CA1074142A - High analysis fertilizer - Google Patents
High analysis fertilizerInfo
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- CA1074142A CA1074142A CA277,510A CA277510A CA1074142A CA 1074142 A CA1074142 A CA 1074142A CA 277510 A CA277510 A CA 277510A CA 1074142 A CA1074142 A CA 1074142A
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- nitrogen
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- fertilizer
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Abstract
HIGH ANALYSIS FERTILIZER
Abstract of the Disclosure A high analysis fertilizer formulation of a low bulk density powdered ureaform having soluble and insoluble components combined with soluble monopotassium phosphate in which the re-sultant mixture is a dry homogeneous blend which is free of fill-ers and binding agents and may be carried in liquid for application to surface or subsurface areas by conventional liquid fertilizer applying equipment.
Abstract of the Disclosure A high analysis fertilizer formulation of a low bulk density powdered ureaform having soluble and insoluble components combined with soluble monopotassium phosphate in which the re-sultant mixture is a dry homogeneous blend which is free of fill-ers and binding agents and may be carried in liquid for application to surface or subsurface areas by conventional liquid fertilizer applying equipment.
Description
1 1)7~
Background of the Invention 1. FieId of the Invention. This invention relates gen-~ . . . . . .
erally to high analysis fertilizer mixtures of synthetic organic and inorganic materials and particularly to a formulation and method for blending and using monopotassium phosphate with a very fine particulate ureaformaldehyde blend to form a dry homogeneous high analysis fertilizer which may be carried in liquid for application in surface and subsurface spraying and injection fertilization.
~. History of the Prior Art. The use of fertilizer blends of both organic and inorganic material has become recog-nized as being advantageous in many fertilizer applications.
Such blends not only supply nutrients which may be immediately absorbed into the plant root system, but also ~rovide a source of long term nutrient supply.
In order for any nutrient material to be absorbed by a plant root system it must be dissolved to create various ion structures or salts which are readily attracted and absorbed into the root tissue by an ion exchange process. The inorganic fertilizer material which may include phosphates and potassium are soluble in water and form ions readily when dissolved.
Therefore when such fertilizer is supplied to the soil in liquid ; form, the nutrient ions or salts are immediately available for absorption, or, if a dry inorganic fertilizer is used, the nutrient ions or salts become available as water is percolated through the soil.
~ rganic fertilizers, those structures which include animal, vegetable and synthetic carbon structures, on the other hand, are advantageous in that they exhibit slower rates of de-composition. That is, organic fertilizer material ordinarilyis not readily soluble in water, but only breaks down by micro-
Background of the Invention 1. FieId of the Invention. This invention relates gen-~ . . . . . .
erally to high analysis fertilizer mixtures of synthetic organic and inorganic materials and particularly to a formulation and method for blending and using monopotassium phosphate with a very fine particulate ureaformaldehyde blend to form a dry homogeneous high analysis fertilizer which may be carried in liquid for application in surface and subsurface spraying and injection fertilization.
~. History of the Prior Art. The use of fertilizer blends of both organic and inorganic material has become recog-nized as being advantageous in many fertilizer applications.
Such blends not only supply nutrients which may be immediately absorbed into the plant root system, but also ~rovide a source of long term nutrient supply.
In order for any nutrient material to be absorbed by a plant root system it must be dissolved to create various ion structures or salts which are readily attracted and absorbed into the root tissue by an ion exchange process. The inorganic fertilizer material which may include phosphates and potassium are soluble in water and form ions readily when dissolved.
Therefore when such fertilizer is supplied to the soil in liquid ; form, the nutrient ions or salts are immediately available for absorption, or, if a dry inorganic fertilizer is used, the nutrient ions or salts become available as water is percolated through the soil.
~ rganic fertilizers, those structures which include animal, vegetable and synthetic carbon structures, on the other hand, are advantageous in that they exhibit slower rates of de-composition. That is, organic fertilizer material ordinarilyis not readily soluble in water, but only breaks down by micro-
-2-. :. .. . ~ .......... . ................... . .
--~al7~2 organism action in the soil to release nutrient ions over a period of time and thus a single fertillzer application may supply nutrients for an extended period. Such organic materials are often referred to as slow release fertilizers.
As mentioned above, organic and inorganic fertilizers may be supplied in either soluble or insoluble form and may either be spread or sprayed onto surface areas or injected or otherwise supplied to subsurface areas. However, when using readily soluble fertilizers, one is limited to the amount of nutrients which may be effectively supplied to the soil without causing damage to plant tissues, a problem commonly referred to as plant or root burn. As the nutrients of the soluble fertil-izer are readily dissolved for plant absorption, an excessive amount of salt concentration due to the number of ions released adjacent the root system, may suppress the water absorption by the roots and in some extreme cases may extract moisture from the plant causing the plant to be subjected to a moisture deficiency. However, various fertilizer nutrients are less likely to cause root burn even when in a soluble state. Gen- -erally, the potential for causing root burn is determined by the salt index of the particular nutrient, as the greater salt index, the greater the ion concentration in the soil. Often fertilizers contain significant quantities of high salt index ingredients which, although containing necessary nutrients, may be harmful if supplied in excessive quantities.
Insoluble fertilizers, on the other hand, must be broken down by either chemical or biodegradable action and thus the rate of salt supply may be reduced somewhat depending upon climatic and soil conditions. Also, insoluble fertilizers having particulate material o~ a size to be readily blended with soluble material are not readily adaptable to the presently increasing use of pressure or hydraulic fertilizer injection .. . . . .. . . . . . .... . . .. . . . .. . . . .... . .. .
- . ~ .
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techniques since the particle sizes of the insoluble material are not small enough to allow the fertilizer material to be injected through small bore nozzles. The possibility of root burn is further increased if high analysis fertilizers are used since a greater concentration of available nutrient ions are present. High analysis fertilizer compositions are gen-erally viewed as those in which the total percent of the nitrogen is equal to or exceeds 20~ of the overall fertilizer weight and the total percent of the nitrogen, potassium and phosphate nutrients is at least 40% of the fertilizer weight.
m e use of high analysis fertilizers is often desirable for several reasons. Not only will the nutrients be supplied to the consumer in less bulk, but the amount of nutrients applied per surface or subsurface applications may be significantly increased. Again, however, as the concentration of nutrient ions is increased, the danger of root burn also increases.
Subsurface application of fertilizers is recognized as being a highly desirable method by which to provide for the effi-cient and effective ~eeding and caring of trees, shrubs and lawns by supplying nutrients directly to the ar~a of the plant roots.
Such application- has the added advantage, over surface fertili-zin-g, of decreasing the amount of fertilizer runoff or leaching caused by the action of surface waters. There are, however, particular problems associated with the subsurface application of fertilizers in either dry or iiquid form, especially when considering possible plant damage, economics and labor require-ments. Thus, the objective of any fertilization process is the application to the soil of an optimum quantity of various macro and/or micro nutrients to insure the proper ratio and amounts of nutrienlt ions necessary for plant growth and nour-ishment in such a manner that expenses and application time are maintained at a minimum.
~ :, .. ... .. _ .. . . . . . . ..
, .. : . - ... . . . ., ~
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Liquid injection usually is desirable over dr~ bore hole methods because a subsurface application of fertilizer may be maae in less time and therefore at a significant reduction in total man hours. However, most liquid fertilizers utilize soluble nutrients which if applied at the recommended nutrient level would cause root burn as an excessive amount of ions would be present in the soil immediateIy after the application, thereby leading to the depletion of the root water supply, as previously discussed. In practice, therefore, liquid injection techniques have necessitated a reduction in the amount of available nutrients supplied per application. For example, if the optimum quantity of a ertilizer nutrient supply is 6 lbs.
of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of root area per year, in p~actice approximately 1/2 to 2 lbs. per 1,000 square feet could be applied without ~ear of damage due to the possible plant or root burn which would be caused if all the nutrients were available in a soluble fonm.
Bore hole applications of dry fertilizers, on the other hand, permit the use of the generally insoluble or less soluble particulate method. Currently, many dry type fertilizers con-tain a combination of readily available inorganic and organic nutrients and slow release long chain organic nutrients. If a fertilizer includes a long chain synthetic organic nitrogen supply, the nitrogen is released only after the carbon chain is slowly broken down by chemical and biological reaction as water se~ps through he soil. Thus, with a dry fertilizer, the total nutrient sup]ply may be applied in a single~application with a significant reduction in the immediately available nutrient ions therleby reducing the possibility of plant or root burn. However, the time and cost of labor to apply dry ferti-lizer is greater than that of using liquid injection techniques.
This is because holes must be bored or drilled around each -5~
.. . _ .. . .... . ........................................... . .
.
107~14Z
plant to be fertilized.
Therefore, although subsurface applications of dry fertilizers are advantageous in permitting an increased nutr-ient supply by way of slow reIease nitrogen components to reduce burn potential, pressure or hydraulic injection of fertilizers is often preferred as it is a quicker and easier method by which fertilizer may be applied to subsurface areas without the extra work necessitated ~y more traditional drill or bore hole techniques.
In addition to their burn potential, all nutrient salts or ions are subject to leaching since water dissolves minute quantities of the fertilizer material, and such dissolved material commonly moves with the water and leaches away from the area of the roots. However, all nutrients do not leach to the same degree. As an example, nitrate salts tWhich is the form of nitrogen primarily absorbed by plant roots) moves with ground water and rapidly leaches from the root zone while potassium is moderately leached and only a trace of phosphorus is lost.
Therefore, in order to insure that a source of nitrogen is maintained in the soil, an insoluble nitrogen could be used to reduce ion loss due to leaching.
To obtain the joint benefit of liquid injection together with short and long term nutrient release of some dry fertiliz- -ers, it is important to provide a mixture of organic and in-organic fertilizer material which, when mixed with water, forms a solution of the inorganic material and a portion of the organic material and forms a suspension of the remainder of the organic material. Normally a dry inorganic material is ~;
supplied in granular or pellet form. ~owever, since such 3a material dissolves readily in water, it does not clog hydraulic equipment. On the other hand, granul æ or pellet sized parti-cles of some insoluble organic material are not suitable for . .
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use with hydraulic injection equipment, as the particles do not pass through the openings in conventional subsurface injection equipment. The problem is in providing a uniform blend of dry soluble and insoluble organic and soluble inorganic fertilizer components which can be injected to subsurface areas when in the presence of a liquid carrier.
Specifically, in mixing dry synthetic organic material such as ureaformaldehyde, or ureafo~, as the requisite particle size is decreased, the more the material exhibits an ability to "flow" because of its low bulk density. That is, as the powdery organic particles are mixed with various inorganic materials in granular or pellet form, they tend to readily separate or settle through the mixture and thus the overall blend is not homogeneous or uniformly mixed. Various prior art methods for effectively dry blending insoluble organic material suGh as ureaform with soluble inorganic materials have necessitated that the insoluble particle size be approx imately the same size as the soluble particles and therefore the insoluble material is not suitable for subsurface injection.
~0 Therefore, to provide the market or consumer with a fertilizer having water soluble inorganic material with very fine particulate water insoluble organic material uniformly suspended therein which could be used for subsurface applica-tions, it has been necessary to blend the organic and inorganic mate~ial in a solution. By wet mixing, the problem associated with dry blending was avoided. However, shipping, packaging, consumer handling and other such problems are increased due to the necessity that the fertilizer could only be available as a liquid or slurry.
Some examples of the prior art include United States Patents 2,864,685 to Waters et al; 3,024,098 to Austin et al;
--~al7~2 organism action in the soil to release nutrient ions over a period of time and thus a single fertillzer application may supply nutrients for an extended period. Such organic materials are often referred to as slow release fertilizers.
As mentioned above, organic and inorganic fertilizers may be supplied in either soluble or insoluble form and may either be spread or sprayed onto surface areas or injected or otherwise supplied to subsurface areas. However, when using readily soluble fertilizers, one is limited to the amount of nutrients which may be effectively supplied to the soil without causing damage to plant tissues, a problem commonly referred to as plant or root burn. As the nutrients of the soluble fertil-izer are readily dissolved for plant absorption, an excessive amount of salt concentration due to the number of ions released adjacent the root system, may suppress the water absorption by the roots and in some extreme cases may extract moisture from the plant causing the plant to be subjected to a moisture deficiency. However, various fertilizer nutrients are less likely to cause root burn even when in a soluble state. Gen- -erally, the potential for causing root burn is determined by the salt index of the particular nutrient, as the greater salt index, the greater the ion concentration in the soil. Often fertilizers contain significant quantities of high salt index ingredients which, although containing necessary nutrients, may be harmful if supplied in excessive quantities.
Insoluble fertilizers, on the other hand, must be broken down by either chemical or biodegradable action and thus the rate of salt supply may be reduced somewhat depending upon climatic and soil conditions. Also, insoluble fertilizers having particulate material o~ a size to be readily blended with soluble material are not readily adaptable to the presently increasing use of pressure or hydraulic fertilizer injection .. . . . .. . . . . . .... . . .. . . . .. . . . .... . .. .
- . ~ .
~7414~
techniques since the particle sizes of the insoluble material are not small enough to allow the fertilizer material to be injected through small bore nozzles. The possibility of root burn is further increased if high analysis fertilizers are used since a greater concentration of available nutrient ions are present. High analysis fertilizer compositions are gen-erally viewed as those in which the total percent of the nitrogen is equal to or exceeds 20~ of the overall fertilizer weight and the total percent of the nitrogen, potassium and phosphate nutrients is at least 40% of the fertilizer weight.
m e use of high analysis fertilizers is often desirable for several reasons. Not only will the nutrients be supplied to the consumer in less bulk, but the amount of nutrients applied per surface or subsurface applications may be significantly increased. Again, however, as the concentration of nutrient ions is increased, the danger of root burn also increases.
Subsurface application of fertilizers is recognized as being a highly desirable method by which to provide for the effi-cient and effective ~eeding and caring of trees, shrubs and lawns by supplying nutrients directly to the ar~a of the plant roots.
Such application- has the added advantage, over surface fertili-zin-g, of decreasing the amount of fertilizer runoff or leaching caused by the action of surface waters. There are, however, particular problems associated with the subsurface application of fertilizers in either dry or iiquid form, especially when considering possible plant damage, economics and labor require-ments. Thus, the objective of any fertilization process is the application to the soil of an optimum quantity of various macro and/or micro nutrients to insure the proper ratio and amounts of nutrienlt ions necessary for plant growth and nour-ishment in such a manner that expenses and application time are maintained at a minimum.
~ :, .. ... .. _ .. . . . . . . ..
, .. : . - ... . . . ., ~
~4~
Liquid injection usually is desirable over dr~ bore hole methods because a subsurface application of fertilizer may be maae in less time and therefore at a significant reduction in total man hours. However, most liquid fertilizers utilize soluble nutrients which if applied at the recommended nutrient level would cause root burn as an excessive amount of ions would be present in the soil immediateIy after the application, thereby leading to the depletion of the root water supply, as previously discussed. In practice, therefore, liquid injection techniques have necessitated a reduction in the amount of available nutrients supplied per application. For example, if the optimum quantity of a ertilizer nutrient supply is 6 lbs.
of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet of root area per year, in p~actice approximately 1/2 to 2 lbs. per 1,000 square feet could be applied without ~ear of damage due to the possible plant or root burn which would be caused if all the nutrients were available in a soluble fonm.
Bore hole applications of dry fertilizers, on the other hand, permit the use of the generally insoluble or less soluble particulate method. Currently, many dry type fertilizers con-tain a combination of readily available inorganic and organic nutrients and slow release long chain organic nutrients. If a fertilizer includes a long chain synthetic organic nitrogen supply, the nitrogen is released only after the carbon chain is slowly broken down by chemical and biological reaction as water se~ps through he soil. Thus, with a dry fertilizer, the total nutrient sup]ply may be applied in a single~application with a significant reduction in the immediately available nutrient ions therleby reducing the possibility of plant or root burn. However, the time and cost of labor to apply dry ferti-lizer is greater than that of using liquid injection techniques.
This is because holes must be bored or drilled around each -5~
.. . _ .. . .... . ........................................... . .
.
107~14Z
plant to be fertilized.
Therefore, although subsurface applications of dry fertilizers are advantageous in permitting an increased nutr-ient supply by way of slow reIease nitrogen components to reduce burn potential, pressure or hydraulic injection of fertilizers is often preferred as it is a quicker and easier method by which fertilizer may be applied to subsurface areas without the extra work necessitated ~y more traditional drill or bore hole techniques.
In addition to their burn potential, all nutrient salts or ions are subject to leaching since water dissolves minute quantities of the fertilizer material, and such dissolved material commonly moves with the water and leaches away from the area of the roots. However, all nutrients do not leach to the same degree. As an example, nitrate salts tWhich is the form of nitrogen primarily absorbed by plant roots) moves with ground water and rapidly leaches from the root zone while potassium is moderately leached and only a trace of phosphorus is lost.
Therefore, in order to insure that a source of nitrogen is maintained in the soil, an insoluble nitrogen could be used to reduce ion loss due to leaching.
To obtain the joint benefit of liquid injection together with short and long term nutrient release of some dry fertiliz- -ers, it is important to provide a mixture of organic and in-organic fertilizer material which, when mixed with water, forms a solution of the inorganic material and a portion of the organic material and forms a suspension of the remainder of the organic material. Normally a dry inorganic material is ~;
supplied in granular or pellet form. ~owever, since such 3a material dissolves readily in water, it does not clog hydraulic equipment. On the other hand, granul æ or pellet sized parti-cles of some insoluble organic material are not suitable for . .
~074~Z
use with hydraulic injection equipment, as the particles do not pass through the openings in conventional subsurface injection equipment. The problem is in providing a uniform blend of dry soluble and insoluble organic and soluble inorganic fertilizer components which can be injected to subsurface areas when in the presence of a liquid carrier.
Specifically, in mixing dry synthetic organic material such as ureaformaldehyde, or ureafo~, as the requisite particle size is decreased, the more the material exhibits an ability to "flow" because of its low bulk density. That is, as the powdery organic particles are mixed with various inorganic materials in granular or pellet form, they tend to readily separate or settle through the mixture and thus the overall blend is not homogeneous or uniformly mixed. Various prior art methods for effectively dry blending insoluble organic material suGh as ureaform with soluble inorganic materials have necessitated that the insoluble particle size be approx imately the same size as the soluble particles and therefore the insoluble material is not suitable for subsurface injection.
~0 Therefore, to provide the market or consumer with a fertilizer having water soluble inorganic material with very fine particulate water insoluble organic material uniformly suspended therein which could be used for subsurface applica-tions, it has been necessary to blend the organic and inorganic mate~ial in a solution. By wet mixing, the problem associated with dry blending was avoided. However, shipping, packaging, consumer handling and other such problems are increased due to the necessity that the fertilizer could only be available as a liquid or slurry.
Some examples of the prior art include United States Patents 2,864,685 to Waters et al; 3,024,098 to Austin et al;
3,333,940 to Ridge~ay; 3,479,175 to Murphy, Jr. et al; 3,649,590 .. .: .
~L0~4~L~2 to Namioka et al; 3,677,736 to Formaini; Canadian Patent 555,805 to Mortenson et al; and Russian Patent 264,406.
Summary of the Inven~ion The present invention is embodiea in a dry homogeneous high analysis fertilizer blend of a powdered synthetic organic fertilizer material which is of a size to pass at least an 80-mesh sieve and which has an approximate range of 3:1 to 1:1 ratio of water insoluble to water soluble nitrogen and combined with a water soluble inorganic potassium phosphate in a mixture having a ratio of approximately 4:1 respectively.
It is an object of the invention to provide dry homo-geneous high analysis fertilizer blends which contain the nutri-ents N. P. and K as supplied only by the combination of an organic fertilizer such as ureaformaldehyde which has a large percentage of its available nitrogen in a slow release form and an inorganic, water soluble, low salt index fertilizer such as monopotassium phosphate which may be handled and shipped as dry materials but which may be mixed with water for use with conventional fertilizer injection and spraying equipment.; `
2~ It is a further object of the invention to provide high analysis fertilizers having both slow release, generally insol-uble, and fast release, generally soluble, nitrogen supply in an optimum ratio of 2:1 respectively which may be applied to su~surface areas. ~ -It is another object of this invention to provide high analysis fertilizers containing both organic materials having a l~
substantial amount of nitrogen available in a slow release or ~- --generally water insoluble form and inorganic materials having a low fertilizer salt index factor so that an increased amount of ~-nutrients may be supplied per application while avoiding the possibility of "burn" damage to plant life.
'':
... . . . . .. . .
-: . - -. , - - . ., -. - - - . .. ., , ~ .
.: , : - . .
~07~L4Z
It is another object of this invention to provide high analysis fertilizers having an approximate ideal ratio of 3~
of nitrogen, phbsphate, and potassium, respectiveIy, which can be applied by liquid injection techniques without causing root or plant burn.~
It is a further object of this invention to provide a dry fertilizer which is capable of being mixed with water for use in subsurface injection to provide localized short and long term nutrients to plant root areas.
It is another object of this invention to provide a long term fertilizer in which the total nutrients available in a single fertilizing application are available over an extended period of time.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a dry high analysis fertllizer composition containing the nutrients N, P and K is disclosed which comprises organic and inorganic nutrient components-in which the organic component is a powdered ureaformaldehyde blend and the inorganic component is monopotas-sium phosphate. The ureaformaldehyde blend includes generally water soluble and water insoluble nitrogen-releasing nutrient compounds mLxed in a ratio of approximatsly one to three parts water insoluble compound to one part water soluble compound.
The water insoluble nitrogen-releasing compound is methylene uxea of a size to pass an 80 mesh sieve so that the water insol-uble compound may pass through the nozzles of conventional fertilizer spraying and in]ecting equipment. The water soluble nitrogen-releasing compound is unreacted urea. The organic and inorganic components are mixed uniformly throughout the fertilizer composition in a ratio by weight of approximately
~L0~4~L~2 to Namioka et al; 3,677,736 to Formaini; Canadian Patent 555,805 to Mortenson et al; and Russian Patent 264,406.
Summary of the Inven~ion The present invention is embodiea in a dry homogeneous high analysis fertilizer blend of a powdered synthetic organic fertilizer material which is of a size to pass at least an 80-mesh sieve and which has an approximate range of 3:1 to 1:1 ratio of water insoluble to water soluble nitrogen and combined with a water soluble inorganic potassium phosphate in a mixture having a ratio of approximately 4:1 respectively.
It is an object of the invention to provide dry homo-geneous high analysis fertilizer blends which contain the nutri-ents N. P. and K as supplied only by the combination of an organic fertilizer such as ureaformaldehyde which has a large percentage of its available nitrogen in a slow release form and an inorganic, water soluble, low salt index fertilizer such as monopotassium phosphate which may be handled and shipped as dry materials but which may be mixed with water for use with conventional fertilizer injection and spraying equipment.; `
2~ It is a further object of the invention to provide high analysis fertilizers having both slow release, generally insol-uble, and fast release, generally soluble, nitrogen supply in an optimum ratio of 2:1 respectively which may be applied to su~surface areas. ~ -It is another object of this invention to provide high analysis fertilizers containing both organic materials having a l~
substantial amount of nitrogen available in a slow release or ~- --generally water insoluble form and inorganic materials having a low fertilizer salt index factor so that an increased amount of ~-nutrients may be supplied per application while avoiding the possibility of "burn" damage to plant life.
'':
... . . . . .. . .
-: . - -. , - - . ., -. - - - . .. ., , ~ .
.: , : - . .
~07~L4Z
It is another object of this invention to provide high analysis fertilizers having an approximate ideal ratio of 3~
of nitrogen, phbsphate, and potassium, respectiveIy, which can be applied by liquid injection techniques without causing root or plant burn.~
It is a further object of this invention to provide a dry fertilizer which is capable of being mixed with water for use in subsurface injection to provide localized short and long term nutrients to plant root areas.
It is another object of this invention to provide a long term fertilizer in which the total nutrients available in a single fertilizing application are available over an extended period of time.
In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a dry high analysis fertllizer composition containing the nutrients N, P and K is disclosed which comprises organic and inorganic nutrient components-in which the organic component is a powdered ureaformaldehyde blend and the inorganic component is monopotas-sium phosphate. The ureaformaldehyde blend includes generally water soluble and water insoluble nitrogen-releasing nutrient compounds mLxed in a ratio of approximatsly one to three parts water insoluble compound to one part water soluble compound.
The water insoluble nitrogen-releasing compound is methylene uxea of a size to pass an 80 mesh sieve so that the water insol-uble compound may pass through the nozzles of conventional fertilizer spraying and in]ecting equipment. The water soluble nitrogen-releasing compound is unreacted urea. The organic and inorganic components are mixed uniformly throughout the fertilizer composition in a ratio by weight of approximately
4:1 respectively so that the percentage of nutrients N, P and K
are present generally in the range of 29-31~ for nitrogen, expressed as N, 9.7-10.3~ phosphorus, expressed as P205, and .. : _g_ __. . ., : . .
.
10~ Z
6.8-7.2% soluble potash expressed as K2O.
.
Description of the Preferred Embodimeht ~ As previously discussed, high analysis fertilizers are desirable to minimize handling and storage problems by reducing the bulk weight of a fertilizer in that a more concen- - -trated source of nutrients may be supplied per ~nit weight of material. The pro~lem, however, is that the concentrated nutrient sources increase the possibility of root burn. There-fore, in order to develop an acceptable high analysis fertilizer in which the necessary amounts of nutrients may be supplied for a particular application, the final fertilizer composition should be free of high salt index nutrient sources, or if such sources are present, they should be generally insoluble so as to be slowly released over a period of time One of the more widely used or common sources of organic fertilizer material has been the synthetically manufactured product which contains amounts of nitrogen in both water soluble and water insoluble form. Such fertilizer includes various formulations of ureaformaldehyde or ureafor~. This water insoluble nitrogen source is advantageous for use in what may be considered slow release or long term fertilizing. That is, the insoluble nitrogen or components of the ureaformaldehyde form a suspension and not a solution when mixed with water and the nutrient value is therefore not immediately released or available to plant life upon the application of the fertilizer to soil surfaces or subsurfaces.
m e ureaformaldehyde is a mixture of unreacted and methylene ureas. The unreacted ureas are soluble in water and provide a relatively quick release source of nitrogen as compared to the slower nitrogen release of methylene ureas.
The difference in the rate of nitrogen reIease is due to the fact that the methylene ureas are reIativeIy long chain polymers 10- . ' '. ' which require bacterial decomposition to break down their struc-ture and release the nitrogen while the short chain unreacted urea is immediateIy available. The nitrogen salts available from urea, however have generally high salt indexes and if present in too great a concentration will tend to cause root burn.
In order to develop a high analysis low burn fertilizer ~hich provides an initial nitrogen release, as well as one which provides for extended nitrogen supply, a ureaformaldehyde is selected which supplies between one-half to three-quarters of its available nitrogen in a slow release form and from between one-quarter to one-half as unreacted urea for immediate absorption. Therefore, the slow to fast nitrogen release ratio which is determined by the ratio of methylene ureas to unreacted ureas, should range between 1:1 to 3:1 respectively. The presence of a large percentage of slow release nitrogen insures that the nitrogen salts will not be overly concentrate~
in the soil at the time of application but will be made available for plant absorption over a period of time. ~ddition-ally, the large percentage of slow release nitrogen insuresthat the nitrogen source does not leach away from the plant roots in a short time.
Although the ratio of slow to fast release nitrogen may vary somewhat, a preferred ureaformaldehyde is selected which supplies approximately two-thirds of its available nitro-gen in a slow release form and one-third as unreacted urea which is soluble and therefore available for immediate absorption.
By utili~iny this ;7:1 nitrogen releasing ratio, tests indicate that the breakdown or decomposition of ureaformaldehyde to form soluble nitrogen salts occurs over a period of several years under average soil and moisture conditions. In fact, over a period of the first year, approximateIy 60% of the insoluble ~C~74~4Z
ureaformaldehyde may be decomposed and after several years, amounts of up to 10% of the original nitrogen may still be available for ion release for plant absorption. Therefore, this use of ureaformaldehyde enables the long term availability of nitrogen by a one time fertilization process whil~e simultan-eously reducing plant burn due to an overly concentrated source of nitrogen salts.
It should be noied that if t]he ratio of slow to fast release nitrogen is increased to 3:1, the amount of nitrogen immediately available for plant absorption is decreased and the percentage of residual nitrogen release over a two year period, as indicated above, is increased. Likewise, a decreased slow to ~ast release nitrogen ratio to 1:1 decreases the ef~ective residual organic material available to provide for long term nitrogen supplies but makes an increased amount of nitrogen available ~or immediate plant absorption. However, the concentration of available nitrogen salts is significantly increased and thus the possibility of plant or root burn is more likely. This, again is particularly true^in-high analysis fertilizers wherein a substantial amount of nitrogen nutrient sources are available.
To effectively utilize ureaformaldehyde in conventional fertilizer spraying and subsurface injection apparatus, it is necessary that it be used as a fine powder. The ureaformalde-hyde particles must be small enough to pass a standard ~0-mesh sieve; however t it is preferred that the major portion of such particles pass a l~0-mesh sieve w~,th many passing a 200-mesh sieve, and thus be of a consistency of a fine talc or hydrated lime.
To provide a high analysis fertilizer formulation hav-ing immediately available inorganic nutrients, the synthetic organic nitrogen releasing material or compound may be blended .. .. . .. .. ....
: ~. : '' , ' -with various inorganic compounds to form fertilizer compositions in ~hich the total percent of the nitrogen is equal to or ex~
ceeds 20-Q and the total percent of the nitrogen, potassium and phosphate nutrients is at least 40% of the overall fertilizer weight.
An example of a high nutrient fertilizer having a low "burn'l potential and which is substantially free of fillers and binding agents includes one part monopotassium phosphate in granular or other form which is combined with four parts of a 2:1 slow to fast release ureaformaldehyae in powder form and blended together in a homogeneous mixture. The resultant fertilizer analysis of (30-10-7) is achieved using four parts of a (38-0-0) ureaformaldehyde blended with one part of a (0-52-35) monopotassium phosphate. m e actual nutrient per-centage of the final (30-10-~) composition varying plus or ` minus 3%. Therefore the effective percentage of inaividual nutrients present in the resultant composition may -vary between: -~approximately 29-31% for nitrogen; approximately 9.7-10.3%
phosphorus expressed as P2O5; and approximately 6.8-7.2% --soluble potash expressed as K2O.
Again, the ratio of slow to fast release nitrogen may be efrectively varied in the final composition by selecting a formulation of ureaformaldehyde having varied ratios of methy-lene ureas to unreacted ureas.
As discussed above, in order to facilitate the dispen-sing of the fertilizer product when used in a standard sprayer or injector, it is necessary that the organic material pass an 80-mesh sieve as the insoluble portions thereof will be suspend-ed in a li~uid solution when mixed with water for use. Because the monopotassium phosphate is soluble and will therefore form a liquid when mixed with water, there need not be any specific sizè requirement with regard thereto; although a generally fine ~q. .
7414Z ~
to granular size is preferred to insure a more homogeneousmixture.
slending of the organic synthetic material and the inorganic material is complicated by the fact that ureaformalde-hyde of the size required tends to flow or separate from the larger inorganic material when mixed by standard fertilizer blending equipment. However, by utilizing a curved bladed rotary type bulk mixer -~hich operate~ in much the same manner as a cement mixer, the monopotassium phosphate and ureafor-maldehyde were blended in a homogeneous mixture using the abovediscussed 4:1 compound ratio. Further, the resultant fertilizer blend remained thoroughly mi~ed even after shipping and handling.
In use, the 30-10-7 fertilizer mixture of ureaformalde-hyde and monopotassium phosphate is mixed as described above and shipped to various supply outlets and/or potential users in dry form, thus simplifying product handling and storage as well as reducing the shipping weight. When it is desired to use the pxoduct, it is mixed with varying quantities of water depending upon the type of application. Fertilizer strengths 2~ which are equivalent to six pounds of nitrogen to each thousand square feet have been safely applied to lawn areas without causing any plant or root burn.
Further due to the fact that the insoluble ureaformal-dehyd~ particles which are suspended in solution when the fer-tilizer is mixed with water are so small, the fertilizer may be applied to surface or subsurface areas utilizing conventional sprayers and pressure or hydraulic injection equipment without clogging equipment valves and nozzles.
,~
.
. .
~o~ z SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
The present invention, in one aspect, as described previously in the Principal Disclosure~ resides in a dry, high analysis fertili~er composition containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and comprising both organic and inorganic nutrient components. The organic component of this composition is a powdered ureaformaldehyde blend which has generally water-soluble and water-insoluble nitrogen-releasing nutrient compounds, the generally water-insoluble nitrogen-releasing compoung being sized so as to pass an 80-mesh sieve. The water-insolu~le compound is methylene urea and the water-soluble nitrogen-releasing compound is unreacted urea, and these com-pounds are present in a ratio of approximately 1 to 3 parts of methylene urea to one part of unreacted urea. The inorganic component of the fertilizer composition is monopotassium phosphate. The organic and inorganic components are mixed i uniformly throughout the fertilizer composition in a r~tio by weight of approximately 4:1 respectively, whereby the effective percentages of the nutrients N, P and K are generally in the range of 29-31% for nitrogen, expressed as N; 9~7-10.3%
phosphorus, expressed as P2O5; and 6.8-7.2% soluble potash, ; expressed as K2O.
` It has now been found, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention, that the generally water-insoluble particulate nitrogen-releasing organic Component may be sized so as to pass a 60-mesh sieve, and the organic and inorganic components are combined to form fertilizers having ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium of approximately 2 to 5 parts nitrogen to 1 part each of phosphorus and potassium, i.e., approximately 2 to 5 parts of organic component to 1 - :
', .. ~ . , . . .. .. , . - - -.... ,. , . . . -. , . . ~ . . . - . - , - . . . . . . . . . . .
107~2 part of inorganic component; and the effective percentages of the nutrients N, P and K are generally in the ranges between 25~ and 32% for nitrogen, 17% to 8% phosphorus expressed as P2O5, and 12~ to 5% soluble potash expressed as K2O.
Thus the present invention in this further aspect . .. _. .
resides in a dry high analysis fertiLizer composition contain-ing the nutrients N, P and K compris:;ng organic and inorganic nutrient components, said organic component being a powdered ureaformaldehyde blend of a size to pass an 60-mesh sieve, said ureaformaldehyde having generally water soluble and water insoluble nitrogen releasing nutrient compounds, said water insoluble compound being methylene urea and said water soluble compound being unreacted urea, the ratio of said water insoluble compound to said water soluble compound being approximately one to three parts of methylene urea to one part of unreacted urea, said inorganic component being-monopotassium phosphate, said : . .
organic and inorganic cc~ponents being mixed uniformly through-- --out the fertilizer composition in a ratio by weight of ..... .
approximately 2 to 5 parts organic component to 1 part inorgan-ic component, whereby the effective percentage of the nutrients N, P and K are present generally in the ranges between 25~ to 32% for nitrogenS 17~ to 8% phosphorus expressed as P2O5, and 12% to 5% soluble potash expressed as K2O.
As previously stated, to effectively utilize ureaform-aldehyde in conventional fertilizer spraying and subsurface injection apparatus, it is necessary that it be used as a fine powder. The ureaformaldehyde particles must be small enough to pass a standard 60--mesh sieve; however, it is preferred that the major portion of such particles pass a 150-mesh sieve with many passing a 200--mesh sieve, and thus be of a consistency of a fine talc or hydrated limeO me particle size is necessary -SD16~
, ,, , , , , ,,,~, . .,,,._... .............. .. i .. . , . - . :. . . - . - - .
~L~74~42 to permit the insoluble nitrogen sources to pass freely through conventional spray and injection apparatus when suspended in water.
Also as previously discussed, to provide a high analysis fertilizer formulation having immediately available inorganic nutrients, the synthetic organic nitrogen releasing material or compound is blended with various inorganic compounds to form fertilizer compositions in which the total percent of the nitrogen is equal to or exceeds 20% and the total percent of the nitrogen, potassium and phosphate nutrients is at least 4Q% of the overall fertilizer weight.
Ideally, the amounts, ratio, and types of nutrient ions to be applied should be based not only on an individual or species of plant requirements, but also on the presence of nutrients already in the soil. The nutrient compositions of a soil may be determined by various tests; however, it is not always economically feasible to have such-tests made for`every fertilizer application nor are such testing methods readily available to all~-consum-ers. ~Therefore, it is preferab-le to -~
supply a fertilizer composition which is formulated to supplynutrients in the proper amounts and in the proper ratios for the plant itself. Further, if the fertilizer is made to contain low salt index salts or ions and/or slow release nutrients such as long chain ureaformaldehyde, the possibility of root or plant burn by an overfeeding is greatly reduced. That is, if various ions are already available in the soil, the addition of a fertilizer having a low salt index inorganic source of phosphorus and potassium, as well as a slow release nitrogen, will be less likely to cause plant damage than other formula-tions.
In this regard, it has long been known that a preferred ratio of the macro-nutrients, nitr~ogen, phosphbrus and potassium -~ .- . - - . . - -... . : - . - : . . :
,: , , -~C)7~2 for tree fertilization is in the range of 3:1:1, respectively, based on nutrient uptake and utilization. The amount of ferti-lizer applied, however, may vary dependent upon the size and type of tree or upon the square foot area defined by the drip line of a particular tree as weIl as upon the composition of the fertilizer itself. Fertilizers having both the necessary amount of nutrients and an approximate 3:1:1 ratio~ allow for the desired promotion of growth in spring and summer by provid-ing readily available nitrogen and also make available an annual supply of the macro-nutrients phosphorus and potassium.
The desired fertilizer formulation therefore should iaeally meet the following criteria: First, the fertili~er sho~ld provide nutrients in the most advantageous or beneficial preparations to support plant growth and nourishment which for trees is a ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium of 3:1:1, respectively; second, the fertilizer should be blended using componen~ts or nutrient supplies of low burn characteris-tics; third, the particle size should permit both surface applications and subsurface injection; and fourth, the nitrogen nutrient source should include a significant percentage of slow release nitrogen which reduces burn potential, retards leaching, and provides for extended tree growth.
In order to achieve the desired characteristics, a ureaformaldehyde nitrogen source was selected having both slow and fast release nitrogen components in which the fast release nitrogen was available as a generally soluble unreacted or excess of urea and the slow release nitrogen was available as a generally insoluble long chain methylene urea. Such a ureafor~aldehyde is Powder Blue, a product of Hercules Incorpo-rated. The Powder Blue was formerly a waste byproduct collectedafter the production of a crystalline or chip ureaformaldehyde.
It is currently being manufactured as a very fine powdery .
' , ~07~Z
ureaformaldehyde material of a si~e to pass an 80-mesh sieve with most particles passing a 150-mesh sieve.
The use of Powder Blue as a Eertilizing agent for use in irrigation systems was tried but did not meet with commercial success due to its inherent property of settling out of suspension in the irrigation pipes and caking to form a hard-ened mass in such systems. The advantage of a product such as Powder Blue, however, is that the si~e of the insoluble nitrogen releasing components is such that they may pass through conventional sprayer or injection equipment as long as they are maintained in a liquid suspension and not allowed to settle afier having been placed in suspension.
In order to complete the fertilizer blend, it was necessary to select a source of phosphorus and potass~um which would not be injurious to plants and one which could be dry mixed with the fine particulate nitrogen source. In order to minimize the possibility of "root burn" monopotassium phosphate or monobasic phosphate J RH~PO4 which has an extremely low salt index, was chosen as the preferred inorganic nutrient source.
In this regard, other potassium phosphates have been considered; however, the monopotassium phosphate is the most desirable potassium phosphate compound for several reasons.
First, the monopotassium phosphate has a salt index of 8.4 - ~ -which is the lowest index of any conventional fertilizer material and thus the lowest burn potential. Second, the mono-potassium phosphate is not hygroscopic and does not absorb moisture from the atmosphere, while other sources of potassium phosphate are hygroscopic and therefore are not as ac~eptable for dry blending. Third, the monopotassium phosphate has the additional advantage of having less effect on soil acidity than other potassillm phosphates. Many of the available potas-sium phosphates are alkaline, having pH's of 9 to lO or more.
-SDl9-' . : ' . - .' . . ' . '. ' ' ' ' .. ' . ': ' ~7~Z
Such alkalinity may be undesirable for general tree fertiliza-tion. Monopotassium phosphate, however, is acidic (pH of 1%
solution is 4.6~, and therefore is less likely to adverseIy affect the soil acidity.
In order to provide sufficient nutrients i~ one ~
application, the fertilizer should have a high analysis formu- -lation with a low "burn" potential. Further, to decrease bulk weight and increase fluid applications, the fertilizer should be substantially free of fillers and binding agents. Therefore, one part of the monopotassium phosphate in granular or other form is combined with four parts of a 2:1 slow to fast release ureaformaldehyde in powder fonm and blended together in a homo-geneous mixture. A resultant fertilizer analysis of (30-10-7) is achieved using four parts of Powder Blue, a ureaformaldehyde (38-0-0), blended with one part of monopotassium phosphate (0-52-35). The actual nutrient percentage of the final (30-10-7) composition is generally 47% (30+10+7) of the total weight. Deviations or limitations on this percentage are regulated by the agriculture laws of various political juris-; 20 dictions. In Ohio, the Ohio Fertilizer Law, Regulation AG-61-0~.06 allows an analytical tolerance of 97%. Thus, the total nutrient value cannot be less than 97% of the 47% fertilizer formulation, or 45.59% nutrients. On an individual basis, the percentage of the total nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium may not vary more than 10% or below 2 percentage points below the guaranteed analysis; whichever is smaller. For instance, for the (30-10-7), the nitrogen may vary to 2~, as the 2 percentage points is less than 10% of 30 or 3%~ However, a deviation of 2~ would alter the total nutrients to a value less than the allowed 97% of total nutrients. For phosphorus and potassium, ; the percentage would ~e governed by the l0~ deviation in the actual analysis which would be less than a 2~ percentage point ~,; ;
.. ... .. . ... . ..... , .. ~...... ~ . .
~L07~2 deviation in the analysis and therefore could be as low as 9.0 for phosphorus expressed as P2O5 and 6.3~ for potash expressed as K2O.
Again, the ratio of slow to fast release nitrogen may be effectively varied in the final c:omposition-by selecting a ~ormulation of ureaformaldehyde having varied ratios of methy-lene ureas to unreacted ureas.
m e previous example reflect:s approximately the 3:1:1 ideal fertilization ratio of nutrients desired for tree growth and nourishment using a (0-52-35) monopotassium phosphate. In order to further adjust the weight percent;of potassium relative to the phosphorus, additional potassium compounds may be added, however, such additions increase the salt index of the result-ant ertilizer and therefore is not desirable. Thus, the actual ratio is generally 3:1 less than 1.
In developing the aforementioned example, the nitrogen source was available as ureaformaldehyde (38-0-0) or 38~
nitrogen per 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.) and the monopotassium phos-phate was available in a ~0-52-35) or 52% phosphorus expressed as P2O5 and 35~ soluble potash expressed as K2O per 100 lbs.
(45.36 kgs.) of the blend. When adding the nitrogen and monopotassium phosphate sources, it is apparent that in order ; to achieve the approximate 3:1:1 ratio, 4 parts of the (38-0-0) or 400 lbs. (181.44 kgs) of the ureaformaldehyde should be uniformly blended with one part or 100 lbs. (45u36 kgs.) of the monopotassium phosphate to get a 500 lb. (226.80 kgs.) (152-52-35) blend or approximately (30-10-7~ per 100 lbs.
(45.36 kgs.) of blended fertilizer.
Although this approximate 3:1:1 ratio reflected by the (30-10-7) blend is preferred, it has now been determined that slight variations of the nutrients N, P and K could be made -SD21- ;
,.,.~, ., ~ - .
_ _ _ . .. . . , .. . _ _ . _ .. ... . . ... .. . . . . .. .
- - : . ~
. ~74~
without significantly altering the percent of each ingredient per 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.~ and thus could be acceptable when used for simllar applicatlons. Specifically, suppose that only 300 lbs. (136.08 kgs.) of the nitrogen source (38-0-0) were blended with 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.) of the monopotassium phosphate (0-52-35). The resultant blend would be a ~00 lbs.
(180.44 kgs.) (114-52-35) equivalent to a (28-13-9) blend per 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.). It can be seen that the (28-13-9) formulation does not vary greatly from the (30-10-7) preferred blend and in practice would be an acceptable fertilizer blend for many applications.
Likewise, if 200 lbs. (90.72 kgs.) of the nitrogen source were used or blended with 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.) o the monopotassium phosphate, the resultant 300 lbs. (136.08 kgs.) blend would be a (76-52-35) which is equivalent to a (25-17-12) based on 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.). Again the (25-17-12) formula-tion would appear to exhibit similar characteristics of the (30-10-7) formulation, although the degree of variation has almost become too significant to achieve the desired nutrient application and thus this formulation would not be as desirable for widespread application.
The two foregoing examples have reflected the possible acceptable deviations from the preferred 3:1:1 ratio of N:P:K
discussed above when lesser amounts of nitrogen were added.
Similarly, an increased amount of nitrogen could result in an acceptable formulation.
For example, if 500 lbs. (226.80 kgs.) of the (38-0-0) nitrogen source were added or blended with the 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.) of the (0-52-35) monopotassium pho5phate source, the resultant blend would be a (190-52-35~ blend based on 600 lbs. (272.16 kgs.) or equivalent: to a (32-9-6) fertilizer based on 100 lbs.
(45.36 kgs.). Again, this formulation would be similar to the ., . . -: ' - - . : :
~: -~07~1'1Z
(30-10-7) preferred example in providing an acceptable nutrient supply source for general applications.
It should be noted that the same deviations in the actual percentages of the various final compositions of the foregoing examples may be acceptable varied within ranges as discussed above, dependent upon local regulationsD Thus each fertilizer formulation should be understood to be alterable within the limits defined by law.
In addition to the acceptable degree of variation in the ratio of nitrogen nutrients to the inorganic nutrients as defined by law, the commercially available sources of mono-potassium phosphate or nitrogen compound may also vary. That is, the (0-52-35) monopotassium phosphate is a commercially available food grade monopotassium phosphate. Another currently available monopotassium phosphate source is a (0-47-31) mono-potassium phosphate. Furth~r the ureaformaldehyde source may also vary from the preferred (38-0-0) depending upon commer-cially available sources.
The previous series of examples used a (0-52-35) monopotassium phosphate. However, it should be noted that the use of the (0-47-31) monopotassium phosphate results in fertilizer blends which are similarly suitable. For example, the following table shows the final 100 lb. nutrient equivalents of N:P:K per ratio of organic (38-0-0) ureaformaldehyde to the various inorganic components:
.~, .
.. _ _ . ... ..... . .
~07~2 Ratio of organic nitro~en releasing component to monopotassium phosphate (0-52-35),.. as shown.in the.previous Nutrient Analysis for 100 examples - ---- - -lb. blend 3% -_ . . . . . . ~ . . .
are present generally in the range of 29-31~ for nitrogen, expressed as N, 9.7-10.3~ phosphorus, expressed as P205, and .. : _g_ __. . ., : . .
.
10~ Z
6.8-7.2% soluble potash expressed as K2O.
.
Description of the Preferred Embodimeht ~ As previously discussed, high analysis fertilizers are desirable to minimize handling and storage problems by reducing the bulk weight of a fertilizer in that a more concen- - -trated source of nutrients may be supplied per ~nit weight of material. The pro~lem, however, is that the concentrated nutrient sources increase the possibility of root burn. There-fore, in order to develop an acceptable high analysis fertilizer in which the necessary amounts of nutrients may be supplied for a particular application, the final fertilizer composition should be free of high salt index nutrient sources, or if such sources are present, they should be generally insoluble so as to be slowly released over a period of time One of the more widely used or common sources of organic fertilizer material has been the synthetically manufactured product which contains amounts of nitrogen in both water soluble and water insoluble form. Such fertilizer includes various formulations of ureaformaldehyde or ureafor~. This water insoluble nitrogen source is advantageous for use in what may be considered slow release or long term fertilizing. That is, the insoluble nitrogen or components of the ureaformaldehyde form a suspension and not a solution when mixed with water and the nutrient value is therefore not immediately released or available to plant life upon the application of the fertilizer to soil surfaces or subsurfaces.
m e ureaformaldehyde is a mixture of unreacted and methylene ureas. The unreacted ureas are soluble in water and provide a relatively quick release source of nitrogen as compared to the slower nitrogen release of methylene ureas.
The difference in the rate of nitrogen reIease is due to the fact that the methylene ureas are reIativeIy long chain polymers 10- . ' '. ' which require bacterial decomposition to break down their struc-ture and release the nitrogen while the short chain unreacted urea is immediateIy available. The nitrogen salts available from urea, however have generally high salt indexes and if present in too great a concentration will tend to cause root burn.
In order to develop a high analysis low burn fertilizer ~hich provides an initial nitrogen release, as well as one which provides for extended nitrogen supply, a ureaformaldehyde is selected which supplies between one-half to three-quarters of its available nitrogen in a slow release form and from between one-quarter to one-half as unreacted urea for immediate absorption. Therefore, the slow to fast nitrogen release ratio which is determined by the ratio of methylene ureas to unreacted ureas, should range between 1:1 to 3:1 respectively. The presence of a large percentage of slow release nitrogen insures that the nitrogen salts will not be overly concentrate~
in the soil at the time of application but will be made available for plant absorption over a period of time. ~ddition-ally, the large percentage of slow release nitrogen insuresthat the nitrogen source does not leach away from the plant roots in a short time.
Although the ratio of slow to fast release nitrogen may vary somewhat, a preferred ureaformaldehyde is selected which supplies approximately two-thirds of its available nitro-gen in a slow release form and one-third as unreacted urea which is soluble and therefore available for immediate absorption.
By utili~iny this ;7:1 nitrogen releasing ratio, tests indicate that the breakdown or decomposition of ureaformaldehyde to form soluble nitrogen salts occurs over a period of several years under average soil and moisture conditions. In fact, over a period of the first year, approximateIy 60% of the insoluble ~C~74~4Z
ureaformaldehyde may be decomposed and after several years, amounts of up to 10% of the original nitrogen may still be available for ion release for plant absorption. Therefore, this use of ureaformaldehyde enables the long term availability of nitrogen by a one time fertilization process whil~e simultan-eously reducing plant burn due to an overly concentrated source of nitrogen salts.
It should be noied that if t]he ratio of slow to fast release nitrogen is increased to 3:1, the amount of nitrogen immediately available for plant absorption is decreased and the percentage of residual nitrogen release over a two year period, as indicated above, is increased. Likewise, a decreased slow to ~ast release nitrogen ratio to 1:1 decreases the ef~ective residual organic material available to provide for long term nitrogen supplies but makes an increased amount of nitrogen available ~or immediate plant absorption. However, the concentration of available nitrogen salts is significantly increased and thus the possibility of plant or root burn is more likely. This, again is particularly true^in-high analysis fertilizers wherein a substantial amount of nitrogen nutrient sources are available.
To effectively utilize ureaformaldehyde in conventional fertilizer spraying and subsurface injection apparatus, it is necessary that it be used as a fine powder. The ureaformalde-hyde particles must be small enough to pass a standard ~0-mesh sieve; however t it is preferred that the major portion of such particles pass a l~0-mesh sieve w~,th many passing a 200-mesh sieve, and thus be of a consistency of a fine talc or hydrated lime.
To provide a high analysis fertilizer formulation hav-ing immediately available inorganic nutrients, the synthetic organic nitrogen releasing material or compound may be blended .. .. . .. .. ....
: ~. : '' , ' -with various inorganic compounds to form fertilizer compositions in ~hich the total percent of the nitrogen is equal to or ex~
ceeds 20-Q and the total percent of the nitrogen, potassium and phosphate nutrients is at least 40% of the overall fertilizer weight.
An example of a high nutrient fertilizer having a low "burn'l potential and which is substantially free of fillers and binding agents includes one part monopotassium phosphate in granular or other form which is combined with four parts of a 2:1 slow to fast release ureaformaldehyae in powder form and blended together in a homogeneous mixture. The resultant fertilizer analysis of (30-10-7) is achieved using four parts of a (38-0-0) ureaformaldehyde blended with one part of a (0-52-35) monopotassium phosphate. m e actual nutrient per-centage of the final (30-10-~) composition varying plus or ` minus 3%. Therefore the effective percentage of inaividual nutrients present in the resultant composition may -vary between: -~approximately 29-31% for nitrogen; approximately 9.7-10.3%
phosphorus expressed as P2O5; and approximately 6.8-7.2% --soluble potash expressed as K2O.
Again, the ratio of slow to fast release nitrogen may be efrectively varied in the final composition by selecting a formulation of ureaformaldehyde having varied ratios of methy-lene ureas to unreacted ureas.
As discussed above, in order to facilitate the dispen-sing of the fertilizer product when used in a standard sprayer or injector, it is necessary that the organic material pass an 80-mesh sieve as the insoluble portions thereof will be suspend-ed in a li~uid solution when mixed with water for use. Because the monopotassium phosphate is soluble and will therefore form a liquid when mixed with water, there need not be any specific sizè requirement with regard thereto; although a generally fine ~q. .
7414Z ~
to granular size is preferred to insure a more homogeneousmixture.
slending of the organic synthetic material and the inorganic material is complicated by the fact that ureaformalde-hyde of the size required tends to flow or separate from the larger inorganic material when mixed by standard fertilizer blending equipment. However, by utilizing a curved bladed rotary type bulk mixer -~hich operate~ in much the same manner as a cement mixer, the monopotassium phosphate and ureafor-maldehyde were blended in a homogeneous mixture using the abovediscussed 4:1 compound ratio. Further, the resultant fertilizer blend remained thoroughly mi~ed even after shipping and handling.
In use, the 30-10-7 fertilizer mixture of ureaformalde-hyde and monopotassium phosphate is mixed as described above and shipped to various supply outlets and/or potential users in dry form, thus simplifying product handling and storage as well as reducing the shipping weight. When it is desired to use the pxoduct, it is mixed with varying quantities of water depending upon the type of application. Fertilizer strengths 2~ which are equivalent to six pounds of nitrogen to each thousand square feet have been safely applied to lawn areas without causing any plant or root burn.
Further due to the fact that the insoluble ureaformal-dehyd~ particles which are suspended in solution when the fer-tilizer is mixed with water are so small, the fertilizer may be applied to surface or subsurface areas utilizing conventional sprayers and pressure or hydraulic injection equipment without clogging equipment valves and nozzles.
,~
.
. .
~o~ z SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
The present invention, in one aspect, as described previously in the Principal Disclosure~ resides in a dry, high analysis fertili~er composition containing nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, and comprising both organic and inorganic nutrient components. The organic component of this composition is a powdered ureaformaldehyde blend which has generally water-soluble and water-insoluble nitrogen-releasing nutrient compounds, the generally water-insoluble nitrogen-releasing compoung being sized so as to pass an 80-mesh sieve. The water-insolu~le compound is methylene urea and the water-soluble nitrogen-releasing compound is unreacted urea, and these com-pounds are present in a ratio of approximately 1 to 3 parts of methylene urea to one part of unreacted urea. The inorganic component of the fertilizer composition is monopotassium phosphate. The organic and inorganic components are mixed i uniformly throughout the fertilizer composition in a r~tio by weight of approximately 4:1 respectively, whereby the effective percentages of the nutrients N, P and K are generally in the range of 29-31% for nitrogen, expressed as N; 9~7-10.3%
phosphorus, expressed as P2O5; and 6.8-7.2% soluble potash, ; expressed as K2O.
` It has now been found, in accordance with a further aspect of the invention, that the generally water-insoluble particulate nitrogen-releasing organic Component may be sized so as to pass a 60-mesh sieve, and the organic and inorganic components are combined to form fertilizers having ratios of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium of approximately 2 to 5 parts nitrogen to 1 part each of phosphorus and potassium, i.e., approximately 2 to 5 parts of organic component to 1 - :
', .. ~ . , . . .. .. , . - - -.... ,. , . . . -. , . . ~ . . . - . - , - . . . . . . . . . . .
107~2 part of inorganic component; and the effective percentages of the nutrients N, P and K are generally in the ranges between 25~ and 32% for nitrogen, 17% to 8% phosphorus expressed as P2O5, and 12~ to 5% soluble potash expressed as K2O.
Thus the present invention in this further aspect . .. _. .
resides in a dry high analysis fertiLizer composition contain-ing the nutrients N, P and K compris:;ng organic and inorganic nutrient components, said organic component being a powdered ureaformaldehyde blend of a size to pass an 60-mesh sieve, said ureaformaldehyde having generally water soluble and water insoluble nitrogen releasing nutrient compounds, said water insoluble compound being methylene urea and said water soluble compound being unreacted urea, the ratio of said water insoluble compound to said water soluble compound being approximately one to three parts of methylene urea to one part of unreacted urea, said inorganic component being-monopotassium phosphate, said : . .
organic and inorganic cc~ponents being mixed uniformly through-- --out the fertilizer composition in a ratio by weight of ..... .
approximately 2 to 5 parts organic component to 1 part inorgan-ic component, whereby the effective percentage of the nutrients N, P and K are present generally in the ranges between 25~ to 32% for nitrogenS 17~ to 8% phosphorus expressed as P2O5, and 12% to 5% soluble potash expressed as K2O.
As previously stated, to effectively utilize ureaform-aldehyde in conventional fertilizer spraying and subsurface injection apparatus, it is necessary that it be used as a fine powder. The ureaformaldehyde particles must be small enough to pass a standard 60--mesh sieve; however, it is preferred that the major portion of such particles pass a 150-mesh sieve with many passing a 200--mesh sieve, and thus be of a consistency of a fine talc or hydrated limeO me particle size is necessary -SD16~
, ,, , , , , ,,,~, . .,,,._... .............. .. i .. . , . - . :. . . - . - - .
~L~74~42 to permit the insoluble nitrogen sources to pass freely through conventional spray and injection apparatus when suspended in water.
Also as previously discussed, to provide a high analysis fertilizer formulation having immediately available inorganic nutrients, the synthetic organic nitrogen releasing material or compound is blended with various inorganic compounds to form fertilizer compositions in which the total percent of the nitrogen is equal to or exceeds 20% and the total percent of the nitrogen, potassium and phosphate nutrients is at least 4Q% of the overall fertilizer weight.
Ideally, the amounts, ratio, and types of nutrient ions to be applied should be based not only on an individual or species of plant requirements, but also on the presence of nutrients already in the soil. The nutrient compositions of a soil may be determined by various tests; however, it is not always economically feasible to have such-tests made for`every fertilizer application nor are such testing methods readily available to all~-consum-ers. ~Therefore, it is preferab-le to -~
supply a fertilizer composition which is formulated to supplynutrients in the proper amounts and in the proper ratios for the plant itself. Further, if the fertilizer is made to contain low salt index salts or ions and/or slow release nutrients such as long chain ureaformaldehyde, the possibility of root or plant burn by an overfeeding is greatly reduced. That is, if various ions are already available in the soil, the addition of a fertilizer having a low salt index inorganic source of phosphorus and potassium, as well as a slow release nitrogen, will be less likely to cause plant damage than other formula-tions.
In this regard, it has long been known that a preferred ratio of the macro-nutrients, nitr~ogen, phosphbrus and potassium -~ .- . - - . . - -... . : - . - : . . :
,: , , -~C)7~2 for tree fertilization is in the range of 3:1:1, respectively, based on nutrient uptake and utilization. The amount of ferti-lizer applied, however, may vary dependent upon the size and type of tree or upon the square foot area defined by the drip line of a particular tree as weIl as upon the composition of the fertilizer itself. Fertilizers having both the necessary amount of nutrients and an approximate 3:1:1 ratio~ allow for the desired promotion of growth in spring and summer by provid-ing readily available nitrogen and also make available an annual supply of the macro-nutrients phosphorus and potassium.
The desired fertilizer formulation therefore should iaeally meet the following criteria: First, the fertili~er sho~ld provide nutrients in the most advantageous or beneficial preparations to support plant growth and nourishment which for trees is a ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium of 3:1:1, respectively; second, the fertilizer should be blended using componen~ts or nutrient supplies of low burn characteris-tics; third, the particle size should permit both surface applications and subsurface injection; and fourth, the nitrogen nutrient source should include a significant percentage of slow release nitrogen which reduces burn potential, retards leaching, and provides for extended tree growth.
In order to achieve the desired characteristics, a ureaformaldehyde nitrogen source was selected having both slow and fast release nitrogen components in which the fast release nitrogen was available as a generally soluble unreacted or excess of urea and the slow release nitrogen was available as a generally insoluble long chain methylene urea. Such a ureafor~aldehyde is Powder Blue, a product of Hercules Incorpo-rated. The Powder Blue was formerly a waste byproduct collectedafter the production of a crystalline or chip ureaformaldehyde.
It is currently being manufactured as a very fine powdery .
' , ~07~Z
ureaformaldehyde material of a si~e to pass an 80-mesh sieve with most particles passing a 150-mesh sieve.
The use of Powder Blue as a Eertilizing agent for use in irrigation systems was tried but did not meet with commercial success due to its inherent property of settling out of suspension in the irrigation pipes and caking to form a hard-ened mass in such systems. The advantage of a product such as Powder Blue, however, is that the si~e of the insoluble nitrogen releasing components is such that they may pass through conventional sprayer or injection equipment as long as they are maintained in a liquid suspension and not allowed to settle afier having been placed in suspension.
In order to complete the fertilizer blend, it was necessary to select a source of phosphorus and potass~um which would not be injurious to plants and one which could be dry mixed with the fine particulate nitrogen source. In order to minimize the possibility of "root burn" monopotassium phosphate or monobasic phosphate J RH~PO4 which has an extremely low salt index, was chosen as the preferred inorganic nutrient source.
In this regard, other potassium phosphates have been considered; however, the monopotassium phosphate is the most desirable potassium phosphate compound for several reasons.
First, the monopotassium phosphate has a salt index of 8.4 - ~ -which is the lowest index of any conventional fertilizer material and thus the lowest burn potential. Second, the mono-potassium phosphate is not hygroscopic and does not absorb moisture from the atmosphere, while other sources of potassium phosphate are hygroscopic and therefore are not as ac~eptable for dry blending. Third, the monopotassium phosphate has the additional advantage of having less effect on soil acidity than other potassillm phosphates. Many of the available potas-sium phosphates are alkaline, having pH's of 9 to lO or more.
-SDl9-' . : ' . - .' . . ' . '. ' ' ' ' .. ' . ': ' ~7~Z
Such alkalinity may be undesirable for general tree fertiliza-tion. Monopotassium phosphate, however, is acidic (pH of 1%
solution is 4.6~, and therefore is less likely to adverseIy affect the soil acidity.
In order to provide sufficient nutrients i~ one ~
application, the fertilizer should have a high analysis formu- -lation with a low "burn" potential. Further, to decrease bulk weight and increase fluid applications, the fertilizer should be substantially free of fillers and binding agents. Therefore, one part of the monopotassium phosphate in granular or other form is combined with four parts of a 2:1 slow to fast release ureaformaldehyde in powder fonm and blended together in a homo-geneous mixture. A resultant fertilizer analysis of (30-10-7) is achieved using four parts of Powder Blue, a ureaformaldehyde (38-0-0), blended with one part of monopotassium phosphate (0-52-35). The actual nutrient percentage of the final (30-10-7) composition is generally 47% (30+10+7) of the total weight. Deviations or limitations on this percentage are regulated by the agriculture laws of various political juris-; 20 dictions. In Ohio, the Ohio Fertilizer Law, Regulation AG-61-0~.06 allows an analytical tolerance of 97%. Thus, the total nutrient value cannot be less than 97% of the 47% fertilizer formulation, or 45.59% nutrients. On an individual basis, the percentage of the total nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium may not vary more than 10% or below 2 percentage points below the guaranteed analysis; whichever is smaller. For instance, for the (30-10-7), the nitrogen may vary to 2~, as the 2 percentage points is less than 10% of 30 or 3%~ However, a deviation of 2~ would alter the total nutrients to a value less than the allowed 97% of total nutrients. For phosphorus and potassium, ; the percentage would ~e governed by the l0~ deviation in the actual analysis which would be less than a 2~ percentage point ~,; ;
.. ... .. . ... . ..... , .. ~...... ~ . .
~L07~2 deviation in the analysis and therefore could be as low as 9.0 for phosphorus expressed as P2O5 and 6.3~ for potash expressed as K2O.
Again, the ratio of slow to fast release nitrogen may be effectively varied in the final c:omposition-by selecting a ~ormulation of ureaformaldehyde having varied ratios of methy-lene ureas to unreacted ureas.
m e previous example reflect:s approximately the 3:1:1 ideal fertilization ratio of nutrients desired for tree growth and nourishment using a (0-52-35) monopotassium phosphate. In order to further adjust the weight percent;of potassium relative to the phosphorus, additional potassium compounds may be added, however, such additions increase the salt index of the result-ant ertilizer and therefore is not desirable. Thus, the actual ratio is generally 3:1 less than 1.
In developing the aforementioned example, the nitrogen source was available as ureaformaldehyde (38-0-0) or 38~
nitrogen per 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.) and the monopotassium phos-phate was available in a ~0-52-35) or 52% phosphorus expressed as P2O5 and 35~ soluble potash expressed as K2O per 100 lbs.
(45.36 kgs.) of the blend. When adding the nitrogen and monopotassium phosphate sources, it is apparent that in order ; to achieve the approximate 3:1:1 ratio, 4 parts of the (38-0-0) or 400 lbs. (181.44 kgs) of the ureaformaldehyde should be uniformly blended with one part or 100 lbs. (45u36 kgs.) of the monopotassium phosphate to get a 500 lb. (226.80 kgs.) (152-52-35) blend or approximately (30-10-7~ per 100 lbs.
(45.36 kgs.) of blended fertilizer.
Although this approximate 3:1:1 ratio reflected by the (30-10-7) blend is preferred, it has now been determined that slight variations of the nutrients N, P and K could be made -SD21- ;
,.,.~, ., ~ - .
_ _ _ . .. . . , .. . _ _ . _ .. ... . . ... .. . . . . .. .
- - : . ~
. ~74~
without significantly altering the percent of each ingredient per 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.~ and thus could be acceptable when used for simllar applicatlons. Specifically, suppose that only 300 lbs. (136.08 kgs.) of the nitrogen source (38-0-0) were blended with 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.) of the monopotassium phosphate (0-52-35). The resultant blend would be a ~00 lbs.
(180.44 kgs.) (114-52-35) equivalent to a (28-13-9) blend per 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.). It can be seen that the (28-13-9) formulation does not vary greatly from the (30-10-7) preferred blend and in practice would be an acceptable fertilizer blend for many applications.
Likewise, if 200 lbs. (90.72 kgs.) of the nitrogen source were used or blended with 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.) o the monopotassium phosphate, the resultant 300 lbs. (136.08 kgs.) blend would be a (76-52-35) which is equivalent to a (25-17-12) based on 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.). Again the (25-17-12) formula-tion would appear to exhibit similar characteristics of the (30-10-7) formulation, although the degree of variation has almost become too significant to achieve the desired nutrient application and thus this formulation would not be as desirable for widespread application.
The two foregoing examples have reflected the possible acceptable deviations from the preferred 3:1:1 ratio of N:P:K
discussed above when lesser amounts of nitrogen were added.
Similarly, an increased amount of nitrogen could result in an acceptable formulation.
For example, if 500 lbs. (226.80 kgs.) of the (38-0-0) nitrogen source were added or blended with the 100 lbs. (45.36 kgs.) of the (0-52-35) monopotassium pho5phate source, the resultant blend would be a (190-52-35~ blend based on 600 lbs. (272.16 kgs.) or equivalent: to a (32-9-6) fertilizer based on 100 lbs.
(45.36 kgs.). Again, this formulation would be similar to the ., . . -: ' - - . : :
~: -~07~1'1Z
(30-10-7) preferred example in providing an acceptable nutrient supply source for general applications.
It should be noted that the same deviations in the actual percentages of the various final compositions of the foregoing examples may be acceptable varied within ranges as discussed above, dependent upon local regulationsD Thus each fertilizer formulation should be understood to be alterable within the limits defined by law.
In addition to the acceptable degree of variation in the ratio of nitrogen nutrients to the inorganic nutrients as defined by law, the commercially available sources of mono-potassium phosphate or nitrogen compound may also vary. That is, the (0-52-35) monopotassium phosphate is a commercially available food grade monopotassium phosphate. Another currently available monopotassium phosphate source is a (0-47-31) mono-potassium phosphate. Furth~r the ureaformaldehyde source may also vary from the preferred (38-0-0) depending upon commer-cially available sources.
The previous series of examples used a (0-52-35) monopotassium phosphate. However, it should be noted that the use of the (0-47-31) monopotassium phosphate results in fertilizer blends which are similarly suitable. For example, the following table shows the final 100 lb. nutrient equivalents of N:P:K per ratio of organic (38-0-0) ureaformaldehyde to the various inorganic components:
.~, .
.. _ _ . ... ..... . .
~07~2 Ratio of organic nitro~en releasing component to monopotassium phosphate (0-52-35),.. as shown.in the.previous Nutrient Analysis for 100 examples - ---- - -lb. blend 3% -_ . . . . . . ~ . . .
5 to 1 3~-9 6 4 to 1 30-10-7 3 to 1 28-13-9 2 to 1 25-17-12 Ratio of organic nitrogen releasing component to monopotassium phosphate Nutrient Analysis for 100 10(0-47-31) _ lb. blend 3%
5 to 1 3Z-8-5 ~ to 1 30-9-6 3 to 1 29-12-8 2 to 1 25-16-10 In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that by .
varying the ratio of nitrogen releasing source to the mono-potassium phosphate between 2 to 5:1 respectively, and dependent upon the nitrogen and monopotassium phosphate source, various .
high analysis fertilizers may be blended to have a resultant nutrient percentage per 100 lbs. of weight in the range of approximately 25 to 32% nitrogen; 17 to 8~ phosphorus; and :-12 to 5% potassium. The resultant fertilizers, and especially those utilizing a 3 to 5:1 ratio of nitrogen releasing compo-nent to monopotassium phosphate, respectively, are particularly -suitable for application to trees to provide the necessary nutrient value without causing root burn or otherwise adversely ! affecting the acidity of the soil surrounding the plant root system.
As previously discussed herein, in order to facilitate the dispensing of the fertilizer product when used in a convention-al sprayer or injector, it is necessary that the organic material pass a 60-mesh sieve as the insoluble ,6~
. - -- -: ,: , , - '~
. . . . , , ,,:
' ' i~. ' , '. ' :' :" ' ' : .' ' 14~
portions thereof will be suspended in a liquid solution when mixed with water for use. Because the monopotassium phosphate is soluble and will therefore form a liquid when mixed with water, there need not be any specific si7e requirement with regard thereto; although a generally fine to granular size is preferred to insure a more homogeneous mixture.
Blending of the organic synthetic material and the inorganic material is complicated by the fact that ureaformal-dehyde of the size required tends to flow or separate from the larger inorganic material when mixed by fertilizer blending equipment. However, by utilizing a curved bladed rotary type bulk mixer which operates in much the same manner as a cement mixer, the monopotassium phosphate and ureafoxmaldehyde were blended in a homogeneous mixture using the ~bove compound ratios. Further, the resultant fertilizer blend remainded thoroughly mixed even after shipping and handling.
In use, the high analysis fertilizer compositions of ureaformaldehyde and monopotassium phosphate are mixed as described above and shipped to various supply outlets and/or potential users in dry form, thus simplifying product handling and storage as well as reducing the shipping weight. When it is desired to use the product, it is mixed with varying quantities of water depenaing upon the type of application.
Fertilizer strengths which are equivalent to six pounds of nitrogen to each thousand square feet have been safely applied to lawn areas and trees without causing any plant or root burn.
Further, due to the fact that the insoluble ureaformal-dehyde particles which are suspended in solution when the fer-tilizer is mixed with water are so small, the fertilizer may be applied to surfac:e or subsurface areas utilizing sprayers and pressure or hydraulic injection e~uipment without clogging equipment valves and nozzles.
~ -SD25-.. ~ t :
.. _ . .. . . . . . . . . .
5 to 1 3Z-8-5 ~ to 1 30-9-6 3 to 1 29-12-8 2 to 1 25-16-10 In view of the foregoing, it can be seen that by .
varying the ratio of nitrogen releasing source to the mono-potassium phosphate between 2 to 5:1 respectively, and dependent upon the nitrogen and monopotassium phosphate source, various .
high analysis fertilizers may be blended to have a resultant nutrient percentage per 100 lbs. of weight in the range of approximately 25 to 32% nitrogen; 17 to 8~ phosphorus; and :-12 to 5% potassium. The resultant fertilizers, and especially those utilizing a 3 to 5:1 ratio of nitrogen releasing compo-nent to monopotassium phosphate, respectively, are particularly -suitable for application to trees to provide the necessary nutrient value without causing root burn or otherwise adversely ! affecting the acidity of the soil surrounding the plant root system.
As previously discussed herein, in order to facilitate the dispensing of the fertilizer product when used in a convention-al sprayer or injector, it is necessary that the organic material pass a 60-mesh sieve as the insoluble ,6~
. - -- -: ,: , , - '~
. . . . , , ,,:
' ' i~. ' , '. ' :' :" ' ' : .' ' 14~
portions thereof will be suspended in a liquid solution when mixed with water for use. Because the monopotassium phosphate is soluble and will therefore form a liquid when mixed with water, there need not be any specific si7e requirement with regard thereto; although a generally fine to granular size is preferred to insure a more homogeneous mixture.
Blending of the organic synthetic material and the inorganic material is complicated by the fact that ureaformal-dehyde of the size required tends to flow or separate from the larger inorganic material when mixed by fertilizer blending equipment. However, by utilizing a curved bladed rotary type bulk mixer which operates in much the same manner as a cement mixer, the monopotassium phosphate and ureafoxmaldehyde were blended in a homogeneous mixture using the ~bove compound ratios. Further, the resultant fertilizer blend remainded thoroughly mixed even after shipping and handling.
In use, the high analysis fertilizer compositions of ureaformaldehyde and monopotassium phosphate are mixed as described above and shipped to various supply outlets and/or potential users in dry form, thus simplifying product handling and storage as well as reducing the shipping weight. When it is desired to use the product, it is mixed with varying quantities of water depenaing upon the type of application.
Fertilizer strengths which are equivalent to six pounds of nitrogen to each thousand square feet have been safely applied to lawn areas and trees without causing any plant or root burn.
Further, due to the fact that the insoluble ureaformal-dehyde particles which are suspended in solution when the fer-tilizer is mixed with water are so small, the fertilizer may be applied to surfac:e or subsurface areas utilizing sprayers and pressure or hydraulic injection e~uipment without clogging equipment valves and nozzles.
~ -SD25-.. ~ t :
.. _ . .. . . . . . . . . .
Claims (14)
- The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
l. A dry high analysis fertilizer composition having the nutrients N, P and K comprising organic and inorganic nutri-ent components, said organic component being a powdered ureafor-maldehyde blend, said ureaformaldehyde blend having generally water soluble and water insoluble nitrogen-releasing nutrient compounds, said water insoluble nitrogen-releasing compound be-ing of a size to pass an 80-mesh sieve so that said water insolu-ble compound may pass through the nozzles of conventional fer-tilizer spraying and injecting equipment, said water insoluble compound being methylene urea and said water soluble nitrogen-releasing compound being unreacted urea, the ratio of said water insoluble nitrogen-releasing compound to said water soluble ni-trogen-releasing compound being approximately one to three parts of methylene urea to one part of unreacted urea, said inorganic component being monopotassium phosphate, said organic and inor-ganic components being mixed uniformly throughout the fertilizer composition in a ratio by weight of approximately 4:1 respective-ly, whereby the effective percentage of the nutrients N, P and K
are present generally in the range of 29-31% for nitrogen, ex-pressed as N, 9.7-10.3% phosphorus expressed as P2O5, and 6.8-7.2% soluble potash expressed as K2O. - 2. The composition of Claim 1 in which said organic component has an approximate ratio of 2:1 of insoluble to solu-ble nitrogen-releasing compounds.
- 3. The composition of Claim 1 in which said water insoluble compound is of a size to pass a 150-mesh sieve.
Claims supported by the Supplementary Disclosure: - 4. A dry high analysis fertilizer composition containing the nutrients N, P and K comprising organic and inorganic nutrient components, said organic component being a powdered ureaformaldehyde blend of a size to pass an 60-mesh sieve, said ureaformaldehyde having generally water soluble and water insoluble nitrogen releasing nutrient compounds, said water insoluble compound being methylene urea and said water soluble compound being unreacted urea, the ratio of said water insoluble compound to said water soluble compound being approximately one to three parts of methylene urea to one part of unreacted urea, said inorganic component being monopotassium phosphate, said organic and inorganic components being mixed uniformly throughout the fertilizer composition in a ratio by weight of approximately 2 to 5 parts organic component to 1 part inorganic component, whereby the effective percentage of the nutrients N, P and K are present generally in the ranges between 25% to 32% for nitrogen, 17% to 8% phosphorus expressed as P2O5 and 12% to 5% soluble potash expressed as K2O.
- 5. The composition of claim 4 in which said organic component has an approximate ratio of 2:1 of insoluble to soluble nitrogen releasing compounds.
- 6. The composition of claim 4 in which said powdered ureaformaldehyde is of a size to pass a 150-mesh sieve.
- 7. A dry high analysis fertilizer composition contain-ing the nutrient N, P and K comprising first and second nutrient compounds, said first nutrient compound being powdered urea-formaldehyde of a size to pass an 60-mesh sieve, said ureaformal-dehyde having a ratio of between 1 to 3 parts of methylene urea to 1 part unreacted urea, said second nutrient compound being monopotassium phosphate, said first and second nutrient compounds being mixed so that the fertilizer composition is supplied with the nutrients N, P and K in an approximate ratio by weight of from 2 to 5:1:1 respectively, and said first and second nutrient compounds being uniformly distributed throughout the fertilizer composition.
- 8. The composition of claim 7 in which said first nutrient compound has an approximate ratio of 2:1 of methylene urea to the unreacted urea.
- 9. m e composition of claim 7 in which said ratio of N, P and K is approximately 3:1:1.
- 10. A dry high analysis fertilizer composition contain-ing essential nutrients N, P and K comprising a homogeneous mixture of an organic nitrogen releasing component and an inorganic component, said fertilizer composition being free of fillers and binding agents and adapted to be mixed with water and applied by injection and spraying from conventional equipment, said organic component including a water soluble nitrogen releasing unreacted urea and a water insoluble nitrogen releas-ing methylene urea, said methylene urea being in a powdered form having particles of a size to pass an 60-mesh sieve with most particles passing a 150-mesh sieve, said inorganic compo-nent being water soluble monopotassium phosphate, said organic component and said inorganic component being mixed in a ratio by weight of from 2 to 5 parts of organic component to 1 part inorganic component.
- 11. The composition of claim 10 in which the ratio of said methylene urea to said unreacted urea is approximately 2:1.
- 12. A dry high analysis fertilizer composition containing the nutrients N, P and K comprising an organic nutrient component for supplying N and an inorganic nutrient component supplying P and K, said organic component being a ureaformaldehyde having generally water soluble and water insoluble nitrogen releasing nutrient compounds, said water insoluble nitrogen releasing nutrient compound being methylene urea of a size to pass an 80-mesh sieve, said water soluble nitrogen releasing compound being unreacted urea, the amount of said water insoluble nitrogen releasing compound in said organic component being generally greater than the amount of said water soluble nitrogen releasing compound, said inorganic component supplying the nutrients P and K being only monopot-assium phosphate, said organic and inorganic components being mixed uniformly throughout the fertilizer composition in a ratio by weight of approximately 2 to 5:1 respectively, whereby the effective resultant fertilizer analysis indicating the percentage of the nutrients N, P and X which are present is generally in the range of a (25-17-12) to (32-8-5).
- 13. The composition of claim 12 in which said organic component has an approximate ratio of 2:1 of insoluble to soluble nitrogen releasing compounds.
- 14. The composition of claim 12 in which said methy-lene urea is of a size to pass a 150-mesh sieve.
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US05/800,125 US4089670A (en) | 1975-11-21 | 1977-05-24 | High analysis fertilizers |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1074142A true CA1074142A (en) | 1980-03-25 |
Family
ID=25177549
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA277,510A Expired CA1074142A (en) | 1977-05-24 | 1977-05-03 | High analysis fertilizer |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1074142A (en) |
-
1977
- 1977-05-03 CA CA277,510A patent/CA1074142A/en not_active Expired
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