A NOVEL MATRIX OF ENCAPSULATED VERMICOMPOST AND TRICHODERMA

Abstract

The invention relates to a novel capsule formulation that combines Trichoderma spores with vermicompost, encapsulated within a matrix of alginate and bentonite clay for controlled release in agricultural applications. This innovative approach enhances the stability and viability of Trichoderma while delivering essential nutrients from vermicompost, promoting healthy plant growth and suppressing soil-borne pathogens. The encapsulation protects the spores from environmental stressors, significantly improving their shelf life and effectiveness. Designed for easy application, the formulation facilitates uniform distribution in soil, making it practical for large-scale use. By integrating microbial biotechnology with organic waste management, this invention offers a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides, contributing to improved soil health and enhanced agricultural productivity.

Specification

Description:The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner it
is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The technical field of the invention encompasses sustainable agriculture, focusing on the formulation and application of biocontrol agents and organic fertilizers. It integrates microbial biotechnology with soil health enhancement, utilizing encapsulated Trichoderma spores and vermicompost to promote plant growth and suppress soil-borne pathogens. This innovative approach aims to improve agricultural practices by providing a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
BACKGROUND
[002] The use of Trichoderma species as biocontrol agents has gained significant attention in agriculture due to their ability to suppress soil-borne pathogens. These fungi possess various mechanisms, including the production of mycoparasitic enzymes and metabolites, which contribute to their efficacy in protecting plants. Their application can reduce the reliance on chemical pesticides, aligning with sustainable agricultural practices aimed at enhancing soil health and crop productivity.
[003] Vermicompost, derived from the breakdown of organic matter by earthworms, is recognized for its rich nutrient profile and ability to improve soil structure. It contains beneficial microorganisms, enzymes, and nutrients that enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. The synergistic combination of vermicompost with microbial agents can amplify these benefits, creating a more resilient agricultural ecosystem.
[004] The encapsulation of beneficial microorganisms is a promising method for improving their stability and effectiveness in agricultural applications. Techniques such as alginate and bentonite clay encapsulation protect microbial cells from environmental stressors like UV radiation, moisture, and temperature fluctuations. This protective mechanism can extend the shelf life of biocontrol agents and facilitate controlled release, optimizing their performance when applied to the soil.
[005] WO2005067550A2, detail methods for producing vermicompost tea but do not explore the encapsulation of Trichoderma with vermicompost. This gap highlights the need for innovative formulations that combine the benefits of both components, providing a dual-action product that not only delivers nutrients but also enhances pathogen resistance in crops.
[006] Research indicates that Trichoderma can enhance the composting process by breaking down complex organic materials like lignin and cellulose. This ability not only accelerates compost maturation but also enriches the final product with essential nutrients. However, conventional applications may lack the longevity and efficacy needed for sustainable agriculture, necessitating the development of new formulations that can deliver these benefits more effectively.
[007] Encapsulation technology offers a solution to the challenge of delivering biocontrol agents in a controlled manner. By creating a stable matrix that allows for the gradual release of Trichoderma spores and nutrients from vermicompost, farmers can achieve sustained microbial activity in the soil. This approach can reduce the frequency of application, lower overall costs, and minimize environmental impact.
[008] The integration of Trichoderma with vermicompost not only addresses pathogen management but also supports soil fertility and plant health. The nutrient-rich environment provided by vermicompost can stimulate the growth of beneficial microbial communities, creating a thriving rhizosphere that enhances plant resilience against abiotic and biotic stresses.
[009] The proposed invention aims to fill the research gap by developing a novel capsule formulation that combines Trichoderma spores with vermicompost. This innovative bioformulation is expected to offer convenient application methods for farmers, facilitate uniform distribution in the soil, and contribute significantly to sustainable agricultural practices, marking a substantial advancement over existing solutions.
SUMMARY
[010] The invention introduces a novel capsule formulation combining Trichoderma spores with vermicompost, enhancing the survival and effectiveness of these beneficial microorganisms in agricultural applications.
[011] This encapsulation method protects the Trichoderma spores from environmental stressors, significantly improving their shelf life and ensuring viability over time for optimal performance.
[012] The controlled release mechanism allows for the gradual activation of both Trichoderma and nutrients from the vermicompost, promoting healthy plant growth while effectively suppressing soil-borne pathogens.
[013] Designed for ease of application, the encapsulated product enables uniform distribution in the soil, making it practical for large-scale agricultural use and reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
[014] By integrating microbial biotechnology with organic waste management, this invention supports sustainable agricultural practices, aiming to enhance soil health and productivity while providing a significant advancement in farming methods.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[015] The foregoing detailed description of embodiments is better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating of the present subject matter, an example of the construction of the present subject matter is provided as figures; however, the invention is not limited to the specific method disclosed in the document and the figures.
[016] The present subject matter is described in detail with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to refer to various features of the present subject matter.
[017] Figure 1 provides the working prototype of the invention.
[018] The given figures depict an embodiment of the present disclosure for illustration and better understanding only.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[019] Some of the embodiments of this disclosure, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail. The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open-ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items. It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[020] The invention involves a novel formulation that encapsulates Trichoderma spores within a matrix of vermicompost, utilizing alginate and bentonite clay as the primary materials for the capsules. This combination is designed to enhance the stability and efficacy of the biocontrol agent while delivering essential nutrients to the soil.
[021] The encapsulation process begins with the preparation of a bentonite clay solution, where 2.5 grams of bentonite is dissolved in 250 ml of double-distilled water. This solution is stirred continuously for 24 hours to achieve a homogeneous mixture that will act as a protective matrix for the Trichoderma spores.
[022] After the bentonite solution is prepared, it is blended with a mixture of pure Trichoderma spores and vermicompost at a ratio of 1:5. This incorporation ensures that the beneficial microbial strains are evenly distributed throughout the encapsulating medium, maximizing their availability once applied to the soil.
[023] In one embodiment it is provided that, Next, 7.5 grams of alginate powder is added to the bentonite-clay mixture, followed by gentle stirring for an additional four hours. Alginate serves as a gelling agent, facilitating the formation of beads that will encapsulate the active ingredients and provide controlled release properties.
[024] To enhance the stability of the formulation, 7.5 ml of glycerol is incorporated into the alginate-bentonite mixture. Glycerol acts as a plasticizer, improving the flexibility and durability of the final beads, which is essential for maintaining their integrity during storage and application.
[025] The encapsulation beads are formed by extruding the mixture into a pre-cooled sterile solution of calcium chloride (CaCl2) at a concentration of 0.5 M. The CaCl2 solution serves as a crosslinking agent for the alginate, causing the mixture to solidify into water-insoluble beads upon contact.
[026] In one embodiment it is provided, that Once the beads are formed, they are allowed to solidify at room temperature for a period of three to six hours. This step is crucial for ensuring the stability of the capsules, enabling them to withstand environmental factors during application and in the soil.
[027] Following solidification, the beads are thoroughly washed with sterile water to remove any excess CaCl2 or impurities. This washing process ensures that the final product is free from contaminants, which is important for maintaining microbial health and effectiveness.
[028] The resulting alginate-bentonite clay beads encapsulate the Trichoderma spores and vermicompost, providing a controlled-release formulation that can gradually deliver nutrients and biocontrol agents to the soil over time. This sustained release is beneficial for optimizing plant health and minimizing environmental impact.
[029] In one embodiment it is provided, that Initial results indicate that the encapsulated formulation enhances the viability of Trichoderma in soil environments, improving its ability to suppress soil-borne pathogens while simultaneously enriching soil fertility through the nutrient contributions of vermicompost.
[030] The advantages of this invention include extended shelf life of the biocontrol agent, reduced application frequency, and a more efficient use of resources, ultimately leading to cost savings for farmers. Additionally, the product aligns with sustainable agriculture goals by minimizing reliance on chemical inputs.
[031] This invention represents a significant advancement in agricultural practices, combining the benefits of microbial biotechnology with organic matter management. It offers a practical solution for enhancing soil health and crop productivity, paving the way for more resilient and sustainable farming systems.
[032] The encapsulated formulation allows for a gradual release of nutrients and biocontrol agents over time, which is crucial for maintaining optimal soil conditions and promoting sustained plant growth. This slow-release mechanism minimizes nutrient leaching and maximizes the availability of essential elements to crops, ensuring that plants receive continuous support throughout their growth cycle.
[033] In addition to its agricultural benefits, the invention contributes to environmental sustainability by reducing the dependency on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. By utilizing organic materials and natural microbial agents, the formulation helps to enhance soil biodiversity and health, leading to improved ecosystem resilience and reduced negative impacts associated with conventional farming practices.
[034] Referring to figure 1, image depicts a prototype of the capsule formulation that encapsulates Trichoderma spores within vermicompost, showcasing small, round beads formed through the encapsulation process. The beads are uniformly sized, demonstrating the effectiveness of the alginate-bentonite clay mixture in creating a stable matrix that protects the spores and nutrients from environmental stressors. The beads have a smooth, glossy surface, indicative of their solidified structure after exposure to calcium chloride, which serves to crosslink the alginate. This visual representation highlights the encapsulated product's potential for easy application in agricultural settings, emphasizing its role in promoting sustainable practices by enhancing soil health and plant growth. The background may feature a natural soil context or agricultural setting, underscoring the practical applications of the encapsulated formulation in real-world farming scenarios.
, Claims:1. A capsule formulation comprising Trichoderma spores and vermicompost;
A. wherein the Trichoderma spores are encapsulated within a matrix of alginate and bentonite clay for controlled release in soil applications.
B. The encapsulation provides protection against environmental stressors, enhancing the viability and shelf life of the Trichoderma spores while delivering nutrients from the vermicompost gradually.
2. The capsule formulation of claim 1, wherein the ratio of Trichoderma spores to vermicompost is 1:5, optimizing the synergistic effects of microbial activity and nutrient delivery for enhanced plant growth.
3. The capsule formulation of claim 1, wherein the alginate is present in an amount of 7.5 grams per 250 ml of bentonite clay solution, providing the necessary viscosity for effective encapsulation.
4. The capsule formulation of claim 1, wherein the bentonite clay is present in an amount of 2.5 grams per 250 ml of distilled water, contributing to the structural integrity of the encapsulation matrix.
5. The capsule formulation of claim 1, further comprising glycerol in an amount of 7.5 ml to enhance the flexibility and durability of the beads, ensuring they remain intact during handling and application.
6. The capsule formulation of claim 1, wherein the calcium chloride solution used for crosslinking has a concentration of 0.5 M, promoting optimal bead formation and stability.
7. The capsule formulation of claim 1, wherein the beads have a smooth, water-insoluble surface that facilitates gradual nutrient and biocontrol agent release in the soil, supporting prolonged microbial activity.

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