VISCO-PELLETS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF SOIL-BORNE DISEASES AND SOIL RECLAMATION

Abstract

The invention provides a pellet-based formulation, Visco-Pellets, designed to control soil-borne diseases and improve soil health. Comprising Cleome viscosa extract, biochar, APSA 80, and rice bran, the formulation gradually releases bioactive compounds that target pathogens while enhancing soil structure and fertility. This eco-friendly solution offers an alternative to chemical treatments, supporting sustainable agriculture and soil restoration.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to agricultural biotechnology and plant pathology, specifically to a pellet-based formulation for managing soil-borne diseases and enhancing soil health. Using Cleome viscosa extracts, biochar, APSA 80, and rice bran, the invention offers a natural alternative to chemical soil treatments, aiming to combat plant pathogens and restore soil fertility.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Soil-borne diseases, primarily caused by fungal pathogens such as Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., and Pythium spp., pose a significant challenge in agriculture, reducing crop yield and quality. Chemical treatments have been the standard approach for managing these diseases. However, prolonged chemical use contributes to soil degradation, reduces beneficial microbial populations, and results in pathogen resistance, making chemicals less effective over time. Additionally, chemical residues in the soil pose environmental and health risks, leading to a demand for eco-friendly alternatives that ensure effective pathogen management without compromising soil health.
Botanical extracts have shown potential in plant disease management due to their antimicrobial properties. Cleome viscosa, a traditionally used medicinal plant, contains bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and essential oils, which exhibit antifungal and antibacterial activities. However, current applications of Cleome viscosa and other botanical extracts are mainly limited to foliar disease control, with limited success in managing soil and seed-borne infections. Despite promising antimicrobial properties, these extracts have not been widely utilized as a soil treatment, thus presenting an opportunity for innovation in soil-borne disease management.
Biochar, derived from the pyrolysis of agricultural waste, is an effective soil amendment known for enhancing soil structure, increasing microbial activity, and sequestering carbon. Combined with botanical extracts, biochar can aid in the controlled release of bioactive compounds, enhancing the effectiveness and longevity of the treatment. Biochar also contributes to soil health by retaining nutrients, regulating moisture, and improving pH balance. This synergy between biochar and botanical extracts presents a sustainable approach to managing soil-borne diseases while promoting soil reclamation.
The novelty of this invention lies in its pellet-based formulation, integrating Cleome viscosa extract, biochar, APSA 80 (a surfactant and bio-solvent), and rice bran as an adhesive. This formulation addresses the dual challenges of soil disease management and soil reclamation. The pellets provide controlled and targeted delivery of bioactive compounds, reducing the need for chemical inputs, enhancing soil fertility, and offering a sustainable alternative to conventional soil treatments.
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 pellet-based formulation, termed "Visco-Pellets," designed for the management of soil-borne diseases and soil reclamation. The formulation includes Cleome viscosa extract for its antimicrobial properties, biochar for soil improvement, APSA 80 as a bio-solvent, and rice bran as a binding agent. The pellets release bioactive compounds gradually, targeting soil-borne pathogens and enhancing soil structure and nutrient retention. This sustainable solution reduces chemical dependence, promotes soil health, and supports environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
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 invention focuses on developing Visco-Pellets, a pellet-based formulation for managing soil-borne diseases and reclaiming degraded soils. This formulation combines Cleome viscosa extract, biochar, APSA 80, and rice bran to provide a sustainable, targeted approach to soil health.
Cleome viscosa, known for its antimicrobial properties, is harvested, cleaned, and dried. The dried leaves, stems, and roots are ground into a fine powder, and bioactive compounds are extracted using ethanol through Soxhlet extraction. This extract contains flavonoids, saponins, alkaloids, and terpenoids, which exhibit antifungal and antibacterial properties. The resulting concentrated extract serves as the primary bioactive component in the pellet formulation, offering targeted control over soil pathogens.
Biochar is derived from agricultural residues processed through pyrolysis. It is rich in carbon, nitrogen, and trace minerals and contributes to soil structure, moisture retention, and nutrient adsorption. Biochar also acts as a carrier for the bioactive compounds in Cleome viscosa, extending their efficacy by providing a controlled-release mechanism. This controlled release supports prolonged soil protection against pathogens while enhancing soil fertility. Biochar's porous structure facilitates microbial colonization, promoting a healthy soil ecosystem.
In a mixing container, Cleome viscosa extract, biochar, APSA 80, and rice bran are combined. APSA 80 serves as a surfactant and bio-solvent, enhancing the penetration and distribution of the bioactive compounds in the soil. Rice bran acts as a binding agent, aiding in the formation of stable pellets. Distilled water is added gradually to achieve a workable consistency, allowing the mixture to be pressed into 5-10 mm pellets using a pellet press. The pellets are dried at 30-50°C to reduce moisture content to 12%, enhancing shelf stability and preventing premature degradation.
The pellets are applied directly to the soil around plants susceptible to soil-borne diseases. Upon exposure to soil moisture, the pellets degrade gradually, releasing bioactive compounds that target pathogens like Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., and Pythium spp. Laboratory and field trials demonstrate that treated soils show reduced disease incidence, improved plant growth, and enhanced soil quality. The efficacy of Visco-Pellets in managing soil-borne diseases is maintained over multiple growing cycles, offering a sustainable alternative to chemical treatments.
, Claims:1. A pellet-based formulation, Visco-Pellets, comprising Cleome viscosa extract, biochar, APSA 80, and rice bran for managing soil-borne diseases and enhancing soil health.
2. The formulation as claimed in Claim 1, wherein Cleome viscosa extract provides antimicrobial bioactive compounds that target soil pathogens effectively.
3. The formulation as claimed in Claim 1, wherein biochar serves as a carrier, providing a controlled release of bioactive compounds and enhancing soil structure and fertility.
4. The formulation as claimed in Claim 1, wherein APSA 80 acts as a surfactant and bio-solvent, improving the penetration and effectiveness of bioactive compounds.
5. The formulation as claimed in Claim 1, wherein rice bran functions as a binding agent, aiding in pellet stability and gradual degradation in soil.
6. The method as claimed in Claim 1, involving the application of Visco-Pellets in soil for the gradual release of bioactive compounds, targeting pathogens like Fusarium spp., Rhizoctonia spp., and Pythium spp.
7. The formulation as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the pellets have a moisture content of 12% after drying, ensuring shelf stability and preventing premature degradation.
8. A soil treatment method as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the gradual degradation of the pellets supports sustainable disease management and improves soil reclamation.
9. The Visco-Pellets as claimed in Claim 1, providing a chemical-free alternative to traditional soil disease management, promoting eco-friendly agriculture.

10. A soil enhancement solution as claimed in Claim 1, suitable for various agricultural applications to restore soil health and prevent disease in crops.

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