Segmented Micronutrient Fertilizer for Sustained Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current fertilizer compositions require multiple applications to deliver micronutrients throughout a plant's growth cycle, risking damage to plants and inefficiency in nutrient availability.
Innovation Solution
A fertilizer composition comprising 4% to 20% by weight of a first source of a target micronutrient chelated with a chelating agent, and 20% to 40% by weight of a second source of the same micronutrient in a different form, applied in a single application to provide sustained micronutrient delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple fertilizer applications are used to deliver micronutrients throughout the growth cycle, then nutrient availability is improved, but the risk of plant damage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fertilizer composition is segmented into multiple micronutrient sources (chelated and non-chelated forms) that release nutrients at different rates. This segmentation allows sustained nutrient delivery throughout the growth cycle without requiring multiple separate applications, thereby reducing plant damage risk while maintaining nutrient availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fertilizer composition is designed to provide preliminary nutrient delivery through slow-release mechanisms and chelated forms that remain active throughout the growth cycle. This preliminary action ensures nutrients are available when needed without requiring subsequent applications that could damage the plants.
2Reliability
If multiple fertilizer applications are made, then nutrient delivery coverage is improved, but time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple micronutrient sources are merged into a single fertilizer composition that combines chelated and non-chelated forms. This merging allows one application to cover the entire growth cycle, eliminating the need for multiple separate applications and thus reducing time and resource consumption while maintaining comprehensive nutrient delivery coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The fertilizer composition is designed with multi-functionality to deliver multiple micronutrients simultaneously through different release mechanisms. This universal formulation provides continuous nutrient delivery throughout the growth cycle in a single application, making the system efficient and time-saving.
3Reliability
If multiple fertilizer applications are used, then nutrient availability is improved, but the complexity of the fertilizing process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fertilizer composition uses segmentation at the molecular level by incorporating both chelated and non-chelated micronutrient forms. This segmentation enables different release rates within a single application, ensuring continuous nutrient availability without increasing the complexity of the fertilizing process, as only one application is needed.
4Loss of time
If a single fertilizer application is made, then time and resources are saved, but nutrient availability duration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The fertilizer composition incorporates preliminary action through slow-release mechanisms and chelated forms that remain active throughout the entire growth cycle. This preliminary action ensures that nutrients are released continuously over an extended period from a single application, maintaining long-term nutrient availability without requiring multiple applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical and chemical parameters of the fertilizer composition by combining chelated and non-chelated forms with different release characteristics. This parameter change enables a single application to provide sustained nutrient delivery over the entire growth cycle, extending the duration of action while saving time and resources.
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 composition ensures that micronutrients are available to plants over an extended period, reducing the need for multiple applications and enhancing plant growth and nutrient uptake.
Implementation Method 1
4% by weight to 20% by weight of a first source of a target micronutrient comprising the target micronutrient chelated with a chelating agent
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 1C~1D
Figure 2A
AI summary
The present disclosure is concerned with fertilizer compositions that provide controlled, delayed, and/or prolonged release of micronutrients in soil. In one embodiment, the inventive composition comprises a dry, powdered blend of a first target micronutrient source in chelated form and a second source of the same target micronutrient but provided in non-chelated form. In another embodiment, the inventive composition provides at least two sources of boron, with one source being a water-soluble form and the other source being a water-insoluble form. Regardless of the embodiment, the methods of using the fertilizer composition results in increased uptake of the particular micronutrient, nitrogen, and/or potassium compared to the prior art.