AN INNOVATIVE TECHNIQUE FOR CONTROLLED RELEASE OF MICRONUTRIENTS IN SOIL AND PLANTS

Abstract

This invention presents a controlled release system for micronutrients using biodegradable microencapsulation technology. The microencapsulated nutrients are released gradually in response to soil conditions, ensuring sustained availability for plant uptake. The technique supports sustainable nutrient management, enhances crop health and yield, and reduces environmental contamination associated with traditional fertilization practices.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to agricultural biotechnology, specifically focusing on the controlled release of micronutrients in soil and plants. By employing advanced delivery systems, the invention optimizes micronutrient availability to plants, supporting improved crop yields and sustainable agricultural practices.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Micronutrients such as iron, zinc, manganese, and copper are essential for plant health and growth, yet are often deficient in agricultural soils. Traditional methods of micronutrient application involve direct soil or foliar application, which may result in nutrient losses due to rapid leaching, runoff, or degradation. These losses can reduce the effectiveness of nutrient applications, necessitating repeated doses and increasing costs for farmers. Additionally, excess nutrients leaching into water bodies can cause environmental pollution, adversely affecting aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity.
Current nutrient delivery technologies lack the capability to release micronutrients in a targeted, controlled manner, aligning with plant needs over the growing cycle. This inefficiency contributes to nutrient wastage and environmental risks, highlighting the need for a sustainable approach to micronutrient application in agriculture. By enabling a controlled release mechanism responsive to environmental triggers, this invention seeks to maximize nutrient uptake efficiency, reduce waste, and support environmental sustainability.
This invention presents a breakthrough in controlled nutrient delivery, utilizing biodegradable microencapsulation technology to gradually release micronutrients in response to soil moisture, temperature, and microbial activity. This technique ensures that plants receive an optimized supply of micronutrients, enhancing plant growth, reducing environmental impact, and supporting long-term agricultural productivity.
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 provides a method for controlled release of essential micronutrients in soil and plants using biodegradable microencapsulation technology. Microcapsules containing micronutrients are designed to degrade gradually, responding to soil conditions such as moisture and temperature. This controlled release system enables targeted nutrient delivery, improving nutrient use efficiency, crop health, and yield while minimizing environmental contamination.
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 MICROENCAPSULATION PROCESS, ILLUSTRATING THE ENCAPSULATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS WITHIN BIODEGRADABLE POLYMER MATRICES.
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 Innovative Technique for Controlled Release of Micronutrients in Soil and Plants utilizes biodegradable microencapsulation to achieve sustained and targeted nutrient delivery. The process begins with microencapsulation of micronutrients-such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu)-within biodegradable polymer matrices. The microencapsulation process involves dissolving micronutrients in a solvent and mixing them with polymers like poly(lactic acid) (PLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL). Microcapsules are formed using techniques such as spray drying, coacervation, or solvent evaporation, resulting in stable, biodegradable capsules that protect the active nutrients.
The controlled release mechanism is designed to respond to environmental conditions. The polymer matrix absorbs moisture from the soil, causing it to swell and degrade over time, which releases the encapsulated nutrients in a controlled manner. Soil temperature can also influence the degradation rate, with warmer temperatures accelerating release, providing nutrients during critical growth stages. Additionally, soil microorganisms contribute to the breakdown of the polymer, facilitating the gradual release of nutrients over an extended period.
The invention allows for various application methods to ensure nutrient availability at the root zone. In soil incorporation, the microencapsulated micronutrients are mixed into the soil at planting, ensuring nutrients are accessible throughout the plant's growth. For foliar applications, the microcapsules are suspended in water and sprayed directly onto plant leaves, enabling direct nutrient absorption through the foliage.
This customizable delivery system can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of different crops and soil conditions. The polymer type, nutrient concentration, and encapsulation parameters can be adjusted to achieve optimal release profiles, allowing for precise control over nutrient availability. The biodegradable nature of the polymers supports soil health, reduces plastic pollution, and promotes sustainable nutrient cycling, contributing to long-term soil fertility.
, Claims:1. A method for controlled release of micronutrients in soil and plants, comprising microencapsulated micronutrients within biodegradable polymer matrices.
2. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein microencapsulation involves biodegradable polymers such as poly(lactic acid) (PLA) or polycaprolactone (PCL).
3. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the release of micronutrients is controlled by environmental factors, including soil moisture, temperature, and microbial activity.
4. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein soil incorporation and foliar application methods are utilized for flexible nutrient delivery.
5. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the biodegradable polymer matrix degrades gradually, releasing micronutrients in sync with plant uptake needs.
6. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein temperature and soil microbial activity influence the degradation rate of the polymer matrix.
7. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the release profiles are customizable based on polymer selection, nutrient concentration, and encapsulation parameters.
8. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it reduces environmental impact by minimizing nutrient leaching and using biodegradable materials.
9. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it supports soil health by promoting beneficial microbial activity and minimizing chemical input reliance.

10. The method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein it improves nutrient use efficiency, enhancing crop yield and quality.

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