AU2013100829B4 - Fertiliser product - Google Patents

Abstract

H:\rbr\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 The present invention relates generally to chicken manure-based fertiliser products. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to chicken manure-based fertiliser products having a higher nitrogen (N) to phosphorous (P) ratio than natural chicken manure wherein the relative nitrogen levels are adjusted by the addition of an organic nitrogen source.

Description

H:\rbr\ntr ovn\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 FERTILISER PRODUCT FIELD The present invention relates generally to chicken manure-based fertiliser products. In certain embodiments, the invention relates to chicken manure-based fertiliser products having a higher nitrogen (N) to phosphorous (P) ratio than natural chicken manure wherein the relative nitrogen levels are adjusted by the addition of an organic nitrogen source. BACKGROUND The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates. Fertilisers are materials (whether organic or inorganic in origin) that supply nutrients to plants. The three major components are nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), each playing a different role in the plant's growth. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth; phosphorus promotes development of roots, flowers and seeds or fruit; and potassium is necessary for the growth of strong stems and movement of water in plants, in addition to promoting flowering and fruiting. Nitrogen as a nutrient is in higher demand than phosphorus and, in general all purpose fertilisers, needs to be available in higher amounts than phosphorus. Inorganic garden fertilisers are typically of synthetic origin and combine any one or more of these three major elements with secondary nutrients and trace elements in a controlled and balanced form depending on the requirements for specific applications. They are typically applied in immediate release form, although slow release forms are also available. The disadvantages associated with these inorganic fertilisers include the risk of H:\rbr\ntr ovn\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 -2 over fertilising ("fertiliser burn"), rapid release of the nutrients, which can result in excess amounts leaching into waterways, and build-up of salts in soil. High levels of energy are typically required for their manufacture. In contrast, organic fertilisers, derived from plant and/or animal sources, such as animal manures, not only provide these essential elements but may also assist in building soil structure and texture. These products improve soil organic matter content, increase soil water holding capacity, improve soil structure, promote microbial and earthworm activity and enhance the soils' cation exchange capacity which facilitates greater nutrient retention. The nutrients are also slowly available to plants, resulting in a gradual feed over time. Organic fertilisers have also been shown to control weeds, can substitute lime amendment, may lock up off target pesticide sprays and increases nitrogen fixation. Chicken manure, with a unique nutrient profile of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) levels present in ratios of approximately 3.5 : 2 : 1.8, is comprised in many commercially available garden and lawn fertilisers. However, the relatively high levels of phosphorous contained therein presents potential drawbacks as phosphorous is a very mobile element, especially in sandy soils and when high levels are applied, it can leach into waterways. This can cause a knock-on effect with algal blooms and resultant effect on aquatic life. In order to decrease the proportion of phosphorous to nitrogen the natural N:P ratio of chicken manure can be amended by further nitrogen enrichment. While it is possible to achieve this through the use of inorganic or synthetic nitrogen sources, such as urea, such products are not suitable for consumers who prefer to use organic fertilisers on their gardens and lawns. SUMMARY It has now been found that the N:P ratio of chicken manure can be adjusted to a level where the N:P ratio is substantially higher compared to natural chicken manure, by the H:\rbr\ntr ovn\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 -3 addition of one or more organic nitrogen-rich sources. Advantageously, such nitrogen-rich sources also have relatively low phosphorous content, such that the N:P ratio of the organic nitrogen-rich source is higher than that of natural chicken manure. It is desirable to have a N:P ratio of at least about 5:1 (which may be expressed in %wt.) and it has now been found that an organic chicken manure-based fertiliser product having a N:P ratio of at least 5:1, i.e. a minimum of about 83 % wt of nitrogen based on total nitrogen + phosphorus content, may be achieved by the addition of one or more organic nitrogen-rich sources, without the addition of inorganic or synthetic nitrogen sources, such as ureas, ammonium salts and nitrates. Thus, in one aspect, the invention relates to a chicken manure-based fertiliser product having a N:P ratio of at least about 5:1, said fertiliser comprising chicken manure and at least one other organic source of nitrogen, wherein the total nitrogen content of said fertiliser product is derived from one or more organic sources. In one embodiment, the invention provides a chicken manure-based fertiliser product having a N:P ratio of at least about 5:1, said fertiliser consisting essentially of chicken manure and at least one other organic source of nitrogen, wherein the total nitrogen content of said fertiliser product is derived from one or more organic sources. In further embodiments, the fertiliser product consists of chicken manure and at least one other organic source of nitrogen. In some embodiments, the N:P ratio is from about 5:1 to about 20:1, i.e from about 83 %wt to about 95 %wt nitrogen based on total nitrogen + phosphorous content. In certain embodiments the at least one other organic source of nitrogen is feather meal and/or blood meal. In further embodiments, the fertiliser product may also comprise one or more of fish meal, meat meal, seaweed and potash (potassium sulphate).

H:\rbr\ntr ovn\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 -4 DESCRIPTION Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, 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 integer or step or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the phrase "consisting essentially of", and variations such as "consists essentially of" will be understood to indicate that the recited element(s) is/are essential i.e. necessary elements of the invention. The phrase allows for the presence of other non recited elements which do not materially affect the characteristics of the invention but excludes additional unspecified elements which would affect the basic and novel characteristics of the method defined. The singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural aspects unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. As used herein, the term "invention" includes all aspects, embodiments and examples described herein. Reference herein to "organic" is intended to denote a plant or animal source. The total nitrogen content of the fertiliser products of the invention is derived from organic sources and thus the fertiliser products are advantageously free of synthetic or inorganic sources of nitrogen. Thus, an "organic chicken manure-based fertiliser" is intended to denote a fertiliser product comprising chicken manure and one or more other components derived from plant and/or animal sources. In some embodiments, chicken manure, such as composted chicken manure, comprises the majority percentage by weight in the fertilisers of the invention. In some embodiments, H:\rbr\ntr ovn\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 -5 chicken manure is included in the product at levels between 50 - 90 %wt, such as about 55-85 %wt of the final product. In some examples thereof, the chicken manure is present in about 55-65 %wt or the total composition. In other examples, the chicken manure is present in about 65-70 %wt, 70-75 %wt, 75-80 %wt or 80-85 %wt. The fertiliser products of the invention are achieved by adjusting the nitrogen content of chicken manure with an organic nitrogen source. The organic nitrogen source advantageously has relatively low levels of phosphorous (compared to nitrogen) such that its addition to the chicken manure increases nitrogen content and decreases relative phosphorous content of the overall product. Any organic (plant or animal derived) material with a high nitrogen content (for example, greater than about 10 %wt, such as about 12-15 wt%) and a low phosphorous content (for example, less than about 1.5 or 1 or 0.5 %wt) may be used to adjust the N:P ratio of chicken manure, for example, a N:P ratio of at least about 7:1, or 8:1 or 9:1 or 10:1. The organic nitrogen source is added to the chicken manure in an amount which achieves or substantially contributes to the desired N:P ratio. In some embodiments, the organic nitrogen source may also have a relatively low potassium content, (for example less than about 1.5 or 1 or 0.5 wt%) In some embodiments, the organic source of nitrogen is feather meal. Feather meal has a nutrient profile with high nitrogen (N) content, typically between about 12.5 - 14 wt%; and low phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content each below 0.5%. Moisture content is also low, between 5 - 15 wt% and variation in moisture levels can cause issues with manufacturing processes. The high N and low P profile of feather meal has now been found suitable to adjust the nitrogen content of the fertiliser product, without excessively increasing phosphorus levels. Thus in some embodiments, feather meal is added to the chicken manure in an amount which achieves or substantially contributes to the desired nitrogen levels of the N:P ratio. In some embodiments, feather meal is included in the fertiliser product at levels up to and including about 40 wt% of the total composition so as to amend the N:P ratio to achieve a N:P ration of at least about 5:1. In further examples, feather meal is added in an amount of H:\rbr\ntr ovn\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 -6 about 0.5-5 wt%, 5-15 wt%, 15-20 wt%, 20-25 wt%, 25-30 wt%, 30-35 wt% or 35-40 wt%. In some embodiments, blood meal is the organic nitrogen source. Blood meal also has a nutrient profile with high nitrogen (N) content - levels vary between 12 and 15%. The levels of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) are low, normally below 1.2%. Thus, in some embodiments, blood meal, may be used to adjust the nitrogen levels. Inclusion levels can be up to about 35 or 40 wt% in the product, such as from about 2-5 wt%, 5-10 wt%, 10-20 wt%, 20-25 wt% or 25-35 wt %. In further embodiments, a mixture of feather meal and blood meal may be used to adjust the N:P ratio to the desired level. Such a mixture may be present in an amount of up to about 40 %wt. In some embodiments the fertiliser product of the invention may advantageously also contain one or more other components such as meat meal, hoof and horn meal, fish meal, blood meal, poultry meal, vegetable meal, such as soya meal, urine, blood, aquatic plants, such as seaweed or kelp, potassium sulphate, and other animal manures (such as cattle, horses, sheep, pigs, goats, bats, birds and other poultry - ducks and geese), worm castings, mined minerals, biochar, clays, straw and mulch. In some embodiments, manures and meals may be advantageously composted prior to use. In some embodiments, seaweed may be advantageously included in the product at levels of up to about 10 wt% to increase micronutrient levels and also specifically improve potassium content. Suitable levels may be from about 0.1-2 wt%, 2-5 wt% or 5-10 wt%. In some embodiments, meal components (e.g. meat, fish, hoof and horn, poultry, vegetable) may be included at levels of up to 10%, providing slow release phosphorus and nitrogen to the formulation at levels to keep the organic NPK in the desired range. Exemplary levels of each include from about 0.1-2 wt%, 2-5 wt% or 5-10 wt%.

H:\rbr\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 -7 In some embodiments, potassium sulphate (potash) may be added at levels up to 10% to keep the potassium to nitrogen ratio at a similar level to that present in natural chicken manure (Potassium : Nitrogen ratio of approximately 0.5 : 1). In further examples thereof, the potassium sulphate is obtained from natural sources. In some embodiments, the fertiliser product comprises chicken manure, feather meal, natural potassium sulfate, fish meal, meat meal, and seaweed. In some embodiments, other agents may be added to improve the physical properties and/or appearance of the fertiliser product. For example, sand may be included to improve product density. In some embodiments, the fertiliser products of the invention are suitable for organic certification by an appropriate certifying body such as Biological Farmers of Australia (BFA) - Australian Organic Certification, for example in line with Australian Organic Certification Standards (ACOS) 2010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In such embodiments, the fertiliser products contain only organic or natural components and are free of prohibited (synthetic or non-natural) components, examples of which include synthetic ureas and manufactured salts. These include, but are not limited to urea, ammonium sulphate, potassium nitrate and calcium ammonium nitrate. While the fertiliser blend may be used directly, that is to say, in a loose powder or otherwise uncompacted or unbound form, it is advantageously formulated into pellets, which may, optionally, subsequently be granulated to form granules, for example, suitable for lawn application. The pellets or granules may be prepared by any method known in the art and may include the steps of: blending the components together, homogenising all the components, pelletising to required size, optionally, granulating the pellets and packaging. In other embodiments, the fertiliser product may be presented in a liquid or wet form, such as an emulsion or suspension in water or a combination thereof.

H:\rbr\ntr ovn\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 In some embodiments the pellets or granules of the invention may have one or more of the following advantages: 1. Biodegradability. The pellet / granule breaks down gradually through microbial activity in the soil allowing gradual release of NPK and trace elements. The water soluble content of this product is extremely low, which is an advantage over inorganic / synthetic fertilisers with readily soluble nutrition that can leach into waterways. Due to the nature of this product and its gentle feeding action, there are no issues with consumers over applying the products as opposed to over application of inorganic / synthetic fertilisers or raw manure that may lead to plant toxicity and damage to the environment inclusive of waterways; 2. Organic nutrition provide slow release of nutrients reducing the risk of burning; 3. Improved soil structure and aeration as the organic product increases microbial activity and adds carbon matter into the soil; 4. The use of this product as a soil amendment enhances later above ground application of organic or inorganic / synthetic fertilizers through improved soil structure; 5. Improved water infiltration rates and reduced run-off rates; 6. Reduction in plant transpiration rates; 7. Reduction in soil porosity effects. Furthermore, as the pellet / granule is a homogenous product (i.e. all the ingredients are homogenously distributed and bound together) settling or distribution issues with respect to a particular component are avoided. This further allows for the fertiliser to be consistently applied at the correct application rates, in contrast to products offered as a heterogeneous mix where, settling and separation of the components may occur. The fertilizer product described herein may be applied to garden beds or lawns in suitable amounts. Some exemplary applications of the fertiliser include: H:\rbr\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 -9 Pellets Planting Apply 70 - 75g/ planting hole when planting. Water well. New Garden/veggie beds Apply 70 - 75g/ square meter and dig into topsoil before planting. Water well. Mature plants (Side-dressing) Apply 70 - 75g/ square meter around the drip line of plants and lightly dig into the topsoil. Water well. Apply in spring, and then every 4-6 weeks until autumn. Granules New lawns from roll-on turf Before laying turf, apply 70 - 80g/ square meter, lightly rake into prepared turf bed and water well. New lawns from seed Before seeding, apply 35 - 40g/ square meter, lightly rake into prepared seed bed and water well. Do not fertilize again until at least 6 weeks after germination. Established lawns Apply 35 - 40g/ square meter in spring, early summer and early autumn. Water well after application.

H:\rbr\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 - 10 EXAMPLES The invention will now be described with reference to the following examples which are intended to illustrate some embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the generality hereinbefore described. Test Results Trial 1 - Amendment of chicken manure with feather meal - Blend A Analysis of Blend A (Table 1) was conducted by Fastchem, ICP-Elemental Analysis laboratory, UNSW Analytical Centre. Blend A achieved the N:P ratio minimum target of 5:1, with total P below 1% limit (for Lawns, but can also use for Gardens). The results are depicted below in Table 2. Table 1 Composition of Blend A Input materials Blend A (%) Input range (%) Chicken manure (broiler: cage 6:1) 67.5 50 - 90 Feather meal 25 0.5 - 40 Organic potash 4.4 0.1 - 10% Fish meal 0.5 0.1-10% Seaweed 0.1 0.1-10% Meat meal 2.5 0.1 - 10% Analysis N:P ratio 5.04 H:\rbr\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\RBR\5249363_I.doc-13/06/2013 - 11 Table 2 NPK trial analysis Blend A MDL Test summary Method % Wt Total Nitrogen, LECO, C-N analyzer 4.74 0.20 Total Potassium, EPA- total digestion, measured by ICP-AES 3.42 0.05 Total Calcium, EPA- total digestion, measured by ICP-AES 1.56 0.05 Total Phosphorus, as P EPA- total digestion, ICP-OES 0.94 0.05 Trial 2 - Production trial to verify if pellets / granules could be formed with above formulation. The formulation was processed in the normal production stream by blending, homogenising and pelletising, and produced acceptable pellets and yield. These could also be granulated to form granules. Method and Results: The blend was produced and then processed as per the normal pelletizing process. The moisture content of the finished mull varied between 25 and 40%. The blends produced acceptable pellets with final moisture levels between 10 and 22%. Final yields were above 75%. The final formulation could be successfully crumbled.

Claims (5)

1. A chicken manure-based fertiliser product having a N:P ratio of at least about 5:1, said fertiliser comprising chicken manure and at least one other organic source of nitrogen, wherein the total nitrogen content of said fertiliser product is derived from organic sources.

2. A chicken manure-based fertiliser product having a N:P ratio of at least about 5:1, said fertiliser consisting essentially of chicken manure and at least one other organic source of nitrogen, wherein the total nitrogen content of said fertiliser product is derived from organic sources.

3. The fertiliser product according to claim 1 or 2 wherein the chicken manure is present in about 50-90 wt%.

4. The fertiliser product according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the organic source of nitrogen comprises feather meal and/or blood meal.

5. The fertiliser product according to claim 4 wherein the feather meal and/or blood meal is present in about 0.5-40 wt%.