EP 2 258 159 A2 (19) )) a (12) (43) Date of publication: 08.12.2010 Bulletin 2010/49 (21) Application number: 10176107.0 (22) Date of fling: 26.02.2003 (11) EP 2 258 159 A2 EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION (61) inter ADIC 1/062) Co5D g/oz/=00) ‘c05G 3700750 CoG sya arson) (84) Designated Contracting States: AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FIFRGB GR HUJE IT LILU MC NL PT SE SISK TR (80) Priority: 26.02.2002 Us 359901 P 30.08.2002 US 406990 P (62) Document number(s) ofthe earlier application(s) in ‘accordance with Art 78 EPC: 03704132.4/1 482 76 (71) Applicant: Green, Kerry Winnipeg, Manitoba RSL 274 (CA) Fer (54) (57) Amethod of preparing and coating fertiizer pel lets is described. Fertilizer, seed or other materials are ‘added to a blender. Powdered micronutrients are added to the blend (at any time in the process) at rates up to but not exceeding 1% of the total blend, The resulting blend is mixed for a minimum of 20 seconds resuting in ‘aneven distribution (coating) ofthe total blend. fertilizer pellet comprising a biodegradable carrier may thereby al emo ce | es | Vertical distance (em) (72) Inventor: Green, Kerry Winnipeg, Manitoba RSL 2TA (CA) (74) Representative: Jostarndt, Hans-Dieter Briisseler Ring 51 52074 Aachen (DE) Remarks: “This application was filed on 10-09-2010 as a divisional application to the application mentioned Under INID code 62 izer pellet with plant nutrient fine powder coating and method of preparing thereof be coated with a fine cry powder of a micronutvent such that said micronutrient coats the outer surface ofthe car Fier, wherein the micronutrient powder is 100-325 mesh and is at 0.1%-2.0%% (ww) of the carrier. The blend is then packaged into bags, spreaders or trucks and stored oF applied to the field. Seed or fertlizer is augured or moved via conveyors or other means into seeding equip ment or @ blender. The finshed product is then applied to the field or stored for later applications. —4 30 FIGURE 1EP 2.258 159 A2 Description FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally tothe field of fertlizers. More specifically, the present invention relates to.a method of coating an agricutural product with afine power and the products prepared by this method. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Studies of powdered fertlizers or nutrients have shown them to be effective fertilizers, being essentially equiv allentto sulfate applications. However, the practical considerations of applying powdered products on afield scale meant that these products have not been avellable to farmers and producers. For example, most oxide products come in high ‘analysis (60-80 percent actual metal) while most micronutrients are applied in low units per land measure (@.9. 1 - 10 pounds actual per acre), Furthermore, many micronutrient products are applied in heterogeneous blends with other fertlizers (nitrogen phosphate etc.) These products and/or blends typically have densities in the 45-65 lb per cubic foot range. Existing micronutrient products are typically in the 95 + density range meaning that they do not hold their integrity in the blend if ts transported over rough terrain or during extended storage as is common in agriculture. In addition, the higher density means that the nutrients are not spread evenly on the fel. [0003] | Ferilzer pellets are well-known in the art. For example: US. Patent 4,343,751 teaches a clay agglomeration process which comprises a method of preparing clay pellets Which are subsequertly coated with a varity of different end products, including fertilizers. It is of note that the pellets are intended to maintain their shape while the coated material is released. US. Patent 5,851,261 teaches coating ferilizer pellets with polyurea which Is Intended to act as a stow release coating so that the ferlzer is released over a greater period of time. USS. Patent, 192,623 teaches aplant feeder which releases nutrients into the soll using siow release fertlizerpelets. USS. Patent 6,001,775 teaches a water soluble fertiizer tablet whichis structured to disintegrate ina stream of water for subsequent application as aliquid. In addition, the fertilizer is combined with herbicide. USS. Patent 5,030,267 teaches a controlled release fertilizer comprising a calcium metasiicate which is coated with fertilizers or other compounds. USS. Patent 6,046,277 teaches a polymer for coating pharmaceutical or agrochemieal pellets which comprises polyvinyl acetate in mixture with n-vinylpyrroidone, [0004] Thus, the prior art teaches pellets which are elther arranged to be dissolved for use as liquid fertizers or are arrangedto dispense fertlizers overalongperiod oftime, However, the priorart does not each afertlizer which combines the advantages of a powder fertiizer with the ease of application ofa pellet. ‘SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0005] According toafirst aspect of the invention, there is provided atertiizer pellet comprising abiodegradable cartier coated with afine dry powder of ammicronutrient such that sald micronutrient coats the outer surface of thecarrier, wherein the micronutrient powder is 100-325 mesh and is at 0.194-2.0% (wh) of the carrier. [0006] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of preparing a fertilizer pellet by coating a biodegradable cartier with a micronutrient comprising: mixing a quantity ofthe biodegradable carrier and a dry fine povider of the micronuttient wherein the micronutrient powder is 100-225 mesh and is at 0.1%-2.0% (wiw) of the cartier such that said micronutrient coats the outer surface ofthe carter BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS. [0007] Figure 1. Water content distribution in the Newdale ciay loam column sectioned on July 28, 2001 (one week after watering). Figure 2 shows the regular shape of one embodiment of fertiizer pellet. Figure 3 is a bar graph showing percentage inerease In issue zine in coated vs uncoated pellets, Figure 4 is a graph showing consistency of blend,EP 2.258 159 A2 DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS. [0008] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientifc terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary kil inthe art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar cr equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred ‘methods and materials are now described. All publications mentioned hereunder are incorporated herein by reference. DEFINITIONS [0008] As used herein, “nutrient” refers to both micronutrients and macronutrients, for exemple, zinc, copper, manga: nese, boron, calcium, iron, calclum sulfate (gypsum), magnesium, molyodenum, chloride, selenium, phosphate, nitrogen, potassium and suttur [0010] As used herein, ‘micronutrents* refers to elements required in small or trace amounts for plant growth, for ‘example, molybdenum, nickel, copper, zinc, manganese, boron, iron and chloride. [0011] As used herein, “macronutrients" refers to elements typically required in large amounts for plant growth, for ‘example, sulfur, phosphorus, phosphate, magnesium, calcium, potassium, nitrogen, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen. [0012] Asused herein, ‘higher analysis refers to guaranteed minimum analysis, Thats, higher analysis means higher Concentration of active ingredients versus carriers or impurities. [0013] As used herein, “density refers to klograms per cubic meter. [0014] As used herein, “agronomic carier refers to an agricultural product, for example, but by no means limited to seeds; Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potassium, Sulfur, Calcium and/or Magnesium ferilzer products; urea pls; dry or granular fertlizer products; and inet or biodegradable pelts. [0015] According to the invention, there is provided a fertlizer product comprising an agronomic carrer coated with fine dry powder of a nutrient. The agronomic carrier may be selected from the group consisting of: seeds; Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potassium, Sulfur, Calelum and/or Magnesiumtertlizer products; urea pls; dry or ranula fertiizer products; and inert or biodegradable pellets. The dry nutrient powder is selected from the group consisting of: zinc, copper, ‘manganese, boron, calcium, iron, calcium sulfate (gypsum), magnesium, molybdenum, chloride, selenium, phosphate, nitrogen, potassium, sulfur and mixtures thereof. The nutrient powder may be comprised of at least one nutient in an ‘oxide form, in a sulfate form or @ combination of oxide and sulfate forms, as discussed below. [0016] According to the invention, there is also provided a method of coating an agronomic carier with a nutrient ‘comprising: mxing a quantity of the agronomic carler and a dry fine powder of the nutrient. The nutrient powder may bbe atleast 100 mesh and the nutrient powder may be at 0.1-2.0% wiw of the carrier, as discussed below, [0017] According to another aspect of the invention, there is provided kit for applying a nutrient powder to an agronomic carrier comprising at least one nutrient powder having a mesh size of atleast 100 and a set of instructions. ‘As willbe appreciated by one of skilin the art and as discussed below, the instructions relate to methods and concltions for applying the dry fine nutrient powder to a numberof different agronomic carriers so that users can apply the nutrient ppowder(s) to carters of their choosing. [0018] Described herein are fertiizer pellets which are disrupted or disperse rapidly and readliy under normal soll conditions and textures. In some embodiments, the pellets have an iregular shape and a rough outer surtace so that the pellets have @ greater surface area and more readily disperse on contact with soll moisture. That i, the pellets do not have a regular geometric shape such as for example a round tablet or cylinder, but rather have an regular shape, as discussed below. The pellets comprise atleast one biodegradable carrier which provides sticking and binding agents, ‘as well as optionally atleast one pellet hardening agent andlor atleast one dispersing agent. They are used in differant ‘combinations to provide a balance between the hardness ofthe pellet (provides integrity and reduces breaking) when handling, yet having the trait of rapid break down and dispersion in the sol to make it crop available quickly. Typical distance moved in seven days - 0.75 to 1.5 em with a maximum of atleast 5 om, In some embodiments, the pellets also inelude an oxide fertlize. [0019] In one embodiment of the invention, there is provided a fertlizer pellet comprising: a biodegradable cartier having an irregular shape and a rough surface; anda nutrient powder coating the catrie. As discussed herein, the pellet is arranged to blow apart on contact with sol moisture thereby dispersing the nutrient powder throughout the soil [0020] Another aspect of the invention is directed to @ method of producing a fertiizer pellet comprising: providing a biodegradable carrier, heating the biodegradable carter, thereby forming a mixture; extruding pellets from the mixture: compressing the pellets, thereby forming pellets having rough surface and an iregular shape; and coating the pellets with @ nutrient powder. The nutrient powder may be at a final percentage of 0.1-2.0% wiw of the carrier. As will be ‘appreciated by one of skill inthe ar, addtional powder may be added but will not be taken up by the pellets [0021] In another embodiment, there is provided a ferilizer pellet having an irregular shape and a rough surtace ‘comprising a biodegradable carrer, as discussed below, In these embodiments, additional nutrients may be added to the carrier during mixing rather than coated onto the finished pellet, as discussed below.EP 2.258 159 A2 [0022] In another embodiment ofthe invention, there is provided a method of applying fertilizer toa field comprising: providing atleast one fertiizer pellet having an irregular shape and a rough surface; and spreading said at least one pellet onto the field, wherein sald atleast one pellet disperses on contact with soil moisture, [0023] In another embodiment ofthe invention, there is provided a method of producing a ferilizer pellet comprising: ‘mixing at least one nutrient and a biodegradable carrier; heating the mixture; extruding pellets from the mixture; and ‘compressing the pellets, thereby forming pellets having rough surface and an iregular shape. [0024] _Inanother embodiment othe invention, there is provided method ofcoating a carier with anutriant comprising: ‘mixing a carrier and a nutrient powder, As discussed below, the carrier may be any of a variety of products known in the field of agricuture, for exemple, seeds, clay pellets, urea prils and the ke, [0025] In another embodiment ofthe invention, there is provided the mixing of organic andor chemical pesticides with the biodegradable carrer material and preparing pellets as described herein thereby providing an organic blodegradable pellet including at least one pesticide. In yet other embodiments, the pesticide(e) may be in the form of a powder and ‘may be coated onto the pellet or other sultable carrier using the methods described below for preparing a coated carrer. In these embodiments, itis of note that other nulviens, ferilizers and the lke may also be incorporated into the pellet and/or coated onto the pellet, thereby providing a product that promotes desired plant growth while inhibiting for example Weed growth. In one exemplary but by no means limiting example, the biodegradable carrier is com gluten as dandelion control in an organic "weed and feed" mix with pellets containing organic sources of NPKS along with added benefit of weed control [0026] Thus, the pellets and coated pellets described herein represent an improvement over prior art fertilizer pellets in that thece are no compatibilty or settling out issues, because lower rates are used, there is more even distribution of nuttients and the process is more cost effective, [0027] The biodegradable carrier may include any crop meal, peas, wheat, bariey, oats, flax, com silage, compost ‘material, anolameal, soybean meal, sunflowerash, sunfiowermealandmixtures thereof. Thats, the carieris composed of for example organic materials or plant food products and/or byproducts, Typically, carriers are selected that are broken down over time by naturally occurring soll microbes generally in atime frame that is between 1-2 years depending on climatic conditions and soil types, but in most cases in a time frame that is similar to straw breakdown in tiled fied. Examples of other suitable carrier materials include for example recycled newsprint. This sin contrast with inert cariers such as clay which would not be broken down by soil microbes. [0028] Examples of sutable hardening agents include but are by no means limited to calcium carbonate, lime, calcium sulfate ignite and combinations thereof. It is of note thatthe hardening agents harden the pellet so as to ive durability, reduce dust, but does not repel water. Infact, in some embociments, the hardening agents may be arranged to expand ‘on contact with water, thereby promoting dispersion and/or aisruption of the pele. [0029] Examples of suitable dispersing agents include but are by no means limited to Morwet (and functional andlor ‘commercial equivalents), yucca, lignin sulfonate, lignite, organic (humie, fulvie citric etc.) and oF chemical acids and combinations thereof, tis of note that these dispersing agents aidin rapid dispersion of the pellet granules by preventing powders from sticking together. Specifically, the addition of a dispersing agent prevents clumping of the powder and allows water to encircle the granules of the powder, theteby promoting even dispersion ofthe pellet. [0030] It is of note that in some embodiments, the dispersing agent may also be a chelating agent. Chelating or complexing agents are useful in Keeping the nutrient from tying up as quickly in high pH soils, in essence keep the nutrient plant available for an extended period of time under adverse consitions. [0031] As described herein, the fertilizer pellets are low analysis and low density and have an irregular shape and high granular dispersion. The low analysis means more granules are putin the seed row on application. This means the plant roots will have a greater area in which to uptake the nutrient, for example, copper. The granules have a density between 40-65 lbs per cubio foot or in some embodiments between 60:55 lbs, per cubic foot. This makes it similar to ‘most macro fertlizers and allows it to blend well and not setle. The irregular shape of the granule allows it to hold well Within a blend and not sette out. High granular dispersion means the granule will break up quickly in @ moist soll which will allow the fertlizer to be absorbed by the plant roots, Thus, the pellet breaks up or disperses as quickly as possible in soll moisture so that powdered nutrients are dispersed throughout the root zone in water (rainfall and cepilary action) and thus available to the plant for uptake. The small particle siz also increases the number of feeding sites or contact points forthe root to absorb the nutrient. [0032] The availablity of nutrients from applied fertlizere can be very controversial. Many different methods have been setup to simulate availabilty. However, the fact that sols abio-entiy unto itself lends to a high level of uncertainty as to how fertilizers will react when soll-applied. Factors such as for example microbial activity, organic matter, pH, background levels, moisture, temperature, and the tke al mpact on how a fertilizer will respond. [0033] With most feilzers other than ritrates, sulfates, and chlorides, the nutrient is not very mobile in the soll and tend to bind themselves to organic matter or to the exchange sites on clay, The low mobiity of elements like P, K, Ca, Mg, and trace metals generally means that the roots of the plants have to intercept the nutrient at the point of contact ‘ofthe nutrient with the soll Thisis one of the reasons banding has become the primary way of applying nutrients whereinEP 2.258 159 A2 ‘more pellets of fertilizer are put closer to where plant roots can contact them. What this also means is that the more pellets of fertilizer applied, the more is the potential for root contact. This does not mean applying more nutrient but applying more pellets each having lower density or lower % nutrient level [0034] Water solubility of fertlzers is @ test methodology that gives the quantity of fertiizer nutrient that is directly water soluble. It is not a method that gives plant availabilty although itis sometimes used that way. Water soluble nutrients are those that are in a sulfate, or nitrate, or chloride, or chelated form. When dissolved in the sol, they will react with different constituents inthe soil and form an equilrium between plant available and unavaliable forms. All of the items listed above, such as moisture, pH, organi matter and microbial activity have a bearing on this equilibrium, ‘A chelating agent will tend to push more of the chelated nutrient into the plant avaliable for and help to hold it there longer so that the plant has a better chances of taking it up through the rooting system, [0035] Oxides of fertlizers are generally used in building up levels of nutrient inthe sols and applications will usually Cover several years eupply of nutrients. Foliar applications of sulfate form or cheleted form ere usualy used as an immediate corrective application to the growing plant and do not add to the soll reserve. What fertlizer to use (oxide, sulfate, or chelate) will depend on how cftical the deficiency is and how quicky it needs to be corrected. [0036] As diccussed above, studies of powdered oxide fertilizers show them to be effective and equivalent to sulfate applications. As described below, the instant process allows the application of powders as pellets that disperse rapidly ‘and readily under normal soll moisture conditions and in a range of soil textures, as discussed below. [0037] Most oxide products come in high analysis (60-0 percent actual metal). Most micronutrients are applied in low units per land measure (e.g. 1 - 10 pounds actual per acre) To enhance performance of the product applied at low rates per unit measure we dilute the concentration to ensure uniform lstribution through exiting agricultural seeding ‘and application equipment, as discussed below. [0038] Many micronutrient products are applied in heterogeneous blends with other fertilizers (nitrogen phosphate etc.) These products andlor blends typically have densities in the 45-65 lb per cubic foot range. This isin contrast with existing micronutrient products which are typically in the 95 + density range meaning that they do not hold thelr integrity in the blend i transported over rough terrain as Is common in agriculture. An additonal benefit ofthis low density is increasing the number of pellets per pound, so feeding and contact sites with plant roots are increased exponentially versus other products. [0039] As descrived below, in some embodiments, part of the production process includes applying pressure or by ‘other means known in the art crushing or breaking o fished pellets thereby producing pellets having iegular shapes, thats, non-geometric shapes. This achieves two objectives. First ids in keeping the blend integrity by creating rough ‘and regular shaped pellets which hold together by friction, Second, it expesttes the break up of the pellet in the soll by providing more surface area for water absorption, and lessens the integrty of the pellet. Thus, the rough surface provides friction which keeps pellets in blend, and also creates more surface area for water absorption. The term "rough surface" indicates that the pellet includes for example, pils, pts, clvots and the lke thereby forming a generally uneven surface. [0040] As described below, biodegradable carries are used in different combinations to provide a balance between the hardness of the pellet which provides integrity and reduces breaking when handling, and rapid break down and ispersion in the soll to make it crop avellable quickly. Calcium carbonate and lignin sufonate are used depending upon the product produced as pellet hardeners and dispersing agents, These biodegradable products also provide @ minimum amount of naturally occurring nutrients and minerals. [0041] In ther embodiments, the pellets comprise canola meal, potassium culfate calcium sulfate calcium carbonate and chelated iron, thereby forming an organic product. [0042] The nutrient or nutrient powder may be, for example, zine, copper, manganese, boron, calcium, iron, calcium sulfate (gypsum), magnesium, malyodenum, chloride, selenium, phosphate, nitrogen, potassium, sulfur or combinations thereot. By way ofillustrative but in no way limiting examples, copper may be copper (cupric): hydroxide, chloride, sulfate, ‘oxide, oxysulfate, nitrate, carbonate, ammonium carbonate, cupric chloride dihydrate, proteinate, acetate, citrate, chelate, ‘complex, or sequestered: zine may be zine: acetate, amoniated zine, ammonium chloride, sulfate, oxide, oxysulfate, nitrate, chloride, citrate, chelate, or complex sequestered; manganese (manganous) may bemanganese: nitrate, chloride, sulfate, oxide, oxysulfate, acetate anhydrous, carbonate, potassium mangagnese sulfate, acetate tetvahyarate, nitrate hexahydrate, citrate, chelate, or complex sequestered. Boron may be: boric acid, sodium borate, potassium tetraborate tetmydrate, calcium borate, celclum- sodium borate, US Borax Products tradenames - solubor"™ (disodium octoborate tetrahydrate), Optibor™ (orthoboric acd), granubor™, borax"™, or fertibor™; Calcium may be calcium: carbonate, chio ride, sulfate, gypsum, calcium borate, ime, nitrate, phosphate, citrate, chelate, or complex sequestered; and Iron may beiron: sulfate, sulfate anhydrous, chloride, tetranydrate, hexatydrate, nitrate, nitrate nonathydrate, chioridehexahydrate, ammonium ciate, ammonium sulfate, chelate, sequestered, proteinate or complex. [0043] The oxide form of the nutrient or nutient powder may be, for example, copper oxide, produced, for example, by pyrolysis of copper nitrate, zinc oxide, produced, for example, by pyrolysis of zinc nitrate or carbonate, manganese ‘oxide or the like or boric acid, manganese sulfate or the Ike. As willbe appreciated by one knowledgeable inthe art, ‘other nutients or nutrient powders may be similarly prepared using means known inthe artEP 2.258 159 A2 [0044] As willbe apparent to one knowledgeable in the at, the nutrient or nutrient powder may have any sultable or desirable nutrient concentration, whether a single nutrient or a combination thereot. That is, the concentration of the nutrient(s) may vary from 1-89%, depending upon intended use and application conditions. In some embodiments, the fertlizer may have a nutrient concentration of, for example: 545% zinc; 5-45% copper; 5-45% manganese or @ mixture ‘of 7% copper, 79 zine and 6% magnesium. As will be apparent to one knowledgeable in the art, the concentrations of the nuttients may be varied according to customer preference, sol conditions andior need, depending on the circum stances. Other embodiments are shown in the examples. [0045] As willbe apparent to one of skil in the ar, the individual nutrients may be at any suitable level, for example, from trace amounts or 0.19% to 0% actual [0046] As described herein, in some embodiments, the carriers consist of organic andlor inert components. [0047] As described below, the time required forthe nutrient to leave the pellet and enter the soll takes no longer than seven days and is often immediate. As described below, tests indicate thatthe nutrients moved typically 0.76 to 1.5 cm with a maximum of § cm inthe soll in seven days. [0048] According the invention, a carrer, for example, a pellet, a seed, a dry fertilizer, a granular fertizer, afertiizer (granule, a urea pil orthe like is coated with at least one micronuvient powder or nutrient powder as follows. A quantity of the carier prepared is mixed with the at least one micronutrient powder. Specifically, the micronutrient is a dry, fine powder, typically at least 100 mesh, in other embodiments, a mixture of 100 mesh and $25 mesh and in yet other ‘embodiments, a least 325 mesh, and is added to the carrier. The carrer is mixed with the powder such thatthe powder is 0.1-2.0% (wi) ofthe weight ofthe carer and coats the outer surface ofthe carrer. Optionally a dispersing agent, as discussed above, may be added to the nutrient powder prior to mixing with the cartier. Specifically, the dispersing agent prevents the powder from sticking to itself, thereby promoting coating of the carrer. The end result is that the ‘micronutrient is present at a low enough ratio that self-adhesion is minimized and coating of the support or carrer Is. promoted. Its of note that the dispersing agent may be used at a volume of 5% (wi) relative to the nutrient powder. Furthermore, state electricity generated during the mixing process further promotes adhesion of the ne powder to the cartier although this is not an essential feature ofthe invention and coating occurs efficiently in the absence of static electric [0049] tis of note that the specific mesh size utllzed may depend on the nutrient itself. That is, some nutrient powders ray adhere at 325 mesh while others may only adhere at 100 mesh. iis also of note that dispersing agents may not be needed with all nutrients. For example, some forms of boron and iron coat effectively without the addition of a dispersing agent. [0050] As willbe apparent to one of skillin the art and as discussed above, the coating powder may comprise a single nutrient or a mixture of nutrients, for example, copper and zine or copper, boron zine and iron and the ike or mixtures ‘of forms of nutrients (two or more oxides, two or more sulfates or a mixture of oxide(s) and sulfate(s)) or chloride, nitrate, carbonate forms and the like. In addition, the powder may include other sultable compounds, for exarnple, pesticides, ‘organic pesticides and the lke. [0051] tis of note thatthe nutrient powder may comprise any suitable form of any one of or any combination of any of the micronutrients descrived above. This may include for exemple, chlorides, nitrates, carbonates and the like. In ‘addltion, powders may be combinations, for example, of mangagnese chloride and sulfate ora mix of nitrate, carbonate ‘and suifete. In yet other embodiments, the nutrient powder may be a chelated (chemical) or complexed (organic) form of the micronutrient. That is, the nutrient powder may comprise a fine, dy powder of any desirable micronutrient in a ‘chemical form such that the powder coats the agronomic carrier, as described herein [0052] Ac willbe apparent to one of silln the an, the above-described method differs from the prior art in that it does nt require the mixing of liquids with cry materials. Thats, in the above-described method, a dry powder is mixed with ‘ry carrier, This in tum eliminates the inherent degradation of the final product and also avoids the extensive use of drying agents, [0053] The agronomic benefits are the abilty to apply finely dvided powders tothe soll, thereby increasing the surtace area of these nutrients in contact with the soil and increasing the efficiency of the specific nutient applied both in the field and to the carrer. This type of application also distrbutes the product evenly throughout the root zone ofthe plants avoiding areas of high concentration and low concentration that may occur when granular products are applied, [0054] "As will be apparent to one of skillin the art, other weight ratios may also be used, depending on the weight ‘and surface area of the supports costed. In preferred embodiments, these supports are granules or are piled, thereby providing surface area for nutent coating, [0055] In yet other embodiments, other supports or agronomic carriers may be coated with the micronutrient, for ‘example, seeds, Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potassium, Sulfur, Calcium andor Magnesium fertlizer products including urea, ‘ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, monoammonium phosphate, dlammonium phosphate, potassium chloride, po tassium sulfate caleium sulfate (gypsum), calcium carbonate (ime), magnesim sulfate and chloride ete. as well as mixes (blends) of above and any other dry or granular fertilizer product (including water soluble forms) or inert or biodegradable pellets known in the art, for example, inecculants, In addition, inert cariers such as limestone, clay of other productsEP 2.258 159 A2 used as filers in fertilizer or homogenous mixes of the above products may also be used as carters, that is, may be coated withthe dry fine nutrient powder as described herein. Thus, in hese embodiments, the selected carrier is mixed With the nutrient powder and is coated to a final concentration of 0.1-2.0% ww) by the nutrient powder. In some ‘embodiments, a seed may be coated to a concentration of for example approximately 0,05%-0.5% (ww) with a nutrient powder as described above. As will be apparent to one of ski inthe art, this places the nutrient in the precise location necessary for availabilty for seed emergence. [0056] tis of note that in one exemplary embodiment, the seeds are also costed with a fungicide, for example, copper ‘oxide ora similar fungicide, As willbe apparent to one of skill n the art, this places the fungicide in the precise location necessary fr availabilty for seed emergence. The fungicide may be any sultable fungicide known in the art and will typically be selected based on the type of seed and the soll conditions andior location of the planting site, It is of note that in some embodiments the fungicide Is a fine powder and may also be mixed with a dispersing agent to promote even coating of the seed as diecussed above for the nutrient powders, [0057] In another aspect ofthe invention, there Is provided a kitfor coating a suitable carrier with a nutrient powder, the kit comprising a nutrient powder as described above having @ mesh size of at least 100 and a set of instructions. ‘The instructions may be printed matter ot may be stored in electronic means, for example, on a diskette or CD-ROM. ‘The instructions will describe how to apply the nutrient powder to a carrer, for example, but by no means limited to pellets, seeds, Nitrogen, Phosphate, Potassium, Sulfur, Calcium and/or Magnesium fertilizer products including urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, potassium chioride, po- tassium sufate, calcium sulfate (gypsum), calcium carbonate (lime), magnesim sulfate and chloride. That, the instruc tions will deserbe how much powder is to be added to a given quantity of cartier, how long the cartier and the powder should be mixed as well as what device andlor conditions are suitable for mixing. In some embodiments, the nutrient powder may be pre-mixed with a dispersing agent or a dispersing agent may be included within the kt. The kit may ‘comprise more than one nutrient powder. The mesh size of the indvidual nutrient powders may be at least 100 mesh, atleast 325 mesh or a mixture of 100 mesh and 325 mesh, It is of note that finer meshes, for example 400 mesh, may also be used either alone or in combination with other suitable mesh sizes. [0058] The invention will now be described by way of examples. However, the invention is not in any way limited by the examples. EXAMPLE | -Process Directive Granular Products Calcium Carbonate, Active Mineral, Lignte = 25% [0059] 15% Products: Crushed Screenings (containing cereals, canola, peas)= 75% Complex Products: 1% Canola Oil Batch Size 1,000 kg Order of Addition: 1) Screenings 2) Actives 3) Calcium 4) Cil ‘Spout Junior Pellet Mil Mixing Time: While filing and after filing addtional $-5 minutes, Temperature: 140 to 200 degrees F. 5164 dies used to extrude pellets Pellets crumbled (compressed) through 2 x 36 inch rollers Moved upwards to bin via 50-foot leg Moved down to bagger via 40 foot down pipe Packaged using spout bagger [0060] Thus, generally speaking, fertlizer (for example, pellets), seed or other materials are added to a blender. Powdered micronutrients are added tothe blend (at any time in the process) at rates up to but not exceeding 1% of the total blend. The resulting blend is mixed for a minimum of 20 seconds resulting in an even distribution (coating) of the total blend. The finished product is then applied tothe field or stored for later applications, EXAMPLE II- Solubilty and movement of pelleted Cu fertlizer in soll [0061] The study was conducted using columns of alr-ied soll, In order to ensure uniformity, the soll was crushed {not pulverized) 80 that it passed through a 2.00 mm sieve, The columns were 4.4 em inside diameter and were made up of sections either 1.0 or 0.5 cm n thickness. The columns, from the top down, was constructed as follows:EP 2.258 159 A2 3-1 om thick sections containing sol! 2-0.5 om thick sections containing soll, 10.6 om thick section containing Cu tertlizer pellets 2-0.5 em thick sections containing soil 5-1 cm sections containing soil [0062] Once the columns were constructed, water was added from the top until the wetting front reached the top of the bottom most section containing sol. (This ensured thatthe soll was not saturated. With time, water was redistributed tozan “equilibrium moisture content called “field capacty’, which is common under field conadtions.) The columns were then allowed to stand for 7 days to allow for dissolving and movement of the Cu fertlizer. The soll at the top of the Columns was not covered, Le. water was allowed to evaporate from the soll surface Just as might occur under fla Conditions. At the end ofthis time, the column was sectioned, wit the soll from each section being placed in a separate container. The containers of soll were oven dried and then submitted to NorWest labs for analysis of Cu concentration [0063] The study was conducted with three soils representing a range of sol textures, Osbome clay lagal description W31-4-3E), Newdale clay loam (legal description SW 28-14-12W), and Almasippi sandy loam (legal description SE 23-8-5W). In addition, with each sol, the experiment was replicated three times. (This amounted to about 86 soil samples tobe analyzed) Volume change [0064] Because the upper surface of the soll columns was exposed to the air, drying took place from the soll surtace. Thus, when the columns were sectioned, it was observed that a certain amount of shrinkage accompanied the drying Cfo. This shrinkage was greatest in the Osborne sol and least inthe Almasipp sol, The consequence of this shrinkage was that the layer o fertlizer moved down from its original postion and thus the section immediately below the fertlizer band was likely contaminated with the fertilizer. It should be noted, however, that since the soll moved downward, the layer above the fertlizer band was in all ikelihood not contaminated. Thus, a Cu concentration above background in this section would indicate an upward movement of Cu during the experiment, Soll Moisture [0065] As well as copper analysis the sections of sol in the columns were oven dried to determine the water content istoution, An example ofthis is given in Figure 1. Several features of this graph are noteworthy. The top part of the column had a lower water content than the lower portion, (The vertical distance labeled zero was the postion of the layer of copper fertilizer pellets.) The top of the column was not covered and thus evaporation took place from this surface, Although not strictly comparable, this would be analogous to drying under field conditions after ara, ie layers of sol closest to the surface would have the lowest water contents. Furthermore, the highest water content occurred in the sol layer just below the section containing the Cu fertlizer. It should be noted thet water content is expressed as a percentage by weight. It was observed thatthe section just below the fertiizer layer did in fact contain some fertlizer pellets. (This was the result ofthe volume change in the sol that occurred due to redistribution of water and drying. This, is a natural occurrence and there is really nothing that can be done to prevent i) Thus, the higher water content at this position was not a concentration of water but rather a result ofthe fact that on a weight basis the fertiizer pellets tend to absorb more water than soll. Below the fertilizer layer, the soll has a relatively uniform water content tothe bottom of the column, This water content can be assumed to be near the “eld capacity" of the soil, which is defined as soll water Content when reaistribution of water is complete. It is ikely representative of soll water content one or two days after a significant rain. Thus, any solution and redistribution ofthe Cu fertlizer in the columns would be very similar to that which ‘might occur under field conditions. Graphs of water content vs, vertical distance for the other sols and replicates were similar to that shown above, Distribution of Cu [0066] The concentration of Cu in each section of each run of each soil was determined by Norwest labs. These individual data are given in the Appendix. Data for each section postion for each soil were averaged and are presented in Table 1. Averages for the Almasippi and Osbome soils are from three runs and those for the Newdale sol are trom ‘wo runs,EP 2.258 159 A2 ‘Table 1. Average Cu concentrations (ppm) in columns of sol initially brought to field capacity and allowed to dry from the surface for 7 days, Depth (em) ‘Almasippi Soil Newdale Osborne a5 (020 254 490 25 1.02, 2.95 469 15 084 2.86 4.64 075 101 213 495 0.25 at 18.90 310.33 0.26 683,00 40.38 16567 075 565 5.58 92 18 1.20 3.58 5.46 25 098 2.86 482 “35 093 273 476 “45 121 276 472 65 1.89 370 614 Positive depths indicate distance above the fertiizer band and negative depths distance are below the ferilzer band [0067] Several observations can be made from the Table. Layers 1.5 cm and farther from the fertiizer band show an approximately uniform Cu concentration and therefore may be regarded as the background levels, i. the concentration ‘of Cun unferiized soil. The background levels appear to be about 1.0 - 1.2 ppm for the Almasippi soll,2.7 -2.9 for the Newdale soll, and 4.7 - 4.9 for the Osborne sol. For allthree soils there appears tobe an accumulation of Cuin the very lowest section of the soll column, Although this did not eceur in every individual replicate, it did occur for most (see Appendix). In other words, this occurrence is consistent enough that i is not likely stictly due to chance, One might speculate that as the water proceeded through the colurnn, a small amount of Cu was dissolved from the fertlizer band ‘and carried in solution to the lower most section, (It should be noted that the columns were watered just enough for ater to reach the lower most section, Le. no water was drained through the column.) Thus, it would appear that there is at least a small amount of Cu in the fertlizer that is very easly soluble, For all sols there was a high concentration in the sections Immediately above and below the fertilzer band. As has been pointed out above, this high concentration in the section immediately below the fertlizer may be due to contamination. Its unlikely thet the section above the fertlizer band was contaminated. it would appear that with ime Cu was dissolved and moved upward with water as the letler moved upward during drying of the columne. Water content profiles shown above indicate that there was consid terable drying in the sections above the fertiizer band during the course of the experiment. Although the section imme diately below the fertiizer band - designated as -0.25 - was probably contaminated, itis most unlikely that the depth designated as -0.75 was contaminated. Thus, the higher concentrations of Cu in these layers - which occurred in all three sols - were probably due to solution and diffusion of Cu during the course of the experiment. In fact, the next lower layer - designated as - 1.5 - seems to show an accumulation of Cu, atleast in the Newdale and Osborne soll [0068] As can be seen, Cufrom the fertlzer material is dissolved under "normal" fleld moisture concitions and moves in solution and diffusion over significant distances, EXAMPLE Ill -Etfects of pelleted zinc and copper on field peas [0069] Pelleted copper and zinc applied to @ sand medium and grown under controlled conditions resulted in an increase in copper and zinc levels n peas grown in the medium. Copper content increased by approximately 46 percent ‘and zine content increased by approximately 16 percent. [0070] Third party agencies were used to set up and execute the experiment (AgQuest Inc of Minto, Manitoba) and +0 do laboratory analysis on the issue extracted from the trals (Norwest Labs). Treatments included: 1) Untreated check (UTC or UNT) 2) Pelleted Zine at 15 lb/acre of actual zine (0.84 gilt) 23) Pelleted Copper at 15 lb/acre of actual copper (0.84 gat) [0071] The 4 replicate trial was seeded into 11" x 22" x2" deep fats fled with commercially available sand. The Zinc ‘and Copper trestments were placed in furrow withthe seed. [0072] A total of 12 flats were planted (4 fats per treatment) and had a single crop thinned to 24 plants in two rows (12 plants per row). Seed was untreated and No-Damp (oxine benzoate) was applied once at emergence to preventEP 2.258 159 A2 any damping off. No fertlizer was added tothe fats at any time during the growing period. Seedlings were grown under shelter and watered 3 times weekiy for 5 ¥% weeks until they reached the 6 leaf stage. [0073] _Atthe 6 leaf stage, top-growh was removed and plants from each flat were packaged and shipped to Norwest Labs for tissue analysis. Samples were identified as follows: ‘SAMPLE. | SAMPLE DESORIPTION | NORWEST TEST ID 1 PEAS-UTC Tis4 2 PEAS-UTC Tis 3 PEAS-UTC Tis4 4 PEAS-UTC Tis 5 PEAS-ZING Tiss 6 PEAS ZING Tis 7 PEASZING Tis 8 PEASZING Tis 8 PEAS-COPPER Tis 70 PEAS-COPPER Tis 7" PEAS-GOPPER Tis 2 PEAS-COPPER Tis Results [0074] Raw deta quantitying copper and zine levels for the untreated checks and for the zine and copper treatments are attached. A Student t-test (wwo-taled) was run forthe data assuming homegeneous variabilty forall pairs was run 1) Pelieted copper on peas [0075] No visual diiterence was observed between treatments at any time during the growth period. However, the peas growing in the copper treated flats contained 68.5 ppm of copper. Peas grown in fats without the addition of the pellets contained only 68.2 ppm of copper. Standard error forthe test was 0.857 por. The probabilly ofthe diferences being due to random sources is p=0.018. 10EP 2.258 159 A2 Table 2. Copper content of pea tissue following treatment with pelleted copper. COPPER CONTENT OF PEAS TREATED WITH PELLETED COPPER VS UTC 10,05 WOE OC HOMME U-baM UNT COPPER 2) Pelleted zinc on peas [0076] No visual difference was observed between treatments at any time during the growth period. However, the peas growing in the zinc treated flats contained 65.5 ppm of zinc, Peas grown in flats without the addition of the pellets Contained 56.2 pom of zine. Standard error for the test was 3.08 ppm. The probebilty ofthe differences being due to random sources is p=0.056. Table 3, Zinc content of pea tissue following treatment with pelleted zinc, ”EP 2.258 159 A2 ZINC CONTENT OF PEAS TREATED WITH PELLETED COPPER VS UTC 655 6 58 562 UNT ZINC Conclusions [0077] _Inboth comparisons, application ofthe pelleted products resultedin an increase in planttissue levels of copper and zinc. Pea tissue In the pelleted copper treatment contained 45 percent more copper than untreated checks. Pea tissue in the pelleted zinc treatments also showed a trend of increased micronutrient levels as a result of application of the pellets, with treated peas containing 16 percent more zinc than untreated products [0078] | Coatingtechnology was also appraisedinterms ofblendstabityinferilizer mixers andtransportation equipment ‘and efficacy to crop plants in statistically designed field plots. The product remains stable throughout transportation and ‘mixing and does not “all out" or show undesirable characteristics as would be defined by fertilzer industry personnel, ‘as shown in Figure 4, [0079] The coating was applied by commercial scale blenders and applied by commercial scale field equipment, At time of between two and five weeks after emergence ofthe crops, tissue testing was conducted on randomly collected crop material from treated and untreated portions ofthe field, Results are shown in Table 4, Table 4 Retaler Micronutrient Crop _Increaseintissuenutient °%) Terratlex Zinc Com 59.5% Rosenot Zine Com 17.0% Dynagra Copper == Wheat Oroughted St.Leon Copper Cats 9.5% St.Leon Copper Cats 400% Cunningham Copper Barley 540% [0080] Trials were conducted by ICMS Inc, an independent agronomic testing company. As shown in Figure 8, the data shows trends towards increased levels of micronutrients in the crops tested compared to uncoated fertlizer. [0081] While the preferred embodiments of the Invention have been described above, it will be recognized and un- derstood that various modifications may be made therein, and the appended claims ere intended to cover all such ‘modifications which may fal within the spirit and scope of the Invention. 2EP 2.258 159 A2 Claims 1 10. 1" 2. Atertilzer pellet comprising a biodegradable carrer coated with a fine dry powder of a micronutrient such that said ‘micronutrient coats the outer surface of the cartier, wherein the micronutrient powder is 100-325 mesh and is at (0.19%2.0% (wh) ofthe carrier. ‘The feriizer pellet according to claim 1 wherein the dry mironutrient powder is selected from the group consisting of: zine, copper, manganese, boron, ron, molybdenum, and mixtures thereof. The fertilizer pellet according to claim 1 wherein the micronutrient powder is in an oxide form The fertilizer pellet according to claim 1 wherein the micronutrient powder is in a sulfate form. ‘The fertlizer pellet according to claim 1 wherein the micronutrient powder Is a combination of sulfate and oxide forms of at least one micronutrient. The fetiizer pellet according to claim 1 wherein the micronutrient powder includes a dispersing agent. ‘A method of preparing a fertilize pellet by coating a biodegradable carrier with a micronuiient comprising: mixing ‘a quantiy of the biodegradable carrier and a dry fine powder ofthe micronultient wherein the micronutvient powder [s 100-325 mesh andi at 0, 1%-2.0% (Www) ofthe carer such that sald micronutrient coats the outer surface of the carter. The method according to claim 7 wherein the dry micronutrient powder Is selected from the group consisting of: Zine, copper, manganese, boron, iton, molybdenum, and mixtures thereot ‘The method according to claim 7 wherein the micronutrient powder isin an oxide form, ‘The method according to claim 7 wherein the micronutrient powder isin @ sulfate form. ‘The method according to claim 7 wherein the micronutrient power is @ combination of sulfate and oxide forms of atleast one nutrient, ‘The method according to claim 7 wherein the micronutrient powder Is mixed with a dispersing agent prior to mixing the micronutrient powder with the carrier. 2EP 2.258 159 A2 1 Eda | j "Ba . | o¢ | * jell LP TG } | 61 10 FIGURE 4 “Oa 33! a OoEP 2.258 159 A2 aBeys yeaj z oye SAeG Avdrl Awal ivdz iva 8% payeenun Bi dag peed ‘est payeooun SA poye09 Ul OUIZ aNnssy Ul BSBO/DU! efeyuecded ul aseasul efesuedted FIGURE 3 6EP 2.258 159 A2 | Consistency of Blend \ | Stdev was <§ percent for N and Zn | 900 | 800 | 700 | oe 500 § [NG |) 400 F |-+- ZN (ppm) ae Pounds N FIGURE 4. "7EP 2.258 159 A2 REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all ability in this regard. Patent documents cited in the description + Us 4943751 A [0003] + US 6001775 A [0003] + US-5851261 A [0003] + Us 5030267 A [0003] + US.6192628 8 [0003] + US 6046277 A [0003] 18