AU2019201912B2 - Fertilizer - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fertilizer composition, and to methods of using and blending the fertilizer composition. The fertilizer composition includes a humic agent, calcium sulfate and ammonium sulphate.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a divisional application of Australian Application No. 2018200364, filed on 16 January 2018, which claims priority to Australia Provisional Patent Application No. 2017900662 filed on 27 February 2017. The contents of these applications are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001a] The present invention relates to, inter alia, a fertilizer composition and to methods of growing plants and planting seeds.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

[0003] Development of an improved fertilizer composition can be very challenging. Ideally, such a fertilizer composition should improve the yields or growth characteristics of a crop. For example, for grains (such as wheat and barley) it may be advantageous to improve the protein content or the size of the grain, in addition to the overall yield. However, it is also advantageous to achieve such results whilst minimising the amount of fertilizer that is applied. Reducing the amount of fertilizer that is applied reduces costs for the farmer to grow a crop, and it also reduces the potential impact on the environment due to a smaller risk of fertilizer components being washed into streams or causing salinity issues.

[0004] Fertilizers often include multiple components, as different components of a fertilizer perform different functions. For example, fertilizers are commonly labelled to show the amount of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium in the composition. However, different forms of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium may exhibit different effects on a plant. By way of example, sodium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium chloride and urea are all sources of nitrogen, but the solubility of each of these salts in water differs, as would the effect of each of these salts on the plant. A further complication is that it is possible for one component in a fertilizer composition to synergistically impact on the effectiveness of other components.

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SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0005] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a fertilizer composition, or a method of growing a crop, or a method of planting a seed, which is capable of improving the yield or growth characteristics of a crop, especially whilst minimising the amount of fertilizer that needs to be applied in comparison with many prior art fertilizer compositions. In a further

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2019201912 19 Mar 2019 aspect, the present invention is directed to a fertilizer composition, or to a method of growing a crop, or to a method of planting a seed, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a fertilizer composition including a humic agent, calcium sulfate, and ammonium sulfate. The fertilizer composition may also include urea. The fertilizer composition may also include monoammonium phosphate. The ratio in the composition of calcium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) may be at least 2.75:1. The ratio in the composition of ammonium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) may be at least 0.5:1. The fertilizer composition may be a solid.

[0007] Advantageously, it has been found that a fertilizer composition in accordance with the first aspect of the present invention may be able to: (i) improve the growth characteristics of a crop such as wheat or barley, for example by reducing the proportion of small grains in the crop at harvest; (ii) improve crop yields; (iii) achieve good results for crops on good, poor or clay soils; (iv) achieve improved results using a relatively small amount of fertilizer, which reduces cost to the farmer and reduces fertilizer run-off into the environment; (v) possess improved water solubility, which may improve uptake of the fertilizer into the plant; or (vi) enhance microbe, rhizome and fungi growth in the soil around the plant.

[0008] The fertilizer composition may be of any suitable form. The fertilizer composition may be a concentrate, or may be ready for use. The fertilizer composition may be a liquid or a solid, especially a solid. The fertilizer composition may be in the form of a powder, granules or pellets; especially in the form of granules. The fertilizer composition may be a blend of components which are each in the form of powders, granules or pellets.

[0009] As used herein, the term “humic agent’’ refers to a humic acid, a fulvic acid, a humate or a fulvate. Exemplary humates include potassium humate or sodium humate. Exemplary fulvates include potassium fulvate or sodium fulvate. Humic agents may be found in peat, lignite or in the overburden of a coal seam, for example.

[0010] The fertilizer composition may include any suitable amount of the humic agent. In one embodiment, the fertilizer composition includes no more than 10 % (by weight) of the humic agent, especially no more than 9%, 8%, 7%, 6% or 5% (by weight) of the humic agent. The fertilizer composition may include no more than 4.5% or 4.0% (by weight) of the humic agent. In another embodiment the fertilizer composition includes at least 1 % (by weight) of the

2019201912 19 Mar 2019 humic agent, especially at least 1.5%, 2.0%, 2.5%, 3.0% or 3.5% (by weight) of the humic agent. In other embodiments, the fertilizer composition includes from 1.0 % to 6.0% (by weight) humic agent or from 0.5% to 5% (by weight) humic agent, especially from 1.5% to 5.0% (by weight) humic agent. It may be advantageous for the fertilizer composition to include no more than 5.0% (by weight) of the humic agent, as if a composition with greater than 5% (by weight) humic agent is added to plants the humic agent can bum the roots of the plant.

[0011] The presence of a humic agent may be advantageous, as the humic agent may promote microbial growth in the soil and may promote root growth. Humic agents may also assist the plant in absorbing nitrogen (for example from ammonium sulfate or urea), and may assist to balance the pH of the soil.

[0012] In one embodiment, the fertilizer composition includes a humic agent in the form of pellets or granules. The humic agent pellets or granules may comprise at least 50% humic agent, especially at least 75% humic agent.

[0013] The fertilizer composition may include boron, such in the form of a tetraborate (for example disodium tetraborate). The tetraborate may be disodium tetraborate pentahydrate. The fertilizer composition may include no more than 0.5% (by weight) boron or tetraborate, especially no more than 0.25% (by weight) boron or tetraborate, or no more than 0.20% (by weight) boron or tetraborate.

[0014] The humic agent pellets or granules may also include boron, such in the form of a tetraborate (for example disodium tetraborate or disodium tetraborate pentahydrate). The humic agent pellets or granules may include from 0% to 5% (by weight) boron or tetraborate, especially from 0.5% to 4% (by weight) boron or tetraborate. Exemplary humic acid / boron granules are sold by Nutri-Tech Solutions® as NTS Stabilised Boron Granules™ (which is 57.2% humic acids and about 3.23% tetraborate). An exemplary humic acid granule (which does not include boron) is sold by Nutri-Tech Solutions® as NTS Soluble Humate Granules™ (which is 75% potassium humate). A further exemplary humic agent is Humisol SG™, sold by Nutrifcrt Australia (which includes 75% potassium humate, 55% humic acid and 8% fulvic acid).

[0015] As used herein, the term “calcium sulfate” includes hydrates of calcium sulfate. The calcium sulfate may be anhydrous calcium sulfate (anhydrite), a calcium sulfate hemihydrate, or a calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum). The calcium sulfate may be from

2019201912 19 Mar 2019 recycled plasterboard (such as Gyprock™). However, the calcium sulfate may especially be gypsum. As used herein, the term “calcium sulfate” does not include calcium sulfate present in a superphosphate, such as a single superphosphate.

[0016] The fertilizer composition may include any suitable amount of calcium sulfate. In one embodiment, the fertilizer composition includes at least 5% (by weight) calcium sulfate, especially at least 7%, 8%, 9%, 10%, 11%, 12%, 13%, 14%, 15%, 16%, 17%, 18% or 19% (by weight) calcium sulfate. In another embodiment, the fertilizer composition includes less than 30% (by weight) calcium sulfate, especially less than 27%, 25%, 24%, 23%, 22%, 21%, 20%, 19%, 18%, 17% or 16% (by weight) calcium sulfate. The fertilizer composition may include from 5% to 30% (by weight) calcium sulfate, especially from 8% to 27%, from 10% to 25%, from 12% to 23%, or from 13% to 21% (by weight) calcium sulfate. In one embodiment, the fertilizer composition includes about 14%, about 15%, about 16%, about 17%, about 18%, about 19% or about 20% (by weight) calcium sulfate. If the fertilizer composition is intended to be direct drilled into the ground with a seed, then 20% gypsum within the composition (if spread at around 40 kg / hectare) may be equivalent to about 1 tonne per acre of gypsum if the gypsum was spread over the ground.

[0017] The presence of calcium sulfate, especially gypsum, may be advantageous. For example, gypsum may assist in retaining urea within the composition or the soil, which may delay the conversion of urea to ammonia. Calcium and sulfate may also be important for neutralising or dispersing salts, for improving the pH balance of the soil, for improving the water retention of the soil, and for breaking up clay soils. Sulfates may also assist in releasing nitrogen to the plant, and calcium may assist in improving root growth.

[0018] The fertilizer composition may include the calcium sulfate in the form of granules or pellets. The calcium sulfate granules or pellets may be about 2-4 mm in size. In one embodiment, the calcium sulfate is prilled calcium sulfate, especially prilled gypsum. An exemplary gypsum is Prilled Gypsum from Pacific Fertilisers, which includes 93%+ gypsum and is of 2-4 mm in size. An exemplary gypsum is Ozgyp™, sold by Nutrifert Australia (which includes 96% calcium sulphate dehydrate).

[0019] The calcium sulfate granules or pellets may also include a humic agent. The calcium sulfate granules or pellets may include from 0.5% to 5% humic agent, especially from 1% to 4% humic agent, more especially about 3% (by weight) humic agent. An exemplary

2019201912 19 Mar 2019 gypsum granules or pellets that includes a humic agent is sold by Swancorp (Greenmate Gypsum + 3% Humate, which includes 97% gypsum and 3% humate).

[0020] The ratio in the composition of calcium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) may be at least 2:1, especially at least 2.25:1, or at least 2.5:1, or at least 2.75:1, or at least 3:1, or at least 3.5:1, or at least 4:1, or at least 4.5:1. The ratio in the composition of calcium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) may be less than 10:1, especially less than 9:1, or less than 8:1, or less than 7:1, or less than 6:1, or less than 5.5:1 or less than 5:1. The ratio in the composition of calcium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) may be from 2:1 to 8:1, especially from 2.5:1 to 7:1, more especially from 3:1 to 6:1 or from 3.25:1 to 5.5:1.

[0021] The fertilizer composition may include any suitable amount of ammonium sulfate. In one embodiment, the fertilizer composition includes (by weight) at least 3% ammonium sulfate, especially at least 4%, at least 5%, at least 6%, at least 7%, at least 8% or at least 9% ammonium sulfate. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) less than 25% ammonium sulfate, especially less than 23%, less than 21%, less than 20%, less than 19%, less than 18%, less than 17%, less than 16%, less than 15%, less than 14%, less than 13%, less than 12% or less than 11% ammonium sulfate. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) from 5% to 25% ammonium sulfate, especially from 6% to 22% ammonium sulfate, or from 8% to 20% ammonium sulfate. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) about 10%, about 11%, about 12%, about 13%, about 14%, or about 15% ammonium sulfate.

[0022] It may be advantageous to include ammonium sulfate in a fertilizer composition, as ammonium sulfate provides a relatively slow release of nitrogen to the plant. When ammonium sulfate is combined with a humic agent, the longevity of nitrogen in the composition may be further improved.

[0023] The fertilizer composition may include ammonium sulfate in the form of granules or pellets. The granules or pellets may be about 2-4 mm in size. An exemplary ammonium sulfate is sulfate of ammonia, sold by Impact Fertilizers, which 2-4 mm in size.

[0024] The ratio in the fertilizer composition of ammonium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) may be at least 0.5:1, especially at least 1:1, or at least 1.5:1, or at least 2:1, or at least 3:1. The ratio in the composition of ammonium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) may be less than 10:1, especially less than 8:1, less than 7:1, less than 6:1, less than 5:1 or less than 4.5:1. The ratio in the composition of ammonium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) may be from 0.5:1

2019201912 19 Mar 2019 to 7:1, especially from 1:1 to 6:1, more especially from 1.5:1 to 5.5:1, most especially from 2:1 to 5:1.

[0025] The ratio in the fertilizer composition of calcium sulfate : ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be at least 0.4:1, especially at least 0.7:1, more especially at least 1:1. The ratio in the fertilizer composition of calcium sulfate : ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be less than 5:1, especially less than 4:1, less than 3:1, or less than 2:1. The ratio in the fertilizer composition of calcium sulfate : ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be from 0.4:1 to 5:1, especially from 0.5:1 to 3:1, most especially from 0.6:1 to 2:1.

[0026] The fertilizer composition may include urea, and the urea may be present in any suitable amount. In one embodiment, the fertilizer composition includes (by weight) at least 5% urea, especially at least 8% urea, at least 9% urea or at least 10% urea. In another embodiment, the fertilizer composition includes (by weight) less than 80% urea, especially less than 70% urea, or less than 65% urea. The fertilizer composition may include from 5% to 80% urea, especially from 8% to 65% urea. The fertilizer composition may include about 10 % urea or about 60% urea.

[0027] It may be advantageous to include urea in a fertilizer composition, as urea may provide an immediate source of nitrogen to a plant. The fertilizer composition may be intended to be worked into the soil, as this may slow the conversion of urea to ammonia (and loss of nitrogen to the atmosphere).

[0028] The fertilizer composition may include urea in the form of granules or pellets. An exemplary urea is sold by Pacific Fertilisers, which is in granular form.

[0029] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of urea : calcium sulfate (by weight) may be at least 0.5:1, or at least 1:1 or at least 2:1 or at least 3:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of urea : calcium sulfate (by weight) may be less than 5:1, or less than 4:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of urea : calcium sulfate (by weight) may be from 0.5:1 to 4:1.

[0030] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of urea : humic agent (by weight) may be at least 1:1, especially at least 1.5:1, or at least 2:1, or at least 3:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of urea : humic agent (by weight) may be less than 30:1, or less than 25:1, or less than 20:1, or less than 18:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of urea : humic agent (by weight) may be from 1:1 to 20; 1.

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[0031 ] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of urea : ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be at least 0.25:1, especially at least 0.5:1 or at least 0.75:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of urea : ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be less than 10:1, especially less than 8:1, or less than 7:1, or less than 6:1, or less than 5:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of urea : ammonium sulfate may be from 0.4:1 to 6:1, or from 0.6:1 to 5:1 or from 0.8:1 to 4.5:1.

[0032] The fertilizer composition may include other components. For example, the fertilizer composition may include a phosphate, such as an ammonium phosphate (for example monoammonium phosphate or diammonium phosphate) or a superphosphate (for example a single superphosphate or SSP). The fertilizer composition may include sulfur. The fertilizer composition may also include a potassium salt, such as potassium sulfate. Potassium salts within the fertilizer composition may be advantageous to assist in plant cell growth (especially for plants such as sorghum and millet). The fertilizer composition may further include one or more of monoammonium phosphate, tetraborate or zinc. The fertilizer composition may include zinc.

[0033] The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) at least 5% superphosphate, especially at least 10% superphosphate, or at least 12%, at least 14%, at least 16%, or at least 18% superphosphate. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) less than 40% superphosphate, especially less than 35%, less than 30%, less than 28%, less than 26%, less than 24% or less than 22% superphosphate. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) from 10% to 30% superphosphate, especially from 15% to 25% superphosphate. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) about 20% superphosphate.

[0034] The superphosphate may be in any suitable form. In an exemplary embodiment, the superphosphate is in the form of 2-5 mm granules. The superphosphate may be a single superphosphate. An exemplary single superphosphate is sold by Impact Fertilisers (Australia).

[0035] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : calcium sulfate (by weight) may be at least 0.5:1, especially at least 0.75:1 or at least 1:1, or at least 1.25:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : calcium sulfate (by weight) may be less than 5:1, especially less than 4:1, less than 3:1 or less than 2:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : calcium sulfate (by weight) may be from 0.5:1 to 3:1, especially from 0.75:1 to 2.5:1, most especially from 1:1 to 2:1.

[0036] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : humic agent (by weight)

2019201912 19 Mar 2019 may be at least 2:1, especially at least 3:1 or at least 4:1, or at least 5:1, or at least 6:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : humic agent (by weight) may be less than 10:1, especially less than 9:1, or less than 8:1, or less than 7:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : humic agent (by weight) may be from 3:1 to 8:1, especially from 4:1 to 7:1.

[0037] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be at least 0.5:1, especially at least 0.75:1, or at least 1:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be less than 5:1, especially less than 4:1 or less than 3:1 or less than 2.5:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be from 0.5:1 to 3:1, especially from 1:1 to 2.5:1.

[0038] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : urea (by weight) may be at least 0.75:1, especially at least 1:1 or at least 1.25:1 or at least 1.75:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : urea (by weight) may be less than 5:1, especially less than 4:1 or less than 3:1 or less than 2.5:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of superphosphate : urea (by weight) maybe from 1:1 to 3:1, especially about 2:1.

[0039] The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) at least 10% ammonium phosphate, especially at least 15% ammonium phosphate, or at least 17%, at least 18%, at least 19%, or at least 20% ammonium phosphate. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) less than 40% ammonium phosphate, especially less than 35%, less than 30%, less than 29%, less than 28%, or less than 27% ammonium phosphate. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) from 15% to 30% ammonium phosphate, especially from 20% to 28% ammonium phosphate.

[0040] In one embodiment, the ammonium phosphate is monoammonium phosphate.

[0041] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : calcium sulfate (by weight) may be at least 0.5:1, especially at least 0.75:1 or at least 1:1, or at least 1.25:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : calcium sulfate (by weight) may be less than 6:1, especially less than 5:1, or less than 4:1 or less than 3:1 or less than 2:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : calcium sulfate (by weight) may be from 0.5:1 to 3:1, especially from 1:1 to 2:1.

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[0042] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate: calcium sulfate (by weight) may be at least 0.5:1, or at least 1:1 or at least 2:1 or at least 3:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate: calcium sulfate (by weight) may be less than 5:1, or less than 4:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate: calcium sulfate (by weight) may be from 0.5:1 to 4:1.

[0043] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be at least 0.5:1, especially at least 0.75:1 or at least 1:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be less than 7:1, especially less than 6:1 or less than 5:1, or less than 4:1 or less than 3:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be from 0.5:1 to 4:1, or from 1:1 to 3:1.

[0044] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate: ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be at least 0.25:1, especially at least 0.5:1 or at least 0.75:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate: ammonium sulfate (by weight) may be less than 10:1, especially less than 8:1, or less than 7:1, or less than 6:1, or less than 5:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate: ammonium sulfate may be from 0.4:1 to 6:1, or from 0.6:1 to 5:1 or from 0.8:1 to 4.5:1.

[0045] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : humic agent (by weight) may be at least 2:1, especially at least 3:1, or at least 4:1 or at least 5:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : humic agent (by weight) may be less than 10:1, especially less than 9:1, or less than 8:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : humic agent (by weight) may be from 3:1 to 9:1, especially from 5:1 to 8:1.

[0046] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate: humic agent (by weight) may be at least 1:1, especially at least 1.5:1, or at least 2:1, or at least 3:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate: humic agent (by weight) may be less than 30:1, or less than 25:1, or less than 20:1, or less than 18:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate: humic agent (by weight) may be from 1:1 to 20:1.

[0047] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : urea (by weight) may be at least 0.5:1, especially at least 1:1, or at least 1.5:1 or at least 2:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : urea (by weight) may be less than 6:1, ίο

2019201912 19 Mar 2019 especially less than 5:1, or less than 4:1, or less than 3:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : urea (by weight) may be from 1:1 to 4:1, especially from 2:1 to 3:1.

[0048] In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : superphosphate (by weight) may be at least 0.5:1, especially at least 0.75:1 or at least 1:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : superphosphate (by weight) may be less than 5:1, especially less than 4:1, or less than 3:1 or less than 2:1. In the fertilizer composition the ratio of ammonium phosphate : superphosphate (by weight) may be from 0.5:1 to 3:1, especially from 1:1 to 2:1.

[0049] The fertilizer composition may include elemental sulphur. The composition may include at least 1.5% (by weight) elemental sulphur, especially at least 2% elemental sulphur, or at least 2.5% elemental sulphur. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) less than 6% elemental sulphur, especially less than 5%, or less than 4% or less than 3% elemental sulphur. The composition may include (by weight) from 1% to 4% or from 1 to 6% elemental sulphur, especially from 2% to 3%, or from 2% to 5% elemental sulphur.

[0050] The ammonium phosphate, elemental sulphur, and a portion of the ammonium sulfate in the composition may be blended together in a single granule. Suitable granules which includes monoammonium phosphate, elemental sulphur and ammonium sulfate is MAPStar 12S, sold by Impact Fertilizers. MAPStar 12S includes 11% N, 17.5% P and 12% S (7% of the S is from elemental sulphur, and 5% of the S is from sulfate). MAPStar 12S is in 2-4 mm granules. An exemplary product which includes monoammonium phosphate plus ammonium sulphate is Goldphos™, sold by Impact Fertilisers (which includes 5% sulphate sulphur and 7% elemental sulphur).

[0051] It may be advantageous to include sulphur or sulfates within the fertilizer composition, especially if the fertilizer is to be used for legumes, especially for Mung beans which require a large quantity of sulphur.

[0052] The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) at least 5% N, especially at least 8% N, or at least 10% N. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) less than 50% N, especially less than 40% N, or less than 35% N. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) from 5% to 15% N, or from 25% to 40% N, especially from 8% to 13% N or from 28% to 35% N.

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[0053] The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) at least 5% P, especially at least 6%, or at least 7% or at least 8%P. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) less than 15% P, especially less than 13% P, or less than 12% P or less than 10% P. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) from 5% to 15% P, especially from 7% to 10% P.

[0054] The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) at least 4% S, especially at least 5% S, or at least 6% S. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) less than 20% S, especially less than 18% S, or less than 16% S or less than 14% S. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) from 4% to 20% S, especially from 5% to 17% S, or from 6% to 15% S.

[0055] The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) at least 2% Ca, especially at least 3% Ca or at least 4% Ca. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) less than 15% Ca, especially less than 12% Ca or less than 10 % Ca, or less than 8% Ca. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) from 3% to 15% Ca, especially from 3% to 10% Ca.

[0056] The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) at least 2% humic agent, especially at least 3% humic agent. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) less than 8% humic agent, especially less than 6% humic agent, or less than 5% humic agent, or less than 4.5% humic agent. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) from 2% to 6% humic agent, especially from 2% to 4% humic agent.

[0057] The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) less than 1% boron, especially less than 0.5% boron. The fertilizer composition may include (by weight) less than 1% zinc, especially less than 0.5% zinc, more especially less than 0.05% zinc. An exemplary product which includes zinc is ZincStar™, sold by Impact Fertilisers in Australia.

[0058] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method of growing a crop, the method including fertilizing the crop with the fertilizer composition of the first aspect.

[0059] Any suitable crop may be fertilized in the method of the second aspect. In one embodiment, the crop is a broadacre crop, especially an oilseed (such as canola, or sunflowers), a cereal (such as rice, wheat, barley, oats, triticalc, sorghum, maize or millets), a pulse (such as chickpeas, mung beans, soybeans, peanuts, fava beans, lucerne or lentils), sugarcane or cotton.

[0060] In one embodiment, the crop is a monocotyledon (or monocot). Exemplary monocots include crops of the order Poaceae (including one or more of corn (maize), wheat.

2019201912 19 Mar 2019 rice, barley, millet, sorghum, oats sugarcane and bamboo). In a further embodiment, the crop is a eudicotyledon (or eudicot). Exemplary eudicots include crops of the order Asterales (including Asteraceae (such as sunflower)), Brassicales (including Brassicaceae (such as rapeseed)), Fabales (including Fabaceae (such as one or more of various beans (including fava beans), chickpea, pea, soy bean, mung bean, lentil, peanut and alfalfa (lucerne))); and Malvales (including Malvaceae (such as cotton)).

[0061] The fertilizer composition may be scattered on, or worked into the soil in any suitable way. For example, the method may include the step of working the fertilizer composition into the soil using disc harrows. However, in a preferred embodiment the method includes the step of direct drilling the fertilizer composition into the soil.

[0062] In a third aspect the present invention provides a method of planting a seed, the method comprising the step of direct drilling the seed into the ground with the fertilizer composition of the first aspect of the present invention.

[0063] The seed may be the seed for a crop as defined in the second aspect.

[0064] The method of the third aspect may include the step of direct drilling the seed into the ground sequentially or simultaneously with the fertilizer composition. The method may include the step of direct drilling the fertilizer composition into the ground, and then drilling the seed on top of the fertilizer composition.

[0065] The seed/fertilizer composition may be direct drilled to any suitable depth. However, in one embodiment, the seed/fertilizer may be direct drilled to from 3-8 inches (8-20 cm) below the surface of the ground, especially about 5-6 inches (about 12-16 cm) below the surface of the ground. Soil may be placed on top of the seed/fertilizer, especially about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of soil. In one embodiment, soil (especially about 2.5 cm of soil) is placed on top of the seed/fertilizer, to provide a depression in the ground above the seed. Advantageously, it has been found that planting the seed and fertilizer about 5-6 inches below the surface, with 1 inch of soil on top, provides a well (for collection of water), and maintains a relatively constant temperature for the seed. This depth also advantageously ameliorates the possibility of crown rot. A skilled person would be able to plant seeds in this way.

[0066] The method of the third aspect may include the step of direct drilling the seed into the ground in the presence of stubble from the previous crop. Advantageously it has been

2019201912 19 Mar 2019 found that the stubble can act as a “straw” to draw moisture into the growing plant.

[0067] In a fourth aspect, the present invention provides a method of blending the fertilizer composition of the first aspect. The method may include the step of blending calcium sulfate, a humic agent and ammonium sulfate together. The method may include the step of blending one or more of calcium sulfate, a humic agent, ammonium sulfate, urea, a phosphate (such as ammonium phosphate or a superphosphate) or elemental sulphur. Features of the fourth aspect of the present invention may be as described for the first aspect of the present invention.

[0068] In a fifth aspect, the present invention provides a concentrate of the fertilizer composition of the first aspect.

[0069] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

EXAMPLES

[0070] Examples of the invention will now be described by way of example. Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Examples which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The following Examples is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way.

EXAMPLE 1 - FERTILIZER COMPOSITION

[0071 ] A preplant fertilizer composition was prepared as outlined in Table 1 below.

Table 1: Preplant Fertilizer Composition

% (by weight) Product Used	Product includes	Amount in total composition
Chemical	Nitrogen N	Sulfur S	Calcium Ca	Potassium Humate
5% NTS Soluble Humate Granules, NTS	75% potassium humate	3.75% potassium humate				3.8
15% Sulfate of Ammonia, Impact Pacific	Ammonium sulfate	15% ammonium sulfate	3.2	3.6

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

% (by weight) Product Used	Product includes	Amount in total composition
Chemical	Nitrogen N	Sulfur S	Calcium Ca	Potassium Humate
20% Prilled Gypsum, Pacific Fertilisers	93%+ Gypsum	20% gypsum		3.7	4.7
60% Urea, Any supplier	Urea	60% urea	28.0
100%			31.2	7.3	4.7	3.8

30-8-5-4 N-S-Ca-Humate

Ratio of calcium sulphate : humic agent (by weight): at least 4.9

Ratio of ammonium sulphate : humic agent (by weight): 4

EXAMPLE 2 - FERTILIZER COMPOSITION

[0072] A fertilizer composition was prepared as outlined in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Fertilizer composition

		Amount in total composition
% (by weight) Product Used	Product includes	Chemical	N	P	S	Ca	Humate	B
5% NTS Stabilised Boron Granules, NTS	57.2% humic acids 3.23% tetraborate	2.86% humate 0.16% tetraborate					2.9	0.16
10% Sulfate of Ammonia, Impact Pacific	Ammonium sulfate	10% ammonium sulfate	2.1		2.4
10% Urea, Pacific Fertilisers	Urea	10% Urea	4.7
10% Prilled Gypsum, Pacific Fertilisers	93%+ Gypsum	10% gypsum			1.9	2.3
5% Greenmate Gypsum + 3% humate, Swancorp	97% Gypsum 3% humate	4.85% gypsum 0.15% humate			0.9	1.1	0.15
20% Single Super Phosphate (SSP), Impact Fertilizers	20% Single Super Phosphate			1.8	2.2	3.8

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

		Amount in total composition
% (by weight) Product Used	Product includes	Chemical	N	P	S	Ca	Humate	B
40% MAPStar™ 12S, Impact Fertilizers	Mono ammonium phosphate plus ammonium sulphate (having 12 % S)		4.4	7	4.8
100%			11.2	8.8	12.2	7.2	3.05	0.16

11-9-12-7-3 N-P-S-Ca-Humate.

Ratio of calcium sulphate : humic agent (by weight): 4.7

Ratio of ammonium sulphate : humic agent (by weight): 3.3

EXAMPLE 3 - WHEAT

[0073] At the beginning of the winter growing season, 510 hectares at “Broomfield” near Goondiwindi (Queensland, Australia) was planted with wheat, at a seed rate of 30 kilograms / hectare by direct drilling (i.e. in the stubble of the previous crop). The fertilizer of Example 2 was direct drilled into the ground with each seed at a rate of 40 kilograms per hectare. The growing season was a period of average heat and rainfall.

[0074] At the end of the winter growing season the crop was harvested. The results are provided in Table 3.

Table 3: Wheat Yields

Bin	Tonnes	TWT	MOGR	PRGR	SCRN	Variety	Binned Grade
1	26.74	82.0	9.9	11.9	5.0	LNR	H2
2	74.37	83.0	10.0	11.9	2.5	LNR	H2
3	52.47	82.0	9.9	11.9	3.5	LNR	H2
4	62.65	83.0	10.3	11.8	2.6	LNR	H2
5	38.92	83.0	10.4	11.6	1.9	LNR	H2
6	53.13	83.0	10.8	11.8	2.3	LNR	H2
7	54.90	82.0	10.5	11.8	2.8	LNR	H2
8	73.10	83.0	10.6	11.2	2.2	LNR	H2
9	56.80	84.0	10.3	11.3	2.6	LNR	H2
10	63.00	81.0	10.3	12.0	2.6	LNR	H2
11	44.03	83.0	10.3	11.9	2.7	LNR	H2
12	38.81	81.0	10.1	12.1	2.7	LNR	H2
13	53.57	82.0	9.8	12.4	3.5	LNR	H2
14	52.15	82.0	10.1	12.2	3.4	LNR	H2

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

Bin	Tonnes	TWT	MOGR	PRGR	SCRN	Variety	Binned Grade
15	73.50	82.0	9.9	12.3	3.0	LNR	H2
16	53.97	82.0	9.9	12.1	2.9	LNR	H2
17	38.66	83.0	10.0	12.1	2.1	LNR	H2
18	55.20	82.0	10.0	12.1	2.9	LNR	H2
19	54.75	81.0	9.8	12.0	2.6	LNR	H2
20	74.09	83.0	10.1	12.2	3.1	LNR	H2
21	53.35	81.0	11.3	11.4	2.1	LNR	H2
22	48.35	80.0	11.7	11.8	1.4	LNR	H2
23	53.69	81.0	11.7	11.6	1.4	LNR	H2
24	48.84	81.0	11.3	11.8	1.7	LNR	H2
25	54.39	80.0	11.8	11.6	1.7	LNR	H2
26	41.64	81.0	11.6	11.8	1.5	LNR	H2
27	41.88	79.0	11.5	12.3	2.6	LNR	H2
28	63.66	80.0	11.2	11.7	3.0	LNR	H2
29	53.81	81.0	11.4	11.4	1.6	LNR	H2
30	71.35	80.0	11.1	12.1	2.5	LNR	H2
31	48.18	78.0	11.2	12.4	2.6	LNR	H2
32	56.27	79.0	11.2	12.4	3.1	LNR	H2
33	40.92	78.0	11.3	11.8	2.5	LNR	H2
34	58.36	80.0	11.0	12.1	2.4	LNR	H2
35	40.59	81.0	11.6	11.4	2.0	SUG	H2
36	52.75	82.0	11.0	11.4	2.2	SUG	H2
37	56.16	83.0	10.2	10.9	3.0	LNR	APW1
38	38.59	84.0	10.2	11.0	2.0	LNR	APW1
39	45.35	82.0	9.7	10.9	4.1	SUG	APW1
40	52.97	81.0	9.3	10.8	3.6	SUG	APW1
41	53.56	81.0	11.7	11.0	2.0	LNR	APW1
42	72.04	81.0	11.5	11.0	1.0	LNR	APW1
43	57.76	81.0	11.5	11.1	1.1	LNR	APW1
44	49.42	82.0	11.2	11.0	1.3	LNR	APW1
45	55.68	82.0	11.3	10.6	1.1	LNR	APW1
46	41.03	81.0	11.3	10.7	1.5	LNR	APW1
47	66.26	81.0	11.5	10.7	1.4	SUG	APW1
48	41.62	82.0	11.5	10.6	1.4	SUG	APW1
49	68.23	82.0	11.7	10.6	1.3	SUG	APW1
50	53.90	83.0	11.8	10.2	1.2	LNR	APW1
51	53.92	83.0	11.6	10.2	1.5	SUG	APW1
52	73.59	83.0	11.6	10.4	1.3	SUG	APW1
53	58.70	80.0	12.0	10.9	2.0	SUG	APW1
54	48.16	80.0	11.3	10.7	1.7	SUG	APW1
55	71.18	81.0	10.9	10.5	2.0	SUG	APW1
56	64.20	81.0	10.8	11.0	2.1	SUG	APW1
57	57.73	80.0	11.7	11.0	1.8	SUG	APW1

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

Bin	Tonnes	TWT	MOGR	PRGR	SCRN	Variety	Binned Grade
58	57.61	80.0	10.7	10.6	5.4	SUG	APW1
Total	1922.84
H2 Average		81.4	10.7	11.9	2.5
Total	1237.66
APW1 Average		81.5	11.1	10.7	2.0

[0075] In total, 3,160 Ton of wheat was obtained, at a yield of 6.2 Ton/HA (or 30 Bags/Acre).

[0076] The wheat varieties arc as follows :

LNR - Lancer

SUG - Sunguard

[0077] The test codes MOGR, PRGR, TWT and SCRN have the following meanings:

- MOGR: Moisture (%)

PRGR: Protein (%)

- TWT: Test Weight (kg/hl)

SCRN: Screenings (Unmillablc Material Below the Screen) (% by weight). Material passing through a 2mm slotted screen after 40 shakes.

[0078] An explanation of the various grades of wheat possible, with respect to the test codes TWT, MOGR, PRGR and SCRN is provided in Table 4. H2 grade is the second highest grade possible, and achieving high grade and high yield is very difficult.

Table 4: Wheat Standards (2015-2016), values for MOGR, PRGR, TWT and SCRN

Grade	MOGR (maximum)	PRGR (minimum)	TWT (minimum)	SCRN (maximum)
APH2	12.5	13.0	76	5.0
Hl	12.5	13.0	76	5.0
H2	12.5	11.5	76	5.0
AUH2	12.5	11.5	71	10.0
APW1	12.5	10.5	76	5.0
ASW1	12.5	No Limit	76	5.0
AGP1	12.5	No Limit	68	10.0
HPS1	12.5	11.5	68	25.0
FED1	12.5	No Limit	62	15.0
Data from GrainCorp Wheat Standards 2015-2016; which is based on Grain	Yade Australia

2019201912 19 Mar 2019 (GTA) standards CSG-100, CSG-101, CSG-102, CSG-103, CSG-105, CSG-106, CSG-107, CSG-109 andCSG-150.

EXAMPLE 4 - BARLEY

[0079] At the beginning of the winter growing season, 220 hectares at “Broomfield” near Goondiwindi (Queensland, Australia) was planted with barley, at a seed rate of 38 kilograms / hectare by direct drilling (i.e. in the stubble of the previous crop). The fertilizer of Example 2 was direct drilled into the ground with each seed at a rate of 40 kilograms per hectare. The growing season was a period of average rainfall and heat.

[0080] At the end of the winter growing season the crop was harvested. The results are provided in Table 5.

Table 5: Barley Yields (Compass Variety)

Bin	Net Tonnes	TWT	RET	MOGR	PRGR	SCRN	Binned grade
1	36.92	71.0	93.7	10.5	10.9	1.6	Fl
2	60.56	70.0	93.3	10.7	10.7	1.8	Fl
3	36.50	71.0	95.6	11.7	10.8	1.2	Fl
4	37.60	73.0	97.6	10.2	8.8	1.0	Fl
5	66.50	72.0	95.3	10.5	10.0	1.3	Fl
6	41.68	72.0	93.4	12.4	10.9	1.8	Fl
7	50.94	72.0	93.2	11.5	11.2	1.9	Fl
8	59.32	72.0	93.3	11.8	11.1	2.0	Fl
9	23.42	72.0	83.9	9.9	11.9	5.3	Fl
10	51.13	71.0	91.0	12.8	11.9	2.3	Fl
11	35.43	71.0	92.7	12.4	11.3	1.9	Fl
12	16.37	71.0	92.7	12.4	11.3	1.9	Fl
13	55.45	70.0	92.7	11.8	11.3	2.0	Fl
14	56.55	71.0	92.1	11.9	12.2	2.2	Fl
15	49.96	71.0	94.0	12.3	11.2	1.6	Fl
16	53.65	71.0	95.8	12.8	11.2	1.1	Fl
17	56.41	72.0	95.3	12.4	11.1	1.3	Fl
18	53.10	72.0	95.7	12.1	11.0	1.3	Fl
19	55.19	64.0	93.0	12.1	11.6	2.0	Fl
20	53.90	72.0	92.1	11.4	10.0	1.8	Fl
21	51.04	72.0	96.4	11.3	10.1	1.3	Fl
22	55.55	72.0	95.9	11.3	10.3	1.5	Fl
23	54.42	72.0	96.5	11.2	10.0	1.2	Fl
24	52.25	72.0	97.0	11.4	9.9	1.1	Fl
25	71.40	72.0	96.8	11.9	10.3	1.3	Fl
26	57.27	72.0	95.6	11.6	11.0	1.4	Fl

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

Bin	Net Tonnes	TWT	RET	MOGR	PRGR	SCRN	Binned grade
27	36.92	72.0	96.5	11.4	10.7	1.2	Fl
28	37.84	72.0	94.8	11.3	10.5	1.5	Fl
29	51.25	72.0	94.4	11.2	10.5	1.8	Fl
30	71.32	72.0	95.6	11.3	10.3	1.5	Fl
31	10.16	71.0	92.3	11.1	12.1	2.3	Fl
Total	1500						Fl
Average		71.4	94.1	11.6	10.8	1.7

[0081] In total, 1,500 Ton of barley was obtained, at a yield of 6.82 Ton/HA (or 33 Bags/Acre).

[0082] An explanation of the various grades of barley possible, with respect to the test codes TWT, MOGR, PRGR, RET and SCRN is provided in Table 6. As shown below, grade Fl is the highest feed grade level for barley, and the results for the barley harvested in respect of the test parameters were, in general, significantly better than the requirements for Fl. The Compass barley variety is not recognised as a malting barley variety, and consequently grade Fl was the highest grade possible.

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

Table 6: Barley Standards (2015-2016), values for MOGR, PRGR, TWT, RET and SCRN

	Malting Barley	Feed	Barley
Admiral	ADI	AD2	AD3	Fl	F2
Baudin	BAI	BA2	BA3	Fl	F2
Buloke	BUI	BU2	BU3	Fl	F2
Commander	CO1	CO2	CO3	Fl	F2
Fitzroy	FT1	FT2	FT3	Fl	F2
Flagship	FL1	FL2	FL3	Fl	F2
Flinders	FN1	FN2	FN3	Fl	F2
Gairdner	GAI	GA2	GA3	Fl	F2
GrangeR	GN1	GN2	GN3	Fl	F2
La Trobc	LAI	LA2	LA3	Fl	F2
Schooner	SCI	SC2	SC3	Fl	F2
Scope	SOI	SO2	SO3	Fl	F2
Westminster	WS1	WS2	WS3	Fl	F2
Wimmera	Wil	WI2	WI3	Fl	F2
All other varieties	-	-	-	Fl	F2
Hindmarsh (Food)	HIND	-	-	Fl	F2
MOGR: Moisture Maximum (%)	12.5	12.5	12.5	12.5	12.5
PRGR: Protein Content (%) Minimum	9.0	9.0	9.0	No Limit	No Limit
PRGR: Protein Content (%) Maximum	12.0	12.0	12.8	No Limit	No Limit
TWT: Test Weight minimum (kg/hl)	65.0	65.0	65.0	62.5	60.0
RET: Retention minimum (% by weight) Above 2.5 mm agitator screen	70.0	62.0	58.0	No Limit	No Limit
SCRN: Screenings maximum (% by weight) Below 2.2 mm agitator screen	7.0	10.0	No Limit	15.0	25.0
Data from GrainCorp Barley Standards 20	5-2016; which is baser	on Grain'	rade Australia

(GTA) standards CSG-10, CSG-11, CSG-20, CSG-21 and CSG-22.

EXAMPLE 5 - SORGHUM

[0083] In summer or autumn, land at Broomfield’’ near Goondiwindi (Queensland, Australia) was planted with sorghum (SORI), at a seed rate of 1.95 kilograms / hectare by direct drilling (using a precision disc seeder in the stubble of the previous crop). The fertilizer of Example 1 was cither worked into the soil about 0.5 m from the seeds, or was planted about 200 mm below the seeds. The fertilizer was used at a rate of 40 to 50 kg/ha, typically 50 kg/ha. The district average for the application of urea in the Darling Downs (Southern Queensland) region (where “Broomfield” is located) is from about 100-400 kg/ha. The fertilizer of Example 2 was also direct drilled with the seeds at a rate of 20 kg/ha. The sorghum was planted in periods with variable amounts of rainfall.

[0084] At the end of the growing season the crop was harvested. The results are provided

2019201912 19 Mar 2019 in Tables 7-10. Two varieties of Sorghum were planted: the G33 pioneer variety, and the MR43 pacific variety.

Table 7: Sorghum Yields - Growing Period 1

Bin	Net Tonnes	TWT	MOGR	SCRN	Binned grade
1	52.35	80.0	12.5	3.0	SOR
2	54.35	79.0	13.1	2.6	SOR
3	53.12	79.0	12.6	2.8	SOR
4	53.60	80.0	12.8	2.3	SOR
5	53.45	79.0	12.9	2.5	SOR
6	54.35	80.0	12.6	1.4	SOR
7	54.80	78.0	12.7	2.4	SOR
8	55.60	80.0	12.8	1.4	SOR
9	57.70	78.0	12.7	1.8	SOR
10	54.80	79.0	12.4	1.6	SOR
11	54.85	78.0	12.9	3.1	SOR
12	48.01	80.0	12.7	2.3	SOR
13	53.20	80.0	12.7	1.6	SOR
14	51.70	79.0	12.7	1.9	SOR
15	39.27	78.0	13.0	2.3	SOR
16	55.34	80.0	13.4	1.6	SOR
17	55.92	79.0	13.5	2.0	SOR
18	55.08	80.0	12.7	2.0	SOR
19	53.82	80.0	13.0	1.9	SOR
20	54.95	79.0	13.2	2.4	SOR
21	55.86	80.0	13.1	2.3	SOR
22	43.51	80.0	13.2	2.1	SOR
Total	1,165.83	79.3	12.9	2.1	SOR

[0085] In the harvest detailed in Table 7, 255 hectares were planted, providing 4.56 tonnes per hectare.

Table 8: Sorghum Yields - Growing Period 2 (Drought)

Bin	Net Tonnes	TWT	MOGR	SCRN	Binned grade
1	53.90	81.0	12.8	3.7	SOR
2	26.05	80.0	13.5	3.1	SOR
3	24.95	80.0	12.7	4.1	SOR
4	24.90	80.0	12.7	4.5	SOR
5	58.02	79.0	12.5	4.1	SOR
6	23.90	80.0	13.1	3.2	SOR
Total	211.72	80.0	12.8	3.8	SOR

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

[0086] In the harvest detailed in Table 8, a yield of 3.36 tonnes per hectare was obtained under a drought declared period.

Table 9: Sorghum Yields - Growing Period 3

Bin	Net Tonnes	TWT	MOGR	SCRN	Binned grade
1	54.90	79.7	12.2	1.8	SOR
2	54.68	78.7	12.8	1.6	SOR
3	56.52	75.5	12.7	2.4	SOR
4	50.42	80.1	13.2	1.4	SOR
5	52.36	78.8	13.2	2.3	SOR
6	53.50	77.9	12.9	2.3	SOR
7	54.22	77.8	13.1	2.2	SOR
8	54.96	79.7	13.4	1.6	SOR
9	55.32	77.3	13.2	2.1	SOR
10	19.28	74.6	13.1	3.2	SOR
11	57.96	78.9	13.4	1.5	SOR
12	60.28	79.5	13.0	1.7	SOR
13	58.38	80.0	12.8	1.7	SOR
14	59.68				SOR
15	55.90	78.1	12.9	2.1	SOR
16	1.64	78.1	12.8	1.9	SOR
17	54.60	78.1	12.8	1.9	SOR
18	32.00	71	12.8	3.4	SOR
Total	886.60	79.4		2.1

[0087] The harvest detailed in Table 9 was double-cropped. Two months after a field of barley was harvested (at a yield of 5.02 tonnes per hectare), the same field was planted with sorghum (as detailed in Table 9). The sorghum was harvested at a yield of 2.56 tonnes per hectare.

Table 10: Sorghum Yields - Growing Period 4

C9 “

Bin	Net Tonnes	TWT	MOGR	SCRN	Binned grade
1	57.4	78.0	10.8	4.5	SOR
2	58.2	79.0	10.9	4.1	SOR
3	57.9	79.0	10.6	2.8	SOR
4	58.9	80.0	10.2	3.6	SOR
5	62.0	80.0	10.2	3.3	SOR
6	58.0	80.0	10.4	2.9	SOR
7	58.0	79.0	10.3	2.8	SOR
8	56.7	79.0	10.0	1.4	SOR
9	58.6	80.0	9.8	3.4	SOR

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

Bin	Net Tonnes	TWT	MOGR	SCRN	Binned grade
10	53.0	80.0	10.0	2.9	SOR
Total	578.7	79.4	10.3	3.2	SOR

[0088] The harvest detailed in Table 10 was for a field in which three crops were planted in 20 months. Sorghum (as detailed in Table 10) was the last crop planted. The total yield of the field over the 20 month period was 11 tonnes per hectare, and the sorghum was harvested at a yield of 2.57 tonnes per hectare.

[0089] An explanation of the various grades of sorghum possible, with respect to the test codes TWT, MOGR and SCRN is provided in Table 11. As shown below, grade SOR is the highest grade level for sorghum, and the results for the sorghum harvested in respect of the test parameters were, in general, significantly better than the requirements for SOR. Many crops in the district failed as it was too hot, or because there was too little rain. It was observed that plants which had been fertilized with the fertilizer of Example 1 were far less likely to fail.

Table 11: Sorghum Standards (2016-2017), values for MOGR, TWT and SCRN

	Grade
	SOR	SOR2
MOGR (Moisture maximum (%))	13.5	13.8
TWT (Test Weight minimum (kg/hl))	71	62
SCRN (Screenings maximum (% by weight, all matter passing through a 2 mm slotted screen after 40 shakes))	11.0	25.0
Data from Grain Trends Austra	ia (GTA) standard Sorghum No. 2, Sorghum No. 2, Sorghum

No. 5

EXAMPLE 6 - FERTILIZER COMPOSITION

[0090] A prcplant fertilizer composition similar to that of Example 1 was prepared as outlined in Table 12 below.

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

Table 12: Preplant Fertilizer Composition

% (by weight) Product Used	Product includes	Amount in total composition
Chemical	Nitrogen N	Sulfur S	Calcium Ca	Humate
5% Humisol SG™, Nutrifert Australia	2-4 mm prill 75% potassium humate 55% Humic acid 8% Fulvic acid	3.75% potassium humate 2.75% humic acid 0.4% fulvic acid				4.2
15% Sulfate of Ammonia, Impact Fertilisers	2-4 mm granulate Ammonium sulfate	15% ammonium sulfate	3.2	3.6
20% Ozgyp™, Nutrifert Australia	96% calcium sulphate dihydrate	96 % gypsum		3.6	4.5
60% Urea, Impact Fertilisers	Urea	60% urea	28.0
100%			31.2	7.2	4.5	4.2

31-7-5-4 N-S-Ca-Humate

Ratio of calcium sulphate : humic agent (by weight): 4.6

Ratio of ammonium sulphate : humic agent (by weight): 3.6

EXAMPLE 7 - FERTILIZER COMPOSITION

[0091] A fertilizer composition similar to the composition of Example 2 was prepared as outlined in Table 13 below.

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

Table 13: Fertilizer composition

		Amount in total composition
% (by weight) Product Used	Product includes	Chemical	N	P	s	Ca	Humate	B
4% Humisol SG™, Nutrifert Australia	2-4 mm prill 75% potassium humate 55% Humic acid 8% Fulvic acid	3% potassium humate 2.2% humic acid 0.32% fulvic acid					3.3
1%NTS Stabilised Boron Granules™, NTS (Nutri-Tech Solutions™)	2-4 mm granules 57.2% humic acids 3.23% tetraborate	0.572 humic acids 0.0323% tetraborate					0.6	0.03
15% Sulfate of Ammonia, Impact Fertilisers	2-4 mm granules Ammonium sulfate	15% ammonium sulfate	3.2		3.6
20% Ozgyp™, Nutrifert Australia	2-4 mm granules 96% calcium sulphate dihydratc	96% gypsum			3.6	4.5
60% Goldphos™, Impact Fertilisers	2-4 mm granules Monoammonium phosphate plus ammonium sulphate Includes 5% sulphate sulphur and 7% elemental sulphur		6.6	10.5	7.2
100%			9.8	10.5	14.4	4.5	3.9	0.03

10-11-14-5-4 N-P-S-Ca-Humate.

Ratio of calcium sulphate : humic agent (by weight): 4.9

Ratio of ammonium sulphate : humic agent (by weight): 3.8

Optionally, the 1% NTS Stabilised Boron Granules™ may be replaced with 0.5% NTS Stabilised Boron Granules™ and 0.5 % ZincStar™, sold by Impact Fertilisers in Australia. ZincStar™ includes monoammonium phosphate and zinc, and has a typical analysis of: N 10%, P 22%, S 2% and Zn 1%.

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

EXAMPLE 8 - WHEAT

[0092] At the beginning of the winter growing season, 510 hectares at “Broomfield” near Goondiwindi (Queensland, Australia) was planted with wheat, at a seed rate of 30 kilograms / hectare by direct drilling (i.e. in the stubble of the previous crop). The fertilizer of Example 7 was direct drilled into the ground with each seed at a rate of 40 kilograms per hectare. It was extremely dry throughout the growing season (20% of average rainfall - 35.5 mm rainfall in 8 events), with more severe frost than average.

At the end of the winter growing season the crop was harvested. The yield was approximately 4.2 tonnes per hectare, at grade APH2 (the highest grade) with <2% screenings. The next best yield in the district was 0.5 - 1.8 tonnes per hectare.

EXAMPLE 9 - BARLEY

[0093] At the beginning of the winter growing season, 745 hectares at “Broomfield” near Goondiwindi (Queensland, Australia) was planted with barley, at a seed rate of 38 kilograms / hectare by direct drilling (i.e. in the stubble of the previous crop). The fertilizer of Example 7 was direct drilled into the ground with each seed at a rate of 40 kilograms per hectare. It was extremely dry throughout the growing season (20% of average rainfall - 35.5 mm rainfall in 8 events), with more severe frost than average.

At the end of the winter growing season the crop was harvested. The yield was approximately 3.86 tonnes per hectare, at grade Fl (the highest grade). The next best yield in the district was 1.2- 1.6 tonnes per hectare.

EXAMPLE 10 - CHICKPEAS

[0094] At the beginning of the winter growing season, 470 hectares at “Broomfield” near Goondiwindi (Queensland, Australia) was planted with chickpeas, at a seed rate of 62 kilograms / hectare by direct drilling (i.e. in the stubble of the previous crop). The fertilizer of Example 7 was direct drilled into the ground with each seed at a rate of 30 kilograms per hectare. It was extremely dry throughout the growing season (20% of average rainfall - 35.5 mm rainfall in 8 events), with more severe frost than average.

[0095] At the end of the winter growing season the crop was harvested. The yield was approximately 2.5 - 4.4 tonnes per hectare, at grade chickpea 1 (the highest grade).

2019201912 19 Mar 2019

EXAMPLE 11 - FAVA BEANS

[0096] At the beginning of the winter growing season, 230 hectares at “Broomfield” near Goondiwindi (Queensland, Australia) was planted with fava beans, at a seed rate of 90 kilograms / hectare by direct drilling (i.e. in the stubble of the previous crop). The fertilizer of Example 7 was direct drilled into the ground with each seed at a rate of 40 kilograms per hectare. It was extremely dry throughout the growing season (20% of average rainfall - 35.5 mm rainfall in 8 events), with more severe frost than average.

[0097] Approximately 30% of the crop was lost to severe frost. At the end of the winter growing season the crop was harvested. The yield was approximately 2.2 tonnes per hectare, at grade fava beans 2 (the second highest grade). The district average was from complete failure to 0.5 tonnes / hectare.

[0098] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0099] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[00100] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described includes preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

2019201912 08 May 2020

ADVANTAGES OF THE FERTILIZER

[00101] The fertilizer of one or more of Examples 1, 2, 6 and 7:

- Has been shown to provide fewer small grains. Before using the fertilizer wheat crops typically included 8-15% small grains (material which passes through a 2 mm slotted screed after 40 shakes). When using the fertilizer wheat crops with less than 3% small grains are obtained. Similarly, before using the fertilizer sorghum crops typically included 10-15% small grains (material which passes through a 2 mm slotted screen after 40 shakes). When using the fertilizer sorghum crops with less than 1% small grains are obtained (even in drought).

- Provides effective fertilization of the crop whilst applying smaller quantities of fertilizer than typical fertilizer application rates. This minimises nutrients running into water systems.

- Is effective on poor soil, good soil or clay soil.

- Promotes root growth.

- Improves soil quality, and conditions the soil. Enhances microbes, rhizomes and fungi in the soil.

- Improves pH and salt balance in the soil.

- Improves availability of the fertilizer components. By way of example, if water is added to a commercial fertiliser a significant proportion of the fertilizer remains as a solid. If water is added to the fertilizer of examples 1, 2, 6 or 7, the fertilizer will typically dissolve more readily into a gel.

[00102] Definitions of the specific embodiments of the invention as claimed herein follow.

[00103] According to a first embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fertilizer composition consisting essentially of:

a humic agent;

calcium sulfate;

urea;

ammonium sulfate; and optionally one or more of:

2019201912 08 May 2020 boron;

a phosphate;

sulfur;

a potassium salt; and zinc wherein the ratio of calcium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 2.75:1;

wherein the ratio of ammonium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 0.5:1;

wherein the composition includes at least 10% by weight calcium sulfate;

wherein the composition includes less than 30% by weight calcium sulfate;

wherein the composition includes less than 6% by weight humic agent; and wherein the fertilizer composition is a solid.

[00104] According to a second embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fertilizer composition consisting of:

a humic agent;

calcium sulfate;

urea;

ammonium sulfate; and optionally one or more of:

boron;

a phosphate;

sulfur;

a potassium salt; and zinc wherein the ratio of calcium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 2.75:1;

wherein the ratio of ammonium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 0.5:1;

wherein the composition includes at least 10% by weight calcium sulfate;

wherein the composition includes less than 30% by weight calcium sulfate;

wherein the composition includes less than 6% by weight humic agent; and wherein the fertilizer composition is a solid.

[00105] According to a third embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of planting a seed, the method comprising the step of direct drilling the seed into the ground

2019201912 08 May 2020 with the fertilizer composition of the first or second embodiment.

[00106] According to a fourth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of growing a crop, the method including fertilizing the crop with the fertilizer composition of the first or second embodiment.

[00107] According to a fifth embodiment of the invention, there is provided a method of blending the fertilizer composition of the first or second embodiment, the method including the step of blending calcium sulfate, a humic agent, urea and ammonium sulfate together.

Claims (20)

1. A fertilizer composition consisting essentially of:

a humic agent;

calcium sulfate;

urea;

ammonium sulfate; and optionally one or more of:

boron;

a phosphate;

sulfur;

a potassium salt; and zinc wherein the ratio of calcium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 2.75:1;

wherein the ratio of ammonium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 0.5:1;

wherein the composition includes at least 10% by weight calcium sulfate;

wherein the composition includes less than 30% by weight calcium sulfate;

wherein the composition includes less than 6% by weight humic agent; and wherein the fertilizer composition is a solid.

2. A fertilizer composition consisting of:

a humic agent;

calcium sulfate;

urea;

ammonium sulfate; and optionally one or more of:

boron;

a phosphate;

sulfur;

a potassium salt; and zinc wherein the ratio of calcium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 2.75:1;

wherein the ratio of ammonium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 0.5:1;

2019201912 08 May 2020 wherein the composition includes at least 10% by weight calcium sulfate;

wherein the composition includes less than 30% by weight calcium sulfate;

wherein the composition includes less than 6% by weight humic agent; and wherein the fertilizer composition is a solid.

3. The fertilizer composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the ratio of calcium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 3:1.

4. The fertilizer composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the ratio of calcium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 4:1.

5. The fertilizer composition of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the ratio of calcium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is from 3:1 to 6:1.

6. The fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ratio of ammonium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 2:1.

7. The fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ratio of ammonium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is at least 3:1.

8. The fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ratio of ammonium sulfate : humic agent (by weight) is from 1:1 to 6:1.

9. The fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the composition includes boron, and wherein the boron is tetraborate.

10. The fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the composition includes a phosphate, and wherein the phosphate is ammonium phosphate or a superphosphate.

11. The fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the composition includes from 1.5% to 5% humic agent by weight.

12. The fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the composition includes from 10 to 25% calcium sulphate by weight.

13. The fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the composition includes from 6 to 22% ammonium sulphate by weight.

2019201912 08 May 2020

14. The fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the fertilizer composition is in the form of granules.

15. The fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the calcium sulphate is gypsum.

16. A method of planting a seed, the method comprising the step of direct drilling the seed into the ground with the fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 15.

17. The method of claim 16, wherein the seed/fertilizer is direct drilled to 8-20 cm below the surface of the ground.

18. The method of claim 16 or claim 17, wherein soil is placed on top of the seed/fertilizer, to provide a depression in the ground above the seed.

19. A method of growing a crop, the method including fertilizing the crop with the fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 15.

20. A method of blending the fertilizer composition of any one of claims 1 to 15, the method including the step of blending calcium sulfate, a humic agent, urea and ammonium sulfate together.