ENHANCED AGRICULTURE

[0001] This application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 62/745,707 filed on October 15, 2018. These and all other referenced extrinsic materials are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Where a definition or use of a term in a reference that is incorporated by reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein is deemed to be controlling.

Field of the Invention

[0002] The field of the invention is agriculture, and more specifically improving plant growth.

Background

[0003] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0004] Arable land resources are limited, so as the world’s population grows there is continuing pressure to improve agricultural yields. While these can be addressed in part through such approaches as genetic engineering of crop plants, the use of herbicides and pesticides, and the use of chemical fertilizers, such approaches are often controversial and can have negative environmental impacts.

[0005] One approach has been to collect fertilizers and other soil amendments from readily available natural sources. Sea water is one such resource, however considerable processing is generally necessary. For example, United States Patent No. 8,277,627, to Ganzi et al, describes a device for desalination of sea water prior to application to crops. Such processing, however, is energy intensive and requires complex equipment. Similarly, United States Patent No.

6,551,370, to Yamanaka, describes extraction of a mineral fertilizer from sea water for application to cultivated rice plants. Such extraction, however, is also energy intensive and can leave some beneficial components behind. All publications identified herein are incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Where a definition or use of a term in an incorporated reference is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply.

[0006] Another approach is to reduce the need for fertilization by reducing loss of fertilizing compounds to the environment. One approach, as described in United States Patent No.

10,130,955, to Rossi, is to insert an array of vertical pipes that contain conductive elements into a soil bed being used for agriculture. The conductive elements are connected in series, and application of current to the array generates a magnetic field that retains fertilizing ionic species in the soil bed. Unfortunately, this requires the installation of a complex and costly fixed grid system, which can potentially interfere with harvesting equipment.

[0007] Another approach has been to apply electrical fields directly to modify the growth rate of food organisms. For example, United States Patent Nos. 9,827,436 and 10,224,136, both to Schmidt, describe agricultural application of electrical fields using alternating current applied to a helical arranged loop antenna or a group of such antennae that surround the organism. These antennae are complex, however, and the need to surround the organism being treated limits their utility.

[0008] Thus, there is still a need for a simple and effective way to increase agricultural yields using abundant resources.

Summary of The Invention

[0009] The inventive subject matter provides apparatus, systems and methods in which energy is applied in a pulsatile fashion to crop plants in order to improve growth and/or yield.

[0010] One embodiment of the inventive concept is a method of facilitating growth of a plant by providing an electrolytic fluid, subjecting the electrolytic fluid to an energy pulsed between 0 to 500mHz, inclusive to produce an energized electrolytic fluid, and contacting the plant with the energized electrolytic fluid. The energy can be in the form of an electromagnetic wave, a sound wave, a scalar wave, an energy wave generated by a plasma ion gas discharge, and/or a pulsed high voltage direct current of up to 50kV. The electrolytic fluid can be subjected to the energy while the electrolytic fluid is in motion or while it is static. The electrolytic fluid can include sea water, an amino acid, and/or fulvic and humic acids.

[0011] Another embodiment of the inventive concept is a system for facilitating growth of a plant that includes a moveable grid capable of being elevated over the plant, an energy source coupled to the movable grid, and a fluid distribution device coupled to the movable grid. The energy source can be an electromagnetic wave source, a sonic wave source, a scalar wave source, a plasma ion gas discharge source, and/or a source of high voltage direct current configured to provide pulses of current at a frequency of up to 50kV. The fluid distribution device can be fluidically coupled to a source of electrolytic fluid, and in some embodiments is configured to vortex or restructure the electrolytic fluid. The electrolytic fluid can include sea water, an amino acid, and/or fulvic and humic acids.

[0012] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

Brief Description of The Drawings

[0013] FIG. 1 : FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary system of the inventive concept.

Detailed Description

[0014] The following description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0015] Embodiments of the inventive concept include a multi-modal delivery system that can provide electromagnetic waves, a scalar wave, sound waves, plasma ion gas discharges, and/or high voltage direct current to agricultural plants. Also provided is an electrolytic solution that includes sea water (e.g. water obtained from the deep ocean), ionic minerals, amino acids, and organic acids (e.g. fulvic and/or humic acids) that is applied to the plants. [0016] One should appreciate that methods and compositions of the inventive concept can improve crop yields using abundant resources while eliminating or reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

[0017] The following discussion provides many example embodiments of the inventive subject matter. Although each embodiment represents a single combination of inventive elements, the inventive subject matter is considered to include all possible combinations of the disclosed elements. Thus, if one embodiment comprises elements A, B, and C, and a second embodiment comprises elements B and D, then the inventive subject matter is also considered to include other remaining combinations of A, B, C, or D, even if not explicitly disclosed.

[0018] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously.

[0019] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the

specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0020] Unless the context dictates the contrary, all ranges set forth herein should be interpreted as being inclusive of their endpoints, and open-ended ranges should be interpreted to include only commercially practical values. Similarly, all lists of values should be considered as inclusive of intermediate values unless the context indicates the contrary.

[0021] In methods of the inventive concept the plants are electrically grounded to the earth, and a positive voltage is applied to them. Such grounding can be provided by contacting the plants with a grounded conductive material. For example, a lightweight conductive wire or an arrangement of such wires can be placed to contact one or more plants and placed in electrical communication with a ground. For examples, where plants are cultivated in rows an entire row can be grounded using single wire, and a collection of such single wires connected to a common conductor that is in electrical communication with a ground. Such wires can be conveniently placed, and can be removed prior to harvesting and other operations by simply disconnecting from the ground and retracting them (for example, by winding on a reel). Such lightweight conductive wires can be constructed of any suitable conductive material, including copper, aluminum, and/or conductive polymers. In other embodiments, plants can be grounded by virtue of their contact with the soil via their respective root systems.

[0022] In some embodiments a positive DC voltage or other energetic stimulus can be applied using a moveable emitter ( e.g . a grid electrode). Such a grid electrode can be constructed from an array or grid of conductive wires that are in electrical communication with each other. Such a grid can be of any suitable configuration. For example, a grid can be square, rectangular, circular, elliptical, or have any suitable polygonal shape. Since the grid is moveable it can be of a conveniently manageable size. For example, such a grid can have an area of about 0.5, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 80, 100 or more than 100 m ² . In a preferred embodiment the grid is open, which advantageously reduces weight and minimizes the effects of wind. Such a grid can be suspended above the top of the plants at a distance of from about 6 inches (15 cm) to about 10 feet (3 meters). Such a grid can, for example, be moved either manually or in an automated fashion using a pully and rope system, a wheeled carrier, or any suitable device configured to traverse the cultivated terrain and support the emitter. In a preferred embodiment such a grid is part of an automated system that acts under the direction of a controller.

[0023] As noted above, voltage can be applied to the plants as a constant direct current, or as a pulsed or patterned current. For example, such a current can be applied as a series of pulses with a frequency of up to 500 MHz and an amplitude of up to 50 kV. Alternatively, such a direct current can be applied as a waveform having a frequency of up to 500 MHz and an amplitude of up to 50 kV.

[0024] The recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, each individual value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g.“such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element essential to the practice of the invention.

[0025] Other energetic stimuli that can be applied include scalar waves, sonic waves (e.g.

infrasound, audible sounds, and/or ultrasound), energy discharged from plasma ions, and/or electromagnetic radiation (e.g. radio, microwave, infrared, near infrared, visible, near ultraviolet, ultraviolet, or higher frequencies). Systems of the inventive concept can include appropriate sources for the energy or energies utilized. In some embodiments of the inventive concept only a single type of energy is used (e.g. DC voltage). In other embodiments a combination of energy types is utilized. In preferred embodiments energy is provided as a series of pulses.

[0026] In some embodiments an electrolytic solution can be applied to the plants prior to, during, or following application of this voltage. The electrolytic solution can include sea water. In a preferred embodiment such sea water is obtained from the deep ocean (i.e. from a depth of at least 1,800 meters). This advantageously reduces surface pollution content. Such sea water can be included at about 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20% or more than about 20% (v/v) of the total liquid content of the electrolytic solution.

[0027] An electrolytic solution of the inventive concept can include one or more ionic minerals (e.g. mineral or metal salts). Suitable ionic minerals or salts include salts of sodium, potassium, iron, magnesium, calcium, manganese, molybdenum, strontium, selenium, cobalt, chromium, zinc, and/or copper. Counterions of such salts can include chlorine (e.g. chlorides, chlorates), bromine (bromides, bromates), boron (e.g. bromates), iodine (e.g. iodides, periodoates), oxygen (e.g. oxides, hydroxides, permanganates), nitrogen (e.g. nitrates, nitrites), phosphorous (e.g. phosphates), and/or sulfur (e.g. sulfites, sulfates). Such ionic minerals can be included at about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 0.8%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20% or more than about 20% (w/v) of the electrolytic solution.

[0028] An electrolytic solution of the inventive concept can include one or more amino acids. Such amino acids can be either D or L optical isomers, or a mixture thereof, and can be naturally occurring or synthetic. Suitable amino acids include alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine,

phenylalanine, proline, selenocysteine, selenomethionine, serine, taurine, threonine tryptophan, tyrosine, and/or valine. Such amino acids can be provided as free bases, salts, or as a part of a peptide or protein. One or more amino acids can be included at about 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 0.8%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20% or more than about 20% (w/v) of the electrolytic solution.

[0029] An electrolytic solution of the inventive concept can include one or more organic acids.

In preferred embodiments the organic acids include humic and/or fulvic acid(s)/substance(s), which can be provided as acids or as conjugate bases of said acids. Such humic and/or fulvic acids/substances can be obtained by leaching or extraction of organic matter such as soil, peat, and or coal. Alternatively, such humic and/or fulvic acids can be provided as part of a sea water component of the electrolytic solution. Such organic acids can be present at about 0.01%, 0.02% 0.05%, 0.08%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.5%, 0.8%, 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 20% or more than about 20% by weight total organic matter in the electrolytic solution.

[0030] In some embodiments of the inventive concept irrigation water for the plants’ sustenance is supplied via one or more flow forms that are formed to vortex and/or structure the water and/or a mesophase of the water. Such flow forms can be positioned proximal to one or more high voltage plasma ion discharge tubes, which provide energy that is transferred to the irrigation water via resonant energy transfer. The frequency or frequencies of such discharges are selected to create or correspond to energetic changes observable in infrared spectra of the water. Water so treated can be provided to the plants at timed intervals which coincide with the administration of the electrolytic solution and/or the positive voltage cited above.

[0031] In some embodiments a timed automated routine administers these treatment cycles for a defined period of time ( e.g . all or part of a crop cycle) or indefinitely via a centralized automation module. Such treatments can be administered on a daily schedule, for example once, twice, three, or four or more times a day. Alternatively, treatment schedules can provide for from one to six treatments a week, one to four treatments a month, and from one to twelve treatments a year. In a preferred embodiment a treatment schedule is administered by a controller. Such a controller can carry out a consistent treatment schedule, or can adjust the treatment schedule throughout the year. In some embodiments the controller can adjust the treatment schedule in a pre-programmed fashion based on the projected growth state of the crop plants (for example, providing treatment more frequently during periods where the crop plants are expected to be growing and/or producing rapidly). In other embodiments the controller can utilize data inputs to modify a base treatment schedule stored in a database. Examples of such data inputs include current weather conditions, weather projections, and crop related data (e.g. coloration, height, presence of flowering or seed structures, etc.).

[0032] Methods and compositions of the inventive concept can be applied to a wide variety of plant crops. Suitable plant crops include, but are not limited to, grains, root vegetables, leaf vegetables, pharmaceutical crops, fruit and/or gourd bearing vines, fruit trees, nut trees, softwood trees, hardwood trees, fiber-producing plants, herbs, and spices. It should be appreciated that the configuration and means for transporting the grid can be adapted to a wide variety of cultivation environments, including traditional open fields, partially submerged areas, forested areas, and/or uneven or hilly ground.

[0033] An example of a system of the inventive concept is shown in FIG. 1. As shown cultivated plants (110) are connected to a conductor (120), which is in turn connected to a grounding device (130). The grounding device can be a simple conductive rod inserted to an appropriate depth into the soil used for cultivation. A charged grid 140 is positioned above the plants, and provides a positive DC electrical potential. In some embodiments the system additionally includes fluid distribution devices (150), which are positioned to dispense an electrolytic fluid onto the cultivated plants. Such fluid distribution devices can be in fluid communicated with a source of the electrolytic fluid (not shown) or, alternatively, connected to sources of components of the electrolytic fluid that are subsequently mixed upon dispensing.

The charged grid and associated fluid distribution devices are moveable, and can be repositioned to cover different portions of a cultivated area. In some embodiments the grid and associated fluid distribution devices can be moved while in operation. In other embodiments the grid and associated fluid distribution devices are inoperative during movement. The grid and associated fluid distribution devices can be moved by any suitable manual or automated means. In the embodiments shown the charged grid (140) is held suspended over the cultivated plants on a pulley system (160) that is movable coupled to a line (170) positioned over the cultivated area.

[0034] Surprisingly, the inventors found an 85% increase in agricultural yield on combined treatment with a single study, and noted distinct variations expressed by the exposed test plants such as increase in phyto-chemicals and terpenes.

[0035] It should be apparent to those skilled in the art that many more modifications besides those already described are possible without departing from the inventive concepts herein. The inventive subject matter, therefore, is not to be restricted except in the spirit of the appended claims. Moreover, in interpreting both the specification and the claims, all terms should be interpreted in the broadest possible manner consistent with the context. In particular, the terms “comprises” and“comprising” should be interpreted as referring to elements, components, or steps in a non-exclusive manner, indicating that the referenced elements, components, or steps may be present, or utilized, or combined with other elements, components, or steps that are not expressly referenced. Where the specification claims refer to at least one of something selected from the group consisting of A, B, C .... and N, the text should be interpreted as requiring only one element from the group, not A plus N, or B plus N, etc.