Pyroglutamic Acid–NBPT Combination for Plant Nitrogen Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing agricultural practices face challenges in maximizing plant growth and yield while minimizing the use of agrichemicals to address environmental and economic concerns, particularly in the efficient use and retention of nitrogen in soil for plant metabolism.
Innovation Solution
A composition comprising pyroglutamic acid (PGA) and N-(n-butyl)-thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) is used in synergistic amounts to enhance nitrogen availability and assimilation in plants, thereby improving growth, health, and yield.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nitrogen fertilizers are applied to maximize plant growth and yield, then productivity increases, but environmental pollution and health hazards increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces pyroglutamic acid as an intermediary substance that mediates between nitrogen fertilizers and plant metabolism. It enhances nitrogen assimilation efficiency by acting as a carrier and facilitator in the glutamate biosynthesis pathway, allowing plants to utilize nitrogen more effectively without increasing overall fertilizer application, thus reducing environmental pollution and health hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the biochemical parameters of nitrogen metabolism by introducing pyroglutamic acid, which alters the assimilation rate and efficiency of nitrogen in plants. This parameter change enables more efficient nitrogen utilization, allowing reduced fertilizer application while maintaining or improving productivity, thereby addressing the contradiction between yield maximization and environmental protection
2Productivity
If agrichemicals are used to enhance agricultural productivity, then crop yields increase, but costs and safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables plants to self-regulate nitrogen assimilation through pyroglutamic acid, which naturally enhances the glutamate biosynthesis pathway. This self-service mechanism allows plants to optimize their own nitrogen utilization without requiring complex external chemical management systems, reducing both productivity gains and management complexity
3Productivity
If nitrogen assimilation is increased to enhance growth and yields, then productivity improves, but nitrogen use efficiency must be carefully regulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism through pyroglutamic acid that regulates nitrogen assimilation based on plant needs. It enhances the glutamate biosynthesis pathway in a coordinated manner with carbon metabolism, allowing dynamic adjustment of nitrogen utilization efficiency to match actual plant requirements, thereby improving productivity while maintaining optimal nitrogen use efficiency
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 combination of PGA and NBPT increases nitrogen use efficiency, leading to higher crude protein content in grain, improved plant health, and reduced fertilizer needs, with synergistic effects observed in field trials.
Implementation Method 1
the pyroglutamic acid and NBPT are present in synergistically effective amounts
Implementation Method 2
nitrogen is assimilated by the action of the enzyme glutamine synthetase which catalyzes the combination of ammonia with glutamate to form glutamine
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter described herein relates generally to compositions and formulations and methods of use of combinations of pyroglutamic acid and NBPT for improving plant health characteristics, such as crude protein yield and increasing percent nitrogen in plant tissue.