SOP-Boron Fertiliser Composition for Controlled Nutrient Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
There are no commercially viable fertiliser products that combine macronutrients and micronutrients in one product suitable for high-value crops, and existing quick-release fertilisers do not match the dynamic nutrient needs of crops, leading to potential adverse effects such as nutrient loss or excess availability.
Innovation Solution
A fertiliser product combining potassium sulfate (SOP) and boron (B) provides two macronutrients and a micronutrient in a single compound, formulated as slow-release or controlled-release granules or pellets, tailored to meet crop nutrient demands throughout the growth cycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If quick-release fertilisers are used, then nutrients are readily available to plants, but excess nutrients are lost through leaching or runoff and can cause burning or adverse effects in nutrient-sensitive crops
Solution Approach 1:
The fertiliser product uses slow-release and controlled-release mechanisms to dynamically adjust nutrient release rates, matching crop uptake patterns throughout the growth cycle. This prevents both nutrient deficiency and excess availability, eliminating the need for multiple applications while reducing environmental loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the release rate parameter of nutrients from rapid (quick-release) to gradual (slow-release and controlled-release). This parameter change ensures nutrients are released at rates matching crop demand, preventing leaching and runoff while maintaining adequate nutrient availability.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple fertiliser applications are used to satisfy crop nutrient demand, then nutrient availability is maintained throughout the growth cycle, but fertiliser usage efficiency decreases and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fertiliser product provides continuous nutrient release throughout the crop growth cycle through slow-release and controlled-release mechanisms. This continuous action matches crop uptake patterns, maintaining nutrient availability without requiring multiple separate applications, thereby improving fertiliser usage efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention incorporates all necessary nutrients in slow-release and controlled-release forms in a single preliminary application at the start of the growth cycle. This preliminary action pre-configures the nutrient release schedule to match anticipated crop demand, eliminating the need for subsequent top-up applications.
3Device complexity
If single-action fertilisers are used, then the product is simple and cost-effective, but they cannot address multiple nutrient deficiencies simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple nutrients (macronutrients and micronutrients) into a single fertiliser product with slow-release and controlled-release characteristics. This combination allows the product to address multiple nutrient deficiencies simultaneously while maintaining relative simplicity in application and use.
Solution Approach 2:
The fertiliser product achieves multi-functionality by incorporating both macronutrients and micronutrients with slow-release and controlled-release mechanisms in one formulation. This universal product can address various nutrient deficiencies across different crops and growth stages, replacing the need for multiple single-action fertilisers.
Data Source
AI summary
A fertiliser product comprising potassium sulfate (sulfate of potash or “SOP”) and boron, wherein the amount of boron is equivalent to 0.2 to 3.0 wt. % B.