GB2228941A - Composition for improving the compatibility of liquid fertilizers with plant protection agents - Google Patents

Description

t 1.

COMPOSITION FOR IMPROVING THE COMPATIBILITY OF LIQUID FERTILIZERS WITH PLANT PROTECTION AGENTS The invention relates to a composition for improving the compatibility of liquid fertilizers with plant protection agents.

In our days there is an increasing demand for simultaneous spraying of fertilizer solutions and plant protection agents wherever application technology allows it. The advantages of this method are as follows: possible economy of manpower, machinery, and also of time, - decrease of soil compression, of losses along the tracks of agricultural machines, less damage to plants through trampling.

According to US-P 3,408,174 a composition is formed of a blend of sulphated fatty acids and of salts of alkylbenzene sulphonates.

As a rule it is not possible to apply liquid fertilizers and plant protection agents simultaneously w'ithout the use of additives, because during mixing of the liquid fertilizer with the plant protection agent there occurs agglomeration, sedimentation, non- miscibility or the separation of an oily layer from the solution. In such cases it becomes impossible to ensure an even distribution, and the plant protection agent very often cannot exert its action.

A - 2 From the point of view of plant protection agents one has to study separately problems of compatibility arising in the case of wettable powder (WP), suspendable concentrate (SC) or emulsifiable concentrate (EC) formulations.

In case of WP or SC formulations one has to ensure the following conditions in order to have the possibility of simultaneous application: suspendability with simultaneous good and spontaneous wetting, good dispersability, i.e.

1 D minimum flocculation, and finally good redispersability, i.e. on mixing the sediment (flocculant) should readily form a suspension.

In the case of EC formulated plant protection agents which usually form an oil-in-water type emulsion stability is due to the formation of a double ionic layer on the phase boundary. Dissolved salts, depending on the character and valency of their constituent ions, have different effect on the state of the double ionic layer. Beside this specific effect the concentration of the salt solution is also of great importance. Generally an increase of ion concentration in the aqueous phase leads to a contraction of the double layer. As a result of this it is easier for the oily drops of the emulsion to come into closer contact with each other and unite, whereby a decrease in the stability of the emulsion occurs. This problem may arise from the salinity of water used to form the spray, all of which may be enhanced by the hardness of the water used. That is why stability of plant protection agent emulsions 3 - is always tested in standard water of 19.2 German degrees of hardness. Because of the high ion concentration of fertilizer solutions it is often not possible to form a stable emulsion of plant protection agents in such a solu5 tion.

Attempts have been made to solve the problem of the simultaneous application of otherwise incompatible fertilizer solutions and plant protection agents with the help of additives, because there is a widely felt demand for such a solution, the importance of which is enhanced by the widespread use of liquid fertilizers and the importance of ensuring maximum economy in agricultural production.

One of the known preparations for this purpose which is, however, effective only in increasing the compatibility of a comparatively small section of plant protection agents contains an anionic surfactant or a blend of anionic and non-ionic surfactants as additives. For instance USPatent 3,317,305 proposes the application of a suitably modified phosphate ester for this purpose. This latter is synthesized by the reaction of phosphorous pentoxide with adducts of dinonyl-phenyl and ethylene oxide, and the resulting diand triester blend is added to the plant protection agent. The thus-treated plant protection agent solution may then be added to the fertilizer solution.

US-P 4,224,049 proposes the use as additive of (alkylaryl)poly(oxyethylene)-glycol phosphate monoesteis diluted in water and a short-chain alcohol, preferably methanol. The disadvantage of this solution is that the additive ray only be obtained by a relatively complicated synthesis. Besides, the methanol contained in the blend is an increased health hazard. The highly volatile nature of methanol causes further difficulties during application, to say nothing of the circumstance that the very high cost of some of the components greatly decreases the economical advantage of the simultaneous application of fertilizer and agent as a whole.

The aim of the invention is the elaboration of an additive composition that makes.possible the simultaneous application of any liquid (dissolved) fertizer with plant protection agents.

The invention is based on the recognition that high icn-concentration dissolved fertilizers, e.g. urea-ammonium nitrate 1:1 molar proportional blend, nitrogen fertilizer solutions containing 28-30% of nitrogen (UAN), NP or NPK solutions containing 8-11% by mass of nitrogen, 24-37% by mass of phosphorous pentoxide and 0-10% by mass of potassium oxide, are miscible with traditionally formed -- otherwise incompatible -- plant protection agent solutions in the presence of a solution of alkyl-poly(oxyethylene)-glycol ethers in an oxygeneous organic solvent.

The invention is based further on the recognition that the effectivity of the above-described composition may further be enhanced by the addition of polyethyleneglycol combined esters.

Finally, the invention is based on the recognition that from the point of view of easy handling and improved applicability the presence of various substances, otherwise also useful for the nourish- - ment of plants, as for instance urea and inorganic salts containing nitrogen, phosphorus or potassium, e.g. potassium or ammonium chloride, nitrate, sulphate, phosphate, as additives Is also advantageous. Of course, the concentration of these substances in the composition does not justify mentioning their pronounced nutrient role, since the advantage of their application lies in decreasing the freezing point and volatility of the composition which makes it easier to handle in the field.

Based on the above facts, the invention relates to a composition for improving the compatibility of dissolved fertilizers and plant protection agents, which comprises:

an alkyl-poly(oxyethylene)-glycol ether of the general formula (1), R l_ 0-(CH2- CH 2_ 0-) n H (1) wherein R is a C 6-24' preferably C 10-181 alkyl group and n has the value of 4 to 20, preferably 10 to 15; further in a quantity of 0.05 to 12.0, preferably 0.15 to 1.5, more expediently 0.2 to 1.0 partsby mass, as calculated on the mass of alkyl-poly(oxyethylene) glycol ether, a polyethyleneglycol combined ester of the general formula (H), - 6 R2_C(-O-CH 2_ CH 2)m_ D-C-R3 11 0 11 0 ( 11) wherein R 2 'S a Cl-4 alkyl group, preferably methyl group, R 3 is a C9-211 preferably Cll-171 alkyl group, m has the value of 4 to 20, preferably 12 to 18; in a quantity of 0.1 to 60, preferably 0.3 to 1.0, more expediently 0.5 to 0.7 parts by mass,as calculated on the mass of the alkylpoly(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, an oxygeneous organic solvent; in a quantity of not more than 10, preferably 0.05 to 2 parts by mass, as calculated on the mass of alkyl-poly(oxyethylene'j-glycol ether, urea and/or inorganic wate -soluble salt(s) containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus and/or potassium; and water in an amount of not more than 70, preferably 0. 2 to 10, more expediently 0. 25 to 1. 0, parts by mass, as calculated on the mass of alkyl-poly(oxyethylene) glycol ether and, if desired, usual additive(s) of plant protection agent compositions.

An advantageous composition according to the invention comprises 32% by mass of heptedecyl-pentadeka(oxy- ethylene)-glycol ether, 10% by mass of a combined ester of polyethyleneglycol of a mean molecular weight of 900 with acetic and laurinic acids, 20% by mass of n-butylelcohol, 8. 4% by mass of urea and 29. 6% by mass of water, i. e. the 1 7 - mass ratio of the components in the order of naming being 1: 0.31: 0.63: 0.26: 0.93.

The following may preferably be used as derivates of formula M: octadecyltetra(oxyethylene)-glycDl ether, hexadecyl-pentadeka(oxyethylene)-glyco1 ether, heptadecyl- pentadeka(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, nonylpentadeka(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, octyl-monodeka(oxyethylene)-glycol ether and dodecylhexa(oxyethylene)-glyco1 ether.

The following may expediently be used as oxygeneous organic solvents: ethan.ol, n-butanol, iso-butanol, acetone, methyl-ethyl ketone, ethyl acetate, diethylene glycol and methyl glycol ether.

The following may preferably be used as derivatives of the general formula (II): polyethyleneglycol acetate- -palmitate, polyethyleneglycol acetate-laurate, polyethylene- glycol butyrate-laurate, polyethyleneglycol acetate-stearate. The following may expediently be used as water-soluble inorganic salts: potassium nitrate, ammonium- nitrate, ammonium phosphate, potassium sulphate. 20 The composition according to the invention ensures compatibility for solvent fertilizers in ordinary use in agriculture with usual plant protection agents. As is known in the art, the most commonly used liquid (dissolved) fertilizer is a solution of ammonium nitrate and urea of a molar ratio of 1:1 (UAN solution). The usual commercial solution contains 28 to 30% by mass of nitrogen and is brought on the market by various producers under different brand names (for instance the solution kncwn in Hungary as Nitrosol 28 contains 28% of nitrogen and that known as Hydronit 30 contains 30% of nitrogen). Besides, the claimed composition may be successfully applied for the simultaneous application of urea solutions, produced on site or under factory conditions, ammonium phosphate and polyphosphate solutions (NP) as well as solutions containing e.g. potassium chloride (NPK) together with plant protecting agents.

Necessary dosage of the composition according to the invention can be determined prior to use on site by conducting experiments to determine lowest quantity ensuring compatibility. To determine this we should add the permitted maximum quantity of plant protection agent to a liquid fertilizer solution of the contemplated type (UAN, NP or NPO of maximum concentration. Then we determine the stability of the suspensions as a function of time. The composition is tested in doses between 0.1 to 2.0% by mass, as calculated on the mass of nutrient in the solution. The composition is dissolved in the fertilizer solution,,,and the plant protecting agent is then added. The minimal dose of composition that still ensures stability for the suspension is determined. In practice this quantity or a quantity exceeding this dose by 5-10% is used.

The main advantages of the preparation according to the invention are as follows:

- it makes possible the simultaneous application of liquid fertilizer and plant protection agents; - it makes ltpossible to simultaneously apply plant protective agents which otherwise could be admixed only separately with liquid fertilizer; in many cases the preparation increases the effectiveress of the plant protection agent and thus it makes possible to decrease the dose used.

Besides, the simultaneous application has in it self the advantages well known in the art:

economy of manpower and machinery and also of time; decrease in soil compression; decrease of loss of plants along wheeltracks, by trampl, ing.

The invention is further illustrated with the aid of the following examples, without restricting the scope claimed. At the end of each example the mass relations of alkyl-poly(oxyethylene)-glycol ether: polyethyleneglycol combined ester: oxygeneous organic solvent: urea and/or inorganic salt(s): water plus additive are given. The signs designate % by mass values.

Example 1

In 15 ml of water 1.0 9 of urea is dissolved. In another flask 60.0 9 of octadecyl-tetra(oxy ethylene)-glycol ether and 4.0 9 of polyethyleneglycol acetate-palmitate combined ester are dissolved in 20 9 of cellosolve under mixing, wherein the molar mass of the polyethyleneglycol is 200. Mixing the two solutions results in a composition having a density of 0. 943 g/ml; freezing point: below -10 0 C. Relation of components: 1:0.07:0. 33:0.25.

- Example -2

To 44.0 ml of water 13.0 ml of n-butylalcohol are added, then 32.0 9 of urea are dissolved in this solution. The solution is warmed to 50 OC, then at this temperature 4.0 g of hexadecyl-pentedeka(oxyethylene)-glycoI e ther are added. Mixing is continued for 20 minutes to produce a homogeneous solution. Thereafter further 7.0 g of polyethyleneglycol. laurate-acetate combined ester are added, where the polyethyleneglycol has a molecular mass of 800.

The homogeneous solution is cooled to room temperature. The product has a density of 0.980 g/ml; freezing point: -5 OC. Mass relation of the components: 1:1.75:3.25:8:11.

Examples 3 to 16 3. 35% of water, 7% of acetone, 54% of heptadecyl-pentadeka(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, 4% of polyethylene- glycol butyrate-laurate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a molecular mass of 600. Density: 0.958 g/mI; freezing point: lower than - 5 0 C. Ratio of components; 1:0.07:0.13:0.00:0.65. 20 4. 35% of water, 25% of ethanol, 40% of heptadecyl-pentadeks(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, 3% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-stearate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a molecular mass of 800. Density: 0.927 g/ml; freezing point: lower than -10 OC. Ratio of components: 25 I:O.CB:0.62:0. 00:0.80. 5. 30% of water, 2% of urea, 25% of diethylene glycol, 40% of heptadecyl-pentadeka(oxyethylene)-glycoI ether, 3% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-stearate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is Of a molecular mass of Boo. Density: 0.937 9/ml; freezing point: lower than -10 0 C. Ratio of components: 1:0.08:0. 62:0.05:0.75.

6. 20% of water, 10% of urea, 5% of ammonium nitrate, 22k of isobutanol, 40% of heptadecyl-pentadeka(oxyethylene)- glycol ether, 3% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-stearate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a molecular mass of 800. Density: 0.943 9/ml; freezing point: lower than -15 0 C. Ratio of components:

1:0.08:0.55:0.38:0.50.

7. 28% of water, 22% of ethyl acetate, 29% of nonylpentadeka(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, 20% of polyethyleneglycol palmitatebutyrate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a molecular mass of BOO. Density: 0.918 g/ml; freezing point: lower than -5 0 C. Ratio of components: 1:0.69:0.76:0.00:0.97.

8. 34% of water, 1% of potassium nitrate, 24% of methyl ethyl ketone, 38% of octyl-monodeka(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, 3% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-palmitate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a molecular mass of 400. Density: 0.945 9/ml; freezing point: lower than -10 CC. Ratio of components: 1:0.09:0.63:0.03:0.89.

9. 30% of water, 3% of monoammonium phosphate, 22% of diacetone alcohol, 40% of dodecyl-hexaethyleneglycol ether, 5% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-stearate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a molecular mass of 800. Density: 0.987 g/ml; freezing point: lower than -15 CC. Ratio of components: 1:0.13:0.55.0. 08:0."15.

12 - 10. 29.6% of water, 8.4% of urea, 15% of n-butylalcohol, 32% of heptadecyl-pentadeka(oxyethylene)-glycoj ether, 10% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-laurate Combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a molecular mass of 800. Density: 0.990 glml; freezing point: lower then 10 CC. Ratio of components: 1:0.31:0.63:0.26:0.93.

ll- 14.7% of water, 6.3% of urea, 15% of n-butylalcohol, 24k of heptadecyl-pentadeka(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, 40% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-laurate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a molecular mass of 900. Density: 0.998 glml; freezing point: lower than 10 CC. Ratio of components: 1:1.67:0.63:0.26:0.61.

12. 0.3% of water, 0.4% of urea, 97.1% cf n-butylalcohol, 1.7% of heptadecyl-pentedeka(oxyethyl,.ene)-glycol ether, 0.5% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-laurate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a mclecular mass of 800. Density: 0.812 g/ml; freezing point: lower than -15 0 C. Ratio of components: 1:0.29:57.1:0. 24:0.18.

13. 22% of water, 8% of urea, 20% of n-butylalcohol, 32% of heptadecyl-pentedeka(oxyethylene)-glyco1 ether, 10% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-laurate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a molecular mass of 800, 8% of nonylphenol- polyoxyethyleneglyco1 ether with 10 oxyethylene groups. Density: 0.985 glml; freezing point: 25 lower than -10 CC. Ratio of components: 1:0.31:0. 63:0.25:0.94. 14. 95% of water, 1.4% of urea, 0.9% of n-butylalcohol, 1. 4% of heptadecyl-pentacJeka(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, 0.5% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-laurate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol, is of a molecular mass of 800, 0.8% of laurinic acid diethanolamide. Density: 1.00 g/ml; freezing point: lower than -3 0 C. Ratio of components: 1:0.36:0.64:1.00:68.4.

15. 51.2% of ethanol, 16.6% of heptedecyl-pentadeks(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, 32.2% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-laurate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a molecular mass of 800. Density: 0.811 g/ml; freezing point: lower than -15 OC. Ratio of components:

1:1.94:3-OB:0.00:0.00.

16. 8.4% of urea, 45.1% of n-butylalcohol, 4.5% of heptedecylpentedeka(oxyethylene)-glycoI. ether, 42% of polyethyleneglycol acetate-laurate combined ester, wherein polyethyleneglycol is of a molecular mass of 800. Density:

0.990 g/ml; freezing point: lower than -10 OC. Ratio of components: 1:9.33:10.0:1.87:0.00.

The effectiveness of the compositions according to the invention in the simultaneous application of Iquid fertilizers and plant protection agents is illustrated by the data summarized in Table 1. During tests summarized in Table 1 the mixtures of liquid fertilizer and plant protecting agents had 8 stability of at least 2 hours, eventual changes were reversible within 24 hours.

Table 1

Compatibility Of plant protecting agents and dissolved fertilizer in the presence of compositions according to the inventi'on Dissolved fertilizer Plant protection agent Composition Example No.

Commercial Producer 1 Active 3 Dose name ingredient 1/ha Commercial Producer Active 3 Canc.

name or formula- ingredient 91100 ml tor' Conc 2 M1/100 M1 Nitrosol 20 PN 28% N 175 Nitrosol 20 PN 28% N 360 Nitrosol 28 PN 28% N 360 Nitrosol 28 PN 28% N 360 Nitrosol 28 PN 28% N 360 Nitrosol 20 PN 28% N 360 Nitrosol 28 PN 28% N 360 Nitrosol 28 PN 29% N 360 Nitrosol 28 PN 28% N 360 Nitrosol 20 PN 20% N 360 Nitrosol 28 PN 28% N 360 Nitrosol 28 PN 28% N 175 Nitrosol 28 PN 20% N 175 Acenit 50EC Nitrok6mia Acetoklor 2.06 Kolfugo 25WP Chinain Karbendazim 0.42 Szulfur 900FW BVM Sulphur 1.39 Impact ICI Flutriafol, 0.28 Decis 25EC BVM Deltametrin 0.42 Fendona 10EC Shell Alfametrin 0.03 I.P.FLO BVM Isoproturon 0.83 Sys67Gebifan Synthesen 2,4-DP salt 0.83 Starane Dow Fluoroxipir 0.17 Dikotex 40 J.Dimitrov MCPA 1.06 Niptan 580EC Nitrok6mia EPTC+MG 191 1.0 Patoran 50WP BVM Metobromuron 2.97 Aktikon Nitrok6mia Atrazin 2.63 2 10 10 11 11 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 0.57 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.28 0.20 0.28 0.28 0.20 0.57 0.57 11 1-1 t!' 1 Table 1 continued Dissolved fertilizer Commercial Producer 1 Active se name 3 ingredient 1/ha Nitrosol 28 PN 28% N 175 Nitrosol 28 PN 26% N 200 Nitrosol 28 PN 28% N 200 N1tr0501 28 PN 28% N 360 Nitrosol 28 PN 28% N 360 Hydronit 30 OW 30% N 360 Urea own 30% N 300 APP sol. own 10% N 34% P 205 360 WK sol. own 7% N 7% P 205 7 % K 20 300 Plant protection agent Commercial Producer Active t3 Conc.

name or formula- ingredlen glloo M1 tor' Afalon Nitrokdmia Linuron 4.00 Anelda 80EC rMV Butilat 3.50 Glitref BVM Trifluralin 1.50 Kolfugo 25WP Chinoin Karbendazim 0.42 + Decis 2,5EC BVM Deltametrin 0.42 Fendona 10EC Shell Alfametrin 0.03 Strarane Dow Fluoroxipir 0.17 Dikatex 40 J. Dimitrov MCPA 1.06 Dual 720EC BVM Metolaklor 0.97 Anelda 80 (MV Butilat 2.33 Impact ICI Flutriaflor 0.28 Szulfur9OWW OW Sulphur 2.33 Composition Example Conc. 2 No. M1/100 M1 4 6 1 0.57 0.50 0.50 0.28 0.28 0.17 0.33 0.28 0.33 h, Table 1 continued Dissolved fertilizer Composition Plant protection agent Commercial Producer Active 3 COM.

name or formula- ingredientg/100 mI, tor 1 Szulfur 900FW BVM Sulphur 1.39 Szulfur 900FW BVM Sulphur 1.39 Olitref OW Trifluralin 0.97 Szulfur 900FW OW Sulphur 2.33 Szulfur 900FW OW Sulphur 1.39 Anelda BOEC tmv Butilat 3.50 Szulfur 900FW BW Sulphur 1.39 Szulfur 900FW BVM Sulphur 1.39 Olitref OW Trifluralin 0.97 Commercial Produceri Active 3 Dose name ingredient 1/ha Example Cone. 2 No. M1/100 M1 Hydronit 30 OW 30% N 360 Hydronit 30 9W 30% N 360 Nitrosol 28 PN 28% N 360 Nitrosol 20 PN 28% N 360 Nitrosol 20 PN 20% N 360 Hydronit 30 BW 30% N 360 Hydronit 30 BVK 30% N 360 Hydronit 30 OW 30% N 360 Nitrosol 20 PN 28% N 360 3 9 9 7 14 12 13 15 16 0.28 0.28 0.26 0.33 5.83 5.27 0.20 0.29 0.20 4 1 17 - In Table 1 the abbreviations have the following meaning:

1. Producers:

PN P6ti NitrogdnmOvek, Virpalota BVK Borsodi Vegyikombinit, Kazincbarcika own Solution produced by user Nitrok6mia Chinoin BVM Synthesen J. Dimitrov EMV Nitrokdmia Ipartelepek, FGzf6gy6rtelep Chinoin Pharmaceutical and Chemical Works, Budapest Budapesti VegyimOvek, Budapest VEB Synthesenwerk, DOR J. Dimitrov Chemical Works, CSR fszakmagyarorsz6gi VegyimCvek, Sajob6bony 2. Conc.

Concentration of the composition according to the invention sufficient for ensuring a mixture stable for at least 2 hours.

3. Chemical character of active agents:

Acetochlor: N- (ethoxy- met hyl)-2- ethy I - 6- me thy l-chloro acetanilide alfametrin: alpha-cyano-3-phenoxybenzyl-3-(2,2-dichloro-vinyl)-2, 2-dimethyl-cyclopropane (IR cis) S and (IS cis) R isomer 2-chloro-4-ethylamino-6-isopropylamino-s- triazine S-ethyl-diisobutyl-thiocarbamate (lR,3R)-3-(2,2-dibromovinyl)-2,2-dimethyl- -cyclopropane-carbonic acid-(S)-alpha- atrazin:

butilat: deltametrin:

1 -cyano-m-pheno5ybenzylester 2,4 DP salt: 2-(2,4-dichlor-phenoxy)-propionic acid EPTC: N,N-di-n-propyl-S-ethyl-thiccarbamate fluoroxipir: 4-amino-3,5-dichloro-6-fluoro-2-pyridyl- -oxyacetic acid flutriafol: (RS)-2,C-dif luoro-alpha-(lH-1 2,4-triazole isoproturon: N-1-4-(2-methyl-ethyl)-pheny.17-N",N"-dimethyl- -urea karbendazin: 2-Cmethoxy-carbonyl-amino)-benzimidazole linuron: N- (3,4-di chlorophenyl) -N"-methoxy-N" -methyl urea MCPA: 2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy-acetic acid metobromuron: N-(p-bromophenyl)-N"-methyl-N"-methoxy urea metolaklor: 2-ethyl-6-methyl-N-(1-methyl-2-methoxy-ethylli- chloroacetanilide MG 191: 2-dichloromethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane trifluralin: 2,6-dinitro-N,N-dipropyl-4-trifluoromethyl-aniline t

Claims (7)

P a t c n t c 1 a i m s

1. A composition for improving the compatibility of dissolved fertilizers and plant protectio n agents, which comprises: an alkyl-poly(oxyethylene) glycol ether of the general formula (1), R'-0-(CH 2 -CH 2 -0-) n H (I) wherein R 1 is a C 6-24, preferably C,,_,,, alkyl group and n has the value of 4 to 20, preferably 10 to 11.5; further in a quantity of 0.05 to 12.0, preferably 0.15 to 1.5, more expediently 0.2 to 1-0,parts by mass, as calculated on the mass of alkyl-poly(oxyethylene) glycol ether, a polyethyleneglycol combined ester of the general formula (11), 1 a R 2_C(-O-CH 2- CH 2)m_ O-C-R3 11 9 0 0 wherein R 2 is a Cl_4 alkyl group, preferably methyl group, R 3 is a C9-21, preferably C11-17, alkyl group, m has the value of 4 to 20, preferably 12 to 18; in a quantity of 0.1 to 60, preferably 0.3 to 1.0, more expediently 0.5 to 0.7 parts by mass, as calculated on the mass of the alkyl-poly(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, an oxygeneous organic solvent; optionally and in a quantity of not =c than lo, pmferably C).05 to 2 parts by mass, as calculated on the mass of alkyl- -poly(oxyethylene)-glycol ether, urea and/or inorganic water-soluble salt(s) containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus andlor potassium; and cptiy watw in an amount of not more than 70, preferably 0.2 to 10, more expediently 0.25 to 1.0,parts by mass, as calculated on the mass of alkyl-poly(oxyethylene) glycol ether and, if desired, usual additive(s) of plant protection agent compositions.

2. A composition as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t c r i s e d in that a C 1-4 alcohol or diol semiester or symmetrical or asymmetrical ketone or ester is used as oxygeneous organic solvent.

3. A composition as claimed in claim 1, c h a r a c t e r i s e d in that heptedecyl-pentadeka(ox'y- ethylene)-glycol ether is used as alkyl-poly(oxyethylene)-glycol ether of general formula (I).

4. A composition as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that a polyethyleneglycol acetate- -stearate in which the polyethyleneglycol has a molecular mass of 800 is used as polyethyleneglycol combined ester of general formula (II).

21.

5. A composition substantially as hereinbefore described in any one of Examples 1 to 16.

6. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 in admixture with a fertiliser and a plant protection agent.

7. A method comprising applying a composition as claimed in claim 6 to plant growing medium.

1 Published 2990 at The Patent 01Tice State E- - e. oples maybe obtained from The Patent Wic e =9,izioIborn.L-ondonWClr,4TP PLL--herc s ltd- St Mary Cray, Kent, Con 1. 187 Sales Branch, St Mary Cray. Orpington, Kent BR5 3RD Printed by Multiplex technique -w-y %,ray. nent, uon 1-157