NZ241080A - Fertiliser composition comprising fungus, microorganism or reproductive materials therefor combined with mineral substrates - Google Patents

Description

New Zealand Paient Spedficaiion for Paient Number £41 080 24 1 o 8 n.z. PATENT OFFir.P 19 MAR 1993 PATENTS FORM NO. R i- Pee No. 4: $260.00 -• vED PATENTS ACT 1953 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION After Provisional No: 241080 Dated: 19 December 1991 IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO COMPOSITIONS COMPRISING A BINDER, GROWTH MEDIA AND NUTRIENTS We Moana Fertilisers Limited, a New Zealand company of Baldhill Road, RD 1, Waiuku, New Zealand hereby declare the invention for which I/We pray that a patent may be granted to me/us, and the method by which it is to be performed to be particularly described in and by the following statement: 1 9 f- *i * £ * \j This invention relates to improvements in and relating to compositions comprising a binder, growth media and nutrients. technical field The present invention is directed to fertilisers. More specifically, the 5 present invention is directed to enhancing phosphate solubilisation by the action of fungal and/or microbial action. A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises suitable fungus, micro-organism or reproductive materials therefor combined with a mineral substrate. Typically the mineral substrate comprises a phosphate material. In other 10 embodiments a suitable nutrient may be added.

Background Art Phosphorus, one of the main trace elements is generally added to pasture in the form of superphosphate, an acidified form of rock phosphate. Compared with normal rock phosphate, which is generally and 15 predominantly calcium phosphate, superphosphate is much more soluble and is released to be available to plants relatively quickly.

Rock phosphate is still used in the fertiliser industry for application to pasture, particularly where the more rapid release of the superphosphate is not required, or where a long term slow release of plant phosphorus 20 may be preferred. Economics also comes into play as rock phosphate needs only to be milled whereas superphosphate requires, in addition, treatment of the raw phosphate material with acid. Over a large acreage, cost differences can become significant. During lean times many farmers may be faced with a choice of spreading superphosphate, 25 cheaper rock phosphate (which may not be suitable for the particular 2 2* i n o application) or not fertilising with a phosphorus containing material at all. Furthermore, the acidic nature of superphosphate often requires liming if the normal soil pH is to be maintained, this being an additional cost factor.

A growing trend towards the use of naturally occurring fertilisers is also occurring. There are relatively few natural fertilisers, with the possible exception of fish based compositions, which are high in phosphorus. However these may over supply other elements in addressing a phosphorus deficiency. Hock phosphate, in contrast, lacks the faster 10 release characteristics of superphosphate or the fish based composition.

Further, there are many micro-organisms and fungi, many of which occur naturally in many soils, which are advantageous to have in pasture as enhancing or encouraging plant growth. Some of these assist the plant in taking nutrients from the soil while many others are able to 15 assist the release of nutrients, otherwise bound up, to be available to plant life. While many of these are known, not all are present in all soils and quite often only appear as a result of introduction through stock and agricultural equipment from an infected location. While some benefit may be gained through the introduction of such 'helpful' life forms, there 20 appears to be no currently available method allowing the average farmer to introduce them i.e. it is not simply a case of sprinkling seeds or spores over a paddock.

One method which has been used is to treat seeds with bacteria inocula prior to planting. However this is not applicable for existing pasture, and 25 also makes the end user dependent upon the availability of such inoculated seeds. Furthermore, inoculants are typically localised to the 3 ./ c area of the plant's roots where it will not come into contact with insoluble phosphate materials which may be applied to the top of the soil. Instead, what would be preferable is an agent able to act directly on the phosphate material to enable the nutrients to leach into the soil for plant use.

Quite clearly there is a need for a product which can address the foregoing problems. It is therefore an object of the present invention to address these problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

Disclosure of Invention According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a fertiliser composition comprising: a mineral substrate, and an introduced fungus, micro-organism or reproductive material therefor.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fertiliser composition substantially as described above, in which said mineral substrate comprises a rock phosphate and/or an insoluble phosphate, as herein defined.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fertiliser composition substantially as described above, in which said fungus or micro-organism is phosphate solubilising. 2:; ' o e According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a fertiliser composition substantially as described above, which includes a nutrient for an introduced fungus, micro-organism or productive material.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method for the preparation of a fertiliser composition comprising the introduction of a fungus, micro-organism, or reproductive material therefore, to a mineral substrate.

According to yet a further aspect of the present invention there is 10 provided a fertiliser composition comprising, by weight to a total of 100%: Rock phosphate or insoluble phosphate 5-99.999% Introduced fungus, micro-organism or reproductive material therefor trace - 5% Nutrient 0-95% - Non-phosphate mineral substrate 0-95% Embodiments of the present invention will comprise a mineral substrate. The mineral substrate serves to act as a base to which biologically active material (i.e. fungus, micro-organism (including microbes) and/or reproductive material therefor) can be introduced. As typically the action 20 of the biologically active material is to improve phosphate solubilisation and release into the soil, the mineral substrate will normally comprise a phosphate material. While virtually any phosphate material may be used, it will typically comprise an insoluble phosphate, as compared to more soluble forms such as 'super phosphate'. A good example of the 25 insoluble phosphates include the so-called rock phosphates, some specific examples of which are the North Carolina rock phosphates (NCRP), Peruvian rock phosphates (available in New Zealand under the name SECURAROCK ™), or the Egyptian rock phosphates (marketed in New Zealand under the name QUINPHOS™). However, it should be appreciated that other forms of rock, and insoluble, phosphates exist 5 which may be used within the present invention, though it is considered that phosphate materials commercially exploited for fertiliser application will usually be employed. It is also envisaged that phosphate materials present in the mineral substrate need not be restricted to the generally less expensive insoluble forms.

The mineral substrate may comprise solely one or more rock or insoluble phosphate. However in other embodiments, additional constituents may be present. These may be present as discrete particles in a composition or incorporated into more sophisticated 'pellet' type forms, to be discussed as follows.

Typically the mineral substrate will comprise a solid granule or pellet through may also comprise substantially a powdered material. In most cases the average particle size will not exceed 10mm as larger material is not readily spread by most commercial equipment and large fragments may be a hindrance to farming. As, to some extent, nutrient and mineral 20 release (per weight of binding material) is dependent upon particle size (powdered forms generally having a faster release), particle size can be used to help govern the release characteristics of the product.

The substrate may comprise many materials though will often be substantially mineral in nature. The substrate may comprise naturally 25 occurring materials, such as rock phosphate, broken where necessary to an appropriate size. Alternatively, it may comprise a reconstituted 6 24 1 0 conglomerate or pellet of, substantially, minerals. For example it could comprise powdered rock phosphate pressed into pellet form of a uniform size.

By way of example, additional constituents may comprise an 5 aluminosilicate, which wherever used herein shall often refer to an aluminosilicate clay. There are many such materials known and include, by way of example only, vermiculite, bentonite (montmorillonite), sepiolite-attapulgite, illite, chlorite, halloysite and kaolinite.

One preferred aluminosilicate for use in the present invention is 10 bentonite which is readily available. Bentonite generally refers to a clay comprising more than 70% montmorillonite.

If the process allows, it may be desirable to incorporate other components into the pellet. This may be, for example, lime, clays, zeolites or various minerals. These may act as nutrients for the micro-organisms or fungi, 15 or comprise plant available nutrients to be eventually released to a plant. The other components may modify the physical characteristics of the pellet, such as by helping cement the pellet together, or adjusting the porosity (which can affect how well a pellet may be impregnated or how quickly it 'releases' its contents after application).

As can be appreciated, the mineral substrate will generally act as a support for any biologically active material. Where substantially non-processed materials, such as straight insoluble phosphate, is used, the available options may be limited. However, there is room for great variation in the nature of a product if one or more constituents are broken 25 down and re-combined to form the mineral substrate. As can be appreciated, parameters such as the porosity fertiliser content, particle 7 ?i n o »«* . e \ J (S 0 size and other variables can be rigidly controlled and almost infinitely varied. However it will also be appreciated that this will increase the number of manufacturing steps and thus, the cost of the end product.

The reconstitution of blended materials can also allow for the 5 introduction of biologically active material in a substantially dry form and also may more readily allow for its even distribution throughout the product. The addition of liquid forms may be used to initiate setting or cementing of particles or pellets.

As can be appreciated there are many possible combinations which allow 10 a pellet having a wide range of physical or practical characteristics to be obtained. It shall be assumed that a reader skilled in the art will be able to select components suitable for their needs and combine them into a suitable pellet. Similarly the manufacture of bound or pressed pellets is well known and the many possible techniques will not be described 15 herein.

Another constituent which may be included in a fertiliser composition, and which may be present as part of the mineral substrate or added subsequently, is a hydrating agent. Some non-reversable hydrating agents have been mentioned already and these include unslaked limes, 20 calcium sulphate, gypsum and other cementing type constituents. These may be included to help cement particles or granules together, or to absorb excess moisture such as from a liquid nutrient (if added) or a fluid media for the introduction of biologically active material. The effect in this case will absorb the added moisture so that the end product is still a 25 substantially dry, flowable material.

Other hydrating agents are known and these may not necessarily be 8 24 1 ~ w u binding or cementing type materials. For instance, calcium chloride and various silica gels are among other well known hydrating agents (the term 'hydrating agent' or 'hydrating constituent' being used to indicate a substance capable of absorbing or adsorbing moisture). Zeolite materials 5 may also be used as hydrating agents.

Also of use are what shall be termed as reversible hydrating agents, in which water taken in is available for use by the biologically active material. Useful in this regard are many gels such as gelatine and agars though many more are also known. One fish based fertiliser, 10 suitable for use as a nutrient in the present invention, includes seaweed whose proportion can be varied during manufacture to alter the viscosity of the resulting product. This product is available in Australasia from Moana Fertilisers Limited of Waiuku, New Zealand.

Another substance of use are the newer cross-linked polymers, some of 15 which are biodegradable (usually after a period of several years). Some of these have been recently put to use in potting mixes and the applicant is aware of at least one product available in Australia under the trade name of AGROSOKE™.

Hydrating agents and constituents may be employed in the present 20 invention, not only to absorb excess moisture so that a substantially dry product results, or to act as a cementable binder, in some cases but also to be used to sustain the life of added biologically active material. This can then be used to usefully extend the bulk storage life of the fertiliser composition according to the present invention.

Many embodiments of the present invention will also include a nutrient. Typically this will be a nutrient useful to the introduced biologically active 9 2 material. Typically these will also be plant useful nutrients and thus a dual purpose may be provided - there is a nutrient suitable for sustaining introduced biological material, and the NPKS characteristics of the fertiliser may be altered which can extend the range of applicability for 5 the end product as a fertiliser.

A nutrient may comprise materials commonly used as plant fertilisers and the invention represents an alternative means of preparing a high phosphorus, multi-elemental fertiliser. Often these 'normal fertilisers' will also enhance the growth of the contained fungi and micro-10 organisms though nutrient blends more specific to the particular targeted or included organism may be used. In most cases a nutrient acting as a nitrogen source is sufficient but should not be in such a high or readily available concentration as to adversely affect any targeted organisms.

While many nitrogen providing nutrient sources may be used, some preferred embodiments of the present invention make use of nutrients containing ammonium compounds or amines. Many ammonium and amine based fertilisers are known and may be employed. However, it is noted that many fish based fertilisers are also rich in amines and, 20 depending on the production of process, a typical ammoniacal smell can often be detected. Typically the use of ammonium, and amine containing, nutrients will be beneficial as recent research by others have suggested that the nitrification of free ammonia can increase the solubility of North Carolina phosphate rock. This research (published in Compost Science 25 and Utilisation. Premier Issue, 1993) supports the applicant's observation that the use of a fish based fertiliser product on phosphate rock noticeably increased its solubility and, therefore, availability for plants. In some n o \J (J instances a significant ammoniacal smell was detected after fungal growth had been established. The use of nutrients able to be readily converted into free ammonia for subsequent nitrification processes may be especially useful in some embodiments, and may be a means by which 5 the rate of release of phosphorous from the insoluble phosphate can be varied.

The aforementioned fish based fertiliser product, based on the acid and base hydrolysis of marine matter, has been found to be effective in trials. Granular mineral binding material impregnated with the fish fertiliser 10 was found to support the growth of fungal and plant matter after a relatively short period though this will depend upon a number of factors such as temperature and seasonal variations, the presence of fungus or micro-organisms in the soil, moisture content and rainfall etc.

Another useful nutrient, other than those already described, can include 15 the typical liquid waste from many meat processing plants, which is often rich in animal protein. Animal protein is a useful nutrient source for many biologically active materials which may be introduced.

To improve the efficiency of ammonia release, if this avenue is to exploited, biological material readily able to convert available nutrients 20 into free ammonia may be included within the composition. Biological material associated with the subsequent nitrification of free ammonia may also be included.

Nutrients may be introduced to the mineral substrate in a variety of manners. For instance if provided in a dry form, they may be dusted or 25 coated onto mineral substrate. Where the mineral substrate exists in a substantially powered or granular form, dry nutrients may merely be 11 %k1 0 s blended in to the mixture.

In embodiments where pellets are manufactured, rather than relying on natural granules of a substance, it may be possible to use 'dry' nutrients.

Where the mineral substrate is present in larger lumps (though this may 5 also be applied to other forms) it may be easier to apply a liquid based nutrient which can be used to impregnate the particles. This may comprise making an aqueous solution of the desired nutrients though many nutrients may already come in a liquid form able to be directly applied. In this case the granule or pellet must be porous to the solvent 10 chosen. A greater degree of control over porosity is possible for manufactured pellets though most rock phosphate and other minerals are porous to and will absorb water and common solvents.

A nutrient, where provided, can be a useful carrier for introducing biological material to the mineral substrate. This may merely comprise 15 dispersing a suitable source of the active material into the nutrient (preferably a liquid form) prior to its introduction to the mineral substrate. In some cases, the biological material may even be cultured in the nutrients prior to its introduction to the mineral substrate.

A range of suitable biological materials are available. Preferred amongst 20 the introduced biological material are those which are phosphate solubilising i.e. are recognised for freeing phosphorous from insoluble phosphate materials. Also preferred are those which have been previously mentioned, such as those able to liberate free ammonia from added nutrients or nutrients present in the soil, and those associated 25 with the nitrification of free ammonia. These are well known within the field. 12 24VO 8 0 Both fungus and microbes are considered to be useful in the present invention and it is possible that a combination of, or more than one of, each group may be employed in the present invention. It is also considered that some of these useful biological materials may already be 5 present in certain nutrients though it is likely that they will be cultured to an acceptable level before being incorporated into the present invention. It is also possible that growth and reproduction may continue while the product is stored prior to application and this may be taken into account in the production of a fertiliser composition according to the present 10 invention. In some instances it may be desirable to store the substantially completed product for a given period of time in order for certain biological materials present to establish themselves to a desired level.

Useful fungi for use in the present invention include member of the species Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium. Most members of these 15 fungal groups are useful though in particular the following may be incorporated: Fusarium Oxysporum, Fusarium Solani, Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus Candidus, Aspergillus Flavus, Aspergillus Ustus, Penicillium Janthinellum, Penicillium sp., Sclerotium Rolfsii and Cylindrocladium 20 sp.

Some other micro-organisms of use in the present invention include Bacillus Megatherium Phosphaticum and strains thereof, Gram-positive bacteria and members of the species Pseudomonas. However it is to be noted that the foregoing lists are not meant to be exhaustive but are 25 provided by way of example only. It is noted that not all members of named species may always be useful in all embodiments and thus some 13 24 1 0 8 experimentation for various embodiments may be recommended when implementing some of the large number of variations possible within the scope of the present invention.

As an alternative for the introduction of the living organisms, 5 reproductive material able to establish into the desired biological material may also be provided. Fungal spores, where able to be collected, may also be introduced into a fertiliser composition and in some cases this may be useful for extending the shelf life of fertiliser compositions. However this is generally dependent upon the conditions of storage being chosen which 10 is conducive to the existence of the spore or reproductive material, yet will not prematurely encourage their growth while in storage.

As previously mentioned, the introduction of the nutrient and/or a culture material to the binder material may be by impregnation. While either or both these components may be incorporated during formation of 15 a pellet, they may also added by allowing the liquid to soak into the substrate material. The liquid may be applied by spray, dipping or mixing of dry and wet material. However, too high a concentration of nutrients in the liquid nutrient mixture may best be avoided unless the impregnation method allows for the relatively even distribution of the 20 liquid material to the dry.

Various other modifications may be made to a fertiliser composition according to the present invention. For instance, biological material may be introduced in a coating to the particles of the composition. This may comprise a gelled layer, which could also include the nutrient. A 25 thickened seaweed and fish based fertiliser is available upon request from Moana Fertilisers Limited of Waiuku, New Zealand. In this case 14 24 1 0 n O the increased proportion of seaweed gels the fish fertiliser.

Alternatively the coating may be nutrient free, and nutrients (if provided) being introduced into the particles or mineral substrate.

Alternatively the coating may be free of biological material, which is 5 introduced into the substrate. The coating may help preserve moisture content.

The coating may swell when wetted (in the field) or otherwise 'release' or allow fungus within the particle (or coating) to begin to grow. A hydrating cross linking polymer may be used. In these embodiments the 10 coating may act also as a semi-protective wrapper signalling when biological growth is to occur.

As another example of modifications, the nature of the composition will effect how it may be used and applied. Typically it is preferred that the end product is a substantially dry flowable material as this would enable 15 its application by relatively common dry material spreaders. In many cases the available equipment will still manage a damp product though it is still generally desirable that the composition is able to flow. The use of hydrating agents and constituents has been described to absorb excess moisture which may be added during various stages of production. 20 However it is also noted that a distinction is to be made with hydroscopic and deliquescent materials which could continue absorbing moisture from the atmosphere and result in a 'wet' product. Consequently, where possible, the use of hydroscopic or deliquescent materials should be eliminated or reduced.

A modification which may be incorporated into the invention is to coat, 24 1 0 impregnate or otherwise treat particles with an agent able to promote their free flowing. Many dusting agents such as talc, various sterates etc could be used in this regard. Some of these may also be partially water repellant which can be useful in preventing further absorption of water by the particles. In addition it may also help reduce moisture lost by the particles which can be useful for sustaining biological material present. However a coating agent which will be readily removed after application of the fertiliser composition is generally preferred unless a slow or delayed release product is desired. The use of separate constituents which reduce moisture loss (and which need not necessarily comprise a free flowing agent) may also be applied.

A particle size is a matter of user choice and will also be influenced by the method of manufacture. It is envisaged that most embodiments of the present invention will have an average particle size such that at least 90% will be able to pass though a sieve with a mesh size of 10mm by 10mm. This would be regarded as a coarse embodiment and may not find universal application. Probably more useful is a finer grade in which 90% of the particles will pass through a sieve with a rectangular mesh of 3mm by 3mm. In ultra fine embodiments, the composition may be substantially powdered.

Further aspects and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the ensuing examples, which are not intended to be restrictive but to illustrate but some aspects of the present invention. 16 Ik Q Best Modes for Carrying out the Invention Example 1 A nutrient broth comprising a suitable fungus and micro-organism is prepared and maintained. This could be, for instance, a fungus of the 5 family Fusairum though need not be restricted to this alone. Other biological materials have been described previously. Standard biology techniques for growing and maintaining cultures may be followed. From this parent broth is drawn off fractions to be used in preparation of a product.

The nutrients present in the broth may be according to that used in standard biological growth procedures though will most likely comprise a nitrogen source. The broth may be an aqueous solution of ammonium or another nitrate. Early trials have also shown some success with aqueous fertiliser compositions derived from fish and marine matter.

The greater range of nutrients here would tend to provide an improved product for use as a fertiliser.

The substrate in this example is a commercially available rock phosphate broken down to an acceptable size. An average size of 3mm or less is considered to be useful, though this is a matter of user choice.

To the substrate is added, in an aqueous form, the nutrient/culture mixture which is absorbed into the rock phosphate to impregnate it. A ribbon blender/mixer may be used to mix components. The fluid components are typically added slowly or sprayed into the mixing vat.

While virtually any ratio of binder:liquid may be used, it is preferable to 17 24 1 0 use lower quantities of liquid if a substantially dry product is to be obtained. While slurries or suspensions of binder may be used and are within the scope of the present invention, it is envisaged that these liquid forms are more suitable for application of the invention rather than as a 5 form which may be stored for some time before application. If necessary, substantially dry forms may be converted into a slurry or liquid form prior to application.

In trials, less than 25% liquid (by weight) was added to the substrate, with around 10% being preferred for obtaining a substantially dry product. 10 Once impregnated, the product may be dried though considerations include the extra time and cost for drying and the effect of excess drying on the fungus or micro-organism. It is envisaged that in most but not all cases the product will have a free moisture content (by weight) of less than 25% and more likely 5-15% inclusive. By free moisture is meant 15 water not present as waters of crystallisation of various components. The use of components able to remove excess water through crystallisation, or through a physical (e.g. zeolites) or chemical reaction (e.g. gypsum, calcium sulphate monohydrate, unslaked lime etc.), may also be used to create a product having the preferred water content and allow the 20 addition of more dilute nutrient solutions during impregnation but still provide a substantially dry product. 18 24 1 0 80 Example 2 Here the product substrate comprises a manufactured pellet. By way of example it may contain the following constituents: Component % by weight [to total of 100%] gypsum up to 100% lime up to 100% aluminosilicate up to 100% rock phosphate up to 100% an inorganic fertiliser or mixture 10 containing nitrogen and I or potassium and I or trace elements up to 90% mineral or vegetable or other oil up to 15% water up to 25% fungus, micro-organisms and I or reproductive material trace-5% Various aluminosilicates may be used and the term includes within its ambit clays such as kaolinite, bentonite, etc., and zeolites of which many are commercially available.

Inorganic fertilisers generally include mineral and synthetic products, 20 including various nitrates, phosphates, sulphates, chlorides etc. It shall not generally include materials based on organic materials such as plant or animal matter.

The weight of the included biological material is typically only that of the material, not including any culture or growth medium, which may 25 comprise an additional constituent of the product. 19 m O o A relatively porous pellet is obtained which is impregnated with a nutrient/culture mixture in the same manner as example 1.

Example 3 This comprises a manufactured pellet as described in example 2 but 5 wherein culture medium (comprising the fungus or micro-organism) is blended substantially homogeneously with the pellet components before pellet formation.

Nutrients, especially if not present in the binder materials, may be incorporated into the pellets by liquid impregnation, if at all.

Example 4 As for example 3 but wherein nutrient is blended into the pellet prior to its formation and the culture medium introduced through liquid impregnation after pellet formation.

Example 5 Here the product comprises either a manufactured pellet or bland of components which may be substantially particulate or powdered in form. 24 1 0 The constituents are as follows: Component rock or insoluble phosphate bentonite or bentonite predominant aluminosilicate fungus, micro-organisms and I or reproductive material trace-5% -65% % by weight [to total of 100%] 35-80% liquid nutrients comprising at least one of an ammonium containing nutrient, an amine containing nutrient, a fish based composition, an animal protein based composition 0-15% Example 6 A fertiliser composition which comprises, be weight to a total of 100%: Rock phosphate or insoluble phosphate 5-99.999% Introduced fungus, micro-organism or reproductive material therefor© -We - 5% Nutrient 0-95% Non-phosphate mineral substrate 0-95% Example 7 As for example 5 in which the micro-organism, fungus (or reproductive material therefore) is phosphate solubilising. 21 24 1 0 Example 8 As for examples 6 and 7 in which the nutrient chosen is a liquid fish based fertiliser. A suitable product is that available from Moana Fertilisers Limited of Waiuku, New Zealand.

Example 9 As for examples 5 through 8 in which a reversible hydrating constituent is included. This may comprise the use of a gel such as agar and may comprise the use of a seaweed-fish based fertiliser such as available from Moana Fertilisers Limited of Waiuku, New Zealand. Another option is 10 the use of the product agrosoke™.

Example 10 This embodiment comprises a coated pellet in which the coating is a gellike covering suitable for the rapid establishment and growth of contained biological material. Preferably this embodiment is directed to 15 pelleted type embodiments where any one particle substantially comprises a substantially homogeneous blend of components. However, it could also be applied to non-pelleted mixtures, in which case it is preferred that the constituents are substantially non-powdered and preferably also not the larger or coarser sizes. It is envisaged that 20 particle or pellet sizes which fall predominantly within the average size range of 2-5mm diameter will be most applicable for this particular embodiment though it is noted that a larger size could be tolerated for 22 241080 substantially homogeneous pallets.

The method comprises the application of a suitably viscous coating to particles. These particles could be any of the products from the previous examples, though with the above recommendations in mind. The nature 5 of the coating is typically that of a gel and it is preferable that a gel which will further harden, perhaps via a setting reaction, or through the loss of water, is used. Typically the gelled coating will be applied while still in a fluid or semi-fluid state, though will eventually form a discrete coating on each particle which will not clog or bind particles together into a sticky 10 mass.

Several methods may be used to achieve this. For instance, many gelling materials such as agar and gelatine (among other examples), have a setting reaction. Consequently, these type of gelling agents may be used for the coating and applied before the setting reaction has climaxed.

As an alternative, moisture absorbent materials or hydrating agents within the particle could promote the formation of a suitable coating.

As a further modification, a free flow agent could be dusted or applied to the resulting coated particles to reduce the further possibility of particles sticking or binding to each other in the bulk form.

The coating may comprise a nutrient, such as the liquid fish based fertilisers available from Moana Fertiliser Limited. Other liquid nutrients could also be used, or a solution of solid nutrients. The use of a thicker seaweed based fish composition from Moana Fertiliser is also 23 24 1 0 8 0 possible though additional gelling agents may be added prior to its application. If the coating of interest is sufficiently fluid, then rather than a discrete coating on the particle, the outer surface layers may impregnated so that an outer crust comprising part of the intended 5 coating and part of the substrate may be formed. In some instances this can be just as effective as a discrete gelled coating.

Also likely to be included within the coating are the biologically active material as the coating is generally intended for use as a support for the rapid establishment of the biological material. However in some embodiments, the biological material may be applied to the substrate and under the coating. In this case the coating may also act as a protective layer for the material during storage. Each variation has its own inherent advantages and disadvantages, which the manufacturer can select as desired.

Application of the coating may be via a number of known methods, including a ribbon blender. However to some extent the method of coating will depend upon the viscosity and proportions of components.

Nature of product.

In most cases the product will comprise a pellet or granule with a 20 relatively low moisture content (25% or less and preferably 5-15%). The average particle size will often be 10mm or less, and more preferably 3mm or less.

The pellet of most embodiments will comprise essentially a substrate incorporating nutrients and a culture able to establish a growth of 24 24 1 o selected fungi and/or micro-organisms. These will remain relatively dormant while the product is in its normally, relatively dry state. Some organisms may be better adapted than others for storage and many may have optimum storage conditions, which information is either known or 5 may be found through relatively simple trial and experimentation.

Typically the product will be porous as many embodiments rely upon liquid impregnation to introduce some of the components. Porosity also allows the product to be 'activated' when wetted or rained upon. Porosity also influences how rapidly the product decays or releases its contents.

The product also represents a means of preparing a solid or 'dry' fertilising composition from a liquid fertiliser. This may in practice provide advantage as many fertilisers are transported in a dry form and consequently a large amount of equipment is adapted for dry or solid material. At least one embodiment of a product also represents a high 15 phosphorus fertiliser which also contains other nutrients, according to the impregnated components. Phosphates are generally applied on their own or with lime - the present invention represents a means by which additional elements and useful micro-organisms/fungi can be applied during the same operation and perhaps without the necessity of separate 20 liming.

Also, the nutrients will often tend to be released at a relatively slow rate, at least compared to a liquid fertiliser applied to pasture. This may be advantageous in areas of high rainfall where many liquid and some readily soluble solid fertilisers would be quickly washed from the soil. 25 The rate of establishment of the fungus or other preferred microorganisms may further regulate rapid leaching of nutrients from the

Claims (42)

24 1 0 product. In practice, the product may be also used in many (but not every instance) as a method of packaging fungus or micro-organisms in a relatively dormant or transportable state. Providing that storage, manufacture and product use are within acceptable limits for the particular organism, the product may be used to initiate the growth of new colonies of the organism. While a primary use is as a fertilising composition, where new and useful organisms may be introduced or supplemented into field and pasture, the invention may find other use. For instance it is suitable for the 'package' and transport of laboratory cultures. It may find use in culture depositories. It may also find use as a pharmaceutical device or feedstuff for animals. In such cases nutrients may be suited more towards the animal (e.g. minerals and vitamins) while the culture could be an organism which aids digestion (for instance by including microorganisms present in the digestive system or which can improve the digestion of some materials), or which produces a useful enzyme, or which acts as an antibiotic. It is anticipated that a skilled reader, in light of the description herein, would be able to readily adapt the present invention for use in these other areas. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims. 26 2 'v WHAT WE CIAIM IS:

1. A fertiliser composition comprising: a mineral substrate, and an introduced fungus, micro-organism or reproductive material therefor.

2. A fertiliser composition as claimed in claim 1 in which said mineral substrate comprises a rock phosphate and/or an insoluble phosphate, as herein defined.

3. A fertiliser composition as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 in which said mineral substrate includes at least one member of a group comprising: aluminosilicate (as herein defined), lime, zeolite, clay and phosphate mineral.

4. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the constituents of said mineral substrate have been reduced to a size so that at least 90% will pass through a sieve with a rectangular mesh of 10mm by 10mm.

5. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the constituents of said mineral substrate have been reduced to a size so that at least 90% will pass through a sieve with a rectangular mesh of 3mm by 3mm.

6. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes a binder for cementing constituents together.

7. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which said fungus or micro-organism is phosphate solubilising. 27 0 ' -C r u ^ KJ

8. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which an introduced fungus or its reproductive material which is present comprises a member of at least one of the species Aspergillus, Fusarium and Penicillium.

9. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which is present by introduction, at least one fungus of a group comprising: Fusarium Oxysporum, Fusarium Solani, Aspergillus Niger, Aspergillus Candidus, Aspergillus Flavus, Aspergillus Ustus, Penicillium Janthinellum, Penicillium sp., Sclerotium Rolfsii and Cylindrocladium sp.

10. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which there is present an introduced micro-organism comprising at least one member of the group of Bacillus Megatherium Phosphaticum and strains thereof, Gram-positive bacteria and the species Pseudomonas.

11. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which said reproductive material comprises fungal spores.

12. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes a nutrient for an introduced fungus, micro-organism or productive material.

13. A fertiliser composition as claimed in claim 12 in which said nutrient is in a aqueous form. 28 • . -f k 24 t 0 8 0

14. A fertiliser composition as claimed in either claim 12 or claim 13 in which said nutrient comprises a nitrogen source for said fungus, microorganism or reproductive material.

15. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of claims 12 through 14 in which said nutrient includes an ammonium compound, or an amine.

16. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of claims 12 through 15 in which said nutrients includes constituents which when acted upon by fungus or micro-organisms present in said composition, will liberate free ammonia.

17. A fertiliser composition as claimed in claim 16 which includes an introduced micro-organism or fungus, or reproductive material therefore, specifically directed to release free ammonia from said nutrient.

18. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 through 17 in which introduced micro-organisms, fungus or reproductive material therefore, are blended with said nutrient prior to its introduction to the mineral substrate.

19. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of claims 12 through 18 in which said nutrient comprises a fish based composition.

20. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of claims 12 through 19 in which said nutrient comprises an animal based protein composition.

21. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes a hydrating constituent which interacts with moisture. 29 ' « { A r\ o, /vl f I • ! ' 7 t *■ J t 4

22. A fertiliser composition as claimed in claim 21 in which said hydrating constituent acts as a binder.

23. A fertiliser composition as claimed in either claim 21 or claim 22 in which said hydrating constituent retains fluid which is available for use by said introduced fungus, micro-organism or reproductive material therefor.

24. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of claims 21 through 23 in which said hydrating constituent is a cross-linked polymer.

25. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of claims 21 through 23 in which a said hydrating constituent is a silica gel.

26. A fertiliser composition as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which is a flowable, granular or powdered, material.

27. A fertiliser composition as claimed in claim 26 in which particles are treated or coated with a free flowing agent.

28. A fertiliser composition as claimed in either claim 26 or claim 27 in which particles are coated with a material reducing moisture loss for the bulk stored product.

29. A fertiliser composition substantially as described herein with reference to the contained examples.

30. A method for the preparation of a fertiliser composition comprising the introduction of a fungus, micro-organism, or reproductive material therefor, to a mineral substrate. 30 « •'1 J a 1 n o 24 1 0

31. A method as claimed in claim 30 in which said mineral substrate comprises a phosphate material.

32. A method as claimed in either claim 30 or claim 31 in which a said mineral substrate comprises a rock phosphate or insoluble phosphate as herein defined.

33. A method as claimed in any one of claims 30 through 32 in which a said fungus or micro-organism is phosphate solubilising.

34. A method as claimed in any one of claims 30 through 33 in which said introduced fungus, micro-organism or reproductive material, is introduced into a liquid nutrient which is subsequently applied to said mineral substrate.

35. A method as claimed in claim 34 in which said fungus, micro-organism or reproductive material, is cultured in said nutrient prior to its combination with said mineral substrate.

36. A method as claimed in either claim 34 or claim 35 in which a proportion of nutrient combined with the mineral substrate is such that the resulting product is substantially dry and flowable in nature.

37. A method as claimed in any one of claims 34 through 36 in which a fungus, micro-organism or reproductive material therefor, is introduced which is able to convert nitrogen containing constituents of said nutrient into free ammonia.

38. A method substantially as described herein with reference to the contained examples. 31 « .»» F A C I

39. A fertiliser composition comprising, by weight to a total of 100%: Rock phosphate or insoluble phosphate 5-99.999% Introduced fungus, micro-organism or reproductive material therefor trace - 5% Nutrient 0-95% Non-phosphate mineral substrate 0-95%

40. A composition as claimed in claim 39 in which a said fungus, microorganism or reproductive material therefor, is phosphate solubilising.

41. A composition as claimed in either claim 39 or 40 in which said nutrient is a liquid fish based fertiliser.

42. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 39 through 41 which includes a reversible hydrating constituent. Moana Fertilisers Limited by their Attorneys 32