DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention pertains to an agri-input formulation, specifically containing plant fluids enriched with functional ingredients and its method of preparation. More precisely, this invention provides a functionally enriched agri-input formulation based on plant crop residue. This liquid formulation includes all essential macronutrients and micronutrients, as well as plant growth regulators, within a plant crop residue base. It is both eco-friendly and highly efficient.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART OF THE INVENTION
Crops are plants which are cultivated and harvested for their products which have economic profit values. The crops needs essential nutrients for growth and development, high yield, protection from pests, herbs or weeds. Many substances such as fertilizers, plants hormones, herbicides, pesticides are applied or added to the crop plants. Plants require a range of nutrients to grow, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Without sufficient levels of these nutrients, plants may grow more slowly, produce smaller yields, and be more susceptible to disease and pests. Fertilizers can help supplement the soil's natural nutrient levels, promoting healthy plant growth and maximizing crop yields. They can also help restore soil fertility in depleted or nutrient-deficient soils. Additionally, fertilizers can be used to address specific nutrient deficiencies that may arise in different crops, depending on their nutritional requirements. Pesticides which protects the crop plants from pest like insects, rodents etc. The most commonly applied pesticides are insecticides to kill insects, herbicides to kill weeds, rodenticides to kill rodents, and fungicides to control fungi, mold, and mildew. Synthetic Fertilizers and Pesticides though have high efficiency and are less costly for large scale agriculture, it can cause permanent damage to the soil and environment. While some organic substances can be used to provide nutrients, or used as pesticides in agriculture because they are with lesser environment impact, however in a more concentrated form and doesn’t show efficacy in stipulated time period. However, excessive use of organic fertilizers can also have negative impacts on the environment, such as pollution of waterways and damage to ecosystems. To minimize these negative effects, alternatives such as agri-input based on natural sources, can help reduce the negative impacts of fertilizers on the environment and human health. Natural base fertilizers are made from naturally occurring materials, such as plant crop residue or plant fluids. Banana crop residue extracted from pseudostem can be used as liquid fertilizer, improving yields of some crops (Patil and Kolambe, 2011) and saving 20-40% fertilizer. The effect on shoot and root growth may be associated with the fact that pseudostem waste contains growth promoting substances like Cytokinin and Gibberellins (Patil and Kolambe, 2011; Misal et al., 2018), in addition to high content of phenols, flavonoids and tannins (Sharma et al., 2017). These organic substances can act as primary antioxidants or free radical scavengers and modulators of plant development by regulating indole acetic acid (IAA) catabolism (Arnaldos et al., 2001). Severino et al. (2011) showed that the liquid from the banana pseudostem applied to the soil does not improve the growth of banana seedlings, but stimulates the photosynthetic rate, transpiration rate and stomatal conductance. The plant crop residue as discussed above provide plant nutrients which are less as per requirements for healthy growth of plants. Moreover, plant crop residue as such has lower shelf life, hence needs stabilizing ingredients. The agriculture input products available in the prior art have the disadvantages of being non-biodegradable and less content of macro and micronutrients along with there are no additional benefits. Thus, attempts for organic fertilizers, banana crop residue, digested banana crop residue was found to be more time consuming with complex procedures and expensive raw materials, lesser efficiency as compared to the plant growth and yield. The present invention is directed towards the need in the art to develop a agri- input which is natural base using plant crop residue which is derived from the agro-waste. The instant invention of plant crop residue based nutrients carries sufficient amount of Micro nutrients and Macro nutrients additionally along with Plant hormones, Cytokinin and Gibberellins, phenols, flavonoids and tannins and amenable for foliar application or fertigation. Because of the rising market demand for bio-based fertilizers and sustainable agriculture products, it is critical to produce non-toxic, environmental friendly, and highly effective fertilizer. All the existing fertilizers and pesticides have drawbacks such as with respect to Soil degradation, Water pollution, Air pollution, Negative impact on biodiversity, Greenhouse gas emissions, Health risks, Bioaccumulation, along with depletion of natural resources and special needs for discarding the organic fertilizers. The organic or plant base fertilizers though nontoxic provide very less amount of nutrients making it less effective. Moreover, the bio and organic fertilizers obtained from mentioned prior arts does lack required morphology. And most often the processes mentioned are just experiments and lab scale processes, and are not practically and industrially viable, suggesting more functional difficulties. These conventional macronutrient and micronutrient fertilizers swell and block micro irrigation systems or nozzles during the application. Hence, they cannot be effectively used in drip irrigation, which is also becoming more essential as labour shortage increases and water becomes a scarce resource. Furthermore, such fertilizers are in the form of prills or pellets or pastilles and are also applied at much higher dosages to achieve desired levels of nutrition. This presents a great challenge to the user and to the environment. Hence, there is a need to develop a composition, which provides to the leaves in a timely manner as per the physiological needs of the plant, is in the form of liquid and can be efficiently used in micro irrigation systems, is user friendly, enhances yields, optimizes the uses of macronutrients and micronutrients while reducing the cost of application and is yet used in lower quantities, thus minimizing any residues and overcomes the drawbacks presented by the prior art Hence as discussed above there is constant need for an effective agri-input which is with plant base, with necessary added macro and micro nutrients and plant growth agents, nontoxic, easy to discard, which does not negatively affect natural resources, environment, soil, natural living organisms, or human being also provides efficacy which is repeatable and not variable. The instant invention of plant crop residue based nutrients carries sufficient amount of Micronutrients and Macro nutrients along with Plant hormones, Cytokinins and Gibberellins, phenols, flavonoids and tannins which are amenable for foliar application. The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles and the like is included in this specification solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not suggested or represented that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
? The primary objective of the present invention is to develop an efficient liquid formulation derived from natural sources for use in various agricultural applications, including foliar spray, fertigation, root application via soil drenching or root dip technique, aerial application using drones, and greenhouse conditions employing hydroponics or aeroponics.
? Another objective of the present invention is to provide a formulation containing enough macronutrients, micronutrients, and plant growth regulators and hormones to function effectively as a fertilizer.
? Another objective of the present invention is to offer a natural base formulation that can be used as pesticides, herbicides, or growth regulators.
? An additional objective of the present invention is to enhance the value of crop waste by repurposing it as a formulation base or stabilizing agent.
? Another objective of the present invention is to provide a natural base fertilizer that is biodegradable and environmentally friendly.
? Another objective of the present invention is to develop a fertilizer using a simple and cost-effective method of preparation.
? Another objective of the present invention is to create a fertilizer that synergistically enhances the retention of moisture/water and plant nutrients.
? One more objective of the present invention is to offer a crop residue-based fertilizer that is more effective and obtained through a time-efficient and economical method.
? Another objective of the present invention is to provide a stable fortified plant crop residue-based formulation.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an agri-input formulation derived from valorization of crop residues, enriched with sufficient quantities of micronutrients and macronutrients, as well as plant hormones, including cytokinins and gibberellins, phenols, flavonoids, and tannins. This formulation is specifically designed for foliar application, allowing direct application to plant leaves, thereby reducing soil pollution and nutrient load on the soil. More precisely, the present invention provides a bio-enriched composition aimed at minimizing the use of chemical fertilizers. This innovative plant fluid-based formulation offers an eco-friendly and efficient solution to enhance plant growth and productivity while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a natural base agri-input formulation derived from valorization of crop residues, comprising nutrients, plant growth regulators, stabilizers, and active pesticide ingredients. This formulation is designed for direct application to plant leaves, allowing for quicker absorption compared to traditional fertilizers or pesticides. The crop residue based agri-input formulation with macronutrients and micronutrients, plant hormones, organic and inorganic pesticide active ingredients is a revolutionary invention of an effective fertilizer or pesticide or growth regulator. This invention provides a formulation with an optimal abundance of primary plant nutrients, such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium, along with secondary and micronutrients including Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Boron, Manganese, Nickel, Copper, Selenium and Molybdenum. Additionally, the formulation incorporates plant growth regulators such as cytokinins, gibberellins, auxins, and other active ingredients, enabling its use as a fertilizer, pesticide, or a combination of both. A single spray application of this formulation significantly reduces the need for Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium compared to existing organic or inorganic NPK products, without compromising nutrient efficacy. Consequently, the formulation supplies essential nutrients in sufficient quantities to the plant, while the plant growth regulators enhance root and shoot ratios, improve photosynthesis, optimize nutrient uptake, improve water status, and modify crop canopy. Moreover, the invention offers an environmentally safe and nutritionally efficient formulation with a customizable composition that can be optimized for specific nutritional requirements through a single application.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS:
For a more complete understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention, reference is now made to the detailed description of the invention along with the accompanying figures and in which:
Figure 1: Illustrates Image of the formulation of the present invention obtained.
Figure 2: Illustrates the Shoot length (in cm),
Figure 3: Illustrates the Root length (in cm),
Figure 4: Illustrates the seed vigor index,
Figure 5: Illustrates the Roll towel germination study
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The making and using of various embodiments of the present invention are discussed in detail below as; it should be appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention and do not delimit the scope of the invention.
To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas relevant to the present invention. Terms such as "a", "an" and "the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity but include the general class of which a specific example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.
The term “macro nutrients” as used herein, refers to the Plant macro nutrients, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, and “micronutrients” refers to plant micronutrients Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Boron, Nickel, Cobalt, Selenium and Molybdenum. The term “Plant Fluid” as used herein, refers to liquid portion extracted from xylem, phloem of plants or both. The term “crop residue” as used herein, refers to as waste materials generated by agriculture. The present invention relates to an agri formulation with functionally enriched crop residues for providing nutrition to crops or preventing pest attack on plants based on the active ingredients added to the formulation. This formulation is applied by foliar spray, root dipping technique, fertigation, and advanced greenhouse technologies such as hydroponics, aeroponics and nutrient film. As mentioned earlier, there remains a need for an agri formulation that is sustainable, non-toxic, biodegradable, and environment friendly leaving negligible chemical residue after application. The functionally enriched crop residue based agri formulation derived from natural sources ensures greater root: shoot ratios, elevated photosynthesis, enhanced nutrient uptake and richer crop canopy. The formulation method is facile, rapid, and provides for a stable shelf life. Moreover, it has potential to be customized as per crop requirement. The formulation can positively influence plant immunity when enriched with protective functional ingredients. In accordance with the present invention, the agri formulation with functionally enriched crop residues is prepared from plant fluid, macro and micro nutrients of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Iron, Manganese, Zinc, Copper, Boron, Molybdenum, Cobalt, Nickel, Selenium and plant beneficial growth regulatory molecules. The liquid agri-formulation is a nutritional and/or protective fluid applied directly by spraying technique, fertigation, drones, root application, green house hydroponics & aeroponics onto a plant’s leaves, roots, seeds, and soil, to provide nutritional needs of plants, improve its health, stimulate plant growth, prevent pests and diseases, and increase crop yield. Applying the formulation directly on leaves increases leaf activity, directly impacting the plant’s water intake, which in turn, encourages root growth. Consequently, they can also accelerate nutrient uptake from the soil, helping plants with nutrient deficiencies that require immediate intervention.
In one embodiment plant fluids contains compounds such as furfural and catechol, contributing to antioxidant properties and plant defense mechanisms. Benzoic acid and salicylic acid are prominent in many plant fluids, playing crucial roles in plant defense and growth regulation. Pyruvic acid, an intermediate in metabolic pathways, is commonly present and vital for energy production in plants. Putrescine, a polyamine, is widely distributed in plant tissues and fluids, aiding in cell division and growth. Benzamide and 1H-Imidazole, 1,5-dimethyl can be found in specific plant species, contributing to stress responses and secondary metabolism. Thiocyanic acid, 2-propynyl ester and 2-Isopropoxyethylamine, though less common, can also be found in certain plant fluids, contributing to the plant's chemical defense mechanisms. These compounds, along with others like propanoic acid, 2-oxo- (pyruvic acid), enrich the soil with organic matter, promote microbial activity, and enhance the nutrient profile, thereby supporting sustainable agriculture and robust plant health. The invention also relates to the process for manufacturing the said crop residue based formulation wherein the crop residue source may be selected from any of the plants of the family of Banana tree, Palm tree, Birch tree, Sugar Maple, date palm, aloe, cactus, coffee, tea, coconut, sugarcane, and onion plants. It can also be derived from field and process residues including stalks and stubbles, leaves and seed pods such as rice straw, wheat straw, barley straw, rice husk, and corn stover, sorghum stalks, coconut husks, sugarcane bagasse and molasses, and pineapple and banana leaves. It can also be derived from In one embodiment the crop residue may be obtained from entire plant by crushing the entire plant after harvesting the fruits. In another embodiment the crop residue may be obtained by pressing the stems and plant parts through double roll press. In one embodiment the crop residue collected from plants has microbial, suspended and other impurities not suitable for formulation. Here the plant fluid may be subjected to processes such as aseptic filtration,centrifugation, ultrafiltration and pasteurization or combination of one or more processes. In one embodiment the plant fluid formulation may contain the essential macro nutrients such as Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium, Calcium Magnesium and Sulphur and Micro-nutrients such as Iron, Copper, Zinc, Molybdenum, Boron, Manganese, Silicon, Nickel, Cobalt, Selenium or combination of two or more. In one embodiment the nutrients may be added in the form of salts, complexes, metabolites and mixes. In another embodiment crop residue based formulation may contain bioactive ingredient for preventing, destroying, repelling, or mitigating any pest and any substance or mixture of substances intended for use as a growth enhancer, defoliant, or desiccant. In one embodiment stabilizing of the formulation is done by addition of antioxidants, selected from Ascorbic acid, L-cysteine, and other natural and synthetic molecules. In one embodiment the addition of ionic/ non-ionic surfactants such as SLS, Tween, quaternary ammonium salts are used for preventing sedimentation or precipitation of nutrients. In one embodiment the plant fluid obtained may be preserved by pasteurization or HTST treatment or microfiltration or addition of natural or synthetic preservatives. In one embodiment desired viscosity of 0.01 to 0.1 poise viscosity is achieved by optimal dosing of thickeners like Sodium CMC, Xanthan gum, Cellulose, Starch, Carbopol, HPMC, PVA .In one embodiment preservatives selected from Benzalkonium chloride, Sodium benzoate, Sodium azide, Phenols, Parabens can be added to prevent microbial growth or act as preservative. In another embodiment synthesis includes following advantages: (i) simplicity, (ii) water-based, (ii) scalable to field applications, (iii) single-pot synthesis method, requiring no complex and time-consuming digestion or fermentation steps. The method also uses sustainable and economical agricultural residues obtained after harvesting of crops.
The present invention is further described with the help of the following examples, which are given by way of illustration all the parts, percentage and ratios are by weight unless otherwise indicated and therefore should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention in any manner.
EXAMPLES: Ingredients of composition in weight percentage range or in other unit in following conditions:
Examples 1: For preparation of the Plant Fluid: Plant fluid was obtained by crushing a banana tree after harvesting the fruits, including its pseudostem, inner core, and leaves. The tree was mechanically squeezed by passing it through a rolling press, and the liquid was collected. This liquid was then filtered to remove total suspended solids.
Example 2: Stabilizing the plant fluid: The banana fluid obtained in Example 1 was further filtered through 0.2-micron filters to yield a clear pale-yellow solution.
Example 3: Preparation of macro nutrients and micronutrients containing fluid solution: Weighed quantities of macro and micronutrients were dissolved in the plant fluid. The mixture was stirred at a speed of 10 to 50 rpm for 20 to 60 minutes at temperatures between 30 to 40°C. The salts were added gradually to avoid precipitation and frothing.
Example 4: Addition of Growth Promoters: Gibberellic acid and cytokinin, in weighed quantities, were gradually added to the fluid solution while being stirred at 10 to 50 rpm.
Example 5: Addition of antioxidants, surfactants, and thickener: Weighed quantities of antioxidants, surfactants, and thickeners were added in concentrations of 0.1% to 1% of the fluid solution. This mixture was then added to the solution obtained in Example 4.
Example 6: pH adjustment: The solution obtained in example 5 is adjusted for pH between 6 to 7, using benign acids like Citric acid and alkali like urea, etc.
Composition of formulated plant fluids:
Plant fluid (Control) Enriched formulation(Test)
Proximate analysis
% Total organic carbon 36.98 36.2
pH 5.5 7
Macro nutrients (%)
Nitrogen 0.19 0.77
Phosphorous 0.0169 0.79
Potassium 0.2536 1.25
Secondary nutrients (ppm)
Magnesium 124.3 2083.33
Calcium 20%
b) wherein, plant fluid is obtained by mechanical expulsion, cold press extraction, supercritical fluid extraction, solvent extraction, maceration, ultrasound-assisted extraction, microwave-assisted extraction, enzyme-assisted extraction, microbial fermentation, solid-state fermentation, enzyme-mediated extraction, enzyme hydrolysis
c) 3 to 5% Nitrogen (N), 0.5 to 2% Phosphorous (P), and 0.5 to 2% Potassium (K), derived from sources including composted animal manure, plant residues, biochar, compost, bone/blood meal, rock phosphate, guano, wood ash, seaweed, kelp, amines, amino acids, amino alcohols, amides, lactams, nitro compounds, imines, nitriles, diazonium salts, hydrazides, carbazides, oximes, heterocyclic compounds, urea, thiourea, monomethyl hydrazine, hydroxylamine, thiourea, phosphates, organophosphorus compounds, phosphoric acid, phosphite, nitrates, chlorides, hydroxide, citrate, carbonate, acetate, lactates, and potassium salts of organic acids
d) 10 ppm to 10,000 ppm of secondary nutrients and trace elements, including Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Sulphur (S), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Iron (Fe), Boron (B), and Molybdenum (Mo), sourced from halides, nitrates, chlorides, sulphates, sulfides, carbonates, chromates, citrates, chelated complexes, oxides, hydroxides, lime, gypsum, bone meal, Epsom salt, dolomitic lime, elemental sulfur, sulfate compounds, chelates, borax, and molybdates
e) 100 ppm to 10,000 ppm of naturally occurring plant growth regulators, including derivatives of indole, terpenes, adenine, carotenoids, brassinosteroids, salicylates, jasmonates, strigolactones and flavonoids
f) 100 ppm to 1000 ppm of plant protection compounds like Pyrethrins, Azadirachtin, organophosphates, carbamates, sulphur, copper compounds, boric acid, bordeaux, nano silver, nano copper, nano sulphur
g) 100 ppm to 30,000 ppm of excipients and adjuvants selected from antioxidants, surfactants, and thickening agents.
2. The agri formulation derived from valorization of crop residues as claimed in claim 1, wherein the antioxidants are selected from sodium, magnesium, and zinc salts of ascorbic acid, L-cysteine, butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), tertiary butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), propyl gallate (PG), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), tocopherols, carotenoids, flavonoids, natural antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, tocopherols, polyphenols, carotenoids, flavonoids, selenium, phenolic compounds like gallic acid and propyl gallate, and synthetic antioxidants such as BHA, BHT, and TBHQ.
3. The agri formulation derived from valorization of crop residues as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surfactants are selected from natural surfactants such as fluidonins, lecithin, alkyl polyglucosides (APGs), plant-derived ethoxylated alcohols, fatty acid derivatives (oleates and laurates), and synthetic surfactants including sulfosuccinates, naphthalene sulfonates and condensates, sulfated esters, phosphate esters, sulfated alcohols, alkyl benzene sulfonates, polycarboxylates, phenol sulfonic acid condensates, lignosulfonates, methyl oleyl taurates, and polyvinyl alcohols.
4. The agri formulation derived from valorization of crop residues as claimed in claim 1, wherein the thickening agents are selected from sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), agar, gelatin, xanthan gum, guar gum, gum arabic, pectin, cellulose, starch, carbopol, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and alginic acid and its salts.
5. The agri formulation derived from valorization of crop residues as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crop residues are derived from plants belonging to the families Cactaceae, Musaceae, Betulaceae, Aceraceae, Poaceae, Arecaceae, Theaceae, Rubiceae and Fagaceae.
6. The agri formulation derived from valorization of crop residues as claimed in claim 1, wherein the formulation provides crop-essential macronutrients and micronutrients, and plant growth regulators.
7. The agri formulation derived from valorization of crop residues as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crop-essential macronutrients are selected from Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorous, and Potassium, and combinations thereof.
8. The agri formulation derived from valorization of crop residues as claimed in claim 1, wherein the crop-essential secondary and trace elements are selected from Calcium, Magnesium, Sulphur, Zinc, Iron, Copper, Molybdenum, Boron, Nickel, Cobalt, Selenium, Silicon and Manganese, and combinations thereof with the macronutrients.
9. The agri formulation derived from valorization of crop residues as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elements are in the form of soluble ions, insoluble nano and micro particles.
10. The agri formulation derived from valorization of crop residues as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plant residue contains plant growth regulators are selected from auxins, such as Indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), Indole-3-butyric acid (IBA), and Naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA); Gibberellins, including Gibberellic acid (GA3) and Gibberellin A4 and A7 (GA4 and GA7); Cytokinins, like Kinetin, 6-Benzylaminopurine (BAP), and Zeatin; Brassinosteroids, such as Brassinolide and 24-Epibrassinolide; Salycilic acid; Strigolactones and combinations thereof.