CA2000620C - A seed-containing water imbibing tablet or capsule and methods utilising same - Google Patents
A seed-containing water imbibing tablet or capsule and methods utilising sameInfo
- Publication number
- CA2000620C CA2000620C CA002000620A CA2000620A CA2000620C CA 2000620 C CA2000620 C CA 2000620C CA 002000620 A CA002000620 A CA 002000620A CA 2000620 A CA2000620 A CA 2000620A CA 2000620 C CA2000620 C CA 2000620C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- tablet
- water
- seed
- plantable
- weight
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
Classifications
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C1/00—Apparatus, or methods of use thereof, for testing or treating seed, roots, or the like, prior to sowing or planting
- A01C1/06—Coating or dressing seed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G23/00—Forestry
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
- A01G24/00—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor
- A01G24/30—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor based on or containing synthetic organic compounds
- A01G24/35—Growth substrates; Culture media; Apparatus or methods therefor based on or containing synthetic organic compounds containing water-absorbing polymers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05G—MIXTURES OF FERTILISERS COVERED INDIVIDUALLY BY DIFFERENT SUBCLASSES OF CLASS C05; MIXTURES OF ONE OR MORE FERTILISERS WITH MATERIALS NOT HAVING A SPECIFIC FERTILISING ACTIVITY, e.g. PESTICIDES, SOIL-CONDITIONERS, WETTING AGENTS; FERTILISERS CHARACTERISED BY THEIR FORM
- C05G3/00—Mixtures of one or more fertilisers with additives not having a specially fertilising activity
- C05G3/80—Soil conditioners
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05G—MIXTURES OF FERTILISERS COVERED INDIVIDUALLY BY DIFFERENT SUBCLASSES OF CLASS C05; MIXTURES OF ONE OR MORE FERTILISERS WITH MATERIALS NOT HAVING A SPECIFIC FERTILISING ACTIVITY, e.g. PESTICIDES, SOIL-CONDITIONERS, WETTING AGENTS; FERTILISERS CHARACTERISED BY THEIR FORM
- C05G5/00—Fertilisers characterised by their form
- C05G5/10—Solid or semi-solid fertilisers, e.g. powders
- C05G5/14—Tablets, spikes, rods, blocks or balls
Abstract
A tableted plant growth media which incorporates various forestry or agricultural seeds, along with the appropriate fertilizers, minerals and nutrients for enhanced growth. Also present are various water-retentive polymers such as cross-linked polyacrylamide, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and microcrystalline cellulose.
Description
A Seed-Containing Water Imbibing Tablet or Capsule and Methods Utilising Same This invention relates to new compositions of matter for use in a tablet form which encapsulates seeds, fertilizers and water-retentive polymers to facilitate the planting of seeds and particularly provides both methods and means for facilitating same.
There has been a desire to improve methods of planting and propagating plants for agricultural and forestry purposes for generations. This need has been addressed largely by ever increasingly sophisticated technology and expensive scientific research. The necessity to provide simple inexpensive solutions has become all the more acute recently with intensifying difficulties in maintaining crops in certain regions of the world to provide adequate food supplies and now widespread concerns over the ecological damage arising from deforestation. The current demand is not only to solve the problems or alleviate the difficulties of the present situation but also to do so in an environmentally acceptable manner.
It is widely recognised that plants in general, once established in a suitable environment, are for the most part self-sufficient and relatively easily cultivated. The most significant difficulties and highest losses of potential crops arise in establishing the plant in the first instance.
Therefore attention is currently directed at ways of ensuring that the plant seeds become established as plantlets.
Research is being vigorously pursued into genetic engineering of plants to improve their probability of survival to mature plants which can be harvested. Other lines of research being followed include tissue culture cloning methods, e.g. the callus culture method which involves extensive preliminary laboratory preparation work and expensive controlled culture environment before it is even possible to consider planting the young plant. Various other culture techniques exist but they too suffer from the drawbacks of expense and labour intensive preparation procedures. Despite these obvious disadvantages workers in the field have not been discouraged from developing still further laboratory initiated methods. Thus Lion K.K. of Japan have developed a technique for coating somatic embryos with gelling agents combined with nutrients, which technique is described in JP-A-61-40 708. Of course the use of gelling agents for seed coatings is known. Clarence C. Dannelly discloses in US-A-4 249 343 various compositions of water-insoluble but water-sensitive polymeric microgel. This gel when used as a coating for seeds provides protection for the seeds, and may be used to carry various materials such as fertilizers and pesticides. However, the polymer used does not dissolve when contacted with water. The binding forces at the interface between the particles of the coating having a greater sensitivity to water than the binding forces which maintain the particles intact. Whereby contact with water destroys the continuity of the coating, causing it to disintegrate. In that patent, the seed coating is applied in a liquid form and allowed to dry before planting. Therefore any carried materials must be incorporated into the gel and seed at the same time. The presence of liquid in this media produces initial seed damage at time of coating. Also there is no available dissolved material once the seed is planted, due to the gel "falling" off upon water contact. Basically, the problem is that the polymer absorbs the active nutrients but does not release them to promote controlled release, over time. Once planted, the seed nutrients carried in the gel are leached away after the first rainfall.
An object of the present invention is to obviate or mitigate the aforesaid disadvantages and provide improved methods for planting seed. A further object of the invention is to provide means for delivering with the seed to be planted nutrients remaining available to the seed over a prolonged period of time. It is a still further object of the invention to provide means of delivering with the seed during planting means for enhancing the environment in the locus of the seed after planting which means develops a gel-like body that extends around the root zone of the seed and _ 2 ~
developing seedling which provides a reservoir for water to feed the growing seed.
According to the present invention, there is provided a plantable water imbibing seed-containing tablet or capsule, weighing at least one-half gram, which is use upon contact with rainfall or moisture starts to slowly hydrate and form a controlled released gel capsule, enveloping the seed, for slowly feeding the germinating seed over a period of one year, said tablet being formed from an intimate mixture of solid dry particles comprising a combination of various water-retentive polymers that are slowly biodegradable over five years by soil bacteria, said combination constituting the major ingredients of said tablet, and further comprising at least one water-insoluble hydratable polymer constituting the major ingredient(s) by dry weight of said combination with the balance being made up of water-soluble and water-insoluble materials to provide a combination of seed growth enhancement agents that are respectively of variable water solubility and are to a large extent capable of being broken down into water-soluble substances by the continued action of soil bacteria, and a seed selected from any forestry or agricultural or horticulture seed stock that requires no pre-germination or sedimentation process before planting, or is already pre-germinated before tabletting.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a seed growth enhancement tablet weighing at least one-half gram, for slowly feeding germinating seeds over a period of one year, comprising:
a tabletted intimate mixture of solid dry particles of the followiny ingredients, a combination of water-soluble and non-soluble fertilizers, specifically mono/diammonium phosphate, potash, KN03 and P205 in the amount of from 5~ to 20~, talc and magnesium stearate as the tabletting lubricant in an amount of 3% to 6~, C: ~
There has been a desire to improve methods of planting and propagating plants for agricultural and forestry purposes for generations. This need has been addressed largely by ever increasingly sophisticated technology and expensive scientific research. The necessity to provide simple inexpensive solutions has become all the more acute recently with intensifying difficulties in maintaining crops in certain regions of the world to provide adequate food supplies and now widespread concerns over the ecological damage arising from deforestation. The current demand is not only to solve the problems or alleviate the difficulties of the present situation but also to do so in an environmentally acceptable manner.
It is widely recognised that plants in general, once established in a suitable environment, are for the most part self-sufficient and relatively easily cultivated. The most significant difficulties and highest losses of potential crops arise in establishing the plant in the first instance.
Therefore attention is currently directed at ways of ensuring that the plant seeds become established as plantlets.
Research is being vigorously pursued into genetic engineering of plants to improve their probability of survival to mature plants which can be harvested. Other lines of research being followed include tissue culture cloning methods, e.g. the callus culture method which involves extensive preliminary laboratory preparation work and expensive controlled culture environment before it is even possible to consider planting the young plant. Various other culture techniques exist but they too suffer from the drawbacks of expense and labour intensive preparation procedures. Despite these obvious disadvantages workers in the field have not been discouraged from developing still further laboratory initiated methods. Thus Lion K.K. of Japan have developed a technique for coating somatic embryos with gelling agents combined with nutrients, which technique is described in JP-A-61-40 708. Of course the use of gelling agents for seed coatings is known. Clarence C. Dannelly discloses in US-A-4 249 343 various compositions of water-insoluble but water-sensitive polymeric microgel. This gel when used as a coating for seeds provides protection for the seeds, and may be used to carry various materials such as fertilizers and pesticides. However, the polymer used does not dissolve when contacted with water. The binding forces at the interface between the particles of the coating having a greater sensitivity to water than the binding forces which maintain the particles intact. Whereby contact with water destroys the continuity of the coating, causing it to disintegrate. In that patent, the seed coating is applied in a liquid form and allowed to dry before planting. Therefore any carried materials must be incorporated into the gel and seed at the same time. The presence of liquid in this media produces initial seed damage at time of coating. Also there is no available dissolved material once the seed is planted, due to the gel "falling" off upon water contact. Basically, the problem is that the polymer absorbs the active nutrients but does not release them to promote controlled release, over time. Once planted, the seed nutrients carried in the gel are leached away after the first rainfall.
An object of the present invention is to obviate or mitigate the aforesaid disadvantages and provide improved methods for planting seed. A further object of the invention is to provide means for delivering with the seed to be planted nutrients remaining available to the seed over a prolonged period of time. It is a still further object of the invention to provide means of delivering with the seed during planting means for enhancing the environment in the locus of the seed after planting which means develops a gel-like body that extends around the root zone of the seed and _ 2 ~
developing seedling which provides a reservoir for water to feed the growing seed.
According to the present invention, there is provided a plantable water imbibing seed-containing tablet or capsule, weighing at least one-half gram, which is use upon contact with rainfall or moisture starts to slowly hydrate and form a controlled released gel capsule, enveloping the seed, for slowly feeding the germinating seed over a period of one year, said tablet being formed from an intimate mixture of solid dry particles comprising a combination of various water-retentive polymers that are slowly biodegradable over five years by soil bacteria, said combination constituting the major ingredients of said tablet, and further comprising at least one water-insoluble hydratable polymer constituting the major ingredient(s) by dry weight of said combination with the balance being made up of water-soluble and water-insoluble materials to provide a combination of seed growth enhancement agents that are respectively of variable water solubility and are to a large extent capable of being broken down into water-soluble substances by the continued action of soil bacteria, and a seed selected from any forestry or agricultural or horticulture seed stock that requires no pre-germination or sedimentation process before planting, or is already pre-germinated before tabletting.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a seed growth enhancement tablet weighing at least one-half gram, for slowly feeding germinating seeds over a period of one year, comprising:
a tabletted intimate mixture of solid dry particles of the followiny ingredients, a combination of water-soluble and non-soluble fertilizers, specifically mono/diammonium phosphate, potash, KN03 and P205 in the amount of from 5~ to 20~, talc and magnesium stearate as the tabletting lubricant in an amount of 3% to 6~, C: ~
2 ~ @ ~
a combination of two water retentive polymers selected from the group consisting of cross-linked polyacrylamides and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose constituting the major ingredient of said tablet, the amounts of each polymer being sufficient to present in total an amount of up to 85~ by weight of the tablet, a nitrogen containing additive of the formula ~NHCOCH2~J -CH2 ~ (C6H5COO) ~H3 C2H5 present in concentrations of 0.50 to 5.0~ by weight of the tablet, various micronutrients, growth hormones and trace elements present in trace amounts of from 0.002~ by weight of the tablet, said tablet on contact with rainfall or moisture starts to slowly hydrate and form a controlled release gel capsule, enveloping the seed.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of replanting or seeding areas comprising the sowing of a seed-containing tablet of the present invention.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of germinating seeds in greenhouses, comprising placing a low expansion gel tablet, containing a selected seed, directly into soil in expanded polystyrene foam formed containers, the tablets comprising an intimate mixture of solid dry particles of a water retentive polymer having low expansion rates, that is very slowly water soluble and to a large extent capable of being broken down into water soluble substances by a continued action of soil bacteria, said ,~
~J
fi ~ ~
_ polymer composition constituting the major ingredient by weight of the ingredients of said tablet, talc in the amount of 2% to 5% by weight as a tabletting lubricant which does not interfere with water penetration and disintegration of the tablet, a combination of various fertilizers and soil enhancement additives, and a seed type specific to the fertilizers and additives contained in the tablet.
The seed growth enhancement agents may be additive materials selected from natural polymers, synthetic soluble polymers, growth regulating agents, soil conditioning agents, dispersants, wetting agents, denitrification inhibitors, pH
altering compounds, energy sources, nutrients, trace elements, microorganisms, enzymes, pheromones, phytohormones, fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, iron chelators, pesticide antidotes and safeners, inert fillers, excipients, lubricants and non-harmful tableting aids.
In forming the tablet it is preferred to include a tableting lubricant which does not interfere with water penetration and disintegration of the tablet, e.g. talc and magnesium stearate in the amount of 3% to 6% by weight of the tablet may be utilised.
In this invention, the insoluble water-retentive polymer(s) preferably constitute up to 85% by weight of the dry composition, and where combinations are used the respective polymers may each range upwardly from 5% of the dry composition, more preferably the polymer content is about 40%
of the dry mixture for a polymer such as polyacrylamide.
Ideally the water-retentive polymers are slowly biodegradable, and are able to absorb, hold and release over time, up to 400 times their own weight in water, whereby upon planting either by ground or aerial means, and upon rainfall or moisture contact hydration occurs to form a gelled capsule enveloping the seed.
Advantageously the plantable tablet is based on a seed growth media made from a mixture of cross-linked polyacryl-amides and hydroxypropylmethyl-celluloses.
As mentioned above the delivery form of the tablet is variable and in some instances the particles may be provided as components compressed into shaped parts that connect or fit together. In that case the shaped parts may range from about 0.05 to 50 grams in weight and may have the structure of pellets, capsules, tablets, briquets in various, circular, triangular, square shapes in both short and elongated forms;
may be solid or contain one or more holes. The possibilities for variation in delivery shape and form are numerous and the person skilled in the art will be able to select the most convenient delivery form taking into account such factors as intended manner of sowing i.e. mechanically or manually, ingredient interactions and compatibilities, size of seed, intended storage period prior to sowing etc. For the purposes of further discussion of the invention, references hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, will be to tablet or pellet forms of the plantable tablet including the seed.
Preferably the plantable tablet for of the invention contains water-soluble fertilizers in concentrations ranging from 5 to 20~ by weight of the tablet, and may also contain a growth factor selected from the group consisting of giberellic acid, cytokinins, naphthalene acetic acid, indolebutyric acid and indole acetic acid.
It is particularly preferred that the plantable tablet contains water-retentive polymers which are cross-linked polyacrylamide copoly~ers.
C~
' -The plantable tablet may also comprise a nitrogen-containing agent of the formula ~ H3 C2H5 NHCOCH21 -CH2 ~ (C6H5COO)-which is present in concentrations of 3.50 to 5.0~ by weight of the tablet, and may also contain micronutrients or agriculturally modified minerals, such as vermiculite or perlite, in concentrations ranging from 1 to 3~ by weight of the tablet.
In summary one may hereby obtain a tabletted or encapsulated media for enhanced growth of germinating seed containing a specific agricultural or forestry application seed, together with fertilizers, micro-nutrients and growth-enhancement agents, and a biodegradable polymer complex whichupon contact with an aqueous medium, forms a gel composition of water containing fertilizers of both high and low water solubility held in a homogeneous network of swollen, hydrophilic, cross-linked polyacrylamide/hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose, complexes. Eventually, the water is slowlyreleased in a controlled fashion, leaving a polyacrylamide mass that can be rehydrated completely in less than an hour.
The rate of water released during dry periods eliminates the risk of seed rot. A large quantity of the water is evaporated before the seed can absorb excessive amounts. Thus the seed is provided with a controlled zone around it which changes slowly despite whatever radical environmental conditions in the surrounding soil may occur.
C
2~Q~
The above mentioned seed, fertilizers and water-retentive polymers, when dry mixed with the proper binders, lubricants, disintegrants and compressed into a tablet form, can be either applied directly into the ground using various planting machinery or spread by various aerial application methods.
This allows the seeding and fertilization of areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.
The soil tablet, upon water addition, is formed into a body of elastomeric cross-linked polymer that binds a /
- /
'~
;
~.... .~
certain quantity of water, resulting in a cohesive gelled mass. The amount of bound water can range from 300-400% by weight of the polyacrylamide copolymer/hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose complex.
One advantage of this tablet is the ability to give up the major portion of its water to seed germination, thereby aiding and abetting their growth. Additionally, the polymer gel can optionally contain plant growth additives such as agricultural modified minerals, buffers and fertilizers.
These will be taken up slowly in a controlled release fashion with minimum chemical "dumping" and assimilated as required by the seed. Fertilizers operable herein can be water insoluble, producing a longer release curve, or soluble such as ammonium and diammonium phosphate, KNO3, K2S, P2Os and potash. The preferred polymer to form the tablet is a synthetic organic material such as cross-linked polyacrylamide or hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose. However, other polymers can also be used alone or mixed and selection may be made from crosslinkable polymers capable of forming a rehydratable water retentive matrix wherein the water-insoluble hydratable polymer is a crosslinkable polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), polyacrylamide, hydrophilic urethane polymers, vinyl resins, poly(vinyl alcohol), vinyl ester/unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymers or copolymers thereof with ethylene, and hydrolysed hydroxyalkyl acrylate/acrylamide copolymers. Upon reaction with water, these polymers provide a gel body that extends around the root zone where it is placed. Such a gel structure securely holds the seed nutrients and fertilizers, while providing a reservoir of water to feed the growing seed, and eliminating the majority of leaching normally present. Of course the presence of the water-insoluble polymers does not exclude the possibility of including certain water-soluble polymers as listed, and for the purposes to be described, hereinbelow.
The seed contained in the tablet, can become encapsulated in the said gel matrix upon moisture or rainfall contact with the polymeric media originally present as dry components of the tablet which thereafter provide an appropriate encapsulation matrix, hereafter termed "gel". In general, upon hydration a gel should allow embryo respiration by permitting diffusion of gases. The gel should also be strong enough to resist external abrasion and adverse forces, yet be pliable enough to allow the growth of the embryo and its germination at the appropriate time. It may be desirable to use various gels in combination, either as a mixture or in layers, to achieve the desired results. The gel selected must be able to retain and hold a considerable amount of "free water" which is able to participate in the physiological process of germination. Any gel to be used in the dry tablet matrix would usually include the following characteristics upon hydration with moisture:
1. A compliance adequate to protect and cushion the seed.
2. An outer surface to provide a protective barrier to mechanical stress, facilitate handling and maintain seed viability.
a combination of two water retentive polymers selected from the group consisting of cross-linked polyacrylamides and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose constituting the major ingredient of said tablet, the amounts of each polymer being sufficient to present in total an amount of up to 85~ by weight of the tablet, a nitrogen containing additive of the formula ~NHCOCH2~J -CH2 ~ (C6H5COO) ~H3 C2H5 present in concentrations of 0.50 to 5.0~ by weight of the tablet, various micronutrients, growth hormones and trace elements present in trace amounts of from 0.002~ by weight of the tablet, said tablet on contact with rainfall or moisture starts to slowly hydrate and form a controlled release gel capsule, enveloping the seed.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of replanting or seeding areas comprising the sowing of a seed-containing tablet of the present invention.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a method of germinating seeds in greenhouses, comprising placing a low expansion gel tablet, containing a selected seed, directly into soil in expanded polystyrene foam formed containers, the tablets comprising an intimate mixture of solid dry particles of a water retentive polymer having low expansion rates, that is very slowly water soluble and to a large extent capable of being broken down into water soluble substances by a continued action of soil bacteria, said ,~
~J
fi ~ ~
_ polymer composition constituting the major ingredient by weight of the ingredients of said tablet, talc in the amount of 2% to 5% by weight as a tabletting lubricant which does not interfere with water penetration and disintegration of the tablet, a combination of various fertilizers and soil enhancement additives, and a seed type specific to the fertilizers and additives contained in the tablet.
The seed growth enhancement agents may be additive materials selected from natural polymers, synthetic soluble polymers, growth regulating agents, soil conditioning agents, dispersants, wetting agents, denitrification inhibitors, pH
altering compounds, energy sources, nutrients, trace elements, microorganisms, enzymes, pheromones, phytohormones, fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, iron chelators, pesticide antidotes and safeners, inert fillers, excipients, lubricants and non-harmful tableting aids.
In forming the tablet it is preferred to include a tableting lubricant which does not interfere with water penetration and disintegration of the tablet, e.g. talc and magnesium stearate in the amount of 3% to 6% by weight of the tablet may be utilised.
In this invention, the insoluble water-retentive polymer(s) preferably constitute up to 85% by weight of the dry composition, and where combinations are used the respective polymers may each range upwardly from 5% of the dry composition, more preferably the polymer content is about 40%
of the dry mixture for a polymer such as polyacrylamide.
Ideally the water-retentive polymers are slowly biodegradable, and are able to absorb, hold and release over time, up to 400 times their own weight in water, whereby upon planting either by ground or aerial means, and upon rainfall or moisture contact hydration occurs to form a gelled capsule enveloping the seed.
Advantageously the plantable tablet is based on a seed growth media made from a mixture of cross-linked polyacryl-amides and hydroxypropylmethyl-celluloses.
As mentioned above the delivery form of the tablet is variable and in some instances the particles may be provided as components compressed into shaped parts that connect or fit together. In that case the shaped parts may range from about 0.05 to 50 grams in weight and may have the structure of pellets, capsules, tablets, briquets in various, circular, triangular, square shapes in both short and elongated forms;
may be solid or contain one or more holes. The possibilities for variation in delivery shape and form are numerous and the person skilled in the art will be able to select the most convenient delivery form taking into account such factors as intended manner of sowing i.e. mechanically or manually, ingredient interactions and compatibilities, size of seed, intended storage period prior to sowing etc. For the purposes of further discussion of the invention, references hereinafter, unless otherwise stated, will be to tablet or pellet forms of the plantable tablet including the seed.
Preferably the plantable tablet for of the invention contains water-soluble fertilizers in concentrations ranging from 5 to 20~ by weight of the tablet, and may also contain a growth factor selected from the group consisting of giberellic acid, cytokinins, naphthalene acetic acid, indolebutyric acid and indole acetic acid.
It is particularly preferred that the plantable tablet contains water-retentive polymers which are cross-linked polyacrylamide copoly~ers.
C~
' -The plantable tablet may also comprise a nitrogen-containing agent of the formula ~ H3 C2H5 NHCOCH21 -CH2 ~ (C6H5COO)-which is present in concentrations of 3.50 to 5.0~ by weight of the tablet, and may also contain micronutrients or agriculturally modified minerals, such as vermiculite or perlite, in concentrations ranging from 1 to 3~ by weight of the tablet.
In summary one may hereby obtain a tabletted or encapsulated media for enhanced growth of germinating seed containing a specific agricultural or forestry application seed, together with fertilizers, micro-nutrients and growth-enhancement agents, and a biodegradable polymer complex whichupon contact with an aqueous medium, forms a gel composition of water containing fertilizers of both high and low water solubility held in a homogeneous network of swollen, hydrophilic, cross-linked polyacrylamide/hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose, complexes. Eventually, the water is slowlyreleased in a controlled fashion, leaving a polyacrylamide mass that can be rehydrated completely in less than an hour.
The rate of water released during dry periods eliminates the risk of seed rot. A large quantity of the water is evaporated before the seed can absorb excessive amounts. Thus the seed is provided with a controlled zone around it which changes slowly despite whatever radical environmental conditions in the surrounding soil may occur.
C
2~Q~
The above mentioned seed, fertilizers and water-retentive polymers, when dry mixed with the proper binders, lubricants, disintegrants and compressed into a tablet form, can be either applied directly into the ground using various planting machinery or spread by various aerial application methods.
This allows the seeding and fertilization of areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.
The soil tablet, upon water addition, is formed into a body of elastomeric cross-linked polymer that binds a /
- /
'~
;
~.... .~
certain quantity of water, resulting in a cohesive gelled mass. The amount of bound water can range from 300-400% by weight of the polyacrylamide copolymer/hydroxypropyl-methylcellulose complex.
One advantage of this tablet is the ability to give up the major portion of its water to seed germination, thereby aiding and abetting their growth. Additionally, the polymer gel can optionally contain plant growth additives such as agricultural modified minerals, buffers and fertilizers.
These will be taken up slowly in a controlled release fashion with minimum chemical "dumping" and assimilated as required by the seed. Fertilizers operable herein can be water insoluble, producing a longer release curve, or soluble such as ammonium and diammonium phosphate, KNO3, K2S, P2Os and potash. The preferred polymer to form the tablet is a synthetic organic material such as cross-linked polyacrylamide or hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose. However, other polymers can also be used alone or mixed and selection may be made from crosslinkable polymers capable of forming a rehydratable water retentive matrix wherein the water-insoluble hydratable polymer is a crosslinkable polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), polyacrylamide, hydrophilic urethane polymers, vinyl resins, poly(vinyl alcohol), vinyl ester/unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymers or copolymers thereof with ethylene, and hydrolysed hydroxyalkyl acrylate/acrylamide copolymers. Upon reaction with water, these polymers provide a gel body that extends around the root zone where it is placed. Such a gel structure securely holds the seed nutrients and fertilizers, while providing a reservoir of water to feed the growing seed, and eliminating the majority of leaching normally present. Of course the presence of the water-insoluble polymers does not exclude the possibility of including certain water-soluble polymers as listed, and for the purposes to be described, hereinbelow.
The seed contained in the tablet, can become encapsulated in the said gel matrix upon moisture or rainfall contact with the polymeric media originally present as dry components of the tablet which thereafter provide an appropriate encapsulation matrix, hereafter termed "gel". In general, upon hydration a gel should allow embryo respiration by permitting diffusion of gases. The gel should also be strong enough to resist external abrasion and adverse forces, yet be pliable enough to allow the growth of the embryo and its germination at the appropriate time. It may be desirable to use various gels in combination, either as a mixture or in layers, to achieve the desired results. The gel selected must be able to retain and hold a considerable amount of "free water" which is able to participate in the physiological process of germination. Any gel to be used in the dry tablet matrix would usually include the following characteristics upon hydration with moisture:
1. A compliance adequate to protect and cushion the seed.
2. An outer surface to provide a protective barrier to mechanical stress, facilitate handling and maintain seed viability.
3. Sufficient gel strength to maintain capsule integrity, but still allow the radicles and roots to break out during germination and for the additives to be contained and released.
4. Once hydrated, the interior material would have solubility or emulsion forming characteristics such that it can accept or contain additives.
Some of the suitable gels include, but are not limited to those listed in the Table 1 hereinbelow.
TABLE 1: GEL AGENTS
I. NATURAL POLYMERS
A. IONIC BONDS (Requires Complexing Agents) Alginate with polypectate Sodium pectate Furcellaran Dextran Guar Gum Sodium alginate with gelatin B. HYDROPHOBIC INTERACTIONS
Amylose Gelatin Gum Ghatti Agar Starch Agarose Amylopectin Ti Gum Agar with Gelatin Cornhull Gum Wheat Gum Chitin Dextrin Starch Gum Arabic II. CHEMICALLY MODIFIED NATURAL POLYMERS
A. IONIC BONDS (Requires Complexing Agents) Ethyl succinylated cellulose Succinylated zein Carboxymethylcellulose B. HYDROPHOBIC INTERACTIONS
Methylcellulose Hydroxyethyl cellulose Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose C. COVALENT BONDS
Gelatin with glutaraldehyde III. SY~Ln~11C POLYMERS
A. COVALENT BONDS
Polyacrylamide B. HYDROPHOBIC INTERACTIONS
Polyethylene glycol Hydrophilic urethane Polyvinylpyrrolidone Polyvinyl acetate Polyoxyethylene Vinyl resins Hydron (RTM) C. IONIC BONDS
Sodium poly (styrene sulphonate) + poly (vinyl methyl pyridinium) chloride Sodium poly (styrene sulphonate) + poly (vinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium) chloride Vinyl acetate homopolymer (Bordon poly Co) Polyvinyl alcohol resin (Gelvatol -RTM) It has been recognized that plant establishment, growth, and development may be enhanced by addition of additives to the soil, to the rhizosphere of the plant, and to the surface of the plant. It has been demonstrated that controlled release of the additives may provide enhancement to plant growth.
Nitrogen containing nutrients such as that of the formula C28H34N2O3 below may be included in the make-up of the tablet:
- -~ COCH2N -CH2 ~ (C6HsCOO)~
In the present invention additives which have been found to be useful by adding to the tablet matrix along with the seeds, include pesticides including insecticides herbicides, and fungicides any and all being selected with the objective of enhancing the seed germination environment, pesticide counteracting agents including inhibitors and antidotes, water-soluble and insoluble fertilizers, vitamins, energy sources, simple sugars, carbohydrates, starches, modified starches, cellulose ethers, amino acids, adenosine triphosphate, micronutrients, magnesium, calcium and trace elements, enzymes, growth promoters, growth regulators, phytohormones, pheromones, soil and water conditioners, dispersants, denitrification inhibitors, wetting agents, pH controllers, metal chelating agents, safeners, and dry-cultured micro-organisms including bacteria and fungi. When considering fertilisers, a combination of water-soluble and water-insoluble fertilizers is preferred; specifically diammonium phosphate, potash, triple phosphate and potassium sulphide.
The following Table 2 lists preferred additives to be used in the invention.
TABLE 2: ADDITIVES TO TABLET MATRIX
I PESTICIDES
.
A. FUNGICIDES
Copper sulphate Benomyl Thiram Metalaxyl Captan B. INSECTICIDES
Carbofuran Malathion Acephate C. HERBICIDES
Pronamid Ethyl dipropyl thiocarbamate II FERTILIZERS AND NUTRIENTS
.
Nitrogen Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium Potassium Amino acids Sulphur Micronutrients III. ENERGY SOURCES
Sugars ATP
Carbohydrates IV. MICROORGANISMS
Pseudomonas species Rhizobia species Bacillus thuringiensis Bacillus subtilis Mycorrhizal fungi Actinomycetales species V. GROWTH REGULATORS AND HORMONES
Giberellic acid Naphthalene acetic acid Cytok; n; n~
Indole acetic acid VI. OTHER BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS
Denitrification inhibitors Enzymes Iron chelators Pesticide antidotes Pheromones VII. OTHER INERT COMPOUNDS
Soil and water conditioners Wetting agents Dispersants pH altering compounds The selected additives are added into the dry powder matrix, and therefore must be in a powder or crystal form to be used. Liquid additives cannot be used as such in this invention. Specific additives can be added to the tablet mixture at concentrations specific for the application rates of the particular additive. Fertilizers, for example, can be added at a concentration of 0.01 to 1.0 gram per 1.5 gram seed tablet. Pesticides, for example, can be added to the polymer dry mix in amounts of from 0.002 to 0.30 grams active ingredient per gram. Microorganisms, for example, can be added at a concentration of 1 x 1012 microorganisms per gram.
It is contemplated that the tablet or capsule could contain non-toxic chemicals that would deter animals or birds from ingesting the gel containing the seed.
By use of such tablets the invention provides a method of increasing seed survivability, which is the main object of the present invention, yet involves a non-complex application procedure whereby a leach-resistant tablet that slowly releases water, fertilizers and micronutrients in a controlled fashion can be applied with seeding machinery or by aerial dispersal. Additionally the invention provides a tablet which is totally biodegradable, non-phytotoxic and contains ingredients that promote seed growth. With due consideration to these aspects, the invention utilises polysaccharides or cellulose derivatives such as the following (Compound A) at from 20.5 to 85~ by dry weight of the tablet of the invention H < ~ / ~ ~ \ -~~
CH2OR H OR n wherein R represents hydrogen or alkyl groups, .
which when dry mixed with the proper seed, fertilizers, micronutrients, binders, lubricants and compressed into a tablet form, can be directly or aerially dispersed;
resulting in enhanced seed survivability.
Various testing with this particular gelling compound in a 1987-88 study in South Florida on the survival and growth effects on Ligustrum and Hibiscus transplants, was conducted with seed plantings made throughout the year, in both wet and dry seasons. Results showed that the survival rate of all three species was increased, when compared to controls. In addition, the average growth rate was also greater due partly to the fact that the soil conditions around the gel-seed was noticeably softer to the touch than the untreated soils.
Another study in Western Massachusetts, at the University of Massachusett's research nursery, again tried to determine survival and condition effects on various forestry seed. The following seeds were used:
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) White spruce (Picea alba) Colorado blue spruce (P pungus) Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) Red spirea (pirea foobelli) Yellow targ dogwood (Cornus lutea) Results show that very few plants were lost in both test and control treatments. However, the gel-treated seedlings were consistently rated higher in condition.
The invention will now be described further by way of the following illustrative examples.
2 ~
A water-retentive, fertilizer containing, seed growth enhancement tablet of this tablet is made from the following components (excluding selected seed):
~ BY WEIGHT
Compound A 10.0 Cross-Linked-Polyacrylamide copolymer 40.00 Carnauba Wax 10.0 Mono-Ammonium Phosphate 10.0 Potash 20.0 Melogel Starch (trade-mark) 5.0 Magnesium Stearate 2.0 Talc 3.0 TOTAL 100.0 This composition is thoroughly mixed dry and then pelleted dry into tablets, which may be from 1/2 gram to 5.0 grams in size. The talc and magnesium stearate act as tablet lubricants during manufacturer, ensuring release from the tabletting cavity without acting to water proof the tablet.
The above formula is a scientifically balanced low-toxicity seed supplement with long-lasting water-retentive characteristics, which meet the problems of drought, nutrient depletion, leaching and fertilizer dumping. The latter is accomplished through a controlled release of the soluble fertilizer to the seed environment, by the cross-linked polyacrylamide/hydroxy-propylmethylcellulose complex. The very nature of the tablet also decreases leaching loss of nutrients.
A tablet oriented specifically for greenhouse seed growth that incorporates a much higher concentration of compound A.
Since the majority of nursery stock is grown in expanded, cellular polystyrene shaped containers, the gelling characteristics of the cross-linked polyacrylamide C ~
.
copolymer would actually damage seed stock by blocking gas exchange. The compound A tablet would form a gel only covering the surface of the tablet itself. There will be no significant swelling or increase in gel mass by this tablet.
Some of the suitable gels include, but are not limited to those listed in the Table 1 hereinbelow.
TABLE 1: GEL AGENTS
I. NATURAL POLYMERS
A. IONIC BONDS (Requires Complexing Agents) Alginate with polypectate Sodium pectate Furcellaran Dextran Guar Gum Sodium alginate with gelatin B. HYDROPHOBIC INTERACTIONS
Amylose Gelatin Gum Ghatti Agar Starch Agarose Amylopectin Ti Gum Agar with Gelatin Cornhull Gum Wheat Gum Chitin Dextrin Starch Gum Arabic II. CHEMICALLY MODIFIED NATURAL POLYMERS
A. IONIC BONDS (Requires Complexing Agents) Ethyl succinylated cellulose Succinylated zein Carboxymethylcellulose B. HYDROPHOBIC INTERACTIONS
Methylcellulose Hydroxyethyl cellulose Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose C. COVALENT BONDS
Gelatin with glutaraldehyde III. SY~Ln~11C POLYMERS
A. COVALENT BONDS
Polyacrylamide B. HYDROPHOBIC INTERACTIONS
Polyethylene glycol Hydrophilic urethane Polyvinylpyrrolidone Polyvinyl acetate Polyoxyethylene Vinyl resins Hydron (RTM) C. IONIC BONDS
Sodium poly (styrene sulphonate) + poly (vinyl methyl pyridinium) chloride Sodium poly (styrene sulphonate) + poly (vinyl benzyl trimethyl ammonium) chloride Vinyl acetate homopolymer (Bordon poly Co) Polyvinyl alcohol resin (Gelvatol -RTM) It has been recognized that plant establishment, growth, and development may be enhanced by addition of additives to the soil, to the rhizosphere of the plant, and to the surface of the plant. It has been demonstrated that controlled release of the additives may provide enhancement to plant growth.
Nitrogen containing nutrients such as that of the formula C28H34N2O3 below may be included in the make-up of the tablet:
- -~ COCH2N -CH2 ~ (C6HsCOO)~
In the present invention additives which have been found to be useful by adding to the tablet matrix along with the seeds, include pesticides including insecticides herbicides, and fungicides any and all being selected with the objective of enhancing the seed germination environment, pesticide counteracting agents including inhibitors and antidotes, water-soluble and insoluble fertilizers, vitamins, energy sources, simple sugars, carbohydrates, starches, modified starches, cellulose ethers, amino acids, adenosine triphosphate, micronutrients, magnesium, calcium and trace elements, enzymes, growth promoters, growth regulators, phytohormones, pheromones, soil and water conditioners, dispersants, denitrification inhibitors, wetting agents, pH controllers, metal chelating agents, safeners, and dry-cultured micro-organisms including bacteria and fungi. When considering fertilisers, a combination of water-soluble and water-insoluble fertilizers is preferred; specifically diammonium phosphate, potash, triple phosphate and potassium sulphide.
The following Table 2 lists preferred additives to be used in the invention.
TABLE 2: ADDITIVES TO TABLET MATRIX
I PESTICIDES
.
A. FUNGICIDES
Copper sulphate Benomyl Thiram Metalaxyl Captan B. INSECTICIDES
Carbofuran Malathion Acephate C. HERBICIDES
Pronamid Ethyl dipropyl thiocarbamate II FERTILIZERS AND NUTRIENTS
.
Nitrogen Calcium Phosphorus Magnesium Potassium Amino acids Sulphur Micronutrients III. ENERGY SOURCES
Sugars ATP
Carbohydrates IV. MICROORGANISMS
Pseudomonas species Rhizobia species Bacillus thuringiensis Bacillus subtilis Mycorrhizal fungi Actinomycetales species V. GROWTH REGULATORS AND HORMONES
Giberellic acid Naphthalene acetic acid Cytok; n; n~
Indole acetic acid VI. OTHER BIOLOGICALLY ACTIVE COMPOUNDS
Denitrification inhibitors Enzymes Iron chelators Pesticide antidotes Pheromones VII. OTHER INERT COMPOUNDS
Soil and water conditioners Wetting agents Dispersants pH altering compounds The selected additives are added into the dry powder matrix, and therefore must be in a powder or crystal form to be used. Liquid additives cannot be used as such in this invention. Specific additives can be added to the tablet mixture at concentrations specific for the application rates of the particular additive. Fertilizers, for example, can be added at a concentration of 0.01 to 1.0 gram per 1.5 gram seed tablet. Pesticides, for example, can be added to the polymer dry mix in amounts of from 0.002 to 0.30 grams active ingredient per gram. Microorganisms, for example, can be added at a concentration of 1 x 1012 microorganisms per gram.
It is contemplated that the tablet or capsule could contain non-toxic chemicals that would deter animals or birds from ingesting the gel containing the seed.
By use of such tablets the invention provides a method of increasing seed survivability, which is the main object of the present invention, yet involves a non-complex application procedure whereby a leach-resistant tablet that slowly releases water, fertilizers and micronutrients in a controlled fashion can be applied with seeding machinery or by aerial dispersal. Additionally the invention provides a tablet which is totally biodegradable, non-phytotoxic and contains ingredients that promote seed growth. With due consideration to these aspects, the invention utilises polysaccharides or cellulose derivatives such as the following (Compound A) at from 20.5 to 85~ by dry weight of the tablet of the invention H < ~ / ~ ~ \ -~~
CH2OR H OR n wherein R represents hydrogen or alkyl groups, .
which when dry mixed with the proper seed, fertilizers, micronutrients, binders, lubricants and compressed into a tablet form, can be directly or aerially dispersed;
resulting in enhanced seed survivability.
Various testing with this particular gelling compound in a 1987-88 study in South Florida on the survival and growth effects on Ligustrum and Hibiscus transplants, was conducted with seed plantings made throughout the year, in both wet and dry seasons. Results showed that the survival rate of all three species was increased, when compared to controls. In addition, the average growth rate was also greater due partly to the fact that the soil conditions around the gel-seed was noticeably softer to the touch than the untreated soils.
Another study in Western Massachusetts, at the University of Massachusett's research nursery, again tried to determine survival and condition effects on various forestry seed. The following seeds were used:
Eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) White spruce (Picea alba) Colorado blue spruce (P pungus) Eastern hemlock (Tsuga canadensis) Red spirea (pirea foobelli) Yellow targ dogwood (Cornus lutea) Results show that very few plants were lost in both test and control treatments. However, the gel-treated seedlings were consistently rated higher in condition.
The invention will now be described further by way of the following illustrative examples.
2 ~
A water-retentive, fertilizer containing, seed growth enhancement tablet of this tablet is made from the following components (excluding selected seed):
~ BY WEIGHT
Compound A 10.0 Cross-Linked-Polyacrylamide copolymer 40.00 Carnauba Wax 10.0 Mono-Ammonium Phosphate 10.0 Potash 20.0 Melogel Starch (trade-mark) 5.0 Magnesium Stearate 2.0 Talc 3.0 TOTAL 100.0 This composition is thoroughly mixed dry and then pelleted dry into tablets, which may be from 1/2 gram to 5.0 grams in size. The talc and magnesium stearate act as tablet lubricants during manufacturer, ensuring release from the tabletting cavity without acting to water proof the tablet.
The above formula is a scientifically balanced low-toxicity seed supplement with long-lasting water-retentive characteristics, which meet the problems of drought, nutrient depletion, leaching and fertilizer dumping. The latter is accomplished through a controlled release of the soluble fertilizer to the seed environment, by the cross-linked polyacrylamide/hydroxy-propylmethylcellulose complex. The very nature of the tablet also decreases leaching loss of nutrients.
A tablet oriented specifically for greenhouse seed growth that incorporates a much higher concentration of compound A.
Since the majority of nursery stock is grown in expanded, cellular polystyrene shaped containers, the gelling characteristics of the cross-linked polyacrylamide C ~
.
copolymer would actually damage seed stock by blocking gas exchange. The compound A tablet would form a gel only covering the surface of the tablet itself. There will be no significant swelling or increase in gel mass by this tablet.
5 Composition excluding seed:
~ BY WEIGHT
Compound A 40.0 Carnauba Wax 20.0 Mono-Ammonium Phosphate5.0 10 Potash 10.0 Melogel starch 20.0 Magnesium Stearate 2.0 Talc 3.0 TOTAL 100.0 This composition is also thoroughly mixed dry and then pelleted dry into tablets, which are from 1/2 to 5.0 grams in size. This formula is a low-toxicity plant tablet with long-lasting water-retentive characteristics that meets the 2~ ~rcbl_~s .. .. ~
~ BY WEIGHT
Compound A 40.0 Carnauba Wax 20.0 Mono-Ammonium Phosphate5.0 10 Potash 10.0 Melogel starch 20.0 Magnesium Stearate 2.0 Talc 3.0 TOTAL 100.0 This composition is also thoroughly mixed dry and then pelleted dry into tablets, which are from 1/2 to 5.0 grams in size. This formula is a low-toxicity plant tablet with long-lasting water-retentive characteristics that meets the 2~ ~rcbl_~s .. .. ~
Claims (25)
1. A plantable water imbibing seed-containing tablet or capsule, weighing at least one-half gram, which in use upon contact with rainfall or moisture starts to slowly hydrate and form a controlled release gel capsule, enveloping the seed, for slowly feeding the germinating seed over a period of one year, said tablet being formed from an intimate mixture of solid dry particles comprising a combination of various water-retentive polymers that are slowly biodegradable over five years by soil bacteria, said combination constituting the major ingredients of said tablet, and further comprising at least one water-insoluble hydratable polymer constituting the major ingredient(s) by dry weight of said combination with the balance being made up of water-soluble and water-insoluble materials to provide a combination of seed growth enhancement agents that are respectively of variable water solubility and are to a large extent capable of being broken down into water-soluble substances by the continued action of soil bacteria, and a seed selected from any forestry or agricultural or horticulture seed stock that requires no pre-germination or sedimentation process before planting, or is already pre-germinated before tabletting.
2. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 wherein the tablet contains talc and magnesium stearate in an amount of 3% to 6% by weight of the tablet as a tabletting lubricant.
3. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 wherein the seed growth enhancement agents include water-soluble fertilisers in concentrations ranging from 5 to 20% by weight of the tablet.
4. A plantable tablet according to claim 3 wherein the fertilizers are selected from mono/diammonium phosphate, caustic potash, potassium nitrate, K2S and P2O5, and mixtures thereof.
5. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 wherein the water-insoluble hydratable polymer is a crosslinkable polymer selected from the group consisting of poly(ethylene glycol), poly(vinyl pyrrolidone), polyacrylamide, hydrophilic urethane polymers, vinyl resins, poly(vinyl) alcohol), vinyl ester/unsaturated carboxylic acid ester copolymers or copolymers thereof with ethylene, and hydrolysed hydroxyalkyl acrylate/acrylamide copolymers.
6. A plantable water imbibing seed-containing tablet according to Claim 1 wherein the tablet is directly plantable and is made up of essentially dry components in a tabletted form of from 0.5 to 5g in weight and comprises a water-retentive polymer selected from the group consisting of polymers having the formula (A):
, wherein R represents hydrogen or alkyl groups.
, wherein R represents hydrogen or alkyl groups.
7. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 or claim 6 wherein said tablet contains additive materials selected from natural polymers, synthetic soluble polymers, growth regulating agents, soil conditioning agents, dispersants, wetting agents, denitrification inhibitors, pH altering compounds, energy sources, nutrients, trace elements, microorganisms, enzymes, pheromones, phytohormones, fertilisers, herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, iron chelators, pesticide antidotes and safeners, inert fillers, excipients, lubricants and non-harmful tabletting aids.
8. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 wherein the water-insoluble hydratable polymer is a polyacrylamide copolymer/hydroxypropylmethylcellulose complex capable of absorbing from 3 to 4 times its dry weight in water.
9. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 wherein the water-insoluble hydratable polymer is biodegradable.
10. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 wherein the water-insoluble hydratable polymer upon hydration forms a swollen slow-release gel capsule.
11. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 or claim 6 containing water-soluble fertilizers selected from the group consisting of mono/diammonium phosphate, caustic potash, and KNO3, at concentrations ranging from 5 to 20% by weight of the tablet.
12. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 or claim 6 containing a microorganism selected from the group consisting of Pseudomonas species, Bacillus thuringiensis, Mycorrhizal fungi, Rhizobia species, Bacillus subtilis and Actinomycetales species.
13. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 or claim 6 containing a growth factor selected from the group consisting of giberellic acid, cytokinins, naphthalene acetic acid, indolebutyric acid and indole acetic acid.
14. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 comprising water-retentive polymers selected from the group consisting of polymers having the formula A:
wherein R represents hydrogen or alkyl groups, which is present at a concentration of 20.50 to 85.0% by weight of the tablet.
wherein R represents hydrogen or alkyl groups, which is present at a concentration of 20.50 to 85.0% by weight of the tablet.
15. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 wherein the water-retentive polymers are cross-linked polyacrylamide copolymers.
16. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 wherein the water-retentive polymers are cross-linked polyacrylamide copolymers mixed with compounds of the formula A:
wherein R represents hydrogen or alkyl groups.
wherein R represents hydrogen or alkyl groups.
17. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 wherein the water-retentive polymers are cross-linked polyacrylamide copolymers mixed with hydroxypropylmethyl-cellulose.
18. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 including additives selected from copper sulphate, thiram, captan, benomyl, metalaxyl, carbofuran, acephate, malathion, pronamid and ethyl dipropyl thiocarbamate.
19. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 including additives selected from sugars, carbohydrates, adenosine triphosphate, calcium, magnesium, amino acids and micronutrients.
20. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 comprising a nitrogen-containing agent of the formula which is present in concentrations of 3.50 to 5.0% by weight of the tablet.
21. A plantable tablet according to claim 1 containing micronutrients or agriculturally modified minerals, such as vermiculite or perlite, in concentrations ranging from 1 to 3%
by weight of the tablet.
by weight of the tablet.
22. A seed growth enhancement tablet weighing at least one-half gram, for slowly feeding germinating seeds over a period of one year, comprising:
a tabletted intimate mixture of solid dry particles of the following ingredients, a combination of water-soluble and non-soluble fertilizers, specifically mono/diammonium phosphate, potash, KNO3 and P2O5 in an amount of from 5% to 20%, talc and magnesium stearate as the tabletting lubricant in an amount of 3% to 6%, a combination of two water retentive polymers selected from the group consisting of cross-linked polyacrylamides and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose constituting the major ingredient of said tablet, the amounts of each polymer being sufficient to present in total an amount of up to 85% by weight of the tablet, a nitrogen containing additive of the formula present in concentrations of 0.50% to 5.0% by weight of the tablet, various micronutrients, growth hormones and trace elements present in trace amounts of from 0.002% by weight of the tablet, said tablet on contact with rainfall or moisture starts to slowly hydrate and form a controlled release gel capsule, enveloping the seed.
a tabletted intimate mixture of solid dry particles of the following ingredients, a combination of water-soluble and non-soluble fertilizers, specifically mono/diammonium phosphate, potash, KNO3 and P2O5 in an amount of from 5% to 20%, talc and magnesium stearate as the tabletting lubricant in an amount of 3% to 6%, a combination of two water retentive polymers selected from the group consisting of cross-linked polyacrylamides and hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose constituting the major ingredient of said tablet, the amounts of each polymer being sufficient to present in total an amount of up to 85% by weight of the tablet, a nitrogen containing additive of the formula present in concentrations of 0.50% to 5.0% by weight of the tablet, various micronutrients, growth hormones and trace elements present in trace amounts of from 0.002% by weight of the tablet, said tablet on contact with rainfall or moisture starts to slowly hydrate and form a controlled release gel capsule, enveloping the seed.
23. A plantable seed growth enhancement tablet having a composition according to claim 1 or claim 6 comprising a plurality of shaped forms each containing differing seed enhancement agents and designed to be sown together or assembled to form a complete tablet containing a seed selected from any forestry or agricultural or horticultural seed stock, whereby said tablet on contact with rainfall or moisture, starts to slowly hydrate and form a controlled release gel capsule, enveloping the seed.
24. A method of replanting or seeding areas comprising the sowing of a seed-containing tablet substantially as claimed in any of Claims 1-23.
25. A method of germinating seeds in greenhouses, comprising placing a low expansion gel tablet, containing a selected seed, directly into soil in expanded polystyrene foam formed containers, the tablets comprising an intimate mixture of solid dry particles of a water retentive polymer having low expansion rates, that is very slowly water soluble and to a large extent capable of being broken down into water soluble substances by the continued action of soil bacteria, said polymer composition constituting the major ingredient by weight of the ingredients of said tablet, talc in the amount of 2% to 5% by weight as a tabletting lubricant which does not interfere with water penetration and disintegration of the tablet, a combination of various fertilizers and soil enhancement additives, and a seed type specific to the fertilizers and additives contained in the tablet.
Priority Applications (7)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002000620A CA2000620C (en) | 1989-10-13 | 1989-10-13 | A seed-containing water imbibing tablet or capsule and methods utilising same |
| PCT/CA1990/000337 WO1991005459A1 (en) | 1989-10-13 | 1990-10-04 | A seed-containing water imbibing unit and methods utilising same |
| EP90914664A EP0495809A1 (en) | 1989-10-13 | 1990-10-04 | A seed-containing water imbibing unit and methods utilising same |
| AU65014/90A AU647753B2 (en) | 1989-10-13 | 1990-10-04 | A seed-containing water imbibing unit and methods utilising same |
| GB9206931A GB2255269B (en) | 1989-10-13 | 1992-03-30 | A seed-containing water imbibing unit and methods utilising same |
| FI921566A FI921566A (en) | 1989-10-13 | 1992-04-08 | FROEINNEHAOLLANDE VATTEN UPPSUGANDE ENHET OCH FOERFARANDEN FOER UTNYTTJANDE AV DENSAMMA. |
| NO92921441A NO921441L (en) | 1989-10-13 | 1992-04-10 | WATER-SUCCESSFUL, SUSTAINABLE UNIT AND PROCEDURES FOR USING IT |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002000620A CA2000620C (en) | 1989-10-13 | 1989-10-13 | A seed-containing water imbibing tablet or capsule and methods utilising same |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2000620A1 CA2000620A1 (en) | 1991-04-13 |
| CA2000620C true CA2000620C (en) | 1999-04-27 |
Family
ID=4143317
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002000620A Expired - Fee Related CA2000620C (en) | 1989-10-13 | 1989-10-13 | A seed-containing water imbibing tablet or capsule and methods utilising same |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0495809A1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU647753B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2000620C (en) |
| FI (1) | FI921566A (en) |
| GB (1) | GB2255269B (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1991005459A1 (en) |
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| BE793650A (en) * | 1972-11-06 | 1973-07-03 | Union Carbide Corp | FURNISHABLE, INSOLUBLE AND INFLATABLE PARTICULAR POLYMERS AND PROCESS FOR PREPARING THEM |
| AU475490B2 (en) * | 1973-03-26 | 1974-09-26 | Coated Seed Ltd. | Improvements in or relating to pasture establishment |
| WO1985001736A1 (en) * | 1983-10-13 | 1985-04-25 | Agrisorb Pty. Ltd. | Seed coating |
| CH677428A5 (en) * | 1989-01-25 | 1991-05-31 | Christian Schneider |
-
1989
- 1989-10-13 CA CA002000620A patent/CA2000620C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
1990
- 1990-10-04 EP EP90914664A patent/EP0495809A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 1990-10-04 AU AU65014/90A patent/AU647753B2/en not_active Ceased
- 1990-10-04 WO PCT/CA1990/000337 patent/WO1991005459A1/en not_active Application Discontinuation
-
1992
- 1992-03-30 GB GB9206931A patent/GB2255269B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1992-04-08 FI FI921566A patent/FI921566A/en not_active Application Discontinuation
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU647753B2 (en) | 1994-03-31 |
| GB2255269A (en) | 1992-11-04 |
| WO1991005459A1 (en) | 1991-05-02 |
| FI921566A0 (en) | 1992-04-08 |
| CA2000620A1 (en) | 1991-04-13 |
| GB9206931D0 (en) | 1992-06-10 |
| FI921566A (en) | 1992-04-08 |
| EP0495809A1 (en) | 1992-07-29 |
| GB2255269B (en) | 1994-05-18 |
| AU6501490A (en) | 1991-05-16 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| MKLA | Lapsed |