FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a synergistic granular fertilizer composition and more particularly to a synergistic granular fertilizer composition comprising plant based steroids, natural gibberellins, natural cytokinins, humic acid, rich mineral elements, amino acid, folic acid, phosphate solubilizing bacteria and seaweed extract.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Many liquid fertilizers to be sprayed on plant leaf surface based on amino acid are known in the prior art. They improve protein content in the plant structure and thereby increase yield of plant. Chinese patent CN 1069257 A describes one of such fertilizer which contains keratin hair, skin as raw material. The process for its preparation comprises hydrolysis at temperatures ranging from 110°C to 120°C. Hence, some amino acids such as Gelucystine, Histidine, tryptophan, Methionine and vitamins B12 may be lost during the hydrolysis process.
Chinese patent CN 001207380 A also describes a process for preparing functional liquid fertilizer with marine living things comprising use of marine fish, algae, shellfish and shrimp as principal raw material, plant or animal protein, and formic acid, sulphuric acid and propionic acid as hydrolysing agents. The process involves hydrolysis at temperatures ranging from 80 to 90°C. In the aforestated prior arts, stress was laid on the source of raw materials rather than the nutritive substances required for the growth of plants. Also, due to high temperatures of manufacturing process, some of the important minerals or useful ingredients get denatured. Due to these aforestated facts, liquid fertilizers appear to be lacking in nutrients required for effective plant growth. Moreover, being liquid in nature, the product suffers from drawbacks such as spillage, leakage and additional cost to farmers for application.
The major objective of this invention is to overcome the problems and defects associated with the prior art and to incorporate additional raw materials along with minimum damage to useful ingredients/nutrients required for plant growth due to process of manufacture.
Plant based steroid i.e. Stigmasterol (Chemical Name: Stigmasta-5, 22-dien-3ß- ol; Mol. Formula: C29H48O; Mol. Wt.: 412.70) and Campesterol (Chemical Name: (24R)-5-Ergosten-3ß- ol ; Mol. Formula: C28H48O; Mol. Wt.: 400.69) are plant-based steroids derived naturally. Stigmasterol and Campesterol can be described by following formula:

Stigmasterol Campesterol
Plant based steroid, in general, is used in very low concentration to promote cell division and cell elongation, increases tolerance under moisture and chilling stress and also potentiates the rate of photosynthesis and partitioning of assimilates in commercially important crops like fruits and vegetables, sugar crops, beverages, cereals, ornamental crops etc.
Natural gibberellins (GA4-7) are a group of plant hormones that regulate growth and influence various developmental processes, including stem elongation, germination, dormancy, flowering, sex expression, enzyme induction, and leaf and fruit senescence. Gibberellins were first recognized in 1926 by a Japanese scientist, Eiichi Kurosawa, studying bakanae, the "foolish seedling" disease in rice. It was first isolated in 1935 by Teijiro Yabuta and Sumuki, from fungal strain (Gibberella fujikuroi) provided by Kurosawa. Yabuta named the isolate as gibberellin.
Gibberellins are growth hormones that stimulate cell elongation and cause plants to grow taller. Gibberellins also have a role in other plant processes, such as stem elongation, germination, flowering, and fruit ripening. In humans, the pituitary gland secretes the human growth hormone at appropriate times; the plastids of a plant secrete gibberellin in a similar fashion. Once a plant releases gibberellins, its cells begin a process of elongation. Since, plants are composed of single cells stacked on top of one another, this elongation of thousands of individual cells results in an overall growth of the plant.
Natural gibberellins (GA4-7) are used for multiple functions such as to improve fruit setting in fruits, to elongate cluster and increase berry size in vines, breaking of dormancy in seed crops, improvement in colour in fruits and vegetables, increase in size in vegetables, to advance flowering and yield increase in strawberries etc.
Surprisingly, it has now been found, that the plant growth enhancing properties of aforementioned ingredients along with other ingredients like natural cytokinins, amino acids, humic acid, folic acid, living bacteria (phosphate solubilizing bacteria), mineral elements and seaweed extract can be significantly enhanced when combined with each other in a fixed proportion.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a synergistic granular fertilizer composition comprising plant based steroids (natural botanical extract), natural gibberellins, natural cytokinins, amino acids, humic acid, folic acid, living bacteria (phosphate solubilizing bacteria), mineral elements and seaweed extract. It further relates to the use of such compositions at different growth levels for increase in crop yield.
In accordance with another embodiment, the rich mineral elements present are the ones beneficial for plant growth such as Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Sulphur (S), Magnesium (Mg), Molybdenum (Mo) and Boron (B).
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic granular fertilizer composition comprises plant based steroids stigmasterol and campesterol (natural botanical extract), preferably in an amount of 0.005 to 0.5%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic granular fertilizer composition comprises natural gibberellins selected from the group consisting of GA4, GA7 and combinations thereof, preferably in an amount of 0.05 to 1%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic granular fertilizer composition comprises natural cytokinins selected from the group consisting of kinetin or 6-BAP, preferably in an amount of 0.05 to 1%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic granular fertilizer composition comprises mineral elements, amino acids, humic acid, folic acid and living bacteria (phosphate solubilizing bacteria), each ingredient present preferably in an amount of 0.005 to 1%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic granular fertilizer composition comprises Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract, preferably in an amount of 0.005 to 1%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the synergistic granular fertilizer composition further comprises emulsifier, sticker, preservative, stabilizer, and carrier.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the emulsifiers that can be used in the present invention include ionic and non-ionic emulsifying agents and are present preferably in an amount in the range from 1 to 4%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the sticker that can be used in the present invention include polymers of styrene and butadiene, similar to Latex, present preferably in an amount in the range from 0.005 to 0.1%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the preservative that can be used in the present invention include 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one and/or 2-Methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one or 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one or sodium benzoate or benzoic acid, present preferably in an amount in the range from 0.05 to 0.5%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the stabilizer that can be used in the present invention include carboxylic acids (citric acid, acetic acid), orthophosphoric acid dodecylbenzensulfonic acid and suitable salts thereof, present preferably in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 5%.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the carrier that can be used in the present invention is bentonite granules or mixture of calcium sulphate and magnesium sulphate granules.
In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, said synergistic fertilizer is manufactured as a granule.
In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a process for the preparation of the synergistic granular fertilizer composition.
In accordance with another aspect, the inventive synergistic granular fertilizer composition serves both as a bio-stimulant and as a soil conditioner.
In accordance with another aspect, there is provided a synergistic granular fertilizer composition for application on orchards, crop fields, vegetables, oil-seed crops, cereal crops, flowers, sugar crops, vines, gardens, other economically important crops, etc.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a water-soluble granular synergistic fertilizer composition, comprising plant based steroids, natural gibberellins, natural cytokinins, amino acids, mineral elements, humic acid, folic acid, living bacteria (phosphate solubilizing bacteria) and seaweed extract. It has now been discovered that compositions containing these components may be advantageously prepared in stable water-soluble granule form. The invention also relates to processes for making and using such fertilizer compositions.
Phytosterols play an important role in plant growth and development, including cell division, cell elongation, embryogenesis, cellulose biosynthesis, and cell wall formation. Stigmasterol is considered as one of the mostly free or conjugated sterols that play essential functions in plant growth such as structure component of lipid core of cell membrane and biogenetic precursor of numerous metabolites including steroid hormones. Campesterol is derived from a triterpene called squaline and undergoes different reductive and oxidative pathways to form brassinolide. The active form of Brassinosteroid, Brassinolide, promotes cell elongation at nanomolar levels. The phytosterols used for the purposes of present invention are extracted from Soybean. The plant based steroids Stigmasterol and Campesterol (natural botanical extract) are preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.005 to 0.5%.
Brassinosterols promote cell division and inclination as detected in dwarf rice lamina inclination bioassay. The bending of the leaf is more prominent in young growing shoots and is a result of increased expansion of cells in the upper surface as compared to the lower surface of the petiole. Brassinosteroids cause cell expansions at nanomolar concentrations by a slower pathway involving gene transcription. Cell expansion is caused by brassinosterol induced cell wall modifying enzymes like xyloglucan and endo-transglucosylase/hyrolases and expansis. This is followed by osmotic movement of water, microtubule organization and cell wall synthesis. Brassinosteroids causes cyclin-induced cell division in a manner similar to the cytokinins.
Brassinosteroids (BRs) are known to be required for normal root elongation. Low concentration of brassinosteroid application results in the promotion of root growth and formation of lateral roots. High concentration, of brassinosteroid applications inhibits growth of root.
BRs have an important role in vascular differentiation and are known to promote the formation of xylem and suppress the formation of phloem. It has been demonstrated that BRs are actively synthesized in the procambium cells which cause their differentiation into tracheary elements. A BR dependent signaling pathway with specific receptors present in the vascular tissue has been identified in plants.
High levels of BRs are present in the pollen, where they may have some developmental and regulatory functions. BRs are known to promote cell elongation and therefore cause the growth of pollen tube from stigma towards the embryo sac. The pollen tubes of BR-deficient mutants of Arabidopsis cpd, do not elongate resulting in failure of seed set.
Seeds are also known to contain high levels of BRs where they promote the germination of seeds by interacting with other hormones (GA and ABA). Since BRs have a role in cell division and cell elongation it may facilitate seed germination and growth of the embryo.
BRs are known to increase yield in crops that are grown under stress conditions. They are also known to increase yield in agricultural crops like rice, barley and wheat. They also promote the potato tuber growth.
Natural gibberellins can affect growth by its effect on cell growth and cell elongation. Such effects are often seen in stem growth as well as root growth. Stems and inter nodal lengths can be increased and a better more extensive root system develop. Increases in cell division can also sometimes be seen in the production of larger leaves. Natural gibberellins lead to bigger plants with bigger shoots and leaves in many plants.
Exemplary natural gibberellins include GA4 and GA7. There are approximately 90 gibberellins, and, as used herein, all are encompassed by the general term "gibberellin", "gibberellins" or "gibberellic acid." In the formulations, either a single natural gibberellin or a combination of two or more natural gibberellins may be employed in the active medium. Natural gibberellins are preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 1%.
The active medium also comprises one or more natural cytokinins, which is a class of plant growth substances (phytohormones) that promote cell division, or cytokinesis, in plant roots and shoots. The natural cytokinin can be selected from adenine-type cytokinins represented by kinetin, zeatin, and 6-benzylaminopurine (also referred to as BAP, 6- BAP, or 6-benzyladenine). In preferred embodiments the natural cytokinin is selected from the group consisting of kinetin (synthetic or derived from seaweed) or 6-BAP, preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 1%.
The synergistic granular fertilizer composition further comprises rich mineral elements such as Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Sulphur (S), Magnesium (Mg), Molybdenum (Mo) and Boron (B).
Fertilizer application is needed to upgrade the natural soil nutrient stock and to compensate for the elements exported from the root zone by harvesting, leaching, erosion and volatilization. Phosphorus (P) and Potassium (K) are required for plant growth and strengthening of reproductive parts, carbohydrate metabolism, and the activation of some enzymes. Phosphorus (P) is incorporated in the organic material and is not directly available to plants. Potassium is present as elemental K, exchangeable K, or as part of mineral lattices. Under intensive agriculture, these components have to be added to the soil. Commercial fertilizers are supplied as single components, salts or combined products. Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg) and sulphur (S), besides their role as a plant nutrient, interfere in the soil acidity and activate a number of plant enzyme systems. The deficiency of any of these elements has a pronounced retarding effect on plant growth.
The synergistic granular fertilizer composition further comprises humic acid. Humic Acid is a long chain molecule, which is high in molecular weight, dark brown and is soluble in an alkali solution. This is the portion of the soil responsible for composting which transfers the nutrient from the soil to the living organism. This material accompanies the nutrient into the organism and performs many benefits.
The amount of humic acid in a section of soil also greatly influences the overall fertility of that soil, because it directly affects the water-holding capacity of that soil. Consequently, edible plants grown in humic conditions are often more nutritious than ones that are not. The presence of humic acid in soil or water also appears to increase the bioavailability of metal ions. This allows plants to more efficiently utilize the metals they absorb.
The synergistic granular fertilizer composition also comprises amino acids and folic acid. The requirement of amino acids in essential qualities is well known as a means to increase yield and overall quality of crops. The application of amino acids for foliar use is based on its requirement by plants in general and at critical stages of growth in particular. The suitable examples of amino acids include glycine and glutamic acid.
Folic acid, also called vitamin B9, enables plants to regulate their DNA functions. This acid basically helps a plant to produce DNA, which is a nucleic acid that possesses an organism's genetic information. Folic acid additionally enables plants to produce RNA, a nucleic acid that carries information from DNA to plant cell structures known as ribosomes and helps a plant synthesize protein. Plants need protein to build up the structures in their cells.
Regulating a plant's metabolic functions is another important contribution of folic acid. Folic acid enables plants to metabolize carbohydrates, proteins and lipids -- or fatty substances. Folic acid essentially helps plants to grow more heavily and healthily. Because folic acid exists in plants but decomposes rapidly when exposed to strong light, giving plants additional folic acid during the planting process is recommended.
The synergistic granular fertilizer composition also further comprises phosphorus biofertilizers in the form of microorganisms can help in availability of accumulated phosphates for plant growth. In addition, the microorganisms involved in phosphate solubilization can enhance plant growth by increasing the efficiency of biological nitrogen fixation, enhancing the availability of other trace elements and by production of plant growth promoting substances. A range of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes are known to solubilize phosphorus and enumerated from different sources such as soil, rhizosphere of various plants. The use of phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) as bio-inoculants plays a vital role in maintaining soil nutrient status, structure and sustains the production base. Bacterial genera like Azotobacter, Bacillus, Beijerinckia, Burkholderia, Enterobacter, Erwinia, Flavobacterium, Microbacterium, Pseudomonas, Rhizobium and Serratia are reported as the most significant phosphate solubilizing bacteria.
Each of the active ingredients namely mineral elements, humic acid, amino acid, folic acid and living bacteria (phosphate solubilizing bacteria) are present preferably in an amount ranging from 0.005 to 1%.
The synergistic granular fertilizer composition also comprises Ascophyllum nodosum Seaweed Extract. Seaweed extracts have been used in agriculture as soil conditioners or as plant stimulators. They are applied as foliar spray and enhance plant growth, freezing, drought and salt tolerance, photosynthetic activity and resistance to fungi, bacteria and virus, improving the yield and productivity of many crops. Seaweed extract is preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.005 to 1%.
The synergistic granular fertilizer composition further comprises inert ingredients like emulsifier, sticker, preservative, stabilizer and carrier in order to prepare a stable fertilizer composition.
It is desirable to have an emulsifier in the composition. One class of emulsifiers is known as "surface active agents", or surfactants. The surface-active agents can be anionic, cationic, non-ionic or polymeric in character. Typical surface active agents include salts of alkyl sulfates, such as diethanolammonium lauryl sulphate; alkylarylsulfonate salts, such as calcium dodecylbenzenesulfonate; alkylphenol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as nonylphenol-C.sub. 18 ethoxylate; alcohol-alkylene oxide addition products, such as tridecyl alcohol-C.sub. 16 ethoxylate; soaps, such as sodium stearate; alkylnaphthalenesulfonate salts, such as sodium dibutylnaphthalenesulfonate; dialkyl esters of sulfosuccinate salts, such as sodium di(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate; sorbitol esters, such as sorbitol oleate; quaternary amines, such as lauryl trimethylammonium chloride; polyethylene glycol esters of fatty acids, such as polyethylene glycol stearate; block copolymers of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide; and salts of mono and dialkyl phosphate esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether, preferably present in an amount in the range from 1 to 4%.
The most effective stickers used in the synergistic granular fertilizer composition contain polymers of styrene and butadiene, similar to Latex, preferably present in an amount in the range from 0.005 to 0.1%.
Suitable preservatives are for example 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one and/or 2-Methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one or 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one or sodium benzoate or benzoic acid, preferably present in the synergistic granular fertilizer composition in an amount in the range from 0.05 to 0.5%.
Suitable stabilizers are, for example carboxylic acids (citric acid, acetic acid), orthophosphoric acid dodecylbenzensulfonic acid and suitable salts thereof, preferably present in synergistic granular fertilizer composition in an amount in the range from 0.1 to 5%.
Suitable carriers include talc, titanium dioxide, pyrophyllite clay, silica, silicates, attapulgite clay, kieselguhr, chalk, diatomaceous earth, lime, gypsum, calcium carbonate, bentonite granules, mixture of calcium sulphate and magnesium sulphate granules, fuller's earth, fertiliser, cotton seed hulls, wheat flour, soybean flour, pumice, wood flour, walnut shell flour, lignin and the like.
The synergistic granular fertilizer composition are storage stable and easy to handle and apply in the field. Also the synergistic granular fertilizer composition serves both the functions of being a bio-stimulant as well as soil conditioner in the field.
The embodiments of the present invention are more particularly described in the following examples that are intended as illustrations only, since numerous modifications and variations within the scope of the present invention will be apparent to those of skill in the art. Unless otherwise noted, all parts, percentages and ratios reported in the following examples are on a weight basis and all reagents used in the examples were obtained or are available from the chemical suppliers.
The invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative methods. The illustrative examples are described in this section in connection with the embodiments and methods provided. The invention according to its various aspects is particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the appended claims read in view of this specification and appropriate equivalents.
It is to be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, 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. The expression of various quantities in terms of “% w/w” or “%” means the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified.
EXAMPLES
The unit of each value below is “% w/w” i. e. the percentage by weight, relative to the weight of the total solution or composition unless otherwise specified. The compositions illustrated in Table 1 are formulated as synergistic granular fertilizer composition (GR).
Table 1: synergistic granular fertilizer compositions
Sr. No. Ingredient Role Quantity
1 Plant based steroids Stigmasterol and Campesterol (Natural Botanical Extract) Plant growth promoter 0.005 to 0.5%
2 Natural Gibberellins Plant growth stimulator 0.05 to 1%
3 Natural Cytokinins Plant growth stimulator 0.05 to 1%
4 Mineral elements, Amino acid, Humic acid, Folic Acid and Living bacteria (phosphate solubilizing bacteria) Growth enhancers 0.005 to 1%
5 Ascophyllum nodosum Seaweed Extract Plant growth promoter 0.005 to 1%
6 Blend of ionic and Nonionic surface active agents Emulsifier 1 to 4%
7 Polymers of styrene and butadiene, similar to Latex Sticker 0.005 to 0.1%
8 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one and/or 2-Methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one or 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one or sodium benzoate or benzoic acid Preservative 0.05 to 0.5%
9 Carboxylic acids (citric acid, acetic acid), orthophosphoric acid dodecylbenzensulfonic acid and suitable salts thereof Stabilizer 0.1 to 5%
10 Granule – Bentonite/mixture of calcium sulphate and magnesium sulphate Carrier Q.S. to 100%
Q.S. = Quantity Sufficient
The aforementioned plant growth regulator compositions can be formulated as a Synergistic granular fertilizer composition (GR) by the process described below.
Process for preparing synergistic plant growth regulator composition in the form of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition (GR):
The process for manufacture of 100 kg batch size of composition is provided. The amounts of active ingredients presented may be greater than the values calculated taking into account the percentage purity of the active ingredients, to compensate for losses of said ingredients during the manufacturing process. It is observed that following said procedure on industrial scale the final yield of the active ingredient will be similar or same as to standardized values.
Take required quantity of bentonite/mixture of calcium sulphate and magnesium sulphate granules in booth mixer/drum mixer. In another mixing vessel, add remaining ingredients under stirring till homogeneous solution. Above homogeneous solution is sprayed on bentonite/mixture of calcium sulphate and magnesium sulphate granules under rotation of booth mixer/drum mixer. After spraying solution, mix granulation for around 15 to 30 min till homogeneous. After homogeneous mixing and drying to remove the solvent, checked for quality parameters.
To determine the effectiveness of synergistic granular fertilizer composition in the field, following experiments were conducted:-
PADDY CROP:
Bioefficacy and phytotoxicity trials of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition (GR) were conducted on paddy crop at Pundibari, Cooch Behar using Randomized Block design. The soil type in the trial site was sandy loam. The variety of paddy used in the trials was Nilanjana and trial site was irrigated.
The trials were conducted in three replicates with 8 numbers of treatments and the individual plot size was 5m*5m with spacing of 20*10 cm.
The dosages of synergistic granular fertilizer composition used in the trials were 10 kg/ha and 15 kg/ha. Gibberellic Acid 0.001% L at 180 mL/ha was used as standard check and water spray was used as control.
Synergistic granular fertilizer composition was applied by broadcasting by single application during field preparation.
The trials were conducted to assess the effect of synergistic granular fertilizer composition on plant height, plant vigour/health and yield/hectare of paddy crop. Further, the phytotoxicity was assessed by visual observations on leaf injury, viz, epinasty, hyponasty, necrosis, vein clearing, wilting etc. and plant injury.
Treatment Details:
1. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 10 kg/ha (T1)
2. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T2)
3. Standard Check Gibberellic Acid 0.001% L @ 180 mL/ha (T3)
4. Control (water spray) (T4)
Method of assessment for growth parameters:
• Effect on plant height: Randomly ten plants were taken from each treatment and their height was calculated.
• Effect on plant vigour/health: Effect on plant health recorded on the scale of 1-10.
• Effect on Yield/hectare: Yield/hectare was calculated and expressed as quintal/hectare (q/ha).
Method of phytotoxicity assessment:
Phytotoxicity observation on Epinasty, Hyponasty, Necrosis, Vein Clearing, Wilting, etc. On 0-10 scale (as below) (X), Double (2X) and Triple (3X) doses were recorded from ten plants and then average was taken:
Score Phytotoxicity (%) Score Phytotoxicity (%)
0 No Phytotoxicity 5 41-50
1 1-10 6 51-60
2 11-20 7 61-70
3 21-30 8 71-80
4 31-40 9 and 10 Complete destruction

Table 2: Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on Plant Height and Crop Vigour/Health in Rice crop
Sr. No. Treatments Dose Plant Height
(cm) % increase in Plant Height against control Plant vigour/Health (on 10 point scale)
1 T1 10 kg/ha 75.02 5.65 8.20
2 T2 15 kg/ha 75.21 5.91 8.25
3 T3 GA 0.001% L @ 180 ml/ha 72.35 1.89 8.00
4 T4 Water Spray 71.01 - 7.90
S Em + 0.409 - -
CD at 5% 1.013 - -
S Em + = Standard error of mean CD at 5% = Critical Difference
Table 3: Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on yield in Rice crop
Sr. No. Treatments Dose Yield (q/ha) % Yield increase over control
1 T1 10 kg/ha 43.06 21.60
2 T2 15 kg/ha 45.12 27.42
3 T3 GA 0.001% L @ 180 ml/ha 41.77 17.96
4 T4 Water Spray 35.41
S Em + 2.4738 -
CD at 5% 7.5034 -
S Em + = Standard error of mean CD at 5% = Critical Difference

Table 4: Phytotoxicity report
Sr. No. Treatments Phytotoxicity Symptoms
Leaf tips and plant injury Wilting Vein clearing Necrosis Epinasty and hyponasty
R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3
1 T1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 T2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 T3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 T4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Score: 0 = No Phytotoxicity Score: 100 = 100% Phytotoxicity R = Replication
Results: The results of the field experiment conducted to assess the effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on Paddy crop is summarized below:
• Effect on Plant height:
The growth attribute plant height was significantly influenced by different doses of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition. Among the different treatments T2 (Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha) recorded the maximum average plant height (75.21 cm) being statistically at par with T1 (75.02 cm) (Table 2). However, the lowest average plant height (71.01 cm) was recorded in case of T4 (Water spray) followed by T3 (GA 0.001%L @ 180 ml/ha). T4 significantly differed from all the other treatments.

• Effect on plant vigour/health:
The results presented in Table 2 shows that the plants treated with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition showed vigorous growth with longer height, better crop health and stand.

• Yield per hectare:
The Synergistic granular fertilizer composition treatment had significantly influenced the yield per hectare. Among the different concentration of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition used, the plots treated with T2 (Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha) recorded the maximum yield of 45.12 q/ha. The control plants (T4) had registered the minimum yield of 35.41 q/ha closely followed by 41.77 q/ha exhibited by T3 (GA 0.001%L @ 180 ml/ha) (Table 3).

• Phytotoxicity: The result of phytotoxicity studies of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition is presented in Table 4. There were no visual symptoms of phytotoxicity noticed in terms of leaf tips and surface injury, wilting, epinasty, necrosis and hyponasty on Paddy crop in case of all the treatments.
Conclusions:
It is evident from the results of the field experiment on Paddy treated with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition that all the treatments have significant effect in comparison to water spray and Gibberellic Acid (GA). However, results with different concentration on different characteristics revealed that
• Significantly longer plant height was recorded with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition in comparison with control where increased height up to 6% over control was observed.

• In all the treatments of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition the results were at par with each other.

• Plots treated with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha had recorded the maximum growth, plant health and yield per hectare.
WHEAT CROP:
Bioefficacy and phytotoxicity trials of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition were conducted on Wheat crop at Poonthoppu Village, Tamil Nadu using Randomized Block design. The soil type in the trial site was black soil mixed with loam. The variety of wheat used in the trials was COW (W) 1 and bore well irrigation was provided.
The trials were conducted in three replicates and the individual plot size was 5m*5m with spacing of 25 cm row to row.
The dosages of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition used in the trials were 8 kg/ha, 10 kg/ha, 12 kg/ha and 15 kg/ha. WILGIB (Gibberellic Acid Technical) at 50 ppm solution was used as standard check and water spray was used as control.
Synergistic granular fertilizer composition was applied by broadcasting by single application at 10 days after sowing (DAS).
The trials were conducted to assess the effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on growth, development and yield of wheat crop by evaluating the effect on plant height and yield per hectare. Further, the phytotoxicity was assessed by visual observations on leaf injury, viz., wilting, vein clearing, necrosis, epinasty and hyponasty, and plant injury.
The study was conducted to access the effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition in comparison to the standard Gibberellic Acid Technical (WILGIB) available in the market on growth, development and yield of wheat when applied as granular distribution with three replication for following parameters:
• Effect on plant height: Randomly ten plants were taken from each treatment and their height was calculated.
• Effect on Yield/hectare: Yield per hectare was calculated and expressed as kg/ha.
Method of phytotoxicity assessment: Phytotoxicity for the following parameters was observed from plant after application Leaf injury*, wilting, Epinasty, Hyponasty, Necrosis, Vein Clearing and plant injury.
*Table 5: Grading for leaf injury for phytotoxicity effect on plants
Grade Score Grade Score
1 0-10 6 51-60
2 11-20 7 61-70
3 21-30 8 71-80
4 31-40 9 81-90
5 41-50 10 91-100

Treatment Details:
1. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 8 kg/ha (T5)
2. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 10 kg/ha (T6)
3. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 12 kg/ha (T7)
4. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T8)
5. Standard Check WILGIB (Gibberellic Acid Technical) @ 50 ppm solution (T9)
6. Control (water spray) (T10)
Table 6: Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on Plant Height and Crop Vigour/Health in Wheat crop
Sr. No. Treatments Dose Plant Height *(cm) % increase in Plant Height against control
1 T5 8 kg/ha 71.67 3.34
2 T6 10 kg/ha 74.91 8.00
3 T7 12 kg/ha 76.00 9.62
4 T8 15 kg/ha 76.67 7.70
5 T9 50 ppm solution 72.33 4.32
6 T10 Water Spray 69.33 -
S Ed 0.38 -
CD at 5% 1.82 -
*values are square root transformations
S Ed = Standard error of difference CD at 5% = Critical Difference

Table 7: Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on yield in Wheat crop
Sr. No. Treatments Dose Yield (kg/ha)* % increase over control
1 T5 8 kg/ha 2230 5.2
2 T6 10 kg/ha 2304 8.6
3 T7 12 kg/ha 2320 9.4
4 T8 15 kg/ha 2321 9.5
5 T9 50 ppm solution 2296 7.0
6 T10 Water Spray 2120 -
S Ed 1.99 -
CD at 5% 5.89 -
*values are square root transformations
S Ed = Standard error of difference CD at 5% = Critical Difference
Table 8: Phytotoxicity report
Sr. No. Treatments Phytotoxicity Symptoms
Leaf tips and plant injury Wilting Vein clearing Necrosis Epinasty and hyponasty
R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3
1 T5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 T6 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 T7 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 T8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Score: 0 = No Phytotoxicity 100 = 100% Phytotoxicity R = Replicaton
Results:
The results of the field experiment conducted to assess the effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on wheat crop are summarized below:
• Effect on plant height: Among the different treatments T8 (Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha) recorded the maximum average plant height (76.67) statistically at par with majority of other treatments with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition (Table 6). However the lowest average plant height was recorded in case of T10 (water spray) of 69.33 cm followed by T5 (Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 8 kg/ha).

• Effect on plant vigour/health: The results presented in Table 6 shows that plants treated with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition showed vigorous growth with greater height, better crop health and stand.

• Yield per Hectare: The Synergistic granular fertilizer composition had significantly influenced the yield per hectare. The control plants (T10) had registered the minimum 2120 kg/ha (Table 7).

• Phytotoxicity: The result of phytotoxicity studies of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition is presented in Table 8, there were no visual symptoms of phytotoxicity noticed in terms of leaf tips and surface injury, wilting, necrosis, epinasty and hyponasty on wheat crops in all the treatment.
Conclusion:
It is evident from the results of the field experiment on Wheat treated with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition that all the treatments have significant effect in comparison to water spray and Gibberellic Acid (GA). However, results with different concentration on different characteristics revealed that
• Significant higher plant height was recorded with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition in comparison with control.
• Plots treated with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha had recorded the maximum growth, plant health and yield per hectare.
CHILLI, TOMATO, BRINJAL, ONION and GRAPES CROPS:
Bioefficacy trials of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on management of major diseases and pests were conducted on Chilli, Tomato, Brinjal, Onion and Grapes crops at Bagalkot, Karnataka using Randomized Block design. The varieties of different crops used in the trials were Chilli cv. Sitara, Tomato cv. Ananaya, Onion cv. Bellari Red, Brinjal cv. local and Grapes cv. Thomson seedless.
The trials were conducted in four replicates with 6 numbers of treatments of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition.
The dosages of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition used in the trials were 8 kg/ha, 10 kg/ha, 12 kg/ha and 15 kg/ha. Gibberellic Acid (GA) at 20 ppm was used as standard check and water spray was used as control.
Synergistic granular fertilizer composition (synergistic granular fertilizer composition) was applied by single basal broadcasting in crops one week after fertilizers application.
Treatment Details:
1. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 8 kg/ha (T11)
2. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 10 kg/ha (T12)
3. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 12 kg/ha (T13)
4. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T14)
5. Standard Check Gibberellic Acid (GA) @ 20 ppm solution (T15)
6. Control (water spray) (T16)
In-case of Onion and Brinjal Standard check i.e. Treatment 15 (T15) used was Miraculin 2ml/l solution.
Methodology: Recommended agronomic package of practices were followed. The required quantity applied as single basal broadcasting for Synergistic granular fertilizer composition in the crops one week after fertilizer applications.
Percent disease index (PDI) was calculated by using formula adopted by Horsfall and Heuberger, 1942 as follows
PDI = Sum of all disease Ratings____________________ x 100
Total no. of leaves/fruits assessed x Maximum Disease rating

Table 9. Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on growth, pest, disease and yield of Chilli
Sr. No. Treatments Plant Height (cm) Powdery mildew (PDI) Leaf Curl index Green fruit yield (q/ha)
1 T11 136.25 40.50 10.5 89.50
2 T12 138.65 42.55 10.3 90.00
3 T13 136.54 46.50 8.2 89.10
4 T14 137.25 39.21 7.2 92.38
5 T15 132.55 40.23 10.5 86.81
6 T16 121.33 50.50 12.8 80.73
CD at 5% 0.55 3.82 1.43 3.27
CD at 5% = Critical Difference

Table 10. Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on growth, pest, disease and yield of Tomato
Sr. No. Treatments Plant Height (cm) Early Blight (PDI) Late Blight (PDI) Sucking pests/leaf Fruit yield (q/ha)
1 T11 144.25 43.50 40.00 3.8 44.28
2 T12 144.58 42.65 40.00 3.5 45.57
3 T13 144.75 40.50 36.50 3.9 45.25
4 T14 144.80 38.60 36.50 2.7 46.25
5 T15 143.25 44.52 38.20 3.8 41.50
6 T16 138.80 60.55 48.82 4.6 36.25
CD at 5% 1.21 3.11 2.10 0.87 3.27
CD at 5% = Critical Difference
Table 11. Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on growth, pest, disease and yield of onion
Sr. No. Treatments Plant Height (cm) Purple blotch (PDI) Thrips/leaf Yield (q/ha)
1 T11 67.11 46.25 10.5 15.75
2 T12 67.20 46.00 10.3 16.40
3 T13 67.50 46.50 8.2 16.35
4 T14 67.50 40.52 7.2 16.50
5 T15 66.70 46.25 10.5 15.25
6 T16 62.20 52.25 12.8 14.50
CD at 5% 0.32 3.82 1.43 1.21
CD at 5% = Critical Difference

Table 12. Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on growth, pest, disease and yield of brinjal
Sr. No. Treatments Plant Height (cm) Phomopsis blight (PDI) Yield (q/ha)
1 T11 118.5 14.25 13.60
2 T12 119.2 14.58 13.80
3 T13 119.0 13.55 13.80
4 T14 121.2 16.15 13.60
5 T15 118.5 15.14 13.50
6 T16 102.6 15.00 12.50
CD at 5% 0.44 NS 0.90
CD at 5% = Critical Difference
Table 13. Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on growth, pest, disease and yield of grapes
Sr. No. Treatments Shoot length (cm) Downy mildew (PDI) Thrips/leaf Yield (q/ha)
1 T11 86.25 46.25 5.2 16.50
2 T12 86.52 56.00 5.6 16.70
3 T13 86.65 55.55 4.9 16.75
4 T14 86.72 52.55 4.9 16.70
5 T15 83.25 55.25 5.8 16.25
6 T16 74.21 60.14 7.2 14.50
CD at 5% 3.82 1.43 3.27
CD at 5% = Critical Difference

Results
Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on growth pest and disease complex of chilli, tomato, onion, brinjal and grapes.
The effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on the growth, incidence of pests and diseases and yield of chilli, tomato, onion, brinjal and grape are presented in Table 9 to 13.
Chilli: Plant height was significantly highest (137.25 cm) in Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T14) than all the treatments. This treatment also recorded least PDI (39.21) for powdery mildew, least leaf curl index for sucking pest and highest green fruit yield (92.38 q/ha) (Table 9).
Tomato: Highest Plant Height (144.80 cm) and yield of tomato (46.25 q/ha) was recorded in Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T14) which was significantly highest than all the treatments. Significantly least PDI for early blight (38.60), late blight (36.50), sucking pest population/leaf (4.6) was also recorded in Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T14) than all other treatments (Table 10).
Onion: Treatments differed non-significantly with respect to plant height, purple blotch, thrips count and yield. Plant height was significantly highest in Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T14) and @ 12 kg/ha (T13) (67.50), than all the treatments but on par with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 10 kg/ha (T12) and @ 8 kg/ha (T11) which recorded (67.20 cm and 67.11 cm). With respect to the purple blotch control recorded highest incidence (52.25) in case of control (T16) than all other treatments (46.25, 46.00, 46.50, 40.52 and 46.25 PDI) in Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 8, 10, 12, 15 kg/ha and miraculin @ 2 ml/l respectively. Thrips incidence was least (7.2/leaf) in Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T14) than all the treatments but on par with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 12 kg/ha (8.2/leaf) (T13) (Table 11).
Brinjal: Plant Height was significantly highest (121.2 cm) in Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T14) than all the treatments. However there was no significant difference with respect phomopsis blight. Highest fruit yield was recorded in Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 12 kg/ha (T13) and 10 kg/ha (T12) (13.80 q/ha) than all the treatments, but on par with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T14) and 10 kg/ha (T12) (13.60 q/ha) and miraculin @ 2 ml/l (T15) (13.50 q/ha) (Table 12).
Grapes: There was increase in shoot length, decrease in incidence of powdery mildew and increase in yield in treatment with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T14) with significant increase in shoot length (86.72 cm) and yield (16.70 q/ha) in comparison to control (Table 13).
Conclusion: Application of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 8-15 kg/ha has significantly improved the growth attributes in crops viz. chilli, tomato, brinjal, onion and grapes. Not only that, but the treatments also improved the crop health which was clearly evident from fewer incidences of pests and diseases in the respective crop treated with Synergistic granular fertilizer compositions. Significant increase in yield was recorded due to the application of Synergistic granular fertilizer compositions.
COTTON CROP:
Bioefficacy and phytotoxicity trials of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition were conducted on cotton crop at Poonthoppu Village, Tamil Nadu using Randomized Block Design. The soil type in the trial site was black to mixed loam. The variety of cotton used in the trials was MCU 5 and bore well irrigation was provided.
The trials were conducted in three replicates and the individual plot size was 5m*5m with spacing of 75 cm between ridges and 30 cm between plants.
The dosages of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition used in the trials were 8 kg/ha, 10 kg/ha, 12 kg/ha and 15 kg/ha. WILGIB (Gibberellic Acid Technical) at 50 ppm solution was used as standard check and water spray was used as control.
Synergistic granular fertilizer composition was applied by broadcasting by single application at 10 days after sowing (DAS).
The trials were conducted to assess the effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on growth, development and yield of cotton crop by evaluating the effect on plant height, health based on leaf colour and yield per hectare. Further, the phytotoxicity was assessed by visual observations on leaf injury, viz., wilting, vein clearing, necrosis, epinasty and hyponasty and plant injury.
Method of assessment for growth parameters
The study was conducted to determine the effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition in comparison to the standard Gibberellic Acid Technical (WILGIB) available in the market on Growth, Development and Yield of cotton when applied as granular distribution with three replication for following parameters:
• Effect on Plant height: Randomly ten plants were taken from each treatment and their height was calculated.
• Effect on health: Effect of treatments on plant health based on leaf colour (visual).
• Effect on Yield/hectare: Yield per hectare was calculated and expressed as q/ha.
Method of phytotoxicity Assessment
Phytotoxicity assessment for the following parameters was observed from the plant after application Leaf injury*; Wilting; Vein clearing; Necrosis; Epinasty; Hyponasty; and plant injury.
* Grading for leaf injury for phytotoxicity effect on plants as enumerated in Table 5.
Treatment Details:
1. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 8 kg/ha (T17)
2. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 10 kg/ha (T18)
3. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 12 kg/ha (T19)
4. Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha (T20)
5. Standard Check WILGIB (Gibberellic Acid Technical) @ 50 ppm solution (T21)
6. Control (water spray) (T22)
Table 14: Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on Plant height and leaf colour in cotton crop.
Sr. No. Treatments No. Dose Plant height* (cm) Leaf colour
1 T17 8 kg/ha 119.67 Dark Green
2 T18 10 kg/ha 124.00 Dark Green
3 T19 12 kg/ha 124.67 Dark Green
4 T20 15 kg/ha 125.00 Dark Green
5 T21 50 ppm solution 123.67 Dark Green
6 T22 Water Spray 115.00 Green
S Ed 0.47
CD at 5% 1.37
*values are square root transformations.
S Ed = Standard error of difference CD at 5% = Critical Difference

Table 15: Effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on yield in cotton crop
Sr. No. Treatments No. Dose Yield/ha (q/ha)* % increase
1. T17 8 kg/ha 17.9 6.5
2. T18 10 kg/ha 18.0 7.1
3. T19 12 kg/ha 18.6 10.7
4. T20 15 kg/ha 18.7 11.3
5. T21 50 ppm solution 18.3 8.9
6. T22 Water Spray 16.8
S Ed 0.10
CD AT 5% 0.33
*values are square root transformations.
S Ed = Standard error of difference CD at 5% = Critical Difference
Table 16: Phytotoxicity report
Sr. No. Treatments Phytotoxicity Symptoms
Leaf tips and plant injury Wilting Vein clearing Necrosis Epinasty and hyponasty
R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3 R1 R2 R3
1 T17 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 T18 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
3 T19 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
4 T20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Score: 0 = No Phytotoxicity 100 = 100% Phytotoxicity R = Replication

Results: The results of the field experiment conducted to assess the effect of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition on cotton crop is summarized below:
• Effect on plant height: Among the different treatments T20 (Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha) recorded the maximum average plant height (125 cm) statistically at par with T18, T19 and T21 (Table 14). However the lowest average plant height was recorded in case of T22 (Water spray) of 115 cm.

• Effect on plant health: The results presented in Table 14 shows that plants treated with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition showed dark green colour with better crop growth. Results also showed that the plots treated with GA @ 50 ppm showed better leaf colour and crop growth in comparison to control.

• Yield per Hectare: The Synergistic granular fertilizer composition treatment had significantly influenced the yield per hectare (Table 15).

• Phytotoxicity: The result of phytotoxicity studies of Synergistic granular fertilizer composition is presented in Table 16, there were no visual symptoms of phytotoxicity noticed in terms of leaf tips and surface injury, wilting, necrosis, epinasty and hyponasty on cotton crops in all the treatments.
Conclusion:
It is evident from the results of the field experiment on cotton treated with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition that all the treatments have significant effect in comparison to water spray and Gibberellic Acid (GA). However, results with different concentration on different characteristics revealed that
• Synergistic granular fertilizer composition has significant effect on the plant height and growth in cotton.
• In all the treatments of Synergistic granular fertilizer compositions the results were at par with each other.
• Plots treated with Synergistic granular fertilizer composition @ 15 kg/ha had recorded the maximum growth, plant health and yield per hectare which is at par with other doses.
From the foregoing it will be observed that numerous modifications and variations can be effectuated without departing from the true spirit and scope of the novel concepts of the present invention. It is to be understood that no limitations with respect to the specific embodiments illustrated is intended or should be inferred. It should be understood that all such modifications and improvements have been deleted herein for the sake of conciseness and readability but are properly within the scope of the following claims. ,

We claim:
1. A synergistic granular fertilizer composition comprising:
ntural extracts of plant based steroids stigmasterol and campesterol;
natural gibberellin;
natural cytokinin;
mineral elements;
amino acid;
humic acid;
folic acid;
living bacteria (phosphate solubilizing bacteria);
seaweed extract and inert ingredients.
2. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the stigmasterol and campesterol (natural botanical extract) is preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.005 to 0.5%.
3. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the natural gibberellin is selected from the group consisting of GA4, GA7 and combinations thereof, and preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 1%.
4. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the natural cytokinin is selected from the group consisting of kinetin or 6-BAP, and preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 1%.
5. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein mineral elements present are selected from Potassium (K), Phosphorus (P), Calcium (Ca), Sulphur (S), Magnesium (Mg), Molybdenum (Mo) and Boron (B), preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.005 to 1%.
6. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the further components like amino acids, humic acid, folic acid, living bacteria (phosphate solubilizing bacteria), are each preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.005 to 1%.
7. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seaweed extract is an Ascophyllum nodosum extract, and preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.005 to 1%.
8. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the composition comprises inert ingredients selected from the group consisting of emulsifier, sticker, preservative, stabilizer and carrier.
9. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the emulsifier comprises a blend of ionic and non-ionic surfactants, preferably present in an amount ranging from 1 to 4%.
10. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the sticker contains polymers of styrene and butadiene, similar to Latex, preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.005 to 0.1%.
11. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the preservative is selected from the group consisting of 1,2-benzisothiazolin-3-one and/or 2-Methyl-2H-isothiazol-3-one or 5-chloro-2-methyl-4-isothiazolin-3-one or sodium benzoate or benzoic acid, preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.05 to 0.5%.
12. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the stabilizer is selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acids (citric acid, acetic acid, dodecylbenzensulfonic acid), orthophosphoric acid dodecylbenzensulfonic acid and suitable salts thereof, preferably present in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 5%.
13. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claim 8, wherein the carrier is bentonite or mixture of calcium sulphate and magnesium sulphate granules.
14. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claims 1 to 13, wherein the composition is water soluble and storage stable and also easy to handle and apply in the field.
15. The synergistic granular fertilizer composition as claimed in claims 1 to 14, wherein the composition serves both the functions of being a bio-stimulant as well as a soil conditioner.