Chelated plant nutrients
AssigneePacific Micro Minerals, Inc.
InventorJohn R. Marihart
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Liquid micronutrient compositions are prepared by combining fulvic acid extracted from leonardite ore with a metal salt, a hydroxy acid and/or a hydroxy acid salt, and ammonia. The extract of leonardite ore is obtained by combination with a suitable chelant, while the subsequent combination with the metal salt and hydroxy acid/salt is accomplished in a heated aqueous medium. After allowing the desired metal chelates to form, the composition is combined with anhydrous ammonia, usually by sparging, to obtain a stable end product. The micronutrient compositions display enhanced plant uptake in both soil and foliar applications. Moreover, the compositions are particularly stable and suitable for application through drip irrigation systems.
Claims20
A method for preparing a chelated micronutrient composition suitable for use as a plant nutrient, said method comprising:
- obtaining a fulvic acid substantially free from humic acid by extracting a leonardite ore with a chelant at a pH above about 2.5;
- combining the acid extract with a cationic metal salt in the presence of a hydroxy acid and/or a hydroxy acid salt to form a reaction mixture, and
- combining a sufficient amount of anhydrous ammonia with the reaction mixture to adjust the pH to the range from about 7.5 to 9.
A chelated micronutrient composition suitable for use as a plant nutrient, said composition comprising fulvic acid extracted from a leonardite ore with a chelant, combined with a metal salt in the presence of a hydroxy acid and/or a hydroxy acid salt and anhydrous ammonia, said composition being substantially free from humic acid.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.