Seed Capsule with Soluble Encasing Layer for Timed Biostimulator Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current single-grain seeding methods face challenges in achieving high yield and efficient germination due to uneven seed placement, reliance on chemical fertilizers, and limited effectiveness of biostimulators, which often require additional labor and increase costs, while also harming the environment.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using 'smart capsules' that contain active substances like biostimulators, which are placed adjacent to seeds in the seed furrow and released at a controlled time to support germination and growth, potentially including nutrients, and are designed to be environmentally friendly, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and manual application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If biostimulators are applied manually or with additional devices, then germination support is improved, but labor costs and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seed, biostimulator, and fertilizer into a single integrated capsule structure. The biostimulator is placed in an inner chamber while fertilizer is in an outer chamber, both within a single capsule that is applied with the seed, eliminating the need for separate application devices and reducing labor costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule serves multiple functions simultaneously: it protects the biostimulator, controls its release timing, provides fertilizer, and acts as the application vehicle itself. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate application systems and reduces overall system complexity.
2Productivity
If chemical fertilizers are used, then plant growth is improved, but environmental harm increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical composition parameters by replacing pure chemical fertilizers with a combination of biostimulators (biological agents) and controlled-release fertilizer components. This modification maintains plant growth effectiveness while reducing environmental harm through controlled release and biodegradable materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The capsule is constructed as a composite structure with an inner chamber for biostimulators and an outer chamber for fertilizer, separated by a permeable wall. This composite design allows controlled interaction between biological and chemical components, optimizing plant growth while minimizing environmental impact.
3Reliability
If seeds are placed deeper in the soil, then seed-to-soil contact is improved, but placement precision becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The capsule is pre-filled with biostimulators and fertilizer before being placed in the seed furrow. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the capsule is deposited at the required depth, all components are already in position, maintaining placement precision even at deeper soil levels where manual adjustment is difficult.
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
This approach optimizes seed germination and plant growth by providing timed releases of biostimulators, reduces environmental impact, and minimizes additional labor and costs, enhancing crop yield while reducing chemical fertilizer use and emissions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one soluble encasing layer (120) encasing the receiving volume (110), in particular a water-soluble encasing layer, which is dissolved by contact with the surrounding ground (300)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for single-grain application of seed by means of an agricultural sowing unit with at least one sowing element (200), which has a metering device (210) and a single grain-laying device (220), for the single-grain depositing of the seed along or within a seed furrow (310) arranged in the soil (300). A single grain (320) of seed is deposited along or within the seed furrow (310), adjacent to individual grains (320) of seed at a distance (l1) that can be selected or adjusted as required. A selectable or predetermined number (x) of seed capsules (100) is assigned to each single grain (320) of seed, whereby the seed capsules (100) are placed adjacent to the assigned single grain (320) along or within the seed furrow (310), and the active or stimulating substances (140) contained in the seed capsules (100) are released to support the associated single grain (320).