AU2013206128A1

AU2013206128A1 - Fertiliser Concentrate Composition

Info

Publication number: AU2013206128A1
Application number: AU2013206128A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Wayne Challis; Paul Freeman; David Wallis
Original assignee: HI TECH AG SOLUTIONS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: HI-TECH AG SOLUTIONS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2013-05-31
Filing date: 2013-05-31
Publication date: 2014-12-18

Abstract

Abstract A liquid fertiliser concentrate for foliar spraying and soil application consisting of one part by weight of ethyl glycol monobutyl ether and one part by weight of a 65% to 72% by weight aqueous solution of a salt of a sulphated alkoxylated alcohol, and from two parts of a second component. The second component comprises water, a defoaming agent, a potassium fulvate, potassium hydroxide, citric acid, urea, and phosphoric acid, together with a minor incidental amount of impurities and optionally a defoaming agent and a preservative.

Description

1 P/00/011 28/5/91 AUSTRALIA Patents Act 1990 ORIGINAL COMPLETE SPECIFICATION STANDARD PATENT Name of Applicant: Hi-Tech Ag Solutions Pty Ltd Actual Inventor(s): Wayne Challis Paul Freeman David Wallis Address for service is: Golja Haines & Friend PO Box 1417 West Leederville Western Australia 6901 Attorney Code: IJ Invention Title: Fertiliser Concentrate Composition The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me:- 2 Fertiliser Concentrate Composition Technical Field [0001] This invention relates to fertilisers, and in particular a fertiliser that can be used by foliar application and direct soil application. Background Art [0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application. [0003] Fertilisers in various forms have long been used in horticulture and agriculture. These typically include compounds containing the three key elements potassium, nitrogen and phosphorus. Humates have also been used, with lower molecular weight fulvates being used in view of their ability to chelate otherwise insoluble metal ions, making them available for uptake and use by plants. [0004] Many foliar fertilisers suffer from combined problems of uneven application and run-off, both resulting in unpredictable results and wastage. Summary of Invention [0005] The inventors have made an unexpected discovery when experimenting with a fulvate based fertiliser. The inventors have discovered that a fertiliser composition can be provided with certain components which provide both an enhanced surfactant property when used in foliar applications, and also act as a good soil wetting agent when applied to soil. The result has been an improved composition with better utility and which gives better than expected results. [0006] In accordance with one aspect of the invention there is provided a liquid fertiliser concentrate for foliar spraying and soil application consisting of a first component consisting of about one part by weight of ethyl glycol monobutyl ether and about one part by weight of a 65% to 72% by weight aqueous solution of a salt of a sulphated alkoxylated alcohol, to which is added from two parts by weight to ten parts by weight of a second component comprising water, a 3 defoaming agent, and a reaction product of a potassium fulvate, potassium hydroxide, citric acid, urea, and phosphoric acid, together with a minor incidental amount of impurities and optionally a defoaming agent and a preservative, and where the proportions in the second component are, in sufficient water to solubilise them, 20 to 30 parts by weight of said potassium fulvate, 15 to 20 parts by weight of said potassium hydroxide, 15 to 20 parts by weight of said citric acid, 15 to 25 parts by weight of said urea, and 15 to 22 parts by weight of said phosphoric acid, expressed as pure phosphoric acid. [0007] Preferably from two parts by weight to eight parts by weight of said second component is added to said first component. [0008] Preferably from two parts by weight to six parts by weight of said second component is added to said first component. [0009] Preferably from two parts by weight to four parts by weight of said second component is added to said first component. [0010] Preferably about two parts by weight of said second component is added to said first component. [0011] Preferably the proportions in the second component are, in sufficient water to solubilise them, 22.5 to 27.5 parts by weight of said potassium fulvate, 17 to 18 parts by weight of said potassium hydroxide, 17 to 18 parts by weight of said citric acid, 18 to 22 parts by weight of said urea, and 17 to 20 parts by weight of said phosphoric acid, expressed as pure phosphoric acid. [0012] Preferably the proportions in the second component are, in sufficient water to solubilise them, about 25 parts by weight of said potassium fulvate, about 17.5 parts by weight of said potassium hydroxide, about 17.5 parts by weight of said citric acid, about 20 parts by weight of said urea, and about 18.225 parts by weight of said aqueous phosphoric acid, expressed as pure phosphoric acid. [0013] Preferably about 0.3 parts of said defoaming agent is provided in said second component. [0014] Preferably said defoaming agent includes a polydimethyl siloxane.

4 [0015] Preferably said defoaming agent is a polydimethyl silicone oil emulsion containing about 10% by weight of silicone oil CAS Number 63148-62-9. [0016] Thus preferably the defoaming agent comprises 0.03 parts of straight silicone oil CAS Number 63148-62-9. [0017] Preferably said second component also includes 1 part of a preservative. [0018] Preferably the preservative is sodium benzoate. [0019] Preferably said phosphoric acid is provided as a 81% or 85% by weight aqueous solution. [0020] Preferably the amount of water in the second component lies between 900 and 1000 parts by weight. [0021] Preferably the amount of water in the second component lies between 950 and 980 parts by weight. [0022] Preferably the amount of water in the second component lies between 960 and 970 parts by weight. [0023] Preferably the amount of water in the second component lies between 960 and 965 parts by weight. [0024] Preferably the amount of water in the second component is about 960 parts by weight. Still further, preferably the phosphoric acid is provided as about 22.5 parts by weight of 81% by weight phosphoric acid in aqueous form. [0025] Preferably the content of potassium in said potassium fulvate is from 10% to 14% by weight expressed as K 2 0. [0026] Preferably the content of potassium in said potassium fulvate is from 11% to 13% by weight expressed as K 2 0. [0027] Preferably the content of potassium in said potassium fulvate is about 12% by weight expressed as K 2 0. [0028] Preferably said citric acid is provided in monohydrate form.

5 [0029] Preferably said second component is prepared by adding to water, with agitation, in this order: said potassium fulvate in powder form, said potassium hydroxide as flakes, said citric acid, said urea, and said phosphoric acid. [0030] Preferably said defoaming agent is added to said water first, before said potassium fulvate. [0031] Preferably said preservative is added after said urea and before said phosphoric acid. [0032] Preferably sufficient water is used in said second component to achieve a pH of between 4.1 and 4.3. [0033] Preferably sufficient water is used in said second component to achieve a pH of about 4.2. [0034] Preferably the fertiliser concentrate composition includes up to 10 parts by weight of the second component. A typical fertiliser applied at germination and during growth could have up to eight parts by weight of the second component. [0035] Preferably the aqueous solution of a salt of a sulphated alkoxylated alcohol is a sodium laurel ether sulphate aqueous solution. [0036] Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a fertiliser for spraying or direct application comprising the above described fertiliser concentrate composition mixed at from 0.05% to 10% by volume with water. [0037] Also in accordance with the invention there is provided a sprayable foliar fertiliser comprising the above described fertiliser concentrate composition mixed at from 0.05% to 0.1% by volume with water. [0038] Also in accordance with the present invention there is provided a soil fertiliser comprising the above described fertiliser concentrate composition mixed at from 4% to 10% by volume with water. [0039] A preferred embodiment being a fertiliser concentrate composition, and its applications will now be described.

6 Brief Description of Drawings [0040] Figure 1 is a photograph showing the immediate post application results of using a foliar fertiliser solution made with the fertiliser concentrate composition, compared with a control; [0041] Figure 2 is a photograph comparing root growth in crop for a control and two different soil application rates of a fertiliser solution made with the fertiliser concentrate composition; and [0042] Figure 3 is a photograph showing moisture penetration across a crop furrow line where a fertiliser solution made with the fertiliser concentrate composition has been applied along the furrow line after the press wheel. Description of Embodiment [0043] The directions for making the fertiliser concentrate composition are as follows. In a container of sufficient volume to hold 1,200 litres, 250 kg of about 70% aqueous sodium lauryl ether sulphate (sodium laureth sulphate) solution is added, with stirring, to 250 kg of ethyl glycol monobutyl ether. The sodium laureth sulphate is identified under CAS Number 8585-34-2. The resultant solution pH is 6.8 and specific gravity is 1.00. [0044] In a separate container filled with 480ml of water, 150 grams of a 10% emulsion of polydimethyl siloxane oil identified under CAS Number 63148-62-9. To this is added, whilst stirring, 12.5kg of potassium fulvic powder. While continuing to stir, 8,75 kg of potassium hydroxide in flake form is slowly added (not too quickly, to avoid over heating), followed by 8.75kg of crystalline citric acid monohydrate. [0045] While continuing to stir, 10 kg of urea is added, in order to provide nitrogen content, followed by 500 grams of sodium benzoate as a preservative. [0046] Finally, while continuing to stir, 11.25 kg of 81% aqueous phosphoric acid solution is added. [0047] The inventors have found that this order of production of the fulvate fertiliser component avoids solubility issues.

7 [0048] The resultant solution will have a volume of a little over 500 litres, a pH of 4.2, solids content of 8% and specific gravity of 1.02. [0049] 500 kg of this solution is then slowly added, with stirring, to the 1,200 litre container with the mixture of ethyl glycol monobutyl ether and sodium laureth sulphate solution. The resultant solution is the fertiliser concentrate composition of the embodiment, and is ready for use with appropriate dilution. It will have a pH of 5.5 and a specific gravity of 1.00. [0050] The resultant fertiliser composition concentrate of the embodiment can be used in foliar application or direct soil application, and provides phosphorus, nitrogen and potassium, with fulvic acid in buffered form which assists in fertiliser uptake by plants. [0051] In foliar application that the fertiliser composition concentrate has been found to provide some unexpected advantages. The recommended application rate in foliar application is at a rate of 0.05% to 0.1% in water (1/2000 to 1/1000 dilution), and is sprayed on foliage as a fine mist. The fertiliser solution has been discovered to spread as an even film across the leaf surface, which is believed to maximise the absorbing of the fertiliser by the foliage through increased contact area. Due to the behaviour of the fertiliser when applied in this way, there is minimal loss aside of overspray that does not land on foliage. The improved wetting properties of the fertiliser solution also minimises loss through fertiliser solution dripping from the foliage. Application of the spray in larger droplets is discouraged, since it will result in solution dripping from the leaves. [0052] With a finer mist, the applicant has found that it is possible to reduce the application rates by three to four times, compared with conventional foliar sprays. [0053] To demonstrate the efficacy of a foliar applied fertiliser solution made using the concentrate of the invention, a trial was conducted where an ultraviolet fluorescing dye was added to the fertiliser solution. The fertiliser solution of the embodiment with the fluorescing dye was sprayed on grape vine leaves, and a control foliar fertiliser not having the adjuncts (but with ultraviolet fluorescing dye) was sprayed on grape vine leaves, for comparison. [0054] Figure 1 shows a comparison under light with a high ultraviolet component of grape vine leaves sprayed with the fertiliser solution of the embodiment with a ultraviolet fluorescing dye at the top, compared with grape vine leaves sprayed 8 with a control fertiliser solution without the adjuncts of the embodiment, but also including a ultraviolet fluorescing dye, at the bottom. The photo in figure 1 shows that the top two leaves that had the fertiliser solution of the embodiment with the fluorescing dye applied, the sprayed solution spread out over the entire leaf surface. This is visible in the top two leaves not showing leaving circular droplet marks. In the top two leaves, the fertiliser solution of the embodiment with the ultraviolet fluorescing dye has pulled the ultraviolet fluorescing dye across the leaf surface, and the solution has been absorbed by the leaves to the extent that the ultra-violet fluorescing dye has built up in the veins of the leaf. [0055] Compared with the bottom two leaves, the ultraviolet fluorescing dye has not moved from the droplet that it was delivered in, leaving behind the ultraviolet fluorescing dye as the droplet dried over time. [0056] The experiment shows that the fertiliser solution of the embodiment has the ability to break the surface tension of the sprayed droplets. This reduces the chances of the sprayed solution rolling of the target when applied in field. The fertiliser solution of the embodiment with the ultraviolet fluorescing dye also demonstrated that it is effective at spreading the solution across the leaf surface. [0057] In soil application, the fertiliser composition concentrate of the embodiment is used at a dilution in water of at least 4% to 10%, applied at a rate of from 2 litres to 5 litres of fertiliser concentrate per hectare. The fertiliser used in this manner assists with the wetting of water repellent soils, and also provides nutrients to stimulate microbial growth. The fertiliser solution is directly injected into the furrow during seeding. After germination the fertiliser of the invention has been found to stimulate root growth, leading to much improved root bulk when compared with other soil applied fertilisers. [0058] Referring to figure 2, a comparison of root growth in crop for a control and two different soil application rates of a fertiliser solution made with the fertiliser concentrate composition is shown. All of the crop plants shown were grown using the same NP base fertiliser, however the plant in the middle had a 2 litre per hectare application rate (4% dilution) of the fertiliser composition concentrate of the embodiment injected into the furrow behind the seeder and prior to closure by the press wheel, and the plant on the right had a four litre per hectare application rate (8% dilution). This experiment was performed in non wetting sands, to determine if improved growth could be obtained, and from 9 improved root bulk evidenced in the photograph in figure 2 this certainly seems to be the case. [0059] In figure 3 a photograph shows a spade cut across a furrow line in a germinated and growing crop, taken after the passing of a winter weather front. The seed was planted in a furrow, and the furrow closed by a press wheel before application on the surface along the filled furrow line of fertiliser applied as a 4% dilution of the fertiliser composition concentrate. In the original colour photograph, the boundary between the wet soil above and the dry soil below can be discerned from the wet soil taking a darker colour. The boundary line has been marked out by a line pressed into the cut soil by finger. It can be seen that the moisture penetration into the soil is deeper along the line where the fertiliser was spread, showing how the fertiliser composition wetting properties assists in transporting both the fertiliser and water, into the ground, where is can be followed by crop roots, encouraging their growth. [0060] The potential importance to the farmer of the fertiliser composition concentrate of the embodiment is that it provides a product that can be used as a surfactant on the leaf at low rates and cost to improve the uptake of an foliar applied product and as a surfactant for non-wetting soils potentially retaining more nutrients and moisture in the root zone which will increase root volume and root surface area. This equates to an increase in organic matter which leads to improved water flow, nutrient and water retention, leading up to improved crop yields. This will also stimulate the microbial population which improves soil health and having a huge impact of increasing soil carbon which will have a benefit the Australian economy. [0061] The fertiliser solution of the embodiment can be diluted in spray tanks at farms prior to application, and can also be mixed as required with other adjuncts such as trace elements. The fertiliser solution of the embodiment should be added last, to minimise it foaming up as any further products are added. [0062] It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the particular embodiment described, and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A liquid fertiliser concentrate for foliar spraying and soil application consisting of a first component consisting of about one part by weight of ethyl glycol monobutyl ether and about one part by weight of a 65% to 72% by weight aqueous solution of a salt of a sulphated alkoxylated alcohol, to which is added from about two parts by weight to ten parts by weight of a second component comprising water, a defoaming agent, and a reaction product of a potassium fulvate, potassium hydroxide, citric acid, urea, and phosphoric acid, together with a minor incidental amount of impurities and optionally a defoaming agent and a preservative, and where the proportions in the second component are, in sufficient water to solubilise them, 20 to 30 parts by weight of said potassium fulvate, 15 to 20 parts by weight of said potassium hydroxide, 15 to 20 parts by weight of said citric acid, 15 to 25 parts by weight of said urea, and 15 to 22 parts by weight of said phosphoric acid, expressed as pure phosphoric acid.

2. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in claim 1 wherein about two parts by weight of said second component is added to said first component.

3. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the proportions in the second component are, in sufficient water to solubilise them,

22.5 to 27.5 parts by weight of said potassium fulvate, 17 to 18 parts by weight of said potassium hydroxide, 17 to 18 parts by weight of said citric acid, 18 to 22 parts by weight of said urea, and 17 to 20 parts by weight of said phosphoric acid, expressed as pure phosphoric acid. 4. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in claim 1 or 2 wherein the proportions in the second component are, in sufficient water to solubilise them, about 25 parts by weight of said potassium fulvate, about 17.5 parts by weight of said potassium hydroxide, about 17.5 parts by weight of said citric acid, about 20 parts by weight of said urea, and about 18.225 parts by weight of said aqueous phosphoric acid, expressed as pure phosphoric acid. 5. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein about 0.3 parts of said defoaming agent is provided in said second component. 11 6. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in claim 5 wherein said defoaming agent is a polydimethyl silicone oil emulsion containing about 1 0% by weight of said silicone oil CAS Number 63148-62-9. 7. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said second component also includes 1 part of a preservative. 8. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in claim 5 wherein the preservative is sodium benzoate. 9. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the amount of water in the second component lies between 900 and 1000 parts by weight. 10. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in claim 9 wherein the amount of water in the second component lies between 960 and 965 parts by weight. 11. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the content of potassium in said potassium fulvate is from 10% to 14% by weight expressed as K 2 0. 12. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in claim 11 wherein the content of potassium in said potassium fulvate is about 12% by weight expressed as K 2 0. 13. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein said second component is prepared by adding to water, with agitation, in this order: said potassium fulvate in powder form, said potassium hydroxide as flakes, said citric acid, said urea, and said phosphoric acid. 14. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in claim 13 wherein said defoaming agent is added to said water first, before said potassium fulvate. 15. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in claim 13 or 14 wherein said preservative is added after said urea and before said phosphoric acid. 16. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the aqueous solution of a salt of a sulphated alkoxylated alcohol is a sodium laurel ether sulphate aqueous solution. 12 17. A liquid fertiliser concentrate as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein sufficient water is used in said second component to achieve a pH of between 4.1 and 4.3. 18. A fertiliser for foliar spraying or direct soil application including a fertiliser concentrate composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, mixed at from 0.05% to 10% by volume with water. 19. A sprayable foliar fertiliser comprising the fertiliser concentrate composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 mixed at from 0.05% to 0.1% by volume with water. 20. A soil fertiliser comprising the fertiliser concentrate composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17 mixed at from 4% to 10% by volume with water.