AU2013231024B2

AU2013231024B2 - Improvements in and relating to soil treatments

Info

Publication number: AU2013231024B2
Application number: AU2013231024A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Robert Hamilton Hall
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-09-17
Filing date: 2013-09-17
Publication date: 2017-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2033-09-17
Also published as: AU2013231024A1

Abstract

This invention relates to a soil treatment composition in granular form for use as a fertiliser for application on to or into soil. The fertiliser composition includes finely ground elemental sulphur and a binding agent. The binding agent is Muriate of Potash selected such that whether the composition is applied solely as an elemental sulphur composition in conjunction with the binding agent or is applied as a composition including elemental sulphur and binding agent along with other active agents, including nitrogen and/or including trace elements and/or soil conditioners, the binding agent also acts as a dispersant and provides additional agronomic benefit to the composition. The Muriate of Potash is combined with the finely ground particulate elemental sulphur and operates as a binding agent/dispersing agent in the formation of pressure formed elemental sulphur fertiliser granules.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO SOIL TREATMENTS

Technical Field

This invention relates to improvements in and relating to soil treatments.

In particular, this invention is directed to providing a substantially improved fertiliser composition. In addition, the composition is further provided in a granular form for ease of application. Said fertiliser composition includes finely ground elemental sulphur. Further, the composition also includes a binding agent. The binding agent is selected such that whether the composition is applied solely as an elemental sulphur composition in conjunction with the binding agent or is applied as a composition including elemental sulphur and binding agent along with other active agents, including nitrogen and/or including trace elements and/or soil conditioners, the binding agent also acts as a dispersant and provides additional agronomic benefit to the composition.

It is envisaged the invention will be applicable to any situation, for example agricultural, horticultural, forestry, commercial, industrial or domestic situations where soil treatments are required. However, the invention may have applications outside this field.

Background Art

In any agricultural, horticultural, forestry, commercial, industrial or domestic situation where at least optimal growth of vegetation is required or desired a number of factors interplay. Not the least of such factors is soil type/structure and nutrient availability. Soil structure has a major influence on water and air movement, biological activity, root growth, seedling emergence and plant retention. Soil structure is determined by how individual soil granules clump and thus the arrangement of soil pores between them.

Soils also differ in nutrient profile. For example, most soils in South Africa are poor in phosphorus and do not contain enough to sustain normal plant growth. Phosphorus deficiencies by extension therefore occur in ruminants grazing on phosphorus-deficient pastures. By comparison, soils in Western Australia are very old, highly weathered and deficient in many of the major nutrients and trace elements zinc, copper, manganese, iron and molybdenum. 1

Accordingly, fertilisers are routinely applied to such soils to achieve the nutrient profile desired to sustain plant growth for harvest and/or to provide nutrients to grazing stock animals.

Fertilisers are nutritional compounds given to plants to promote growth. Fertilisers typically provide macro and/or micronutrients in varying proportions. Those required in large quantities for plant growth include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium and magnesium (macro-plant-nutrients), and those required in much smaller quantities include copper, zinc, manganese, boron, iron and molybdenum (micronutrients). The most commonly available fertilisers provide the three major macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). For example, an 18-51-20 NPK fertiliser would contain by weight, 18% elemental nitrogen (N), 22% elemental phosphorus (P) and 16% elemental potassium (K).

Fertilisers may be applied as organic or inorganic fertilisers. Organic fertilisers include manure, slurry, worm castings, peat, seaweed, sewage , guano, green manure crops, compost, blood meal, bone meal, seaweed extracts, natural enzyme digested proteins, fish meal, and feather meal.

Organic fertilisers may be used for their beneficial properties as soil conditioners due to their ability to improve soil quality. Some examples include organically sourced conditioners such as bone meal, peat, coffee grounds, compost, coir, manure, straw, vermiculite, sulfur, lime, blood meal, compost tea, hydroabsorbant polymers and sphagnum moss, bentonite and so forth.

Soil conditioners improve soil structure, being particularly valuable in compacted soils, clay soils, slow-draining soils and so forth where root growth may be compromised, and the ability of plants to take up nutrients and water may be impacted. Soil conditioners may be used to improve water retention in dry, coarse, sandy, soils which are not holding water well, or improve drainage in compacted soils; and they can be added to adjust the pH of the soil to meet the needs of specific plants or to make highly acidic or alkaline soils more usable, or to compensate the pH in soils where other materials are added that may upset the natural pH balance.

Carbon, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium and phosphorus, may be augmented by such additions. Beneficial bacteria may also be seeded into the soil. 2

Naturally occurring minerals such as mine rock phosphate, sulfate of potash and limestone may also be considered to be organic fertilisers. A range of manufactured fertilisers are also available For example, nitrogen fertiliser is often synthesized using the Haber-Bosch process, which produces ammonia. This ammonia is applied directly to the soil or used to produce other compounds, notably ammonium nitrate and urea, both dry, concentrated products that may be used as fertiliser materials or mixed with water to form a concentrated liquid nitrogen fertiliser. Ammonia can also be used in the Odda Process in combination with rock phosphate and potassium to produce compound NPK fertilisers.

Fertilisers may be water-soluble (instant release) or relatively insoluble (controlled/sustained/timed release).

However, whilst fertilisers may be applied to meet nutritional needs of plants, they are less likely to be tailor-made in respect of particle distribution to suit the soils to which they are applied. Further, whilst various applications may be tailored with respect to the dispersal as fast, slow, medium release products over time, they are typically less tailored in respect of particle distribution to suit climatic conditions as required.

This can lead to the problem of over-fertilisation which is primarily associated with the use of artificial fertilisers and results from the massive quantities applied and the destructive nature of chemical fertilisers on soil nutrient holding structures. The high solubilities of chemical fertilisers also exacerbate their tendency to degrade ecosystems.

There are also problems associated with storage and application of some soil treatment products and fertilisers. For example, fine elemental sulphur is both explosive and a health hazard. Nitrogen fertilisers in some weather or soil conditions can cause emissions of the greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide (N2O). Ammonia gas (NH3) may be emitted following application of inorganic fertilisers, or manure or slurry; and ammonia can also increase soil acidity (lowering of soil pH). Excessive nitrogen fertiliser applications can also lead to pest problems by increasing the birth rate, longevity and overall fitness of certain pests. In addition, while nitrogen is an important agronomic nutrient, much of the unused nitrogen ends up in waterways. 3

Elemental sulphur is also an important agronomic nutrient; although, fine elemental sulphur is required to be agglomerated in order to be applied. Similarly however, too much sulphur has less beneficial effects when, for example, it is in the form of soluble sulphate that ends up in runoff into waterways polluting local waterways and groundwater each year. The use of elemental sulphur means that the run-off from sulphate into waterways is able to be reduced by between 48-90%.

Phosphorus is essential for the division of cells at the growth points of the plant roots underground, as well as at the growth points of plants above the ground. If the plants take up too little phosphorous, they grow slowly and remain small, and the ripening of especially grain seeds is slowed down. Too much phosphorous in the soil or too much of it added by way of fertiliser is not really harmful for plant growth, but it is a waste of money.

Not only sulphate, but also phosphate (both from imported fertilisers) represent a significant economic loss for farmers and New Zealand as a whole with both being applied to the extent that the lost nutrients in runoff ultimately pollute and damage the environment.

Muriate of Potash (MOP) is also an important agronomic nutrient and typically contains 50 -60% potash. Muriate of Potash is also called Potassium Chloride, chemically KC1, yet having a composition of KChNaCl (95:5 or higher). In its pure state, MOP is a white crystalline solid but MOP varies in colour from pink/brown or red to white depending on the mining and recovery process used. Commercially, MOP is available in fine, coarse and granular grades.

Where soils needs MOP to facilitate or improve vegetative growth, then a potentially realisable advantage of using this agent is that it is able to be added to the soil treatment composition of the present invention and as a result of its source and production an application may be made to have the soil treatment composition designated as organic.

Muriate of Potash (MOP) is produced in a granulated and in a non-granulated form (MOP ‘fines’). The majority is then dry blended with other fertilisers to make a multi-nutrient fertiliser. For example: • Superphosphate • Sulphate of Ammonia 4 • Urea

Coarser MOP blends well with N-P compounds to form NPK-blended multi-nutrient fertilisers.

Whilst is possible to over-apply organic fertilisers; their nutrient content, their solubility and their release rates are typically much lower than chemical fertilisers. By their nature, most organic fertilisers also provide increased physical and biological storage mechanisms to soils, which tend to mitigate their risks. However, again the application of such fertilisers is not typically geared to being tailored made for specific soil types.

For these reasons, it is important to know the soil type, the nutrient content of the soil and nutrient requirements of the crop, so that desired outcomes can be carefully balanced with the application of soil conditioning and/or fertiliser products. By careful monitoring of soil, climatic conditions and crop requirements, wastage of expensive fertilisers and potential costs of cleaning up any pollution created can be avoided.

While the present invention has a number of potentially realisable applications, it is in relation to problems associated with existing soil treatment and fertilising systems that the present invention was developed. More specifically, it was with regard to the issues of providing a treatment system more appropriately tailored to specifically suit the specific application, soil conditions and climatic conditions, including temperature. It was also developed with safety and health issues typically associated with such systems, that the present invention was developed. Finally, it was having regard to the need to provide a treatment system that would easily disperse in the soil, provide the desired effect, had sufficient compressive strength to ensure that the product did not break-up during storage, transport and handling and that would minimise waste of product when applied.

It would be useful therefore, to have a soil treatment system that: 1. Could be tailor-made to specifically suit the specific application, soil conditions and climatic conditions including temperature; and 2. Considered and improved on safety and health issues of existing systems; and 3. Was effective at mobilising nutrients and/or soil enhancing components so that good plant growth could be achieved with lower nutrient densities; and 5 4. Effected less wastage of nutrients and/or soil enhancing components through runoff, air dispersal and so forth; and 5. Minimised the build-up of potentially toxic products in soils and plants; and 6. Released nutrients at a determined, more consistent rate, helping to avoid boom-and-bust patterns; and 7. Helped, where applicable, to retain soil moisture, reducing the stress to plants and soil structures due to temporary moisture stress; and 8. Contributed where appropriate to improving the soil structure; and 9. Minimised the possibility of "burning" plants with concentrated chemicals due to an over-supply of some nutrients, or nutrients in specific forms; and 10. Provided a more cost effective alternative to present systems employed; including costs of handling, transportation and application costs, and 11. Provided a consistent product, so that accurate application of nutrients to match soil type and plant production was possible.; and 12. Would be easy to use.

It would therefore be advantageous to have an invention that offered at least some, if not all, of the potential advantages of the above proposed treatment system. It is therefore an object of the present invention to consider the above problems and provide at least one solution which addresses a plurality of these problems.

It is another object of the present invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice or alternative system.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

It should be appreciated that variations to the described embodiments are possible and would fall within the scope of the present invention.

Disclosure of Invention

Farmers apply nitrogen to induce vegetative growth in paddocks for stock animals. Horticultural cropping also requires regular fertiliser applications to sustain healthy and viable 6 crop harvests. However, induced growth bursts may also be achieved by the application of elemental sulphur.

Muriate of Potash (MOP) is agronomically valuable, not only in its own right, but also because it is able to be used to bind fine elemental sulphur that typically could not otherwise be applied to soils unless agglomerated in some way. A fertiliser composition incorporating fine elemental sulphur with MOP offers a valuable addition to pasture and crops as a fine sulphur induced growth burst may be substantially achieved twice a year. Application of MOP is also required twice a year. The use of MOP and elemental sulphur is substantially intertwined.

The present invention is directed to using improved grinding and granular compaction techniques to effect production of a fine elemental sulphur/MOP fertiliser.

The elemental sulphur is preferably finely ground to improve its “availability” to plants.

The elemental sulphur is preferably combined with at least one other agent.

The at least one other agent preferably operates as a binding agent. The at least one other agent also preferably operates as a dispersing agent.

The at least one other agent, in terms of a binding agent and a dispersing agent, is preferably Muriate of Potash.

The resultant composition of finely ground elemental sulphur and the at least one other agent preferably provides a resultant composition capable of being manufactured in granular form.

The present invention is based on using a grinding technique to achieve finely ground elemental sulphur particles, prior to compaction into a granular form.

Preferably, Murate of Potash (MOP) will be used as a binding agent in the granule compaction process. MOP has significant agronomic value in its own right. 7

However, bentonite is also suitable as a binding agent and has the added benefit of being alkaline as may be required in some soils. In such situations, the bentonite may be included with the elemental sulphur and MOP composition. The bentonite may be added in conjunction with MOP to assist acidic soils. Alternately, where potassium is not required the sulphur bentonite mix may be used with or without other agents.

Preferably, the present invention also includes additional agents in relation to the composition production, as may be required to achieve a preferred and/or predetermined fertiliser for application to specific soils.

Preferably, the composition also includes trace elements as further agents that may be combined with the elemental sulphur/MOP composition.

Preferably, the trace elements, provide other benefits to the composition, and/or may be used to bind the various components in the composition together to contribute to the formation of the fertiliser in a granular form.

To the applicant’s knowledge, the application of Muriate of Potash (MOP) as a binding agent/dispersing agent for use in elemental sulphur fertiliser granules has not been known in the prior art. In addition, to the applicant’s knowledge, the application of Muriate of Potash (MOP) as a binding agent/dispersing agent in high-pressure or low pressure formed granular fertiliser products has not been known in the prior art.

Preferably, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the finely ground fertiliser composition includes MOP, prepared elemental sulphur and a fluid.

Elemental sulphur is a valuable plant nutrient often required due to sulphur deficient soils.

Preferably the fluid provides moisture to the composition.

Preferably the fluid is water. However, other fluids may be used as suitability is identified. For example, the moisture may be applied via the use of one or a combination of oils, waxes and so forth. 8

In accordance with one embodiment the component contribution in the fertiliser composition includes on a percentage weight:weight basis:

Murate of Potash (MOP) 77

Sulphur (elemental) 23

Plus the potential inclusion of:

Fluid; and

Other - where “other” includes trace elements, components that provide other benefits to the composition, and/or are used to bind the various components in the composition together to contribute to the formation of the fertiliser in a granular form.

Any variations to the percentages of the component contributions in the fertiliser composition are envisaged to fall within the scope of the present invention.

It is noted the applicant’s inventions include the options of a Reactive Phosphate Rock/MOP composition and also a Reactive Phosphate Rock/Elemental sulphur/MOP composition. However, the current invention relates primarily to a dedicated elemental sulphur/MOP composition. Nevertheless, additional components may be included to achieve a fertiliser tailored for specific situations, nutrient deficiencies, etc.

It is noted also that other active/MOP combinations may be envisaged and fall within the scope of the present invention, as may the use of MOP in combination with more than one other active.

Preferably the fertiliser product so produced is applied in a granular form. The final granule will however be dependent on the method of producing the granules. For example, the finer the grind of the components, the easier it may be to form the granules. However, there may need to be consideration of other aspects to ensure the desired granule crush strength and rate at which the granule dissolves, is achieved. The coarseness of the grind may improve the strength of the granule, but may not be desirable for some soils. So, the granules are preferably formed taking into account the soils, the climate, the period of time the components are desired to be released, and so forth. Therefore a number of variations are possible within the ambit of the present invention. 9 2013231024 17 Apr 2017

Preferably, the granule or pellet size for the granular form of the composition is 2 - 8 millimeters.

Preferably the pellet size for the granular form of the fertiliser composition is 6 millimeter-5 sized pellets.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the preferred components in the preferred compositions are finely ground to particles sizes which benefit the predetermined and desired availability of the fertiliser components in the composition when the granular form is 10 applied to soils.

Preferably, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the fertiliser composition is prepared via the following steps: a) The MOP is preferably inter-ground with the elemental sulphur to produce a thorough 15 mix having preferred particle sizes. b) Fluid may be added to the mix to improve the dispersion of MOP. c) Pressure is then applied by means of a press to produce stable, dust free granules.

Trace elements and/or other actives may also be added to the mixture prior to granule 20 formation, as required to achieve the preferred fertiliser composition. The additional actives and/or trace elements may be added at the time the MOP and elemental sulphur are interground.

Other components may be applied to the formed granules as a coating, as required to achieve 25 the preferred fertiliser composition. Such other actives may include lime, urea, organic nitrogen, Reactive Phosphate Rock, and so forth.

Preferably, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the fertiliser composition is prepared via the following steps: 30 a) The MOP is preferably ground to effect preferred particle sizes. b) The elemental sulphur is preferably ground to effect preferred particle sizes c) The MOP and elemental sulphur having preferred particle sizes, are thoroughly mixed together. 10 d) Fluid may be added to the mix to improve the dispersion of MOP. e) Pressure is then applied by means of a press to produce stable, dust free granules.

Again, trace elements and/or other actives may also similarly be added to the mixture prior to granule formation, as required to achieve the preferred fertiliser composition. The additional actives and/or trace elements may be added at any time during or after the MOP and elemental sulphur are ground and/or mixed together.

Preferably, the grinding process results in the components having a preferred particle size range.

Other components may be applied to the formed granules as a coating, as required to achieve the preferred fertiliser composition. For example, components such as urea, lime, a urease, a nitrogen inhibitor, and so forth, may be applied as a coating to the granules, as may be required for certain applications.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the MOP may optionally be dispersed in the fluid and then added to the dry granule components.

It is preferable that the MOP particles are interspersed with and between the elemental sulphur particles.

Preferably, the fluid is water; although, any other fluid identified as suitable for use or adapted for use with the present invention may be used. As previously mentioned other sources of moisture may be achieved by using fluid sources including oils, waxes.

The pressure applied may be via use of known high pressure or low pressure techniques, or via means developed for use with the invention. Examples of available pressure means includes the use of a high pressure roller pellet press, double roll compactor or other pressure means, as required to produce stable, dust free granules.

Preferably, high pressure is applied by means of a roller pellet press to produce stable, dust free granules. However, other suitable high pressure granulating/pelletising techniques may be used or adapted for use with the present invention. 11

Alternatively, a low pressure process may be used. Such low pressure processes include pan granulation, low pressure tumble type agglomeration and so forth. However, other suitable low pressure granulating/pelletising techniques may be used or adapted for use with the present invention.

The prepared granules are preferably dried or cooled to improve the hardness of the granules/pellets, depending on the pelletising/granulation technique employed.

Using high pressure techniques contributes to producing harder pellets/granules which are drier. Granules formed by high pressure need only ambient air cooling for hardening to occur due the temperature at which the pellets leave the press (approx. 60°C).

Granules formed by low pressure techniques preferably need to be dried either by drying in sunshine or, on a fluid bed or, via any other suitable drying means.

It is to be noted that MOP is a salt and recrystallizes when it dries. This characteristic imparts strength to the fertiliser granule. MOP is preferably also used as it is highly water-soluble and rapidly dissolves when coming into contact with moisture. This characteristic imparts excellent dispersing ability to the granules when applied.

Granules produced at low pressure via the present invention are adapted to disperse in water at predetermined time frames. For example, they may preferably disperse in water in 2-3 seconds, in up to 10 hours or, may take up to 48 hours to fully disperse.

Granules formed at high pressure via the present invention are also adapted to disperse in water at predetermined time frames. For example, they may preferably disperse in water in less than 10 minutes, in up to 24 hours, or may take up to 72 hours to fully disperse.

Preferably the pellets/granules produced are stable, and dust free. This is advantageous when storing, transporting and applying the fertiliser granules. The method of manufacture of the granules is relevant to achieving this. 12

As a result of the method of pellitising/granulation used, preferably the granules have a preferred crush strength for an elemental sulphur/MOP granule of between 1 - 10 kg. However, the method of preparation of the granule will determine the crush strength required for any particular application.

MOP has significant agronomic value in and of itself and often needs to be applied. The use of MOP therefore provides potentially realisable advantages to the present invention, as other dispersants commonly used in fertiliser granules typically have no agronomic value in themselves. For example: bentonite clays, lignin sulphonates. However, MOP contains potassium in a water-soluble form and potash is important for agriculture because it improves water retention, yield, nutrient value, taste, colour, texture and disease resistance of food crops. It has wide application to fruit and vegetables, rice, wheat and other grains, sugar, com, soybeans, palm oil and cotton, all of which benefit from the nutrient’s quality enhancing properties.

This invention is directed to provide a soil treatment system. The soil treatment system is preferably directed to improving soil condition and/or soil-nutrient availability for plants. The term treatment as used in this specification typically will involve a knowledge of the condition of the soil preferably via prior analysis and involve administration to the soil, via one or a regimen of applications, of particular preferred composition which aids in improving at least the soil condition (including structure) and/or soil nutrient content.

Preferably, the soil treatment system is provided in granule form for application to soils. For the purpose of the present invention the term granule shall mean any small blocks of molded and/or compressed material and/or otherwise formed and shall include varyingly shaped and sized pellets, fragments, briquettes and so forth. The use of the term granule should therefore not be seen as limiting this invention. Prills may also be formed subject to use of the appropriate technique.

Preferably, the granule is able to be adapted to be specifically tailor-made in respect of the particle distribution of its components to suit various applications, soil and climatic conditions (including temperature) as required. The granule may have varying composition depending on the components of the granule and the application it is designed for. 13 2013231024 17 Apr 2017

Preferably, the granule is able to be adapted to be specifically tailor-made in respect of particle size and/or surface area of its components to suit various applications, soil and climatic conditions (including temperature) as required. The granule may have varying particle sizes within its composition depending on the components of the granule and the application it is 5 designed for.

Preferably, the particle size is optimised by fine-grinding and classification to suit differing soil conditions and the purpose for which it is being used. 10 Preferably, the granule components are such that the granule components are selected to be abled to be tailor made to suit specific soil types in particular countries and for particular soil types in particular regions within said countries.

Preferably, the granule, following application, is required to make the components of the 15 granule available within or on the soil. To achieve this, the granule preferably disperses at a preferred rate.

Preferably the dispersion of the granule enables the components of the granule to be available. However, the individual components of the granule may vary in the rate at which each will be 20 directly available for the specific need. For example one component may be immediately available for use - whether as a nutrient or soil conditioner; whilst others may be released in the soil over time, or at different rates, or with the onset of particular climatic or soil temperature/conditions as required. 25 In some embodiments of the invention, the granule may be prepared to enable either or both immediate dispersion of the granule and immediate release of the granule components into or onto the soil. In other embodiments, the granule may be prepared to enable delayed dispersion of the granule and controlled release of any or all of the granule components over time, or following a set period after application of the granules, or in preferred conditions. In yet 30 further embodiments, the granule may be prepared to enable immediate dispersion of the granule and then controlled release of any or all of the granule components over time, or following a set period after application of the granules, or in preferred conditions. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, the granules may be coated to delay 14 dispersion of the granule per se or delay release of a specific component. In other embodiments, the granule may be formulated to disperse in water within a few minutes yet delay release of a component. For example, coating the granules with a nitrogen inhibitor can control the release of urea if applied as part of the soil treatment within the granule, thereby reducing leaching of nitrate and volatilisation of nitrous oxide and ammonia. In this case, the granule is simply dispersing, but it should be appreciated the availability of the particular nutrient component is then determined by the specific solubility of that individual nutrient component.

Pressing methods are preferably applied in the formation of the granule form of the product. Any suitable press method may be developed or adapted for use in achieving the present invention.

Preferably however, the granule does not break-up during storage, transportation and application. To achieve this, the method of manufacture is directed to producing a granule having a preferred compressive strength (or crush-strength). The compressive strength is directed to ensure that the granule which results is less likely to breakdown during handling, transportation or application.

Preferably, the granules are uniform in size. The uniform sized granules contribute to more accurate spreading. However, the granules may be varyingly shaped.

The granules may be colour coded to ensure the correct formulation is applied to a particular treatment site, for a particular end result.

It is important to produce granules with optimum storage, handling and application characteristics under a full range of conditions.

The following techniques may be used to achieve this, by: a) Minimising the surface area of the granules - by producing smooth surfaced granules. Granules produced by various means can typically have rough surfaces and therefore a higher overall surface area. A pellet press can be used to produce granules with 15 2013231024 17 Apr 2017 smooth sides and clean-cut ends. Briquettes are an example of granules produced which are typically smooth on all sides. Often the compression stage can lead to a sheen, often noticeable on briquette-type granules. 5 b) Minimising the bulk surface area. The overall surface area of the bulk fertiliser granules can be reduced by producing larger sized granules. c) Minimising the amount of moisture present in the granule. This will especially mitigate problems encountered due to moisture absorption under high humidity conditions. 10 d) Producing harder granules. Granules produced under higher pressure will be harder and have better handling characteristics. e) Post-production heating of the granules. Such heating can be applied to produce a 15 hardened surface. This may also further reduce retained/absorbed moisture following production of the granules. f) Coating of granules with lime powder can be undertaken. 20 g) Storage of granules in preferred conditions for a preferred period of time.

It may be that such techniques are employed to also affect the dispersion rate of the granules. For example, newly produced granules may disperse more quickly than granules which have been stored for a period of time before application onto the soils - whether such changes are 25 effected by further drying of stored granules, changes in pH over time or other such factors. RPR when ground and classified to a desired particle size distribution provides an excellent controlled-release phosphate source.

An important factor which determines the availability of elemental sulphur is fineness of 30 particle size relevant to the soil type it is applied to. The present invention includes the fine grinding of elemental sulphur (and/or any other relevant active applied as a fertiliser component) to preferred particle sizes. There is however a limit on how fine any active (and elemental sulphur in particular) is able to be ground because of transportation and usability 16 constraints. Accurate spreading of finely ground elemental sulphur, or any other active, is also difficult due to the drifting of fine particles. Granulation of fine materials overcomes these practical problems enabling a much finer ground active component - such as the elemental sulphur - to be transported and applied. Granulation of the product provides an advantage in reducing dust problems associated with finely ground actives such as and including elemental sulphur.

To improve handling or application of materials so finely ground, they must be granulated or mixed with a fluid.

In accordance with the present invention, two granulation processes are described, although other known pressing methods can be used. In some other embodiments, sheets may be formed by means of a double-roll chinsolator applying approximately 2000kg of pressure. The pressed sheets are then broken up by means of a rotating finger type device to produce 0.2-8mm long granules. Or, pellets are formed by means of a double-roll pressure pelletiser device applying approximately 2000kg of pressure to produce granules 1 -5mm long. The granules may be various shapes. Uniform-sized granules have better spread characteristics than a non-granulated product. This helps ensure more accurate spreading.

The two key criteria for evaluating a fertiliser granule are crushing strength and water dispersion. The first relates to the ability to produce a dust-free product the second ensures that the phosphate and sulphur are quickly made available in the soil. Crush strength gives an indication of the strength characteristics of fertiliser granules. Granule strength plays an important role in the storage, transportation and application of granular fertilisers

As the pressure at which the granules are formed increases (from 500 to 2000kg) so does the crush strength of the granules (for various granule compositions). By controlling the pressure at which granules are formed it is possible to produce a granule with the desired strength characteristics. 17 2013231024 17 Apr 2017 30

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for maximizing the availability of at least one soil treatment composition, said soil treatment composition containing at least one active component, said method including the steps of: a) Selecting the soil treatment components required; and 5 b) Preparing said components in dried form, said components being ground to a preferred particle size; and c) Mixing said components together; and d) Adding a preferred quantity of fluid to the mixed components; and e) Applying pressure to a quantity of said component-solvent mixture to form granules of 10 the composition; and said method characterised by the particle sizes of the components being specifically targeted for use with a particular soil type and/or treatment requirement.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for maximizing the 15 availability of at least one soil treatment composition, said soil treatment composition containing at least one active component, said method including the steps of: a) Selecting the soil treatment components required; and b) Preparing said components in dried form; and c) Mixing said components together, said components being ground to a preferred particle 20 size; and d) Adding a preferred quantity of fluid to the mixed components; and e) Applying pressure to a quantity of said component-solvent mixture to form granules of the composition; and said method characterised by the particle sizes of the components being specifically targeted for 25 use with a particular soil type and/or treatment requirement.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method, substantially as described above, wherein the fluid is mixed with one of the selective actives and added to the remaining active(s) to facilitate improved intimate contact between the particles of the respective actives. 18 2013231024 17 Apr 2017

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method, substantially as described above, wherein an optional dispersion and/or binding agent is added to the component mix. 5 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method, substantially as described above, wherein at least one of the active components also acts as dispersion and/or binding agent.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method, substantially 10 as described above, wherein the fluid includes at least water. However, other fluids, such as oils and so forth may be used (including a fish, or a vegetable oil -- such as a triglyceride).

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for maximizing the availability of at least one soil treatment composition via prolonged release of the 15 components on to and/or into the soil, said method including the step of: grinding the components to achieve a preferred particle size, said particle size being adapted to the soil type and requirement and providing an increased surface area to improve availability of the component in to or onto the soil. 20 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method substantially as described above achieved via coating of the granule to effect delayed release of the components over a period of time after introduction of the granule on to or into the soil.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a soil treatment 25 composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein the delay in release of the components of the granule is accomplished by encapsulating the granule within a dissolvable or degradable protective layer.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a soil treatment 30 composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein a quantity of the components of the granule is released substantially continuously, once release is initiated, for the intended life of the granule. 19 2013231024 17 Apr 2017

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein there is provided an initial boosted release rate of components from the granule following introduction of the granule on to or into the soil. 5 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein there is provided at least a second boosted release rate of components from the granule following introduction of the granule on to or into the soil. 10 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein the interval between the initial and second boosted release rates corresponds to a predetermined ideal period between release and action of the first component and release and action of a second component. 15

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein a boosted release rate of the components of the granule is accomplished by providing a secondary component having different release rate characteristics than the first component, 20

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein a boosted release rate of the components is accomplished by providing one component having an exposed surface area greater than other component(s) in the granule. 25

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein one component operates as a carrier matrix system through which at least a second component is dispersed. 30 According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein the carrier matrix component dissolves when exposed to the environment into which it is introduced, to expose at least one other component in a time release manner. 20 2013231024 17 Apr 2017

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein the granule, in its entirety, is substantially biodegradable within the soil treatment environment to which it is introduced. 5 A soil treatment composition in granular form, said granules have a mechanical resistance, dimensions and weights being appropriate for the distribution and the mechanical application on the ground and in the ground, the granules being characterised in that they include finely ground particulate components. 10 A soil treatment composition in granular form characterised in that the dimension of fine particles do not exceed a preferred dimension as required. A method of preparing a granular soil treatment composition, wherein the particles of the soil 15 treatment components are mixed together with an agent included in an effective proportion to bind the particles in the form of granules having dimensions and weights appropriate for a mechanical application.

The granules may be applied via aerial top-dressing, mechanical spreaders, manually. 20

One aspect of the present invention is to therefore provide a fertiliser granule, said granule including one or more of a binding agent, a dispersing agent and optimum amounts of particulate plant nutrients which can be released in a timely fashion to the soil to achieve rapid availability for plants, said granule being characterised by said particles being sized for 25 optimum benefit having regard to the soils type, different climatic conditions and the different plant nutrient release rates required.

In the present example, it may also be appreciated that fine elemental sulphur is both explosive and a health hazard. The granules of the present invention which may include elemental 30 sulphur are dust-free. Therefore, the granules are able to be stored, transported and applied with little risk of hazardous sulphur dust being released. 21

In addition, the granule form avoids the limitations of traditional mixed fertilisers which are in powdered or loose form. Such fertilisers are typically transported at some stage. The vibrations generated during transportation can cause the different component nutrients to separate out due to their varying densities. When the fertiliser is then applied there is the potential for uneven distribution of the components of the fertiliser and so some areas may remain or may result in being more deficient in a particular component when compared to another.

It will therefore be appreciated that the invention broadly consists in the parts, elements and features described in this specification, and is deemed to include any equivalents known in the art which, if substituted for the prescribed integers, would not materially alter the substance of the invention.

Variations to the invention may be desirable depending on the applications with which it is to be used. Regard would of course be had to effecting the desired concentrations or volume to volume ratios of the components of the granule, the various components of the granules, the dimensions of the granule, the dissolution rates, the method of application of the granules and so forth as required to effect the desired outcome.

Whilst some varying embodiments of the present invention have been described above and are to be yet exampled, it should further be appreciated different embodiments, uses, and applications of the present invention also exist. Further embodiments of the present invention will now be given by way of example only, to help better describe and define the present invention. However, describing the specified embodiments should not be seen as limiting the scope of this invention.

Brief Description of Drawings

Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a table illustrating the granule strength and dissolution results of 4mm granules of the treatment composition including finely ground elemental sulphur 22 2013231024 17 Apr 2017 and MOP prepared using a high pressure press method, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 2 is a table illustrating the granule strength and dissolution results of 4mm 5 granules of the treatment composition including finely ground elemental sulphur and MOP prepared using a high pressure press method, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 3 is a table illustrating the granule strength and dissolution results of an 10 agglomeration of the treatment composition including finely ground elemental sulphur and MOP, prepared under low pressure, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 4 is a table illustrating the comparative granule strength and dissolution results of 15 an agglomeration of the treatment composition including finely ground elemental sulphur and MOP, prepared via different methods, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a table illustrating the comparative granule strength and dissolution results of 20 an agglomeration of the treatment composition including finely ground elemental sulphur, MOP and RPR, prepared via different methods, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.

Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention 25 With reference to the present invention by example only, there is provided a soil treatment system. The soil treatment system is adapted to include various components desirable in the conditioning or treatment of soils.

The soil treatment composition preferably is comprised of components having specific particle 30 size and surface area. Finely ground elemental sulphur is a said component, along with Muriate of Potash operating as a dispersant and binding agent. Other plant nutrients, soil conditioning materials and/or trace elements may also be included collectively or operate alone in the soil treatment composition in conjunction with the MOP. 23 2013231024 17 Apr 2017 15 20 25

The granular form is prepared via suitable high pressure granulating/pelletising techniques. Alternatively, a low pressure process may be used. Such low pressure processes include pan granulation, low pressure tumble type agglomeration. 5 The soil treatment composition is prepared in an agglomerated form, or a granular form for application on to or in to soils. It should be appreciated that the form includes granules that may be varyingly shaped and sized, and so forth as desired.

The granule is preferably able to easily disperse over preferred time periods when applied to the 10 soil and yet have sufficient compressive strength to ensure that the granule does not break-up during storage, transport and application.

The granule product includes any combination of the following features: a) Is a controlled release, long life granule formulated for a specific soil type. b) Is comprised of components having one or more of a preferred particle size, preferred particle distribution, preferred particle surface area. c) Includes component(s) directed to a specific treatment, specific soil type, specific climatic conditions. d) Includes a component that facilitates dispersal of the granule in water. e) Includes a component contributing to the binding of the components. f) Includes a component that facilitates rapid release of at least one other component from the granule. g) Is uniform in size. h) Is dust free for improved handling, spreading, transportation and safety. i) Is colour coded to ensure correct formulation application to particular soil types. j) Is an improvement on products prone to leaching. k) Granules are not easily separated during a mix. l) Fast acting for rapid results - such as rapid plant availability of nutrients. m) A product which is adapted to address some environmental concerns. 30 24 2013231024 17 Apr 2017 25

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

The invention provides a both a soil treatment composition and a composition prepared as a granular fertiliser with the individual components finely ground to ensure a sustained release in the soil. 5

One example of the composition based on the components on a percentage weight:weight basis, is 23% elemental sulphur : 77% MOP. However, other various compositions may be used as required for particular soil types and conditions, and/or requirements. 10 For example, a percentage weight:weight treatment composition may include:

Muriate of Potash (MOP) up to 80%

Sulphur (elemental) up to 60%

Fluid 0-18%

Other components including trace elements 0-20% 15

Particles are sized to suit local conditions. Normally colder drier areas need finer particles. The sulphur components may be tailored not only to the soil type requirements based on soil structure and climatic conditions, but also to the instant availability for vegetative growth burst, or may provide a long-term residual effect in the soil. 20

Uniform granule size is a benefit in terms of transportation and application.

The present invention is adapted to provide a fertiliser providing potentially realisable benefits of: • Low cost. • Controlled release. • Wholly organic fertiliser. • Not easily leachable from soil. 25 2013231024 17 Apr 2017

Muriate of Potash

Within the invention, Muriate of Potash (MOP) is used as a granule binding agent and is agronomically valuable in its own right. MOP has not been previously been used as a binding agent for elemental sulphur. 5 Run of mine MOP from high quality deposits may be used to ensure the acceptance of the product as organic.

Binding agents other than MOP may also be used such as bentonite and molasses, as may be required in certain treatment compositions. For example, bentonite may contribute with binding of the components of the granule, yet also provide benefits as a soil conditioner, particularly in 10 clay soils.

Fine Sulphur

The fine elemental sulphur in the granules provides a form of faster acting sulphur which is readily plant available without the accompanying sulphate leaching problems associated with sulphate based fertilisers. 15 In order to get a very fast sulphur response a minus 20 micron component is included in the sulphur.

The elemental sulphur may also include an even superfine component (<10 micron).

Organic Fertiliser

This MOP and sulfur granular fertiliser offers an organic fertiliser option in which the 20 components of this granular fertiliser have specific agronomic value.

Environmental Benefits

The elemental sulphur is not easily leached or susceptible to run-off from the soil, giving considerable environmental benefits in the use of the granular fertiliser of the present invention.

Intimate particle contact 25 When elemental sulphur is inter-ground (under pressure) with MOP or another active, there is greater intimate contact between the particles. This results in a “bonding” together of the particles. As the inter-grinding takes place the granule is also being compacted and this produces heat between 60°C and 100°C. Sulphur mobilises at around 80°C and will possibly mobilise at a lower temperature under the high pressures used to form this granule. The 26 2013231024 17 Apr 2017 mobilised sulfur will smear the fine MOP particles or particles of other actives, thereby forming an extremely intimate contact.

The smearing effect of the sulphur not only serves to create intimate contact between the elemental sulphur and the other actives, but also can be utilised to effect at least one of -5 reduces problems with the explosive nature of fine sulphur particles, increases the surface area of the sulphur increasing its potential availability in or on the soil, effectively coats the other actives with the sulphur enabling desired release profiles of the components of the granules, and so forth.

In addition, biological oxidation of elemental sulphur (S) mixed and applied with other actives 10 will increase and improve its effectiveness as a fertiliser.

Customised granules

The amounts of sulphur and MOP and any additional actives, soil conditioners and/or trace elements, in the granule, may be varied to suit the particular application.

The granules may also be tailored to suit specific regions in terms of the particle size and 15 reactivity. As may also be seen from Figures 1 - 5 inclusive, the ability to customise the granules for use in different soils, in different countries and in different regions within a country, may also be effected.

Therefore, by varying any one or more of: a) The percentage of elemental sulphur in the treatment composition/granule; 20 b) The percentage of MOP in the treatment composition/granule; c) The percentage of any additional actives, and/or other macro or micronutrients, soil conditioners, beneficial bacteria or other plant beneficial organisms and/or trace elements in the treatment composition/granule; d) The percentage of fluid in the treatment composition/granule; 25 e) What the fluid in the treatment composition/granule is; f) The size of the particles of the sulphur and/or MOP and/or any additional actives and/or other macro or micronutrients and/or any soil conditioners, including lime and/or any trace elements in the treatment composition/granule; 27 2013231024 17 Apr 2017 g) The proportion of particle sizes in the mixture - superfine (<10 micron), fine (<20micron), coarse, etc. h) How the components are mixed - inter-ground, ground separately and then mixed, one being mixed with the fluid and then added to the remaining component(s); 5 i) How the granules are prepared - using high or low pressure techniques - including the specific preparation technique itself and variations to that technique; j) How the granules are dried; and so forth, the treatment composition and/or the granules prepared, may be customised as required for specific treatments. For example, Figures 1 and 2 show granules produced using a 10 high pressure technique to produce Pressure Formed elemental sulphur/ MOP, 4 mm Granules (via a Pellet Press).

Granules formed from finely ground components (having particle sizes of around <500 microns) and without using a fluid (in this case, water) - from these test results, appear to form hard granules taking longer than two days to dissolve when exposed to water. This is even the 15 case where the granules are simply air dried after manufacture. As more water is added to the composition, the speed at which the formed granules dissolve, when exposed to water, is increased; and, the crush strength of the granules is correspondingly decreased. However, by drying the granules in a dryer for a period at 80°C the crush strength shows an increase and the drying using a dryer appears to have some effect on potentially (although possibly marginally) 20 increasing the time taken for the granules to dissolve when exposed to water depending on the quantity of water in the original composition.

Figure 3 shows granules produced using a low pressure technique to produce Low Pressure Agglomeration Formed elemental sulphur/ MOP Granules. Granules formed using this method and formed from finely ground components (having particle sizes of around <500 microns) -25 from these test results appear to demonstrate low crush strengths and marginally fast times to dissolve - irrespective on the percentages of elemental sulphur, MOP or fluid in the composition, even when the granules are dried in a dryer for varying times.

By introducing a coarser particle into the granule (so that the particle sizes are <lmm), the results suggest the granule crush strength is substantially increased. It therefore suggests that in 30 the case of sulphur/ MOP granules formed by low pressure, low pressure coarse elemental 28 2013231024 17 Apr 2017 sulphur component makes a stronger granule than does a fine elemental sulphur component. In addition, with a coarser particle size, at a higher MOP percentage and lower water percentage (along with the improved crush strength) the time taken for the granules to dissolve in water is also marginally increased. The binding strength of the MOP increases the greater the 5 percentage ratio (%) of MOP to that of the sulphur. The longer drying time of the fine particle granules (<500microns) does not appear to have an effect on increasing the crush strength or the dissolution time.

It is also noted that coarser MOP blends well with other fertiliser nutrients, such as N-P compounds to form NPK-blended multi-nutrient fertilisers. This may be relevant to variations 10 in the agents/actives used in preparation of various soil treatment compositions and granules in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 4 illustrates the ability to control dispersion time and compression strength of the particles to suit delivery of the fertiliser, by applying different production methods. Test results show that granules produced using a flat die pellet press take longer to dissolve/disperse (more 15 than 24 hours) and have a greater mean crush strength (2.5kg), than granules produced using a chilsinator method (at 14 hours dispersion time and 1.5 kg mean crush strength), or using a simulated pan granulation (where rapid dispersion of the granules is achieved over 15 seconds and the mean crush strength is 0.34kg). This allows the fertiliser granules to be tailor made for specific applications, soils and climatic conditions. 20 Figure 5 illustrates examples of the effect of adjusting components in the fertilser composition. For example, by adding an additional soil treatment component to the fertiliser composition - in this case Reactive Phosphate Rock - there is a corresponding increase in crush strength yet also an increase in the dispersion rate of the granules formed. The RPR is included at a similar weight for weight proportion as that of the fine elemental sulphur to MOP granules in Figure 4 25 (although the elemental sulphur component is retained, but in reduced proportion). The granules are produced using the same flat die pellet press production method as shown in Figure 4, but the results indicate the effects on dispersion and crush strength of the granules based on the granule components and their relative proportions in the composition. For example, the elemental sulphur/MOP/RPR granules disperse faster (at < 12 hours), yet have a 30 greater mean crush strength (4.75kg), than the granule produced containing elemental sulphur and MOP alone (in similar proportions to the MOP:RPR components in granules in Figure 5). 29 2013231024 17 Apr 2017

In addition, Figure 5 results demonstrate the effect of adjusting the particle size of the fertilser components in the fertiliser composition of the granules formed. Using the same production method of simulated pan granulation, an elemental sulphur/MOP/RPR granule produced, where the RPR component is finely ground to pass 75 micron, takes almost twice as long to disperse, 5 but has a lower mean crush strength value, than an elemental sulphur/MOP/RPR granule produced, where the RPR component is finely ground to pass 500 micron.

Therefore, while the present invention is directed to using improved grinding and granular compaction techniques to effect production of a fine elemental sulphur/MOP fertiliser, a number of variations are possible within the ambit of the present invention. Additional 10 components may be included to achieve a fertiliser tailored for specific situations, nutrient deficiencies, and so forth, yet the final granule will be dependent on the method of producing the granules. Accordingly, by adjusting the components, the proportions, the particle sizes, the inclusion of fluids and the granule production methods used, a granular fertiliser product having a desired granule crush strength and rate at which the granule dissolves, is achieved. So, 15 the granules are preferably able to be formed taking into account the soils, the climate, the period of time the components are desired to be released, and so forth.

When referring to the description of the present invention, it should also be understood that the term “comprise” where used herein is not to be considered to be used in a limiting sense. Accordingly, ‘comprise’ does not represent nor define an exclusive set of items, but includes 20 the possibility of other components and items being added to the list.

This specification is also based on the understanding of the inventor regarding the prior art. The prior art description should not be regarded as being an authoritative disclosure of the true state of the prior art but rather as referring to considerations in and brought to the mind and attention of the inventor when developing this invention. 25 Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof, as defined in the appended claims. 30

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE:

1. A soil treatment composition for a fertiliser in granular form, said soil treatment composition including at least one active soil treatment component, said at least one active soil treatment component including particulate elemental sulphur; and said soil treatment composition including at least one other agent, said at least one other agent including Muriate of Potash, said soil treatment composition characterised by said Muriate of Potash and said elemental including a finely ground portion and being combined; and said Muriate of Potash particles when interspersed with and between the elemental sulphur particles operating as a binding/dispersing agent in the formation of pressure formed elemental sulphur fertiliser granules; and wherein the binding strength of the Muriate of Potash increases the binding strength of the granular particles the greater the percentage ratio of Muriate of Potash to that of the elemental sulphur; and wherein the composition comprises on a weight to weight basis of the Muriate of Potash:elemental sulphur soil treatment components (wherein the component amounts of the composition total 100%): a) 50% or less by weight of finely ground elemental sulphur; and b) 50% or more by weight of finely ground Muriate of Potash (MOP); and wherein the particulate elemental sulphur is finely ground to include a portion having particles of a size less than 20 micron.
2. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the composition comprises on a weight to weight basis of the soil treatment components (wherein the component amounts of the composition total 100%): a) Up to 23% by weight of finely ground elemental sulphur; and b) Up to 77% by weight of finely ground Muriate of Potash (MOP).
3. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the composition includes a fluid.
4. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the composition comprises on a weight to weight basis of the soil treatment components (wherein the component amounts of the composition total 100%): a) Up to 18% by weight of fluid.
5. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the fluid includes at least one of water, an oil, a wax.
6. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 5 wherein the oil includes at least one of a vegetable oil, a fish oil.
7. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 6 wherein, in addition to the finely ground particulate elemental sulphur, the Muriate of Potash and the fluid, the composition includes at least one other component, on a weight to weight basis (wherein the composition amounts totals 100%), from a list including: a) Bentonite; b) Lime; c) Trace elements; d) Urea; e) Organic nitrogen; f) Reactive Phosphate Rock; g) A binding agent; h) A dispersing agent.
8. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the composition comprises on a weight to weight basis of the soil treatment components (wherein the component amounts of the composition total 100%): a) Up to 20% by weight of other components, including trace elements.
9. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the said finely ground particulate elemental sulphur component is intermixed with any one or more of the other components prior to preparation of the granular form, such that the particle sizes of the said components vary within the granule.
10. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 8 wherein the said particulate elemental sulphur component is finely inter-ground with any one or more of the other components prior to preparation of the granular form, such that the particle sizes of the said components is uniform within the granule.
11. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein the said particulate elemental sulphur component is finely inter-ground with any one or more of the other components in dried form prior to addition of the fluid and prior to preparation of the granular form.
12. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 9 or Claim 10 wherein the said particulate elemental sulphur component is finely inter-ground with any one or more of the other components in fluid dampened form prior to preparation of the granular form.
13. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 11 and Claim 12 wherein the granule size for the granular form of the composition is 2 - 8 millimeters.
14. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 13 wherein the granule size for the granular form of the fertiliser composition is 6 millimeter-sized pellets.
15. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 14 wherein a coating is applied to the granular form to effect release of the components from the granular form over a period of time in a preferred profile after introduction of the granular form on to or into the soil.
16. A soil treatment composition as claimed in Claim 15 wherein said coating applied to the granular form optionally includes lime.
17. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition for a fertiliser in granular form, said soil treatment composition including at least one active soil treatment component, said at least one active soil treatment component including particulate elemental sulphur; and said soil treatment composition including at least one other agent, said at least one other agent including Muriate of Potash, said soil treatment composition characterised by said Muriate of Potash and said elemental including a finely ground portion and being combined; and said Muriate of Potash particles when interspersed with and between the elemental sulphur particles operating as a binding/dispersing agent in the formation of pressure formed elemental sulphur fertiliser granules; and wherein the binding strength of the Muriate of Potash increases the binding strength of the granular particles the greater the percentage ratio of Muriate of Potash to that of the elemental sulphur; said method including the steps of: a) Grinding a predetermined quantity of elemental sulphur to preferred particle sizes; and wherein the particulate elemental sulphur is finely ground to include a portion having particles of a size less than 20 microns, and said ground particulate elemental sulphur component comprising up to 60% 50% or less by weight on a weight to weight basis (wherein the Muriate of Potash: elemental sulphur component amounts of the composition total 100%), b) Grinding a predetermined quantity of Muriate of Potash to preferred particle sizes; and said finely ground particulate Muriate of Potash component comprising 50% or more by weight on a weight to weight basis (wherein the Muriate of Potash: elemental sulphur component amounts of the composition total 100%); and c) Selecting a predetermined quantity of any other component(s) as required for the soil treatment composition; and d) Including up to 18% added fluid; and e) Mixing said components together; and f) Applying pressure to a quantity of said component-fluid mixture to effect composition in stable, dust free granular form.
18. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition for a fertiliser in granular form, said soil treatment composition including at least one active soil treatment component, said at least one active soil treatment component including finely ground particulate elemental sulphur; and said soil treatment composition including at least one other agent, said at least one other agent including Muriate of Potash, said soil treatment composition characterised by said Muriate of Potash and said elemental including a finely ground portion and being combined; and said Muriate of Potash particles when interspersed with and between the elemental sulphur particles operating as a binding/dispersing agent in the formation of pressure formed elemental sulphur fertiliser granules; and wherein the binding strength of the Muriate of Potash increases the binding strength of the granular particles the greater the percentage ratio of Muriate of Potash to that of the elemental sulphur; said method including the steps of: a) Grinding a predetermined quantity of elemental sulphur to preferred particle sizes; and wherein the particulate elemental sulphur is finely ground to include a portion having particles of a size less than 20 microns, and said ground particulate elemental sulphur component comprising 50% or less by weight on a weight to weight basis (wherein the MOP:elemental sulphur component amounts of the composition total 100%), b) Grinding a predetermined quantity of Muriate of Potash to preferred particle sizes; and said finely ground particulate Muriate of Potash component comprising 50% or more by weight on a weight to weight basis (wherein the MOP: elemental sulphur component amounts of the composition total 100%); and c) Selecting a predetermined quantity of any other component(s) as required for the soil treatment composition; and d) Mixing said components together; and e) Including up to 18% added fluid; and f) Applying pressure to a quantity of said component-fluid mixture to effect composition in stable, dust free granular form.
19. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition for a fertiliser in granular form, said soil treatment composition including at least one active soil treatment component, said at least one active soil treatment component including particulate elemental sulphur; and said soil treatment composition including at least one other agent, said at least one other agent including Muriate of Potash, said soil treatment composition characterised by said Muriate of Potash and said elemental including a finely ground portion and being combined; and said Muriate of Potash particles when interspersed with and between the elemental sulphur particles operating as a binding/dispersing agent in the formation of pressure formed elemental sulphur fertiliser granules; and wherein the binding strength of the Muriate of Potash increases the binding strength of the granular particles the greater the percentage ratio of Muriate of Potash to that of the elemental sulphur; said method including the steps of: a) Selecting a predetermined quantity of elemental sulphur component comprising 50% or less by weight on a weight to weight basis (wherein the Muriate of Potash:elemental sulphur component amounts of the composition total 100%), b) Selecting a predetermined quantity of Muriate of Potash component comprising 50% or more by weight on a weight to weight basis (wherein the Muriate of Potash: elemental sulphur component amounts of the composition total 100%); and c) Mixing the elemental sulphur with said Muriate of Potash and a predetermined quantity of other component(s) required, d) Including up to 18% added fluid, e) Said components being finely inter-ground together to preferred particle sizes; and f) Applying pressure to a quantity of said component-solvent mixture to form stable, dust free granules of the composition; and wherein the particulate elemental sulphur is finely ground to include a portion having particles of a size less than 20 micron
20. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition for a fertiliser in granular form, said soil treatment composition including at least one active soil treatment component, said at least one active soil treatment component including particulate elemental sulphur; and said soil treatment composition including at least one other agent, said at least one other agent including Muriate of Potash, said soil treatment composition characterised by said Muriate of Potash and said elemental including a finely ground portion and being combined; and said Muriate of Potash particles when interspersed with and between the elemental sulphur particles operating as a binding/dispersing agent in the formation of pressure formed elemental sulphur fertiliser granules; and wherein the binding strength of the Muriate of Potash increases the binding strength of the granular particles the greater the percentage ratio of Muriate of Potash to that of the elemental sulphur; said method including the steps of: a) Selecting a predetermined quantity of elemental sulphur component comprising 50% or less by weight on a weight to weight basis (wherein the MOP: elemental sulphur component amounts of the composition total 100%), b) Selecting a predetermined quantity of Muriate of Potash component comprising 50% or more by weight on a weight to weight basis (wherein the MOP:elemental sulphur component amounts of the composition total 100%); and c) Mixing the elemental sulphur with said Muriate of Potash and a predetermined quantity of other component(s) required, d) Said components being finely inter-ground together to preferred particle sizes; and e) Including up to 18% added fluid, f) Applying pressure to a quantity of said component-solvent mixture to form stable, dust free granules of the composition; and wherein the particulate elemental sulphur is finely ground to include a portion having particles of a size less than 20 micron
21. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 20 wherein in addition to the finely ground particulate elemental sulphur, the Muriate of Potash and the fluid, the composition includes at least one other component, on a weight to weight basis (wherein the composition amounts totals 100%), from a list including: a) Bentonite; b) Lime; c) Trace elements; d) Urea; e) Organic nitrogen; f) Reactive Phosphate Rock; g) A binding agent; h) A dispersing agent.
22. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as Claimed in Claim 21 wherein the fluid includes at least one of water, an oil, a wax.
23. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in Claim 22 wherein the oil includes at least one of a vegetable oil, a fish oil.
24. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in Claim 23 wherein the fluid is optionally used to disperse the MOP therein before being added to the dry granule components.
25. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in Claim 24 wherein the MOP particles are interspersed with and between the elemental sulphur particles.
26. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in Claim 25 wherein the MOP particles recrystallises when dried and imparts strength to the fertiliser granule following application of pressure required to form the granule.
27. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in Claim 26 wherein granules produced at low pressure are adapted to disperse in water at predetermined time frames from 2-3 seconds, in up to 10 hours or up to 48 hours to fully disperse.
28. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in Claim 26 wherein the granules produced at high pressure are adapted to disperse in water at predetermined time frames from less than 10 minutes, in up to 24 hours, or up to 72 hours to fully disperse.
29. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in Claim 27 and 28 wherein the granules have a crush strength of between 1 - 10 kg.
30. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in Claim 29 wherein a coating is applied to the granular form to effect release of the soil treatment components from the granular form over a period of time in a preferred profile after introduction of the granular form on to or into the soil.
31. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in Claim 30 wherein said coating applied to the granular form optionally includes urea, lime, a urease, a nitrogen inhibitor.
32. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in Claim 31 wherein the particle size of the soil treatment components is optimised by fine-grinding and classification to suit differing soil conditions, soils type, differing climatic conditions and the different plant nutrient release rates required to achieve the purpose for which it is being used.
33. A method of manufacturing a soil treatment composition in granular form as claimed in Claim 32 wherein the particle size of the soil treatment components effects varying release rate of the components by providing one component having an exposed surface area greater than other component(s) in the granule.
34. A granule produced from a soil treatment composition for a fertiliser, said soil treatment composition including at least one active soil treatment component, said at least one active soil treatment component including particulate elemental sulphur; and said soil treatment composition including at least one other agent, said at least one other agent including Muriate of Potash, said soil treatment composition characterised by said Muriate of Potash and said elemental including a finely ground portion and being combined; and said Muriate of Potash particles when interspersed with and between the elemental sulphur particles operating as a binding/dispersing agent in the formation of pressure formed elemental sulphur fertiliser granules; and wherein the binding strength of the Muriate of Potash increases the binding strength of the granular particles the greater the percentage ratio of Muriate of Potash to that of the elemental sulphur; and wherein the composition comprises on a weight to weight basis of the Muriate of Potash:elemental sulphur soil treatment components (wherein the component amounts of the composition total 100%): a) 50% or less by weight of finely ground elemental sulphur; and b) 50% or more by weight of finely ground Muriate of Potash (MOP); and wherein the particulate elemental sulphur is finely ground to include a portion having particles of a size less than 20 micron.
35. A method of manufacturing a granule from a soil treatment composition for a fertiliser, said soil treatment composition including at least one active soil treatment component, said at least one active soil treatment component including particulate elemental sulphur; and said soil treatment composition including at least one other agent, said at least one other agent including Muriate of Potash, said soil treatment composition characterised by said Muriate of Potash and said elemental including a finely ground portion and being combined; and said Muriate of Potash particles when interspersed with and between the elemental sulphur particles operating as a binding/dispersing agent in the formation of pressure formed elemental sulphur fertiliser granules; and wherein the binding strength of the Muriate of Potash increases the binding strength of the granular particles the greater the percentage ratio of Muriate of Potash to that of the elemental sulphur; and wherein the composition comprises on a weight to weight basis of the Muriate of Potash:elemental sulphur soil treatment components (wherein the component amounts of the composition total 100%): a) 50% or less by weight of finely ground elemental sulphur; and b) 50% or more by weight of finely ground Muriate of Potash (MOP); and wherein the particulate elemental sulphur is finely ground to include a portion having particles of a size less than 20 micron.