USOO8864867B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 8,864,867 B2

Wels (45) Date of Patent: *Oct. 21, 2014
(54) FERTILIZERSUSPENSION AND METHOD (56) References Cited
OF PREPARATION
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
(71) Applicant: Lawrence Brooke Engineering, LLC, 3,519,413 A 7, 1970 Honore et al.
Roseburg, OR (US) 3,950,159 A 4, 1976 Fox et al.
4,069,034 A 1/1978 Hoover
(72) Inventor: Geoffrey Dylan Wells, Sebastopol, CA 4,525, 197 A 6, 1985 Eibner et al.
5,707,551 A 1/1998 Pallas et al.
(US) 5,834,533 A 11/1998 Patel et al.
5,851,260 A 12/1998 Aijala et al.
(73) Assignee: Lawrence Brooke Engineering, LLC., 5,906,962 A 5/1999 Pallas et al.
5,925, 182 A 7, 1999 Patel et al.
Roseburg, OR (US) 5,969,012 A 10/1999 Harris, Jr.
5.997,602 A 12/1999 Aijala
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 6,743,756 B2 6/2004 Harris, Jr.
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 8, 110,017 B2 * 2/2012 Wells ................................ T1/11
8,197.572 B2* 6/2012 Wells ... ... 71,11
U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days. 8,361,184 B2* 1/2013 Wells ...... T1/23
This patent is Subject to a terminal dis 8,568,505 B2 * 10/2013 Wells ................................ 71.23
claimer.
2002fOO65,198 A1 5/2002 Highsmith et al.
2002/0129632 A1 9/2002 Sheppardson et al.
(21) Appl. No.: 14/033,119 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS
KR 10-2006-0047264. A 5, 2006
(22) Filed: Sep. 20, 2013 KR 10-2006-0053222 A 5, 2006
WO WO 2007/047350 A2 4/2007
(65) Prior Publication Data
US 2014/OO76O12 A1 Mar. 20, 2014 OTHER PUBLICATIONS

International Search Report Serial No. PCT/US2009/036792 mailed

Jan. 8, 2010.
Related U.S. Application Data Product Literature Labels, "Flora Nova Specimen”, “One-Part Grow
(63) Continuation of application No. 13/728,817, filed on Plant Food 7-4-10”,General Hydroponics, Oct. 2002.
Dec. 27, 2012, now Pat. No. 8,568,505, which is a Product Literature Labels, "FloraNova Specimen”, “One-Part Bloom
continuation of application No. 13/450,162, filed on Plant Food 4-8-7”,General Hydroponics, Oct. 2002.
Apr. 18, 2012, now Pat. No. 8.361,184, which is a “Specifications, Tolerances, and Other Technical Requirements for
continuation of application No. 13/095,744, filed on Weighing and Measuring Devices.”95th Conference of Weights and
Apr. 27, 2011, now Pat. No. 8,197.572, which is a Measures 2010.NIST Handbook 44 2011pp. A-9-A11.
continuation of application No. 12/401,528, filed on Association of American Plant Food Control Officials, Inc.,
Mar. 10, 2009, now Pat. No. 8,110,017. “AAPFCO Laws & Regulations.” Official Publication No. 56, 2003,
West Lafayette, Indiana, pp. 1-3, & 36-41.
(60) Provisional application No. 61/035,688, filed on Mar. Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 12,401,528 mailed Oct. 3,
11, 2008. 2011.
Non-Final Office action for U.S. Appl. No. 12,401,528 mailed Aug.
(51) Int. Cl. 3, 2011.
C05E5/00 (2006.01) (Continued)
C05B 700 (2006.01)
C05D 9/00 (2006.01)
C05D 9/02 (2006.01) Primary Examiner — Wayne Langel
COSC I/00 (2006.01)
C05C5/00 (2006.01) (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Brooks Acordia IP Law,
C05C5/02 (2006.01) P.C.; Pejman Yedidsion; Christopher Weiss
C05C5/04 (2006.01)
C05E II/00 (2006.01) (57) ABSTRACT
C05B 17/02 (2006.01)
C05B 3/00 (2006.01) A concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer
C05G 3/00 (2006.01) Suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at
(52) U.S. Cl. least nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium, and magne
CPC. C05B 1702 (2013.01); C05B3/00 (2013.01); sium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the
C05G 3/007 (2013.01); C05G 3/0064 (2013.01) pourable, aqueous Suspension has water-soluble mineral
USPC ................ 71/11: 71/26: 71/34; 71/50, 71/58; nutrients amounting to at least about 80 percent by weight
71/59; 71/60; 71/63 (wt.%) of the suspension.
(58) Field of Classification Search
USPC ........................................................ 71 F11 63
See application file for complete search history. 2 Claims, No Drawings
 US 8,864,867 B2
Page 2

(56) References Cited Non-Final Office action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/095,744 mailed Jul.
Sir Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/450,162 mailed Sep. 27.
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
FA Office action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/450,162 mailed Sep. 13,
Final Office action for U.S. Appl. No. 12,401,528 mailed Jan. 31.
2011. Srinal Office action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/450,162 mailed May
Non-Final Office action for U.S. Appl. No. 12,401,528 mailed Oct. Sofia Office action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/728,817 mailed Mar. 8,
18, 2010.
Notice of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/095,744 mailed Feb. 16, See of Allowance for U.S. Appl. No. 13/728,817 mailed Jun. 21.
2012.
Non-Final Office action for U.S. Appl. No. 13/095,744 mailed Dec. 1,
2011. * cited by examiner
 US 8,864,867 B2
1. 2
FERTLIZERSUSPENSION AND METHOD Subsequent frequency and amounts of the dry nutrient blend
OF PREPARATION that may be added. If the dry nutrient blend is to be dissolved
in hydroponic culture comprising cold water, several minutes
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED or several hours may be required to achieve a complete dis
APPLICATIONS Solution. This cold water delay injects a non-negligible delay
between recognizing the need for an application of a solution
This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 13/728,817, feed and actually delivering the solution feed. Likewise in
filed Dec. 27, 2012, which is a continuation of Ser. No. bulk applications of the dissolved dry nutrient blend from a
13/450,162, filed Apr. 18, 2012, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. dilution container, several minutes or several hours may be
8,361,184 on Jan. 29, 2013, which is a continuation of Ser. 10 required prior to administering to plants. Furthermore, many
No. 13/095,744, filed Apr. 27, 2011, which issued as U.S. Pat. dry formulations that contain all the nutrients generally rec
No. 8,197.572, on Jun. 12, 2012, which is a continuation of ognized for plant growth are hygroscopic, and absorb mois
Ser. No. 12/401,528, filed Mar. 10, 2009, which issued as U.S. ture from the atmosphere, and may eventually turn an original
Pat. No. 8,110,017 on Feb. 7, 2012. This application claims dry formulation exposed to atmospheric moisture into a
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 15 Sticky paste or one or more solid chunks that may be imprac
61/035,688, filed Mar. 11, 2008, all related applications of tical to measure and dissolve. In addition, a complete dry
which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety nutrient blend may be mixed with water to form a liquid
for all purposes. Suspension and stored in a sealed container which may not
exhibit sufficient shelf life. For example, an adverse gaseous
BACKGROUND chemical reaction may set up over several days that can cause
the sealed container to Swell, rupture, and leak a brine solu
1. Field of Endeavor tion. Thus, a complete dry nutrient blend may be mixed with
The present invention relates to stable, concentrated, aque water to form a liquid Suspension, but may be unstable and
ous and water-soluble fertilizer suspensions formulated to unsuitable for manufacturing and packaging in sealed storage
provide plant nutrition for growing plants, and more particu 25 containers.
larly to stable, concentrated, aqueous and water-soluble Sus Aqueous fertilizer Suspensions producing particles that
pensions of mineral salts and nutrient additives. may settle out while on the shelf include the teachings of U.S.
2. Description of the State of the Art Pat. Nos. 3,519,413, and 3,950,159, both of which disclose a
For healthy and rapid growth, particularly in a hydroponic Suspension of coarse particles and a hydrophilic or a polysac
environment, plants require a nutritionally balanced soluble 30 charide gum for thickening. U.S. Pat. No. 4,069,034
nutrient feed program. Some liquid mineral fertilizers com describes a method of making a suspension fertilizer with
prising mineral salts have limited solubility in water. Addi bentonite and humic acid as crystal growth modifiers. The
tionally, Some of the elements required for plant growth form teachings of this disclosure are directed to a manufacturing
insoluble compounds at low concentration levels that precipi process that deals with Supersaturating nitrogen and phospho
tate. Liquid fertilizers typically contain the major macronu 35 rous in a reactoratelevated temperatures. U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,
trients of nitrogen, phosphorous, and potash and the micro 197 discloses a fertilizer Suspension that utilizes magnesium
nutrients: iron, manganese, Zinc, copper, boron, molybdenum aluminum silicate as a stabilizer along with a dispersant
and frequently omit the intermediate elements of calcium, selected from Sorbitol, polyvinyl alcohol, caseinate, and
magnesium, and Sulphur. When using liquid fertilizers of this soluble starch hydrolosates to prevent the formation of large
type, one can experience imbalanced growth and nutrient 40 crystals. U.S. Pat. No. 5,851.260 discloses a suspension fer
deficiencies in the plant. Liquid fertilizers may be accumu tilizer suitable for irrigation fertilization and a process for its
lated to provide complete plant nutrition for growing plants. preparation, and its teachings to not appear directed to a
For example, in order to achieve a complete nutrient profile, complete fertilizer, having exemplary solutions made from
the feed program may include at least two nutrient containers relatively inexpensive, i.e., field grade, fertilizer raw materi
of ionic nutrients to avoid or minimize precipitation of ions 45 als with known water insoluble compounds not readily appli
prior to their application to the target hydroponic culture. A cable to hydroponic cultivation. U.S. Pat. No. 5,997,602 dis
well known formulation for solutions in which plants may be closes a method of manufacturing an aqueous fertilizer
grown in hydroponic cultures is Hoagland's Solution where a Suspension containing at least phosphate, and calcium and
first solution includes potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium ions, and its teachings appear to address Suspen
monopatassium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, an iron che 50 sions that may or may not be nutritionally complete, and
late, and a second solution is a micronutrient stock Solution producing an inexpensive, i.e., field grade, fertilizer with
that includes boric acid, manganese chloride, Zinc sulfate, insoluble material acceptable for a drip irrigation in field use,
copper Sulfate and molybdic acid. In addition, Hoagland's and where the exemplary form of nitrogen taught is urea.
Solution may achieve a lower pH by the application of ammo Because water-soluble mineral nutrients are derived from
nium. To apply the Hoagland's Solution, this two-solution or 55 mineral salts, there is an equilibrium point for these salts to
two-container approach requires that, in order to provide a form crystals and for the crystals to slowly dissolve back into
complete nutrient feed, one must mix two separate concen Solution. Because large crystals form at the expense of
trates and dilute each in a user Solution to avoid precipitation. Smaller ones, i.e. Ostwald Ripening, there is a progressive
From a commercial distribution perspective, one may have to tendency to grow water-soluble crystals in the concentrate.
ship sufficient water along with the concentrate in that the 60 Such water-soluble crystals may eventually grow quite large
water increases handling costs over just the necessary feed. and sink to the bottom of the Suspension. These are particu
As an alternative to aqueous Suspensions, dry nutrient larly troublesome with mineral salts that have a wide range of
blends may not contain the full gamut of minerals of a com solubility over different temperatures. This is particularly
plete Solution, and dry nutrient blends may not be completely troublesome with potassium nitrate and urea.
water-soluble. In hydroponic systems having nutrient moni 65 A technique in the formulating arts is to use a cosolvent that
toring, the effects of the application of a dry nutrient blend to is miscible with the solvent that lowers the solubility of the
the hydroponic culture may be measurable and affect the mineral salt and slows the rate of crystal growth. The problem
 US 8,864,867 B2
3 4
is that few cosolvents are non toxic to plant growth. Another organic stabilizer, and may comprise between 0.1 and 20
technique to overcome this is to create a non-aqueous Suspen percent by weight of the Suspension. The organic stabilizing
sion as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,707,551, 5,906,962, and additive may be comprised of at least one of the following
6,743,756 and as described in US Patent Application No. ingredients: polysaccharides and water-soluble hydrocolloid
2002/0065198 A1. U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,551 describes non polysaccharides e.g., a starch and cellulose; disaccharides
aqueous Suspension concentrates of highly water-soluble sol Such as cane Sugar, malt, molasses, and beet Vinasse; fulvic
ids where the liquid composition is completely non-aqueous acid; digested plant material; digested lignin; Soluble sea
and also requires a complex three-component Surfactant sys weed; compost tea extracts; Vermicompost; and chitosan. The
tem. U.S. Pat. No. 5,834,533 describes stable suspension Suspension may further comprise crystal growth inhibitors,
compositions where the liquid composition is non-aqueous 10 Such as Surfactants and humectants.
and the application is directed toward well drilling fluids. The exemplary homogenous Suspension embodiment
U.S. Pat. No. 5,906,962 discloses a method of non-aqueous comprising water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitro
Suspension concentrates of highly water-soluble solids. U.S. gen, phosphorous, ionic magnesium, and potassium, may
Pat. No. 5,906,962 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Pat. No. also comprise a surfactant, e.g., a Surfactant that may be
5,707,551 based on a non-aqueous solvent and a complex 15 selected from a group that includes lecithin, TritonTMX-45
three-component Surfactant system, and appears directed and TritonTM X-100. In some embodiments, the exemplary
toward Suspending a slightly water-soluble active compound, homogenous Suspension may comprise water-soluble min
e.g., pesticide or herbicide, with a water solubility of less than eral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, ionic magne
1%. U.S. Pat. No. 5,925, 182 describes stable liquid suspen sium, and potassium that may also comprise a humectant,
sion compositions, some having limited Solubility; a non e.g., a humectant that may be selected from a group that
aqueous liquid Suspension appearing to be directed toward includes: fructose, Sorbitol. Xylitol, glycerin, ethylene glycol,
well drilling fluids. U.S. Pat. No. 5,969,012 discloses non diethylene glycol, polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol, and
aqueous slurries of water-soluble polymers, where the Sol ethylene-propylene block copolymers. In other exemplary
vent is non-aqueous and is a vehicle for concentrated water embodiments, the homogenous Suspension may comprise
soluble polymers. U.S. Pat. No. 6,743,756 describes 25 water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phospho
Suspensions of particles in non-aqueous solvents, and appears rous, ionic magnesium, and potassium, and may also com
to be directed toward the use of a castor wax as a stabilizer. prise a polymer to aid in steric Stabilization of the Suspension
fertilizer, e.g., a steric stabilizer comprising at least one of the
SUMMARY following ingredients: gum Arabic; alginic acid; cellulose
30 ethers; lignin Sulfonates; condensation products of naphtha
Embodiments of the present invention include Suspensions lenesulfonic acid; polyethylene glycol; polypropylene gly
and methods of preparing, i.e., making, the Suspension, and col; polyvinylpyrolidone, polyvinyl alcohol; polystyrenesul
working fluids comprising diluted aqueous Suspensions. For fonate; polyacrylic acid; block polymers of ethylene oxide;
example, an exemplary concentrated water-soluble plant fer and block polymers of propylene oxide.
tilizer Suspension embodiment may comprise water-soluble 35 Some embodiments of the concentrated homogenous Sus
mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorous, potas pension comprise, by weight of the Suspension (wt.%), an
sium, and magnesium, where the total mineral nutrient con amount of nitrogen between about 1 wt.% and about 25 wt.
centration is at least about 80 and may be up to 95 percent by %, an amount of phosphorus between about 1 wt.% and about
weight of the Suspension, and an organic stabilizing com 25 wt.%, an amount of ionic magnesium of at least about 0.1
pound or organic stabilizing additive, where the homogenous 40 wt.%, and an amount of organic stabilizing additive compris
Suspension may be sufficiently stable, i.e., evidencing mini ing between about 0.1 wt.% and 20 wt.%. The exemplary
mal, if any, adverse gaseous chemical reactions within a her embodiments may further comprise an amount of potassium
metically sealed container and over a defined shelf-life period between about 1 wt.% and about 25 wt.%, an amount of
of time, e.g., five day, five weeks, five months, and/or one calcium between about 0.5 wt.% and about 10 wt.%; and an
year. As part of the Suspension, the nitrogen may be in the 45 amount of sulphur between 0.1 to 10 wt.%. Accordingly, the
form of a nitrate ion, the phosphorous may be in the form of exemplary homogenous Suspension may be readily dissolv
a phosphorous ion, the potassium may be in the form of a able in water, pH balanced when diluted in water, e.g., about
potassium ion, the calcium may be in the form of a calcium 5.0<pH-about 7.0, evidence minimal, if any, crystal growth,
ion, and the magnesium may be in the form of a magnesium and/or evidence little, if any, inert water insoluble material.
ion. The amount of the ionic magnesium may be at least 0.5 50 Concentrated, water-soluble, plant fertilizer Suspension
percent by weight of the Suspension. In some embodiments, embodiments of the present invention may comprise a con
the total mineral nutrient concentration may be at least about centrated homogenous Suspension that may have one or more
80 percent by weight of the Suspension, and water may com water-soluble mineral nutrients, e.g., at least nitrogen, phos
prise less than about 20 percent by weight of the Suspension. phorous, potassium, calcium, ionic magnesium, iron, manga
Other embodiments may contain nitrogen, phosphorous, cal 55 nese, Zinc, copper, boron and molybdenum, and an organic
cium and magnesium. The exemplary homogenous Suspen stabilizer for forming a stable Suspension where the homog
sion may also comprise mineral nutrients, such as Sulphur and enous Suspension may be sufficiently stable, i.e., evidencing
urea. The Suspension may further comprise ammonium ions. minimal, if any, adverse gaseous chemical reactions within a
In some embodiments, the exemplary homogenous Suspen hermetically sealed container over a defined shelf-life period
sion may also include mineral nutrients, such as iron, man 60 of time, and where the total mineral nutrient concentration is
ganese, Zinc, boron, copper, and molybdenum. In other at least about 80 to 95 percent by weight of the suspension.
embodiments having additional nutrients, the homogenous Some embodiments of the concentrated water-soluble plant
Suspension may be nutritionally complete for plant growth in fertilizer Suspension comprise an amount of water less than
that the Suspension comprises all root-borne nutrients about 20 percent by weight of the suspension. Some embodi
required for plant growth. The Suspension may further 65 ments of the homogenous Suspension are nutritionally com
include additional ingredients of agronomic benefit. The plete so that it has all nutrients required for plant growth
exemplary homogenous Suspension may also comprise an present in a balanced form.
 US 8,864,867 B2
5 6
The organic stabilizer of some embodiments of the con manganese, Zinc, copper, boron and molybdenum, and an
centrated water-soluble plant fertilizer Suspension organic organic stabilizing additive, where the homogenous Suspen
stabilizer may be comprised of at least one of the following sion may be sufficiently stable, i.e., evidencing minimal, if
ingredients: digested plant material, digested lignin, Soluble any, adverse gaseous chemical reaction within a closed con
seaweed, cane Sugar, malt, beet Vinasse, molasses, water tainer over a defined shelf-life period of time, and where the
soluble hydrocolloid polysaccharides, compost tea extracts, total mineral nutrient concentration is at least about 75 per
Vermicompost, cellulose and chitosan. The organic stabiliz cent by weight of the Suspension. Exemplary Suspension
ing additive composition of embodiments of the concentrated embodiments may comprise less than about 10 percent of
water-soluble plant fertilizer Suspension may comprise water by weight, and may be nutritionally complete, i.e.,
between 0.1 and 20 percent by weight of the suspension. The 10 having all nutrients required for plant growth present in a
total mineral nutrient concentration of embodiments of the balanced form.
water-soluble plant fertilizer suspension may beat least about Embodiments of the present invention also include meth
80 percent by weight of the Suspension, and the exemplary ods and processes of making a concentrated water-soluble
homogenous Suspension may be nutritionally complete, i.e., plant fertilizer Suspension. For example, a method of making
having all nutrients required for plant growth. Embodiments 15 a concentrated water-soluble plant fertilizer Suspension com
of the concentrated water-soluble plant fertilizer suspension prising the steps of: (blending an amount of water and an
may comprise a concentrated homogenous Suspension hav amount of calcium nitrate; blending an amount of magnesium
ing an amount of nitrogen between one and 20 wt.%, and in nitrate comprising at least 0.5 percent by weight (wt.%) of a
some embodiments between one and 25 wt.%; an amount of final Suspension; blending an amount of potassium phosphate
phosphorous between one and 20 wt.%, and in some embodi and/oran amount of ammonia phosphate blending an amount
ments between one and 25 wt.%; an amount of potassium of potassium nitrate; and blending an amount of an organic
between one and 20 wt %, and in some embodiments between stabilizing additive; and where the concentrated, homog
one and 25 wt.%; an amount of ionic magnesium from at least enous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer Suspension is a pour
about 0.1 wt.%; and the exemplary suspension may further able, aqueous Suspension having an amount of water com
comprise: an amount of calcium between 0.1 and 7.5 wt.%. 25 prising less than about 20 percent by weight (wt.%) of the
and in some embodiments between 0.1 wt.% and 10 wt.%; final Suspension.
and an amount of sulphur between 0.1 an 5 wt.%. Embodi In some embodiments, the total mineral nutrient concen
ments of the concentrated water-soluble plant fertilizer sus tration is at least about 80 percent by weight, and in some
pension may also comprise a humectant, and the humectant embodiments, the water content is less than about 20 percent
may be selected from a group of humectants such as fructose, 30 by weight. Examples of one or more organic stabilizers that
Sorbitol. Xylitol, glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, may be applied in the blending process include at least one of
polyethylene glycol, propylene glycol and ethylene-propy the following ingredients: a starch, fulvic acid, digested plant
lene block copolymers. Embodiments of the concentrated material, digested lignin, soluble seaweed, cane Sugar, malt,
water-soluble plant fertilizer Suspension may also comprise a beet Vinasse, molasses, water-soluble hydrocolloid polysac
polymer that aids in steric stabilitzation of the Suspension 35 charides, compost tea extracts, Vermicompost, cellulose, chi
fertilizer. Examples of Such a polymer that may aids in Steric tosan, and mixtures thereof. The step of blending nitrogen,
stabilization may be from a group steric stabilizers such as phosphous, ionic magnesium, and potassium may comprise
gum Arabic, alginic acid, cellulose ethers, lignin Sulfonates, blending from ranges of ingredients disclosed herein, and an
condensation products of naphthalenesulfonic acid, polyeth example may comprise blending an amount of nitrogen
ylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyvinylpyrolidone, 40 between one and 25 wt.% of the final suspension; an amount
polyvinyl alcohol, polystyrene Sulfonate, polyacrylic acid, of phosphorus between one and 25 wt.% of the final suspen
block polymers of ethylene oxide, and block polymers of sion; and an amount of potassium between one and 25 percent
propylene oxide. by weight. The step of blending calcium and Sulphur may
Embodiments of a concentrated, homogenous, stable, comprise blending an amount of calcium between 0.5 and 10
water-soluble fertilizer Suspension may comprise: an amount 45 wt.% of the final Suspension and an amount of Sulphur
of water comprising less than about 20 percent by weight (wt. between 0.1 and 10 wt.% of the final suspension.
%) of the Suspension; an amount of calcium nitrate compris
ing between about 1 wt.% and 40 wt.% of the suspension; an DETAILED DESCRIPTION
amount of magnesium nitrate comprising between about 1 wt.
% and 25 wt.%, and in some embodiments, between about 1 50 A method of formulating and stabilizing a concentrated,
wt.% and 30 wt.%, of the suspension; an amount of potas complete, nutritionally balanced, readily available water
sium phosphate and/or ammonia phosphate comprising soluble fertilizer is described. The composition of matter that
between about 1 wt.% and 30 wt.%, and in some embodi results from the method embodiment includes all thirteen
ments between about 1 wt.% and 35 wt.% of the suspension; elements required for plant growth. The exemplary form of
an amount of potassium nitrate comprising between about 1 55 the nitrogen may be predominantly that of a nitrate anion for
wt.% and 30 wt.%, and in some embodiments between about rapid nutrient uptake.
1 wt.% and 45 wt.% of the suspension; and an amount of In describing the properties of the concentrate embodi
organic stabilizing additive comprising between about 0.1 wt. ments of the present invention, particular terms are used to
% and 10 wt.%, and in some embodiments, between about address Some of these properties. A stable concentrate is one
0.1 wt.% and 20 wt.% of the suspension; and where the 60 that when stored in a closed container over a period of time,
concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer there is no adverse gaseous chemical reaction that causes
Suspension is a pourable, aqueous Suspension. Swelling of the closed container. A homogeneous concentrate
Embodiments of the present invention include a concen is a liquid concentrate that is a stable dispersion that, over a
trated water-soluble plant fertilizer Suspension that may com period of time, does not stratify into one or more solid layers
prise a concentrated homogenous Suspension comprising 65 and one or more liquid layers having the notable absence of
water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phospho large crystal growth. A complete concentrate is a concentrate
rous, potassium, calcium, ionic magnesium, Sulphur, iron, having all nutrients required for plant growth present in a
 US 8,864,867 B2
7 8
balanced form. A water-soluble concentrate is a concentrate composition may be varied to alter the balance of nitrogen,
having all of its elements readily available for plant uptake phosphorous, potassium, and other elements, in order to
and do not need to be digested by microorganisms or undergo allow for custom nutrition formulas for vegetative, flowering,
any type of weathering or degradation process. A pH bal and fruit development. The composition may also contain
anced concentrate is a concentrate having a ratio of cationic humic and fulvic acids, organic acids, enzymes, simple and
and anionic forms of nitrogen balanced such that the pre complex Sugars, vitamins, and growth hormones. Additional
dominant form of nitrogen is in the nitrate form, which is formulations are possible, for example, the incorporation of
readily available, and not phytotoxic, to the plant. A non-toxic urea as a nitrogen source to lower the cost of production,
concentrate is a concentrate having no ingredients or addi without straying from the original spirit of the invention.
tives in its blend that are phytotoxic to plant growth. A con 10
A concentrated complete nutritionally balanced readily
centrate having no inert water insoluble material is a concen soluble Suspension fertilizer containing all thirteen elements
trate where all ingredients of the concentrate are readily required for plant growth comprising water-soluble mineral
dissolvable in water and available for plant uptake. fertilizer salts and an organic stabilizer to form a stable dis
If one adds seaweed, digested plant material, soy protein, persion may be made according to the following teachings.
Kraft lignins or Sulfate lignins, or other similar organic com 15 The mineral salts of the concentrated suspension fertilizer
pounds, one can prevent the occurring of off-gassing experi may be selected from a group of mineral salts comprising:
enced in the hydrating of dry fertilizers thereby making a ammonium nitrate; ammonium phosphate; ammonium Sul
stabilized formulation. Formulations having Such organic phate; calcium nitrate; calcium phosphate; calcium Sulphate:
compounds added to the formation have remained stable in magnesium nitrate; magnesium phosphate; magnesium Sul
the bottle for over 72 months. If seaweed is used in the blend, phate; potassium nitrate; potassium phosphate, potassium
there are added benefits that may include shelf stability and Sulphate; iron Sulphate; iron phosphate; iron glycinate; iron
plant absorption. If soy is used, there are added benefits that lignoSulphate; chelated iron Such as iron chelated via ethyl
may include amino acid nitrogen and chelation effects. Addi ene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid (EDTA), and/or iron chelated
tionally, the organic compounds further aid in the physical via diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA); and urea.
stabilization of the Suspension, and maintain a homogeneous 25
The organic stabilizer of the concentrated suspension fertil
izer can be selected from: digested plant material, digested
blend. Accordingly, if the water level is reduced to a practi lignin, Soluble seaweed, beet Vinasse, molasses, water
cable minimum and the particles are ground into the micron soluble hydrocolloid polysaccharides, compost tea extracts,
range, a concentrated stable dispersion is created that has a Vermicompost, cellulose, chitosan and mixtures thereof.
relatively long shelf life. Additional polymers of natural and synthetic origin to aid in
Accordingly, exemplary mix embodiments include an 30 steric stabilization of the mineral particles of the concentrated
organic stabilizer derived from digested plant material or Suspension fertilizer may be selected from the group consist
natural seaweed where the organic stabilizer may prevent ing of gum Arabic, alginic acid, cellulose ethers, lignin Sul
off-gassing and Swelling of the fertilizer container. The ingre fonates, condensation products of napthalenesulfonic acid,
dients for the suspension are preferably readily soluble and poly(ethyleneglycol), poly(propyleneglycol), polyvinylpyr
have very low heavy metal contaminants. The water content 35 rolidone, poly(vinyl alcohol), polystyrene Sulfonate, poly
of the dispersion is preferably controlled carefully in order to (acrylic acid), poly(metacrylic acid) and block polymers of
maintain a homogeneous blend that has excellent storage ethylene oxide and propylene oxide. The concentrated Sus
capacity and minimal crystal growth. The Suspension may pension fertilizer may include natural Surfactants and Syn
thetic surfactants such as lecithin, and TRITONTMX-45 and
also contain additional natural and synthetic polymers to aid TRITONTMX-100 which are manufactured by Union Car
in stabilization of the dispersion. In addition, a humectant 40
bide Corporations of Danbury, Conn., USA. The concen
Such as a water-soluble glycol may be added. The Suspension trated Suspension fertilizer may include a humectant such as
exhibits excellent storage capabilities and readily dissolves glycerin, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, polyethylene
when dispersed in water. The formula is well suited for hydro glycol, propylene glycol, ethylene-propylene block copoly
ponic cultivation of crops as well as plants grown in Soil-less mers and mixtures thereof. The total mineral salts concentra
or soil-free media. Additionally the preparation is useful for 45 tion of the concentrated suspension fertilizer is preferably
providing a complete balanced plant nutrition program for between 50 and 95%. The organic stabilizer concentration of
growing all types of cultivated crops in all types of growing the concentrated suspension fertilizer is preferably between
mediums. 0.1 and 50%. The water-soluble polymer of the concentrated
The invention, in its several embodiments, allows for a suspension fertilizer is preferably between 0.01 and 5%. The
stable pourable homogeneous liquid concentrate well Suited 50 Viscosity modifying Surfactant of the concentrated Suspen
for growing plants in that the concentrate is nutritionally sion fertilizer is preferably present in the amount of 0.001 and
complete, water-soluble, pH balanced, non-toxic, and con 1%. The humectant of the concentrated suspension fertilizer
is preferably between 0.1 and 25%.
tains no more than trace inert water insoluble material, and
the concentrate may be stored in a closed container. The EXAMPLE 1.
embodiments of the invention may be applied to plants being 55
grown hydroponically and embodiments of the invention may The following ingredients in TABLE 1 and all subsequent
be applied to plants being grown in a soil matrix. The ratio of examples and their respective tables were blended in sequen
ammoniacal nitrogen to nitrate nitrogen is kept between 10 tial order with a high-speed disperser and may be blended
and 25%, it does not cause a rapid rise or decline in rhizo instead with a rotor stator homogenizer:
sphere pH. This helps to maintain a balanced pH in the soil 60
solution so that the solution is kept from wandering below pH TABLE 1
5 and above pH 7. There can be additional ingredients such as
phosphates, citrates, carbonates and other organic acids to order ingredient %-age by mass
help buffer and stabilize the solution pH. An additional ben 1 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 23.59
efit of highly refined water-soluble mineral salts is that they 65 Magnesium Nitrate 20.69
are relatively free of heavy metal contamination and thus pose 3 Calcium Nitrate 16.28
little risk to the environment and health of the consumer. The
 US 8,864,867 B2
9 10
TABLE 1-continued 1.6 Manganese(Mg), and 1.2 Sulphur (S). The amount of
water in example 3 is 9.81% by weight of the suspension.
order ingredient %-age by mass
4 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 6.90 EXAMPLE 4
5 Potassium Nitrate 30.34 5
6 Cane Sugar 2.21
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of
After the exemplary composition was mixed into a coarse example 4 are provided in TABLE 4 below:
dispersion, the composition was further milled in a batch
attritor until the composition is homogenous and flows. Fur- 10 TABLE 4
ther milling may be performed in a horizontal media mill or a
microfluidizer. The mixing and milling apply generally to all order ingredient yo-age by mass
Subsequent examples and their respective tables. The percent 1 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 28.14
analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE 1 is nitrogen 15
2
3
Magnesium Sulfate
Calcium Nitrate
18.39
11.73
(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) percentages of 4 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 7.88
11.7-4.1-14.0 respectively with 5.7 Calcium(Ca), and 1.9 5 MonoPotassium Phosphate 1...SO
Manganese(Mg). The amount of water in example 1 is 9.91% 6
7
Potassium Nitrate
Iron DTPA
26.27
1.24
by weight of the Suspension. 8 Manganese EDTA O.32
2O 9 Zinc EDTA O.12
EXAMPLE 2 10 Potassium Borate O.O7
11 Copper EDTA O.09
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass . sity Meydale 98.
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of 14 Dry fulvic 4.22
example 2 are provided in TABLE 2 below: 25
TABLE 2 The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
4 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per
order ingredient %-age by mass centages of 8.7-5.5-12.6 respectively with 5.3 Calcium(Ca),
1 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 23.59 30 18 Manganese(Mg). and .4 Sulphur (S). The amount of
2 Magnesium Nitrate 20.69 water in example 4 is 11.82% by weight of the suspension.
3 Calcium Nitrate 16.28
4 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 6.90
5 Potassium Nitrate 30.34 EXAMPLE 5
6 Dry fulvic 2.21
35 The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of
The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE example 5 are provided in TABLE 5 below:
2 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per
centages of 11.7-4.1-14.0 respectively with 5.7 Calcium(Ca),
and 1.9 Manganese(Mg). The amount of water in example 2 TABLE 5
O 40
is 9.91% by weight of the suspension. order Ingredient %-age by mass
EXAMPLE 3 1 Reverse Osmosis Water 4.OO
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 29.58
3 Magnesium Sulfate 13.99
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass 4 NEN Nitrate 4.OO
of the exemplary suspension, and order of blending, of 45 5 Calcium Nitrate 3.68
example 3 are provided in TABLE 3 below: 6 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 7.99
7 MonoPotassium Phosphate 8.79
8 Potassium Nitrate 23.98
TABLE 3 9 Iron DTPA 1.06
10 Manganese EDTA O.28
order ingredient %-age by mass 50 11 Zinc EDTA O.11
12 Potassium Borate O.O6
1 NH4NO3 liquid 5.84 13 Copper EDTA O.08
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 17.51 14 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
3 Magnesium sulfate 9.34 15 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1
4 Magnesium Nitrate 7.78 16 Dry fulvic 2.40
5 Calcium Nitrate 15.56 55
6 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 10.89
it. Nitrate 2t The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
9 Manganese EDTA O40 5 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(P.O.)-potassium(KO) per
10 Zinc EDTA O.15 centages of 7.7-9.4-14.0 respectively with 4.0 Calcium(Ca),
11 Potassium Borate O.09 1.7 Manganese(Mg), and 1.8 Sulphur (S). The amount of
12 Copper EDTA O.12 60 O
13 Sodium Molybdate O.O1 water in example 5 is 16.42% by weight of the suspension.
14 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1
15 Dry fulvic 3.SO EXAMPLE 6

The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE 65 The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
3 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of
centages of 10.8-6.5-12.5 respectively with 4.9 Calcium(Ca), example 6 are provided in TABLE 6 below:
 US 8,864,867 B2
11 12
TABLE 6 TABLE 8-continued
Order ingredient %-age by mass order ingredient %-age by mass
1 Reverse Osmosis Water 9.38 8 Potassium Nitrate 26.72
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 33.20 5 9 Iron DTPA 1.52
3 Magnesium Sulfate 11.72 10 Manganese EDTA O.39
4 Magnesium Nitrate 3.91 11 Zinc EDTA O.15
5 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 6.25 12 Potassium Borate O.09
6 MonoPotassium Phosphate 1641 13 Copper EDTA O.11
7 Potassium Nitrate 15.23 14 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
8 Iron DTPA 1.04 10 15 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1
9 Manganese EDTA 0.27 16 Dry fulvic 3.44
10 Zinc EDTA O.10
11 Potassium Borate O.O6
12 Copper EDTA O.08 The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
13 Sodium Molybdate O.O1 8 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium (KO) per
14 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1 15
15 Dry fulvic 2.34 centages of 11.8-6.4-12.3 respectively with 3.5 Calcium(Ca),
1.6 Manganese(Mg), and 1.2 Sulphur (S). The amount of
The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE ter 1n
water i example
le 8& 1s
is 11.53%o by
b we1gnt
ight of
of th ion.
une Suspens1on
6 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per- EXAMPLE 9
centages of 6.1-12.3-12.6 respectively with 3.7 Calcium(Ca). 20
1.5 Manganese(Mg), and 1.5 Sulphur (S). The amount of The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
water in example 6 is 23.32% by weight of the suspension. of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of
example 9 are provided in TABLE 9 below:
EXAMPLE 7
25 TABLE 9
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of order ingredient %-age by mass
example 7 are provided in TABLE 7 below: 1 NH4NO3 liquid S.42
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 16.25
TABLE 7 30 3 Magnesium Sulfate 8.66
4 Magnesium Nitrate 7.22
order ingredient %-age by mass 5 Calcium Nitrate 14.44
6 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 10.11
1 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 46.41 7 Potassium Nitrate 25.27
2 Magnesium Sulfate 1266 8 Urea 7.22
3 Citric Acid 4.22 35 9 Iron DTPA 1.43
4 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 4.22 10 Manganese EDTA 0.37
5 MonoPotassium Phosphate 23.21 11 Zinc EDTA O.14
6 Potassium Nitrate 4.22 12 Potassium Borate O.09
7 Iron DTPA 1.68 13 Copper EDTA O.11
8 Manganese EDTA 0.44 14 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
9 Zinc EDTA O.17 40 15 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1
10 Potassium Borate O.10 16 Dry fulvic 3.25
11 Copper EDTA O.13
12 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
13 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1 The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
14 Dry fulvic 2.53 9 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per
45 centages of 13.3-6.1-11.6 respectively with 4.5 Calcium(Ca),
The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE 1.5 Manganese(Mg), and 1.1 Sulphur (S). The amount of
7 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per- water in example 9 is 11.53% by weight of the suspension.
centages of 5.2-14.6-9.8 respectively with 5.1 Calcium(Ca),
1.2 Manganese(Mg), and 1.6 Sulphur (S). The amount of EXAMPLE 10
water in example 7 is 19.49% by weight of the suspension. 50
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
EXAMPLE 8 of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of
example 10 are provided in TABLE 10 below:
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of 55 TABLE 10
example 8 are provided in TABLE 8 below: order ingredient %-age by mass
TABLE 8 1 NH4NO3 liquid 5.53
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 16.60
order ingredient %-age by mass 60 3 Surfactant O.04
4 Magnesium Sulfate 8.85
1 Reverse Osmosis Water 1.91 5 Magnesium Nitrate 7.38
2 NH4NO3 liquid 17.18 6 Calcium Nitrate 14.75
3 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 5.73 7 Citric Acid 2.77
4 Magnesium Sulfate 9.16 8 Potassium Citrate O.92
5 Magnesium Nitrate 7.63 9 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 10.33
6 Calcium Nitrate 15.27 65 10 Potassium Nitrate 25.82
7 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 1069 11 Iron DTPA 1.47
 US 8,864,867 B2
13
TABLE 10-continued TABLE 12-continued
order ingredient %-age by mass order ingredient %-age by mass
12 Manganese EDTA O.38 12 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
13 Zinc EDTA O.15 5 13 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1
14 Potassium Borate O.09 14 Cane Sugar 2.79
15 Copper EDTA O.11
16 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
17 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1 The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
18 Seaweed 1.48 12 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per
19 Dry fulvic 3.32 10
centages of 10.1-5.6-14.5 respectively with 4.8 Calcium(Ca),
1.8 Manganese(Mg), and 2.4 Sulphur (S). The amount of
The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE water in example 12 is 7.81% by weight of the suspension.
10 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per
centages of 10.2-6.2-12.0 respectively with 4.6 Calcium(Ca), EXAMPLE 13
1.5 Manganese(Mg), and 1.1 Sulphur (S). The amount of
water in example 10 is 10.2% by weight of the suspension. The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of
EXAMPLE 11 example 13 are provided in TABLE 13 below:
TABLE 13
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of order ingredient %-age by mass
example 11 are provided in TABLE 11 below: 1 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 29.29
2 Magnesium Sulfate 14.64
TABLE 11 25 3 Magnesium Nitrate 4.18
4 Calcium Nitrate 4.18
order ingredient %-age by mass 5 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 8.37
6 MonoPotassium Phosphate 9.21
NH4NO3 liquid 6.OS 7 Potassium Nitrate 25.10
CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 12.10 8 Iron DTPA 1.66
Magnesium Sulfate 9.68 30 9 Manganese EDTA O.43
Magnesium Nitrate 8.06 10 Zinc EDTA O.17
Calcium Nitrate 19.76 11 Potassium Borate O.10
MonoAmmonium Phosphate 1129 12 Copper EDTA O.12
Potassium Nitrate 28.23 13 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
Iron DTPA 1.60 14 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1
Manganese EDTA O42 35 15 Cane Sugar 2.51
1 Zinc EDTA O16
Potassium Borate O.10
Copper EDTA O.12 The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
Sodium Molybdate
Cobalt Sulfate
O.O1
O.O1
13 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per
Cane Sugar 2.42 centages of 8.0-9.8-14.7 respectively with 4.0 Calcium(Ca),
40 1.8 Manganese(Mg), and 1.9 Sulphur (S). The amount of
water in example 13 is 12.30% by weight of the suspension.
The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
11 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per EXAMPLE 1.4
centages of 11.2-6.8-13.0 respectively with 5.1 Calcium(Ca),
1.7 Manganese(Mg), and 12 Sulphur (S). The amount of 45 The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
water in example 11 is 7.62% by weight of the suspension. of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of
example 14 are provided in TABLE 14 below:
EXAMPLE 12
TABLE 1.4
50
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass order ingredient %-age by mass
of the exemplary suspension, and order of blending, of 1 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 37.66
example 12 are provided in TABLE 12 below: 2 Magnesium Sulfate 12.55
3 Magnesium Nitrate 4.18
TABLE 12 4 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 6.69
55 5 MonoPotassium Phosphate 17.57
order ingredient %-age by mass 6 Potassium Nitrate 16.32
7 Iron DTPA 1.66
1 NH4NO3 liquid 4.65 8 Manganese EDTA O.43
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 13.95 9 Zinc EDTA O.17
3 Magnesium Sulfate 18.60 10 Potassium Borate O.10
4 Calcium Nitrate 17.21 60 11 Copper EDTA O.12
5 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 9.30 12 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
6 Potassium Nitrate 31.63 13 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1
7 Iron DTPA 1.23 14 Cane Sugar 2.51
8 Manganese EDTA O.32
9 Zinc EDTA O.12
10 Potassium Borate O.O7 65 The percentanalysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
11 Copper EDTA O.09 14 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per
centages of 6.7-13.2-13.5 respectively with 4.1 Calcium(Ca),
 US 8,864,867 B2
1.6 Manganese(Mg), and 1.6 Sulphur (S). The amount of TABLE 17
water in example 14 is 15.82% by weight of the suspension.
order ingredient %-age by mass
EXAMPLE 1.5 5 1 NH4NO3 liquid 5.79
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 5.79
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass 3 Magnesium Sulfate 9.27
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of 4 Magnesium Nitrate 7.72
example 15 are provided in TABLE 15 below: 5 Calcium Nitrate 20.08
10 6 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 10.81
TABLE 1.5 7 Potassium Nitrate 27.03
8 Urea 7.72
order ingredient %-age by mass 9 Iron DTPA 1.53
1 CN9 Liquid Calcium Ni 45.26 10 Manganese EDTA O.40
iquid Calcium Nitrate 11 Zinc EDTA O.15
2 Magnesium Sulfate 12.93 15
3 Citric Acid 4.31 12 Potassium Borate O.09
4 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 4.31 13 Copper EDTA O.11
5 MonoPotassium Phosphate 23.71 14 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
6 Potassium Nitrate 4.31 15 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1
7 Iron DTPA 1.71
8 Manganese EDTA O45 2O 16 Cane Sugar 3.47
9 Zinc EDTA O.17
10 Potassium Borate O.10
11 Copper EDTA O.13 The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
12
13 SodiumSulfate
Cobalt Molybdate O.O1
O.O1 17 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO)
9. phosp 2Us)-p 2O) pper
14 Cane Sugar 2.59 centages of 13.9-6.5-12.4 respectively with 4.5 Calcium(Ca),
° 1.6 Manganese(Mg), and 1.2 Sulphur (S). The amount of
water in example 17 is 4.86% by weight of the suspension.
The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
15 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per
centages of 5.1-14.9-10.0 respectively with 5.0 Calcium(Ca), EXAMPLE 1.8
1.3 Manganese(Mg), and 1.7 Sulphur (S). The amount of 30
water in example 15 is 19.01% by weight of the suspension. The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of
EXAMPLE 16 example 18 are provided in TABLE 18 below:
35
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass TABLE 1.8
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of order ingredient %-age by mass
example 16 are provided in TABLE 16 below:
1 NH4NO3 liquid 5.77
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 9.61
TABLE 16 40 3 Surfactant O.04
4 Magnesium Sulfate 9.23
order ingredient %-age by mass 5 Magnesium Nitrate 7.69
6 Calcium Nitrate 19.99
1 NH4NO3 liquid 18.15 7 Citric Acid 2.88.
2 Magnesium sulfate 9.68 8 Potassium Citrate O.96
3 Magnesium Nitrate 8.06 45 9 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 10.77
4 Calcium Nitrate 19.76 10 Potassium Nitrate 26.91
5 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 1129 11 Iron DTPA 1.53
6 Potassium Nitrate 28.23 12 Manganese EDTA 0.40
7 Iron DTPA 1.60 13 Zinc EDTA O.15
8 Manganese EDTA O42 14 Potassium Borate O.09
9 Zinc EDTA O16 50 15 Copper EDTA O.11
10 Potassium Borate O.10 16 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
11 Copper EDTA O.12 17 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1
12 Sodium Molybdate O.O1 18 Cane Sugar 2.31
13 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1 19 Seaweed 1.54
14 Cane Sugar 2.42
55
The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
16 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per- 18 is nitrogen(N)-phosphorus(P.O.)-potassium(KO) per
centages of 12.5-6.8-13.0 respectively with 3.8 Calcium(Ca), centages of 10.7-6.5-12.5 respectively with 4.9 Calcium(Ca),
1.7 Manganese(Mg), and 1.2 Sulphur (S). The amount of 1.6 Manganese(Mg), and 1.2 Sulphur (S). The amount of
water in example 16 is 7.62% by weight of the suspension. 60 Water in example 18 is 6.46% by weight of the suspension.
EXAMPLE 17 EXAMPLE19

The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass 65 The ingredients expressed as a percentage of Weight/mass
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of
example 17 are provided in TABLE 17 below: example 19 are provided in TABLE 19 below:
 US 8,864,867 B2
17 18
TABLE 19 TABLE 21-continued
order ingredient %-age by mass order ingredient %-age by mass
1 NH4NO3 liquid 4...SO 7 MonoPotassium Phosphate 8.91
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 9.01 5 8 Potassium Nitrate 24.29
3 propylene glycol 3.60 9 Iron DTPA 1.61
4 Magnesium Sulfate 18.02 10 Manganese EDTA O.42
5 Calcium Nitrate 1937 11 Zinc EDTA O16
6 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 9.01 12 Potassium Borate O.10
7 Potassium Nitrate 30.63 13 Copper EDTA O.12
8 Iron DTPA 1.19 10 14 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
9 Manganese EDTA O.31 15 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1
10 Zinc EDTA O.12 16 Seaweed 3.64
11 Potassium Borate O.O7
12 Copper EDTA O.09
13 Sodium Molybdate O.O1 The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
14
15 Cobalt Sulfate
Cane Sugar O.O1
4.OS 15 21 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO)
9. phosp Us)-p 2O) per
p
centages of 7.9-9.5-14.2 respectively with 4.1 Calcium(Ca),
1.8 Manganese(Mg), and 1.8 Sulphur (S). The amount of
The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE water in example 21 is 10.57% by weight of the suspension.
19 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per
centages of 9.8-5.4-14.1 respectively with 4.7 Calcium(Ca). 20 EXAMPLE 22
1.8 Manganese(Mg), and 2.3 Sulphur (S). The amount of
O
water in example 19 is 5.68% by weight of the suspension. The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
EXAMPLE 20 of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of
is example 22 are provided in TABLE 22 below:
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of TABLE 22
example 20 are provided in TABLE 20 below: order ingredient %-age by mass
TABLE 20 30 1 NH4NO3 liquid 3.05
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 16.03
order ingredient %-age by mass : Many state 2.
1 NH4NO3 liquid 4.46 5 MonoPotassium Phosphate 6.11
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 8.93 6 Potassium Nitrate 22.14
3 Magnesium Sulfate 17.86 35 7 Iron DTPA 1.01
4 Calcium Nitrate 1920 8 Manganese EDTA O.26
5 Citric Acid 4.46 9 Zinc EDTA O.10
6 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 8.93 10 Potassium Borate O.O6
7 Potassium Nitrate 30.36 11 Copper EDTA O.08
8 Iron DTPA 1.18 12 Sodium Molybdate O.O1
9 Manganese EDTA O.31 40 13 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1
10 Zinc EDTA O.12 14 Cane Sugar 2.29
11 Potassium Borate O.O7
12 Copper EDTA O.09
13 Sodium Molybdate O.O1 The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE
14 Cobalt Sulfate O.O1 22 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per
15 Seaweed 4.02
45 centages of 9.4-3.2-12.3 respectively with 7.1 Calcium(Ca),
2.1 Manganese(Mg), and 2.7 Sulphur (S). The amount of
The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE water in example 22 is 8.02% by weight of the suspension.
20 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per
centages of 9.7-5.4-14.0 respectively with 4.6 Calcium(Ca),
1.8 Manganese(Mg), and 2.3 Sulphur (S). The amount of 50 EXAMPLE 23
water in example 20 is 7.90% by weight of the suspension.
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass
EXAMPLE 21 of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of
example 23 are provided in TABLE 23 below:
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass ss
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of TABLE 23
example 21 are provided in TABLE 21 below: order ingredient %-age by mass
TABLE 21 1 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 19.63
60 2 Magnesium Sulfate 19.04
order ingredient %-age by mass 3 Calcium Nitrate 25.52
4 MonoPotassium Phosphate 9.72
1 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 2O24 5 Potassium Nitrate 21.69
2 Magnesium Sulfate 14.17 6 Iron DTPA 1.30
3 Magnesium Nitrate 4.OS 7 Manganese EDTA O.34
4 Calcium Nitrate 10.12 8 Zinc EDTA O.13
5 Citric Acid 4.OS 65 9 Potassium Borate O.08
6 MonoAmmonium Phosphate 8.10 10 Copper EDTA O.10
 US 8,864,867 B2
20
TABLE 23-continued an amount of monoammonium phosphate comprising
about 10.11 wt.% of the suspension;
order ingredient %-age by mass an amount of potassium nitrate comprising about 25.27 wt.
11 Sodium Molybdate O.O1 % of the Suspension;
12
13
Cobalt Sulfate
Cane Sugar
O.O1
2.45
an amount of urea comprising about 7.22 wt.% of the
Suspension;
an amount of iron DTPA comprising about 1.43 wt.% of
The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE the Suspension;
23 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per an amount of manganese EDTA comprising about 0.37 wt.
centages of 8.6-5.1-13.3 respectively with 7.0 Calcium(Ca), % of the Suspension;
1.9 Manganese(Mg), and 2.5 Sulphur (S). The amount of an amount of zinc EDTA comprising about 0.14 wt.% of
water in example 23 is 8.24% by weight of the suspension. the Suspension;
EXAMPLE 24
an amount of potassium borate comprising about 0.09 wt.
15 % of the Suspension;
The ingredients expressed as a percentage of weight/mass an amount of copper EDTA comprising about 0.11 wt.% of
the Suspension;
of the exemplary Suspension, and order of blending, of an amount of sodium molybdate comprising about 0.01 wt.
example 24 are provided in TABLE 24 below: % of the Suspension;
TABLE 24
an amount of cobalt sulfate comprising about 0.01 wt.% of
the Suspension; and
order ingredient %-age by mass an amount of dry fulvic comprising about 3.25 wt.% of the
Suspension;
1 NH4NO3 liquid 3.03 wherein the concentrated, homogenous, stable, water
2 CN9 Liquid Calcium Nitrate 1970 Soluble fertilizer Suspension is a pourable, aqueous Sus
3 Magnesium Sulfate 22.35 25
4 Magnesium Nitrate 4.SS pension.
5 Calcium Nitrate 21.59 2. A concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fer
6 MonoPotassium Phosphate 6.06 tilizer Suspension in a sealed container comprising:
7 Potassium Nitrate 1970
8 Iron DTPA OSO an amount of water comprising about 4.86 percent by
9 Manganese EDTA O.13 30 weight (wt.%) of the Suspension;
10 Zinc EDTA O.OS an amount of ammonium nitrate comprising about 5.79 wt.
11
12
Potassium Borate
Copper EDTA
O.O3
O.04
% of the Suspension;
13 Sodium Molybdate O.OO an amount of liquid calcium nitrate comprising about 5.79
14 Cobalt Sulfate O.OO wt.% of the suspension;
15 Cane Sugar 2.27 35 an amount of magnesium Sulfate comprising about 9.27 wt.
% of the Suspension;
The percent analysis of the exemplary formulation of TABLE an amount of magnesium nitrate comprising about 7.72 wt.
24 is nitrogen.(N)-phosphorus(POs)-potassium(KO) per % of the Suspension;
centages of 8.9-3.2-11.1 respectively with 6.3 Calcium(Ca), an amount of calcium nitrate comprising about 20.08 wt.%
2.6 Manganese(Mg), and 2.9 Sulphur (S). The amount of 40 of the Suspension;
water in example 24 is 9.55% by weight of the suspension. an amount of monoammonium phosphate comprising
To the extent that the present invention has been described about 10.81 wt.% of the suspension;
in terms of preferred and exemplary embodiments, it will be an amount of potassium nitrate comprising about 27.03 wt.
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that variations % of the Suspension;
may be applied to the compositions and/or methods, i.e., in 45 an amount of urea comprising about 7.72 wt.% of the
the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described Suspension;
herein without departing from the concept, spirit, and scope an amount of iron DTPA comprising about 1.53 wt.% of
of the invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that the Suspension;
certain agents which are both chemically and physiologically an amount of manganese EDTA comprising about 0.40 wt.
related may be substituted for the agents described herein 50 % of the Suspension;
while the same or similar results would be achieved. an amount of zinc EDTA comprising about 0.15 wt.% of
What is claimed is: the Suspension;
1. A concentrated, homogenous, stable, water-soluble fer an amount of potassium borate comprising about 0.09 wt.
tilizer Suspension in a sealed container comprising: % of the Suspension;
an amount of water comprising about 11.53 percent by 55 an amount of copper EDTA comprising about 0.11 wt.% of
weight (wt.%) of the Suspension; the Suspension;
an amount of ammonium nitrate comprising about 5.42 wt. an amount of sodium molybdate comprising about 0.01 wt.
% of the Suspension; % of the Suspension;
an amount of liquid calcium nitrate comprising about 16.25 an amount of cobalt sulfate comprising about 0.01 wt.% of
wt.% of the suspension; 60 the Suspension; and
an amount of magnesium Sulfate comprising about 8.66 wt. an amount of cane Sugar comprising about 3.47 wt.% of
% of the Suspension; the Suspension;
an amount of magnesium nitrate comprising about 7.22 wt. wherein the concentrated, homogenous, stable, water
% of the Suspension; Soluble fertilizer Suspension is a pourable, aqueous Sus
an amount of calcium nitrate comprising about 14.44 wt.% 65
pension.
of the Suspension;