WO2024019955A1

WO2024019955A1 - Compatibilizers for agrochemical compositions including fertilizers and active ingredients

Info

Publication number: WO2024019955A1
Application number: PCT/US2023/027869
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shawn DICKESS; Dean A. Oester; Andrew P. Chiromo
Original assignee: Basf Se; Basf Corporation
Priority date: 2022-07-22
Filing date: 2023-07-17
Publication date: 2024-01-25

Abstract

Described herein are agrochemical compositions, methods of making agrochemical compositions, and methods of using agrochemical compositions. The agrochemical compositions include a fertilizer, an active ingredient, and a compatibilizer including an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer or a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer. The agrochemical compositions are useful in a variety of agrochemical applications.

Description

COMPATIBILIZERS FOR AGROCHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS INCLUDING FERTILIZERS AND ACTIVE INGREDIENTS

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/391,398, filed July 22, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF DISCLOSURE

[0002] This disclosure is directed to agrochemical compositions, methods of making agrochemical compositions, and methods of using agrochemical compositions. The agrochemical compositions include a fertilizer, an active ingredient, and a compatibilizer including an ethylene oxide-propylene oxi de-ethylene oxide block copolymer or a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer. The agrochemical compositions are useful in a variety of agrochemical applications.

BACKGROUND

[0003] It is desirable in the agrochemical industry to combine a fertilizer and an active ingredient (e.g. a pesticide) in the same spray tank in order to save time and money. However, incompatibility between pesticides and fertilizers is common. This is particularly true when pesticide concentrates are added to spray solutions that contain fertilizers having a high electrolyte content. As a result, the combination of various pesticides and fertilizers results in inhomogeneous mixtures that exhibit precipitation, oil, cream, and/or flocculation.

[0004] To circumvent incompatibility issues, some formulators include a compatibilizer in pesticide formulations. Alkyl polyglycosides (APGs) and phosphate esters are known be to excellent pesticide/fertilizer compatibilizers, but they are not effective in every formulation. Testing is often required for each formulation to determine the effectiveness of the compatibilizer. Overall, there is a need in the agrochemical industry for compatibilizers in agrochemical compositions containing both a fertilizer and an active ingredient. [0005] Disclosed herein are agrochemical compositions that include a fertilizer, an active ingredient, and a compatibilizer including an ethylene oxi de-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer or a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer. The present agrochemical compositions are homogenous and do not exhibit precipitation, oil, cream, and/or flocculation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0006] In one aspect, provided herein is an agrochemical composition comprising a fertilizer, an active ingredient, and a compatibilizer selected from the group of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer and a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer.

[0007] In another aspect, provided herein is a method of preparing an agrochemical composition, the method comprising (i) forming a mixture comprising a fertilizer, an active ingredient, and a compatibilizer selected from the group of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer and a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer, and (ii) mixing the mixture.

[0008] In still another aspect, provided herein is a method of using an agrochemical composition comprising a fertilizer, an active ingredient, and a compatibilizer selected from the group of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer and a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer, the method comprising using the agrochemical composition to control pests.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] The present disclosure is directed to agrochemical compositions, methods of making agrochemical compositions, and methods of using agrochemical compositions. The agrochemical compositions comprise a fertilizer, an active ingredient, and a compatibilizer selected from the group of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer and a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer. [0010] The present application seeks to expand the available compatibilizers for agrochemical compositions that contain both a fertilizer and an active agrochemical ingredient (e.g. a pesticide) and thereby provide homogenous and storage stable agrochemical compositions.

[0011] It was discovered herein that certain ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymers and phosphate esters of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymers are useful as compatibilizers. It was also surprisingly found that only certain ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymers and phosphate esters of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymers were capable of acting as compatibilizers in formulations including a fertilizer and an active agrochemical ingredient (e.g. a pesticide).

[0012] In many embodiments, the agrochemical compositions comprise a fertilizer, an active ingredient, and a compatibilizer selected from the group of an ethylene oxidepropylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer and a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxidepropylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer.

[0013] In many embodiments, the fertilizer may be any suitable fertilizer known in the art. In some embodiments, the fertilizer is selected from the group of liquid fertilizers, urea ammonium nitrate fertilizers, ammonium polyphosphate fertilizers, ammonium sulfate fertilizers, and combinations thereof. Non-limiting examples of suitable and commonly used liquid fertilizers include U N (urea and ammonium nitrate mixture) containing 28, 30, and 32 mass% N; anhydrous ammonia, which contains 82 mass% N; super phosphoric acid, which is a concentrated form of phosphoric acid with a grade of 0-70-0, and ammonia reacted with super phosphoric acid to produce a liquid fertilizer of 10-34-0 or 11-37-0 grade.

[0014] In some embodiments, the fertilizer is present in an amount of from about 90 wt% to about 99 wt%. In some embodiments, the fertilizer is present in an amount of at least about 90 wt%. In some embodiments, the fertilizer is present in an amount of 92.5 wt%.

[0015] In many embodiments, the active ingredient may be any suitable active ingredient known in the art. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is selected from the group of pesticides, biopesticides, insecticides, herbicides, nematicides, fungicides, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is selected from the group of fungicides, flutriafol, azoxystrobin, propiconazole, azoxystrobin and propiconazole, chlorothalonil, carbendazim, chlorothalonil and carbendazim, copper oxychloride, chlorothalonil and copper oxychloride, cymoxanil, chlorothalonil and cymoxanil, copper hydroxide, copper sulfate pentahydrate, diethofencarb, diethofencarb and carbendazim, dodine, epoxiconazole, epoxiconazole and carbendazim, fenhexamid, fludioxonil, metalaxyl, fludioxonil and metalaxyl, mancozeb, propamocarb hydrochloride, fluopicolide, propamocarb hydrochloride and fluopicolide, pyrimethanil, trifl oxystrobin, pyrimethanil and trifloxystrobin, tebuconazole, pyrimethanil and tebuconazole, tebuconazole and azoxystrobin, and combinations thereof.

[0016] In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a liquid fertilizer ready (LFR) active ingredient. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is a liquid fertilizer ready (LFR) pesticide. As used herein, a liquid fertilizer ready (LFR) active ingredient mixes readily and immediately with a liquid fertilizer in a tank to result in a final solution void of PPT, cream, oil, flocculation, and separation.

[0017] In some embodiments, the active ingredient is present in an amount of at least about 0.05 wt%. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is present in an amount of from about 0.05 wt% to about 5.0 wt%. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is present in an amount of from about 0.05 wt% to about 4.0 wt%. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is present in an amount of from about 0.05 wt% to about 3.0 wt%. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is present in an amount of from about 0.05 wt% to about 2.0 wt%. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is present in an amount of from about 0.05 wt% to about 1.0 wt%. In some embodiments, the active ingredient is present in an amount of from about 0.05 wt% to about 0.55 wt%.

[0018] In many embodiments, the compatibilizer comprises any suitable ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer or phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer known in the art. In some embodiments, the compatibilizer is an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer. In some embodiments, the compatibilizer is a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer. [0019] As used herein, an ethylene oxide-propylene oxi de-ethylene oxide block copolymer means a structure according to the general formula of HO-EO_x-PO_y-EO_z-H, where EO represents an ethylene oxide group, PO represents a propylene oxide group, and x, y, and z each represent non-zero numbers of the indicated groups. In some embodiments, x is a number in a range of from about 2 to 27. In some embodiments, y is a number in a range of from about 16 to 70. In some embodiments, z is a number in a range of from about 2 to 27.

[0020] In many embodiments, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer comprises any suitable number of propylene oxide groups known in the art.

[0021] In some embodiments, the ethylene oxi de-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer comprises a number of propylene oxide groups in a range of from about 16 to about 70.

[0022] In many embodiments, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer comprises any suitable amount of ethylene oxide groups known in the art. In some embodiments, the ethylene oxi de-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer comprises ethylene oxide in an amount of from about 10 wt% to about 80 wt%. In some embodiments, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer comprises a number of ethylene oxide groups in a range of from about 2 to about 54. In some embodiments, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer comprises a number of ethylene oxide groups in a range of from about 2 to about 27.

[0023] In many embodiments, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer comprises any suitable average molecular weight known in the art. In some embodiments, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer has an average molecular weight in a range of from about 1000 g/mol to about 4500 g/mol. In some embodiments, the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer has an average molecular weight in a range of from about 1100 g/mol to about 4400 g/mol.

[0024] As used herein, a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide- ethylene oxide block copolymer means a structure according to the general formula of O=P(OR)s, where each R group is either a hydrogen atom or an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer. Preferably, the phosphate ester is a phosphate monoester or a phosphate di ester. In some embodiments, the phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer comprises unreacted ethylene oxidepropylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer and/or phosphoric acid.

[0025] In some embodiments, the phosphate ester is a phosphate monoester or a phosphate di ester. In some embodiments, the phosphate ester does not comprise a phosphate triester. As used herein, a phosphate monoester includes two hydroxyl groups and one ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer group. As used herein, a phosphate diester includes one hydroxyl group and two ethylene oxide-propylene oxideethylene oxide block copolymer groups.

[0026] In some embodiments, the compatibilizer is present in an amount of from about 0.20 wt% to about 5.0 wt%.

[0027] In many embodiments, the agrochemical composition is any suitable form known in the art. In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition is in a form selected from the group of a suspension concentrate, an emulsion concentrate, and an oil dispersion.

[0028] In many embodiments, the agrochemical composition is a homogenous composition. As used herein, a homogenous composition is free of precipitation, oil, cream, and/or flocculation.

[0029] In many embodiments, the agrochemical composition is a storage stable composition. As used herein, a storage stable composition is homogenous after 24 hours at room temperature.

[0030] In many embodiments, the agrochemical composition further comprises any suitable agrochemical composition component known in the art. In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition further comprises water. In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition further comprises an auxiliary selected from the group consisting of biocides (e.g. Proxel™ GXL), antifoamers (e.g. Agnique® DMF 111 S, Agnique® SOAP L, Foamaster® UBD), antifreeze agents (e.g. propylene glycol), rheology modifiers (e.g. Bentone® 34, Attaflow®, Attagel 40®, Attagel 50®, Attagel 350® and Attaflow FL®), fumed silica (e g. Aerosil®R 974), solvents (e.g. Agnique® AMD 3L, Agnique® AMD 810, Agnique® AMD 10, Agnique® AMD 12, Agnique ME® 181-U, Agnique ME® 18R-U, Agnique ME® 18SD-U, Agnique ME® 610, Agnique ME® 12-18, Agnique® AE3-2EH, Agnique® FOH 9OC, Aromatic 200, Aromatic 150, Aromatic 150 ND, Solvent Naphtha 200 ND and Aromatic 100), oil carriers/base oil (e.g. Agnique® SBO-IO, Agnique® SBO-30, Agnique® ME 18R-U and Agnique® ME 18SD-U.), dispersants (e.g. Pluronic® P 104, Pluronic® P 105, Pluronic® P 103, Sokalan® CP 10, Agnique® DDL, Vultamol® DN), further compatibilizers (e.g. Agnique® PG 9116 and Tryfac® 5560), adjuvants (e.g. Plurafac® D 250, Plurafac® LF 400, Plurafac® SLF 180, Plurafac®LF 221 and Plurafa® LF 224), emulsifiers (e.g. Agnique® ABS 60 C-EH, Agnique® ABS 70 C, Agnique® CSO- 25, Agnique® CSO-30, Agnique® CSO -36 and Agnique® CSO-40), wetting agents (e.g. Agnique® FOH 9OC-3 and Agnique® FOH 9OC-5), penetrants (e.g. Loral® C8-98, Agnique ® ME 610, Agnique® CSO-25, Agnique® CSO-30, Agnique® SBO-IO and Agnique® FOH 9OC), co-solvents (e.g. Agnique® ME 610 and Agnique® ME 12-18), potentiators (e.g. Trymeen® 6607 and Agnique® SBO 10), crystal growth inhibitors (e.g. Agnique® PG 8105, Agnique® PG 8107, Sokalan® CP 9 and Sokalan® CP 72 L), thickeners (e.g. xantham gum, Kelzan), and combinations thereof.

[0031] In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition does not comprise a further compatibilizer. In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition does not comprise an alkyl polyglycoside compatibilizer. In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition does not comprise a phosphate ester.

[0032] In many embodiments, the agrochemical compositions may be prepared according to any suitable method known in the art. In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition is prepared according to a method comprising: (i) forming a mixture comprising a fertilizer, an active ingredient, and a compatibilizer selected from the group of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer and a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer, and (ii) mixing the mixture.

[0033] In many embodiments, the mixture further comprises any suitable agrochemical composition component known in the art. In some embodiments, the mixture further comprises water. In some embodiments, the mixture further comprises an auxiliary selected from the group consisting of biocides, antifoamers, antifreeze agents, rheology modifiers, solvents, carriers, oil carriers, dispersants, further compatibilizers, adjuvants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, penetrants, co-solvents, potentiators, and combinations thereof.

[0034] In many embodiments, the method step of mixing the mixture is accomplished according to any suitable method of mixing known in the art. In some embodiments, the method step of mixing the mixture comprises mixing the mixture by hand. In some embodiments, the method step of mixing the mixture comprises inverting a container holding the mixture. In some embodiments, the method step of mixing the mixture comprises mixing the mixture with a mixer, such as a stir bar, an overhead mixer, or a static mixer.

[0035] In many embodiments, the agrochemical compositions may be used according to any suitable method known in the art. In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition is used according to a method comprising using the agrochemical composition to control pests.

[0036] In many embodiments, the agrochemical compositions may be applied with any suitable agrochemical composition applicator known in the art. In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition is used to control pests by applying the agrochemical composition with an applicator. In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition is used to control pests by applying the agrochemical composition to an application site selected from the group of a plant, a part of a plant, a leaf, a stalk, a flower, a seed, a soil, a furrow, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition is used to control pests by applying the agrochemical composition to an application site while planting a seed.

[0037] Generally, the agrochemical composition may be used to control pests to protect any suitable plant known in the art. Non-limiting examples of plants include com (maize), turf, alfalfa, barley, popcorn, sweet com, field com, cotton, cucurbits, fruiting vegetables, grapes, hops, Brassica leafy vegetables, plants in crop group 5, leafy vegetables except Brassica, plants in crop group 4, peanut, pome fruit, grain sorghum, soybean, stone fruit, strawberry, sugar beet, tomato, tree nuts, triticale, wheat, and rice. [0038] In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition is used to control pests to protect an agronomic plant, a nonagronomic plant, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the agrochemical composition is used to control pests to protect a plant selected from the group of com (maize), turf, alfalfa, barley, popcorn, sweet com, field com, cotton, cucurbits, fruiting vegetables, grapes, hops, Brassica leafy vegetables, plants in crop group 5, leafy vegetables except Brassica, plants in crop group 4, peanut, pome fruit, grain sorghum, soybean, stone fruit, strawberry, sugar beet, tomato, tree nuts, triticale, wheat, rice, and combinations thereof.

[0039] In many embodiments, the agrochemical compositions may be used to control any suitable pests known in the art. In some embodiments, the pests are selected from the group of agronomic pests, nonagronomic pests, vertebrate pests, invertebrate pests, insects, weeds, fungus, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the pests are selected from the group of weeds, fungus, and combinations thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, water is used to dilute the agrochemical composition to provide spray mixtures that can be used according to the disclosure. The concentrations of fertilizer and active ingredient in the spray mixtures can be varied within a certain range. In some embodiments, the spray mixtures comprise at least about 95 wt% fertilizer. In some embodiments, the spray mixtures comprise an active ingredient in an amount of from about 0 wt% to about 25 wt%.

EXAMPLES

[0041] Without further elaboration, it is believed that one skilled in the art using the preceding description can utilize the present invention to its fullest extent. The following Examples are, therefore, to be construed as merely illustrative, and not limiting of the disclosure in any way whatsoever.

[0042] Matenals.

[0043] Rayora®: fungicide suspension concentrate formulation including flutriafol active ingredient; propylene glycol; alcohols, C 13-15 branched and linear, ethoxylated; and 1,2 benzisothiazolin-3-one. [0044] Xyway®: LFR fungicide suspension concentrate formulation including flutriafol active ingredient; D-glucopyranose, oligomeric, Cg-n-alkyl glycosides; propane- 1,2-diol, and silica gel.

[0045] UAN: urea ammonium nitrate fertilizer, such as in a grade in the below table.

[0046] Agnique® PG 9116: C9-11 Alkyl Polyglucoside D.P. = 1.6, 50% Active

[0047] Tryfac® 5560: Tridecyl Alcohol Phosphate Ester (POE 6), Acid form

[0048] Pluronic® L31: EO/PO Block Copolymer, Terminal Primary Hydroxyl Groups, 10 % EO, 100% Active, 1100 MW

[0049] Pluronic® L31 PE: EO/PO Block Copolymer Phosphate Ester, Terminal Primary' Hydroxyl Groups, 100% Active, 1274 monoester MW, 2357 diester MW

[0050] Pluronic® L62: EO/PO Block Copolymer, 20% EO, 100% Active, 2500 MW

[0051] Pluronic® L62 PE: EO/PO Block Copolymer Phosphate Ester, 100% Active, 2674 monoester MW, 5157 diester MW

[0052] Pluronic® L92: EO/PO Block Copolymer, Terminal Primary Hydroxyl Groups, 20% EO, 100% Active, 3650 MW

[0053] Pluronic® L92 PE: EO/PO Block Copolymer Phosphate Ester, Terminal Primary Hydroxyl Groups, 100% Active, 3824 monoester MW, 7457 diester MW [0054] Pluronic® L121: EO/PO Block Copolymer, 10% EO, 100% Active, 4400 MW

[0055] Pluronic® L121 PE: EO/PO Block Copolymer Phosphate Ester, 100% Active, 4574 monoester MW, 8957 diester MW

[0056] Pluronic® L35: EO/PO Block Copolymer, Temtinal Primary Hydroxyl Groups, 50% EO, 100% Active, 1900 MW

[0057] Pluronic® L35 PE: EO/PO Block Copolymer Phosphate Ester, Terminal Primary Hydroxyl Groups, 100% Active, 2074 monoester MW, 3957 diester MW

[0058] Pluronic® L64: EO/PO Block Copolymer, 40% EO, 100% Active, 2900 MW

[0059] Pluronic® L64 PE: EO/PO Block Copolymer Phosphate Ester, 100% Active, 3074 monoester MW, 5957 diester MW

[0060] Agrilan® 1028: Alcohol Ethoxylate Phosphate Ester

[0061] Example 1. Preparation of binary mixtures of compatibilizer + 28% UAN

[0062] Five different treat rates for each compatibilizer were used: 0.25 g, 0.5 g, 1.0 g, 2.5 g and 5.0 g. Each treat rate was combined with 100 mL of 28% UAN in a graduated cylinder. Mixing of each treat rate with the 28% UAN was accomplished by either inverting the graduated cylinder or mixing the binary mixture in a beaker until the compatibilizer was completely dissolved (if possible). The binary mixture was evaluated after one hour and twenty-four hours. If the binary mixture was free of precipitation, oil, cream, and/or flocculation, it was considered homogeneous.

[0063] Table 1 contains the evaluations of the binary mixtures. Phosphate esters are represented by the abbreviation “PE”. The number in each cell indicates the number of treat rates that were homogenous at the given time point. Generally, when the compositions were inhomogeneous, the highest concentration treat rates were the ones that were inhomogeneous. Trial 2 of Pluronic® L92 PE differed from Trial 1 of Pluronic® L92 PE by including 15% more P2O5 during preparation. [0064] Table 1. Number of homogenous treat rates for binary mixtures including a compatibilizer and 28% UAN.

[0065] Example 2. Preparation of mixtures of compatibilizer + 28% UAN + pesticide

100661 The binary mixtures of Example 1 were aged for 24 hours, then either Ray ora® pesticide formulation or Xyway® pesticide formulation was added to each mixture and the graduated cylinder was inverted ten times. The resulting suspension concentrate was then evaluated after one hour and twenty-four hours using the same evaluation system as Example 1.

[0067] Table 2 contains the evaluations of the Rayora® mixtures. Table 3 contains the evaluations of the Xyway® mixtures. Phosphate esters are represented by the abbreviation “PE”. The number in each cell indicates the number of treat rates that were homogenous at the given time point. Trial 2 of Pluronic® L92 PE differed from Trial 1 of Pluronic® L92 PE by including 15% more P2O5 during preparation.

[0068] Table 2. Number of homogenous treat rates for mixtures including a compatibilizer, 28% UAN, and a Ray ora® pesticide.

[0069] Table 3. Number of homogenous treat rates for mixtures including a compatibilizer, 28% UAN, and a Xyway® pesticide.

[0070] Several observations are made from these examples. First, of the Pluronics®, Pluronic® L64 compatibilized 28% UAN and Rayora® after 24 hours. Second, only Pluronic® L62 PE compatibilized 28% UAN and Rayora® at all five treats rates after 24 hours. Third, of the Pluronic® Phosphate Esters, only Pluronic® L121 PE compatibilized, at a few treat rates, 28% UAN and Rayora® and 28% UAN and Xyway® after 24 hours. Fourth, a commercially available phosphate ester, Tryfac® 5560 compatibilized at only one treat rate 28% UAN and Rayora® and 28% UAN and Xyway® after 24 hours. Fifth, the Pluronic® Phosphate Esters generally outperformed the Pluronics® as compatibilizers. Sixth, Pluronic® L62 PE showed better compatibility with Rayora® compared to Agrilan® 1028 after 24 hours. Seventh, although Pluronic® L121 PE was not compatible in 28% UAN alone, it did, at certain treat rates, compatibilize 28% UAN and Rayora® and 28% UAN and Xyway® after 24 hours. Eighth, the addition of an APGto Xyway®, which already contains an APG, destabilized the pesticide/fertilizer combination. Ninth, Pluronic® L121 PE showed better compatibility with Xyway® compared to Agrilan® 1028 after 24 hours.

[0071] Overall, the present examples demonstrate the usefulness of certain ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymers and phosphate esters of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymers as compatibilizers. It was surprisingly found that only certain ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymers and phosphate esters of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymers were capable of acting as compatibilizers in formulations including a fertilizer and an active agrochemical ingredient (e.g. a pesticide).

[0072] This written description uses examples to illustrate the present disclosure, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the disclosure, including making and using any compositions or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the disclosure is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent elements with insubstantial differences from the literal language of the claims.

[0073] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having,” “contains”, “containing,” “characterized by” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, subject to any limitation explicitly indicated. For example, a composition, mixture, process or method that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such composition, mixture, process or method. [0074] The transitional phrase “consisting of’ excludes any element, step, or ingredient not specified. If in the claim, such would close the claim to the inclusion of materials other than those recited except for impurities ordinarily associated therewith. When the phrase “consisting of’ appears in a clause of the body of a claim, rather than immediately following the preamble, it limits only the element set forth in that clause; other elements are not excluded from the claim as a whole.

[0075] The transitional phrase “consisting essentially of’ is used to define a composition or method that includes matenals, steps, features, components, or elements, in addition to those literally disclosed, provided that these additional materials, steps, features, components, or elements do not materially affect the basic and novel characteristic(s) of the claimed invention. The term “consisting essentially of’ occupies a middle ground between “comprising” and “consisting of’.

[0076] Where an invention or a portion thereof is defined with an open- ended term such as “comprising,” it should be readily understood that (unless otherwise stated) the description should be interpreted to also describe such an invention using the terms “consisting essentially of’ or “consisting of.”

[0077] Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or B is satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0078] Also, the indefinite articles “a” and “an” preceding an element or component of the invention are intended to be nonrestrictive regarding the number of instances (i.e. occurrences) of the element or component. Therefore “a” or “an” should be read to include one or at least one, and the singular word form of the element or component also includes the plural unless the number is obviously meant to be singular.

[0079] As used herein, the term “about” means plus or minus 10% of the value.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An agrochemical composition comprising: a fertilizer; an active ingredient; and a compatibilizer selected from the group of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide- ethylene oxide block copolymer and a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxidepropylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer.

2. The agrochemical composition of claim 1, wherein the agrochemical composition is in a form selected from the group of a suspension concentrate, an emulsion concentrate, and an oil dispersion.

3. The agrochemical composition of claim 1, wherein the agrochemical composition is free of precipitation, oil, cream, and/or flocculation.

4. The agrochemical composition of claim 1, wherein the fertilizer is selected from the group of liquid fertilizers, urea ammonium nitrate fertilizers, ammonium polyphosphate fertilizers, ammonium sulfate fertilizers, and combinations thereof.

5. The agrochemical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group of pesticides, biopesticides, insecticides, herbicides, nematicides, fungicides, and combinations thereof.

6. The agrochemical composition of claim 1, wherein the active ingredient is selected from the group of flutriafol, azoxystrobm, propiconazole, azoxystrobin and propiconazole, chlorothalonil, carbendazim, chlorothalonil and carbendazim, copper oxychloride, chlorothalonil and copper oxychloride, cymoxanil, chlorothalonil and cymoxanil, copper hydroxide, copper sulfate pentahydrate, di ethofencarb, diethofencarb and carbendazim, dodine, epoxiconazole, epoxiconazole and carbendazim, fenhexamid, fludioxonil, metalaxyl, fludioxonil and metalaxyl, mancozeb, propamocarb hydrochloride, fluopicolide, propamocarb hydrochloride and fluopicolide, pyrimethanil, trifloxystrobin, pyrimethanil and trifloxystrobin, tebuconazole, pyrimethanil and tebuconazole, tebuconazole and azoxy strobin, and combinations thereof.

7. The agrochemical composition of claim 1, wherein the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer comprises a number of propylene oxide groups in a range of from about 16 to about 70.

8. The agrochemical composition of claim 1, wherein the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer comprises ethylene oxide in an amount of from about 10 wt% to about 80 wt%.

9. The agrochemical composition of claim 1, wherein the ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer has an average molecular weight in a range of from about 1000 g/mol to about 4500 g/mol.

10. The agrochemical composition of claim 1, wherein the compatibilizer is a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer.

11. The agrochemical composition of claim 1 , wherein the agrochemical composition further comprises water.

12. The agrochemical composition of claim 1, wherein the agrochemical composition further comprises an auxiliary selected from the group consisting of biocides, antifoamers, antifreeze agents, rheology modifiers, solvents, carriers, oil carriers, dispersants, further compatibilizers, adjuvants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, penetrants, co-solvents, potentiators, and combinations thereof.

13. A method of preparing an agrochemical composition, the method comprising: forming a mixture comprising: a fertilizer; an active ingredient; and a compatibilizer selected from the group of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxi de-ethylene oxide block copolymer and a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer; and mixing the mixture.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the mixture further comprises water.

15. The method of claim 13, wherein the mixture further comprises an auxiliary' selected from the group consisting of biocides, antifoamers, antifreeze agents, rheology modifiers, solvents, carriers, oil carriers, dispersants, further compatibilizers, adjuvants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, penetrants, co-solvents, potentiators, and combinations thereof.

16. The method of claim 13, wherein the mixture is free of precipitation, oil, cream, and/or flocculation.

17. A method of using an agrochemical composition comprising: a fertilizer; an active ingredient; and a compatibilizer selected from the group of an ethylene oxide-propylene oxide- ethylene oxide block copolymer and a phosphate ester of an ethylene oxidepropylene oxide-ethylene oxide block copolymer, the method comprising using the agrochemical composition to control pests.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the pests are selected from the group of agronomic pests, nonagronomic pests, vertebrate pests, invertebrate pests, insects, weeds, fungus, and combinations thereof.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein the agrochemical composition further comprises water.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein the agrochemical composition further comprises an auxiliary selected from the group consisting of biocides, antifoamers, antifreeze agents, rheology modifiers, solvents, carriers, oil carriers, dispersants, further compatibilizers, adjuvants, emulsifiers, wetting agents, penetrants, co-solvents, potentiators, and combinations thereof.