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WO2016113666A1 - Composition agricole - Google Patents

Composition agricole Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2016113666A1
WO2016113666A1 PCT/IB2016/050118 IB2016050118W WO2016113666A1 WO 2016113666 A1 WO2016113666 A1 WO 2016113666A1 IB 2016050118 W IB2016050118 W IB 2016050118W WO 2016113666 A1 WO2016113666 A1 WO 2016113666A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
granules
coating
binder
soil
granule
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IB2016/050118
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Anthony WRIGHT
Trevor Anthony Jackson
Warren John BANKS
Per John WESSMAN
Craig Robert Bunt
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
New Zealand Institute for Bioeconomy Science Ltd
Original Assignee
AgResearch Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by AgResearch Ltd filed Critical AgResearch Ltd
Priority to AU2016207759A priority Critical patent/AU2016207759B2/en
Publication of WO2016113666A1 publication Critical patent/WO2016113666A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
    • A01N25/00—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests
    • A01N25/26—Biocides, pest repellants or attractants, or plant growth regulators, characterised by their forms, or by their non-active ingredients or by their methods of application, e.g. seed treatment or sequential application; Substances for reducing the noxious effect of the active ingredients to organisms other than pests in coated particulate form
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
    • C05D—INORGANIC FERTILISERS NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES C05B, C05C; FERTILISERS PRODUCING CARBON DIOXIDE
    • C05D9/00—Other inorganic fertilisers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C05—FERTILISERS; MANUFACTURE THEREOF
    • C05G—MIXTURES OF FERTILISERS COVERED INDIVIDUALLY BY DIFFERENT SUBCLASSES OF CLASS C05; MIXTURES OF ONE OR MORE FERTILISERS WITH MATERIALS NOT HAVING A SPECIFIC FERTILISING ACTIVITY, e.g. PESTICIDES, SOIL-CONDITIONERS, WETTING AGENTS; FERTILISERS CHARACTERISED BY THEIR FORM
    • C05G5/00—Fertilisers characterised by their form
    • C05G5/30—Layered or coated, e.g. dust-preventing coatings
    • C05G5/37—Layered or coated, e.g. dust-preventing coatings layered or coated with a polymer

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to granules comprising a core comprising a substrate, a first coating comprising biological material, a second coating comprising one or more particulate densifiers and one or more disinteg rants, and an exterior coating that at least partially coats the core and that reduces the water permeability of the granule wherein the exterior coating comprises a polymeric compound, methods of preparing such granules, and application of such granules into or on to soil.
  • Bio materials such as beneficial microorganisms including bacteria, are useful alternatives to chemical agents for the improvement and/or maintenance of soil and plant health, including the control of pests.
  • Biomaterials are sensitive to environmental exposure, particularly desiccation and UV radiation.
  • the utility of biological materials, for example, microbes, for application into or on to soil is limited by the sensitivity of such materials to environmental conditions on the soil surface prior to entry into the soil and during storage of compositions comprising the biological material, such as granules.
  • the invention relates to granules comprising a core, the core comprising
  • first coating that at least partially coats the substrate, the first coating comprising biological material, preferably one or more microorganisms, and optionally a biodegradable polymer and/or a non-cytotoxic oil
  • second coating that at least partially coats the first coating, the second coating comprising one or more particulate densifiers, and one or more disinteg rants, preferably a pre-gelatinised starch, and a binder
  • the granules further comprising an exterior coating that at least partially coats the core and that reduces the water permeability of the granule, the exterior coating comprising a polymeric compound.
  • the invention in a second aspect relates to an agricultural composition comprising granules of the present invention.
  • the invention relates to a method of producing a granule, the method comprising
  • biological material preferably one or more microorganisms, and optionally a biodegradable polymer and/or a non-cytotoxic oil, and
  • a second coating that at least partially coats the first coating, the second coating comprising one or more one particulate densifiers, one or more disintegrants, and a binder, and
  • exterior coating comprising a polymeric compound.
  • the invention relates to a method of distributing granules or a composition of the invention into or on to soil, the method comprising
  • the invention in a fifth aspect relates to a method of treating the soil to control a pest, preferably an insect pest, comprising applying granules or a composition of the invention into or on to soil.
  • the invention in a sixth aspect relates to a method of treating soil to maintain or increase plant growth, the method comprising applying granules or a composition of the invention into or on to soil.
  • the invention in a seventh aspect relates to a method of treating soil of search land to maintain or increase pasture production, the method comprising applying granules or a composition of the invention into or on to soil. [0013] In an eighth aspect the invention relates to use of granules or a composition of the invention to control pests, preferably insect pests.
  • the invention relates to use of granules or a composition of the invention to maintain or increase plant growth.
  • the invention relates to use of granules or a composition of the invention to maintain or increase pasture production.
  • the first coating may coat at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100% of the surface of the substrate, and suitable ranges may be selected between any of these values (for example, about 50 to about 100, about 60 to about 100, about 70 to about 100, about 80 to about 100, or about 90 to about 100%).
  • the first coating coats at least about 90% of the surface of the substrate. In another embodiment the first coating fully coats the substrate.
  • the second coating may coat at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100% of the first coating, and suitable ranges may be selected between any of these values (for example, about 50 to about 100, about 60 to about 100, about 70 to about 100, about 80 to about 100, or about 90 to about 100%).
  • the second coating coats at least about 90% of the first coating.
  • the second coating fully coats the first coating.
  • the substrate is selected from the group comprising a clay, a clay mineral, a seed, a pelletised grain, a granulate or an extruded granule, or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the substrate is selected from the group comprising a clay, a clay mineral, a pelletised grain, a granulate or an extruded granule, or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the substrate is selected from the group comprising a clay granule, a silicate mineral, an aluminosilicate mineral, for example, zeolite,
  • the substrate may comprise a seed, for example an angiosperm, vegetable, legume, cereal or conifer seed.
  • the seed comprises a spinach, carrot, onion, soybean, lucerne, plantain, brassica, maize rye grass, canola or clover seed.
  • the substrate may comprise wheat, barley, bran, maize, rye, rice, sorghum, millet, oats, forage brassica, canola or triticale, or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the substrate may comprise a granule comprising a fertiliser, for example, a granule of urea, superphosphate, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP, single superphosphate (SSP), triple superphosphate (TSP), calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) or muriate of potash (MOP).
  • a fertiliser for example, a granule of urea, superphosphate, monoammonium phosphate (MAP), diammonium phosphate (DAP, single superphosphate (SSP), triple superphosphate (TSP), calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) or muriate of potash (MOP).
  • the biodegradable polymer may comprise a polysaccharide.
  • the biodegradable polymer may comprise an exopolysaccharide produced by a microorganism, for example, an exopolysaccharide produced by
  • Achromobacter Acetobacter, Acinetobacter, Agrobacterium, Alcaligenes, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Aureomonas, Azotobacter, Bacillus, Beijerinckia, Lactobacillus, Lentinus, Leuconostoc, Mucorales, Pantoea stewartii, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Schizophylum, Sclerotium, Serratia, Sinorhizobium, Sphingomonas, Streptococcus, Xanthomonas, Zooglea, or Zymomonas spp.
  • the biodegradable polymer may comprise a gum such as a plant gum.
  • the biodegradable polymer may be selected from the group comprising xanthan gum, agar, alginate, cassia, dammar, pectin, beta-glucan, glucomannan, mastic, chicle, psyllium, spruce gum, gellan gum, acacia gum, guar gum, locust bean gum, carrageenans, gum arabic, karaya gum, ghatti gum, tragacanth gum, konjac gum, tara gum, pullulan or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the biodegradable polymer may comprise a synthetic polysaccharide, for example a synthetic polymer of sucrose.
  • the polysaccharide may comprise Ficoll ® .
  • the first coating may comprise about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 25, 40, 45 or about 50% by weight of the biodegradable polymer, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 10% to about 50% by weight.
  • the first coating may comprise a non-cytotoxic oil.
  • the non-cytotoxic oil may comprise a plant, animal, paraffin or mineral oil.
  • the non-cytotoxic oil may be selected from the group comprising canola, olive, sunflower seed, palm, coconut, corn, peanut, safflower, sesame, soybean, peanut, wheat germ, rice bran, flaxseed, palm or grapeseed oil, hydrolyzed oils, or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the non-cytotoxic oil may comprise a marine oil, for example a fish, seal, krill or seaweed oil.
  • the non-cytotoxic oil may comprise Excel ® Oil, Excel ® Organic Oil, Organic JMS Stylet-Oil or Syn Oil.
  • the first coating may comprise about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 25, 40, 45 or about 50% by weight of the non-cytotoxic oil, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 10% to about 50% by weight.
  • the biological material may comprise one or more microorganisms, hormones, pheromones, spores, proteins or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the biological material may comprise bacteria, yeast, fungi, or an endophyte.
  • the biological material is agriculturally and/or horticulturally useful, for example, the biological material is pesticidal and/or insecticidal, and/or supports plant growth and/or development, or any combination thereof.
  • the biological material may comprise Serratia (for example, Serratia entomophila or Serratia proteomaculans), Xanthamonas, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium, Beauveria, Penicillium, Metarhizium, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus,
  • Serratia for example, Serratia entomophila or Serratia proteomaculans
  • Xanthamonas for example, Serratia entomophila or Serratia proteomaculans
  • Pseudomonas for example, Rhizobium, Beauveria, Penicillium, Metarhizium, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus
  • Streptococcus Enterococcus
  • Yersinia for example, Yersinia entomophaga
  • Trichoderma Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Pasteuria, Azobacter, Enterobacter, Azospirillum, Cyanobacteria , Gliocladium, Coniotherium, Verticillium, Paecilomyces, Streptomycetes, Chromobacterium, Rhanella, Burkholderia, Paenibacillus, Collimonas, Sinorhizobium, Pantoea, Lecanicillum, Erwinia, Pediococus, Sclerotinia, Leuconostoc, Aeromonas, Neptunomonas, Klebsiella, Ponchonia, Brevibacillus, Acinetobacter or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the biological material may comprise one or more bacteria and one or more fungi.
  • the biological material comprises Serratia entomophila and Metarhizium anisopliae.
  • the protein may comprise a metabolite produced by a microorganism, for example a toxin produced by a
  • the biological material may comprise Serratia entomophila, Pseudomonas chloraphis, Burkholderia terricola, Yersinia entomophaga, Serratia proteomaculans, Penicillium janczewskii, Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Bacillus subtilis, or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the first coating may comprise about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 25, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or about 80% by weight of a composition comprising the biological material, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 10% to about 80% by weight.
  • the first coating may further comprise one or more layers of one or more particulate densifiers as described below.
  • the granules may further comprise an agricultural agent, that is, an agent that is beneficial for agricultural and/or horticultural purposes.
  • the granules may comprise one or more fertilisers, one or more trace elements, one or more nitrification inhibitors, one or more urease inhibitors, one or more plant growth promoters, such as hormones, or one or more pesticides, for example fungicides.
  • the agricultural agent may comprise a NPK fertiliser.
  • the agricultural agent may comprise one or more plant hormones selected from the group comprising gibberellins, auxins, cytokinins, abscisic acid, ethylene, salicylic acid, brassinosteroids, jasmonates, peptide hormones, polyamines, nitric oxide, and strigolactones, or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the granules may further comprise a surfactant.
  • the surfactant is selected from the group comprising nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and/or amphoteric surfactants.
  • surfactants include but are not limited to TweenTM and TritonTM (Rohm and Hass Company), Fortune ® , Pulse, C. Daxoil ® , Codacide oil ® , D-C. Tate ® , Supamet Oil, Bond ® , Penetrant, Glowelt® and Freeway, Citowett®, Fortune PlusTM, Fortune Plus Lite, Fruimec, Fruimec lite, alkali metal, alkaline earth metal and ammonium salts of aromatic sulfonic acids, e.g., ligninsulfonic acid, phenolsulfonic acid, naphthalenesulfonic acid and
  • dibutylnaphthalenesulfonic acid and of fatty acids, alkyi and alkylaryl sulfonates, and alkyi, lauryl ether and fatty alcohol sulfates, and salts of sulfated hexadecanols, heptadecanols, and octadecanols, salts of fatty alcohol glycol ethers, condensation products of sulfonated naphthalene and naphthalene derivatives with formaldehyde, condensation products of naphthalene or naphthalenesulfonic acids with phenol and formaldehyde, polyoxyethylene octylphenol ethers, ethoxylated isooctylphenol, ethoxylated octylphenol and ethoxylated nonylphenol, alkylphenol polyglycol ethers, tributylphenyl polyglycol ethers, alky
  • the granules may further comprise a lubricant.
  • the lubricant is selected from the group comprising a lipid such as a fat or oil, for example magnesium stearate, vegetable stearin, or stearic acid, or a mineral, for example talc or silica.
  • the particulate densifier may be selected from the group comprising a clay, a silicate mineral, a calcium salt, or a volcanic glass.
  • the particulate densifier may be selected from the group comprising a sulphate mineral, an aluminosilicate, a phyllosilicate, a clay mineral, a silicate, or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the particulate densifier may be selected from the group comprising bentonite, montmorillonite, gypsum, zeolite, kaolin, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, perlite, celite, diatomaceous earth, talc, silicon dioxide, or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the particulate densifier comprises bentonite, gypsum, or bentonite and gypsum.
  • the particulate densifier comprises bentonite and gypsum.
  • the disintegrant may comprise a starch, preferably a pre-gelatinised starch, a cross-linked polymer, or an effervescent agent.
  • the disintegrant may comprise potato starch, peat, rice powder, corn starch, sodium starch glycolate, cellulose, methylcellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinylpyrrolidone, croscarmellose sodium, alginic acid, citric acid, sodium bicarbonate or tartaric acid or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the granules may comprise a particulate densifier in an amount of about 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5 or 8 fold relative to the mass of the core, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 0.25 to about 8, about 0.25 to about 5, about 0.25 to about 3, about 0.5 to about 8, about 0.5 to about 5, about 0.5 to about 3, about 1 to about 8, about 1 to about 5, about 1 to about 4, about 1 to about 3, about 2 to about 8, about 2 to about 7, about 2 to about 6, about 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 4, about 3 to about 8, about 3 to about 7, about 3 to about 6, about 3 to about 5, about 4 to about 8, about 4 to about 7, about 4 to about 6, about 5 to about 8, about 5 to about 7, or about 6 to about 8 fold.
  • the granules comprise particulate densifier in an amount of from about 1 fold to
  • the second coating may comprise at least about 50, 60, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or about 99% by weight of particulate densifier, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 50 to about 99, about 50 to about 95, about 50 to about 90, about 50 to about 85, about 50 to about 80, about 50 to about 75, about 60 to about 99, about 60 to about 95, about 60 to about 90, about 60 to about 85, about 70 to about 99, about 70 to about 95, about 70 to about 90, about 70 to about 85, about 80 to about 99, about 80 to about 95, about 80 to about 90, about 90 to about 99, or about 90 to about 99% by weight of particulate densifier.
  • the second coating may comprise about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12.5, 13, 14 or about 15% by weight of disintegrant, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 0.1 to about 15, about 0.1 to about 12.5, about 0.1 to about 10, about 0.1 to about 8, about 0.1 to about 6, about 0.5 to about 15, about 0.5 to about 12.5, about 0.5 to about 10, about 0.5 to about 8, about 0.5 to about 6, about 1 to about 15, about 1 to about 12.5, about 1 to about 10, about 1 to about 9, about 1 to about 8, about 1 to about 7, about 2 to about 15, about 2 to about 12.5, about 2 to about 10, about 2 to about 9, about 2 to about 8, about 2 to about 7, about 2 to about 6, about 3 to about 15, about 3 to about 12.5, about 3 to about 10, about 3 to about 9, about 3 to about 8, about 3 to about 7, about 4 to about 15, about 4 to about 12.5, about 4 to about 10, about 4 to about 9, about 4 to about 8, about 4 to about 7, about 5 to
  • the mass of the second coating applied to the granules may be about 0.1 : 1, 0.25 : 1, 0.5 : 1, 1 : 1, 2: 1, 3 : 1, 4: 1, 5: 1, 6: 1, 7 : 1 or 8: 1 relative to the combined mass of the substrate and first coating.
  • Useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 0.1 : 1 to about 8: 1, about 0.1 : 1 to about 6: 1, about 0.1 : 1 to about 5 : 1, about 0.1 : 1 to about 4: 1, about 0.5 : 1 to about 8: 1, about 0.5 : 1 to about 7 : 1, about 0.5 : 1 to about 6: 1, about 0.5 : 1 to about 5: 1, about 0.5 : 1 to about 4: 1, about 1 : 1 to about 8: 1, about 1 : 1 to about 8: 1, about 1 : 1 to about 8: 1, about 1 : 1 to about 7: 1, about 1 : 1 to about 6: 1, about 1 : 1 to about 5: 1, about 1 : 1 to about 4: 1, about 2: 1 to about 8: 1, about 2: 1 to about 6: 1, about 2 : 1 to about 5 : 1, or about 2 : 1 to about 4: 1 relative to the mass of the substrate and first coating.
  • the granules may comprise at least one layer of the second coating. In one embodiment the granules may comprise two or more layers of the second coating comprising alternating layers of the binder and the second coating.
  • the binder may comprise one or more polymeric compounds, as described below in relation to the exterior coating.
  • the binder may comprise one or more polyhydroxyl compounds as described below.
  • the polymeric compound may be a polyhydroxyl compound, a polymer or copolymer of a C1-C6 alkyl substituted with one or more groups selected from the group comprising lactams or 2-pyrollidone, a shellac resin, a disaccharide, a polyelectrolyte, a polyethylene glycol, a polyethylene oxide, a polyacrylamide, a polyester, a cellulose, a lignin, a biodegradable gum, an oligopeptide, a polypeptide or a latex.
  • the binder may comprise a polymer or copolymer of a C1-C6 alkyl substituted with one or more groups selected from the group comprising lactams, preferably ⁇ -lactam, or 2-pyrollidone.
  • the binder may comprise a polyvinylpyrrolidone.
  • the binder may comprise shellac resin, a disaccharide, an oligosaccharide, a polysaccharide, a cellulose or a starch.
  • the binder may be agriculturally and/or horticulturally acceptable, non-cytotoxic, food grade and/or biodegradable.
  • the granules may comprise about 0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1% of the binder relative to the mass of the core of the granules, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 0.01 to about 0.1, 0.05 to about 0.4, about 0.05 to about 0.35, about 0.05 to about 0.3, about 0.05 to about 0.25, about 0.05 to about 0.2, about 0.15 to about 1, about 0.1 to about 0.4, about 0.1 to about 0.35, about 0.1 to about 0.3, about 0.1 to about 0.25, about 0.1 to about 0.2, about 0.15 to about 1, about 0.15 to about 0.4, about 0.15 to about 0.35, about 0.15 to about 0.3, about 0.15 to about 0.25, about 0.1 to about 0.2, about 0.15 to about 1, about 0.15 to about 0.4, about 0.15 to about
  • the exterior coating may be agriculturally and/or horticulturally acceptable, non-cytotoxic, food grade and/or biodegradable.
  • the exterior coating may comprise one or more or two or more polymeric compounds.
  • the polymeric compound may be a polyhydroxyl compound, a polymer or copolymer of a C1-C6 alkyl substituted with one or more groups selected from the group comprising lactams or 2-pyrollidone, a shellac resin, a disaccharide, a polyelectrolyte, a polyethylene glycol, a polyethylene oxide, a polyacrylamide, a polyester, a cellulose, a lignin, a biodegradable gum, an oligopeptide, a polypeptide or a latex.
  • groups selected from the group comprising lactams or 2-pyrollidone, a shellac resin, a disaccharide, a polyelectrolyte, a polyethylene glycol, a polyethylene oxide, a polyacrylamide, a polyester, a cellulose, a lignin, a biodegradable gum, an oligopeptide, a polypeptide or a latex.
  • the polymeric compound may be a polyhydroxyl compound, a polymer or copolymer of a C1-C6 alkyl substituted with one or more groups selected from the group comprising lactams or 2-pyrollidone, for example,
  • the polyhydroxyl compound may be selected from the group comprising a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyvinyl alcohol co-polymer, a polysaccharide, or an oligosaccharide.
  • the polyhydroxyl compound may be a polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol co-polymer (e.g. Kollicoat® Protect).
  • the polyhydroxyl compound is a polyvinyl alcohol.
  • the polyhydroxyl compound may be selected from the group comprising a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyethylene oxide, methyl cellulose, a polyvinyl alcohol-polyethylene glycol co-polymer (e.g. Kollicoat ® Protect) or gum arabic.
  • the polyhydroxyl compound is a polyvinyl alcohol.
  • the polysaccharide may be selected from the group comprising a starch, a dextrin, chitosan, a gum or a synthetic polysaccharide.
  • the starch may be potato starch or maize starch.
  • the starch is a pre-gelatinised starch.
  • the dextrin may be maltodextrin.
  • the gum may be xanthan gum or gum arabic.
  • the synthetic polysaccharide may be Ficoll ® .
  • the polyhydroxyl compound may be a polymer or copolymer of
  • ether moiety for example, methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer (Kollicoat® MAE100).
  • the polyelectrolyte may be polyacrylic acid or xanthan gum.
  • the polymer or copolymer of a C1-C6 alkyl may be substituted with one or more ⁇ -lactam groups.
  • the polymer or copolymer of a C1-C6 alkyl substituted with one or more groups selected from the group comprising lactams or 2-pyrollidone is polyvinylpyrollidone.
  • the polyester is an aliphatic polyester.
  • the polyester is polylactic acid.
  • the cellulose may be selected from the group comprising methyl cellulose, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and hydroxyethyl cellulose.
  • the biodegradable gum may be an exopolysaccharide produced by a microorganism or a plant gum as described above.
  • the biodegradable gum may be xanthan gum or gum arabic.
  • the polypeptide is gluten or gelatin.
  • the latex is EC 23009.
  • the polymeric compound may be a compound selected from the group comprising copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidone, and vinyl acetate, poly (methyl vinyl ether), maleic anhydride copolymers, free acids of the copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic anhydride, vinyl pyrrol idone/styrene copolymers, vinyl acetate/butyl acrylate copolymers, vinyl acetate homopolymers, acrylic copolymers, styrene/acrylic ester copolymers, vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymers and polyvinyl acetate, or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the exterior coating and/or the polymeric compound may be a latex polymer, for example, EC 23009.
  • the polyhydroxyl compound may comprise at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 750, 800, 1,000, 1,200, about 1,500, about 2,000, about 3,000, about 4,000 or at least about 5,000 hydroxyl groups, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 2 to about 5,000, about 2 to about 3,000, about 2 to about 1,500, about 2 to about 1,000, about 2 to about 800, about 2 to about 500, about 2 to about 300, about 2 to about 50, about 10 to about 5,000, about 10 to about 3,000, about 10 to about 1,500, about 10 to about 1,000, about 10 to about 500, about 10 to about 300, about 10 to about 100, about 10 to about 50, about 50 to about 5,000, about 50 to about 4,000, about 50 to about 3,000, about 50 to about 1,500, about 50 to about 1,000, about 50 to about 800, about 50 to about 500, about 50 to about 200, about 100 to about 5,000, about 100 to about 3,000, about 100 to about 3,000
  • the polymeric compound may comprise a polymer of a monomer comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 hydroxyl groups, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 1 to about 10, about 1 to about 8, about 1 to about 6, about 1 to about 5, about 1 to about 4, about 1 to about 3, about 2 to about 10, about 2 to about 8, about 2 to about 6, about 2 to about 4, about 3 to about 10, about 3 to about 8, about 3 to about 6, about 3 to about 5, about 4 to about 10, about 4 to about 8, about 4 to about 7, about 4 to about 6, about 5 to about 10, about 5 to about 9, about 5 to about 8, about 5 to about 7, about 6 to about 10, about 6 to about 9, about 6 to about 8, about 7 to about 10, about 7 to about 9, or about 8 to about 10 hydroxyl groups.
  • the polymeric compound may have an average molecular weight of about 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 22.5, 24.5, 25, 30, 40, 50, 75, 80, 90, 100, 118, 120, 125, 126, 130, 140, 150, 200, 250, 300 or about 350 kDa, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 1 to about 350, 5 to about 350, about 5 to about 250, about 5 to about 200, about 5 to about 150, about 5 to about 125, about 5 to about 100, about 5 to about 75, about 5 to about 50, about 10 to about 350, about 10 to about 250, about 10 to about 200, about 10 to about 150, about 10 to about 100, about 10 to about 75, about 10 to about 50, about 25 to about 350, about 25 to about 250, about 25 to about 200, about 25 to about 150, about 25 to about 125, about 25 to about 100, about 25 to about 75, about 25 to about 150, about 25 to about 125, about 25 to about 100, about 25 to about 25 to about 100, about
  • the polyhydroxyl compound may have a degree of hydrolysis of at least about 80, 82.5, 85, 87.5, 90, 92.5, 95 or 98 mol%, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 80 to about 100, about 80 to about 98, about 80 to about 95, about 80 to about 90, about 85 to about 100, about 85 to about 98, about 85 to about 95, about 85 to about 90, about 90 to about 100, about 90 to about 98, or from about 90 to about 95 mol%.
  • the exterior coating and/or the binder may further comprise a plasticiser, for example, an acetylated monoglyceride or alkyl citrate, a polyethylene glycol or monopropylene glycol.
  • the binder, exterior coating and/or second coating may comprise a dye, for example, Rhodamine B500, Methyl Violet, Blue 2313, Eosine Y, Sunset Yellow, Magenta, Blue 23123, Pigment Green 7, Tartrazine, Malachite Green, Auramine 0, Oil Yellow 21756, Green 19102 and Methylene Blue 2B, or titanium dioxide- coated micas (lustres) such as 100 Silver Pearl, 120 Lustre Pearl, 235 Green Pearl, 300 Gold Pearl, 500 Bronze Pearl and 504 Red Pearl.
  • the granules may comprise about 0.01, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3, 0.35, 0.4, 0.45, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 or 1% of the exterior coating relative to the mass of the core of the granules, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 0.01 to about 0.1, 0.05 to about 1, 0.05 to about 0.4, about 0.05 to about 0.35, about 0.05 to about 0.3, about 0.05 to about 0.25, about 0.05 to about 0.2, about 0.15 to about 1, about 0.1 to about 0.4, about 0.1 to about 0.35, about 0.1 to about 0.3, about 0.1 to about 0.25, about 0.1 to about 0.2, about 0.15 to about 1, about 0.15 to about 0.4, about 0.15 to about 0.35, about 0.15 to about 0.3, about 0.15 to about 0.25, about 0.1 to about 0.2, about 0.15 to about 1, about 0.15 to about 0.4,
  • the exterior coating may further comprise a particulate material, the particulate material comprising particles having a mean size of from about 0.1 ⁇ to about 50 ⁇ .
  • the particulate material may be selected from the group comprising a phyllosilicate, for example, attapulgite, an aluminosilicate, for example zeolite, a clay mineral, for example kaolin or kaolin/TiCh, a sulphate mineral, for example, gypsum, a silicate, for example talc, silica, microsilica, or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • a phyllosilicate for example, attapulgite
  • an aluminosilicate for example zeolite
  • a clay mineral for example kaolin or kaolin/TiCh
  • a sulphate mineral for example, gypsum
  • silicate for example talc
  • silica silica
  • microsilica or a combination of any two or more thereof.
  • the particulate material is selected from the group comprising hydrophilic fumed silica, amorphous silica, microsilica and kaolin/TiCh. In a preferred embodiment the particulate material is selected from the group comprising hydrophilic fumed silica, amorphous silica and microsilica. In a particularly contemplated embodiment the particulate material is microsilica.
  • the particulate material may comprise particles having a mean size of about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, 40, 42.5, 45, 47.5 or about 50 ⁇ , and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 0.1 to about 50 ⁇ , about 0.1 to about 40, about 0.1 to about 30, about 0.1 to about 20, about 0.1 to about 10, about 0.5 to about 50, about 0.5 to about 40, about 0.5 to about 30, about 0.5 to about 20, about 0.5 to about 100, about 1 to about 50, about 1 to about 40, about 1 to about 30, about 1 to about 20, about 1 to about 10, about 5 to about 50, about 5 to about 40, about 5 to about 30, about 5 to about 20, about 5 to about 10, about 10 to about 50, about 10 to about 40, about 10 to about 30, about 10 to about 20, about 20 to about 50, about 20 to about 40, about 20 to about 30, about 30 to about 50
  • the particulate material may comprise particles having a D90% of about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5 30, 32.5, 35,
  • 37.5, 40, 42.5, 45, 47.5 or about 50 ⁇ and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 0.1 to about 50 ⁇ , about 2 to about 50, about 2 to about 20, about 2 to about 15, about 2 to about 10, about 5 to about 50, about 5 to about 20, about 5 to about 15 or about 5 to about 10 ⁇ .
  • the particulate material may comprise particles having a D50% of about 0.1, 0.5, 1, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5, 15, 17.5, 20, 22.5, 25, 27.5 30, 32.5, 35, 37.5, 40, 42.5, 45, 47.5 or about 50 ⁇ , and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 0.1 to about 50 ⁇ , about 0.1 to about 20, about 0.1 to about 5 about 0.1 to about 2, about 0.5 to about 50 ⁇ , about 0.5 to about 20, about 0.5 to about 5 about 0.5 to about 2, about 1 to about 50 ⁇ , about 1 to about 20, about 0 to about 5 or about 0.1 to about 2.
  • the granules may comprise about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5 or 8% of particulate material relative to the mass of the granules, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 0.5 to about 8, about 0.5 to about 7, about 0.5 to about 6, about 0.5 to about 5, about 0.5 to about 4, about 0.5 to about 3, about 1 to about 8, about 1 to about 8% by weight.
  • the granules comprise from about 2 to about 5% particulate material.
  • the particulate material may coat at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 or 95% of the granule surface, and suitable ranges may be selected between any of these values.
  • the particulate material may coat at least about 10 to about 95, about 10 to about 90, about 10 to about 80, about 20 to about 95, about 20 to about 90, about 20 to about 80, about 30 to about 95, about 30 to about 90, about 30 to about 80, about 40 to about 95, about 40 to about 90, about 40 to about 80, about 50 to about 95, about 50 to about 90, about 50 to about 80, about 60 to about 95, about 60 to about 90, about 70 to about 95, about 70 to about 90, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 95, or about 80 to about 90, about 50 to about 100, about 60 to about 100, about 70 to about 100, about 80 to about 100, or about 90 to about 100% of the granule surface.
  • the particulate material coats at least about 90% of the granule surface.
  • another method for example, the particulate material coats at least about 90% of the granule surface.
  • the particulate material fully coats the granule surface.
  • the granules may comprise up to about 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or about 25% by weight moisture and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values.
  • the granules comprises from about 5 to about 25, 5 to about 20, about 5 to about 17, about 5 to about 16, about 5 to about 15, about 5 to about 14, about 5 to about 13, about 5 to about 12, about 5 to about 11, about 5 to about 10, 8 to about 25, about 8 to about 20, about 8 to about 17, about 8 to about 16, about 8 to about 15, about 8 to about 14, about 8 to about 13, about 8 to about 12, about 8 to about 11, about 8 to about 10, 10 to about 25, about 10 to about 20, about 10 to about 17, about 10 to about 16, about 10 to about 15, about 10 to about 14, about 10 to about 13, about 10 to about 12, about 10 to about 17, about 10 to about 16, about 10 to about 15, about 10 to about 14, about 10 to about 13, about 10 to about 12, about 10 to about 11, 11 to about 25, about 11 to about 20, about 11 to about 19, about 11 to about 18, about 11 to
  • the granules have a water activity of about 0.5, 0.55, 0.6, 0.65, 0.7, 0.75, 0.8, 0.85, 0.9, 0.95, 0.98, or about 0.99, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values.
  • the water activity of the granules is about 0.5 to about 0.99, 0.5 to about 0.98, 0.5 to about 0.95, 0.5 to about 0.9, 0.5 to about 0.85, 0.5 to about 0.8, 0.5 to about 0.75, 0.5 to about 0.7, 0.6 to about 0.99, 0.6 to about 0.98, 0.6 to about 0.95, 0.6 to about 0.9, 0.6 to about 0.85, 0.6 to about 0.8, 0.6 to about 0.75, 0.6 to about 0.7, 0.65 to about 0.99, 0.65 to about 0.98, 0.65 to about 0.95, 0.65 to about 0.9, 0.65 to about 0.85, 0.65 to about 0.8, 0.65 to about 0.75, 0.7 to about 0.99, 0.7 to about 0.98, 0.7 to about 0.95, 0.7 to about 0.9, 0.7 to about 0.85, 0.7 to about 0.8, 0.75 to about 0.99, 0.75 to about 0.98, 0.75 to about 0.95, 0.75 to about 0.9, 0.75 to about 0.85, 0.75, 0.
  • the granules may comprise at least about 1 x 10 5 , 2.5 x 10 5 , 5 x 10 5 , 7.5 x 10 5 , 1 x 10 6 , 2 x 10 6 , 2.5 x 10 6 , 5 x 10 6 , 7.5 x 10 5 , 1 x 10 7 , 2 x 10 7 , 2.5 x 10 7 , 5 x 10 7 , 7.5 x 10 7 , 1 x 10 s , 2 x 10 s , 2.5 x 10 8 , 5 x 10 8 , 7.5 x 10 8 , 1 x 10 9 , 2 x 10 9 , 2.5 x 10 9 , 5 x 10 9 , 7.5 x 10 9 or about 1 x 10 10 cfu (colony forming units) of the biological material per gram of granules after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days, or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 weeks, or 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10,
  • temperature, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 1 x 10 5 to about 1 x 10 10 , about 1 x 10 5 to about 7.5 x 10 9 , about 1 x 10 5 to about 5 x 10 9 , about 1 x 10 5 to about 1 x 10 9 , about 1 x 10 5 to about 5 x 10 8 , about 1 x 10 5 to about 1 x 10 8 , about 1 x 10 5 to about 5 x 10 7 , about 1 x 10 5 to about 1 x 10 7 , about 1 x 10 5 to about 5 x 10 6 , about 1 x 10 5 to about 1 x 10 5 , about 5 x 10 5 to about 1 x 10 10 , about 5 x 10 5 to about 1 x 10 9 , about 5 x 10 5 to about 1 x 10 8 , about 5 x 10 5 to about 1 x 10 7 , about 1 x 10 6 to about 1 x 10 5 to about 1 x 10 7 , about 1
  • the biological material retains at least about 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 0.75, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 98, 99 or 100% viability after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days, or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 weeks, or 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 24 months storage of the granules at ambient temperature, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values for example, about 0.1 to about 99, about 0.1 to about 98, about 0.1 to about 95, about 0.1 to about 90, about 2 to about 99, about 2 to about 98, about 2 to about 95, about 2 to about 90, about 2 to about 85, about 2 to about 80, about 2 to about 70, about 2 to about 60, about 2 to about 50, about 5 to about 99, about 5 to about 98, about 5 to about 95, about 5 to about 90, about 5 to about 85, about 5 to about 80, about 5 to
  • the colony forming units (cfu) of the biological material per gram of granules after at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days, or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 weeks storage, or 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 24 months storage at ambient temperature is at least about 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200%, 250%, 300%, 350%, 400%, 450%, 500%, 550%, 600%, 650%, 700%, 750%, 800%, 850%, 900%, 950%, or at least about 1000% of the cfu of biological material per gram of freshly prepared granules, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example from about 2 to about 1000, about 2 to about 500, about 2 to about 100, about 2 to about 50, about 2 to about 25, about
  • the number of colony forming units (cfu) of biological material in the granules increases by at least about 1.2, 1.25, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5 or at least about 10 fold after at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days, or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 weeks, or 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 24 months storage at ambient temperature, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example from about 1.2 to about 10 fold, about 2 to about 10 fold, about 3 to about 10 fold, or about 5 to about 10 fold.
  • the number of colony forming units (cfu) of the biological material is reduced by less than about 1 log, 2 log or 3 log after about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days, or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 weeks, or 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 18, 24 months storage at ambient temperature, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example from about 1 log to about 3 log or from about 1 log to about 2 log.
  • the viability of the biological material in the granules 0.1, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 days after application to the soil may be at least about 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 98, 99 or 100% of the viability of the biological material in freshly prepared granules, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values for example, about 2 to about 99, about 2 to about 98, about 2 to about 95, about 2 to about 90, about 2 to about 85, about 2 to about 80, about 2 to about 70, about 2 to about 60, about 2 to about 50, about 5 to about 99, about 5 to about 98, about 5 to about 95, about 5 to about 90, about 5 to about 85, about 5 to about 80, about 5 to about 70, about 5 to about 60, about 10 to about 99, about 10 to about 98, about 10 to about 95, about 10 to about 90, about 10 to about 85, about 10 to about 10 to about
  • the granules may increase in size by at least about 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 98, 99 or 100% after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days, or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 weeks post-application to the soil, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values for example, about 2 to about 99, about 2 to about 98, about 2 to about 95, about 2 to about 90, about 2 to about 85, about 2 to about 80, about 2 to about 70, about 2 to about 60, about 2 to about 50, about 5 to about 99, about 5 to about 98, about 5 to about 95, about 5 to about 90, about 5 to about 85, about 5 to about 80, about 5 to about 70, about 5 to about 60, about 10 to about 99, about 10 to about 98, about 10 to about 95, about 10 to about 90, about 10 to about 85, about 10 to about 80, about 10 to about 70, about 20 to about 99, about
  • the moisture content of the granules may increase by at least about 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 98, 99 or 100% after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 days, or 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 weeks post-application to the soil, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values for example, about 2 to about 99, about 2 to about 50, about 5 to about 99, about 5 to about 60, about 10 to about 99, about 10 to about 70, about 20 to about 99, about 20 to about 60, about 30 to about 99, about 30 to about 80, about 40 to about 99, about 40 to about 60, about 50 to about 99, about 50 to about 60, about 60 to about 99, about 60 to about 70, about 70 to about 99, about 70 to about 80, about 80 to about 99, about 80 to about 90, about 85 to about 99, or from about 95 to about 98%.
  • 10 g granules placed on paper towels wetted with 100 ml_ water absorbs at least about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5 or at least about 7 g water, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values for example, from about 1 to about 7 g, about 1 to about 6 g, about 1 to about 5 g, about 2 to about 5 g, about 2 to about 4 g, about 2 to about 3.5 g, about 2.5 to about 5 g, about 2.5 to about 4.5 g, or about 2.5 to about 4 g.
  • the granules may be substantially resistant to deformation upon application of a pressure of up to about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, or 5 kg/cm 2 , and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example from about 0.5 to about 5, about 0.5 to about 4.5, about 0.5 to about 4, about 0.5 to about 3.5, about 0.5 to about 3, about 1 to about 5, about 1 to about 4.5, about 1 to about 4, about 1 to about 3.5, about 1 to about 3, about 1.5 to about 5, about 1.5 to about 4.5, about 1.5 to about 4, about 1.5 to about 3.5, about 1.5 to about 3, about 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 4.5, about 2 to about 4, about 2 to about 3.5, about 2 to about 3, about 2.5 to about 5, about 2.5 to about 4.5, about 2.5 to about 4, about 2.5 to about 3.5, about 2.5 to about 3, about 3 to about 5, about 3 to about 4.5, about 3 to about 4 kg, about 3.5 to about 5, about 3.5 to about 4, or
  • the granules may have a hardness of from about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 or about 50 N, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 1 to about 50, 2 to about 50, about 2 to about 30, about 2 to about 20, about 2 to about 10, about 2 to about 9, about 2 to about 5, about 3 to about 50, about 3 to about 30, about 3 to about 20, about 3 to about 10, about 3 to about 9, about 3 to about 5, about 4 to about 50, about 4 to about 30, about 4 to about 20, about 4 to about 10, about 4 to about 9, or about 4 to about 5 N.
  • that granules may have a mean size of about 0.5, 1,
  • 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.5 or about 10 mm, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 0.5 to about 10, about 0.5 to about 7.5, about 0.5 to about 6, about 0.5 to about 5, 1 to about 10, about 1 to about 7.5, about 1 to about 6, about 1 to about 5, about 2 to about 10, about 2 to about 7.5, about 2 to about 6, about 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 4, about 2.5 to about 10, about 2.5 to about 7.5, about 2.5 to about 6, about 2.5 to about 5, or about 2.5 to about 4 mm.
  • the agricultural composition comprises one or more agricultural agents.
  • the agricultural agent is urea.
  • the core may be formed by
  • a first coating comprising biological material, preferably one or more microorganisms, and optionally a biodegradable polymer and/or a non-cytotoxic oil to form a first-coated material
  • the granule is formed by applying an exterior coating to the core to at least partially coat the core, the exterior coating comprising a polymeric compound, and optionally drying the granule.
  • the substrate may be coated with a first coating comprising biological material, and optionally a biodegradable polymer and/or a non- cytotoxic oil, followed by one or more coatings comprising one or more particulate densifiers and one or more disintegrants.
  • the first coated material may be coated with a second coating comprising at least one particulate densifier and with a binder to form a core.
  • the first-coated material may be coated with alternating layers of the second coating and the binder.
  • the first-coated material may be coated with two or more layers of the second coating.
  • the first coated material may be coated with the second coating and with a binder and then coated with an exterior coating.
  • the exterior coating may be less soluble in water than the binder.
  • the binder may be soluble in water to form a 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5% solution at a temperature of less than about 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65 or about 70°C, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 25 to about 70, about 25 to about 65, about 25 to about 60, about 25 to about 55, about 25 to about 50, about 25 to about 45, about 30 to about 70, about 30 to about 65, about 30 to about 60, about 30 to about 55, about 30 to about 50, about 35 to about 70, about 35 to about 65, about 35 to about 60, about 35 to about 55, about 35 to about 50, about 35 to about 45, about 40 to about 70, about 40 to about 65, about 40 to about 60, about
  • the binder completely dissolves in water in less than 2 hours.
  • the binder completely dissolves in water in less than 2 hours at a temperature of 55 °C to form a 2% solution.
  • the exterior coating may be soluble in water to form a 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5% solution at a temperature of greater than about 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90 or about 95°C, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 50 to about 95, about 50 to about 90, about 50 to about 85, about 50 to about 80, about 50 to about 75, about 50 to about 70, about 55 to about 95, about 55 to about 90, about 55 to about 85, about 55 to about 80, about 55 to about 75, about 55 to about 70, about 60 to about 95, about 60 to about 90, about 60 to about 85, about 60 to about 80, about 60 to about 75, about 60 to about 70, about 65 to about 95, about 65 to about 90, about 65 to about 85, about 65 to about 80, about 65 to about 75, or about 65 to about 70°C.
  • the exterior coating completely dissolves in water in less than 2 hours.
  • the exterior coating completely dissolves in water in less than 2 hours at a temperature of 70 °C to form a 2% solution.
  • the binder and/or the exterior coating may have a pH of about 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7 or about pH 8, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about pH 4 to about pH 8, about pH 4 to about pH 7, about pH 4 to about pH 6, about pH 4 to about pH 5, about pH 5 to about pH 8, about pH 5 to about pH 7, about pH 5 to about pH 6, about pH 6 to about pH 8, about pH 6 to about pH 7, or about pH 7 to about pH 8.
  • the binder and/or the exterior coating may have a viscosity of about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 75, 80, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 225, 250, 275 or 300 cP, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, about 1 to about 300, about 1 to about 250, about 1 to about 200, about 1 to about 150, about 1 to about 100, about 1 to about 70, about 1 to about 50, 1 to about 30, about 1 to about 25, about 1 to about 20, about 1 to about 15, about 1 to about 10, about 1 to about 6, about 1 to about 5, about 1 to about 4, about 1 to about 3, 2 to about 300, about 2 to about 200, about 2 to about 100, about 2 to about 70, about 1 to about 50, 2 to about 30, about 2 to about 25, about 2 to about 20, about 2 to about 15, about
  • the binder and/or the exterior coating applied to the granule may comprise about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4 5, 6, 7, 7.5, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35 or about 40% w/v of the polymeric compound, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, about 0.5 to about 40, about 0.5 to about 30, about 0.5 to about 20, about 0.5 to about 10, about 0.5 to about 5, about 1 to about 40, about 1 to about 30, about 1 to about 20, about 1 to about 15, about 1 to about 10, about 1 to about 5, about 1 to about 3, about 1.5 to about 40, about 1.5 to about 30, about 1.5 to about 20, about 1.5 to about 10, about 1.5 to about 5, about 2 to about 40, about 2 to about 30, about 2 to about 20, about 2 to about 10, about 2 to about 5, about 2.5 to about 40, about 2.5 to about 30, about 2.5 to about 20, about 2.5 to about 10, about 5 to about 40, about 5 to about 30, about 5 to about 20, about 5 to about 10, about 7.5 to about 40, about 7.5 to about
  • binder in various embodiments about 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or about 5 L binder may be applied per 10 kg of coated granules, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, about 0.25 to about 5, about 0.25 to about 4, about 0.25 to about 3, about 0.25 to about 2.5, about 0.25 to about 2, about 0.5 to about 5, about 0.5 to about 4.5, about 0.5 to about 4, about 0.5 to about 3.5, about 0.5 to about 3, about 0.5 to about 2.5, about 0.5 to about 2, about 1 to about 5, about 1 to about 4, about 1 to about 3, about 1 to about 2.5, or about 1 to about 2 L.
  • the method may additionally comprise drying the granule.
  • the coated granules may be dried in a fluid bed dryer. In one embodiment the coated granules may be dried until the granules have a moisture content of about 10, 11, 12, 12.5, 13, 13.5, 14, 14.5, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 or 24% moisture, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 10 to about 24, 10 to about 20, about 10 to about 19, about 10 to about 18, about 10 to about 17, about 10 to about 16, about 10 to about 15, about 10 to about 14, about 10 to about 13.5, about 10 to about 12.5, from about 11 to about 20, about 11 to about 19, about 11 to about 18, about 11 to about 17, about 11 to about 16, about 11 to about 15, about 11 to about 14, about 11 to about 13.5, about 11 to about 12.5, about 12 to about 24, about 12 to about 20, about 12 to about 19, about 12 to about 18, about 12 to about 17, about 12 to about 16, about 12 to about 15, about 12 to about 14, about 12 to about 13.5, about 12 to about 12.5, about 12.5 to about 20,
  • the distribution device may be a truck. In a further embodiment the distribution device may be a ground spreader. In one embodiment the distribution device may be a seed drill. For example, in various embodiments the distribution device may be a gravity drill or an air-speeder drill.
  • the granules or composition may be concurrently applied using the distribution device with a second granule or composition, for example, urea.
  • the granules or composition may be applied to substantially cover a locus, for example a crop field or pasture.
  • the granules or composition may be applied to the soil at a rate of at least about 5, 10, 20, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190 or about 200 kg per hectare, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 10 to about 200, about 10 to about 150, about 10 to about 120, about 10 to about 100, about 10 to about 50, about 30 to about 200, about 30 to about 150, about 30 to about 100, about 30 to about 75, about 40 to about 200, about 40 to about 180, about 40 to about 150, about 40 to about 100, about 40 to about 80, about 40 to about 75, about 50 to about 200, about 50 to about 180, about 50 to about 160, about 50 to about 150, about 50 to about 120, about 50 to about 100, about 50 to about 75, about 60 to about 200, about 60 to about 180, about 60 to about 150
  • the granules or composition may be applied to the soil at a rate of at least about 1 x 10 9 , 1 x 10 10 , 5 x 10 10 , 1 x 10 11 , 5 x 10 11 , 1 x 10 12 , 2.5 x 10 12 , 5 x 10 12 , 7.5 x 10 12 , 1 x 10 13 , 2.5 x 10 13 , 5 x 10 13 , 7.5 x 10 13 , 1 x 10 14 , 2.5 x 10 14 , 5 x 10 14 , 7.5 x 10 14 , or about 1 x 10 15 cfu of biological material per hectare and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 1 x 10 9 to about 1 x 10 15 , about 1 x 10 9 to about 1 x 10 14 , about 1 x 10 9 to about 1 x 10 13 , about 1 x 10 9 to about 1 x 10 12 , 1 x 10 10 to about 1 cfu of biological material per
  • the granules or composition may be applied when the soil is wet, or after irrigation or rainfall.
  • application of the granules or composition may kill plant pests, such as grass grubs.
  • application of the granules or composition may reduce the grass grub population in the soil by at least about 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100% in the 12 months following application, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 10 to about 100, about 10 to about 90, about 10 to about 75, about 10 to about 60, about 10 to about 50, about 10 to about 40, about 20 to about 100, about 20 to about 90, 20 to about 75, 20 to about 60, 20 to about 50, 20 to about 40, 40 to about 100, 40 to about 90, 40 to about 75,40 to about 60, 40 to about 50, 50 to about 100, 50 to about 90, 50 to about 75, 50 to about 60, 60 to about 100, 60 to about 90, 60 to about 75, 75 to about 100, 75 to about
  • application of the granules or composition may increase plant growth, such as pasture growth, or increases plant yield, such as pasture yield.
  • application of the granules or composition may increase pasture dry matter production by at least about 2, 2.5, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95 or 100%, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 2 to about 100, about 2.5 to about 100, about 5 to about 100, about 10 to about 100, about 10 to about 90, about 10 to about 75, about 10 to about 60, about 10 to about 50, about 10 to about 40, about 20 to about 100, about 20 to about 90, 20 to about 75, 20 to about 60, 20 to about 50, 20 to about 40, 40 to about 100, 40 to about 90, 40 to about 75,40 to about 60, 40 to about 50, 50 to about 100, 50 to about 90, 50 to about 75, 50 to about 60, 60 to about 100, 60 to about 90, 60 to about 75, 75 to about 100, 75 to about 90, or from about 75 to about 80%.
  • This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be
  • Figure 1 is a flowchart summarising methods of manufacturing granules of the invention.
  • Figure 2 shows the release of S. entomophila into soil six weeks after application of granules to the soil surface.
  • the line indicates the target level of release to achieve acceptable grass grub control.
  • the granules comprised the following disintegrants in the second coating : 10% starch, 5% starch, peat, or an effervescent formulation.
  • Figure 3 shows granules of the invention having a second coating comprising 2 part gypsum, 1 part bentonite, 1 part pregelatinised potato starch (right), compared with granules having a second coating comprising bentonite only (left).
  • Figure 4 shows the shelf life of granules stored in thick gas transferable (TGT) bags at 20 °C over 64 weeks.
  • the granules comprised the following disintegrants in the second coating : 10% starch, 5% starch, peat, or an effervescent formulation.
  • Figure 5 compares the viability of granules of the invention coated with an exterior coating comprising (A) PVA (BF17W) and, (B) EC23009 seed coating. Granules that had been dried for 4, 24 or 72 hours were stored in TGT bags at ambient temperature for up to 8 weeks.
  • Figure 6 shows S. entomophila loadings of A) Swellable granules; and B) Swell+ granules over 60 days storage at 4°C ( ⁇ ), ambient temperature ( ⁇ ), and 20°C ( A ). Error bars show the standard error of the mean (SEM).
  • Figure 7 shows the water activity of Swellable and Swell+ granules at time of manufacture (0), and after 3, 7, 30 and 60 days storage at 4°C, ambient temperature, or 20°C. Error bars show the standard error of the mean (SEM) .
  • Figure 8 shows the levels of S. entomophila in soil treated with Swellable (grey bars) or Swell+ (white bars) granules over six weeks. The theoretical background level of S. entomophila in the soil and the target level for effective control of grass grubs are shown. Error bars show the standard error of the mean (SEM).
  • Figure 9 shows S.
  • entomophila levels in soil treated in a pot trial with granules of the invention following four irrigation events at daily intervals of 20 mm/day (black bars) or 40 mm/day (white bars). Measurements were made five days after the final irrigation event. Error bars show the standard error of the mean (SEM).
  • Figure 10 shows the rate of amber disease in grass grubs recovered from A) a Central Plateau site; and B) Canterbury sites up to 8 or 9 weeks post application of large control granules, large granules of the invention, small granules of the invention, and no granules (untreated).
  • Figure 11 shows S. entomophila levels in soil at two sites at 6 weeks
  • Figure 12 shows the viability of bacteria in granules of the invention stored at ambient temperature for 8 or 9 months, the granules comprising A) a 1 :4; or B) a 1 : 1 ratio of first-coated material to second coating.
  • Figure 13 shows the viability of bacteria in granules of the invention ( ⁇ ) and granules that do not comprise an exterior coating ( ⁇ ) following exposure to direct sunlight.
  • Figure 14 shows the moisture content of granules of the invention ( ⁇ ) and granules that do not comprise an exterior coating ( ⁇ ) following exposure to direct sunlight.
  • Figure 15 shows the water activity of granules of the invention ( ⁇ ) and granules that do not comprise an exterior coating ( ⁇ ) following exposure to direct sunlight.
  • the present invention relates to granules or an agricultural composition comprising granules, methods of preparing such granules, and application of such granules into or on soil.
  • the granules comprise a core, a binder and an exterior coating that at least partially coats the core and that reduces the water permeability of the granule wherein the exterior coating comprises a polymeric compound.
  • the present invention provides for the delivery of beneficial biological material to the soil in granules that protect the biological material during storage of the granules and after application to the soil before the biological material enters the soil profile.
  • the granules of the invention are suitable for delivery of a wide range of biological materials that improve soil quality and control pests and disease in plants.
  • Granule includes granules, prills, pellets, small particles and grains.
  • Granules have a mean particle size of, for example, at least about 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.5 or about 10 mm, and useful ranges may be selected between any of these values, for example, from about 0.5 to about 10 mm.
  • the granules of the invention comprise
  • a first coating that at least partially coats the substrate, the first coating comprising biological material, preferably one or more microorganisms, and optionally a biodegradable polymer and/or a non-cytotoxic oil, and
  • a second coating that at least partially coats the first coating, the second coating comprising one or more particulate densifiers, one or more disinteg rants, preferably a pre-gelatinised starch, and a binder, and
  • the granules further comprising an exterior coating that at least partially coats the core and that reduces the water permeability of the granule, the exterior coating comprising a polymeric compound.
  • the binder may comprise a polymeric compound, preferably a polyhydroxyl compound as described above.
  • the polymeric compound may be selected from the group comprising a polyvinyl alcohol, a polyethylene oxide (for example, POLYOXTM N 10, POLYOXTM N750), methyl cellulose (for example, METHOCELTM A4M) or gum arabic.
  • the polyhydroxyl compound is a polyvinyl alcohol, for example, Poval ® PVA 105, Sigma-80 PVA, Poval ® PVA 405, Poval ® PVA 205, Poval ® PVA 205MB, BF17W, BF17 or PB17 polyvinyl alcohol.
  • the polymeric compound may comprise a latex polymer, for example, EC 23009, a shellac resin, or a polyvinylpyrrolidone.
  • the granules may comprise additional agents, for example, a dye, a plasticiser or an agricultural agent as described above. These additional agents may be incorporated into the first or second coatings.
  • the granules comprise two or more polymeric compounds, for example, the binder comprises a first polymeric compound and the exterior coating comprises a second polymeric compound.
  • the granules may comprise alternating layers of the binder and the second coating.
  • the exterior coating may bind particulate material to the granules.
  • a solution comprising the exterior coating and/or the binder atomises finely to enable uniform application when sprayed on to the surface of the granules.
  • the solution comprising the exterior coating and/or the binder has a low viscosity.
  • a solution comprising the exterior coating and/or the binder initially forms an adherent surface that at least partially coats the surface of the granules when first applied to the granules. The adherent surface enables adherence of the second coating and/or the particulate material to the granules.
  • a solution comprising the exterior coating and/or the binder dries within about 15 seconds following application to the surface of the granules.
  • the binder comprises a first polymeric compound that rapidly dissolves when contacted by moisture in the soil to enable rapid release of the biological material and/or other agricultural agents in the granules.
  • the exterior coating comprises a second polymeric compound that resists dissolution during storage of the granule, for example, if condensation forms in the bags in which the granules are stored. The exterior coating helps to protect the biological material in the granules from
  • the exterior coating of the granules dissolves once the granules are applied into or on soil.
  • the rate of dissolution of the exterior coating of the granules varies depending on the moisture content of the soil. For example, the exterior coating of the granules will dissolve more rapidly in a wet soil.
  • the exterior coating of the granules dissolves within about 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5 or 5 hours of application to wet soil, and useful ranges may be selected from between any of these values, for example from about 1 to about 5, about 1 to about 4, about 1 to about 3, about 2 to about 5, about 2 to about 4, about 3 to about 4, or about 3 to about 5 hours.
  • the exterior coating of the granules dissolves within about 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, or about 72 hours of application to dry soil, and useful ranges may be selected from between any of these values, for example from about 12 to about 72, about 12 to about 60, about 12 to about 48, about 12 to about 36, about 12 to about 24, about 24 to about 72, or about 24 to about 48 hours.
  • the binder may comprise a first polymeric compound that is soluble in water at a temperature of less than about 50°C to form a 2% solution of the first polymeric compound
  • the exterior coating may comprise a second polymeric compound that is soluble in water at a temperature of at least about 70°C to form a 2% solution of the second polymeric compound.
  • the second polymeric compound may have a higher degree of hydrolysis and/or a higher molecular weight than the binder.
  • Polymeric compounds for use in the invention must be compatible with, and nontoxic to, the biological material contained in the granules.
  • the binder and/or exterior coating comprise compounds that are agriculturally acceptable, non-toxic, biodegradable and/or food grade.
  • the exterior coating and/or the binder resists fungal or mould formation on the surface of the granules.
  • the polymeric compound is a film-forming compound.
  • the polymeric compound forms a film on the granules that is uniform.
  • a film formed on the surface of the granules by the polymeric compound is non-adhesive, so that adjacent granules do not adhere to each other.
  • This property of the polymeric compound may be assessed by determining the "cling" tendency of films comprising the polymeric compound.
  • a solution comprising the polymeric compound is prepared and applied to two glass sheets at the maximum temperature the granules will be exposed to during manufacture, for example, 35°C. Each of the films is peeled away from the glass and then slid across each other. The absence of any bonding between the films indicates that the polymeric compound is suitable for use in the invention.
  • the exterior coating of the granules is initially impermeable to moisture and some gases in order to protect the biological material within the granule from degradation. Once the soil is sufficiently moist, for example following rainfall, the exterior coating dissolves, leading to swelling and
  • the permeability of an exterior coating may be determined by preparing films comprising a polymeric compound and measuring diffusion of water or gases through the film.
  • the exterior coating of the granules may comprise particulate material that is embedded or compressed on to the surface of the granules to at least partially coat the surface of the granules.
  • the void spaces on the surface of the granules are filled by the particulate material and the surface of the granules is smoothed to form a surface with a low coefficient of friction.
  • the particulate material likely forms small fractures on the surface of the granules that allow ingress of moisture when the granules are applied to soil to facilitate break up of the granule and delivery of the biological material. Suitable particulate materials for use in the exterior coating are described above.
  • a D90 defines the upper limit of the diameter of 90% of the particles
  • a D50 defines the upper limit of the diameter of 50% of the particles.
  • a D90% of 10 ⁇ means that 90% of the particles have a diameter of less than 10 ⁇ .
  • a D50% of 2 ⁇ means that 10% of the particles have a diameter of less than 2 ⁇ .
  • the substrate is an inert, absorbent material that forms the inner core of the granules.
  • the substrate is an edible and/or biodegradable solid or semisolid. Suitable substrates for use in the invention are described above.
  • the substrate is porous and adsorbs a substantial amount of the first coating applied to the granules as described above.
  • the substrate is zeolite that adsorbs at least about 20% of the first coating material.
  • the substrate is a seed that adsorbs at least about 4% of the first coating, or from about 4% to about 15% of the first coating.
  • the granules of the invention are suitable for delivery of a wide range of biological materials to soil.
  • the granules of the invention are suitable for delivery of microorganisms that are sensitive to the environment, for example,
  • the granules of the invention preserve the viability of the biological material in the first coating during storage at ambient temperature, for example, storage for at least about 5 weeks. It will be appreciated that ambient temperature is a temperature of about 20°C.
  • the granules of the invention rapidly degrade and release the biological material in the first coating of the granule after application of the granules to soil.
  • the first coating may comprise one or more biodegradable polymers and one or more non-cytotoxic oils.
  • the biodegradable polymer/s and non- cytotoxic oil/s may be combined to form a gel stock.
  • the biological material is added to the gel stock before application to the granule to form the first coating of the granules.
  • Water and the biodegradable polymer together form a gel that provides a suitable environment to support the viability of the biological material.
  • the polymer particles in the gel are coated with the non-cytotoxic oil, which ensures that the particles disperse evenly in water volume before swelling.
  • the biological material may comprise a combination of any two or more biological materials, for example, a microorganism and a protein, or two microorganisms.
  • the biological material may comprise a combination of a bacterium and a fungus.
  • the biological material is Serratia entomophila.
  • the biodegradable polymer may be a polysaccharide.
  • the biodegradable polymer is of neutral or negative charge.
  • the biopolymer may be an exopolysaccharide produced by a microorganism, or a gum.
  • the biodegradable polymer may be a synthetic polysaccharide, for example a synthetic polymer of sucrose.
  • the first coating may comprise a non-cytotoxic oil that is compatible with, and non-toxic to, the biological material, particularly micrororganisms in the granule.
  • the non-cytotoxic oil is a plant or animal oil.
  • the non-cytotoxic oil is a marine oil, for example a fish or seaweed oil, or a paraffin oil or a mineral oil.
  • the second coating of the granule comprises at least one particulate densifier and preferably a disintegrant as discussed above.
  • the particulate densifier increases the density of the granules to enable effective distribution, contributes to the hardness of the granules, protects the biological material from environmental conditions such as moisture and UV radiation, adsorbs and retains moisture, and regulates the rate of release of biological material from the granules.
  • the disintegrant enhances swelling and breakdown of the granules to enable the release of the biological material from the granules.
  • the granules may comprise an agricultural agent, for example, one or more fertilizers, one or more trace elements, one or more nitrification inhibitors, one or more urease inhibitors, pesticides, for example fungicides, or other agents.
  • the agricultural agent may be included in the first coating, the second coating, the binder or the exterior coating.
  • the granules may further comprise a dye. In one
  • the dye may be included in the second coating. In another embodiment the dye may be included in the binder or the exterior coating.
  • the granules of the invention may be combined with an agricultural agent to form an agricultural composition for application to soil.
  • the granules may be applied to the soil in a distribution device concurrently with another agricultural agent.
  • the granules may be combined with, or applied concurrently with, urea.
  • Exemplary granules of the invention comprise a core, the core comprising
  • a first coating that at least partially coats the substrate, the first coating comprising a microorganism, xanthan gum and a non-cytotoxic oil, and
  • a second coating that at least partially coats the first coating, the second coating comprising bentonite, gypsum, potato starch, and a polyethylene oxide (for example, POLYOXTM N750),
  • the granules further comprising an exterior coating that at least partially coats the core, the exterior coating comprising polyvinyl alcohol (for example, BF17W) .
  • the exterior coating comprising polyvinyl alcohol (for example, BF17W) .
  • the granules of the invention are free-flowing, non-adherent, non-bridging and substantially resistant to deformation.
  • the exterior coating of the granules provide maximum slip or minimum adhesion between the granules and hard surfaces, such as those of a distribution device. Further, it is desirable that the granules are substantially resistant to softening when exposed to condensation and dampness, for example during storage of the granules.
  • the exterior coating helps to maintain the moisture content inside the granules protecting the biological material from desiccating conditions during storage of the granules, or following application of the granules to dry soil.
  • the exterior coating protects the biological material in the granules from degradation upon exposure to UV radiation, desiccation and/or other harsh environmental conditions.
  • granules may have a mean size of from about 0.5 to about 10 mm, preferably from about 2 to about 4 mm. [00179] The granules of the invention exhibit favourable flowability characteristics.
  • Flowability refers to the ease with which the granules will flow under a specified set of conditions.
  • the flow properties and flowability of the granules may be determined using standard powder and/or particle flow tests known in the art.
  • the flowability of the granules may be measured by pouring granules through a cone or at a tilted angle onto a flat surface to form a cone of granules.
  • the flat surface may have a fixed base size.
  • the maximum angle that the plane of powder makes with the horizontal surface (the angle of repose) is measured.
  • the angle of repose may be a static or kinetic angle of repose.
  • the angle of repose of the granules is about 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 or about 60 degrees (for example, about 12 to about 60 degrees).
  • the angle of repose of the granules is about 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55 or about 60 degrees (for example, about 12 to about 60 degrees).
  • the angle of repose of the granules is about 19 degrees.
  • the invention relates to a method of producing a granule, the method comprising
  • a first coating that at least partially coats the substrate, the first coating comprising biological material, preferably one or more microorganisms, and a biodegradable polymer and/or a non-cytotoxic oil, and
  • a second coating that at least partially coats the first coating, the second coating comprising one or more one particulate densifiers, one or more disinteg rants, and a binder, and
  • the exterior coating comprises a polymeric compound.
  • the granules may be prepared as follows.
  • a substrate 1 is provided, and coated with a first coating 2a comprising biological material to form a first-coated material 2.
  • the first coating comprises an aqueous concentrate comprising the biological material.
  • the first coating may be applied to the substrate using a blender, seed coater or other suitable mixing device.
  • the first coating is prepared by combining a biodegradable polymer and a non-cytotoxic oil with water to form a gel stock 2b, mixing the gel stock with the biological material to form the first coating 2a, and applying the first coating 2a to the substrate to form the first coated material 2.
  • the biological material is a microorganism
  • the biological material may be provided in a broth.
  • the first coating further comprises applying one or more layers comprising one or more particulate densifiers 2c.
  • the core is dusted with a first layer comprising two particulate densifiers and a second layer comprising one particulate densifier.
  • the first layer comprises bentonite and talc and the second layer comprises talc.
  • the first coated material 2 is coated with a second coating 3a comprising at least one particulate densifier and at least one disintegrant to form a core 3.
  • the second coating may be applied by combining the first coated material 2 and the second coating 3a in a coating device and circulating the coating device to form the core 3.
  • Suitable coating devices for use in applying the second coating to the first coated material include a seed coater or a pan granulator.
  • the second coating preferably comprises at least two particulate densifiers. Most preferably, the second coating comprises bentonite and gypsum.
  • the second coating is prepared by combining the one or more particulate densifiers, with a disintegrant, for example potato starch, using a blender until the second coating is visibly uniform.
  • a disintegrant for example potato starch
  • a binder 3b is applied to the first coated material 2 concurrently with the second coating 3a to facilitate adherence of the second coating to the first coated material.
  • binder 3b and second coating 3a are added alternately to the first coated material 2 in a seed coater to form the core 3.
  • Binder 3b is sprayed into the coating device to ensure uniform coating of the granules as layers of the second coating 3a are built up on the first coated material.
  • the surface of the first coated material may require re- moistening before the second coating is applied.
  • the first coated material 2 is coated with binder 3c in a coating device immediately before the second coating 2 is applied.
  • a 1 : 1 ratio w/w of the first coated material 2 to second coating 3a is used. In another embodiment the w/w ratio of the first coated material 2 to second coating 3a is 1 :4.
  • the core 3 is coated with the exterior coating 4a to form a coated granule 4 using a coating device as described above.
  • the granule is further coated with a particulate material 4b.
  • the core 3 is circulated in the coating device until substantially all of the surface of the core is coated with the particulate material 4b.
  • the coated granules 4 are dried to form the granules of the invention 5.
  • the coated granules may be dried using devices well known in the art, for example a fluidised bed dryer. Alternatively, the coated granules may be spread out on trays to dry at ambient temperature.
  • the coated granules are dried until the granules have a moisture content of from about 11% to about 19%.
  • the moisture content of the granules may be measured using a Berthold moisture meter or using other methods well known in the art.
  • the granules of the present invention are suitable for broadcast application on to the surface of the soil using distribution devices such as ground spreaders, trucks, or by aerial application.
  • Granules of the invention having an exterior coating comprising a particulate material are also suitable for application using distribution devices used for subsurface application that subject the granules to high mechanical forces.
  • the granules are suitable for application using a seed drill, for example, a gravity seed drill, a mechanical drill, or a pneumatic drill.
  • the granules of the invention preserve or increase the viability of the biological material in the granules and resist softening when exposed to condensation during storage.
  • This example describes the preparation of granules comprising the bacterium Serratia entomophila. Infection of larvae with S. entomophila ("amber disease") is an effective method for biological control of grass grubs. The performance of granules comprising various densifiers and disintegrants in the second coating of the granule was tested .
  • Prototype formulations were prepared by pan granulation using a 400mm Erweka coating pan (45° angle, 200rpm). lOOg of the first-coated material was added to the pan and granules were built up by alternating addition of binder and the second coating (400g). Binder (2% POLYOXTM WSR N 10) was applied using a craft spray gun at 4 bar pressure. If clumping occurred, unheated forced air was applied by hairdryer to break clumps. 2% Methocel ® A4M was applied using a craft spray gun at 4bar pressure.
  • Granules were also produced using a large pan granulator (3.6 m diameter).
  • This granule showed good stability on dry soil and good release under optimal conditions. However, the physical integrity of the granules and release in the field was poor. The granules bridged during pouring and smeared when passed through rotating
  • Disintegrants tested included pre-gelatinised starch, peat, an effervescent formulation comprising citric acid and sodium bicarbonate, and a superabsorbent polymer (Crystal RainTM).
  • the granule core was coated with a second coating comprising 2 parts gypsum to 1 part bentonite and 1 part disintegrant.
  • Granules formulated with 10% pre-gelatinised starch in the second coating exhibited increased swelling and breakdown of the granule in response to moisture compared with a granule comprising bentonite only in the second coating as shown in Figure 3.
  • Granules were formed by alternate additions of pre-blended powder (560 g gypsum, 310 g bentonite, 125 g Passeli pre-gelatinised potato starch) and a binder solution comprising 1% POLYOXTM N750.
  • the granules coated with the second coating were coated with the exterior coating material.
  • 500 g samples were collected within 4 hours of production and sealed in TGT bags, and the remaining granules were spread out into an approximately 10 cm layer onto plastic trays and allowed to dry at 20°C. Samples were collected after 24 and 72 hours drying and sealed in TGT bags. All samples were stored at 20° C.
  • Other granules were prepared using the same method using a large pan granulator.
  • Coatings comprising the following materials in an ethanol solvent were also tested : Methocel ® A4M, shellac latex and Kollicoat ® MAE100.
  • Methocel A4M 9.33xl0 7 /g 9.96xl0 5 /g 0.00
  • Table 1 Bacterial viability after 48 hours drying post-coating.
  • Table 2 Water activity in granules after drying for 24 hours measured using a dew point reader (AquaLab Decagon).
  • Ethanol-solvent based film coats did not harden any faster than water-based film coats (data not shown). There was no immediate deleterious effect of ethanol on cell viability and over 24 hours the loss of viability was similar to that observed in water based films.
  • Table 3 Bacterial survival and water activity (Aw) after drying of granules coated with 9- 10k PVA.
  • This example describes further performance testing of granules of the invention having an exterior coating comprising a polymeric compound. 1. Preparation of granules
  • Granules comprising a 1 : 1 core: second coating ratio were prepared. The performance of granules coated with an exterior coating comprising PVA or a commercially available seed coating polymer EC23009 was compared.
  • zeolite 1-2 mm was added to the bowl of a CIMBRIA CC-Lab seed coating machine followed by the biopolymer gel.
  • Granules were formed by alternate additions of pre-blended powder (560 g gypsum, 310 g bentonite, 125 g Passeli potato starch) and either 1% POLYOXTM N750 or EC23009. Finished granules were coated with either 10% BF17W PVA (Molecular weight of 7782 kDa, 95-97 mol% hydrolysis) or EC23009 (a proprietary binder used for seed coating applications).
  • pre-blended powder 560 g gypsum, 310 g bentonite, 125 g Passeli potato starch
  • POLYOXTM N750 1% POLYOXTM N750
  • EC23009 a proprietary binder used for seed coating applications.
  • This example assesses the efficacy of broadcast application of granules of the invention on to soil to increase Serratia entomophila levels in the soil.
  • Second coating ingredients were pre-blended.
  • the pre-blend for the "Swellable" granules comprised 2 kg gypsum (Soil life, Winstone Gypsum), 1 kg bentonite (Calben, Transform minerals) and 1 kg potato starch (Paselli PC, National Starch).
  • the pre-blend for the "Swell+” granules further comprised 2% (100 g) magnesium stearate (Sigma).
  • the substrate and first coating material (1 kg; comprising 650 g zeolite, 230 ml S. entomophila fermentation broth, 10 g xanthan gum, 10 g salad and cooking oil, and 50 g bentonite/talc, 50 g talc) was added to a seed coating machine (CIMBRIA CC-Lab).
  • the second coating pre-blend (4 kg) and 200 ml 2% POLYOXTM N IO solution to bind were added alternately to produce granules. Granules were finally coated with 200 ml 2% PVA (89k) then air dried overnight.
  • Prototype, Swellable and Swell+ granules had bacterial loadings of 3.8 x 10 5 cfu/g, 4.6 x 10 7 cfu/g and 2.1 x 10 7 cfu/g, respectively.
  • Granules were enumerated using standard serial dilution and spread plating techniques immediately prior to application in the field.
  • Table 4 Mean cfu per gram in soil samples at trial sites six weeks post treatment.
  • a threshold level of 10 4 S. entomophila cfu per gram of soil is recommended as an indicator of successful bacterial establishment for the development of amber disease in grass grubs. These levels were achieved on the Winchmore and Lincoln sites with both the Swellable and Swell+ granules.
  • Granules were observed at 7x magnification using an Olympus SZX12 binocular microscope. Images were captured using Olysia Bioreport software (v 5.0) and 100 random granules were measured across the widest point using the arbitrary distance function of the software.
  • Hardness of at least 20 granules from each batch was determined using an Instron model 4204 with third party computer interface and 100 Newton load cell. Granules were observed during testing and the point where the outer core split was recorded as the crush point. A compression modulus calculated from the slope of force applied vs
  • a 3 x 6 set of 25 m 2 plots was established at a research farm having a low grass grub population. Granules were applied sequentially to the plots at weekly intervals at a rate of 120 kg/ha.
  • 20 random soil cores 2.5 cm diameter x 8.0 cm depth were collected from each plot and pooled into a single sample. Analysis of Serratia entomophila levels in the samples was conducted as described for Example 4.
  • the average initial loading of S. entomophila for the Swellable and Swell+ granule batches was 2.0 x 10 s and 4.3 x 10 s cfu/g, respectively.
  • the Swell+ granules had an initial water activity of 0.969, compared with 0.954 for the Swellable granules.
  • Granules stored in TGT bags at ambient, 4°C and 20°C were monitored for physical appearance, water activity and total viable cells (bacterial loading) over 60 days. After 60 days storage, both granule formulations at all temperatures showed no signs of contamination and the granules remained free-flowing.
  • This example demonstrates the size, hardness and storage stability of the granules of the invention.
  • the example also demonstrates the efficacy of the granules of the invention for establishing target levels of biological material in soil when applied on to the soil.
  • Granules were prepared using the method described above for Example 4.
  • Binder 200 mL 200 mL No binder No binder
  • Exterior coating 200 mL 200 mL No exterior No exterior
  • composition of the granules is shown in Table 7. Samples (1 kg) of each granule formulation were packaged in TGT bags and stored at ambient temperature to assess storage stability. Large and small formulations of the granules of the invention were prepared for broadcast application on to the soil, as well as large and small positive control granule formulations for application into the soil by drilling.
  • Intact soil cores (100 mm diameter; 200 mm deep) were collected using a tractor- mounted soil corer from pasture with low background S. entomophila levels at the Ag Research Lincoln research farm. The cores were placed into PVC piping and cut to about 5 mm below the top of the pipe. Soil was packed around the core/pipe interface to prevent water movement down the edge of the core. Cores were placed into an automatically watered glasshouse for 12 weeks to allow settling. Two weeks prior to the trial, pots were moved to a glasshouse that was not irrigated and vegetation was cut to the soil surface to simulate grazing. Ten large granules were placed on the surface of each pot.
  • Irrigation (20 mm or 40 mm) was applied daily for four consecutive days via a garden sprinkler over approximately 20 or 40 minutes. Five days after the final irrigation, the cores were dissected into three zones: 0-1 mm, 1-20 mm or 20-40 mm, and the number of S entomophila present in each zone was estimated using the protocol described for Example 4.
  • proteamaculans was measured at all three sites (data not shown).
  • Table 8 Viability of S. entomophila in freshly prepared granules (initial) and after four months storage in TGT bags at ambient temperature.
  • This example assesses the long term stability of granules of the invention.
  • Two granule formulations were prepared at scale using the method described for the "Swellable" granules in Example 4.
  • the second coating pre-blend (1 kg and 4 kg for the 1 : 1 and 1 :4 granules, respectively, per 1 kg of the core coated with the first coating material) was applied using PVA (80% hydrolysed, Sigma Aldrich) as a binder.
  • the exterior coating comprised PVA (80% hydrolysed, Sigma Aldrich).
  • Six 15 kg bags of each granule formulation were stored at ambient temperature for 8 months. Bacterial viability was measured at the time of manufacture and at monthly intervals during storage. Water activity and moisture content were also measured .
  • the mean bacterial load of the 1 :4 granules at manufacture was 6 x 10 7 cfu/g. Bacterial viability over nine months storage is shown in Figure 12A.
  • the mean bacterial load of the 1 : 1 granules at manufacture was 1.55 x 10 9 cfu/g. Bacterial viability over eight months storage is shown in Figure 12B.
  • Table 10 Water activity of granules of the invention over three months storage at ambient temperature (+/- SEM).
  • the moisture content of the 1 : 1 granule was approximately 14-15% over 6 months storage as shown in Table 11.
  • the 1 :4 granule had a higher initial moisture content of about 18%, which decreased after two months storage, but remained relatively stable over the following four months as shown in Table 11.
  • Table 11 Moisture content of granules of the invention over six months storage at ambient temperature (+/- SEM).
  • Granules were prepared as described above using the method described for the "Swellable" granules in Example 4.
  • 25 kg of the core coated with the first coating was coated with 25 kg of the second coating material (1 : 1 core:second coating).
  • To form granules for broadcast application on to soil 10 kg of the core coated with the first coating was coated with 40 kg second coating (1 :4 core:second coating).
  • the second coating was applied using a binder comprising 2% PVA (Poval ® 105).
  • a final coating comprising 2% PVA (Poval ® 105) was applied to form an exterior coating on the granules.
  • a site in Canterbury, New Zealand having a uniform grass grub population and pasture cover, and low background levels of S. entomophila were selected for field trials.
  • Six replicates of each treatment were arranged in a randomised block design at the site. Broadcast granules (1 :4 ratio) were applied manually using a Solo 421 granule spreader in both directions (3.3 m swaths) at rates of 60, 120, 300 and 600 kg/ha.
  • Drill treatments were applied using a proprietary gravity feed triple disc drill utilising a Duncan metering system and fitted with press wheels at a rate of 30 kg/ha.
  • Table 12 Amber disease in larvae recovered from soil 6 weeks post application of broadcast or drill granules.
  • This example demonstrates granules of the invention comprising various biological materials. This example also assesses the viability of the biological materials in the granules of the invention after storage.
  • Granules suitable for broadcast application comprising various biological materials were prepared as follows. 5 g xanthan gum was mixed with 5 g canola oil and 115 g broth comprising the biological material to form a gel (first coating). 325g zeolite was placed into a cake mixer and blended with the first coating to form 500 g first-coated material. The first-coated material was transferred to a CIMBRIA CC-Lab seed coater and 2 kg second coating (comprising 1.375 kg gypsum, 500 g bentonite and 125 g potato starch) was added with approximately 50 mL 2% PVA (grade BF17W) as binder to form the second- coated material. An additional 10 mL 2% PVA (grade BF17W) was added to form the exterior coating on the granules.
  • Metarhizium Combination SE 3.80x10 s SE: 2.5xl0 6 0.66% anisopliae/ 'Serrati MA: l.OOxlO 6 MA: 1.60xl0 8 16000% a entomophila
  • Table 13 Viability of microorganisms in granules of the invention at manufacture and after 5 weeks storage at 20°C.
  • This example describes the preparation of granules comprising Serratia entomophila. The performance of granules prepared using various binders was tested and compared to prior art granules lacking an exterior coating.
  • Granules suitable for broadcast application were prepared according to the method described for Example 9. The binder was varied as shown in Tables 14 and 15. The exterior coating of the granules comprised PVA (BF17W).
  • Prior art granules that did not have an exterior coating were prepared according to the method described in Example 8 (formulation 9) of WO 2009061221. Briefly, a first coating was prepared comprising 15 g xanthan gum, 15 g salad and cooking oils and 230 ml. S. entomophila broth to form a gel. 650 g zeolite was coated with the gel to form a gel- coated material. 50 g of bentonite and talc mixed at a 1 : 1 ratio was coated on the gel coated material. A further 50 g talc was added to the granules.
  • the compression modulus refers to the slope of the straight line section of the compression curve prior to the crush point.
  • Swellability was determined by measuring adsorption of moisture by the granules.
  • a lOcmxlOcm fine mesh bag was weighed and lOg granules added to the bag.
  • the bags were placed onto the surface of 2 paper towels wetted with 100ml water. Bags were collected after 2 hours, blotted dry and re-weighed. The weight of water absorbed by the granules was calculated as the difference between the dry weight and weight of the granules minus the weight of the bag.
  • Table 15 Viability of microorganisms in granules of the invention at manufacture and after 5 weeks storage at 20°C.
  • This example describes the preparation of granules of the invention comprising a range of different binders and the physical properties of the granules.
  • the example also demonstrates that the biological material in granules of the invention retains and/or increases viability during storage.
  • This example describes the preparation of granules comprising Serratia entomophila. The performance of the granules was tested and compared to prior art granules lacking an exterior coating. [00311] Granules suitable for broadcast application comprising Serratia entomophila as the biological material were prepared at laboratory scale according to the method described for Example 9.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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  • Agronomy & Crop Science (AREA)
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Abstract

La présente invention concerne des granulés comprenant un noyau, un liant et un revêtement extérieur qui couvre au moins partiellement le noyau, qui réduit la perméabilité à l'eau du granulé et qui comprend un composé polymère. L'invention concerne en outre des procédés de fabrication et d'utilisation de ces granulés, notamment pour lutter contre les parasites et améliorer la santé des plantes et leur production, par exemple en traitant le sol pour réduire les parasites ou augmenter la production des pâtures.
PCT/IB2016/050118 2015-01-13 2016-01-12 Composition agricole Ceased WO2016113666A1 (fr)

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CN108456529A (zh) * 2017-02-20 2018-08-28 株式会社真果乐 粒状土壤改良剂及其制备方法
WO2018175677A1 (fr) * 2017-03-24 2018-09-27 Novozymes Bioag A/S Combinaisons de yersinia entomophaga et de pesticides ou autres substances
CN108849887A (zh) * 2018-05-28 2018-11-23 浙江大学 一种亲水凝胶包覆型农药制品及其制备方法和应用
WO2020086821A1 (fr) * 2018-10-26 2020-04-30 Danisco Us Inc Composition microbienne stable et procédé de séchage
CN115038680A (zh) * 2020-02-12 2022-09-09 玉米产品开发公司 助流剂组合物
WO2022222354A1 (fr) * 2021-04-23 2022-10-27 湖北富邦科技股份有限公司 Agent de désintégration d'engrais à base de phosphate de magnésium et de calcium et application associée
CN116724013A (zh) * 2021-01-21 2023-09-08 卡博陶粒有限公司 含有农业处理材料的丸粒及其制造方法
CN116947537A (zh) * 2023-07-24 2023-10-27 国投新疆罗布泊钾盐有限责任公司 一种具有外包衣的颗粒硫酸钾及其制备方法
CN118812298A (zh) * 2024-09-19 2024-10-22 山东绿四方生态农业科技有限公司 一种能促进农作物地下茎块生长的肥料及其制备方法

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Cited By (22)

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CN108456529B (zh) * 2017-02-20 2020-10-20 株式会社真果乐 粒状土壤改良剂及其制备方法
CN108456529A (zh) * 2017-02-20 2018-08-28 株式会社真果乐 粒状土壤改良剂及其制备方法
AU2018237187B2 (en) * 2017-03-24 2023-11-30 Novonesis Plant Biosolutions A/S Combinations of yersinia entomophaga and pesticides or other substances
US11716994B2 (en) 2017-03-24 2023-08-08 Novozymes Bioag A/S Combinations of Yersinia entomophaga and pesticides or other substances
US12075772B2 (en) 2017-03-24 2024-09-03 Novozymes Bioag A/S Combinations of Yersinia entomophaga and pesticides or other substances
KR102633312B1 (ko) 2017-03-24 2024-02-05 노보자임스 바이오아게 에이/에스 예시니아 엔토모파자 및 살충제 또는 다른 물질의 조합
KR20190131070A (ko) * 2017-03-24 2019-11-25 노보자임스 바이오아게 에이/에스 예시니아 엔토모파자 및 살충제 또는 다른 물질의 조합
WO2018175677A1 (fr) * 2017-03-24 2018-09-27 Novozymes Bioag A/S Combinaisons de yersinia entomophaga et de pesticides ou autres substances
CN108849887A (zh) * 2018-05-28 2018-11-23 浙江大学 一种亲水凝胶包覆型农药制品及其制备方法和应用
US20210392880A1 (en) * 2018-10-26 2021-12-23 Danisco Us Inc Stable microbial composition and drying process
CN116491503A (zh) * 2018-10-26 2023-07-28 丹尼斯科美国公司 稳定的微生物组合物和干燥工艺
CN113260256A (zh) * 2018-10-26 2021-08-13 丹尼斯科美国公司 稳定的微生物组合物和干燥工艺
WO2020086821A1 (fr) * 2018-10-26 2020-04-30 Danisco Us Inc Composition microbienne stable et procédé de séchage
AU2019366968B2 (en) * 2018-10-26 2025-07-10 Danisco Us Inc Stable microbial composition and drying process
EP4103533A1 (fr) * 2020-02-12 2022-12-21 CORN Products Development Inc. Compositions auxiliaires d'écoulement
CN115038680A (zh) * 2020-02-12 2022-09-09 玉米产品开发公司 助流剂组合物
CN115038680B (zh) * 2020-02-12 2024-12-13 玉米产品开发公司 助流剂组合物
EP4103533B1 (fr) * 2020-02-12 2025-05-07 CORN Products Development Inc. Compositions auxiliaires d'écoulement et des methodes
CN116724013A (zh) * 2021-01-21 2023-09-08 卡博陶粒有限公司 含有农业处理材料的丸粒及其制造方法
WO2022222354A1 (fr) * 2021-04-23 2022-10-27 湖北富邦科技股份有限公司 Agent de désintégration d'engrais à base de phosphate de magnésium et de calcium et application associée
CN116947537A (zh) * 2023-07-24 2023-10-27 国投新疆罗布泊钾盐有限责任公司 一种具有外包衣的颗粒硫酸钾及其制备方法
CN118812298A (zh) * 2024-09-19 2024-10-22 山东绿四方生态农业科技有限公司 一种能促进农作物地下茎块生长的肥料及其制备方法

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