MXPA01004210A - Compositions comprising anti-drift agents and processes and methods for their use - Google Patents

Abstract

A composition (1) comprising water, in solution, a) an inorganic water-soluble compound in an amount of at least 10%, b) an anti-drift agent which is a water soluble anionic polymer of intrinsic viscosity at least 6 dl/g which is formed from water soluble monomer or monomer blend, characterised in that the water-soluble polymer (b) is present in an amount up to 1.9 wt.%based on weight of composition. Said composition (1) can be a liquid fertiliser concentrate that can conveniently be applied through conventional spray distribution equipment without the need for additional dosing of anti-drift control chemicals. Said composition (1) can be a low viscosity liquid anti-drift agent that can be combined with a herbicide or pesticide in conventional spray distribution equipment.

Description

COMPOSITIONS THAT COMPRISE ANTI-TRAIL AGENTS AND PROCESSES AND METHODS FOR THEIR USE FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to novel aqueous compositions comprising anti-trapping agents and water-soluble inorganic compounds, which can be conveniently applied using conventional spray-dispensing equipment. The invention also relates to a process for spraying fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, in which novel compositions are used and methods to reduce the drag of the spray during the spraying process.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION It is well known in agriculture how to apply various agrochemical compounds to production areas by sprinkling. The production areas can be cultivation areas, which can be very large, or smaller production areas such as those in the greenhouses. Agrochemicals applied as sprays include fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides. Fertilizers can be supplied in various forms, in particular as solid compositions, or as suspensions or solutions of the fertilizer in a liquid. Fertilizer solutions are generally supplied by the manufacturer as an aqueous concentrate in large batches with a size of approximately one tonne of weight. The solutions contain high concentrations, often 10 to 80% by weight (dry solids), of dissolved inorganic fertilizer. The herbicides and pesticides can be supplied to the farmer in various forms, for example as pure liquids, aqueous solutions, suspensions or aqueous slurries of herbicide or solid pesticide. It is normal practice for the manufacturer to supply the farmer with the herbicide or pesticide in the form of a pure liquid or as a high activity solution or suspension. The usual way to apply herbicides or pesticides to an area of land would be by sprinkling.- Several systems have been devised for the convenient dosing of fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides. Spray pumps that spray water from a spray manifold on the land area or cultivation area are well known and are designed so that a solution of concentrated fertilizer, herbicide or pesticide can be dosed into the pump, mixed with water before of being sprayed. For some applications it is usual to combine two or more agrochemical compounds. For example in the application of herbicides, especially systemic herbicides, it is usual to combine the treatment with a fertilizer, such as for example ammonium sulfate. The fertilizer stimulates the growth of undesirable plants causing them to consume much more water, along with the herbicide, through the root system. This ensures a more efficient absorption and distribution of the herbicide through the plant. In this case, the fertilizer can be considered as an adjuvant that increases the effectiveness of the herbicide. In this way a fertilizer used in combination with a herbicide is called a herbicide adjuvant. During the spraying of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, it is usual to apply anti-trapping agents to prevent the formation of fine droplets that could be dragged beyond the area to be treated. Without the use of antiarrastre agents, the spraying of fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides would be inefficient, first of all because there could be an inadequate treatment of the areas of land and crops that are intended to be treated and secondly the strange spray, if dragged beyond the intended treatment area, it could for example be harmful to other crops, lands and watercourses. It is usual to combine the anti-drag agent with the water that is fed to the spray pumps or apply it directly to the spray pumps, usually in or shortly after the mixing zone where the water is mixed with the herbicide, pesticide or fertilizer concentrate aqueous. It is important that the spray chemical compound is dosed at the correct dose to ensure that no foreign spray is formed through underdosing or overdosing at too narrow a spray angle resulting in an uneven distribution of the pesticide, herbicide or fertilizer. Polymers of acrylamide and other ethylenically unsaturated monomers have been used as anti-tracer agents. It has been generally accepted that the polymers that give optimum spray drag control are nonionic (eg acrylamide homopolymer) or have a relatively low anion content (eg 5 to 30% weight) and also have a relatively high intrinsic viscosity, for example greater than 6 dl / g. Such polymers tend to form viscous aqueous solutions unless they are used at low concentration. The normal practice is to mix the polymer powder or form a reverse phase emulsion with water directly in the scrubber tank to form an aqueous polymer solution. However, this has the problem that the emulsion polymers can be difficult to activate in this situation and polymer powders take a long time to dissolve. Sometimes it is necessary to use more polymer as a result of the inefficient dissolution of the polymer. Normally to minimize problems with dissolution it would be usual to use polymers of intrinsic viscosity in the range of 6 to 15 dl / g. Typically the water containing the pesticide, herbicide or fertilizer comprises the polymer at a concentration exceeding 0.05% by weight. It would be desirable to provide a combined fertilizer composition comprising anti-trapping agents that can be conveniently applied through conventional spray distribution equipment without the need for separate dosing of anthocyte chemical control compounds. It would also be desirable to provide means to reduce spray carry over during the spraying of herbicides or pesticides by conveniently applying a high viscosity low viscosity liquid control composition.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION One aspect of the invention relates to an aqueous composition comprising water, in solution. a) an inorganic compound soluble in water in an amount of at least 10% by weight, b) an anti-trapping agent which is a water-soluble anionic polymer of intrinsic viscosity of at least 6 dl / g which is formed from monomers or a mixture of water-soluble monomers, or characterized in that the polymer (b) is present in an amount of up to 1.9% by weight based on the weight of the composition. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the inorganic compound soluble in water is used as a fertilizer. Thus, this aspect of the invention relates to a product in a single package which provides a combined fertilizer with anti-trapping agent which can be conveniently applied through the conventional spray distribution equipment and negates the separate dosing of chemical control compounds. additional anti-drag. This can be produced by adding polymer (b) to a standard concentrated solution of a water soluble inorganic salt which is a fertilizer. The amount of polymer used is sufficient to minimize dilution after spray-dragging the concentrated solution into the standard form of fertilizer solutions. In another aspect of the invention the inorganic compound soluble in water is used as a herbicide adjuvant. The composition of this aspect of the invention improves the activity of a herbicide with improved anti-trapping properties and can be conveniently applied through conventional spray distribution equipment. It can be produced by adding polymer (b) to a standard concentrated solution of a water-soluble inorganic salt which is a herbicide adjuvant, at a concentration that will minimize spray trapping after dilution of the concentrated solution of the form standard for herbicide adjuvant solutions. It has surprisingly been found that effective spray control when spraying pesticide, herbicide or fertilizer can be provided using water-soluble anionic polymer concentrations of up to 0.065% based on the total weight of the pesticide, herbicide or fertilizer in diluted use being sprayed, using the aqueous composition comprising at least 10% by weight of water-soluble inorganic salt and up to 1.9% by weight of a water-soluble anionic polymer of intrinsic viscosity of at least 6 dl / g. In addition, effective entrainment control can be achieved by using the water-soluble anionic polymer at concentrations below 0.025%, often below 0.1%, for example in the range of 0.001% to 0.0095%, especially in the 0.0025% range at 0.0075%, based on the total weight of pesticide, herbicide or diluted aqueous fertilizer being sprayed. It has also been surprisingly found that spray control is less sensitive to the dose when the aqueous composition of the invention is used. Whenever the minimum amount of anti-trapping agent is used, a much wider range of doses will achieve proper spray control without suffering the effects of overdose. This is of significant benefit to the farmer since it ensures a more effective treatment of a growing area or an area of land. In contrast, the conventional methods of applying anti-trapping agents are much more sensitive to the dose and to ensure that there is no risk of spray entrainment there may be a tendency to overdose, which results in a narrower roguish angle and in the inefficient distribution of pesticides, herbicides and fertilizer.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES OF THE INVENTION The invention provides an aqueous composition in which the defined polymer (b) is preferably substantially dissolved. That is to say, that the polymer is brought to the solution so that substantially no solid material remains visible. The polymer must be substantially soluble in water and in particular soluble in the aqueous solution of water-soluble inorganic salt having the same concentration of the inorganic salt soluble in water and the aqueous composition that it is desired to produce. Generally, the polymer is substantially linear and is not crosslinked. The polymer has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 6 dl / g. In this specification the intrinsic viscosity is measured by a level viscometer suspended at 20 ° C in 1M sodium chloride buffered to pH 7. That is to say of sufficiently high molecular weight to give spray control properties and not a low material. molecular weight that would act as a dispersant. Preferably, the IV is at least 8 dl / g, more preferably at least 9 dl / g. This may be up to, for example, 30 dl / g, but it was generally found that the optimum combination of low viscosity of the composition and the performance of the spray control is given by polymers having a higher IV from approximately 20 to 18 dl / g. Preferably the IV is not greater than 16, more preferably not greater than 15 dl / g. Particularly preferred IV ranges are from 9 to 13 dl / g, especially from 10 to 12 dl / g. The polymer is formed from monomer or mixture of water soluble monomers, usually ethylenically unsaturated monomer soluble in water. The anion content, ie the proportion of anionic monomer in the monomer mixture used to form the polymer, is at least 15% by weight. This may be up to 100% by weight, but is preferably not more than 80% by weight, more preferably not more than 70% by weight, more preferably not more than 60% by weight. Particularly preferred polymers have an anionic content in the range of 20 to 50% by weight, more preferably in the range of 25 to 30% by weight. The monomer or monomeric mixture used to form the polymer comprises any suitable ethylenically unsaturated, anionic monomer. This may be a sulphonic monomer, often as a sodium or other alkali metal salt, for example 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid. It is generally preferred that the anionic monomer be an ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic monomer, in particular acrylic or methacrylic monomer. The salts of acrylic acid are preferred, for example the ammonium or alkali metal salts, in particular sodium salts. The polymer may contain small amounts of cationic monomer, for example up to 20% by weight or 10% by weight, but usually the cationic monomer content is substantially zero. In general, the anionic monomer is copolymerized with the nonionic monomer, usually water-soluble ethylenically unsaturated ionic monomer, such as acrylamide or methacrylamide, preferably acrylamide. Particularly preferred polymers are copolymers of acrylamide with sodium acrylate. The polymer is included in the composition in an amount such that when the composition is diluted by spraying, provide adequate spray control performance. The polymer concentration in the aqueous fertilizer composition is generally up to 1.9% by weight, for example less than 1.0% by weight, preferably less than 0.5% by weight, more preferably less than 0.2% by weight, of more preferably less than 0.15% by weight. Particularly preferred compositions comprise polymer concentrations in the range of 0.05% by weight to 0.1% by weight. The aqueous composition of the invention can be produced in any conventional manner. For example the polymer can be added to the water followed by the fertilizer or both can be added simultaneously. Alternatively, the fertilizer can be added to a preformed polymer solution. However, it is generally preferred that the polymer be added in solid form, ie powder or beads. It is possible to add this in other forms, such as reverse phase dispersion, but the solid is preferred. Preferred solids are in the size range of 70 to 2000 microns and are made in a standard manner, for example by suspension polymerization to provide polymer in the form of beads or by solution polymerization, followed by trituration and drying, to provide polymer in powdered form. Thus, the invention relates to a process for the production of an aqueous composition of the invention, which comprises providing a preformed aqueous solution of the fertilizer (a) and mixing in this polymer (b) in powdered form. In this way the composition formed should have a viscosity which makes the composition easy to handle. This should in particular be easy to handle (ie preferably pumpable, pourable or sprayable) in the equipment that is currently used for spraying. The polymer can be added to the fertilizer at the fertilizer manufacturer's facility and in this way the viscosity should be sufficiently low, so that the resulting solution can be handled by the current equipment in place at such facilities. Preferably the viscosity is below 3,000 cPs, more preferably not more than 1,000 cPs. In particular it is not higher than 500 cPs and especially not higher than 250 cPs. Particularly preferable not greater than 100 cPs. It is usually in the range of 5 to 50 cPs, preferably 10 to 30 cPs, more preferably in the range of 15 to 20 cPs. In this specification the viscosity was measured using a Brookfield LVT viscometer using a spindle or needle from 4 to 30 rpm. This aqueous composition of the invention can be sprayed directly onto a land area or especially a crop. However, it is intended that the composition of the invention serve particularly as a concentrate for use in the diluted compositions to be sprayed. Prior to spraying, the aqueous composition of the invention will be diluted with water and optionally an additional agricultural chemical will be added. Typically the aqueous composition of the invention is diluted to a concentration of less than 10% by weight based on the total weight of the diluted product to be sprayed. Preferably, the composition of the invention is diluted to between 1 and 5% by weight, more preferably from 2 to 3% by weight, more preferably to approximately 2.5% by weight. The composition comprises an inorganic compound soluble in water in solution. The water-soluble inorganic compound is preferably a fertilizer or herbicide adjuvant. In many cases the fertilizers and herbicide adjuvants would be the same selection of compounds. The fertilizer or herbicide adjuvant is present in a concentration of at least 10% by weight and is usually as high as convenient, for example at least 20% by weight. Preferably it is at least 30% by weight. It can be as high as 70 or 80% by weight but usually not more than 60% by weight. Preferred concentration ranges are 30 or 40 to 55% by weight, for example about 50% by weight. Urea and any of the known inorganic fertilizer materials, which provide nitrogen, phosphorus and / or potassium, either alone or in a mixture, can be used. They contain ionic salts and include ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium monophosphate, ammonium diphosphate, potassium monophosphate, potassium diphosphate, polyphosphate salts, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, and calcium nitrate. A particularly preferred herbicide adjuvant and fertilizer is ammonium sulfate. -Examples include urea / ammonium nitrate (32-0-0), potassium chloride (0-0-10), ammonium sulfate (8-0-0-9S), a mixture of calcium and ammonium nitrate, and fertilizers mixed with the following analyzes: -0-8, 10-0-10, 3-18-18, 0-0-25-17S, 10-10-10 and 14-2-10-2 + 2.5% organic matter (OM). The fertilizer composition of this invention can also be used in combination with one or more agricultural chemical compounds, for example herbicides or pesticides, especially systemic herbicides, such as glyphosphate or glufosinate. A particularly preferred composition for the spray comprises ammonium sulfate and glyphosate. Additional agricultural chemical compounds would generally be combined with the fertilizer composition during the scrubbing process. They can be applied as a separate feed in the dilution water or directly in the spray equipment. For example, the additional agricultural chemical compound can be combined with the fertilizer slightly forward or directly in the mixing zone within the spray distribution equipment. The invention is particularly useful when it is known that it is desired to apply a particular fertilizer by spraying and where the facilitated spraying would be required without requiring a separate dosage of anti-trapping agent. This is of additional value when the fertilizer composition is used in combination with other agricultural compounds, for example herbicides and pesticides. Preferably the aqueous fertilizer composition of the invention is a concentrate of aqueous fertilizer. Prior to spraying, the aqueous fertilizer concentrate of the invention will be diluted with water. Typically the concentrate can be diluted to a concentration of less than 10% by weight based on the total weight of the diluted product to be sprayed. Preferably, the aqueous fertilizer concentrate is diluted to between 1 and 5% by weight, more preferably 2 to 3% by weight, more preferably approximately 2.5% by weight. The optimum polymers may vary according to the specific water soluble inorganic compound or water-soluble inorganic compound combination with an additional agricultural chemical compound. In general, anionic content polymers of at least 15% by weight are more soluble in the water soluble inorganic salt solution, and thus are more effective as anti-tracer agents in this invention. Preferably, the anionic polymers used in the composition of this invention have an anionic content in the range of 15 to 50% by weight, especially 25 to 30% by weight. Desirably, the aqueous composition can comprise at least 10% by weight of ammonium sulfate in solution together with up to 1.9% by weight water-soluble anionic polymer of intrinsic viscosity of between 8 and 30 dl / g and an anionic content higher than 15% by weight. Preferably, the water-soluble anionic polymer has an intrinsic viscosity of between 8 and 20 dl / g and an anion content greater than 15% by weight. Preferably, the concentration of ammonium sulfate is at least 30% by weight. More preferably, the polymer has an intrinsic viscosity of between 10 and 15 dl / g. Typically the anionic polymer is present in an amount of less than 1.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, preferably less than 0.5% by weight. Particularly preferred is a composition in which the water-soluble anionic polymer is present in an amount of less than 0.2% based on the weight of the composition, preferably less than 0.15% by weight. Most preferred is a composition wherein the concentration of the anionic polymer is present in an amount of between 0.05% by weight and 0.1% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Typically the composition comprises an anionic polymer of which the anionic content is between 20 and 50% by weight, preferably 25 to 30% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition. More preferred would be a composition comprising a copolymer of acrylamide with acrylic acid, or alkali metal or ammonium salt thereof. Preferably, the composition is prepared by adding the solid anionic polymer to a solution of ammonium sulfate solution. Another advantage of the present invention is that it has been found, surprisingly, that the efficacy of the herbicides, especially the systemic herbicides, for example as glyphosate or glufosinate are synergistically improved, when used in the composition of the present invention. It is believed that the water-soluble anionic polymer can act as an adjuvant. This improvement in efficiency has been observed for a number of water-soluble anionic polymers of intrinsic viscosity of at least 6 dl / g, for example acrylamide polymers with acrylic acid containing at least 25% by weight of anionic monomer units. The proportion of anionic units can still be as high as 60 or 70% by weight and in some cases even higher. It may also be desirable to further improve the effectiveness of the composition by including other ingredients. For example, it may be desirable to include an anionic or non-ionic reverse phase polyacrylamide in the aqueous composition, such as described in US-A-5529975, incorporated herein by reference. Alternatively an additional ingredient - an aqueous polymer of anionic or nonionic polyacrylamide of low intrinsic viscosity may be suitably, for example as described in US-A-5525575, incorporated herein by reference. If additional ingredients are included in the aqueous formulation, they would generally be included in an amount of 0.005 to 0.2% by weight as a spray formulation. Another aspect of the invention provides a process for applying fertilizer to an area of land or a cultivation area comprising spraying water to which an aqueous composition comprising water has been added, in solution. a) an inorganic compound soluble in water in an amount of at least 10%, b) an anti-trapping agent which is a water-soluble anionic polymer of intrinsic viscosity of at least 6 dl / g which is formed from a monomer or a mixture of water-soluble monomers, characterized in that the polymer (b) is present in an amount of up to 1.9% by weight based on the weight of the composition and where the inorganic compound (a) is the fertilizer. In a preferred aspect of the fertilizer application process, water is pumped through a feed conduit and a mixing zone into a spray manifold that supplone or more spray devices through which water sprayed over a cultivation area and • the above aqueous composition is dosed in water at or before the mixing zone. In the process of applying a fertilizer the polymer (b) is preferably formed of a monomer or mixture of water soluble monomers of which at least 15% is an anionic monomer. The polymer (b) preferably has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 8 dl / g, preferably between 10 and 30 dl / g, especially between 10 and 15 dl / g. The amount of polymer (b) present in the aqueous composition is less than 1.9% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, preferably less than 1.0% by weight, more preferably less than 0.5% by weight. The process is particularly effective if the amount of polymer (b) present in the aqueous composition is less than 0.2% by weight based on the weight of the composition, preferably less than 0.15% by weight. The process is more effective if the composition used comprises polymer (b) in an amount of between 0.05% by weight and 0.1% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred types of polymer (b) include polymers formed from a mixture of water-soluble monomers comprising from 20 to 50% anionic monomer, preferably from 25 to 30% by weight. Particularly preferred polymers for the process are copolymers of acrylamide with acrylic acid, or alkali metal salt or ammonium thereof. In another preferred aspect of the process the aqueous composition is prepared by adding the polymer (b) in the form of a powder to the aqueous solution of water-soluble inorganic compound. In the process of applying a fertilizer the composition should have a viscosity which makes the composition easy to handle. In particular it should be easy to handle (ie, preferably pumpable, pourable or sprayable) in the equipment that is currently used for spraying. The polymer can be added to the fertilizer in the facilitof the fertilizer manufacturer and in this way the viscosity should be sufficiently low, so that the resulting solution can be handled by the current equipment in place in such facilit Preferably the viscosity is below 3,000 cPs, more preferably it is greater than 1,000 cPs. In particular, it is not greater than 500 and especially not greater than 250 cPs. Particularly preferably, it is not greater than 100 cPs. It is usually in the range of 5 to 50 cPs, preferably 10 to 30 cPs, more preferably in the range of 15 to 20 cPs. In this specification the viscosity was measured using a Brookfield LVT viscometer using a spindle or needle from 4 to 30 rpm. A further aspect of the invention relates to a process for applying a herbicide or pesticide to an area of land or a cultivation area, comprising mixing water, the herbicide-or pesticide and a composition comprising water, in solution, a) an inorganic compound soluble in water in an amount of at least 10%, b) an anti-trapping agent which is a water-soluble anionic polymer of intrinsic viscosity of at least 6 dl / g which is formed from monomer or a mixture of water-soluble monomers, characterized in that the polymer (b) is present in an amount of up to 1.9% by weight based on the weight of the composition, and then spray the mixture. In a preferred aspect of the pesticide or herbicide application process, water is pumped through a feed conduit and a mixing zone into a spray manifold that supplies one or more spray devices through which water is sprayed over a cultivation area and the aqueous composition as defined in claim 1 is dosed into the water at or before the mixing zone, where the inorganic salt is a fertilizer or herbicide adjuvant. In the process of applying a pesticide or herbicide the polymer (b) is preferably formed of a monomer or mixture of water-soluble monomers of which at least 15% is an anionic monomer. The polymer (b) preferably has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 8 dl / g, preferably between 10 and 30 dl / g, especially between 10 and 15 dl / g. The amount of polymer (b) present in the aqueous composition is less than 1.9% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, preferably less than 1.0% by weight, more preferably less than 0.5% by weight. The process is particularly effective if the amount of polymer (b) present in the aqueous composition is less than 0.2% by weight based on the weight of the composition, preferably less than 0.15% by weight. The process is more effective if the composition used comprises polymer (b) in an amount of between 0.05% by weight and 0.1% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred types of polymer (b) include polymers formed from a mixture of water-soluble monomers comprising from 20 to 50% anionic monomer, preferably from 25 to 30% by weight. Particularly preferred polymers for the process are copolymers of acrylamide with acrylic acid, or alkali metal salt or ammonium thereof. In another preferred aspect of the process the aqueous composition is prepared by adding the polymer (b) in the form of a powder to the aqueous solution of water-soluble inorganic compound. Preferably the amount of herbicide would be in the range of 1 to 5%, more preferably 2 to 3% by weight, more preferably about 2.5% by weight. For example, a diluted fertilizer composition to be sprayed contains a systemic herbicide, preferably glyphosate in an amount of up to 10% by weight, preferably 1 to 5% by weight, more preferably 2 to 3% by weight, more preferably approximately 2.5% by weight. Typically the diluted aqueous fertilizer composition to be sprayed comprises up to 10% fertilizer and up to 10% by weight of an additional agricultural chemical compound, which is preferably a herbicide or a pesticide, especially a herbicide, such as a systemic herbicide , which is in particular glyphosate. A preferred diluted aqueous fertilizer composition to be sprayed comprises from 1 to 5% by weight, more preferably from 2 to 3% by weight, especially from about 2.5% by weight of the aqueous fertilizer concentrate and from 1 to 5% by weight of additional agricultural chemical compound, which is for example a herbicide or pesticide, preferably a herbicide, more preferably a systemic herbicide, and more preferably glyphosate or glufosinate. A preferred aspect of the invention is a diluted fertilizer composition to be sprayed comprising the concentrate of ammonium sulfate solution (AMS) in an amount of up to 10% by weight, preferably 1 to 5% by weight, and more preferably from 2 to 3% by weight, more preferably from about 2.5% by weight and glyphosate in an amount of up to 10% by weight, preferably from 1 to 5% by weight, so more preferably from 2 to 4% by weight, more preferably approximately 2.5% by weight. A particularly preferred diluted composition to be sprayed comprises a solution of ammonium sulfate (AMS) in an amount of up to about 2.5% by weight and glyphosate in an amount of up to about 2.5% by weight.

A further aspect of the invention relates to a process for applying fertilizer to an area of land comprising spraying water to which an aqueous composition comprising water has been added, in solution, a) an inorganic fertilizer soluble in water in an amount of at least 10%, a water-soluble anionic polymer of intrinsic viscosity of at least 6 dl / g which is formed from monomer or mixture of water-soluble monomers, characterized in that the polymer (b) is present in a amount up to 1.9% by weight based on the weight of the composition. In the process the polymer (b) is preferably formed from a monomer or mixture of water soluble monomers of which at least 15% is an anionic monomer, preferably 20 and 50%, more preferably 25 to 30% by weight. Furthermore, in a more preferred process, the polymer (b) desirably has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 8 dl / g, more preferably 10 and 30 dl / g, especially between 10 and 15 dl / g. In the particularly preferred process, the polymer (b) is present is present in an amount of less than 1.0% by weight based on the total weight of the composition, preferably less than 0.5% by weight, still more preferably less than 0.2. % by weight, especially less than 0.15% by weight and more preferably in the range of 0.1% to 0.05% by weight. In a particularly preferred process, the polymer (b) is a copolymer of acrylamide with acrylic acid, or alkali metal or ammonium salts thereof, especially a copolymer of acrylamide with sodium acrylate. In a particularly preferred process the fertilizer is ammonium sulfate. In another particularly preferred process the aqueous composition has been formed by adding polymer (b) in the water in the form of a powder. In the most preferred process of applying fertilizer to a herbicide, preferably a systemic herbicide, especially glyphosate, is combined with water that is sprayed. Thus, the invention also relates to a method for improving the spray-drag properties of a fertilizer composition by combining up to 1.9% by weight of the composition of a water-soluble anionic polymer of intrinsic viscosity of at least 6 dl. / g, formed from a monomer or a mixture of anionic monomers soluble in water. In the process of applying a herbicide or pesticide the composition should have a viscosity which makes the composition easy to handle. In particular it should be easy to handle (ie, preferably pumpable, pourable or sprayable) in the equipment that is currently used for spraying. The polymer can be added to the water soluble inorganic compound in the facilities of the inorganic compound manufacturer, for example a fertilizer manufacturer, and in this way the viscosity should be sufficiently low, so that the resulting solution can be handled by the equipment current in place in such facilities. Preferably the viscosity is below 3,000 cPs, more preferably not more than 1,000 cPs. In particular, it is not greater than 500 and especially not greater than 250 cPs. Particularly preferably, it is not greater than 100 cPs. It is usually in the range of 5 to 50 cPs, preferably 10 to 30 cPs, more preferably in the range of 15 to 20 cPs. In this specification the viscosity was measured using a Brookfield LVT viscometer using a spindle or needle from 4 to 30 rpm. The invention further relates to a method for improving the vacuum trawling properties of a pesticide or herbicide composition by applying a composition comprising water, in solution, to an inorganic compound soluble in water in an amount of at least 10% by weight, b) an anti-trapping agent which is a water-soluble anionic polymer of intrinsic viscosity of at least 6 dl / g which is formed from monomer or a mixture of water-soluble monomers, characterized because the water-soluble polymer (b) is present in an amount of up to 1.9% by weight based on the weight of the composition. Preferably, the water-soluble inorganic compound (a) is a fertilizer or herbicide adjuvant. In the method of improving the spray-drag properties during the spray of a pesticidal or herbicidal composition the polymer (b) is preferably formed of a monomer or mixture of water-soluble monomers of which at least 15% is an anionic monomer . The polymer (b) preferably has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 8 dl / g, preferably between 10 and 30 dl / g, especially between 10 and 15 dl / g. The amount of polymer (b) present in the aqueous composition is less than 1.0% by weight, more preferably less than 0.5% by weight. The method is particularly effective if the amount of polymer (b) present in the aqueous composition is less than 0.2% by weight based on the weight of the composition, preferably less than 0.15% by weight. The method is more effective if the composition used comprises polymer (b) in an amount of between 0.05% by weight and 0.1% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred types of polymer (b) include polymers formed from a mixture of water-soluble monomers comprising from 20 to 50% anionic monomer, preferably from 25 to 30% by weight. Particularly preferred polymers for the process are copolymers of acrylamide with acrylic acid, or alkali metal salt or ammonium thereof. In another preferred aspect of the method the aqueous composition is prepared by adding the polymer (b) in the form of a powder to the aqueous solution of water-soluble inorganic compound. The invention relates to a method for improving the spray properties during the spray of a fertilizer by providing a composition comprising water, in solution, a) an inorganic compound soluble in water in an amount of at least 10% by weight , b) an anti-tracer agent which is a water-soluble anionic polymer of intrinsic viscosity of at least 6 dl / g that is formed from monomer or a mixture of water soluble monomers, characterized in that the water soluble polymer (b) is present in an amount of up to 1.9% by weight based on the weight of the composition and where the water-soluble, inorganic compound is the fertilizer. In the method for improving the spray-drag properties during the spray of a fertilizer the polymer (b) is preferably formed of a monomer or mixture of water-soluble monomers of which at least 15% is an anionic monomer. The polymer (b) preferably has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 8 dl / g, preferably between 10 and 30 dl / g, especially between 10 and 15 dl / g. The amount of polymer (b) present in the aqueous composition is less than 1.0% by weight, more preferably less than 0.5% by weight. The method is particularly effective if the amount of polymer (b) present in the aqueous composition is less than 0.2% by weight based on the weight of the composition, preferably less than 0.15% by weight. The method is more effective if the composition used comprises polymer (b) in an amount of between 0.05% by weight and 0.1% by weight based on the total weight of the composition. Preferred types of polymer (b) include polymers formed from a water-soluble monomer mixture comprising from 20 to 50% anionic monomer, preferably from 25 to 30% by weight. Particularly preferred polymers for the process are copolymers of acrylamide with acrylic acid, or alkali metal salt or ammonium thereof. In another preferred aspect of the process the aqueous composition is prepared by adding the polymer (b) in the form of a powder to the aqueous solution of water-soluble inorganic compound. The following examples illustrate the invention.

Example 1 A range of sodium acrylate / acrylamide copolymers with a range of IV and the anionic character was evaluated for its solubility at a concentration of 0.1% w / w in 32% ammonium sulfate solution. In each test the polymer in powder form was mixed with ammonium sulfate solution in a glass vessel and then stirred for several hours. The results are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 Example 2 A range of sodium acrylate / acrylamide copolymers with a range of IV and anionic character was evaluated for anti-tracer properties. For each test each polymer was added at different concentrations to a 32% ammonium sulfate solution and stirred until the polymer had dissolved to form an aqueous concentrate. In each case 2.5 ml of concentrate was mixed with 95 ml of water and 2.5 ml of a commercially available glyphosate formulation containing 480 g / 1 of glyphosate isopropylamine salt to form an easy-to-spray diluted composition. The diluted composition was sprayed through a 110 ° flat blow nozzle at a pressure of 3 bar and a height of 15 cm above the absorbent bed. A reduction of spray angle on an equivalent composition was measured in the absence of the polymer. The increase in spray angle reduction was measured when the polymer dose was doubled. The results are shown in Table 2. The control of the proper spray drag was determined by a reduction of at least 3%, preferably between 4 and 15%, more preferably in the range of 5 to 10%.

EXAMPLE 3 Samples of aqueous fertilizer concentrate comprising an anionic or cationic polymer were evaluated to determine storage stability for 2 days. The cationic polymers are copolymers of acrylamide with dimethylaminoethyl acrylate, quaternary salt of methyl chloride. The anionic polymers are copolymers of acrylamide with sodium acrylate. The results are shown in Table 3.

Table 2 Table 2 (continued) Table 2 (continued) Table 3 Table 3 (continued) Example 4 Winter barley plants were planted in peat trays under ambient growth conditions. In the 2/3 leaf growth stage, the plants were sprayed with a range of treatments (detailed below) using a stationary spray of compressed air. The volume of water used was equivalent to 250 liters per hectare at a pressure of 3 bar, through a flat blow nozzle Lurmark 015 F80 °.

Treatments 1. Water with Cipac D - control. 2. Glyphosate. 3. Glyphosate + Ammonium sulfate (34%). 4. Glyphosate + Ammonium sulfate (10%). 5. Glyphosate + Ammonium sulfate (34%) / Polymer X (Acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer (4.5 / 95.5 w / w) (0.1% by weight of the formulation) 6. Glyphosate + Ammonium sulfate (10%) / Polymer Y (Acrylamide / acrylic acid copolymer (72/28 w / w) (1.0% by weight of the formulation) The glyphosate used was a patented glyphosate formulation containing 480 g / 1 of glyphosate isopropylamine salt, equivalent to 360 g / 1 of glyphosate The level of glyphosate used was equivalent to 1.0 liters per hectare The formulation of Ammonium Sulfate Polymer X (AMS) was used at a ratio equivalent to 9.38 liters per hectare, and the AMS / Polymer Y formulation used at an equivalent rate of 1.88 liters per hectare The treatment (3) was used at the same dosage rate as the treatment (5), equivalent to 9.8 liters per hectare, and the treatment (4) was used at the same time. same dosage rate as treatment (6), equivalent to 1.88 liters per hectare.Cipac D water (containing 342ppm of Ca as calcium carbonate) was used throughout the trial and each treatment was reproduced four times Three days after the application of the treatments, the plants were cut just before the point of growth. The resurgence percentage of evaluated 9 days after the application. The evaluation of the mortality percentage was measured 25 days after the application of the treatments. The percentage of resurgence and the percentage of mortality of the plants for each of the treatments are given in Table 4.

Table 4 As can be seen from the results, the polymers clearly improve the effectiveness of the glyphosate formulation over the AMS formulations alone.

Claims (19)

1. A composition, characterized in that it comprises water, in solution, a) an inorganic compound soluble in water in an amount of at least 10% by weight, b) an anti-trapping agent, which is an anionic polymer soluble in water of intrinsic viscosity of at least 6 dl / g which is formed from monomers or a mixture of water-soluble monomers, or characterized in that the polymer (b) is present in an amount of up to 1.9% by weight based on the weight of the composition.

2. The composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymer (b) is formed of "monomer or mixture of water-soluble monomers of which at least 15% is anionic monomer

3. The composition in accordance with claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the polymer (b) has an intrinsic viscosity of at least 8 dl / g, preferably between 10 and 30 dl / g

4. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the polymer (b) is present in an amount of less than 1.0% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably less than 0.5% by weight.

5. The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the polymer (b) is present in an amount of less than 0.2% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition, preferably less than 0.15% by weight. weight.

The composition according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the polymer (b) is present in an amount of between 0.1% and by weight and 0.05% by weight, based on the total weight of the composition .

The composition according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the polymer (b) is formed of monomer or water-soluble monomer mixture, comprising between 20 and 100% by weight, preferably between 20 and 50% by weight, more preferably from 25 to 30% by weight, of anionic monomer based on the total weight of the polymer.

The composition according to any of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the water-soluble inorganic compound is a fertilizer or herbicide adjuvant, and is selected from the group consisting of ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium monophosphate , ammonium diphosphate, potassium monophosphate, potassium diphosphate, polyphosphate salts, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and calcium nitrate.

9. The composition according to any of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the inorganic compound soluble in water is ammonium sulfate.

The composition according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the polymer (b) is a copolymer of acrylamide with acrylic acid, or alkali metal or ammonium salt thereof.

11. A process for the preparation of the composition according to claim 1, characterized in that the polymer (b) is added in the form of a powder to an aqueous solution comprising at least 10% by weight, wherein the inorganic compound soluble in Water (a) is any of a fertilizer or herbicide adjuvant and is selected from the group consisting of ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium monophosphate, ammonium diphosphate, potassium monophosphate, potassium diphosphate, polyphosphate salts, chloride of potassium, potassium sulfate and calcium nitrate.

12. A process for applying fertilizer to an area of land or cultivated area, characterized in that it comprises mixing an aqueous composition according to claim 1, with water and then spraying the mixture, where the inorganic compound soluble in water (a) is any of a fertilizer or herbicide adjuvant and is selected from the group consisting of ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium monophosphate, ammonium diphosphate, potassium monophosphate, potassium diphosphate, polyphosphate salts, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and calcium nitrate.

13. A process for applying a herbicide or a pesticide to an area of land or cultivated area, characterized in that it comprises mixing water, the herbicide or pesticide and a composition according to claim 1, and then spraying the mixture.

14. The process according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the water is pumped through a supply conduit and a mixing zone to a spray manifold that supplies one or more spray devices through which the water is sprayed onto a soil area or a cultivation area and the aqueous composition according to claim 1 is dosed into the water at or before the mixing zone, where the water-soluble inorganic compound (a) is any of a fertilizer or herbicide adjuvant and is selected from the group consisting of ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium monophosphate, ammonium diphosphate, potassium monophosphate, potassium diphosphate, polyphosphate salts, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate and calcium nitrate.

15. A method for improving the spray-drag properties during the spraying of a pesticide or herbicide composition by applying a composition according to claim 1 to the pesticide or herbicide before spraying.

16. A method for improving the spray properties during the spray of a fertilizer by providing an aqueous composition according to claim 1, and combining the composition with water before spraying.

The method according to claim 15 or claim 16, characterized in that the water soluble inorganic compound (a) according to claim 1 is ammonium sulfate. -

18. The method according to any of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that the polymer b) according to claim 1 is a copolymer of acrylamide with acrylic acid, or alkali metal or ammonium salt thereof.

19. The method according to the claim 15, characterized in that the herbicide is glyphosate.