WO2010058425A2

WO2010058425A2 - Soil conditioner

Info

Publication number: WO2010058425A2
Application number: PCT/IN2009/000669
Authority: WO
Inventors: Chetan Navnithlal Shah; Prashant Kumar Pandey; Moushumi Borah; Vijay Sivaji Ghangale
Original assignee: Chetan Navnithlal Shah
Priority date: 2008-11-20
Filing date: 2009-11-20
Publication date: 2010-05-27
Also published as: WO2010058425A3

Abstract

The present invention relates to a soil conditioner composition said composition comprising Montmorillonite in an amount of about 65 to about 85 % of the mass of the composition; Gypsum in an amount of about 1 to about 3 % of the mass of the composition; Attapulgite in an amount of about 10 to about 30 % of the mass of the composition; Sepiolite in an amount of about 1 to about 2 % of the mass of the composition; Bauxite residue in an amount of about 0.5 to about 0.8 % of the mass of the composition; Polyacrylate in an amount of about 0.01 to about 0.05 % of the mass of the composition; Iron in an amount of about 0.5 to about 1% of the mass of the composition; Manganese in an amount of about 0.5 to about 1% of the mass of the composition; Copper in an amount of about 0.25 to about 0.5 % of the mass of the composition; and Zinc in an amount of about 0.25 to about 0.5% of the mass of the composition.

Description

SOIL CONDITIONER FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to soil conditioner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A soil conditioner, also called a soil amendment, is a material added to soil to improve plant growth and health. The type of conditioner added depends on the current soil composition, climate and the type of plant. Some soils lack nutrients necessary for proper plant growth and others hold too much or too little water. A conditioner or a combination of conditioners corrects the soil's deficiencies. Lime is used to make soil less acidic, as is lime-containing crushed stone. Fertilizers, such as peat, manure, anaerobic digestate or compost add depleted plant nutrients. Materials such as clay, vermiculite, hydrogel, and shredded bark make soil to hold more water. Gypsum releases nutrients and improves soil structure. Sometimes a soil inoculant is added for legumes. Unless clay is incorporated into a healthy crumb structure, water may bond to it too strongly to be available to plant roots.

THE ELEMENTS OF COMPLETE PLANT NUTRITION

The following is a brief guideline of the role of essential and beneficial mineral nutrients that are crucial for growth. If any one of these elements is eliminated, plants will display abnormalities of growth, deficiency symptoms, or may not reproduce normally.

Macronutrients

Nitrogen is a major component of proteins, hormones, chlorophyll, vitamins and enzymes essential for plant life. Nitrogen metabolism is a major factor in stem and leaf growth (vegetative growth). Too much can delay flowering and fruiting. Deficiencies can reduce yields and cause yellowing of the leaves and stunt growth.

Phosphorus is necessary for seed germination, photosynthesis, protein formation and almost all aspects of growth and metabolism in plants. It is essential for flower and fruit formation.

Potassium is necessary for formation of sugars, starches, carbohydrates, protein synthesis and cell division in roots and other parts of the plant. It helps to adjust water balance, improves stem rigidity and cold hardiness, enhances flavor and color on fruit and vegetable crops, increases the oil content of fruits and is important for leafy crops. Deficiencies result in low yields, mottled, spotted or curled leaves, scorched or burned look to leaves.

Sulfur is a structural component of amino acids, proteins, vitamins and enzymes and is essential to produce chlorophyll. It imparts flavor to many vegetables. Deficiencies show as light green leaves.

Magnesium is a critical structural component of the chlorophyll molecule and is necessary for functioning of plant enzymes to produce carbohydrates, sugars and fats. It is used for fruit and nut formation and essential for germination of seeds. Deficient plants appear chlorotic, show yellowing between veins of older leaves; leaves may droop.

Calcium activates enzymes, is a structural component of cell walls, influences water movement in cells and is necessary for cell growth and division. Some plants must have calcium to take up nitrogen and other minerals. Deficiency causes stunting of new growth in stems, flowers and roots. Symptoms range from distorted new growth to black spots on leaves and fruit. Yellow leaf margins may also appear.

Micronutrients

Iron is necessary for many enzyme functions and as a catalyst for the synthesis of chlorophyll. It is essential for the young growing parts of plants. Deficiencies induce pale coloration of young leaves followed by yellowing of leaves and large veins.

Manganese is involved in enzyme activity for photosynthesis, respiration, and nitrogen metabolism. Deficiency in young leaves may show a network of green veins on a light green background similar to an iron deficiency.

Boron is necessary for cell wall formation, membrane integrity, calcium uptake and may aid in the translocation of sugars. Boron affects at least 16 functions in plants. These functions include flowering, pollen germination, fruiting, cell division, water relationships and the movement of hormones. Deficiencies kill terminal buds leaving a rosette effect on the plant. Leaves are thick, curled and brittle. Fruits, tubers and roots are discolored, cracked and flecked with brown spots. Zinc is a component of enzymes or a functional cofactor of a large number of enzymes including auxins (plant growth hormones). It is essential to carbohydrate metabolism, protein synthesis and internodal elongation (stem growth). Deficient plants have mottled leaves with irregular chlorotic areas. Zinc deficiency leads to iron deficiency causing similar symptoms.

Copper is concentrated in roots of plants and plays a part in nitrogen metabolism. It is a component of several enzymes and may be part of the enzyme systems that use carbohydrates and proteins. Deficiencies cause die back of the shoot tips, and terminal leaves develop brown spots.

Molybdenum is a structural component of the enzyme that reduces nitrates to ammonia. Without it, the synthesis of proteins is blocked and plant growth ceases. Root nodule (nitrogen fixing) bacteria also require it. Seeds may not form completely, and nitrogen deficiency may occur if plants are lacking molybdenum. Deficiency signs are pale green leaves with rolled or cupped margins.

Cobalt is required for nitrogen fixation in legumes and in root nodules of nonlegumes. The demand for cobalt is much higher for nitrogen fixation than for ammonium nutrition. Deficient levels could result in nitrogen deficiency symptoms.

Montmorillonite is a very soft phyllosilicate (clay mineral). It typically forms microscopic or at least very small platy micaceous crystals. Chemically it is hydrated sodium calcium aluminium magnesium silicate hydroxide with formula

(Na₅Ca)_Oj₃(Al₅Mg)₂(Si₄O_1O)(OH)₂-HH₂O. The water content of montmorillonite is variable. When water is absorbed by the crystals they tend to swell to several times of their original volume. This makes montmorillonite a useful mineral for several purposes. It is the main constituent in a volcanic ash called bentonite, which is used in drilling mud. The effect of the montmorillonite is to slow the progress of water through the soil. This is important for farmers in extended dry periods.

Calcite is a carbonate mineral and the most stable polymorph of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃). The other polymorphs are the minerals aragonite and vaterite. Aragonite will change to calcite at 470°C, and vaterite is even less stable. Calcite, like most carbonates, will dissolve with most forms of acid. Calcite can be either dissolved by groundwater or precipitated by groundwater, depending on several factors including the water temperature, pH, and dissolved ion concentrations, calcite is fairly insoluble in cold water, however dissolution occurs with release of carbon dioxide gas. Calcite exhibits an unusual characteristic called retrograde solubility in which it becomes less soluble in water as the temperature increases.

Attapulgite is a kind of crystalloid hydrous magnesium-aluminum silicate mineral with formula (Mg,Al)2Si₄O₁₀(OH)-4(H₂O) which occurs in a type of clay soil. Attapulgite has very good colloidal properties such as: specific features in dispersion, high temperature endurance, salt and alkali resistance, and also high adsorbing and de-coloring capabilities. Attapulgite clays are a composite of smectite and palygorskite. Smectites are expanding lattice clays of which bentonite is a commonly known generic name for smectite clays. The palygorskite component is an acicular bristle-like crystalline form which does not swell or expand. Attapulgite forms gel structures in fresh and salt water by establishing a lattice structure of particles connected through hydrogen bonds. Attapulgite, unlike bentonite, form gel structures in salt water and is used in special salt water drilling mud for drilling formations contaminated with salt.

Sepiolite is a naturally occurring clay mineral of sedimentary origin. It is a non swelling, lightweight, porous clay with a large specific surface area. Chemically, sepiolite is a hydrous magnesium silicate whose individual particles have a needle-like morphology. The high surface area and porosity of this clay account for its outstanding absorption capacity for liquids. Sepiolite granules do not disintegrate even when saturated with liquids. Sepiolite- based rheological additives provide viscous fluids with thixotropic behaviour when they are dispersed in water or other liquid systems. Sepiolite suspensions are stable even in systems with high salt content (high ionic strength) unlike suspensions of other clays, such as bentonite.

Bauxite is the most important aluminium ore. It consists largely of the minerals gibbsite Al(OH)₃, boehmite γ-AlO(OH), and diaspore α-AlO(OH), together with the iron oxides goethite and hematite, the clay mineral kaolinite and small amounts of anatase TiO₂.

Borax, also known as sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, or disodium tetraborate, is an important boron compound, a mineral, and a salt of boric acid. It is usually a white powder consisting of soft colorless crystals that dissolve easily in water. It has a wide variety of uses. It is a component of many detergents, cosmetics, and enamel glazes. It is also used to make buffer solutions in biochemistry, as a fire retardant, as an anti-fungal compound for fiberglass, as an insecticide, as a flux in metallurgy, and as a precursor for other boron compounds.

Gypsum is a very soft mineral composed of calcium sulfate dihydrate with the chemical formula CaSO₄-IH₂O. Gypsum occurs in nature as flattened and often twinned crystals and transparent cleavable masses called selenite. It is used as Fertilizer and soil conditioner. Gypsum is also known as amending agent for sodic soils. It recovers abused soil systems by exchanging the Na-soils to more porous Ca -soils. However, such process gives rise to accumulation of replaced soluble sodium salts which needs to be washed off. Still it is a good source of Ca and Sulphur and optimizing its addition may help in avoiding excess salt build up.

EXISTING KNOWLEDGE

Following patents/ patent applications disclose soil conditioner compositions

US Patent No.5125950 discloses a soil conditioner comprising a mixture of a soil compatible electrolyte such as sodium acetate and an invert sugar having a degree of inversion of about 55% to about 75% in a ratio, by weight, of 20:1 to 1 :10.

US Patent No.6752850 discloses a liquid soil conditioning composition comprising an aqueous dispersion of calcium carbonate and sulfur. The calcium and sulfur being in an effective amount in the aqueous dispersion to form calcium sulfate, in situ, in the soil structure, wherein the atomic ratio of calcium to sulfur is in the range of 0.5:1 to 2.0:1.

US Patent No. 5779789 discloses a soil conditioner having a pellet-shape and comprising at least 50% silica by weight and at least 20% alumina by weight; and having a porosity of at least 40% by volume. The soil conditioner further contains 2-3.3% CaO, 2.9-3.4% MgO and 7-9% FeO by weight.

US Patent No. 5578121 discloses a freely fiowable, soil conditioner consisting of a granular perlite with a coating on the externally accessible surface of the perlite grains of unfired clay. US 20030041639 discloses a soil conditioner comprising a soil-tolerant electrolyte and sugar, characterised in that the soil conditioner is a mixture of a first aqueous solution comprising sodium hydroxide, acetic acid and 1,2,3-propanetriol produced under constant stirring and a second aqueous solution comprising saccharose, acetic acid and potassium hydrogen tartrate produced under constant stirring.

US20040089042 discloses a potting soil and topsoil conditioning composition comprising at least about 50 percent by volume of an organic compost; at least about 5 percent by volume of a sandy loam; at least about 5 percent by volume of a diatomaceous earth component, said component containing diatomaceous earth, Phosphate, Magnesium, Potassium and Nitrogen; and at least about 1 percent by volume of Perlite in proportions to provide good plant nutrition, moisture retention, moisture drainage and infection and insect resistance properties. The composition further comprising selenium, sulfur, iron, calcium, copper and zinc.

The soil conditioner compositions disclosed in the prior art do not provide effective nutrients and minerals which are needed for the proper growth of plants as well as for improving yield of the plant product. Since the deficiency of any of the nutrients essential for plants leads to improper growth and several diseases in plants, a proper soil conditioner which caters the nutritional needs of the plants is the need of the hour. The instant invention discloses a soil conditioner which is highly beneficial for the plants.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a soil conditioner.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a soil conditioner which supplies nutrients to plants.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a soil conditioner containing minerals and trace elements.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a soil conditioner which increases the germination rate in plants. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a soil conditioner which increases the plant yield.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a soil conditioner which makes the plant resistant to pests and diseases.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a soil conditioner which is cost- effective.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a soil conditioner which is easy to prepare and use.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide a soil conditioner which is eco- friendly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a soil conditioner composition said composition comprising: a. Montmorillonite in an amount of about 65 to about 85 % of the mass of the composition; b. Gypsum in an amount of about 1 to about 3 % of the mass of the composition c. Attapulgite in an amount of about 10 to about 30 % of the mass of the composition; d. Sepiolite in an amount of about 1 to about 2 % of the mass of the composition;

e. Bauxite residue in an amount of about 0.5 to about 0.8 % of the mass of the composition; f. Poly aciylate in an amount of about 0.01 to about 0.05 % of the mass of the composition; g. Iron in an amount of about 0.5 to about 1% of the mass of the composition; h. Manganese in an amount of about 0.5 to about 1% of the mass of the composition; i. Copper in an amount of about 0.25 to about 0.5 % of the mass of the composition; and j. Zinc in an amount of about 0.25 to about 0.5% of the mass of the composition, k. a carrier

Typically, the composition further comprising at least one additive selected from a group consisting of selenium, molybdenum, cerium, sulfur and cobalt.

Typically, the carrier is selected from a group consisting of directly sprayable solution, powders, suspensions, dispersions, emulsions, oil dispersions, pastes and water dispersible granules.

Preferably, the carrier is water dispersible granules.

Typically, the water dispersible granules comprise at least one excipient selected from a group consisting of dispersing agent, wetting agent, binding agent, defoamer, stabilizer and vehicle.

Typically, the dispersing agent is selected from a group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylalcohol, lignosulphonates, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, ethoxylated allcyl phenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, alkoxylated linear alcohols, polyaromatic sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates, glyceryl esters and maleic anhydride copolymers.

Typically, the wetting agent is selected from a group consisting of phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium salt of sulfonated alkylcarboxylate, polyoxyalkylated ethyl phenols, polyoxyethoylated fatty alcohols, polyoxyethoxylated fatty amines, lignin derivatives, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, salts of polycarboxylic acids, salts of esters of sulfosuccinic acid, alkylnaphthalenesulphonates, alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkylpolyglycol ether sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulphates and alkyl sulfosuccinic monoesters.

Typically, the binding agent is selected from a group consisting of starch, pregelatinized starch, gelatin, vinyl chloride, povidone, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulos, polyvinyl alcohols, phenyl naphthalene sulphonate, lignin derivatives, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylpyrrolidone, polyethoxylated fatty acids, polyethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethylene oxide copolymer, propylene oxide copolymer, polyethylene glycols and polyethylene oxides.

Typically, the water dispersible granules are in a size range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a soil conditioner; said process comprising the following steps

a. mixing predetermined quantities of Montmorillonite, Attapulgite, Sepiolite, Bauxite, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, wetting agent, dispersing agent, defoamer and water in a homogenizer to obtain a homogenized mixture;

b. milling the homogenized mixture in a wet mill to obtain a milled slurry; c. blending the milled slurry with predetermined quantities of binder, stabilizer and additional quantity of dispersing agent in a homogem^'zer to form a homogenized slurry, having total solids content in the range of about 20 to 80 %, preferably 45 to 65% of the total mass of the homogenized slurry;

d. drying the homogenized slurry in a dryer to obtain the dried mass; and e. sieving the dried mass to obtain the granules of size in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.

Typically, the dryer is selected from a group consisting of spray dryer, tray dryer and fluidized bed dryer.

Brief description of the accompanying drawings

The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates plants cultivated in plain soil [Control I].

Fig. 2 illustrates plants cultivated with commonly used manure, fertilizer [Control 2].

Fig. 3 illustrates plants cultivated with 15 g of sample A per plant [T₄ ].

Fig. 4 illustrates plants cultivated with 1O g of sample A per plant [T₅ ].

Fig. 5 illustrates plants cultivated with 15 g of sample A per plant [T_4A ].

Fig. 6 illustrates plants cultivated with 1O g of sample A per plant [T_5A ]. Fig. 7 illustrates plants cultivated with 10 gm of sample A per plant [T_9A ].

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In accordance with the present invention there is provided a soil conditioner composition said composition comprising: a. Montmorillonite in an amount of about 65 to about 85 % of the mass of the composition; b. Gypsum in an amount of about 1 to about 3 % of the mass of the composition c. Attapulgite in an amount of about 10 to about 30 % of the mass of the composition;

d. Sepiolite in an amount of about 1 to about 2 % of the mass of the composition;

e. Bauxite residue in an amount of about 0.5 to about 0.8 % of the mass of the composition; f. Poly acrylate in an amount of about 0.01 to about 0.05 % of the mass of the composition; g. Iron in an amount of about 0.5 to about 1% of the mass of the composition; h. Manganese in an amount of about 0.5 to about 1% of the mass of the composition; i. Copper in an amount of about 0.25 to about 0.5 % of the mass of the composition; and j. Zinc in an amount of about 0.25 to about 0.5% of the mass of the composition, k. a carrier

A soil conditioner composition of the present invention further comprising at least one additive selected from a group consisting of selenium, molybdenum, cerium, sulfur and cobalt.

The carrier used in accordance with the present invention is selected from a group consisting of directly sprayable solution, powders, suspensions, dispersions, emulsions, oil dispersions, pastes and water dispersible granules.

In accordance with one of the embodiments of the present invention the carrier is powder. In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention the carrier is water dispersible granules.

In accordance with the present invention the water dispersible granules comprise at least one excipient selected from a group consisting of dispersing agent, wetting agent, binding agent, defoamer, stabilizer and vehicle.

The dispersing agent is selected from a group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylalcohol, lignosulphonates, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, ethoxylated allcyl phenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, alkoxylated linear alcohols, polyaromatic sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates, glyceryl esters and maleic anhydride copolymers.

The wetting agent is selected from a group consisting of phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium salt of sulfonated alkylcarboxylate, polyoxyalkylated ethyl phenols, polyoxyethoylated fatty alcohols, polyoxyethoxylated fatty amines, lignin derivatives, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, salts of polycarboxylic acids, salts of esters of sulfosuccinic acid, alkylnaphthalenesulphonates, alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkylpolyglycol ether sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulphates and alkyl sulfosuccinic monoesters.

The binding agent is selected from a group consisting of starch, pregelatinized starch, gelatin, vinyl chloride, povidone, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulos, polyvinyl alcohols, phenyl naphthalene sulphonate, lignin derivatives, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylpyrrolidone, polyethoxylated fatty acids, polyethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethylene oxide copolymer, propylene oxide copolymer, polyethylene glycols and polyethylene oxides.

The water dispersible granules prepared in accordance with the present invention are in a size range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for the preparation of a soil conditioner; said process comprising the following steps a. mixing predetermined quantities of Montmorillonite, Attapulgite, Sepiolite, Bauxite, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, wetting agent, dispersing agent, defoamer and water in a homogenizer to obtain a homogenized mixture;

b. milling the homogenized mixture in a wet mill to obtain a milled slurry; c. blending the milled slurry with predetermined quantities of binder, stabilizer and additional quantity of dispersing agent in a homogenizer to form a homogenized slurry, having total solids content in the range of about 20 to 80 %, preferably 45 to 65% of the total mass of the homogenized slurry;

d. drying the homogenized slurry in a dryer to obtain the dried mass; and

e. sieving the dried mass to obtain the granules of size in the range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.

The dryer used for drying process is selected from a group consisting of spray dryer, tray dryer and fluidized bed dryer.

In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the soil conditioner formulation prepared in accordance with this invention can be used for a wide variety of fruits, vegetables like tomato, cabbage, etc. and various other plants including legumes like ground nuts.

In accordance with still another embodiment of the present invention, the soil conditioner formulation can be mixed with a plurality of substances like manure, vermicompost, organic fertilizer, oil cakes including neem oil cake, cocopeat and the like.

Definition:

Sample A: In the context of the present invention, the term "sample A" is the soil conditioner formulation prepared in accordance with this invention.

Upon extensive experimental trials, the inventors of the present application found that the amount of active ingredients present in the soil conditioner composition plays important role in increasing cation exchange capacity of the soil, improving moisture or water holding capacity, improving soil fertility, slow release of nutrients and optimizing the pH for releasing the nutrients.

It was found that high level of Montmorillonite (more than 85 %) in the soil conditioner composition makes soil less porous and clogged ultimately resulting into reduced pod growth. But even the low level of Montmorillonite (less than 65 %) also results in poor soil fertility as well as reduced pod growth due to improper release of nutrients and pH imbalance. Thus, in order to improve the plant yield, it is necessary to optimize the amount of Montmorillonite in the soil conditioner composition.

Furthermore, Attapulgite used in the composition improves water-holding capacity of the soil and it also provides Ca and magnesium while Bauxite residue provides iron supplement to the plant.

The effect of variation in the amount of the active ingredients of the present composition on plant yield is provided in table No. 1 Table No. 1

*Sample A: In the context of the present invention, the term "sample A" is the soil conditioner formulation prepared in accordance with this invention.

Trial 1

Konkan Tapora variety of Groundnuts were planted in the month of December, 2007 in three different plots of about 5 m. x 4.5 m., with a spacing of about 30 cm. x 10 cm. at Agricultural Research Station, Shirgaon, Ratnagiri, 415 629, (M.S.) India. The layout chosen for the trial was Randomised Block Design (R.B.D.). Each plot varied in the type of treatment provided to the plants.

In the first plot, the plants were cultivated in plain soil, i.e, without any external additives which serve as Control 1 and is depicted as treatment Tl .

In the second plot, the plants were cultivated with commonly used manure, fertilizer which serves as Control 2 and is depicted as treatment T2.

In the third plot, the plants were cultivated with varying quantities of the soil conditioner (sample A) prepared in accordance with this invention, alone as well as with a combination of varying quantities of sample A and manure, as described in the following:

Plants were cultivated with 20 g of sample A per plant, depicted as treatment T₃.

Plants were cultivated with 15 g of sample A per plant, depicted as treatment T₄.

Plants were cultivated with 1O g of sample A per plant depicted as treatment T₅.

Plants were cultivated with 5 g of sample A per plant, depicted as treatment T₆.

Plants were cultivated with 20 g of sample A per plant with manure, depicted as treatment T₇.

Plants were cultivated with 15 g of sample A per plant with manure, depicted as treatment T₈.

Plants were cultivated with 10 g of sample A per plant with manure depicted as treatment T₉.

Plants were cultivated with 5 g of sample A per plant with manure, depicted as treatment T₁₀.

Harvesting of the crop was done in the month of April, 2008. Observations were made with respect to days to 50 % flowering, days to 70 % flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), branches/plant, pods/plant, weight of pods/plant, 100 grain weight (g.), shelling per cent, dry pod yield/plot (Kg), haulm yield/plot (Kg), dry pod yield (Kg/ha) and haulm yield (Kg/ha). The experimental results are presented in Table Nos. 2 and 3. Table No. 2: Effect of Soil conditioner/ Nutrient supplier on dry pod yield and haulm yield of Groundnut

The analysis of data showed statistically significant differences for dry pod yield and haulm yield of Groundnut (Table No.l). The treatment T₅ (2837.083 Kg/ha) and T₄ (2778.639 Kg/ha) produced significantly higher dry pod yield over treatment T₂ (Control 2 - 2463.642 Kg/ha). There is significant increase in dry pod yield of treatment T₅ (application of 10 g of sample A) and treatment T₄ (application of 15 g of sample A) by 15.15 % and 11.33%, respectively. It means that application of 10 g and 15 g of sample A is beneficial, because it has given 15.15 % and 11.33 % higher dry pod yield than treatment T₂ (Control 2). The plants cultivated with commonly used manure, fertilizer [Control 2] are illustrated in Fig. 2, the plants cultivated with 15 g of sample A per plant [T₄ ] are illustrated in Fig. 3 and the plants cultivated with 1O g of sample A per plant [T₅ ] are illustrated in Fig. 4.

Table No. 3: Ancillary data of Groundnut trial of Soil conditioner/ Nutrient supplier

The analysis of the ancillary data of remaining characters as presented in the Table No. 2 showed that the treatment T₄ (application of 15 g of sample A - 3203.82 Kg/ha) and T₅ (application of 10 g of sample A - 3052.71 Kg/ha) produced significantly higher haulm yield over treatment T₂ (Control 2 - 2556.12 Kg/ha). There is increase in haulm yield per hectare due to application of 15 g and 1O g of sample A by 20.21 % and 16.26 %, respectively, which proves the efficiency of the soil conditioner prepared in accordance with the present invention.

Trial 2

Konkan Tapora variety of Groundnuts were planted in the month of August, 2008 in three different plots of about 5 m. x 4.5 m., with a spacing of about 30 cm. x 10 cm. at Agricultural Research Station, Shirgaon, Ratnagiri, 415 629, (M.S.) India. The layout chosen for the trial was Randomised Block Design (R.B.D.). Each plot varied in the type of treatment provided to the plants.

In the first plot, the plants were cultivated in plain soil, i.e, without any external additives which serves as Control IA and is depicted as treatment TlA. In the second plot, the plants were cultivated with commonly used manure, fertilizer which serves as Control 2A and is depicted as treatment T2A.

Plants were cultivated with 20 g of sample A per plant, depicted as treatment T_3A- Plants were cultivated with 15 g of sample A per plant, depicted as treatment T_4A- Plants were cultivated with 10 g of sample A per plant depicted as treatment T_5A- Plants were cultivated with 5 g of sample A per plant, depicted as treatment T_6A-

Plants were cultivated with 20 g of sample A per plant with manure, depicted as treatment T_7A.

Plants were cultivated with 15 g of sample A per plant with manure, depicted as treatment

T₈A-

Plants were cultivated with 10 g of sample A per plant with manure depicted as treatment

T₉A-

Plants were cultivated with 5 g of sample A per plant with manure, depicted as treatment

TlOA-

Harvesting of the crop was done in the month of December, 2008. Observations were made with respect to days to 50 % flowering, days to 70 % flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), branches/plant, pods/plant, weight of pods/plant, 100 grain weight (g.), shelling per cent, dry pod yield/plot (Kg), haulm yield/plot (Kg), dry pod yield (Kg/ha) and haulm yield (Kg/ha). The experimental results are presented in Table Nos. 4 and 5.

Table No. 4: Effect of Soil conditioner/ Nutrient supplier on dry pod yield and haulm yield of Groundnut

The analysis of data showed statistically significant differences for dry pod yield and haulm yield of Groundnut (Table No.3). The treatment T_5A (2304.146 Kg/ha), T_4A (2249.479 Kg/ha) and T_9A (2137.035 Kg/ha) produced significantly higher dry pod yield over treatment T_2A (Control 2 A — 1623.109 Kg/ha). There is significant increase in dry pod yield of treatment T_5A (application of 10 g of sample A), treatment T₄ (application of 15 g of sample A) and treatment T_9A (application of 10 g of sample A) by 41.95 %, 38.59% and 31.66 %, respectively. It means that application of 10 g, 15 g and 1Og of sample A is beneficial, because it has given 41.95 %, 38.95 % and 31.66 % higher dry pod yield than treatment T_2A (Control 2). The plants cultivated with 15 g of sample A per plant [T_4A ] are illustrated in Fig. 5, the plants cultivated with 10 g of sample A per plant [T_5A ] are illustrated in Fig. 6 and the plants cultivated with 1O g of sample A per plant [T₉A ] are illustrated in Fig. 7.

Table No. 5 : Ancillary data of Groundnut trial of Soil conditioner/ Nutrient supplier

The analysis of the ancillary data of remaining characters as presented in the Table No. 4 showed that the treatment T_5A (application of 10 g of sample A - 3400.44 Kg/ha) produced significantly higher haulm yield over treatment T_2A (Control 2 - 2906.219 Kg/ha). There is increase in haulm yield per hectare due to application of 10 g of sample A by 17.00 %, which proves the efficiency of the soil conditioner, prepared in accordance with the present invention.

While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the various components of the preferred embodiment, it will be appreciated that many alterations can be made and that many modifications can be made in the preferred embodiment without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

Claims

Claims:

1. A soil conditioner composition comprising: a. Montmorillonite in an amount of about 65 to about 85 % of the mass of the composition; b. Gypsum in an amount of about 1 to about 3 % of the mass of the composition c. Attapulgite in an amount of about 10 to about 30 % of the mass of the composition;

e. Bauxite residue in an amount of about 0.5 to about 0.8 % of the mass of the composition; f. Poly acrylate in an amount of about 0.01 to about 0.05 % of the mass of the composition; g. Iron in an amount of about 0.5 to about 1% of the mass of the composition; h. Manganese in an amount of about 0.5 to about 1 % of the mass of the composition; i. Copper in an amount of about 0.25 to about 0.5 % of the mass of the composition; and j. Zinc in an amount of about 0.25 to about 0.5% of the mass of the composition, k. a carrier

2. A soil conditioner composition as claimed in claim 1, further comprising at least one additive selected from a group consisting of selenium, molybdenum, cerium, sulfur and cobalt.

3. A soil conditioner composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier is selected from a group consisting of directly sprayable solution, powders, suspensions, dispersions, emulsions, oil dispersions, pastes and water dispersible granules.

4. A soil conditioner composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the carrier is water dispersible granules.

5. A soil conditioner composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the water dispersible granules comprises at least one excipient selected from a group consisting of dispersing agent, wetting agent, binding agent, defoamer, stabilizer and vehicle.

6. A soil conditioner composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the dispersing agent is selected from a group consisting of polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyvinylalcohol, lignosulphonates, phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, ethoxylated allcyl phenols, ethoxylated fatty acids, alkoxylated linear alcohols, polyaromatic sulfonates, sodium alkyl aryl sulfonates, glyceryl esters and maleic anhydride copolymers.

7. A soil conditioner composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the wetting agent is selected from a group consisting of phenyl naphthalene sulphonates, alkyl naphthalene sulfonates, sodium alkyl naphthalene sulfonate, sodium salt of sulfonated alkylcarboxylate, polyoxyalkylated ethyl phenols, polyoxyethoylated fatty alcohols, polyoxyethoxylated fatty amines, lignin derivatives, alkane sulfonates, alkylbenzene sulfonates, salts of polycarboxylic acids, salts of esters of sulfosuccinic acid, alkylnaphthalenesulphonates, alkylbenzenesulfonates, alkylpolyglycol ether sulfonates, alkyl ether phosphates, alkyl ether sulphates and alkyl sulfosuccinic monoesters.

8. A soil conditioner composition as claimed in claim 5, wherein the binding agent is selected from a group consisting of starch, pregelatinized starch, gelatin, vinyl chloride, povidone, hydroxyl propyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose, xanthan gum, cellulose acetate phthalate, hydroxyl propyl methyl cellulose, polyvinyl alcohols, phenyl naphthalene sulphonate, lignin derivatives, polyvinyl pyrrolidone, polyalkylpyrrolidone, polyethoxylated fatty acids, polyethoxylated fatty alcohols, ethylene oxide copolymer, propylene oxide copolymer, polyethylene glycols and polyethylene oxides.

9. A soil conditioner composition as claimed in claim 4, wherein the water dispersible granules are in a size range of about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm.

10. A process for the preparation of a soil conditioner; said process comprising the following steps a. mixing predetermined quantities of Montmorillonite, Attapulgite, Sepiolite, Bauxite, Iron, Manganese, Copper, Zinc, wetting agent, dispersing agent, defoamer and water in a homogenizer to obtain a homogenized mixture;

b. milling the homogenized mixture in a wet mill to obtain a milled slurry;

c. blending the milled slurry with predetermined quantities of binder, stabilizer and additional quantity of dispersing agent in a homogenizer to form a homogenized slurry, having total solids content in the range of about 20 to 80 %, preferably 45 to 65% of the total mass of the homogenized slurry;

d. drying the homogenized slurry in a dryer to obtain the dried mass; and

11. A process for the preparation of a soil conditioner as claimed in claim 10 , wherein the dryer is selected from a group consisting of spray dryer, tray dryer and fluidized bed dryer.