Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
(SECTION 39 OF 1970)
&
THE PATENT RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(Section 10 and Rule 13)
1. Title of the invention:
MICRONUTRIENT-BASED GRANULAR FERTILIZER COMPOSITION FOR ARECA NUT AND COFFEE CROPS

2. Applicant(s):
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
COROMANDEL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED Indian Coromandel House, 1-2-10,
Sardar Patel Road, Secunderabad,
Telangana-500003, India.
3. Preamble to the description

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a fertilizer composition formulated specifically for areca nut and coffee crops. This composition delivers essential micronutrients, including zinc, boron, and iron, along with primary nutrients like potassium among others, all in optimized quantities to improve plant metabolism, enzyme activity, and overall growth. Additionally, formulation also includes secondary nutrients like calcium, magnesium, and sulfur to support soil fertility and nutrient uptake efficiency.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Plant growth and development are significantly influenced by the availability and balance of various nutrients. These nutrients can be categorized into primary, secondary, micro, and macro nutrients, each playing a vital role in the physiological processes of plants.
Primary Nutrients: The primary nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K)—are the most essential for plant growth, as they are required in large quantities. Nitrogen is crucial for the formation of amino acids, proteins, and chlorophyll, directly affecting the plant's ability to photosynthesize and grow. Phosphorus plays a pivotal role in energy transfer within the plant, especially in processes such as photosynthesis and respiration, and is essential for root development, flowering, and fruiting. Potassium helps regulate various physiological functions, including enzyme activation, water balance, and the synthesis of proteins and carbohydrates, thus ensuring overall plant health and stress tolerance.
Secondary Nutrients: The secondary nutrients, including calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and sulphur (S), are also important for plant growth, although they are needed in smaller amounts than primary nutrients. Calcium is integral to cell wall formation and stability, promoting strong root and shoot development. It also plays a role in regulating enzyme activities and maintaining cellular integrity. Magnesium, a central element in chlorophyll, is essential for photosynthesis and overall energy production. Sulphur is necessary for the formation of amino acids and proteins and helps in enzyme activation, contributing to the overall health of the plant.
Micronutrients: The Micronutrients, also known as trace elements, include iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), boron (B), molybdenum (Mo), and chlorine (Cl). While required in very small amounts, these nutrients are indispensable for various biochemical processes. Iron is crucial for chlorophyll synthesis and oxygen transport within the plant, while zinc and copper are vital for enzyme activation, plant metabolism, and growth regulation. Manganese plays a role in photosynthesis, and boron is essential for cell wall formation and reproduction. Each of these micronutrients, though required in minute quantities, contributes to optimizing plant function, health, and overall productivity.
Macro Nutrients: The macro nutrients, a classification often overlapping with primary nutrients, are nutrients required by plants in larger quantities to support vital growth processes. These include nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, but also encompass calcium, magnesium, and sulphur. A balanced supply of macro nutrients is necessary for supporting plant vigor, resilience against diseases, and ensuring high-quality yields.
The deficiency or imbalance of any of these nutrients can hinder plant growth, impair development, and ultimately reduce agricultural productivity. Therefore, it is critical to provide plants with an optimized combination of primary, secondary, micro, and macro nutrients in a form and quantity that meets their specific needs throughout their life cycle. The present invention aims to address these requirements through a specially formulated nutrient composition, enhancing the growth and productivity of areca nut and coffee crops.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides a micronutrient-based granular fertilizer specifically for areca nut and coffee crops that deliver primary nutrients potassium among others, secondary nutrients like calcium, magnesium and sulphur among others along with essential micronutrients, including zinc, boron, and iron among others in a formulation that allows for their controlled and gradual release over time.
One aspect of the present invention is to provide micronutrient-based areca nut crop granular composition consisting of potassium, zinc, boron, iron, sulphur, calcium, magnesium in the presence of other agrochemical additives.
Another aspect of the present invention is to provide micronutrient-based coffee crop granular composition consisting of potassium, zinc, boron, sulphur, calcium, magnesium in the presence of other agrochemical additives.
According to the present invention, the micronutrient-based granular fertilizer specifically applicable in areca nut and coffee crops wherein potassium is obtained from potash, which is derived from molasses (PDM) ash.
According to the present invention, the granular fertilizer consists of potassium (15-17%), zinc (0.48%-0.51%), boron (0.18%-0.21%), iron (0.1%-0.30%), sulphur (2-3%), calcium (2-3%), and magnesium (2-3%) of the total weight of the composition along with other agrochemical additives, effective in areca nut crops.
According to the present invention, the granular fertilizer consists of potassium (15-17%), zinc (0.48%-0.51%), boron (0.18%-0.21%), sulphur (2-3%), calcium (2-3%), and magnesium (2-3%) of the total weight of the composition along with other agrochemical additives, effective in coffee crops.
In another aspect of the present invention is to provide a micronutrient-based granular fertilizer formulated into wet granular or dry granular form that are slow water soluble.
Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a process for the preparation of micronutrient-based granular fertilizer which are formulated using a combination of binding agents, surfactants, hardening agents along with other agrochemical additives.
According to the present invention, a micronutrient-based granular fertilizer is designed to dissolve gradually in water, thereby ensuring a steady supply of nutrients to plants over an extended period.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
Figure. 1 shows the number of berries per cluster in the control plot and fertilizer treated plot of coffee crops.
Figure. 2 shows the berry weight in the control plot and fertilizer treated plot of coffee crops.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The term "comprising", which is synonymous with "including", "containing", or "characterized by” here is defined as being inclusive or open-ended, and does not exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps, unless the context clearly requires otherwise.

It is to be noted that, as used in the specification, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to a composition containing “a compound” includes a mixture of two or more compounds. It should also be noted that the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

As used herein, the terms "crops" and "vegetation" can include, for instance, dormant seeds, germinant seeds, emerging seedlings, plants emerging from vegetative propagules, immature vegetation, and established vegetation.
As used herein, the term “granules” refers mainly to solid granules. These are small, solid particles that contain nutrients for plants. They are easy to handle, store, and spread. Granular fertilizers are known for their slow-release properties, which means they gradually release nutrients into the soil over time.

As used herein, the term “agrochemical additives” refers to the substances that are added to the agrochemicals to enhance their effectiveness, stability, or ease of application. These additives do not directly control pests, diseases, or promote plant growth but support the primary function of the agrochemical products. The common agrochemical additives include but not limited to surfactants, adjuvants, stabilizers, chelating agents, solvents, and emulsifiers among others.

In one embodiment of the present invention is to provide micronutrient-based areca nut crop granular composition consisting of potassium, zinc, boron, iron, sulphur, calcium, magnesium in the presence of other agrochemical additives.
In another embodiment of the present invention is to provide micronutrient-based coffee crop granular composition consisting of potassium, zinc, boron, sulphur, calcium, magnesium in the presence of other agrochemical additives.
According to the present embodiment, the potassium is obtained from the potash derived from the PDM (potash derived from the molasses) ash. The other sources of the potassium may be potassium magnesium sulphate; potassium nitrate; potassium sodium nitrate; potassium hydroxide; potassium carbonate; potassium orthophosphate; potassium polyphosphate; potassium phosphate; potassium metaphosphate; potassium sulphate; sulphate potash magnesia; potassium chloride; rock potash; bittern potassium salt (KC1 (+ NaCl + MgSO4)); plant and wood ashes (K2CO3 + KHC03) and kelp ashes (KC1 + K2SO4); potassium fulvate; potassium humate and potassium rock powder or derivatives or mixtures thereof, preferably from PDM ash.
According to the present invention, granular fertilizer consists of potassium in the range of 10-20% of the total weight of the composition.
In another embodiment, the present invention provides the micronutrient-based granular fertilizer specifically applicable in areca nut and coffee crops wherein the potassium is obtained from potash, which is derived from molasses (PDM) ash.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of molasses ash in the range of 85-90% of the total weight of the composition.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of micronutrients zinc derived from zinc sulfate heptahydrate, zinc sulfate monohydrate, zinc oxide, or zinc chelate, zinc ash, zinc sludge, zinc carbonate, zinc-EDTA among others.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of zinc in the range of 0.2-0.6 % of the total weight of the composition.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of boron derived from borax (Na₂B₄O₇·10H₂O) or soluble boron compounds, colemanite, DOT (Disodium Octa boron tetrahydrate), boron anhydrous, boric acid, disodium tetraborate pentahydrate among others.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of boron in the range of 0.1-0.5% of the total weight of the composition.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of iron derived from ferrous sulfate heptahydrate, ferrous sulfate monohydrate, iron chelate (e.g., Fe-EDTA, Fe-DTPA), or iron oxide, ferrous sulphate anhydrous among others.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of iron in the range of 0.1% - 0.5% of the total weight of the composition.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of sulphur derived from natural sources but not limited to elemental sulphur, gypsum, wood ash or derived from salts like but not limited to ammonium sulfate, super phosphate, magnesium sulphate, calcium sulphate or from any other organic sources preferably from gypsum.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of sulphur in the range of 1-5% of the total weight of the composition.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of calcium derived from natural sources but not limited to lime, gypsum, wood ash, eggshells among others or may be derived from salts but not limited to calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium phosphate among others preferably derived from the gypsum.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of calcium in the range of 1-5% of the total weight of the composition.
According to the present embodiment, granular fertilizer consists of magnesium derived from water insoluble magnesium salts that include one or more of but is not limited to, magnesium oxide, magnesium hydroxide, magnesium molybdate, magnesium phosphate, calcium magnesium phosphate, magnesium phosphate tribasic, magnesium carbonate, magnesium silicate, magnesium trisilicate, magnesium aluminium silicate, calcium magnesium silicate magnesium ammonium phosphate, magnesium humate, magnesium fulvate; magnesium oxalate, magnesium tartrate, magnesium sulphide or derivatives or mixtures thereof or derived from soluble magnesium salts that include but not limited to magnesium sulphate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium gluconate, magnesium glycinate, magnesium lactate, magnesium aspartate, magnesium ascorbate, magnesium lignosulphonate, magnesium acetate and magnesium citrate or derived from the minerals or ores that include ores containing magnesium but are not limited to periclase; brucite; sellaite; kotoite; pertsevite; suanite; magnesite; szaibelyite, kieserite, dolomite, hydrated dolomite and struvite preferably derived from the dolomite.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of magnesium in the range of 1-5% of the total weight of the composition.
In another embodiment, granular fertilizer consists of potassium (15-17%), zinc (0.48%-0.51%), boron (0.18%-0.21%), iron (0.1%-0.30%), sulphur (2-3%), calcium (2-3%), and magnesium (2-3%) of the total weight of the composition along with other agrochemical additives, effective in areca nut crops.
In another embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of potassium (15-17%), zinc (0.48%-0.51%), boron (0.18%-0.21%), sulphur (2-3%), calcium (2-3%), and magnesium (2-3%) of the total weight of the composition along with other agrochemical additives, effective in coffee crops.
In yet another embodiment, the granular fertilizer is formulated into wet granular or dry granular form that are slow water soluble.
In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a process for the preparation of micronutrient-based granular fertilizer, which is formulated using combination of binding agents, surfactants, hardening agents, pH buffering agent along with other agrochemical additives.
According to the present invention, the granular fertilizer consists of agrochemical additives such as binding agents selected from but not limited to bentonite clay attapulgite clay, molasses, sugars, lignosulfonates, gums, cellulose, starch among others present in the range of 1-5% of the total weight of the composition.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of agrochemical additives such as surfactants selected from but not limited to anionic surfactants such as alkyl ether sulfates, linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, sodium lauryl sulfate among others; cationic surfactants such as coco alkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, quaternary ammonium compounds, alkyl trimethyl ammonium chlorides among others; nonionic surfactants such as fatty acid esters, polyol surfactants, sorbitan esters, fatty alcohol ethoxylates, ethoxylates, glycol esters, polyalkylene glycol surfactants among others present in the range of 0.01-0.05% of the total weight of the composition.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of agrochemical additives such as hardening agents selected from but not limited to clay-based materials, calcium compounds, polymeric binders, magnesium compounds, ammonium phosphate among others, preferably dolomite present in the range of 1-5% of the total weight of the composition.
According to the present embodiment, the granular fertilizer consists of agrochemical additives such as pH buffering agent preferably dolomite in the range of 1-5% of the total weight of the composition.
According to the present invention, a micronutrient-based granular fertilizer is designed to dissolve gradually in water, thereby ensuring a steady supply of nutrients to plants over an extended period.
The present invention comprises a carefully balanced mixture of primary nutrients, secondary nutrients and micronutrients optimized for areca nut and coffee crops. This formulation reduces nutrient loss due to leaching, enhances plant growth, and improves soil quality.
According to the present invention, the micronutrient-based granular fertilizer may consist of other primary nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus derived from organic matter, natural sources, mineral ores among others.
According to the present invention, the micronutrient-based granular fertilizer consists of agrochemical additives additional soil conditioners, organic matter, or other nutrients that complement the effect of the micronutrients, further enhancing soil structure and nutrient uptake.
According to the present invention, micronutrient-based granular fertilizer may be formulated as a granular, pelletized form using binders or carriers such as clay, dolomite, gypsum, vermiculite, or expanded perlite among others.
According to the present invention, the production process of the micronutrient-based granular fertilizer includes hoppers, blenders, bucket elevators, rotary granular drum, dryer drum, cooler drum, rotary/vibratory screening system, chain crusher, storage hopper and bagging units among others.
According to the present invention, the granular fertilizer may be in the desired size of the granules is in the range of 1.5 – 4.0 mm.
According to the present invention micronutrient-based granular fertilizer is produced by following the process below in a step wise manner:
a) Addition of raw materials: The JCB vehicle is used to load the PDM ash into one of the feeding hoppers, then filled with the required raw materials, and filler materials into the subsequent hoppers. The flow gate of the hoppers is set based on the rate of production and was checked every hour.
b) Blending of raw materials: All the raw materials are released to the conveyor belt through the flow gate, moved to the mixer or blender, making the homogeneous blend. The evenly mixed raw materials are transported to the rotary granular drum through the bucket elevators.
c) Granulation: The powdered raw materials are wet by water mixed with surfactant passing through the pipe that is placed across the granular drum. The powder particles stick together, forming the granules.
d) Drying: The granules are dried by using aeration- drying technology. The hot air dries the materials inside the drum. Oil, gas, biogas, coal, and wood logs are used as fuel for supplying hot air. The temperature was controlled effectively.
e) Cooling: The hot material was passed to the cooler drum, where it lowers the temperature of the granules. The excess heat and moisture are removed in this process.
f) Screening: The granules are shifted to the rotary or vibratory screen through the bucket elevator. First the granules are screened at the 4mm sieve, then the oversized materials are moved to the recycling belt, where the screening of the granules is done at the 1.5mm to 2mm sieve. The undersized materials, less than 1.5mm size, are passed to the recycling belt, and the desired size materials, 1.5 mm to 4 mm size, are shifted to the final storage hopper through the conveyor belt. Then the oversized and undersized particles are shifted to the chain crusher. Oversized and undersized materials are crushed to powder at the chain crusher. Then, these crushed or powder materials are transferred to the blender, where they are mixed with the fresh raw materials powder, through the recycling belt.
g) Storage: The desired sized finished products are transported to the storage hopper. Then the finished products are being bagged either manually or automatically and stored properly in a clean, dry place.

Advantages of the Invention:
The present invention provides with the micronutrient-based fertilizer that has the below mentioned advantages over the conventional fertilizers:
a) Efficient Nutrient Supply: The formulation ensures that zinc, boron, and iron are available to plants over an extended period, reducing the frequency of application.
b) Improved Soil Health: The gradual release of micronutrients enhances soil fertility, improving plant growth, yield, and resilience to disease.
c) Environmental Sustainability: The formulation minimizes nutrient leaching and runoff, reducing the risk of water pollution and preserving soil health.
d) Versatile Application: The formulation can be applied in granular, pelletized, forms, allowing for flexible use in different agricultural and horticultural settings.
e) Cost-Effective: The long-lasting effects of the slow-release amendment reduce the need for frequent applications, saving time and money for growers.
The invention is further described in the examples below.
PREPARATION EXAMPLES:
Example 1: Preparation of micronutrient based granular formulation for areca nut crops:

S. No Raw materials % by weight
1. Zinc sulfate hepta 2.4
2. Borax 1.4
3. Ferrous sulfate 1.2
4. Molasses ash 85
5. Clay 3.2
6. Dolomite 3.0
7. Sodium lauryl sulfate 0.01
8. Water Q. S

The PDM ash was loaded into one of the feeding hoppers, then the subsequent hoppers were filled with zinc sulphate hepta, borax, ferrous sulphate, and other filler materials. Following this the flow gate of the hoppers is set, there after all the raw materials were released to the conveyor belt through the flow gate, moving to the mixer or blender, thereby forming the homogeneous blend which were transported to the rotary granular drum through the bucket elevators. The product was converted into granules, and then the formed granules were dried in the fertilizer drying drum after which the formed granules were cooled in the cooler drum. In the last stage the granules were shifted to the rotary or vibratory screen through the bucket elevator. The Oversize and undersize materials are being crushed to powder at the chain crusher. Then, these crushed or powder materials are going to the blender, where they mix with the fresh raw materials powder, through the recycling belt.
Results: The resulting micronutrient based granular fertilizer was analyzed using ICP-MS instrument by following the FCOA method. The % of elements present are (Zn: 0.5%; B: 0.2%; Fe: 0.25%; Ca: 2.1%; Mg: 2.1%; S: 3.1%; K: 15.3%).
Example 2: Preparation of micronutrient based granular formulation for areca nut crops:
S. No Raw materials % by weight
1. Zinc sulfate mono 1.8
2. Dioctyl tetraborate 1.2
3. Ferrous sulfate mono 1.0
4. Molasses ash 88
5. Clay 3.0
6. Dolomite 2.5
7. Sodium lauryl sulfate 0.03
8. Water Q. S

The PDM ash was loaded into one of the feeding hoppers, then the subsequent hoppers were filled with zinc sulphate mono, dioctyl tetraborate, ferrous sulphate mono, and other filler materials. Following this the flow gate of the hoppers is set, there after all the raw materials were released to the conveyor belt through the flow gate, moving to the mixer or blender, thereby forming the homogeneous blend which were transported to the rotary granular drum through the bucket elevators. The product was converted into granules, and then the formed granules were dried in the fertilizer drying drum after which the formed granules were cooled in the cooler drum. In the last stage the granules were shifted to the rotary or vibratory screen through the bucket elevator. The oversized and undersize materials are being crushed to powder at the chain crusher. Then, these crushed or powder materials are going to the blender, where they mix with the fresh raw materials powder, through the recycling belt.
Results: The resulting micronutrient based granular fertilizer was analyzed using ICP-MS instrument by following the FCOA method. The % of elements present are (Zn: 0.5%; B: 0.19%; Fe: 0.25%; Ca: 2.03%; Mg: 2%; S: 3.1%; K: 15.1%)
Example 3: Preparation of micronutrient based granular formulation for areca nut crops:
Raw materials used:
S. No Raw materials % by weight
1. Zinc sulfate hepta 3.5
2. Boric acid 1.5
3. Fe-EDTA 2.5
4. Molasses ash 85
5. Clay 1.0
6. Dolomite 2.5
7. Sodium lauryl sulfate 0.03
8. Water Q. S.

The PDM ash was loaded into one of the feeding hoppers, then the subsequent hoppers were filled with zinc sulfate hepta, boric acid, Fe-EDTA, and other filler materials. Following this the flow gate of the hoppers is set, there after all the raw materials were released to the conveyor belt through the flow gate, moving to the mixer or blender, thereby forming the homogeneous blend which were transported to the rotary granular drum through the bucket elevators. The product was converted into granules, and then the formed granules were dried in the fertilizer drying drum after which the formed granules were cooled in the cooler drum. In the last stage the granules were shifted to the rotary or vibratory screen through the bucket elevator. The Oversize and undersize materials are being crushed to powder at the chain crusher. Then, these crushed or powder materials are going to the blender, where they mix with the fresh raw materials powder, through the recycling belt.
Results: The resulting micronutrient based granular fertilizer was analyzed using ICP-MS instrument by following the FCOA method. The % of elements present are (Zn: 0.5%; B: 0.25%; Fe: 0.3%; Ca: 2.03%; Mg: 2%; S: 3.1%; K: 15.1%)
Example 4: Preparation of micronutrient based granular formulation for coffee crops:
Raw materials used:
S. No Raw materials % by weight
1. Zinc sulfate hepta 2.5
2. Borax 1.5
3. Molasses ash 85
4. Clay 3.0
5. Dolomite 3.2
6. Sodium lauryl sulfate 0.03
7. Water Q. S

The raw materials such as PDM ash were loaded into one of the feeding hoppers, then the subsequent hoppers were filled with zinc sulphate hepta, borax and filler materials. Following this the flow gate of the hoppers is set, there after all the raw materials were released to the conveyor belt through the flow gate, moving to the mixer or blender, thereby forming the homogeneous blend which were transported to the rotary granular drum through the bucket elevators. The product was converted into granules, and then the formed granules were dried in the fertilizer drying drum after which the formed granules were cooled in the cooler drum. In the last stage the granules were shifted to the rotary or vibratory screen through the bucket elevator. The Oversize and undersize materials are being crushed to powder at the chain crusher. Then, these crushed or powder materials are going to the blender, where they mix with the fresh raw materials powder, through the recycling belt.
Results: The resulting micronutrient based granular fertilizer was analyzed using ICP-MS instrument by following the FCOA method. The % of elements present are (Zn: 0.5%; B: 0.2%; Ca: 2.03%; Mg: 2%; S: 3.1%; K: 15.1%)
Example 5: Preparation of micronutrient based granular formulation for coffee crops
Raw materials used:
S. No Raw materials % by weight
1. Zinc sulfate mono 1.9
2. Dioctyl tetraborate 1.3
3. Molasses ash 86
4. Clay 2.5
5. Dolomite 2.5
6. Sodium lauryl sulfate 0.03
7. Water Q. S.

The raw materials such as PDM ash were loaded into one of the feeding hoppers, then the subsequent hoppers were filled with zinc sulphate mono, dioctyl tetraborate and filler materials. Following this the flow gate of the hoppers is set, there after all the raw materials were released to the conveyor belt through the flow gate, moving to the mixer or blender, thereby forming the homogeneous blend which were transported to the rotary granular drum through the bucket elevators. The product was converted into granules, and then the formed granules were dried in the fertilizer drying drum after which the formed granules were cooled in the cooler drum. In the last stage the granules were shifted to the rotary or vibratory screen through the bucket elevator. The oversized and undersized materials are being crushed to powder at the chain crusher. Then, these crushed or powder materials are going to the blender, where they mix with the fresh raw materials powder, through the recycling belt.
Results: The resulting micronutrient based granular fertilizer was analyzed using ICP-MS instrument by following the FCOA method. The % of elements present are (Zn: 0.5%; B: 0.25%; Ca: 2.03%; Mg: 2%; S: 3.1%; K: 15.1%)
Example 6: Preparation of micronutrient based granular formulation for coffee crops
Raw materials used:
S. No Raw materials % by weight
1. Zinc sulfate mono 3.4
2. Boric acid 1.6
3. Molasses ash 86
4. Clay 2.0
5. Dolomite 2.5
6. Sodium lauryl sulfate 0.05
7. Water Q.S.

The raw materials such as PDM ash were loaded into one of the feeding hoppers, then the subsequent hoppers were filled with zinc sulfate mono, boric acid and filler materials. Following this the flow gate of the hoppers is set, there after all the raw materials were released to the conveyor belt through the flow gate, moving to the mixer or blender, thereby forming the homogeneous blend which were transported to the rotary granular drum through the bucket elevators. The product was converted into granules, and then the formed granules were dried in the fertilizer drying drum after which the formed granules were cooled in the cooler drum. In the last stage the granules were shifted to the rotary or vibratory screen through the bucket elevator. The oversized and undersized materials are being crushed to powder at the chain crusher. Then, these crushed or powder materials are going to the blender, where they mix with the fresh raw materials powder, through the recycling belt.
Results: The resulting micronutrient based granular fertilizer was analyzed using ICP-MS instrument by following the FCOA method. The % of elements present are (Zn: 0.5%; B: 0.2%; Ca: 2.03%; Mg: 2%; S: 3.1%; K: 15.1%)
FIELD STUDY:
Experiment No. 1:
To study the effect of the compositions comprising potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulphur, zinc, iron and boron where the compositions are in the form of granules, in commercially cultivated areca nut crops.
A. Details of the experiment:
a) Trial Location: Shivamogga district, Karnataka
b) Crop: Arecanut crop
c) Season: Rabi
d) Trial Design: Randomized Block Design
e) Date of Application: 15th Dec 2024
f) Dosage: 500g/plant
g) Date of observations: 25th Mar 2025
B. Table 1: Comparison of the nut cracking, dropping of immature nuts and inflorescences between the controlled plot and fertilizer treated plot are tabulated as below:

S.no Parameters Control Plot Treated Plot
1. Nut cracking No change Reduced
2. Dropping of immature nuts No change Reduced
3. Inflorescences No change Improved

Experiment No. 2:
To study the effect of the compositions comprising potassium, magnesium, calcium, sulphur, zinc and boron where the compositions are in the form of granules, in commercially cultivated coffee crops.
A. Details of the experiment:
a) Trial Location: Kodagu district, Karnataka
b) Crop: Coffee crop
c) Experiment season: Kharif 2024
d) Trial Design: Randomized Block Design
e) Date of Application: 8th July 2024
f) Dosage: 500g/plant
g) Date of observations: 23rd October 2024.
B. Table 2: Comparison of the no. of berries per cluster, berry weight and greenness in the plant between the controlled plot and fertilizer treated plot of coffee crops are tabulated as below:
S.no Parameters Control Plot Treated Plot
1. No. of berries per cluster 18 gm 32 gm
2. Berry weight (per 10 berries) 10 gm 17 gm
3. Vegetative growth & Leaf color No change Increased

Based on the above results it was noted that in the fertilizer treated plot the vegetative growth and leaf color increased, berry size and number of berries increased significantly when compared to the controlled plot and droppings of the berries were decreased in the treated plot. 
, Claims:We claim:
1. A micronutrient-based areca nut crop granular composition consisting of potassium, zinc, boron, iron, sulphur, calcium, magnesium in the presence of other agrochemical additives.
2. A micronutrient-based coffee crop granular composition consisting of potassium, zinc, boron, sulphur, calcium, magnesium in the presence of other agrochemical additives.
3. The granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein potassium is obtained from PDM ash present in the range of 15-17% by the weight of the total composition.
4. The granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein calcium, magnesium and sulphur are individually in the range of 2-3% by the weight of the total composition.
5. The granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the zinc present in the range of 0.48% - 0.51%, boron present in the range of 0.18% - 0.21% and iron present in the range of 0.1% - 0.30% by the weight of the total composition.
6. The granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein the zinc present in the range of 0.48% - 0.51% and boron present in the range of 0.18% - 0.21% by the weight of the total composition.
7. The granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the agrochemical additives are selected from anionic or cationic or non-ionic surfactant, binding agent, hardening agent and pH buffering agent.
8. The granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein the anionic surfactant is sodium lauryl sulfate, cationic surfactants is alkyl trimethyl ammonium chloride, non-ionic surfactant is fatty alcohol ethoxylate, binding agent is bentonite clay.
9. The granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 7, wherein hardening agent and pH buffering agent is dolomite.
10. A process for the preparation of the micronutrient based granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1 and 2, wherein the process consisting of:
a) adding raw materials into the PDM ash,
b) blending of the step (a) mixture,
c) granulating the step (b) mixture,
d) drying the granules by aerating using hot air,
e) cooling the granules to remove excess heat and moisture,
f) sieving the granules to get the final composition.

Dated this Fourth (4th) day of April 2025