WO2007148992A1

WO2007148992A1 - Plant beneficial composition

Info

Publication number: WO2007148992A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2007/000157
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gavin Frank Murdoch
Original assignee: Gavin Frank Murdoch
Priority date: 2006-06-19
Filing date: 2007-06-15
Publication date: 2007-12-27

Abstract

A composition for application to a substrate, said composition including at least one protective material having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid characterised in that the composition includes at least one additive which increases the surface tension of the protective material in its gelled form.

Description

PLANT BENEFICIAL COMPOSITION

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to fertilizers.

More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved method of, and compositions for, correcting soil pH, supplying nutrients, non-toxic fungicides, insecticides, bactericides or other treatment component(s) to a treatment substrate in a single application, while minimizing losses due to leaching or washing out.

BACKGROUND ART

Fertilizers are commonly used to treat a number of soil, substrate and/or plant conditions. There are however a significant number of problems associated with the use of conventional fertilizers, these include the following:

^■ Leaching. Many water soluble fertilizers, treatment compositions, or plant nutrients are lost from the environment to which it is applied, such as soil or plants due to rain, water seepage and/or irrigation.

Leaching can lead to significant losses of fertilizer, thus decreasing its efficiency and increasing the cost to the farmer who must either apply greater volumes of fertilizer, or reapply the fertilizer more regularly. Both these significantly increase the cost - especially on large farms/land blocks and/or those where air application is required.

A number of factors can affect the amount of leaching, these include the soil structure, crop planning, and the type and application rates of the fertilizer. Leaching is also a major environmental concern as it contributes to ground water contamination. As water from rain, irrigation or other sources seeps into the ground it dissolves the fertilizer and carries them into the underground water supply. This is highly undesirable.

^■ Fixation. Fixation occurs when other ingredients in the fertilizer, or compounds in the soil or environment of application interact with the active components of the fertilizer and bind to it. This can significantly decrease the availability of the active component thereby decreasing the efficiency of the compound, and preventing it from producing the desired effect. Fixation may be of one or more active components within a fertilizer. It will be appreciated that fixation of only one compound out of a combination may also undesirably affect or disrupt the ratio or balance of the nutrients supplied, and which are therefore available to the soil or plant.

^■ Type of application. Many fertilizers are applied as a powdered or solid product. This is especially the case where fertilizer is applied by top dressing from the air.

Significant loss of the fertilizer can therefore occur due to the action of wind on fine particles, which blow the fertilizer off the desired application area, again significantly decreasing the efficiency and effect of the fertilizer. Again, this can significantly increase the cost due to greater volumes needing to be applied, or applied at more regular intervals.

^■ Non-compatible components. Often a soil type or plant at a particular stage of development will require a range of active components to provide the optimal conditions. This can be problematic when one or more active components are not compatible with one another. This can lead to undesirable chemical reactions between components, or between the components in the fertilizer, and those in the soil. This can produce undesirable conditions. This may also require that different components are applied at differing times to prevent this, again increasing the time and cost to the farmer or land owner.

The toxicity of many fungicides, insecticides and herbicides. These are often provided in a liquid form which is then diluted by the user prior to application. These can lead to significant health problems if not used and treated with care. Protective garments are required which again increase the cost, however, these are often not used, or not used correctly leading to a significant risk of exposure to the user, to harmful chemicals.

A number of ways have been developed to overcome the loss of fertilizer due to leaching or fixation. One example is the inclusion of polyvalent cations, which have a charge reduced to zero. These then act as chelates, which will remain in solution along with other ingredients that may be present preventing them from reacting together, which would normally occur if chelates where not present.

Unfortunately, chelates are very expensive. This process adds considerable expense to the production and cost of the fertilizer, and it is unclear whether it is actually effective.

Many of the above issues were partially addressed in PCT/NZ2000/00111.

PCT/NZ2000/00111 relates to a composition, such as a fertilizer for application to a substrate which includes a protective material. The protective material is such that in the presence of both polyvalent cations and water the composition forms a gel.

The polyvalent cations can either be present in the protective material (or fertilizer composition) itself or alternatively be present in the substrate. When the fertilizer contains polyvalent cations, a gel will only form once the protective material comes into contact with water. This allows a gel to be formed which can easily be worked into pellets or other shapes which can then be applied to the soil or plant.

Alternatively, the fertilizer may not contain polyvalent cations - these are instead present in the substrate. This means that the fertilizer can be applied as a liquid which then gels when it came into contact with polyvalent cations in the soil or on the plant to which the composition is applied.

However the compositions as disclosed in PCT/NZ2000/00111 have some features which could be improved. These include the following:

• Firstly, the pellets or pills made out of the composition tend to fuse or join together. This is undesirable, as pellets may contain different active ingredients - which may not be compatible. The fusing of these may therefore lead to undesirable chemical reactions between different active ingredients or fixation or immobilization of these to one another. This may significantly decrease the availability of these active components to the environment of application.

• Secondly, the gel formed from the composition described in PCT/NZ2000/00111 has a limited holding capacity of the protective material. This allows active components from adjacent pills to combine and react if the pills have gelled, and fused together.

• Thirdly, if sprayed on as a liquid the compositions disclosed in

PCT/NZ2000/00111 provide only a weak film of gel when sprayed onto foliage. In this instance gelling of the liquid is triggered by a mild acid, when carbon dioxide from respiration of the plant mixes with water to form carbonic acid. The weak film can become brittle and fallible, both when present on foliage or the soil, thus decreasing the protection gained.

All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country.

It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising¹ is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process.

It is the object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition for application to a substrate, said composition including

at least one protective material having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid

characterised in that the composition includes an additive which increases the surface tension of the protective material in its gelled form.

Throughout this specification the term 'surface tension' should be taken as relating to intermolecular forces between molecules of a liquid or gel-like substance. For example molecules in the interior or bulk of a liquid experience an attractive force from neighboring molecules which surround on all sides, thus resulting in a net force of zero. The molecules on the surface have neighboring molecules only on one side (the side facing the interior) and thus experience an attractive force which tends to pull them into the interior.

The overall result of this asymmetric force on surface molecules is that the surface of the liquid will rearrange until the least number of molecules are present on the surface, thus minimizing the surface area, and ensuring a sphere is formed which has the smallest surface area to volume ratio.

As a result of surface tension the surface molecules will also pack somewhat closer together than the rest of the molecules in the liquid resulting in these surface molecules being somewhat more ordered and resistant to molecular disruptions, thus, the surface will seem to have a "skin" The "inward" molecular attraction forces, which must be overcome to increase the surface area, of a substance are also termed the "surface tension". Surface tension therefore can be the energy required to increase the surface area of a liquid by a unit amount. For example for: water containing intermolecular hydrogen bonds has surface tension of 7.29 x 10^"2 J/m² at 20⁰C, and mercury containing intermolecular metallic (electrostatic) bonds has a surface tension of 4.6 x 10^"1 J/m² at 2O⁰C.

Surface tension can also act to bind a substance to a surface. For example, attractive forces (hydrogen bonding) exist between glass materials (Silicon dioxide) and water. This is the basis of "capillary" action, where water can move up a thin capillary, against the force of gravity. Surface tension "pulls" neighboring water molecules along. The liquid climbs until the adhesive and cohesive forces are balance by the force of gravity

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition for application to a substrate, said composition including

characterised in that the composition includes at least on additive which increases the viscosity of the composition when in gelled form.

Throughout this specification the term viscosity should be taken as meaning the internal friction and resistance to flow of a substance, particularly a liquid or gel-like substance.

The greater the viscosity of a liquid, the more slowly it will flow. Viscosity can be measured in several ways, these include: how long a liquid takes to flow out of a pipette under the force of gravity, and how fast an object (for example, a steel ball) sinks through the liquid under gravitational force. The physical basis of viscosity is a measure of the ease with which molecules move past one another, the viscosity will depend on the attractive force between the molecules, and on whether there are structural features which may cause neighboring molecules to become "entangled"

Viscosity decreases with increasing temperature - the increasing kinetic energy resulting from a higher temperature overcomes at least some of the attractive forces and molecules can more easily move past each other.

Throughout this specification the term "substrate" should be taken as meaning the surface to which the composition is applied or in which it is to act.

In a preferred embodiment the substrate may be soil, and will be referred to as such herein. However, this should not be seen as limiting as the substrate may alternatively be water, plant material, hydroponics mix or any other environment to which the composition may be applied.

In a preferred embodiment the protective material may be a single component, or a combination of more than one component, that have gelling properties when in contact with a liquid and an activator.

In one preferred embodiment the protective material may be a protective material described in PCT application number PCT/NZ2000/00111 , which is herein incorporated by reference.

In a preferred embodiment the protective material may be a compound(s) which are alkaline or neutral. In a preferred embodiment the protective material may be selected from the group including:

a cellulose compound;

a synthetic or a natural polymer;

a carbohydrate compound;

an inorganic compound; or

a combination of these;

In a preferred embodiment the protective material may have clathratic or encapsulating properties.

In a preferred embodiment the protective material is such that when it is free of an activator, such as polyvalent cations and the material is dissolved in a liquid, added to a liquid or when a liquid is added to said material, the protective material is free of any gel- forming property, but when polyvalent cations are introduced to the protective material in the presence of a liquid, the protective material forms a gel that thickens.

In a preferred embodiment the protective material is such that when the protective material (or the composition) includes an activator, such as polyvalent cations, the protective material is free of any gel-forming property, but when the material is dissolved in a liquid, added to a liquid or when a liquid is added to said material, the protective material forms a gel.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the protective material may be one or a combination of the following: ^■ Sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of 2-ethoxy-5-(2-hydroxyethoxymethyl) cellulose or of carboxymethylcellulose; or any derivative of a carboxycellulose

^■ Sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of D-mannuronic acid or its homologue

^■ Sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of phthalic acid or the homologue

^■ Sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of silicon example potassium silicate

^■ Sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of carboxycarbohydrate or the homologue.

In one embodiment the protective material(s), treatment substances and/or activators (discussed below) may be present in the ratios and/or concentrations as disclosed in PCT/NZOO/00111.

In a preferred embodiment the protective material(s) may be present at a concentration between 0.25 to 10%. However, this should not be seen as limiting, as higher or lower concentrations may be desired depending on the desired gel strength and purpose.

In a preferred embodiment the protective material(s) used with the present invention may also become viscous in the presence of a liquid. This makes them an ideal medium for producing a paste or dough. These protective materials can easily be used without the addition of other components to produce pellets, tablets or pills, with or without an activator.

In the absence of an activator, the increased viscosity of the protective material may be sufficient to form a paste, whereas the presence of an activator leads to the formation of a gel, which aids formation of a paste, and therefore a pellet, table or pill. Throughout this specification the term 'gel' should be taken as meaning a semi-solid colloidal suspension.

Throughout this specification the term 'activator' should be taken to include any compound which allows the protective material to gel, or form a gel, in the presence of a liquid.

In a preferred embodiment the activator may include at least one form of polyvalent cation, and shall be referred to as such herein.

In a preferred embodiment any form of polyvalent cation may be utilised as long as it is slightly soluble in a liquid, for example water.

Throughout this specification the term 'slightly soluble' should be taken as meaning any solute which dissolves a very small amount in a liquid, for example 1 part solute in 100 parts liquid.

In a preferred embodiment the activator may be a single form of a polyvalent cation. However, in an alterative embodiment a combination of polyvalent cations may be utilized.

In one preferred embodiment the polyvalent cation(s) may include salts of the following: boron, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, cobalt, selenium, molybdenum or zinc either individually or in combination.

In an alternative embodiment the activator may be an acid. Acid, even mild acids may trigger gel formation of protective materials. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the use of non-toxic and non-harmful polyvalent cations may be preferred over the use of acids to decrease the toxicity and safety requirements.

In one embodiment the composition may also include a liquid.

In a preferred embodiment the liquid may be water, and shall be referred to as such herein.

In an alternative embodiment the liquid may be any liquid which is a solvent for the protective material(s), additive(s), and/or activator(s), such as polyvalent cations.

For example, in one alternative embodiment the liquid may be glycerin.

In one embodiment of the present invention the activator (polyvalent cations) may be present in the composition/protective material. Alternatively, the polyvalent cations may be present in the substrate, or present in both the composition/protective material and the substrate.

When water is added to a composition that has no polyvalent cations present, a gel only forms once the composition comes in contact with the substrate (which contains polyvalent cations). Alternatively, the polyvalent cations may be supplied by a different source, for example separate application after application of the composition.

If there are polyvalent cations present in the composition. The composition may be added to water, forming a gel which can be shaped and worked into a pellet, tablet or pill. These are then dried and applied to the substrate and, in the presence of water, forms a mucilaginous (glue-like) gel.

In an alternative embodiment the composition may be in solution. Having the composition in solution has the advantage in that the solution may be sprayed onto plants or other substrates, wherein they will react with polyvalent cations, either provided separately, or already present in the environment to form a gel.

Alternatively, and especially the case where the substrate is foliage, gelling may occur due to reaction of the protective material with carbonic acid released form the foliage during respiration.

When a solution of an additive and a protective material are sprayed in solution onto a substrate resulting from, an activator triggering gelling of the protective material. A flexible and resilient gel coating is formed as a consequence of the increased surface tension and/or viscosity resulting from the additive

The combination of additive and protective material therefore provides a significant advantage over previous compositions for this purpose. Previously silicon compounds have been sprayed on to form a coating - these were brittle and easily cracked. Similarly, the use of a protective material without the additive(s) of the present invention also leads to a gel coating which is brittle.

The present invention allows the surface tension and/or viscosity of the solution composition to be controlled by the addition of at least on additive (as discussed below). When the composition is in solution, this can be sprayed onto the substrate from a nozzle, which can be used to adjust the fineness of the spray from a large droplet to a very small droplet.

In an alternative, and more preferred embodiment the composition may be formed into a pellet, tablet or pill, herein be referred to as a pill. Reference throughout this specification to a pill should be taken as meaning the composition which has been formed into a solid pill, pellet or tablet-like shape.

When the composition is made into a solid pill, pellet or tablet like form, a major advantage in including an additive that increases the surface tension and/or viscosity is that leaching of any contained treatment substances is prevented; and the treatment substance(s) are also physically protected to a much higher degree - these prevents undesirable chemical reactions or degradation of the active components.

Plants take up the active components of the composition, such as treatment substances (discussed below) through the root system that taps into the environment of the solid pill, pellet or tablet like form, allowing easy assimilation of the treatment substances.

In a preferred embodiment the composition may also include at least one treatment component.

Throughout this specification the term treatment component should be taken as meaning any component or mixture of components which can be used to treat the substrate.

The treatment substance may include beneficial components, including but not limited to nutrients, trace elements, enzymes, hormones, medications, biological organisms, or combinations thereof. The treatment substance may alternatively be a herbicide, insecticide, fungicide or any other treatment substance.

In one embodiment the treatment substance may be a monovalent alkali salt, such as potassium or sodium or ammonium salts of borate, chloride, sulphate, hydrogen sulphate, carbonate, bicarbonate, iodide, phosphates (mono-potassium phosphate, di- potassium phosphate), molybdate, nitrate, and thiosulphate. Lithium salts are included but are more expensive, or any combination of the above.

In an alternative embodiment the treatment substance may be a trace element, such as a polyvalent salt or chelate. The chelates that are formed from electrolytes containing polyvalent cations, where the positive charge of cations is reduced to zero by providing electrons, using ethylenediaminetetraaceticacid or from complexes. These chelates then are mixed with the mono-valent alkali salts and remain in solution with water. Pills mixed then consisting of mono-valent alkali salts and chelates can be added to water where the pills dissolve completely into solution and be sprayed on to the foliage of plants, on grassland or the prepared soil. The chelates include calcium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, and zinc, or any combination of the above.

Alternatively, the treatment substance may be an inorganic compound. For example the soluble salts of sulphate or nitrate of copper, cobalt, boron, ferrous iron, magnesium, manganese and zinc. Boric Acid and selenium oxide falls into this classification that is totally soluble in water. Inorganic compounds include: calcium and magnesium carbonate, super phosphate (has 60% insoluble calcium sulphate present), phosphate rock with insoluble impurities, sodium, potassium or ammonium Borate, boric acid, selenium oxide and any combination of two or more of these listed above.

Alternatively, the treatment substance may be a soluble organic compound, including: urea, glucose, sugars, vitamins, amonoacids, polypeptides and synthetic and natural polymer (such as sulphonated urea-melamineformaldehyde and urea-formaldehyde), citric acid and sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of citric acid, any organic acid or sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of the organic acid, or any combination of two or more of the above. Alternatively the treatment substance may be an inert and insoluble organic or inorganic material that can be mixed with a pill (not including a treatment substance, or including a different treatment substance) in a finely ground or natural material not made in pills, including bark from trees, insoluble inert magnesium aluminum silicate (example Bentonite), clay, sand, elemental Sulphur, pumice, carbon slags, seaweeds and kelps, vegetation waste, animal waste, worm castings, or any combination of the above.

Alternative the treatment substance may be a biological organism, such as bacteria, enzymes, fungi, algae, earthworms or any live biological organisms, yeast or any combination of these.

The composition of the present invention overcomes existing problems of the compositions disclosed in PCT/NZ2000/0011 by the inclusion of an additive(s) to control the surface tension and/or viscosity of the composition.

In a preferred embodiment the composition may include an additive.

In an alternative embodiment the composition may include a number, or combination of additives.

The additive(s) utilized in the present invention are capable of enhancing the gelling effect of protective materials. This results from an increase in surface tension and/or viscosity.

It should be appreciated that the same additive may affect/control both the surface tension and the viscosity, and shall be referred to as such herein. Alternatively, the surface tension and viscosity may be affected/controlled by different additives. A significant advantage of the increased surface tension and/or viscosity of the composition containing both a protective material and an additive is that it prevents over swelling of the composition when water is freely available.

A second signification advantage is that it also increases the osmotic pressure within the composition to that of the soil solution. It should be appreciated that the higher the concentration of additive the greater the surface tension and/or viscosity. The gel in a water environment will not swell as much in the presence of an additive (as opposed to without the additive). This means that the pill (or gel coating) will retain a smaller spherical size (or thickness), thus increasing the osmotic pressure.

In a preferred embodiment the additive may not act as an activator to trigger gelling of the protective material in the presence of a liquid.

In a preferred embodiment the additive may include silicon.

In one embodiment the additive may be a silicate salt.

The silicate salt may preferably be a monovalent cation.. Monovalent cations of silicate, although acidic do not trigger gelling of the protective material (which can be triggered by acids), and are all soluble salts of the silicate.

One skilled in the art would also realize that monovalent or polyvalent cations could be introduced into the composition without triggering a gelling effect by the inclusion of a parent chelate - these donate electrons to the cation resulting in a net zero charge.

In this instance monovalent or polyvalent trace elements would have no gelling effect upon the protective material. In a preferred embodiment the silicate salt may be sodium, potassium, ammonium silicate or lithium salts.

Mixing sodium, potassium or ammonium silicate with protective materials, in particular the carbohydrate protective materials enhance the gel forming effect. The enhancement achieved depends upon the concentration of the silicate added.

One skilled in the art would realize that the greater the concentration of additive, the greater the surface tension and/or viscosity of the gel, thus the greater the enhancement to the gel formation.

In a preferred embodiment the silicate is non-toxic

In a preferred embodiment the silicate may have bactericide, fungicide, herbicide or insecticide properties.

These silicates will be called silicon products hereinafter.

In one embodiment the additive may be an acid silicon complex of a predetermined pH between substantially 2 to 12. Sodium, potassium and ammonium silicate can be reacted upon to produce salt complexes with acids. The acid complexes of silicon are soluble in water. Hereinafter these acid salts will be called acid silicon complexes.

In a preferred embodiment the concentration and volume of the acid used to form the acid silicon complex may also allow control of the pH of the resulting composition, and therefore the substrate.

Sodium; potassium and ammonium silicate are also capable of forming several compounds containing sodium oxide (Na₂O), potassium oxide (K₂O), or ((NH₄J₂O), silica (Si₂O), or a mixture of sodium silicates or potassium silicates or ammonium silicate. Sodium ortho silicate is Na₄SiO₄ (or 2Na₂O SiO₂); sodium meta silicate is Na₂SiO₃ (or Na₂O SiO₂); sodium of/ silicate is Na₂S ₂O₅ (or Na₂O-2SiO₂ ); sodium tetra silicate is Na₂Si₄O₉ (or Na₂O-4SiO₂ ). The sodium in these structures can alternatively be either potassium or ammonium. All these compounds are transparent, glassy or crystalline solids that have high melting points (above 800⁰C) and are water soluble. Sodium, potassium or ammonium silicate has in solution high surface tension.

Sodium, potassium or ammonium hydroxide solutions with a high pH i.e. pH 12 will cause serve burning of the skin of humans and animals. However the sodium, potassium or ammonium salts of silicon in solution with a pH of 12 has no burning effect and are therefore easily and safely handled. These compounds are produced chiefly by fusing sand and sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate or ammonium carbonate in various proportions.

In a further embodiment the additive may be silicic acid.

Silicic acid (H₂SiO₃) has a number of significant advantages in addition to the enhancement of surface tension and/or viscosity including the following: silicic acid greatly stimulates plant growth, including increasing sugar production and brix levels; proven increased resistance to fungal pathogens like mildews, fusarium; protect against insect attack by making the cell wall tougher; reduces lodging of grains and early dying

/decline in many crops; increase drought and frost tolerance decreased wilting; protects against toxins in the air and soil likes salts, aluminum, ozone, etc.; greatly enhanced root growth and health which accounts for some of the above benefits.

In a preferred embodiment acidic silicon compounds (such as silicic acid) do not trigger gelling of the protective materials when in low concentrations - for example up to 5% of the silicon acid in solution. Therefore, it should be appreciated that if a silicon acid is to be used at a concentration higher than 5% the additive may also act as the activator, and should be kept combined with the protective material in the same way as discussed above in relation to the activator.

Again, silicic acid at a pH of 2 is non-toxic and will not lead to burning if it comes into contact with the skin. This is highly beneficial.

When silicic acid is included in a composition with one or more protective materials the gel formed (in the presence of an activator and a liquid) has an increased surface tension, and an increased thickness. The degree of this enhancement depends upon the concentration of silicic acid added.

Silicic acid is compatible with polyvalent cations (i.e. the silicic acid, unlike protective materials does not gel in the presence of an activator such as polyvalent cations). This fact enables pills to be manufactured with the inclusion of one or more of the trace elements, such as sulphate or nitrate into the pill without the requirement for expensive chelates (which reduce the cation charge to zero). Chelates are very expensive, compared to the soluble acid salts of the polyvalent trace elements which are inexpensive in comparison.

Pills of trace elements may then be formed when a solution incorporating the trace element(s) and silicic acid comes in contact with a protective material, for example the sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose.

The pills formed in this manner are able to dry without needing heat. When water is applied a shaped pill can be formed which protected in its own gel environment from leaching, immobilization or reaction with other pills which may include incompatible reactive chemicals. In an alternative embodiment the additive may be an acid salt complex of a silicate salt.

The acid salt complex of either sodium, potassium or ammonium silicon products also enhance the surface tension and/or viscosity of a gel formed by protective material(s) in the presence of an activator and a liquid.

Therefore in a preferred embodiment the additive may be one or a combination or the following:

Phenol, cresol or the homology that combines with the sodium, potassium or ammonium salt silicate, silicic acid and silicon products

Acid complex salt of sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of silicon

Silicic acid and sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of silicic acid.

Hereinafter acid complexes of sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of silicon, silicic acid and sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of silicic acid, any combination of two or more of these listed above in this classification collectively will be referred to as silicon additives.

It should be appreciated that the concentration of silicon products in the composition may vary significantly. One skilled in the art would readily be able to determine the desired concentration for the particular purpose.

In a preferred embodiment the silicon product may be present at a concentration of between substantially 0.1 and 3%.

In one preferred embodiment the silicon product may be present at a concentration of substantially 2%. The use of silicon additives to increase the surface tension and/or viscosity of the composition has the following additional significant advantages (over just an increase in surface tension and/or viscosity):

• Silicon compounds play a role in phosphorous transport and release. Silicic acids (and humic acids) are able to release bound phosphates in insoluble complexes. Phosphate adsorbed or complexed to the silica product will not leach, and will stay in a plant available form.

• The most useful soluble form of silicic acid are the salts produced with alkali - sodium, potassium or ammonium, lithium can be used but is more expensive. These salts have a pH range from 6.5 to 7.2. Because this pH range is near neutral, these compounds do not have detrimental effect on symbiotic bacteria which thrive at this pH range. Symbiotic bacteria are necessary for the production of humus from the breakdown of complex organic and inorganic compounds. Similarly the near neutral pH does not have an effect on other soil life, such as earthworms.

• Adjusting of the concentration of silicon products, silicon complexes, or the monovalent alkali salts of silicic acid enables pills to be produced with a higher surface tension and/or viscosity that includes a single or combination of nutrients in balance. The increase surface tension and/or viscosity prevents adjacent pills (containing either the same or different nutrients) fusing together, which would fuse in the absence of the additive. The increase in surface tension in the presence of silicon product increases the integrity of individual pills preventing or limiting fusing. • The use of silicon products also allows the formation of a coating which is resilient and flexible, rather than brittle and liable to crack as is obtained when either silicon products or protective materials are used individually.

This addresses the significant disadvantages of PCT/NZ2000/00111 - including the fusing of pills, a low holding capacity and the formation of brittle coatings.

The results of experiments done in the laboratory to increase the surface tension of the gel formed by the addition of an agent that increases surface tension or by use of silicon additive/s with the protective materials are described in the best modes section.

The experiments undertaken also showed that the viscosity included as the concentration of protective material increases, and that the addition of silicon additives also significantly increased the viscosity.

To prepare a pill with enhanced surface tension and/or viscosity a solution containing a treatment substance (such as a single nutrient electrolyte), or a combination of treatment substance may be sprayed into a powdered mixture of protective material(s) and silicon products.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition substantially as described above in which said composition further includes at least one coating substance.

In a preferred embodiment the coating substance(s) may include, or be selected from the group of carbohydrate based material and or any of the group of polymers: fats, fatty acids, waxes, wax mixtures, shellac, ammoniated shellac, cellulose acetate phthalates, the sodium salt of carboxypolysaccharide; or a combination of any of the above. Coating substance(s) may be used to effect a time span composition, releasing the contents of the composition at a pre-determined time.

In one embodiment the coating may also incorporate a treatment substance, either instead of, or in addition to the treatment substance in the composition.

It should be appreciated that the coating may include the same, or a different treatment substance to the composition.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition substantially as described above in which said coating is further characterized in having clathratic properties, and forming a gel on contact with an additive and a liquid.

In a preferred embodiment the coating may be an enteric coating as disclosed in PCT/NZ2000/00111.

The disclosure of enteric coatings in PCT/NZ2000/00111 is herein incorporated by reference.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a composition, the composition including at least one protective material having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid, and at least one additive which has the characteristic of increasing the surface tension of the protective material in its gelled form

said method including the steps of:

(a) selecting a protective material having the characteristic of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid; (b) selecting an additive having the characteristic of increasing the surface tension of the composition once gelled;

(c) forming a homogenous mixture of the protective material(s), the beneficial component and the additive.

In a preferred embodiment the method may include the additional step of:

(d) including a treatment component

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of manufacturing a composition, the composition including at least one protective material having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid, and at least one additive which has the characteristic of increasing the viscosity of the protective material in its gelled form,

said method including the steps of:

(a) selecting a protective material having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid;

(b) selecting an additive having the characteristic of increasing the surface tension of the composition once gelled;

In a preferred embodiment the method may include the additional step of:

(d) including a treatment component In a preferred embodiment a pill or pellet may be manufactured by the method of:

a) mixing at least one powdered protective material with at least one powdered additive in a rotating drum,

b) introducing droplets of a liquid containing the activator.

In a preferred embodiment the powder (protective material/additive) may be soluble in water and combines with the liquid, preferably in the form of a droplet (liquid/activator), producing a gel. This turns the droplet into a solid pill or pellet. Various sized pills or pellets can be made depending upon the droplet size.

Alternatively powdered components including the protective material, additive, activator and/or treatment substance may be mixed. These again, will not gel until a liquid is introduced.

Drying of the pill is not necessary due to the beneficial effect of the additive which leads to the newly formed pill slowly thickening over a period of time as the newly formed pill rotates down the length of the rotating drum, hardening as the water is concentrated. This significantly decreases the cost of manufacture. Alternatively air, or hot air can be passed through the drum, or over the pills to dry same.

When water is applied to the pill it forms a spherical gel pill, protecting the nutrients within from soil chemicals, other adjacent pills, and preventing leaching.

When pills are applied to a substrate in a solid form, in the presence of a liquid they will return to a mucilaginous (glue-like) gel (as during manufacture) creating an independent gel sphere without leaching or fixation with soil chemicals, or fusing with adjacent pills. Alternatively, the activator and/or additive may be mixed with the liquid, which is then sprayed (as droplets) onto the powdered protective material. Again, a gel forms on contact and produces a pill or pellet the same way as discussed above.

Thus pills or pellets of known size, composition and selected gel forming material are easily manufactured.

In a preferred embodiment all the components of the composition - being a nutrient (treatment substance) or a combination of nutrients, protective material(s) and an additive may be soluble and able to be combined in a liquid without a gel being formed.

This allows the composition to be sprayed onto the substrate as a solution. When the composition sprayed on to a leaf it gels in the presence of carbonic acid (an activator) produced by the respiration plants. The same solution when in contact with soil chemicals will gel, preventing immobilization and leaching.

It should be noted that in this situation, the composition (without activator) can also be formed into a pill. This provides for easier transportation (than of large volumes of solution). On site the pills can then be quickly and easily dissolved to form a solution.

By making the pill in this way a silicon product(s) can also be sold as solid pills rather than as a liquid in drums, which is expensive. This decreases the cartage costs since unnecessary water is not being transported. The pills can easily be dissolved in water at the farm.

Preferably the manufacture of the pills or pellets is via the above spray method as it allows for the formation of very small pills. However, this should not be seen as limiting as a dough shaping method wherein a gel is formed, then extruded through cutters or dies to form the desired shape and size may also be utilized to form the pills of the present invention. The dough shaping method is however more expensive not only for the machine but also for maintenance.

The uniqueness of the spray method discussed above is that it involves the splitting of the ingredients with protective material(s) and/or additive(s), so that the viscosity and surface tension are controlled, but the gel is not formed until the solution meets the powder in the rotating drum that contains the polyvalent cations when the spherical drop from the spray comes in contact with the powder.

The reverse is the case when pills or pellets that will contain polyvalent cation(s) are produced; here the solution contains the polyvalent cation(s) in solution which is sprayed onto the powder in the rotating drum that has the protective material(s) and silicon product(s). The powder is absorbed in the fluid and gels the solution sprayed to produce the pill or pellet.

The pills so manufactured can quickly and easily be analyzed, weight for weight, for the contents of nutrients using a flame sequential spectrometer and registered as an agriculture stock item.

Many countries require the registration of fertilizer products. This shows the percentage by weight of the treatment substance in the composition - such registration usually incurs a fee.

The present invention allows a wide range of individual pills to be made containing different treatment substances, or combinations of treatment substances. These can then be mixed in a desired ratio to one another to form a mixture of pills containing all the desired treatment substances for application. The registration of each specific combination of registered pills would not be required, thereby significantly decreasing the cost.

A combination of a number of different pills may be a standard combination, or may be formulated specifically to meet a specific farmer's requirements based on the farmer's soil/foliage tests, type of soil, climatic conditions, height above sea level, rainfall or irrigation availability and other relevant data.

For example pills containing lime as the treatment substance may be mixed with alkaline nutrients pills, polyvalent nutrient pills and monovalent pills, silicon non toxic pills containing a concentration between 0.5% to 3% for their bactericide, fungicide, herbicide and insecticide action, pills with time span use, pills with enzymes, pills with medication, pills with bacteria and humus forming pills all applied at one time along with time span pills with the seed on planting in just one application to supply all the present and future requirements of the seeds.

It should be appreciated that when pills for combination are being produced, which will then be dissolved in a liquid for spray application - pills can be formed without an additive, and separate pills containing only the additives may be formed. When combined these form the required composition for application.

It should be appreciated that this type of information may be collected, sent electronically to a scientist or technician who formulates a specific mixture which can then be electronically transmitted to the main factory and to the sub factory where stocks of pills are available and blended the final prescription. By forwarding the blending to a sub-factory close to the farmer enables quick and efficient production and delivery of the product the farmer. All the preliminary work of the prescription, costing, ordering as well as delivering the final order can be completed within a few days. This is essential to ensure that farmers meet seasonal requirements e.g. planting. The distance from the main factory would make it impossible to even cart the final product in time for planting hence the need of the simple sub-factories blending the pills together from the prescription. The sub-factories can be organized to run automatically electronically with minimum staff.

Also by selecting the composition ingredients such as the protective material/s, and the quantity of the silicon product/s, the viscosity and surface tension of the pill to be formed can be controlled to suit the size of the pill along with the fineness of the nozzle in the spray. The smaller the droplet the smaller the size of the pill and the smaller the size of the pill the easier it is to pass into solution and form the gel encapsulating the ingredients with an independent spherical gelled environment.

It should be appreciated that the solubility of different treatment components (or other components in the composition) may also be relevant when manufacturing individual pills containing different treatment substances. The higher the solubility of the substance the less solvent is required. Therefore smaller, more concentrated pills can be formed. If a number of treatment substances with differing solubility were to be combined into one pill, then a much larger volume of solvent may be required.

For example, trace elements are needed in very small quantities to correct deficiencies in the soil, whereas macro nutrients are needed in large quantities. Most macro nutrients however are highly soluble, except for calcium compounds. Therefore individual pills containing the lesser soluble calcium compounds can be produced. In preferred embodiments a variety of pills are manufactured that will be used as stock for the preparation of a prescription that is generated after collecting together the facts from soil analysis, foliar analysis if needed, the crop to be grown, the topographical location giving climatic conditions, availability of water from irrigation, the type of soil and the substrata of the soil, the determination of infections, toxicity or deficiencies from plants to be treated.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition for application to a substrate, said composition including at least one component having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid, characterized in that the composition including at least one additive which increases the surface tension of the composition in its gelled form.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a composition for application to a substrate, said composition including at least one component having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid, characterized in that the composition including at least one additive which increases the viscosity of the composition in its gelled form.

In one embodiment the component may be any soluble powder, such as glucose, ground urea or starch.

Pills can also be made containing only silicon product(s) in solution for spraying into the rotating drum without protective materials by using a soluble powder in the rotating drum, for example glucose; this can be used on its own or with adhesive additive(s) for use of the silicon on its own for a bactericide, herbicide, insecticide, or fungicide action. Coating the pills to control the release of the treatment substance requires first producing the size of the pill required by adjusting the nozzle of the spray containing the ingredients. Then coating the pill by rotating the pills in a rotating drum and spraying on the coating and/or passing the pills through a trough containing a liquid followed by rotating drum containing a powder that will adhere to the pill.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of treating a substrate, the method including the step of:

a) applying to the substrate a composition substantially as described herein

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a prescription for application to a substrate, the prescription including:

a) at least one form of pill produced from the composition described herein containing at least one treatment component

b) at least one other form of pill produced from the composition described herein and containing at least one treatment component.

The present invention provides a number of significant advantages, including:

^■ Pills can be formed with high integrity which do not fuse together. This prevents undesirable reactions of non-compatible components in different pills (when mixed) and increases the surface area of the pill from which the treatment substance can move into the environment of application (this is significantly decreased by fusing of pills). ^■ The present invention provides a composition with a significantly higher holding capacity, due to the increased surface tension and/or viscosity. This means that less leaching, fixation or other loss to the environment occurs.

^■ A decreased amount of treatment substance needs to be applied due to decreased losses from leaching and immobilization, or other losses into the environment.

^■ Pills incorporating a range of different treatment substances can be produced and mixed to form a fertilizer which can address a number of soil conditions simultaneously.

^■ Many combinations of treatment can be prescribed that will deal with correcting soil nutrient contents, fertility of the soil dealt with, the addition of humus and humus forming materials and treatment of infection all by one or two applications of the prescription.

^■ Prevents interaction between treatment components with soil chemicals, and between different treatment components in different pills with another.

^■ Compositions can be formed which are non-toxic - even if utilizing highly acidic or alkaline silicon components.

^■ A flexible and stronger coating can be formed on the soil or foliage due to the increased surface tension and/or viscosity, significantly decreasing susceptibility to the feeding of insect lava and other pests.

^■ The ability to include silicon product(s) which will not trigger gelling of the composition with a pH range of 2 to 12 allows a further method of adjusting soil pH to its optimum. This can be used in the place of lime, on its own to raise or lower pH.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Pills containing single (or combinations of treatment substances were prepared via the following methods. Example methods for different treatment substances are provided below.

1. Where the treatment substance is a monovalent alkali salt:

1. A concentrated solution is made in water containing mono-potassium di- hydrogen phosphate, KH₂PO₄, using the commercial grade that contains insoluble impurities. The impurities settle at the bottom of the vat and are therefore easily removed.

2. The solution now has no insoluble impurities and is therefore upgraded to a higher purity material that to purchase would cost considerably more.

3. To the solution from 2 is added 2% potassium salt of carboxymethylcellulose (protective material) along with 2% potassium silicate (additive) and dissolved. The addition of the protective material very slightly increases its viscosity. The percentage of potassium silicate can then be adjusted to increase the surface tension and/or viscosity of the solution.

4. The solution from 3 is passed through an adjustable spray nozzle to provide a predetermined droplet size which determines the size of the pills to be formed. The droplets fall into a spinning drum that is continually supplied powder (in this case glucose), inclined to an adjustable inclination. The unused powder is recovered and re- circulated two thirds of the length of the drum where a very fine gauze allows the powder to fall through but not the formed pills.

5. The pills are collected at the end of the rotating drum. No drying is required - the composition is concentrated by the soluble glucose utilizing the water in the droplet, and due to the increased surface tension and viscosity provided by the additive.

It will be appreciated that if drying needed to be done with step 4 then hot air can be passed through the rotating drum.

2A. Where the treatment substance is a polyvalent salts chelates.

The same method as provided above (method 1) is utilized.

These chelate trace elements have the polyvalent cations reduced to zero by donation of electrons to the polyvalent cations from the parent chelate. The polyvalent trace element therefore has no gelling effect upon the protective material with the silicate added.

2B Where the treatment substance is a polyvalent inorganic electrolyte

Steps 1 and 2 of method 1 (above) is undertaken, followed by:

3. To the solution of the polyvalent soluble salt in water is added a percentage of acid complex salt of sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of silicon, or silicic to a percentage of 1% to 5% according to the trained scientists wishes to use this material for its selected use. 4. As above for method 1 , but instead of using glucose as the glucose as the powder supplied to the rotating drum one or more protective materials is selected from:

^■ Sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of D-mannuronic acid or its homolog

^■ Sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of phthalic acid or the homolog

^■ Sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of silicon example potassium silicate

^■ Sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of carboxycarbohydrate or the homolog

^■ Phenol, cresol or the homology that combines with the sodium, potassium or ammonium salt silicate, silicic acid and silicon products

3. Where the treatment substance is an organic soluble compound

Method 1 (steps 1 -4) are followed if the electrolyte is the sodium, potassium or ammonium salt of the acid.

If the acid of this classification is to be made into a pellet then steps 1 to 4 of method 2B is followed.

4. Where the pill is coated

Pills or pellets manufactured by any of the methods outlined above may be coated by selecting the enteric coating material, preparing a solution that can be sprayed onto the pills or pellets in or after the rotating drum.. This process may be repeated more than once depending upon the thickness of coating required and according to the size of the pill, and the desired time span over which the contents will be released. Thus the substances contained within coated pills may become available after a determined time when the plant needs a different balance of nutrients. For example when the germinated seed has sprouted and leaves are forming at this time a balance of nutrients containing more nitrogen will enhance growth in size of the leaves and increase photosynthesis.

5. Wherein the pill contains only a protective material and additive

1. Select the protective material(s) and silicone additive required to make the pill. These are added to water in a concentrated form.

2. Follow step 4 of method 1.

All the above pills are soluble completely in water and can be used to add to solutions of any nature that requires protective material to any concentration the user desires to produce. It allows the nontoxic silicone additive/s to be add to any water soluble solution for spraying and use for the insecticide, fungicide, herbicide and bactericide action.

6. Where the treatment substance is a medication, insecticide, herbicide, fungicide,, hormone, or antibiotic

1. A water solution of one or more than one of these substances is prepared to a known concentration as required.

2. Step 4 of method 1 is followed

Stock pills as produced by any of the above methods can be combined to generate a prescription.

The prescription can be used for the following purposes (given as examples):

A. to be sprayed on foliage, pasture or soil. This is formed by a single, or a combination of pills (as produced above) which are dissolved in water and then sprayed onto the substrate. Alternatively, the required components could be directly dissolved into a liquid to produce the desired composition. However, this is not preferred due to the high cost of transporting large volumes of liquid.

The mixture of solid pills are easily packed and transported without water to the place where it is to be applied dissolved in water and sprayed.

The solution, once sprayed onto the substrate will form a gel on foliage in the presence of mild acid (carbon dioxide, the oxidation product expelled by a plant in respiration, dissolves in water to give a mild acid - carbonic acid) that produces a gel that coats the foliage. The solution containing the protective materials forms a mucilaginous gel with polyvalent cations in the soil. Alternatively, the activator may be sprayed in conjunction with, before or after spray application of the composition.

It will be appreciated that the prescription or prescriptions that the scientist can generate is numerous and that preferably the selection of the items within the prescription are all soluble and will not react with any of the materials that are items of the prescription when in solution.

B. to be applied solid to seed, pasture or soil in a solid form as pills. When these come into contact with water the pill absorbs water and forms a gel. This protects the soluble contents of each pill from interaction with other pills and the soil chemicals, preventing leaching and immobilization.

Pills or pellets applied to the soil with seed or in preparing the ground for cultivation or application upon pastures, instead of forming a gel as with acids and polyvalent cations (as described above for A), the gel is produced in the pill when water is available. The pill with water forms its own shaped environment protecting it from reaction with adjacent pills, preventing leaching and immobilization from soil chemicals.

It will be appreciated that the prescription or prescriptions that the scientist can generate is numerous and that the selection of the items within the prescription are all solid pills or pellets that when water is applied each pill reverts to a gel contain soluble nutrients protected by its own shaped environment and will not react with any of the pills that are items of the prescription and in turn with the soil chemicals preventing leaching and immobilization.

It will be appreciated that pills as described above can be added or mixed together to be put into solution for spraying purposes that have full solubility and soluble protective materials with or without silicon additives. The nutrients contained in each pill or additive has a known percentage of nutrients and elements so that collectively the requirement of nutrients to be applied by spraying is no longer limited by the overall registered nutrient percentages but to the quantity need to be applied. The mixture of pills generated in the prescription is determined to the weight of each nutrient that is needed, water is the dispersing medium.

It will be appreciated that the prescription or prescriptions that the scientist can generate requires silicon additive or a combination of more than one silicon additive, either a single protective material or a combination of protective materials of more than one.

Powdered product:

Alternatively, the product could be a finely ground powder. This would include a treatment substance mixed with a protective material(s) and an additive(s) blended into a well dispersed powder. The powder can then be dissolved, forming a solution for spray application.

The present invention can be utilized to address a number of farming problems, such as diseases, toxicity, deficiencies, infertile soils, fish farming ponds, low crop yield, low performance of stock feeding upon pasture, leaching, immobilization, pollution, high cost of fertilizers, high cost of veterinary professional treatment, high cost of chemical sprays that cause harmful toxic effects to the operator without protective materials, high cost of having to apply numerous applications and the increasing costs of labor and machinery.

The examples given below will demonstrate the mode of use of this invention but is by no means exhaustive to providing all the solutions this invention is capable of solving.

Example 1

To control the pH of ponds used in fish farming. If the pH drops to below pH 6 toxic algae multiply that produce toxins that will kill the fish stock. To control the pH the farmer would conventional apply commercial lime. Commercial lime has impurities and large particles that will not quickly dissolve, as a consequence a large amount needs to be used and the large particles may settle on the bottom of the pond giving more problems.

In this example the analysis of pond water found that the calcium to magnesium content was imbalanced and that potassium was low as well as the iron.

A prescription of pills was generated from individual pills. These used food grade calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, potassium carbonate (antacid action) and iron chelate (stimulates algae growth, in particular symbiotic algae that blooms within a pH range of 6.5 and 9) blended together with potassium silicate (prevents the production of toxic algae) in the following proportions:

Calcium carbonate finely ground 60%

Magnesium carbonate finely ground 25% Potassium carbonate finely ground 14%

Potassium silicate 1 %

Iron chelate to each 100kg is added 800mg of iron chelate.

It was found that to this pond 25 Kg added increased the pH from 6 to 6.5. The quantity of commercial lime the farmer would have added is 500Kg. to the same pond to achieve the same result. The pond pH needs to be kept above pH 7, and preferably between 7.9 and 8.7. Each day 15 kg of the above prescription of was added to the pond and at the end of four days the pond pH was 8.

Another fish farming application is in prawn farming. Here, the pond water needs to be continuously monitored for pH and secchi values. Secchi values measure the degree of algae that has bloomed indicated by the depth light penetrates the pond. The prawns feed on the algae bloom therefore if this drops the farmer has to feed the prawns up to five times a day with fowl manure and urea. The undesirable side effect to this feeding is formation of nitrogenous material causing pollution.

To optimize the algae bloom the pH is required to be maintain at around pH 8. Blooming of the algae depends upon a number of factors, the temperature, the correct nutrients for optimum growth, pH, the level of oxygen and nitrogen present and the amount of sunlight.

The pH is quickly and easily brought to the optimum pH with a similar formula as above (dependent on sea water tests) A second pill, or series of pills incorporating algae requirements, such as nutrients, glucose, and trace elements balanced with an excess of iron chelate For example the following prescription:

KG mg

Ammonium Sulphate 20

Potassium Dihydrogen phosphate 35

Cobalt chelate 20

Copper chelate 200

Iron chelate 800

Magnesium chelate 300

Manganese chelate 25

Molybdenum chelate 10

Zinc chelate 200

Selenium oxide 20

Urea 25

Sodium salt of carboxymethylcellulose 2

Potassium silicate 1

Glucose add to 100

Application rate to the pond the same size as above in this example is 25kg. Maintenance doses of up to 25kg needs to be added to maintain the blooming level as indicated by the secchi values that are monitored daily along with the temperature

Example 2

A fertilizer formulated by the present invention, providing a balance of nutrients was dissolved in water was sprayed upon the pasture on a beef farm. This program was evaluated over a period of four years against that of using a commercial recommended application of super NPKS at 400 kg per hectare at a cost of $140 per hectare. The soil analysis for each treatment are recorded below, these were undertaken by R J Hill Laboratories. The results show considerable savings to the farmer and increased yield as well as soil nutrient levels in the soil after using the fertilizer of the present invention for four years.:

The soil tests for the use of super NPKS and the present invention respectively are shown below.

Looking at the second soil test above (for the present invention) the pH is increased, the ratio of calcium to magnesium corrected to 4:1, the base saturation percent increased, the bulk density increased, the sulphur was also increased. (Note - the farmer in this case also chose to apply conventional lime concurrently).

All the nutrient levels can now be adjusted and the pH increased by mixing together the quantity needed of each pill and be applied at one time. Since there is no interaction between the pills or the soil chemicals, no leaching and no immobilization then a big saving in cost to the farmer is provided, namely only one application instead of having to apply lime to increase the pH then the conventional fertilizer that has up to 50% losses through immobilization and leaching. The trace element correction with using the sulphate salts is very cheap compared with the chelate cost.

The above data also shows the efficiency of much smaller quantities (approximately one quarter of the amount of the conventional fertilizer used) depending upon the amount of rainfall and the nature of the soil

It should be appreciated that other components can be added to treat specific conditions. For example the inclusion of iodine to overcome iodine deficiencies in animals, which can lead to increased heart rate, ophthalmic goiter (the eyes protrude), increased metabolism (loss of weight) and nervous twitching. Similarly, deer farmers using a prescription of the present invention incorporating copper, did not need to administer stock copper to their animals.

It should be appreciated that when the nutrients and pH are provided at an optimum level the pasture yields its maximum growth, with the nutrients transferred to the pasture, through to the stock animals grazing on this pasture and healthy soil, healthy pasture and healthy animal's results. The farmer will see less bloat (if any), no metabolic diseases, have less cost to veterinary expense, increase yield in protein and less losses from calving.

Example 3

This invention lends itself particularly for the growing of crops where large volumes of conventional fertilizers are commonly used to separately correct soil pH, and replace nutrients. Crops often require different conditions throughout their lifecycle, for example at germination of seed, nitrogen may be applied, then at flowering and fruit setting a fertilizer which is low in nitrogen but containing other nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, sulphur and trace elements may be applied. Insecticides, fungicides, bactericides or herbicides may also be required depending on the crop and the conditions.

Given the above, as many as five applications of different conventional fertilizers and sprays may be used during the crop lifecycle. This is time consuming, has high labour and machinery cost, and may result in large losses from leaching and immobilization.

The over use of nitrogenous fertilizer can result in poor crops and damage to the humus and soil.

The present invention overcomes many problems associated with crops, as shown below for potatoes. It should be appreciated that this strategy could also be applied to any other crop.

Water management and/or rainfall are probably the most important factors determining yield and quality of potatoes. Factors to consider are method of applying water (rainfall, sprinkler irrigation or furrow irrigation), timing of irrigation, and quantity of irrigation. For irrigation management decisions, it should be remembered that: 1) the effective rooting depth of potatoes is 2 ft (60 cm), 2) the soil should not be allowed to dry below 65 percent of field capacity, 3) moisture levels above field capacity will seriously affect yield and quality, and 4) soil types can vary threefold in their respective water holding capacities.

Using the present invention water holding capacity is greatly increased by the protective material and silicon ability to hold water and of cause the prevention of leaching and immobilization.

Most soils require the addition of one or more of sixteen essential elements to produce satisfactory tuber yield and quality.

For example the amount of nutrients removed from the soil by potato tubers are as follows:.

Removed by

Nutrient IbΛIOO cwt kα/454 kq 500 cwt/acre (56 t/ha)

Nitrogen Ib/a kg/ha Phosphorus 30.0 13.6 150 168 (P205) 7.0 (16) 3.2 (7.3) 35 (80) 39 (90) Potassium 44.0 (53) 20.0 (24.0) 220 (264) 246 (296)

Calcium 0.8 0.4 4.0 4.5 Magnesium 2.5 1.1 12.5 14.0 Sulphur 2.4 1.1 12.0 13.4

Zinc 0.02 0.01 0.1 0.11 Copper 0.016 0.007 0.08 0.09 Manganese 0.015 0.007 0.08 0.09

Iron 0.047 0.021 0.24 0.27 Boron 0.007 0.003 0.04 0.04 and the amount of nutrients removed from the soil by potato vines are as follows:

Top Growth 1-Sep

Nutrient Ib/A kg/ha

Nitrogen 139 156 Phosphorus 11 (25) 12 (28) Potassium (K205) 275 (330) 308 (370)

Calcium 43 48 Magnesium 25 28 Sulphur 2.70 3

Zinc 0.11 0.12 Copper 0.17 0.19 Manganese 2.21 2.48

Iron 0.03 0.03 Boron 0.14 0.16

Conventional Fertilizer use for potatoes

Nitrogen fertilizer is required on most soils to produce a profitable yield of potatoes. However, excess nitrogen levels decrease tuber quality, grade, and yield.

Phosphorus and potassium may also be required, however this may vary due to residual levels which can be seen in soil analysis. However, as an example in some areas, 10- 40 pounds (4.5-18 kg) of potassium per area-foot of irrigation water are being applied along with other nutrients such as nitrogen, sulphur, magnesium, and calcium.

Supplemental calcium, and magnesium, or zinc and manganese may also be required respectively where leaching of nutrients has occurred, or the soil is calcareous or alkaline. Sulphur may also be required if these levels are low. Micronutrients such as zinc and manganese may be soil applied with other fertilizer. Rates of 5-10 lbs/acre (6 -11 kg/ha) of zinc should be sufficient to take care of three years' production of potatoes.

Conventional fertilizers are applied as follows: For nitrogen, nitrate, urea, and ammonium fertilizers are commonly used. For phosphorus, any common carriers of phosphorus provide give satisfactory results, these include treble super phosphates and ammonium phosphates. For potassium, potassium sulphate or potassium chloride are commonly used. Zinc and copper can be applied as sulphates or as chelates.

Manganese should be applied as a sulphate. Calcium and magnesium are generally supplied by lime applications. Calcium and magnesium sulphate sources are also available. Sulphur can be applied in elemental form or as a sulphate.

Conventional fertilizer is generally applied at pre-planting or by broadcast application.

The present invention overcomes these problems of conventional fertilizers. Just one application along with planting will correct the pH supply all the nutrients needed at germination, supply time-span nutrients, particularly the need of more nitrogen when the leaves are being formed to enhance photosynthesis that produces carbohydrate with the action of sunlight, the catalyst chlorophyll, carbon dioxide and water. This invention prevents leaching, immobilization and interaction of the fertilizer that is mixed but protected by its own shaped environment having clathratic properties and gel protection. No need to use expensive chelates when the pills or pellets contain the trace elements as sulphates protected by the protective material with silicon additives.

This invention allows the base saturation and bulk density along with the pH to be corrected at root level. Deficiencies of nutrients in the soil are corrected and the amount of balanced nutrients required for the crop supplied all at one application. To do this all that is required is to determine the levels of nutrients from soil analysis, correct the levels to an optimum and add the amount of nutrients needed for the crop to germinate develop to maturity and fruit ready for harvesting.

Weed Control

Pills of the present invention containing silicon additives, protective materials, and organic compounds in particular phenols and cresols, hereinafter referred to as Silicon Phenol complexes can also provide herbicide, and insecticide action.

For example a 3% composition of silicon phenol complex will act as a non-toxic herbicide.

Insect Control

The control of insects on potatoes is also an important consideration to maximize yield and quality.

Specific insect problems vary with production area. However, there are several insect pests that cause varying amounts of damage in most producing areas. For example, aphids, leafhoppers, Colorado potato beetles generally affect the leaves and foliage of the potato plant. Similarly other insects can lead to severe tuber defects. For example the potato tuber worm, Phthorimaea operculella (Zeller), and wireworms.

Numerous other insect pests cause damage to potatoes. Many of these are specific to certain growing areas.

Conventional insecticides are toxic, and include 22 organophosphorus compounds, 3 chlorinated compounds, and dinitrocresol and dinoseb. Long term use of these toxic insecticides can lead to resistance build up. The present invention provides a non-toxic insecticide. The use of silicon additives along with the selection of one or more protective materials enhances the activity of the silicon additives. Where for example a 3% aqueous solution of potassium or sodium or ammonium silicate alone produces the best activity, the combination of the silicon additives with a protective material(s) the concentration of the potassium or sodium or ammonium silicate only 2% is necessary to achieve the same result. The reason for this is that the silicon additive with protective material(s) has increased surface tension which provides increased protection. Both the silicon additives and the protective materials are non-toxic consequently resistance is not built up. This method applies mainly for the insects that deposit their larvae on the foliage of plants and the developing larvae are prevented from obtaining their food, that of the foliage of the plant, because of the protective gel covering.

Example 4

The farming of grape vines, fruit trees, sugar cane, timber plantations of trees and nuts can be classified together using the technology of this invention. Grape vines will be covered in this example in detail.

In general, a vine is allowed to establish itself and grow vegetative — producing no fruit for the first two years. After the second full year of growth, the vine is commonly pruned by leaving a few canes on the trellis wires. These canes grow fruit in the third year.

In order to establish a vigorous root system the vines require firstly water, and pest and weed control. Secondarily they need to build stores of nutrients. To do that, the grape grower needs to apply the right type and amount of fertilizers. The present invention allows nutrients to be set into the ground at the time of planting so that the fertilizer is available to the root system at a later stage of development, while being protected from leaching and fixation.

A balance of nutrients will provide the grape vine with trace elements that are very important in maintaining enzymes for the metabolic reactions, nitrogen to produce healthy leaf development, calcium along with magnesium, potassium and sodium salts to keep the pH acid between 5 to 6 that most varieties of grape vines enjoy, provide phosphate and sulphate. This invention can provide all these nutrients as pills protected as described above from interaction with treatment substances in separate pills. A balance of nutrients is applied four inches below the dug whole in the soil that the vine is planted allowing the root to grow down to tap the reserve. Organic nitrogen as urea protected in the pill stock production already described is more abundant than the balance of the other nutrients. The sulphate salts of the trace elements in their protected pill/s give a cheap method of supply of these trace elements and need not use expensive chelates.. Organic material can be added at the time of planting along with this inventions technology, for example sea-weed.

Weed control is absolutely vital in the vines' early years. The present invention allows non-toxic silicon additives to take the place of toxic residual herbicides.

Many pests attack the leaves of the grape vines and the present invention can be used to address these as described in relation to the protection of potatoes plant leaves. A selection of nutrients can be added and applied by this invention technology to supply foliar feed for the grapes.

Conventional fertilizers used in growing grape vines include for example calcium nitrate and organic sources of nitrogen such as chicken manure, cow manure, fish emulsion, kelp extract, bat guano and others build the soil and increase biological activity in the soil while they provide nutrients. The nutrients that organic fertilizers provide are expensive and time consuming way to provide nutrients in the soil. The present invention can provide a very cheap and easy way to overcome these problems as previously described.

The present invention can also be used to limit toxicity of specific soil components. This commonly occurs in places where Macedamia nut trees in Australia have large deposits of manganese below the surface of the soil deep down that poison the trees that will be killed unless treated. Toxicity in other regions may occur in other countries.

The present invention has successfully restored the trees to health with no toxicity by supplying a balance of nutrients without manganese around the root system of the trees and also on the foliage. In doing this the alkali fertilizer protected in the pills along with the balance of all the nutrients except manganese was applied in the soil that included the sulphate trace elements. Sprays of a balance of nutrients were sprayed on the foliage that included the chelate trace elements without the manganese chelate.

The result the trees produced the largest crop from the formerly toxic trees the Macedonia grower had ever produced.

The reverse in toxicity after the above treatment was due to the root system tapped into the deposits of manganese then this nutrient was taken up by the tree in preference of all the other nutrients. When the balance of all the nutrients was supplied in abundance to the manganese deposit toxicity was prevented. Example 5

The use of compost for home gardens and in commercial farming is not only time consuming but expensive to produce.

In general a plant consists of 70-90% water, 10-30% organic compounds and 2-5% nutrients that includes the inorganic elements as electrolytes or combined with organic compounds.

Plants will not survive without nutrients of elements macro and trace elements, vitamins as well as carbon dioxide water and sunlight. If the plant cannot get magnesium, for example, then the synthesis of chlorophyll will not proceed for magnesium is the central element of its organic molecule chlorophyll. Also the trace elements are needed to produce enzymes that allow metabolism to proceed in the release of energy from carbohydrate metabolism and the synthesis of proteins, fats, oils, vitamins and amino acids, polypeptides and etc.

Phosphate rock processed to supply phosphate, ammonium sulphate, potassium fertilizers, lime and urea along with nitrates are the main conventional fertilizers used. Conventional fertilizers have been individually and in combination.

However, significant problems include the lost of up to 50% due to leaching and fixation, which also leads to pollution of streams, rivers, lakes and the sea. . Build up of insoluble components, for example calcium sulphate which makes up 60% of super phosphate (and is only soluble 1 in 200,000 with water). Nitrogenous fertilizers destroy humus in the soil, which may lead to metabolic diseases causing death of animals grazing these pastures, not to mention that death may result in young children from metabolic disease where their food has been grown with excessive urea. To combat these problems "Organic Farming" came into its own. The present invention with its technology can simplify, and offer an easier way to supply the nutrients the home gardener needs to return to the soil cheaply.

Pills from stock to adjust the levels of all the nutrients to the correct level can be selected and combined. The pH is adjusted by correcting the base saturation, the ratio of calcium to magnesium pill(s) selected All the pills are combined together homogeneously mixed and to this mixture is added one or more of the following: ground bark from trees, sand, ground pumice, carbon slag's and worm castings. This mixture is combined with the clay subsoil in the home garden. .

It will be appreciated that the home garden may be sandy soil that having larger particles is prone to leaching and will not hold water. The same procedure using the pills, along with adding extra pills of protective material with silicon additives and selects clay, ground bard, and Bentonite and worm castings. The clay provides colloid small particles, to add to the holding of cations and anions, the extra protective material with silicon additives form a gel in the pore of the soil and holds moisture, the Bentonite swells with water and retains moisture. Finally the nutrients are all protected with the protective materials and silicon additives, to prevent leaching and immobilization.

Control of infestation from insects, fungi, harmful bacteria and weeds using this technology can also be undertaken by the home gardener, as described above.

The growing of flowers of all varieties for the home gardener, or commercial growers, now has the technology of this invention to grow healthy plants, control infestations and produce products that have increased perfume properties and keeping values. The magnitude of the different flowers ranging from delicate to sturdy plants is so huge that they can only be dealt with by classifications but the methods of using this patent is by no means curtailed for the same procedure is followed that has been described fully in the preceding examples.

It will be appreciated that the home gardener or commercial grower is at liberty to use compost along with the technology of this invention, but will be able to dispose of this material by applying less over the garden. Compost on its own invariably supplies fewer nutrients than the crop needs unless large amount of compost is used.

Example 6

Hydroponics is a big industry. Hydroponics means water working so that the substrate is only water is the true meaning. Hydroponics though is extended to include a substrate that is soil less and is not restricted to a water substrate. Sand, gravel, fired clay, pumice, perlite, vermiculite, charcoal, peat, moss, bark, sawdust, wood chips, rice hulls, peanut hulls, plastic foams, Styrofoam, petroleum based rigid foam-like cubes, rock wool and any mixture containing a number of these products. Hydroponics uses nutrient solution to provide the plant essential elements.

Dissolving the nutrients in a water medium provides problems with concentration, the mixing of polyvalent cations with the soluble salts of monovalent cationic soluble salts become incompatible unless chelates, that are very expensive, are used. The pH needs to be controlled to the correct range of 6.3 to 6.5 that counts out calcium and magnesium carbonates that are reactive in solution with anions that produce the insoluble salts, example monovalent alkali sulphate that is water soluble reacts with calcium carbonate to for the insoluble calcium sulphate. Calcium nitrate and potassium nitrate are used. Plants can only take up soluble nutrients and requires the essential macro and micro elements in a balance which includes carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and sulphur as the Marco-nutrients. The micro-nutrients include iron, manganese, boron, copper, zinc, molybdenum, silicon, aluminum and cobalt.

Special formulations of nutrients need to be added to water in storage tanks which requires special methods of mixing and agitating, to cater for the intended crop to grow. Use of pumps and equipment needed for testing the pH, that needs to be done several times a day, measuring the electrical conductivity to determine the total dissolved solutes, that are electrolytes, which dissociates in water solution to give cations, positively charged ions and anions negatively charged ions that conducts an electric current. Laboratory testing of the water containing nutrients and that of the foliage needs to be taken often.

All these laborious tasks add to the expense and being time consuming is a huge disadvantage.

The technology of this invention alters the whole concept of supplying nutrients, correcting pH and controlling disease. It alters the term hydroponics for now instead of supplying the nutrients to the plants via circulation of water with the dissolved nutrients all the nutrients are supplied and mixed as pellets in the substrate, that have protection from leaching, fixation and in particular from reaction of one pellets content with that of another.

Water is trickled through the substrate to supply the plant with the vast amount of water needed and the excess water is re-circulated. The protective materials with the silicon additives is more resistant against leaching, fixation and interaction between adjacent pills

Water can be supplied via an overhead spray system as well that will allow by this invention soluble nutrients in a balance as described in preceding examples using chelates, when a deficiency needs to be addressed. The main supply of nutrients for the life of the crop is applied all at once and mixed with the soil less substrate and should be more than enough for the crop's needs; the spraying of foliage with dissolved nutrients may not ever be needed.

The technology of this invention provides a much simpler method of growing the crops selected by the operator. Without having to mix nutrients the nutrient supply can be changed as the growth of the crop passes into another phase of development by using time-span pills.

Example 7

Experimentation was undertaken to assess the viscosity of the different solutions.

Method of experiments done in the laboratory with solutions containing protective materials and solutions done with protective materials and with silicon additive/s.

The following solutions were prepared

Separate solutions were prepared containing the sodium salt of methylcarboxycellulose three of each containing 0.25%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5%, 3%, 5%, 10% of the protective material dissolved in water. Sample 1 of 3 of each as control, to 2 of 3 of each was added 1% of sodium silicate, to 3 of 3 of each was added 2% sodium silicate. To each of the samples five drops of a concentrated solution of copper sulphate, a polyvalent electrolyte. The following results were observed:

Code for results observed:

The viscosity of the solution observed went from a liquid with no apparent viscosity but as the concentration of the protective material increased so did the viscosity increase measured by the rate of flow represented by:

Liquid no apparent viscosity Lv

Viscosity slight V1

Viscosity increase to V2

Viscosity increased to V3

Viscosity increased to V4

Viscosity increased to V5

Results

High concentration of protective materials in solution the higher the viscosity of the liquid and with the addition of silicons the greater the viscosity is increased.

Example 9

In the preparation of the solutions in Example 8 the surface tension table was prepared and the last three rows, namely Control + copper sulphate 1% silicon + copper sulphate and the last row 2% silicon + copper sulphate was used to observe the increase in surface tension. The solution in the tubes of the same size showed the increase in surface tension by observing the angle of the meniscus with the wall of the tube as the surface tension increased the angle of contact of the solution with the wall of the tube altered from the meniscus being concave downwards to convex downwards.

ST1 <ST2<ST3<ST4<ST5<ST6<ST8<ST10<ST11 <ST12<ST14<ST16<STΪ 8<ST22<ST 24<ST28<STT

The surface tension is greatest with ST28 and STT that was so thick and rubbery to measure. The least surface tension had a concave meniscus downwards ST1. The ST28 had the greatest surface tension with a meniscus of convex downwards.

On diluting the solution further with water when the surface tension was the greatest then the surface tension decreased observed by the angle of the meniscus decreasing.

Results

When protective material as one item or an addition of two or more protective materials the gel formed with acid or polyvalent cations has less surface tension than when silicon additives are added to the protective material/s depending upon the concentration of the silicon/s additive added. The higher the concentration of the silicon additive/s added to the protective material/s the higher the surface tension of the gel.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT I/WE CLAIM IS:

1. A composition for application to a substrate, said composition including

characterised in that the composition includes at least one additive which increases the surface tension of the protective material in its gelled form.

2. A composition for application to a substrate, said composition including

characterised in that the composition includes at least one additive which increases the viscosity of the composition in its gelled form.

3. A composition as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the protective material is selected from the following group:

a cellulose compound;

a synthetic or a natural polymer;

a carbohydrate compound;

an inorganic compound; or

a combination of two of more of the above.

4. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the protective material(s) becomes viscous in the presence of a liquid.

5. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the composition includes an activator.

6. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the activator is a polyvalent cation.

7. A composition as claimed in claim 6 wherein the polyvalent cation is a salt of at least one of the following: boron, calcium, copper, iron, manganese, magnesium, cobalt, selenium, molybdenum or zinc.

8. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7 wherein the compositon includes a liquid.

9. A composition as claimed in claim 8 wherein the liquid is water.

10. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 wherein the composition also includes at least one treatment component.

11. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the additive contains silicon.

12. A composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein the additive is a silicate salt.

13. A composition as claimed in claim 12 wherein the silicate salt is a salt of sodium, potassium, ammonium or lithium

14. A composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein the additive is silicic acid.

15. A composition as claimed in claim 11 wherein the additive is an acid silicon complex of a predetermined pH from 2 to 12.

16. A composition as claimed in claim 15 wherein the acid silicon complex is formed from sodium, potassium or ammonium silicate.

17. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the composition is formed into a pill.

18. A composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the composition includes at least one coating substance.

19. A composition as claimed in claim 18 wherein the coating substance(s) is a carbohydrate based material.

20. A composition as claimed in claim 18 wherein the coating substance(s) is selected from the following: fats, fatty acids, waxes, wax mixtures, shellac, ammoniated shellac, cellulose acetate phthalates, the sodium salt of carboxypolysaccharide.

21. A method of manufacturing a composition the composition including at least one protective material having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid, and at least one additive which has the characteristic of increasing the surface tension of the protective material in its gelled form, said method characterised by the steps of:

(b) selecting an additive having the characteristic of increasing the surface tension of the composition once gelled; (c) forming a homogenous mixture of the protective material(s) and the additive.

22. A method as claimed in claim 21 , including the additional step of

(d) selecting a treatment component.

23. A method of manufacturing a composition the composition including at least one protective material having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid, and at least one additive which has the characteristic of increasing the viscosity of the protective material in its gelled form, said method including the steps of:

(a) selecting a protective material having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to polyvalent cations and water;

(b) selecting an additive having the characteristic of increasing the viscosity of the composition once gelled;

(c) forming a homogenous mixture of the protective material(s), the treatment component and the additive.

24 A method as claimed in claim 23, including the additional step of

(d) including a treatment component.

25. A pill as claimed in claim 18 which is manufactured by the method of:

c) mixing at least one powdered protective material with at least one powdered additive in a rotating drum,

d) introducing a liquid containing the activator.

26. A pill as claimed in claim 17 which is manufactured by the method of:

a) mixing at least one powdered protective material with at least one powdered additive and at least one activator in a rotating drum,

b) introducing a liquid.

27. A method of treating a substrate, the method including the step of:

a) applying to the substrate a composition as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20.

28. A method of treating a substrate as claimed in claim 27 wherein the substrate is soil, plant material or water.

29. A composition for application to a substrate, said composition including at least one component having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid, characterized in that the composition including at least one additive which increases the surface tension of the composition in its gelled form.

30. A composition for application to a substrate, said composition including at least one component having the characteristics of forming a gel when exposed to an activator and a liquid, characterized in that the composition including at least one additive which increases the viscosity of the composition in its gelled form.

31. A composition as claimed in either claims 29 or 30 wherein the component is a soluble powder.

32. A prescription for application to a substrate including;

a composition as claimed in claim 17 containing at least one treatment component, and

at least one other composition as claimed in claim 17 including at least one treatment component.

33. A composition substantially as herein described within reference to the accompanying examples.

34. A method of manufacturing a composition substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying examples.

35. A pill substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying examples.

36. A method of treating a substrate substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying examples.

37. A prescription substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying examples.