AU2003208127B2 - Liquid composition for application to soil and/or plants, biosolids & compostable materials - Google Patents

Description

Liquid Composition for application to soil and/or plants, Biosolids Compostable materials.

The present invention is directed to liquid compositions suitable for introducing soil and plant beneficial fungi and micro-organisms to foliage and their environment.

Background of the invention The use of artificial and acidulated fertilizers is believed to be essential for efficient growth of high yield crops. Most crops require large amounts of the basic plant nutrients, which include nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.

These nutrients are usually supplied in the form of mineral fertilizers which are based on either processed natural minerals or manufactured chemicals.

In recent years, however, the detrimental effect on the environment through use of large amounts of chemical fertilizers has been recognized. Nitrogen fertilizers have been reported to acidify soil which adversely affects the growth of plants and soil organisms. Extensive use of chemical fertilizers may also inhibit the activity of natural nitrogen fixing organisms, thereby decreasing the natural fertility of the soil. Mineral fertilizers may also introduce toxic substances into soil. For example, phosphate fertilizers processed from rock phosphate may contain toxic elements such as cadmium. The leaching of nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers and soil erosion leads to the contamination of ground water and is harmful to the ecosystem.

As a result of the observed side effects of chemical fertilizers, there has been an increasing interest in organically based fertilizers fertility products. Organic fertilizers can come from many different sources. Examples include farm wastes, plant products, animal manures, wood materials and sewage. However organic fertilizers are usually low in nutrients and less effective in promoting plant growth, compared to mineral fertilizers. Additionally, organic fertilizers from sewage Bio-Solids can contain human pathogens and are therefore, potentially hazardous.

Traditionally therefore, organic fertilizers have been applied to crops merely as a supplement to the mineral fertilizers.

Biological fertilizers fertility utilizing microbes have also been developed. These fertilizers have focussed on the use of nitrogen fixing bacteria and fungi to enhance nitrogen uptake in the soil. However, these organisms still require delivery with mineral fertilizers and their viability upon contact with such fertilizers remains a large problem. Genetically modified strains of bacteria are also being developed which will reportedly improve the availability of elements in the soil for plant use. Therefore, up to now, the biological fertilizers based on naturally occurring are generally not efficient enough to effectively replace mineral acidulated fertilizers. A biological composition that can efficiently replace mineral fertilizers and that can enhance the production of quality agricultural crops without the associated problems of mineral acidulated fertilizers is desired.

Beneficial are those that are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen, decompose organic wastes, suppress plant pathogens, enhance nutrient cycling and produce compounds such as vitamins, hormones and enzymes that stimulate plant growth.

Beneficial microbes can alter the soil ecosystem equilibrium in ways that can improve soil quality and enhance crop production and ultimately create a more sustainable agriculture and environment.

Microbiologists have tried to culture different types of beneficial for use as soil inoculants to overcome the effects of phytopathogenic organisms. However, the effectiveness of inoculums has been a problem, with different mixes of fungi and bacteria not being able to co-exist or survive long enough after inoculation to have an effect. Consequently, even if the application of beneficial microorganisms is successful under limited conditions in the laboratory) it appears to be very difficult to achieve the same success under actual field conditions.

Therefore, a process for culturing large amounts of a balanced composition of beneficial soil organisms and nutrients, suitable for application to plants and soil in the field, is desired.

Summary of the invention According to one broad form there is provided a method for preparing a liquid composition for application to soil and/or foliage including: a) providing a starter culture comprising a sample of soil microorganisms b) adding to the starter culture, water and at least one nutrient and/or energy source; c) mixing the culture, nutrient and energy sources in a mixing tank; d) transferring the mixture to an open tank, adding compost based nutrients to the mixture, aerating the mixture whilst maintaining the mixture within a predetermined temperature range, and e) introducing at least one additional nutrient and energy source to the open tank.

In step of the invention, a starter culture based on a sample of soil containing various microorganisms is established. The soil sample, which the starter culture is typically based on, may depend on the final use of the composition. Preferably, the starter culture is based on a soil population from the same general area to which the composition will be applied. More preferably the starter culture is also based on a soil microorganism population with a reasonably degree of diversity and without a high level of potential phytopathogenic entities. Preferably, the soil sample also has a low level of chemical contamination. These factors can be assessed using techniques familiar to one of skill in the art.

Typically the starter culture is initiated by mixing 0.5 to of a carbon source, 0.5 to of a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium source and 0.001 to 0.02%(w/v) active yeast in a mixing tank with water at a temperature in the range of 26 to 37 C. Preferably, to initiate the mixture 1 to of a carbon source, 1 to 3%(vlv) of a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium source and, 0.003 to 0.01%(w/v) active yeast are mixed with water at a temperature in the range of 30 to 35 C. More preferably, the carbon source is molasses and the source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium is fish emulsion. Typically, after mixing for a time between 20 minutes and 1 hour, preferably 20 minutes to 35 minutes, the starter culture mixture is transferred to an open tank and the soil sample is added at 1-10% and 0.2 to 2% paramagnetic rock is also added. Preferably, the amount of soil sample added is in the range of to 4% and the paramagnetic rock added is in the range of 0.5 to 1% The open tank is maintained at a temperature in the range of 28 to 36 C. After a time period in the range of 20 to 30 hours, preferably 22 to 28 hours the starter culture is returned to the mixing tank and mixed again, before returning to the open tank where it is aerated for approximately 1 to 5 hours, preferably to 4 hours. Following a further time period in the range of 20 to 30 hours, preferably 22 to 28 hours the starter culture is aerated again for a time typically in the range of 0.5 hours to 4 hours or preferably 1 to 3 hours. Typically, the starter culture is suitable for use in the following steps of the invention, 2-4 days or preferably 2.5 to 3.5 days after initial mixing. Generally, the starter culture must be used for the purpose of the invention within 10 days of initial mixing, and preferably within 7 days of initial mixing.

The %w/v and %v/v units used in step are expressed as a function of the final volume of the starter culture. For the remainder of the description, the %w/v and %v/v units apply to the final volume of the liquid composition.

In step of the invention the starter culture is added to a volume of water, which is typically in the range of 30 to preferably 50 to 70%(v/v) and the starter culture is typically in the range of 0.5 to 5%(viv) preferably 0.5 to 2% The temperature of the water is generally in the range of 26 to 40 C, preferably 30 to 37"C. Further, in step of the invention nutrient and energy sources and optionally other supplements are added to the mixture. Suitable nutrient and energy sources include those that provide essential components for sustaining growth, which can be assimilated by plants and/or microorganisms. These include, for example, sources of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium, polysaccharides, complex carbohydrates, organic products containing, for example, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, amino acids and trace minerals, complexing agents or supplements such as humic acid, yeast such as active yeast and inactive yeast and trace minerals such as those found in seawater. Humic acid is often added to soil to increase fertility and is found in rotting vegetable matter, compost, manure, peat, lignite, leonardite and coal.

Humic acid is a colloid with a high capacity for cation exchange. It has been reported to, among other things, improve soil structure, aeration, water holding capacity and uptake of ions.

The amounts of nutrient, energy and supplement sources added in step are typically in the range of 10 to 50%(w/v) preferably 15 to 25%(w/v) molasses, 1 to 10% preferably 1 to 6% fish emulsion, 0.5 to preferably to seaweed extract, 1 to 10% preferably 1 to 6% humic acid, 0.005 to 0.1% active yeast, 0.005 to 0.1% inactive yeast, preferably 0.005 to 0.05% active yeast, 0.005 to 0.05% inactive yeast and 0.2 to preferably 0.5 to 3% trace sea minerals.

In step the mixture is mixed for a period of time in the range of 1 to 5 hours, preferably in the range of 1.5 to 3.5 hours and maintained at a temperature in the range of 26 to 37"C, preferably in the range of 31 to In step of the invention, the mixture is transferred to a tank, typically an open tank, which is aerated and the temperature of the mixture is typically maintained in the range of 25 to 40"C. Preferably, the aeration is sufficient to provide adequate oxygen for aerobic growth of microorganisms and the temperature of the mixture is maintained in the range of 25 to 30 0 C. Typically, compost is added to the mixture in the range of 0.5 to 5% The compost used in the present invention may include manure from animals, including for example, sheep, horses and cattle manure. The compost can also include plant derived compost such as silage, oats and grass clippings. In a preferred form of the invention, the compost is a blend of cow manure and plant derived compost which is added to the mixture in the range of 0.5 to 3% Optionally, the mixture is incubated for up to 5 days, preferably for 3 days, whereupon a further amount of compost is added, which is typically in the range of 0.5 to 5% preferably in the range of 0.5 to The amount of compost to be added can be adjusted to maintain the Brix of the mixture in the range of 10 to 20 Brix, preferably 11 to 18 Brix. A further amount of seaweed extract in the range of 0.2 to 5% preferably in the range of 0.3 to 1% (w/v) may be added to the mixture. This is typically carried out by removing a volume of the mixture in the range of 10 to 40% preferably 15 to 35% and premixing it with the seaweed extract in the mixing tank at a temperature in the range of 26 to 37 C, preferably 28 to 35 C, for a time period in the range of minutes to several hours or preferably in the range of 20 minutes to an hour.

The mixture is then returned to the open tank.

in step of the invention, the mixture is incubated for a further 1 to 3 days, preferably a further 1 day where upon an amount of at least one additional nutrient and/or energy source is added. The further ingredients may be selected according to the desired end use of the composition, for example, the type of crop to which the composition is to be applied and/or to address any identified deficiencies in the target soil and/or plant. Suitable materials include phosphoric acid, which is typically in the range of 1 to 10% preferably in the range of 1 to Other suitable additives include minerals such as copper, zinc and calcium.

The additional ingredients are typically added at a substantially uniform rate over the further incubation period. A preferred method of addition is by the use of a peristaltic pump.

Where the additional ingredient is typically a volume in the range of 10 to or preferably, a volume in the range of 15 to 35% of the mixture is removed from the tank and premixed with the phosphorous source in the mixing tank at a temperature in the range of 26 to 37 C or preferably 28 to 35 C, for a time period typically in the range of 15 minutes to several hours, preferably in the range of 20 minutes to an hour, before it is then returned to the open tank.

Alternatively, a phosphorus solution is continually added over a fixed period.

Where it is desired to add a nitrogen source to the mixture, the nitrogen may be added in place of or in addition to the phosphorous. Where nitrogen is added in addition to the phosphorus, it is typically added after completion of the phosphorus addition. In this case, the mixture is typically incubated for a further 1 to 3 days or preferably a further 1 day where upon an amount of a nitrogen source is added such as calcium nitrate, which is typically in the range of 5 to and preferably in the range of 8 to This is typically carried out by removing a volume of the mixture in the range of 50 to 70%(v/v) or preferably 55 to 68% and premixing it with the nitrogen source in the mixing tank at a temperature in the range of 26 to 37 C, preferably 30 to 37 C, for a time period in the range of 15 minutes to several hours or preferably minutes to an hour, before it is then returned to the open tank.

Typically, the mixture is then incubated for a further 1 to 5 days or preferably a further 2 to 3 days. During this time period, the extent of nitrate uptake and/or metabolism by the microorganisms in the mixture may be measured by conventional means known to those in the art.

While not wishing to be bound by theory, the inventor believes the following may typically be beneficial to the process; the use of paramagnetic rocks in the vicinity of the open tank; exposure of the tank and contents to natural light, tuned with quartz crystal and specific sound frequencies.

It is especially preferred to employ water which is pre-treated by passing it through a magnetic field. A suitable pre-treatment device is commercially available under the trade name "water wizard".

It has been postulated that water which flows in a certain way through a magnetic field may have its potential and kinetic energy fields altered. Water, which has been treated in this way is referred to as 'living water'. It has also been suggested when living water is consumed by organisms, it helps them to function more effectively.

It has also been postulated that heavy water that has been treated and cultivated for certain algal blooms is beneficial to brewing chelating based starter cultures. In some instances, paramagnetic rock may be placed in the vicinity of the open tank during the incubation process. Paramagnetic material is a material, which is weakly pulled to a strong magnet. The effect is caused by unpaired electrons in the atoms of the material. Examples of paramagnetic materials are rocks, which contain elements such as Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, Nickel, and Copper. Paramagnetism is a natural subtle force, which has been proposed to have an effect on biological activity. Paramagnetic rock has been suggested to contribute to increase crop yields and improve the health and wellbeing of plants and animals in its vicinity.

In some cases, it may be desirable to adjust the timing, type and quantities of nutrient energy and supplement sources added, as deemed suitable for the particular soil type or plant that the final product may be applied too.

In some instances the composition of the present invention may be filtered to remove solid material, such that the resulting composition can be effectively sprayed.

In one form of the invention, when the method according to the present broad form of the invention is complete or nearing completion, a large amount of a concentrated saccharide, typically 15-60% is mixed with the mixture for a time period in the range of 30 minutes to 2 hours. Exemplary saccharides include water-soluble sugars and sugar-containing mixtures, such as glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, arabinose, xylose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, raffinose, trehalose, dextrins such as white dextrin, canary dextrin, honey, molasses, maple syrup, maple sugar, and starch syrups such as corn syrup.

Especially preferred is molasses.

In a preferred embodiment 15 to 50% concentrated saccharide is mixed with the liquid composition for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of hours. The inventor has observed that this further step is associated with slowing andlor stopping of the incubation process and is advantageous for later packaging steps and may be associated with increased shelf life of the packaged composition.

Preferably, after step of the present method, 15-50%(v/v) of a concentrated polysaccharide, is mixed with the liquid composition for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 1.5 hours. More preferably, the concentrated polysaccharide is molasses.

In a further broad form of the present method there is provided a liquid composition for application to soil and foliage. The composition comprising a microbial population to which a predetermined amount of concentrated polysaccharide or concentrated complex carbohydrate has been added thereto.

A concentrated polysaccharide may be added to biological compositions prepared by other methods than that of the first broad form of the invention. For example, concentrated polysaccharide may be added to conventional biological liquid compositions.

According to another broad form of the invention there is provided a liquid composition for application to soil and foliage, made by the process based on the methods described above.

The present invention can be applied to many different types of plants, including for example, horticultural crops such as legumes and cereals, fruits and vegetables, forestry, pasture crops and soil degraded areas.

According to a further broad form of the invention there is provided a method of conditioning soil, which includes treating the soil with an amount of a liquid composition according to the present invention.

It will be understood from the above that the present invention can be applied in a diluted form.

Generally, depending on the situation and conditions of use, such as plant and soil type and specific nutritional or environmental requirements, the present invention may be applied to soil and/or plant foliage in the range of 1 to 20 liters per hectare, preferably 2 to 10 liters per hectare.

As already mentioned, the liquid composition may be used in many different applications. It may be beneficial to apply it to commercial crops or market gardens on a small scale or may also be used in large scale agriculture.

Generally the present invention may be used in any situation to improve the growth and/or productivity of a broad range of plants. It will also be recognised that the present invention may be applied as a soil conditioner on various soil types and in various environments.

In certain situations it is envisaged that application of the present invention, may provide an adequate substitute to the application of inorganic fertilizers.

In certain situations it is also envisaged that the application of the present invention may impart some phytopathogenic protection, therefore, decreasing the requirement for plant pathogen control with pesticide and fungicide control measures on some plant and soil types.

Example Further aspects of the present invention will be apparent from the following nonlimiting example.

The water used in the following method is first energized by pretreatment with the commercially available water wizard or other recognized energizing treatment by then circulating through flow forms, which are natural vortex forming devices. The devices vortex the water in clockwise and counter clockwise directions and aerate the water.

To produce 15,000 liters of finished product, 10,000 liters of water preheated up to 35 C is added to 140 liters of starter culture in a mixing tank. The following additions are then made in order; 2,700kg molasses, 600 liters liquid fish emulsion, 140kg soluble seaweed, 600 liters humic acid, 1.5kg active yeast, 4kg inactive yeast and 150 liters of liquid sea minerals. The composition is mixed in the mixing tank for a minimum of 1.5 hours and a maximum of 3.5 hours and kept at a temperature of approximately 33 C.

The composition is then transferred to an open tank and 300kg of properly balanced compost is added. The open tanks are temperature controlled to maintain the composition at a minimum of 26°C and aerated to ensure adequate oxygen for aerobic microbial growth.

On day three of the incubation a further 200kg of compost is added. This is to ensure that the Brix level of the composition is maintained at a level greater than 12 Brix. 5,000 liters of the composition is removed from the open tank and added to the mixing tank with 115kg of soluble seaweed. The removed 5,000 liters is then mixed for approximately 30 minutes at a minimum temperature of 33 C, after which it is returned to the open tank.

On the fourth and fifth day's day of the incubation, 1400 liters of phosphoric acid are added per day to the open tank. The phosphoric acid is added in a continuously over the two days.

On day 6 of the incubation, 600kg calcium nitrate is dissolved in 2000 liters of water.. The calcium nitrate solution continuously over a 24 hour period.

The oxygen and temperature levels are maintained for a further 2 to 3 days of incubation. During this time, the amount of free nitrate in the composition is measured to determine the extent of nitrate uptake and/or metabolism by the microorganisms. This is done using methods familiar to those skilled in the relevant art.

At the final stage of the method, the mixture is passed through a filter on transfer to the mixing tank. In the mixing tank, 444kg of molasses is added per 1,000 liters of composition and mixed for a minimum of 1 hour and a maximum of 1.5 hours. After this step, the mixture is filtered once again before packaging.

Unexpectedly and surprisingly, the inventor has observed that such compositions have a significantly improved shelf life over compositions to which a concentrated saccharide has not been added. Generally untreated compositions must be applied to plants within about 1 to 3 days, whereas the composition of the invention may be safely stored for periods of a few months or longer without either undue pressure build up within the storage vessels (due to continued brewing) or a significant decrease in the number of viable microorganisms in the composition.

The composition may be diluted as desired and applied to the plant(s) and/or soil of choice. Application of the composition of the present invention may decrease or avoid the requirement for chemical fertilizers, pesticides and/or fungicides.

It will also be appreciated that various changes and modifications may be made to the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

In the specification the term "comprising" shall be understood to have a broad meaning similar to the term "including" and will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. This definition also applies to variations on the term "comprising" such as "comprise" and "comprises".

Claims (19)

1. A method for preparing a liquid composition for application to soil and/or foliage including: a) providing a starter culture comprising a sample of soil microorganisms; b) adding to the starter culture, water and at least one nutrient and/or energy source and allowing the mixture to incubate; c) mixing the culture, nutrient and energy sources in a mixing tank; d) transferring the mixture to an open tank, adding compost based nutrients to the mixture, aerating the mixture whilst maintaining the mixture within a predetermined temperature range; e) introducing at least one additional nutrient and energy source to the open tank and allowing the mixture to incubate further, and, f) adding between about 15 to 60%w/v of a saccharide to the mixture.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein in step the starter culture is provided by mixing between about 0.5 to 5% of a carbon source, about 0.5 to of a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium source and about 0.001 to 0.02% active yeast to between about 1.5 to 4% of a soil sample.

3. The method of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the starter culture is maintained at a temperature of between about 26 to 370C.

4. The method of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the at least one nutrient and/or energy source includes a source of nitrogen, phosphorous, or potassium.

The method of claim 4 wherein in step the starter culture is added to about to 90% water together with about 10 to 50% molasses, about 1 to 10% fish emulsion, about 0.5 to 2% seaweed extract, about 1 to humic acid, about 0.005 to 0.1% active yeast, about 0.005 to 0.1% inactive yeast and about 0.2 to 5% trace sea minerals.

6. The method of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the temperature of the mixture in step is maintained between about 26 to 40 0 C.

7. The method of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the mixture at step is incubated for about 1 to 5 hours and maintained at a temperature of between about 26 to 37 0 C.

8. The method of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the predetermined temperature range is between about 25 to 40 0 C.

9. The method of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein between about 0.5 to compost is added at step

10. The method of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mixture at step is incubated for a further 1 to 3 days at a temperature of between about 26 to 370C.

11. The method of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at step the at least one additional nutrient and/or energy source is added at a substantially uniform rate over a period of 1 to 3 days.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein addition of the least one additional nutrient and/or energy source is undertaken using a peristaltic pump.

13. The method of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the at least one additional nutrient includes at least a nitrogen source.

14. The method of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein at step about 40 to of the saccharide is added.

The method of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the saccharide is selected from the group comprising glucose, fructose, galactose, mannose, arabinose, xylose, sucrose, maltose, lactose, raffinose, trehalose, white dextrin, canary dextrin, honey, molasses, maple syrup, maple sugar and corn syrup.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the saccharide is molasses.

17. A method for preparing a liquid composition for application to soil and/or foliage, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the Example.

18. A method of conditioning soil by applying to the soil a liquid composition prepared by the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 17.

19. A method to improve growth and/or productivity of a plant by applying to the plant a liquid composition prepared by the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 17. A liquid composition for application to soil and/or foliage prepared by the method as defined in any one of claims 1 to 17. DATED THIS 19th DAY OF MARCH 2004 Garry Joseph HICKEY by his Patent Attorney Dr Kevin M Pullen