Mineral Complex for Soil Moisture Retention and Nutrient Remediation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Intensive agriculture practices and environmental contaminants deplete soil nutrients and water quality, leading to reduced plant growth and soil degradation, necessitating the need for economically viable materials to address these issues.

Innovation Solution

A mineral complex comprising 40 wt. % to 60 wt. % SiO2, 6 wt. % to 16 wt. % Fe2O3, 4 wt. % to 12 wt. % CaO, and 2 wt. % to 8 wt. % MgO, which can be applied to soil and water to enhance moisture retention, support vegetation growth, and remediate contaminated soils and water.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If intensive agriculture practices are used to increase crop production, then productivity is improved, but soil nutrients are depleted and water quality is degraded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop productionVSAvoidsoil nutrient depletion and water contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying soil chemical properties through the application of mineral complex amendments containing specific ratios of calcium, magnesium, and other minerals. This changes the soil's nutrient composition and chemical balance, enabling sustained high productivity while preventing nutrient depletion and improving water quality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite materials in the form of mineral complex amendments that combine multiple minerals (calcium carbonate, magnesium oxide, trace minerals) in specific compositions. These composite amendments address multiple soil deficiencies simultaneously, allowing intensive agriculture to continue without depleting soil nutrients or contaminating water.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Productivity

If fertilizers and pesticides are over-applied to maintain plant growth, then crop productivity is maintained, but soil and water contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant growthVSAvoidsoil and water contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful practice of over-applying synthetic fertilizers into a beneficial process by using natural mineral complex amendments. These amendments provide necessary nutrients while improving soil structure and preventing contamination, effectively turning the need for high input agriculture into an opportunity for sustainable soil enhancement.

Inventive Principle:

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mineral complex amendments enable soil to serve itself by restoring its natural nutrient cycling capabilities. The amendments provide essential minerals that allow soil microorganisms and plant roots to naturally acquire nutrients without requiring external fertilizer inputs, thereby eliminating contamination while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If crop harvesting is intensified to increase food production, then productivity is improved, but soil moisture and nutrients are significantly lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecrop harvestingVSAvoidsoil moisture and nutrient loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying soil physical and chemical properties through mineral amendments. These changes improve soil water retention capacity and nutrient holding capacity, allowing intensive harvesting cycles to occur without significant loss of soil moisture and nutrients.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If soil amendments are applied to improve plant growth, then vegetation health is improved, but the complexity of soil management increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant growth supportVSAvoidsoil management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mineral complex amendments are designed to be universal solutions that simultaneously address multiple soil issues including nutrient deficiency, poor structure, water retention problems, and contamination. This multi-functionality simplifies soil management by providing a single amendment that performs multiple functions rather than requiring separate treatments for each problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8870996B2Mineral complex, compositions thereof, and methods of using the same

Publication Date: 2014.10.28 AVELIS LLC

AI summary

The invention provides inter alia a mineral complex comprising about 40 wt. % to about 60 wt. % SiO2, about 6 wt. % to about 16 wt. % Fe2O3, about 4 wt. % to about 12 wt. %. CaO, about 2 wt. % to about 8 wt. % MgO, wherein at least 85% of the mineral complex has a particle size of about 10 to about 6000 mesh, related compositions and methods for their use, including for growth medium augmentation and remediation.