Thiosulfate Root Zone Acidification for Citrus Greening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Citrus greening disease, caused by Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and vectored by the Asian citrus psyllid, leads to significant declines in citrus production due to increased soil pH affecting root density and nutrient uptake, with existing acidification methods failing to effectively treat the entire root zone.
Innovation Solution
Applying thiosulfates to the root zone of citrus trees to maintain a pH range of 4.5 to 7.5, preferably 5.5 to 6.5, through incremental applications in irrigation water, using fertilizers like ammonium, calcium, or potassium thiosulfates, which act as dual nutrient source-acidifiers, promoting deeper acidification without surface over-acidification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If conventional acidification methods are used to lower soil pH, then surface soil pH decreases, but the acidification does not reach deeper root zones effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thiosulfate as an intermediary substance that is applied to the soil and gradually converts to sulfuric acid through chemical reactions with soil components. This intermediary approach allows the acidification to occur progressively throughout the root zone rather than just at the surface, as the thiosulfate penetrates deeper into the soil and transforms in situ, providing uniform pH control from surface to deeper layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical mixing or deep incorporation methods with a chemical transformation process. Instead of physically distributing acidifiers throughout the soil profile, the system uses chemical reactions where thiosulfate converts to sulfuric acid in place within the soil, substituting mechanical distribution with chemical generation at the target location and depth.
2Length of stationary object
If aggressive acidification is applied to treat the entire root zone, then deeper soil pH decreases, but surface soil becomes over-acidified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different regions of the soil profile to experience different rates and degrees of acidification. The thiosulfate application creates a gradient where surface soils experience moderate acidification while deeper root zone soils receive sufficient acidification through the gradual chemical transformation, matching the specific pH needs of different soil depths without uniform aggressive treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action through the gradual, stepwise conversion of thiosulfate to sulfuric acid over time. This progressive chemical transformation occurs in stages as the thiosulfate interacts with soil components, providing sustained acidification that penetrates deeply without causing immediate surface over-acidification, as the acid is generated progressively rather than all at once.
3Reliability
If existing acidification methods are used, then some root zone pH decreases, but the treatment is insufficient to effectively combat citrus greening disease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the chemical parameter of the acidification process by using thiosulfate instead of conventional acidifiers. This parameter change results in more effective pH reduction throughout the entire root zone, creating optimal conditions for nutrient uptake and root health that directly improve the tree's ability to resist citrus greening disease, thereby increasing treatment effectiveness and maintaining productivity.
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
This method significantly enhances root density and nutrient availability, effectively slowing or stopping the progression of citrus greening disease by improving root health and nutrient uptake, outperforming conventional acidification methods in depth and effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
The methods comprise the application of a solution of one or more thiosulfates to the root zone of a citrus tree, so that substantially all of the soil in substantially the entire root zone has a pH in the range of about 4.5 to about 7.5
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein is a method for slowing the progression of citrus greening disease. The method may substantially stop the progression of citrus greening disease, preventing the loss of all or part of a citrus harvest. The method comprises the application of one or more thiosulfates in irrigation water to the root zone of a citrus tree.