WO2020035758A1

WO2020035758A1 - Plant feed mixture, kit therefor and method of producing it

Info

Publication number: WO2020035758A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/056516
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ziv BIRGER
Original assignee: Beta-tec Ltd.
Priority date: 2018-08-13
Filing date: 2019-07-31
Publication date: 2020-02-20
Also published as: IL261124A

Abstract

A plant feed including a mixture of a controlled released fertilizer; water beads; and a water-absorbent and/or water-adsorbent aggregate material. The mixture is disposed in a confined space; a significant amount of the controlled released fertilizer is disposed adjacent to the water beads; and a significant amount of the aggregate material is disposed adjacent to the water beads.

Description

PLANT FEED MIXTURE, KIT THEREFOR AND METHOD OF PRODUCING

IT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [001 ] The present invention relates to horticulture, in particular a feed mixture for providing nutrients to plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[002] Plants have basic needs: light; a source of nutrition (food); water; space in which to live; air, anchoring; and suitable temperatures in order to grow and reproduce. For most plants, these needs are summarized as: light, air, water, and nutrients. Light is provided by the sun or artificial lighting. Air is mainly required to provide C02 needed for photosynthesis with light and water to produce sugars. C02 from air is extracted by the leaves and stems but is very important to the roots as well.

[003] Soil becomes compacted with watering and time, thereby limiting aeration of the roots. This is the main reason for plowing or breaking up the earth. Water is essential for delivering nutrients to all plant parts and for the evapotranspiration process. Nutrients, although required in very small quantities, are essential for healthy growth. Unbalanced quantities of nutrients may prevent the plant from growing well and may even harm the plant.

[004] Plants preferably receive a sustained combination of water and minerals. Plants in the wild receive minerals from decaying material from the natural environment; and agricultural plants are typically fertilized by growers and watered by a combination of rain and irrigation. House plants also thrive with proper fertilization and watering, but these are provided manually and sometimes the plants are forgotten or neglected especially if the owners go on a long trip or are forgetful. [005] Regarding watering, super absorbent polymers (SAP), which are water-absorbing materials commonly provided in powdered form, can be used to provide water for extended periods.

[006] Plants require some basic nutrients that usually can be found in the ground. However, over time, those elements are consumed by the plant and must be replaced to avoid starvation. The main nutrients are Nitrogen (N2), for leaf growth; Phosphorus (P) for development of the roots, flowers, seeds and fruit; and Potassium (K) for stem growth, movement of water in plants, promotion of flowering and fruiting. Minor quantities of minerals like Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulphur (S), and micronutrients like Copper (Cu), iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Molybdenum (Mo), Zinc (Zn), Boron (B) are also typically required, as well as Silicon (Si), Cobalt (Co), and Vanadium (V); plus rare mineral catalysts. To compensate for the consumed nutrients, fertilizers must be used and are mixed with the plant’s soil. Fertilizers may be in many different forms and are suited to the needs of different plants.

[007] Controlled-release fertilizer (CRF) is an advanced fertilizer that contains plant nutrients in a form that delays nutrient availability for plant uptake and has several benefits over standard fertilizers. CRFs utilize osmosis to absorb water and emit nutrients. CRFs are usually used in quantities of 2-3 grams per plant per year. Unfortunately, CRFs cannot be used together with powdered SAPs (that can provide water for extended periods, as noted above) because wet powdered SAPs turn into hydrogels, which block the osmosis process and render the fertilizer useless. In fact, one of the common uses of SAPs is to block the passage of water in cable sleeves and power cords. [008] Delay of nutrient availability to the plant, or, expressed more positively, extended time of continued availability, may occur by a variety of mechanisms, including: controlled water solubility of the material by semi- permeable coatings, occlusion, protein materials, or other chemical forms and by slow hydrolysis of water-soluble low molecular weight compounds. The thickness and type of coating on the CRFs determine the timing and rate of nutrient release. Moisture from the soil slowly penetrates into the CRF coating, which initiates a gradual dissolution of the nutrients inside the CRF granules. The dissolved CRF nutrients diffuse out through the coating to the root zone, providing the plant with nutrients. Thus, controlled released fertilizers (CRFs) are sometimes used in order to reduce the burden of fertilizing plants. [009] To reduce the work involved in watering plants watering reservoirs are sometimes used, for example, self-watering pot reservoir or watering spikes. However, components/nutrients of the CRFs have different water solubility and thus certain nutrients can be disadvantageously released too rapidly.

[010] It is believed that the following publications represent the relevant technology in the field: US 6,890,888 (Pursell, et al., 2002-07-25); US 2015/173305 (Kidder, 2015-06-25); US 2013/174,483 (Caspar, et al., 2013-07- 1 1 ); US 2007/167,327 (Savich, et al. 2007-07-19); CN 105766526 (Shen, 2016- 07-20); CN 105272665 (Ji, et al., 2016-01 -27); CN 103183570 (Huang, et al., 2013-07-03); and CN 101948352 (Liao, 201 1 -01 -19).

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[01 1 ] The present invention relates to a feed mixture for plants. The plant feed mixture is a synergistic combination of (a) water beads, which are super absorbent polymers (SAPs) encapsulated in a polymeric capsule; (b) a controlled release fertilizer (CRF); and (c) aggregates.

[012] Aggregates refer to a broad category of coarse-to-medium grain particulate material, including any, or a combination of: sand, gravel, crushed stone, slag, recycled concrete, perlite, vermiculite, pumice and synthetic aggregates. For the present invention, water storage and suitable air passage are needed, it has been found that perlite, which is an amorphous organic glass, is a particularly suitable and cost effective aggregate, but this may vary according to the particular situation. The perlite provides air pockets (voids in the soil) to allow the water in the water beads to readily diffuse outward, which is much quicker than if the water beads were enveloped directly in (by the) soil. [013] In accordance with embodiments of one aspect of the present invention there is provided a plant feed mixture including (a) a controlled released fertilizer; (b) water beads; and (c) a water-absorbent and/or water- adsorbent aggregate material. The mixture is disposed in a confined space; a significant amount of the controlled released fertilizer is disposed adjacent to the water beads; and a significant amount of the aggregate material is disposed adjacent to the water beads.

[014] In some embodiments, the aggregate material is perlite.

[015] In some embodiments, the mixture further includes a sealed porous sachet within which the controlled released fertilizer, the water beads, and the aggregate material are disposed. In some embodiments, the sealed porous sachet includes gauze. In some embodiments, the sealed porous sachet is a tea bag. In some embodiments, the sealed porous sachet is made of an organic material. In some embodiments, the sealed porous sachet is made of rice paper. [016] In some embodiments, the mixture further includes a clay material.

In some embodiments, the mixture further includes a red loam material. In some embodiments, the mixture further includes a clay material and a red loam material. In some embodiments, the mixture is formed in pellets.

[017] In some embodiments, at least 10% of the aggregate and/or at least 10% of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent to the water beads. In some embodiments, at least 20% of the aggregate and/or at least 20% of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent to the water beads. In some embodiments, at least 30% of the aggregate and/or at least 30% of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent to the water beads. In some embodiments, at least 40% of the aggregate and/or at least 40% of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent to the water beads. In some embodiments, at least 50% of the aggregate and/or at least 50% of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent to the water beads.

[018] In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 1 .5 to 1 .0. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 2.0 to 1 .0. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 3.0 to 1 .0. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 3.5 to 1 .0. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 4.0 to 1 .0. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 4.5 to 1 .0. In some embodiments, the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 5.0 to 1 .0. [019] It is a particular feature of the invention that the mixture of water beads (SAPs encapsulated in a polymer), CRF and aggregates/perlite be configured so a significant amount/number of the perlite grains are adjacent to the water beads; and a significant amount/number of CRF granules are adjacent to the water beads, whereby the synergistic effect is realized. [020] It is important to note the present plant feed mixture is not a mere mixing of the individual ingredients or components of the mixture with soil. In the present invention, the ingredients are arranged together with each other and then disposed within the soil.

[021 ] The CRF has important components/nutrients, as noted above, that are relatively highly water soluble and thereby tend to be released from the CRF more quickly into the soil upon watering thereof, than other components of the CRF.

[022] After a round of watering and then drying, at least some of the SAP from the water beads diffuses/migrates though the polymeric cover of the water beads and forms an external coating that often looks a bit like spider webs or a crust (i.e. dried SAP on the surface of the water beads). This generally/relatively dry SAP coating on the water beads soaks up some of the water in the soil upon watering of the plant and thus also adsorbs/absorbs (holds) the more readily soluble CRF nutrients and thus slows their (otherwise disadvantageously rapid) release into the soil and premature uptake by the plant roots. As a result, the soil receives a more stable (smooth, even) release of the various CRF nutrients/components, than would otherwise occur. As can be understood, the CRF needs to be adjacent to the water beads for the proper synergistic effect.

[023] Flowever, the water beads typically hold water for a week or even longer when in soil, especially compact/compacted soil. This slow release of the water can be slower than the preferred watering cycle of the plant, which is typically on the order of a few days. The aggregates (e.g. perlite) help in this regard by adsorbing/absorbing water and releasing that water into the soil at a rate more consistent with the plant’s watering cycle. As can be understood, the aggregate/perlite needs to be adjacent to the water beads for the proper synergistic effect.

[024] To provide the adjacent arrangement of the perlite to the water beads and CRF to the water beads, the mix can be arranged in a confined space such as within a sealed porous sachet e.g. rice paper or other organic material, a fabric or tea bag; or held within a clay and/or red loam material.

[025] In some embodiments of another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a plant feed device or a plant feed kit wherein the plant feed mixture disclosed herein is disposed in (or disposable within) a plant food stake, for example a perforated screw-shaped container with a hollow portion within which the mixture is placed (or place-able) prior to being inserted into the soil of the plant(s).

[026] In addition, the aggregates provide aeration channels in the soil and around the water beads, which is good for the plant roots and also helps the water beads dry a bit more rapidly so as to provide more water to the plant and also whereby the SAP will diffuse/migrate out of the beads to synergistically retain some of the CRF components, as noted above. For this synergistic effect to be best realized, the CRF and water beads need to be adjacent to each other.

[027] Without limitation to theory, when the SAP absorbs water, the pressure inside the water bead increases and inflates the bead like a balloon. Upon drying, the pressure exerted inward forces some SAP's out of the water beads, and the SAPs, which may look like a white-ish or beige spider web or crust, dry on the surface of the beads. After re-wetting (upon watering), the “spider webs/crust” of SAPS migrate back into the beads. These SAP spider webs are hydrophobic and any soluble ingredients (such as CRF nutrients) tend to cling to them. Thus, some CRF nutrients will also migrate into the beads. This is important since, otherwise, CRF's will dispense their water soluble materials / nutrients at different times and the release rate is not stable (smooth/even). Using CRF's with water beads stabilizes the pace of the nutrient release into the soil to feed the plant roots. Also, CRF’s release their nutrients at a pace related to soil temperature by osmosis. While soil temperature stays fairly stable in nature, soil temperature tends to increase for house plants. Evaporation of water from the water beads lowers the soil temperature thereby aiding the release of the CRF nutrients.

[028] The cooling effect on the CRF nutrients is also advantageous to prevent“explosion” of the CRF, which can occur at temperatures exceeding approximately 30 degrees C or so

[029] Flowever, even though water beads can take more than a week to dry in soil (especially if the soil is compact), the water beads can dry in as little as about three days in open air. This is the reason for using an aggregate like perlite in the mixture, as the perlite provides for open passage of air so the drying time of the water beads (i.e. supply of water to the plants/soil) is more in line with the cycle time of the preferred watering of the plant. As the specific weight of perlite is much smaller than that of soil, the perlite tends to float upwards during watering and provides a beneficial air passage to the roots. [030] Thus, the present plant feed mixture and arrangement thereof provides for an improved use of fertilizers at a more constant fertilization rate. Another advantage is a more stable water and air supply to the plant roots.

[031 ] It should be understood that the term“adjacent” does not mean that each and every water bead and each and every CRF granule need be adjacent to a counterpart; nor does each and every water bead need to be adjacent to a grain(s) of perlite. Rather, a significant quantity of the water beads needs to have adjacent CRF granules and a significant quantity of the water beads need to have perlite adjacently located.

[032] One possible advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is to improve the timing of the release of fertilizer components into the soil of plants, especially house plants.

[033] An additional possible advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is to improve the watering cycle and/or ease the burden of plant watering, especially for house plants. [034] A further possible advantage of some embodiments of the present invention is improved soil aeration of plant soil, especially house plants.

[035] In accordance with embodiments of another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of producing a plant feed mixture including mixing a controlled released fertilizer; water beads; and an aggregate material, such that a significant quantity of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent the water beads and a significant quantity of the aggregate material is disposed adjacent the water beads.

[036] In some embodiments, the method further includes disposing the mixture in a porous sachet. [037] In some embodiments, the method further includes mixing in a clay material. In some embodiments, the method further includes mixing in a red loam material. In some embodiments, the method further includes mixing in a clay material and a red loam material. In some embodiments, the method further includes forming the mixture into pellets.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [038] The invention may be more clearly understood upon reading of the following detailed description of non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[039] Fig. 1 is a plan view of a plant feed mixture in accordance with embodiments of the present invention;

[040] Fig. 2 is a side view of the present mixture illustrating the relative positioning of the mixture components upon watering;

[041 ] Figs. 3A-3C are schematic illustrations of an exemplary water bead of the present mixture in various stages of its SAPs (super absorbent polymers) diffusing outward;

[042] Fig. 4 is a side view of an exemplary container for an embodiment of a kit of the present invention; and

[043] Fig. 5 is a schematic depiction of the present mixture in a sealed porous sachet. [044] The following detailed description of embodiments of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings referred to above. Dimensions of components and features shown in the figures are chosen for convenience or clarity of presentation and are not necessarily shown to scale. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[045] Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described below. In the interest of clarity, not all features/components of an actual implementation are necessarily described.

[046] Fig. 1 shows a plant feed mixture in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, including water beads 10 (capsules of super absorbent polymer - SAP); slow release fertilizer granules or controlled release fertilizer (CRF) 12; and an absorbent aggregate material (aggregates) 14, such as perlite or vermiculite etc., illustrated as perlite 14, and used interchangeably herein. As can be seen, water beads 10 are adjacent a significant quantity of CRF 12 and also adjacent a significant quantity of aggregates/perlite 14.

[047] Fig. 2 shows the present mixture of CRF 12; water beads 10; and perlite 14 in a transparent cup with water added. The view is shown after 24 hours and it is clear that the mixture separated according to their specific weights. Perlite 14 is mostly floating/resting on top of most of the water beads 10, with a relatively smaller quantity of the most hydrated and thus larger water beads on top, whereas CRF 12, which tends to sink, is disposed below the water beads.

[048] When the perlite 14 floats it provides air passage to the plant roots. The perlite 14 also provides an evaporation pathway for water evaporating from the water beads 10, and some of that evaporating water is absorbed/adsorbed by the perlite, which is then available to the soil. When dry, the water beads 10 sink toward CRF’s 12, grabbing more fertilizer.

[049] The process of the water beads 10 alternatively absorbing water and drying is the mechanism for the water beads to take nutrients from CRF 12 and provide those nutrients to the soil; and the water leaving the water beads and evaporating aids in keeping the soil relatively cool.

[050] After drying, water beads 10 act like a glue combining / glomming / holding the mixture together. Perlite 14, on top, acts as an air channel while CRF 12, at a lower position/level, is closer to the root system. [051 ] Water beads 10, in addition to serving as“water canteens” and regulating water uptake and holding the mixture together, play an important role in cooling the plant root zone. This cooling effect comes from evaporation of water from water beads 10. This cooling effect is known to boost root growth, in particular by lowering potentially harmful high temperatures. [052] Figs. 3A-3C schematically illustrate the diffusion of SAPs 16 outward from one water bead 10. After a round of watering and then drying, at least some of the SAPs 16 diffuse/migrate though the polymeric cover of the water beads 10 and form an external coating that often looks a bit like spider webs or a crust of SAPs 16 (Fig. 3C). Fig. 3A shows an initial stage where the SAPs 16 are still disposed within the water bead 10. Fig. 3B shows a stage in which the SAPs 16 are diffusing out of the water bead encapsulation, with some SAPs outside the water bead 10. Fig. 3C shows a wherein all of the SAPs 16 have migrated out of the water bead 10 and adhered to the cover thereof, forming a crust of SAPs.

[053] This generally/relatively dry SAP coating or crust on the water beads soaks up some of the water in the soil upon watering of the plant and thus also adsorbs/absorbs (holds) the more readily soluble CRF nutrients and thus slows their (otherwise disadvantageously rapid) release into the soil and premature uptake by the plant roots. As a result, the soil receives a more stable (smooth, even) release of the various CRF nutrients/components, than would otherwise occur. As can be understood, the CRF needs to be adjacent to the water beads for the proper synergistic effect.

[054] Fig. 4 shows an exemplary container 18 for a kit in accordance with embodiments of the present invention. The container 18 has a hollow portion 20, for holding the present mixture. The hollow portion 20 includes perforations 22 to allow water and air passage. The water passing out of the container 18 can carry nutrients from the CRF 12 to the plant roots. As seen, the container 18 can be formed like a screw, which is useful for inserting it into the soil. The container 18 can be configured for one-time use or include a removable cover 24 to allow refilling of the mixture.

[055] Fig. 5 shows the present mixture in a sealed porous sachet 26, exemplified by a tea bag. Tea bag/porous sachet 26 holds the water beads 10, CRF 12 and aggregates/perlite 14 in a confined space whereby a significant quantity of the controlled released fertilizer is disposed adjacent to the water beads; and a significant quantity of the aggregate material is disposed adjacent to the water beads.

[056] Another way to implement the plant feed mixture is by blending the mixture with clay and/or red loam or another type of“sticky” soil (not illustrated) and then drying the mixture slowly using low heat and cutting or casting the dried mixture to form small pellets. The exact amounts may vary according to soil type.

[057] Example:

[058] A 135 gram mixture was prepared by using: 9 grams of controlled released fertilizer; 6 grams of water beads; 30 grams of perlite; 15 grams of clay; and 75 grams of red loam. After adding 10 grams of water, mixing and casting in a silicone mold, the form was left to sun dry for 48 hours. The end result was pellets that functioned in a manner like a non-cast mixture.

[059] It should be understood that the above description is merely exemplary and that there are various embodiments of the present invention that may be devised, mutatis mutandis, and that the features described in the above- described embodiments, and those not described herein, may be used separately or in any suitable combination; and the invention can be devised in accordance with embodiments not necessarily described above.

Claims

1. A plant feed comprising a mixture of:

a controlled released fertilizer;

water beads; and

a water-absorbent and/or water-adsorbent aggregate material, wherein the mixture is disposed in a confined space; a significant amount of the controlled released fertilizer is disposed adjacent to the water beads; and a significant amount of the aggregate material is disposed adjacent to the water beads.

2. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the aggregate material is perlite.

3. The feed of claim 1 , further comprising a sealed porous sachet within which the controlled released fertilizer, the water beads, and the aggregate material are disposed.

4. The feed of claim 3, wherein the sealed porous sachet comprises gauze.

5. The feed of claim 3, wherein the sealed porous sachet is a tea bag.

6. The feed of claim 3, wherein the sealed porous sachet is made of an organic material.

7. The feed of claim 3, wherein the sealed porous sachet is made of rice paper.

8. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the mixture further comprises a clay material.

9. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the mixture further comprises a red loam material.

10. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the mixture further comprises a clay material and a red loam material.

11. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the mixture is formed in pellets.

12. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the at least 10% of the aggregate and/or at least 10% of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent to the water beads.

13. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the at least 20% of the aggregate and/or at least 20% of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent to the water beads.

14. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the at least 30% of the aggregate and/or at least 30% of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent to the water beads.

15. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the at least 40% of the aggregate and/or at least 40% of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent to the water beads.

16. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the at least 50% of the aggregate and/or at least 50% of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent to the water beads.

17. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 1.5 to 1.0.

18. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 2.0 to 1.0.

19. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 3.0 to 1.0.

20. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 3.5 to 1.0.

21. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 4.0 to 1.0.

22. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 4.5 to 1.0.

23. The feed of claim 1 , wherein the weight ratio of the aggregates to the controlled release fertilizer is at least 5.0 to 1.0.

24. A kit for providing a plant feed to a plant comprising the plant feed of any one of the preceding claims disposed within a hollow plant soil stake comprising perforations.

25. The kit of claim 24, wherein the stake is configured in the form of a screw.

26. A method of producing a plant feed mixture, comprising mixing a controlled released fertilizer; water beads; and an aggregate material, such that a significant quantity of the controlled released fertilizer is adjacent the water beads and a significant quantity of the aggregate material is disposed adjacent the water beads.

27. The method of claim 26, further comprising disposing the mixture in a porous sachet.

28. The method of claim 26, further comprising mixing in a clay material.

29. The method of claim 26, further comprising mixing in a red loam material.

30. The method of claim 26, further comprising mixing in a clay material and a red loam material.

31. The method of claim 28, further comprising forming the mixture into pellets.

32. The method of claim 29, further comprising forming the mixture into pellets.

33. The method of claim 30, further comprising forming the mixture into pellets.