EP0474639A1

EP0474639A1 - General purpose fertiliser

Info

Publication number: EP0474639A1
Application number: EP90904891A
Authority: EP
Inventors: David Lawrence Mckenzie
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1989-03-23
Filing date: 1990-03-23
Publication date: 1992-03-18
Also published as: GB2253620A; GB9120800D0; GB2253620B; WO1990011265A2; WO1990011265A3

Abstract

On décrit un engrais d'application générale comprenant un mélange intime, par parties en poids, de 8 % à 30 % de fumier sec riche en protéines, de 20 % à 70 % de phosphate de base, de 5 % à 15 % d'un composé de potasse soluble dans l'eau, de 0,2 % à 0,75 % d'un acétate phényle dihydroxy diamino éthylène ferrique, ou un agent similaire abaissant le pH ou libérant du fer (FED), et de 15 % à 70 % d'un matériau de dilution comprenant du sable et/ou de la tourbe.A general application fertilizer is described comprising an intimate mixture, by parts by weight, of 8% to 30% dry manure rich in protein, 20% to 70% base phosphate, 5% to 15% of a water soluble potassium hydroxide compound, 0.2% to 0.75% of a phenyl dihydroxy diamino ethylene ferric acetate, or a similar pH lowering or iron releasing agent (DEF), and 15% to 70% of a dilution material comprising sand and / or peat.

Description

GENERAL PURPOSE FERTILISER

The present invention relates to a novel plant growing medium, to a method of promoting the growth of plants and to the use of the medium to promote the growth and development of plants. In the context of the present invention any reference to the word 'plants' is intended to cover all types of plants, large and small, trees, bushes, agricultural crops, horticultural crops, grass, cuttings and seeds for germination. It is well known that many plants are difficult to grow, either when transplanted or grown from seed. Type of soil, and climate conditions both play an important part. A clay-type of soil is difficult to work, and is not conducive to plant growth because of high acidity and low air content. Nor is a sandy soil, including sand itself, conducive to plant growth. The many problems associated with seed germination and plant growth and development, irrespective of the type of soil, clay or sand are solved using the composition which forms a feature of the invention.

According to the present invention there is provided a general purpose fertiliser comprising, an intimate mixture, in parts by weight, of 8 to 30% of dried protein-rich manure, 20 to 70% of basic phosphate, 5 to 15% of a water- soluble potash compound, 0.2 to 0.75% of ferric ethylene diamino dihydroxy phenyl acetate, or a comparable pH lowering and iron-release agent (FED) , and 15 to 70% of a dilutant material comprising sand and/or peat.

Preferably any one or more of the constituents falls within the following ranges, namely 8 to 20% of the dried protein-rich manure, 30 to 65% of the basic phosphate, 8 to

12% of the potash compound, 0.3 to 0.6% of FED, and 20 to

50% of dilutant. It is further preferred that the dilutant should comprise 0 to 40% preferably 8 to 25% of peat and 0 to 30% preferably 5 to 20% of sand. Additionally the dilutant might incorporate 0 to 5%, preferably 1 to 2.5% of foam crumb.

The invention further extends to a plant growth composition comprising an intimate mixture of l to 6, preferably 1 to 3, parts by weight of the general purpose fertiliser as hereinbefore defined, together with 100 to 1000, preferably 150 to 300, parts by weight of peat. Ideally such a composition will 5 include added FED in the ratio of 1 to 4 parts by weight of FED to every 2 to 12 parts by weight of the fertiliser, with the preferred ratio being 1 to 4.

From a still further aspect this invention provides a seed germination promoting composition comprising an intimate mixture of 0.2 to 20% by weight of the general purpose fertiliser as hereinbefore defined, with the balance being peat, which mixture is in turn intimately mixed with sand, with the sand constituting 30 to 70% by weight of the final mixture. The sand is ideally medium-ground and preferably silicate mica. The composition may include a predetermined quantity of seed for germination. Another aspect of the invention is a method of germinating seeds wherein such a composition is watered and treated to conventional growing procedures.

The basic phosphate in the composition is preferably insoluble or sparingly soluble in water such that it releases its phosphate content in the soil only over a prolonged period to provide long-term fertility. The phosphate is conveniently a calcium phosphate which is readily obtainable in the naturally occurring form of rock phosphate; such natural phosphates have the added advantage of containing trace elements which are also essential for plant growth. Many rock phosphates also contain calcium carbonate which adds to the effect of the present composition. The calcium carbonate and phosphate are preferably used in a weight ratio substantially 1:4. Since rock phosphates do not generally contain such a high carbonate content, additional carbonate compounds may be added to the rock phosphate but a preferred embodiment of the invention makes use of rock phosphate which contains the preferred proportions of carbonate to phosphate, the latter being present in the form of tricalcium diphosphate; Ca₃(P0₂) . FED (commonly sold under the Trade Mark FERROPLEX) used in the plant growth composition according to the invention will release up to 6% of iron (chellated iron) . The preferred concentration of FED is around 0.2% and it has been observed that at or around this concentration the pH of the soil is held in balance at about 6.5 to 7.2 pH and water retention is increased. Foam crumb, in the form of inert polymeric material or other water-absorbing inert material is preferably present at a concentration of around 1.5% by weight, but any suitable concentration is envisaged so long as the crumb or other inert material increases the level of water retention in the soil.

The term "potash compound" is intended to include any of the potassium compounds in use as fertilisers; the preferred compound is muriate of potash (potassium chloride - 60%K) . The preferred protein-rich manure is chicken manure which has been processed.

Although the sand, preferably silicate mica, may be used in a range of from 1% to 17% by weight, the preferred content of silicate mica in the composition is 12% to 15% by weight. The invention also extends to a method of germinating seeds wherein land is treated with the general purpose fertiliser or the plant growth composition of the invention, as hereinbfore defined, and seed is applied to the land either alone or in the form of the composition of the invention as defined above, and the ground is watered regularly and treated to conventional growing procedures.

As another aspect of thje invention there is provided method of cultivating land wherein grass, barley or similar crops are.grown in accordance with the germination method of the invention as defined above to create a root mass to a substantial depth and the top surface of the ground is tilled, leaving a lower root mass which stabilises the ground and acts to store water.

The use of the product enhances germination of all types of plants due to the product's balanced conductivity, the fast establishment of root due to the imbalance of protein in the general purpose fertiliser and greater yield in beans, peas, potatoes and all types of crops, with the growing medium surrounding the freshly planted seeds and isolating the existing conductivity where plants have been transplanted. It was also found that plants could be moved whilst flowering and as long as the roots were completely covered with the growing medium and watered with fresh clean water, the plants had no adverse effect to their new environment.

Preferred embodiments and uses of the invention will now be described, with reference to certain examples:- Breaking down of compacted ground or clav

It was found that by applying the product at a rate of 3 tons to 4 tons per acre by the use of Vicon Vari spreader and tyning/or rotovating top surface of clay to a depth of 6" and leaving for a duration period of at least four months that the clay becomes aeriated and friable to sustain a good coverage of grass for a period of at least three to four years, thus eliminating the use for top soil as in conventional applications used.

Use of the general purpose fertilizer of the invention has the following advantages. 1) In acidic soils the pH value will rise between 6.8 to

7.2 neutrality and this will be retained over a long period.

2) When watered, water being the catalyst, the temperature of the treated soil will give rise to a temperature of 3°C, thus increasing germinating factors.

3) Germinating properties in colder or alpine conditions increase.

4) The product's imbalance of protein allows acceleration of all types of root structure in both prepared and unprepared ground.

The preferred example of the invention is of a general purpose fertiliser (composition A) comprising an intimate mixture of :-

380 lbs dried treated milled poultry manure (protein) 980 lbs ground rock phosphate, at 28% P^C- . 350 lbs Irish peat

350 lbs silicate preferably mica (course or fine particle size)

200 lbs Muriate of potash 60% 10 lbs FED

The ratio can fluctuate as follows Between 100 lbs - 400 lbs protein (dried poultry manure) 400 lbs - 1000 lbs ground rock phosphate (28% P 0 100 lbs - 350 lbs milled peat 300 lbs - 600 lbs silicate mica 100 lbs - 200 lbs Muriate of potash 60%K 1 lb - 30 lbs FED

An ideal plant growth medium (composition B) is made up by using a mixture of 1 lb of this general purpose fertiliser composition, together with 100 lbs of peat, of FED and 1 lb of polymeric foam crumb. This plant growth medium can then be used as follows:-

20 young shrubs were transplanted into the plant growth medium. At the same time 20 young shrubs were transplanted into a conventional rooting mixture. Both trials were watered and maintained under identical conditions. After one year it was found that those shrubs growing in the plant growth medium of the invention were all healthy and had formed new growth, while of those growing in the conventional rooting medium, three had died soon after transplanting, one had died subsequently and the remaining six showed much poorer growth than those in the plant growth of the invention.

The general purpose fertiliser composition is made up of natural and inorganic and stabilised organic material and was originally formulated for the reclamation of deserts, and the reclamation of clay or sub soil terrain. T h e product has the ability to bind sand and increase bacterial activity in sterile conditions and the gradual conversion of sand to soil or from clay to a friable tilth. Once applied, the product is activated by water which initiates inter¬ related bacterial and exothermic reactions. These work to create and condition any type of soil, breaking down clay or compacted ground. The product's imbalance of protein acelerates root growth in sand or solid compacted ground.

Conversion of sand to soil is achieved by using a sprinkler irrigation system to reduce conductivity and by the use of fresh water. Reclamation of the desert occurs by gradual conversion of sand to soil by increasing humus build-up round the particles of sand. By nature it takes 500 million years to convert sand to soil. By using the composition of the invention this can be achieved within 18 months, as long as sprinkler irrigation is implemented. The general purpose fertiliser is applied at the rate of between 1 - 2 tons per acre after the sand or desert has been washed and salts have been allowed to percolate through the sand. The application of the general purpose fertiliser is by using a tractor and Vicon vari spreader, or by hand. The application of a mixture of at least 120 kg of grass/rye seed is applied mixed with at least 50 kg to 30 kg of barley.

It was found that, within a period of 15-21 days of sowing the mixture of grass seed and barley, the root growth would be acelerated by the product's inbalance of protein and reach a root length of at least 15" - 18". The grass would be grazed by sheep or cattle and the organic matter from the animals would be pressed by the cattle or sheep into the .sand, thereby increasing bacterial activity and humus build-up.

It was found that, within twenty-one days of the application of the general purpose fertiliser, discolouration would take place in the sand and that the sand-like medium aroma was that of freshly cut hay or soil. When grazing ground was depleted, a fresh sowing of grass seed could be applied and the same rotation carried through. After a period of six rotations, the top surface of grass would be rotovated and allowed to decompose keeping the land moist by the use of sprinkler irrigation. The sand-like medium was then ideal for growing vegetables and increasing yield due to the fertility of the treated desert. The barley root was at least 10" thick, allowing greater water retention in desert areas below the surface of the sand.

Of particular interest is the use of the system according to the present invention in the mass planting of trees on most types of terrain. Previously, such planting involves the extended use of labour and extensive ground preparation. Use of the present system enables rapid and easy cultivation whereby the surface of the area to be planted is skimmed using, for example, a tractor and blade; applying the plant growth composition, for example, using a Vicon Vari spreader, to the ground surface at a rate of, for example, around 16 ounces per square yard, then applying the seed germination system.

Following germination of the seed and subsequent growth, young saplings can be thinned out and transplanted into the plant growth composition where, frequently, 100% take of the new trees can be achieved.

It has been found that the system and method of the present invention results in greater yield of trees, faster establishment, low, if any, loss rate from transplanting and more rapid aforrestation. The advantages following the use of the system and method forming a feature of the present invention, in addition to those of ease and economy, concern the biology and chemistry of the land. For example, the growing medium in which the seed finds itself has the preferred conductivity for germination and growth, namely 2500 to 3800 ppm. Also, the seed in the growing medium is separated from and isolated from the conductivity conditions occurring in the plant growth composition used to spread over the land. Furthermore, the imbalance of protein in the make-up of the plant growth composition allows for root penetration into the freshly skimmed surface of the land and also provides correct nutrients for rapid establishment of the trees.

Although the system and method of the invention is ideally suited to the growth of trees, it can be used for the growth of all plants originating from seeds. For example, Evening Primrose, a plant of high value in the medical field, can be cultivated from seed in a commercial and economical way using the method according to the present invention;

The seed germination system (composition C) consists of a mixture of 100 lbs peat

1 lb of composition A ^lb FED

Composition C is then blended with an equal part by weight of medium-ground sand and with l lb seed, and is mixed by rotation for a period of at least 4 minutes to ensure even distribution of the seed to form composition D. This mixture is applied in a quantity of from 10 to 100 tons, suitably 40 tons, per 4840 square yards land.

As an example of tree planting, land was surface skimmed using a tractor and blade. Plant growth composition

A was applied at a rate of 16 oz per square yard using a

Vicon Vari spreader. After hand-raking, the seed germination system (composition D) was applied at a rate of

40 tons per 4840 square yards. It was found that the yield was 2100, trees per acre, the loss rate being less than

2.0%. Trees grown by conventional means suffered a loss factor of 40%.

When formulating the products of this invention the FED might comprise a material which will lower the pH and release iron such as pine needles, sulphate of ammonia, or iron pyrites. However care must be taken to ensure that other germination requirements are not upset.

Claims

1. A general purpose fertiliser comprising, an intimate mixture, in parts by weight, of 8 to 30% of dried protein-rich manure, 20 to 70% of basic phosphate, 5 to 15% of a water-soluble potash compound, 0.2 to 0.75% of ferric ethylene diamino dihydroxy phenyl acetate, or a comparable pH lowering and iron-release agent (FED) , and 15 to 70% of a dilutant material comprising sand and/or peat.

2. A fertiliser according to Claim 1, wherein any one or more of the constituents falls within the following ranges, namely 8 to 20% of the dried protein-rich manure, 30 to 65% of the basic phosphate, 8 to 12% of the potash compound, 0.3 to 0.6% of FED, and 20 to 50% of dilutant.

3. A fertiliser according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the dilutant comprises 0 to 40% preferably 8 to 25% of peat and 0 to 30% preferably 5 to 20% of sand.

4. A fertiliser according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, wherein the dilutant incorporates 0 to 5% preferably l to 2.5% of foam crumb.

5. A plant growth composition comprising an intimate mixture of 1 to 6, preferably 1 to 3, parts by weight of the fertiliser as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 4, together with 100 to 1000, preferably 150 to 300, parts by weight of peat.

6. A composition as claimed in Claim 5 including added FED in the ratio of 1 to 4 parts by weight of FED to every 2 to 12 parts by weight of the fertiliser, with the preferred.ratio being 1 to 4.

7. A seed germination promoting composition comprising an intimate mixture of 0.2 to 20% by weight of

5 the fertiliser as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 4, with the balance being peat, which mixture is in turn intimately mixed with sand, with the sand constituting 30 to 70% by weight of the final mixture.

8. A composition according to Claim 7, wherein the 10 sand is medium-ground and preferably silicate mica.

9. A composition according to Claim 8, including a predetermined quantity of seed for germination.

10. A method of germinating seeds wherein the composition according to Claim 9 is watered and treated to

15 conventional growing procedures.

11. A method of germinating seeds wherein land is treated with the general purpose fertiliser of any one of Claims 1 to 4 or the plant growth composition of Claim 5 or Claim 6, and seed is applied to the land either alone or in

20 the form of the composition according to Claim 9 and the ground is watered regularly and treated to conventional growing procedures.

12. A method of cultivating land wherein grass, barley or similar crops are grown in accordance with the method as

25 claimed in Claim 11, to create a root mass to a substantial depth and the top surface of the ground is tilled, leaving

*"" a lower root mass which stabilises the ground and acts to store water.

13. .Any novel composition or method of cultivation as hereinbefore described.