Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a method for strengthening black cotton soil, and particularly to a technique for enhancing structural properties and stability of the black cotton soil using Lignosulphonate.
Description of Related Art
[002] Black cotton soil, also known as vertisol, is a unique soil type that is highly favorable for the cultivation of cotton. It is formed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and is rich in nutrients like calcium, carbonate, potash, lime, iron, and magnesium. The high clay content and black color of the soil are a result of the presence of titaniferous magnetite. Black cotton soil holds moisture well and supports the growth of cotton plants. Black cotton soil also has a low content of phosphorus, nitrogen, and organic matter. The soil is fertile in low-lying areas, but less fertile in upland areas. Additionally, the soil's high clay content can make it difficult for plant roots to penetrate and grow, leading to stunted growth and reduced crop yields.
[003] The black cotton soil strength is poor due to its high shrinkage and swelling characteristics. Moreover, the black cotton soil's behavior is highly unpredictable, especially with changing moisture levels. The soil's high clay content and tendency to become hard and clod-like when dry can pose challenges for farming. Proper soil management techniques, such as adding organic matter and using appropriate irrigation methods, are required to make the most of its agricultural potential.
[004] Moreover, to prevent soil degradation and erosion, farmers may need to implement soil conservation practices such as contour farming, terracing, and cover cropping. Managing and improving black cotton soil is costly due to the need for machinery, inputs like organic matter and fertilizers, and investments in drainage and irrigation systems. In addition, the sticky nature of this soil when wet leads to soil erosion during heavy rainfall, potentially causing loss of topsoil and degradation of the land.
[005] However, black cotton soil, while potentially fertile, presents several challenges to farmers and landowners due to its unique properties. When black cotton soil with expansive clay minerals comes into contact with water, it experiences more volume changes and low shear strength which causes issues for geotechnical engineers.
[006] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced method for strengthening black cotton soil that can administer the abovementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a method for strengthening black cotton soil. The method comprising step of: obtaining a first proportionate amount of the black cotton soil from a specified source; sieving the obtained black cotton soil using a sieve; adding a second proportionate amount of Lignosulphonate to the sieved black cotton soil; mixing the added Lignosulphonate with the black cotton soil according to a predefined mixing pattern to optimize Lignosulphonate integration; adding a third proportionate amount of water to the mixed black cotton soil and Lignosulphonate using a dispensing apparatus to obtain a soil mixture; and allowing the soil mixture to mature to degrade the black cotton soil.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide several advantages depending on configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for strengthening black cotton soil.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for strengthening black cotton soil that is easily reproducible.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for strengthening black cotton soil that prevents soil degradation and erosion.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for strengthening black cotton soil that increases water retention capacity.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for strengthening black cotton soil that makes it suitable for construction purposes.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a method for strengthening black cotton soil that increases stability.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible by utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1A depicts black cotton soil, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1B depicts a Lignosulphonate, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of components used for strengthening the black cotton soil, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0020] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for strengthening the black cotton soil, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0022] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0023] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0024] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0025] FIG. 1A depicts black cotton soil 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sample of the black cotton soil 100 may be obtained from a specified source. In an embodiment of the present invention, the specified source to obtain the black cotton soil 100 may be, but not limited to, a semi-arid region, a poor drainage area, a good drainage area, a wet area, a dry land, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any source from where the black cotton soil 100 may be obtained, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, a type of the black cotton soil 100 may be, but not limited to, a hardpan black cotton soil, a fertile black cotton soil, a saline black cotton soil, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the black cotton soil 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, a sample of the black cotton soil 100 may be obtained in a first proportionate amount. In an embodiment of the present invention, the first proportionate amount may be in a range from 100 grams (gm) to 150 grams (gm). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first proportionate amount of the black cotton soil 100 may be 130 gm. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any first proportionate amount of the black cotton soil 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0027] FIG. 1B depicts a Lignosulphonate 102, according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, a type of the Lignosulphonate 102 may be, but not limited to, a sodium lignosulfonate, a magnesium lignosulfonate, a calcium lignosulfonate, an ammonium lignosulfonate, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type the Lignosulphonate 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Lignosulphonate 102 may be derived from a plant source. In another embodiment of the present invention, the Lignosulphonate 102 may be derived using methods such as but not limited to, a traditional sulfite pulping, a modified sulfite pulping, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the method used to obtain the Lignosulphonate 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Lignosulphonate 102 may be utilized in a form such as, but not limited to, a powder, granules, a liquid solution, a semi liquid solution, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any form of the Lignosulphonate 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the Lignosulphonate 102 may be added and mixed in a second proportionate amount in the black cotton soil 100. The second proportionate amount of the Lignosulphonate 102 may be in a range of 3.5 percentage (% ) to 7 percentage (%) of the first proportionate amount of the black cotton soil 100, in an embodiment of the present invention. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any second proportionate amount of the Lignosulphonate 102, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] In an embodiment of the present invention, a third proportionate amount of water may be added to the mixed black cotton soil 100 and Lignosulphonate 102 to obtain a soil mixture. In an embodiment of the present invention, the third proportionate amount of water may be based on achieving a desired consistency and moisture level for effective soil strengthening. In another embodiment of the present invention, the soil mixture may be allowed to mature for a period in a range from 12 hours to 24 hours. In an embodiment of the present invention, the soil mixture may be used to degrade the black cotton soil 100 after maturation.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the soil mixture may be allowed to mature in an environment such as, a warm, a moist climate, a cold climate, an arid environment, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the soil mixture may be allowed to mature in a humid environment. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the environment for maturation of the soil mixture, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0033] The soil mixture may be tested for strength and moisture content after the maturation period, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the soil mixture testing includes tests such as, but not limited to, a cone test, a vane shear test, a standard penetration test, a plate load test, an unconfined compression test, a soil moisture content test, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of test used to measure the strength and moisture content of the black cotton 100, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0034] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of components 200 used for strengthening the black cotton soil 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The components 200 used for strengthening the black cotton soil 100 may be, a sieve 202, a mixing apparatus 204, and a dispensing apparatus 206.
[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sieve 202 may be configured to sieve the black cotton soil 100. In an embodiment of the present invention, the sieve 202 may be, but not limited to, a filter paper, a net, a strainer, a cloth, a membrane, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the sieve 202, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, a size of the sieve 202 may be in a range of 4.75 (millimeters) mm to 500 microns (µ). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the sieve 202 may be of 425µ. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any size of the sieve 202, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing apparatus 204 may be configured to carry out a mixing of the Lignosulphonate 102 with the black cotton soil 100 according to a predefined mixing pattern to optimize the Lignosulphonate 102 integration. In an embodiment of the present invention, the mixing apparatus 204 may be, a hand blender, a mixer, a stirrer, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the predefined mixing pattern may be a hand mixing pattern. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the mixing apparatus 204, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing apparatus 206 may be configured to add the third proportionate amount of the water to the mixed black cotton soil 100 and the Lignosulphonate 102. In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing apparatus 206 may be, but not limited to, a buried diffuser, a garden dipper, an automatic plant watering device, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing apparatus 206 may be a measuring cup. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the dispensing apparatus 206, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0039] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for strengthening the black cotton soil 100, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0040] At step 302, the black cotton soil 100 may be obtained at the first proportionate amount from the specified source.
[0041] At step 304, the black cotton soil 100 may be sieved using the sieve 202.
[0042] At step 306, the second proportionate amount of the Lignosulphonate 102 may be added to the sieved black cotton soil 100.
[0043] At step 308, the added Lignosulphonate 102 may be mixed with the black cotton soil 100 according to the predefined mixing pattern to optimize the Lignosulphonate 102 integration.
[0044] At step 310, the third proportionate amount of water may be added to the mixed black cotton soil 100 and the Lignosulphonate using the dispensing apparatus 206 to obtain the soil mixture.
[0045] At step 312, the soil mixture may be allowed to mature to degrade the black cotton soil 100.
[0046] At step 314, the soil mixture for strength and moisture content of the mixture of the black cotton soil 100 may be tested after the maturation period.
[0047] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0048] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
I/We Claim:
1. A method (300) for strengthening black cotton soil (100), comprising the steps of:
obtaining a first proportionate amount of the black cotton soil (100) from a specified source;
sieving the obtained black cotton soil (100) using a sieve (202);
adding a second proportionate amount of Lignosulphonate (102) to the sieved black cotton soil (100);
mixing the added Lignosulphonate (102) with the black cotton soil (100) according to a predefined mixing pattern to optimize the Lignosulphonate (102) integration;
adding a third proportionate amount of water to the mixed black cotton soil (100) and the Lignosulphonate (102) using a dispensing apparatus (206) to obtain a soil mixture; and
allowing the soil mixture to mature to degrade the black cotton soil (100).
2. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a step of testing the soil mixture for strength and moisture content after the maturation period.
3. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second proportionate amount of the Lignosulphonate (102) is in a range of 3.5 percentage (%) to 7 percentage (%) of the first proportionate amount of the black cotton soil (100).
4. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third proportionate amount of water added to the mixed black cotton soil (100) and the Lignosulphonate (102) is based on achieving a desired consistency and moisture level for effective soil strengthening.
5. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sieving of the obtained black cotton soil (100) is performed using a 425 microns (µ) sieve.
6. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the Lignosulphonate (102) used in the method is derived from plant sources.
7. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the predefined mixing pattern is a hand mixing pattern.
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the dispensing apparatus (206) is a measuring cup.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the soil mixture is allowed to mature for the period of 12 hours to 24 hours.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the soil mixture is allowed to mature in a humid environment.

Date: September 29, 2023
Place: Noida

Nainsi Rastogi
Patent Agent (IN/PA-2372)
Agent for the Applicant