Silicon-Based Fertilizer Composition for Acidic pH Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing silicon-based fertilizer compositions face instability at pH values lower than 9, leading to increased salinity, decreased compatibility with essential nutrients, and higher application costs due to the alkaline nature of potassium silicate, which easily polymerizes and requires frequent application.

Innovation Solution

A liquid fertilizer composition comprising potassium silicate, a pH regulator, an emulsifier, and a solvent, with a pH between 4.5 to 6 and particle size of 5 to 40 μm, forms a protective layer on plants, enhancing compatibility with agricultural elements and preventing pathogen function while entering the plant via stomata or cell walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If silicate solutions are sprayed on plants to form a protective barrier, then pathogen infection is prevented, but the composition becomes unstable and precipitates at pH values lower than 9

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotective barrier stabilityVSAvoidsilicate solution stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH parameter from alkaline (above 9) to acidic (4.5-6.0), which stabilizes the silicate solution and prevents precipitation while maintaining the protective barrier function against pathogens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces organic acids (citric acid, lactic acid, or acetic acid) as intermediaries that complex with metal ions and stabilize the silicate solution at acidic pH, preventing unwanted precipitation reactions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If Na or K silicates are used to maintain pH above 9, then silicate stability is maintained, but salinity increases and compatibility with other plant nutrition elements decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesilicate solution stabilityVSAvoidcompatibility with plant nutrition elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional approach by using acidic pH (4.5-6.0) instead of alkaline pH (>9), which eliminates the need for high concentrations of Na/K silicates and reduces salinity while improving compatibility with plant nutrients

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the pH parameter to acidic range (4.5-6.0) and uses organic acids as stabilizers, which reduces salinity and improves compatibility with other plant nutrition elements while maintaining silicate stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If potassium silicate is applied in high concentration, then pest and disease control effectiveness is improved, but application frequency increases and labor costs rise due to easy polymerization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepest and disease control effectivenessVSAvoidapplication efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the pH parameter to acidic range (4.5-6.0) and reduces particle size to 5-40 μm, which prevents polymerization, allows lower application concentrations (0.5-2 L/ha), and improves application efficiency while maintaining pest and disease control effectiveness

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If silicate composition is formulated with low particle size, then plant absorption through stomata and cell walls is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplant absorption efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies a particle size range of 5-40 μm that balances absorption efficiency with manufacturing feasibility, using standard milling equipment without requiring ultra-fine processing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides effective pest and disease control with reduced environmental impact, improved nutrient compatibility, and efficient application, resulting in enhanced plant growth and yield.

Implementation Method 1

spraying silicate solutions on plants, because they form a physical barrier on the surface of the plant that prevents pathogens from infecting it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier formation: Coatings

Implementation Method 2

comprising potassium silicate, a pH regulator, an emulsifier and a solvent, wherein the composition is characterized by having a pH between 4.5 to 6

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH control:

Implementation Method 3

comprising potassium silicate, a pH regulator, an emulsifier and a solvent

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEmulsion: Emulsion

Implementation Method 4

entering the plant via stomata or cell walls

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption through stomata: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS12391629B2Silicon-based agricultural compositions

Publication Date: 2025.08.19 BIOLOGICOS ESTRATEGICOS BIOEST SAS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a liquid fertilizer composition and a preparation method thereof, comprising potassium silicate, a pH regulator, an emulsifier and a solvent, useful in the prevention and control of plant diseases caused by different pathogens.