AU2010212292A1 - The use of nickel in agriculture and horticulture - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION Standard Patent Applicant (s): OMNIA PRIMAXA LIMITED Invention Title: The use of nickel in agriculture and horticulture The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method for performing it known to me/us: - 2 THE USE OF NICKEL IN AGRICULTURE AND HORTICULTURE FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to the utilization of nickel in agriculture and horticulture. 5 BACKGROUND Iron, cobalt, copper and zinc are all commonly recognised as important elements for plant and animal health. Nickel occurs in the periodic table flanked by Fe & Co and Cu & Zn, however, nickel is never listed in trace element 10 supplements for animals or plants. Copper, cobalt, selenium, iodine, zinc, manganese, chromium and boron always predominate in such recommendations. In plants and microorganisms nickel is known to function in several metalloenzymes including ureases, several 15 hydrogenases and carbon monoxide dehydrogenase. Nickel has been used to overcome a few specific plant ailments, including in pecans, little leaf disorder and replant problems have been cured by foliar/soil applications of nickel. A product based on nickel (Advance Ni) is sold to 20 overcome little leaf (mouse ear) of river birch and pecans (Wood et al "Nickel deficiency is occurring in orchard trees" (2004) Hortscience 39(4) :858). Nickel salts have been used to control blister rust (Exobasidium vexans) on tea and cereals in Ceylon in 1959. (Plant Diseases and 25 their Chemical control. E. Evans, Blackwell Scientific Publications 1968). Application of nickel sulphate with thiram has been shown to provide better control of poplar rust (Melampsora larici-populina) on trees of Populus nigra cv. "Sempervirens" and Populus euramericana cv. "I 30 214"than thiram alone. Nickel deficiency is inducible in soils with high levels of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Ca or Mg. Symptoms associated with 2367199_1 (GMNatters) 9/08/10 -3 nickel deficiency include; chlorosis, leaf curling, necrosis, dwarfing and death of shoots and roots. Many plants are likely to experience nickel deficiency due to excessive accumulation of light metals from long term 5 fertilizer use. This situation appears to be far more common than generally realised. The Nickel Institute is a non profit organization that represents the interests of 24 companies which together produce more than 90% of the world's annual nickel output. 10 The Institute was established on January 1, 2004, through the merger of the Nickel Development Institute (NiDI) and the Nickel Producers Environmental Research Association (NiPERA). The Nickel Institute has reviewed the direct and 15 circumstantial evidence supporting the concept of essentiality of nickel in humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. As further data is developed to clarify the essential role of nickel, a more quantitative requirement for this micronutrient will be developed. 20 Horticulture and agriculture are becoming more intensive operations, particularly with dairy herds where up to several hundred animals may be involved. These require large inputs of nutrients to maintain productivity and high health. At the same time consumers are demanding a 25 more balanced approach and the organic movement is growing support. The organic approach cannot sustain intensive production, however there is room for middle ground where both approaches are accommodated. In horticulture this is referred to as integrated control where chemical inputs 30 are reduced and targeted for times of maximum effect. The produce is of high quality and residue free. The Apple Futures programme, run by PipFruit New Zealand, espouses this concept and aims to produce high quality, residue free fruit. There is therefore a need to provide new ways 35 to address these issues in horticulture and agriculture. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 -4 With intensive dairy farming operations the huge inputs result in large outputs and concern is mounting regarding nitrate accumulation in soil water, rivers and lakes resulting in degradation of the natural environment. To 5 address this concern nutrient budgeting is becoming mandatory with a view to matching inputs to outputs and reducing runoff. Traditional methods of applying fertiliser, particularly phosphorous (P), in the belief that more P equals more production are being questioned 10 and farmers are applying more seaweed/humic, lime and dicalcic phosphate type products. Many farmers are reliant on high levels of urea (80/120 /200Kg/ha) to support rapid spring grass growth. To avoid nitrate leaching from urine patches, Ravensdown 15 Fertilizer Coop has developed a product called ECO-N. This is applied to pasture within seven days of grazing and inhibits Nitrosomonas bacteria from converting ammonium to nitrate thereby reducing nitrate leaching by 60%, nitrous oxide by 80% and increasing pasture growth by 20%. (Di, 20 H. J; Cameron, K. C. "Treating grazed pasture soil with a nitrification inhibitor, eco-nTM, to decrease nitrate leaching in a deep sandy soil under spray irrigation-a lysimeter study", 2004, New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research abstracts). 25 Other products sold to reduce nitrogen use include "LessN" developed by Donaghys. This product is a microbial based nitrogen utilisation enhancer which is co-applied at 31/ha with half rates of dissolved urea (40Kg/ha) to give similar results as applying 80Kg/L. Furthermore, applying 30 urea in solution reduces the lag time in the nitrogen cycle enabling urea to form ammonium then amino acids in the plant whereas if applied as a solid to the soil it must go from ammonium to nitrite then nitrate (leachable) and in the plant from nitrate to nitrite to ammonium then 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 5 incorporation into amino acids. Losses occur by leaching and volatilisation into the atmosphere. There is clearly a need to provide alternative means in horticulture and agriculture to reduce nutrient runoff. 5 The present invention relates to the utilization of nickel in agriculture and horticulture. OBJECT It is an object of this invention to provide compositions, and methods to enhance the growth and/or health of plants 10 and/or animals. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In a first broad aspect the invention provides a method of increasing the growth rate of a plant by applying nickel to the plant or to the plants growth medium. 15 Thus, the invention relates to the use of nickel to facilitate plant health, disease control, growth and fruit production, to enhance nutrient uptake and to increase nutrient values of plant tissues. According to the invention, nickel provides beneficial effects to plants, 20 and also consequential health benefits for consumers of the plants. The invention also provides a composition for use in the treatment of a condition in a plant, the composition comprising at least nickel in a form capable of being 25 taken up by the plant, wherein the condition is selected from growth rate, nutrient uptake, plant health, rots, fungal diseases, necrotic spotting, fruit splitting and chlorophyll level; and the plant is selected from grasses and other pasture plants, pip fruits, stone fruits and 30 grapes. The plant is preferably a grass or other pasture plant. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 -6 The composition is preferably in combination with at least one other nutrient, such as, urea, urea phosphate, other nitrate-based nutrients and non nitrate-based fertilizers, salts of Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, Potassium, gibberellic acid 5 and trace elements, such as boron, cobalt, copper, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, manganese, chromium and molybdenum. Preferably, the composition includes one or more of the following: nitrogen, phosphate, boron, cobalt, copper, 10 iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, manganese, chromium and molybdenum and kelp. In a preferred embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises nickel sulphate, urea, ammonium nitrate, Algifert, Purakelp, diammonium phosphate, 15 potassium sorbate, giberrelic acid, sodium molybdate and water. In another preferred embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises nickel sulphate, magnesium chloride, copper sulphate, urea, potassium iodide, teric 13A7, 20 Alkadet 15, borresperse na, algifert, sodium selenate, giberrelic aced 20%, sodium benzoate and water. In a further preferred embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises nickel sulphate, urea phosphate, iron sulphate, nickel sulphate, gibberellic acid, preferably in 25 a ratio of about 7 : 1.5 : 1.5 : 0.04. The composition according to the invention may be in solid form, or in liquid form. In a particular embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises NiSO4 and MgSO4, preferably in the 30 form of finely ground powder, and more preferably also comprising urea. In another particular embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises nickel sulphate, urea or urea 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 -7 phosphate, MgSO4 and gibberellic acid, preferably in liquid form. In a further particular embodiment, the invention comprises a composition comprising organic humate, 5 nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, seaweed extracts, surfactants, urea, NiSO4 and gibberellic acid. In another particular embodiment, the composition of the invention comprises urea coated with nickel. The application of this composition increases the efficiency 10 of uptake of urea by plants such as pasture, and thus allows a decrease of the application level of urea. In a particular embodiment, a composition according to the invention improves the uptake of nutrients by the plant, preferably selected from nitrogen, iron, manganese, 15 calcium, potassium, phosphorous, sulphur, zinc, copper and nickel, more preferably nitrogen. Preferably, the amount of nitrogen required to be applied to the plant is reduced to a between a third and a sixth of that required to be applied to the plant in the absence of nickel. 20 In another embodiment, the invention provides a composition according to the invention in combination with fungicides and/or plant elicitors. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides a composition comprising nickel sulphate and a triazole 25 fungicide. Preferably the composition further comprising salicylic acid and benzalkonium chloride. In another embodiment, the composition of the invention is for use in the treatment of a condition of a fruit bearing plant wherein the uptake of calcium in the fruit is 30 improved. Preferably the plant is a grape vine, more preferably Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. In a particular embodiment, composition of the invention is for use in the treatment of a condition selected from 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 -8 fruit rots, black spot, powdery mildew, rust and necrotic spotting. According to the invention, nickel may be used in any appropriate form in the compositions and methods disclosed 5 herein, for example (but not limited to), nickel metal, nickel chloride (NiCl 2 ), nickel sulphate, nickel sulphide (NiS), nickel oxide (NiO), nickel nitrate (Ni(N0 3

)

2 , nickel subsulfide (Ni 3

S

2 ) and nickel lignosulfonate. Nickel is preferably applied as a salt, more preferably the salt is 10 nickel sulphate although nickel chloride and other nickel salts may be used. Nickel may be applied directly to the plant, for example, by way of a foliar spray. Alternatively, nickel may be applied directly to the plants growing medium, such as 15 soil, hydroponic growth solution, etc. Nickel is preferably applied in an amount of 0.2-1.2g, more preferably 0.2-0.5g, per litre of liquid per metre square. Preferably nickel sulphate is applied in the range of 1.0 20 to 5.0g, preferably 1.0-2.0g, per litre of liquid for application to a minimal area of one square metre. Nickel may be applied as a capital or maintenance dressing on pastures at up to about 1 kg/ha. Preferably, nickel is applied to pasture between 0.25-0.50 25 kg/ha. The capital or maintenance dressing of nickel is preferably applied in spring. Nickel may be applied as a foliar spray to horticultural crops in an amount of 0.01-0.033 g/L, preferably 0.01-0.11 30 g/L. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 -9 In another particular embodiment, nickel sulphate is applied as a foliar spray to horticultural crops in the range of 0.05- 0.15 g/L, preferably 0.05- 0.5 g/L. Preferably to avoid phytotoxicity symptoms developing on 5 fruit a concentration of 0.01 g/L of nickel (0.05g/L of nickel sulphate) should be used. The present invention also provides a method of treating a condition in a plant by applying a composition comprising at least nickel in a form capable of being taken up by the 10 plant, wherein the plant is selected from grasses and other pasture plants, pip fruits, stone fruits and grapes. In particular, the invention provides a method of altering a condition in a plant by applying a composition comprising nickel according to the invention, wherein the 15 plant is selected from grasses and other pasture plants, pip fruits, stone fruits and grapes. According to the method of the invention, the plant treated is preferably grass or other pasture plant. The condition to be treated according to the method of the 20 invention is preferably selected from growth rate, nutrient uptake, plant health, rots, fungal diseases, necrotic spotting, fruit splitting and chlorophyll level. More preferably, the condition is nutrient uptake, wherein the efficiency of nitrogen uptake by the plant is 25 improved. Even more preferably, the amount of nitrogen required to be applied to the plant is reduced to a between a third and a sixth of that required to be applied to the plant in the absence of nickel. The invention thus provides a method of producing plants, 30 such as pasture and horticultural crops with elevated nutrient status, by applying nickel to the plants or to the plants growth medium. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 10 The improvement in uptake of nitrogen according to the invention enables reduction of nitrate inputs. Surprisingly, the uptake of nitrogen by the plant may be improved such that the amount of nitrogen required to be 5 applied to the plant is reduced to a between a third and a sixth of that required to be applied to the plant in the absence of nickel. The capital or maintenance dressing of nickel is preferably applied in spring. 10 In a particular embodiment, the invention provides a method of preventing fruit splitting by applying nickel to a plant bearing fruit or to the plant growth medium. The invention also provides a method of thickening the cuticle of fruit by applying nickel to a plant bearing fruit or to 15 the plant growth medium. In a preferred embodiment, the fruit are grapes, and in particular, Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. In another embodiment, the invention provides a method of increasing levels of chlorophyll in a plant by applying 20 nickel to a plant or to the plant growth medium. In a further embodiment, the invention provides a method of enhancing the effects of fungicides and/or plant elicitors by administering nickel to a plant or to the plants growth medium. 25 In a further embodiment, the invention comprises K-Humate, Hiyeild, urea, NiSO4 and gibberellic acid. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1: Vertical section through outer cell wall of Nickel Plus sprayed fruit. Vertical sections of fruit 30 that had been sprayed with Nickel Plus show that the Nickel Plus sprays produced fruit with a thicker cuticle and better developed more uniform arrayed layers of outer cells. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 11 Figure 2: Vertical section through outer cell wall of unsprayed fruit. In contrast to figure 1, the cuticle of unsprayed fruit was thin and outer cell wall layers were irregular with thin cell walls. 5 Figure 3: Shows the percentage increase of nutrient levels in grass following co application of urea + nickel sulphate. Table 5 sets out the results of the actual nutrient levels in untreated grass and grass treated with urea + nickel sulphate. 10 Figure 4: Vertical section through rye grass sprayed with urea. The epidermal cells were small and circular and the mesophyll cells were uniform. Figure 5: Vertical section through rye grass leaf sprayed with Nickel sulphate and urea. The epidermal 15 cells were large and uniformly brick-shaped. Inner cells were large and irregular. Figure 6: Levels of Nickel (g/1000kg DM) in pasture from Manawatu and Taranaki. (Tl,T2=South Taranaki, Ml,M2=Manawatu, Hi=Himatangi). 20 Figure 7: Levels of Nickel in pastures (mg/kg/FW) at different sites of the North Island, New Zealand. Figure 8: Shows levels of trace elements that are considered to be minimal in pasture. The level of nickel shown in figure 8 is the level postulated by the inventor 25 to be minimal in pasture, ie, 10 mg/kg=10ppm. Figure 9: Shows levels of nickel in pasture (mg/kg) from Manawatu following application of gibberellic acid (GA3), urea phosphate, urea phosphate + nickel, and urea phosphate + GA + nickel. 30 Figure 10: Shows that there is a linear relationship between Ni application rate and pasture levels. Figure 11: Shows projected levels of Ni in pasture 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 12 following application of NiSO4 at multiples of 1.5kg. X = 1.5kg NiSO4, 2x, 4x, 5x projected levels NiSO4 required to give levels Ni (mg/kg). Figure 12: Shows the effect of Ni application rate on 5 total grass growth. Figure 13: Shows Nickel phytotoxicity symptoms on pasture. Figure 14: Shows regrowth of untreated grass, showing leaf spotting. 10 Figure 15: Shows regrowth of grass sprayed with Urea+NiSO4, which has a dark green colour. Figure 16: Shows regrowth of grass sprayed with Urea, showing leaf spots. Figure 17: Shows a vertical section through grass 15 sprayed with Urea application. Figure 18: Shows a vertical section through grass following Urea/Ni application. Figure 19: Shows a vertical section through rye grass grown following GA3 application. 20 Figure 20: Shows a vertical section through rye grass following GA3/NiSO4 application. Figure 21: Shows the effect of Ni treatment on % increase of total Nitrogen during February and March. Figure 22: Shows the significantly better production 25 from application of a composition of the invention compared with application of urea to a paddock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION The inventor has recognised for the first time the key role played by nickel in many aspects of microbial, plant 30 and animal metabolism. 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 13 The invention relates to utilization of nickel alone, or in combination with other nutrients or substances, to increase the growth rate of a plant, to improve disease control and plant health, to improve the uptake of 5 nutrients, to prevent fruit splitting, to increase chlorophyll production and to improve utilization of urea. Nickel may be applied to the plant or to the plants growth medium. The inventor has found that nickel may be applied to 10 plants in combination with fungicides and/or plant elicitors to enhance the effects of the fungicides and/or plant elicitors. In example 2, the application of nickel sulphate in addition to an elicitor mixture and propiconazole significantly improved control of fruit rots 15 in nectarines. Nickel may also be applied with elicitor formulations to successfully treat black spot and/or powdery mildew, particularly in apples and grapes. Trials by the inventor involving combinations of nickel sulphate and triazole compounds have demonstrated the 20 synergy of this combination for control of cereal, peach, rose and poplar rust. A preferred combination comprises nickel sulphate with a triazole fungicide, salicylic acid and benzalkonium chloride. Nickel can be toxic to plants in high levels. The 25 inventor has found that necrotic spots form on fruit sprayed with 0.50g/L of nickel sulphate. Grass sprayed with 2.5 g/L/m2 nickel sulphate three times and with 5.0 g/L/m2 nickel sulphate once becomes yellow with red margins and growth is reduced. However, grass sprayed 30 with 2.5 g/L/m2 once showed strong growth in example 9, which was also treated with urea. Application of nickel at lower levels provides plants with the beneficial effects of the present invention. Nickel is preferably applied in an amount of 0.2-1.2g, more 35 preferably 0.2-0.5g, per litre of liquid per metre square. 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 14 Preferably nickel sulphate is applied in the range of 1.0 to 5.0g, preferably 1.0-2.0g, per litre of liquid for application to a minimal area of one square metre. In a particular embodiment, nickel may be applied as a 5 capital or maintenance dressing on pastures, for example, nickel sulphate may be applied in the vicinity of up to about 1 kg/ha. The capital or maintenance dressing of nickel is preferably applied in spring. 10 In another particular embodiment, nickel sulphate is applied as a foliar spray to horticultural crops in the range of 0.05- 0.15 g/L, preferably 0.05- 0.5 g/L (ie, about 0.1-0.11 g/L of nickel). Preferably to avoid phytotoxicity symptoms developing on 15 fruit a concentration of 0.01 g/L of nickel (0.05g/L of nickel sulphate) should be used. In example 3, Gala and Braeburn apples were sprayed at 15 day intervals with nickel sulphate at a concentration of 0.06 g/L, from flowering until harvest and no 20 phytotoxicity was observed in the fruit. Examples 2 and 4 demonstrate the increase of levels of chlorophyll in a plant by applying nickel to a plant or to the plant growth medium. Example 4 also shows significant increases in iron, manganese, nitrogen and nickel in 25 leaves of Titoki trees under which nickel sulphate had been applied. In example 5, fruit of trees sprayed with 0.06 g/L of nickel sulphate showed elevated levels of calcium, potassium, manganese, nitrogen and phosphorus. 30 Example 5 illustrates that the invention provides a method of improving the uptake of nutrients by a plant, and a method of producing plants with elevated nutrient status, 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 15 by applying nickel to the plant or to the plants growth medium. The plant may be any plant, including a pasture plant, or horticultural crop. The invention provides a method of preventing fruit 5 splitting by applying nickel to a plant bearing fruit or to the plant growth medium. In example 6, nickel applied to grape vines prevented grapes from splitting. Calcium content also increased in the grapes from vines that were sprayed with nickel. Analysis of the cuticles and outer 10 cell walls of grapes sprayed with nickel showed that this fruit had a thicker cuticle and more uniform arrayed layers of outer cells. Also, in example 7, grass sprayed with nickel and urea had large and uniformly brick-shaped epidermal cells, in comparison to grass that was not 15 treated with nickel having epidermal cells that were small and circular. Nickel may be applied alone or in combination with other nutrients, such as urea, urea phosphate, other nitrate based nutrients and non nitrate-based fertilizers. 20 The inventor has found that the application of nickel enhances the utilization of urea and also enhances uptake of other nutrients. Thus, the application of nickel facilitates plant growth and increases plant nutrient values. The present invention thus has particular 25 application in growing food crops and pastures with increased nutrient values for animal and human consumption. In a particular embodiment, the invention relates to the utilization of nickel alone or in co-application with 30 fertilizers to plants, particularly pasture, to increase utilization of urea. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, the inventor postulates that nickel increases the utilization of urea by enabling soil bacteria to produce optimum levels of urease, since nickel 35 is an essential cofactor of urease. The urease catalyses 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/06/10 - 16 the hydrolysis of urea to ammonium which is then taken up by pasture species. The co-application of nickel and urea thus increases uptake of ammonia and hence pasture growth enabling more efficient utilisation of urea. Accordingly, 5 lower inputs of urea are possible and due to enhanced uptake, fewer nitrates could be available for leaching and volatilisation. The improvement in uptake of nitrogen according to the invention enables reduction of nitrate inputs. Surprisingly, the uptake of nitrogen by the plant 10 may be improved such that the amount of nitrogen required to be applied to the plant is reduced to a between a third and a sixth of that required to be applied to the plant in the absence of nickel. Example 7 shows the application of nickel sulphate and 15 urea together increases the uptake of nitrogen, iron, manganese, potassium, phosphorous, sulphur, zinc and nickel. In a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a composition comprising urea coated with nickel, 20 preferably nickel sulphate. The application of this composition increases the efficiency of uptake of urea by plants such as pasture, and thus allows a decrease of the application level of urea. Co-application of nickel with urea and non-nitrogenous 25 fertilizer enhances the nutrient status of plants, as illustrated in example 8. Co-application of nickel sulphate with ureaphosphate increased the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulphur, magnesium, iron, manganese, copper and nickel in the pasture. Co 30 application of nickel with ureaphosphate and gibberellic acid also increased the amount of these nutrients in pasture. According to the invention, nickel may be used in any appropriate form in the compositions and methods disclosed 35 herein, for example (but not limited to), nickel metal, 2367199_1 (CHMatters) 9/08/10 - 17 nickel chloride (NiCl 2 ), nickel sulphide (NiS), nickel sulphate, nickel oxide (NiO), nickel nitrate (Ni(N0 3

)

2 , nickel subsulfide (Ni 3

S

2 ) and nickel lignosulfonate. Nickel is preferably applied as a salt, more preferably 5 the salt is nickel sulphate although nickel chloride and other nickel salts may be used. Preferably nickel is applied in combination with urea or other nitrate-based compounds. Nickel may also be applied in combination with one or more of the following: urea 10 phosphate, other fertilizers, salts of Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, trace elements and gibberellic acid. Nickel may be applied directly to the plant, for example, by way of a foliar spray. Alternatively, nickel may be applied directly to the plants growing medium, such as 15 soil, hydroponic growth solution, etc. Furthermore, nickel may be applied to assist the establishment of new pastures. During cultivation, mineralisation occurs in the soil which releases nitrates. However, because clovers are not established and nitrogen 20 levels are low the pastures tend to become yellowed and nitrogen deficient. Application of nickel, particularly together with urea, where pasture is establishing would assist plant uptake of nitrogen and therefore facilitate pasture establishment. 25 The invention also provides a fertilizer composition comprising nickel and one or more other nutrients selected from the following: urea, urea phosphate, other nitrate based nutrients and non nitrate-based fertilizers, salts of Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, trace elements and gibberellic 30 acid. In a particular embodiment, the fertilizer composition comprises urea phosphate, iron sulphate, nickel sulphate, gibberellic acid, more preferably in a ratio of about 7 1.5 : 1.5 : 0.04. The composition is preferably diluted 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 18 in water and cocoamine for application to plants or plant growth medium. In another particular embodiment, the fertilizer composition comprises NiSO4 and MgSO4, preferably in the 5 form of finely ground powder. This composition may additionally comprise urea, or be applied together with urea, preferably at up to 1kg/ha. In another embodiment, the fertilizer composition comprises nickel sulphate, urea or urea-phosphate, MgSO4 10 and gibberellic acid. Preferably this fertilizer composition is in liquid form. In a further embodiment, the invention comprises K-Humate, Hiyeild, urea, NiSO4 and gibberellic acid. The invention also relates to the concomitant benefit for 15 the health of animals that feed on pasture or fodder crops which have had nickel applied to according to the invention. It is believed that the elevated levels of nickel in fodder crops or pasture improves metabolic processes in animals viz., protein synthesis, calcium, 20 iron (red blood cells), copper, and molybdenum and vitamin B-12 metabolism, since nickel plays a role in vitamin B12 metabolism as well as that of calcium, zinc, protein synthesis and red blood cell formation. It is believed that the importance of nickel in microbial metabolism 25 leads to increased rumen efficiency and reduced emission of methane. As with other trace elements nickel deficiency causes depressed growth, rough hair coat, altered iron metabolism and reduced survival of offspring. The administration of 30 nickel to animals is discussed in the related application NZ 578965 filed on the same day by the present inventor, which is incorporated herein by reference. Samples of pasture from Taranaki and the Manawatu (in New Zealand) exhibited nickel levels ranging from 0.023 to 1.9 2367199_1 (GHMattere) 9/08/10 - 19 mg/kg (0.20mg average). A minimum level of between 2-10mg of nickel per kg of pasture is postulated by the inventor. Preferably, pasture should contain a minimum level of nickel of about 2mg/kg (FW) of pasture or about 10mg/kg 5 (DW) of pasture. The low natural level of nickel in pasture suggests that considerable benefits to plant and animal health could be obtained from the application of nickel sulphate, or other nickel salt, to pasture. Until the discovery of the role of nickel in jack bean 10 urease (1975), no biological role for nickel was known. Urease is commonplace in bacteria and plants and catalyzes the hydrolysis of urea to release NH4*. The ammonia is combined with glutamate (mediated by glutamine synthetase) to form glutamine and incorporation into plant protein. 15 In nickel deficient plants the accumulation of urea causes foliar necrosis and retarded growth. Since the discovery of nickel-mediated urease enzymes additional Ni-dependent enzymes have been identified in plants and bacteria. In nickel deficient soy beans, hydrogenase activity is 20 affected causing a depletion of nitrogen and depressed growth. In 1975 the National Academy of Sciences published a monograph on nickel, ("Monograph on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans", Vol 49, Nickel. Washington 25 DC. National Academy of Sciences Publishing Office 1975) and concluded that the nickel ion (II) could either activate or inhibit several enzymatic reactions of crucial importance in humans and animals. Evidence from animals on nickel deficient diets has shown organelle disruption, 30 decreases in phospholipids, altered iron metabolism causing depressed hematopoiesis and thin, unthrifty animals. Studies in goats, sheep and rats suggest a role for nickel in calcium, copper, zinc, molybdenum and vitamin B-12 metabolism. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 20 Emerging evidence supports the concept of essentiality of nickel in humans, animals, plants and microorganisms. Given the prominence of nickel in the periodic table and its location between cobalt and copper makes its absence 5 in agriculture and horticulture practices to date seem all the more incredulous. However, nickel has been widely considered to be highly toxic, and this is possibly one reason why little attention has been paid to the use of nickel in agriculture and horticulture. 10 Examples given below illustrate only a small part of the numerous roles nickel plays in plants. The products "Calcium Plus", Hiyield Plus", "Nickel Plus", "Hiyield" and "K-Humate" referred to in the specification comprise the following: 15 Calcium Plus = CaCl 2 170g/L, Pectin and surfactants Hiyield Plus = NPK 5/4/11, trace elements, seaweed extracts, surfactants, salicylic acid. Nickel Plus = NiSO 4 12g/L, Salicylic acid, urea, surfactants. 20 Hiyield = NPK 5/4/11, trace elements, seaweed extracts and surfactants. K-Humate = 26% wt/vol organic humate, 50g/l potassium. "Calcium Plus", Hiyield Plus" and "Hiyield" are available 25 commercially from Omnia Primaxa Limited. "K-Humate" is available commercially from Omnia Specialties Australia Pty Ltd. As used herein, where an amount of nickel sulphate (NiSO 4 ) is referred to by weight, it is meant the weight of nickel 30 sulphate hexahydrate, ie, NiSO 4 .6H 2 0, unless otherwise stated. Where the amount of nickel is referred to by 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 21 weight, it is meant the weight of nickel as active ingredient. According to the invention, nickel may be used in any appropriate form in the compositions and methods disclosed 5 herein, for example (but not limited to), nickel metal, nickel chloride (NiCl 2 ), nickel sulphide (NiS), nickel sulphate, nickel oxide (NiC), nickel nitrate (Ni(N0 3

)

2 , nickel subsulfide (Ni 3

S

2 ) and nickel lignosulfonate. Thus, where methods and compositions are described as including 10 nickel sulphate, other forms of nickel may be substituted. EXAMPLE 1 A trial investigating control of brown rot (Monolinia fructicola) and other fruit rots of "Fire Pearl" nectarine was conducted. Fruit on the trees was sprayed with 15 treatments, picked, then inoculated with 2x10 4 conidia of M.fructicula. The inoculated fruit was bagged and regularly misted to maintain surface wetness and incubated at 15 0 C and 100% humidity for two weeks. Plots were made up of 10 fruit and treatments were replicated six times. 20 After 2 weeks the fruit was inspected for incidence of rots viz., brown rot, Mucor, Rhizopus, yeast and Penicillium. The results are presented below in Tables 1 & 2. The Elicitor mixture comprises benzalkonium chloride, urea 25 and salicylic acid. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 22 Table 1. Percentage of brown rot infection on "Fire Pearl" nectarine. Treatment Percentage fruit rotted Control 83 Elicitor mixture 70 Elicitor mixture + 10 Propiconazole Propiconazole 17 Elicitor mixture +Propiconazole 5 +NiSO4 Table 2. Percentage of total fruit rot infections on "Fire Pearl" nectarine. Treatment Percentage of fruit rotted Control 95 Elicitor mixture 97 Elicitor mixture +Propiconazole 37 Propiconazole 57 Elicitor mixture +Propiconazole 18 + Nickel sulphate 5 These results show that the addition of NiSO4 to the elicitor + propiconazole formulation significantly (P>0.05) improved control of fruit rots. EXAMPLE 2 Elicitor formulations combining triazoles with salicylic 10 acid and nickel sulphate were trialled against powdery mildew and black spot in apples and Botrytis and powdery mildew on grapes. Total control of Black spot and Powdery mildew was obtained when treatments were applied every 15 days. 15 Although total control of Botrytis was not achieved, control of Botrytis on the vines sprayed with formulations incorporating nickel was significantly better than the control. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 23 Trees and vines sprayed with formulations incorporating nickel were obvious due to their deep green foliage caused by elevated chlorophyll content. The results support the conclusion that nickel has the 5 ability to act as an elicitor. EXAMPLE 3- induction of phytotoxicity To elicit symptoms of phytotoxicity two capsules containing 1g of NiSO4 were inserted into 10mm diameter hole drilled through the centre of a gala tree. Within 15 10 days, spotting, curling and a reddening of foliage occurred. Later, dieback of branches one metre above the point of capsule insertion occurred. When Gala and Braeburn apples were sprayed at 15 day intervals with Nickel sulphate at a concentration of 0.06 15 g/L, from flowering until harvest no phytotoxicity was observed on the fruit. When NiSO4 was applied as above at 0.50g/L necrotic spots formed on the fruit. When Nickel sulphate is sprayed on grass at levels of 2.5 20 (3 times) and 5.0 g/L/m2 (once), growth is reduced and grass becomes yellowed with reddish margins. Flat weeds become twisted and grow vertically. Leaves exhibit reddish margins. EXAMPLE 4 - Greening of Titoki foliage 25 An experiment was conducted looking at the effect of Nickel concentration on grass growth. The grass plots were beneath a row of 4 yr old Titoki trees. Individual m 2 grass plots were sprayed every 15 days with nickel sulphate at concentrations of; 0.125, 0.50, 1.0 and 2.5 g/L/m2, 30 commencing 15 October 2008. After 5 sprays the two highest concentrations turned the grass darker green. Grass sprayed with 2.5g/L NiSO4 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 24 exhibited phytotoxicity expressed as reddening of the grass and distortion and growth retardation of flat weeds. In January 2009 it was noticed that all of the titoki trees had become darker green with the intensity of colour 5 reflecting the concentration of NiSO4 sprayed on the underlying grass. Intense greening of foliage has been observed by the inventors on grapes and apples sprayed several times with 0.06g/L NiSO4. 10 Laboratory analysis attributed the deeper green coloration to increased levels of chlorophyll. Increased levels of chlorophyll usually correspond with increased levels of magnesium, however, elevated levels of Mg were not observed in the darker green titoki foliage. 15 Table 3. Nutrient levels in Titoki foliage. Nutrient Control NiSO4 on grass (2.5g/L applied at 1L/m 2 ) % Nitrogen 1.7 2.0 % Potassium 1.0 1.0 % Sulpur 0.11 0.13 % Calcium 1.48 1.37 % Magnesium 0.25 0.20 % Sodium 0.02 0.04 Fe (mg/kg) 56 76 Mn (mg/kg) 89 370 Zn (mg/kg) 16 11 Cu (mg/kg) 11 13 B (mg/kg) 21 23 Ni (mg/kg) 1.4 2.2 Of particular interest are the significant increases in Fe, Mn, N and Nickel. The iron and manganese probably attributed to increased levels of chlorophyll. A darker greening of foliage seems to be a characteristic feature 20 of nickel application directly on the foliage or on the soil. 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 25 In summary, the inventor has found that application of nickel increases production of chlorophyll. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, the inventor expects that the increased production of chlorophyll is 5 mediated by the higher iron levels. EXAMPLE 5- Influence of nickel of nutrient status of fruit (apples). Braeburn and gala apple trees were sprayed 12 times at 15 day intervals throughout the growing season with Ni-Plus 10 (12g/L NiSO 4 ) at 5ml/L. The foliage of sprayed trees was dark green, fruit finish was excellent and no black spot lesions were observed on fruit. Fruit was analysed for nutrient content. Table 4. Analysis of nutrients in apples sprayed with 15 Nickel sulphate Analysis Gala- Gala- Braeburn- Braeburn Nickel Control Nickel -Control Ca 9.9* 7.6 7.0 5.0 K 107 96 143 87 Mg 4.5 4.2 4,7 4.5 N 54 51 57 53 P 9.3 9.0 15.0 9.4 S 2.1 2.5 2.4 2.6 Na 1.0 1.2 2.2 0.7 Fe 0.09 0.10 0.08 0.08 Mn 0.05 0.06 0.02 0.03 Zn 0.02 0.02 0.02 0.02 Cu 0.02 0.02 0.04 0.04 B 0.13 0.15 0.21 0.12 *mg/kg The results show that nutrient levels in apple fruit sprayed with nickel sulphate were elevated for Ca, K, Mg, N and P. The other elements were essentially similar. 20 The differences in nutrients were not as large as in foliage (table 3), which may be explained by usual differences in the uptake of nutrients by fruit compared to other parts of plants. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 26 EXAMPLE 6- Cabernet Sauvignon - influence on cell wall calcium and ultrastructure Cabernet Sauvignon grapes have thin walls and tend to split with light infection by powdery mildew and rain 5 close to harvest. Trials were conducted to see if outer cell walls could be strengthened by calcium sprays and nickel sulphate. Vines were sprayed with Calcium Plus (10ml/L), Hiyield Plus (10ml/L), and Nickel Plus (7.5ml/L) and unsprayed. 10 Treatments were applied 12 times at 15 day intervals. At harvest, Powdery Mildew levels were assessed, berries were analysed for calcium levels and fruit was sectioned vertically for light and electron microscopy examination of the cuticle and outer cell walls. 15 The fruit sprayed with Calcium Plus and Nickel Plus were noticeably firmer than unsprayed and Hiyield Plus sprayed fruit when squeezed by hand and sectioned with a scalpel. Analysis of fruit for Ca levels showed that unsprayed and Hiyield Plus sprayed fruit contained 25g of Ca per 100Kg 20 of fruit. Calcium & Nickel Plus treated fruit contained 33 g of Ca, an increase of 32%. Thus, the application of Nickel Plus alone increased the calcium levels in fruit. Control leaves and fruit were 100% infected with powdery mildew and many mildew-affected fruit split vertically. 25 Mildew on Calcium and Nickel Plus sprayed plants was negligible and no splitting was observed. Vertical sections of fruit that had been sprayed with Nickel Plus (Figure 1) showed that the Nickel Plus sprays produced fruit with a thicker cuticle and better developed 30 more uniform arrayed layers of outer cells. In contrast the cuticle of unsprayed fruit was thin and outer cell wall layers were irregular with thin cell walls, as shown in figure 2. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 27 Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, the inventor postulates that nickel may strengthen the outer cells of fruit due to having an effect on calcium metabolism. 5 EXAMPLE 7- Effects of nickel on utilization of urea by pasture Grass plots (m2) in pasture (predominantly rye grass) were cut just above ground level with a lawn mower in late February then immediately sprayed with urea (7.5 g/L), 10 urea (7.5g/L) + nickel sulphate (1.5g/L). An untreated control plot was sprayed with water. The plots were inspected regularly and grass growth assessed. Grass sprayed with nickel plus urea was darker green and thicker than grass sprayed with urea. In contrast grass 15 growth in untreated plots was poor. After 30 days grass height in the treated plots was essentially similar at 150mm whereas in untreated plots growth was approx 50mm. The nickel plus urea grass was thick and spongy compared to urea grass which was flat. Thin vertical sections 20 through leaves showed considerable differences in cellular layout. For instance in control leaves the outer epidermal cells were uniformly circular whereas in nickel treated plants the outer epidermal cells were larger, rectangular and brick like. Mesophyll cells in control 25 plants were regular and essentially circular. In Nickel plus urea grass the mesophyll cells were considerably larger and irregular in shape (see Figures 4 & 5). The larger mesophyll cells were responsible for the sponginess of the grass. This difference was striking when grass was 30 cut and bagged. Nickel sulphate application also significantly reduced the amount of rust and necrotic spotting on grass compared to the other plots. 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 28 After 30 days the grass was cut and analysed. The results are presented in Table 5. Co-application of Ni plus urea increased levels of N, K, S, Mn, Zn and Fe (by 84%). Levels of Ca and Na decreased by 40%. 5 Table 5. Analysis of grass treated with Nickel sulphate + Urea Analysis Untreated Urea Urea + NiSO4 N 2.1* 2.1 2.4 P 0.20 0.20 0.22 K 2.3 2.4 2.6 S 0.16 0.15 0.19 Ca 0.43 0.44 0.39 Mg 0.15 0.18 0.15 Na 0.05 0.08 0.03 Fe 74 69 136 Mn 400 360 420 Zn 29 28 34 Cu 12 10 11 B 7 7 7 Ni 0.6 1.1 2.9 *mg/kg Figure 3 shows the percentage increase of nutrient levels in grass following co application of urea + nickel 10 sulphate. Thus, co-application of NiSO4 with urea will significantly improve the nutrient content of pasture. The health of animals feeding on pasture having improved nutrient content would benefit. Surprisingly, treatment with urea 15 alone did not appear to dilute the nutrient content of pasture compared to untreated pasture. Without wishing to be bound by a particular theory, the inventor postulates that co-application of nickel and urea increase the activity of urease, which is a nickel-based 20 enzyme required for the hydrolysis of urea and release of ammonia (NH4*) in a state which can be utilised by pasture species. The uptake of ammonia by the plants is thus enhanced and thereby increases grass growth and reduces 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 29 losses due to leaching and volatilization. The enhanced availability and uptake of ammonia by plants will enable reduction of application rates of urea based fertilizers. The spongy nature of nickel sulphate treated pasture was 5 explained by the ultrastructure of the leaves. In urea treated grass the epidermal cells were small and circular and the mesophyll cells were uniform. Figure 4 shows a vertical section through a rye grass sprayed with urea. In urea +nickel sulphate treated grass the epidermal cells 10 were large and uniformly brick-shaped. Inner cells were large and irregular. Figure 5 shows a vertical section through a rye grass leaf sprayed with Nickel and urea. EXAMPLE 8- Effects of nickel on utilization of urea phosphate by pasture 15 Co-application of urea and phosphate is considered to be better than application of urea alone given the ability of phosphate to facilitate root growth. Grass plots (m2) in pasture (predominantly rye grass) were cut just above ground level with a lawn mower in late 20 April 2009 then immediately sprayed with ureaphosphate (5.0 g/L) and ureaphosphate (5.0g/L) + nickel sulphate (2.0g/L). An untreated control plot was sprayed with water. The plots were inspected regularly and grass growth assessed. 25 On the 1 9 th June 2009 grass growth was measured and samples were collected for analysis. Growth in control plots was sparse and 90mm. Grass growth in both the ureaphosphate and the ureaphosphate+nickel plots was thick and averaged 180mm. The nickel treated 30 grass was darker green than other plots. The plant nutrient analysis results are presented in Table 6. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 30 Table 6. Analysis of grass treated with ureaphosphate (UP) and nickel sulphate (Ni). Treatment Control UP UP/Ni Ni helps? Nitrogen 2.2% 2.5% 3.0% Y Phosphorous 0.28% 0.31% 0.37% Y Potassium 2.2% 2.7% 3.0% Y S 0.26% 0.26% 0.32% Y Ca 0.49% 0.48% 0.47% Mg 0.21% 0.24% 0.28% Y Na 0.12% 0.13% 0.11% Fe 121mg/kg 209mg/kg 351mg/kg Y Mn 510mg/kg 590mg/kg 630mg/kg Y Zn 31mg/kg 26mg/kg 29mg/kg Cu 6mg/kg 7mg/kg 8mg/kg Y B 12mg/kg 10mg/kg 10mg/kg Ni 0.20mg/kg 0.19mg/kg 6.9mg/kg Y In addition to increasing grass growth, application of ureaphosphate (N/P/K: 17/44/0) alone increased the 5 nutrient profile of that grass. Co-application with nickel further enhanced the nutrient profile of the grass. The enhanced nutrient profile of the grass treated with nickel plus ureaphosphate would provide ongoing benefits to the health of animals consuming the grass. 10 Nickel co-applied with urea phosphate increased nutrient levels in pasture on average by 31% in comparison with the control. Iron was increased by almost 200%. The increase of nitrogen was 36% which suggests that nickel does mediate an increase in NH4 fixation. 15 Clearly, co-application of urea and non-nitrogenous fertilizer mixtures with nickel enhances the nutrient status of pastures. EXAMPLE 9 - Concentration of nickel In mid April 2009, grass plots (m2) in pasture 20 (predominantly rye grass) were cut just above ground level with a lawn mower then immediately sprayed with urea (7.5 g/L) and urea (7.Sg/L) plus nickel sulphate at 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 g/L. An untreated control plot was sprayed 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 31 with water. The plots were inspected regularly and grass growth assessed by visual comparison. Grass sprayed with nickel/urea was darker green and thicker than grass sprayed with urea. Best growth was 5 observed in plots of urea plus nickel at 1.5 and 2.0 g/L. In contrast, grass in plots treated with 5.0 g nickel was yellow and growth poor (Table 7). After 30 days, grass height in the treated plots was essentially similar at 150mm whereas in untreated plots growth was approx 50mm. 10 The Ni/urea grass was thick and spongy compared to urea grass which was flat. Table 7. Influence of nickel salt concentration on grass growth Treatment Growth Observations Urea (7.5g) 2.0* Moderate growth Urea (7.5g/L) +nickel 2.0 Moderate growth, dark green sulphate (lg/L) Urea (7.5g/L) +nickel 3.0 Strong growth, dark green sulphate(l.5g/L) Urea (7.5g/L) +nickel 3.0 Strong growth, dark green sulphate (2 .Og/L) Urea (7.5g/L) +nickel 2.5 Strong growth, dark green sulphate(2. Sg/L) Nickel ulphate(5.0g/L) 1.0 Poor growth, yellow Control 1.5 Poor growth *Visual growth rating 1-3 15 Example 10 - Pasture levels of Nickel Fresh Weight (FM) vs. Dry Weight (DW) Fresh grass contains approximately 16-18% dry matter. As seed stalks and seed heads form dry matter rises to 20 22%. Brown grass has approx 30% dry matter. A typical cow 20 is thought to consume 20kg DM/day, if the pasture dry matter content was 20% then a cow would consume approx 100 kg FW/day. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 32 Samples from a South Taranaki pasture were submitted to Hills Laboratories and tested for Ni content on a FW and DW basis. The results are presented below in Table 8 Table 8. Comparison of Ni levels on a FW/DW basis Treatment Ni level FW Ni level DW % Dry matter Control 0.12mg 0.61mg 19.0 Sprayed 3kg NiSO4 1.30mg 6.8mg 19% 5 Conversion factor between FW and DW = FWxlOO/19 (Viz. 1.3x5.26=6.8mg) Because of the high moisture content of pasture Ni levels on a DW basis will always be higher than on a FW basis. If a cow requires an upper daily Ni consumption level of 10 200mg/day then pasture would need to contain; on a FW basis 200 /100 = 2mg/Ni/ Kg of pasture, on a DW basis 200/20 = 10mg/Ni/kg pasture. Pasture samples from several sites in the North Island of 15 New Zealand, namely, two adjacent paddocks from a dairy farm in Auroa, South Taranaki, a pasture near Himitangi Beach, a paddock on a Massey farm and a pasture at Ngahere Park were analysed for nickel levels. The results are presented in Figure 6, showing levels of Nickel (g/1000kg 20 DM) in pasture from Manawatu and Taranaki (Tl,T2=South Taranaki, Ml,M2=Manawatu, Hi=Himatangi). To establish a base level for nickel in North Island pastures, grass samples were collected during winter from dairy farms throughout the North Island. A summary of the nickel 25 levels of pasture from all sites analysed are set out in table 9, and represented graphically in figure 7. Natural levels of nickel in pasture averaged 0.198mg (22 sites). Excluding the particularly high level found at site 18 ("Taranaki 2"), the average over 21 sites is 0.118. 2367199_1 (CHMatters) 9/08/10 - 33 Table 9. Nickel levels in pasture (mainly rye grass) from throughout the North Island (mg/kg/FW) Location mg/kg Ni Location mg/kg 1.Achillies,Taupo 0.043 11. Makatu 0.025 2. Renown, Taupo 0.032 12. Te Hoe 0.088 3.Parekarangi,Taupo 0.023 13.Taupiri 0.098 4. Tokoroa/Taupo (Hall Rd) 0.042 14. Cambridge 0.11 5. Norsewood 0.098 15. Woodlands 0.15 6. Waipawa 0.099 16. Tirau 0.098 7. Havelock Nth 0.098 17. Taranaki 1 0.077 8. Waihi 0.057 18. Taranaki 2 1.9 9. Paeroa 0.10 19. Ngahere Pk, 0.59 PN 10. Maramarua 0.099 20. Ngahere Pk 0.20 2 21. Massey Farm 0.25 PN 22. Himitangi 0.091 During early August 2009, additional samples were collected from Wanganui/South Taranaki (Table 10). 5 Table 10. Ni levels in Wanganui/South Taranaki pastures Sample mg/kg/FW pasture Between Maxwell and Patea 0.038 Patea 0.042 Hawera 0.048 Tempsky Rd 0.042 Auroa (Swamp pk) 0.050 Mean 0.044 The mean level of Nickel in 27 pasture samples was 0.121 mg/kg/FW. It the nickel level in pasture to provide a cow with daily nickel intake for efficient metabolism is 2mg/kg on a FW basis, then NZ pastures need a 16.5 fold 10 increase in Ni levels. A cow consuming 100kg FW pasture/day would be acquiring 12.1mg/Ni per day when a level of about 200mg Ni per day is required for efficient metabolism. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 34 SOUTH ISLAND Samples of dairy pasture were collected from the Southland region during early December 2009. Levels over seven samples averaged 0.094 mg/kg FW (Table 5). 5 Table 11. Ni levels in Southland pastures Sample Level Ni Sample Level Ni (mg/kg/FW) (mg/kg/FW) #1 Georgetown 0.048 #5 Patearoa 0.096 #2 Kurow 0.21 #6 Patearoa 0.085 #3 Duntroon 0.048 #7 Waipiata 0.085 #4 Papakaio 0.089 Mean 0.094 Examination of the minimum levels of other key trace elements helps place the results in perspective. Figure 8 shows levels of other trace elements that are considered to be minimal in pasture, as published by the NZ 10 Fertilizer Manufacturers Research Association (ISBN 0-473 06527-4). The level of nickel shown in figure 8 is the level postulated by the inventor to be required in pasture, ie, 10 mg/kg=5ppm. Given the importance of copper, iron and zinc in animal metabolism and their 15 relative positions in the periodic table the inventor proposes that nickel would be required at similar rates. Accordingly, a minimum level of 2-10mg of nickel per kg of pasture is postulated. Preferably, pasture should contain a minimum level of nickel of about 2mg/kg (FW) of pasture 20 or about 10mg/kg (DW) of pasture. Previously, optimum levels of nickel in pastures have not been established. Clearly, application of nickel salts to pastures according to the invention improves pasture health, nutrient status and animal health. 25 Example 11. Nickel, Urea phosphate and gibberellic acid application to grass Grass plots (m2) in pasture (predominantly rye grass) were cut close to the ground and then sprayed (at 1L/m2) with 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 35 gibberellic acid (GA3) 0.05g/l, urea phosphate 5g/l, urea phosphate 5g/l + nickel sulphate 2g/1, and urea phosphate + GA3 + nickel sulphate. An untreated control plot was sprayed with water. After forty days, the pasture was 5 cut, and the nickel content was analysed. The results are shown in Table 12 and figure 9. Table 12. Nutrient levels in grass following application of various treatments Treatment Control GA3 UP Ni helps? Nitrogen 2.2% 2.5% 2.5% Y Phosphorous 0.28% 0.31% 0.31% Y Potassium 2.2% 3.4% 2.7% Y S 0.26% 0.29% 0.26% Ca 0.49% 0.41% 0.48% Mg 0.21% 0.23% 0.24% Y Na 0.12% 0.17% 0.13% Fe 121mg/kg 130mg/kg 209mg/kg Y Mn 510mg/kg 510mg/kg 590mg/kg Y Zn 31mg/kg 36mg/kg 26mg/kg Y Cu 6mg/kg 13mg/kg 7mg/kg Y +GA3 B 12mg/kg 7mg/kg 10mg/kg Ni 0.20mg/kg 0.73mg/kg 0.19mg/kg Y Co-application of Ni with GA3 and Urea phosphate increased 10 levels of N, P, K, S, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu. Calcium levels reduced possibly as a result of greater leaf volume. Application of nickel sulphate at 2g/L/m2 with GA3 and UP increased nickel levels to 6.5 and 6.9 mg/kg respectively. 15 Application of GA3 and Urea phosphate also increased nutrient levels in pasture. GA3 alone trebled the levels of nickel, however they were still very low. Urea phosphate alone did not increase nickel levels. Example 12 - EFFECT OF NI DOSE RATE ON PASTURE LEVELS 20 Nickel sulphate was applied to plots of rye grass at rates of 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5g/L/m2. Two months later grass was analysed for levels of Ni (mg/kg). The results are presented in the graph in Figure 10 which shows Ni levels v dose rate, where Series 1 =mg/kg Ni in pasture and 2367199 1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 36 Series 2 = dose rate NiSO4. A linear relationship between Nickel application rates and pasture levels is shown. Grass has a high affinity for Nickel and it is highly mobile in plant tissues. 5 Example 13. LEVEL OF NI/Ha REQUIRED TO ELEVATE PASTURES TO OPTIMUM LEVELS Level of nickel required to raise pasture levels to 5mg/kg Application of 2g NiSO 4 /m2, in co-application with urea phosphate and GA3 elevated pasture levels to 6.5mg/kg. 10 It is believed that application of 400g/L NiSO 4 /180g/L N at 3L/Ha would raise levels in excess of 10mg/L. Accordingly, it is believed that application of 200g/L NiSO 4 and 100g urea at 3L/ha would raise pasture levels of nickel to around 5mg/kg. If applied as a solid form 4 15 5kg/ha would be required to raise pasture levels of nickel to around 5mg/kg. Metre square plots can at best predict the field situation. Accordingly, field trials were conducted to determine the amount of Ni required per Ha to elevate 20 pastures to acceptable levels. Application of 2g Ni/m2 in small plot trials elevated pasture levels to 6.5mg/kg. Trials were conducted in the field to determine how much Ni would be required per ha to raise Ni levels to 5 mg/kg FW. 25 Application of 1.5 Kg NiSO4/Ha To a Rye grass based pasture in South Taranaki, 1.5kg of NiSo4 /20L Agrisol (a seaweed based product) in 100L of water was applied (5/6/09) to one Ha. At the time of application Ni levels were 0.077mg/kg FW. Two months 30 following application (3/8/09) pasture samples had risen to 2.7mg/kg Ni. Given the linear relationship between Ni application and levels in pasture (Fig 10), application of 2367199_1 (GHMattera) 9/08/10 - 37 3kg of NiS04/100L/ha would be expected to give pasture levels around 5.5 mg/kg FW. (In fact it gave 6.8 mg/Kg FW). Application of 3.0 Kg NiSO4/Ha 5 One hectare of pasture in South Taranaki was sprayed (5/11/09) with 3kg NiSo4/10kg Urea phosphate/700g MgSO4 in 100L of water. When the pasture was viewed one month later (9/12/09) grass growth was noticeably reduced by approx 40% compared 10 with unsprayed pasture. The application of nickel at this level is too high. Dry matter of both areas was unaffected at 19%. Samples analysed showed that application of 3Kg NiSo4 elevated pasture levels to 6.8 mg/Kg FW. Control pasture exhibited 0.61 mg/Kg Ni. 15 In Figure 11, projected levels of Ni in pasture following application of NiS04 at multiples of 1.5kg are shown. X = 1.5kg NiSO4, 2x, 4x, 5x projected levels NiSO4 required to give levels Ni (mg/kg). Figure 11 shows that the projected levels of Ni in the 20 pasture are essentially correct. In view of the growth retardation observed with high levels of NiSO4, preferably it should not be applied to pasture at rates higher than 1.5 Kg/NiSO4/Ha. Given that a maximum FW pasture level of 2mg Ni/kg is sought then less than 1.5kg NiSO4 would be 25 required per Ha. (1.5kg NiSO4/ha = pasture levels of 2.7mg Ni/Kg FW). Since Copper Sulphate and Nickel Sulphate are similar compounds experience with Cu may be applicable. If Cu levels in pasture are around 4mg/kg DM then copper 30 sulphate should be applied. To achieve levels of 10mg/kg DM a capital dressing of 10kg/ha can be applied in autumn. Higher rates are required on deep peat soils. Maintenance dressings of 5kg/ha are required every 4-5 years. 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 38 AHX copper (400g/L CuSo4/180g/L N) applied to pastures in liquid form at 3L/ha elevated copper levels in pasture to 10mg/kg DM. Application as dry copper sulphate at 2Kg and 6kg/ha raised pasture levels to 5 and 18mg/kg DM 5 respectively. Clearly, liquid application is significantly more effective than solid application for pasture uptake. Application of 1.5kg NiSO4 at 10OL/ha raised levels in pasture to 2.7 mg/kg. Accordingly, given the linear response of Ni levels in grass to increasing levels of 10 NiS04 (Fig 10), 3kg of NiSO4 /ha gave a pasture level of Ni of 6.8 mg/kg. Given the increased up take of Ni when co-applied with nitrogen -based fertilizers application of NiSO4 at rates greater than 2 kg/ha will give excessive levels of Ni in pasture. 15 LEVEL OF NISO4 REQUIRED TO INDUCE PHYTOTOXICITY In plot trials set up 20/11/09, m2 plots were sprayed with one litre of water in which; zero, 1.5g, 2.5g, 5.0g, 7.5 g and 10g of nickel sulphate were dissolved. Twenty days following application the plots were examined 20 for growth retardation and symptoms of phytotoxicity. The results are presented in Table 13 below, and in Figure 12. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 39 Table 13. Influence of Nickel concentration on pasture growth Treatment (g/m2) Grass Growth* Phytotoxicity 0.0 3.0 Nil 1.5 3.0 Nil 2.5 3.0 Nil 5.0 2.0 Occasional yellow/green 7.5 1.5 Yellow & green 10.0 1.0 striping of grass and flat weeds & growth inhibition *Growth 1-3 scale. 1=poor, 3=strong Symptoms of toxicity were initially inhibition of growth, 5 particularly in flat weeds. Yellow/ green striping of grass and flat weed leaves was also strongly developed, as shown in Figure 13. Thus, application of NiSO4 at more than 3kg/ha could reduce pasture growth response. 10 Example 14. PERSISTENCE OF NICKEL IN TREATED PASTURE Given the rapid mobilization Ni from the soil into plant tissues it would be expected that most of the applied Ni would be removed by grazing. The loss of Ni was assessed in treated pasture and field plots. 15 PASTURE On a South Taranaki pasture 1.5kg of NiSo4 was co applied with 20L Agrisol 8/4/8 on 4/6/09 in 100L water/Ha. On 30/7/09 pasture was analysed for Nickel. A level of 2.7 mg Ni /kg FW was obtained. The paddock was then moderately 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 40 grazed by yearling cattle and on 1/12/09 grass regrowth was analysed and a level of 2mg Ni/Kg FW was obtained. Application of 3.0 Kg/Ha NiS04 (5/11/09) gave a pasture level of 6.8mg/Kg FW on 7/12/09. Testing the paddock 5 following grazing and regrowth gave Ni levels of 0.40 mg/kg/FW (8/1/10). PLOTS Nickel was co applied with 7.5g Urea at levels of; 1.0g, 1.5g, 2.0g, 2.5g and 5g to m2 plots on 17/4/09. The grass 10 was grown and Ni levels assessed 12/8/09. The plots were then re cut close to the soil level with a lawn mower. On 4/12/09 Ni levels in the regrowth were determined. The results are presented in Table 14. After the first cut Ni levels dropped by 70.8% in the re growth. This 15 means that approximately 30% of initial product applied remains in the pasture. Table 14. Levels of Nickel in grass following harvest and regrowth NiS04 Dose Ni Level in Ni level in Percentage rate 17/4/09 grass 12/8/09 grass regrowth reduction of Ni 4/12/09 level Control 0.19mg 0.15mg NA l.Og/m2 3.9mg 0.76mg 80.5% 1.5g/m2 5.7mg 1.6mg 71.9% 2.0g/m2 6.3mg 1.5mg 76.2% 2.5g/m2 8.1mg 3.1mg 61.7% 5.0g/m2 10.5mg 3.8mg 63.8% Mean 70.8% Thus, with heavy grazing around 70% of the Ni is lost from 20 the pasture. Example 15. EFFECT OF NICKEL SULPHATE ON GRASS MORPHOLOGY Trial 1. Plots (m2) were sprayed in early March with Urea (7.5g) and Urea +NiSO4 (7.5/2.5g). One month later the grass was 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 41 photographed (Figures 14, 15, 16) and harvested for microscopic analysis. Rye grass sprayed with Urea and Ni was darker green and much thicker and of greater volume than grass treated with urea and untreated grass. Grass 5 sprayed with Nickel was healthier with fewer leaf spots than unsprayed and urea sprayed grass. Figure 14 shows regrowth of untreated grass, showing leaf spotting. Figure 15 shows regrowth of grass sprayed with Urea+NiSO4, and has a dark green colour. Figure 16 shows 10 regrowth of grass sprayed with Urea, showing leaf spots. When examined in cross section the grass treated with Ni was 50% larger and upper epidermal cells were large and rectangular in contrast to urea treated grass which was thinner with smaller circular epidermal cells (Figures 17 15 & 18). Figure 17 shows a vertical section through grass sprayed with Urea application. Figure 18 shows a vertical section through grass following Urea/Ni application. TRIAL 2 20 In this trial 2g NiSO4 was co applied with Urea Phosphate and GA3. The grass treated with NiS04 and Urea Phosphate was approx 40% thicker than grass treated with Urea Phosphate and exhibited larger epidermal cells as reported above. Grass treated with GA3 was highly vacuolate with 25 poorly developed chloroplasts (Fig.19). Grass treated with GA3 and NiS04 was approximately 30% thicker, with larger, more uniformly arrayed epidermal layers and more densely packed cells (Fig. 20). Clearly, GA3 treated grass may show extensive growth 30 however most of the leaves are hollow and not densely packed. Animals would have to consume more GA3 treated pasture than normal pasture. 2367199_1 (GHMattera) 9/08/10 - 42 Figure 19 shows a vertical section through rye grass grown following GA3 application. Figure 20 shows a vertical section through rye grass following GA3/NiSO4 application. TRIAL 3 5 In m2 plots grass was sprayed with 2.0g/L NiSO4. Large and fine bladed rye grass was sectioned and examined by light microscopy. Essentially similar results were observed on both types of grass as reported previously. Ni treated grass was thicker, epidermal cells were larger and more 10 uniformly arrayed and cell organelles more densely packed. Ni treated grasses remained healthy and were free of leaf spots and rust. Thus, application of nickel makes grass thicker, whereas grass treated with GA3 is hollow. 15 Example 16. Experimental Composition 1 The following is an example of a preferred composition according to the invention. 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 43 Experimental composition 1 BATCH SIZE (Litres): 1000 Litre RAW MATERIAL %w/v Giberrelic acid 20% 0.1665 1.6650 kg water 45.000 450.00 kg DiAmmonium phosphate 0.210 2.10 kg sodium molybdate 0.051 0.51 kg Urea 30.200 302.00 kg Ammonium nitrate 42.500 425.00 kg Algifert 2.000 20.00 kg Purakelp 1.500 15.00 kg Nickel Sulphate 3.120 31.20 kg Potassium Sorbate 0.150 1.50 kg Top Up Water 2.600 26.00 kg yield kg 127.331 1273.31 Manufacturing Instructions: 1. Load water. Load water to tank. Coimmence mixing at slow to medium 2. Turn on stirrer speed. 3. Add DiAmm. Phos Add di Ammonium phosphate 4. Commence heating. Heat batch to 60 0 C Load Urea via the 5. Add Urea hatch. 6. Add Ammonium nitrate. Ensure batch is over 30 0 C before continuing. Add Amonium nitrate via the hatch. Sodium Molybdate, Algifert, Purakeip, Nickel, Gib Acid, 7. Add balance of products Potassium Sorbate Increase mixer speed. Stir 20 mins. 8. Reheat Heat to 400 to assist solution. 9. Mix batch for 30 Continue mixing batch for 30 minutes. minutes. Continue mixing for at least 30 10. Turn on cooling water. minutes. 11. Sample lab Take a sample to lab for testing. 12. Add water Add water as advised by lab to adjust volume. 13. Pack out. pack out through a 20 micron felt-bag filter Specs: SG@20C -1.270 pH 6.02 2367199_1 IG~matters) 9/08/10 - 44 Example 17. Use of Experimental Composition 1 Experimental composition 1 according to example 16 has been trialled in a range of different climatic conditions in seven different regions of New Zealand looking at 5 pasture response when compared with Urea. Experimental composition 1 has consistently given as good or better responses than standard Urea. Trial Protocol Farmers involved in the Experimental composition 1 trials 10 used the same decision making process as they would have when making a decision to use Urea. These decisions were made assessing dry matter status, climatic conditions and the overall feeding requirements of the farm. Grass was cut every 5-7 days generally over a 28 day 15 period and weighed. The Urea control was also cut and weighed over the same period. Without exception Experimental composition 1 proved to outperform standard Urea applications in identical conditions. 20 Application Rates Rate: Experimental composition 1 should be applied at 7-15 litres per ha. Water Volume: Apply Experimental composition 1 in a minimum of 10 litre per 1 litre of product. 25 7 litres per ha Experimental composition 1 = 70 litres water minimum. 15 litres per ha Experimental composition 1 = 150 litres water minimum. Lower water rates than those recommended may cause crop 30 scorch. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 45 Example 18. Use of Experimental Composition 1 A trial comparing urea and liquid nitrogen fertiliser was undertaken wherein 110kg urea (51 units of N) was applied to half a paddock and 16 L of Experimental composition 1 5 (5.1 units of N) was applied to the other half of the paddock at the same time. Production in the half of the paddock to which Experimental composition 1 was applied was significantly better than production in the half of the paddock to which 10 urea was applied. Results are shown in Figure 22. Example 19. Experimental Composition 2 The following is an example of a preferred composition according to the invention. 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 46 Experimental composition 2 BATCH SIZE (Litres): 1000 Litres RAW MATERIAL %w/v TANK A WATER 51.190 511.90 Kg MAGNESIUM CHLORIDE 21.5815 215.82 Kg Copper Sulphate (5H20) 3.7890 37.890 Kg UREA 41.268 412.68 Kg POTASSIUM IODIDE 0.0340 0.3400 Kg TANK B WATER 2.3040 23.040 Kg TERIC 13A7 0.0515 0.5150 Kg ALKADET 15 0.0515 0.5150 Kg BORRESPERSE NA 0.5125 5.1250 Kg Algifert 0.5125 5.1250 Kg SODIUM SELENATE 0.0075 0.0750 Kg Giberrelic acid 20% 0.1665 1.6650 Kg Sodium Benzoate 0.1500 1.5000 KG Tank C Hot Water 2.00 20.0000 Nickel Sulphate 3.12 31.2000 Total 1236 Kg MANUFACTURING INSTRUCTIONS TANK A LOAD WATER COMMENCE STIRRING ADD INGREDIENTS IN GIVEN ORDER ABOVE CONTINUE MIXING UNTIL FULLY DISSOLVED TANK B LOAD WATER 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 47 COMMENCE STIRRING ADD INGREDIENTS IN GIVEN ORDER ABOVE CONTINUE MIXING UNTIL HOMOGENOUS LIQUID PRODUCED TANK C LOAD WATER COMMENCE STIRRING ADD Nickel Sulphate to hot water CONTINUE MIXING UNTIL FULLY DISSOLVED COMBINATION SLOWLY ADD CONTENTS OF TANK B and C TO TANK A WHILST MIXING CONTINUE MIXING UNTIL A HOMOGENOUS LIQUID PRODUCED (30 MINUTES) PACK OFF AS REQUIRED SPECIFICATION Dark brown liquid pH 2 - 3 Density (20 0 C) 1.24 g/mL (nominal) Example 20. Use of Experimental composition 2 Pre-calving 10-15 litres per hectare of experimental composition 2 was applied to pasture to be grazed by cows until calving. 5 When cows are lactating, 5 to 15 litres of experimental composition 2 were applied a month before grazing. Experimental composition 2 has a strong residual effect. The second and subsequent applications have much more impact on pasture nutrient levels, so lower application 10 rates may be used. Experimental composition 2 is formulated to balance pasture mineral status in favour of the dietary needs of cows, especially in the critical weeks before and after 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 48 calving. The health and productivity of dairy cows depends on the quality of the pasture they eat. Experimental composition 2 helps prevent ill-thrift, scouring and poor reproduction. All these can be symptoms 5 of copper deficiency, which is a constant pressure on dairy cows. Their copper requirement is greatest in late pregnancy when feed intake is about half that of peak lactation. Experimental composition 2 lifts copper, selenium, iodine and nickel levels in pasture. 10 Experimental composition 2 is rich in anionic salts to improve the DCAD ratio of pasture and help cows to mobilise bone calcium and reduces the risk of milk fever. Experimental composition 2 helps prevent staggers. Low levels of magnesium and high levels of potassium are 15 implicated as the main culprits causing grass staggers. Experimental composition 2 programmes raise magnesium levels in pasture and reduce the luxury uptake of potassium by grasses. Recent research suggests that grass staggers and sub clinical magnesium deficiencies may 20 reduce milk production by up to 10% on most dairy farms. Pasture utilization is improved by Experimental composition 2. Winter pasture is typically less palatable and deficient in magnesium, copper, selenium, iodine and other trace elements. Spring pasture is always too high in 25 potassium. Experimental composition 2 turns poor quality pasture into good quality pasture and avoids the need to make up the deficiencies with injections or supplements. Experimental composition 2 boosts grass growth. In trials the extra grass growth alone would have paid for the 30 product. Experimental composition 2 attacks the two key objectives of animal nutrition: i. Give them enough to eat; ii. Improve the nutrient quality of their feed. 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 49 Experimental composition 2 contains Nitrogen 15%, Magnesium 2%, Copper 7500ppm, Iodine 200ppm, Selenium 25ppm and Nickel. The application of Experimental composition 2 to pasture 5 rapidly and efficiently raises pasture magnesium concentration. It is widely recognised that it is difficult to raise pasture magnesium concentration in the winter/spring with magnesium fertilisers. With application of Experimental composition 2, pasture 10 magnesium concentration can be rapidly and efficiently accomplished for the short period of the year when there is normally a major deficiency. Pasture nutrients simply do not match the dietary needs of cows at certain times of the year, especially at the 15 critical transition period before and after calving. Magnesium, copper, selenium and iodine levels are all low during winter. Potassium levels climb rapidly as temperatures warm up in early spring. Pastures treated with Experimental composition 2 ideally match the dietary 20 needs of dairy cows during this critical period. 80% of disease in adult cows occurs in the four weeks either side of calving. These eight weeks are the primary focus for the application of Experimental composition 2. It is during that period that cows undergo major hormonal 25 and physiological changes as they switch from pregnancy to lactation. Their immune system is strained, and they are most susceptible to metabolic diseases such as milk fever, staggers and ketosis. Six to seven weeks before calving a pasture test should be done and its mineral dietary value 30 should be analysed. Other deficiencies such as zinc, cobalt or sodium discovered by these tests can be rectified. Applications of Experimental composition 2 should begin at least three weeks before calving. The mineral content and 35 the rate of application is adjusted to meet the limiting 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 50 dietary minerals identified in the pasture analysis. A significant amount of magnesium sulphate is normally added. The term "comprising" as used in this specification means 5 "consisting at least in part of". When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term "comprising", features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as "comprise" and "comprises" are to be interpreted in the 10 same manner. Wherein the foregoing description reference has been made to integers, features, elements or components having known equivalents then such equivalents are incorporated as if individually set forth. 15 Although the invention has been described by way of examples and with reference to possible embodiments, it is to be appreciated that improvements and/or modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. 20 It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country. 23671991 (GHMattero) 9/08/10

Claims (53)

1. A composition for use in the treatment of a condition in a plant, the composition comprising at least nickel in a form capable of being taken up by the plant, wherein the 5 condition is selected from growth rate, nutrient uptake, plant health, rots, fungal diseases, necrotic spotting, fruit splitting and chlorophyll level; and the plant is selected from grasses and other pasture plants, pip fruits, stone fruits and grapes. 10

2. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the plant is a grass or other pasture plant.

3. A composition according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein in combination with at least one other nutrient.

4. A composition according to claim 3 wherein the at 15 least one other nutrient is selected from urea, urea phosphate, other nitrate-based nutrients and non nitrate based fertilizers, salts of Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Zn, Potassium, trace elements and gibberellic acid.

5. A composition according to claim 4 wherein the at 20 least one other nutrient is a trace element selected from one or more of boron, cobalt, copper, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, manganese, chromium and molybdenum.

6. A composition according to claim 4 wherein the at least one other nutrient comprises one or more of the 25 following: nitrogen, phosphate, boron, cobalt, copper, iron, zinc, iodine, selenium, manganese, chromium and molybdenum and kelp.

7. A composition according to claim 4 comprising nickel sulphate, urea, ammonium nitrate, Algifert, Purakelp, 30 diammonium phosphate, potassium sorbate, giberrelic acid, sodium molybdate and water. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 52

8. A composition according to claim 4 comprising nickel sulphate, magnesium chloride, copper sulphate, urea, potassium iodide, teric 13A7, Alkadet 15, borresperse na, algifert, sodium selenate, giberrelic aced 20%, sodium 5 benzoate and water.

9. A composition according to claim 4 comprising urea phosphate, iron sulphate, nickel sulphate, gibberellic acid.

10. A composition according to claim 9 wherein said urea 10 phosphate, iron sulphate, nickel sulphate, gibberellic acid are in a ratio of about 7 : 1.5 : 1.5 : 0.04.

11. A composition according to any one of claims 1-10 in solid form.

12. A composition according to any one of claims 1-10 in 15 liquid form

13. A composition according to claim 4 comprising NiSO4 and MgSO4.

14. A composition according to claim 13 wherein said composition is in the form of finely ground powder. 20

15. A composition according to claim 14 further comprising urea.

16. A composition according to claim 4 comprising nickel sulphate, urea or urea-phosphate, MgSO4 and gibberellic acid. 25

17. A composition according to claim 14 in liquid form.

18. A composition according to claim 4 comprising organic humate, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, seaweed extracts, surfactants, urea, NiSO4 and gibberellic acid.

19. A composition according to claim 4 comprising urea 30 coated with nickel. 2367199_1 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 53

20. A composition according to any one of claims 1-19 wherein the uptake of nutrients by the plant is improved, said nutrients selected from nitrogen, iron, manganese, calcium, potassium, phosphorous, sulphur, zinc, copper and 5 nickel.

21. A composition according to claim 20 wherein said nutrient is nitrogen.

22. A composition according to claim 21 wherein the amount of nitrogen required to be applied to the plant is 10 reduced to a between a third and a sixth of that required to be applied to the plant in the absence of nickel.

23. A composition according to any one of claims 1-22 in combination with fungicides and/or plant elicitors.

24. A composition according to claim 23 comprising nickel 15 sulphate and a triazole fungicide.

25. A composition according to claim 24 further comprising salicylic acid and benzalkonium chloride.

26. A composition according to claim 1 wherein said plant is a fruit bearing plant and wherein the uptake of calcium 20 in the fruit is improved.

27. A composition according to claim 26 wherein the plant is a grape vine.

28. A composition according to claim 27 wherein said grapes are Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. 25

29. A composition according to claim 1 wherein the condition is selected from fruit rots, black spot, powdery mildew, rust and necrotic spotting.

30. A composition according to any one of claims 1-29 wherein nickel is in a form selected from nickel metal, 30 nickel chloride (NiCl 2 ), nickel sulphate, nickel sulphide 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 54 (NiS), nickel oxide (NiO), nickel nitrate (Ni(N0 3 ) 2 , nickel subsulfide (Ni 3 S 2 ) and nickel lignosulfonate.

31. A composition according to claim 30 wherein nickel is in the form of nickel sulphate or nickel chloride. 5

32. A composition according to any one of claims 1-31 in the form of a foliar spray.

33. A composition according to any one of claims 1-31 for application directly to the plants growing medium.

34. A composition according to claim 33 wherein the 10 growing medium is soil or hydroponic growth solution.

35. A composition according to any one of claims 1-34 for the application of nickel in an amount of 0.2-1.2g per litre of liquid per metre square.

36. A composition according to claim 35 for the 15 application of nickel in an amount of 0.2-0.5g per litre of liquid per metre square.

37. A composition according to any one of claims 1-34 for the application of nickel sulphate in the range of 1.0 to 5.Og per litre of liquid for application to an area of one 20 square metre.

38. A composition according to claim 37 for the application of nickel sulphate in the range of 1.0-2.Og per litre of liquid for application to an area of one square metre. 25

39. A composition according to any one of claims 1-25 for the application of nickel on pastures up to about 1 kg/ha.

40. A composition according to claim 39 for application of nickel to pasture at about 0.25-0.50 kg/ha.

41. A composition according to claim 1 for the 30 application of nickel as a foliar spray to horticultural crops in an amount of 0.01-0.033 g/L. 2367199_1 (GHMattere) 9/08/10 - 55

42. A composition according to claim 41 for the application of nickel as a foliar spray in an amount of about 0.01-0.11 g/L.

43. A composition according to claim 1 for the 5 application of nickel sulphate as a foliar spray to horticultural crops in the range of about 0.05- 0.15 g/L.

44. A composition according to claim 43 for the application of nickel sulphate as a foliar spray in an amount of about 0.05- 0.5 g/L. 10

45. A method of treating a condition in a plant by applying a composition comprising at least nickel in a form capable of being taken up by the plant, wherein the plant is selected from grasses and other pasture plants, pip fruits, stone fruits and grapes. 15

46. A method of altering a condition in a plant by applying a composition comprising nickel according to any one of claims 1-44, wherein the plant is selected from grasses and other pasture plants, pip fruits, stone fruits and grapes. 20

47. A method according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the plant is grass or other pasture plant.

48. A method according to any one of claims 45-47, wherein the condition is selected from growth rate, nutrient uptake, plant health, rots, fungal diseases, 25 necrotic spotting, fruit splitting and chlorophyll level.

49. A method according to claim 48 wherein the condition is nutrient uptake, wherein the efficiency of nitrogen uptake by the plant is improved.

50. A method according to claim 49 wherein the amount of 30 nitrogen required to be applied to the plant is reduced to a between a third and a sixth of that required to be applied to the plant in the absence of nickel. 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10 - 56

51. A composition according to claim 1 substantially as herein described or exemplified.

52. A method according to claim 45 substantially as herein described or exemplified. 5

53. A method according to claim 46 substantially as herein described or exemplified. 23671991 (GHMatters) 9/08/10