US20200015410A1 - Encapsulated seed - Google Patents
Encapsulated seed Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20200015410A1 US20200015410A1 US16/508,406 US201916508406A US2020015410A1 US 20200015410 A1 US20200015410 A1 US 20200015410A1 US 201916508406 A US201916508406 A US 201916508406A US 2020015410 A1 US2020015410 A1 US 2020015410A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- seed
- encapsulation
- encapsulated
- soil
- encapsulation composition
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 239000002689 soil Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 114
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 38
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 37
- 230000035784 germination Effects 0.000 claims abstract description 21
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 131
- 238000005538 encapsulation Methods 0.000 claims description 106
- 241000196324 Embryophyta Species 0.000 claims description 57
- 235000015097 nutrients Nutrition 0.000 claims description 57
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 47
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 43
- 238000005054 agglomeration Methods 0.000 claims description 28
- 230000002776 aggregation Effects 0.000 claims description 28
- 244000025254 Cannabis sativa Species 0.000 claims description 24
- 239000011230 binding agent Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000011248 coating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 238000000576 coating method Methods 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000003583 soil stabilizing agent Substances 0.000 claims description 19
- 239000004927 clay Substances 0.000 claims description 18
- 239000010440 gypsum Substances 0.000 claims description 17
- 229910052602 gypsum Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 17
- 239000003415 peat Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 12
- IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N Atomic nitrogen Chemical compound N#N IJGRMHOSHXDMSA-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 10
- 239000003337 fertilizer Substances 0.000 claims description 10
- 229920002907 Guar gum Polymers 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000000665 guar gum Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 229960002154 guar gum Drugs 0.000 claims description 9
- 235000010417 guar gum Nutrition 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000002667 nucleating agent Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 229910000278 bentonite Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000000440 bentonite Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- SVPXDRXYRYOSEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N bentoquatam Chemical compound O.O=[Si]=O.O=[Al]O[Al]=O SVPXDRXYRYOSEX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 7
- -1 biochar Substances 0.000 claims description 7
- 235000008733 Citrus aurantifolia Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- 241001465754 Metazoa Species 0.000 claims description 6
- NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Sulfur Chemical compound [S] NINIDFKCEFEMDL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 235000011941 Tilia x europaea Nutrition 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004571 lime Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229910052717 sulfur Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011593 sulfur Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 238000013019 agitation Methods 0.000 claims description 5
- 229910052757 nitrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 5
- 241001474374 Blennius Species 0.000 claims description 4
- VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L Calcium carbonate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[O-]C([O-])=O VTYYLEPIZMXCLO-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 4
- 229920001732 Lignosulfonate Polymers 0.000 claims description 4
- YYRMJZQKEFZXMX-UHFFFAOYSA-N calcium;phosphoric acid Chemical compound [Ca+2].OP(O)(O)=O.OP(O)(O)=O YYRMJZQKEFZXMX-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 4
- 239000002426 superphosphate Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N hydridophosphorus(.) (triplet) Chemical compound [PH] BHEPBYXIRTUNPN-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000005416 organic matter Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 241000251468 Actinopterygii Species 0.000 claims description 2
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 claims description 2
- ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Boron Chemical compound [B] ZOXJGFHDIHLPTG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N Chromium Chemical compound [Cr] VYZAMTAEIAYCRO-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N Copper Chemical compound [Cu] RYGMFSIKBFXOCR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000005696 Diammonium phosphate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000019739 Dicalciumphosphate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000005980 Gibberellic acid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N Magnesium Chemical compound [Mg] FYYHWMGAXLPEAU-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N Potassium Chemical compound [K] ZLMJMSJWJFRBEC-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N Zinc Chemical compound [Zn] HCHKCACWOHOZIP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- LFVGISIMTYGQHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N ammonium dihydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [NH4+].OP(O)([O-])=O LFVGISIMTYGQHF-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000387 ammonium dihydrogen phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052796 boron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000019 calcium carbonate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000001506 calcium phosphate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052804 chromium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011651 chromium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000012721 chromium Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052802 copper Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010949 copper Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- MNNHAPBLZZVQHP-UHFFFAOYSA-N diammonium hydrogen phosphate Chemical compound [NH4+].[NH4+].OP([O-])([O-])=O MNNHAPBLZZVQHP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000388 diammonium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000019838 diammonium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- NEFBYIFKOOEVPA-UHFFFAOYSA-K dicalcium phosphate Chemical compound [Ca+2].[Ca+2].[O-]P([O-])([O-])=O NEFBYIFKOOEVPA-UHFFFAOYSA-K 0.000 claims description 2
- 229940038472 dicalcium phosphate Drugs 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910000390 dicalcium phosphate Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000855 fungicidal effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000000417 fungicide Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- IXORZMNAPKEEDV-UHFFFAOYSA-N gibberellic acid GA3 Natural products OC(=O)C1C2(C3)CC(=C)C3(O)CCC2C2(C=CC3O)C1C3(C)C(=O)O2 IXORZMNAPKEEDV-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- IXORZMNAPKEEDV-OBDJNFEBSA-N gibberellin A3 Chemical compound C([C@@]1(O)C(=C)C[C@@]2(C1)[C@H]1C(O)=O)C[C@H]2[C@]2(C=C[C@@H]3O)[C@H]1[C@]3(C)C(=O)O2 IXORZMNAPKEEDV-OBDJNFEBSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002363 herbicidal effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000004009 herbicide Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011777 magnesium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052749 magnesium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000001055 magnesium Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- WPBNNNQJVZRUHP-UHFFFAOYSA-L manganese(2+);methyl n-[[2-(methoxycarbonylcarbamothioylamino)phenyl]carbamothioyl]carbamate;n-[2-(sulfidocarbothioylamino)ethyl]carbamodithioate Chemical compound [Mn+2].[S-]C(=S)NCCNC([S-])=S.COC(=O)NC(=S)NC1=CC=CC=C1NC(=S)NC(=O)OC WPBNNNQJVZRUHP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000019837 monoammonium phosphate Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000006012 monoammonium phosphate Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003895 organic fertilizer Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011591 potassium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052700 potassium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000011701 zinc Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052725 zinc Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 235000016804 zinc Nutrition 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000035558 fertility Effects 0.000 abstract description 6
- 239000002775 capsule Substances 0.000 description 43
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 28
- 239000002245 particle Substances 0.000 description 17
- 239000003516 soil conditioner Substances 0.000 description 16
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 12
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 8
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 7
- 230000008635 plant growth Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000004615 ingredient Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000010902 straw Substances 0.000 description 5
- 230000009286 beneficial effect Effects 0.000 description 4
- 229940092782 bentonite Drugs 0.000 description 4
- 238000006243 chemical reaction Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000010006 flight Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000012010 growth Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000002156 mixing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004513 sizing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 239000002904 solvent Substances 0.000 description 4
- 230000035899 viability Effects 0.000 description 4
- 240000004296 Lolium perenne Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000002411 adverse Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000000975 dye Substances 0.000 description 3
- 239000010419 fine particle Substances 0.000 description 3
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005096 rolling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000007226 seed germination Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007921 spray Substances 0.000 description 3
- 244000007835 Cyamopsis tetragonoloba Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000238631 Hexapoda Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000209504 Poaceae Species 0.000 description 2
- 241000607479 Yersinia pestis Species 0.000 description 2
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008275 binding mechanism Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012272 crop production Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000002939 deleterious effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- ONCZQWJXONKSMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N dialuminum;disodium;oxygen(2-);silicon(4+);hydrate Chemical compound O.[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[O-2].[Na+].[Na+].[Al+3].[Al+3].[Si+4].[Si+4].[Si+4].[Si+4] ONCZQWJXONKSMM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000009826 distribution Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001965 increasing effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000002386 leaching Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000011785 micronutrient Substances 0.000 description 2
- 235000013369 micronutrients Nutrition 0.000 description 2
- 239000002362 mulch Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000011236 particulate material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000000575 pesticide Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000003375 plant hormone Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001863 plant nutrition Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229920000642 polymer Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000002243 precursor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002994 raw material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000717 retained effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 229910000280 sodium bentonite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 2
- 229940080314 sodium bentonite Drugs 0.000 description 2
- 238000007614 solvation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000007858 starting material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000002352 surface water Substances 0.000 description 2
- OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N Calcium Chemical compound [Ca] OYPRJOBELJOOCE-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M Ilexoside XXIX Chemical compound C[C@@H]1CC[C@@]2(CC[C@@]3(C(=CC[C@H]4[C@]3(CC[C@@H]5[C@@]4(CC[C@@H](C5(C)C)OS(=O)(=O)[O-])C)C)[C@@H]2[C@]1(C)O)C)C(=O)O[C@H]6[C@@H]([C@H]([C@@H]([C@H](O6)CO)O)O)O.[Na+] DGAQECJNVWCQMB-PUAWFVPOSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 235000000380 Nyssa aquatica Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000008331 Pinus X rigitaeda Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000011613 Pinus brutia Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000018646 Pinus brutia Species 0.000 description 1
- 241000209049 Poa pratensis Species 0.000 description 1
- KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M Potassium hydroxide Chemical compound [OH-].[K+] KWYUFKZDYYNOTN-UHFFFAOYSA-M 0.000 description 1
- 241000736285 Sphagnum Species 0.000 description 1
- 241001271990 Tomicus piniperda Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005273 aeration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012223 aqueous fraction Substances 0.000 description 1
- QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N atomic oxygen Chemical compound [O] QVGXLLKOCUKJST-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000015572 biosynthetic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011367 bulky particle Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000011575 calcium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052791 calcium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 229910000281 calcium bentonite Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000008199 coating composition Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000001875 compounds Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 230000001010 compromised effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001143 conditioned effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000002425 crystallisation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008025 crystallization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000000354 decomposition reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000018109 developmental process Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000009792 diffusion process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004090 dissolution Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000002708 enhancing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003608 fece Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000002657 fibrous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007888 film coating Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009501 film coating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004459 forage Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000002431 foraging effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000008187 granular material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000001963 growth medium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000036541 health Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000008216 herbs Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000006872 improvement Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008595 infiltration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001764 infiltration Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000670 limiting effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010871 livestock manure Substances 0.000 description 1
- 210000001161 mammalian embryo Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000813 microbial effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229930014626 natural product Natural products 0.000 description 1
- 230000001473 noxious effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010899 nucleation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015816 nutrient absorption Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000021232 nutrient availability Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 229910052760 oxygen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001301 oxygen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 244000045947 parasite Species 0.000 description 1
- 244000052769 pathogen Species 0.000 description 1
- 230000000149 penetrating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011148 porous material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229940072033 potash Drugs 0.000 description 1
- BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L potassium carbonate Substances [K+].[K+].[O-]C([O-])=O BWHMMNNQKKPAPP-UHFFFAOYSA-L 0.000 description 1
- 235000015320 potassium carbonate Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000012958 reprocessing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000002786 root growth Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035040 seed growth Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000035945 sensitivity Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000011734 sodium Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910052708 sodium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002364 soil amendment Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000007711 solidification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008023 solidification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001179 sorption measurement Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009331 sowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000005507 spraying Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000000087 stabilizing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000004083 survival effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000008961 swelling Effects 0.000 description 1
- 231100000331 toxic Toxicity 0.000 description 1
- 230000002588 toxic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000013311 vegetables Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 230000004584 weight gain Effects 0.000 description 1
- 235000019786 weight gain Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05D—INORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C; FERTILISERS PRODUCING CARBON DIOXIDE
- C05D3/00—Calcareous fertilisers
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01C—PLANTING; SOWING; FERTILISING
- A01C1/00—Apparatus, or methods of use thereof, for testing or treating seed, roots, or the like, prior to sowing or planting
- A01C1/06—Coating or dressing seed
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N61/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing substances of unknown or undetermined composition, e.g. substances characterised only by the mode of action
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N65/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators containing material from algae, lichens, bryophyta, multi-cellular fungi or plants, or extracts thereof
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05D—INORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C; FERTILISERS PRODUCING CARBON DIOXIDE
- C05D9/00—Other inorganic fertilisers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
- C05F11/00—Other organic fertilisers
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
- C05F11/00—Other organic fertilisers
- C05F11/02—Other organic fertilisers from peat, brown coal, and similar vegetable deposits
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
- C05F11/00—Other organic fertilisers
- C05F11/02—Other organic fertilisers from peat, brown coal, and similar vegetable deposits
- C05F11/04—Horticultural earth from peat
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05F—ORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C, e.g. FERTILISERS FROM WASTE OR REFUSE
- C05F11/00—Other organic fertilisers
- C05F11/08—Organic fertilisers containing added bacterial cultures, mycelia or the like
-
- C05G3/04—
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05G—MIXTURES OF FERTILISERS COVERED INDIVIDUALLY BY DIFFERENT SUBCLASSES OF CLASS C05; MIXTURES OF ONE OR MORE FERTILISERS WITH MATERIALS NOT HAVING A SPECIFIC FERTILISING ACTIVITY, e.g. PESTICIDES, SOIL-CONDITIONERS, WETTING AGENTS; FERTILISERS CHARACTERISED BY THEIR FORM
- C05G3/00—Mixtures of one or more fertilisers with additives not having a specially fertilising activity
- C05G3/80—Soil conditioners
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05G—MIXTURES OF FERTILISERS COVERED INDIVIDUALLY BY DIFFERENT SUBCLASSES OF CLASS C05; MIXTURES OF ONE OR MORE FERTILISERS WITH MATERIALS NOT HAVING A SPECIFIC FERTILISING ACTIVITY, e.g. PESTICIDES, SOIL-CONDITIONERS, WETTING AGENTS; FERTILISERS CHARACTERISED BY THEIR FORM
- C05G5/00—Fertilisers characterised by their form
- C05G5/10—Solid or semi-solid fertilisers, e.g. powders
- C05G5/12—Granules or flakes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05G—MIXTURES OF FERTILISERS COVERED INDIVIDUALLY BY DIFFERENT SUBCLASSES OF CLASS C05; MIXTURES OF ONE OR MORE FERTILISERS WITH MATERIALS NOT HAVING A SPECIFIC FERTILISING ACTIVITY, e.g. PESTICIDES, SOIL-CONDITIONERS, WETTING AGENTS; FERTILISERS CHARACTERISED BY THEIR FORM
- C05G5/00—Fertilisers characterised by their form
- C05G5/30—Layered or coated, e.g. dust-preventing coatings
- C05G5/35—Capsules, e.g. core-shell
Definitions
- the present invention relates to encapsulated seeds, processes for making encapsulated seeds and processes for establishing and improving seed beds and seed bed germination.
- This invention is directed at improving soil productivity through enhancements in soil fertility, soil condition/tilth, and control of soil moisture.
- Certain seed may desirably be sowed by a broadcast method if the seed were compatible with broadcast application.
- grass seed for lawns is desirably broadcast, but the low density and generally non-aerodynamic shape of some grass seed can limit the range of such broadcast, and make such seed susceptible to being blown about by wind, or washed away by surface water, even if initially well placed in a good seeding application.
- the seed may be so small as to be difficult to handle, thereby to place properly-spaced seeds at a desired spacing as to make cost-effective use of the seed, thereby to produce a crop of the related plants without using any more seed than necessary, thus to gain maximum benefit from the amount of seed used.
- the seed When seed is planted, the seed has immediate use for moisture to aid in germination of the seed, and subsequent early development of the resulting young plant. Where moisture is not readily available to the seed when planted, the seed may lie in a dormant state for some period of time before germinating. While the seed is thus dormant, awaiting suitable moisture, the seed is subject to a variety of hazards which may destroy its viability.
- the seed may be attacked by worms, parasites, and other pests.
- the seed may be eaten by foraging animals including insects and larvae.
- the seed may be overheated by a hot sun.
- the seed may lie dormant without germinating for so long that any plant emerging therefrom will have insufficient time to mature before the end of the growing season.
- the seedling plant has a continuing need for a proper balance of moisture and oxygen, as well as for such plant nutrients as nitrogen, phosphorous and potash, as well as the micronutrients, in relatively predictable quantities.
- a proper balance of such materials is available to the young plant, a healthy young plant may be produced, with optimum potential for maximum crop production, assuming germination occurs at a seasonably-desirable time.
- the soil may be too dry to support germination, or optimum germination.
- the soil may in general have a desired moisture content, moisture content at a macro level can vary widely.
- the soil in general may have a desirable moisture content, the microcosm of the soil adjacent an individual seed may be too dry, or too wet, to support any germination, or optimum germination.
- the soil may be generally depleted of one or more plant nutrients needed by the germinated seedling.
- the soil may in general have desired nutrient levels, the nutrient levels at a macro level can vary widely.
- the microcosm of the soil adjacent an individual seed may be too low in one or more nutrients to support a desired level of plant growth, or, so high as to be toxic to a desired level of plant growth.
- plant nutrient chemicals may be present in the soil, but so tied up chemically in the soil as to be unavailable, or poorly available, relative to the quantities and use rates needed for desired plant growth. Or the soil may become so hard, dry, and/or caked shortly after the seed germinates that the seedling plant has difficulty penetrating such soil, difficulty becoming associated with suitable nutrients, and/or difficulty taking up such nutrients because of insufficient moisture availability.
- conditions of the soil near the surface are less critical. However, until such time as the roots so penetrate, conditions of the soil at and near the top surface of the soil may be critical.
- Soil fertility generally relates to uptake of plant nutrients from the soil by plants. Uptake is generally the result of two factors, the presence of plant nutrients in the soil, and the availability of the plant nutrients for plant uptake. Presence of plant nutrients in the soil is generally a function of the combination of (a) the basic level of soil fertility, (b) depletion by previous crop production and (c) replenishment with fertilizer. Availability of a plant nutrient physically present in the soil for plant uptake is in general related to solubility of the respective nutrient or nutrient combination in a solvent for the nutrient, which solvent is present in the soil, such solvent as water, along with any other material affecting solvation of the plant nutrient into the water or other solvent.
- the nutrients In order for plant nutrients in the soil to be available for uptake by plants, the nutrients must be held in the soil without excessive leaching, but must not be held so tightly that the nutrients cannot be released for plant uptake. Thus nutrient availability requires a balance between holding tightly enough to retain the nutrient in the root zone, without leaching, but not so tight as to make the nutrient unavailable for plant uptake.
- the general “condition” or “tilth” of the soil is instrumental in determining the efficiency with which plant nutrients are utilized for plant nutrition.
- a properly conditioned soil has advantageous soil chemistry in combination with advantageous soil texture.
- soil users also use products that modify basic soil chemistry, and soil texture.
- Basic soil chemistry is modified by adding to the soil, for example, calcium products to provide pH control, as well as micronutrients.
- Coated or “Encrusted Seed” shall mean a seed that has been covered by a layer(s) of materials that obscure the original shape and size of the seed resulting in a substantial weight increase.
- the coating or encrusting may contain biological, identifying colorants or dyes, pesticides, polymers and/or other ingredients.
- “Pelleted Seed” shall mean coated or encrusted seed that also improves the plantability or singulation of the seed.
- “Film-Coated Seed” shall mean a seed that retains the shape and general size of the raw seed with a minimal weight gain.
- the film coating may contain biological, identifying colorants or dyes, pesticides, polymers and/or other ingredients. The coating shall result in a continuous covering.
- “Treated Seed” shall mean seed with a minimal covering of material(s) whose objective is to reduce or control disease organism, insects, or other pests attacking the seed or seedlings growing therefrom and may contain identifying colorants or dyes.
- Undesirable Grass Seeds shall mean seed of a grass species declared to be restricted noxious weed seed when found in lawn and turf seed.
- Total Viable shall mean equals the sum of percentage germination plus dormant plus hard seeds.
- Wildgrass seed shall mean any of various grass seeds for grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass) grown to form turf.
- Soil Tilth shall mean its physical condition, especially in relation to its suitability for planting or growing a crop. Factors that determine tiith include the formation and stability of aggregated soil particles, moisture content, degree of aeration, rate of water infiltration and drainage.
- “Sown” shall mean to scatter (seed) over land, earth, for growth; plant.
- Agglomeration shall mean a particle size enlargement process in which fine particles are joined in an assembly.
- Nucleating Agent shall mean an agent used for forming a nucleus.
- Microenvironment is the environment surrounding the seeds.
- “Encapsulated seed” shall mean that the seed is enclosed in a capsule of encapsulating material.
- the present invention relates to an encapsulated seed product comprising: turfgrass seeds, encapsulation material and binder.
- the encapsulation material is agglomerated about each turfgrass seed. Each seed acts as a nucleating agent for the encapsulation material to be agglomerated about the seed.
- the encapsulation material comprises two or more materials selected from the group consisting of: gypsum, biochar, peat moss or bentonite clay.
- the encapsulation material is present by weight in the encapsulated seed product in a ratio equal to, or greater than, two parts the encapsulation material to one part seed. It is preferred that the encapsulation material is greater than two parts encapsulation material to one part seed.
- the encapsulated seed product essentially sinks in water within approximately 10 seconds.
- the encapsulated seed product remains essentially about the seed to form a microenvironment about the seed when the seed is sown and exposed to water.
- the encapsulation material prefferably comprises fertilizer. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to further comprise a water-soluble soil stabilizer. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed product to comprise a binder and for the binder to comprise lignin sulfonate.
- the encapsulation material prefferably comprises pink pigmented facultative methylotroph or PPFM.
- the encapsulation material prefferably comprises soil amendments, soil conditioners or a combination.
- the encapsulation material prefferably comprises lime, iron, gypsum, sulfur, mycorrhiza or any combination thereof.
- the present invention relates to an encapsulated seed product comprising: turfgrass seeds, encapsulation material and binder.
- the encapsulation material is agglomerated about the seeds using an agitation agglomeration process. Each seed acts as a nucleating agent for the encapsulation material to be agglomerated about the seed.
- the encapsulation material comprises gypsum, biochar, peat moss, and bentonite clay.
- the encapsulation material is present by weight in the encapsulated seed product in a ratio equal to, or greater than, two parts encapsulation material to 1 part seed.
- the encapsulation material absorbs 5 times its weight in water.
- the encapsulation material to absorb 10 times its weight in water. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to absorb 5 times its weight in water compared to a seed of equal weight not having the encapsulation material. It is an object of the present invention, for example, that the material wrapped around the seed would absorb 5 times its weight, and if twice the material is wrapped around the seed it will absorb 10 times its weight.
- the encapsulated seed product essentially sinks in water within 10 seconds.
- the encapsulation material about the seed deters birds from eating the seed when sown on soil surface.
- the encapsulated seed product remains essentially about the seed to form a microenvironment about the seed when sown and exposed to water. It is an object of the present invention for the binder to comprise lignin sulfonate.
- the present invention relates to a seed having a coating comprising: biochar, gypsum, sodium bentonite clay and/or calcium bentonite clay, peat moss, guar gum and a water soluble soil stabilizer.
- Biochar has countless pores and channels, which are safe harbors for healthy microbes. Microbes on the soil get destroyed. It is an object of the present invention for the microbes in the biochar to have a longer life then microbes put directly in the soil.
- the coating composition prefferably be applied to the seed by agglomeration and preferably an agitation agglomeration. It is further preferred that the agitation agglomeration be a lift and tumble agglomeration.
- the agglomeration process binds the coating material onto and surrounding the seed.
- the seed is a nucleating agent for the agglomeration process.
- the dry ingredients, biochar, peat moss, gypsum, and clay to be blended together in an admixture. It is an object of the present invention for the blending to occur before the admixture is agglomerated onto the seed.
- a coating drum is used wherein at the inlet of the coating drum the seed is fed in.
- a first spray of water and guar gum is used to act as a binder on the seed.
- the seeds coated with the binder are then tumbled into a continuous flow of the admixture. In a preferred embodiment the coated seed is then hit with water and admixture three more times to finally encapsulate the seed.
- the pre-coating of the seed leads to a more uniform application of the encapsulating material on the seed.
- the encapsulated seed prefferably be dried to remove moisture, but not to damage the seed.
- the encapsulated seed to deter animals including birds. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to absorb and release water. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to add organic matter to the soil. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to adjust soil pH. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to ionically bond the seed to the soil so that it stays in place where it is planted. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to retain nutrients right where the plant needs them.
- the encapsulated seed prefferably be a self-contained planting unit. It is an object of the present invention for the seed to be protected from adverse environmental conditions. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to have all the ingredients necessary for seed germination. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to have a longer shelf life than a non-encapsulated seed. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to be suitable for planting directly on top of the soil.
- the encapsulated seed prefferably has approximately 5 times more moisture acquisition then raw seed. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to have approximately 10 times more moisture acquisition then raw seed.
- the encapsulation material prefferably be a dry particulate material, a particulate material suspended in a liquid carrier, or any combination thereof, during the agglomeration process. It is an object of the present invention that during the agglomeration process there is a building up one or more layers of encapsulation material composition onto the seed. It is an object of the present invention for the process to further comprise drying off moisture from the seed product to form an agglomerated seed product.
- the encapsulation material prefferably comprises lime, gypsum, calcium carbonate, or any combination thereof.
- the encapsulation composition prefferably further comprise a fertilizer, a fungicide, an herbicide, or any combination thereof.
- the encapsulation composition prefferably incubate the seed and provide a beneficial germination environment by binding to the seed to form a self-contained, value added agglomerated seed product.
- the encapsulation composition to further comprise a fertilizer, wherein the fertilizer comprises nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, manganese, copper, boron, iron, zinc, magnesium, chromium, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, superphosphate, triple superphosphate, dicalcium phosphate, organic fertilizer, or any combination thereof.
- the fertilizer comprises nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, manganese, copper, boron, iron, zinc, magnesium, chromium, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, superphosphate, triple superphosphate, dicalcium phosphate, organic fertilizer, or any combination thereof.
- the seed acts as a core or pseudo-core of the encapsulated seed.
- the encapsulated material is mounted proximate, including disposed outwardly of the outer surface of the seed.
- the encapsulation material to provide enhanced broadcast flight properties of the encapsulated seed. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to reduce susceptibility to deleterious effects of weather on the encapsulated seed. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to enhance resistance of the encapsulated seed to attack by animals, weeds, or spore-formers. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to assist in staged germination of the encapsulated seeds under a given set of conditions, over a period of time longer than the range of germination times inherent in the seeds.
- the encapsulated material to enhance control of moisture about the seed thereby to assist in seed germination. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to contain compounds that promote or stimulate seed germination, including natural plant hormones, (i.e., gibberellic acid) and natural compounds that contain plant hormones (i.e., seaweed and seaweed extract). It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to assist in providing release of plant nutrients into soil onto which the encapsulated seed is placed.
- natural plant hormones i.e., gibberellic acid
- natural compounds that contain plant hormones i.e., seaweed and seaweed extract
- the encapsulated material to provide a soil conditioning effect to soil onto which the encapsulated seed is placed. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to provide a staged release of plant nutrients into soil onto which said encapsulated seed is placed, over a period of time longer than the range of times inherent in the chemical composition so released. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to provide a higher embryo emergence and survival rate in a population of the encapsulated seeds, thereby reducing required seed planting density for a desired plant population density. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulating material to assist in stabilizing moisture content in soil on which such encapsulated seed is disposed.
- the seeds prefferably be a turf grass seed.
- the seeds prefferably be selected from the group consisting of grass, herbs, animal forage and fodder crops, ornamental plants, vegetables, grains, and flowers.
- the encapsulation material prefferably remains generally disposed about the seed, and preferably but not necessarily remains generally intact about the seed, until the seed germinates.
- the encapsulation material prefferably holds moisture adjacent to the seeds in the encapsulated seeds or in the soil adjacent to the seeds, in such quantities to enhance growing conditions for the seeds
- the present invention relates to encapsulated seeds that provide soil conditioning properties at the specific site of the seed, plant nutrients at or near the specific site of the seed, ingredients effective to reduce deleterious effects of spore-formers and animals, and/or other various physical benefits/properties of the encapsulated seed not previously available in a single product.
- the encapsulating material to comprise a particulate powder, or may be fibrous, or may be a suspension of a powder or fibrous material in a liquid carrier, and is preferably agglomerated onto the substrate seed to form a seed capsule.
- the seed prefferably not fall out of the encapsulating material or be easily be broken out or removed by dissolution of materials at and near the surface of the seed capsule.
- the seeds to be encapsulated in a drum that rotates.
- the drum having flights that lift and mix the seeds.
- Seeds or pre-coated seeds are continuously fed into an inlet end and thus added to the rolling bed.
- Flights continuously mix the bed as the drum rotates, refreshing the bed surface with newly fed seeds, or seeds and seed capsules newly brought to the surface by the continuous rotation of the drum in combination with the mixing action of the flights.
- Spray assembly sprays the binding material onto the continuously moving and mixing surface of bed from a plurality of nozzles distributed along the length of the drum, adding the sprayed material to the seeds and seed capsules in the bed.
- the dry admixture is then added to the seed having the binder on it.
- the encapsulated seeds are discharged through discharge end.
- nozzles provide binder and/or water onto the seeds in the bed.
- the seeds are rolled in the admixture.
- the result is that the seeds become generally uniformly encapsulated with one or more layers of the encapsulating material such that the encapsulating material becomes an integral part of the respective seed capsules fabricated in the drum.
- the encapsulating material tightly bonds to the respective portions of the seeds.
- the encapsulating process operates according to conventional and generally well known agglomeration principles, as described by Wofgang B. Pietsch in an article entitled “The Agglomerative Behavior Of Fine Particles.” Such process uses water and heat, along with physical and/or chemical adhesives and like properties, to bind or agglomerate a plurality of types of particles and/or materials into encapsulated seed capsules, each containing an individual seed.
- binding forces must act within the individual developing agglomerate particles.
- five different binding mechanisms are known to be useful for building agglomerate particles including solid bridges, interfacial attractions and capillary pressure, adhesion and cohesion, attraction between solid particles, and form-closed bonds.
- solid bridges can form by diffusion of molecules from one particle to another at the points of contact. Heat can be introduced from an external, secondary source or created during agglomeration by friction and/or energy conversion. Solid bridges can also build up by chemical reaction, crystallization of dissolved substances, hardening binders, and solidification of melted components.
- Highly viscous bonding media such as tar and other high molecular weight organic liquids can form adhesive and/or cohesive bonds very similar to those of solid bridges.
- Thin adsorption layers are immobile and can contribute to such bonding together of fine particles under certain circumstances.
- Typical short-range forces of the van der Waals electrostatic or magnetic type can cause attraction between solid particles whereby the particles stick together if such particles are sufficiently close to each other. Decreasing particle size clearly favors such attraction between solid particles.
- Fibers, little platelets or bulky particles can interlock or fold about each other resulting in “form-closed” bonds.
- Such embodiments comprise light-weight and/or elongate shaped seeds (i.e. turf grass seeds), or other similar type of seed which may not readily or inherently serve as a nucleating agent in a conventional agglomeration process with the respective soil conditioning material which is desired to be encapsulated around the seed.
- Pre-coating the turf grass seed for example, enhances the agglomeration of encapsulating material, or binder and/or of other encapsulating substances, by increasing the weight of the pre-coated turf grass seed and by providing a more filled in, more rounded shape to such long and narrow seeds.
- the increased weight and more filled in shape of the turf grass seed enables more effective, more efficient, processing of the seed in coating apparatus.
- the form and composition of such pre-coating, when needed, can vary according to the weight, shape, composition, and surface properties of the seeds.
- the encapsulated seeds prefferably be passed into a rotary or other dryer in order to obtain a encapsulated seed containing 5% or less water.
- the maximum water fraction in the encapsulation material can vary according to the composition of the encapsulation material, so long as the resultant seed capsules remain suitably structurally strong and so long as a population of such encapsulated seed capsules remains free flowing in solid condition.
- the process for fabricating the seed capsules must maintain a temperature sufficiently low that the seeds are not heated so hot that viability of the seeds, for germination purposes, is not dramatically compromised.
- the temperature of the seeds be suitably controlled such that any binder and/or encapsulation material, or other materials applied to the seeds, cool at a controlled rate while bonds form between the seeds, or seed capsule precursors and the one or more soil conditioning and/or other encapsulation materials.
- Such temperatures of all materials are suitably controlled to avoid decomposition of the respective materials, loss of viability of the seeds, or breakage of seed capsules or seed capsule precursors, or encapsulation materials or other materials during such processing.
- the temperature at the rolling seed bed inside drum generally can range from about 130 degrees F. to up to at least 230 degrees F. for seed residence times up to at least 1 hour. At drum operating temperatures of less than 130 degrees F., drying time can become excessive.
- a two-stage drying process can be used. In this process, rotary drying takes the seed to an intermediate moisture content (in the range of 10% to 25%) before drying is finished in a fluid led dryer.
- drum coating temperatures can be less than 130 degrees F., or more than 230 degrees F. However, the stated range is preferred, including all temperatures within such range as, for example, 150 degrees F., 180 degrees F., 210 degrees F., and the like.
- seeds are fed continuously to an inlet end of a drum.
- Encapsulated seeds, produced as described above, are released from a discharge locus such as discharge end of the drum to a sizing apparatus in which the seed capsules are sized through conventional sizing elements.
- Suitably-sized seed capsules are discharged from the sizing apparatus as product for distribution.
- Undersize seed capsules are fed back into the mixer.
- Oversized seed capsules are fractured and screened for reprocessing.
- the recovered seed product can be further encapsulated with any of the encapsulation materials described above.
- the ratio of applied plant nutrients to applied soil conditioning material typically varies widely according to variations in the uniformity of the two applications of the two materials.
- the soil conditioning material is generally not closely associated with the plant nutrients in the soil, and certainly neither soil conditioner nor the nutrients are controllably-closely associated with the seed, such that nutrient absorption benefits provided by the soil conditioning material are not assuredly associated with respective nutrients, and neither the soil conditioning material nor the nutrients is controllably and intimately associated with the seed as in a common capsule or other particle as in the invention.
- the bulk of the soil conditioning material and the bulk of the nutrients are generally at least somewhat separated from each other in space, and physically separated from the seeds, such that potential cooperative benefit of the soil conditioning material as relates to solvation and up-take of soil moisture and/or of the nutrients by the seed are not obtained, and/or are not obtained in controlled close association with the seed.
- the respective rates of application vary such that the desired ratios between the quantities of the several materials are applied somewhat non-uniformly.
- the variances from uniformity will be different for each of the applications, thus adversely skewing the relative ratios of the materials with respect to each other at different locations in the e.g. field.
- the seed and the soil conditioner are not necessarily in intimate contact with each other as they are when both materials are combined into a single combined seed capsule product.
- the seed in closely controlled proximity (e.g. within the same capsule) with the nutrients.
- soil conditioning material in the same seed capsule By combining soil conditioning material in the same seed capsule with the seed, highly effective levels of soil conditioner are assuredly associated with the seed as the seed germinates and begins to grow.
- the soil conditioning, materials can and do tend to retain moisture and nutrients in the soil in the defined area of the seed capsule by a variety of mechanisms, providing an extended time period during which nutrients can be taken up by the plants.
- Soil conditioning materials and plant nutrients are somewhat beneficial to each other for the overall cooperative achievement of soil fertility in the presence of the newly emerging plant which is dependent on such plant nutrients, and on moisture retained by the soil conditioner for uptake of such plant nutrients.
- While soil conditioning materials do perform a number of highly interdependent tasks, one such task is in assisting in maintaining the plant nutrients in the root zone where they can be effectively used by the plants when needed. Another such task is in assisting to make the soil soft and friable in the root zone whereby the newly-emerged and very tender plant roots more readily penetrate the soil as they grow.
- the soil conditioner assists in strategically maintaining the combination of soil conditioner and plant nutrients in close and controlled proximity to each other and to the seed in the soil.
- Such strategic placement virtually assures that the soil conditioning material and nutrients are bound to each other, in proximate relationship with the seed, for a time, such that wherever the seed capsule may land when the seed is sown, the seed will have the initial benefit of both soil conditioner and nutrients in intimate proximity with itself, irrespective of any condition of the surrounding growth medium.
- Soil conditioning material and nutrients are inherently bound to each other, and to the seed, as by the encapsulation process, and inherently assist the seed in achieving desired germination and strong early growth.
- the seed By, incorporating the soil conditioning material in the same seed capsule with the seed, it ensures that the seed has benefit of intimate relationship with a beneficial amount of soil conditioner material.
- the seed thus receives the advantage of the beneficial amount of soil conditioner material irrespective of the overall tilth of the soil and irrespective of the overall level soil conditioner, e.g. soil texture conditioner, in the root zone of the soil with which the seed capsule becomes associated for seed and plant growth purposes.
- Root zone of the soil is generally defined to that depth of the soil which typically receives roots of growing plants, and is generally defined within 20-30 inches of the top surface of the soil.
- the root zone should have a soft texture, rich in organic and/or other soil conditioning material in order to provide good tilth, and desirable moisture and nutrient holding properties.
- the encapsulation material draws moisture from the soil, into the capsule, where the moisture is available to assist in germination of seed.
- the upper portion of the underlying soil under the capsule where the seed first enters the soil has also been beneficially affected to the good of the plant by plant nutrients, and by moisture attracted or held in the vicinity of the capsule, as a result of the presence of the soil conditioning material in the capsule.
- the relative amounts of seed and encapsulation material depend on the overall benefits desired to be achieved from the encapsulation operations. Another benefit of low seed content by weight, especially with quite small seeds, is in creating a larger size seed capsule, and thereby facilitating the handling of such seed in commonly-used seed handling machines such as grain drills or seed broadcast machines.
- the size and density of the seed capsules can be readily controlled using conventional sizing equipment and processing parameters of the encapsulation process, so as to provide a uniform product of a wide range of sizes and densities. With the size and density of any seed thus controllable, the size and density may be selected and specified for enhancing control and efficiency of seed handling and/or distribution. Seeds which are non-aerodynamic, or which are so light as to be blown around, such as grass seed, can be made heavy and compact enough as to assuredly remain on location where sown after being planted.
- the seed capsule is much heavier and dense than the seed itself, whereby the seed capsule provides substantial protection against the seed being washed away in surface water run-off.
- the encapsulation material about the seed serves many of the functions typically performed by the conventionally-used straw mulch. Accordingly, product of the invention can be used to seed new lawns without any need for use of straw or any other mulch material.
- seed is desirably used to fill in bare spots in the lawn
- such seed especially fertility-enhanced seed capsules
- the encapsulated seed product may be applied only to perceived bare spots, without use of straw.
- the soil conditioner in the seed capsules serve the functions of the straw as described above, but perform better than straw because of the close association between the seed and the soil conditioner.
- the encapsulated seed product may be broadcast generally over the entire lawn. Where the lawn is already healthy with thick grass growth, the soil conditioner and nutrients will benefit the existing grasses, with minimal germination and growth of new seed from the seed capsules. Where the existing grass is thinner, the seeds in the seed capsules will have room and light to grow, whereby the combined properties of seed, soil conditioner, and nutrients, in intimate relationship with one another, will be efficaciously used.
- a coating drum is used to place a coating as described above on grass seed.
- Raw material grass seed about 4-6 millimeters long and about 0.5-1.0 millimeter thick, is continuously fed into the drum, where the seed has binder added and then has the encapsulating material added, to form partially-developed seed capsules.
- the partially-developed seed capsules are continuously fed to inlet end of the drum to form a bed of the partially-developed seed capsules.
- the drum rotates continuously. The rolling of the drum, and the associated mixing effect of the flights, provide a constantly changing top surface of the bed.
- the encapsulating materials are added to the surface of the bed.
- the encapsulated seed comprises approximately by weight: seed 16.9%, Biochar 11.8%, Gypsum 19.6%, Sodium Bentonite Clay 45.9%, Peat Moss 3.0%, Guar Gum 2.9%.
- a water soluble soil stabilizer can also be added.
- the encapsulated seed comprises approximately by weight: 0.5% water soluble soil stabilizer, 10.2% Biochar, 17.1% Gypsum, 39.8% clay, 15.3% peat moss, 14.6% seed and 2.5% Guar gum.
- the encapsulated seed comprises approximately by weight: 10.3% Biochar, 17.1% gypsum, 40.0% clay, 15.4% peat moss, 14.7% seed, and 2.5% guar gum.
- the encapsulated seed comprises approximately by weight: 0.5% water soluble soil stabilizer, 10.0% biochar, 16.7% gypsum, 39.0% clay, 15.0% peat, 14.3% seed and 4.5% guar. This example was used to make a dry mix of 907 grams.
- the encapsulated seed comprises approximately by weight: 0.5% water soluble soil stabilizer, 9.5% biochar, 17.0% gypsum, 38.8% clay, 15.0% peat, 14.2% seed and 5.0% guar. This was used to make up 7,042 lbs of encapsulated seed.
- Biochar can be made of many different types of organic matter.
- One example is biochar made from pine trees killed by pine beetles.
- the peat moss is made from sphagnum peat moss.
- the bentonite clay is a naturally occurring sodium or swelling bentonite clay.
- the seed was a perennial ryegrass seed or Lolium perenne.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to encapsulated seeds, processes for making encapsulated seeds and processes for establishing and improving seed beds and seed bed germination. This invention is directed at improving soil productivity through enhancements in soil fertility, soil condition/tilth, and control of soil moisture.
- The sizes, shapes, and physical characteristics of the various kinds of seeds are varied. There are a variety of challenges in handling and distributing such seed, as well as with sowing of such seed in suitable growing media. Certain seed may desirably be sowed by a broadcast method if the seed were compatible with broadcast application. For example, grass seed for lawns is desirably broadcast, but the low density and generally non-aerodynamic shape of some grass seed can limit the range of such broadcast, and make such seed susceptible to being blown about by wind, or washed away by surface water, even if initially well placed in a good seeding application. Also the seed may be so small as to be difficult to handle, thereby to place properly-spaced seeds at a desired spacing as to make cost-effective use of the seed, thereby to produce a crop of the related plants without using any more seed than necessary, thus to gain maximum benefit from the amount of seed used.
- While small seed may be efficiently handled by industrial equipment especially designed for handling such seed, typically the user of such seed also handles various other types of seed; and may be unable to justify the cost of such specialty seed-handling equipment. Rather, the seed user typically has a limited range of seed handling equipment which must be capable of being used and/or adapted to handle and apply all the types of seeds being used by that user. Where the seed itself can be adapted to the equipment, specialty seed can be handled without need for any specialized equipment.
- Even where the seed may be sown by hand, such as in seedling or bedding trays or pots, some seeds are so small as to be difficult for the sower/user to effectively manipulate and control by hand.
- When seed is planted, the seed has immediate use for moisture to aid in germination of the seed, and subsequent early development of the resulting young plant. Where moisture is not readily available to the seed when planted, the seed may lie in a dormant state for some period of time before germinating. While the seed is thus dormant, awaiting suitable moisture, the seed is subject to a variety of hazards which may destroy its viability. The seed may be attacked by worms, parasites, and other pests. The seed may be eaten by foraging animals including insects and larvae. The seed may be overheated by a hot sun. The seed may lie dormant without germinating for so long that any plant emerging therefrom will have insufficient time to mature before the end of the growing season.
- If and when the seed does germinate, the seedling plant has a continuing need for a proper balance of moisture and oxygen, as well as for such plant nutrients as nitrogen, phosphorous and potash, as well as the micronutrients, in relatively predictable quantities. To the extent the proper balance of such materials is available to the young plant, a healthy young plant may be produced, with optimum potential for maximum crop production, assuming germination occurs at a seasonably-desirable time.
- To the extent one or more such materials is not available to the seed and/or the young plant, plant growth, plant health, and ultimately maturity, may be adversely affected. For example, the soil may be too dry to support germination, or optimum germination. Or while the soil may in general have a desired moisture content, moisture content at a macro level can vary widely. Thus, while the soil in general may have a desirable moisture content, the microcosm of the soil adjacent an individual seed may be too dry, or too wet, to support any germination, or optimum germination.
- Similarly, the soil may be generally depleted of one or more plant nutrients needed by the germinated seedling. Or while the soil may in general have desired nutrient levels, the nutrient levels at a macro level can vary widely. Thus, the microcosm of the soil adjacent an individual seed may be too low in one or more nutrients to support a desired level of plant growth, or, so high as to be toxic to a desired level of plant growth.
- Further, plant nutrient chemicals may be present in the soil, but so tied up chemically in the soil as to be unavailable, or poorly available, relative to the quantities and use rates needed for desired plant growth. Or the soil may become so hard, dry, and/or caked shortly after the seed germinates that the seedling plant has difficulty penetrating such soil, difficulty becoming associated with suitable nutrients, and/or difficulty taking up such nutrients because of insufficient moisture availability.
- After the plant has further developed such that the plant roots extend deeper into the soil, conditions of the soil near the surface are less critical. However, until such time as the roots so penetrate, conditions of the soil at and near the top surface of the soil may be critical.
- Soil fertility generally relates to uptake of plant nutrients from the soil by plants. Uptake is generally the result of two factors, the presence of plant nutrients in the soil, and the availability of the plant nutrients for plant uptake. Presence of plant nutrients in the soil is generally a function of the combination of (a) the basic level of soil fertility, (b) depletion by previous crop production and (c) replenishment with fertilizer. Availability of a plant nutrient physically present in the soil for plant uptake is in general related to solubility of the respective nutrient or nutrient combination in a solvent for the nutrient, which solvent is present in the soil, such solvent as water, along with any other material affecting solvation of the plant nutrient into the water or other solvent.
- In order for plant nutrients in the soil to be available for uptake by plants, the nutrients must be held in the soil without excessive leaching, but must not be held so tightly that the nutrients cannot be released for plant uptake. Thus nutrient availability requires a balance between holding tightly enough to retain the nutrient in the root zone, without leaching, but not so tight as to make the nutrient unavailable for plant uptake. Thus, the general “condition” or “tilth” of the soil is instrumental in determining the efficiency with which plant nutrients are utilized for plant nutrition.
- A properly conditioned soil has advantageous soil chemistry in combination with advantageous soil texture. Thus, in addition to providing specific plant nutrients, soil users also use products that modify basic soil chemistry, and soil texture. Basic soil chemistry is modified by adding to the soil, for example, calcium products to provide pH control, as well as micronutrients.
- The following definitions will be used in the description of the invention.
- “Coated” or “Encrusted Seed” shall mean a seed that has been covered by a layer(s) of materials that obscure the original shape and size of the seed resulting in a substantial weight increase. The coating or encrusting may contain biological, identifying colorants or dyes, pesticides, polymers and/or other ingredients.
- “Pelleted Seed” shall mean coated or encrusted seed that also improves the plantability or singulation of the seed.
- “Film-Coated Seed” shall mean a seed that retains the shape and general size of the raw seed with a minimal weight gain. The film coating may contain biological, identifying colorants or dyes, pesticides, polymers and/or other ingredients. The coating shall result in a continuous covering.
- “Treated Seed” shall mean seed with a minimal covering of material(s) whose objective is to reduce or control disease organism, insects, or other pests attacking the seed or seedlings growing therefrom and may contain identifying colorants or dyes.
- “Undesirable Grass Seeds” shall mean seed of a grass species declared to be restricted noxious weed seed when found in lawn and turf seed.
- “Total Viable” shall mean equals the sum of percentage germination plus dormant plus hard seeds.
- “Turfgrass seed” shall mean any of various grass seeds for grasses (such as Kentucky bluegrass or perennial ryegrass) grown to form turf.
- “Soil Tilth” shall mean its physical condition, especially in relation to its suitability for planting or growing a crop. Factors that determine tiith include the formation and stability of aggregated soil particles, moisture content, degree of aeration, rate of water infiltration and drainage.
- “Sown” shall mean to scatter (seed) over land, earth, for growth; plant.
- “Agglomeration” shall mean a particle size enlargement process in which fine particles are joined in an assembly.
- “Nucleating Agent” shall mean an agent used for forming a nucleus.
- “Microenvironment” is the environment surrounding the seeds.
- ““Encapsulated seed” shall mean that the seed is enclosed in a capsule of encapsulating material.
- The present invention relates to an encapsulated seed product comprising: turfgrass seeds, encapsulation material and binder. The encapsulation material is agglomerated about each turfgrass seed. Each seed acts as a nucleating agent for the encapsulation material to be agglomerated about the seed. The encapsulation material comprises two or more materials selected from the group consisting of: gypsum, biochar, peat moss or bentonite clay. The encapsulation material is present by weight in the encapsulated seed product in a ratio equal to, or greater than, two parts the encapsulation material to one part seed. It is preferred that the encapsulation material is greater than two parts encapsulation material to one part seed.
- The encapsulated seed product essentially sinks in water within approximately 10 seconds. The encapsulated seed product remains essentially about the seed to form a microenvironment about the seed when the seed is sown and exposed to water.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to further comprise fertilizer. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to further comprise a water-soluble soil stabilizer. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed product to comprise a binder and for the binder to comprise lignin sulfonate.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to further comprise pink pigmented facultative methylotroph or PPFM.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to further comprise soil amendments, soil conditioners or a combination.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to further comprise lime, iron, gypsum, sulfur, mycorrhiza or any combination thereof.
- The present invention relates to an encapsulated seed product comprising: turfgrass seeds, encapsulation material and binder. The encapsulation material is agglomerated about the seeds using an agitation agglomeration process. Each seed acts as a nucleating agent for the encapsulation material to be agglomerated about the seed. The encapsulation material comprises gypsum, biochar, peat moss, and bentonite clay. The encapsulation material is present by weight in the encapsulated seed product in a ratio equal to, or greater than, two parts encapsulation material to 1 part seed. The encapsulation material absorbs 5 times its weight in water. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to absorb 10 times its weight in water. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to absorb 5 times its weight in water compared to a seed of equal weight not having the encapsulation material. It is an object of the present invention, for example, that the material wrapped around the seed would absorb 5 times its weight, and if twice the material is wrapped around the seed it will absorb 10 times its weight. The encapsulated seed product essentially sinks in water within 10 seconds. The encapsulation material about the seed deters birds from eating the seed when sown on soil surface. The encapsulated seed product remains essentially about the seed to form a microenvironment about the seed when sown and exposed to water. It is an object of the present invention for the binder to comprise lignin sulfonate.
- The present invention relates to a seed having a coating comprising: biochar, gypsum, sodium bentonite clay and/or calcium bentonite clay, peat moss, guar gum and a water soluble soil stabilizer.
- It is an object of the present invention for the biochar to have microbials. Biochar has countless pores and channels, which are safe harbors for healthy microbes. Microbes on the soil get destroyed. It is an object of the present invention for the microbes in the biochar to have a longer life then microbes put directly in the soil.
- It is an object of the present invention for the coating composition to be applied to the seed by agglomeration and preferably an agitation agglomeration. It is further preferred that the agitation agglomeration be a lift and tumble agglomeration. The agglomeration process binds the coating material onto and surrounding the seed. The seed is a nucleating agent for the agglomeration process.
- It is an object of the present invention for the dry ingredients, biochar, peat moss, gypsum, and clay to be blended together in an admixture. It is an object of the present invention for the blending to occur before the admixture is agglomerated onto the seed. A coating drum is used wherein at the inlet of the coating drum the seed is fed in. A first spray of water and guar gum is used to act as a binder on the seed. The seeds coated with the binder are then tumbled into a continuous flow of the admixture. In a preferred embodiment the coated seed is then hit with water and admixture three more times to finally encapsulate the seed.
- It is an object of the present invention to first add the guar gum to the seed prior to entering the drum and then add the pre-treated seed to the drum and continue the process of encapsulating the seed. In this particular embodiment, the pre-coating of the seed leads to a more uniform application of the encapsulating material on the seed.
- It is an object of the present invention to prepare a consistent particle size. A larger particle size is more difficult to granulate.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to be dried to remove moisture, but not to damage the seed.
- It is an object of the present invention to add a water soluble soil stabilizer either during the encapsulation process or after the encapsulation process. It is an object of the present invention to surface coat the encapsulated seed with a water soluble soil stabilizer. It is an object of the present invention that once the seed is planted and water is added to it that the water soluble soil stabilizer creates a fish eye and assists in holding the encapsulation material about the seed. It is an object of the water soluble soil stabilizer to assist the encapsulated seed with germination.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to deter animals including birds. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to absorb and release water. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to add organic matter to the soil. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to adjust soil pH. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to ionically bond the seed to the soil so that it stays in place where it is planted. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to retain nutrients right where the plant needs them.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to be a self-contained planting unit. It is an object of the present invention for the seed to be protected from adverse environmental conditions. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to have all the ingredients necessary for seed germination. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to have a longer shelf life than a non-encapsulated seed. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to be suitable for planting directly on top of the soil.
- It is an object of the present invention to pretreat the seed with bacteria and nitrogen.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to have approximately 5 times more moisture acquisition then raw seed. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seed to have approximately 10 times more moisture acquisition then raw seed.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an encapsulation composition surrounding a single turf grass seed in relative amounts to hold moisture about the turf grass seed, and provide immediate use of said moisture to assist in germination of the turf grass seed.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to be a dry particulate material, a particulate material suspended in a liquid carrier, or any combination thereof, during the agglomeration process. It is an object of the present invention that during the agglomeration process there is a building up one or more layers of encapsulation material composition onto the seed. It is an object of the present invention for the process to further comprise drying off moisture from the seed product to form an agglomerated seed product.
- It is an object of the present invention to maintain the encapsulated composition generally disposed about the seed until the seed germinates; the encapsulation composition providing water holding properties about the seed to enhance the control of moisture about the seed, the seed directly benefiting from moisture held by the soil conditioning material, irrespective of the overall tilth of soil.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to further comprise lime, gypsum, calcium carbonate, or any combination thereof.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation composition to further comprise a fertilizer, a fungicide, an herbicide, or any combination thereof.
- It is an object of the present invention for the agglomeration process to form the agglomerated seed product in a single agglomeration apparatus.
- It is an object of the present invention for the agglomerated seed product to provide enhanced growing conditions compared to separate application of each of the soil conditioning material and grass seed to soil.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation composition to incubate the seed and provide a beneficial germination environment by binding to the seed to form a self-contained, value added agglomerated seed product.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation composition to further comprise a fertilizer, wherein the fertilizer comprises nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, sulfur, manganese, copper, boron, iron, zinc, magnesium, chromium, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, superphosphate, triple superphosphate, dicalcium phosphate, organic fertilizer, or any combination thereof.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide an encapsulated seed, wherein the encapsulation material encapsulates one viable seed. The seed acts as a core or pseudo-core of the encapsulated seed. The encapsulated material is mounted proximate, including disposed outwardly of the outer surface of the seed.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to provide enhanced broadcast flight properties of the encapsulated seed. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to reduce susceptibility to deleterious effects of weather on the encapsulated seed. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to enhance resistance of the encapsulated seed to attack by animals, weeds, or spore-formers. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to assist in staged germination of the encapsulated seeds under a given set of conditions, over a period of time longer than the range of germination times inherent in the seeds. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to enhance control of moisture about the seed thereby to assist in seed germination. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to contain compounds that promote or stimulate seed germination, including natural plant hormones, (i.e., gibberellic acid) and natural compounds that contain plant hormones (i.e., seaweed and seaweed extract). It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to assist in providing release of plant nutrients into soil onto which the encapsulated seed is placed.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to provide a soil conditioning effect to soil onto which the encapsulated seed is placed. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to provide a staged release of plant nutrients into soil onto which said encapsulated seed is placed, over a period of time longer than the range of times inherent in the chemical composition so released. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated material to provide a higher embryo emergence and survival rate in a population of the encapsulated seeds, thereby reducing required seed planting density for a desired plant population density. It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulating material to assist in stabilizing moisture content in soil on which such encapsulated seed is disposed.
- It is an object of the present invention for the seeds to be a turf grass seed.
- It is an object of the present invention for the seeds to be selected from the group consisting of grass, herbs, animal forage and fodder crops, ornamental plants, vegetables, grains, and flowers.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to remain generally disposed about the seed, and preferably but not necessarily remains generally intact about the seed, until the seed germinates.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulation material to hold moisture adjacent to the seeds in the encapsulated seeds or in the soil adjacent to the seeds, in such quantities to enhance growing conditions for the seeds
- It is an object of the present invention to pre-coat the seed with a material which enhances the ability of the seed to act as a nucleus in an agglomeration operation and subsequently coating the pre-coated seed with a soil conditioning material. It is an object of the present invention for the pre-coating to occur by spraying the pre-coated material onto the seed.
- It is an object of the present invention to place the encapsulation material in close proximity to each seed.
- The present invention relates to encapsulated seeds that provide soil conditioning properties at the specific site of the seed, plant nutrients at or near the specific site of the seed, ingredients effective to reduce deleterious effects of spore-formers and animals, and/or other various physical benefits/properties of the encapsulated seed not previously available in a single product.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulating material to comprise a particulate powder, or may be fibrous, or may be a suspension of a powder or fibrous material in a liquid carrier, and is preferably agglomerated onto the substrate seed to form a seed capsule.
- It is an object of the present invention for the seed to not fall out of the encapsulating material or be easily be broken out or removed by dissolution of materials at and near the surface of the seed capsule.
- It is an object of the present invention for the seeds to be encapsulated in a drum that rotates. The drum having flights that lift and mix the seeds. When in use the drum rotates continuously. Seeds or pre-coated seeds are continuously fed into an inlet end and thus added to the rolling bed. Flights continuously mix the bed as the drum rotates, refreshing the bed surface with newly fed seeds, or seeds and seed capsules newly brought to the surface by the continuous rotation of the drum in combination with the mixing action of the flights. Spray assembly sprays the binding material onto the continuously moving and mixing surface of bed from a plurality of nozzles distributed along the length of the drum, adding the sprayed material to the seeds and seed capsules in the bed. The dry admixture is then added to the seed having the binder on it. The encapsulated seeds are discharged through discharge end.
- In general, as the seeds traverse the drum, from inlet to discharge, nozzles provide binder and/or water onto the seeds in the bed. The seeds are rolled in the admixture. The result is that the seeds become generally uniformly encapsulated with one or more layers of the encapsulating material such that the encapsulating material becomes an integral part of the respective seed capsules fabricated in the drum. The encapsulating material tightly bonds to the respective portions of the seeds. As the seeds and seed capsules roll and mix with rotation of the drum, the incline of the drum causes the seeds and seed capsules to travel from inlet end toward discharge end.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulating process to use a rotary drum, pan pelletizer, paddle mixer, or the like to obtain encapsulated seeds of the invention.
- The encapsulating process operates according to conventional and generally well known agglomeration principles, as described by Wofgang B. Pietsch in an article entitled “The Agglomerative Behavior Of Fine Particles.” Such process uses water and heat, along with physical and/or chemical adhesives and like properties, to bind or agglomerate a plurality of types of particles and/or materials into encapsulated seed capsules, each containing an individual seed.
- To obtain agglomerates from relatively smaller particles of raw materials, binding forces must act within the individual developing agglomerate particles. According to known agglomeration principles, five different binding mechanisms are known to be useful for building agglomerate particles including solid bridges, interfacial attractions and capillary pressure, adhesion and cohesion, attraction between solid particles, and form-closed bonds.
- At elevated temperatures, solid bridges can form by diffusion of molecules from one particle to another at the points of contact. Heat can be introduced from an external, secondary source or created during agglomeration by friction and/or energy conversion. Solid bridges can also build up by chemical reaction, crystallization of dissolved substances, hardening binders, and solidification of melted components.
- Capillary pressure and interfacial attraction forces in liquid bridges can create strong bonds that disappear if the liquid evaporates and no other binding mechanisms take over.
- Highly viscous bonding media such as tar and other high molecular weight organic liquids can form adhesive and/or cohesive bonds very similar to those of solid bridges. Thin adsorption layers are immobile and can contribute to such bonding together of fine particles under certain circumstances.
- Typical short-range forces of the van der Waals electrostatic or magnetic type can cause attraction between solid particles whereby the particles stick together if such particles are sufficiently close to each other. Decreasing particle size clearly favors such attraction between solid particles.
- Fibers, little platelets or bulky particles can interlock or fold about each other resulting in “form-closed” bonds.
- In some embodiments of the encapsulation/agglomeration process, it is desirable to pre-coat the seeds prior to implementing agglomeration principles to produce the above described encapsulating of soil conditioning material. Such embodiments comprise light-weight and/or elongate shaped seeds (i.e. turf grass seeds), or other similar type of seed which may not readily or inherently serve as a nucleating agent in a conventional agglomeration process with the respective soil conditioning material which is desired to be encapsulated around the seed. Pre-coating the turf grass seed, for example, enhances the agglomeration of encapsulating material, or binder and/or of other encapsulating substances, by increasing the weight of the pre-coated turf grass seed and by providing a more filled in, more rounded shape to such long and narrow seeds. The increased weight and more filled in shape of the turf grass seed enables more effective, more efficient, processing of the seed in coating apparatus.
- The form and composition of such pre-coating, when needed, can vary according to the weight, shape, composition, and surface properties of the seeds.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seeds to be passed into a rotary or other dryer in order to obtain a encapsulated seed containing 5% or less water. The maximum water fraction in the encapsulation material can vary according to the composition of the encapsulation material, so long as the resultant seed capsules remain suitably structurally strong and so long as a population of such encapsulated seed capsules remains free flowing in solid condition. The process for fabricating the seed capsules must maintain a temperature sufficiently low that the seeds are not heated so hot that viability of the seeds, for germination purposes, is not dramatically compromised. It is generally preferred that the temperature of the seeds be suitably controlled such that any binder and/or encapsulation material, or other materials applied to the seeds, cool at a controlled rate while bonds form between the seeds, or seed capsule precursors and the one or more soil conditioning and/or other encapsulation materials. Such temperatures of all materials are suitably controlled to avoid decomposition of the respective materials, loss of viability of the seeds, or breakage of seed capsules or seed capsule precursors, or encapsulation materials or other materials during such processing. The temperature at the rolling seed bed inside drum generally can range from about 130 degrees F. to up to at least 230 degrees F. for seed residence times up to at least 1 hour. At drum operating temperatures of less than 130 degrees F., drying time can become excessive. At temperatures above 230 F, the viability of the seed may be at risk, depending on the sensitivity of the seed, residence time, and other influential parameters. To reduce the potential of over drying seed when using a low temperature rotary dryer and/or the possibility of negatively affecting germination from overly high temperatures, a two-stage drying process can be used. In this process, rotary drying takes the seed to an intermediate moisture content (in the range of 10% to 25%) before drying is finished in a fluid led dryer.
- The above stated temperature range is illustrative and not limiting, and will vary depending on the seed, the encapsulation materials, and the specific process parameters of a particular encapsulation system and operation. Thus, drum coating temperatures can be less than 130 degrees F., or more than 230 degrees F. However, the stated range is preferred, including all temperatures within such range as, for example, 150 degrees F., 180 degrees F., 210 degrees F., and the like.
- In an embodiment, seeds are fed continuously to an inlet end of a drum. Encapsulated seeds, produced as described above, are released from a discharge locus such as discharge end of the drum to a sizing apparatus in which the seed capsules are sized through conventional sizing elements. Suitably-sized seed capsules are discharged from the sizing apparatus as product for distribution. Undersize seed capsules are fed back into the mixer. Oversized seed capsules are fractured and screened for reprocessing. The recovered seed product can be further encapsulated with any of the encapsulation materials described above.
- It is an object of the present invention for the soil conditioning products to condition the soil in terms of properties other than direct provision of plant nutrients.
- It is known to make sequential applications of a soil conditioning material such as fresh or aged manure followed by inorganic fertilizer, all of which may be separate from the step of applying seed. And where seed is indeed applied in the same step, the seed and soil conditioner are not intimately bound in controlled positioning with respect to each other in common in individual particles of the product so applied, as in the invention.
- Thus, improving the soil texture condition, soil tilth, increases the efficiency with which plant nutrients are retained and used for plant nutrition, as well as generally improving the environment of the soil to accommodate, and readily receive, root growth.
- When soil conditioning, materials and plant nutrients are applied separately to the soil, as in the prior art, the ratio of applied plant nutrients to applied soil conditioning material typically varies widely according to variations in the uniformity of the two applications of the two materials. Further, the soil conditioning material is generally not closely associated with the plant nutrients in the soil, and certainly neither soil conditioner nor the nutrients are controllably-closely associated with the seed, such that nutrient absorption benefits provided by the soil conditioning material are not assuredly associated with respective nutrients, and neither the soil conditioning material nor the nutrients is controllably and intimately associated with the seed as in a common capsule or other particle as in the invention.
- Rather, where soil conditioning and nutrients are applied in separate applications and/or in applications separate from the application of the seed, the bulk of the soil conditioning material and the bulk of the nutrients are generally at least somewhat separated from each other in space, and physically separated from the seeds, such that potential cooperative benefit of the soil conditioning material as relates to solvation and up-take of soil moisture and/or of the nutrients by the seed are not obtained, and/or are not obtained in controlled close association with the seed.
- When the soil conditioning material, the nutrients, and the seed are separately applied to soil with different sets of equipment, the respective rates of application vary such that the desired ratios between the quantities of the several materials are applied somewhat non-uniformly. The variances from uniformity will be different for each of the applications, thus adversely skewing the relative ratios of the materials with respect to each other at different locations in the e.g. field. Further, when applied separately to the soil, the seed and the soil conditioner are not necessarily in intimate contact with each other as they are when both materials are combined into a single combined seed capsule product. Nor is the seed in closely controlled proximity (e.g. within the same capsule) with the nutrients.
- By combining soil conditioning material in the same seed capsule with the seed, highly effective levels of soil conditioner are assuredly associated with the seed as the seed germinates and begins to grow. The soil conditioning, materials can and do tend to retain moisture and nutrients in the soil in the defined area of the seed capsule by a variety of mechanisms, providing an extended time period during which nutrients can be taken up by the plants. Soil conditioning materials and plant nutrients are somewhat beneficial to each other for the overall cooperative achievement of soil fertility in the presence of the newly emerging plant which is dependent on such plant nutrients, and on moisture retained by the soil conditioner for uptake of such plant nutrients.
- While soil conditioning materials do perform a number of highly interdependent tasks, one such task is in assisting in maintaining the plant nutrients in the root zone where they can be effectively used by the plants when needed. Another such task is in assisting to make the soil soft and friable in the root zone whereby the newly-emerged and very tender plant roots more readily penetrate the soil as they grow.
- Where both soil conditioner and nutrients are incorporated with the seed into the seed capsule, the soil conditioner assists in strategically maintaining the combination of soil conditioner and plant nutrients in close and controlled proximity to each other and to the seed in the soil. Such strategic placement virtually assures that the soil conditioning material and nutrients are bound to each other, in proximate relationship with the seed, for a time, such that wherever the seed capsule may land when the seed is sown, the seed will have the initial benefit of both soil conditioner and nutrients in intimate proximity with itself, irrespective of any condition of the surrounding growth medium. Soil conditioning material and nutrients, are inherently bound to each other, and to the seed, as by the encapsulation process, and inherently assist the seed in achieving desired germination and strong early growth.
- By, incorporating the soil conditioning material in the same seed capsule with the seed, it ensures that the seed has benefit of intimate relationship with a beneficial amount of soil conditioner material. The seed thus receives the advantage of the beneficial amount of soil conditioner material irrespective of the overall tilth of the soil and irrespective of the overall level soil conditioner, e.g. soil texture conditioner, in the root zone of the soil with which the seed capsule becomes associated for seed and plant growth purposes.
- It is an object of the present invention for the encapsulated seeds to be disposed at the top surface of a cross section of soil. Root zone of the soil is generally defined to that depth of the soil which typically receives roots of growing plants, and is generally defined within 20-30 inches of the top surface of the soil. Generally, and preferably, the root zone should have a soft texture, rich in organic and/or other soil conditioning material in order to provide good tilth, and desirable moisture and nutrient holding properties.
- The encapsulation material draws moisture from the soil, into the capsule, where the moisture is available to assist in germination of seed. As root advances downward, the upper portion of the underlying soil under the capsule where the seed first enters the soil, has also been beneficially affected to the good of the plant by plant nutrients, and by moisture attracted or held in the vicinity of the capsule, as a result of the presence of the soil conditioning material in the capsule.
- It is an object of the present invention for the processes that are used to make the encapsulated seed to use solely physical processes such as encapsulating and drying. While some minor chemical reactions may inadvertently accompany such physical processes, the invention does not rely on any chemical reaction for achievement of the objectives thereof. Rather the invention is focused on a physical combination of starting materials, which physical combination results in mutual benefits of the two starting materials (seed and encapsulation material) functioning intimately together, in primarily physical and physico-chemical relationship, to produce an overall increase in benefits of plant germination and early plant growth with such combination seed improvement products.
- The relative amounts of seed and encapsulation material depend on the overall benefits desired to be achieved from the encapsulation operations. Another benefit of low seed content by weight, especially with quite small seeds, is in creating a larger size seed capsule, and thereby facilitating the handling of such seed in commonly-used seed handling machines such as grain drills or seed broadcast machines.
- The size and density of the seed capsules can be readily controlled using conventional sizing equipment and processing parameters of the encapsulation process, so as to provide a uniform product of a wide range of sizes and densities. With the size and density of any seed thus controllable, the size and density may be selected and specified for enhancing control and efficiency of seed handling and/or distribution. Seeds which are non-aerodynamic, or which are so light as to be blown around, such as grass seed, can be made heavy and compact enough as to assuredly remain on location where sown after being planted.
- The seed capsule is much heavier and dense than the seed itself, whereby the seed capsule provides substantial protection against the seed being washed away in surface water run-off. Thus, the encapsulation material about the seed serves many of the functions typically performed by the conventionally-used straw mulch. Accordingly, product of the invention can be used to seed new lawns without any need for use of straw or any other mulch material.
- Where seed is desirably used to fill in bare spots in the lawn, such seed, especially fertility-enhanced seed capsules, may be applied desirably in one of two ways. First, the encapsulated seed product may be applied only to perceived bare spots, without use of straw. The soil conditioner in the seed capsules serve the functions of the straw as described above, but perform better than straw because of the close association between the seed and the soil conditioner.
- In the alternative, the encapsulated seed product may be broadcast generally over the entire lawn. Where the lawn is already healthy with thick grass growth, the soil conditioner and nutrients will benefit the existing grasses, with minimal germination and growth of new seed from the seed capsules. Where the existing grass is thinner, the seeds in the seed capsules will have room and light to grow, whereby the combined properties of seed, soil conditioner, and nutrients, in intimate relationship with one another, will be efficaciously used.
- A coating drum is used to place a coating as described above on grass seed. Raw material grass seed about 4-6 millimeters long and about 0.5-1.0 millimeter thick, is continuously fed into the drum, where the seed has binder added and then has the encapsulating material added, to form partially-developed seed capsules. The partially-developed seed capsules are continuously fed to inlet end of the drum to form a bed of the partially-developed seed capsules. The drum rotates continuously. The rolling of the drum, and the associated mixing effect of the flights, provide a constantly changing top surface of the bed. The encapsulating materials are added to the surface of the bed.
- In an example the encapsulated seed comprises approximately by weight: seed 16.9%, Biochar 11.8%, Gypsum 19.6%, Sodium Bentonite Clay 45.9%, Peat Moss 3.0%, Guar Gum 2.9%. A water soluble soil stabilizer can also be added.
- In a second example the encapsulated seed comprises approximately by weight: 0.5% water soluble soil stabilizer, 10.2% Biochar, 17.1% Gypsum, 39.8% clay, 15.3% peat moss, 14.6% seed and 2.5% Guar gum.
- In a third example the encapsulated seed comprises approximately by weight: 10.3% Biochar, 17.1% gypsum, 40.0% clay, 15.4% peat moss, 14.7% seed, and 2.5% guar gum.
- In a fourth example the encapsulated seed comprises approximately by weight: 0.5% water soluble soil stabilizer, 10.0% biochar, 16.7% gypsum, 39.0% clay, 15.0% peat, 14.3% seed and 4.5% guar. This example was used to make a dry mix of 907 grams.
- In a fifth example the encapsulated seed comprises approximately by weight: 0.5% water soluble soil stabilizer, 9.5% biochar, 17.0% gypsum, 38.8% clay, 15.0% peat, 14.2% seed and 5.0% guar. This was used to make up 7,042 lbs of encapsulated seed.
- Biochar can be made of many different types of organic matter. One example is biochar made from pine trees killed by pine beetles. In one example the peat moss is made from sphagnum peat moss. In one example the bentonite clay is a naturally occurring sodium or swelling bentonite clay.
- In the examples the seed was a perennial ryegrass seed or Lolium perenne.
Claims (41)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US16/508,406 US20200015410A1 (en) | 2018-07-11 | 2019-07-11 | Encapsulated seed |
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CN111363559A (en) * | 2020-04-23 | 2020-07-03 | 罗时举 | Soil environment-friendly restoration agent and preparation method thereof |
US20220071083A1 (en) * | 2020-09-09 | 2022-03-10 | Talby McKay | Encapsulated seed and method for making same |
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CN112028686B (en) * | 2020-08-28 | 2022-04-08 | 北京双龙阿姆斯科技有限公司 | Biological agent for soil treatment and production and use methods thereof |
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US7730662B2 (en) * | 2002-10-15 | 2010-06-08 | Encap, Llc. | Soil stabilizer carrier |
US20160200634A1 (en) * | 2014-12-12 | 2016-07-14 | Avalon Alliance Inc. | Bio-available mineral fertilizer and derivative applications, including product processes |
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US8474183B2 (en) * | 1998-07-10 | 2013-07-02 | Encap, Llc. | Colored or fragranced horticultural/agricultural products |
US8881453B2 (en) * | 2007-12-11 | 2014-11-11 | Aquasmart Enterprises, Llc | Seed-borne, soil amendment method and composition |
BRPI1011738A2 (en) * | 2009-03-23 | 2016-03-22 | Univ Brigham Young | seed coating compositions and methods for soil surfactant application for sealing |
US11136275B2 (en) * | 2014-06-18 | 2021-10-05 | Kevin Merritt | Process for making a composite granule with rock phosphate, sulfur, and humic acid |
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US7730662B2 (en) * | 2002-10-15 | 2010-06-08 | Encap, Llc. | Soil stabilizer carrier |
US20160200634A1 (en) * | 2014-12-12 | 2016-07-14 | Avalon Alliance Inc. | Bio-available mineral fertilizer and derivative applications, including product processes |
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CN111363559A (en) * | 2020-04-23 | 2020-07-03 | 罗时举 | Soil environment-friendly restoration agent and preparation method thereof |
US20220071083A1 (en) * | 2020-09-09 | 2022-03-10 | Talby McKay | Encapsulated seed and method for making same |
US11871692B2 (en) * | 2020-09-09 | 2024-01-16 | Talby McKay | Encapsulated seed and method for making same |
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