WO2017042833A1

WO2017042833A1 - Bio-fertilizer composition

Info

Publication number: WO2017042833A1
Application number: PCT/IN2016/050299
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ajay Ranka
Original assignee: Zydex Industries Pvt. Ltd.
Priority date: 2015-09-11
Filing date: 2016-09-08
Publication date: 2017-03-16

Abstract

The disclosure relates to a bio-fertilizer composition including at least one micro- biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and a polymeric microgel which can promote the growth of plants, improve seed germination, increase the flowering rate, flowering quality, or improve crop yield and quality after application of said bio-fertilizer directly to the soil or in a natural or artificial substrate or as a foliar spray on the plant. The disclosure also relates to a process for preparation of a bio-fertilizer composition.

Description

BIO-FERTILIZER COMPOSITION

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The subject matter described herein relates in general to a bio-fertilizer composition to stimulate the development and growth of plants that comprises of at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and a polymeric microgel. The disclosure also relates to a process for preparation of a bio-fertilizer composition. The bio-fertilizer composition according to the present disclosure can promote the growth of plants, improve seed germination, increase the flowering rate, flowering quality, improve crop yield and quality, decrease the usage of pesticides, and reducing irrigation cycles after application of said bio- fertilizer directly to the soil or in a natural or artificial substrate or as a foliar spray on the plant.

BACKGROUND

[0002]Bio-fertilizers are substances based on microorganisms that usually live in the soil which, when applied to seeds, plant surfaces, or soil, colonizes the interior and/or exterior of the plant and promotes growth by increasing the supply of important nutrients, growth promoting substances, and hormonal substances to the host plant. Bio-fertilizers supplies nutrients and hormonal substances through the natural processes of nitrogen fixation, solubilizing phosphorus, potassium, etc. and stimulating plant growth through the synthesis of growth-promoting substances. Bio-fertilizers also help to reduce or eliminate the use of chemical fertilizers. They also restore the soil's natural nutrient cycle, and build soil organic matter by enhancing plant growth and soil biological activity and population.

[0003] There are numerous bio-fertilizer compositions or formulations available from a variety of sources,. However, there remains an emerging need for an effective bio- fertilizer product which is more compatible with the need for affordable and effective application. The general purpose of the present disclosure is to provide bio-fertilizer compositions that are capable of serving as effective soil fertilization agents and growth promoters as well as replacing the present chemical fertilizers. SUMMARY

[0004]In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and a polymeric microgel.

[0005]In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for producing a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, the process comprising: preparing a polymeric microgel; contacting at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof with the polymeric microgel to obtain a bio-fertilizer composition.

[0006]In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of enhancing crop yield by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel.

[0007]In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving plant growth by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel.

[0008]In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving root growth by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel.

[0009]In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving seed germination by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or the seed with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel.

[0010]In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving crop quality by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel.

[0011]In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of reducing irrigation cycles by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one microbiological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel.

[0012]In an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of increasing the flowering rate and flowering quality by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel.

[0013] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present subject matter will be better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Those skilled in the art will be aware that the present disclosure is subject to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is to be understood that the present disclosure includes all such variations and modifications. The disclosure also includes all such steps, features, compositions and compounds referred to or indicated in this specification, individually or collectively and any and all combinations of any or more of such steps or features.

Definitions:

[0015]For convenience, before further description of the present disclosure, certain terms employed in the specification, and examples are collected here. These definitions should be read in the light of the remainder of the disclosure and understood as by a person of skill in the art. The terms used herein have the meanings recognized and known to those of skill in the art, however, for convenience and completeness, particular terms and their meanings are set forth below.

[0016] The articles "a", "an" and "the" are used to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article.

[0017]The terms "comprise" and "comprising" are used in the inclusive, open sense, meaning that additional elements may be included. Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise the word "comprise", and variations, such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element or step or group of element or steps but not the exclusion of any other element or step or group of element or steps.

[0018]The term "bio-fertilizer composite(s)" and "bio-fertilizer composition(s)" are used interchangeably in the present disclosure.

[0019]Ratios, concentrations, amounts, and other numerical data may be presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that such range format is used merely for convenience and brevity and should be interpreted flexibly to include not only the numerical values explicitly recited as the limits of the range, but also to include all the individual numerical values or sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical value and sub-range is explicitly recited.

[0020]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel. The combination of a biological entity such as a bacteria, fungi that is active in the soil along with a polymeric microgel that is water-soluble / swellable helps in conversion and improves availability of nutrients essential to plant health. The microgel can be synthesized using an inverse emulsion process whereby a monomer in aqueous phase is emulsified in water insoluble solvent and polymerized.

[0021]In accordance with the present disclosure, it has been found that the yield of a plant or crop yield can be increased by contacting the soil or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving the yield of a plant, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate prior to emergence of the plant from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving the yield of a plant, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate or the seeds before germination of the plant. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving the yield of a plant, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate after germination of the plant, but before plant emergence from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving the yield of a plant, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on a plant.

[0022]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving plant growth by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or the plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving plant growth, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate prior to emergence of the plant from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving plant growth, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate before germination of the plant. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving plant growth, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate after germination of the plant, but before plant emergence from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving plant growth, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on a plant.

[0023]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving root growth by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one microbiological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving root growth, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate prior to emergence of the plant from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving root growth, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate before germination of the plant. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving root growth, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate after germination of the plant, but before plant emergence from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving root growth, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on a plant.

[0024]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving seed germination by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving seed germination, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate or the seeds before germination of the plant.

[0025]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving crop quality by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one microbiological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving crop quality, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate prior to emergence of the plant from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving crop quality, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate before germination of the plant. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving crop quality, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate after germination of the plant, but before plant emergence from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of improving crop quality, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on a plant.

[0026]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of reducing irrigation cycles by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or the plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro- biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of reducing irrigation cycles, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate prior to emergence of the plant from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of reducing irrigation cycles, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate before germination of the plant. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of reducing irrigation cycles, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate after germination of the plant, but before plant emergence from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of reducing irrigation cycles, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on a plant.

[0027]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of increasing the flowering rate and flowering quality by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate, or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of increasing the flowering rate and flowering quality, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio- fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate prior to emergence of the plant from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of increasing the flowering rate and flowering quality, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition to the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate before germination of the plant. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of increasing the flowering rate and flowering quality, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio-fertilizer composition on or within the soil or a natural or artificial substrate after germination of the plant, but before plant emergence from the soil surface or a natural or artificial substrate. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of increasing the flowering rate and flowering quality, comprising the step of applying an effective amount of the bio- fertilizer composition on a plant.

[0028]It has been found that bio-fertilizer composition of the present disclosure has the capability of causing an improvement in the yield and seed germination, promoting the growth of plants, increasing the flowering rate and flowering quality, improving crop quality, decreasing the usage of pesticide, and reducing irrigation cycles.

[0029] The bio-fertilizer composition can be produced in either solid forms or in liquid forms or in the form of a suspension. The bio-fertilizer composition of the present disclosure may have several kinds of carriers, such as: an organic fertilizer or inorganic fertilizer, a pre-packed soil, a seed coverer, a powder, a granulated formulation, a nebulizer, a liquid, a suspension, or any of the above mentioned variants in an encapsulated form. The bio-fertilizer composition may be dispersed in water and applied to crops by spraying or any irrigation methods. The bio-fertilizer composition may also be applied to crops as a solid aggregate as such or mixed with sand, clay, silt, wood flour, gypsum, silica, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, vermiculite, soil, silica, urea, sulfur etc. for easy dispersion into the soil. In one non- limiting example, the composition optionally includes one or more solid powder, such as, but not limited to sand, clay, silt, wood flour, starch, gypsum, silica, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, vermiculite, dextrin, modified starches, castor cake, humic acid, sea weeds, soil, urea, sulfur or any other material usable in agriculture for easy dispersion into the soil.

[0030] A plant used in an embodiment of the invention may comprise a transgene. The plant may be an ornamental plant or a flowering plant. The plant may be a dicotyledonous plant. Non-limiting examples of dicotyledonous plants include beans, beet, broccoli, cabbage, canola, carrot, cauliflower, celery, Chinese cabbage, cotton, cucumber, eggplant, flax, Jerusalem artichoke, lettuce, lupine, melon, pea, pepper, peanut, potato, pumpkin, radish, rapeseed, spinach, soybean, squash, sugarbeet, sunflower, tomato, and watermelon. In one embodiment, the plant is okra. In one embodiment, the plant is green gram.

[0031]In certain embodiments the plant may be a monocotyledonous plant. Non-limiting examples of monocotyledonous plants include barley, corn, leek, onion, rice, sorghum, sweet corn, yam, wheat, rye, millet, sugarcane, oat, triticale, switchgrass, and turfgrass. In one embodiment, the plant is a castor plant. In another embodiment, the plant is a cotton plant. In one embodiment, the plant is corn. In yet another embodiment, the plant is paddy. In one embodiment, the plant is yam. In yet another embodiment, the plant is maize. In one embodiment, the plant is a soybean plant. In another embodiment, the plant is a wheat plant. In one embodiment, the plant is a gerbera.

[0032]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel.

[0033]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from bacteria; and polymeric microgel.

[0034]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from fungi; and polymeric microgel.

[0035] The composition combines the microgels with a micro-biological entity such as bacteria, fungi that is used in isolation or combined with other strains. The strains of bacteria that may be used for the composition include but are not limited to: Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., Sinorhizobium spp., Azotobacter spp., Beijerinkia spp. , Clostridium spp. , Azollae spp., Nitrosomonas spp. , Nitrobacter spp., Tsukamorella spp., Nostoc spp., Enterobacter spp., Thiobacillus spp., Microspora spp., Beggiato spp., Paracoccus spp., Purple Sulphur Bacteria, Green Sulphur Bacteria, Acidanus spp. , Sulpholobus, Microbacterium spp., Frateuria spp., Azospirillus spp., Frankia spp., Azospirillium spp., Anabaena spp., Azollae spp. , Brevibacillus spp., Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., Pythium spp., Lactobacillus, Ensifer spp., Trichodesmium spp., Spirillium spp. , Klebsiella spp., Mesorhizobium spp., Azorhizobium spp., Acidothiobacillus spp., Paenibacillus spp., Burkholderia spp., Alcaligenesacinetobacter spp., Arthrobacter spp., Erwinia spp., Flavobacterium spp., Serratia spp., Herbaspirrilum spp., Achromobacter spp., Aeromonus spp., Phyllobacterium spp., Micrococcus spp., Rhodococcus spp., and combinations thereof.

[0036] The strains of fungi that may be used for the composition include but are not limited to.Pantoea spp., Penicillium spp., Aspergillus spp., Glomus spp., Gigaspora spp., Acaulospora spp., Scutellospora spp., Trichoderma spp., Beauveria spp., Mychorizza spp., Chaetomium spp., Gliocladium spp., Pisolithus spp., Amanita spp., Cantharellus spp., and combination thereof.

[0037]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, wherein the total weight of the micro-biological entity is in the range of 0.001% to 75% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

[0038]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, wherein the polymeric microgel is in an amount in the range of 2% to 99.999% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

[0040]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, wherein the total weight of the micro-biological entity or entities is in an amount in the range of 0.001% to 75% w/w of the total weight of the composition, wherein the polymeric microgel is in an amount in the range of 2% to 99.999% w/w of the total weight of the composition.

[0040] in an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition further comprising either liquid or solid carrier materials.

[0041]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, wherein the polymeric microgel have a particle size in the range of 0.01 to 100 microns.

[0042]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, wherein the total weight of the micro-biological entity or entities is in an amount in the range of 0.001% to 75% w/w of the total weight of the composition, wherein the polymeric microgel is in an amount in the range of 2% to 99.999% w/w of the total weight of the composition, wherein the polymeric microgel dispersion have a particle size in the range of 0.01 to 100 microns.

[0043]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, wherein the polymeric microgel comprises of at least one polymeric matrix selected from the group of water-swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, and combinations thereof.

[0044]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, wherein the polymeric microgel comprises of at least one polymeric matrix selected from the group of water-swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, and combinations thereof, wherein the polymeric microgel have a particle size in the range of 0.01 to 100 microns.

[0045]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, wherein the total weight of the micro-biological entity or entities is in an amount in the range of 0.001% to 75% w/w of the total weight of the composition, wherein the polymeric microgel is in an amount in the range of 2% to 99.999% w/w of the total weight of the composition, wherein the polymeric microgel in the in the dispersion have a particle size in the range of 0.01 to 100 microns, wherein the polymeric microgel comprises of at least one polymeric matrix selected from the group of water-swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, and combinations thereof.

[0046]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, wherein the polymeric microgel in the dispersion comprises of at least one polymeric matrix selected from the group of water-swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, and combinations thereof, wherein at least one polymeric matrix is a reverse phase polymerization reaction product of an aqueous monomer phase dispersed in a water- insoluble solvent and an emulsifier.

[0047]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the microgel dispersion can be a dispersion of finely divided polymer particles containing water in a water insoluble solvent and are stable at room temperature for up to 6 months. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the microgel dispersion can be a dispersion of finely divided polymer particles containing water in water insoluble solvent and are stable at 20-50°C for up to 12 months. The particle size of the microgel in the dispersion can be from 0.01 micron to 100 micron. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the particle size of the microgel in the dispersion can be from 0.1 to 20 microns. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the particle size of the microgel in the dispersion can be from 0.2 to 5 microns.

[0048] According to certain embodiments, the water content in the polymer phase can be from 5% to 98% by weight of the microgels. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the water content in the polymer phase can be from 15-90% by weight of the microgels. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the water content in the polymer phase can be from 30-80% by weight of the microgel.

[0049]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for producing a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, the process comprising: preparing a polymeric microgel; contacting at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof with the polymeric microgel to obtain a bio-fertilizer composition.

[0050] The microgel dispersion according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure can be produced by a water-in-oil reverse phase polymerization process by polymerizing water soluble monomers. The microgel dispersion can also be produced by emulsifying or dispersing water containing polymer solutions and gels in a water insoluble solvent in the presence of an emulsifier under a high shear mixing condition. [0051]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for producing a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, the process comprising: preparing a polymeric microgel; contacting at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof with the polymeric microgel to obtain a bio-fertilizer composition, wherein the polymeric microgel in the dispersion has a particle size in the range of 0.01 to 100 microns.

[0052]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for producing a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, the process comprising: preparing a polymeric microgel; contacting at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof with the polymeric microgel to obtain a bio-fertilizer composition, wherein the polymeric microgel in the dispersion comprises of at least one polymeric matrix selected from the group of water-swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, and combinations thereof.

[0053]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for producing a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, the process comprising: preparing a polymeric microgel; contacting at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof with the polymeric microgel to obtain a bio-fertilizer composition, wherein the polymeric microgel in the dispersion comprises of at least one polymeric matrix selected from the group of water-swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, and combinations thereof, wherein the water soluble polymer has water solubility of at least 5 %.

[0054]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for producing a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, the process comprising: preparing a polymeric microgel; contacting at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof with the polymeric microgel to obtain a bio-fertilizer composition, wherein the polymeric microgel in the dispersion comprises of at least one polymeric matrix selected from the group of water-swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one polymeric matrix is a reverse phase polymerization reaction product of an aqueous monomer phase dispersed in a water-insoluble solvent and an emulsifier.

[0055] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for producing a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, the process comprising: preparing a polymeric microgel; contacting at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof with the polymeric microgel to obtain a bio-fertilizer composition, wherein the polymeric microgel in the dispersion comprises of at least one polymeric matrix selected from the group of water-swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one polymeric matrix is a reverse phase polymerization reaction product of an aqueous monomer phase dispersed in a water-insoluble solvent and an emulsifier, wherein the water-insoluble solvent is present from 5% to 80% by weight of the dispersion. [0056]In an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a process for producing a bio-fertilizer composition comprising at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel, the process comprising: preparing a polymeric microgel; contacting at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof with the polymeric microgel to obtain a bio-fertilizer composition, wherein the polymeric microgel in the dispersion comprises of at least one polymeric matrix selected from the group of water-swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, and combinations thereof, wherein the at least one polymeric matrix is a reverse phase polymerization reaction product of an aqueous monomer phase dispersed in a water-insoluble solvent and an emulsifier, wherein the aqueous monomer phase is present from 95% to 5% by weight of the dispersion during microgel synthesis.

[0057] In certain embodiments, monomers and combinations thereof that can be used for reverse phase polymerization have water solubility of 5% and above. In one embodiment, monomers and combinations thereof that can be used for reverse phase polymerization have water solubility of 5% to 100%. In one embodiment, monomers and combinations thereof that can be used for reverse phase polymerization have water solubility of 30% to 100%. In one embodiment, monomers and combinations thereof that can be used for reverse phase polymerization have water solubility of 50% to 100%. Suitable monomers can be anionic, cationic, nonionic, or amphoteric in nature when solubilized in water. Non-limiting examples of monomers include but not limited to ethylenically unsaturated amides such as acrylamide, methacrylamide and fumaramide, their N-substituted derivatives such as 2-acrylamide-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS), N- (dimethylamino-methyl)acrylamide as well as N-

(trimethylammoniummethyl)acrylamide chloride and N-

(trimethylammoniumpropyl)methacrylamide chloride, ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acids such as acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, itaconic and fumaric acid, ethylenically unsaturated quaternary ammonium compounds such as vinylbenzyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, sulfoalkyl esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids such as 2-sulfoethyl methacrylate, aminoalkyl, esters of unsaturated carboxylic acids such as 2-amino-ethyl methacrylate and 2-(N,N- dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate as well as the quaternized derivatives thereof such as acryloylethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, vinyl amines such as vinyl pyridine and vinyl morpholine, diallyl amines and diallyl ammonium compounds such as diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride, vinyl heterocyclic amides such as vinyl pyrrolidone, vinylaryl sulfonates such as vinylbenzyl sulfonate as well as the salts of the foregoing monomers.

[0058]In certain embodiments, crosslinking agents can also be included in the reverse phase polymerization reaction. Crosslinking agents which can be employed include, but are not limited to, di, tri, multi-functional vinyl monomers and combinations thereof which can undergo free radical polymerization. For example, N-N methylene bis- acrylamide, poly ethylene glycol 400 di-acrylate, tri-methylol propane tri-acrylate, etc., can be used according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Additionally, additive agents can be di-functional, tri-functional or multi-functional and preferably can undergo condensation reaction with the functional groups on the polymer chain are also useful according to embodiments of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, these additives for crosslinking can be water soluble or oil soluble. The polymer microgels as prepared can be useful as such or subjected to post-treatment and reaction to crosslink them or functionalize them to be useful for particular uses according to embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0059] The aqueous phase, i.e., the monomer phase when dispersed in water insoluble solvent with the help of emulsifiers can be subjected to polymerization using free radical initiation by initiators or radiation to generate free radicals and polymerize under inert atmosphere. Preferably, this free radical initiator is employed in amounts from about 0.01 to 0.1% weight of initiator based on the monomer content. Exemplary polymerization initiators include inorganic persulfates such as potassium persulfate, ammonium persulfate, sodium persulfate, azo catalysts such as azobisisobutyronitrile and dimethyl azoisobutyrate, organic peroxygen compounds such as benzyl peroxide, t-butyl peroxide, etc. In addition to the afore-mentioned ingredients, the reverse phase polymerization can use chain transfer agents, chelating agents, buffers, salts, reducing agents, and the like.

[0060] The oil solvent phase used in preparation of these emulsions according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be comprised of an inert hydrophobic liquid. The hydrophobic liquid can comprise between 5 to 90% by weight of the dispersion. Preferably the hydrophobic liquid (e.g., oil) can comprise between 5- 40% by weight of the dispersion and more preferably between 20-30% by weight of the dispersion.

[0061] The water insoluble solvent selected in preparing the dispersions/emulsions according to embodiments of the present disclosure can be selected from liquid hydrocarbons or substituted hydrocarbon. A preferred group of solvents include aliphatic hydrocarbon liquids which include blends of aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon compounds. Thus, such organic hydrocarbon liquids as benzene, xylene, toluene, mineral oils, kerosene, naphtha, transformer oils and in some instances petroleum and their blends can be used according to certain embodiments of the present disclosure. Solvents (e.g., oil) according to certain embodiments can have less than 10% water solubility, but preferably have less than 5% water solubility (e.g., 0 to 5% water solubility). Of the foregoing organic liquids, the hydrocarbons are generally more preferred while aliphatic hydrocarbons are most preferred.

[0062]In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, conventional water-in-oil emulsifying agents can be used such as sorbitan mono stearate, sorbitan mono oleate. In certain embodiments, emulsifying agents within the range of 1 -10, preferably 2-8, most preferably 3-6 of the so-called low hydrophilic-hydrophobic balance (HLB) are suitable. The emulsifiers useful in this invention are preferably those types listed in Atlas HLB Surfactant Selector or McCatcheon's hand book of emulsifiers. In certain embodiments, the emulsifiers suitable are those capable of emulsifying the aqueous phase containing water soluble monomers in the organic liquid and keeping the dispersion stable during polymerization and during storage. Additionally, a class of polymeric emulsifiers known in the art which are copolymers of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers or further modified to impart emulsification and stabilization properties to the water-in-oil dispersion can also be used to prepare dispersions according to embodiments of the present disclosure with or without other emulsifiers.

[0063] According to certain embodiments of the present disclosure, vinyl hydrophobic monomers including for example, but not limited to, long chain acrylates C12-C22 can also be added to the dispersion after the emulsification and allowed to react at the particle surface to improve the stability of the dispersions. Preferably, hydrophobic vinyl functional monomers with less than 1% solubility in water are suitable. Furthermore, the vinyl functional monomers include acrylates or methacrylates, but are not limited thereto.

[0064] As described above, the present disclosure provides a composition comprising a dispersion having a microgels dispersed in a continuous oil phase, in which the microgels comprise at least one water swollen/swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, or combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the microgels dispersed in the oil phase comprise an aqueous solution or swollen polymer emulsified with a water insoluble solvent and an emulsifying agent. In certain embodiments, the dispersed microgels comprise a cross-linked (e.g., cross-linked polymeric material) microgels while in other embodiments the microgels comprise an uncross-linked microgels. [0065]In certain preferred embodiments the microgels comprise a water content from 0.1% to 98% by weight on the weight of the microgels. Additionally, in certain embodiments the dispersion includes a water swollen/swellable polymer and/or water soluble polymer which comprises a reverse phase polymerization reaction product of an aqueous monomer phase with a water insoluble solvent and an emulsifier. In certain embodiments, the dispersion can include a reaction additive to impart cross-linking or chain extensions to promote formation of a cross-linked microgels dispersion in oil. In one embodiment, the aqueous monomer phase includes a multifunctional monomer capable of forming a cross-linked water swollen or water swellable microgels. The dispersed microgel, according to embodiments, comprises an aqueous solution or swollen polymer emulsified with a water insoluble solvent and an emulsifying agent. In certain embodiments, the emulsifying agent is a combination of an emulsifier and a vinyl functional oil soluble monomer.

[0066] Although, the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible.

EXAMPLES

[0067] The following examples are given by way of illustration of the present disclosure and should not be construed to limit the scope of present disclosure. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed subject matter.

Example 1: Preparation of Swellable Microgels:

[0068] 136 gm of acrylic acid was diluted with 338.2 gm of water and neutralized with 130.0 gm of 25% aqueous ammonia solution to achieve pH of 7.5. 11.8 gm of acrylamide was added to the solution. 1.2 gm of sodium salt of di-ethylene triamine penta-acetic acid (DTPA), and 0.126 gm of N-methylene bis acrylamide were added to the solution and dissolved. This was used as the monomer phase. Paraffinic solvent boiling point range (205-295°C) with less than 3% aromatic content was used as solvent oil medium for preparation of water-in-oil dispersion under high shear. 120 gm of oil with 1.0 gm of sorbitan mono-oleate and 0.3 gm of azobisisobutyronitrile were added continuously a phase of emulsifier solution having 50 gm of solvent, quaternary di-methyl sulfate salt of dimethyl amino ethyl ester of poly 12 hydroxy stearic acid (2 gm), poly ethylene oxide (POE) 7.5 moles of stearyl alcohol (1.5 gm), POE (5) of sorbitan mono stearate (1.5 gm), sorbitan mono stearate (1.5 gm). Sorbitan mono-oleate (1.5 gm) and condensate of POE (10) lauryl alcohol with poly 12 hydroxy stearic acid condensate (5.5 gm), and monomer phase as prepared above was added over 30 min.

[0068] Both phases were added in 30 minutes under high speed stirring to produce a stable dispersion. The emulsion was subjected to polymerization under nitrogen blanket by adding 0.5g of t-butyl hydroperoxide and 2 gms of 10% solution of sodium meta-bi- sulfite at 50-70 degree was added and polymerized for 2 hrs. The product was then filtered and blended to with 3g of solvent oil and lOg of 10 moles PEG laureate. The product was a stable microgel dispersion. The particle size was 0.45 microns. Example 2: Water Swellable Microgel

[0069]450 g of acrylic acid was diluted with 697 g of water and neutralized with 515g of 45% aqueous NaOH solution to achieve pH of 7.5. Sodium salt of di-ethylene triamine penta acetic acid (DTPA; 3.4g) and N-Methylene bis acrylamide (0.335 g) were added and dissolved. This was used as the monomer phase. Paraffinic solvent boiling point range (310-440 degree C) with less than 10% aromatic content was used as solvent oil medium for preparation of water-in-oil dispersion under high shear. 170 g of oil with 37g of maleated (7.5) PEG stearate, l lg of sorbitan monoleate, 3g of sorbitan mono stearate. 21g of maleated 7.5 moles PEG stereate, 5.5g of 12 moles PEG of tridecyl alcohol with 110 g of solvent oil was taken in the reactor followed with simultaneous addition of monomer and oil phase under high shear to prepare a stable emulsion. Then, 0.5g of tertiary butyl peroxide is added in lg of oil and mass is heated to 55-60 degree C, 2 g of 10% solution of Sodium meta bi sulfite in water was added and then polymerized for 2 hrs under nitrogen blanketing. The product is filtered and vacuum stripped to remove water to make concentrated dispersion of micro gel in solvent oil and treated with 12.5 parts of 10 moles PEG laureate and 3g of 2 moles PEG of TDA and 5g of solvent oil. The particle size was 0.246 microns.

Example 3: Water Soluble Microgel:

[0070] 150 g of acrylamide is dissolved in 150 g of deionized water and mixed with 12.9 g of dimethyl amino ethyl methacrylate and the mixture was neutralized with 3.65g of 98% H₂SO₄ to pH of 6.5. To the solution, 55 g of water along with 1.375 g of DTPA was further added. This was used as the monomer phase. 105 g of solvent oil (boiling point range: 210-285 deg. C) mixed with 0.2 g of AIBN and 4.5 g of sorbitan mono stearate, 5.4 g of sorbitan mono oleate, 0.875 g of 2.5 moles of PEF stearate, 0.875 g of 5 moles of PEG stearate, 3.45 g of 7.5 moles of PEG stearate, 2.6 g of methyl sulphate quat of dimethyl amino ethyl ester of 12 poly hydroxy stearic acid, 0.736g of 5 moles of PEG sorbitan mono stearate. The emulsion was made with a homogenizer by slowly adding the monomer phase. 6.27 g of solvent oil, 1.25 g of sorbitan mono oleate, 1.5 g of sorbitan mono stearate, 1.15 g of 5 moles of PEG sorbitan mono stearate, 1.15 g of 7.5 moles of PEG stearate, 1.38 g of di methyl sulfate of dimethyl amino ethyl ester of 12 hydroxy stearic acid, was mixed and heated at 60 deg C and added to the emulsion. The emulsion was further homogenized and then subjected polymerization adding 0.5g of sodium bi sulphite (10%) aqueous solution at 50-60 degree C under nitrogen blanketing. The product was then mixed with blend of 125g of 10 moles of PEG laurate and 5g of solvent oil. The product was filtered. The particle size was 0.52 microns.

Example 4: Composition Formation

[0071] The water swellable microgel dispersion (from Example 1) was blended with concentrated azotobacter liquid preparation with 10^A10 CFU/g in proportion of 95:5 to prepare the liquid composition of the bio-fertilizer.

Example 5: Composition Formation

[0072] The water swellable microgel dispersion (from Example 2) was mixed with silica powder (surface area > 100m^A2/g) in 2: 1 proportion and make a free flow powder. 98 parts of this powder was mixed with 2 parts of ectomycorrhiza with propagule count of 10^A7g powder and the product was used as a bio-fertilizer composition. Example 6: Composition Formation

[0073] The water soluble microgel dispersion (from Example 3) was taken and sprayed and mixed with silica powder (surface area of >100 m^A2/g) in proportion of 2: 1 to prepare a free flowing powder. 98 parts of the powder was mixed with 2 parts of ectomycorrhiza with propagules count of 10^A7/g powder to prepare a final composition.

Example 7: Application of Bio-fertilizer Composition on Corn, Green Gram, and Wheat

[0074] 3 sets of 5 kg soil was taken. For Set # 1, control soil with chemical fertilizers like 5g of di-ammonium phosphate and 2g of urea were mixed and added to a pot. In Set# 2, 1 g of bio-fertilizer composition (from example 5) was mixed and added to a pot. In Set# 3, 0.5g of ectomycorrhiza solid powder with 10^A 7 propagules was mixed in soil and added to a pot.

[0075] 5 seeds of each of corn, green gram and wheat were planted in both the pots and water was applied every 5 days. The following was observed and tabulated as follows:

Table No. 1

Set # l) 2)

[0076] The above Table 1 exhibits that application of the bio-fertilizer composition to the soil improved the plant (corn) height, greenness of leaves, higher % of germination, more root mass, and higher length and size of roots.

Table No. 2

[0077] Application of bio-fertilizer composition to green gram results in substantial increase in greenery of leaves, and plant growth. The above Table exhibits that application of the biofertilizer composition to the soil improved number of shoots, germination rate and root length and root mass.

Table No. 3

dispersion)

% Germination (Day

4 5 4

15)

Height (Day 15) 13 cm 18 cm 9 cm

Greenness of leaves

Green Green Light Green (Day 15)

3.5 cm (Less 2.8 cm (Less

Root length and root

profuse 4.8 cm (Profuse profuse

mass

compared to Set # Root zone) compared to Set #

(Day 15)

2) 2)

[0078] The bio-fertilizer with microgel application on wheat showed excellent, faster and higher % of germination, growth, root mass and length and size of roots. The plant leaves were broader with improved height. Example 8: Application of Bio-fertilizer Composition on Okra

[0079]For Set # 1, lg super absorbent gel based of sodium acrylate used in agro application in powder form with particle size of 0.1 to 2mm was mixed in 5kg soil and placed in a pot. For Set # 2, lg super absorbent sodium acrylate with particle size of 0.1 to 2mm and 0.02g of Ectomycorrhiza with 10^A7/g propagules were mixed in 5 kg soil and placed in a pot. For Set # 3, 1 g of bio-fertilizer composition from example 5 and mixed in 5kg soil and placed in a pot.

5 seeds of okra were planted in each pot and water was applied every 5 days. The following was observed and tabulated as follows:

Table No. 4

with Dispersion)

Mycorrrhiza)

% Germination (Day

3 3 5

15)

Height (Day 15) after

7 cm 7 cm 9.5 cm sowing/transplant

Greenness of leaves

Light Green Light Green Green (Day 15)

2.5 cm (Less 2.5 cm (Less

Root length and root

profuse profuse 3.5 cm(Profuse mass

compared to Set compared to Set root zone)

(Day 15)

# 3) # 3)

[0080] Application of bio-fertilizer composition results in excellent early germination of seeds and improvement in root growth and root mass in okra. The above Table exhibits that application of the biofertihzer composition to the soil surprisingly improved plant height, and greenness of leaves.

Example 9: Application of Bio-fertilizer Composition on Soyabean

[0081] The bio-fertilizer from example # 6 was compared to control with chemical fertilizer for speed and % of germination & growth in 15 days, lg of bio-fertilizer used in 5kg soil was added and mixed in 5kg soil and placed in a pot used as test sample. For control, 5g of diammonium phosphate (DAP) and 2 g of urea was used mixed with 5 kg of soil.

[0082] 5 seeds of soyabean were planted in both the pots and water was applied every 5 days. The following was observed and tabulated as follows:

Table No. 5

Observation in Soyabean Control Test sample (5g of DAP + 2 g of Urea) (lg bio-fertilizer + 5kg soil)

% Germination (Day 15) 4 5

Average Height (Day 15)

8 cm 11 cm after sowing/transplant

Greenness of leaves (Day

Dark Green Dark Green 15)

Root length and root mass 4.5 cm & more profuse

3.5 cm

(15 days) compared to Control

[0083] Application of bio-fertilizer composition to the soil, as shown in above Table, results in an increase in seed germination, plant growth, root growth, and greenness of leaves. Example 10: Application of Bio-fertilizer Composition on Paddy

[0084]For the Set # 1, the bio-fertilizer from example # 4 was used by adding lg of dispersion to lOOg of water and mixing to dissolve. The solution was added and mixed in 5kg soil and placed in a pot. For Set # 2, 5g DAP and 2g urea and was added and mixed in 5kg soil and placed in a pot. For Set # 3, 0.5g azotobacter used in the preparation of example 4 was dissolved in lOOg water, which was then added and mixed in 5kg soil and placed in a pot.

5 seedlings each of paddy were planted in all the pots and water was applied every 5 days. The following was observed and tabulated as follows:

Table No. 6

5kg soil)

Height (Day 15)

after 18 cm 13 cm 10.4 cm

Transplant

Greenness of

leaves Green Green Green (Day 15)

Root length and 4.2 cm (Profuse

2.9 cm (Less profuse root compared to Set # 3cm

compared to Set # 2)

Mass (Day 15) 2)

Example 11: Application of bio-fertilizer composition on Gerbera

[0085] 7.5 Kg bio-fertilizer composition as described in example 5 was mixed with 45 Kg of dry farm soil and spread over a plot area of 2023 sq.m. (green house) by broadcasting on opened soil and rotovating twice. The application was made prior to sowing. An area of around 2023 sq.m was not treated with the bio-fertilizer composition for comparative study. Chemical Fertilizers were applied every 7 days as follows:

N:P:K @ 12 : 15 :20: g/sq.m. during the first three months and @ 15: 10:30 g/sq.m. during the 4^th month.

[0086] The trial was evaluated for the effect of bio-fertilizer composition treatment on plant growth, quality of flowers, and flowering rate. The duration of the trail was four months from sowing. Data collected is shown in Table 7

Table No. 7: Crop Details

# of Irrigations/month 10 15 5

(Drip)

[0087] The Gerbera was grown on a specific soil mixture, which had poor water retention. The flowering rate as well as the flower growth of the control was slow and the flower of the plant had a poor shelf life and the petals lost turgidity early affecting the packing factor of the flowers. Application of bio-fertilizer composition resulted in substantial increase in branching, greenery of leaves and branches, plant growth, quantity and quality of flowers, and valuation of the flowers. Further, the application of the bio- fertilizer composition reduced irrigation requirements and the requirement of chemical fertilizers. The above Table 7 exhibits that application of the bio-fertilizer composition to the soil surprisingly improved plant growth, flowering rate and quality.

Example 12: Application of bio-fertilizer composition on paddy

[0088] 6 Kg bio-fertilizer composition as described in example 5 was mixed with 36 Kg of dry farm soil (barren and saline) and applied over a plot area of 0.4 acre by broadcasting on opened soil. The field was flooded in 12cm deep water for puddling after which transplantation of the paddy saplings was done. An area of around 0.4 acres was treated with the chemical fertilizers for comparative study wherein chemical fertilizers were applied during land preparation before puddling as follows: 150:60:50 kg/hectare NPK and 19kg/hectare ZnS0₄. The field was flooded in 12cm deep water for puddling before transplantation of the paddy saplings. The trial was evaluated for the effect of bio- fertilizer composition treatment on plant growth, and crop yield. The Paddy was harvested after three months from sowing. Data collected is shown in Table 8.

Table No. 8: Crop Details

Plant growth (15 days) 20 cm 12 cm

Plant Height 4.5 feet 3.7 feet

Total yield/0.4 acres 920 kg 600kg

[0089] Application of bio-fertilizer composition reduces irrigation requirements by 30% and maintained good porosity in the soil. Further, it was surprisingly found that the usage of the bio-fertilizer composition led to excellent plant growth and root growth, considerable improvement in crop yield and quality, with reduction in irrigation cycles. The above Table exhibits that application of the bio-fertilizer composition to the soil improved plant height, and crop yield, and helped in reducing irrigation cycles.

[0090] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain examples and implementations thereof, other implementations are possible. As such, the spirit and scope of the appended claims should not be limited to the description of the preferred examples and implementations contained therein.

Claims

I/We claim:

1. A bio-fertilizer composition comprising:

at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof; and polymeric microgel.

2. The bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the micro-biological entity wt % is in the range of 0.001% to 75% with respect to the composition.

3. The bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, further comprises required amount of a liquid or solid carrier.

4. The bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the polymeric microgel wt % is in the range of 2% to 99.999% with respect to the composition.

5. The bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polymeric microgel have a particle size in the range of 0.01 to 100 microns.

6. The bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the polymeric microgel comprises of at least one polymeric matrix selected from the group of water-swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, and combinations thereof.

7. The bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the at least one polymeric matrix is a reverse phase polymerization reaction product of an aqueous monomer phase dispersed in a water-insoluble solvent and an emulsifier.

8. A process for producing a bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, the process comprising;

preparing a polymeric microgel; and

contacting at least one micro-biological entity selected from the group consisting of bacteria, fungi, and combinations thereof with the polymeric microgel to obtain a bio- fertilizer composition.

9. The process as claimed in claim 8, wherein the polymeric microgel comprises of at least one polymeric matrix selected from the group of water-swellable polymer, water soluble polymer, and combinations thereof.

10. The process as claimed in claim 9, wherein the at least one polymeric matrix is a reverse phase polymerization reaction product of an aqueous monomer phase dispersed in a water - insoluble solvent and an emulsifier.

11. The process as claimed in claim 10, wherein the water-insoluble solvent is present from 5% to 80% by weight of the dispersion.

12. The process as claimed in claim 10, wherein the water insoluble solvent is selected from liquid hydrocarbons and substituted hydrocarbon

13. The process as claimed in claim 10, wherein the aqueous monomer phase is present from 95% to 5% by weight of the dispersion during microgel synthesis.

14. The process as claimed in claim 10, wherein the aqueous monomer phase is independently selected from an anionic, a cationic, a non-ionic, or an amphoteric monomer.

15. The process as claimed in claim 9, wherein the polymer is prepared from water soluble monomer having water solubility of at least 5 %.

16. The process as claimed in claim 8, wherein the polymeric microgel has a particle size in the range of 0.01 to 100 microns.

17 The bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microgel comprises water content in the range of 0.1 to 98 % by weight of microgel dispersion.

18. The bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition optionally comprising sand, clay, silt, wood flour, starch, gypsum, silica, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, vermiculite, dextrin, modified starches, castor cake, humic acid, sea weeds, soil, urea, sulfur, and combinations thereof.

19. A method of enhancing crop yield by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1.

20. A method of improving plant growth by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1.

21. A method of improving root growth by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1.

22. A method of improving seed germination by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1.

23. A method of improving crop quality by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1.

24. A method of reducing irrigation cycles by contacting the soil, or a natural or artificial substrate or a plant with an effective amount of bio-fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1.