Solid Biostimulant Granules Preserving Microorganism Viability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current biostimulant products face challenges in maintaining viable microorganisms during production processes, particularly when using circular economy methods, as existing methods can damage or kill these microorganisms, and there is a need for economically and ecologically advantageous products that improve crop health and yield without direct nutrient provision.
Innovation Solution
A biostimulant product in solid granule form is developed using a dried organic matrix from livestock industry by-products, such as manure, digestate, or compost, where microorganisms like mycorrhizae, fungi, and rhizosphere bacteria are incorporated and remain viable even after heat treatment, optimizing production efficiency and reducing energy costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional production methods are used to manufacture biostimulant products, then manufacturing efficiency is improved, but microorganisms are damaged or killed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing drying conditions (temperature, time, humidity) to preserve microorganism viability while maintaining production efficiency. The process uses controlled temperature drying below 60°C and extends drying time to achieve both goals simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-acclimatizing microorganisms to stress conditions before the main drying process. This preparatory step enhances microorganism resistance to heat and drying stress, ensuring they remain viable throughout the manufacturing process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If circular economy methods are used to produce biostimulants from livestock by-products, then ecological advantage is improved, but microorganism damage occurs during processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of heat and processing stress into a beneficial outcome by using controlled thermal treatment that eliminates pathogens while preserving beneficial microorganisms. The selective preservation transforms a potentially harmful process into a beneficial one.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating different microenvironments within the processing system - some zones with higher temperature for pathogen elimination, others with lower temperature and higher humidity for beneficial microorganism preservation. This spatial differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of both goals.
3Speed
If high temperature processing is used to dry organic matrix, then drying speed is improved, but microorganism viability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by using cyclic drying processes with alternating phases of higher temperature (for speed) and lower temperature (for viability preservation). This periodic variation in processing conditions allows the system to achieve both fast drying and microorganism survival.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making drying conditions adjustable and variable throughout the process rather than static. Temperature, humidity, and air flow are dynamically modified based on process stage and microorganism sensitivity, enabling optimization of both drying speed and viability.
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 product maintains viable microorganisms, enhancing crop health and yield while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly, with improved stability and prolonged bioavailability, and can absorb and release water effectively, reducing water consumption.
Implementation Method 1
can absorb and release water effectively, reducing water consumption
Data Source
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Figure 1B
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a biostimulant product in solid form, comprising a dried organic matrix and biostimulant microorganisms and a method for the production of said biostimulant product.