Soil Wetting Composition for Uniform Water and Nutrient Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current crop nutritional compositions, such as fertilizers, are poorly distributed in soils due to non-uniform wetting characteristics, leading to uneven moisture and nutrient availability, which results in poor crop vigor and lower yields.
Innovation Solution
A soil wetting agent comprising siloxane alkoxylate, an anionic polymeric dispersant, a pH adjuster, a sugar, and a carrier resin, which enhances water and bioactive material distribution across the soil profile.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fertilizer is applied by broadcasting, then fertilizer can be distributed across the soil surface, but poor absorption occurs due to non-uniform wetting characteristics and hydrophobic areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a soil wetting agent containing siloxane alkoxylate before or with fertilizer application to pre-treat the soil surface. This preliminary action modifies the soil's wetting characteristics, reducing hydrophobicity and creating uniform absorption pathways, thereby ensuring reliable fertilizer absorption when broadcasting is used.
Solution Approach 2:
The siloxane alkoxylate acts as an intermediary substance between the hydrophobic soil and the aqueous fertilizer solution. It modifies the soil surface properties to improve wettability, enabling better contact and absorption of fertilizer without changing the application method itself.
2Quantity of substance
If irrigation water is applied to hydrophobic soil, then water enters the soil in localized areas, but this causes puddling or channeling and leaves surrounding areas untreated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical-chemical parameters of the soil surface by applying siloxane alkoxylate, which modifies wetting characteristics. This parameter change transforms hydrophobic soil into hydrophilic soil, enabling uniform water distribution across the entire soil surface rather than localized puddling or channeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The soil wetting agent is applied in advance to counteract the hydrophobic effect that would otherwise cause non-uniform water distribution. By pre-modifying the soil surface, the patent prevents the harmful channeling and puddling effects before irrigation occurs.
3Reliability
If conventional soil wetting agents are used, then water distribution improves, but the complexity of the composition increases with multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite wetting agent composition containing siloxane alkoxylate combined with other components. This composite approach leverages the synergistic effects of different materials to achieve reliable water distribution while managing composition complexity through careful selection and optimization of components.
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
Improves water and nutrient distribution, increasing crop yield and reducing irrigation water requirements, thereby conserving water and enhancing crop health.
Implementation Method 1
A soil wetting composition comprising a siloxane alkoxylate... enhance distribution of water and/or nutrients
Data Source
AI summary
A soil wetting agent is shown and described herein. The soil wetting agent comprises (a) a siloxane alkoxylate; (b) a polymeric dispersant; (c) a pH adjuster; (d) a sugar; and (e) a carrier resin. The soil wetting agent can provide improved distribution of water and/or bioactive materials or nutrients to an area of soil, which can help to improve irrigation of the area as well as improved properties of the crops grown in the area in terms of germination, crop yield, crop size, etc.