Programmed-Release Fertilizer Composition for Targeted Root Uptake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fertilization and treatment methods for trees, shrubs, and climbing plants face challenges such as rapid transformation of active components into passive ones, loss of substances from soils, and high costs associated with unnecessary dispersion of chemicals.
Innovation Solution
Development of a smart fertilizer composition with programmed release of active substances, utilizing nanoparticles and microencapsulation techniques to control the activation time and duration of fertilization/treatment, and creating a "mouth of the tree" by forming a clump of young roots that absorbs nutrients efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If fertilizers and active substances are applied to soil surface or through roots, then plant growth and protection are improved, but the active substances are rapidly transformed into passive components and lost from root zone through flushing or gaseous transformation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the active substance delivery system by creating a localized clump of young roots (mouth of the tree) that concentrates nutrient absorption in a specific zone, rather than dispersing substances throughout the entire soil volume. This segmentation reduces loss by confining active substances to a targeted absorption area.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies preliminary action by creating a prepared composition containing beneficial microorganisms and nutrients that are introduced into the root zone before the plant needs them. The composition pre-establishes a microbial community that will facilitate controlled release and absorption of active substances, preventing their rapid transformation and loss.
2Productivity
If active substances are dispersed on soil surface or carried into ground, then fertilization and treatment effects are achieved, but significant costs are incurred and unnecessary load is created on soil
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by concentrating the delivery of active substances to a specific location - the clump of young roots (mouth of the tree). Instead of uniform dispersion across the soil surface, the composition targets a localized zone where beneficial microorganisms and nutrients are concentrated, improving efficiency and reducing the total quantity of substances needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The composition enables self-service by incorporating beneficial microorganisms that automatically facilitate the release and absorption of active substances. The microbial community self-regulates the decomposition and nutrient release processes, eliminating the need for repeated applications and reducing the total quantity of substances required over time.
3Productivity
If conventional fertilization methods are used, then nutrients are provided to plants, but activation time and duration of fertilization cannot be controlled or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies dynamics by creating a system where the release of active substances is not static but adapts to environmental conditions. The composition includes microorganisms and materials that respond to changes in soil moisture, temperature, and root excretions, dynamically adjusting the activation time and duration of nutrient release to match plant needs and environmental conditions.
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 smart fertilizer composition achieves a prolonged and targeted release of nutrients, increasing efficiency by 50-300% and reducing soil and water pollution, while minimizing the amount of active substances required, thus lowering costs and environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
a biodegradable bag filled with a composition for fertilization and treating trees, shrubs and climbing plants
Implementation Method 2
This clump of young roots has a great power to absorb nutritive substances, so there is no need to unnecessarily disperse them on the surface around the tree, but only intake them in that clump which will absorb them almost 100%
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed composition for fertilization and treating trees, shrubs and climbing plants with programmed release of the active substance is comprising the active substance stored in capsules made by nanoencapsulation or microencapsulation method and wherein based on capsule membrane the time of release of the active substance is adjusted. The active component stored in the nanocapsules or microcapsules can be such that it acidifies the surrounding soil in the range of pH 2.5 to pH 6.5. One example of such active component is the use of citric acid, which is completely ecological and does not create environmental pollution. Also, the active component in the nanocapsules can be such that it regulates the acidity of the soil in the range of pH 6.5 to pH 7.0. Furthermore, the active component in the special capsules can be an insecticide and/or in the special capsules fungicide, and/or in the special capsules acaricide and/or in the special capsules pheromone and/or in the special capsules repellent.