WO2009142512A1 - Improvements in and relating to soil treatments - Google Patents
Improvements in and relating to soil treatments Download PDFInfo
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- WO2009142512A1 WO2009142512A1 PCT/NZ2009/000081 NZ2009000081W WO2009142512A1 WO 2009142512 A1 WO2009142512 A1 WO 2009142512A1 NZ 2009000081 W NZ2009000081 W NZ 2009000081W WO 2009142512 A1 WO2009142512 A1 WO 2009142512A1
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- Prior art keywords
- urea
- particulate
- composition
- granule
- soil
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Classifications
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
- C05C—NITROGENOUS FERTILISERS
- C05C9/00—Fertilisers containing urea or urea compounds
- C05C9/005—Post-treatment
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- 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
- C05G3/90—Mixtures of one or more fertilisers with additives not having a specially fertilising activity for affecting the nitrification of ammonium compounds or urea in the soil
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- 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
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- Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
- Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
- Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
- Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
- Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
- Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures
Definitions
- This invention relates to improvements in and relating to soil treatments.
- this invention is directed to provide a granule, typically a granulated fertilizer, of varying composition but tailor-made to suit various applications, soil, moisture content and/or and temperature conditions.
- the granule following application, is directed to disperse in the soil over a preferred time frame, yet have characteristics which operate to ensure that the granule and its contents are released for optimal benefit.
- the invention will be applicable to any situation, for example agricultural, horticultural, forestry, commercial, industrial or domestic situation where soil treatments are required and where it is desirable for such soil treatments to be tailored to meet a specific need and based on soil type.
- the invention may have applications outside this field.
- Fertilisers are nutritional compounds given to plants to promote growth. Fertilisers typically provide macro and/or micronutrients in varying proportions. The most commonly available fertilisers provide the three major macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium). Fertilisers may be water-soluble (instant release) or relatively insoluble (controlled/sustained/timed release).
- Urea is the most widely used nitrogen fertiliser in the world. When applied in the presence of moisture, urea rapidly undergoes hydrolysis. The urease enzymes in the soil then convert the urea nitrogen into both ammonia and carbon dioxide. Both of these products are easily lost to the atmosphere. On average 30% of the ammonia nitrogen can be lost due to this volatisation process thereby reducing the effectiveness of the urea.
- the present invention has a number of potentially realisable applications, it is in relation to problems associated with existing soil treatment and fertilising systems that the present invention was developed. More specifically, it was with regard to the issues of providing a treatment system tailor-made to disperse in the soil over a preferred period of time, maximising availability of nutrients to plants and in turn minimise waste of product when applied.
- This invention is directed to provide a soil treatment system.
- the soil treatment system is preferably directed to improving soil condition and/or soil-nutrient availability for plants.
- the term treatment as used in this specification typically will involve application of a treatment to a soil to assist with plant growth and production.
- a knowledge of the condition of the soil via prior analysis would be preferred; such that administration to the soil of an application, or a regimen of applications, of particular preferred matter (whether organic or inorganic and whether a single or a combination) which aids in improving at least the soil condition (including structure) and/or soil nutrient content could be achieved with greater efficiency and effectiveness.
- the soil treatment system is provided in granule form for application to soils.
- granule shall mean any small blocks of molded and/or compressed material and shall include varyingly shaped and sized pellets, fragments, briquettes and so forth. The use of the term granule should therefore not be seen as limiting this invention.
- the granule is specifically tailor-made in respect of the particle distribution of its components to suit various applications, soil and climatic conditions (including soil moisture/water content and temperature) as required.
- the granule may have varying composition depending on the components of the granule and the application it is designed for.
- the granule is specifically tailor-made in respect of particle size and/or surface area of its components to suit various applications, soil and climatic conditions (including temperature) as required.
- the granule may have varying particle sizes within its composition depending on the components of the granule and the application it is designed for.
- the particle size is optimised by fine-grinding and classification to suit differing soil conditions and/or the purpose for which it is being used.
- the granule components are tailor made, to suit specific soil types in particular countries and/or for particular soil types in particular regions within said countries.
- the granule following application, is required to make the components of the granule available within or on the soil.
- the granule preferably disperses at a preferred rate.
- the dispersion of the granule enables the components of the granule to be made available.
- the individual components of the granule may vary in the rate at which each will be directly available for the specific need.
- one component may be immediately available for use - whether as a nutrient or soil conditioner; whilst others may be released in the soil over time, or at different rates, or with the onset of particular climatic or soil temperature conditions as required.
- the granule may be prepared to enable either or both immediate dispersion of the granule and immediate release of the granule components into or onto the soil.
- the granule may be prepared to enable delayed dispersion of the granule and controlled release of the granule components over time, or following a set period after application of the granules, or in preferred conditions.
- the granule may be prepared to enable immediate dispersion of the granule and then controlled release of the granule components over time, or following a set period after application of the granules, or in preferred conditions.
- the granules may be coated to delay dispersion of the granule per se or delay release of a specific component.
- the granule may be formulated to disperse in water within a few minutes yet delay release of a component.
- coating the granules with a nitrogen or urease inhibitor can control the release of urea, thereby reducing leaching of nitrate and volatilisation of nitrous oxide and ammonia.
- the granule is simply dispersing, but it should be appreciated the availability of the particular nutrient component is then determined by the specific solubility of that individual nutrient component.
- fertiliser urea can be purchased as prills, or as a granulated material. In the past, urea was usually produced by dropping liquid urea from a "prilling tower" while drying the product.
- the prills formed a smaller and softer substance than other materials commonly used in fertiliser blends.
- AgrotainTM is one such product (available as a urease inhibitor) and has the following typical formulation:
- the nitrogen inhibitor or urease inhibitor product is typically applied to urea prills at point of production of the prills at the fertiliser plant. In some cases the nitrogen inhibitor is applied directly in the field following urea application.
- the majority of the inhibitor resides on the surface of the prill.
- the inhibitor therefore easily comes into intimate contact with other compounds when blended with other products or similarly comes into contact with other compound in the field after application.
- Sulphur based fertilisers are an example of an acidic material typically applied with urea.
- the prills be produced to substantially reduce the presence of the inhibitor on the surface of the prill, yet at the same time ensure effectiveness of the inhibitor (in delaying hydrolysis of the urea) is not compromised.
- solid urea products such as prills, granules, etc
- unpelleted sources of urea are milled to produce urea particles of a size range 150-250 microns (with a mean particle size of around 200 microns). It may not be necessary to mill some urea forms.
- the particles of urea are then subjected to an application of a preferred inhibitor in appropriate form.
- a preferred inhibitor in appropriate form.
- the fine urea particles may either be sprayed with a nitrogen inhibitor or urease inhibitor directly into the milling circuit, by a fluid bed coater or by other means.
- the coated urea particles are then preferably pelletised to produce pellets 2-1 Omm in diameter. Any suitable pressing method may be developed or adapted for use in achieving the present invention.
- the pelletised product or granule produced does not break-up during storage, transportation and application.
- the method of manufacture is directed to producing a granule having a preferred compressive strength (or crush-strength).
- the compressive strength is directed to ensure that the granule which results is less likely to breakdown during handling, transportation or application.
- the granules are uniform in size.
- the uniform sized granules contribute to more accurate spreading.
- the granules may be varyingly shaped.
- the granules may be colour-coded to ensure the correct formulation is applied to a particular treatment site, for a particular end result.
- the urea is but one component of a particulate fertilizer product.
- a urea product alone may be produced as required for various applications as required.
- a particulate fertiliser comprised of particulate organic and/or inorganic components.
- a particulate fertiliser in the form of granules, pellets, briquettes or prills.
- a method for maximizing the . availability of at least one soil treatment composition said soil treatment composition containing at least one active component, said method including the steps of: a) Selecting the soil treatment components required; and b) Preparing said components in dried form, said components being ground to a preferred particle size; and c) Mixing said components together; and d) Adding a preferred quantity of solvent to the mixed components; and d) Applying pressure to a quantity of said component-solvent mixture to form granules of the composition; and . said method characterised by the particle sizes of the components being specifically targeted for use with a particular soil type and/or treatment requirement.
- the solvent includes at least one of water, oil.
- a method for maximizing the availability of at least one soil treatment composition via prolonged release of the components on to and/or into the soil including the step of: grinding the components to achieve a preferred particle size, said particle size being adapted to the soil type and requirement and providing an increased surface area to improve availability of the component in to or onto the soil.
- a method substantially as described above achieved via application of a coating substantially to individual particles of one or more of the individual components of the soil treatment composition to effect delayed release of one or more of the components over a period of time after introduction of the granule on to or into the soil.
- a method substantially as described above achieved via application of a coating to the granules of the soil treatment composition to effect delayed release of one or more of the components over a period of time after introduction of the granule on to or into the soil.
- the coating includes a nitrogen inhibitor or a -urease inhibitor.
- a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein the delay in release of the components of the granule is accomplished by encapsulating the particles within a dissolvable or degradable protective layer.
- a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein a quantity of the components of the granule is released substantially continuously, once release is initiated, for the intended life of the granule.
- a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein there is provided an initial boosted release rate of components from the granule following introduction of the granule on to or into the soil.
- a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein there is provided at least a second boosted release rate of components from the granule following introduction of the granule onto or into the soil.
- a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein the interval between the initial and second boosted release rates corresponds to a predetermined ideal period between release and action of the first component and release and action of a second component.
- a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein a boosted release rate of the components of the granule is accomplished by providing a secondary component having different release rate characteristics than the first component.
- a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein a boosted release rate of the components is accomplished by providing one component having an exposed surface area greater than other component(s) in the granule.
- a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein a boosted release rate of the components is accomplished by providing at least one component having a delayed release achieved via application of an inhibitor substance to particles of said component such that the effect of the inhibitor decrease over time to effect a boosted release of the component.
- a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein one component operates as a carrier matrix system through which at least a second component is dispersed.
- a soil treatment composition in the form of a granule substantially as described above wherein the granule, in its entirety, is substantially biodegradable within the soil treatment environment to which it is introduced.
- a soil treatment composition in granular form said granules have a mechanical resistance, dimensions and weights being appropriate for the distribution and the mechanical application on the ground and in the ground, the granules being characterised in that they include finely ground particulate components.
- a soil treatment composition in granular form characterised in that the dimension of fine particles do not exceeding a preferred dimension as required. • A method of preparation of a granular soil treatment composition wherein the particles of the components are mixed with a binder in effective proportion to bind the particles in the form of granules having dimensions and weights appropriate for a mechanical application.
- the invention will be applicable to any reasonable situation where soil treatment is desired or required.
- soil treatment includes agricultural, horticultural, forestry, commercial, industrial or domestic applications where each situation may be need- specific and requires consideration of the physical, organic and chemical nature of the soil, such as soil type, density and so forth; as well as the climatic conditions of an area; and so forth.
- the granules may be applied via aerial top-dressing, mechanical spreaders, manually.
- the granule will now be described with reference to its use as -a fertiliser.
- this description is not intended to limit the scope of this invention.
- the invention may be directed to using a granule produced within the ambit of this invention for soil conditioning, for specific crop types and so forth.
- the granule may comprise a proportion of gypsum for use in clay soils; organic material for use in sandy soils; water retention materials for use in soils prone to drying; non-traditional soil enhancers, such as hydrogen peroxide (which if released to soil will be broken down by reacting with other compounds, yet during oxidation can be effective against pests or promote pasture growth); and so forth.
- the present invention lends itself to such practice, by enabling the components of the granule to be tailor-made to include soil conditioning components with (or without) specific inorganic fertiliser components and/or organic fertiliser components as required to achieve the desired end-product,
- the present invention lends itself to such practice, by enabling the components of the granule to be tailor-made to include components (such as nitrogen fixing bacteria, other microbes, etc required for healthy soils or as required by particular plant species); and again with or without inorganic fertiliser components and/or organic fertiliser components as required to achieve the desired end- product.
- nitrogen is important as it promotes rapid leaf growth.
- too much nitrogen can prolong a plant's growing season and delay ripening. It can also result in too rapid and luxuriant growth with weakened plant stems that can collapse through trie weight of leaves, or by strong wind or rain. Too much nitrogen can also lower a plant's resistance to diseases.
- the two most important forms of nitrogen, namely nitrate or ammonium, are freely soluble in water, and can therefore be washed out of the soil by too much rain or irrigation water.
- Urea is a commonly used fertiliser as a source of ground and/or plant nitrogen.
- the following description relates to a granule in which the component includes urea.
- the granules may be produced in which the components also include elemental sulphur and bentonite; or reactive phosphate rock with elemental sulphur and triple superphosphate.
- Granules containing DAP, superphosphate and TSP can be produced having the same 'slow release' characteristic as described herein for urea by applying the same practice of coating the particles of the component as opposed to coating the granule formed from the components.
- the invention extends to the inclusion of micronutrients, organic matter and other soil conditioning components,such as gypsum, lime and so forth.
- Lime is usually applied to a soil which is acidic.
- Lime consists of calcium carbonate of various grades of purity and exists as a solid mass that needs to be ground before being-applied on soils to correct acidity.
- Lime is typically washed into the soil via rain or via irrigation.
- One aspect of the present invention is to therefore provide a fertiliser granule, said granule including one or more of a binding agent, a dispersing agent and optimum amounts of particulate plant nutrients which can be released in a timely fashion to the soil to achieve rapid availability for plants, said granule being characterised by said particles being sized to match the particle sizes required by different soils, different climatic conditions and the different plant nutrient release rates required.
- the granule may however be comprised of a single, or multiple, components of which the particles of any of them may have had an inhibitor or the like applied to control the release of the component over time.
- the inhibitor can be encapsulated within the prill, pellet or granule and is not simply on the surface thereof.
- the nitrogen inhibiting effect can be maintained after application of the urea to the soil, even in the presence of acidic compounds in the soil. Therefore, the urea can be applied in the field separately along with acidic compounds such as elemental sulphur without a significant reduction in effectiveness.
- the urea can be applied in the field as a single application in which urea and elemental sulphur are components, without a significant reduction in effectiveness.
- the urea-nitrogen inhibitor granules can also be mixed with other fertiliser products (such as elemental sulphur) and can be applied together without minimal neutralisation between the alkaline and acidic components. As the blended granules are spread in the field they will mostly fall in their 'own space' minimising contact between acidic and alkaline components as they dissolve in the soil.
- other fertiliser products such as elemental sulphur
- Granules containing DAP, superphosphate and TSP can also be produced with urea as a component and demonstrate the same 'slow release' characteristic as achieved for urea granules alone.
- a granule for use in soil treatment applications as a fertiliser including the elemental sulphur and urea components, on a w/w basis (wherein the component amounts total 100%) and wherein the controlled release elemental sulphur comprises up to 55%
- a granule for use in soil treatment applications as a fertiliser including the elemental sulphur and urea components, on a w/w basis (wherein the component amounts total 100%) and wherein the controlled release urea comprises up to 90%
- a granule for use in soil treatment applications as a fertiliser the granule including the following components, on a w/w basis (wherein the component amounts total 100%): a). Controlled release elemental sulphur up to 10% b). Urea up to 90%.
- a granule for use in soil treatment applications as a fertiliser the granule including the following components, on a w/w basis (wherein the component amounts total 100%): a). Controlled release elemental sulphur of between 5% to 55% b). Urea of between 5% to 55%.
- the vegetable oil may be a triglyceride.
- composition wherein ' said sulphur has been associated with the urea serially (before or after) or simultaneously with a nitrification inhibitor
- a composition wherein the sulphur has been associated with the urea serially (before or after) and/or simultaneously with a urease inhibitor.
- a composition wherein the urea is of a particle size within a range of 150-2500 micron.
- a composition wherein the lime is of a particle size within a range of 250-2500 micron.
- a composition wherein the elemental sulphur is of a median particle size of about 0.075mm.
- a composition wherein the elemental sulphur is of a median particle size of about 0.25mm.
- a composition wherein the nitrification or urease inhibitor is incorporated as fine particles or as a solution.
- composition wherein the nitrification inhibitor is incorporated as fine particles on a preferred w/w basis to the urea (wherein the component amounts total 100%)
- composition wherein the urease inhibitor is incorporated as fine particles on a preferred w/w basis to the urea (wherein the component amounts total 100%)
- composition wherein the nitrification inhibitor is incorporated as fine particles on a preferred w/w basis to the elemental sulphur (wherein the component amounts total 100%)
- composition wherein the urease inhibitor is incorporated as fine particles on a preferred w/w basis to the elemental sulphur (wherein the component amounts total 100%)
- a method of preparing a fertiliser from particulate urea which comprises or includes mixing such particulate urea (serially and/or simultaneously) with a ground elemental sulphur and optionally including a compatible nitrification and/or urease inhibitor.
- a method of preparing a fertiliser from particulate urea which comprises or includes mixing particulate urea (serially and/or simultaneously) with a ground elemental sulphur and optionally including a compatible nitrification and/or urease inhibitor, along with other soil conditioning compounds and/or macro or micronutrients (such as lime).
- a urea-elemental sulphur granule of different compositions combining urea with elemental sulphur particles sized differently to match the particle sizes required by different soils, different climatic and temperature conditions and the different elemental sulphur release rates required.
- the urea is agronomically valuable and acts as a binding and dispersing agent for the fine elemental sulphur particles.
- the urea-sulphur granule (with or without lime included) easily disperses in the soil and has sufficient compressive strength to ensure that the granule does not break-up during storage, transport.and application.
- This invention provides a fertiliser granule with optimum amounts of nitrogen and sulphur which can be released in a timely fashion to the soil to achieve rapid availability for plants.
- This controlled release sulphur granule provides a substantially useful alternative to existing fertilisers in terms of particle size and surface area.
- Each of the main products contained in this example of the invention have agronomic value resulting in an agronomically valuable fertiliser.
- the urea mixed with fine elemental sulphur also acts as both a water dispersible binding agent and a fertiliser.
- the addition of other components serves to improve the product as required.
- the particle size of at least the elemental sulphur and urea are preferably optimised by fine- grinding and classification to suit differing soil conditions and the purpose for which it is being used.
- the particles are then intimately mixed throughout the granule.
- Both the urea and .elemental sulphur are finely ground and homogeneously mixed to ensure intimate contact between the different particles types. This enables rapid dispersion upon application and ensures the optimum sized sulphur particles are made available for plant uptake.
- the nitrogen and/or urease inhibitor applied to the urea, along with the particulate elemental sulphur result in granules which have the added benefit of allowing a controlled release of both nitrogen and elemental sulphur over a period of time.
- a further aspect of the present invention also relates to storage of the formed granules.
- a slow release characteristic that develops as the granules age.
- the granules will disintegrate in water almost immediately if tested as soon as they are produced. If the granules are however allowed to age for several days or weeks they disintegrate more slowly (3-4 hours).
- the urea and sized elemental sulphur are inter-ground and/or mixed by mixing means.
- moisture is added during the production process.
- the liquid/solvent is water
- other liquids and/or solvents may be employed - including for example, oils (such as fish oil), melted wax, and so forth.
- sufficient moisture may be released from one or more components sufficient for the production process.
- the granules of the present invention are dust-free, Therefore, the granules are able to be stored, transported and applied with little risk of hazardous sulphur dust being released.
- the granules of this invention are substantially safer to handle, store and spread when compared to sulphur-coated urea granules.
- the two key criteria for evaluating a fertiliser granule are crushing strength and water dispersion. The first relates to the ability to produce a dust-free product the second ensures that the urea and sulphur are quickly made available in the soil.
- the granule has a crush rate in excess of other granular fertiliser products which typically have crush-strengths in the range 2-4kg.
- the granule form avoids the limitations of traditional mixed fertilisers which are in powdered or loose form.
- Such fertilisers are typically transported at some stage. The vibrations generated during transportation can cause the different component nutrients to separate out due to their varying densities . .
- the fertiliser is then applied there is the potential for uneven distribution of the components of the fertiliser and so some areas may remain or may result in being more deficient in a particular component when compared to another.
- the present invention is designed with environmental concerns in mind. As advised in the above example, coating the granules with an inhibitor can control the release of urea, thereby reducing leaching of nitrate and volatilisation of nitrous oxide and ammonia.
- Variations to the invention may be desirable depending on the applications with which it is to be used. Regard would of course be had to effecting the desired concentrations or volume to volume ratios of the components of the granule, the various components of the granules, the dimensions of the granule, the dissolution rates, the method of application of the granules and so forth as required to effect the desired outcome.
- the present invention is differentiated from many existing products by virtue of the specific ability to determine and apply preferred components in preferred particulate size having preferred surface area and distribution within the granule as required for the specific soil type, the specific crop, the climatic conditions and so forth.
- Figure 1 is a table showing the approximate theoretical reduction in the amount of nitrogen inhibitor on the surface of a 2mm urea granule, when the inhibitor is instead applied to particulate urea prior to granule formation, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.
- Figure 3 is a table showing the approximate particle size distribution of the lime component in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention.
- Figure 4 is a graph showing Urea-Sulphur-Lime granules exhibiting controlled release properties in accordance with further embodiments of the present invention. Best Modes for Carrying Out the Invention
- a granule (illustrated in one embodiment in Figure 1 and in further embodiments in Figures 2 to 4) for a soil treatment system. It should be appreciated that the granule may be varyingly shaped and sized, and so forth as desired.
- the granule is adapted to include various components desirable in the conditioning ortreatment of soils.
- the granule preferably is comprised of components having specific particle size and surface area.
- the specific size of particles is tailored to the specific soil type to which the granule will be applied; and/or the particle size is tailored to provide more readily available materials into the soil as required.
- the granule may include dispersants and binders which may be in addition to the main components, or the main components may also serve as suitable binders and dispersants.
- the granule product includes any combination of the following features:
- c) Includes component(s) directed to a specific treatment, specific soil type, specific climatic conditions.
- d) Includes a component that facilitates dispersal of the granule in water.
- e) Includes a component that facilitates rapid release of at least one other component from the granule. .
- f) Is uniform in size.
- i) Is an improvement on products prone to leaching, j) Granules are not easily separated during a mix.
- k) Fast acting for rapid results - such as rapid plant availability of nutrients. 1) A product which is adapted to address some environmental concerns.
- Urea is the most widely used nitrogen fertiliser in the world. When applied in the presence of moisture urea rapidly undergoes hydrolysis. Urease (enzymes) in the soil converts nitrogen into both ammonia and carbon dioxide. Both of these products are easily lost to the atmosphere. On average 30% of the ammonia nitrogen can be lost due to this volatisation process thereby reducing the effectiveness of the urea.
- urea Today considerable urea is manufactured as granules. Granules are larger, harder, and more resistant to moisture. As a result, granulated urea has become a more suitable material for fertilizer blends. ' The use of inhibitors prevents hydrolysis by neutralising the urease enzymes and hence minimises volatisation of nitrogen ammonia. Nitrogen and/or urease inhibitors are typically applied to the urea prills at the fertiliser plant. In some cases it is applied directly in the field after urea application.
- the majority of the inhibitor resides on the surface of the prill.
- the inhibitor easily comes into intimate contact with other compounds when blended with other products or during the field after application.
- Sulphur based fertilisers are an example of an acidic material typically applied with urea.
- Lime can be used to reduce the acidity of soils, separately or in conjunction with the method developed to reduce the amount of inhibitor on the surface of a urea prill.
- the urea (prills, granular other form) is milled by various means such as a hammer mill grinding circuit.
- the majority of the urea particles are in the range of 150-250 microns with a typical mean of 200 micron. It may not be necessary to mill some urea forms.
- a nitrogen inhibitor/urease inhibitor is applied to the surface of the fine urea particles either by being sprayed directly into the milling circuit, by a fluid bed coater, or by other means.
- the coated urea particles are then pelletised to produce pellets 2-10mm in diameter. The process of producing the pellets is as described previously.
- the majority of the inhibitor is thereby encapsulated within the urea pellet and not on the surface of the pellet.
- the nitrogen inhibiting effect of the inhibitor is maintained even in the presence of acidic compounds.
- the urea can now be applied in the field along with acidic compounds (such as elemental sulphur) without a significant reduction in effectiveness.
- Table 1 shows the approximate theoretical reduction in the amount of nitrogen inhibitor on the surface of a 2mm granule.
- the urea-inhibitor granules can be blended with other fertiliser products such as elemental sulphur without minimal neutralisation between the alkaline and acidic components. As the blended granules are spread in the field they will mostly fall in their 'own space' minimising contact between acidic and alkaline components as they dissolve in the soil.
- urea granular fertilizer particles sizes of between 0.5 - 10 mm and preferably about 0.84mm - 4.76mm are considered. However, such particle sizes are an order of magnitude away from the particles of one embodiment of the present invention
- a urea-wet ground sulphur particulate fertiliser composition is known in the prior art wherein the urea component is coated (at least partly) with wet ground sulphur. Whilst particle sizes of 10 - 150 microns and of a median particle size of about 75 microns is discussed, the composition is described as a matrix. The invention does not suggest or teach of particles having a mean size of 200 microns, nor does it discuss the use of AgrotainTM being used as a urease inhibitor.
- fertilisers Since most fertilisers are applied as solids, problems occur through: loss of fine particles due to them being blown away from the area where they are applied; and fertiliser application can result in pollution of rivers, lakes, underground water and the sea. Mixtures of conventional fertilisers also have the problem of fixation, not only by the ingredients but also with the soil nutrients. Some of the materials are harmful to the soil itself and can kill soil organisms, ⁇ thereby impacting on the ecology of the soil and the ability to maintain the fertility of soils.
- a urea-sulphur-lime (USL) granule This granule further includes lime as a component and also includes a urease inhibitor (preferably AgrotainTM)
- the potentially realisable advantage arises jfirom the resultant composition (being the urea, sulphur and lime), along with the finely ground nature of the components and the benefits of the chemical interactions between the components.
- Each of the main products contained in this example of the invention has agronomic value resulting in an agronomically valuable fertiliser.
- the urea mixed with fine elemental sulphur also acts as both a water dispersible binding agent and a fertiliser.
- the granule following application, is directed to easily disperse in the soil yet have sufficient compressive strength to ensure that the granule does not break-up during storage, transport and application.
- a further potentially realizable advantage of this embodiment provides a fertiliser granule with optimum amounts of nitrogen, sulphur and lime which can be released in a controlled fashion to the soil to achieve rapid plant availability.
- the ur,ea and sulphur are the primary boosters of pasture yield.
- the resultant granule provides a long lasting nitrogen and sulphur source that can be safely spread by plane, helicopter, professional bulk spreader or farmer (due to its granulated form).
- Urease Inhibitor (AgrotainTM) 0.0058% w/w of NBPT Whilst AgrotainTM is a preferred urease inhibitor in the above examples it should be appreciated that the present invention may be adapted to the use of other urease inhibitors or nitrogen inhibitors.
- the present invention teaches of preferred and predetermined particle sizes for the components of the exampled fertilizer granule.
- the potentially realizable advantages of such preferred particle sizes have been discussed previously.
- the urea and sulphur are inter-ground and so have similar particles sizes.
- Table 2 shows atypical particle size distribution for urea and sulphur. As can be seen the particle sizes range between 150-2000 microns. A person skilled in the art would appreciate however, that this stated range relates to the current examples and does not limit the scope of this invention to only this range. The main emphasis remains on finely ground components having particle sizes required to enable optimum performance from the resultant granule.
- the lime is ground and so have similar particles sizes to the elemental sulphur and urea.
- Table 3 shows a typical particle size distribution for lime in the above referenced examples. As can be seen the particle sizes range between 500-2000 microns. A person skilled in the art would appreciate however, that this stated range relates to the current examples and does not limit the scope of this invention to only this range. The main emphasis remains on finely ground components having particle sizes required to enable optimum performance from the resultant granule.
- the urea-sulphur-lime granules (USL) of the present invention have previously been outlined.
- the urea-sulphur granules have a crush-strength of approximately 15kg; whilst other granular fertiliser products typically have crush strengths in the range 2-4kg.
- the compaction pressure used during granule manufacture will determine the rate of dispersion on application. This enables granules with different dispersion rates to be produced.
- the granule does not break-up during storage, transportation and application.
- the method of manufacture is directed to producing a granule having a preferred compressive strength (or crush-strength).
- the compressive strength is directed to ensure that the granule which results is less likely to breakdown during handling, transportation or application.
- the granules are uniform in size.
- the uniform sized granules contribute to more accurate spreading.
- the granules may be varyingly shaped.
- fine elemental sulphur is both explosive and a health hazard.
- the granules of the present invention are dust-free. Therefore, the granules are able to be stored, transported and applied with little risk of hazardous sulphur dust being released.
- the granules of this invention are substantially safer to handle, store and spread when compared to sulphur-coated urea granules.
- the two key criteria for evaluating a fertiliser granule are crushing strength and water dispersion. The first relates to the ability to produce a dust-free product the second ensures that the urea and sulphur are quickly made available in the soil.
- the granule form avoids the limitations of traditional mixed fertilisers which are in powdered or loose form.
- Such fertilisers are typically transported at some stage. The vibrations generated during transportation can cause the different component nutrients to separate out due to their varying densities.
- the fertiliser is then applied there is the potential for uneven distribution of the components of the fertiliser and so some areas may remain or may result in being more deficient in a particular component when compared to another.
- Granulated products are especially suited for aerial application removing the problems associated with drift of fine particles associated with conventional fertilisers.
- the urea-sulphur granule easily disperses in the soil and has sufficient compressive strength to ensure that the granule does not break-up during storage, transport and application.
- Compaction is an important part of the production process as it imparts physical strength and stability to the USL granules and also gives long life characteristics.
- Urea Dry fine-ground urea is intimately mixed with the other particles component particles of the fertiliser during the grinding process.
- the urea acts as a dispersant.
- Urea particles are sized to match the other elemental sulphur and lime particles. This enables each particle to be completely surrounded by the urea dispersant.
- the USL granules exhibit an eight-fold sulphur surface area advantage over similar products on the market and includes significantly finer active material.
- urea and elemental sulphur have traditionally been used in various forms and in combination with other fertiliser products.
- Conventional elemental sulphur-coated urea can take up to several weeks to disperse in the soil before the nitrogen becomes plant-available.
- the sulphur is typically applied externally to a urea prill. This method places a limit on the amount of sulphur which can be applied and makes it difficult to control the overall composition of the granule.
- Many soils require a coarse grade of sulphur. These larger sulphur particles are difficult to adhere to the urea prill.
- Sulphur-coated urea has the added disadvantage of producing a certain amount of hazardous fine sulphur dust during storage, transportation and application.
- a urea-elemental sulphur granule of different compositions combining urea with elemental sulphur particles sized differently to match the particle sizes required by different soils, different climatic and temperature conditions and the different elemental sulphur release rates required.
- the sulphur particles are also preferably irregular in shape which provides an increased surface-area.
- the surface area of the sulphur particles is 1280 cm2/gram. This increased surface area provides an advantage over existing spherical particles of sulphur used in existing fertiliser products. This contributes to greater reactivity in the soil and more rapid plant availability.
- the particle size of the elemental sulphur is preferably optimised by fine-grinding and classification to suit differing soil conditions and the purpose for which it is being used.
- the sulphur is then intimately mixed throughout the granule and not just coated on the surface of the urea. Both the urea and elemental sulphur are finely ground and homogeneously mixed to ensure intimate contact between the different particles types. This enables rapid dispersion upon application and ensures the optimum sized sulphur particles are made available for plant uptake.
- the granules have the added benefit of allowing a controlled release of elemental sulphur over a period of time.
- the compact, crush-strength nature of the granules makes them dust free. Fine elemental sulphur is both explosive and a health hazard.
- the dust-free granules of this invention are therefore able to be stored, transported and applied with little risk of hazardous sulphur dust being released.
- the granules of this invention are therefore safer to handle, store and spread compared to sulphur-coated urea granules.
- the fineness of the elemental sulphur particles is tailored to suit the majority of New Zealand soil conditions (see particle size).
- a granulated product further removes the risks associated with fine sulphur. For example - fine sulphur contact with eyes.
- Lime is used in the granule to balance acidity from the urea and sulphur combination. The result is either a reduction in overall acidity or a pH neutural product (if sufficient lime is incorporated).
- Lime also imparts physical strength and longer life properties to the product.
- the granules may be coated with an inhibitor to control the release of urea reducing leaching of nitrate and volatilization of nitrous oxide and ammonia.
- the method of preparing a fertiliser from particulate urea which comprises or includes mixing such particulate urea (serially and/or simultaneously) with a ground elemental sulphur and optionally including a compatible nitrification and urease inhibitor provides a resultant fertilizer granule which demonstrates potentially realizable advantages as already discussed.
- the nitrogen inhibitor is very important for the performance of the granule where the ' components include urea, elemental sulphur and lime. Without the nitrogen inhibitor the lime component may potentially increase volatilization losses from the urea and thereby reduce its efficiency.
- the nitrogen inhibitor contributes to the stability of the granulated product chemically. 5
- the nitrogen inhibitor is dispersed within the USL granule and so is in intimate contact with the urea at all times during release.
- the urease inhibitor can be incorporated in two ways:
- the urea, sulphur and lime are inter-ground during production.
- the finely ground urea 15 releases moisture which dampens the elemental sulphur. This contributes to making the overall process safer as fine elemental sulphur release is minimised.
- Urea-sulphur-lime sheets are formed by means of a double-roll chilsolator applying 20 , approximately 2000kg of pressure. Other known pressing methods may be used.
- the pressed sheets are then broken up by means of a granulating device to produce 1- 6mm long granules.
- the uniform sized granules ensure accurate spreading.
- the granules may however be made into various shapes and sizes.
- Graph 1 in Figure 4 illustrates results of the USL granules exhibiting controlled release properties after application to pasture vegetation.
- the bar graphs identified as sample 1 relates to the use of a mix of available urea, lime 'and sulphur products available in the market 35 place and applying them to determine rate of growth of pasture vegetation.
- the bar graphs identified as sample 2 included a commercially available nitrogen/urea product SustaiNTM mixed with additional sulphur and lime products and similarly applied to determine rate of growth of pasture vegetation.
- the bar graphs identified as relating to sample 3 relate to the USL granule of the present invention, including a urease inhibitor (represented in the sample by AgrotainTM).
- the first bar in each sample relates to the a cut of the pasture vegetation in relation to vegetation mass.
- the second bar relates to results from a second cut of the pasture vegetation following a period since the first cut of some seven weeks.
- the increase in dry mass of pasture vegetation following application of granules of the present invention indicate
- the invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred . to or indicated in the specification, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any of two or more parts, elements, members or features and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents such equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
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- Soil Sciences (AREA)
- Fertilizers (AREA)
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (1)
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AU2009249901A AU2009249901B2 (en) | 2008-05-21 | 2009-05-20 | Improvements in and relating to soil treatments |
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NZ567553 | 2008-05-21 | ||
NZ567553A NZ567553A (en) | 2008-05-21 | 2008-05-21 | Fertilizer composition comprising urea and elemental sulphur intermixed and interground with a urease inhibitor |
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WO2009142512A1 true WO2009142512A1 (en) | 2009-11-26 |
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CN102503686A (en) * | 2011-10-29 | 2012-06-20 | 史丹利化肥股份有限公司 | Melt granulation polypeptide stability lost control compound fertilizer and preparing method thereof |
US8617286B2 (en) | 2010-10-21 | 2013-12-31 | John M. Rizzo | Method for increasing crop yield |
CN104136398A (en) * | 2011-12-12 | 2014-11-05 | 罗地亚管理公司 | Solvent systems of n-alkyl thiophosphoric triamides and methods of use in agricultural applications |
CN107614463A (en) * | 2015-05-19 | 2018-01-19 | 苏尔瓦瑞斯公司 | Granular fertilizer with micronizing sulphur |
EP3309137A1 (en) * | 2016-10-13 | 2018-04-18 | YARA International ASA | Improved urea-based composition comprising elemental sulphur and method for the manufacture thereof |
CN108484339A (en) * | 2018-04-09 | 2018-09-04 | 中国科学院沈阳应用生态研究所 | A kind of resistance control agent and preparation and application with nitrogen detraction leaching loss |
US10501383B2 (en) | 2014-10-31 | 2019-12-10 | Koch Agronomic Services, Llc | Nitrification inhibitor compositions and methods of making thereof |
DE102018005069A1 (en) | 2018-06-26 | 2020-01-02 | Skw Stickstoffwerke Piesteritz Gmbh | Process for the production of urea-based fertilizers with elemental sulfur and products thereof |
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US8617286B2 (en) | 2010-10-21 | 2013-12-31 | John M. Rizzo | Method for increasing crop yield |
CN102503686B (en) * | 2011-10-29 | 2013-07-24 | 史丹利化肥股份有限公司 | Melt granulation polypeptide stability lost control compound fertilizer and preparing method thereof |
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CN107614463A (en) * | 2015-05-19 | 2018-01-19 | 苏尔瓦瑞斯公司 | Granular fertilizer with micronizing sulphur |
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Also Published As
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NZ567553A (en) | 2011-03-31 |
AU2009249901A1 (en) | 2009-11-26 |
AU2009249901B2 (en) | 2013-05-30 |
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