BRPI0715281A2 - Method for providing nutrients to a plant, predominantly carbon nutrient supply solution, process for producing a predominantly carbon nutrient supply solution and composition - Google Patents

Abstract

METHOD FOR PROVIDING NUTRIENTS FOR A PLANT, NUTRIENT SUPPLY SOLUTION FOR APPLICATION TO AIRLINES OF A PLANT, PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A NUTRIENT SUPPLY SOLUTION AND COMPOSITION. The invention relates to a method for providing nutrients to a plant, a nutrient supply solution containing said nutrients, and a process and composition for obtaining a nutrient supply solution. In particular, the invention provides a nutrient supply solution, particularly a dilute inorganic acid solution, for application to the aerial parts of a plant, said nutrient supply solution comprising a nutrient having molecules that are small enough to pass through. through the cuticle of the plant.

Description

"METHOD FOR PROVIDING NUTRIENTS FOR A PLANT, PREDOMINANTLY CARBON NUTRIENT SUPPLY SOLUTION, PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A PREDOMINANTLY CARBON NUTRIENT SUPPLY SOLUTION AND COMPOSITION".

Invention History

The invention relates to a method for providing nutrients to a plant, a nutrient supply solution containing said nutrient and a process and composition for obtaining the nutrient supply solution.

Foliate supplies are conventionally applied as dissolved salt solutions to plant leaves. Recent research has shown that initially supplies move mainly through the stomata, although later penetration through the cuticle is the primary route. The folate supply solution contains both positively charged cations and positively charged anions, which enter the plant through the stomata, found mainly on the underside of the leaves. Stomach pores are the main route for the entry of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the plant and the outflow of water vapor from the plant. Once the surface of the plant has been hydrated, the main entry of salts dissolved in the leaf is through the cuticle and its polar pores; smaller molecules enter faster than larger molecules. One problem with conventional application of foliate supplies is that the initial absorption of dissolved salts within the plant is dependent on the stomatal pore opening regulation. At least two mechanisms arouse the opening and closing of the stomata pores. First, in most plants stomata are closed at night and CO2 is depleted during the dark phase of photosynthesis. At dawn, the light awakens the stomata to open and resume CO2 absorption. Second, when the amount of water that enters the leaf through the root is less than the amount of water in the leaf in the form of water vapor, as it would in warm weather, the stomata pores close tightly. protect the leaf from further dehydration. Thus, it is essential to apply the foliate supply to plant leaves at a specific time of day, when the stomata pores are open for sufficient nutrient uptake by the plant. However, water deficiency and temperature may cause the stoma to close during the day and thus it is not guaranteed that the stomata pores will be fully opened when the foliate supply is applied to the leaves. Additionally, the application time for optimal absorption of the folate supply by the leaves is not always predictable. This is problematic as it results in the dissipation of the foliate supply as well as at higher costs.

The supply solution absorbed in the stomata parts of the plant can enter the plant by penetrating the wax (cuticle) cover, either directly through the matrix or via the cuticular micropores. These openings in the cuticle are very ordered, of small magnitude and widely more numerous than the openings of the stomata cf 20,000 stomata for 10 billion micropores. Most salts dissolved in conventional supply solutions have large molecules and thus typically have very slow penetration of the dissolved salt molecules through the cuticle. Once the surface of the plant has been dried, the penetration of dissolved salts through the cuticle is stopped. This results in a larger loss of the supply solution containing the large molecules, which is larger than with the smaller molecules. Summary of the invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, a method of providing nutrients to a plant primarily through the plant cuticle includes contacting the plant cuticle, typically on the leaves and stem, with a source of nutrients comprising molecules that are small enough to pass through. through the cuticle, in particular, a dilute inorganic acid solution comprising the nutrients.

The diluted inorganic acid solution may be selected from a group including nitric acid, sulfuric acid, carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, boric acid, molybdic acid, and mixtures thereof.

The concentrations of the individual elements in the diluted inorganic acid solution are typically between 0.001 ppm and 150 ppm.

According to a second aspect of the invention, a nutrient supply solution is provided for application to the aerial parts of a plant, so that the nutrient supply solution preferably comprises essentially one or more of the nutrients having molecules which are suitable for use. they are small enough to pass quickly through the cuticle of the plant.

The nutrient supply solution is preferably a dilute inorganic acid solution.

The molecules are preferably selected from inorganic anions such as nitrates, chlorides, sulfates, carbonates, bicarbonates, phosphates, phosphites, borates, molybdates and silicates, and mixtures thereof. The size of the molecules is preferably smaller than 100 g / mol.

The pH of the nutrient supply solution may be between 2.6 and 3.5.

According to a further aspect of the invention, a process for producing a nutrient supply solution comprising one or more nutrients containing molecules sufficiently small to pass rapidly through the cuticle of the plant includes the step of passing the aqueous solution containing selected dissolved salts. of the group comprising nitrates, chlorides, sulphates, bicarbonates, carbonates, phosphates, phosphites, borates, molybdates and silicates, and mixtures thereof, via a cation exchanger.

The cation exchanger is preferably a column comprising a cation exchanger resin or a fibrous ion exchange medium. The cation exchange resin may consist of a gel resin, a macroporous resin or a tissue resin. The cation exchanger may also comprise a combination of cation and anion exchange resins with fibrous cation and anion ion exchange medium that incorporate cathodes and / or anodes, and which separate cations and anions in an electro-deionization process. The invention extends to a composition consisting essentially of one or more salts selected from the group comprising nitrates, chlorides, sulfates, bicarbonates, carbonates, phosphates, phosphites, borates, molybdates and silicates and mixtures thereof, which composition is stable to produce a nutrient supply solution having molecules small enough to pass quickly through the cuticle of the plant. Brief Description of Drawings

The invention will now be illustrated by way of example only, and not by way of limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which: Figure 1 illustrates the comparative growth between a lettuce leaf treated with the nutrient supply solution. of the present invention and the growth of an untreated lettuce leaf (control);

Figure 2 illustrates the comparative growth between lettuce plants treated with the nutrient supply solution of the invention and the growth of untreated lettuce plants (control); Figure 3 illustrates the comparative growth of tomato plants treated with the nutrient supply solution; and Δ Figure 4 illustrates the comparative growth of strawberry plants treated with the nutrient supply solution of the invention and the growth of untreated (control) strawberry plants.

Detailed Description of Preferred Settings

The present invention is directed to the provision of rapidly moving nutrients through the cuticle wax of the plant, which typically covers the entire aerial part of a plant.

The method for providing nutrients to a plant according to the invention is preferably performed by applying a dilute inorganic acid solution such as nitric acid, sulfuric acid, carbonic acid, phosphoric acid, phosphoric acid, boric acid, molybdic acid and silicic acid, or mixtures thereof, to the aerial parts of a plant, so that inorganic acid molecules move within the plant primarily through the cuticle of the plant. The solution is typically applied as a liquid spray from above, usually to saturate the aerial parts of the plant with the solution. The transport of molecular nutrients through the cuticle and subsequently within the plant is dependent on the molecules being small enough to move rapidly through the cuticle via the hydrophilic and lipophilic route. Water has uncharged molecules that pass only through the amorphous phase of the cuticular wax via the lipophilic route, ie Love lipids. Water diffuses through the polar pores such as cuticular micropores, which are typically smaller than 1 nanometer in size, and / or directly through the cuticle matrix. The inorganic acid solution of the invention is capable of passing through the cuticle through the cutaneous micropores and micro-channels filled with water.

In addition, since the cuticle surface is acidic and therefore would facilitate penetration by acidic nutrient solutions through the cuticle, it is important that the nutrient supply solution of the invention has a sufficiently low pH, since foliate supplies are typically absorbed. most effectively by the plant in a low pH regime.

It can be appreciated that the rate of nutrient transport through the cuticle is dependent on the molecular weight / weight of the inorganic acid nutrient molecules. The smallest molecule easily passes through those molecules within the plant via the cuticle. Transport rate through the cuticle fails exponentially when the size of the molecule / raises the weight. Preferably, the size of the molecules is less than 100 g / mol. Diluted inorganic acids of the invention, for example nitric, sulfuric, carbonic, phosphoric, phosphorous, boric, molybdic and silicic acid, and mixtures thereof having molecules, for example, inorganic anions, such as nitrate, chloride, sulfate, carbonate, bicarbonate, phosphate, phosphite, borate, molybdate, silicate ions, or mixtures thereof, which are small enough to move rapidly through the cuticle within the plant.

Thus, it should be appreciated that it is important to produce a nutrient supply solution consisting of molecules that are small enough to facilitate rapid and easy movement of the molecules through the cuticle matrix and / or cutaneous pores, and which has a low pH. enough that is conductive for optimal penetration of molecules within the plant. The depositor found that for optimal penetration, the pH of the nutrient supply solution would be between 2.6 and 3.5.

The nutrient supply solution is produced by a cation exchange process, preferably involving a cation exchanger. There are many different types of cation exchangers that could be used, including a cation exchange resin or a fibrous ion exchange medium. Particularly preferred is a cation exchange resin. The resin may be in the form of a gel resin, a macroporous resin or a tissue-like resin. It should be appreciated, however, that the cation exchanger may also comprise a combination of cation and anion exchange resins with cationic or anionic ion exchange fibrous media incorporating cathodes and / or anodes, which separate cations and anions into one. electro-deionization process.

An aqueous solution containing dissolved salts, such as nitrates, sulfates, carbonates, bicarbonates, phosphates, phosphites, borates, molybdates and silicates, is passed through a cation exchange resin, so that the cations are removed from the nutrient supply solution. . The resin preferably contains negatively charged hydroxides to attract and hold / retain positively charged cations. Cation removal is facilitated by the exchange of hydrogen ions by cations in aqueous saline. Hydrogen ions then combine with the remaining anions in the nutrient supply solution to form the diluted inorganic acids.

Transport of acids through the cuticle makes various nutritional elements available to the plant for production of an increased plant mass. The concentration of the individual elements in the diluted inorganic acid solution is typically between 0.001 ppm and 150 ppm, the preferred concentration range of each element being:

Element Preferred Concentration Range (ppm) C 50 - 150 N 5 - 20 Si 10 - 40 P 10 - 35 S 10 - 25 B 0, 01 - - 0.1 Mo 0.001 - - 0.01

Nutritional elements include nitrogen, phosphorus, carbon, boron, molybdenum, silica and sulfur. The effective permeability of the cuticle is typically higher for sulfuric acid than for nitric acid. The inclusion of sulfates in the supply solution leads to the formation of dilute sulfuric acid in the product, which accelerates nutrient transport through the cuticle.

The inclusion of nitric acid provides a nitrogen source for increased growth. Phosphorus is included as a vital source of the ATP molecule required for energy production. Plant uptake of phosphorus from the conventional foliate supply is extremely low, and this element is often unavailable in the soil due to unfavorable soil conditions. Boron is important in sugar transport, cell division, and synthesis of certain enzymes. Increased sugar formation requires increased boron for sugar transport. Molybdenum is an important cofactor for enzymes in amino acid construction and is required for increased catabolism.

The introduction of carbon into the plant is typically through carbonic acid, which dissociates into the plant into carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. CO2 is assimilated into the carbohydrate during photosynthesis. The row carbohydrates are used to form proteins, lipids, nucleic acids etc. with the aid of other elements that are present in the nutrient solution. This leads to increased yield of plant material.

Figures 1 to 4 illustrate one of the effects that nutrient solution has on the growth of a plant, called increased size. In Figure 1, the size of the lettuce leaf that was treated with the nutrient solution of the present invention is compared to the size of an untreated (control) leaf. It can be observed that the treated sheet is much larger in size than the untreated sheet. This increase in plant growth is essential for several reasons including the fact that it results in the production of a better consumer product that is much easier to harvest. Maturation is shortened by 10 to 14 days, thus allowing additional crop harvests per year. Similarly, in Figure 2, the increased growth of lettuce plants that were treated with nutrient solution as compared to untreated (control) plants is illustrated.

In Figure 3, tomato plants that were treated with the nutrient solution are compared to those plants that were not treated (control). Tomato plants that have been treated exhibit higher growth compared to those untreated plants.

In Figure 4, strawberry plants that were treated with the nutrient supply solution are compared to those that were not treated (control). Strawberry plants that were treated had more vigorous growth than untreated plants. The net increase in plant biomass is the result of increased production of sugars, starch, cellulose, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids with the concomitant decrease in metabolic breakdown during respiration. The inclusion of silica salts in the supply solution results in an increase in the formation of silicic acid in the product. Silica increases cell wall extension and fungicidal property of the treated plant. The results lead to stimulated simultaneous growth and development, and increased fungicidal properties in the treated plants.

Additionally, the quality and shelf life of theft produced by plants that are treated with the nutrient supply solution is increased. Preliminary screening conducted in greenhouses and open fields demonstrated the following increase in yield of the plants that were treated with the nutrient supply solution of the invention: Plant% yield increase Roses + 35% + 30% yield increase export flowers Mangetout + 200% Broad bean + 150% Runner bean + 70% Tomatoes + 100 Strawberries + 40%

Claims (17)

Method for providing nutrients to a plant, primarily through the plant cuticle, characterized in that it includes contacting the plant cuticle, typically on leaves and stems, with a liquid nutrient source, preferably comprising and consisting essentially of molecules that are small enough to pass through the cuticle, in particular carbonic acid and optionally another dilute inorganic acid solution comprising additional nutrients. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the dilute inorganic acid solution is selected from the group including nitric acid, sulfuric acid, phosphoric acid, phosphorous acid, boric acid, molybdic acid and silicic acid, and mixtures thereof. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the concentrations of the individual elements in the inorganic acid solution are typically between 0.001 ppm and 150 ppm. Predominantly carbon nutrient supply solution for application to the aerial parts of a plant, characterized in that it preferably preferably comprises and consists of one or more nutrients having molecules that are small enough to pass rapidly through the cuticle of the plant. , the nutrient supply solution comprising predominantly carbonic acid and the molecules being predominantly selected from inorganic carbonate and bicarbonate anions. Nutrient supply solution according to Claim 4, characterized in that it may include another dilute inorganic acid solution. Nutrient supply solution according to Claim 4, characterized in that the molecules may be further selected from inorganic anions such as nitrates, chlorides, sulfates, phosphates, phosphites, borates, molybdates and silicates, and mixtures. of the same. Nutrient supply solution according to Claim 4, characterized in that the size of the molecules is less than 100 g / mol. Nutrient supply solution according to Claim 4, characterized in that the pH of the nutrient solution is between 2.6 and 3.5. A process for producing a predominantly carbon nutrient supply solution comprising one or more nutrients having molecules sufficiently small to pass rapidly through the cuticle plant, including the step of passing an aqueous solution containing dissolved bicarbonate salts. and carbonate and optionally also dissolved salts of the group comprising nitrates, chlorides, sulfates, phosphates, phosphites, borates, molybdates and silicates, and mixtures thereof, via a cation exchanger. Process according to Claim 9, characterized in that the cation exchanger is a column comprising a cation exchange resin or an ion exchange fibrous medium. Process according to Claim 10, characterized in that the cation exchange resin consists of a gel resin, a macroporous resin or a tissue resin. Process according to claim 9, characterized in that the cation exchanger comprises a combination of cation and anion exchange resins with the cationic and anionic fibrous ion exchange means incorporating cathodes and / or anodes, and which separate cations and anions in an electro-deionization process. Composition, characterized in that it consists essentially of one or more salts of bicarbonates and / or carbonates and optionally also one or more salts selected from the group comprising nitrates, chlorides, sulfates, phosphates, phosphites, borates, molybdates and silicates and mixtures thereof, said composition being suitable for producing a predominant carbon nutrient supply solution having molecules small enough to pass rapidly through the cuticle of the plant. A method for providing nutrients to a plant, characterized in that it is primarily through the cuticle of the plant as defined substantially in claim 1. Predominantly carbon nutrient supply solution, characterized in that it is applied to the aerial parts of a plant as defined substantially in claim 4. A process for producing a predominantly carbon nutrient supply solution, as defined substantially in claim 9. Composition, characterized in that it is as substantially defined in claim 13.