunity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of pesticide dependency into a beneficial biological control system. The microalgae consortium produces natural bioactive compounds and stimulates plant immune responses, providing pest control through enhanced plant resistance rather than toxic chemicals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/chemical pesticide application system with a biological system based on microalgae metabolism. The microalgae produce enzymes, hormones, and other bioactive substances that naturally suppress pests and diseases while improving overall soil health and plant vitality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 microalgae consortium increases soil aggregation, improves nutrient accessibility for plants, reduces sodium stress, and enhances soil microbial diversity, leading to improved soil health and plant growth.

Implementation Method 1

microalgae perform several important functions for agro-ecosystems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhotosynthesis: Photosynthesis

Implementation Method 2

microalgae perform several important functions for agro-ecosystems

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNitrogen fixation: Nitriding

Data Source

PatentUS20250162956A1Methods and compositions for treating soil and plants

Publication Date: 2025.05.22 CORE INTELLECTUAL PROPERTIES HOLDINGS LLC

AI summary

The present invention comprises methods and compositions comprising a microalgae consortium. A composition comprises at least one genera of microalgae flocculated by Paenibacillus polymyxa strain, Strain 2, deposited under the Budapest Treaty as ATCC Accession No. PTA-12841. Methods of treating the soil comprise adding a composition of the present invention to soil.