A FERTILIZER COMPOSITION

FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a fertilizer composition for agricultural use and particularly to a fertilizer that increases crop yield and improves soil condition.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION Fertilizer has been used to supply nutrients essential to plant growth. Of the basic nutrients that are required by plants, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) compound are the major nutrients necessary to support healthy growth in most plants. To boost agricultural production, large amounts of NPK compound are supplied as chemical fertilizer to increase crop yield. Although the availability of NPK compounds in field is important to promote plant growth, the disadvantages of a high concentration of NPK compounds to the environment have been recognized in recent years. For instance, long term use of the chemical fertilizers especially the nitrogenous fertilizer causes environmental pollution due to leaching into lakes, rivers and waterways. The enrichment of waters with plant nutrient consequently leads to eutrophication and causes severe deterioration in water quality. Further, the constant use of chemical fertilizer on the agricultural land may also render the soil to be excessively acidified, thereby unsuitable to support plant life. Moreover, the chemical fertilizer may inhibit the activity of beneficial soil bacteria such as the nitrogen- fixing bacteria, thereby reducing the natural fertility of the soil and causing imbalances in the amount of essential nutrients in the soil. Therefore, it is desirable to produce a fertilizer composition that optimizes plant production without adversely degrading soil quality and polluting the environment.

While NPK being the major nutrient for plant, the availability of one or more trace elements including but not limited to iron, manganese, zinc and sulfur are also known to considerably influence the growth of plant. When present in appropriate minute amount, these micronutrients are beneficial to plants in carrying out various biological functions. For examples, sulfur uptake in plants is necessary for chloroplast growth and functions. However, when the quantity of these trace elements compounds exceeds the plant requirement, it may be detrimental and poses toxicity to the plants. Nevertheless, the availability of the trace elements to plants is highly dependent on the solubility in the soil fluids. The lesser solubility of the trace element compounds in the soil fluids may render them not readily available to the plant. Thus, there exists a need to provide a fertilizer composition that include an appropriate amount of trace elements with improved solubility.

Apart from providing nutrients to plants, biological fertilizer has been proposed lately to include naturally occurring microorganisms therein. To improve the nutrient absorption by plants, nitrogen- fixing microorganism, potassium decomposing bacteria and phosphorus decomposing bacteria have been incorporated into the biological fertilizer. Besides, introduction of the beneficial microorganisms could control the growth of pathogens, thereby reducing herbicides and fungicides. However, biological fertilizer alone is not efficient enough for supplying sufficient nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other essential nutrients to plants for producing high quality crop production. Further, the viability and survivability of the microorganisms in the soil remains a major concern as these microorganisms would need to compete with the indigenous soil microorganism for space and food. Therefore, it is desirable to develop a fertilizer composition that could overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the abovementioned shortcomings. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The main aspect of the present invention is to provide a fertilizer composition that could provide well-balanced nutrients to plants while not harming the environment. Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a fertilizer composition that includes organic acids to render insoluble trace elements compounds to slowly available to the plants.

Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a fertilizer composition that comprises a biochar that functions as a microbiological carrier and a soil improver. Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a fertilizer composition that comprises microorganisms, particularly those useful for restoring degraded soil to its natural state.

At least one of the preceding aspects is met, in whole or in part, by the present invention, in which the embodiment of the present invention describes an NPK fertilizer composition comprising at least one organic acid, a composted organic material, a biochar and at least one Bacillus spp. microorganism.

Preferably, the percentage composition of the NPK compounds, the organic acid, the composted organic material and the biochar are 30-65 wt%, 5-15 wt%, 25-40 wt%, and 5-15 wt% respectively.

Preferably, the composted organic material is composted oil palm waste, composted paddy waste, composted sugarcane bagasse or composted maize waste. According to one of the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the NPK fertilizer composition further comprising calcium, molybdenum, cobalt, boron, manganese, iron, copper, silicon, chloride, zinc, sulfur or a mixture thereof.

According to another preferred embodiment, the organic acid comprises citric acid, humic acid, fluvic acid, allantoin, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, vanillic acid, benzoic acid or a mixture thereof.

Still another preferred embodiment, the NPK fertilizer further comprising at least one amino acid including but not limited to alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, iso leucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine or a mixture thereof.

In yet another preferred embodiment, the biochar is ground to a size of about 10-200 mesh.

Preferably, the biochar is produced from oil palm waste, paddy waste, sugarcane bagasse or maize waste. Again another preferred embodiment, the Bacillus spp. microorganism has a viable concentration of about 2 X 10 ⁴ CFU per gram of dry composition.

The present preferred embodiment of the invention consists of novel features and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described and illustrated in the accompanying drawings and particularly pointed out in the appended claims; it being understood that various changes in the details may be effected by those skilled in the arts but without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing any of the advantages of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, the invention shall be described according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention and by referring to the accompanying description and drawings. However, it is to be understood that limiting the description to the preferred embodiments of the invention and to the drawings is merely to facilitate discussion of the present invention and it is envisioned that those skilled in the art may devise various modifications without departing from the scope of the appended claim.

The present invention relates to anNPK fertilizer composition comprising at least one organic acid, a composted organic material, a biochar and at least one Bacillus spp. microorganism. According to the present invention, the NPK fertilizer comprises a mixture of nitrogen (N)-containing compound, phosphorus (P) -containing compound and potassium (K)-containing compound.

The examples of nitrogen-containing compound including but not limited to urea, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, sodium nitrate, ammonium nitrate and calcium nitrate; the examples of phosphorus-containing compound including but not limited to phosphorus nitrate, diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, calcium triple superphosphate, rock phosphate and monopotassium phosphate; and the examples of potassium-containing compound including but not limited to potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, potassium nitrate and monopotassium phosphate. Advantageously, the percentage composition of NPK compounds in the fertilizer according to the present invention is 30-65 wt%. In one of the preferred embodiment, the fertilizer composition comprises a mixture of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compounds in order to provide a comprehensive set of nutrients to the plants. Nitrogen is the major constituent of amino acids that forms the building blocks of protein, thereby its availability greatly influences the rapid growth of the plants. Similarly, phosphorus takes part in various vital plant processes. Phosphorus presents as a structural component of nucleic acids such as deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), as well as a constituent of fatty phospholipids. Besides, phosphorus also forms a art of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) which is involved in energy transfer in cells. On the other hand, the functions of potassium within the plants include but not limited to regulate internal plant moisture, accelerate enzyme activity, form carbohydrate and protein as well as regulate photosynthesis.

In addition to NPK compounds, the fertilizer composition further comprises a composted organic material. Preferably, the composted organic material is composted oil palm waste, composted paddy waste, composted sugarcane bagasse or composted maize waste. It is preferred that the percentage composition of the composted organic material in the fertilizer is about 25-40 wt%.

Pursuant to the preferred embodiment, the NPK fertilizer composition further comprises one or more trace elements in the composition. The trace elements added in the fertilizer composition include but not limited to calcium, molybdenum, cobalt, boron, manganese, iron, copper, silicon, chloride, zinc, sulfur or a mixture thereof. The mixture of these trace elements in the fertilizer is preferably subjected to the type of plant to be fertilized as different plants may exhibit variation in nutritional requirement.

It is understood that these trace elements are beneficial to healthy plant physiology but the plants tend to accumulate these elements, thereby a high concentration may render them to be toxic and harmful to the plants. For instance, excessive accumulation of zinc element could cause reduced growth, leaf chlorosis, and nutritional disturbances. Thus, the amount of the trace elements applied to the plants is preferably set at an appropriate concentration. These trace elements are commonly present in the forms of salts including but not limited to oxides, hydroxides, oxyhydroxides, sulfides and silicates. In order to render the trace elements bioavailable to the plants, the elements have to be readily soluble in the soil fluid when supplied to the field. Salt form of these elements especially the hydroxides, oxyhydroxides, sulfides and silicates of the elements are rather insoluble in water. Therefore, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, an organic acid is preferably added in the NPK fertilizer composition in order to dissolve the insoluble salt of trace elements. Preferably, the organic acid is selected from citric acid, humic acid, fluvic acid, allantoin, ferulic acid, salicylic acid, vanillic acid and benzoic acid. In one of the preferred embodiment, citric acid is used as the main organic acid in the NPK fertilizer composition. According to another preferred embodiment, a combination of two or more organic acids are used in the NPK fertilizer composition to dissolve a mixture of salt compounds of trace elements.

Besides as a solvent for insoluble salts of trace elements, the organic acids could help acidifying the soil to a pH condition favorable to the growth of plants. It is preferable that the fertilizer according to the present invention comprises a suitable amount of organic acids that could maintain the soil pH within 5.0-7.0. Therefore, in accordance with the preferred embodiment, the percentage composition of the organic acids in the NPK fertilizer composition is preferably at 5-15 wt%. In addition, the presence of organic acids could suppress growth of pathogenic microorganisms such as fungi from destabilizing plant health.

Further, the NPK fertilizer comprises at least one amino acid. The examples of amino acid include but not limited to alanine, arginine, asparagine, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine or a mixture thereof. According to the present invention, suitable amount of amino acids is added into the fertilizer composition to serve as supplement to support plant growth. For instance, the presence of amino acids such as glutamic acid and glycine help promoting calcium uptake into plants for plant cell wall division and expansion. With a stronger cell wall, the plant will be rendered to be more resistant to heat stress, diseases and stress, thereby increasing the yield and quality of the crops. In addition to supplying nutrients to plants, the present invention includes a biochar in the NPK fertilizer composition. Pursuant to the preferred embodiment, the biochar content in the NPK fertilizer composition is at 5-15 wt%. The biochar is preferably made from plant biomass via pyrolysis, wherein the plant biomass includes but not limited to oil palm waste, paddy waste, sugarcane bagasse and maize waste. More preferably, the biochar is derived from decomposed plant biomass. In another preferred embodiment, the biochar could also be produced from food waste. It is preferable that prior to mixing into the NPK fertilizer composition, the biochar is ground to a size of 10-200 mesh. The biochar in the present invention functions as both a soil improver and a carrier for microorganisms. The biochar stores a high amount of carbon, thereby contributes to carbon storage to soil. Moreover, owing to its extremely porous nature, the biochar is very effective in retaining water and water-soluble nutrients. Upon addition of biochar, the soil fertility could be improved and therefore increasing agricultural productivity. Further, the porous structure of the biochar is suited as a habitat to host beneficial microorganisms. The beneficial microorganisms described herein refers to microorganisms that can promote plant growth and inhibit pathogens invasion.

According to the present invention, it is preferable that the Bacillus spp. microorganism including but not limited to Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus thuringiensis , Bacillus cereus, Bacillus oleronius, Bacillus shackletonii and Bacillus mycoides is added to the NPK fertilizer composition. The advantages of incorporating microorganisms such as Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus in the NPK fertilizer composition is to provide anti-fungal effect; Bacillus oleronius to promote nitrogen fixing ability in plant; and Bacillus thuringiensis to act as biopesticide to get rid of insects and nematodes. Preferably, the Bacillus spp. microorganism has a viable concentration of about 2 X 10 ⁴ CFU per gram of dry NPK fertilizer composition in order to exert beneficial effects on plant. In accordance with the present invention, a consortium of beneficial microorganisms is incorporated into the NPK fertilizer composition. Although Bacillus spp are the most prefen-ed microorganisms in the present invention, other microorganisms that are known to person in the art to exert beneficial effects to the plants may also be included. The NPK fertilizer composition according to the present invention can be produced in any suitable form including but not limited to liquid, slurry, granular, pellets, particulate and powder. In the preferred embodiment, the NPK fertilizer composition is prepared in the form of pellets. Further, the NPK fertilizer composition of the present invention can be prepared in many ways including but not limited to, casting, extrusion, molding, pelletizing and pressing.

The NPK fertilizer composition of the present invention comprises both organic and inorganic components and a viable content of beneficial microorganisms. The NPK fertilizer composition can be applied to soil or any medium where a plant may be grown. When the NPK fertilizer composition is applied to the plants, a significant enhancement in growth and yield as well as improvement in soil condition can be achieved.

Although the invention has been described and illustrated in detail, it is to be understood that the same is by the way of illustration and example, and is not to be taken by way of limitation. The scope of the present invention are to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims.

EXAMPLES

An example is provided below to illustrate different aspects and embodiments of the invention. The example is not intended in any way to limit the disclosed invention, which is limited only by the claims.

Method of Producing the Fertilizer of the Present Invention

According to the preferred embodiment, the method of producing fertilizer composition comprising the step of grinding the biochar, NPK compound, composted organic material and trace element to a size of about 10-200 mesh; mixing the ground biochar, NPK compound, composted organic material and trace elements with the organic acids and microorganisms to form a fertilizer composition, wherein the microorganisms are a consortium of Bacillus spp comprising Bacillus amyloliquefaciens NA10, Bacillus thuringiensisl Bacillus cereus NA11, Bacillus oleronius NA20, Bacillus subtilis NA22 and Bacillus shackletonii PDAl ; subjecting the fertilizer composition to drying at about 35-80 °C; and pelletizing the dry composition. Total Bacteria Count oi Bacillus spp in the Fertilizer and Soil

Two independent experiments were conduted to determine the bacteria count in the fertilizer pellet and after distribution of the fertilizer on sterilized soil for 3, 7 and 14 weeks. Water was added to the soil from time to time in order to keep the soil in moist condition. Average values of duplicate results were taken:

Total bacteria count, expressed as colony forming unit (CFU)/g of fertilizer or soil

Average = 2.21 X 10 ⁴ CFU/g of fertilizer pellet

Average = 1.63 X 10 ⁵ CFU/g of soil Analyses of Chitinase and Cellulose Activities of the Bacillus SPP

The cell wall of fungi is mainly composed of chitin and cellulose. The Bacillus spp secretes both chitinase and cellulose enzymes that may possess antifungal activity are shown in TABLE 1.

TABLE 1

Bacteria Bacteria annotation Cellulase activity Chitinase activity

1. NA10 Bacillus amy loliquefaciens Weak positive Positive

2. NA1 1 Bacillus thuringiensisl Bacillus Negative Negative

cereus

3. NA20 Bacillus oleronius Negative Negative

4. NA22 Bacillus subtilis Positive Positive

5. PDA1 Bacillus shackletonii Negative Negative

TABLE 1 shows the cellulase and chitinase activity of each individual bacteria that is included in the fertilizer composition of the present invention.

Effects of Fertilizer of the Present Invention on Plant Growth Parameters Measurement

Plant shoot length and number of leaves were measured and recorded, wherein day-0 as the day of seedlings being transferred into polybags filled with soil. The average values of the measurements were obtained from 25 okra plants for day-22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 57 and 63. TABLE 2

Number of Day Control (Tap Water Fertilizer of Present Commercial

Only) Invention Chemical Fertilizer

^~ 22 20.71 ± 2.43 22.72 ± 3.17 22.42 ± 1.58

29 25.24 ± 2.31 29.56 ± 3.66 26.42 ± 2.21

36 35.59 ± 4.41 48.54 ± 7.40 39.35 ± 4.56

43 43.52 ± 5.68 59.13 ± 9.33 48.04 ± 5.30

50 53.14 ± 11.86 70.44 ± 12.21 60.54 ± 7.98

57 58.56 ± 11.74 81.52 ± 13.91 71.52 ± 10.58

63 58.62 ± 10.81 90.08 ± 15.78 77.92 ±10.58

TABLE 2 shows the average plant shoot length of 25 okra plant at day-22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 57 and 63 after treatment with control, fertilizer of present invention and commercial chemical fertilizer. TABLE 3

Number of Day Control (Tap Water Fertilizer of Present Commercial

Only) Invention Chemical Fertilizer

22 7 ^~ 8 ^' 7

29 8 9 9

36 8 14 12

43 6 15 13

50 6 17 16

57 6 15 16

63 5 17 13

TABLE 3 shows the average number of leaves of 25 okra plants at day-22, 29, 36, 43, 50, 57 and 63 after treatment with control, fertilizer of present invention and commercial chemical fertilizer.

The okra plants are uprooted on the day-63. The average stem circumference, fresh weight of shoot and length and weight of root of 25 okra plants were measured and recorded as shown in TABLE 4. TABLE 4

Treatment Average stem Average fresh Average Average

circumference (cm) weight of shoot length of root weight of root

(g) (cm) (g)

Control (Tap 2.34 36.01 44.66 480

Water Only)

Fertilizer of 5.56 269.30 37.78 49.81

Present Invention

Commercial 5.58 281.29 50.67 39.92

Chemical

Fertilizer

TABLE 4 shows the average stem circumference, fresh weight of shoot, length and weight of root of 25 okra plants at day-63 after treatment with control, fertilizer of present invention and commercial chemical fertilizer.

Further, the yield of okra pod on the day-63 was evaluated, wherein the average total pods harvested, weight and length of pods were measured and recorded as shown in TABLE 5.

TABLE 5

Treatment Total pods harvested Average weight of Average length of pods (g) pods (g)

Control (Tap Water 56 12.89 Ϊ323

Only)

Fertilizer of Present 73 20.82 14.92

Invention

Commercial 73 19.05 14.63

Chemical Fertilizer

TABLE 5 shows the average total pods harvested, weight and length of pods of 25 okra plants at day-63 after treatment with control, fertilizer of present invention and commercial chemical fertilizer.