Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
. ,
..
' ~ Henkel KGaA
Dr. FuesIQ
21.09.1998
CA 02309547 2000-OS-08
Patent Application
H 3143
Free flowing Multicomponent Mixtures for Promoting the Growth of -
Soil Microorganism Flora and their Use
The knowledge built up by experts in recent years on the seemingly
simple process of breaking up soil to promote plant growth and adding
fertilizers provides an insight into the highly complex life and exchange
processes which take place in this part of the living earth. A comprehensive
account and analysis of this area of natural life processes can be found, for
example, in the book entitled "Soil Microbiology and Biochemistry" by
E.A. Paul and F.E. Clark, published by Academic Press, Inc., San Diego,
USA, 1989. In particular, this book provides a comprehensive portrayal of the
diverse and extremely complex life processes and interactions of the various
microorganism flora and the soil-inhabiting microflora and macroflora in
exchange therewith (soil is also referred to hereinafter as substrate). The
living plant is in continuous exchange through its roots with these life
processes of soil microorganisms. Accordingly, crucial importance for the
care and control of plant growth attaches to the control and care of this
microorganism growth and, above all, the growth of the microorganism flora
in the soil. The concentration of the microorganism flora is highest in the
soil
region which is in direct contact with the plant roots (known among experts
as the rhizosphere) and decreases to an increasing extent and dramatically
a few millimeters away-from that region. Accordingly, crucial importance for
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the control, care and promotion of plant growth attaches to the exchange of
material between plant roots and the microorganism population in the
fiizosphere. Deficiencies, for example in regard to the access of oxygen,
water and nutrients dissolved therein, can weaken the plants and cause
serious damage. This damage can occur both in the root zone, for example
nematode infestation, and also in the above-ground part of the plant. The
technical teaching of the present invention as disclosed in the following is
based on the concept of optimizing and naturally controlling and promoting
microorganism processes in the substrate and, in particular, of securing
primary promotion of the growth of microorganism flora. Increasing microbial
activity in the soil fosters natural mineralization processes by breaking up
the
soil and returning the dead parts of plants to the nutrient cycle. The growth-
promoted microorganism populations provide food for many small organisms
so that, ultimately, the soil is generally stimulated.
The improved soil structure provides for the optimal supply of oxygen
to the soil and plant roots while the promotion of microbial activity
stabilizes
the soil matrix. The improved aeration has an accelerating effect on rotting
and thus loosens the soil which is also important for the metabolism of the
plant roots. Soil compaction attributable to heavy precipitation or
incompetent groundcare can be prevented or at least reduced.
DE 44 3T 313 describes the use of selected phosphorus- and nitrogen-
containing components from the class of phospholipids for improving plant
growth. By adding these phospholipids to the substrate in which the plants
grow or are intended to grow, it is possible to improve the growth of the
plants. According to the document in question, it is assumed that this
increase in growth is associated with a stimulation of the substrate-
inhabiting
microorganisms. Suitable phospholipids are, above all, lecithin, lecithin
hydrolyzates and chemically modified lecithins. Even DE 42 18 243
describes nutrient mixtures based on liquid aqueous preparations which
contain an ester of phosphoric acid as emuls~er and P source and, if
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desired, one or more water-soluble or water-dispersible N sources. The
objective here is the cultivation of microorganisms which are suitable in the
context of bioremediation for biologically degrading mineral oil contamination
in correspondingly polluted ground andlor waters.
WO 93101150 describes easy-to-handle fertilizer mixtures for
introducing nitrogen into the plant growth process. Together with the
mixtures of fertilizers based on macro and micro nutrients for plant growth,
water and an oil phase are used in the presence of w/o invert emulsifiers.-
This is said to ensure the formation of, in particular, paste form mixtures in
which the continuous oil phase is supposed to separate or surround the
aqueous parts of the mixture in the form of a film. Oils of vegetable origin
and
mineral oil are mentioned as suitable oil phases.
Hitherto unpublished German patent application 197 01 127.6 relates
to a low foam wetting aid in the fom~ of a highly concentrated but free-
flowing
and pourable aqueous surfactant-based concentrate for intensifying the
penetration and spreading of water into and around the roots of plants during
watering, containing alkyl (poly)glycoside compounds of the o/w type (APG
compounds) as an ecologically safe surfactant component, olefinically
unsaturated alcohols to suppress/inhibit foam and lower water-soluble
alcohols to control viscosity. The improvement in plant growth at dry spots
_ ~ in grassed areas affected in particular by so-called thatch which is
observed
after the introduction of this wetting aid in practice is attributed to the
better
spreading of water as a life-supporting component in and around the roots of
the grass.
The new technical teaching disclosed in the following for promoting
and caring for plant growth by controlling the natural growth processes in the
substrate is based on the concept of - primarily - promoting, controlling and
securing microorganism growth by introducing a multicomponent mixture
which is described in the following. This primary promotion of microorganism
growth would be secured above all in the fiizosphere region, i.e. in that
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region of the root-permeated substrate which is critical to plant growth. The
teaching according to the invention is guided by two dominant concepts:
together with phosphorus (P~ and nitrogen (N)-containing supporting
materials and, if desired, other plant, macro andlor micro nutrients, selected
compounds containing hydrocarbon radicals are now to be introduced into the
soil as additional C sources for the growth of the microorganism flora. At the
same time, the preparation of these growth aids and the form in which they
are used are intended to optimize their spreading, including their
introduction
into the rhizosphere region of the substrate.
Subject of the invention
In a first embodiment, therefore, the present invention relates to a
process for increasing the growth of soil microorganism flora and promoting
the microbial break-up of soil (substrate) polluted with an organic substance
and - in association therewith - durably improving plant health and promoting
healthy plant growth in that substrate. The teaching according to the
invention in this embodiment is characterized by the introduction of aqueous
preparations containing
(a) ecologically safe wetting agents of the o/w type together with
_ ~ (b) aerobically and anaerobically degradable organic compounds
containing lipophilic saturated and/or olefinically unsaturated
hydrocarbon radicals of fatty structure as additional C sources for the
growth of the microorganism flora,
in conjunction with the simultaneous and/or staggered introduction of
(c) supporting materials containing compounds of P and/or N at least
partly bearing lipophilic radicals, preferably oil-soluble compounds of
P andlor N, and, if desired, other macro and/or micro nutrients for plant
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growth.
In another embodiment, the present invention relates to water-dilutable
aqueous concentrates of growth aids for plant-growth-promoting soil
microorganism flora containing components (c) and (a) mentioned above,
characterized in that these multicomponent mixtures additionally contain fine-
particle emulsifiable and/or dispersible C sources for the growth of the
microorganism flora from class (b) mentioned above. -
Finally, the present invention relates to the application of the working
principle of healthy growth promotion of soil microorganism flora and the
resulting stimulation and development of soil fauna by introduction of the
above-mentioned multicomponent mixtures for soil rehabilitation with a
rotting-accelerating effect (mineralization) and a soil-improving effect
(improvement of soil aeration, elimination of anaerobic soil regions) and in
particular for use as a vitalizing medium with a plant-strengthening
fertilizing
effect, preferably of the slow-release type.
Particulars of the teaching according to the invention
Before the defining elements of the teaching according to the invention
are discussed in detail, the working principle of the new technical teaching
and the various synergistic result-optimizing effects linked thereto are
summarized in the following without any claim to completeness
The disclosure of DE 44 37 313 cited above seeks to improve plant
growth in substrates by addition of phospholipids to the substrate. This
teaching is based on the observation that even microorganisms living
naturally in uncontaminated soil can be stimulated by the addition of these
promoters containing P and N and also lipophilic radicals. This results in
better growth of the plants growing in the soils thus treated. The teaching
according-to the invention makes use of this working principle, but goes a
crucial step further. in addition to the supporting materials containing P, N
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and if desired other macro andlor micro nutrients for plant growth, selected
C sources are introduced into the soil as an additional growth stimulant for
microorganism flora. These additional carbon sources for microorganism
growth introduced in accordance with the invention are aerobically and
anaerobically degradable organic compounds containing lipophilic saturated
and/or olefinically unsaturated hydrocarbon radicals of fatty structure. The
introduction of these components containing organically bound carbon with
a large number of energy-rich C-H bonds primarily promotes the growth of
organotrophic microorganisms. It is known that most of the bacterial species
known today belong to this class of organotrophic organisms. Their
increased growth then leads to the stimulation of soil fauna in subsequent,
complex secondary steps. However, this is only a fragmentary explanation
of the synergistic increase in effect.
Another key component of the multicomponent mixtures according to
the invention are ecologically safe wetting agents of the olw type which, as
part of the water-based addition to the substrate, are distinguished by
pronounced multifunctionality. The spreading of the aqueous phase applied
to the substrate, particularly in and around the roots, is optimized. ~/Vater
thus comes into direct contact with the root hairs which is crucial to the
uptake of water and nutrients. At the same time, however, the pore structure
is also cleaned, for example by being washed free from substrate zones with
inadequate gas phase exchange which would otherwise lead to the formation
of an unwanted anaerobic microorganism population. The use of this wetting
aid also leads to the uniform spreading of the microorganism growth
promoters and, in particular, the carbon sources introduced in accordance
with the invention for the growth of organotrophic microorganisms.
However, the synergistic increase in effect is also reflected in working
steps before and during introduction of the growth aids according to the
invention. ~ Surface-active wetting aids and, in particular, the APG-type
wetting aids preferred in accordance with the invention are distinguished in
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their aqueous preparations by a particularly pronounced foaming capacity.
It is obvious that such foaming is a major disadvantage in the practical
application of the wetting aids in agriculture and forestry. However, it has
been found that the joint use of the wetting agents of component (a)
according to the invention and the carbon sources containing hydrocarbon
radicals of fatty structure for the growth of the microorganism flora
(component (b)) leads to such pronounced foam-suppressing or foam-
inhibiting effects that no foaming problems arise in the practical application
of the multicomponent mixtures according to the invention in aqueous
preparations.
Finally, another aspect of the teaching according to the invention
which is of both immediate and future importance is discussed in the
following. Even today, the evaluation of new and further technological
developments is determined to a very large extent by the criterion of
sustainability or sustainable development. This additional requirement
applies in particular to agrobiological and agrochemical processes of the type
addressed by the teaching according to the invention. The elements of the
teaching according to the invention described in detail in the following
provide
for optimization in this regard without ignoring the aspect of economy.
Virtually all the components of the nutrient system used in accordance with
the invention may be developed as chemicals based on natural substances.
The source of all these components is healthy plant growth. It will readily be
appreciated that, so far as the natural carbon cycle is concerned, not only
are
additional problems eliminated, positive steps are also taken to help in
reducing and removing existing damage.
Components (a), (b) and (c) of the mixtures according to the invention
are discussed in detail in the following:
la) "Ecoloaicallv safe wetting a4ents of the olw tv~e"
The wetting agents or rather surfactants discussed here belong in
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particular to the classes of anionic surfactants andlor nonionic surfactants.
An important requirement is biological compatibility and, above all, adequate
biodegradability in the substrate. Rapidly and completely biodegradable
surfactant compounds from the class of nonionic surfactants represent a
preferred class of the auxiliaries under discussion.
Suitable anionic surfactants are, for example, soaps and
biodegradable alkyl sulfates, more particularly fatty alcohol sulfates. Non-
readily biodegradable or incompletely biodegradable surtactants based on
petrochemicals, for example alkyl benzenesulfonate or alkyl ether sulfates,
are less suitable. Suitable representatives include the partial esters of
phosphoric acid with fatty alcohols and, in particular, corresponding partial
esters with straight-chain fatty alcohols, preferably of natural origin and
hence
with an even number of carbon atoms. For example, con-esponding esters
of relatively short-chain fatty alcohols, such as those containing 6 to 10
carbon atoms in the fatty alcohol molecule, are suitable. However, alkyl
phosphates containing relatively long fatty alcohol molecules, for example
with 12 to 24 carbon atoms, are also suitable in principle. The same applies
to the comparable fatty alcohol ether phosphates although they are less
preferred.
According to the invention, particularly preferred biodegradable
surfactants of class (a) are corresponding compounds of at least
predominantly nonionic character which are preferably based at least
predominantly on natural substances and which have preferred HLB values
of 10 to 18.
In a particularly prefer-ed embodiment of the invention, alkyl
(oligo)glucoside compounds of which the alkyl group derives at least
predominantly from straight-chain fatty alcohols are used at least partly and,
in particular, at least predominantly as component (a). Compounds of this
type, whichr are now also referred to as APG components or compounds, are
surface-active auxiliaries with a wide range of applications. A number of
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factors are of importance to their use on an industrial scale. As widely
known, APG-based wetting agents can be based entirely on natural materials.
They are obtained as products of the reaction of fatty alcohols with glucose,
oligoglucoses or even - with a simultaneous reduction in chain length - with
polyglycosides, such as starch, and correspond to the general formula R-O-
(G)x, where R is a primary, preferably linear aliphatic hydrocarbon radical
containing at least 6 carbon atoms, preferably 8 to 24 carbon atoms and more
preferably 8 to 18 carbon atoms and G is a glycose unit containing 5 or 6-
carbon atoms, preferably glucose. In the class of surfactants in question, the
degree of oligomerization x - and hence the DP value - which indicates the
distribution of monoglycosides and oligoglycosides nom~ally assumes a value
of 1 to 10, for example in the range from about 1.2 to 5, preferably in the
range from about 1.2 to 4 and more preferably in the range from 1.2 to 2. T'he
extensive expert knowledge and literature on the production and properties
of APG compounds of the type in question is documented, for example, in the
book by Hill et al. entitled "Alkyl Polyglycosides", VCH-
Verlagsgesellschaft mbH, Weinheim, 1997.
Although the class of APG compounds of the o/w type under
discussion here are the preferred representatives of the wetting agents of
class (a) to be used in accordance with the invention, other biodegradable
and compatible components with comparable properties may also be used for
the purposes of the teaching according to the invention. Examples of such
components are sugar partial esters of monocarboxylic acids containing in
particular 8 to 24 carbon atoms, sorbitan esters, for example of the sorbitan
monostearate or sorbitan monooleate type, and even surfactants of biological
origin, for example sophorose lipid, trehalose lipid or the lipopeptides known
as metabolism products or membrane constituents of a large number of
microorganism strains.
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Carbon sources (b) for the growth of microorganism flora
As mentioned above, crucial significance attaches to the type and
quantity of these components) used in accordance with the invention in
relation to the closest prior art, as represented for example by DE 44 37 313.
The growth promotion of organotrophic microorganisms using this component
(b) as a carbon source for microorganism growth is very much in the
foreground.
An important characteristic of these added components (b) is the
defining parameter that they should be both aerobically and anaerobically
degradable by natural degradation processes. The carbon source crucial to
organotrophic growth in accordance with the invention are the lipophilic
hydrocarbon radicals of fatty structure present in this component and hence
the comparatively high concentration of energy-yielding C-H groups. As
mentioned above, these hydrocarbon radicals of fatty structure may be
saturated and/or at least partly olefinically unsaturated. Further
considerations in respect of the physicochemical properties of this
component, which are discussed in the following, can also have a defining
influence in this regard.
Preferred components (b) are oil-soluble but biologically compatible
organic compounds containing fatty molecules of the type mentioned above
_ ~ which contain at least 6 carbon atoms and, in particular, at least 8
carbon
atoms. It is preferred to use corresponding components based on linear
hydrocarbon radicals or hydrocarbon compounds. Corresponding
components which are at least predominantly based on natural materials are
particularly important.
Particularly important representatives of the class of compounds (b)
under discussion are corresponding hydrocarbon compounds which are at
least partly functionalized with oxygen as hetero atom. Typical examples of
components of this type are fatty alcohols and/or fatty acids or derivatives
andlor salts thereof. Suitable fatty alcohol or fatty acid derivatives are
esters,
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ethers and/or amides. According to the invention, particular importance is
attributed to the fatty alcohols and the esters of fatty acids with
monofunctional and/or polyfunctional alcohols. Where polyfunctional
alcohols are used, fatty acid esters include both the full esters and partial
esters. Which particular components will be the preferred representatives for
a particular application will be determined by secondary effects and hence by
the presence of possibly desirable synergisms within the system as a whole.
Corresponding statements in the earlier hitherto unpublished patent
application 197 01 127.6 are cited purely by way of example in this regard:
Surfactant-based aqueous preparations and, in particular,
corresponding aqueous APG-based wetting aids are generally distinguished
by the high foaming power of these APG-based nonionic surfactant
auxiliaries. This can be a decided disadvantage for the field of application
with which the invention is concerned. The problem of foaming has to be
overcome by using so-called foam suppressors or defoamers. Fatty alcohols,
partial esters of, in particular, lower polyfunctional alcohols, for example
glycerol, and fatty acids and above all mixtures thereof solve this problem.
At the same time, however, they are the carbon sources desired in
accordance with the invention for stimulating and increasing microorganism
growth in the soil and are therefore optimal representatives for the
components (b) as defined in accordance with the invention.
However, the mixing of aqueous APG concentrates with
defoamerslfoam suppressors based on alcohols andlor on partial esters of
fatty acids and polyfunctional alcohols, especially glycerol, can result in
the
formation of thickened gels which do not flow. By adding limited quantities
of lower mono- andlor polyfunctional alcohols, for example by adding limited
quantities of ethanol to the thickened gel-like concentrate, flowability and
pourability can be re-established, even at room temperature.
In preferred embodiments, therefore, the compounds or mixtures of
compounds to be used as component (b) in a particular application are
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determined not only by considerations relating to the optimization of this
component as a carbon source for microorganism growth, but also by
secondary effects, such as low foaming of the aqueous multicomponent
mixture, homogenization of the multicomponent mixture containing lipophilic
components together with wetting agents of the o/w type in water and
application by dilution with more water and spraying and/or pouring onto the
substrate. Earlier application 197 01 127.6 cited above is particularly
concerned with these aspects. In order to complete the disclosure of the
present invention, the subject of this earlier application is hereby
specifically
included as part of the disclosure of the present invention.
It can be important, particularly for the uninterrupted introduction of the
water-based multicomponent mixtures into the substrate and for the transport
of the carbon sources to mixture component (b) according to the invention,
to select components (b) which at least partly have pour points of or below 25
to 30°C and, more particularly, of or below 10 to 15°C. Suitable
components
are, for example, olefinically unsaturated C,2.~, fatty alcohols of natural
origin,
more particularly at least predominantly C,~"e fatty alcohols with a high
degree of olefinic double bonds and solidification ranges of or below
20°C
and, preferably, of or below 10 to 15°C. Preferred multicomponent
mixtures
with this component (b) according to the invention are mixtures of fatty
_ ~ alcohols with partial esters of saturated and, more particularly, at least
partly
olefinically unsaturated fatty acids with polyfunctional alcohols containing 2
to 6 carbon atoms and, more particularly, 3 to 5 carbon atoms. In particular,
glycerol partial esters of fatty acids of natural origin can be important
mixture
components for mixing with the corresponding fatty alcohols, substantially
equal quantities of fatty alcohol and fatty acid partial ester or
corresponding
mixtures with several times the quantity of partial ester, based on the fatty
alcohol, being preferred mixtures. Suitable mixing ratios of fatty alcohol to
fatty acid partial glyceride are, for example, about 1:1 to 1:10, preferably
1:1
to 1:5 and more preferably about 1:1 to 1:3 parts by weight. As mentioned
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above, however, the fatty acid partial esters in question may also be used on
their own as components) (b). In this case, too, corresponding
representatives with pour points in the ranges mentioned above are
preferred.
Another cxucial defining element according to the invention for the new
technical teaching, namely the particular minimum quantities in which the
carbon sources for microorganism growth are used in the multicomponent
mixtures as a whole to be applied in accordance with the invention, will be
discussed in detail at a later stage. Purely for the time being, the following
point is made clear: a key element of the teaching according to the invention
is the coordination of the quantities of component (b) used with the
quantities
of the P and optionally other macro and/or micro nutrients introduced by
component (c). The source (b) of carbon for microorganism growth is used
in such minimum quantities that, based on the phosphorus P introduced
through component (c), the ratio by weight of C to P is at least about 5 to
10:1
and preferably at least about 20 to 25:1. However, depending on the
condition of the soil and, in particular, the type and quantity of organically
bound carbon present in the soil, embodiments in which the C:P ratios are
significantly higher may be preferred. Thus, important lower limits are 40:1
and preferably at least 50:1. A very much larger excess of the carbon source
is generally possible, so that C:P ratios by weight of up to 500:1 or even
higher lie within the scope of the teaching according to the invention.
Accordingly, the stimulation and support of organotrophic microorganism
growth as required in accordance with the invention is achieved through
optimized spreading of this carbon source readily accessible to
microorganism growth in the soil and through its transport into the
rh izosphere.
The aerobically and anaerobically degradable mixture components (b)
with their lipophilic residues of fatty character to be used in accordance
with
the invention are completely degradable to COz, HZO and biomass. As a
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result, they do not leave any inert or ecotoxicologically harmful degradation
products to accumulate in the soil. The components (b) containing iipophilic
residues migrate only slowly through the soil, tending to attach themselves
to lipophilic or oleophilic surfaces and hence in particular to root surfaces.
They are not significantly washed out into the ground water and are not toxic
so that they are safe to use for this reason also. Particular significance
regarding the choice of suitable and optimized components for the class (c)
of substances discussed in the following is attributed to the above-described-
interaction between the lipophilic residues of mixture components (b) used in
accordance with the invention and other constituents of the substrate or of
the
multicomponent mixture added in accordance with the invention.
Mixture components (c) i a supportin4 materials containing P N and
optionally, other macro andlor micro nutrients for plant 4rowth
Finally, the teaching according to the invention provides for the
introduction of selected fertilizers or fertilizer mixtures containing both
phosphorus and nitrogen into the substrate to be treated. If desired,
supporting materials containing other macro and/or micro nutrients for plant
growth may be used in this connection, i.e. as sole constituents of component
(c). The following preliminary observations are made in this regard:
The mixture components) (c) may be introduced at the same time as
and together with components (b) and the ecologically safe wetting agents (a)
used for them. However, the mixture components (c) may also be introduced
at a different time. This addition at a different time may also be combined
with the simultaneous introduction of components (a), (b) and (c).
In one particularly important embodiment of the invention, oil-soluble
compounds of P and/or N are used as component (c) at least partly
containing lipophilic residues. Accordingly, particularly preferred
representatives of these auxiliaries are the phospholipids described in DE 44
37 313 and/or derivatives thereof as key representatives of the components
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(c). The disclosure of DE 44 37 313 is thus specifically included as part of
the disclosure of the present invention, so that particular emphasis is only
placed on crucial aspects in the following. It is emphasized even in this
document that the effect of the phospholipids added on the microbial soil
flora
is reflected inter alia in the fact that organic compounds and plant remains
present in the soil are degraded more quickly, resulting in an increase in
soil
bacteria. According to the invention, the lipophilic, flowable components (b)
are now additionally made available as carbon sources for microorganism
growth. Lipophilic parts of the molecules of components (c) associate with
lipophilic residues of the hydrocarbon type from the carbon sources (b) in
accordance with the teaching of the invention. The varying microorganism
strains of the various soil-inhabiting populations which - in exchange with
the
plant roots - lead to a durable strengthening of and increase in plant growth
are mobilized and strengthened in an unforeseeable manner. It is clear that,
as a result, the acceleration of growth, at least in its initial phases, takes
place independently of the organic compounds present in the soil, such as
plant or root remnants and the like. Nevertheless, the composting process
(mineralization) taking place in the soil is again gradually accelerated and
dead plant material is more rapidly returned to the biological cycle. Plant
nutrients fixed in the substrate become re-available to the plants. Aeration
_ ~ of the soil or rather the substrate in which the plants grow is improved
and
water is more uniformly distributed.
Preferred components (c) are lecithin, lecithin hydrolyzates andlor
chemically modified lecithins which are preferably used in admixture with
other N-containing supporting materials. Urea and urea derivatives are
particularly suitable in this regard. Urea as a nitrogen source has proved to
be particularly accessible for the control and promotion of microorganism
growth by component (c). At the same time, urea acts as a preservative
against unwanted microbial contamination in the nutrient concentrate, so that
corresponding concentrates have high stability in storage. Urea derivatives
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which may be used as a nitrogen source for plant growth may be produced
by any of the methods generally known among experts, cf. for example DE
19613 794.
As mentioned above, the representatives individually named here for
P- and/or N-yielding components belonging to class (c) are particularly
preferred representatives. However, the teaching according to the invention
is by no means confined to these particular representatives. Basically, known
water- andlor oil-soluble compounds of P and/or N, as known from
conventional fertilizer technology, may also be used.
As mentioned above, the components or mixtures {c) used in
accordance with the invention may be used together with components (a) and
(b) and also separately therefrom and, above all, at different times. tf the
components or mixtures (c) are to be separately used, it is again advisable
to use them in the form of corresponding aqueous preparations, as described
in detail in the repeatedly cited DE 44 37 313. In this case, surface-active
auxiliaries will again generally be used in the aqueous preparations,
including
in particular components belonging to class (a) according to the invention,
although they will be used in comparatively small quantities. Accordingly,
limited quantities of APG compounds of the olw type may be used for these
aqueous mixtures of components (c) to be separately applied to the
. ~ substrate. Reference is made in this regard to the observations made in
this
connection in the foregoing.
On the subject of suitable in-use concentrations of these P- and N-
yielding auxiliaries, there is one important difference in relation to the
speck
disclosures of the relevant prior art literature: according to the teaching of
DE
44 37 313, the corresponding auxiliaries based on phospholipids are applied
in quantities of about 0.5 to 30 g/ms substrate surface and introduced into
the
substrate. A quantity range of 1 to 20 g/m= substrate surface is mentioned as
preferred for the application of the phospholipid.
By contrast, the modified technical teaching according to the invention
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enables the quantity in which the components of class (c) are added to be
distinctly reduced. Quantities well below the values specifically mentioned
in the prior art literature are generally suitable. Thus, preferred in-use
concentrations for the components of class (c) are lower than in the cited
prior art literature by at least about one power of ten. In the broadest
version
of this preferred embodiment of the teaching according to the invention, the
phospholipids used as P and N sources are introduced in quantities of 0.01
to 10 glmz substrate surface and preferably in quantities of 0.1 to 5 glmZ~
substrate surface, preferred upper limits to these quantities being 3 glm= or
even 1 g/m2 substrate surface.
The quantity ratio of components (b) preferably applied in accordance
with the invention is crucially determined by the quantity of components) (c)
used in each particular case. The components (b) covering the carbon
demand of the microorganisms are used in such a quantity ratio to
components (c) that, as explained above, ratios by weight of C to P of at
least
about 10 to 50:1 and preferably of at least 80 to 150:1 are established. It
may
be appropriate to use the components (b) in much larger quantities so that,
for example, the ratio by weight of C to P may reach values of 500:1 or even
higher. Any hydrocarbon radicals of fatty character present in the surface-
active component (a) may be included in this calculation, providing this
surface-active component (a) shows equally rapid degradability. Another
preferred rule for the quantities of phosphorus, nitrogen and degradable
hydrocarbon radicals to be used in the multicomponent mixtures according
to the invention is that ratios by weight of P:N:C of at least about 1:10:10
to
about 1:10:100 should be established.
Other typical macro andlor micro nutrients for plant growth may be
introduced into the substrate to be treated at a different time from and/or
together with the multicomponent mixtures (a) to (c) introduced in accordance
with the invention. General expert knowledge of fertilizers may be applied in
this regard also, cf. for_ example the above-cited WO 93/01150 and the
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extensive relevant scientific literature, for example Landwirtschaftliche
Lehrbuch K.-U. Heyland "Allgemeiner Pflanzenbau", Verlag Eugen
Ulmer, Stuttgart, 7th Edition, page 255. Besides the elements mentioned,
macro nutrients are, in particular, potassium, magnesium, lime and sulfur.
The micro nutrients or even trace elements include boron, copper, iron,
manganese and many other components known to experts.
One important embodiment of the teaching according to the invention
is characterized by the use of selected microorganism starter cultures whicfi
promote healthy plant growth and which may be selected in particular from
corresponding bacterial andlor mycorrhizer strains. By using these selected
starter cultures and the strengtheners according to the invention for the
rapid
development of the selected microorganism strains, selected microorganism
populations in the substrate and, hence, the desired secondary promotion of
plant growth can both be optimized.
The use of the multicomponent mixture according to the invention and
the associated working principle of selective promotion of the growth of the
desired microorganism flora in the soil leads to a broad range of practical
applications. First, however, the following important aspect should be
mentioned in this regard: the multicomponent mixtures according to the
invention may be made up without any fertilizers or fertilizer components of
animal origin. The multicomponent mixtures according to the invention may
be of purely vegetable origin and, optionally, vegetable/mineral origin.
Accordingly, any potential epidemic-related concerns are ruled out from the
outset.
A broad range of potential applications is opened up, the principle of
promoting healthy microbiological growth processes in the substrate or soil
structure to achieve soil rehabilitation being in the foreground. The
following
applications are mentioned by way of example without any claim to
completeness:
Soil rehabilitation with a rotting-accelerating effect (mineralization), soil
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rehabilitation with a soil-improving effect (improvement of soil erosion,
elimination of anaerobic soil), soil rehabilitation with a plant-strengthening
effect, more particularly a slow-release fertilizing effect initiated by
natural
microorganism growth processes.
Particular importance attaches to another aspect: the strengthening
and recuperation of the desired microorganism growth in the substrate leads
to a strengthening of the defences of the plants growing in this substrate
against disease and pest attack. Both the roots and the above-ground parts
of the plants are strengthened in their defences against pest attack. The
overall strengthening of soil and plants is durable. The microorganism growth
controlled and promoted in accordance with the invention leads to the
required stimulation of microflora and soil flora in general not only in the
living
phase of the microorganisms, the biomass of the dying part of the
microorganisms remaining behind in the soil is also available as a valuable
fertilizer mixture for continuing microorganism and plant growth processes.
Thus, the teaching according to the invention opens up new possibilities for
making and keeping substrates used for agriculture and/or forestry healthy.
Example 1
The tests described in the following for improving plant growth by
application of the mixtures of components (a), (b) and (c) according to the
invention were carried out on a hitherto conventionally maintained golf
course. The mixtures were applied to the greens. Areas of grass which,
despite regular care, showed patches of damage were particularly targeted.
These included in particular so-called dry patches, patches particularly
affected by thatch and, finally, patches suffering in known manner from
serious fungal infestation (pythium, ophiobulus, etc.). It is known that, in
general, the damage or damaged areas can only be eliminated to a limited
extent, if -at all, by conventional watering, including the application of
fungicides. Harmful organisms in the soil and turf lead primarily to partial
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hydrophobicizing of the soil so that aqueous nutrient solutions are unable to
penetrate into the green. Thatch forms very quickly on the greens and other
grassed areas because the root mass of the grass quickly reforms and grass
cuttings are sometimes left as they lie. The biological activity of the soil
bacteria is limited. The thatch thus represents a significant source of fungal
infections to the grasses. A common complicating factor is that the turf is
comparatively poor in nutrients so that the biological activity of the
bacterial
strains is low. -
Following the teaching according to the invention, aqueous
preparations of the following concentrates are introduced into the test
greens.
(1 ) Concentrate of components (a) and (b) accordin4 to the invention
45°~ by weight of APG as wetting agent of the o/w type with an APG
active substance content of 60°~ by weight, rest water (commercial
product APG 220 UP of Henkel KGaA with predominantly C~"o fatty
alcohol radicals in the APG structure)
5°r6 by weight of C,~"a fatty alcohol (commercial product HD Ocenol
80/85 of Henkel KGaA, iodine value 80 to 85)
15°~ by weight of glycerol monooleate (commercial product Edenor
GMO of Henkel KGaA)
15°~ by weight of ethanol
rest water.
(2) Cori~entrate of component (c) according to the invention
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19.9°~ by weight of urea (N source)
19.8°~ by weight of enzymatically hydrolyzed soya lecithin (commercial
product Lipotin NE) as P and N source
1.0% by weight of the APG-based o/w wetting agent predominantly
containing C,v" fatty alcohol radicals marketed as "APG 600" as
emulsion stabilizer -
rest water.
In a first step, mixture (1 ) - components (a) and (b) - diluted with water
is introduced with a Hydro-Ject into the greens to be treated. The diluted
mixture is injected into the soil in the form of fine jets of water. The jets
are
broken up in the soil, the aqueous solution is dispersed therein and, at the
same time, soil aeration is initiated. Mixture (1 ) is applied in a quantity
of 2
cm' of concentrate with the composition shown above per m= of green.
The treated greens have made a significant recovery after only a few
days. However, there is no evidence of any effect on the areas damaged by
fungal diseases. Even the use of fungicides has hardly any effect there.
After 14 days, an aqueous solution of mixture (2) is applied in a
quantity of 20 g/ms, again based on the concentrate. The surface previously
treated with mixture (1 ) is covered in strips with mixture (2) ~in such a way
that
strips of green treated on the one hand with both concentrates and on the
other hand with concentrate (1 ) only adjoin one another. It is important to
ensure that this strip-by-strip coverage also takes in the dry patches
including
patches affected by fungal disease.
After only 10 days, there is a distinct improvement in grass growth in
the areas Created both with mixture (1) and with mixture (2). Not only is the
color of these areas much greener than the other parts of the greens, the
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grass is also denser and yields more cuttings. By way of demonstration, the
areas in question were mown by hand and no other nutrients were applied.
The synergistic increase in effect is reflected particularly impressively
in the so-called grass rings which had been formed by the grass diseases
mentioned. These areas also turned green in the strips covered twice with
the overall combination of components (a), (b) and (c) although no grass grew
there before.
Over and above these visible effects, the following observations were
made:
Under the climatic conditions of the test period, the greens treated in
accordance with the invention were dew-free in the mornings although the
dew was very heavy at this time, as could be seen on the untreated areas.
This is a clear indication of the highly activated growth of the microorganism
flora. It is well-known that, besides the formation of C02 and H20, the growth
of this microorganism flora releases energy. The energy released under the
working conditions would appear to be responsible for the absence of dew.
Example 2
Field trials for growing corn were carried out on an agricultural test plot
using components (a), (b) and (c) according to the invention or mixtures
_ ~ thereof in a plurality of variants as shown in Table 1 below. The treated
plots
were then compared with untreated plots.
Each plot measures 6 x 12 meters and each variant was repeated four
times with a random plot arrangement.
Apart from the control plots where none of the components or mixtures
according to the invention are used, the following components or mixtures
were applied (cf. Example 1 ):
(1 ) Corfcentrate of components (a) and (b) accordin4 to the invention'
Composition corresponds to Example 1.
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2) Concentrate of components (c) according to the invention
The mixture mentioned in Example 1 is slightly modified by the use of
potassium pyrophosphate. It has the following composition:
20°r6 by weight of urea (N source)
20°~ by weight of the commercial product "Lipotin NE"
7°~ by weight of K,P20~
2°~ by weight of the APG-based o/w wetting agent (commercial product
"APG
600") -
rest water
The concentrates (1 ) and (2) are used both individually and in
admixture with one another, the components or mixtures being applied in
different concentrations in each of the tests. The respective test
compositions are shown in Table 1 below. The seeds were applied to all the
test plots on the same day. The components or mixtures were applied on the
following day.
Table 1
Variant number Product Quantity of product
and
water
_ ~ 20 1 Control, no addition-
2 Concentrate (1 2 g/mz in 0.1 I/m~
)
3 Concentrate (1 4 glm~ in 0.1 Ilm~
)
4 Concentrate (2) 2 g/ms in 0.1 I/ms
5 Concentrate (2) 20 g/m= in 0.1 Ilmz
6 Concentrate (1 2 g/m= + 2 glm= in 0.1/m=
)
+ concentrate (2)
7 Concentrate (1 2 glm= + 20 g/m= in
-- ) 0.1 Ilm=
+ concentrate (2)
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On the comparison plots used in this test, the soil infiltration rate is first
repeatedly measured in situ (in the field) during the vegetation period in
order
to determine the quantity of water percolating per unit of time as a measure
of the air and water distribution in the soil. The measurements are carried
out
with a double ring infiltrometer (manufacturer: Eijkelkamp, Agrisearch
Equipment, Giesbeek, Netherlands).
A first measurement is carried out 12 days after application of the
product. The average values of the results obtained are set out in Table Z
below.
Table 2
1 st Measurement Infiltration rate
variants liters per rr~ in the crop
1= Control 1.17
2 2.53
3 1.41
4 1.53
5 1.14
6 1.81
7 1.73
The infiltration rate is measured for a second time, again in situ (in the
field), 3 months after application of the product. The results obtained are
set
out in Table 3 below.
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Table 3
2nd Measurement Infiltration rate
variants liters per mZ in the crop
1= Control 0.27
2 0.76
3 1.22
4 1.73
5 0.21
6 1.79
7 2.64
Comparison of the results set out in Tables 2 and 3 shows that, by
separately applying the surface-active component (1 ), the infiltration rate
can
be doubled briefly, but not durably by the surfactant effect (Table 2, variant
2). A clear lasting improvement in the infiltration rate is achieved by the
mixtures of components (a), (b) and (c) according to the invention, cf. Table
3, variants 6 and 7. This reflects the effects of the working principle
according to the invention of healthy growth development of the soil
- ~ microorganism flora and the resulting stimulation and development of the
soil
fauna.
Other measurements of the aggregate stability of soil samples carried
out repeatedly during the vegetation period as a measure of the tendency of
a soil towards surface siltation also show distinctly increased percolate
values
for the soil samples treated in accordance with the invention at depths of 0
to
2 cm and 2 to 6 cm by comparison with corresponding soil samples from the
control variant or variants 2 to 5 in Table 1.
