WO2018175821A1 - Mineral-based soil conditioner compositions - Google Patents

Abstract

Compositions useful for soil conditioning and/or coating are discussed. For example, the composition may comprise a mineral component, with the mineral component may comprise at least one water-absorbent mineral and at least one high aspect silicate. The composition may further comprise an aqueous component, e.g., comprising one or more surfactants, wherein the composition may form a slurry. Application of the composition to soil may help to attenuate soil moisture loss.

Description

MINERAL-BASED SOiL CONDITIONER COMPOSITIONS

CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

[000 i] This PCX International Application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/476, 189, filed March 24, 2017, the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate general ly to compositions useful for conditioning soil.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Agricultural irrigation is useful to supplement natural rainfall for growing crops, However, the benefit of the additional irrigation is lost if the soil is unable to retain the delivered irrigation, in particular, clay soil can have poor irrigation retention. Clay soil is often made up of small particles and has a tendency to become compacted, such that little air passes through the ciay soil. This is especially true when clay soil is dry. Dry ciay soil has a low water penetration and often develops a hard, crusty surface, restricting seed germination and root growth as roots cannot expand into soil when the soil pressure is high, Moreover, within the first six to eight weeks after planting, seeds must germinate, emerge, and create six inches of root mass to provide a basis for subsequent growth. Abiotic stresses, such as temperature and lack of water, during the first six to eight weeks have a significant impact on the subsequent yield. After the first six to eight weeks, a leaf canopy likely helps to attenuate the evaporation of water from the soil, protecting the planted crops. Consistent and repeated irrigation could improve the condition of clay soil, but such methods are labor intensive, costly, and impractical. Irrigation and soil treatment therefore remains a challenge. SUMMARY

[0004] The present disclosure includes compositions useful in soil conditioning, including mineral based soil conditioner coating compositions, preparation of such compositions, and methods of use thereof, it is understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and are not restrictive of the disclosure, as claimed.

[0005] For example, the present disclosure includes a composition comprising a mineral component thai may comprise at least one water-absorbent mineral and at least one high aspect ratio silicate. n at least some examples, the mineral component may have a water absorption ranging from 25 grams H₂0 to 250 grams H₂0 per gram mineral component, or from 75 grams to 200 grams H₂0 per gram mineral component, for example, from 150 grams to 200 grams H₂0 per gram mineral component.

[0006] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the water-absorbent m eral(s) may comprise perlite, diatomaceous earth, a clay, or a combination thereof. The mineral component may comprise, for example, from 1% to 15% by weight of the water- absorbent mineral(s) with respect to the total weight of the mineral component. Additionally or alternatively, the high aspect ratio silicate(s) may comprise talc, wollastonite, mica, kaolin, exfoliated vermiculite, or a combination thereof. The high aspect ratio siiicate(s) may have an aspect ratio greater than 2, for example, greater than 10, greater than 30, or greater than 50. For example, the composition may comprise one or more high aspect ratio silicates having an aspect ratio ranging from about 2 to about 1000, from about 50 to about 500, from about 10 to about 200, from about 30 to about 100, or from about 50 to about 70. In some examples, the mineral component of the composition may comprise at least 50% by weight of the high aspect ratio siiicate(s) with respect to the total weight of the mineral component. [0007] The composition may further comprise phosphorous, nitrogen, calcium, organic carbon, or a combination thereof. For example, the mineral component may comprise from 5% to 25% by weight of a calcium compound such as calcium carbonate with respect to the total weight of the mineral component, in some examples, the composition may comprise at least 30% by weight of the mineral component with respect to the total weight of the composition, such as, e.g., from 30% to about 70% by weight, from 30% to about 35% by weight, or from about 40% to about 50% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0008] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the composition may comprise at least one surfactant. For example, the surfactant may be included in an aqueous component, e.g., an aqueous solution, combined with the mineral component, such that the composition may be in the form of a slurry. The surfactant(s) may comprise, for example, one or more anionic surfactants, one or more non-ionic surfactants, or a combination of anionic and non-ionic surfactants. Additionally or alternatively, the composition may comprise one or more conditioning agents, e.g., that may help to stabilize the composition, in at least one example, the composition comprises an aqueous component that comprises at least one nonionic surfactant and at least one conditioning agent. The conditioning agent(s) may comprise one or more buffers, humectants, dispersants, defoamers, and/or binders, in at least one example, the composition comprises calcium iignosuSfate, e.g., as a binder.

[0009] The present disclosure further includes a composition comprising a mineral component that comprises at least one water-absorbent mineral and at least one high aspect ratio silicate, and an aqueous component comprising water and at least one surfactant. The composition may be formulated as a slurry. The mineral component and the aqueous component may include any of the characteristics discussed above and elsewhere herein. For example, the at least one water-absorbent minerai(s) may comprise periite, and the high aspect ratio si!icate(s) may comprise kaolin. Additionally or alternatively, the high aspect ratio siiicate(s) may comprise talc, woliastonite, mica, or a combination thereof, in some examples, the high aspect ratio silicate(s) may have an aspect ratio greater than 10, greater than 30, or greater than 50, e.g., from about 50 to about 500, from about 10 to about 200, from about 30 to about 100, or from about 50 to about 70. n at ieast one example, the surfactant(s) of the aqueous component may comprise at least two surfactants, each surfactant being chosen from an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, or an amphoteric surfactant. For example, the surfactants may comprise two anionic surfactants, two non-ionic surfactants, or a combination of an anionic surfactant and a non-ionic surfactant.

[0010] Further, for example, the present disclosure includes a composition comprising a mineral component that comprises at least one water-absorbent mineral chosen from perl ite, diatomaceous earth, or a combination thereof; and at least one high aspect ratio silicate chosen from talc, woliastonite, mica, kaolin, or a combination thereof. The composition may further comprise an aqueous component that comprises water and at least one nonionic surfactant, e.g., the composition being formulated as a slurry. The mineral component and the aqueous component may include any of the characteristics discussed above and elsewhere herein.

[001 1] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the composition may comprise from 30% to 50% by weight of the mineral component with respect to the total weight of the composition, such as, e.g., from 30% to 35%, from 35% to 40%, or from 45% to 50% by weight. The at least one nonionic surfactant of the aqueous component of the composition may comprise two or more nonionic surfactants, e.g.. a first nonionic surfactant and a second nonionic surfactant different from the first, nonionic surfactant. In some examples, the aqueous component may comprise at least one conditioning agent chosen from buffers, humeetants, dispersants, defoamers, binders, or a combination thereof. In at least one example, the aqueous component may comprise at ieast one humectant and at least one binder,

[0012] The present disclosure also includes methods of preparing such compositions and methods of using such components. For example, the present disclosure includes methods of promoting plant growth by applying a composition as discussed above and/or elsewhere herein to soil, such as clay soil or loam soil. The composition may be applied, for example, by drench application and/or by banded application. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the composition may be applied to the soil within about 1 week, about 72 hours, about 48 hours, about 24 hours, about 12 hours, about 6 hours, about 2 hours, or about 1 hour after seeding the soil or transplanting of a plant into the soil. In some examples, the composition may be applied to the soil at the same time of seeding or transplanting into the soil. The composition may be applied to the soil only once, or may be applied two or more times,

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate various exemplary aspects of the disclosure, and together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figs. 1-3 show results from the studies discussed in Example 1. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[00 5] Particular aspects of the present disclosure are described in greater detail below. The terms and definitions provided herein control, if in conflict with terms and/or definitions incorporated by reference.

[0016] As used herein, the terms "comprises," "comprising," or any other variation thereof are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, composition, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, composition, article, or apparatus. The term "exemplary" is used in the sense of "example" rather than "ideal."

[0017] As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural reference unless the context dictates otherwise. The terms "approximately" and "about" refer to being nearly the same as a referenced number or value. As used herein, the terms "approximately" and "about" should be understood to encompass ± 5% of a specified amount or value,

[0018] Compositions according to the present disclosure may include a mineral component. In at least some aspects of the present disclosure, the composition may comprise a mineral component and an aqueous component as discussed below, The mineral component may comprise at least one water-absorbent mineral and at least one high aspect ratio silicate.

[001 9] Mineral com onent _:

[0020] Water-absorbent minerals

[0021] Exemplary water-absorbent minerals suitable for the present disclosure may include, but are not limited to, perlite, diatomaceous earth, clay materials (such as, e.g.. bentonite), and combinations thereof. In at least one example, the composition comprises periite, diatomaeeous earth, and hentonite. In at least one example, the composition comprises periite and bentonite. In at least one example, the composition comprises diatomaeeous earth and bentonite.

[0022] Periite is a hydrated natural glass that may contain, for example, about 72% to about 75% Sii¾, about 1% to about 14% A!₂G_3> about 0.5% to about 2% Fe₂0_3j about 3% to about 5% Na₂0, about 4% to about 5% K₂0, about 0.4% to about 1.5'% CaO (by weight), and srnaii amounts of other metallic elements. Periite may be distinguished from other natural glasses by a higher content (such as about 2% to about 5% by weight) of chemically-bonded water, the presence of a vitreous, pearly luster, and characteristic concentric or arcuate onion skin-like (i.e., perlitic) fractures. Periite may be expanded or non-expanded. Periite products may be prepared by milling and thermal expansion, and may possess unique physical properties such as high porosity, low bulk density, and chemical inertness. The average particle size for the milled expanded periite typically ranges from 4 μηι to 200 μηι, and the pore volume typically ranges from 2 L/mg to 10 L/mg with median pore size from 5 μτη to 20 μη . For example, the compositions herein may comprise milled expanded periite having an average particle size ranging from about 4 urn to about 200 μπι, from about 10 μηι to about 100 μη . or from about 30 μηι to about 80 μη .

[0023] Diatomaeeous earth products may be obtained from diatomaeeous earth (also called "DE" or "diatomite"), which is generally known as a sediment-enriched in biogenic silica (silica produced or brought about by living organisms) in the form of siliceous skeletons (frustules) of diatoms. Diatoms are a diverse array of microscopic, single-celled, golden-brown algae or aigae-like plants generally of the class Bacillariophyceae that possess an ornate siliceous skeleton of varied and intricate structures including two valves that, in the living diatom, fit together much like a pill box. Diatomaceous earth may form from the remains of water-borne diatoms and, therefore, diatomaceous earth deposits may be found close to either current or former bodies of water. Those deposits are generally divided into two categories based on source: freshwater and saltwater. Freshwater diatomaceous earth is generally mined from dry lakebeds and may be characterized as having a low crystalline silica content and a high iron content. In contrast, saltwater diatornaceous earth is generally extracted from oceanic areas and may be characterized as having a high crystalline silica content and a low iron content.

[0024] Diatomaceous earth is principally composed of the silica microfossils of aquatic unicellular algae known as diatoms. Diatomaceous earth typically has a chemical composition in the range of about 60% to 95% silica, 1% to 12% alumina and 0.5% to 8% iron oxide. It may also contain small amounts of other compounds such as calcium oxide, titanium dioxide, magnesium oxide, sodium oxide and potassium oxide. Diatomaceous earth has a highly porous structure, for example containing up to 80% to 90% voids, and consists of particles of a wide variety of shapes and sizes. The particles making up the diatomaceous earth may have an average particle size typically ranging from 3 μτη to 25 μπι In at least one embodiment, natural diatomaceous earth comprises about 90% SiC½ mixed with other substances, e.g., various metal oxides such as Al, Fe, Ca, and/or Mg oxides. The average particle size of diatomaceous earth typically ranges from about 3 μηι to about 25 μηι. For example, the compositions herein may comprise diatomaceous earth having an average particle size ranging from about 3 ,um to about 25 μιτκ from about 5 μ^ηι to about 20 μ^ηι, or from about 10 μηι to about 5 μηι.

[0025] The diatomaceous earth may have a low cristobaiite content. For example, the cristobalite content may be less than about 2% by weight, less than about 1% by weight, less than about 0.5% by weight, or less than about 0.1% by weight. Cristobalite content may be measured by any appropriate measurement technique, including the method described in WO 2010/042634.

[0026] The compositions herein may comprise one or more clay materials, e.g., as water-absorbent minerai(s). Clay is a generic term that encompasses a range of hydrous alumino-silicate minerals of varying chemical composition and properties. Dampened clay is generally tenacious and plastic, whereas dried clay becomes hard, particularly when dried at elevated temperatures. Exemplary clays suitable for the coatings and methods herein include, but are not limited to, bentonite and smectite clays. The clays herein may be obtained from a natural source and/or may be processed.

[0027] One of the main components of bentonite is montmorillonite

((Ts^Ta,Ca)o.33(Al,Mg)₂(Si₄0io)(OH)2*nH₂0), a phyllosilieate clay having a layered structure of an octahedral sheet of alumina between two tetrahedral sheets of silica. The different types of bentonite are named after the dominant compositional element, such as potassium bentonite, sodium bentonite, calcium bentonite, and aluminum bentonite. The average particle size of bentonite typically ranges from about 0.3 μτη to about 2 urn. For example, the compositions herein may comprise bentonite having an average particle size ranging from about 0.1 μηι to about 2 μπι, from about 0.5 μηι to about 1.5 μηι, or from about 1.0 μηι to about 1.3 μη\. Smectite clays are phyllosilieate clay minerals having the structure of a central octahedral sheet between two tetrahedral sheets. Exemplary smectite clays include, e.g., montmorillonite, nontronite, beidellite, and saponite.

[0028] Bentonite swells when mixed with water and increases the viscosity of the molding medium, in the presence of water, for example, sodium montmorillonite can swell to as much as 20 times its own volume. This high swelling potential of montmorillonite is reportedly attributed to repulsive forces and interlayer expansion in the presence of hvdrated cations and water molecules in electrolyte solutions. Calcium bentonite tends to be less absorbent.

[0029] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the mineral component may have a water absorption of at least 25 g H₂0 per g mineral component. For example, the mineral component may have a water absorption ranging from 25 g to about 250 g ¾0 per g mineral component, from about 50 g to about 225 g H₂0 per g mineral component, from about 75 g to about 200 g H₂ per g mineral component, from about 100 g to about. 175 g H?0 per g mineral component, from about 100 g to about 150 g H₂0 per g mineral component, from about 75 g to about 125 g H?0 per g mineral component, from about 150 g to about 200 g H₂0 per g mineral component, or from about ! 75 g to about 250 g H₂0 per g mineral component.

[0030] The water absorption capacity is determined by weighing a sample of mineral into a container (e.g., a sample of 1 g to 30 g into a 100- to 300-mL ceramic or glass dish) and adding water to the mineral gradually in a dropwise manner (e.g., about 1 drop per second). The sample is stirred during the addition of the liquid so that each drop falls on a dry portion of the mineral sample. When the sample particles become wet with water, they coalesce and form small lumps of paste. These lumps should be kept distributed throughout the mass, using a minimum of stirring, and taking care not to use pressure in the mixing. As the absorption of water progresses, the lumps of paste form larger lumps which, when stirred around, form balls. When this point is reached, the rate and quantity of the water added should be decreased to avoid exceeding the end point. When adding water at this point the water should strike the balls, not the dry sample. These balls are stirred around to bring the watery surface into contact with the remaining dry sample. When the dry sample is wet and picked up, the paste lumps tend to smear on the sides and bottom of the dish, which signals the end point. The total amount of water used is noted and the amount of water (in grams) per g of mineral sample is calculated.

[0031] High aspect ratio silicates

[0032] The terra "high aspect ratio silicate" includes silicate minerals having a generally platy, or sheet-like, structure that cleaves between adjacent layers. Exemplary high aspect ratio silicates suitable for the compositions herein include, but are not limited to, mica, talc, wollastonite, kaolin, exfoliated vermicu!iie, and combinations thereof. Additional silicate minerals are also contemplated, including, e.g., minerals of the chlorite group. In at least one example, the composition comprises talc and wollastonite. in at least one example, the composition comprises mica, exfoliated vermicuiite, and kaolin, in at least one example, the composition comprises mica, talc, and/or kaolin.

[0033] T he aspect ratio (p) of a particle may be defined as the length along the particle's major axis divided by the width. The average (on a weight average basis) of the ratio of mean particle diameter to particle thickness for a population of particles of varying size and shape may be measured using the electrical conductivity method and apparatus described in U.S. Patent No. 5,576,617, In this method, the electrical conductivity of a fully dispersed aqueous suspension of the particles is measured as they flow through an elongated tube. Measurements of the electrical conduct ivity are taken between (a) a pair of electrodes separated from one another along the longitudinal axis of the tube, and (b) a pair of electrodes separated from one another across the transverse width of the tube. The average aspect ratio of the particulate material is determined from the difference between these two conductivity measurements. An average aspect ratio greater than 30 generally describes platy materials, whereas an average aspect ratio less than 30 generally describes blocky materials. [0034] in some examples according to this disclosure, the composition may comprise a high aspect ratio si!icate having an aspect ratio of at least 10, such as, e.g., an aspect ratio between 10 and 1000. In another example, the compositions herein may comprise a high aspect ratio silicate having an aspect ratio ranging from about 2 to about 1000, from about 50 to about 500, from about 10 to about 250, from about 10 to about 200, from about 10 to about 150, from about 20 to about 100, from about 20 to about 80, from about 30 to about 100, from about 40 to about 100, from about 40 to about 80, or from about 50 to about 70, e.g., an aspect ratio of about 20, about 25, about 30, about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, or about 80. Additionally, the high aspect ratio silicate may have an aspect ratio greater than 2. For instance, the aspect ratio may be greater than 30, or greater than 50. Further, the compositions herein may comprise two or more high aspect ratio silicates having different aspect ratios.

[0035] Kaolin clay typically comprises at least 50% by weight kaolinite, e.g., from about 50% to 100% by weight, from about 75% to 100% by weight, or even from about 90% to 100% by weight, kaolinite. Kaolinite is an aluminum silicate having a layered structure with the chemical formula

formed from a tetrahedral sheet of silica (SiO,s) and an octahedral sheet of alumina (AlOs) linked together through oxygen atoms. The 1 : 1 layers are held together by hydrogen bonding and can typically withstand grinding without fully delaminating. The average particle size of kaolin typically ranges from about 0.2 μηι to about 10 μεη, For example, the compositions herein may comprise kaolin having an average particle size ranging from about 0.2 μηι to about 10 μιη, from about 0.5 μηι to about 8 μιη, or from about 2 μιη to about 5 μηι.

0036] Many micas have the general formula X2Y4-6Zg0₂o(OH,F)4, wherein X is K, Na, or Ca; Y is Al, Mg, or Fe; and Z is Si, Al, Fe³⁺, or Ti, although micas may include Ba, Cs, Feⁱ⁺, Li, Cr, Mrs, V, Zn, Be, or a combination thereof. Mica minerals suitable for the compositions herein include, but are not limited to, muscovite, paragonite, phiogopite, biotite, and combinations thereof, The average particle size of mica typically ranges from about 5 μπι to about 55 μηι. For example, the compositions herein may comprise mica having an average particle size ranging from about 5 μιη to about 55 μτη, from about 10 μηι to about 40 μιη, or from about 15 μηι to about 30 μτη.

[0037] Talc is magnesium silicate, e.g., having the chemical formula

M 3Si40₁o(OH)2, which has a structural organization in the form of superposed laminae; each lamina has a crystalline structure composed of a Saver of octahedrons intercalated between two layers of inverse tetrahedrons. The average particle size of talc typically ranges from about 0.7 μηι to about 40 μηι. For example, the compositions herein may comprise talc having an average particle size ranging from about 0.7 μηι to about 40 μίη, from about 1 .0 um to about 30 μπι, or from about 5 μχη to about 25 μτη. WoSlastonite comprises calcium silicate (CaSiOs), and may contain smaller amounts of iron, magnesium and/or manganese in place of calcium. The average particle size of wollastonite typically ranges from about 4 μηα to about 55 μχη. For example, the compositions herein may comprise wollastonite having an average particle size ranging from about 4 um to about 55 μηι, from about 10 μπι to about 40 μιη, or from about 1 5 μχη to about 30 μιη. Vermiculite is a hydrous silicate mineral having the general formula (Mg,Fe^'v2,Fe^+"')3[(ALSi)40;o](OH)2-4H20 that undergoes expansion when heated. The expansion may cause exfoliation, whereby the mineral layers are completely separated, The average particle size of exfoliated vermiculite typically ranges from about 0.5 μιη to about 8 μηι. For example, the compositions herein may comprise exfoliated vermiculite having an average particle size ranging from about 0.5 μηι to about 8 μηι, from about 1 .0 μηι to about 6 μηι, or from about 3 μηι to about 5 μηι. [0038] The mineral component may comprise from about 0,5% to about 20% by weight of the water-absorbent mineral with respect to the total weight of the mineral component. For example, the mineral component may comprise from about 2% to about 14%, from about 3% to about 13%, from about 4% to about 12%, from about 5% to about 1 1%, from about 6% to about 10%, or from about 7% to about 9% by weight, e.g., about 5%, about 7%, about 8%, about 10%, about 12%, or about 15% by weight of the water-absorbent mineral with respect to the total weight of the mineral component. Further, the mineral component may comprise at least 50% by weight high aspect ratio silicate with respect to the total weight of the mineral component. For example, the mineral component may comprise from 50% to about 99%, from 50% to about 95%, from 50% to about 90%, from about 55% to about 90%, from about 60% to about 85%, from about 65% to about 80% or from about 70% to about 90%, e.g., about 55%, about 60%, about 65%, about 70%, about 75%, about 80%, about 85%, about 90%s, or about 95% by weight high aspect ratio silicate with respect to the total weight of the mineral component.

[0039] In some aspects of the present disclosure, the mineral component may comprise one or more carbonate compounds, such as, e.g., calcium carbonate and/or dolomite (magnesium calcium carbonate). For example, the mineral component may comprise from about 5% to about 25%> carbonate by weight with respect to the total weight of the mineral component, such as from about 10% to about 20% or from about 15% to about 25%, e.g., about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, or about 25% by weight. In at least one example, the mineral component comprises about 20% by weight calcium carbonate with respect to the total weight of the mineral component.

[0040] According to some aspects of the presen disclosure, the composition may comprise at least 30% by weight of the mineral component with respect to the total weight of the composition, e.g., from 30% to about 70% by weight, from about 35% to about 60% by weight, from about 35% to about 55% by weight, from 30% to about 35% by weight, from about 31% to about 33% by weight, from about 38% to about 42% by weight, from about 40% to about 50% by weight, from about 35% to about 45% by weight, from about 40% to about 45% by weight, or from about 45% to about 55% by weight, with respect to the total weight of the composition.

[0042] As mentioned above, in some aspects of the present disclosure, the composition may comprise an aqueous component, For example, the aqueous component may comprise from about 40.0% to about 70.0% water by weight with respect to the total weight of the aqueous component, e.g., from about 45.0%t to about 65.5%, from about 50,0% to about 60.0%, from about 50.0% to about 55.0%, from about 50.0% to about 60,0%, from about 40.0% to about 45.0%, or from about 55.0% to about 60.0% by weight with respect to the total weight of the aqueous component. In some aspects of the present disclosure, the aqueous component may comprise water and at least one surfactant. For example, the aqueous component may comprise from about 1.0% to about 20.0%) surfactant by weight with respect to the total weight of the aqueous component, e.g., from about 5.0% to about 15.0%, from about 10,0% to about 15.0%, from about 5.0% to about 12.0%, from about 10.0% to about 17.0%, or from about 1 S.0%o to about 20.0% by weight with respect to the total weight of the aqueous component. Further, for example, the aqueous component may further comprise one or more other agents useful for soil conditioning, such as e.g., one or more buffers, humectants, dispersants, defoamers, and/or binders. For example, the aqueous component may comprise from about 3.0% to about 25.0% conditioning agent(s) by weight with respect to the total weight of the aqueous component, e.g., from about 5.0% to about 20,0%, from about 12.0% to about 15.0%, or from about 17.0% to about 25.0% by weight with respect to the total weight of the aqueous componen t.

[0043] The surfactant(s) may comprise one or more cationic surfactants, anionic surfactants, non-ionic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, or a combination thereof. For example, the surfactant(s) may comprise one or more anionic surfactants, one or more non- ionic surfactants, or a combination of anionic and non-ionic surfactants. In at least one example the aqueous component comprises potassium tripolyphosphate (KTPP) and/or a secondary alcohol ethoxylaie as a surfactant. In one or more other examples, the aqueous component comprises one or more non-ionic surfactants, such as, e.g., one or more ethoxyiated fatty acids, octylphenol eihoxyiates, dioctyl suifosuccinates, nonylpheno! ethoxyiates, branched secondary alcohol ethoxylates, ethylene oxide/propylene oxide copolymers, or polyalkylene oxide block copolymers, or a combination thereof. The aqueous component of the composition may comprise one or more agents to help to stabilize the composition (referred to generally herein as conditioning agents or stabilizing agents), such as, e.g., one or more buffers, humectants, dispersants, defoamers, and/or binders.

[0044] The surfactant(s) and/or conditioning agents may provide the composition with suitable properties for application to soil and/or may provide a chemical composition suitable for application to soil. For example, the composition may comprise one or more buffer(s) to maintain a constant or approximately constant pH. Exemplary buffers include, but are not limited to, aqueous ammonia, 2~amino-2-methyl-l propanoi (e.g., AMP-95™ produced by Angus Chemical Company), and mono isopropano!. Additionally or alternatively, the composition may comprise one or more humectant(s) to absorb moisture from the air. Exemplary humectants include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol (PEG), such as PEG 200, PEG 300, PEG 400, PEG 500, and PEG 600, glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol, urea, buiyiene glycol, and sodium lactate. Exemplary defoamers include, but are not limited to, styrene/buiadiene copolymers (e.g., Foamaster® MO NXZ produced by BASF), mineral oil, vegetable oils, fatty alcohols, fatty acid esters, hydrophobic silica, alkyi polyacrylates, polypropylene glycol copolymers, and mixtures thereof. Exemplary binders include, but are not limited to, calcium Hgnosulfate (e.g., BorreGRO® CA produced by LignoTech AGRO), natural gums, casein, dextrin, cellulose, carboxy methyl cellulose, methyl cellulose, and starches. n some examples, the composition may comprise from about 4% to about 25% binder by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition, e.g., from about 5% to about 20% by weight, from about 7% to about 15% by weight, or from about 10% to about 12% by weight. In at least one example, the composition may be a slurry comprising about 10,0% by weight calcium hgnosulfate.

[0045] The surfactant(s) and/or conditioning agent(s) also may provide nutrients beneficial for agriculture use, such as, e.g., phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen, and/or sulfur. For example, the composition may comprise 2-am o~2~methyf-l~propanol as a buffer as well as a source of nitrogen. Further, for example, the composition may comprise KTPP as a source of phosphorus and/or Tergitol™ 15-S-7 as a source of carbon.

[0046] The compositions herein may be provided in particulate form or as a dispersion or slurry. For example, the composition may comprise a mineral component in the form of granular particles or a powder. The particle size distribution of the mineral component may be multimodal, e.g., depending on the particle sizes of the various minerals. Exemplary particle sizes are discussed above, but are not exclusive of particle sizes that may be useful in the compositions herein. Such particulate compositions may be prepared by combining the various materials of the mineral component. For example, the particular compositions may be prepared by adding individual materials of the mineral component one by one under agitation, or by combining mixtures of minerals.

[0047] Compositions that comprise a mineral component and an aqueous component may be provided as a dispersion or slurry. For example, the composition may be in the form of a slurry comprising from about 10.0% to about 60.0% water by weight with respect to the total weight of the composition, e.g., from about 15.0% to about 55.0%, from about 20.0% to about 50.0%, from about 25.0% to about 45.5%, from about 30.0% to about 40.0%, from about 25% to about 35.0%, from about 35.0% to about 45,5%, from about 40.0% to about 45.5%. or from about 50.0% to about 55,0% by weight. Such slurry compositions may be prepared by combining the mineral component with the aqueous component and thoroughly mixing, in some aspects of the present disclosure, the mineral component may be combined with one or more surfactants and/or conditioning agents before adding the water, or the mineral component may be combined with water before adding the one or more surfactants and/or conditioning agents.

[0048] In some examples, a high shear disperser may be used to prepare the slurry composition. As a non-iimiting example, water may be added to a suitable container, such as a stainless steel container, in a holding base of a high shear disperser, The cowl blade of the disperser may be lowered to contact the water. With the disperser turned on and with a suitable mixture blade speed (e.g., approximately 400 rpm, 500 rpm, or 600 rpm, or other speed appropriate for the characteristics of the container and the amount of minerals and water), bentonite and surfactant (e.g., KTPP) may be added under agitation of the disperser. The resulting mixture may be mixed for a suitable amount of time, e.g., approximately five minutes and/or until the surfactant is visually dissolved and the bentonite particles are uniformly dispersed. [0049] Next, one or more other surfactants, and/or one or more dispersants, defoamers, and/or buffers may be added one by one under agitation and mixed, Each material may be mixed in the solution for a suitable amount of time (e.g., several minutes, such as approximately three minutes), if needed or desired, the mixture blade speed may be adjusted during the mixing process. Mineral components then may be slowly added to the solution with the mixture blade speed increased (e.g., to approximately 1000 rpm, 1200 rprn, 1500 rpm, or greater). The solution with the added mineral components may be mixed for a suitable amount of time to provide for adequate mixing (e.g., approximately ten to fifteen minutes and/or until the components of the mixture are uniformly dispersed). Finally, one or more hurnectants and/or binders may be incorporated and mixed with the solution. For example, one or more hurnectants and/or binders may be added and mixed at a relatively lower mixing speed (e.g., approximately 800 rpm) for a suitable amount of time to incorporate the components (e.g., approximately three minutes). Then, the disperser may be turned off, and the slurry may be transferred to a different container for testing, application to soil, or other use.

[0050] While the above discussion provides an example of steps for preparation of a slurry composition herein, it should be recognized that other sequences of steps, mixing times, mixing speeds, and mixing equipment may be used.

[0051] The compositions herein may be prepared for use to treat, coat, and/or condition soil. The soil may comprise, for example, clay soil, silt, sand, or mixtures thereof. Clay soil typically has a particle size of less than 0.002 mm (2 μιη), siit typically has a particle size of less than 0.02 mm (20 μηι), fine sand typically has a particle size of less than 0.2 mm (200 μη ), and coarse sand typically has a particle size of about 2 mm. Loam soils have intermediate characteristics of both clay and sandy soils, e.g., about 40% by weight sand, about 40% by weight silt, and about 20% clay soil, in at least one example, the composition is applied to a clay soil or a loam soil.

[0052] According to some aspects of the present disclosure, the compositions may be applied to soil at least once (or multiple times) to promote plant growth, including, e.g., leafy and non-leafy vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, herbs, medicinal plants, flowers, and non-food crops such as grass and ornamental trees and plants. For example, the compositions may be applied to seeded soil or to the soil before seeding (before plantation). Additionally or alternatively, the compositions may be applied at the same time and/or after the initial seeding, e.g., days, weeks, or months after the initial seeding. Further, for example, the compositions herein may be applied to soil before, during, and/or after transplantation into the soil. For example, a plant may be initially seeded and allowed to grow for a certain amount of time in a first location, and then transplanted into the soil at a second location. The composition may be applied to the soil before, during, and/or after the transplantation.

[0053] The compositions may be applied by any suitable method, including, e.g., by drench application and/or by banded application. The application method, dose, and frequency may be chosen based on the type of crop and/or soil. For example, the

compositions herein may be combined with irrigation water and applied to soil as a drench application, e.g., that saturates at least a portion of the soil. In at least one example, one day- after seeding the soil, the compositions may be applied as drench applications at least 1 quart, at least 2 quarts, at least 3 quarts, or at least 4 quarts per 100 gallons of water or per acre. In some examples, the composition may be applied as a banded application, e.g., wherein the composition slurry is applied to one or more locations in or on the soil proximate the plant or plant seed(s) or seedling(s). For example, the composition may be provided as a slurry and applied above, below, and/or to one or both sides of the plant or plant seed(s) or seedling(s) at a predetermined distance, such as at least 2 inches (~5 em), at least 2,5 inches (~6.4 cm), or at least 3 inches (~7.6 cm) away from the plant or plant seed(s) or seedling(s).

[0054] In some examples, the composition may be applied more than once, e.g., before and after seeding or transplantation. In some examples, the composition may be applied regularly, e.g., over the course of several weeks or months at a predetermined frequency (e.g., once a week, biweekly, monthly, etc.). In some aspects of the present disclosure, the composition may be applied to the soil within about I week, about 72 hours, about 48 hours, about 24 hours, about 32 hours, about 6 hours, about 2 hours, or about 1 hour after seeding the soil or transplanting of a plant into the soil. The composition may be applied directly to the soil or may be diluted prior to application. For example, the composition may be applied directly to the soil in a banded application. Further, for example, the composition may be diluted and applied to the soil in a drench application.

[0055] The compositions herein may provide for plants and/or soil better able to retain moisture, and may promote plant growth as compared to untreated plants and soil The plants further may be more successful in germinating, developing roots, and growing.

Further, for example, the plants and/or soil may be better suited to withstand abiotic stresses, such as temperature and a lack of water.

EXAMPLES

[0056] The following examples are intended to illustrate the present disclosure without, however, being limiting in nature. It is understood that the present disclosure encompasses additional aspects and embodiments consistent with the foregoing description and following examples. [0057] Example 1

[0058] Studies were performed to compare a soil conditioner composition according to the present disclosure (Composition A) for comparison with WATERMAXX^® (Loveland Products), a commercial soil surfactant in promoting growth in lettuce. Composition A was prepared by combining the mineral component (comprising talc, wollastoniie, expanded milled perlite, ground calcium carbonate, and bentonite) and the aqueous component (comprising non-ionic surfactants, humectant, buffer, defoamer, and binder).

[0059] In particular, the wetter was added to a stainless steel container in a holding base of a high shear disperser, and the bentonite and KTPP were mixed with the mixture blade speed set at approximately 500 rpm for a time of approximately five minutes, at which time the KTPP particles were visually dissolved and the bentonite particles were uniformly dispersed. In this example, the bentonite particles were thixotropes (e.g., materials that increase the liquid viscosity and prevent the sedimentation of minerals in an aqueous slurry). The surfactant, dispersant, defoamer, and buffer were added one by one under agitation and mixed in the solution for approximately three minutes with the mixture biade speed increased to approximately 500 rpm. The solution was then mixed for approximately fifteen minutes, after which time the added components were uniformly dispersed. The humectant and binder were incorporated and mixed with the solution at approximately 800 rpm for approximately three minutes. Then, the disperser was turned off, and the aqueous component was transferred to a different container for testing.

Table 1 : Composition A

Calcium carbonate 8.0

Expanded milled perSite 1.0

Bentonite— thixotropes 0.3

Total mineral component ! 39.3

Water 33.3

KTPP (natural surfactant) 0.1

Tergiio!™ 15-S-7 (nonionic surfactant) 10.0

PEG 300 (humectant) 7.0

AMP-95™ (buffer) 0.2

Foamaster® MO NXZ (defoaraer) 0.1

BorreGRO® CA (binder) 10.0

Total aqueous component 60,7

I Total ! 100.0..

[0060] in the study, the germination and growth of lettuce was studied in a greenhouse environment. On Day I , the lettuce was seeded into four groups (Groups 1 -4) and potted in clay soil. On Day 2, Groups 1-4 were treated with water and varying treatments as follows: Group 1 was treated with a drench application of water alone as a control. Group 2 was treated with a drench application of Composition A at a ratio of 2 quarts per 100 gallons, or 2 quarts per acre. Group 3 was treated with a drench application of Composition A at a ratio of 4 quarts per 100 gallons, or 4 quarts per acre. Group 4 was treated with a drench application of WATERMAXX^® at a ratio of 4 quarts per 100 gallons, or 4 quarts per acre. Each Group was watered thereafter as needed, e.g., every few days. On day 40, each Group was fertilized with J.R.Peters Jack's Classic 20-20-20 Water Soluble Fertil izer by- adding 25 rnL of fertilizer solution, prepared from 1 Tbsp fertilizer per gallon of water in the morning; each Group was also watered with a 25mL of water in the afternoon. On day 81 , each Group was fertilized with 0.075g of urea per plant,

[0061 ] Growth of the lettuce plants across Groups 1 -4 was measured at various time points (13 days, 19 days, 49 days, 81 days, 1 2 days, and 126 days), including the shoot and root weights, lengths, and vigor ratings, Soil matrix measurements, including volumetric water content of the sod and subjective texture ratings, were also performed. On Day 13, the lettuce germination was studied. Group 2 and Group 3 both exhibited 95% germination rates. Group 1 , the control, exhibited a 80% germination rate,

[0062] On Day 19, Groups 2 and 3 exhibited a 6% greater total moisture retention by the roots in comparison to Group 3 , Moreover, Group 2, which was treated with 2 quarts per acre of Composition A, exhibited better performance, measured in terms of root and shoot length and total weight, in comparison to Group 4, which was treated with 4 quarts per acre of WATERMAXX^®.

[0063] On Day 49, significant differences in water content, vigor rating, shoot and root lengths, and shoot and root weights were observed between Groups 1-4. as shown in Figs, 1 -3, Fig. 1 illustrates that Groups 2 and 3 exhibited higher water content and vigor rating in comparison to Groups 1 and 4. The percent water content was calculated using the electrical signals of soil moisture meters. Groups 2 and 3 (Composition A), on average, exhibited a 3% higher moisture content than Group 1 (control), and a 1% higher moisture content than Group 4 (WATERMAXX®). Additionally, Groups 2 and 3 exhibited a higher vigor rating. As shown in Fig. 2, the plants of Group 2 (Composition A at 2 qt/acre) were the heaviest of any group, both in root weight and shoot weight, Group 3, which was treated with a greater amount of Composition A (4 qt/acre), was the next heaviest, followed by Group 4 ( WATERMAXX^'-8). The control, Group 1, weighed the least and exhibited the smallest average length. As shown in Fig. 3, there was no significant difference in length between Groups 2-4, the treated lettuce groups, with the control, Group 1 , exhibiting the shortest root and shoot lengths.

[0064] On Day 81 , there was not a significant difference in length between the different groups. The shoot lengths were longest for Group 1 , the untreated control.

However, the root lengths were also very long for the untreated Group 1, suggesting elongation, of the tap root in search of moisture, in comparison to the lettuce roots in the treated plots of Groups 2-4.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] A second exemplary composition (Composition B) was prepared, comprising 31% solids level (mineral component) as summarized in Table 2. Composition B was prepared by combining the mineral component (comprising DE, mica, exfoliated vermiculite, kaolin, expanded milled perlite, and bentonite) and the aqueous component (comprising non- ionic surfactants, humectant, buffer, defoamer, and binder)

Table 2: Com osition B

1 Tef iol™ 15-S-7 ocmionic sui#¾etarii} 10.0

1 PEG 300 (himieetant) 7,0

AMP-95™ (buffer) .

Foamaster® MO NXZ (defoamer) 0.1

BorreGRO® CA (binder) 10.0

Total aqpeoiis component_.. 68.4

I Total 100.0

[0067] Other aspects and embodiments of the present disciosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0068] it is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope and spirit of the present disclosure being indicated by the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. A composition comprising:

a mineral component comprising:

at least one water-absorbent mineral; and

at least one high aspect ratio silicate:

wherein the mineral component has a water absorption ranging from 25 grams j¾0 to 250 grams ¾0 per gram mineral component.

2. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one water-absorbent mineral comprises perlite, diatomaceous earth, a clay, or a combination thereof.

3. The composition of claim 2, wherein the mineral component comprises from 1% to 15% by weight of the at least one water-absorbent mineral with respect to the total weight of the mineral component.

4. The composition of claim 1, wherein the at least one high aspect silicate comprises talc, wollastonite, mica, kaolin, exfoliated vermiciiiite, or a combination thereof.

5. The composition of claim 4, wherein the at least one high aspect silicate has an aspect ratio greater than 2.

6. The composition of claim 4, wherein the at least one high aspect silicate has an aspect ratio greater than 30.

7. The composition of claim 4, wherein the mineral component comprises at least 50% by weight of the at least one high aspect ratio silicate with respect to the total weight of the mineral component.

8. The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises phosphorous, nitrogen, calcium, organic carbon, or a combination thereof.

9. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the mineral component further comprises from 5% to 25% by weight calcium carbonate with respect to the total weight of the n inerai component,

10, The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises at least one surfactant.

1 1 , The composition of c laim 1, wherein the composition comprises at ieast 30% by weight of the mineral component with respect to the total weight of the composition

12, The composition of claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises an aqueous component and wherein the composition is in the form of a siurry.

13, The composition of claim 12, wherein the aqueous component comprises at ieast one nonionic surfactant and at least one conditioning agent.

14. The composition of claim 13, wherein the at Ieast one conditioning agent comprises calcium lignosulfate.

15. A composition comprising:

a mineral component comprising:

at least one water-absorbent mineral; and

at least one high aspect ratio silicate; and

an aqueous component comprising:

water; and

at least one surfactant,

wherein the composition is formulated as a siurry.

16. The composition of claim 15, wherein the at least one water-absorbent mineral comprises perlite and the at least one high aspect ratio silicate comprises kaolin.

17. The composition of claim 16, wherein the at least one surfactant comprises at least two surfactants, each surfactant being chosen from an anionic surfactant, a cationic surfactant, a nonionic surfactant, or an amphoteric surfactant.

18. The composition of claim 15, wherein the at least one high aspect ratio silicate comprises talc, wol!astomte, or mica.

19. The composition of claim 15, wherein the at least one high aspect ratio silicate has an aspect ratio greater than 50.

20. A composition comprising:

a mineral component comprising:

at least one water-absorbent mineral chosen from perlite, diatomaceous earth, or a combination thereof; and

at least one high aspect ratio silicate chosen from talc, wollastonite, mica, kaolin, or a combination thereof; and

an aqueous component comprising:

water; and

at least one nonionic surfactant,

wherein the composition is formulated as a slurry.

21 . The composition of claim 20, wherein the composition comprises from 30% to 50% by weight of the mineral component with respect to the total weight of the composition.

22. The composition of claim 20, wherein the at least one nonionic surfactant comprises a first nonionic surfactant and a second nonionic surfactant different from the first nonionic surfactant.

23. The composition of claim 20, wherein the aqueous component comprises at least one conditioning agent chosen from buffers, humectants, dispersants, defoamers, binders, or a combination thereof.

24. The composition of claim 20, wherein the aqueous component comprises at least one humectant and at least one binder.

25. A method of promoting plant growth, the method comprising applying the composition of any of the preceding claims to soil.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein the composition is applied by drench application to the soil.

27. The method of claim 25, wherein the composition is applied by banded application to the soil.

28. The method of any of claims 25-27. wherein the composition is applied to the soil within 72 hours after seeding the soil or transplanting into the soil.

29. The method of any of claims 25-27, wherein the composition is applied to the soil at the same time of seeding or transplanting into the soil.

30. The method of any of claims 25-27, wherein the composition is applied to the soil less than 24 hours before seeding or transplanting into the soil

31. The method of any of claims 25-30, wherein the composition is applied to the soil only once,

32. The method of any of claims 25-30, wherein the composition is applied to the soil at least twice.