FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to improved aqueous fertilizer compositions comprising an alkanolamine salt of a sulphonic acid in which the major plant nutrients can all be combined in one single concentrate without any precipitation of insoluble salts, said improved aqueous fertilizer compositions thereby demonstrating excellent stability and solubilizing and dosing properties. The invention further relates to the use of said aqueous fertilizer compositions for fertilization purposes to provide plant nutrition for growing plants.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

For healthy and rapid growth, plants require a variety of elements for adequate nutrition. The essential elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are provided by carbon dioxide and water, materials which are usually available in adequate amounts from both the soil and the atmosphere. The supply of carbon dioxide and water is continually replenished by natural phenomena.

Various other elements are known also to be essential to plant nutrition. These elements are normally drawn from the soil. If the soil nutrient supply is deficient, the application of fertilizer is necessary. Within these various elements, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are needed by plants in relatively large quantities and are accordingly called the primary macronutrients. Calcium, magnesium, and sulphur are generally required in lower, though still substantial, amounts and are classified as secondary macronutrients. Other elements are known as micronutrients since they are required in small amounts for plants growth. These micronutrients notably include iron, manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum, and boron. It goes without saying that an adequate supply of these primary macronutrients, secondary macronutrients, and micronutrients is required for healthy growth of plants.

In the fertilizer industry, it is common practice to apply inorganic fertilizers to crops in order to improve the overall yield and quality. Solid fertilizers such as granules or flakes comprising one or more primary macronutrients represent the most common type of fertilizer and are typically applied to the soil. However, liquid fertilizers comprising primary macronutrients, secondary macronutrients, and micronutrients, alone or in combination, are also available and are becoming increasingly important since they offer certain advantages with reference to convenience, flexibility, accuracy of delivery, and overall ease of application. Moreover, it is highly desirable that these liquid fertilizer compositions are available as concentrated compositions in which the major plant nutrients can all be combined in one single concentrate without any precipitation of insoluble salts, thereby furthermore reducing transport and storage costs, packaging waste, improving productivity, and thereby facilitating modern methods of application and dosing.

WO 2019/106338 A1 describes aqueous fertilizer compositions comprising an alkanolamine salt of phosphoric acid, in particular a mono-ethanolamine salt of phosphoric acid. Furthermore, these aqueous fertilizer compositions may further comprise an alkanolamine complex with the micronutrients boron, copper, iron, and zinc, said alkanolamine complex being miscible and soluble in these concentrated aqueous fertilizer compositions, and one or more elements selected from the group of calcium, magnesium, sulphur, manganese, molybdenum, and the like. Moreover, the disclosed aqueous fertilizer compositions are defined by a phosphorus content, as expressed in content of P2O5, from 5 to 40 weight percentage.

However, when aqueous fertilizer compositions comprise high phosphorus contents problems may arise upon application of said aqueous fertilizer compositions for example via root or foliar feeding. In these cases, significant amounts of phosphorus are added to the environment. Overfertilization and overusage is a major and common problem for fertilizers high in their respective phosphorus content. Particularly, an overabundance of phosphorus in the soil not only fails to resolve the nutrient deficiency problem but can actually make matters worse by causing leaf chlorosis and harming beneficial marine animals and microorganisms living in soil. Another major disadvantage of phosphate fertilizers is the high probability of water pollution. Phosphorus, which makes its way into soil via the application of phosphate fertilizers containing high contents of phosphorus, binds tightly to soil particles. If large quantities of phosphate fertilizer is applied to the soil, excess of phosphorus can easily find its way into water systems via storm drains and plumbing possibly leading to algae and bacteria outbreaks, eutrophication, and water contamination issues.

In view of all the above, there is a continuous need to provide improved aqueous fertilizer compositions which are more environmentally friendly and in which the major plant nutrients can all be combined in one single concentrate without any precipitation of insoluble salts, said improved aqueous fertilizer compositions thereby demonstrating excellent stability and solubilizing and dosing properties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Applicant has now surprisingly found that it is possible to provide an improved aqueous fertilizer composition fulfilling the above mentioned needs.

Thus, there is now provided an aqueous fertilizer composition [composition (C), herein after] comprising at least one alkanolamine salt of a sulphonic acid according to general Formula (Is) [compound (S), herein after]

Formula (Is) wherein:

- each of m is an integer in the range from 0, 1 , or 2;

- each of Ri’ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and CF3;

- each of R2’ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and CF3; and

- each of R3’ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, C1-4 alkyl, and Si(R4’)3, and wherein said C1-4 alkyl is optionally substituted with one or more substituents selected from halo, or methyl, and wherein each of R4’, independently from each other and at each occurrence, is C1-4 alkyl.

In another aspect the present invention further provides a use of the composition (C), as detailed above, for fertilization purposes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

COMPOSITION (C)

Within the context of the present invention, the term “comprising” should not be interpreted as being restricted to the means listed thereafter; it does not exclude other elements or steps. It needs to be interpreted as specifying the presence of the stated features, integers, steps or components as referred to, but does not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of the expression “a composition comprising components A and B” should not be limited to compositions consisting only of components A and B. It means that with respect to the present invention, the only relevant components of the composition are A and B. Accordingly, the terms “comprising” and “including” encompass the more restrictive terms “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of”.

As used herein, the terms "optional" or "optionally" means that a subsequently described event or circumstance can or cannot occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not.

The inventors have surprisingly found that an aqueous fertilizer composition comprising at least one alkanolamine salt of a sulphonic acid according to general Formula (Is) [compound (S), herein after], as detailed above, yields aqueous fertilizer compositions which are more environmentally friendly and in which the major plant nutrients can all be combined in one single concentrate without any precipitation of insoluble salts, said improved aqueous fertilizer compositions thereby demonstrating excellent stability and solubilizing and dosing properties.

Within the context of the present invention, the expression “at least one alkanolamine salt of a sulphonic acid according to general Formula (Is) [compound (S), herein after]” is intended to denote one or more than one alkanolamine salt of compound (S). Mixtures of alkanolamine salts of compound (S) can also be used for the purpose of the invention.

In the rest of the text, the expression “alkanolamine salt of compound (S)” is understood, for the purposes of the present invention, both in the plural and the singular form, that is to say the composition (C) of the present invention may comprise one or more than one alkanolamine salt of compound (S).

As used herein the term "alkyl" has the broadest meaning generally understood in the art, and may include a moiety which is linear or branched, or a combination thereof. The term “alkyl” - alone or in combination means a straight or branched alkane-derived radical, for example, CF-G alkyl defines a straight or branched alkyl radical having from F to G carbon atoms, e.g. C1-4 alkyl defines a straight or branched alkyl radical having from 1 to 4 carbon atoms such as for example methyl, ethyl, 1 -propyl, 2-propyl (isopropyl), 1 -butyl, 2-butyl, 2-methyl-2-propyl (tert-butyl), 2-methyl-1 - propyl (isobutyl).

As said above, the composition (C), as detailed above, comprises a compound (S) according to general Formula (Is), as detailed above.

Preferably, each of RT is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, methyl, and ethyl. More preferably, each of RT is independently selected from hydrogen or methyl. Most preferably, each of RT is hydrogen.

Preferably, each of R2’ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, methyl, and ethyl. More preferably, each of R2’ is independently selected from hydrogen or methyl. Most preferably, each of R2’ is hydrogen.

Preferably, each of R3’ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, methyl, ethyl, propyl, isopropyl, and Si(RT)3, and wherein each of RT, equal to or different from each other and at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of methyl, ethyl, propyl, and isopropyl. More preferably, each of R3’ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, methyl, ethyl, and Si(R )3, and wherein each of RT, equal to or different from each other and at each occurrence, is methyl or ethyl. Even more preferably, each of R3’ is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, halo, methyl, and Si(RT)3, and wherein each of RT is methyl. Yet even more preferably, each of R3’ is independently selected from hydrogen or methyl. Most preferably, each of R3’ is hydrogen.

Preferred compounds (S) according to general Formula (Is) are selected from those of Formula (Is-a) to (Is-e) herein below:

Formula (Is-d)

Formula (Is-e)

Most preferred compound (S) according to general Formula

(Is) is the one of Formula (Is-a) herein below:

Formula (Is-a)

Compound (S) according to general Formula (Is) of the present invention may be commercially available or may be chemically synthesized. Said synthesis of compound (S) according to general formula (Is) may be carried out using conventional methods known to the skilled in the art.

It is further understood that all definitions and preferences as described for compound (S) according to general Formula (Is) above equally apply for this embodiment and all further embodiments, as described below.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the composition (C), as detailed above, further comprises at least one alkanolamine metal or boron complex, wherein the metal is chosen among zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), or iron (Fe).

Within the context of the present invention, the expression “at least alkanolamine metal or boron complex” is intended to denote one or more than one alkanolamine metal or boron complex. Mixtures of alkanolamine metal or boron complexes can also be used for the purpose of the invention. In the remainder of the text, the term “alkanolamine metal or boron complex” is understood, for the purposes of the invention both in the plural and the singular form.

The inventors have now surprisingly found that the alkanolamine metal or boron complexes, as detailed above, possess excellent properties to solubilize, and therefore to incorporate, the above- mentioned metals or boron in high concentrations in the composition (C), as detailed above, thereby allowing the composition (C) to be used without the need of compounds based on phosphoric acid as those disclosed in the fertilizer compositions of WO 2019/106338 A1 as vehicles to add said metals or boron in high concentrations to a fertilizer composition. The aqueous fertilizer compositions according to the present invention are therefore more environmentally friendly, while maintaining the compatibility and the flexibility to solubilize, and therefore to incorporate, valuable plant nutritional metals and boron in high concentrations. As non-limiting examples of suitable alkanolamines, as detailed above, mention may be made of monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, triethanolamine, monoisopropanolamine, diisopropanolamine, triisopropanolamine, or 2-amino-1 -butanol, preferably monoethanolamine, diethanolamine, or triethanolamine, more preferably monoethanolamine.

Within the context of the present invention, it is further understood that in the composition (C) the alkanolamine in the alkanolamine salt and the alkanolamine in the alkanolamine complex can be the same or different from each other. Preferably, the alkanolamine in the alkanolamine salt and the alkanolamine in the alkanolamine complex are the same.

The alkanolamine metal or boron complex of the present invention may be commercially available or may be chemically synthesized. Said synthesis of the alkanolamine metal or boron complex may be carried out using conventional methods known to the skilled in the art. In general, the alkanolamine boron complex can be conventionally prepared by reaction of the alkanolamine with boric acid or sodium tetraborate decahydrate, such as monoethanolamine with boric acid.

Non-limiting examples of suitable alkanolamine metal or boron complexes notably include zinc (Zn) monoethanolamine, copper (Cu) monoethanolamine, iron (Fe) monoethanolamine, boron (B) monoethanolamine, or mixtures of two or more thereof.

It is further understood that all definitions and preferences, as described above, equally apply for all further embodiments, as described below.

With regards to the relative amounts of the different ingredients as comprised in the composition (C), as detailed above, it is understood that all said relative amounts can be varied depending on the final end use of said composition (C) with the proviso that the composition (C) remains a solution in which no precipitation can occur.

In the composition (C), as detailed above, the alkanolamine is advantageously present in an amount equal to or greater than 2.0 wt. %, preferably equal to or greater than 2.5 wt. %, more preferably equal to or greater than 3.0 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the composition (C).

It is further understood that in the composition (C), as detailed above, the amount of the alkanolamine, relative to the total weight of the composition (C), is advantageously equal to or less than 30.0 wt. %, or equal to or less than 20.0 wt. %, or equal to or less than 15.0 wt. %, or equal to or less than 10.0 wt. %.

In a preferred embodiment of the composition (C) of the present invention, the alkanolamine, relative to the total weight of the composition (C), is present in the composition (C) in an amount from 2.0 to 30.0 wt. %, or in an amount from 2.0 to 20.0 wt. %, or in an amount from 2.5 to 15.0 wt. %, or in an amount from 3.0 to 10.0 wt. %.

Preferably, in the composition (C) of the present invention, the molar ratio of the compound (S) according to general Formula (Is), as detailed above, to the alkanolamine, as detailed above, is from 10.0:1.0 to 1 .0:10.0, or from 5.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:5.0, or from 3.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:3.0, or from 1 .5:1 .0 to 1 .0:1 .5, or from 1 .5:1 .0 to 1 .0:1 .0.

More preferably, in the composition (C) of the present invention, the molar ratio of the compound (S) according to general Formula (Is), as detailed above, to monoethanolamine, as detailed above, is from 10.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:10.0, or from 5.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:5.0, or from 3.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:3.0, or from 1 .5:1 .0 to 1 .0:1 .5, or from 1 .5:1 .0 to 1 .0:1 .0.

Most preferably, in the composition (C) of the present invention, the molar ratio of the compound (S) according to Formula (Is- a), as detailed above, to monoethanolamine, as detailed above, is from 10.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:10.0, or from 5.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:5.0, or from 3.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:3.0, or from 1 .5:1 .0 to 1 .0:1 .5, or from 1 .5:1 .0 to 1 .0:1 .0.

According to certain embodiments of the composition (C), as detailed above, in the composition (C), the molar ratio of the metal or boron, as detailed above, to the alkanolamine, as detailed above, is from 10.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:10.0, or from 10.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:5.0, or from 9.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:3.0, or from 9.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:2.0, or from 8.0:1 .0 to 1 .0:1 .0.

Within the context of the present invention, the term “aqueous” is understood to refer to solutions comprising water and waterbased solutions. Preferably, the term “aqueous” is understood to refer to solutions comprising water.

For the purpose of the present inventions the term “waterbased solutions” is intended to refer to solutions comprising water and at least one component selected from the group of biostimulants, herbicides, pesticides, insecticides, miticides, acaricides, nematicides, fungicides, bactericides, rodenticides and growth-regulating agents.

The inventors have surprisingly found that due to presence of at least one alkanolamine salt of a compound (S) according to general Formula (Is), as detailed above, the amount of water can be kept low without the risk of precipitation of insoluble salts in the composition (C) according to the present invention.

Therefore, the amount of water, relative to the total weight of the composition (C), is advantageously equal to or less than 20.0 wt. %, preferably equal to or less than 19.0 wt. %, preferably equal to or less than 18.0 wt. %, preferably equal to or less than 17.0 wt. %, preferably equal to or less than 16.0 wt. %.

On the other side, a minimum amount of water is necessary to keep the composition (C) in a liquid form.

Advantageously, the amount of water, relative to the total weight of the composition (C), is equal to or greater than 1.0 wt. %, preferably equal to or greater than 2.0 wt. %, preferably equal to or greater than 3.0 wt. %, preferably equal to or greater than 3.5 wt. %.

In a preferred embodiment of the composition (C) of the present invention, water, relative to the total weight of the composition (C), is present in an amount from 1 .0 to 20.0 wt. %, preferably from 2.0 to 19.0 wt. %, preferably from 3.0 to 18.0 wt. %, preferably from 3.0 to 17.0 wt. %, preferably from 3.5 to 16.0 wt. %.

The inventors have further found that when the composition (C) of the present invention further comprises at least one gelling agent, that the composition (C) can form a gel having further improved properties, in particular an improved plant uptake of the different fertilizing nutrients comprised in the composition (C), further improved compatibility between the different fertilizing nutrients, allowing certain fertilizing nutrient combinations to be realized without any settling of the constituting particles and particulates in said composition (C).

In general, gels are defined as a liquid system, yet they behave like solids due to the three-dimensional crosslinked network within the liquid and which exhibits no flow when in the steady state.

Within the context of the present invention, the expression “at least one gelling agent” is intended to denote one or more than one gelling agent. Mixtures of gelling agents can also be used for the purpose of the invention. In the remainder of the text, the expression “gelling agent is understood, for the purposes of the present invention, both in the plural and the singular form.

Said gelling agents are known to those skilled in the art of aqueous fertilizer compositions. Non-limiting examples of gelling agents notably include gum Arabic, alginic acid, alginates, xanthan gum, guar gum, tragacanth gum, methyl cellulose, cellulose ethers, cellulose acetate, ethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl methyl cellulose, starch, gelatine, carrageenan, locust bean gum, pectin, succinoglycans, and pullulan.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the composition (C) comprises the gelling agent in an amount equal to or greater than 0.05 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the composition (C), preferably equal to or greater than 0.06 wt. %, preferably equal to or greater than 0.07 wt. %, preferably equal to or greater than 0.08 wt. %, preferably equal to or greater than 0.09 wt. %, preferably equal to or greater than 0.10 wt. %.

It is further understood that the amount of the gelling agent, relative to the total weight of the composition (C), is advantageously equal to or less than 5.00 wt. %, preferably equal to or less than 4.00 wt. %, preferably equal to or less than 3.00 wt. %, preferably equal to or less than 2.00 wt. %, preferably equal to or less than 1 .50 wt. %, preferably equal to or less than 1 .00 wt. %.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the composition (C) comprises the gelling agent in an amount from 0.05 to 5.00 wt. %, preferably from 0.06 to 4.00 wt. %, preferably from 0.07 to 3.00 wt. %, preferably from 0.08 to 2.00 wt. %, preferably from 0.09 to 1 .50 wt. %, preferably from 0.10 to 1 .00 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the composition (C).

It is further understood that all definitions and preferences, as described above, equally apply for all further embodiments, as described below.

Depending on the final end use of the composition (C), as detailed above, as fertilizer to provide plant nutrition for growing plants, the composition (C) may further comprise water-soluble fertilizing nutrients selected from the group consisting of calcium (Ca) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients, nitrogen (N) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients, potassium (K) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients, and magnesium (Mg) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients.

Said calcium (Ca) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients, nitrogen (N) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients, potassium (K) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients, and magnesium (Mg) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients, respectively, are known to those skilled in the art for use in aqueous fertilizer compositions.

Non-limiting examples of calcium (Ca) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients notably include inorganic calcium salts such as calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium hydroxide, calcium iodate, calcium silicate, calcium cyanamide, nitrolime, calcium carbonate, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN), or hydrates thereof; and organic calcium salts such as calcium acetate, calcium citrate, calcium gluconate, calcium lactate, calcium ligosulphonate, or hydrates thereof.

Non-limiting examples of nitrogen (N) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients notably include ammoniacal nitrogen compounds such as urea, monomethylol urea, methylene urea, urea-triazone, isobutylidene diurea, sulphur coated urea, polymer coated urea; ammonium salts such as ammonium sulphate, ammonium nitratesulphate, ammonium nitrate; nitrate nitrogen compounds such as sodium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, ammonium nitrate-sulphate; and hydrates thereof.

Non-limiting examples of potassium (K) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients notably include inorganic potassium salts such as potassium oxide, muriate of potash, potassium sulphate, potassium hydroxide, potassium nitrate, potassium carbonate, potassium bicarbonate, potassium magnesium sulphate; organic potassium salts such as potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium gluconate, potassium lactate, potassium ligosulphonate; and hydrates thereof. Non-limiting examples of magnesium (Mg) water-soluble fertilizing nutrients notably include inorganic magnesium salts such as magnesium sulphate, magnesium nitrate, sulphate of potash magnesia, magnesium oxide, magnesium carbonate, kieserite, magnesium chloride; organic magnesium salts such as magnesium acetate, magnesium citrate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium lactate, magnesium ligosulphonate; and hydrates thereof.

Depending on the final end use of the composition (C), as detailed above, as fertilizer to provide plant nutrition for growing plants, the skilled in the art will choose a suitable combination of the different water-soluble fertilizing nutrients, as detailed above, and suitable amounts thereof according to the standard and general practice known by said skilled person in the art.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the composition (C), as detailed above, has a total calcium (Ca) content from 0.5 to 32.0 wt. %, as expressed in wt. % of CaO, relative to the total weight of the 5 composition (C), preferably from 1.0 to 26.0 wt. %, preferably from 1.3 to 20.0 wt. %, preferably from 1.6 to 14.0 wt. %, preferably from 1 .8 to 10.0 wt. %, preferably from 2.0 to 8.0 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the composition (C).

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the composition (C), as detailed above, has a total nitrogen (N) content from 2.5 to 35.0 wt. %, as expressed in wt. % of elemental N, preferably from 4.0 to 30.0 wt. %, preferably from 5.5 to 27.0, preferably from 6.5 to 24.0 wt. %, preferably from 7.0 to 22.0 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the composition (C).

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the composition (C), as detailed above, has a total potassium (K) content 2.0 to 60.0 wt. %, as expressed in wt. % of K2O, preferably from 2.2 to 50.0 wt. %, preferably from 2.4 to 45.0 wt. %, preferably from 2.6 to 40.0 wt. %, preferably from 2.8 to 35.0 wt. %, preferably from 3.0 to 30.0 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the composition (C).

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the composition (C), as detailed above, has a total magnesium (Mg) content from 0.5 to 9.0 wt. %, as expressed in wt. % of MgO, preferably from 1 .0 to 8.5 wt. %, preferably from 1 .5 to 8.0 wt. %, preferably from 1 .8 to 7.5 wt. %, preferably from 2.0 to 7.0 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the composition (C).

According to certain embodiments of the composition (C), as detailed above, the element sulphur (S) is substantially present in the compound (S) of general formula (Is), as detailed above.

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the composition (C), as detailed above, has a total sulphur (S) content from 0.5 to 26.0 wt. %, as expressed in wt. % of SO3, preferably from 1 .0 to 21.0 wt. %, preferably from 1.5 to 17.0 wt. %, preferably from 2.0 to 13.0 wt. %, preferably from 2.5 to 10.0 wt. %, preferably from 3.0 to 8.5 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the composition (C).

Within the context of the present invention, the elements calcium (Ca), potassium (K), nitrogen (N), and magnesium (Mg) may be present in four separate water-soluble fertilizing nutrients or less than four water-soluble fertilizing nutrients where more than one of the calcium (Ca), potassium (K), nitrogen (N), or magnesium (Mg) elements are contained in a single water-soluble fertilizing nutrient. By way of example, magnesium nitrate comprises the elements magnesium (Mg) and nitrogen (N).

According to certain embodiments of the present invention, the composition (C), as detailed above, may further comprise at least one other additional ingredient [ingredient (Ic), herein after] to enhance the appearance, storage, transport, handling and/or performance of the composition (C). Within the context of the present invention, the expression “at least one other additional ingredients [ingredient (Ic), herein after]” is intended to denote one or more than one ingredient (Ic). Mixtures of ingredients (Ic) can also be used for the purpose of the invention. In the remainder of the text, the expression “ingredient (Ic) is understood, for the purposes of the present invention, both in the plural and the singular form.

Said ingredients (Ic) are known to those skilled in the art of aqueous fertilizer compositions. Non-limiting examples of ingredients (Ic) notably include: micronutrients, surfactants, humectants, dispersing agents, suspending agents and similar ingredients to enhance the shelf life of the product, adhesion promotors, antioxidants, antifoaming agents, ultraviolet light stabilizers, antimicrobial agents, penetration accelerators, crystal growth inhibitors, soil remediation agents, colorants, pigments, fragrances, solvents, any material that facilitates the application of composition (C) such as spreading or sticking agents, antifreezes, evaporation inhibitors, anti-caking agents, and any other materials customarily employed in formulating fertilizer compositions such as pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, weedicides, miticides, fungicides, acaricides, nematicides, bactericides, rodenticides, growth-regulating agents, urease inhibitors, nitrification inhibitors, and the like.

As to the amount of the ingredients (Ic), it is understood that the skilled person in the art will practise said additional ingredients (Ic) in a suitable amount according to standard and general practice known by said skilled person in the art.

Typically, the amount of the ingredients (Ic), when present, is equal to or less than 20.0 wt. %, relative to the total weight of the composition (C).

The inventors have now surprisingly found that compositions (C), as detailed above, comprising both the alkanolamine salt of the compound (S) according to general Formula (Is) and the alkanolamine boron complex, possess excellent properties to solubilize, and therefore incorporate, sulphur and boron in high concentrations in the compositions (C), said combined high concentrations of sulphur and boron forming an excellent plant nutrition for growing various plants, for example rapeseed.

It is further understood that all definitions and preferences, as described above, equally apply for all further embodiments, as described below.

The composition (C) of the present invention can be prepared by a variety of methods known in the art.

The composition (C), as detailed above, can be used for fertilization purposes to provide plant nutrition for growing plants.

Said uses are also an aspect of the present invention.

It is further understood that all definitions and preferences, as described above, equally apply for all further embodiments, as described below.

The use of the composition (C), as detailed above, comprises supplying composition (C) to at least part of a plant or a seed which grows or will be grown. As a general rule, such growth occurs on a substrate, such as soil (for example in a pot, in borders, in the field or in agricultural fields) or artificial media. The terms “grows”, “grown” and “growing” as used herein include all physiological processes leading to an increase in cell size and/or cell number as well as those leading to cellular differentiation.

The composition (C), as detailed above, may be applied to a broad area to provide plant nutrition for growing plants in any suitable usual manner according to standard practice known by the skilled in the art taking into account factors such as temperature and weather conditions. Among the suitable manners for supplying composition (C), as detailed above, mention can notably be made of spraying, atomizing, vaporizing, drenching, watering, squirting, sprinkling, pouring, fumigating, injecting, painting, seed treating, coating, immersing, soaking and the like by using conventional equipment such as a handpump, a backpack sprayer, a boomsprayer, and the like. Desirably, the composition (C) is supplied by spraying and drenching.

The skilled in the art will apply the composition (C), as detailed above, in a dosage sufficient to effect the desired action. This dosage is dependent upon many factors, including the method and conditions of the application.

In the present invention, the inventors have now surprisingly found that the use of the composition (C), as detailed above, for fertilization purposes to provide plant nutrition for growing plants is associated with only minor handling costs, improved ergonomics and the reduction of overall handling costs.

EXAMPLES

The invention will be now described in more details with reference to the following examples, whose purpose is merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

General procedure for manufacturing composition (C):

Comparative Example 1 (CEx1 ) and Example 2 (Ex2) were prepared by admixing and homogenizing together during 30 minutes, the various ingredients, as described in Table 1 (i.e. nature and amounts) together with standard additional ingredients such as gelling agents, micronutrients, surfactants, humectants, dispersing agents, and antifoaming agents. The admixing of the various ingredients was carried out by using an electric stirrer. In Comparative Example 1 (CEx1 ), use is made of aqueous phosphoric acid (85 %).

In Example 2 (Ex2), use is made of compound (S) according to formula (Is-a), according to the present invention.

In Comparative Example 1 and Example 2 (Ex2) use is made of monoethanolamine. All contents in Table 1 are given in wt. %, relative to the total weight of the respective aqueous fertilizer compositions, unless stated otherwise.

Table 1 further summarizes the total elemental content of the different elements sulphur (S), phosphorus (P), boron (B), and nitrogen (N). These total contents were calculated according to general practice to those skilled in the art in fertilizer compositions.

Table 1 : Fertilizer compositions (C): Comparative Example 1 (CEx1) and Example 2 (Ex2) * MEA = monoethanolamine

With reference to Ex2, said Ex2 comprising both a monoethanolamine salt of the compound (S) according to formula (Is-a) and a monoethanolamine boron complex, a gel is formed, said gel thereby incorporating both sulphur and boron in high concentrations and further demonstrating excellent stability and solubilizing and dosing properties.