WO2019002941A1

WO2019002941A1 - Controlled release agrochemical delivery units, their manufacture and use

Info

Publication number: WO2019002941A1
Application number: PCT/IB2018/000817
Authority: WO
Inventors: Uri Shani; Matti Ben-Moshe; Zach Barnea; Asher Vitner; Zvi Miller; Nitay Lemberger; Eran Segal
Original assignee: Adama Makhteshim Ltd
Current assignee: Adama Makhteshim Ltd
Priority date: 2017-06-28
Filing date: 2018-06-28
Publication date: 2019-01-03
Anticipated expiration: 2019-12-28
Also published as: AR112041A1

Abstract

The subject invention provides an agrochemical delivery unit comprising; a) an impermeable cell, b) an agrochemical within the impermeable cell; and c) a wick comprising a hydrogel, said wick having (i) a portion located inside the impermeable cell in contact with the agrochemical, (ii) a portion incorporated into the wail of the impermeable ceil not in contact with the agrochemical and not in contact with media outside of the impermeable cell, and (iii) and a portion located outside of the impermeable ceil in contact with media outside of the impermeable ceil, arranged so as to permit controlled release of the agrochemical through the wick from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, wherein the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1 or 10000: 1 to 40000000000: 1. The subject invention also provides processes of making the agrochemical units disclosed herein as well as methods of their use.

Description

This application claims priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/526,067, filed June 28, 2017, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Throughout this application, various publications are referenced, including referenced in parenthesis. Full citations for publications referenced in parenthesis may be found listed at the end of the specification immediately preceding the claims. The disclosures of all referenced publications in their entireties are hereby incorporated by reference into this application in order to more fully describe the state of the art to which this invention pertains.

Background of the Invention

Fertilizer is most often applied as a single or formulated (N-P-K) solid, granule or powder, or as a liquid, to an area to be fertilized. In general, a fertilizer may be a water-soluble fertilizer or a "slow release" fertilizer. The water-soluble fertilizers are generally less expensive than slow-release fertilizers but they have the disadvantage of leaching nutrients very quickly into and through the soil. Throughout the years a variety of techniques have been developed for delivering nutrients to growing plants and for controlling the release of nutrients from a fertilizer source,

Controlled release fertilizers are designed to release nutrients to soil over an extended period of time, which is more efficient than multiple applications of water-soluble fertilizers. Various controlled release techniques are known, for example relatively thick encapsulating coatings, in which release is governed mainly by rupture of the coat, (for example Osmocote®, Everris, ICL).

Journal of Applied Polymer Science 2006, 3230-3235, discloses fertilizer granules (slow release granules) which are coated with gel.

US3304653 discloses a device with a wick to deliver fertilizer.

EP0438356 discloses a device for releasing soluble fertilizers to a humid soil, in a controlled and prolonged way, comprising: an enclosure with one opening containing a dry mixture of materials including at least one soluble component to be released into said humid soil; at least one component being a water absorbing finely dispersed material that serves as a thickener capable to reduce the hydraulic conductivity to water to less than one millimeter per day; the soluble component to be released being adequately selected in quantity and composition to leave a significant undissolved portion upon the initial wetting of the content of said device; said mixture being enclosed in part by a water impermeable membrane and in part by stagnation zones which act as if they were impermeable; said combination of impermeable membranes and stagnation zones having one opening in the enclosure allowing water flow into the volume in said enclosure, the area of said opening in the enclosure not exceeding one fifth of the cross-section of the enclosure. However, this device requires an enclosure that withstands the high osmotic pressure that develops inside. This device also requi res a water absorbing component to be mixed with a dry mixture of fertilizers and has major drawbacks limiting the repeatable performance of the device due to entrapment of air bubbles between the enclosure opening and the fertilizer source. Furthermore, the device will have very limited functionality in dry soil or in all cases of poor contact between the enclosure opening and the soil.

EP0628527 discloses a product comprising a delayed controlled release product comprising: (a) a core comprising a water soluble active ingredient and (b) a first coating layer on the surface of the core (a) and the said layer has ability to release the active ingredient at a controlled rate; and (c) a second coating layer encapsulating (a) and (b) having a low water vapor transmission rate, whereby said second coating layer (c) causes substantial release of the active ingredient to be delayed for at least four weeks from initial exposure of the product to moisture.

CN102424640 discloses fertilizers comprise chemical fertilizer granules, controlled-release inner film, and water-retaining outer film. The inner film is formed from carrageenan and soluble salt or H₄ salt, and the outer film is formed from super absorbent polymer (SAP) such as acrylate- grafted starch, grafted CM-cellulose, polyacrylic acid, or polyacrylamide. The title products have the water-adsorbing/retaining, sustained-release, and soil -conditioning effects.

US5147442 and US6500223 disclose granules of fertilizer coated with a resin film. US5560768 discloses encapsulated slow-release fertilizers wherein release is governed by the rate of water permeation through a polymeric or copolymeric membrane of the water-proofing material, and by the rate of fertilizer diffusion away from each coated particle into the surrounding soil.

However, these methods are limited by the amount of fertilizer that can be loaded to a single fertilizer source. Additionally, these methods are complex to provide different N-P-K ratios Furthermore, these methods are limited and susceptible to defects in the fertilizer particulate surface.

WO 2009/023203 discloses a device for deliver}' of water and at least one further compound, the device comprising: at least one first part containing at least one first compound, at least one second part substantially surrounding said first part, the second part being at least partially permeable to water and to the or at least one first compound; and at least one third part substantially surrounding said second part, the third part including a water absorbent material.

Furthermore, excessive application of agrochemicals has adverse effects on the environment and is costly for farmers (Shaviv and Mikkelsen 1993), Many application methods have the risk of exposing humans to toxic chemicals. For example, operators, field entrants and nearby communities can be exposed to chemicals though handling, contamination of drinking water, and contamination of agricultural produce harvested prior to required post-harvest picking intervals. Non-target organisms can similarly be affected when PPPs are applied using the above-identified methods. Additionally, many soils and climates are not suitable for growing crops (Habarurema and Steiner, 1997; Nicholson and Farrar, 1994).

Thus, there is a continuing need for economical, universal, and efficient application and release of fertilizers and other agrochemicals for improving plant growth. It would be advantageous to have such a system that is, e.g., minimally dependent on ambient moisture and temperature. It would be advantageous to have system providing, e.g., high loading of agrochemicals in a unit for delivery to a plant. It would be advantageous to have a system, e.g., having a unit that is not dependent on its spatial orientation in a plant growth environment.

Summary of the Invention

The invention provides an agrochemical deliver}' unit comprising:

a) an impermeable cell, b) an agrochemical within the impermeable cell; and c) a wick comprising a hydrogel, said wick having (i) a portion located inside the impermeable cell in contact with the agrochemical, (ii) a portion incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell not in contact with the agrochemical and not in contact with media outside of the impermeable cell, and (iii) and a portion located outside of the impermeable ceil in contact with media outside of the impermeable ceil, arranged so as to permit controlled release of the agrochemical through the wick from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, wherein the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wail of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1 or 10000: 1 to 40000000000: 1.

The subject invention also provides a process of making the agrochemical deliver}' units described herein comprising: (i) encapsulating at least one agrochemical into an impermeable ceil, and

(ii) incorporating a wick into the impermeable ceil wherein (i) a portion of the wick is located inside the impermeable cell in contact with the agrochemical inside the impermeable cell, (ii) a portion of the wick is incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell not in contact with the agrochemical inside of the impermeable cell and not in contact with the media outside of the impermeable cell , and (iii) a portion of the wick is outside the impermeable cell in contact with the media outside of the impermeable cell, wherein the part of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell comprises hydrogel, and wherein the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical inside the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1 or 10000: 1 to 40000000000: 1.

The subject invention also provides an agrochemical delivery unit comprising: a) an impermeable cell, b) an agrochemical in the impermeable cell, and c) a conduit wherein a portion of the conduit is incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell, wherein the unit provides extended controlled deliver}' of the agrochemical through the conduit from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, and wherein the portion of the conduit incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell comprises hydrogel and the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the conduit incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1 or 10000: 1 to 40000000000: 1.

The subject invention also provides an agrochemical delivery unit comprising: a) a cell comprising two or more cell wall segments wherein at least one of the cell wall segments is impermeable and at least one of the cell wail segments is permeable, and b) an agrochemical in the ceil; wherein the unit provides extended controlled delivery of the agrochemical through the at least one permeable segment from inside of the cell to media outsi de of the cell, and wherein a portion of the permeable segment comprises hydrogel and is incorporated into the wail of the ceil and the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the segment incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1 or 10000: 1 to 40000000000: 1.

The subject invention also provides a process of making the agrochemical delivery units described herein, comprising: creating a cell comprising two or more cell wall segments wherein at least one segment is impermeable and at least one segment is permeable and encapsulating an agrochemical into the cell such that the at least one agrochemical is released through the at least one permeable segment of the cell in a controlled manner after it is in contact with water.

The subject invention also provides an agrochemical delivery method comprising distributing a multitude of the agrochemical delivery units described herein to plant growth medium.

The subject invention also provides a method of delivering agrochemical to the root of a plant comprising adding two or more of the agrochemical deliver)' units described herein to the plant growth medium.

The subject invention also provides a method of reducing environmental damage caused by an agrochemical comprising delivering the agrochemical to the root of a plant by adding at least one of the units described herein to the growth medium of the plant.

The subject invention also provides a method of minimizing exposure to an agrochemical comprising delivering the agrochemical to the root of a plant by adding at least one of the units described herein to the growth medium of the plant.

The subject invention also provides a method of delivering an agrochemical to create a zone for preferential root development of a plant, comprising: i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a root zone of the plant; or ii) adding at least one of the units described herein to a zone of the medium in which the plant is anticipated to grow.

The subject invention also provides a method of increasing the yield of a plant, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the yield of the plant is higher when grown in the medium containing the units than in the medium not containing the units.

The subject invention also provides a method of increasing the growth rate of a plant, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii ) growing the plant, wherein the plant grows faster in the medium containing the units than in the medium not containing the units.

The subject invention also provides a method of increasing the size of a plant, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the plant grows larger in the medium containing the units than in the medium not containing the units.

The subject invention also provides a method of increasing N, P, and/or uptake by a plant, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the N, P, and/or K uptake of the plant is greater in the medium containing the units than in the medium not containing the units.

The subject invention also provides a method of efficient controlled release of agrochemical at low- ambient temperatures, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the influence of low ambient temperature on the release rates is reduced.

The subject invention also provides a method of efficient controlled release of agrochemical at high ambient temperatures, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the influence of high ambient temperature on the release rates is reduced.

The subject invention also provides a method of efficient controlled release of agrochemical at low- ambient moisture, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the influence of low ambient moisture on the release rates is reduced. Brief Description of the Drawings

Figure 1. Potassium release rates as function of number of fiber for A-l 12 (112 fibers) and A-56 (56 fibers) sachets.

Figure 2. Potassium release rates as function of fiber density for of A-300, A-90, A-70 and A-60 sachets.

Figure 3. Potassium release rates of A-l 12 (fibers) and A-l 12 HG (fibers saturated with hydrogel).

Figure 4. Fertilizer release rates over time as a function of wick's number and properties (diameter, rounds per meter and weight).

Figure 5, Fertilizer release rate over time as a function of orientation.

Figure 6. Fertilizer release rate over time as function of film thickness and vapor permeability.

Figure 7. Potassium release rates in irrigated soil of A-56D (dry powder) and A-56W (wet paste) sachets,

Figure 8, Potassium release rates of A-l .2 (1.2 g) and A-2.2 (2.2g) sachets.

Figure 9, Potassium chloride release rates from variable fertilizer mixture (A-60- solely ), (A- 60-N & K) and (A-60-P & K).

Figure 10. Potassium release rates in irrigated soil of A-56D and A-l 12D sachets. Figure 11 A. Released rate of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) as a function of time. Figure 11B. Release rate over time under variable soil moisture. Figure 12. Root penetration photograph.

Figure 13. A rectangular A- 1 12 sachet with potassium chloride fertilizer and cotton fiber net.

Figure 14. Triangular sachet filled with urea and containing a single cotton wick.

Figure 15. Rectangular A-1 12 sachet filled with potassium chloride fertilizer and cotton fiber net dipped in hydrogel.

Figure 16. Sachet filled with diammonium phosphate and cotton fiber net dipped in hydrogel.

Figure 17. Unit with thin skeleton & 0.1 g hydrogel and with thick skeleton & 0.45 g hydrogel .

Figure 18. An agrochemical deliver}' unit having an impermeable cell and multiple wicks, each of the wicks having two portions inside of the impermeable cell and three portions ouside of the impermeable cell.

Figure 19. Examples of delivery unit having an impermeable cell and conduits.

Figure 20. 1 gram and 4 grams agrochemical delivery unit having an impermeable cell and multiple wicks.

Figure 21. Top, bottom and side view of an agrochemical delivery unit of the subject invention.

Figure 22. Fertilizer chamber, releasing system and root growing zone of an agrochemical delivery unit of the subject invention. Detailed Description of the Invention

This invention is based on the finding that in an agrochemical delivery unit comprising an impermeable cell containing agrochemical(s) and conduit(s) comprising hydrogel which permits controlled release of the agrochemical through the conduitfs) from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, the release profile of the agrochemical is determined by the amount of gel comprised in the segment of the conduit incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil which is neither in contact with the agrochemical s inside the impermeable cell nor in contact with the media outside the impermeable cell. This finding allows for the making of a controlled release unit that more accurately controls the release rate of the agrochemical and that contains with a large amount of agrochemical s inside the impermeable cell while using a relatively small amount of gel.

The invention provides an agrochemical deliver)' unit comprising:

a) an impermeable cell, b) an agrochemical within the impermeable cell; and c) a wick comprising a hydrogel, said wick having (i) a portion located inside the impermeable cell in contact with the agrochemical, (ii ) a portion incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell not in contact with the agrochemical and not in contact with media outside of the impermeable cell, and (iii) and a portion located outside of the impermeable cell in contact with media outside of the impermeable cell, arranged so as to permit controlled release of the agrochemical through the wick from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, wherein the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dr hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 1000000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 1000: 1 to 100000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 1000: 1 to 10000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 1000: 1 to 5000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 5000: 1 to 10000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 10000: 1 to 50000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 50000: 1 to 100000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 100000: 1 to 500000: 1 , In some embodiments, the ratio is 500000: 1 to 1000000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 1000000: 1 to 5000000: 1 , In some embodiments, the ratio is 5000000: 1 to 10000000: 1.

In some aspects of the i nvention, two or more portions of the wick are outside of the impermeable ceil in contact with the media outside of the impermeable cell. In another aspect, two or more portions of the wick are inside the impermeable cell in contact with the agrochemical.

In some embodiments, the unit comprises 1-100 wicks. In some embodiments, the unit comprises 2-100 wicks. In some embodiments, the unit comprises 1-20 wicks. In some embodiments, the unit comprises 1-10 wicks. In some embodiments, the unit comprises 1-5 wicks. In some embodiments, the unit comprises 1 wick.

In some embodiments, the wick is a degradable material. In some embodiments, the wick is a soil biodegradable material. In some embodiments, the wick is a degradable polymer. In some embodiments, the wick comprises a fiber material . In some embodiments, the wick comprises a fiber strand. In some embodiments, the one wick comprises a fiber mesh. In some embodiments, the wick is polyester fiber. In some embodiments, the wick is nylon fiber. In some embodiments, the wick is polypropylene fiber. In some embodiments, the wick comprises cotton or other cellulose fiber, ceramic, or glass-based fiber. In some embodiments, the wick is viscos fiber from rayon, cotton, and/or tencel. In some embodiments, the wick comprises a porous material possessing capillary structure. In some aspects of the invention, the wick comprises a micro-porous material. In some aspects of the invention, the wick comprises a macro-porous material. In some embodiments, the wick comprises polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polybutyrate adipate terephthalate, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyhydroxybutyrate, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the wick comprises fiber having a density of about 10-100 mg/meter. In some aspects of the invention, the wick comprises fiber having a density of about 10-20 mg/meter. In some aspects of the invention, the wick comprises fiber having a density of about 50-100 mg/meter. In some aspects of the invention, the wick comprises about 1-500 fibers. In some aspects of the invention, the wick comprises about 10-200 fibers. In some aspects of the invention, the wick comprises fiber having a weight of 500-2000 denier. In some embodiments, the wick comprises fiber having a weight of 800-1900 denier. In some embodiments, the wick comprises fiber having a weight of 900-1880 denier. In some embodiments, the wick comprises fiber having a weight of 900 denier.

In some aspects of the invention, the wick comprises fiber having 10-200 rounds per linear meter. In some embodiments, the wick comprises fiber having 10-160 rounds per linear meter. In some embodiments, the wick comprises fiber having 10-80 rounds per linear meter. In some embodiments, the wick comprises fiber having 80 rounds per linear meter.

In some aspects of the invention, the wick comprises 1-200 non-woven filaments. In some aspects of the invention, the wick comprises 50-150 non-woven filaments. In some aspects of the invention, the wick comprises 100 non-woven filaments.

In some embodiments, the wick is 0.1-10 cm in length. In some aspects of the invention, the wick is 1 -5 cm in length. In some aspects of the inventi on, the wick is 2.5 cm in l ength. In some aspects of the invention, the wick is 1 μιη to 500μηι in diameter. In some aspects of the invention, the wick is 25μηι to 200μιη in diameter. In some aspects of the invention, the wick is 50μηι to ΙΟΟμιη in diameter. In some embodiments, the wick is 80μιη in diameter. In some embodiments, the wick is 70μηι in diameter.

In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a length of 0.05 cm to 0.5 cm. In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a length of 0,05 cm to 0.1 cm. In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a length of 0.1 cm to 0.2 cm. In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a length of 0.2 cm to 0.3 cm. In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a length of 0.3 cm to 0.4 cm. In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a length of 0.4 cm to 0.5 cm.

In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a width of 5 μηι to 50 urn. In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a width of 5 μτη to 10 μχη. In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil has a width of 10 um to 20 um. In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a width of 20 μηι to 30 μηι. In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a width of 30 μηι to 40 μτη. In some embodiments, the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a width of 40 μπι to 50 μπι.

In some embodiments, the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil is 2.4 x 10^'10 g to 7.1 x 10^"5 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1 x 10^"10 g to 1 x 10^"6 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1 x 10^"i0 g to 1 x 10^"'^' g. In some embodiments, the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is J x 10^" ¹ g to 1 x 10^'8 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1 x 10^"10 g to J x iO^"9 g.

In some embodiments, the portion of the wick located outside the cell comprises a hydrogel. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0.01 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0.1 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0.5 g. In some aspects, the portion of the wick located outside the cell does not comprise a hydrogel.

In some aspects, the portion of the wick located inside the cell may comprise a hydrogel. In some aspects, the portion of the wick located inside the ceil does not comprise a hydrogel.

In some embodiments, the portion(s) of the wick comprising hydrogel is coated with the hydrogel. In some embodiments, the portion(s) of the wick comprising hydrogel is saturated with the hydrogel. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises a synthetic hydrogel, a natural carbohydrate hydrogel, a pectin or protein hydrogel, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises acrylamide, an acrylic derivative, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises natural carbohydrate hydrogel. In some embodiments, the natural carbohydrate hydrogel comprises agar, cellulose, chitosan, starch, hyaluronic acid, a dextrine, a natural gum, a sulfated polysaccharide, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises acrylic acid and cellulose. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises 80% by weight of acrylic acid and 1.0% by weight of cellulose. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises less than 20% by weight of acrylic acid and 70-90% by weight of cellulose. In some embodiments, the cellulose is carboxy methyl cellulose.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises pectin or protein hydrogel. In some embodiments, the pectin or protein hydrogel comprises gelatin, a gelatin derivative, collagen, a collagen derivative, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises a super absorbent polymer (SAP). In some embodiments, the SAP comprises a natural super absorbent polymer (SAP), a poly-sugar SAP, a semi -synthetic SAP, a fully synthetic SAP, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the SAP comprises a semi-synthetic SAP. In some embodiments, the semisynthetic SAP is a carboxymethyl cellulose grafted polyacrylic acid SAP (CMC-g-polyacrylic acid SAP). In some embodiments, the CMC-g-polyacrylic acid SAP comprises 6% CMC relative to the acrylic monomers (acrylamide-acrylic or AA), 6% CMC relative to acrylic acid, 25% CMC relative to acrylic acid, or CMC 50% A A. In some embodiments, the CMC-g-polyacrylic acid SAP comprises 5-50% CMC relative the acrylic monomers. In some embodiments, the CMC grafted SAP comprises 6-12% CMC relative the acrylic monomers. In some embodiments, the semi -synthetic SAP is k-carrageenan cross-linked-polyacrylic acid SAP. In some embodiments, the SAP is other than alginate or a k-carrageenan cross-linked-polyacrylic acid SAP. In some embodiments, the SAP comprises a fully synthetic SAP, In some embodiments, the fully synthetic SAP is acrylic acid or acrylic amide or any of the combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the SAP is capable of absorbing at least about 50, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 1000 times its weight in water.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel has a volume of 0.4 to 40 mL when fully swelled. In some embodiments, the hydrogel has a volume of 1 to 30 mL when fully swelled. In some embodiments, the hydrogel has a volume of 5 to 20 mL when fully swelled. In some embodiments, the hydrogel has a volume of 10 to 15 mL when fully swelled. In some embodiments, the hydrogel has a volume of 0.75-12.5 mL when fully swelled.

In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises a biodegradable film. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell compri ses a biodegradable polymer. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises a soil biodegradable polymer. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises water soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises poly vinyl alcohol. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the wail of the ceil comprises polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polybutyrate adipate terephthalate, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyvalerate, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises a polylactic acid. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises polylactic acid sheets. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises polybutylene succinate, polybutyrate adipate terephthalate, polyhydroxyalkanoate, poiyhydroxyabutyrate, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the wail of the cell comprises polybutylene succinate. In some embodiments, the wail of the ceil comprises polybutyrate adipate terephthalate. In some embodiments, the wail of the cell comprises polyhydroxyalkanoate. In some embodiments, the wall of the ceil comprises poiyhydroxyabutyrate . In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises a thermoplastic starch, cellulose acetate, or other cellulose-based material. In some aspects of the invention, the wall of the cell comprises polycaprolactone, polyglycolide, polydioxanone, or any combinations or copolymers thereof.

In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises a heat-sealable material. In some embodiments, the wail of the cell comprises sheets each having a thickness of 10-100 micrometers.

In some embodiments, the unit comprises more than one impermeable cells. In some embodiments, the unit comprises two or more impermeable cells. In some embodiments, the unit comprises 2-5 impermeable cells. In some embodiments, the unit comprises 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more than 10 impermeable cells.

In some embodiments, the cell is formed and defined by at least two component sheets that are adjoined at or near their edges and that partially enclose the wick. In some embodiments, one impermeable cell is formed by two or more sheets sealed together at or near their edges. In some embodiments, two impermeable cells are formed by three sheets sealed together at or near their edges.

In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 0.5-20 cm³. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 1-10 cm^J. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 1-5 cm^J. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 3-10 cm³. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 5-10 cm³. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 5-6 cm³. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 2-3 cm³. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 cm³.

In some aspects of the invention, the unit comprises two or more agrochemicals.

In some embodiments, the unit comprise two or more impermeable cells and each of the two or more impermeable cells, independently, contains a different agrochemical or a different combination of agrochemicals. In some embodiments, the unit comprise two or more impermeable cells and one wick is in contact with the agrochemical in each impermeable cell, such that a different part of the portion of the wick located inside the impermeable cell is in contact with the agrochemical in each impermeable cell. In some embodiments, the dry weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is 1-20 g. In some embodiments, the dry weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is 1- 10 g. In some embodiments, the dry weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is 1 -5 g. In some embodiments, the dry weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is at least about 0.05, 0.1 , 0,2, 0,3, 0,4, 0,5, 0,6, 0,7, 0,8, 0,9, 1, 2, 5, or 10 mg. In some embodiments, the dry weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is about 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 g. In some embodiments, the dry weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 g. In some embodiments, the dry weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cel l is 1 g. In some embodiments, the dry weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is 4 g. In some embodiments, the dry weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is 10 g.

In some aspects of the invention, the agrochemical is a fertilizer, a pesticide, a hormone, a drag, a chemical growth agent, an enzyme, a growth promoter, a biostimulant, a microelement, a plant protection agent, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is a fertilizer compound. In some embodiments, the fertilizer compound is a synthetic fertilizer. In some embodiments, the fertilizer compound comprises nitrogen, potassium, phosphate or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fertilizer compound is P0₄, N0₃, ( XI i i ) >S( NH4H2PO4, KG, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the unit comprises one fertilizer compound. In some embodiments, the unit comprises two fertilizer compounds. In some embodiments, the unit comprises three fertilizer compounds. In some embodiments, the unit comprises more than three fertilizer compounds.

In some embodiments, the unit comprises one to three fertilizer compounds, such that the total N, P, and/or K content as (NH₄)₂S0₂, NH4H2PO4, and KG in the medium as part of the units is about 5-50, 1 -10, and 5- 150 g/m², respectively. In some embodiments, the units comprise three fertilizer compounds, such that the total N, P, and K content as (NH₄)₂S0₂, NH4H2PO4, and KG in the medium as part of the units is about 25, 5, and 30 g/m², respectively.

In some embodiments, the fertilizer compound is a micronutrient such as for example boron, iron, cobalt, chromium, copper, iodine, manganese, selenium, zinc or molybdenum. In some embodiments, the agrochemical is dry prior to use, or prior to use of the unit the agrochemical is a paste containing water, a solution, a concentrated solution, a saturated solution, or a dispersion.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is released from the unit by mass flow. In some aspects of the invention, the agrochemical is released from the unit by diffusion.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is released from the unit within 40 days when the unit is immersed in water at room temperature. In some embodiments, less than 20% by weight of the agrochemical is released from the unit within 40 days when the unit is immersed in water at room temperature. In some embodiments, less than 50% by weight of the agrochemical is released from the unit within 60 days when the unit is immersed in water at room temperature.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is released from the wick. In some aspects of the invention, the agrochemical release rate is controlled by the wicks and the moisture level of the unit. In some embodiments, the rate of the agrochemical release is determined by the wick properties and/or the number of wicks. Wick properties includes, but is not limited to, diameter, weight and rounds per linear meter, material, density, length, and width.

In some embodiments, the rate of the agrochemical release is determined by the moisture level of the unit. In some embodiments, the moisture level of the unit refers to the amount of water in the unit. In some embodiments, the rate of the agrochemical release is determined by the moisture level of the agrochemical comprised in the cell. In some embodiments, the amount of water in the unit is 0.01-20 g. In some embodiments, the amount of water in the unit is 0.1-10 g. In some embodiments, the amount of water in the unit is 1-5 g. In some embodiments, the amount of water in the unit is 0.1 , 1, 5, or 10 g.

In some embodiments, the rate of the agrochemical release is determined by the rate at which moisture enters the unit and reaches the agrochemical. In some embodiments, the agrochemical is moisturized by water vapor which is permeable through the polymer film of the impermeable cell. In some embodiments, the moisturizing of the agrochemical is determined by the rate or level of water vapor permeability through the impermeable cell . The permeability of the water vapor is controlled by the thickness and material of the wall of the cell. In some embodiments, the thickness of the impermeable ceil is 10-200 μιη. In some embodiments, the thickness of the impermeable cell is 25-100 urn. In some embodiments, the thickness of the impermeable cell is 50-75 urn. In some embodiments, the thickness of the impermeable cell is 25, 50, 75, or 100 μηι,

In some embodiments, the rate of water vapor permeability of the polymer film is 10-1000 g per m² per day. In some embodiments, the rate of water vapor permeability of the polymer film is 50-800 g per ιττ' per day. In some embodiments, the rate of water vapor permeability of the polymer film is 100-500 g per m² per day. In some embodiments, the rate of water vapor permeability of the polymer film is 10, 50, 500, or 1000 g per m² per day.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is moisturized by liquid water which is permeable through the wick(s).

In some embodiments, the moisturizing of the agrochemical is determined by the rate or level of liquid water permeability through the wick(s). The permeability of the liquid water is controlled by the wick properties and the availability of water near the wick(s) outside of the cell. In some embodiments, the availability of water near the wick(s) outside of the cell is from hydrogel and/or soil. In some embodiments, the availability of water from the hydrogel is determined by the type of gel and/or soil moisture.

In some embodiments, the availability of water near the wick(s) outside of the cell is determined by the amount of hydrogel near the wick(s) outside of the cell. In some embodiments, the availability of water near the wick(s) outside of the cell is determined by the amount of hydrogel on the portion of the wick(s) outside of the cell. In some embodiments, the amount of hydrogel is 0.001-0.5 g. In some embodiments, the amount of hydrogel is 0.01-0.2 g. In some embodiments, the amount of hydrogel is 0.05-0.1 g. In some embodiments, the amount of hydrogel is 0.01-0.05 g. In some embodiments, the amount of hydrogel is 0.05-0.1 g. In some embodiments, the amount of hydrogel is 0, 1 -0,2 g. In some embodiments, the volume of swollen hydrogel is 0,01-20 ml. In some embodiments, the volume of swollen hydrogel is 0, 1-15 ml. In some embodiments, the volume of swollen hydrogel is 1-10 ml. In some embodiments, the volume of swollen hydrogel is 5-10 ml. In some embodiments, the volume of swollen hydrogel is 0.1 mi, 1 mi, 10 mi, or 15 ml.

In some embodiments, the rate of liquid water permeability through the wick(s) is 0.001-5 ml per day. In some embodiments, the rate of liquid water permeability through the wick(s) is 0.01-1 ml per day. In some embodiments, the rate of liquid water permeability through the wick(s) is 0.1-0.5 ml per day. In some embodiments, the rate of liquid water permeability through the wick(s) is 0.2- 0,4 ml per day.

In some embodiments, the rate of the agrochemical release is 0.0001-1 g per day. In some embodiments, the rate of the agrochemical release is 0.001 -0.5 g per day. In some embodiments, the rate of the agrochemical release is 0.01-0.2 g per day. In some embodiments, the rate of the agrochemical release is 0.03-0.125 g per day.

In some embodiments, the rate of the agrochemical release is not affected by the shape or the orientation of the unit. In some embodiments, the rate of the agrochemical release is not affected by how the unit is placed in the soil. In some embodiments, the unit is placed in the soil in a vertical way. In some embodiments, the unit is placed in the soil in a horizontal way. Horizontal refers to a bottom up position and/or a bottom down position.

Each parameter of the wick can be adjusted to accomplish a desired release profile of the one or more agrochemicai(s). In some embodiments, the release profile of the one or more agrochemical(s) is affected by the length, width, material, density, and/or number of wicks. In some embodiments, the release profile of the one or more agrochemical(s) is affected by the amount of hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wail of the ceil.

The formulation of the content of the impermeable cell may also be adjusted to accomplish a desired release profile of the one or more agrochemical(s). In some embodiments, the impermeable cell further comprises one or more inactive agents. In some embodiments, the release profile of the one or more agrochemical(s) is affected by the inactive agent(s) in the impermeable cell.

In some embodiments, the release profile of the one or more agrochemical(s) is not affected by the formulation of the content of the impermeable cell. In some embodiments, the release profile of the one or more agrochemical is not affected by the amount of the one or more agrochemical(s) inside the impermeable cell. In some embodiments, the release profile of the one or more agrochemicals is controlled only by the parameters of the wick. In some embodiments, the release profile of the one or more agrochemical is controlled only by the amount of gel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell .

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is substantially not released until after about 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 days following application to planting soil. In some embodiments, the agrochemical is steadily released after about 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 days following application to planting soil. In some embodiments, the agrochemical is decreasingly release after about 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 days following application to planting soil.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is released from the unit over a period of at least about I, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20 weeks following application to planting soil. In some embodiments, the agrochemical is released over a period of 1 month to 8 months. In specific embodiments, the agrochemical is released over a period a growing season of a crop.

In some embodiments, the unit comprises multiple impermeable cells, arranged such that the agrochemical from a cell is released at a different time period, and/or at a different rate than the release of agrochemical from another impermeable ceil of the unit. In specific embodiments, the unit is arranged so as to release a different agrochemical at a different time period during a growing season.

In some aspects of the invention, the unit further comprises gel partially or completely surrounding the unit. In some aspects of the invention, the gel comprises a hydrogel, aerogel or organogel. In some embodiments, the gel is formulated to contain one or more agrochemicals which are the same or different than the agrochemicals inside the cell of the unit.

In some aspects of the invention, the unit further comprises a root development zone partially or completely surrounding the unit. For example, WO 2014/140918 A2 and US 2014/0259906 Al, both published September 18, 2014, and which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties, disclose in some aspects a unit comprising a core or agrochemical zone and a root development zone. In some aspects of the invention, the root development zone comprises a hydrogel, aerogel, or organogel.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the dry weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel in the unit is 1000: 1 to 1 : 1 . In some embodiments, the ratio of the dry weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel in the unit is 1000: 1 to 100: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the dry weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel in the unit is 100: 1 to 1 : 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the dry weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel in the unit is 100: 1 to 10: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the dry weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel in the unit i s 10: 1 to 1 : 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the dry weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the unit is 183 : 1 to 8: 1 , In some embodiments, the dry weight of the unit is about 0.1-20 g. In some aspects of the invention, the dry weight of the unit is about 1-10 g.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the unit has a dry weight of at least 0.01 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the unit has a dry weight of at least 0.02 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the unit has a dry weight of at least 0,03 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the unit has a dry weight of at least 0.1 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the unit has a dry weight of at least 0.5 g.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least O.Olg. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0.03g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0. Ig. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0.5g. In some embodiments, the unit is in the shape of a cylinder, sphere, polyhedron, cube, or disc. In some aspects of the invention, the unit is in the shape having a cross section of a triangle, rectangle, circle, or square.

In some embodiments, the unit further comprises an additional dose of hydrogel or other material which absorbs water. The additional hydrogel serves as a roots growing media, which increases the immediate water availability and hence enhances the moisture level of the agrochemical at early stages.

In some embodiments, the additional hydrogel may also act as a root development zone. See WO 2014/140918 A2 and US 2014/0259906 Al, both published September 18, 2014, and which are incorporated by reference herein in their entireties.

In some embodiments, the unit further comprises a structural skeleton. The structural skeleton ensures an intimate contact between the wick(s) and the additional hydrogel. The structural skeleton is soaked with hydrogel and attached to the unit above the wick(s). As a result of soil watering, the hydrogel is swollen, allowing water to penetrate through the wick(s) and moi sturi zing the agrochemical. In addition, the structural skeleton allows plant roots to penetrate into the swoll en hydrogel of the skeleton and efficiently uptake the agrochemical released via the wick(s). In some embodiments, the structural skeleton is soaked with hydrogel. In some embodiments, the availability of water outside of the cell is determined by the amount of hydrogel on the skeleton.

In some embodiments, the skeleton comprises a polymer, a porous inorganic material, a porous organic material, geotextile, sponge or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the skeleton comprises a synthetic polymer and/or natural polymer, geotextile or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the roots of a plant are capable of penetrating the skeleton.

In some embodiments, the impermeable cell is impermeable to liquid water. In some embodiments, the impermeable cell is permeable to water vapor.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is released from the impermeable cell only through the wick.

The subject invention also provides a process of making the agrochemical delivery units described herein comprising:

(i) encapsulating at least one agrochemical into an impermeable cell, and

(ii) incorporating a wick into the impermeable cell wherein (i) a portion of the wick is located inside the impermeable cell in contact with the agrochemical inside the impermeable cell, (ii) a portion of the wick is incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell not in contact with the agrochemical inside of the impermeable cell and not in contact with the media outside of the impermeable ceil, and (iii) a portion of the wick is outside the impermeable cell in contact with the media outside of the impermeable cell, wherein the part of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell comprises hydrogel, and wherein the ratio of the dry weight of the agrochemical inside the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1.

In some embodiments, the encapsulation comprises using an extruder that attaches a polymeric layer surrounding the at least one agrochemical , In some aspects of the invention, the encapsulation comprises filling the agrochemical into a polymeric cell and sealing the cell together with a wick. In some aspects of the invention, a hydrogel is polymerized around the cell. In some aspects of the invention, the encapsulating comprises a first polymerization step and a second polymerization step.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical deliver)' unit is made by a process comprising generating the cell by stretching the polymer sheet using vacuum, loading the fertilizer into the cell, then, optionally in parallel, placing wicks on top of notched polymer sheet, welding a second polymer sheet on top of the notch and wicks, and welding the covered notched sheet with wicks on top of cell. In some embodiments, the notched polymer sheet is welded to the cell using heat pulse.

The subject invention also provides an agrochemical delivery unit comprising: a) an impermeable cell, b) an agrochemical in the impermeable cell, and c) a conduit wherein a portion of the conduit is incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell, wherein the unit provides extended controlled delivery of the agrochemical through the conduit from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, and wherein the portion of the conduit incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell comprises hydrogel and the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the conduit incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1.

The subject invention also provides an agrochemical deliver}' unit comprising: a) a cell comprising two or more cell wall segments wherein at least one of the cell wall segments is impermeable and at least one of the cell wail segments is permeable, and b) an agrochemical in the cell, wherein the unit provides extended controlled delivery of the agrochemical through the at least one permeable segment from inside of the cell to media outside of the ceil, and wherein a portion of the permeable segment comprises hydrogel and is incorporated into the wail of the ceil and the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the segment incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1. In some embodiments, a portion of the permeable segment is located inside the cell in contact with the agrochemical, a portion of the permeable segment is incorporated into the wall of the cell, and a portion of the permeable segment is located outside the ceil in contact with media outside of the cell.

In some embodiments, the permeable segment is a barrier. In some embodiments, the barrier is a tube. In some embodiments, the permeable segment is a conduit. In some embodiments, the permeable segment is a conductive. In some embodiment, the barrier controls the release rate of the agrochemical from the cell to the surrounding area. In some embodiments, the conduit controls the release rate of the agrochemical from the ceil to the surrounding area. In some embodiments, the conductive controls the release rate of the agrochemical from the cell to the surrounding area. In some embodiments, the permeable segment of the cell comprises porous material. In some aspects of the invention, the porous material is micro-porous material. In some aspects of the invention, the porous material is macro-porous material.

In some embodiments, the conduit comprises at least one wick. In some embodiments, the conduit comprises at least one capillary. In one embodiment, the conduit comprises porous media. In one embodiment, the porous media is silica. In one embodiment, the porous material is ceramic plate.

In some embodiments, the ceramic plate has a pore size of 6μηι. In some embodiment, the capillary is perforated. In some embodiments, the capillary is filled with 60 μιη in diameter of grained quartz.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is released from the ceil only through the permeable segment of the cell. In some embodiments, the at least one impermeable segment is impermeable to liquid water. In some embodiments, the at least one impermeable segment is permeable to water vapor. In some embodiments, the cell has one impermeable segment. In some embodiments, the cell has 2-25 impermeable segments. In some aspects of the invention, the cell has more than 5 impermeable segments. In some embodiments, the cell has one permeable segment. In some embodiments, the cell has 2-25 permeable segments. In some aspects of the invention, the cell has more than 5 permeable segments.

In some embodiments, less than 2% of the cell wall is permeable. In some aspects of the invention, less than 5% of the cell wall is permeable. In some aspects of the invention, less than 10% of the cell wall is permeable. In some aspects of the invention, less than 25% of the cell wall is permeable. In some aspects of the invention, 25% or more of the cell wall is permeable, In some aspects of the invention, the formulation of the content of the cell may be adjusted to accomplish a desired release profile of the one or more agrochernical. The content of the cell can contain inactive agents as needed to arrive at a desired release profile.

In some aspects of the invention, each parameter of the at least one permeable segment can be adjusted to accomplish a desired release profile. In some aspects of the invention, the parameter is the number of permeable segments. In some aspects of the invention, the parameter is the percentage of permeable segments in the cell wall. In some aspects of the invention, the parameter is the dimension of the permeable segment. In some aspects of the invention, the parameter is the composition of the permeable segment. In some aspects of the invention, the parameter is the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the permeable segment incorporated into the wall of the cell.

In some aspects of the invention, the release profile of the one or more agrochemicals is not affected by the formulation of the content of the cell. In some aspects of the invention, the release profile of the one or more agrochemical is not affected by the amount of the one or more agrochemical inside the cell. In some aspects of the invention, the release profile of the one or more agrochemicals is controlled only by the parameter of the at least one permeable segment.

In some embodiments, the permeable segment is at least 0.002% of the complete cell wall. In some embodiments, the permeable segment is between 0.002% to 5% of the complete cell wall .

In some embodiments, the permeable segment is only hydrogel. In some embodiments, the permeable segment is only hydrogel and the release rate is 1 ^x 10^'5 - 1 ^χ 10^"" (gxd^"1).

In some embodiments, the permeable segment is oriented porous media comprising hydrogel and the release rate is l ^χ 10^"5 - 1 ^χ 10^"3 (gxd^"1). In some embodiments, the oriented porous media is wick.

In some embodiments, the permeable segment is non-oriented porous media comprising hydrogel and the release rate is 1 10^"'' - 1 10^"4 (u d^{" 1} ) In some embodiments, the non-oriented porous media is silica or ceramic plate.

In some embodiments, the release rate of the at least one agrochemical is I x lO^"8 - I x lO^"1 (gxd^"1). In some embodiments, the release rate of the at least one agrochemical is I ^χ 10^"3 - 4^χ 10^"1 (gxd^"1), In some embodiments, the release rate of the at least one agrochemical is 1 .7 1 0^{" !} - 2.0 (g^xd^" ^l). In some embodiments, the release rate of the at least one agrochemical is 1.0x l0^"J - 2.9^χ 10^"3 (gxd^""1). In some embodiments, the release rate of the at least one agrochemical is 1 ,7x 10-3 - 2.7x 10-3 (gxd^"1). In some embodiments, the release rate of the at least one agrochemical is 2.2x 10- 3 3. 1 10^"1 (g cT ).

In some embodiments, the at least one agrochemical is a fertilizer. In some embodiments, the release rate of the fertilizer is I x lO^"4 - 1 x 10-1 (gxd^'1). In some embodiments, the at least one agrochemical is a plant protection product or plant growth enhancer. In some embodiments, the release rate of the plant protection product or plant growth enhancer is 1 ^χ 10^"s - l x l 0^'2 (gxd^"1). In some embodiments, the length of the permeable segment is at least 1 mm. In some embodiments, the length of the permeable segment is about 1 mm to 20 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the permeable segment is at least 0.01 mm. In some embodiments, the diameter of the permeable segment is about 0.01 mm to 2 mm.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the segment incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 1000000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 1000: 1 to 100000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 1000: 1 to 10000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 1000: 1 to 5000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 5000: 1 to 10000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 10000: 1 to 50000: 1 , In some embodiments, the ratio is 50000: 1 to 100000: 1 . In some embodiments, the ratio is 100000: 1 to 500000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 500000: 1 to 1000000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 1000000: 1 to 5000000: 1.In some embodiments, the ratio is 5000000: 1 to 10000000: 1.

In some embodiments, the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the permeable segment incorporated into the wall of the cell is 2.4 x 10^"iU g to 7.1 x 10^"5 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the permeable segment incorporated into the wail of the ceil is 1 x 10^"10 g to 1 x 10^"6 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the permeable segment incorporated into the wall of the cell is 1 x 10^"10 g to 1 x 10^" ' g. In some embodiments, the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the permeable segment incorporated into the wall of the cell is 1 x 10^'10 g to 1 x 10^'8 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the permeable segment incorporated into the wall of the cell is 1 x lO^"1" g to 1 x 10^"9 g.

In some embodiments, the portion of the permeable segment located outside the cell comprises a hydrogel . In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the permeable segment located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0.01 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the permeable segment located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0.1 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the permeable segment located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0,5 g. In some aspects, the portion of the permeable segment located outside the ceil does not comprise a hydrogel.

In some aspects, the portion of the permeable segment located inside the cell comprises a hydrogel. In some aspects, the portion of the permeable segment located inside the cell does not comprise a hydrogel.

In some embodiments, the portion(s) of the permeable segment comprising hydrogel is coated with the hydrogel. In some embodiments, the portion(s) of the permeable segment comprising hydrogel is saturated with the hydrogel. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises a synthetic hydrogel, a natural carbohydrate hydrogel, a pectin or protein hydrogel, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises acrylamide, an acrylic derivative, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprise natural carbohydrate hydrogel. In some embodiments, the natural carbohydrate hydrogel comprises agar, cellulose, chitosan, starch, hyaluronic acid, a dextrine, a natural gum, a sulfated polysaccharide, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises acrylic acid and cellulose. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprise 80% by weight of acrylic acid and 10% by weight of cellulose. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises less than 20% by weight of acrylic acid and 70-90% by weight of cellulose. In some embodiments, the cellulose is carboxymethyl cellulose.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprises a super absorbent polymer (SAP), In some embodiments, the SAP comprises a natural super absorbent polymer (SAP), a poly-sugar SAP, a semi -synthetic SAP, a fully synthetic SAP, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the SAP comprises a semi-synthetic SAP. In some embodiments, the semisynthetic SAP is a carboxymethyl cellulose grafted polyacrylic acid SAP (CMC-g-polyacrylic acid SAP). In some embodiments, the CMC-g-polyacrylic acid SAP comprises 6% CMC relative to the acrylic monomers (acrylamide-acrylic or AA), 6% CMC relative to acrylic acid, 25% CMC relative to acrylic acid, or CMC 50% A A. In some embodiments, the CMC-g-polyacrylic acid SAP comprises 5-50%o CMC relative the acrylic monomers. In some embodiments, the CMC grafted SAP comprises 6-12% CMC relative the acrylic monomers. In some embodiments, the semi -synthetic SAP is k-carrageenan cross-linked-polyacrylic acid SAP. In some embodiments, the SAP is other than alginate or a k-carrageenan cross-linked-polyacrylic acid SAP. In some embodiments, the SAP comprises a fully synthetic SAP, In some embodiments, the fully synthetic SAP is acrylic acid or acrylic amide or any of the combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel has a volume of 0.4 to 40 mL when fully swelled. In some embodiments, the hydrogel has a volume of 1 to 30 mL when fully swel led. In some embodiments, the hydrogel has a volume of 5 to 20 mL when fully swelled. In some embodiments, the hydrogel has a volume of 10 to 15 mL when fully swelled. In some embodiments, the hydrogel has a volume of 0.75-12.5 mL when fully swelled.

In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises a biodegradable film. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell compri ses a biodegradable polymer. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises a soil biodegradable polymer. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises water soluble polymer. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises poly vinyl alcohol. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the wail of the ceil comprises polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, polybutyrate adipate terephthalate, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyvalerate, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell compri ses a polylactic acid. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises a polylactic acid further comprises urea. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises polylactic acid sheets. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises polybutylene succinate, polybutyrate adipate terephthalate, polyhydroxyalkanoate, polvhydroxyabutyrate, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises polybutylene succinate. In some embodiments, the wall of the cel l compri ses polybutyrate adipate terephthalate. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises polyhydroxyalkanoate. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises polyhydroxyabutyrate. In some embodiments, the wall of the cell comprises a thermoplastic starch, cellulose acetate, or other cellulose-based material. In some aspects of the invention, the wall of the cell comprises polycaprolactone, polyglycolide, polydioxanone, or any combinations or copolymers thereof.

In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 0,5-20 cm³. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 1-10 cm³. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 1-5 cm³. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 3-10 cm³. In some embodiments, the volume of the ceil is about 5-10 cm^J. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 5-6 cm³. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 2-3 cm³. In some embodiments, the volume of the cell is about 1 , 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 cm³.

In some aspects of the invention, the unit comprises two or more agrochemicals.

In some embodiments, the unit comprises two or more impermeable ceils and each of the two or more impermeable cells, independently, contains a different agrochemical or a different combination of agrochemicals. In some embodiments, the unit comprises two or more impermeable cells and one wick is in contact with the agrochemical in each impermeable cell, such that a different part of the portion of the wick located inside the impermeable cell is in contact with the agrochemical in each impermeable cell. In some embodiments, the weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is 1-20 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is 1-10 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is 1 -5 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is at least about 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 2, 5, or 10 mg. In some embodiments, the weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is about 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is 1 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the agrochemical comprised in the ceil is 4 g. In some embodiments, the weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is 10 g.

In some aspects of the invention, the agrochemical is a fertilizer, a pesticide, a hormone, a drag, a chemical growth agent, an enzyme, a growth promoter, a biostimuiant, a microelement, a plant protection agent, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is a fertilizer compound. In some embodiments, the fertilizer compound is a synthetic fertilizer. In some embodiments, the fertilizer compound comprises nitrogen, potassium, phosphate or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the fertilizer compound is P0₄, N0₃, (XI i i)>S( NH4H2PO4, KG, or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, the unit comprises one to three fertilizer compounds, such that the total N, P, and/or K content as (NH₄)₂S0₂, NH4H2PO4, and KG in the medium as part of the units is about 5-50, 1-10, and 5-150 g/m², respectively. In some embodiments, the units comprise three fertilizer compounds, such that the total N, P, and K content as (NH₄)₂S0₂, NH4H2PO4, and KG in the medium as part of the units is about 25, 5, and 30 g/m², respectively.

In some embodiments, the fertilizer compound is a micronutrient such as for example boron, iron, cobalt, chromium, copper, iodine, manganese, selenium, zinc or molybdenum. In some embodiments, the agrochemical is dry prior to use, or prior to use of the unit the agrochemical is a paste containing water, a solution, a concentrated solution, a saturated solution, or a di spersion.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is released from the unit by mass flow. In some aspects of the invention, the agrochemicai is released from the unit by diffusion.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is released from the at least one permeable segment. In some aspects of the invention, the agrochemical release rate is controlled by the permeable segment properties and the moisture level of the unit. In some embodiments, the rate of the agrochemical release is determined by the permeable segment properties and/or the number of permeable segments. Permeable segment properties refers to diameter, material, density, length, and width.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical is substantially not released until after about 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 days following application to planting soil. In some embodiments, the agrochemical is steadily released after about 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 days following application to planting soil. In some embodiments, the agrochemical is decreasingly release after about 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 days following application to planting soil. In some embodiments, the agrochemical is released from the unit over a period of at least about 1,

2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20 weeks following application to planting soil. In some embodiments, the agrochemical is released over a period of 1 month to 8 months. In specific embodiments, the agrochemical is released over a period a growing season of a crop. In some embodiments, the unit comprises multiple impermeable ceils, arranged such that the agrochemical from a cell is released at a different time period, and/or at a different rate than the release of agrochemical from another impermeable cell of the unit. In specific embodiments, the unit is arranged so as to release a different agrochemical at a different time period during a growing season.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel in the unit is 1000: 1 to 1 : 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel in the unit is 1000: 1 to 100: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel in the unit is 100: 1 to 1 : 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel in the unit is 100: 1 to 10: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel in the unit is 10: 1 to 1 : 1. In some embodiments, the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the unit is 183 : 1 to 8: 1.

In some embodiments, the dry weight of the unit is about 0.1-20 g. In some aspects of the invention, the dry weight of the unit is about 1-10 g.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the unit has a dry weight of at least 0.01 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the unit has a dry weight of at least 0.02 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the unit has a dry weight of at least 0.03 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the unit has a dry weight of at least 0.1 g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the unit has a dry weight of at least 0.5 g.

In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least O.Olg. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0.03g. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0. Ig. In some embodiments, the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the ceil has a dry weight of at least 0.5g.

In some embodiments, the unit is in the shape of a cylinder, sphere, polyhedron, cube, or disc. In some aspects of the invention, the unit is in the shape having a cross section of a triangle, rectangle, circle, or square. The subject invention also provides a process of making the agrochemical delivery units described herein, comprising: creating a cell comprising two or more cell wall segments wherein at least one segment is impermeable and at least one segment is permeable and encapsulating an agrochemical into the cell such that the at least one agrochemical is released through the at least one permeable segment of the cell in a controlled manner after it is in contact with water.

The subject invention also provides an agrochemical deliver}' method comprising distributing a multitude of the agrochemical delivery units described herein to plant growth medium.

The subject invention also provides an agrochemical delivery method comprising adding one or more of the agrochemical deliver}' units described herein to a plant growth medium.

In some embodiments, the method comprises adding two or more of the agrochemical delivery units described herein to the plant growth medium. In some embodiments, the two or more agrochemical delivery units are added at one or more depths below the medium surface. In some embodiments, the two or more agrochemical deliver}' units are added at a depth of 1.-50 cm below the medium surface. In some embodiments, the two or more agrochemical delivery units are added at a depth of 1-15 cm below the medium surface. In some embodiments, the two or more agrochemical deliver)- units are added at a depth of 15-30 cm below the medium surface. In some embodiments, the two or more agrochemical deliver)' units are added at a depth of 30-50 cm below the medium surface. In some embodiments, the two or more agrochemical deliver)- units are added at a depth of I cm, 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 30 cm, 35 cm, 40 cm, 45 cm, or 50 cm, or any combination of 2, 3, or 4 of the foregoing depths.

In some embodiments, the agrochemical delivery units are added to the growth medium at a concentration of 1-50 units per square meter. In some embodiments, the agrochemical delivery units are added to the growth medium at a concentration of 5-50 units per square meter. In some embodiments, the agrochemical deliver)- units are added to the growth medium at a concentration of 10-30 units per square meter.

In some embodiments, the plant growth medium comprises soil. In some embodiments, the plant growth medium is grown is soil. In some embodiments, the soil comprises sand, silt, clay, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the soil is clay, loam, clay -loam, or silt-loam. In some embodiments, the soil is artificial soil. In some embodiments, the soil is natural soil.

The subject invention also provides a method of delivering an agrochemical to create a zone for preferential root development of a plant, comprising:

i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a root zone of the plant; or ii) adding at least one of the units described herein to a zone of the medium in which the plant is anticipated to grow. The subject invention also provides a method of increasing the yield of a plant, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the yield of the plant is higher when grown in the medium containing the units than in the medium not containing the units.

The subject invention also provides a method of increasing the growth rate of a plant, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the plant grows faster in the medium containing the units than in the medium not containing the units.

The subject invention also provides a method of increasing N, P, and/or uptake by a plant, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the N, P, and/or K. uptake of the plant is greater in the medium containing the units than in the medium not containing the units.

The subject invention also provides a method of efficient controlled release of agrochemical at low ambient temperatures, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the influence of low ambient temperature on the release rates is reduced.

In some embodiments, low ambient temperature is at temperature below 15 °C, below 12 ^C'C, below 10 °C, below 8 °C, below 6 °C, below 4 °C, below 2 °C, or below 0 °C. The subject invention also provides a method of efficient controlled release of agrochemical at high ambient temperatures, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the influence of high ambient temperature on the release rates is reduced.

In some embodiments, high ambient temperature is a temperature above 23 °C, above 25 °C, above 30 °C, or above 40 °C.

The subject invention also provides a method of efficient controlled release of agrochemical at low- ambient moisture, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units described herein to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the influence of low ambient moisture on the release rates is reduced.

The subject invention also provides a method of growing a plant, comprising adding at least one of the units described herein a medium in which the plant is growing or is to be grown.

In some embodiments, the plant is grown in a field. In some embodiments, the plant is grown at home (plant pot) or in a garden. In some embodiments, the plant is a crop plant. In some embodiments, the crop plant is an ornamental plant. In some embodiments, the crop plant is a grain plant. In some embodiments, the plant is a tree crop plant. In some embodiments, the crop plant is a fruit or a vegetable plant. In some embodiments, the plant is a banana, barley, bean, cassava, corn, cotton, grape, maize, orange, pea, potato, rice, soybean, sugar beet, tomato, or wheat plant. In some embodiments, the plant is a sunflower, cabbage plant, lettuce, or celery plant.

The invention provides an agrochemical deliver}' unit comprising:

a) an impermeable cell, b) an agrochemical within the impermeable cell; and c) a wick comprising a hydrogel, said wick having (i) a portion located inside the impermeable cell in contact with the agrochemical, (ii ) a portion incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell not in contact with the agrochemical and not in contact with media outside of the impermeable cell, and (iii) and a portion located outside of the impermeable ceil in contact with media outside of the impermeable ceil, arranged so as to permit controlled release of the agrochemical through the wick from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, wherein the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 10000: 1 to 40000000000: 1.

The subject invention also provides an agrochemical deliver}' unit comprising: a) an impermeable cell, b) an agrochemical in the impermeable cell, and c) a conduit wherein a portion of the conduit is incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell, wherein the unit provides extended controlled delivery of the agrochemical through the conduit from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, and wherein the portion of the conduit incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell comprises hydrogel and the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the conduit incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil is 10000: 1 to 40000000000: 1.

The subject invention also provides an agrochemical delivery unit comprising: a) a cell comprising two or more cell wall segments wherein at least one of the cell wall segments is impermeable and at least one of the cell wall segments is permeable, and b) an agrochemical in the cell, wherein the unit provides extended controlled delivery of the agrochemical through the at least one permeable segment from inside of the cell to media outside of the cell, and wherein a portion of the permeable segment comprises hydrogel and is incorporated into the wall of the cell and the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the segment incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil is 10000: 1 to 40000000000: 1.

In some embodiments, the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel is 10000000: 1 to 100000000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 100000000: 1 to 1000000000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 1000000000: 1 to 10000000000: 1. In some embodiments, the ratio is 10000000000: 1 to 40000000000: 1.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

As used herein, and unless stated otherwise or required otherwise by context, each of the following terms shall have the definition set forth below.

It is understood that where a parameter range is provided, all integers within that range, and tenths thereof, are also provided by the invention. For example, "0.1-10 cm" is a disclosure of 0.2 cm, 0,3 cm, 0.4 cm, 0.5 cm, etc. up to 10 cm.

As used herein, "about" in the context of a numerical value or range means ±10% of the numerical value or range recited or claimed, unless the context requires a more limited range.

As used herein, the term "impermeable" when used to describe a ceil means that the cell wall does not allow a substantial amount of fluid to pass through. Fluid includes, but is not limited to, liquid water. Fluid as used in the context of this definition does not include water vapor. Thus, an "impermeable ceil" as used herein permits water vapor to pass through.

As used herein, the term "permeable" when used to describe a conduit means that the conduit allows a substantial amount of fluid to pass through. Fluid includes, but is not limited to, liquid water. Fluid as used in the context of this definition does not include water vapor.

The term "controlled release" when used to refer to a unit described herein means that the unit is arranged to release one or more agrochemicals of the impermeable cell gradually over time. In some embodiments, the unit is arranged to release an agrochemical into medium surrounding the cell, for example, the root development zones, over a period of at least about one week when the root development zones are swelled. In some embodiments, the unit is arranged so as to release the agrochemical over a period of 4 weeks, 3 months, or up to 8 months, and most preferably over the period of time of a growing season of a crop. "Controlled release" is interchangeable with the term "slow release" ("SR").

"DAP" means days after planting.

Unless required otherwise by context, a "unit" refers to a unit for delivery of agrochemicals to the roots of a plant as described herein. A "fertilizer unit" refers to a unit for deliver)' of agrochemicals to the roots of a plant as described herein which comprises a fertilizer, A "fertilizer/pesticide unit" refers to a unit for delivery of agrochemicals to the roots of a plant as described herein which comprises a fertilizer and a pesticide. As used herein, a "wick" is a component of the agrochemical delivery unit described herein that has a length greater than its cross-section, A "wick" can be made of any suitable material, including fiber mesh, cotton or other cellulose fiber, ceramic, or glass-based fiber, porous material possessing capillary structure, a micro-porous material, a macro-porous material, A "root development zone" is a component of a unit of the invention which, when hydrated, can be penetrated by a growing root. In some embodiments, the growing root can grow and develop within the root development zone of a unit. In some embodiments, a root development zone is a super absorbent polymer (SAP). In some embodiments, the root development zone is an aerogel, a geotextile, or a sponge. In some embodiments, the root development zone will take up water from the surrounding environment when, for example, the unit is placed in soil (artificial or natural) which is subsequently irrigated. In some embodiments, the hydrated root development zones create an artificial environment in which a growing root can uptake water and nutrients. In some embodiments, the root development zones of a unit are formulated to contain one or more agrochemicals which are the same or different than the agrochemicals of the agrochemical zones of the unit. While the invention described herein is not limited to any particular mechanism of action, it is believed that a growing root is attracted to the root development zones of a unit because of the presence of water and/or agrochemicals (e.g. minerals) in the root development zones. It is believed that roots can continue to grow and develop within the root development zones of units because of the continued availability of water and/or agrochemicals in the units.

Plants provided by or contemplated for use in embodiments of the present invention include both monocotyledons and dicotyledons. In some embodiments, a plant is a crop plant. As used herein, a "crop plant" is a plant which is grown commercially. In some embodiments, the plants of the present invention are crop plants (for example, cereals and pulses, maize, wheat, potatoes, tapioca, rice, sorghum, millet, cassava, barley, or pea), or other legumes. In some embodiments, the crop plants may be grown for production of edible roots, tubers, leaves, stems, flowers or fruit. The plants may be vegetable or ornamental plants. Non-limiting examples of crop plants of the invention include: Acrocomia aculeata (macauba palm), Arabidopsis tkaliana, Aracinis hypogaea (peanut), Astrocarytim murumiiru (murumuru), Astrocaryum vulgar e (tucuma), Attalea geraensis (Indaia-rateiro), Attalea humilis (American oil palm), Attalea oleifera (andaia), Attalea phalerata (uricuri), Attalea speciosa (babassu), Avena sativa (oats), Beta vulgaris (sugar beet), Brassica sp. such as Brassica carinata, Brassica juncea, Brassica napobrassica, Brassica napus (canola), Camelina sativa (false flax), Cannabis sativa (hemp), Carthamus tinctorius (safflower), Caryocar brasiliense (pequi), Cocos micifera (Coconut), Crambe abyssinica (Abyssinian kale), Cucumis melo (melon), Elaeis guineensis (African palm), Glycine max (soybean), Gossypium hirsutum (cotton), Helianthus sp. such as Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Hordeum vu!gare (barley), Jatropha curcas (physic nut), Joannesia princeps (arara nut-tree), Lemna. sp. (duckweed) such as Lemna aequinoctialis, I. em no. disperma, Lemna ecuadoriensis, Lemna gibba (swollen duckweed), Lemna japonica, Lemna minor, Lemna minnta, Lemna obscura, Lemna paucicostata, Lemna perpusilla, Lemna tenera, Lemna trisulca, Lemna turionifera, Lemna valdiviana, Lemna yimgensis, Licania rigida (oiticica), Linum usitatissimum (flax), Lupinus angtistifo!ius (lupin), Mauritia flexuosa (buriti palm), Maximiliana maripa (inaja palm), Miscanthus sp. such as Miscanthus x gigantetis and Miscanthus sinensis, Nicotiana sp. (tab a ceo) such as Nicotiana tabacum or Nicotiana benthamiana, Oenocarpiis haco.hu (bacaba-do-azeite), Oenocarpus bataua (pataua), Oenocarpus distichus (bacaba-de-ieque), Oryza sp. (rice) such as Oryza sativa and Oryza glaberrima, Panicum virgatum (switchgrass), Paraqueiba paraensis (man), Persea amencana (avocado), Pongamia pinnata (Indian beech), Popidus trichocarpa, Ricinus communis (castor), Saccharum sp. (sugarcane), Sesamnm indicum (sesame), Solarium tuberosum (potato), Sorghum sp. such as Sorghu bicolor, Sorghum vulgare, Theobroma grandiforum (cupuassu), Trifolium sp., Trithrinax brasiliensis (Brazilian needle palm), Triticum sp. (wheat) such as Triticum aestivum, Zea mays (corn), alfalfa (Medicago sativd), rye (Secale cerale), sweet potato (Lopmoea hulas us), cassava (Mamhot esculenta), coffee (Cqfea spp,), pineapple (Anana comosus), citris tree {Citrus spp. ), cocoa (Theobroma cacao), tea (Camellia senensis), banana (Musa spp.), avocado (Persea americana), fig (Ficus casica), guava (Psidiu guaj v ), mango (Mangifer indica), olive (Oiea europaea), papaya (Carica papaya), cashew (Anacardiiim occidentale), macadamia (Macadamia inter grifolia) and almond (Pruniis amygda!us).

Unless stated otherwise or required otherwise by context, "swelled" means that a material has an absorbed amount of water which is at least about 1% of the amount of water that would be absorbed by the material if placed in deionized water for 24 hours at 21 °C. When the material is a hydrogei, a "swelled" hydrogei can be referred to as a "hydrated" hydrogei. In some embodiments, a swelled material has an absorbed amount of water which is at least about 2% of the amount of water that would be absorbed by the material if placed in deionized water for 24 hours at 21°C. In some embodiments, a swelled material has an absorbed amount of water which is at least about 3% of the amount of water that would be absorbed by the material if placed in deionized water for 24 hours at 21 °C. In some embodiments, a swelled material has an absorbed amount of water which is at least about 4% of the amount of water that would be absorbed by the material if placed in deionized water for 24 hours at 21°C. In some embodiments, a swelled material has an absorbed amount of water which is at least about 5% of the amount of water that would be absorbed by the material if placed in deionized water for 24 hours at 21°C.

Unless stated otherwise or required otherwise by context, "hydrated" means at least about 1% hydrated. In some embodiments, "hydrated" means at least about 2% hydrated. In some embodiments, "hydrated" means at least about 3% hydrated. In some embodiments, "hydrated" means at least about 4% hydrated. In some embodiments, "hydrated" means at least about 5% hydrated. As used herein, a "fully swelled" unit of the invention is a unit which contains an amount of absorbed water which is equal to the amount of water the unit would absorb if placed in deionized water for 24 hours at 21 °C.

As used herein, an artificial environment means a media located within the root zone of an agricultural field or a garden plant loaded with an agrochemical, encourages root growth and uptake activity within its internal periphery. Non-limiting examples of agrochemicals include pesticides, including insecticides, herbicides, and fungicides. Agrochemicals may also include natural and synthetic fertilizers, hormones and other chemical growth agents.

The unit may contain the input (fertilizer, pesticide, or other agrochemical) in a structure that controls its release into the root development zone. The release rate is designed to meet plant demands throughout the growing season. In some embodiments, no input residuals remain at the end of a predetermined action period.

Units made with a water soluble pesticide may be formulated so that the water-soluble pesticide is contained in one or more cells together with or without other agrochemicals, e.g. fertilizers. These unit may be arranged, or the content of the cell may be formulated, to release the pesticide into the root development zones or soil surrounding the plant in a controlled release manner.

Units made with hydrophobic pesticides may be arranged, or the content of the cell may be formulated so that the hydrophobic pesticide is contained together with or without other agrochemicals, e.g. fertilizers. These units do not need to have any additional controlled release mechanism, e.g. a coating system, because the hydrophobic nature of the pesticide will limit its rate of release, including its release into the root development zones. Thus, the hydrophobic nature of the pesticide will limit the rate at which the pesticide leaches from the unit into the surrounding medium. Thus, in some instances, it will be economically advantageous to formulate hydrophobic pesticides in one or more cells lacking a controlled release mechanism, and/or to disperse the pesticide throughout one or more root development zones. In some embodiments, the cell comprises one or more fertilizers, pesticides, and/or other agrochemicals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, etc., in a beehive like structure made from highly cross linked polymer coated with silica or highly cross linked poly acrylic acid/poly sugar with a clay filler. In some embodiments, the cell comprises fertilizer, pesticide, and/or at least one other agrochemical in a beehive like structure with or without an external coating.

Root development zones of the present invention are sustainable in soils, and encourage root penetration, uptake activity, and growth and/or development in the root development zone. In some embodiments, a super absorbent polymer may serve as the root development zone since during watering it can absorb soil moisture, swell and maintain its high water content over long period of time. These features establish a zone where gradual transition of chemical concentration exists between the cell and the periphery of the root development zone allowing root uptake activity during the unit of the invention's life cycle. In some embodiments, the root development zone has features such as mechanical resistance (in order to maintain its shape and geometry in the soil); swelling cycle capability (capable of repeated hydration and dehydration in response to soil water content); oxygen permeability (maintaining sufficient oxygen level to support root activity, such as root development); and root penetration (allowing the growth of roots into it).

Materials that may be used in the present invention include but are not limited to: 1) clay 2) zeolite 3) tuff 4) fly ash 5) hydrogel 6) foam.

In some embodiments, an artificial environment of the present invention serves as a buffer for soil type and pH to provide universal root growth environment. In some embodiments, an artificial environment of the present invention contains needed materials and nutrients in the desired conditions, such as but not limited to water, fertilizers, drugs, and other additives.

Super Absorbent Polymers

Super Absorbent Polymers are polymers that can absorb and retain extremely large amounts of a liquid relative to their own mass. Non-limiting examples of SAPs that are useful in embodiments of the subject invention are described in K. Horie, M. Baron, R. B. Fox, J. He, M. Hess, J. Kahovec,

T. itayama, P. Kubisa, E. Marechal, W. Mormann, R. F. T. Stepto, D. Tabak, J. Vohlidal, E. S. Wilks, and W. J. Work (2004). "Definitions of terms relating to reactions of polymers and to functional polymeric materials (IUPAC Recommendations 2003)". Pure and Applied Chemistry 76 (4): 889-906; Kabiri, K. (2003). "Synthesis of fast-swelling superabsorbent hydrogels: effect of crosslinker type and concentration on porosity and absorption rate". European Polymer Journal 39 (7): 1341-1348; "History of Super Absorbent Polymer Chemistry". M2 Polymer Technologies, Inc. (available from www.m2polymerxorn html/history_of_superabsorbents.html); "Basics of Super Absorbent Polymer & Acrylic Acid Chemistry". M2 Polymer Technologies, Inc. (available from www.m2polymer.com/html/chemistry_sap.html); Katime Trabanca, Daniel, Katime Trabanca, Oscar; Katime Amashta, Issa Antonio (September 2004). Los materiales inteligentes de este milenio: Los hidrogeles macromoleculares. Sintesis, propiedades y aplicaciones. (1 ed.), Bilbao: Servicio Editorial de la Universidad del Pais Vasco (UPV EHU); and Buchholz, Fredric L; Graham, Andrew T, ed. (1997). Modern Superabsorbent Polymer Technology (1 ed.). John Wiley & Sons, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Hydrogels are cross-linked polymer networks that absorb and retain extremely large amounts of water. Non-limiting examples of hydrogels that are useful in embodiments of the subject invention are described in Mathur et al ., 1996. "Methods for Synthesis of Hydrogel Networks: A Review" Journal of Macromolecular Science, Part C: Polymer Reviews Volume 36, Issue 2, 405-430; and Kabiri et al., 2010. "Superabsorbent hydrogel composites and nanocomposites: A review" Volume 32, Issue 2, pages 277-289, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Geotextiles

Geotextiles are permeable fabrics which are typically used to prevent the movement of soil or sand when placed in contact with the ground. Non-limiting examples of geotextiles that are useful in embodiments of the subject invention are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,928,696, 4,002,034, 6,315,499, 6,368,024, and 6,632,875, the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. Aerogels

Aerogels are gels formed by the dispersion of air in a solidified matrix. Non-limiting examples of aerogels that are useful in embodiments of the subject invention are described in Aegerter, M ., ed. (201 1) Aerogels Handbook. Springer, the entire contents of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Agrochemicals

As used herein, the term "agrochemical" means an active ingredient used in the practice of farming, including cultivation of the soil for the growing of crops. However, the use of agricultural materials is not limited to application to crops. Agricultural materials may be applied to soil surrounding any plant, e.g., for the purpose of aiding or inhibiting growth of a living organism.

Examples of agrochemicals include, but are not limited to, pesticides, hormones, bio-stimulants, and plant growth agents.

As used herein, the term "pesticide", "pesticide compound" or "pesticidal compound" means a compound capable of killing or inhibiting growth or proliferation of a pest, whether for plant protection or for non-crop application. As used herein, all "pesticide", "pesticide compound" or "pesticidal compound" fall within "agrochemical". The term "pesticide", "pesticide compound" or "pesticidal compound" includes, but is not limited to, insecticide, nematicide, herbicide, fungicide, algicides, animal repellents, and acaricides. As used herein, the term "pest" includes, but is not limited to, insect, nematode, weed, fungi, algae, mite, tick, and animal. As used herein, the term "weed" refers to any unwanted vegetation.

Fertilizers

A fertilizer is any organic or inorganic material of natural or synthetic origin (other than living materials) that is added to a plant medium to supply one or more nutrients that promotes growth of plants.

Non-limiting examples of fertilizers that are useful in embodiments of the subject invention are described in Stewart, W.M.; Dibb, D.W.; Johnston, A.E.; Smyth, T.J. (2005). "The Contribution of Commercial Fertilizer Nutrients to Food Production". Agronomy Journal 97: 1-6.; Erisman, Jan Will em; MA Sutton, J Galloway, Z Klimont, W Winiwarter (October 2008), "How a century of ammonia synthesis changed the world". Nature Geoscience 1 (10): 636.; G. J. Leigh (2004). The world's greatest fix: a history of nitrogen and agriculture. Oxford University Press US. pp. 134— 139; Glass, Anthony (September 2003), "Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Crop Plants: Physiological Constraints upon Nitrogen Absorption". Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences 22 (5): 453; Vance; Uhde- Stone & Allan (2003). "Phosphorus acquisition and use: critical adaptations by plants for securing a non renewable resource". New Phythologist (Blackwell Publishing) 157 (3): 423-447., Moore, Geoff (2001), Soil guide - A handbook for understa ding and managing agricultural soils. Perth, Western Australia: Agriculture Western Australia, pp. 161-207; Haussinger, Peter; Reiner Lohmuller, Allan M. Watson (2000). Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry, Volume 18, Weinheim, Germany: Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA. pp. 249-307.; Carroll and Salt, Steven B. and Steven D. (2004). Ecology for Gardeners. Cambridge: Timber Press.; Enwall, Karin; Laurent Philippot,2 and Sara Hallinl (December 2005). "Activity and Composition of the Denitrifying Bacterial Community Respond Differently to Long-Term Fertilization". Applied and Environmental Microbiology (American Society for Microbiology) 71 (2): 8335-8343.; Birkhofera, Klaus; T. Martijn Bezemerb, c, d, Jaap Bioeme, Michael Bonkowskia, Soren Christensenf, David Duboisg, Fleming Ekelundf, Andreas FlieBbachh, Lucie Gunstg, atari na Hedlundi, Paul Maderh, Juha Mikolaj, Christophe Robink, Heikki Setaiaj, Fabienne Tatin-Frouxk, Wim H. Van der Puttenb, c and Stefan Scheua (September 2008), "Long-term organic farming fosters below and aboveground biota: Implications for soil quality, biological control and productivity". Soil Biology and Biochemistry (Soil Biology and Biochemistry) 40 (9): 2297- 2308,; Lai, II. (2004). "Soil Carbon Sequestration Impacts on Global Climate Change and Food Security". Science (Science (journal)) 304 (5677): 1623-7.; and Zublena, J .P.; J. V. Baird, J, P. Lilly (June 1991). "SoilFacts - Nutrient Content of Fertilizer and Organic Materials". North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. (available from www. soil. ncsu.edu/publications/Soilfacts/AG-439- 18/), the entire contents of each of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

Non-limiting examples of fertilizers which may be useful in embodiments of the present invention include Ammonium nitrate, Ammonium sulfate, anhydrous ammonia, calcium nitrate/urea, oxamide, potassium nitrate, urea, urea sulfate, ammoniated superphosphate, diammonium phosphate, nitric phosphate, potassium carbonate, potassium metaphosphate, calcium chloride, magnesium ammonium phosphate, magnesium sulfate, ammonium sulfate, potassium sulfate, and others disclosed herein.

Pesticides

Pesticides are substances or mixtures of substances capable of preventing, destroying, repelling or mitigating any pest. Pesticides include insecticides, nematicides, herbicides and fungicides.

Insecticides

Insecticides are pesticides that are useful against insects, and include but are not limited to organochloride, organophosphate, carbamate, pyrethroid, neonicotinoid, and ryanoid insecticides.

Non-limiting examples of insecticides that are useful in embodiments of the subject invention are described in van Emden HF, Pealall DB (1996) Beyond Silent Spring, Chapman & Hall, London, 322pp; Rosemary A. Cole "Isothiocyanates, nitriles and thiocyanates as products of autolysis of glucosinolates in Cruciferae" Phytochemutry, 1976. Vol. 15, pp. 759-762; and Robert L. Metcaif "Insect Control" in Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry" Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 2002, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary insecticides include Aldicarb, Bendiocarb, Carbofuran, Ethienocarb, Fenobucarb, Oxamyl, Methomyl, Acetamiprid, Clothianidin, Dinotefuran, Imidacloprid, Nitenpyram, Nithiazine, Thiacloprid, Thiamethoxam, Mi rex. Tetradifon, Phenthoate, Phorate, Pirimiphos-methyl, Quinalphos, Terbufos, Tribufos, Trichlorfon, Tralomethrin, Transfluthrin, Fenoxycarb, Fipronii, Hydramethylnon, Indoxacarb, and Limonene. Additional exemplary insecticides include Carbaryl, Propoxur, Endosulfan, Endrin, Heptachlor, Kepone, Lindane, Methoxychlor, Toxaphene, Parathion, Parathion-methyl, Phosalone, Phosmet, Phoxim, Temefos, Tebupirimfos, and Tetrachlorvinphos.

Nematicides

Nematicides are pesticides that are useful against plant-parasitic nematodes. Non-limiting examples of nematicides that are useful in embodiments of the subject invention are described in D. J. Chitwood, "Nematicides," in Encyclopedia of Agrochemicals (3), pp. 1104- 1 1 15, John Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 2003; and S, R. Gowen, "Chemical control of nematodes: efficiency and side-effects," in Plant Nematode Problems and their Control in the Near East Region (FAO Plant Production and Protection Paper - 144), 1992, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Herbicides

Herbicides are pesticides that are useful against unwanted plants. Non-limiting examples of herbicides that are useful in embodiments of the subject invention include 2,4-D, aminopyralid, atrazine, clopyralid, dicamba, glufosinate ammonium, fluazifop, fluroxypyr, imazapyr, imazamox, metolachlor, pendimethalin, picloram, triclopyr, mesotrione, and glyphosate.

Fungicides

Fungicides are pesticides that are useful against fungi and/or fungal spores. Non-limiting examples of fungicides that are useful in embodiments of the subject invention are described in Pesticide Chemistry and Bioscience edited by G.T Brooks and T.R Roberts. 1999. Published by the Royal Society of Chemistry; Metcalfe, R.J. et al. (2000) The effect of dose and mobility on the strength of selection for DMI (sterol deraethylation inhibitors) fungicide resistance in inoculated field experiments. Plant Pathology 49: 546-557; and Sierotzki, Helge (2000) Mode of resistance to respiration inhibitors at the cytochrome be! enzyme complex of Mycosphaerella fijiensis field isolates Pest Management Science 56:833-841, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Exemplary fungicides include azoxystrobin, cyazofamid, dimethirimol, fiudioxonii, kresoxim-methyl, fosetyl-Al, triadimenol, tebuconazoie, and flutolanii.

Microelements

Microelements are those required in small amounts in plants. Non-limiting examples of microelements that are useful in embodiments of the subject invention include iron, manganese, boron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, chlorine, sodium, cobalt, silicon, and nickel. Hormones

Plant hormones may be used to affect plant processes.

Non-limiting examples of plant hormones that are useful in embodiments of the subject invention include but are not limited to, auxins (such as heteroauxin and its analogues, indolylbutyric acid and a-naphthylacetic acid), gibberellins, and cytokinins.

Biostimulants

Biostimulants are material which contains substance(s) and/or microorganisms that stimulates natural processes into the plant. Biostimulants helps increasing nutrient uptake, nutrient use efficiency, tolerance to abiotic stress, and/or crop quality, regardless of its nutrient content

Non-limiting examples of structural materials of the present invention are materials that give the structure of the system for example water, aerogels, treated starch, treated cellulose, polymers, superadsorbents and the functional materials are the materials consumed by the plant for example, a fertilizer compound.

Each embodiment disclosed herein is contemplated as being applicable to each of the other disclosed embodiments. Thus, all combinations of the various elements described herein are within the scope of the invention.

The controlled release mechanism embodied in the agrochemical delivery units described herein are advantageous over controlled release mechanisms used in agrochemical delivery systems currently available in the art for a number of reasons.

Current controlled release mechanism of agrochemical is based mainly on fully encapsulation of fertilizer (e.g. Agrium, ICL, Kingenta and Ekompany) or pesticides (e.g. Adama, Syngenta, Bayer), Fully encapsulation of fertilizer is usually based on resins (e.g. polyurethanes) or sulfur base mixture. Pesticides are loaded into micro polymeric capsules. Products of encapsulated fertilizer are limited to milligrams scale of dry fertilizer, due to the need of thick wall opposing the high inner pressure. This pressure is build up due to water entering the capsule driven by the negative osmotic potential of the dissolve fertilizer. As more fertilizer is encapsulated, more pressure will build up and a thicker wall is required. The feasible ratio between fertilizer amounts to wall thickness is in the tens of milligrams scale. Nevertheless encapsulated fertilizer is still very expensive and costs up to four times over the fertilizer price.

Moreover, the release mechanism is based on transport through faults and cracks distributed in the casing. Meaning, coating must be uniform throughout the all surface area, which is in turn a manufacturing challenge.

On top of that, the materials being used for coating are temperature sensitive and change their structural properties extremely in small temperature range (17°C-25°C), leading to radical changes in release rates (up to double the rate). Pesticide's encapsulation is subject to the same challenges: uniform coating and temperature dependent.

The subject invention successfully overcomes these drawbacks mentioned above by:

coating more than 99.9% of the agrochemical' s surface area with cheap water impermeable materials and focus on controlling the release via the less than 0.1 % left, and

providing a novel mechanism which allows water diffuse into the agrochemical with minimal pressure build up (few cm) and the need of thick wall opposing it.

The outcome of above two innovations allows production of a high load (grams scale) controlled release mechanism where:

- the materials comprising the new mechanism are not susceptible to temperature alterations, and

- the estimated cost of the new mechanism is only about 10% over the agrochemical's price.

All publications and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety, as if each individual publication or reference were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Publications and references cited herein are not admitted to be prior art. This invention will be better understood by reference to the Experimental Details which follow, but those skilled in the art wili readily appreciate that the specific experiments detailed are only illustrative of the invention as defined in the claims which follow thereafter,

Experimental Details

Examples are provided below to facilitate a more complete understanding of the invention. The following examples illustrate the exemplary modes of making and practicing the invention. However, the scope of the invention is not limited to specific embodiments disclosed in these Examples, which are for purposes of illustration only.

Non-Limiting Illustrative Examples

Example 1 : fiber count - potassium release rate in water

A -3x3.5 cm rectangular sachet was prepared by sealing (ME-300HI, 500W manual impulse sealer, Mercier Corporation, Taiwan) a potassium chloride (KG) in Bioflex films. Prior to the final sealing, sachet was prepared with 56 fibers (A-56) and with 1 12 fibers (A-l 12) of 12 mg per meter cotton mesh fiber was incorporated into the sachets so that water is allowed to flow in and out of the sealed sachet. The sachet was dipped into 250 ml deionized water beaker. Figure 1 presents the measurements of the potassium concentration as released from the sachets. A controlled release of potassium ions to water is evident with the number of fibers controlling the release rate from the sachet. After 40 days, the A-l 12 sachet had released about 70%, whereas the A-56 sachet had released about 30 % of the potassium.

Example 2: fiber density - potassium release rate in water through a fiber with variable densities A ~5 cm isosceles right-angled triangle sachet was prepared by sealing a KC1 paste in Bioflex films. A single cotton fiber with various density was incorporated into each sachet so that water are allowed to flow in and out of the sealed sachets (ME-300FII, 500W manual impulse sealer, Mercier Corporation, Taiwan). Fiber densities used were: 60 mg (Colored bird, China), 70 mg (DMC Ltd., UK), 90 mg (HEMA B.V., The Netherlands) and >300 mg (Shanghai Channelmed, China) per meter fiber. The sachet was dipped into 250 ml deionized water beaker. Figure 2 presents the measurements of the potassium concentration as released from the sachet. A control] ed release of potassium ions to water i s evident with density of fibers controlling the release rate from the sachet. For example, the A-300 (>300 mg/meter) fiber released 60% after about 20 days.

Example 3 : hydrogel incorporation - potassium release rate in water

A -3x3.5cm rectangular sachet was prepared by sealing a KC1 powder in Bioflex films. 112 fibers (A-l 12) of 12 mg per meter cotton mesh fiber were incorporated into the sachet (Sample A) so that water is allowed to flow in and out of the sealed sachet, A second sachet was prepared and then dipped into a polymerization solution containing Acrylic acid: Acryl amide: Bis-acryl amide (2:8:0.01 ) for 1 hour at 80°C in order to polymerize the hydrogel so that the fibers are incorporated into an external hydrogel (Sample B, A-l 12 HG). Both sachets were dipped into 250 ml deionized water beaker. Potassium concentration as released from the sachet is shown in Figure 3. A controlled release of potassium ions to water is evident with number of fibers controlling the release rate from the sachet with minor effect of exposing the sachet to the polymerization process. After about 40 days, Sample A had released about 70+%, whereas Sample B had released about 80%.

Example 4: wick properties

Five hundred cm³ pots were filled with sandy soil. 3 units were buried in the middle section of each pot. A controlled drip irrigation system was used to generate a constant flow through the soil. A drainage container was served to collect the leachates. The volume and electrical conductivity (AP2 AquaPro, MIT DIGITAL) of the leachates were monitored on a weekly basis. The ratio of 1340 mmhos/cm equal to 1 g/L of Diammonium phosphate fertilizer was used to quantify the weight of fertilizer released from the unit. The figure below presents the use of 3 types of wicks, which each has a different weight, diameter and rounds per meter. Results show the potential to adjust the release rate based on the number and properties of the wicks. For example, three thick wicks with low rounds per meter released more than 5 thin wicks with higher rounds per meter. See Figure 4, which shows that the release rate of the fertilizer is affected by the size and material of which the wicks are made from. Example 5: orientation of unit

Figure 5 presents the independence of orientation on the release rate, ensuring similar performance in variable orientation in the field. Bottom up and bottom down units released similar rates of fertilizer over time. Results show that the release rate is not affected by the orientation of the unit.

Example 6: vapor permeability of the film on the impermeable cell

Figure 6 presents the use of 3 types of film, each of which has different thickness and vapor permeability. Results show the potential to adjust the release rate based on the thickness and vapor permeability of the film. Higher permeability film released more fertilizer vs. lower permeability film. The thinner the film, the higher the release rate. Results show that the release rate depends on the wetting and/or moisturizing rate of the fertilizer.

Example 7: large hydrogel dose

The moisture level of agrochemicals after 30 days in the soil is described as a function of the amount of hydrogel attached to the wicks system. The moisture level was higher where additional hydrogel was added to the wicks system in both sandy and clayey soils. Materials are shown in the table below:

Moisture scale: Dry solids, Wet solids, Solution with solids, Solution only. Hydrogel amount (dry weight) attached to the wicks system:

Low: about 0.01 -0.05 g

Medium: about 0.05-0.1 g

High: about 0.1-0.2 g

Example 8: wet and dry fertilizer - potassium release rate in soil

A -3x3.5cm rectangular sachet was prepared by sealing a fertilizer (potassium chloride -KC1) powder (A-56D) (Sample A) and a KC1 paste (A-56W) (Sample B) in Biofiex films. Fifty six fibers of 12 mg per meter cotton mesh fiber were incorporated into the sachet so that water is allowed to flow in and out of the sealed sachet. Each sachet was covered -20 cm below the soil surface of a 1500 ml container with a bottom drainage hole. A total of 1.5 Kg sea sand soil was loaded to each container. The container was irrigated with 50 ml deionized water on a daily bases. The water was collected, and the water volume and concentration of potassium were measured. The percent of released fertilizer was calculated. Figure 7 presents the measurements of the potassium concentration as released from the sachet. A controlled release of potassium ions to irrigated soil is evident with the initial sachet water content controlling the lag time to release and the initial release rate from the sachet. Sample B, initially containing the paste exhibited a more rapid release, whereas Sample A exhibited a lag time of about 20 days.

Example 9: fertilizer amount - potassium release rate in water

A ~5 cm isosceles right-angled triangle sachet was prepared by sealing 1.1 (A-60-1.1) and 2.2 gram (A-60-2.2) KC1 pastes in Bioflex films. A single cotton fiber of 60 mg per meter was incorporated into the sachet so that water is allowed to flow in and out of the sealed sachet. The sachet was dipped into 100 ml deionized water beaker. Figure 8 presents the measurements of the potassium concentration as released from the sachet, A controlled release of potassium ions to water is evident with the sachet content controlling the relative release rate from the sachet. The fertilizer amount did not affect the absolute release rate of the fertilizer.

Example 10: fertilizer mixture - potassium release rate in water

A ~5 cm isosceles right-angled triangle sachet was prepared by sealing (A) 1.2 g potassium chloride paste ( A-60-K) and different mixtures of potassium chloride: (B) with 1 .5 gram Urea (A- 60-NK) and (C) 1.2 gram KH2PO4 (A-60-PK) in Bioflex films. A single cotton fiber of 60 mg per meter density was incorporated into the sachet, so that water is allowed to flow in and out of the sealed sachet. The sachet was dipped into 100 ml deionized water beaker. Figure 9 represents the measurements of the potassium concentration as released from the sachets, A controlled release of potassium ions to water is evident with the sachet mixtures content controlling the relative potassium chloride release rate from the sachet. The rate of potassium release was highest in Sample B and lowest in Sample C. Example 1 1 : fiber count - potassium release rate in soil

A sachet filled with Potassium Chloride (KC1) and cotton fiber net dipped in Hydrogel was placed in a 1500 ml column filled with inert dune sand. The column was watered from the top. Effluents were drained, collected from the bottom, and analyzed for Potassium content.

Watering

i

Effluents

Column

A -3x3.5cm rectangular sachet was prepared by sealing KG powder in Bioflex films. (A) 56 fibers (A-56D) and (B) 112 fibers (A- 1 12D) of 12 mg per meter cotton mesh fiber were incorporated into the sachet so that water is allowed to flow in and out of the sealed sachet. The column was irrigated with 50 ml deionized water on a daily basis. The percent of released fertilizer was calculated. Figure 10 presents the measurements of the potassium concentration as released from the sachets. A controlled release of potassium ions to irrigated soil is evident with number of fibers controlling the release rate from the sachet. The 12 fiber sample released potassium more rapidly.

Example 12: Release rate over time under variable soil moisture

Figure 1 1A describes the released rate of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) as a function of time from A-56D samples (Same method as example 1 1 ). Watering and drainage collection were on a weekly basis. Equal released rates were measured for the K and N, about 1.25% per day. Figure 1 I B presents the release rate of potassium (K) over time under variable watering regime altering soil moisture.

Example 13 :

A --3x3.5cm sachet incorporated with 15 cotton fibers mesh. The sachet contained N-P-K fertilizer; 1 gram Urea, 0.6 gram KH2PQ4 and 0.68 gram KC1. Hydrogel was soaked into the fibers. The sachet was placed into a transparent container. Root penetration was monitored over time. Roots penetrated 10 days after germination. See Figure 12.

Example 14: unit example

A rectangular sachet with Potassium Chloride fertilizer and cotton fiber net. See Figure 13. Example 15: unit example

Triangular sachet filled with Urea and a single cotton wick. See Figure 14.

Example 16: unit example

Sachet filled with Potassium Chloride fertilizer and cotton fiber net dipped in Hydrogel. See Figure 15.

Example 17: unit example

Sachet filled with Diammonium Phosphate and cotton fiber net dipped in Hydrogel. See Figure 16.

Example 18: unit with polymer skeleton soaked with hydrogel

A polymer skeleton was added to the unit, ensuring an intimate contact between the wicks and the roots growing media. The polymer skeleton is soaked with hydrogel and attached to the unit above the wicks. As a result of soil watering, the hydrogel is swollen, allowing plant roots to penetrate into it and efficiently uptake the agrocheniical released via the wicks. Skeletons are described below. Hydrogel Hydrogel

Hydrogel

wet wet

Skeleton Area Weight dry

Material weight weight

Type (cm²) (g) weight

lh in 2h in

(g) water fg) water fg)

Thin Viscose 1 ? <^; 0.1 0.1 4.5 4.5

Thick Polypropylene 0.45 0.45 11.75 15.0

See also Figure 17. Example 19: unit example

A sachet of about 2x1x1 cm is prepared by sealing 2-4 g of a fertilizer mixture (e.g., potassium chloride, urea, mono Ammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, superphosphate, calcium nitrate, potassium nitrate) in a poly lactic acid sheet that is then soaked in a polymerizing hydrogel based on e.g., acrylic acid and carboxyl methyl cellulose. The sachet is applied to soil at a density of about 25-30 sachet units per square meter and approximately within the upper 30 cm of the soil or within the root zone.

The following materials were used in the above samples: Poly lactic acid sheets (PLA) refer to 50 mm thickness Bio-flex F-2110 films (FKuR Kunststoff GmbH, Germany). Sealing machine model used is ΜΕ-300ΗΪ, 500W manual impulse sealer (Mercier Corporation, Taiwan). Acrylic Acid, AA (Sigma Aldrich #147230), N-Hydroxy ethyl acrylamide, HEAAm (Aldrich #697931), Aery 1 amide (AAm), (Acros #164830025), N-N methylene bis acrylamide, Bis-AAm, Sigma Aldrich #146072), Carboxymethylcellulose, Sodium salt, CMC, \hv 90 K (Sigma Aldrich #419273), Sodium persulfate (Sigma Aldrich #216232) were all used as supplied. Potassium chloride (KC1), Diammonium phosphate (( H4)₂HP04) and urea were supplied by Chen Shmuei Chemicals, Israel .

Trials description and analysis:

• Conduit types o Hydrogel (capillary) o Hydrogel integrated into uniform porous media (silica or ceramic plate) o Hvdrogel integrated into oriented porous media (wick) * Agrochemical loads o High load o Low load Conduit types:

Preparation: An impermeable cell, 1.1 cm diameter by 2 cm length cylinder, made of polypropylene was load with 2 grams of Potassium Chloride (KC1) in 10% humidity. Two hollow capillaries, 1 cm diameter by 1 cm length, were attached to the cell. Capillaries were filled with Acrylic Acid (AA) / Carboxy Methyl Cellulose (CMC) base hydrogel, generating two conduits. Similarly, capillaries were filled with 12 mg of 60 μιη silica oxide particles prior hydrogel fill.

A ceramic plate, 1.5 cm in diameter and 0.7 cm in height, porosity of 50% and average pore size of 6μηι was soaked with the AA/CMC hydrogel. Afterward, it was attached to an impermeable cell, 1.3 cm diameter by .5 cm length cylinder, made of polypropylene. The cell was load with 2 grams of KC1 in 10% humidity. A 4 ml impermeable cell, made of biodegradable polymer sheet contains Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), was filled with 3.8 g of KC1 or (\! i i ).'S04/( \l h.H IPO i mixture in 10% humidity. Subsequently, the cell was sealed with a cover made from the same sheet, which include a 6mm wide by 15mm long opening. Eight to five polypropylene wicks, 2,5cm long 80 μηι in diameter, made of 100 non-woven filaments, were soaked with AA/CMC hydrogel and laid on top of the cover, across the opening. A 12mm wide patch of the same polymer sheet welded externally, that the wicks a cross the opening (see Figure 18).

Analysi s: Four samples of each type was put in a glassware with 100 ml of deionized water in control standard conditions. Potassium concentration was measured in water after 10-30 day s. Release rate was calculated per sample.

Meaning, all type of conduits may serve to release both fertilizer and plant protection

products/plant growth enhancer. Agrochemical loads:

Preparation: An impermeable cell, made of biodegradable polymer sheet containing PLA, was filled with 1 or 4 g of KCl in 10% humidity. Subsequently, the cell was sealed with PLA sheet cover, which include a 6mm wide by 15mm long opening. Five polypropylene wicks, 2.5cm long 80 μτη in diameter, made of 100 non-woven filaments, were soaked with AA/CMC hydrogel and laid on top of the cover, across the opening. A 12mm wide PLA polymer patch welded the wicks a cross the opening (see Figure 18).

Analysis: Four samples of each load was put in a glassware with 100 ml of deionized water in control standard conditions. Potassium concentration was measured in water after 5-1 1 days.

Release rate calculated per sample is shown in the table below:

Example 20: unit example

The top, bottom and side view of an agrochemical deliver}' unit of the subject invention is shown in Figure 21. Example 21 : unit example

The fertilizer chamber, releasing system and root growing zone in an agrochemical delivery unit of the subject invention is shown in Figure 22.

Claims

hat is eSaimed is:

An agrochemical delivery unit comprising: a) an impermeable cell, b) an agrochemical within the impermeable cell; and c) a wick comprising a hydrogel, said wick having (i) a portion located inside the impermeable cell in contact with the agrochemical, (ii) a portion incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell not in contact with the agrochemical and not in contact with media outside of the impermeable cell, and (iii) and a portion located outside of the impermeable ceil in contact with media outside of the impermeable ceil, arranged so as to permit controlled release of the agrochemical through the wick from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, wherein the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1.

The unit of claim 1, wherein the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 1000000: 1 , 1000: 1 to 100000: 1, 1000: 1 to 10000: 1, 1000: 1 to 5000: 1 , 5000: 1 to 10000: 1 , 10000: 1 to 50000: 1 50000: 1 to 100000: 1 , 100000: 1 to 500000: 1 , 500000: 1 to 1000000: 1, 1000000: 1 to 5000000: 1 or 5000000: 1 to 10000000: 1.

The unit of claims 1 or 2, wherein: a) the unit comprises 1-100 wicks, preferably 1-10 wicks, b) the wick is a degradabie material, c) the wick is a fiber material preferably selected from polyester fiber, polypropylene fiber, viscos fiber from rayon, cotton or tencel, cellulose fiber, and ceramic or glass- based fiber, d) the wick comprises fiber having a density of about 10-100 mg/meter, e) the wick has a length of 0, 1-10 cm, and/or f) the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell has a length of 0.05 cm to 0.5 cm and/or a width of 5 um to 50 um.

The unit of any one of claims 1-3, wherein: a) the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil is 2.4 x 10^"10 g to 7.1 x 10^"5 g, b) the portion of the wick located inside of the impermeable ceil comprises hydrogel, and/or c) the portion of the wick located outside of the impenneable cell comprises hydrogel preferably wherein the hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick located outside the cell has a dry weight of at least 0,01 g.

The unit of any one of claims 1-4, wherein the hydrogel comprises a synthetic hydrogel, a natural carbohydrate hydrogel, a pectin or protein hydrogel, or any combination thereof.

The unit of any one of claims 1-5, wherein: a) the hydrogel comprises natural carbohydrate hydrogel, preferably comprising agar, cellulose, chitosan, starch, hyaluronic acid, a dextrine, a natural gum, a sulfated polysaccharide, or any combination thereof, b) the hydrogel comprises acryl amide, an acrylic derivative, or any combination thereof, c) the hydrogel comprises pectin or protein hydrogel, preferably comprising gelatin, a gelatin derivative, collagen, a collagen derivative, or any combination thereof, or d) the hydrogel comprises a super absorbent polymer (SAP), preferably comprising a natural super absorbent polymer (SAP), a poly-sugar SAP, a semisynthetic SAP, a fully synthetic SAP, or any combination thereof capable of absorbing at least about 50, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, or 1000 times its weight in water.

The unit of any one of claims 1-6, wherein: a) the SAP comprises a semi-synthetic SAP, preferably the semi-synthetic SAP is a carboxym ethyl cellulose grafted polyacrylic acid SAP (CMC-g-polyacrylic acid SAP) or k-carrageenan cross-linked-polyacrylic acid SAP, or b) the SAP comprises a fully synthetic SAP, preferably the fully synthetic SAP is acrylic acid or acrylic amide or any of the combinations thereof.

The unit of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the hydrogel comprises acrylic acid and cellulose, preferably 80% by weight of acrylic acid and 10% by weight of cellulose or less than 20% by weight of acrylic acid and 70-90% by weight of cellulose.

The unit of any one of claims 1-8, wherein the hydrogel has a volume of 0.4 to 40 mL, preferably 0.75-12.5 mL, when fully swelled.

The unit of any one of claims 1-9, wherein: a) the wall of the cell comprises a biodegradable polymer, poly vinyl alcohol, polyester, polyethylene, polypropylene, polylactic acid, poiybutylene succinate, polvbutyrate adipate tereph thai ate, polvhydroxvalkanoate, polyhydroxybutyrate, polyhydroxyvalerate, a thermoplastic starch, cellulose acetate, other cellulose- based material, polycaprolactone, polyglycoiide, polydioxanone, a heat-sealable material, or any combinations or copolymers thereof, and/or b ) the wal 1 of the cell comprises sheets each having a thickness of 10- 100 micrometers.

The unit of any one of claims 1-10, wherein the unit comprises more than one impermeable cells.

The unit of any one of claims 1-11, wherein: a) the volume of the cell is about 0.5-20 cm', preferably about 3-10 cm³, more preferably about 5-6 cm³, and/or b) the unit comprises two or more agrochemicals, preferably wherein (i) the unit comprises two or more impermeable cells and each of the two or more impermeable ceils, independently, contains a different agrochemical or a different combination of agrochemicals, and/or (ii) the unit comprises two or more impermeable cells and one wick is in contact with the agrochemical in each impermeable cell, such that a different part of the portion of the wick located inside the impermeable cell is in contact with the agrochemical in each impermeable cell.

The unit of any one of claims 1-12, wherein the weight of the agrochemical comprised in the cell is 1 -20 g, preferably 1-10 g, and/or wherein the agrochemical is a pesticide, a hormone, a drug, a chemical growth agent, a plant protection agent, an enzyme, a growth promoter, a biostimulant, a microelement, a fertilizer compound or two or more fertilizer compounds, preferably wherein the fertilizer compound comprises nitrogen, potassium, or phosphate, more preferably wherein the fertilizer compound is PO4, NO3, (NH₄)₂S0₂, NH4H2PO4, KG, or a micronutrient preferably selected from a group consisting of boron, iron, cobalt, chromium, copper, iodine, manganese, selenium, zinc and molybdenum, or any combination thereof.

The unit of any one of claims 1 -13, wherein the agrochemical is dry or is a paste containing water, a solution, a concentrated solution, a saturated solution, or a dispersion prior to use and/or wherein the agrochemical is released from the unit by mass flow or by diffusion.

The unit of any one of claims 1-14, wherein: a) the agrochemical is released from the unit within 40 days when the unit is immersed in water at room temperature, b) less than 20% by weight of the agrochemical is released from the unit within 40 days when the unit is immersed in water at room temperature, or c) less than 50% by weight of the agrochemical is released from the unit within 60 days when the unit is immersed in water at room temperature.

The unit of any one of claims 1 -15, wherein the amount of water in the unit is 0.01-20 g , and/or wherein the rate of the agrochemical release is determined by the rate at which moisture enters the unit and reaches the agrochemical, preferably wherein the moisturizing of the agrochemical is determined by the rate or level of water vapor permeability through the impermeable cell.

The unit of any one of clai m s 1-16, wherein the thickness of the impermeable cell is 10-200 μιη, and/or wherein the rate of water vapor permeability of the impermeable cell is 10-1000 g per m² per day.

The unit of any one of claims 1-17, wherein the moisturizing of the agrochemical is determined by the rate or level of liquid water permeability through the wick(s), and/or wherein the availability of water near the wick(s) outside of the cell is determined by the amount of hydrogel near the wick(s) outside of the cell .

The unit of any one of claims 1-18, wherein the amount of hydrogel is 0.001-0.5 g, preferably 0.01-0.05 g, 0.05-0.1 g, or 0.1-0.2 g, and/or wherein the volume of swollen hydrogel is 0.01- 20 ml.

The unit of any one of claims 1-19, wherein the rate of li qui d water permeabi lity through the wick(s) is 0.001-5 ml per day, and/or wherein the rate of the agrochemical release is 0.0001- 1 g per day.

The unit of any one of claims 1-20, wherein: a) the rate of the agrochemical release is not affected by the shape and the orientation of the unit, b) the release profile of the one or more agroehemicai(s) is not affected by the formulation of the content of the impermeable cell, c) the release profile of the one or more agrochemical (s) is affected by the length, width, material, density, and/or number of wicks, and/or d) the release profile of the one or more agrochemical(s) is affected by the amount of hydrogei comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the cell.

The unit of any one of claims 1-21, wherein the impermeable cell further comprises one or more inactive agents, preferably wherein the release profile of the one or more agrochemical(s) is affected by the inactive agent(s) in the impermeable ceil.

The unit of any one of claims 1-22, wherein the agrochemical is substantially not released until after about 10, 15, 20, 25, or 30 days following application to planting soil.

The unit of any one of claims 1-23, wherein: a) the agrochemical is released from the unit over a period of at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or 20 weeks following application to planting soil, b) the agrochemical is released over a period of 1 month to 8 months, or c) the agrochemical is released over a period a growing season of a crop.

The unit of any one of claims 1 -24, wherein the unit comprises multiple impermeable cells, arranged such that the agrochemical from a ceil is released at a different time period, and/or at a different rate than the release of agrochemical from another impermeable cell of the unit, and/or wherein the unit is arranged so as to release a different agrochemical at a different time period during a growing season, preferably wherein the unit further comprises gel partially or completely surrounding the unit, more preferably the gel comprises a hydrogei, aerogel or organogel, preferably the unit further comprises a root development zone partially or completely surrounding the unit, more preferably wherein the root development zone comprises a hydrogel, aerogel, or organogel.

The unit of any one of claims 1-25, wherein the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical to the weight of the dry hydrogel in the unit is 1000: 1 to 1 : 1, preferably 183 : 1 to 8: 1.

The unit of any one of claims 1-26, wherein the dry weight of the unit is about 0. 1-20 g and/or the dry weight of hydrogel comprised in the unit is at least 0.01 g.

The unit of any one of claims 1-27, wherein the unit is in the shape of a cylinder, sphere, polyhedron, cube, or disc and/or is in the shape having a cross section of a triangle, rectangle, circle, or square.

The unit of any one of claims 1-28, wherein the unit further comprises an additional dose of hydrogel or other material which absorbs water, preferably wherein the additional dose of hydrogel acts as a root development zone.

The unit of any one of claims 1-29, wherein the unit further comprises a structural skeleton, preferably wherein: a) the structural skeleton is soaked with hydrogel, b) the structural skeleton comprises a polymer, a porous inorganic material, a porous organic material, geotextiie, sponge, a synthetic polymer, a natural polymer, or any combination thereof, and/or c) the structural skeleton allows penetration by roots of plant.

The unit of any one of claims 1-30, wherein the impermeable cell is permeable to water vapor, and/or wherein the agrochemical is released from the impermeable cell only through the wick.

A process of making the agrochemical deliver}' units of any one of claims 1-31

comprising:

(i) encapsulating at least one agrochemical into an impermeable cell, and (ii) incorporating a wick into the impermeable cell wherein (i) a portion of the wick is located inside the impermeable cell in contact with the agrochemicai inside the impermeable cell, (ii) a portion of the wick is incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil not in contact with the agrochemicai inside of the impermeable cell and not in contact with the media outside of the impermeable cell, and (iii) a portion of the wick is outside the impermeable cell in contact with the media outside of the imperm eable cell, wherein the part of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell comprises hydrogel, and wherein the ratio of the weight of the agrochemicai inside the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1; preferably wherein: a) the encapsulation comprises using an extruder that attaches a polymeric layer surrounding the at least one agrochemicai or wherein the encapsulation comprises filling the agrochemicai into a polymeric ceil and sealing the cell together with a wick;

b) a hydrogel is polymerized around the cell;

c) the encapsulating step comprises a first polymerization step and a second polymerization step; and/or

d) the process comprises generating the cell by stretching the polymer sheet using vacuum, loading the fertilizer into the cell, then, optionally in parallel, placing wicks on top of notched polymer sheet, welding a second polymer sheet on top of the notch and wicks, and welding the covered notched sheet with wicks on top of ceil, preferably wherein the notched polymer sheet is welded to the ceil using heat pulse.

An agrochemicai delivery unit comprising: a) an impermeable cell, b) an agrochemical in the impermeable cell, and c) a conduit wherein a portion of the conduit is incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell, wherein the unit provides extended controlled delivery of the agrochemical through the conduit from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, and wherein the portion of the conduit incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell comprises hydrogel and the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the conduit incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 1000: 1 to 10000000; ! .

An agrochemical delivery unit comprising: a) a cell comprising two or more cell wall segments wherein at least one of the cell wall segments is impermeable and at least one of the cell wall segments is permeable, and b) an agrochemical in the cell; wherein the unit provides extended controlled delivery of the agrochemical through the at least one permeable segment from inside of the cell to media outside of the cell, and wherein a portion of the permeable segment comprises hydrogel and is incorporated into the wail of the cell and the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the cell to the weight of the dry hydrogel comprised in the portion of the segment incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil is 1000: 1 to 10000000: 1.

The unit of claim 34, wherein the permeable segment is a barrier, a conduit, or a conductive, preferably wherein: a) the barrier is a tube, or

b) the conduit comprises at least one wick, at least one capillary, or porous media, preferably wherein; a) the barrier, the conduit or the conductive controls the release rate of the agrochemical from the cell to the surrounding area;

b) the porous media is silica or ceramic plate;

c) the ceramic plate has a pore size of 6₍um;

d) the capillar}' is perforated and/or filled with 60 μιη in diameter of grained quartz; and/or

e) the agrochemical is released from the cell only through the permeable segment of the cell.

A process of making the agrochemical delivery unit of any one of claims 34 or 35, comprising: creating a cell comprising two or more cell wall segments wherein at least one segment is impermeable and at least one segment is permeable and encapsulating an agrochemical into the cell such that the at least one agrochemical is released through the at least one permeable segment of the cell in a controlled manner after it is in contact with water.

An agrochemical delivery method comprising adding one or more of the agrochemical delivery units of any one of claims 1-31 or 34 or 35 to a medium in which the plant is growing or is to be grown, preferably wherein: a) the agrochemical delivery units are added at one or more depths below the

medium surface, preferably the agrochemical delivery units are added at a depth of 1-50 cm, preferably 15-30 cm, below the medium surface, b) the agrochemical delivery units are added to the growth medium at a

concentration of 1-50 units per square meter, and/or c) the growth medium comprises soil.

A method of reducing environmental damage caused by an agrochemical and/or minimizing exposure to an agrochemical comprising delivering the agrochemical to the root of a plant by adding at least one of the units of any one of claims 1-31 or 34 or 35 to the growth medium of the plant. A method of delivering an agrochemical to create a zone for preferential root development of a plant, comprising: i) adding at least one of the units of any one of claims 1-31 or 34 or 35 to a root zone of the plant, or ii) adding at least one of the units of any one of claims 1-31 or 34 or 35 to a zone of the medium in which the plant is anticipated to grow.

A method of increasing the yield of a plant, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units of any one of claims 1-31 or 34 or 35 to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the yield of the plant is higher when grown in the medium containing the units than in the medium not containing the units.

A method of increasing the growth rate of a plant, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units of any one of claims 1-31 or 34 or 35 to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the plant grows faster in the medium containing the units than in the medium not containing the units.

A method of increasing the size of a plant, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units of any one of claims 1-31 or 34 or 35 to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the plant grows larger in the medium containing the units than in the medium not containing the units.

A method of increasing N, P, and/or K uptake by a plant, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units of any one of claims 1-31 or 34 or 35 to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the N, P, and/or K uptake of the plant is greater in the medium containing the units than in the medium not containing the units.

A method of efficient controlled release of agrochemical at low ambient temperatures, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units of any one of claims 1-31 or 34 or 35 to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the influence of low ambient temperature on the release rates is reduced, preferably wherein low ambient temperature is at temperature below 15 °C, below 12 °C, below 10 °C, below 8 °C, below 6 °C, below 4 °C, below 2 °C, or below 0 °C.

A method of efficient controlled release of agrochemical at high ambient temperatures, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units of any one of claims 1-31 or 34 or 35 to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the influence of high ambient temperature on the release rates is reduced, preferably wherein high ambient temperature is a temperature above 23 °C, above 25 °C, above 30 °C, or above 40 °C.

A method of efficient controlled release of agrochemical at low ambient moisture, comprising (i) adding at least one of the units of any one of claims 1-31 to a medium where the plant is growing or is to be grown, and (ii) growing the plant, wherein the influence of low ambient moisture on the release rates is reduced.

The method of any one of claims 37-46, wherein the plant is grown in a field, at home (plant pot) or in a garden, preferably wherein the plant is a crop plant, ornamental plant, a grain plant, a tree crop plant, a fruit or a vegetable plant, a banana, barley, bean, cassava, com, cotton, grape, maize, orange, pea, potato, rice, soybean, sugar beet, tomato, wheat, sunflower, cabbage, lettuce, or celery plant.

An agrochemical delivery unit comprising:

a) an impermeable cell, b) an agrochemical within the impermeable cell; and c) a wick comprising a hydrogel, said wick having (i) a portion located inside the impermeable cell in contact with the agrochemical, (ii) a portion incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell not in contact with the agrochemical and not in contact with media outside of the impermeable cell, and (iii) and a portion located outside of the impermeable cell in contact with media outside of the impermeable cell, arranged so as to permit controlled release of the agrochemical through the wick from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, wherein the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogei comprised in the portion of the wick incorporated into the wail of the impermeable cell is 10000: 1 to 40000000000: 1.

An agrochemical delivery unit comprising: a) an impermeable cell, b) an agrochemical in the impermeable cell, and c) a conduit wherein a portion of the conduit is incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell, wherein the unit provides extended controlled deliver}- of the agrochemical through the conduit from inside the impermeable cell to media outside of the impermeable cell, and wherein the portion of the conduit incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell comprises hydrogei and the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the impermeable cell to the weight of the dry hydrogei comprised in the portion of the conduit incorporated into the wall of the impermeable cell is 10000: 1 to 40000000000: 1.

An agrochemical delivery unit comprising:

a) a cell comprising two or more cell wall segments wherein at least one of the cell wall segments is impermeable and at least one of the cell wall segments is permeable, and b) an agrochemical in the cell; wherein the unit provides extended controlled deliver}' of the agrochemical through the at least one permeable segment from inside of the cell to media outside of the cell, and wherein a portion of the permeable segment comprises hydrogei and is incorporated into the wail of the ceil and the ratio of the weight of the agrochemical in the cell to the weight of the dry hydrogei comprised in the portion of the segment incorporated into the wall of the impermeable ceil is 10000: 1 to 40000000000: 1.