Solid-Phase Amino Acid Fertilizer for Controlled Nitrogen Release

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fertilizer compositions struggle to provide a flexible and controlled release of nitrogen to plants, leading to excessive environmental leakage and mismatched nutrient availability during different growth cycles.

Innovation Solution

A solid phase fertilizer composition is developed by complexing basic L-amino acids, such as L-arginine and L-lysine, with polyphosphate using multivalent metal ions like Fe(II) and Fe(III), which is then precipitated to form a controlled release system tailored to specific plant growth needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If conventional fertilizer compositions are used, then nitrogen is readily available to plants, but environmental leakage increases and release duration is too short

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenitrogen availability to plantsVSAvoidenvironmental leakage of nitrogen
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies composite materials by combining basic L-amino acids with multivalent metal ions to form complex compounds. This composite structure allows controlled release of nitrogen - the amino acid provides nitrogen while the metal ion complex controls the release rate, preventing environmental leakage while maintaining plant availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the chemical parameters of nitrogen by converting it from conventional forms to amino acid-based complexes with multivalent metal ions. This parameter change modifies the release characteristics, extending duration from short-term to prolonged release while maintaining effectiveness for plant uptake.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional fertilizer compositions are used, then nitrogen is readily available to plants, but release duration is too short

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenitrogen availability to plantsVSAvoidrelease duration of nitrogen
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The composite of basic L-amino acids and multivalent metal ions creates a structured compound that releases nitrogen gradually over time. The complex structure dissolves and releases nitrogen at a controlled rate, extending the duration of action from days to weeks or months while maintaining adequate nitrogen availability for plant growth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The multivalent metal ion acts as an intermediary between the amino acid nitrogen and the plant uptake system. It forms a complex that controls the timing and rate of nitrogen release, serving as a mediator that extends duration while ensuring plant availability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Duration of action of moving object

If coating technology is used to delay release, then release duration is extended, but release rate becomes unsuitable for plant needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease duration of nitrogenVSAvoidrelease rate matching plant needs
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using physical coatings that create binary release patterns (blocked then sudden), the patent changes the chemical parameters by forming amino acid-metal ion complexes. This chemical approach enables continuous, controlled release at rates that match plant uptake requirements throughout the extended duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The multivalent metal ion complex serves as an intermediary that regulates nitrogen release kinetics. It controls the dissolution and release rate to match plant needs, avoiding the sudden release problem of coating technology while extending duration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 prolonged nitrogen release, reducing environmental leakage and optimizing nutrient availability, adapting to the growth requirements of various plants by adjusting chemical structure and content.

Implementation Method 1

complexing basic L-amino acids, such as L-arginine and L-lysine, with polyphosphate using multivalent metal ions like Fe(II) and Fe(III)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectComplexation: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

The composition provides prolonged nitrogen release, reducing environmental leakage and optimizing nutrient availability

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectControlled release: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentEP3458436B1Solid phase fertilizer composition
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 AREVO AB
  • EP3458436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3458436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3458436B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fertilizer composition comprising nitrogen and phosphorus, wherein nitrogen is provided by basic L-amino acid(s)complexed to polyphosphate(s). The complex may be precipitated with multivalent metal ion(s) to provide a solid phase fertilizer composition. The basic L-amino acid is advantageously L-arginine and/or L-lysine. The fertilizer composition is capable of providing controlled release of nitrogen during prolonged periods of time.