Application of agricultural polyammonium acrylate or polyacrylamide hydrogels
US5185024A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 24, 1991 |
| Grant date | Feb 9, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 24, 2011 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K17/22
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
This invention discloses methods for manufacture and use of poly(ammonium acrylate) and polyacrylamide hydrogels in agricultural applications. Such hydrogels are applied to the soil or the plants by spraying. Spraying is advantageous over other methods of application, such as mixing with soil and broadcasting because of enhanced plant contact, evenness of distribution, and reduced labor. The gels are prepared for spraying by adding water to provide a readily deformable polymer which will pass through a spray apparatus. The hydrogels sprayed may include additives including micronutrients, maconutrients, pesticides, microbes, plant growth regulators, surfactants, and freezing point modifiers. Use of the hydrogels saves irrigation water and ameliorates salting of irrigated cropland. Sprayed hydrogels may also be used to protect crops from freezing and to protect foliage from desiccation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.