WO2018116264A1

WO2018116264A1 - Granular composition for agricultural use capable of increasing the amount of oxygen in the growth medium

Info

Publication number: WO2018116264A1
Application number: PCT/IB2017/058338
Authority: WO
Inventors: Massimiliano NEGRA; Marco Betti
Original assignee: Euro Tsa S.R.L.
Priority date: 2016-12-23
Filing date: 2017-12-22
Publication date: 2018-06-28
Also published as: IT201600130834A1; EP3558899A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a fertilizer formulation comprising granules comprising at least one fertilizing substance and a mixture comprising a polymer (P) and at least one inorganic peroxide, to a process for the preparation of said formulation and to the uses thereof. In an embodiment, the polymer is a polypropylene glycol, a polyethylene glycol, or a derivative thereof. The inorganic peroxide is at least one among calcium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, barium peroxide, sodium peroxide, lithium peroxide, and potassium peroxide, preferably calcium peroxide.

Description

DESCRIPTION of an invention having the title: "GRANULAR COMPOSITION FOR AGRICULTURAL USE CAPABLE OF INCREASING THE AMOUNT OF OXYGEN IN THE GROWTH MEDIUM"

Technical field

The present invention relates to a fertilizer formulation comprising granules comprising at least one fertilizing substance and an effective amount of a mixture comprising a polymer (P) and at least one inorganic peroxide, wherein said mixture forms a coating and/or is absorbed, and/or is adsorbed onto nuclei of the granules, and/or is incorporated therein.

The present invention further relates to a process for the preparation of said formulation and the uses thereof.

The use of fertilizers has always been widespread in agriculture, for practically every type of crop.

In order to minimise the use of nutrients, by optimizing it, for some time localized fertilization techniques have been adopted, in which the fertilizer(s) (both in liquid and, preferably, in granular form) is distributed in a position near the seed or plant, so as to impart a good so-called starter effect to germination, rooting and the initial stages of development thereof.

The absence of oxygen, or anoxia, is an environmental problem that crops must confront in every vegetative phase, both in traditional soils and in the case of unconventional growing techniques, e.g. hydroponic or organic.

DE 3000450 discloses that administering agents capable of releasing oxygen to the roots of plants can activate and stimulate plant nutrition and the regeneration of soils that have been contaminated with salts or gases, as well as potentially inhibiting the growth of anaerobic microorganisms.

WO 2007/092180 A2 and US 2006/0272205 relate to compositions capable of releasing oxygen in hydroponic crop production.

However, it is disclosed in WO 2007/092180 A2 that the kinetics of oxygen release in the growth medium by the various inorganic peroxides is highly variable, and it is thus practically impossible to obtain an effective and constant release of oxygen in the growth medium. For example, the release constant (Ks_P) of potassium peroxide is 3000 times greater than that of magnesium peroxide, so that, in conventional formulations, calcium peroxide has a very fast release of oxygen in the first day of use and practically a zero or negligible release in the following two weeks, whereas magnesium peroxide has a release of about 10% in the first 6 days following administration.

It would be advantageous, however, to have a composition for agricultural use as a fertilizer, or as an aid to the growth of plant species, which is capable of providing oxygen in a controlled manner and as constantly as possible, and which is versatile for practically every type of crop, easy to prepare and economical.

After an intense activity of research and development, the inventors found that the localized application of a suitable fertilizer formulation in granules comprising or, alternatively, consisting of granules having nuclei which comprise or, alternatively, consist of at least one fertilizing substance based on nitrogen (N) and/or phosphorus (P), and possibly potassium (K), and are at least partially coated with a mixture of a polymer and an inorganic peroxide, capable of gradually and effectively releasing oxygen, is able to provide the desired response to the above-described technical problem.

The present invention relates to a granular fertilizer formulation comprising or, alternatively, consisting of granules (G), wherein said granules (G) comprise at least one nucleus (NU) comprising or, alternatively, consisting of at least one fertilizing substance based on nitrogen (N), nitrogen-phosphorus (NP), or nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) and having the ability to favour the germination and rooting of seeds and plants in the initials stages of their development, and an effective amount of a mixture (M) comprising a polymer (P) and at least one inorganic peroxide (IP), wherein said mixture (M) forms a coating and/or is absorbed, and/or is adsorbed onto the nuclei (NU), and/or is incorporated therein; said polymer (P) being a polyglycol or derivatives thereof.

The present invention further relates to a process for the preparation of the formulation as described above, comprising at least the following steps:

i. formation of a granule comprising at least one fertilizing substance based on nitrogen (N), or nitrogen- phosphorus (NP), or nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK), and, optionally, other active and/or inert ingredients;

ii. coating, adsorption and/or absorption, on the surface of the granule formed in step i., of a mixture comprising at least the polymer (P) and the peroxide (IP).

In another aspect, the present invention provides the use of a granular formulation as described above as a fertilizer formulation for the treatment of vegetative surfaces that require an increase in oxygenation and/or oxygen dissolved in the growth medium.

Within the context of the present invention, unless specified otherwise, all the amounts of a component in a mixture relate to the percentage by weight of said component relative to the total weight of the mixture. Within the context of the present invention, "inorganic peroxide" indicates a salt formed by a cation belonging to the group of alkali (group I in the periodic table), or alkaline earth (group II) metals with the peroxide ion (O2² ).

Unless specified otherwise, within the context of the present invention, in relation to intervals of numerical values for a certain feature, the indication "from X to Y" comprises the extremes, i.e. X and Y, as well as all the possible intermediate numerical values. In the context of the present invention, according to the common use of the term, "polyglycol" means a polymer formed by esterification of a glycol. Polyglycols are substantially polyethers having a hydroxy I group at the ends of the chain. They are usually prepared from epoxides; in this case their general formula is of the HO-[CHR-CHR'-0-]n-H type, where R and R' are alkyl groups or hydrogen atoms. The most important are the ones in which R=R'=H and which have a degree of polymerization from 2 to 15: those with n-2 and n=3 are respectively called diethylene glycol (or diethylene derivatives) and Methylene glycol (or methylene derivatives); they are nearly always in the form of colourless liquids or waxy masses and can have a molecular weight greater than 1000.

The formulation (or composition) according to the present invention is a zinc-enriched microgranular phosphorus- and nitrogen-based fertilizer with the addition of a peroxide that possesses the property of freeing oxygen in a gradual and easily measurable manner once it enters into contact with the soil, particularly suitable in localized fertilization at the time of sowing or transplanting crops such as maize, rice, tomatoes, sunflowers, sugar beets and autumn-winter grains, fruit-bearing plants and vegetable crops, both field-grown and greenhouse-grown, lawns, soil and/or composts.

The presence of peroxide allows oxygen to be freed during the crop germination and rooting phase under conditions of difficult, tired and heavy soils in which the amount of air/oxygen is insufficient. Under conditions of weak soils, the formulation of the present invention advantageously favours the germination of the seed and ensures lasting, sustained development of the plant during the delicate initial steps which manifests itself with a prompt development of the root system and vigorous development of seedlings.

Advantageously, the presence of peroxide in the fertilizer formulation according to the present invention enables a reduction in the amount of nitrogen and phosphorus that is applied to the soil.

The presence of an excessive amount of phosphorus and nitrogen in the soil, deriving mainly from fertilizers, is deemed responsible for water pollution in rural areas, particularly as regards the phenomenon of eutrophication. Eutrophication consists in an increase in the input of nutrient substances, mainly nitrogen and phosphorus (organic load), until they exceed the receiving capacity of the body of water (i.e. the capacity of a lake, river or sea to purify itself), triggering structural changes in the water, including the excessive growth of algae.

It has been found that the composition according to the present invention makes it possible to obtain a root development and root system development, both in terms of root length and in terms of degree of fasciculation, and production yield per hectare comparable to or better than what is obtained with fertilizers having a lower nitrogen and phosphorus content.

Within the context of the present invention, the nutrient content and weight content of the components of fertilizer compositions can be determined on the basis of the methods currently used and known to the person skilled in the art; by way of non-limiting example, according to the method of fertilizer analysis published by the Italian Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies, National Soil and Agricultural and Forest Soil Quality Observatory and/or according to the methods of the standard ISO catalogue.

The formulation according to the present invention advantageously has a uniform, free-flowing granule (otherwise commonly indicated as a "microgranule") with a diameter typically comprised between 0.01 and

3 mm.

In the formulation according to the present invention, said granules (G) are preferably homogeneous granules, having an average diameter comprised from 0.01 mm to 3 mm, preferably having an average diameter comprised from 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm, and/or having a specific density comprised from 0.6 to 1 kg/I, preferably from 0.7 to 0.8 kg/I. The average diameter of the particles can be determined on the basis of the methods known to the person skilled in the art, for example by means of methods based on sieving. In the formulation according to the present invention, said at least one fertilizing substance is preferably selected from the group consisting of nitrogen (N), ammonia nitrogen (N), organic nitrogen (N), ureic nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), phosphoric anhydride (P2O5), water- soluble phosphoric anhydride (P2O5), water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P2O5) and neutral ammonium citrate, phosphoric anhydride (P₂0₅) soluble in 2% formic acid, potassium phosphite; potassium (K), water- soluble potassium oxide (K₂0); said fertilizing substance being present in an amount by weight from about 10% or 50% by weight to about 99.9%, more preferably from 90% by weight to about 99.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation.

The composition according to the present invention preferably further comprises one or more substances selected from among zinc (Zn), zinc (Zn) monosulphate, boron (B), carbon (C), organic carbon (C) of biological origin, humic acids, leonardite (slow-release humic acid, powder, according to the common meaning of the term), sulphuric anhydride, and mixtures thereof, in addition to processing additives and co-formulants, wherein said one or more substances are in a variable amount by weight comprised from 0 to 10% by weight, preferably comprised from 0 to 0.5% or 1% by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation.

Said additives and co-formulants comprise, without limitation, common excipients selected from adjuvants, disintegrating and solubilising agents, preservatives, fillers and/or carriers, commonly used in the sector and well known to the person skilled in the art.

More preferably, the composition according to the present invention comprises zinc and phosphorus. The presence of zinc in combination with phosphorus, protected by an organic vegetable matrix, ehnances the growth starter effect. Preferably, in the formulation according to the present invention, said inorganic peroxide is at least one among calcium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, barium peroxide, sodium peroxide, lithium peroxide and potassium peroxide; preferably calcium peroxide, preferably wherein said inorganic peroxide is present in an amount by weight comprised from 0.5% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the granule

(G).

In the formulation according to the present invention, said polymer (P) is preferably a polypropylene glycol or a polyethylene glycol, or a derivative thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the central nucleus (NU) is partially or totally coated by the polymer (P) and inorganic peroxide (IP) mixture.

In a preferred embodiment, the formulation of the present invention comprises the following amount of components by weight/total weight of the formulation: nitrogen (N) 8-12%, phosphorus (e.g. phosphoric anhydride) 36-52%, peroxide 0.1-10%.

In a preferred, but non-limiting embodiment, the formulation of the present invention comprises the following amount of components by weight/total weight of the formulation: ammonia nitrogen (N) 10%; water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P2O5) and neutral ammonium citrate: 46%; water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P₂0₅) 42%, total zinc 1%.

In one aspect, the present invention provides a process for the preparation of the formulation as described above, wherein said mixture (M) forms a coating and/or is absorbed, and/or is adsorbed on the nuclei (NU), comprising at least the following steps:

i. formation of a nucleus (NU) of the granule comprising at least one fertilizing substance based on nitrogen (N), or nitrogen-phosphorus (NP), or nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK), and, optionally, other active and/or inert ingredients;

ii, coating, adsorption and/or absorption of a mixture comprising at least the polymer (P) and the peroxide (IP) on the surface of the nucleus of the granule formed in step i.

In said process, step i. preferably comprises the sub-steps of:

- finely grinding the raw materials of the formulation;

- mixing, at room temperature in a mixer for powders, and adding water in an amount sufficient to obtain a homogeneous fluid paste of particles;

- directing and making said fluid paste flow on a belt, a fluid bed, in movement, wherein the particles rotate and become stratified so as to form granule/microgranule nuclei (NU) of the desired size;

- simultaneously, blowing hot air at an initial temperature of 80°C;

- gradually lowering the temperature to 20°C, so as to obtain said dry granule/microgranule nuclei (NU). In said process, in step ii. the mixture is preferably sprayed onto the nucleus (NU) of the granule (G), more preferably in such a way as form a coating layer thereof.

The present invention further relates to the use of a granular formulation as described above as a fertilizer formulation for the treatment of vegetative surfaces that require an increase in oxygenation and/or oxygen dissolved in the growth medium.

The formulation according to the present invention can be distributed with the aid of microgranulators present on seed planters. Localization of the fertilizer at the time of sowing reduces waste and optimises the times and costs of distribution thereof, thus maximizing fertilization.

Advantageously, the formulation according to the present invention can have application both in conventional soils and in non-traditional forms of crop production, e.g. hydroponic.

Some methods of use are shown below, without any limitation of the aims of the invention.

Doses and methods of use

Some examples of practical application of the invention are provided below, without any limitation of the aims thereof. Experimental part

Objective of the trial

To evaluate the effectiveness of various pre-transplant fertilizers provided on field-grown tomatoes for industrial processing. Evaluation of the main parameters for the production of a granular formulation based on polymer and peroxide distributed in the peat of the paper pot in the nursery.

Climate pattern and effects on crops

The growing season from May to September was characterized by scant or a complete absence of precipitation in the strictly summer weeks (from the end of June to mid-August). This resulted in a high input of water through hoses to avoid hydric stress. The absence of precipitation did not favour the development of Peronospora from the end of June until the beginning of August. However, from 10-15 August, some sporadic symptoms of Peronospora appeared on the crop. The irrigation levels illustrated above refer to plots with a standard water regime (defined as 100%).

Crop rotation: Field peas

Ploughing: beginning of autumn

Harrowing with a rotary harrow: mid-autumn

Basal dressing 400 kg/ha of Super Robur® 15-5-5: late spring (data T=0)

Harrowing with a spring-tooth harrow: (T=0)

Transplanting with a 4-row transplanter (T = +3 days)

Herbicide treatment with Titus® (Executive) 50 g/ha + Fienzin 70 DF 30 g/ha: (T = +29 days)

Tilling and fertilization with 800 kg/ha of Super Robur 15-5-5: (T = +32 days)

Fungicide treatment with a spray bar Ridomil® Gold R WG (twice) 5 kg/ha, Thiopron® (once) 4 l/ha, Bordeaux mixture (5 times) 1 kg/hi, Kocide® 2000 (5 times) 200 g/hl: (t= +28, +34, +36, +50 days), repeated with the same methods in the following two months.

Insecticide treatment with spray bar CoStar WG (Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki) 1.5 kg/ha: (T = +51 days and + 78.

Harvest (T - +120-121 days).

Harvesting consisted in the separation of red, yellow, green and rotten fruit. At the time of harvest, the fruit was weighed. After the fruit was weighed, the plant biomass of the 6 plants was weighed (identification of the fresh weight). Subsequently, the stems and leaves were placed in an oven at 95°C for 8 hours to determine the dry weight. After the weighing of the plant biomass, the associated roots were unearthed with a spade. They were weighed to identify the fresh weight. Subsequently, the roots were placed in an oven at 95 °C for 8 hours to identify the dry weight. Four types of cultivation were tested, namely, crops grown without fertilizer (Test) or in presence of: a) fertilizer composition according to the invention (Peroxide), b) fertilizer based on zinc (Zn) or c) fertilizer comprising a polymer that increases water retention (WR), in three different types of water regimes, i.e. 100%, 70% and 130%.

A 4-replication experimental scheme was adopted.

There were 10 experimental plots.

Layout

Test plots

Nutrient content of the Peroxide Composition (according to the invention):

Total nitrogen (N) 10%, ammonia nitrogen 10%; water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P2O5) and neutral ammonium citrate: 46%: water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P?0_¾) 42%, total zinc 1 %.

Formula of the Peroxide Composition (according to the invention): MAP (monoammonium phosphate): 90%; leonardite 4% zinc sulphate 3% calcium peroxide 3%

Nutrient content of the Zn Composition (comparison):

- total nitrogen (N) 11%, ammonia nitrogen 11%; water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P₂0₅) and neutral ammonium citrate: 47%; water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P₂0₅) 43%, total zinc 1%.

Formula of the Zn Composition (comparison):

MAP (monoammonium phosphate): 94%; leonardite 2.5% zinc oxide 1.4%; ammonium sulphate 1.7%, non-active ingredients 0.4%

Nutrient content of the WR Composition (comparison):

total nitrogen (N) 10%, ammonia nitrogen 10%; water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P2O5) and neutral ammonium citrate: 46%; water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P2O5) 42%, total zinc 1%.

Formula of the WR Composition (comparison):

MAP (monoammonium phosphate): 89%; leonardite 5% zinc sulphate 3%; non-active ingredients 3%

Results:

Tables 1 to 6 show the results of the trial. The statistical analysis consisted of an initial analysis of variance (ANOVA test) followed by the SKN test (Student-Newman-Keuls test for p=0.05) for the variables that were most significant from a statistical viewpoint. The results for the water regime factor are in tables 4, 5 and 6, whereas the results for the product factor are in the first three tables. Tables 7, 8 and 9 also present the degree of significance of their interaction, (ss = "sum of squares", i.e. deviation).

- Results and statistical analysis of production data, procft ci factor

mean separation according to Student Newman Keuls test (p=0.05)

Table 2 - Results and statistical analysis of qualitative data, product factor

mean separation according to Student Newman Keuls test (p=0.05)

Table 3 - Results and statistical analysis of vegetation data, product factor

a, b, c, ... = mean separation according to Student Newman Keuls test (p-0.05) "Inlet Relative Humidity %" is the humidity inside the leafstomata,

"Outlet Relative Humidity %" is the humidity surrounding the leaves,

"Par" is the photosynthetically active radiation,

"Stomatal conductance" (it indicates the amount of carbon dioxide that is entering, or water vapour that is exiting through the stomata of a leaf),

"N tester" is an index of the leaf chlorophyll, the higher the value, the higher the amount of chlorophyll,

"Water productivity" is the ratio between the yield and mm of water that was available to the crop (rainfall + irrigation).

Table 4 - Results and statistical analysis of productive data, water regime factor

mean separation according to Student Newman Keuls test (p=0.05)

Table 5 - Results and statistical analysis of qualitative data, water regime factor

Table 6 - Results and statistical analysis of vegetation data, water regime factor

mean separation according to Student Newman Keuls test (p=0.05)

Comment

With standard irrigation levels (100%), the composition comprising peroxides according to the present invention assured the best yield (91.1 t/ha), and also did so in the reduced water regime (70%) with a production of 80.6 t/ha. The differences with the unfertilized test soils are very evident in all three water regimes. The Zn Composition and WR Composition gave good yields, but they were statistically lower versus peroxide in both the standard and reduced water regimes.

Water regime factor

Commercial red fruit production t/ha

Production of red ss t/ha

Water productivity commercial fruit ss kg/m³ H₂0

BX Maselli grading

Row coverage (0-10)

Inlet relative humidity %

Product factor

Commercial red fruit production t/ha Test 100% 64.46

Zn 100% 85.6

WR 100% 80.82

Peroxide 100% 91.09

Test 70% 63.08

Zn 70% 70.98

WR 70% 74.52

Peroxide 70% 80.56

Test 130% 57.86

Peroxide 130% 90.31

Total biomass as such t/ha

Red fruit production ss t/ha

Stomalal conductance (mmol rrr² s ¹)

Row coverage (0-10)

Water productivity of commercial fruit ss kg/m³

Peroxide 70% 10.11

Test 130% 5.01

Peroxide 130% 8.00

Rice plot tests - composition containing peroxides according to the invention

The nutrients and energy contained in rice seeds are capable of contributing to the germination and development of rice seedlings in the first phases of germination and emergence. Nutrients are subsequently supplied by the newly formed root system and the foliage is capable of producing energy and fixing carbon by means of the process of photosynthesis.

In order for rice to develop correctly and rapidly, it is important that already in the first phases of growth nutrients are available in the vicinity of the root system, especially for rice seeds buried in soil and planted in rows.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of distributing the microgranular fertilizer according to the present invention localized on the row during the sowing steps in the cultivation of rice planted in rows, with seeds buried in soil, at two locations in the rice-growing area of northwest Italy.

Materials and methods

The test was conducted with the Carnise variety (Long A grain classified in the Carnaroli group), using an experimental randomized block scheme with 4 replicates and three test plots as described in table 7.

Table 7 Test plots

Nutrient content of the Peroxide Composition (according to the invention):

Formula of the Peroxide Composition (according to the invention):

MAP (monoammonium phosphate): 90%; leonardite 4% zinc sulphate 3% calcium peroxide 3%. Nutrient content of the Zn Composition (comparison):

total nitrogen (N) 11%, ammonia nitrogen 11%; water-solub!e phosphoric anhydride (P2O5) and neutral ammonium citrate: 50%; water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P2O5) 48%, total zinc 1%.

Formula of the Zn Composition (comparison):

MAP (monoammonium phosphate): 91.7%; leonardite 1%; zinc sulphate: 3%; non-active ingredients: q.s. to 100%

Each plot was 7.5 m long and 1.4 m wide for a total surface of 10,5 m². The seed dose employed was 180 kg/ha and at the time of sowing, the fertilizer dose provided for was added to the seeds in the planter drum.

For seeding, a Hege plot planter was used to create plots with 8 rows spaced 17 5 cm apart.

The determinations made during the crop cycle were

Table 8

Whole grain yields Milled rice (whole grains) obtained following yield determination, value expressed as

% of weight.

Total yield Milled rice (whole grains + brokens) obtained following yield determination, value expressed as % of weight

All data were processed with analysis of variance, using Student's t-test and a minimum significant difference of 5%.

The trial was conducted in northwest Italy in a field with a particle size type: sandy-loam.

The trial plots were sown at T = 0 and the crop was managed according to the good farming practices of the area.

A determination of early vigour was made 20 days after T = 0, whilst 34 days after T = 0 a second determination of vigour was made, along with a measurement of density expressed as number of plants per m².

Root development was determined 44 days after T = 0 and the number of culms was determined 3 months after T = 0. Harvest was carried out 3 months after T = 0 using a plot combine harvester (Iseki).

The determinations relating to plant development up to flowering (vigour at the time of emergence and in stage BBCH 12-13, root development, density expressed as number of plants per m² and the leaf nitrogen value) are shown in table 9, whereas the data relating to plant height and panicle length and production and yield data are summarized in table 10.

Table 9 - Data recorded during the crop growing cycle

Standard 3.44 1 ,44 16.39 1.44 0,0308 19.60 Deviation

CV 3.21 1.4 11.05 1.4 8.77 4.53

Table 10 - Data relating to plant height and production

Test plots Plant Panicle production relative whole total

Height length humidity grain yield yield cm cm Kg/ha % % %

Untreated 118,0 a 19.0 8664 19.43 52.3 67.8 (control)

C. Peroxide 117,3 a 18.3 9052 18.98 52.8 68.3

Zn Fertilizer 117.8 a 18.5 8945 19.33 52.5 67.5 (comparison)

LSD P=.05 5.54 4.40 697.01 2.160 3.61 1.19

Standard 3.20 2.54 402.84 1.249 2.09 0.69 Deviation

CV 2.72 13.69 4.53 6.49 3.98 1.01

The plots showed no difference at the flowering stage, which was observed about 100 days after sowing.

The date of emergence was 14 days after T = 0 and no differences were found between the control and the two test plots, whereas at stage BBCH 11-12 the test plots treated on rows with the peroxide fertilizer according to the invention and the benchmark Zn fertilizer (comparison) showed greater vigour, with a value of +105% and +107%, respectively, statistically comparable between the two treated plots and better than the control at 100%.

The differences in respect of vigour were also observed at stage BBCH 12-13, whereas in the subsequent phases the difference was no longer visible.

Density, measured as the number of plants per m², was similar in all three test plots; this observation was also recorded in terms of number of culms per m².

Observations of the root system were made and the root systems showed to be more developed, in terms both of root length and degree of fasciculation, in the treated test plots than in the control plot. In particular, the test plot with the peroxide fertilizer according to the invention showed a 103.75% increase compared to the control equal to 100%, a statistically better value than the control and comparable with fertilization with Zn Fertilizer (commercial benchmark for comparison).

The nitrogen value was also measured (with the Pocket farm app, Cattolica Services s c. p. a. 2016) and the results observed showed statistically comparable differences among all three test plots.

Rice production in Kg/ha demonstrated to be higher in the test plot treated with the fertilizer according to the invention.

Comparable results were obtained in a second rice trial in a different area of northern Italy.

During the two trials carried out in the Italian rice-growing region with seeds buried in soil and arranged in rows, the observations made on development and vigour in the first phases of growth showed the starter effect of applying the peroxide fertilizer according to the present invention at 25 kg/ha, with effects comparable to or better than those observed with a fertilizer containing zinc and a greater amount of nitrogen and phosphorus than the composition of the invention.

Further trials were conducted to assess the effectiveness, on grape vines, of the formulation according to the invention in inducing the resumption of vegetative growth and vigour in vine cuttings planted as replacements in an adult vineyard.

Despite the scarcity of rainfall recorded in the year of the trials, it was shown that the formulation containing peroxide according to the invention provides advantages compared to untreated crops insofar as shoot length is concerned.

Trial 1 on grape vines

The vines were planted (northwest Italy, white Muscat grape variety VCR3, rootstock S04, eastern exposure, elevation 360 m) with a short root, by means of a forked needle, or with a long root in a previously prepared hole. The fertilizer composition (peroxide, as defined above) according to the present invention was distributed in the hole near the root system (50 g/plant) without coming into direct contact with the roots. The length of the main shoot of each treated plant was measured and expressed in centimetres.

The shoot length (cm) is shown in Table 11 below.

Table 11

planting planting

1 Untreated 28.92 26.88

6 Peroxide Composition 33.8 28.75

In a second trial on white Muscat grapes in a location with different exposure (west) and elevation (380 m), the following results were obtained in terms of shoot length (cm):

Table 12

A third trial was carried out on grape vines of the Barbera variety (VCR223), rootstock Kober 5BB, northeast exposure, elevation 180 m, also in comparison with a conventional NKP 4-6-5 fertilizer supplemented with yeast, algae and lignite. The following results were obtained in terms of shoot length (cm):

Table 13

These data indicate that the composition according to the invention enables better results to be obtained in terms of shoot length (cm) compared to untreated crops and, in a particularly significant manner, compared to crops treated with a conventional fertilizer (NPK).

In the third trial (on the Barbera variety), an increase in the weight of wood prunings was also observed in the crops treated with the composition according to the invention (1.70 g) compared to the crop treated with NPK fertilizer (1.20 g) 12 months after planting.

Claims

1. A granular fertilizer formulation comprising or, alternatively, consisting of granules (G), wherein said granules (G) comprise at least one nucleus (NU) comprising or, alternatively, consisting of at least one fertilizing substance based on nitrogen (N), nitrogen-phosphorous (NP), or nitrogen-phosphorous- potassium (NPK) having the ability to favour the germination and rooting of seeds and plants in the initial stages of development thereof, and an effective amount of a mixture (M) comprising a polymer (P) and at least one inorganic peroxide (IP), wherein said mixture (M) forms a coating and/or is absorbed and/or is adsorbed onto the nuclei (NU), and/or is incorporated therein; said polymer (P) being a polyglycol or derivatives thereof.

2. The formulation according to claim 1 , wherein said granules (G) are homogeneous granules, having an average diameter comprised from 0.01 mm to 3 mm, and/or having a specific density of 0.6 to 1 kg/I.

3. The formulation according to claim 2, wherein said homogeneous granules have an average diameter comprised from 0.3 mm to 1.2 mm.

4. The formulation according to claim 2 or 3, wherein said homogeneous granules have a specific density comprised from 0.7 to 0.8 kg/I.

5. The formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one fertilizing substance is selected from the group consisting of nitrogen (N), ammonia nitrogen (N), organic nitrogen (N), ureic nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), monoammonium phosphate (MAP), phosphoric anhydride (P2O5), water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P2O5), water-soluble phosphoric anhydride (P2O5) and neutral ammonium citrate, phosphoric anhydride (P2O5) soluble in 2% formic acid, potassium phosphite; potassium (K), water-soluble potassium oxide ( ?0); said fertilizing substance being present in an amount by weight comprised from about 90% by weight to about 99.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation.

6. The formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said formulation may further comprise one or more substances selected from among zinc (Zn), zinc (Zn) monosulphate, boron (B), carbon (C), organic carbon (C) of biological origin, humic acids, leonardite (slow-release humic acid, powder), sulphuric anhydride, and mixtures thereof, in addition to processing additives and co-formulants; wherein said one or more substances are in an amount by weight variable from 0 to 10% by weight relative to the total weight of the formulation.

7. The formulation according to claim 6, wherein said one or more substances selected from among zinc (Zn), zinc (Zn) monosulphate, boron (B), carbon (C), organic carbon (C) of biological origin, humic acids, leonardite (slow-release humic acid, powder), sulphuric anhydride, and mixtures thereof, in addition to processing additives and co-formulants, are in a variable amount by weight comprised from 0 to 10% by weight, preferably from 0 to 0.5% by weight, relative to the total weight of the formulation.

8. The formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said inorganic peroxide is at least one among calcium peroxide, magnesium peroxide, barium peroxide, sodium peroxide, lithium peroxide and potassium peroxide, preferably calcium peroxide.

9. The formulation according to claim 8, wherein said inorganic peroxide is present in an amount by weight comprised from 0.5% to 10% by weight, relative to the total weight of the granule (G).

10. The formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said polymer (P) is a polypropylene glycol or a polyethylene glycol, or a derivative thereof.

11. The formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the formulation comprises the following amount of components by weight/total weight of the formulation: nitrogen (N) 8-12%, phosphorus 36-52% and peroxide 0.1-10%.

12. A process for the preparation of the formulation according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said mixture (M) forms a coating and/or is absorbed, and/or is adsorbed onto the nuclei (NU), wherein said method comprises at least the following steps:

i. formation of a nucleus (NU) of the granule (G) comprising at least one fertilizing substance based on nitrogen (N), or nitrogen-phosphorous (NP), or nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium (NPK), and, optionally, other active and/or inert ingredients;

ii. coating, adsorption and/or absorption of a mixture comprising at least the polymer (P) and the peroxide (IP) on the surface of the nucleus (NU) of the granule formed in step i.

13. The process according to claim 12, wherein step i. comprises the sub-steps of:

- finely grinding the raw materials of the formulation; - mixing at room temperature in a mixer for powders, and adding water in an amount sufficient to obtain a homogeneous fluid paste of particles;

- directing and making said fluid paste flow on a belt, a fluid bed, in movement, wherein the particles rotate and become stratified so as to form granule nuclei (NU) of the desired size;

- simultaneously, blowing hot air at an initial temperature of 80°C;

- gradually lowering the temperature to 20°C, so as to obtain said dry granule nuclei (NU).

14. The process according to either of claims 12 or 13, wherein in step ii. said mixture is sprayed on the surface of said granule nucleus (NU) obtained in step ii.

15. A use of a granular formulation according to any one of claims 1 to 11 as a fertilizing formulation for the treatment of vegetative surfaces that require an increase in oxygenation and/or oxygen dissolved in the growth medium.