FIELD OF INVENTION:
The present invention describes a novel soil conditioner aimed for drought mitigation/water stress management. The complex array of ingredients described herein has multiple roles in improving the water status to plants and restoring the physio-chemical process in soil and plants as well, under altered water conditions, for optimum productivity.
DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART:
Water is essential for sustenance of plants and its requirement varies with the development stage of crop. Cultivated plants cannot thrive extreme water shortage. Lack of sufficient quantity of water during certain crop stages termed as "critical stages" hampers crop productivity substantially. Erratic but ample rainfall can also impose water stress like situation due to its reduced availability during the critical stages.
Altered status of water in soil impedes plant growth culminating to low productivity. Affect of water stress in plants is expressed through morphological, physiological as well biochemical traits. Likewise, impacts of water stress are evident in soil too. Under prolong period of water stress/drought, fertility status of soil declines gradually, leading to soil erosion, thus making it non-arable.
Various approaches are adopted to mitigate crop losses due to water stress/drought, such as i) through soil amendment products, ii) use of biostimulants and (iii) genetic engineering. Among these, first two options are commercially viable being non-selective, less time consuming for development and requiring minimum regulatory processes, prior to commercialization.
Reference may be made to the following:
Publication No. US20140352212 relates to methods and compositions and compositions for watering plant roots, and more particularly, to water soluble granular compositions for application to grass and other root bearing plants, the granules including a wood, mineral and binder granule impregnated with a root watering composition having a humectant as its principle constituent, and methods of application and use of the granular compositions. This patent

describes the use of soil amendment granule. These are a mixture of ingredients primarily humectant which absorbs water, provided through irrigation or from humidity in air. The water so absorbed by humectant is utilized by plants under limited water supply, thus ensuring growth and development. Other ingredients used in the formulation are aimed to provide nutrition and restoring soil productivity.
Publication No. WO2009137012 relates to systemic mitigation of the heat stress damage to plants and pre-harvest fruit caused by environmental stress on the plant and fruit is realized by applying to the root zone of the plant a bioefficaciously effective amount of a composition selected from the group consisting of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer, alkyl ethers of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer, alkyl polyglycoside, and combinations thereof. This patent describes the use of a composition consisting of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer, alkyl ethers of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide block copolymer, alkyl polyglycoside, and combinations thereof. These combinations are primarily targeting the damage caused in fruits due to heat stress, which is altogether a different category of abitoic stress and solution is targeted primarily for fruit quality.
Publication No. WO2012078515 relates to the disclosure concerns methods and compositions for prevention of soil erosion, soil contamination and increased seed germination for agricultural products. Certain methods relate to coating seeds to withstand drought conditions. Other methods relate to soil compositions containing a biopolymer to withstand drought conditions or to prevent erosion, to control dust or to prevent contaminated soil erosion. The patent describes the use of a extracellularly secreted polymer by microbe, which has various benefits like triggering seed germination, enhancing nodulation, preventing soil erosion and combating deleterious impact of water stress.
Publication No. EP3197264 relates to the present application teaches compositions and methods of using active polymer materials to manipulate solar radiation to improve or otherwise alter plant growth, development, health and/or (I

production. The present disclosure addresses the need for versatile materials that can, in some embodiments, be used to improve or otherwise alter plant growth, development, health and/or production. In some embodiments, an active polymer material capable of harvesting photon energy is used in an agricultural setting. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a composition of an active polymer material comprising one or more minerals suspended, embedded or otherwise incorporated in a polymer matrix which is useful in an agricultural setting. This patent describes the use of active polymer having a beneficial role in combating the heat stress. It has a role in harvesting the photon energy, thus making the radiations less intense to ensure minimum damage to crops. This abiotic stress is different from water stress being induced by different source
Publication No. US20150135587 relates to composition is provided as a treatment to be added to landscaping material. The treatment includes glycerin and is applied to the landscaping material at a rate of about 0.3 pounds treatment per cubic yard (178 grams per cubic meter) of landscaping material. The treatment formulation may be at least 50% by weight glycerin mixed with a water carrier. The landscaping material may be any typical mulch material, such as a plurality of wood chips or other fibrous organic material. A colorant or other coating may be applied to the landscaping material along with the treatment. This patent describes the use of glycerin along with a colorant as a landscaping material. Such materials are primarily aimed to improve soil and plant growth and are applied on top surface of soil near the collar region of trees. Its application assures proper water management by plants and also reduces the incidences of growth of weeds. They primarily act as physical barriers and are generally not incorporated in the soils.
Publication No. WO1991005459 relates to the dry formulation for the growth enhancement of a seed comprises various nutrients, growth hormones, pesticides, and other beneficial and protective agents for the seed confined therein, in a particulate mixture of polymers including water-insoluble polymers such as polyacrylamide with hydroxypropyl methyl-cellulose, which upon moisture contact by rainfall or other irrigation means starts to slowly hydrate and form a

controlled release gel, enveloping the seed to provide a protective zone for moisture retention and slow release of assimilable nutrients during the period of germination and development of the seedling.
Reference may be made to the article entitled "Student develops superabsorbent polymer to fight drought" by Danielle Petterson, Infrastructure news, August 10, 2016 talks about a low-cost, biodegradable, superabsorbent polymer which could prove useful in fighting South Africa's drought "Orange peels contain over 64% of polysaccharide making it a candidate for biodegradable polymer. However, the polymer has to be cross-linked usually requiring chemicals such as Sulphur and Hydrochloric acid. I have explored an organic cross-linking method using UV light and heat. Emulsion polymerisation was then conducted by using natural oil found in avocado peels and adding it to boiled orange peels. The product is then left in the sun, utilising photo polymerisation. The product should be able to retain large amounts of water and combat the effects of drought on crops by retaining soil moisture, whilst still recycling waste products of the juice manufacturing industry. Agri SA requested over $1 billion in government subsidies to help farmers through the crisis. This innovative product could prove useful in assisting farmers at a relatively low cost.
Reference may be made to the article entitled "Saving irrigation water with superabsorbent polymers" by Universiti Putra Malaysia, ScienceDaily, August 25, 2016 talks about that these materials could store water and nutrients and release them in light soils, enabling plants to produce grain and increase their biomass under limited irrigation water and nutrient conditions. What's more, their water storage capacity lasts for up to five years. They also improve seed germination rates and root growth while decreasing drought or transplanting stresses in plants. Furthermore, superabsorbent materials could reduce soil contamination by preventing pollutants from passing through the soil and thereby improving the quality of drainage water.However, excessive use of SAPs and SAHs could reduce soil ventilation or expose plants to diseases, some studies suggested. More research is therefore needed in order to determine the most suitable amounts of superabsorbent polymers to be used for each plant in different situations.

Reference may be made to the article entitled "Super absorbent polymers - an innovative water saving technique for optimizing crop yield" by Rajiv Dabhi, Neelkanth Bhatt and Bipin Pandit, International Journal of Innovative Research in Science, Engineering and Technology, 10, October 2013 talks about the many arid and semi arid regions are facing the problems of uncertain and inadequate rain fall. Spatially diversified soil characteristics, shortage of large agricultural lands and underprivileged condition of farmers do not allow them to adopt advantageous and economical application of traditional irrigation methods as well as micro irrigation techniques (drip and sprinkler irrigation). Though, not much research in India has been undertaken on the use of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP) in agriculture, the researchers world over (specifically Iran, China, Europe and USA) have extensively worked on utilizing SAP for increasing water use efficiency and enhancing crop yield. Various studies have strongly recommended that soil conditioning with Super Absorbent Polymers could be an innovative facet in the field of agriculture, which works as miniature water storage reservoirs. Research evidences suggest that problems associated with traditional micro irrigation and the factors which are catalyst in practicing efficient irrigation techniques can be taken care of by conditioning the soil with SAP. Better water management can be attained with the application of polymers and considerable water saving can be done without compromising the crop yield. Present literature review has been conducted to have a quick access in understanding various properties of Super Absorbent Polymers (SAP, Hydro-gels, and Polymers) to be used in agriculture. Science of SAP, hydrophilic property, irrigation efficiency, effects under drought stress, effects over the morphological features of the plant, optimum use of fertilizers, biodegradability and application rates under different condition are thoroughly reviewed. The present review would provide an initiative for the experimental research on use of SAP and its rate of application to optimize water use efficiency and the yield of cash crops in arid and semi-arid regions. This patent describes the formulation having a mixture of different categories of ingredients ranging from plant nutrients to pesticides along with some polymers. The formulation is primarily aimed for seed coating thus ensuring the reduced loss of seed due to water stress at its initial growth stage. If the seed withstands initial water stress then it subsequently leads to better chances of

survival. Plant growth is facilitated by the moisture retained by polymers along with slow release of the incorporated nutrients and other agrochemicals.
Accordingly, there is an urgent need of a composition which can be used to hold the moisture in the soil and can release when needed as well as ensures normal physiochemical properties in plants and soil for sustainability.
In order to overcome above listed prior art, the present invention provides a composition of soil conditioner targeted for drought mitigation which includes various ingredients ranging from humectants, binders, organic and inorganic polymers, nutrients, biomolecules powered with stabilized Ortho Silicic Acid (OSA) using fish protein hydrolyzate.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION:
The principal object of the present invention is to provide a composition of a soil conditioner for drought mitigation as well as to restore the physio chemical processes in soil and plants for sustainability.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a soil conditioner describes herein doesnt deteriorate the soil ecosystem, even after prolonged use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
The present invention provides a composition of soil conditioner aimed for drought mitigation which absorbs moisture when available and releases under altered water availability. Apart from maintaining water balance for plants, the soil conditioner also plays a key role in restoring the physiochemical processes both in plants and soil under such adverse conditions of water availability.
The present composition of soil conditioner targeted for drought mitigation includes various ingredients such as without limitation ranging from humectants, binders, organic and inorganic polymers, nutrients, biomolecules powered with stabilized Ortho Silicic Acid (OSA) using fish protein hydrolyzate. Altered status of water in soil induces changes in plants following generation of reactive oxygen

r uriiicrinurc, ine son micornora anu cnemicai process lnvoivea in nutrient mobilizations also gets disturbed under limited availability of water. Biomolecules (ascorbic acid, glutathione, glycine, thiols), secondary metabolites (flavanols, polyphenols, lipoic acid), sugar alcohol (sorbitol, myo inositol) and low molecular organic acids (lactic acid, citric acid) present in the formulations plays a vital role in scavenging ROS to restore physiological process in plants. High molecular organic acids (fulvic acid, humic acid) and oligo (sucrose, maltose, galactose) and polysaccharides (starch, cellulose, chitin), complex organic polymers (lignin, lipids, proteins), low molecular weight organic acids (succinic acid, malic acid, fumaric acid, oxalic acid), sugar alcohols (mannitol, xylitol), are vital for stabilization the soil microbial populations, thereby maintaining physiochemical processes involved in nutrient mobilization within soil. Restoration of all these are vital for sustainable growth of plants. Nutrient sources ensure better nutrient availability to growing plants. Ortho silicic acid, bio available form of silicon plays a limiting role in triggering the nutrient uptake through roots from soil. Its presence in reduced levels often leads to nutritional imbalance in plants, thus hampering plant growth. Combination of ingredients used in the soil conditioners maintains edaphic conditions congenial for plant growth. The hydrophilic molecules used in the formulation traps water and make it available to the roots of plants under scarcity conditions. While, other ingredients play a role in restoring the physiochemical responses in soil and plants. Complex polymers and surfactants ensure the slow release of active ingredients for optimum utilizations.
The soil conditioner described here is formulated through a multistep process involving mixing, granulation followed by coating. To manufacture the soil conditioner, initially, ingredients listed in Table 1 are mixed in different proportions and combinations, based on the edaphic conditions, using the blender.
After proper mixing, the mix is granulated using a granulator. The granules so formed are band dried. The dried granules are coated with mixture of surfactants, biopolymers , synthetic polymers of organic molecules such as without limitation Caboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, styrene acrylic polymer, ethylene and propylene based polyamines, vinyl amine, acrylic acid, vinylimidazole,

vinylalcohol, methyl amino ethyl methacrylate, allylamine, ethyleneimine, sodium alginate, methacrylate, styrene sulphonate.
Polymers of essential amino acids (lysine, glutamic acid, arginine, glutamic acid, histidine,), polyallylamine, oligomers of glycine, homo peptides of amino acids (serine, lysine, proline, aspartic acid), natural resins (xanthan gum, locust bean gum), poly alginates, carrageenans, gelatins, polymers of organic acid (maleic acid), silaffins, tri-propylenetetramine, silicatein, sericin, natural chimeric proteins are few other organic molecules having a regulatory role in geo chemical processes are also in coating mix. Above listed components are used in varied proportions and combinations as per the edaphic and geo-climatic conditions.
All ingredients used in formulations exist naturally in the biospshere in varied concentrations therefore; they are eco-friendly with no residual impact in soil. The soil conditioner describes herein doesnt deteriorate the soil ecosystem, even after prolonged use. The present invention would also be used for making the foliar sprays aimed for water stress /drought management in crops.
BREIF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical
embodiments of this invention and are therefore not to be considered for
limiting of its scope, for the invention may admit to other equally effective
embodiments.
Figure 1 shows impact of different soil conditioners on water holding capacity
(expressed as %) on soil at different time intervals.
Figure 2 shows impact of different soil conditioners on soil porosity and fineness,
90 days after application (DAP) (a) Soil fineness (%) (b) Bulk density (g/cm3)
Figure 3 shows impact of different soil conditioners on soil health, 90 days after
application (DAP) (a) Soil Organic Carbon (g/kg) (b) Soil Respiration (mg CCVg
soil)
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION:
The present composition of soil conditioner targeted for drought mitigation includes various ingredients such as without limitation ranging from humectantj binders, organic and inorganic polymers, nutrients, biomolecules powered with

stabilized Ortho Silicic Acid (OSA) using fish protein hydrolyzate. Combination of ingredients used in the soil conditioners maintains edaphic conditions congenial for plant growth. The hydrophilic molecules used in the formulation traps water and make it available to the roots of plants under scarcity conditions. While, other ingredients play a role in restoring the physiochemical responses in soil and plants. Complex polymers and surfactants ensure the slow release of active ingredients for optimum utilizations.
The soil conditioner described here is formulated through a multistep process involving mixing, granulation followed by coating. To manufacture the soil conditioner, initially, ingredients listed in Table 1 are mixed in different proportions and combinations, based on the edaphic conditions, using the blender.
Table 1: Ingredients used for making the granules

S.No Component Qty
1 Stabilized ortho silicic acid with FPH 1-20%
2 Fulvic acid 1 -5%
3 Humic acid 10-20%
4 Protein hydrolysate animal origin 20-30%
5 Protein hydrolysate plant origin 10-30%
6 Glycine 1-5%
7 Lignin 5-10%
8 Rice husk ash 10-30%
9 Sugarcane bagasse 10-30%
10 Diatomaceous earth 40-60%
11 gypsum 5-10%
12 Lime 5-10%
13 Sulphur 1-5%
14 Chelated Iron 1-5%
15 Magnesium 1-5%
16 Sea weed extract 1-5%
17 Kelp extract 1-5%
18 Wood ash 10-30%
19 Potassium 1-5%

20 Oxalic acid 1-5%
21 Malic acid 1-3%
22 Succinic acid 1-3%
23 Fumaric acid 1-3%
24 Citric acid 1-5%
25 Carboxylic acids 1-3%
26 Malonic acid 1-3%
27 Polyphenols 3-5%
28 Sugars 5-10%
29 Sugar alcohols 5-10%
After proper mixing, the mix is granulated using a granulator. The granules so formed are band dried. The dried granules are coated with mixture of surfactants, biopolymers , synthetic polymers of organic molecules such as without limitation Caboxymethyl cellulose, chitosan, styrene acrylic polymer, ethylene and propylene based polyamines, vinyl amine, acrylic acid, vinylimidazole, vinylalcohol, methyl amino ethyl methacrylate, allylamine, ethyleneimine, sodium alginate, methacrylate, styrene sulphonate,. Polymers of essential amino acids (lysine, glutamic acid, arginine, glutamic acid, histidine,), polyallylamine, oligomers of glycine, homo peptides of amino acids (serine, lysine, proline, aspartic acid), natural resins (xanthan gum, locust bean gum), poly alginates, carrageenan, gelatins, polymers of organic acid (maleic acid), silaffins, tri-propylenetetramine, silicate in, sericin, natural chimeric proteins are few other organic molecules having a regulatory role in geo chemical processes are also in coating mix. Above listed components are used in varied proportions and combinations as per the edaphic and geo-climatic conditions.
Formulation of granules is a two step process: (i) preparing powder formulation of OS A, (ii) mixture of ingredients prior to granulation.
Prepare 30% Phosphoric acid in a reactor and heat to 30-50 °C and add 15% Potassium Silicate and stir for 2-6 hours. Check the Particle size in UV Spectrophotometer and then add slowly 5% Fulvic acid , 20% fish hydrolysate powder, 10% protein hydrolysate of plant origin and Lignosulfonate till the product reaches a pH of 3 -5. This Mixing of Ortho Silicic acid solution

continuous static mixer at very high rpm 300 -3000 rpm to form a clear solution and the material has to be fed into a spray dryer continuously to form a dry powder.
Charge 75%- 95% Phosphoric acid in the reactor around 500- 1500 kg in a Slow anchor reactor. Add 50-150 kg of Pure OSA powder prepared from above step into the reactor and heat to 80-90 C. Then slowly add Calcium Hydroxide till the whole mass becomes a dry powder.
Unload this powder into a Fluidised Bed dryer to bring the moisture below 1%. Take a Blender for solid mixing. Charge 500 kgs of the Calcium Phosphate which is having Ortho Silicic acid. Charge 100 Kg of Diatomaceous earth. Add Binders like 7% Calcium Lignosulfonate and 20% Potassium Humate and mix till it is able to supply to a granulator.
All ingredients used in formulations exist naturally in the biospshere in varied concentrations therefore; they are eco-friendly with no residual impact in soil. The soil conditioner describes herein doesn't deteriorate the soil ecosystem, even after prolonged use. The present invention would also be used for making the foliar sprays aimed for water stress /drought management in crops. /
The present invention is aimed to provide soil conditioner, which is efficacious at reduced dose with consistent quality. The comparative results with farm yard manure have been described here.
The present invention is described by reference to the following Examples, which are offered by way of illustration and are not intended to limit the invention in any manner. Standard techniques well known in the art or the techniques specifically described below were utilized.
EXAMPLE 1
Soil compactness is the most important challenge in modern agriculture, which has resulted in sustainable reduction in soil water content accompanied with poor growth of roots.
oca > ■% is""1

The proposed soil conditioner (abbreviated as SC @ 15 kg/ha) was compared with farmyard manure (abbreviated as FYM @ 5t/ha) and green manure (abbreviated as GM @ 5 t/ha) to assess the impact on soil compactness. Periodic observations were recorded till the crop harvest. Control for the analysis where no soil conditioner was used.
Addition of soil conditioner viz. FYM and SC have improved the water holding capacity of soil considerably compared to soil, where no amendment was done. The increased water holding capacity is indicative of reduction in soil compactness.
Bulk density of soil is indicative of soil porosity. The lower bulk density of soil means the soil has lot of air spaces which would facilitate the penetration of roots as well as improve the rate of infiltration of water. Addition of soil conditions had a positive impact on soil bulk density and soil fineness (Figure 2).
EXAMPLE 2:
Soil chemical properties like pH, CEC and nutrient availability are very important indicator of crop growth and development on chilly crop. Various soil chemical properties were assessed periodically to ascertain the beneficial impact of SC in improving soil chemical properties (Table 1). Table 1: Impact of different soil conditioners on soil chemical properties.
The primary features of soil have exhibited the change in numerical values for pH and EC following application of different soil conditioners.
EXAMPLE 3:

synthetic fertilizers and agrochemicals coupled with removal of plant residues have declined the soil organic carbon content considerably which had attributed to decline in microbial population. Application of soil conditioners has a proven role in restoring soil fertility by optimizing the microbial activity. This aspect was analyzed following soil incubation analysis (Figure 3).
The applications of soil conditioners have a significant role in restoration of soil fertility as reflected by soil respiration rate as well as soil organic carbon content.
EXAMPLE 4:
The soil analyses was carried after 180 days of application to ascertain the overall long term of soil conditioner on soil. Regular farmer practices were adopted during the course of analysis.
Comparative analyses of various soil parameters following application of conventional and proposed soil conditioners indicates a significant improvement in various soil properties, thus ensuring its usefulness for farming fraternity (Table 2).
Table 2: Comparison of soil properties after long term application of conventional and proposed soil conditioner in farmer's field.
The dose of application of proposed soil conditioner is to the tune of 10-15 kg/ha, only, ensuring no additional transportation and operational costs. Furthermore, the quality of the conventional organic manure is not consistent as it depends on type/source of raw material used and they are often carrier of propagules of diseases, insect and weeds. Thus the proposed soil conditioner has consistency quality and is free from contaminants (pest/ disease/weeds) without additional

transport and operational cost. Since all ingredients used in this are natural even its long term usage will ensure sustainable agriculture.
Numerous modifications and adaptations of the system of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and thus it is intended by the appended claims to cover all such modifications and adaptations which fall within the true spirit and scope of this invention.

WE CLAIM:
1. A composition for soil conditioner targeted for drought mitigation comprising of 25% humectants, 30% protein hydrolysate , 10% organic acids, organic and inorganic polymers, 10% nutrients, 10% seaweed extract powered with 20% stabilized Ortho Silicic Acid (OSA).
2. The composition for soil conditioner as claimed in claim 1 wherein the soil conditioner is prepared by mixing OSA powder with other ingredients using the blender; after proper mixing, the mix is granulated using a granulator; the granules so formed are band dried and coated with mixture of surfactants, biopolymers, synthetic polymers of organic molecules.
3. The composition for soil conditioner as claimed in claim 1 wherein formulation of granules is a two step process: (i), (ii) mixture of ingredients prior to granulation.

a) Preparing 30% Phosphoric acid and heat to 30-50 °C
b) Add 15% Potassium Silicate and stir for 2-6 hours.
c) Check the Particle size and add slowly 5% Fulvic acid , 20% fish hydrolysate powder, 10% protein hydrolysate of plant origin and Lignosulfonate till the product reaches a pH of 3 -5.
d) This Mixing of Ortho Silicic acid solution and Fulvic acid, amino acids and 7% Lignosulfonate has to be done in a continuous static mixer at very high rpm 300 -3000 rpm to form a clear solution and
e) Fed the material has into a spray dryer continuously to form a dry powder .
f) Charge 75%- 95% Phosphoric acid in the reactor
g) Add 50-150 kg of Pure OSA powder and heat to 80-90 C.
h) Slowly add Calcium Hydroxide till the whole mass becomes a dry powder.
Unload this powder into a Fluidised Bed dryer to bring the moisture below
1%. i) Take a Blender for solid mixing.
j) Charge 500 kgs of the Calcium Phosphate which is having Ortho Silicic acid, k) Charge 100 Kg of Diatomaceous earth. 1) Add Binders like 7% Calcium Lignosulfonate and 20% Potassium
and mix till it is able to supply to a granulator.