A NOVEL TECHNIQUE FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF PESTICIDE IN SOIL AND PLANTS

Abstract

This invention presents a controlled release pesticide system using micro-encapsulation technology to enhance agricultural pest management. Biodegradable polymer matrices encapsulate pesticides, allowing for gradual release triggered by environmental factors. The system supports soil and foliar applications, reduces environmental contamination, and provides sustained pest control, promoting sustainable and efficient agriculture.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to agricultural technology and environmental sustainability, focusing on a controlled release system for pesticide application in soil and plants. The invention uses micro-encapsulation technology to enable the gradual release of pesticides, enhancing pest management while minimizing environmental impact, supporting sustainable agricultural practices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Traditional pesticide application methods in agriculture present several challenges, including environmental contamination, ineffective pest control, and high costs. Conventional methods often lead to pesticide runoff and leaching, polluting soil and water ecosystems, and harming non-target organisms. Additionally, frequent and uneven pesticide applications can lead to inconsistent pest control, increased resistance among pests, and higher costs for farmers due to multiple applications throughout the growing season.
Current pesticide delivery systems lack the flexibility and precision needed to adapt to specific crop requirements and pest life cycles, resulting in suboptimal pest management. These methods expose farmworkers and surrounding communities to chemical exposure risks, raising concerns about health and safety. The need for a sustainable, efficient pesticide application system that minimizes environmental risks and enhances efficacy has become increasingly critical for modern agriculture.
This invention addresses these challenges by providing a controlled release system for pesticides, incorporating biodegradable micro-encapsulation technology. By controlling the timing and rate of pesticide release, the invention reduces environmental impact, promotes safe and effective pest management, and supports sustainable agricultural practices. This novel approach minimizes the frequency of applications, enhances pesticide efficacy, and provides a reliable, eco-friendly solution for pest management.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts, in a simplified format, that are further described in the detailed description of the invention.
This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.
To further clarify advantages and features of the present invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.
The invention introduces a controlled release pesticide system using biodegradable micro-encapsulation. This technology protects the active ingredients from degradation and allows for gradual release in response to environmental factors like soil moisture and microbial activity. The system can be applied to soil or plants, providing sustained pest control while reducing environmental contamination and the need for repeated applications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The illustrated embodiments of the subject matter will be understood by reference to the drawings, wherein like parts are designated by like numerals throughout. The following description is intended only by way of example, and simply illustrates certain selected embodiments of devices, systems, and methods that are consistent with the subject matter as claimed herein, wherein:
FIGURE 1: SHOWS THE MICRO-ENCAPSULATION PROCESS, ILLUSTRATING THE FORMATION OF BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER MATRICES AROUND PESTICIDE PARTICLES.
The figures depict embodiments of the present subject matter for the purposes of illustration only. A person skilled in the art will easily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The detailed description of various exemplary embodiments of the disclosure is described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the embodiments are described herein in such details as to clearly communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of details provided herein is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
It is also to be understood that various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, embody the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and embodiments of the present disclosure, as well as specific examples, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of example embodiments. As used herein, the singular forms "a"," "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes" and/or "including," when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and/or groups thereof.
It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions/acts noted may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two figures shown in succession may, in fact, be executed concurrently or may sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality/acts involved.
In addition, the descriptions of "first", "second", "third", and the like in the present invention are used for the purpose of description only, and are not to be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features indicated. Thus, features defining "first" and "second" may include at least one of the features, either explicitly or implicitly.
Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. It will be further understood that terms, e.g., those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.
The Novel Technique for Controlled Release of Pesticides in Soil and Plants utilizes a micro-encapsulation technology that protects pesticide active ingredients within biodegradable polymer matrices, creating microcapsules designed for controlled release. The encapsulation process begins with dissolving the pesticide in a solvent compatible with the chosen polymer material, such as polylactic acid (PLA), polycaprolactone (PCL), or starch-based polymers. Microcapsules are formed through methods like spray-drying or coacervation, resulting in a stable matrix that prevents premature pesticide release.
The controlled release mechanism is designed to respond to environmental factors, such as soil moisture, temperature, and microbial activity. Higher moisture levels and warmer temperatures accelerate the degradation of the polymer, enabling gradual pesticide release. The microcapsules release their contents over time, providing consistent pest control across critical crop growth stages and reducing the need for frequent applications. By adapting the release profiles, the system can be tailored to align with specific crop and pest cycles.
The application methods include soil incorporation and foliar spraying, allowing flexibility based on crop requirements. For soil incorporation, the microcapsules are either mixed into the soil at planting or applied as a top dressing, interacting with soil moisture and microorganisms to trigger pesticide release. In foliar applications, the microencapsulated pesticide is sprayed onto plant surfaces, where it adheres, minimizing drift and evaporation. This targeted application reduces off-target effects and increases pesticide efficiency.
Customizable Release Profiles are a key feature of the invention, allowing adaptation to various agricultural needs. By selecting different polymers and adjusting the microcapsule formulation, release rates can be customized to provide precise control over pesticide availability. The biodegradable nature of the polymers ensures minimal environmental impact, as the microcapsules break down naturally, leaving no harmful residues in the soil.
Environmental and Safety Benefits include reduced pesticide runoff, minimized exposure risks for farmworkers and non-target organisms, and decreased frequency of applications. The controlled release mechanism enhances safety for surrounding communities and promotes biodiversity by reducing the impact on beneficial insects and wildlife. The method integrates seamlessly into existing agricultural practices, offering an eco-friendly, sustainable approach to pest management.
, Claims:1. A controlled release system for pesticide application in soil and plants, comprising micro-encapsulated pesticide particles within biodegradable polymer matrices.
2. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the micro-encapsulation process involves the formation of polymer matrices using materials such as polylactic acid, polycaprolactone, or starch-based polymers.
3. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the controlled release mechanism responds to environmental factors, including soil moisture, temperature, and microbial activity, to release pesticides gradually.
4. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein soil incorporation and foliar application methods are employed for flexible delivery of the encapsulated pesticide.
5. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein soil moisture and microbial activity trigger the degradation of the polymer matrix, initiating pesticide release.
6. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the foliar application minimizes drift and evaporation, ensuring targeted pesticide delivery to plant surfaces.
7. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the release profile of the encapsulated pesticide is customizable based on polymer selection and formulation adjustments.
8. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it reduces environmental impact by using biodegradable polymers, contributing to sustainable agricultural practices.
9. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it enhances pest control efficacy by providing sustained pesticide availability across crop growth stages.
10. The system as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it supports eco-friendly pest management by minimizing pesticide runoff and reducing exposure risks for farmworkers and non-target organisms.

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