WO2006080614A1

WO2006080614A1 - A aqueous composite fertilizer with high activated calcium and micro-element

Info

Publication number: WO2006080614A1
Application number: PCT/KR2005/003086
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jajun Koo
Original assignee: Ecobiotech Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-09-17
Filing date: 2005-09-16
Publication date: 2006-08-03
Also published as: KR20060025823A; KR100634334B1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a liquid complex fertilizer composition and a preparation method thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to a liquid complex fertilizer composition not only for supplying a calcium supplement source required for the growth of agricultural crops but also for suppressing the deficiency of essential microelements, which contains at least one essential microelement added to a solution of highly activated calcium in which a shell powder-derived calcium oxide is dissolved to saturation, as well as a preparation method thereof. The liquid complex fertilizer composition has the effects of improving the quality of plants, inhibiting damages by blight and harmful insects, maintaining the freshness of products, significantly extending the circulation period of products and improving soil environment.

Description

[invention Title]

A AQUEOUS COMPOSITE FERTILIZER WITH HIGH ACTIVATED CALCIUM AND MICRO-ELEMENT

[Technical Field]

The present invention relates to a liquid complex fertilizer composition and a preparation method thereof, and more particularly to a liquid complex fertilizer composition not only for supplying a calcium supplement source required for the growth of agricultural crops but also for suppressing the deficiency of essential microelements, which contains at least one essential microelement added to a solution of highly activated calcium in which a shell powder-derived calcium oxide is dissolved to saturation, as well as a preparation method thereof .

[Background Art]

Generally, plants do not ingest food as animals do, but rather use nutrient synthesized by themselves , in which light energy, carbon dioxide in air and water in soil are used to synthesize glucose .

In addition to water and carbon dioxide, there are 16 elements essential for the growth of plants .

The 16 plant essential elements are classified according to their use amount into macroelements , including carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus , potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulfur, and microelements, including iron, manganese, copper, zinc, boron, molybdenum and chlorine . If the plant essential elements are deficient, plants become impossible to grow normally. Thus , fertilizers supplemented with these essential elements are frequently used in the agricultural field where plants are cultivated as products .

Among these essential elements , calcium has limitations on its absorption or accumulation depending on soil or environmental conditions even when it much exists in soil . The resulting deficiency of calcium in plants leads to physiological injury, a reduction in resistance to disease and a weakening in the ability to keep fruits . To solve these shortcomings , a method comprising spreading calcium salt to plants to increase the content of calcium in the plants has been used.

Specifically, calcium agents in Korea are classified by the criteria of the Fertilizer Control Act as six calcium fertilizers , including slaked lime, two complex fertilizers belonging to Class IV, and other fertilizers , including liquid lime (for foliar application) and water-soluble powder lime . The liquid lime fertilizer, which is most frequently used, must ensure a calcium content of more than 17% .

However, because liquid lime is generally not well soluble in water, calcium in the liquid lime is mostly precipitated in order to allow it to contain calcium in an amount of more than 17% . For this reason, it is difficult for plants to use the liquid lime, making the calcium agent wasteful . Recently, calcium nitrate having low cost is frequently used, in which case there is an advantage in that calcium and nitrogen can be simultaneously supplied, indicating that it is suitable for hydroponic cultivation . However, because field soil in Korea has a higher nitrogen content than the reference value unlike foreign countries , soil and drinking water tend to be contaminated with nitrate, and excessive ingestion of the contaminated drinking water can cause cyanosis, the production of carcinogenic substances, and thyroid hyperplasia . Meanwhile, among the essential microelements , if iron ( Fe) is deficient, the leaf veins of top leaves or newly sprouting leaves of crops will remain green, in which the portions between leaf veins will change from light green to yellowish white, and in severe cases , chlorosis will occur all over the leaves .

If boron (B) is deficient, the stems and leaves become hardened, stiff and weakened so that fruit drop becomes severe and the surface or inside of fruits also tends to be injured. If manganese (Mn) is deficient, either the portions between leaf veins will change from light green to yellow or small spots will sometimes occur depending on the kind of plants . Also, unlike chlorosis caused by the deficiency of iron, leaves will wither early to drop from the stems . If zinc (Zn) is deficient, leaves become smaller or rosette-like, and according to circumstance , the portions between leaf veins will change from light green to yellow . If spots occurred between vein leaves spread fast , leaves become thicker . If copper (Cu) is deficient, small spot-like chlorosis will occur between the leaf veins of the upper leaves , and the top leaves will wither to drop downward, and in severe deficiency, the top leaves will show parachute leaf-like symptoms . If molybdenum (Mo) is deficient, entire leaves will first lose green and become yellow, and the leaf ends will be bent upward. And, the portions around leaf veins will remain light green, and the portions between the leaf veins will fade like a cloud. Also, unlike the deficiency of other elements , the leaf tissue will be necrotic and in severe cases, growing points will be necrotic .

Accordingly, to solve the above-mentioned problems , the development of a liquid complex fertilizer composition capable of showing the highest effect on the growth of plants becomes needed, in which the composition comprises : an aqueous calcium solution, which contains no calcium nitrate and at the same time, is easily available by plants ; and at least one essential microelement contained in the aqueous calcium solution at the minimum amount .

[Disclosure]

[Technical Problem]

To solve the above-described problems, the present inventors have made efforts to develop a liquid complex fertilizer composition and as a result, found that a liquid complex fertilizer comprising an aqueous calcium solution capable of achieving the highest effect when used in plants in the minimum amount, and at least one essential microelement added to the aqueous calcium solution, can improve the quality of plants , prevent damages by blight and harmful insects , maintain the freshness of products, significantly extend the circulation time of products , and inhibit the use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers to the maximum extent, resulting in the improvement of soil environment . On the basis of this fact, the present invention has been completed.

Accordingly, an obj ect of the present invention is to provide a liquid complex fertilizer composition comprising: a calcium oxide prepared by calcining shell powder and conducting an electric current to the calcined shell powder; at least one essential microelement selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble iron source, a water-soluble chlorine source, a water-soluble boron source, a water- soluble manganese source, a water-soluble zinc source, a water-soluble copper source and a water-soluble molybdenum source; and water .

Another object of the present invention is to provide a method for applying a liquid complex fertilizer, comprising : diluting said composition and applying the diluted^' composition to plants by foliar or soil application .

[Technical Solution]

To achieve the above obj ects, the present invention provides a liquid complex fertilizer composition comprising: a calcium oxide prepared by calcining shell powder and conducting an electric current to the calcined shell powder; at least one essential microelement selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble iron source, a water-soluble chlorine source, a water-soluble boron source, a water- soluble manganese source, a water-soluble zinc source, a water-soluble copper source and a water-soluble molybdenum source; and water .

In another aspect, the present invention provides a method for applying a liquid complex fertilizer to plants, comprising : diluting said composition in distilled water or conventional water to 600-1, 200-fold; and applying the diluted composition to plants by foliar or soil application . Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail . Unless otherwise defined, technical and scientific terms used herein have meanings generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains .

The repeated descriptions of the same technical construction and effect as the prior art will be omitted herein .

According to the present invention, an aqueous calcium hydroxide solution, a completely dissolved state which can be best absorbed into plants , is prepared from shells . Even when the aqueous calcium solution is used in plants at low concentrations, the plants do not show calcium deficiency therein and have resistance to disease . The fertilizer composition can maintain the freshness of products and significantly extend the circulation period of products . Also, the fertilizer composition prevents soil contamination caused by the excessive use of fertilizers .

To the aqueous hydroxide calcium solution, at least one element selected from microelements essential for plants depending on external conditions, such as soil, is added, thus preparing a liquid complex fertilizer composition having an ideal balance of various minerals, such as magnesium and iron .

The liquid complex fertilizer composition prepared as described above reduces soil contamination caused by repeated cultivation and the excessive use of fertilizers in cultivation land, improves soil environment, and stimulates the growth of plants while controlling the use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers to the minimum level . Thus , the inventive fertilizer composition allows the realization of organic agriculture . The calcium oxide used in the present invention is soluble in water, ^' unlike the prior calcium oxide . For this reason, the calcium oxide used in the present invention will herein referred to as "activated calcium" in order to distinguish from the prior calcium oxide . In the present invention, to prepare highly activated calcium, shells are washed clean with water, dried and finely- powdered.

The resulting shell powder has a particle size of 1-5 mm. If the particle size is less than 1 mm, dust will tend to be raised, leading to poor workability. If the particle size is more than 5 mm, calcination time will be extended and calcination efficiency will no longer increase .

The highly activated calcium according to the present invention is prepared by a method comprising the steps of : placing the shell powder in a furnace where it is calcined at a temperature of 1 , 200-1, 800 ^°C to remove carbon dioxide gas

from the calcium carbonate of the shell powder and to volatilize impurities , such as iron oxide, thus producing a high-purity calcium oxide; and placing the prepared calcium oxide in a power supply apparatus where it is applied with an electric current at a voltage of 20 , 000-100 , 000 V .

The activated calcium prepared according to the present invention has a water-soluble property unlike other kinds of calcium oxide . Specifically, the activated calcium is completely dissolved in an amount of 800-1 , 200 mg in 1 liter of water .

The calcination temperature of the shell powder in the

present invention is maintained at 1600-1, 800 ^°C and

preferably 1, 500 "C . If the calcination temperature is less

than 1, 200 "C , the efficiency for removing carbon dioxide gas

will be reduced, leading to an increase in calcination period.

If the calcination temperature is more than 1, 800 ^°C , the

effect of an increase in temperature on the calcination of the shell powder will be insignificant . The calcination of the shell powder is carried out to a point of time at which the shell powder no longer emits carbon dioxide gas . Preferably, the calcination is carried out for about 1-3 hours in terms of efficiency.

As the power supply apparatus used in the present invention, it is preferable to use an apparatus capable of applying high voltage to the calcium oxide by the application with an electric current, in which the apparatus comprises a high-voltage source connected to a carbon plate . Using the power source apparatus, the calcium oxide is applied with an electric current in a high-voltage range of 20 , 000-100 , 000 V. When the heat and electrical energy caused by high voltage is applied to the calcium oxide, the attractive force between atoms in the calcium oxide will be weakened, resulting in an increase in the water solubility of the calcium oxide . The application of electric current in the present invention is carried out at a high voltage maintained at 20 , 000-100 , 000 V and preferably 30 , 000 V. If the voltage is less than 20 , 000 V, the efficiency for obtaining the water- soluble activated calcium will be reduced, and if the voltage is more than 100 , 000 V, the effect of an increase in voltage on the preparation of the activated calcium will be insignificant .

The activated calcium prepared according to the present invention is allowed to dissolve to saturation in an amount of 800-1, 200 mg in 1 liter of water and used as a calcium source for the preparation of an aqueous calcium hydroxide solution .

Meanwhile, according to the present invention, at least one microelement is selected from iron (Fe) , chlorine (Cl) , boron (B) , manganese (Mn) , zinc ( Zn) , copper (Cu) and molybdenum (Mo) , known as microelements essential for the growth of plants , depending on external environmental conditions , for example, the kind of soil, and is added to the aqueous calcium hydroxide solution according to the present invention . The resulting aqueous calcium hydroxide solution containing the selected microelement is used in a place where the deficiency of the microelement is expected.

As the microelement essential for the growth of plants, an element selected from a water-soluble iron source, a water-soluble chlorine source, a water-soluble boron source, a water-soluble manganese source, a water-soluble zinc source, a water-soluble copper source and a water-soluble molybdenum source is mixed and liquefied with the aqueous calcium hydroxide solution . As the water-soluble iron source, one selected from ferrous sulfate, ferric citrate and EDTA-Fe is used . As the water-soluble chlorine source, sodium chlorate (NaClθ3) is used. As the water-soluble boron source, borax

(Na₂B₄O₇ ^• 10H₂O) or boric acid (H₃BO₃) is used . As the water-

soluble manganese source, manganese sulfate or EDTA-Mn is used. As the water-soluble zinc source, zinc sulfate or

EDTA-Zn is used. As the water-soluble copper source, copper sulfate is used, and as the water-soluble molybdenum source, ammonium molybdate ( (NH4 ) ₂0 -mMoO ^ nH₂O) or sodium molybdate

(Na₂MoO₄ ^• 2H₂O) is used.

The amounts of use of the minerals are preferably 500- 1, 000 mg for the water-soluble iron source, 500-1 , 000 mg for the water-soluble chlorine source, 500-1 , 000 mg for the water-soluble chlorine source, 500-1, 000 mg for the water- soluble manganese source, 500-1, 000 mg for the water-soluble zinc source, 500-1 , 000 mg for the water-soluble copper source and 5-10 mg for the water-soluble molybdenum source . This is because these amounts become the necessary amounts of microelements essential for plants when the inventive composition is used after dilution in a solvent . The inventive composition is diluted to 600-1 , 200-fold in order to prevent plants from excessively absorbing the components due to the excessive use of the undiluted solution . As the dilution solvent, conventional water or distilled water can be used . Preferably, service water, reservoir water or well water is used in view of the convenience of use by farmhouses .

Although an effective amount of the inventive composition is not limited to any value because the amount and frequency of use of the composition may vary depending on cultivation conditions or external conditions, it is preferred that the composition be used in an amount of 2 liters per pyong (3.3 m²) one time .

As described above, the liquid complex fertilizer composition prepared according to the present invention contains calcium ions (Ca²⁺) , which are best absorbed into plants . Thus, the inventive composition stimulates the growth of various plants, makes the somatic cells of plants dense to improve the quality of the plants, and inhibits and prevents damages by blight and harmful insects . Also, the inventive composition can maintain the freshness of products and significantly extend the circulation period of products . In addition, the inventive composition allows the use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers to be controlled to the minimum level, and reduces soil acidification and over-fertilization caused by repeated cultivation and the excessive use of fertilizers and improves soil environment while allowing the realization of organic agriculture .

Furthermore, the inventive composition is not toxic to the human body or plants, and thus, may be easily used by people of all ages and both sexes .

[Advantageous Effects]

As described above, the liquid complex fertilizer composition according to the present invention has the effects of improving the quality of plants, inhibiting damages by blight and harmful insects , maintaining the freshness of products and significantly extending the circulation period of products . Furthermore, the inventive composition is used in a small amount for effects , and thus, can inhibit the use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers to the minimum level so as to improve soil environment .

[Description of Drawings]

FIG . 1 is a photograph showing Korean cabbages (hybrid crosses between Chinese cabbages and cabbages) cultivated by a 500-fold dilution (right) and 1 , 000-fold dilution (left ) of the inventive composition .

[Mode for Invention]

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail by examples . It is to be understood, however, that these examples are given to merely illustrate the present invention and are not construed to limit the scope of the present invention . Also, in the examples, repeated description will be omitted.

Example 1 : Preparation of highly activated calcium Shell powder having an average particle size of 3 mm was placed in an electric furnace where it was calcined at

1, 800 ^°C for 3 hours . The calcined material was placed on a

carbon plate applied with high voltage, and was applied with an electric current at 30 , 000 V for 60 minutes .

Example 2 : Preparation of liquid complex fertilizer composition 800 mg of the highly activated calcium prepared in Example 1 was completely dissolved in 1 liter of distilled water to prepare an aqueous calcium hydroxide solution . To the aqueous calcium solution, 500 mg of boric acid (H₃BO₃)

and sodium molybdate (Na₂MoCU ^• 2H₂O) were added, thus

preparing the liquid complex fertilizer composition according to the present invention .

Test Example 1

In this Test Example, the highly activated calcium was measured for the physical properties shown in Table 1 and was compared with the prior calcium oxide to examine the difference therebetween .

In Table 1 , pH was measured for 1 g of calcium oxide dissolved in 1 liter of distilled water . Also, to measure reaction velocity, a decrease in the amount of the calcium oxide dissolved in water was measured hourly for 8 hours and expressed as a decreased amount per hour .

[Table l]

As can be seen from the results in Table 1, the highly- activated calcium according to the present invention was much higher in pH than that of the prior calcium, and it was about 3 times higher in reaction velocity and 18 times higher in conductivity . This demonstrates that the absorption and solubility of the activated calcium according to the present invention are very excellent . Test Example 2 In this Test Example, the liquid complex fertilizer composition prepared in Example 2 was diluted with water to 500-fold and 1 , 000-fold, and the dilutions were applied to farm crops to examine their effects .

(1) Foliar application to Korean cabbages Korean cabbages , which are hybrid crosses between Chinese cabbages and cabbages, were cultivated at one farmhouse in Chungcheong-do, Korea, while the inventive liquid complex fertilizer composition was applied to the Korean cabbages by a conventional foliar application method. As a result, in the groups applied with the 500-fold and 1, 000-fold dilutions , the frequency of damages by blight and harmful insects was reduced visibly to the naked eye, compared to that in the case of Korean cabbages which have not been applied with the inventive composition (not shown) . As shown in FIG. 1, the 1000-fold dilution group was more excellent in growth and development than the 500-fold dilution group .

Test Example 2 : Effects on increases in freshness and circulation period of products

To examine the preference, freshness and possible circulation period of cherry tomatoes and lettuces cultivated with the application of the inventive fertilizer composition, panel test (Gun-Hyung, Jang, "preference sensory test of food" , Gae Moon Sa, 1975) was conducted together with the deformation and non-deformation of products with the passage of time .

In the panel test , 20 volunteers (2 men and 18 women) were allowed to eat products according to the present invention and prior products and then to measure taste (eating quality for lettuces ) and preference for preference . The results are rated on a five-point scale and shown in Table 2 below .

The cherry tomatoes and lettuces used in the present invention were cultivated in a greenhouse of a farmhouse while a 1 , 000-fold dilution of the inventive composition was applied to the plants in an amount of 2 liters per pyong ( 3.3 m²) one time by a conventional application method, and the cherry tomatoes and lettuces used in Comparative Example were commercially available goods .

[Table 2]

Also, to examine the circulation period of the plants , the plants were stored at room temperature while their appearance deformation was visually observed at 3-day intervals for 3 weeks . The results are shown in Table 3 below .

[Table 3]

As described above, the liquid complex fertilizer composition prepared according to the present invention has the effects of improving the quality of plants and inhibiting and preventing damages by blight and harmful insects, can maintain the freshness of products and significantly extend the circulation period of products . In addition, it is expected that the inventive composition can control the use of agricultural chemical and fertilizers to the minimum level so that it can reduce soil contamination caused by repeated cultivation and the excessive use of fertilizers and improve soil environment .

[industrial Applicability]

As can be seen from the foregoing, the liquid complex fertilizer composition prepared according to the present invention has the effects of improving the quality of plants and inhibiting and preventing damages by blight and harmful insects , can maintain the freshness of products and significantly extend the circulation period of products . In addition, it is expected that the inventive composition can control the use of agricultural chemical and fertilizers to the minimum level so that it can reduce soil contamination caused by repeated cultivation and the excessive use of fertilizers and improve soil environment .

Claims

[CLAIMS]

[Claim l]

A liquid complex fertilizer composition comprising : a calcium oxide prepared by calcining shell powder and conducting an electric current to the calcined powder; at least one essential microelement selected from the group consisting of a water-soluble iron source, a water- soluble chlorine source, a water-soluble boron source, a water-soluble manganese source, a water-soluble zinc source, a water-soluble copper source and a water-soluble molybdenum source; and water .

[Claim 2]

The composition of Claim 1 , which comprises : 800-1 , 200 mg of the calcium oxide; at least one essential microelement selected from the group consisting of 500-1, 000 mg of the water-soluble iron source, 500-1 , 000 mg of the water-soluble chlorine source, 500-1 , 000 mg of the water-soluble boron source, 500-1, 000 mg of the water-soluble manganese source, 500-1, 000 mg of the water-soluble zinc source, 500-1, 000 mg of the water-soluble copper source and 5-10 mg of the water-soluble molybdenum source; and

1 liter of water .

[Claim 3]

The composition of Claim 1 , wherein the calcium oxide is

prepared by calcining the shell powder at 1, 600-1 , 800 "C and

conducting an electric current to the calcined powder at a voltage of 20 , 000-100 , 000 V.

[Claim 4]

A method for applying a liquid complex fertilizer, comprising : diluting a composition set forth in any one of Claims 1 to 3 in distilled water or conventional water to 600-1, 200-fold; and applying the diluted composition to plants by foliar or soil application .