JPS60155288A - Improver for modifying soil - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a water-insoluble polyelectrolyte polymer soil conditioner and a method for modifying the soil matrix IJ Lux. In another aspect, the present invention relates to novel compositions for modifying plant growth.

This novel composition comprises a soil matrix and/or an activator or agro-horticultural agent incorporated within or mixed with polyelectrolyte polymer particles rendered insoluble by cross-linking.

Various treatments of soil are well known in the art. First, organic polymer additives were mixed with the soil to improve soil structure (arable land). For example, U.S. Pat. No. 762,995 and U.S. Pat. No. 2,625,529 disclose water-soluble polyelectrolytes, such as salts of hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, and copolymers and copolymers of maleic anhydride and vinyl esters. The use of coalescing salts to agglomerate fine soil particles to form crumb-like granules is disclosed. Agglomeration improves the porosity and permeability of soils, especially clayey soils that tend to form crusts when subjected to wetting and drying cycles. U.S. Pat. No. 2,889,320 discloses the use of non-polyelectrolytes such as N-methylol polyacrylamide to agglomerate microsoil particles. Generally, these natural or synthetic organic polymers are substantially water soluble.

Also, insoluble hydrophilic organic polymers have been mixed with soil to improve soil water capacity. Generally, these polymers swell when irrigated by the soil and retain large amounts of water, thus reducing irritation to plants rooted in the soil.

The use of various cross-linked insoluble polymers such as cross-linked polyethylene oxide, polymeric alkylene ethers, chemically modified starches, or partially hydrolyzed cross-linked polyacrylamide as a means of increasing soil water capacity has been reported in the United States. Patent No. 3, 336.129 and Patent No. 5.90
It was disclosed in No. 0.578. Other known insoluble polymers that increase soil water capacity include phosphorylated polyvinyl acetate and those treated with metal ions such as AI, Fe, and alkaline earth metals to yield metal ion-polymer complexes. and acid-soluble acrylonitrile polymers.

It has now been discovered that water-insoluble polyelectrolyte polymers in particulate form can be used to increase both the water and air holding capacity of pot compositions. Furthermore, it has been discovered that the water-insoluble polyelectrolyte polymer particles of the present invention are stable in this type of composition.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to make water insoluble.
An object of the present invention is to provide an improved soil conditioner for increasing the air holding capacity and water capacity of a clay matrix, which is made of a crosslinked polyelectrolyte polymer. Other purposes are to aid the germination of the dianthus, to contribute to the growth of young plants and saplings that are less susceptible to moisture stimulation during use, to have increased air-holding capacity and water capacity, and thus to improve aeration and soil storage. Increases bath dissolution capacity, aids plant growth under water-deficient conditions, effectively utilizes the natural algae already present in the composition, and effectively uses fertilizers added to the composition. Improved pot compositions that reduce loss of seedlings and transplanted seedlings and allow effective use of plant protection agents such as plant growth modifiers, fungicides, insecticides, nematicides, etc. It is about providing something.

Another object of the invention is to contain an active plant growth altering agent,
It is another object of the present invention to provide improved potting compositions that allow for more effective use of active plant growth modifiers in subsurface applications as well as in soil and root applications. Yet another object is to provide a method for promoting plant survival and growth by contacting the plants with the soil conditioner of the present invention containing as an optional ingredient an active plant growth altering agent. Another object of the present invention is to provide a soil matrix amendment having the ability to reversibly and repeatedly absorb water and/or a controlled amount of solution and release them gradually into the soil. be. Another object of the present invention is to provide a novel coated soil conditioner that facilitates mixing with a soil matrix containing water ranging from a small amount to a large amount of water. It is.

The soil matrix improver of the present invention consists of a water-insoluble polymer electrolyte polymer in granular form. This polyelectrolyte polymer is capable of repeatedly and reversibly absorbing and desorbing submersible media. When an aqueous medium is retained by the polyelectrolyte polymer of the present invention, the polymer is called a hydrogel.

Therefore, it can be said that the polyelectrolyte polymer of the present invention can vary between a water-absorbed state and a dehydrated state, and that the polymer is defined as a hydrogel in its water-absorbed state.

The polyelectrolyte polymer particles of the present invention are characterized by having a specific particle size distribution in their dehydrated state. Additionally, they are compatible with standard fertilizer solutions and approximately 500 p.
It is characterized as having a certain water capacity in solution containing pm of calcium ions and a certain gel strength in its hydrogel state. In another embodiment, the soil matrix conditioner of the present invention comprises 5% by weight
It consists of water-insoluble polyelectrolyte polymer particles as described above mixed with a hydrophobic substance in extremely fine particulate form.

The plant cultivation composition of the present invention contains up to about 2 lb of particulate insoluble crosslinked polyelectrolyte polymer as mixed with 1 cubic foot of soil (s2.9/l). In another embodiment of the invention, the plant cultivation composition comprises +i
f[! per cubic foot of particulate insoluble polyelectrolyte polymer coated with up to about 5 weight percent particulate hydrophobic material (32 g/l).

Furthermore, the plant cultivation composition of the present invention separately contains water, fertilizer, an active agent such as a fungicide, a nematocide and/or an insecticide, a soil conditioning agent such as sawdust, and a polymer for soil aggregation. It may contain synthetic soil conditioners such as electrolytes as well as other provisions as discussed below.

The soil conditioner of the present invention comprising insoluble polyelectrolyte polymer particles or polymer particles of this type enriched with up to about 5% by weight of a hydrophobic substance may include an active agent incorporated into the polymer. can. Furthermore, the soil conditioner may separately contain or be mixed with known diluents, wetting agents and surfactants. Furthermore, this soil conditioner is
Even without adding soil, it can be used as a cultivation medium, especially as a growth medium for rooting cut flowers and germinating seeds.

A more detailed understanding of the invention may be obtained with reference to the accompanying drawings and the description below.

As mentioned above, the novel soil matrix modifier and/or composition of the present invention is an insoluble polymer ■! Consists of solute polymer.

The term "polyelectrolyte" as used herein refers to
A polymer having ionic groups in the chain or as side groups. This ionic group may be either positive or negative, in which case it is called a polycation or polyanion, respectively.

The term "hydrogel" as used in Kikirihe 11 refers to an insoluble organic compound that can absorb an aqueous fluid and hold it under moderate pressure.

As previously mentioned, insoluble polymers and decomposed polymers are defined as hydrogels when they have absorbed an aqueous medium.

The term "insoluble" or "insolubilization" as used herein is used to refer to the production of a material that is at least about 80X essentially insoluble in an aqueous medium. These polyelectrolyte polymers swell in water and can absorb many times their weight in water.

Insolubilization can be accomplished by a wide variety of methods, including but not limited to ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, covalent, ionic and other bond crosslinking.

The term "standard fertilizer solution" as used throughout this specification refers to 200 ppm (N) 20-20-20NS
P205 means K20 solution.

In fact, a large number of polyelectrolyte polymers can be used to modify the soil matrix and/or to prepare the novel compositions of the present invention. An important requirement for the particular polyelectrolyte polymer selected is that it must be able to hold a relatively large amount of aqueous liquid, preferably more than 100 times its weight in distilled water, in a standard fertilizer solution. When looking at a solution that is 75 times its weight or more, and a solution containing 500 ppm of calcium ions, it can absorb a solution that is 15 times its weight or more. This includes organic polymeric compounds such as polymers crosslinked by covalent, ionic, van der Waals forces or hydrogen bonds.

Examples of polyelectrolyte polymers that can be used to modify the soil matrix and/or to produce the novel compositions of the present invention include, among other things, the following polymers containing anionic groups: (1) salts of polyethylene sulfonate, polystyrene sulfonate, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide, hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile, carboxylated polystyrene, etc.; (2) acrylic compounds, substituted acrylic compounds, maleic anhydride, ethylene sulfonate, etc. and ethylene;
Salts of copolymers and terpolymers with acrylic acid ester, acrylamide, vinyl ether, divinyl ether, styrene, acrylonitrile, etc., (3) whose main chain is polyolefin, polyether, polysaccharide, etc., and whose grafting rate is (4) salts of polysaccharides modified by addition of anionic groups, which may be acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, hydrolyzed acrylonitrile or acrylamide, ethylene sulfonate, styrene sulfonate, carboxylated styrene, etc. includes.

Potassium and/or ammonium are preferred as the cation component of the bound anion.

In addition, the novel polymer electrolyte one-arm combination of the present invention includes the following polymers containing cationic groups, t1+ polyamine salts, quaternized polyamine salts, polyvinyl-N-alkylpyridinium salts, norogenated ionene salts, For example, 3-chloride
Salt obtained from dimethylamino-n-propyl, (2)
Salts of graft copolymers from polysaccharides, starches, cellulose and similar, polyolefins, polyethers, etc., substances such as 2-hydroxy-3-methacryloxypropyltrimethylammonium chloride, (3) formula % formula %
) compounds like acrylamide, acrylonitrile,
Salts of copolymers or quaternized copolymers of ethylene, styrene, etc. are also included. A nitric acid group is preferable as the anion component of the bonded cation group.

The pH of the polyelectrolyte polymers of the present invention is between about 6 and about 9.

It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the use of only one of the polyelectrolyte 1jJJ polymers described above, but encompasses mixtures of 2111+ or higher polyelectrolyte monomers. Furthermore, it is also possible to use salts of co-crosslinked copolymers of the aforementioned polyelectrolyte polymers or compounds similar thereto. For example, salts of copolymers of acrylic acid and acrylamide and small or large amounts of salts of other copolymers can also be used.

As mentioned above, a polymer is in particulate form, so the term "polymer particle" when used in Kikiri Kumiban refers to a single particle or an agglomerate of several particles.

As mentioned above, insoluble polyelectrolyte polymers can be made by a number of methods including chemical crosslinking and ionizing radiation induced crosslinking. The specific methods for rendering various polyelectrolyte polymers insoluble and possessing the essential features of the present invention do not in themselves imply that certain polyelectrolyte polymers can be practiced in the present invention. It cannot be used as a basis for judgment. That is, any insoluble polyelectrolyte polymer having the necessary requirements can be used in the present invention, regardless of the manner in which it is manufactured.

Suitable methods are well known and readily understood by those skilled in the art.

For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,815 describes starch-
The present invention relates to a method for producing an alkali metal carboxylate salt of polyacrylonitrile graft comonomer.

The copolymer is saponified with an aqueous methanol or aqueous ethanol solution of an alkali base consisting of sodium hydroxide, lithium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide. A saponified comonomer with 1 part of polymer has been shown to be characterized as a water-insoluble granular solid that has the ability to absorb more than 50 parts of water per part of polymer but retains granular characteristics. This method is suitable for the present EiliK and can be used to provide a copolymer that retains a significant proportion of its water capacity in solutions containing 500 ppm calcium ions. This modification method saponifies,
Therefore, the number of ionic groups produced must be controlled. Saponification is controlled by well-known methods (eg, time, temperature, amount of base added, etc.).

U.S. Pat. No. 3,670,731 also discloses drocolloid absorbent materials such as crosslinked sulfonated polystyrene or hydrolyzed linear polyacrylamide crosslinked with non-conjugated divinyl compounds such as methylenebisacrylamide. Disclosed.

Additionally, this patent shows that acrylamide can be copolymerized with non-conjugated divinyl compounds in the presence of a dissipate catalyst or by photopolymerization with, for example, a riboflavin activator. Other methods of insolubilizing and crosslinking polymers are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,090,756 and 5,229.
No. 769 and No. 669.105.

Other known methods besides those described above are to subject a water-soluble polyelectrolyte to sufficient ionizing radiation to crosslink and render it insolubilized to form a water-insoluble hydrophobic polyelectrolyte. .

The term "ionizing radiation" as used herein refers to radiation having sufficient energy to cause electronic excitation and/or ionization in polymer molecules and solvent molecules (if a solvent is used). Includes radiation that does not have sufficient energy to affect the nuclei of its constituent atoms. Convenient and suitable ionizing radiation sources include Co 60 and C51
37, spent nuclear fuel elements, X-rays as generated from conventional X# equipment, means such as Van de Graff accelerators, linear electron accelerators, resonance transducers, etc. It is an electron generated by Ionizing radiation suitable for use in the present invention generally ranges from about 0.05 MEV to about 20 MEV.
It has energy levels in the range of .

Irradiation of non-crosslinked polyelectrolytes can be carried out in phase or in solution. Solid polymer electrolytes can be irradiated in air, vacuum, or various gas atmospheres, but irradiation in solutions can be applied to water, high dielectric constant organic sound media, or water and water-miscible organic solvents. It can be carried out with a water-soluble polyelectrolyte dissolved in a mixture. Any conventional method for contacting the polyelectrolyte solution with ionizing radiation can be used.

The methods described above and other methods for making crosslinked insoluble polyelectrolyte polymers known in the art can be used to make the polymers of the present invention.

However, in order to produce a compound or product with appropriate physical and chemical characteristics, the ratio of reactants, saponification conditions, reaction parameters,
Some changes in radiation dose, etc. may be necessary. For example, 0
．． Adjustment of loading density can be used to produce compounds with gel strengths greater than 3 psi. It is also possible to formulate compounds with adequate water absorption capacity and a certain stability towards polyvalent cations such as calcium.
The ratio of ionic to nonionic groups can be adjusted.

The term "soil matrix" as used herein refers to any medium in which plants can grow and which provides support, oxygen, water and nutrients and which may include the following media or mixtures thereof: (1) a natural culture consisting of crushed and decomposed rocks and minerals mixed with organic matter in all stages of decay and other ingredients added as fertilizer; (2) glass beads, expanded polystyrene or expanded polyurethane; There are non-natural cultivars such as foamed organic materials, foamed inorganic materials, calcined clay particles, finely ground plastics, etc. Examples of natural crops included within the definition of soil matrix above are peat moss, bark, sawdust, vermiculite, perlite,
sand and any mixture thereof.

Note that the terms "soil" and soil matrix are used interchangeably in this specification.

'th'In terms, the soil matrix has two or three distinct phases: (2) a gas phase, and (3) a liquid phase consisting of a liquid solution of water, dissolved salts, and dissolved gases. .

These phases are defined by a large number of fine inorganic and organic particles packed together to form a semi-rigid sponge body. The voids or pores between the particles form a substantially interconnected network of channels or tunnels through the soil body. The amount of soil pore space, or soil porosity, determines how much soil parent species is potentially available to roots, water, and air.

Although it is soil porosity that determines which water can potentially be stored within the soil matrix, pore size, pore distribution and pore number are important for a given soil matrix after drainage and drainage. Determine the amount actually stored in the The same factor also determines the rate of water movement through the soil matrix.
% and is also important in ensuring proper aeration within the potting soil ring. These factors can be effectively regulated by the addition of soil conditioners of the present invention as discussed below.

Soil aeration is the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the soil and the surface atmosphere. This exchange occurs primarily through unfilled or open soil pores and is essential to maintain oxygen supply for root growth and uptake. Poor soil aeration leads to poor root growth,
It causes poor water and nutrient absorption and makes it susceptible to the action of soil pathogens.

Water is necessary for plants to grow in soil.

However, there must still be good drainage to ensure proper earthen wall ventilation.

In sink soils commonly used in agricultural and horticultural gardens, these various purposes are met by a mixture of ingredients. For example, peat moss, humus and other similar organic materials often provide high water capacity, but these will produce poor drainage and aeration. Therefore, nodules such as sand, vermiculite, perlite, bark, wood chips, pumice, etc. are commonly added to increase drainage and aeration.

However, not all the water in the soil matrix is available to plant roots. Ingredients that readily absorb water, such as peat moss, for example, do not easily release all of the water to the plants. Therefore, what is important is the available water in the soil matrix or the water potential of the soil solution.

The water potential corresponds to the thermodynamic free energy of water, ie, the energy per unit mass. Per unit volume, it has the same pressure dimension. Therefore, it is often referred to as pressure potential or water potential. Pure liquid water by definition has zero potential. Water located high above the soil matrix has positive potential. Also, the water used by plants has a small negative potential.

Since all soil water contains dissolved salts, there is a seepage effect that reduces water potential. Solid soil particles absorb water. This sorbed water is also at a low potential, so the plants must compete with the soil for water. The surface tension of water within the capillary tube is another effect that lowers the water potential. The physical phenomena of osmotic pressure, adsorption, and capillary action each compete with plants in the soil matrix for water.

Only water at a small negative potential is available to plant roots. When the soil matrix is saturated with water, the water potential of the soil matrix approaches the zero value of pure water, and plants grow thickly.

When the soil matrix is very dry, the residual water has high negative values, ie up to 1100 bar. Most plants approach the permanent withering point in the soil matrix when the water potential of the soil solution approaches about -12 to -15 bar. Permanent wilting point is the point at which the plant does not wilt overnight in the dark and at 100% relative humidity. When water is available to plants, the soil matrix has a negative potential of less than about 0 and greater than about -12 bar. Approximately half of the water sorbed by high capacity water sorbing components such as peat moss has too large a negative water potential to be available to pre-wilt plants.

On the other hand, it has been found that the water retained by the soil conditioner of the present invention is highly available to the plants, ie about 95% is available before reaching the permanent withering point. therefore,
Addition of the soil conditioner of the present invention to the soil matrix increases the ability of the improved soil matrix to retain water. This increases the amount of available water in the water potential available to the plant and extends the time the plant can survive without additional irrigation.

Each soil matrix contains a large amount of pores and voids of various sizes depending on the components that make up the soil matrix. Many of these pores are very small and do not drain after watering. The percentage (volume) of undrainable pores is determined by the soil parent capacity 3t (
CW). Some of the larger pores drain and therefore fill with air. The percentage (volume) of air contained within the drained pores is the air holding capacity (Ca, ai
r capacity). Ideally, the soil matrix should have a water capacity of at least 65%, or 0.65 cc of water per cc of soil, and an air holding capacity of at least 25X, or 0.25 CG of air per cc of ±iJ.

However, it is well known that adding components to the soil matrix that increase water capacity decreases the air retention tangent and vice versa. The fundamental physical relationship between soil matrix water content and air holding capacity depends on the pore size distribution.

Generally, an increase in average pore size increases air holding capacity and decreases water capacity, and vice versa. When the polymer electrolyte polymer soil conditioner of the present invention is added to the soil matrix, the air retention amount and capacity increase by 1. It was discovered that the relationship between Addition of these modifiers not only increases the water capacity of the pot composition of the present invention, but also increases the air holding capacity. The increase in air holding capacity of the pot composition occurs due to the increase in total pore volume and pore size due to changes in the soil matrix structure caused by the water-swollen hydrogel particles. Nevertheless, it was found that the water capacity of the composition did not decrease. In fact, the water capacity increases due to the less available water present within the swollen hydrogel particles.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a soil matrix 10 consisting of a number of soil particles 12, which are randomly aggregated to form a sponge-like object having pores 14 between the particles 12. The pores also create a generally interconnected network of channels that penetrate the soil body. Also, randomly distributed in the soil matrix 10 are the polymer electrolyte polymer particles 20 of the present invention, which are in a dehydrated (unswollen) state in FIG. 1 and in a water-swollen state in FIG. . As discussed above, each of the polymer particles of the present invention is capable of absorbing large amounts of aqueous liquid.

Addition of the granular electrolytic JJi polymer improver of the present invention to the soil matrix increases the water capacity of the soil matrix.

This is because each single coalesced particle absorbs a large amount of water and swells, as illustrated in FIG. The base soil matrix still has the ability to retain large proportions of water that it would normally retain in the absence of polyelectrolyte hydrogel particles.

Furthermore, it has been discovered that when the polymer particles swell to form hydrogel particles, the volume of the soil matrix actually increases, perhaps by creating its own pores. The swollen hydrogel particles are stiff enough to support the weight of the soil matrix;
But not only do we create a place for ourselves;
Irregularities in the shape of the soil particles as well as their shape cause the soil particles to be further spaced from each other and increase the overall open pore volume of the soil matrix.

The above phenomenon is illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 by reference to soil particles 12a-12f and polymer particles 20a. In FIG. 1, the initial position of each particle is shown, and particle 20a is soil particle 12a-12.
flC is surrounded and in contact with soil particles 12a and 12f.

A pore volume 14a exists between particles 12a-12f. As previously mentioned, polymer particles 12a are shown in a dehydrated (unswollen) state in FIG. However, in FIG. 2 the soil particles 20a are shown in a water-swollen state (as hydrogel particles) after absorbing an aqueous medium. Swelling particles 20a push soil particles 12a-12f away from each other far from their initial positions (as shown in FIG. 1). Although the swollen hydrogel particles 20a are still surrounded by the soil particles 12a-12f, they have increased the open pore volume 14a between the particles 12a-12f. Sara K.

Swollen hydrogel particles 20a are gold particles 12b112C11
It is in contact with 2d and 12f. The swelling and gel strength influenced the relative positioning of surrounding particles 12a-12f.

Therefore, it appears that the increase in air holding capacity (free pore volume) of the pot composition is caused by the formation of voids within the soil matrix due to swelling of the polymer particles. In short, the swollen hydrogel particles appear to act as perlite-like agglomerates, except when they are essentially all water.

The fact that hydrogel particles are essentially all water
It has been proven that the water capacity of the cultivation pot composition is increased.

Significant morphological changes in the soil matrix with the addition of soil matrix amendments of the present invention result in soil amendments or air that increase the respective water content but have little or no effect on air holding capacity. This distinguishes them from modifiers that increase retention capacity but decrease water capacity. Amendants commonly used to increase the air-holding capacity of soils, such as peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite, generally tend to increase the average pore size of the soil and thus reduce the ability of the soil to retain water by capillary forces. It is. Also,
Amendants commonly used to increase soil water capacity generally do not have the wet stiffness to increase drainage pore space. They often simply fill existing pores within the soil, thus reducing the soil's air holding capacity. However, the soil conditioner of the present invention does not retain water by capillary forces and is rigid even when swollen with water. As a result, they cause a simultaneous and significant increase in the water and air holding capacity of the pot composition.

In practice, it has been found that in order to maximize the air holding capacity of the pot composition with the soil conditioner of the present invention, it is necessary to adjust the particle size and gel strength within certain limits. . In addition, the particle size distribution of the polymer before mixing with the soil matrix is such that essentially all particles in the dehydrated state are smaller than about 8 meshes, preferably smaller than about 10 meshes, as measured by the American Standard Sieve. It was recognized that this should be the case. Additionally, essentially all of the polymer particles of the present invention are particles larger than about 200 mesh, preferably larger than about 100 mesh, and most preferably larger than about 40 mesh (US Standard Sieve). The particle size distribution of the polymer particles can be obtained by conventional methods, such as milling of large particles or agglomeration of small particles.

The (water-swellable) hydrogel particles of the present invention have a pressure of about 0.3 psi.
should have a gel strength greater than .

Gel strength is measured by the following method. A stainless steel sieve of 20 mesh (American standard sieve system) is attached to cover the mouth of the cylinder. The hydrogel particles swollen to equilibrium with excess water are charged into this cylinder. The particle size of the swollen hydrogel should be larger than the sieve pore size. For example, the particle size is larger than 80 mesh (US standard sieve). Polymer particles having a particle size of 80 mesh, ie, those that pass through an 80 mesh sieve, will normally swell to a particle size greater than 20 mesh. Therefore, the swollen hydrogel will not pass through the sieve until pressure is applied.

The pressure required to extract the hydrogel through the sieve is determined by placing a piston against the sieve and applying various loads to the piston. Pressure is applied until a pressure is reached that continuously extrudes the hydrogel. From knowledge of the applied load and the cross-sectional area of the piston, it is possible to calculate the pressure in lb/in2 at which the hydrogel is continuously extruded through a 20 mesh (US Standard Sieve System) sieve. This pressure is called gel strength.

The benefits of the soil amendments of the present invention are evaluated by comparing the increase in water and air holding capacity of soils mixed with the amendments to control soil samples. The water capacity of the soil matrix is the volume of water contained in the soil, iX, when compared to the volumes of soil and water in the soil. The air holding capacity of a soil is the total pore volume minus the water-filled pores. The total pore volume is determined from the wet bulk density and particle density of the soil matrix. In evaluating soil matrix improvers, it is important to increase the water and air holding capacity per unit weight of the improver. Total pore volume percentage (5
X) can be expressed as follows.

where T = total pore volume percentage (%), Db - bulk density, i.e. dry solid weight divided by soil failure volume, D, - particle density, i.e. specific gravity of the soil mixture. Also, the water volume and air holding capacity are: It can be expressed as follows.

Ca==% air retention capacity-1'-Cw The increase in air-containing wounds per unit weight of improver can be expressed as:

The polyelectrolyte hydrogel of the present invention simultaneously increases both the % air holding capacity and the % water volume of the soil matrix. An increase in Xw of greater than about 20 JJ of water per gram of modifier I is generally obtained, an increase of greater than about 30 g of water per gram of modifier I is preferred, and an increase of greater than about 4011 water per gram of modifier I is most preferred. . Also, about 15c per gram of improver
Increases in Xa of c greater than air are generally achieved, with increases of greater than about 25 cc of air per gram of modifier being preferred, and increases of greater than about 35 cc of air per gram of modifier 6 being preferred.

It was found that the cross-linked polyelectrolyte has a very large water capacity. Charged groups on a polymer interact when in solution and tend to extend the polymer chain and spread the charge as much as possible. Actual water capacity is controlled by a number of factors, many of which interact. Important factors are (11) chemical composition, (2) charge density (mole fraction of ionic groups or distance between charges) as well as ionic strength and ionic composition of the aqueous solution absorbed by the polymer, and (3) cross-linking is the molecular weight or crosslink density of

Polymer structures that are more hydrophilic absorb more water. Additionally, the higher the charge density, the greater the water capacity in distilled water (although compositions with high charge densities are most affected by ions dissolved in the water; these ions shield polymer ions from each other). and the polymer chains adopt a less strong and less expanded configuration and therefore do not absorb or swell as much water. Although it will be able to absorb water, the volume V will drop to 200-500 in normal strength solutions of soluble fertilizers.

Other relevant factors are crosslinking with polyvalent ions, ie, the reaction of polyanions with polyvalent cations and the reactions of polycations with polyvalent anions. When crosslinking occurs, the polymer swells and gradually loses its ability to retain water. The degree of crosslinking is a function of the number and proximity of charged groups and the multivalent ion concentration.

Based on tests and observations, it has been found that the polymer of the present invention, the electrolyte (
i. Sufficient ionic to nonionic groups to absorb at least about 75 times its weight in a standard fertilizer solution and at least about 15 times its weight in a solution containing 5 o ppm calcium ions. and crosslink density. The ratio of ionic to nonionic monomer units in the polymer backbone or coma polymer chain for the polyelectrolyte polymers of the invention is up to about 1, preferably up to about 0.5, and most preferably are about 0.3 and about 0.
It is known that it should be between 4 and 4.

The problem of multivalent ion crosslinking is particularly acute when polyelectrolyte polymer amendments are mixed into the soil matrix. Soil solutions usually contain excess amounts of 1j cations, such as calcium ions and other multivalent ions (especially when the soil is dry). And crosslinking by calcium is irreversible to 5M-. However, it is clear that the polyelectrolyte polymer of the present invention has a water capacity of about 15 times its weight in a soil solution containing so ppm of Ca. Therefore, a polyelectrolyte polymer containing cationic groups has a water capacity of approximately 15 times or more of its weight in a soil solution containing soo ppm of polyvalent anions, such as anions such as healthy acid and carbonic acid. It seems to be.

Still other factors are the molecular weight or crosslink density between crosslinks. The distance between crosslinks in the polyelectrolyte polymer of the present invention is directly related to its water capacity. Large distances give large water capacities.

In another embodiment, the soil conditioner of the invention consists of an insoluble polyelectrolyte polymer whose external surface has been modified by treatment with a hydrophobic substance. Polymers so modified are amenable to mixing with wet or splashed materials. term"
By "hydrophobic" is meant a material that floats when placed at a water-air interface.

It is preferable that the hydrophobic substance be in the form of extremely fine particles.

The hydrophobic particles are much more finely divided than the polymer particles of the present invention, have a lower density, and a higher surface area. For this purpose, a small amount of hydrophobic particles can be used to provide a thin coating on the external surface of the bulk polymer particles.

Surface treatment of polyelectrolyte polymer particles involves physically mixing the polymer particles with up to about 5 MM-% of hydrophobic microparticles.
This is conveniently accomplished by producing surface-treated polymer particles in which the hydrophobic microparticles are in close physical contact with the external surface of the polymer particles. This is theorized because the ultrafine hydrophobic particles cover or adhere to the external surface of the polymer particles due to electrostatic attraction. Other methods of applying hydrophobic microparticles to polymer particles are well known and include methods such as compounding, mechanical mixing, powder coating, spraying, brushing, shoveling, and the like.

It has also been found that the surface coverage of hydrophobic particles is physically removed or rendered ineffective in the soil. In-situ removal or neutralization of the hydrophobic surface coating occurs after annealing of the soil mixture. This is consistent with the theory of electrostatic attraction between polymer particles and hydrophobic microparticles. because,
This is because the presence of polyvalent cations or anions tends to block or cut off electrostatic attraction. Therefore, it appears that if thoroughly mixed with soil, the electrostatic attraction between polymer particles and hydrophobic particles tends to be broken by the presence of multivalent ions in the soil.

Therefore, once the surface coating is removed, the polymer particles can function normally and effectively as hydrophilic substances.

It is usually difficult to mix uncoated polyelectrolyte polymer particles with moist or wet soil. Polyelectrolyte polymers tend to aggregate, making it difficult to distribute them evenly in the soil matrix.

The term [moist or wet soil] means a soil in which the water content is substantially more than about 5% of the volume of the soil in an aqueous medium. Also, it becomes increasingly difficult to mix uncoated polyelectrolyte polymers with soils approaching equilibrium drainage values (field capacity circumference).

These problems are substantially eliminated by using the surface-coated polymer particles of the present invention.

Suitable hydrophobic microparticles include talc, wood flour, hydrophobic silica particles, such as U.S. Pat. No. 3.661.810 and 3.
710.510, and strongly hydrophobic metal oxides, such as those described in U.S. Pat. i, 710,510. Particularly preferred are hydrophobic finely divided silicas having an average equivalent spherical diameter of about 100 mμ or less, a surface area of about 50 mμ or more, and having no external hydroxyl groups.

Activators that can be incorporated into the soil conditioner of the present invention are generally known in the art. The term "active agent" as used herein refers to an organic, ffIE agent, organic, activator, which, when in contact with or in close proximity to a plant, directly or indirectly alters, denatures, accelerates or retards the growth of the plant. Defined to mean a metal or metal-organic substance.

Active agents that can be incorporated into the plant composition of the present invention include: water; fertilizers containing all elements and combinations of elements in organic or inorganic form, solid, liquid or gaseous, essential for plant growth; Algagicides containing quaternary ammonium salts, technical abiethylamine acetate and steel sulfate: Bactericides containing quaternary ammonium salts, antibiotics and N-chlorsuccinimide: Phenol II & trK flower thinners; Phosphorotrithioates, phthalates, phosphorothioates defoliants including lithioates and chlorates; fumigants including dithiocarbonates, cyanides, dichloroethyl ethers and halogenated ethane; lime, sulfur, antibiotics, mono- and dithiocarbamates, thiodiazines, sulfonamides, phthalimides, petroleum ethers, Fungicides including naphthoquinones, benzoquinones, disulfides, thiocarbamates, mercuric compounds, tetrahydrophthalimide, arsenates, cupric salts, guanidine salts, triazines, glyoxalidine salts, quinolinium salts and phenylcrotonates; quaternary ammonium salts , phenolic compounds, quaternary pyridinium salts, peracids and formaldehyde; sulfamates, drazines, borates, alpha-haloacetamides, carbamates, ffi-converted 7j-noxy acids, substituted phenoxy alcohols, halogenated fatty acids and base, substituted Phenols, arsonates, substituted ureas, phthalates, dithiocarbamates, thiocarbamates, disulfides, cyanates, chlorates, xanthates, substituted benzoic acids,
Herbicides containing N-1-naphthylphthalamic acid, allyl alcohol, aminotriazole, hexachloroacetone, maleic hydrazide and phenylmercuric acetate; natural products (e.g. pyrethrins), arsenic compounds and arsenites, fluorosilicates and aluminates, benzoate,
Chlorinated hydrocarbons, phosphates, phleate oils and cresylic acids, phosphorothioates, thiophosphates, phosphonates, phosphoro mono- and di-thioates, xanthones, thiocyanodiethyl ether, fluorophosphines, pyrrolidine, phosphorous anhydride, thiazines , carbamates, chlorinates, terpenes, tartrate, thallous sulfate and anabasis; sulfonates, sulfides, asobenzines, diimides, benzylates, sulfides, phosphorothioates, substituted phenols and salts, chlorophenol ethanol, phosphonates,
Nematicides including oxalates, sulfones, chlorphenoxymethane, selenate and strychnine; nematicides including halogenated propane and propene, dithiocarbamates, phosphorothioates and methyl bromide; polypropylene glycol, succinate, heptatarate, furfural, asafuetida Insect repellent containing , ethylhexanediol and butyl mesityl oxide; 2-chloro-
Rodenticides containing 4-dimethylamino-6-methylpyrimidine, fluoride, coumarin, phosphorus, redsufil, arsenite and indandione: carboxyimide,
Includes synergists including piperonyl derivatives and sulfoxides.

The novel soil conditioner may, if desired, contain one or more substances which may or may not directly or indirectly influence plant growth, in addition to the active agents mentioned above. The liquid substances include water, hydrocarbon oils, organic alcohols, ketones and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Solid substances include bentonite, pumice, china clay, attapulgite, melk, pyrophyllite, quartz, diatomaceous earth,
Fuller's earth, graphite, phosphorus, sulfur, pickled bentonite,
It can contain precipitated calcium carbonate, precipitated calcium phosphate, colloidal silica, sand, vermiculite, perlite, pulverized plant material such as corn cob.

If desired, the soil conditioner can also contain wetting agents such as anionic wetting agents, nonionic wetting agents, cationic wetting agents, such as alkylaryl sulfonates, polyethylene glycol derivatives, conventional soaps, amine soaps,
Sulfonated animal oils, vegetable and mineral oils, quaternary salts of high molecular weight acids, rosin soaps, sulfates of high molecular weight organic compounds,
Contains ethylene oxide condensates of fatty acids, alkylphenols and mercaptans.

The plant cultivation composition consists of soil and the granular crosslinked polyelectrolyte polymer of the present invention. The polyelectrolyte hydrogel or polymer can be applied to the surface of the soil or incorporated into the soil to create a mixture of soil and crosslinked polyelectrolyte hydrogel or polymer, respectively. Many variations of the basic composition are possible. For example, the plant composition may consist of a mixture of soil and the dry particulate crosslinked polyelectrolyte polymer itself.

The polymer electrolyte sorbs water during rainfall or agitation. Sorption of water by polyelectrolyte polymers prevents excessive loss of water. Naturally occurring products in soil are solubilized by soil water and also sorbed by polyelectrolyte polymers. Here the polyelectrolyte hydrogel acts as a reservoir of natural nutrients.

This minimizes leaching of natural nutrients from the soil.

Another benefit of adding the dry polyelectrolyte polymer itself to the soil is that it reduces soil compaction, thereby increasing the infiltration of moisture and oxygen into the subsurface growth area. Further, as mentioned above, the main advantage of adding the polyelectrolyte polymer itself to the soil is that it simultaneously increases the water and air holding capacity of the improved soil matrix.

The polyelectrolyte polymers of the present invention are particularly useful for improving soil used in containers. It is well known in the art that container soils present unique problems due to the relatively short soil columns provided by the container shape. After watering, the soil in the container tends to remain fully saturated with water and therefore in a state of air starvation. This phenomenon is caused by a stagnant water layer (perched water layer).
water table). A common way to alleviate this problem is to use large amounts of nodules such as perlite, vermiculite, pumice, pulverized plastic scrap, and bark in the soil matrix. This nodule can improve air holding capacity if used in sufficient quantities, but generally this is done at the expense of water capacity. That is, as the air holding capacity increases, the water capacity decreases. Therefore, the ability of polyelectrolyte polymers to increase both the air holding capacity and water capacity of the soil matrix is particularly beneficial in container soils.

Water may be incorporated into the polyelectrolyte polymer prior to mixing with the soil. As mentioned above, each individual polyelectrolyte particle retains its particulate character as it absorbs and sorbs many times its weight in water and swells. The resulting water-swollen particles (defined herein as hydrogels) have water substantially immobilized therein.

The water absorbed within this hydrogel is available to the plant roots and is reversibly released by the hydrogel to the plant or soil. When the absorbed water is released, the hydrogel dehydrates and returns to substantially its original size and polymeric state.

According to the invention, the germination of seeds, the rapid growth of young plants or seedlings and the growth of transplants can be effectively improved by contacting the water-swellable hydrogel of the invention in soil ulcers. Hydrogels may be applied to the soil before or after planting seeds, seedlings or transplants. In these applications, water is provided from the polyelectrolyte hydrogel reservoir and efficiently used by the plant when needed. Thus, this hydrogel is a reservoir of water. There is no excessive water loss due to downward permeability as is experienced in some sandy soils. Fertilizers or other active agents can also be incorporated into the polyelectrolyte hydrogel using water and/or organic solvents before adding the hydrogel material to the soil. In this case, the polyelectrolyte hydrogel contains water,
Acts as a reservoir and carrier for fertilizer or other active agents, preventing excessive loss of water, fertilizer, and other active agents through leaching.

The fertilizer or other active agent is first dissolved in water and/or organic solutions, and then the insoluble polyelectrolyte polymer is combined with these solutions. Therefore, the solution containing the active agent is
When the polyelectrolyte polymer swells into a hydrogel state, it is mixed into the polymer. The water or organic solvent is then removed from the polyelectrolyte hydrogel before subjecting the polymer to a substantially dry polyelectrolyte polymer containing only the active agent. The active agent-containing polymer or growth modifier is added to the soil to produce the pot composition of the present invention. When water is applied to this soil, the polymers sorb water. The active agent contained in the polymer and on it is solubilized in the polymer.

The liquid-swollen hydrogel then acts as a reservoir and carrier for readily available water and preactivation to modify plant growth. The active agent is not leached from the soil as rapidly by heavy rainfall or during other accidental or prolonged water applications. This aspect of the invention has great utility as a means of adding herbicide at the same time as seeding without excessive loss of herbicide through leaching.

The polymers are mixed with or covered with soil in dry or substantially dehydrated conditions along with dry active agents such as fertilizers, herbicides, nematicides, and insecticides. When water is added to the soil, the active agent is solubilized and the water and active agent are sorbed by the polyelectrolyte polymer. ,
Excessive loss of water through evaporation or loss to the natural water layer and loss of active agent through leaching are thus reduced. Also,
Activation of the activator can be initiated even with an additional rainfall of 1/1, since the activated carrier is able to sorb moisture from the so-called dry soil.

A particular and distinct advantage of the pot composition of the present invention lies in the manner in which the plant roots utilize polyelectrolyte hydrogels. Plant roots grow into the polyelectrolyte hydrogel itself and come into contact with water and other active agents incorporated within the hydrogel. The ability of plant roots to grow into the hydrogel allows for even more effective utilization of water and other active agents because they are in direct contact with the roots.

Additionally, plants whose roots have grown into the hydrogel and become entangled with the cross-linked hydrogel have a high resistance to water stress over long periods of time, especially when removed from the soil for transplantation.

The term "water stress" is defined herein to mean a situation in which the internal water of a plant transpires or evaporates at a rate greater than the rate at which water enters the plant.

The former rate is mainly due to the lack of available water.

And tobacco, lettuce, celery, tomato, strawberry, -
Annual and perennial plants, cold tolerance - During shipping and transplanting of annual plants, trees, ornamental plants, young seedlings, etc., if they are grown in the soil composition of the present invention. , the destruction of these young trees and seedlings is very low.

In another embodiment of the invention, the plant is further made water stress tolerant by a method comprising contacting its roots with an aqueous slurry of particulate crosslinked hydrogel useful in the invention before planting it in soil. I can do it. The physical properties of this slurry are adjusted so that when pulled up, a sufficient amount of hydrogel adheres to the plant roots. A particularly convenient way to increase the effectiveness of this slurry is 10i1i! °
% of water-soluble thickeners, such as polymeric polyethylene oxide, hydroxyethyl cellulose sodium ft. The roots can be contacted with the slurry by spraying, dipping or other convenient methods.

The following examples are given to illustrate the invention and are not to be construed as limiting the invention.

Example 1 Three types of soil conditioners [soil column method (5 oil column method)]
inn) J was used for comparison. A soil column generally refers to a soil sample in a columnar glass container that can contain soil and water. A 650 tnl glass Puchner funnel (height 18 Crn1, diameter 95 cm, with a height of 7 degrees above a 0.5 m fritted glass filter) was used. Several 0.5 m holes were drilled in each filter to mimic normal drainage from the pot. The specific gravity of each soil mixture is
Determined by pycnometer according to the method of the National Institutes of Health (1954). Each soil mixture was heated to 110℃.
It was dried for 16 hours and weighed.

Each amendment was added to the soil in each column and mixed on each base. The soil in the control column was mixed in a large plastic bag in the same manner. After filling, each sample was pounded in the same gentle manner to avoid unnatural compaction of the soil sample. After gentle tapping as described above, the height of each soil column was measured and the volume was determined by a predetermined height-to-volume calibration.

The soil column was watered with 20 oml of water and then allowed to drain preferably overnight or for at least 4-6 hours. After this drainage time, each container was weighed and the weight of water absorbed by the dry soil was calculated as follows: Weight of water = (total weight) - (container and bag) - (dry fill weight). Water supply was repeated six times until a constant value was observed. The volume was then measured again.

If the soil volume and water weight 1: are determined in this way, then %
Since the water capacity is divided and therefore the specific gravity of water is 1, CW=weight of water/volume of soil. Five columns were tested for each variation in Air Examples 1-4. The initial soil volume fj7 was 280Ce. Depending on the soil polarity, this ranged from 47 to 52,090 weight. Add soil conditioner in an amount between 1 and 4 I per column (this ranges from 3.6 to 14.4!).
j/II). Peter supplies water
solution, i.e. a fertilizer solution with a strength of 200 ppm (N). Pfi-(1) solution was prepared using 20X nitrogen, 2
0 yf; Made from a commercially available fertilizer containing 20% P2O5 and 20%, so-called 20-20-20 fertilizer.

In Example 1, a Kohler-type potting soil consisting of half peat moss and half vermiculite was used. The four soil conditioners compared were: (1) Viterra hydrogel soil conditioner (Viterra is a trademark for a soil conditioner of 50% polyethylene oxide and 50% inert ingredients manufactured by Union Carbide); , (2) General Mills product 5PG-5028, starch hydrolysis polyacrylonitrile graft copolymer soil conditioner, (3) exemplary polymer electrolyte hydrogel soil conditioner of the present invention, crosslinked polymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide It was a combination.

First, appropriate amounts of acrylic acid, acrylamide, and water were mixed, and then a neutralization step was performed using 50 wt% potassium hydroxide to create a solution containing 19 wt% potassium acrylate and 65 heavy blades of acrylamide. . The ratio of monomer units used, ie potassium acrylate/acrylamide, was 0348.

Next, this solution was cast onto a paper covering material, and a 1600 μa
It was conveyor-fed below a 1.5 MeV van de Graaf accelerator operating with a beam stream of one stroke.

The conveyor was placed so that the approach distance to the sample was 2 ft directly below the output window of the accelerator. At a conveyor speed of eft/min, the total dose received by the sample is on the order of 1 megarad.

The resulting gel was then dried, ground and classified according to the desired size of the particles by conventional techniques.

The experiment was conducted for 6 days in each of the 3 pots.
Water was supplied 6 times, with 2 times per time.

and The test results are shown in Table IK below.
Summarize.

Dry balanced drainage per pot 2 3.9 Soil conditioner (SPG-5028) 3 210 18.5 55 248 76.4 55 jt2 0 287 12.4 45 70 (-9) 271 22
．． 7 89 55.5 50.9 These data demonstrate that although other polymeric materials could increase soil water capacity, the cross-linked copolymerization of potassium acrylate and acrylamide, the polyelectrolyte polymers of the present invention, Only air holding capacity and capacity 1
This shows that both can be significantly increased. This is in contrast to hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile graft copolymers of starch materials which actually reduced air holding capacity.

Example 2 This example uses humus-enriched l1, a commercially available potting soil.
The effect of the same 311't soil amendment as in Example 1 on sub-soil physical properties is illustrated using 1il field soil.

The same experimental procedure as described in Example 1 was used. The results are summarized in Table H below.

Dry weight resistance per pot Equilibrium drainage control ±113320 450 Soil conditioner (S, PG-so2s) Polymer water capacity 44.1 150 9.7 29 - 180 12.3 45 14.7 4.7201 4
．． 1 14 65 (-14) 182 14.9 56
47 25 Similarly, only the soil conditioner of the present invention, exemplified by the crosslinked copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide, significantly increased both air holding capacity and water capacity.

The examples illustrate the effects of adding certain soil additives to soil/peat moss/barley type i-1-1 potting soil in comparison to the soil conditioner of the present invention. . The same experimental procedure used in Example 1 was used. The results are shown in Table 1 below.
To summarize.

Table ■ Dry weight per pot Equilibrium drainage water capacity Soil conditioner copolymer 129 22.1 56 169 24.6 78 1t8 6.519 (S 1
7.5 57 61 0.9180 26.4 90
46.2 50.9 These data are based on this 1-1-1
The insoluble polyelectrolyte polymer of the present invention (
Only the cross-linked copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide) has been shown to have a truly significant effect on both the air holding capacity and the water capacity of this soil.

Example 4 In this example, a soil conditioner is ground and divided into two particle size fractions, one from 110 mesh to +40 mesh (U.S. standard sieve).
and the other was further finely ground to pass through a 40-mesh sieve). In the latter case there was a significant amount of material smaller than 100 meshes in size. Vi terra hydrogel soil conditioner and a copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide were studied in the same manner as in Example 1. The results are summarized in Table ■ below.

Table■ Dry weight per pot Equilibrium drainage Capacity preservation improver (,9)
Cw (%) (1-1-1) (-40 mesh) 140 mesh) Polymer (-40 mesh) +40 mesh from U) 129 22.1 56 187 1B, 9 60 17 1.2167 26.
5 85 1t2 8.5205 16.4 54 6
9 (-18) 185 '27.5 97 51 57
The data summarized in Table IV show that in soils of type 1-1-1 (soil-peat moss-perlite by volume), more finely ground hydrogel particles increased water capacity but decreased air holding capacity. It shows that This phenomenon was enhanced in the crosslinked copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide.

The finely ground particles gave a significantly higher water capacity and a much lower air holding capacity than the larger size particles.

It appears that the fine particles of hydrogel block soil capillaries and restrict drainage. Thus, capillaries that would normally contain air are kept full and the air holding capacity is often reduced to that of similar control soils even without finely divided additives.

Example 5 The "inpot method (inpot) J" was used. "Inpot" soil refers to soil in a commercially available flowerpot. The soil conditioner was mixed with the soil mixture in each container and added. The control example is
Mixed in the same manner (shaken in a plastic bag) until homogeneous. 1-Settle the soil by gentle tapping in the manner described above for the soil column method, pre-calibrate soil height versus soil volume, water, drain overnight, weigh, % water volume (soil volume (cc) Weight or volume of water per unit (cc)
) was calculated.

Drainable total pore voids or % air holding capacity was determined as follows. The drainage holes in the pots were covered, and the pots were tilted to one side and watered at the bottom to allow air to escape, carefully flooding the pots to the top of the soil surface. Alternatively, place the entire pot in a container of water or fertilizer solution to a depth that fills the needles to soil level. In both cases, the pots were kept watered overnight (16 hours) to eliminate all air. I weighed it after it was full.

Reweighed after draining. Since the specific gravity of water is 1, the difference in weight is the amount of drainage pores at zero suction.

Therefore, the air holding capacity Ca is the drainage pore space (ee
)/soil volume (cc).

Some adjustments were made for very high capacity hydrogels. Rather than using the drained weight after overnight watering to subtract from the fully saturated weight, the equilibrium weight after normal watering was used. This was done because these high capacity gels sometimes absorbed a lot of water during overnight irrigation, leading to spurious results. Xa and ~ values were calculated as previously described. That is, for water, the weight difference between the improved soil and the control soil per unit weight of amendment was calculated, and for air, the difference in air volume per unit of amendment λ was calculated.

In this example, a crosslinked copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide (having a ratio of potassium acrylate monomer units to acrylamide units of 0,387 and approximately 1 ionic group for every 3 neutral groups) is used. ) was tested at two particle sizes under flower pot environmental conditions. The soil is 2 parts above the surface layer, 2 parts
It was a 2-2-1 mixture of 1 part peat moss and 1 part perlite. The pot has a diameter of 165 cIn and costs 600 per piece.
p (12 oocc) of soil was added. Crosslinked potassium acrylate-acrylamide copolymer was added at 3 g per pot (2.5 &/J). Each weight was watered seven times with tap water at a rate of 500 g, and allowed to drain in equilibrium at intervals. Each data point below represents the average of two pots. The results are summarized in Table VVc below.

These data indicate that the granular crosslinked copolymers of the present invention are somewhat less effective at increasing the water capacity of this enriched organic soil, but they do increase the air holding capacity. It has been shown that it is significantly more effective than fine powder.

The example uses the "in-needle method" of Example 5 and illustrates the stability to continuous water supply in highly ionic polyelectrolyte polymers. This polyelectrolyte hydrogel contained approximately 3 ionic groups to 1 nonionic group. Watering was first done with tap water and then with fertilizer solution. This crosslinked comonomer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide is 2.8
It had a potassium acrylate to acrylamide monomer unit ratio of 2. A mixture of soil, peat moss and perlite from 2-2-1 was used in 16.5 cm diameter pots.

5 g (4,211/l) of polyelectrolyte polymer
00g of soil vj (which had a volume of W12oocc) was added. First, tap water was supplied four times, and then soil measurements were performed. Then 200 ppm (N) of Peter's solution ts2/l/no, i.e. 20-20-20
It was watered 6 times with a fertilizer solution containing N, P2O5, K2O%.

The results are summarized in Table 6 below.

These data in Table Vl show that certain polyelectrolytes lose significant water capacity after reacting with common fertilizer solutions. And the Xw value is a 7IIH20/1
Note the drop from 1 polymer to 22.9 H20/7 polymer.

Example 7 The "in-the-needle method" of Example 5 was used. In this example the soil is 1-1
-1 was a commercially available green-weed mixture consisting of a mixture of soil, peat moss, and sand. Straight i16.5crn
ay in a pot of 4.5I (s5&/lj> or 7.5F
765 containing (61 g/J) of polyelectrolyte polymer
g of soil (approximately 1200 cc). An appropriate amount of polyelectrolyte soil conditioner was pre-mixed with the soil. The polyelectrolyte polymer was a crosslinked copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide with a potassium acrylate to acrylamide monomer ratio of 0.548. This monomer ratio is equivalent to approximately 1 ionic group to 6 nonionic groups. Water supply method: Water supply 3 with tap water 500-
times, then Peter's solution (200 ppm (N) of 2O
-20-2N, P2O5, 20 solution) 5.00 m7 of water was supplied twice. Each water application was followed by at least 6 hours of free drainage. Each of the data points below represents the average of 3 Tsukuda pots. The measurements were taken after applying the fertilizer solution. The results are summarized in Table ■ below.

The data in Table ■ shows that the addition of the polyelectrolyte polymer of the present invention significantly increases both the water and air holding capacity of highly organic soils at all amendment levels. This indicates that the

Also, a comparison with Example 6 shows that this polymeric °4 solute (after watering with fertilizer solution) has a high ionic/nonionic ratio which is much higher (more than 2 times) than that of polyelectrolyte hydrogels.
Indicates that it has a water capacity (Xw).

Example 8 The one pot method of Example 5 was used. In this example, the soil consisted of 2 parts peat moss, 1 part vermiculite, and 1 part perlite and a soluble fertilizer.

Soil mixture 210I OJ9,4.51C5,811/
l> or 7. s I (6,311/II) polyelectrolyte polymer and placed in a 16.5c+a diameter pot. The polyelectrolyte polymer was a crosslinked copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide with a potassium acrylate/acrylamide monomer unit ratio of 0.648. This is a representative modifier of the present invention.

Water was supplied six times with tap water at 500 mA intervals.

Each data point represents the average of 5 pots.

The results are summarized in Table t1 below.

The data for this soil, which is rich in nodules, indicates that the typical insoluble polyelectrolyte polymer of the present invention has both air holding capacity and water capacity. Additionally, the amount of added polymer was not critical as either amount of amendment produced soil with superior properties.

Note that the grams of water per pot increased as the amount of amendment increased.

Example 9 The one pot method of Example 5 was used. This is a comparative example that illustrates the limitations of the invention. This illustrates the inability of certain polymeric soil conditioners to increase both air holding capacity and water capacity under the environmental conditions of the pot.

The soil conditioners were Vi terra hydrogel soil conditioner (a trade name for a 50% polyethylene oxide-50% inert ingredients soil conditioner manufactured by Union Carbide) and Gelgard XDl 30 o (cross-linked partially hydrolyzed Polyacrylamide (approximately 40
% hydrolysis, particles smaller than 100 mesh (US standard sieve)).

506g in a 16.5cm diameter pot, approximately 1200Ce 2
-2-1 Soil mixture (2 parts topsoil, 2 parts peat moss, 1 part perlite enriched organic soil) was filled. Add 15 g (12,511/l) of Vterra Hydrogel Soil Conditioner per pot to 8 pots and 6.5 g per pot. s 11 (2,9 f//l) of modified polyacrylamide was added to eight separate pots. Each data point below represents the average of 8 pots. Each weight was supplied with tap water of 50 om/mt seven times, and was allowed to drain in equilibrium at intervals. The Ca value was calculated by the "column method" rather than the "in-needle method". The results are summarized in Table ■ below.

The data in Table 1 illustrates that a certain amount of soil amendment can greatly increase the water capacity of a soil, but does not necessarily increase the air holding capacity or even decrease it.

Example 10 The "intra-needle method" of Example 5 was used. 588 soil conditioners were compared. iI! l+chi, potassium-bonded polyacrylate (manufactured by Toho Rayon Co., Ltd., the potassium content is the same as that of the polymer)
(30-35%); Zene2 Mills product 5PG-s
02 s, starch hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile graft copolymer; Grain Processing Co. product 35-A
100, a granular water-insoluble alkali metal carboxylate salt of a starch-7 acrylonitrile graft copolymer prepared by saponifying the starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymer with an aqueous alcohol solution (described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,661,815) ); Gelgard
D-1300M, a crosslinked partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (particle size less than about 40X hydrolyzed 4100 mesh); and the polyelectrolyte polymer of the present invention. This polyelectrolyte polymer was a crosslinked monomer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide having a potassium acrylate to acrylamide monomer ratio of 0,648.

Standard Cornell recommended ingredients including lime (Cornell
lRecommendations for Common
ercial Florjculture Crops,
(See Cornell University Press, April 1974, p. 3)
A 2-1-1 mixture (peat moss, vermiculite, perlite) to which was added as fertilizer was used. 130p (1
2 (10 cc) of soil mixture, 9 (4,2 II/l)
) and 16.5 crrti of polymer.
I put it in MH's pot. The data points below represent the average of 5 pots for each treatment. Water was supplied 20 times. i.e. 6 times with tap water, 20-20-20.200 pp of Peter's
m (N) fertilizer solution, 500n+7 each! Each water application was followed by free drainage for at least 8 hours, 14 times each.

All pots were dried to normal levels four times before watering to simulate normal growth conditions. Of course, just before taking the data, all the pots were watered with tap water three times to leach out the accumulated salts. . The results are summarized in Table X below.

The data in Table X above demonstrate that the polymers of this invention are the only polymers that significantly increase the water and air holding capacity of the composition.

Example 11 This example demonstrates the equilibrium solution holding capacity (
X value). The polymers tested were fi
Polyelectrolyte polymer of the present invention as described in Example 10; (2)
Potassium-bonded polyacrylate (manufactured by Toho Rayon Co., Ltd., potassium content 30-35% of the weight of the polymer); (
31 General Mills Product 5PG-5025, starch hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile graft copolymer; (4
) Grain Processing Co. Product 35-A100, a granular water-insoluble alkali metal carboxylate salt of a starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymer prepared by saponifying the starch-acrylonitrile graft copolymer with an aqueous alcoholic solution of base ( US special ifF Eki 3
．． 661.815); t51GeJgard
XD-1300 product (manufactured by Dow Corning, Qelg
ard is cross-linked partially hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (approximately 40
% hydrolysis, particle size smaller than 100 mesh).

Equilibrium capacity (X value) was calculated by the following formula.

The test method was as follows. A weighed amount of each dry (dehydrated) polymer was placed in the solution and gently stirred overnight. The water-swollen polymer particles were then separated and weighed. The X value was calculated according to the formula above.

An effective soil conditioner must be of suitable chemical composition so that it irreversibly crosslinks in the presence of multivalent ions in the soil solution and does not lose its water capacity.

Table 1 below lists the planar capacities (X values) of several polymers in deionized aqueous solutions of CaCl2. 36 ppm Ca++, the average concentration in tap water, and 50 ppm Ca++, the concentration commonly found in soil solutions.
The concentration of To illustrate the irreversibility of crosslinking by calcium, the swollen polymer in Ca solution was filtered, soaked in excess deionized water overnight, and the X value was determined again. The results of these tests are summarized in Table M below.

The data for Sentoku Sentoku 0 Rin It shows. Gel
Note that the gard N product provides significant water capacity in the s o o ppm Ca'' bath, and Examples 9 and 10 illustrate that this reduces the air retention capacity of the soil.

Example 12 The "in-body method" of Example 5 was used. Marketable (Cv) cucumbers were grown in a soil consisting of 2 parts topsoil, 2 parts peat moss, and 1 part perlite. The treated bodies were control soil, control soil and Viterra hydrogel soil conditioner (trademark of 50% polyethylene oxide-50% inviscid component soil conditioner manufactured by Union Carbide) or 3 Yuzu polyelectrolyte polymer of the present invention. It was made of a crosslinked copolymer of potassium acrylic powder and acrylamide. The crosslinked Karasu molecular electrolyte polymers of the present invention used each have a chemical composition of 1riJ-,
That is, it had a potassium acrylate to acrylamide monomer ratio of 0.387. However, each of the three samples had a different degree of cross-linking, and therefore had a different water capacity.

The amounts used of each of the 5111s of the present invention were varied according to their equilibrium water content in tap water to obtain the same amount of hydrogel-bound water per pot. 600p (12o
occ) soil mixed with soil amendment, 165cIIL
I put it in a diameter pot. The amount of each soil conditioner used per pot is
Control example Ofl, Viterra hydrogel soil conditioner 15g, decomposed polymer of the present invention polymer sample A4,9,
They were Sample B 5g and Sample C2, 5#. The water supply method is
After taking preliminary data, 4 times with 500 μl of tap water,
Subsequently, alternate water supply 1 with 2 o ppm (N) of 20-20-20 Peter's solution (8 times) and tap water (7 times)
Five sessions were performed over a total period of approximately 61 days. Each data point represents the average of 5 pots. Each weight had one plant. Plant growth data was taken on day 43. The results are summarized in Table X1ll and Table X■ below.

Table XI Control Soil 2.2 1.6 Cross-linked Copolymer with Hydrogel Soil Conditioner Ruamide) Technique: "l:l 21:1 ω NN) 2 --111 Improvement in soil properties is based on plant growth data The number of nodes increased to 15096 compared to the control soil, and the number of leaves with a length of 13 cIIL or more emerging from the nodes was 40.
It increases by more than 0chi. Therefore, it can be seen that cross-linked copolymers of potassium acrylate and acrylamide support plant growth in a dramatic manner.

Example 13 The "in-the-needle method" of Example 5 was used. Cross-linked copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide (with potassium acrylate to acrylamide monodisperse ratio of 0,348) and Viterra hydrogel soil conditioner on soil properties and growth of red rock bean (Phaseolus vulgrts) The effect of this was measured. The soil used was a commercially available soil mixture for indoor potting (45-by-volume beet, 40- by volume).
% wood and rosin chips, 10% pumice, and 5% sand and fertilizer). ±l of 620FI (120QcC)
One plant was planted in a 145cm 1F diameter trace with 1ft. After 4 water supplies, collect trap data, then use tap water for 9
times, then Peter's 20-20-20 fertilizer solution 200
Water was added twice at (N) ppm. Both were 500- each.

Viterra Hydrogel Soil Conditioner is 10 per pot.
g (8,51/l'). Leaves made from a cross-linked copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide weigh 21 tz per pot.
I! ,#)Met. Each data point is the average of five pots. The total growth period was approximately 45 days.

When the plants matured by flowering, K. watered the entire pot several times to ensure saturation and covered the surface with plastic film to stop evaporative losses and wilt the plants. When there was only a similarity between the first rows, moisture traces were measured and compared with the soil sample.

The results are summarized in Tables X and *xvitc below.

Table The cross-linked comonomers of potassium acrylate and acrylamide significantly improve soil properties even when added in much lower amounts (115) than the Viterra hydrogel soil conditioner. These data also demonstrate that the water retained by the polymers of the present invention is highly effective for use by plants. Polyelectrolyte polymers of 2I Note that it retained an additional 100 y of water that could have been used by the plant before wilting.

Example 14 Big Boy - (Cv ) studied the growth of tomato plants. The soil was a 1-1-1 mixture of topsoil, peat moss, and sand in the container. The container is ÷4
4 "Market Pack", i.e. size is 14 x 19
．． It was a 7×7 cm press fiber container. Fill each container with 856g (12oocc) of soil, container 1
Twelve tomato transplants were planted per individual. 10 containers (
120 plants) were grown. That is, 5 containers were control examples, and 5 containers each contained a crosslinked copolymer of z3,9 (6,1, p/J). The containers were watered as needed for 60 days and similarly fertilized with 200 ppm (N) Beater's solution (2021-20). After 60 days, all plants were watered thoroughly and allowed to stand. The control tomato plants wilted in 4 days and the treated tomato plants wilted in 7 days, thus an improvement of 75 cm. After wilting, the plants were cut at soil level, dried in the open at 110° C. for 24 hours, and weighed for growth index.

The average final dry liter content of each pair of 60 bottles was 0.7111. Tomato plants grown in the treated soil averaged 0.92 I dry plants per plant, thus a 60% improvement and r::. Thus, it can be seen that soil fractures treated with cross-linked copolymers produce more mature plants and are able to survive longer watering intervals.

Example 15 3af) One chrysanthemum plant was grown in control soil and in a cross-linked copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide (O448 acrylic/
The plants were grown in soil amended with I/potassium acid to acrylamide monomer unit ratio). The soil was WM with 6 parts peat moss, 2 parts each perlite, vermiculite and sand. 1.4459 mixture (26o
Three rooted cuttings of one of the varieties listed below were planted in 20° diameter plastic pots containing a variety of plants (occ).

Granchild s, (Granchild), White Granchild species (Granchild)
ild ) or Irini spinning/spinning wheel @ (I
lliniSpinningwheel), 18 pots for each variety, thus 162 plants. Half of the pot is a control example, and the other half is 10g per pot.
(8.3 g/l) of Kakamaki collage was added.

The plants were watered externally by rain or sprinkler for 9 weeks 1)) and then transferred to a greenhouse for shelf life testing. After one final and sufficient watering, the others were allowed to wilt. The wilting time (row time) was measured when all the leaves had withered and the flowers began to wither. Of course, withering time is an important parameter for florists.

The results of the number of days for wilting are summarized in the table below.

table This shows that treating the soil in which flowers grow had a significant effect on sustaining the wilting time of the flowers.

Example 1 In the example in 1, two poinsettia plant varieties, Eckespoint C-IRed
) and dark red Annette header (Dark R
ed Annette Hegg) with a Gornell type mixture consisting of heat moss, vermiculite, and per2ite, and the type compound 11 per putschiel! 1 was made with the addition of surface soil. The treated bodies were control earthenware and Viter
The soils were amended with an RA hydrogel soil amendment or a cross-linked copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide (having a potassium acrylate to acrylamide monomer unit ratio of 0,548). The purpose of these tests is to
It's about growing stock crops for the consumer market, not having flower plants. Therefore, the criteria for success were cut flowers (length greater than 5 crIL) or total number of branches produced.

Twelve pots were used with each treatment trap of two trap varieties. These are approximately 186J (1 pot) per pot.
It was grown in a pot with a diameter of 145 crn containing 100 Ce) of soil. Treatment with Viterra hydrogel soil conditioner resulted in a, s, 9 (op/l) and 13.2 per pot.
g (12 g/)).

The cross-linked copolymers were studied at a loading of 4.411 (4 to 9 parts m''). Watering was done as needed and was generally 250 ppm (N) (25-10-10N-PI).
The test was carried out using Peter's vinegar solution having a composition of 08-KtO). Seventy-eighth days after planting, the top 5 to 4 inches of the new growths were cut off by hand to "break," that is, to encourage the formation of branches (cut flowers). On the 25th, 8th, a growth-retarding IA agent, Cycocel.
(Trimethyl chloride 2-
Growth was controlled by blowing the leaves with chloroethylammonium) 30001) PI.

After 45 days, all cut flowers of 6cIrL or higher, which were classified as valid cut flowers, were removed. Branches smaller than this and thicker than 2α were also excluded. These were called branches. The number of cuts and branches was counted. Furthermore, the total weight of cut flowers and branches was measured to further determine and quantify the beneficial effects of the soil conditioner. The results are summarized in Tables X and XIX below.

Low loadings of Viterr & Hydrogel soil conditioner did not significantly improve the number of cut flowers or their total weight. Vi
High loadings of terra hydrogel soil conditioner had a significant effect, especially for Expoin+1. Cross-linked copolymers were used for both varieties of poinsettia, and for V
Iterra hydrogel soil conditioner produced significant yield improvements with a similar improvement in the amount of %.

Example 17 Four pilot gardens were used with 40 inch top beds, two rows per bed, and 10 inch seed spacing.

The soil had a high clay content found in the Salinas Valley region of California. The area for sowing seeds was made using a hollow digging tool (ziple) to a width of % in and a depth of 3 Ain. One lettuce salad (C-Hartnel) in each location.
1) was collected and then subjected to one of the three treatments described below.

In the first treatment, ie, the control example, #1 teaspoon H of vermiculite was placed on top of each of the 50 seeds and pounded to harden the seeds in each spot in each garden.

In the second treatment, vermiculite was added mixed with approximately 1025 g of dry 1 coal, also in 50 locations per garden. In the third treatment, ≦(approximately 2.517 g) of hydrogel (approx. I placed it on top. This hydrogel is a fully swollen cross-linked combination of potassium acrylate and acrylamide.
(having a potassium acrylic to acrylamide monomer unit ratio of 0.34a).

The four gardens were then watered evenly at 3 a.m. each.

Germination/expression was counted 4 days after planting without rain and the following results were obtained.

Control area 05 CH expression dry polymer treated individual Pk ao%' @ current hydrogel treated individual Wra 9 CH expression example 18 Crosslinked copolymer particles of acrylic acid potassium and acrylamide (o, 548 potassium acrylate to acrylamide monomer ) and 0.5 to 6% by weight of a
A counterfeit powdered test material (either listed or wet-fed) was placed in a plastic bag and shaken vigorously to coat the copolymer. The co-merged particles had a particle size between 110 meshes and 60 meshes. 3 in any of the seven tests.
Two grams of the copolymer particles were added to and mixed with 200 cc of peat moss and humus-enriched wet field soil.

The test materials for 68I were as follows. 1) Superhydrophobic fumed silica particles (manufactured by Tullonox 500 from Tullono Inc., North Billerica, Massachusetts)
commercially available as). The hydrophobic fumed silica particles have a nominal particle size of 0.007μ, 325 yt”/17
225 had a surface area of 7 g and a bulk density of 31 b/ft" according to the theoretical surface area and element adsorption measurements. 2) Hydrophobic fumed silica (commercially available from Cabot Co., Ltd. CAB-0-8)
commercially available as IL TYpe M-5). This fumed silica particle has an extremely small particle size of 50-400
It has a large surface area of between m'/g. 6) Hydrophobic fumed silica (commercially available under the trademark 5ilanox 101 from Kapot, Boston, Mass.). 4) Wood flour made from Douglas rice husk (commercially available as grade T-100 from Menasha, Oregon) with a particle size such that 99 meshes pass through 100 meshes. The polymer particles were premoistened with a 2% by weight solution of polyvinyl alcohol to make their external surfaces adherent to the wood flour. 5) Hydrophobic diaphragm filter powder (sold under the trademark Celite by John Manville Products Co., Ubac, Calif.) of a particle size such that 99% passes through a 150 mesh. 6) Hydrophobic talcum powder (commercially available as % 1127 from Reitz, Tackler-Clarke & Danielts, Inc., Plainfield, New Jersey), which is 99% 120 mesh! !
The grain size is such that it passes through the water.

The effectiveness of each cypress in preventing the formation of agglomerates due to rapid absorption of soil moisture was observed in comparison with the polymer electrolytic composite of the present invention. Agglomeration will prevent homogeneous mixing of the polymer particles and soil. The results of these tests are summarized in Table XXK below.

Table XX Hydrophobic humid 3A % Very good Silica (Tullanox 500) Hydrophilic humid y2% Poor silica (CAB-0-8IL) Hydrophobic humid % H Very good Silica (8i1anox 1o1) Wood flour 3% Good (Celite ) Talc % Ti Marginally Good Although various examples described herein were conducted using a crosslinked copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide as the LN coalescence component, the invention is not limited thereto. The present invention
The use of the aforementioned crosslinked polyelectrolyte polymers as a soil conditioner and as a component in the plant culture compositions of the present invention is contemplated.

The uninvented insoluble polymers, decomposed polymers, are not consumed to any significant extent by the plants themselves, and can be cultivated until they absorb soil solution and become nutrients for the plants. Acts as an inactive ingredient in body compositions. They are distinguished by their ability to incorporate or adsorb aqueous or organic electrolyte solutions of free or non-adsorbed compounds and/or various solutes into their matrix and to release these sorbed substances into the surrounding environment; Due to its ability to increase the air retention of soil by 8M when swollen by solutions such as those described above, it has found widespread utility in the industrial field. The foregoing activators are not chemically affected by or react with the indecent polyelectrolyte complexes of the present invention. The molecular electrolyte complexes of the present invention provide an effective and improved means of performing the known functions of water and other known active agents or pesticides.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an enlarged view showing the improved soil matrix of the present invention containing polyelectrolyte polymer particles in a dehydrated state, and FIG. It is an enlarged view showing the improved soil matrix in the figure. 12 (12
g, 12b, 12c. 12d, 12e, 12f) are soil particles, 14 (14a)
are pores, and 20 (20a) are polymer particles. Engraving of drawings (no change in content) Procedural amendment November 1980 90 Indication of the case of Mr. Manabu Shiga, Commissioner of the Patent Office 1982 Patent Application No. 212751, title of invention Amended amendment for improving soil to modify soil matrix Name of patent applicant: Union Carbide Corporation Agent Address: 3-13-11 Nihonbashi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo Oil and Fat Industry Hall: +f4+ 1'～-゛-,,! , ”＋・i □-5-, -ya, 5', y, li, S, Contents of the amendment to the specification meeting subject to the 1 amendment Reprint of the specification as attached (no change in content) Procedural amendment 1982 November 12 LI Indication of the case of Mr. Manabu Shiga, Commissioner of the Patent Office, Patent Application No. 212751 of 1982, title of the invention Relationship with the case of a person amending an amendment to modify soil matrix Name of patent applicant Union Carbide Corporation Agent〒103 Gate - 1 key, 1.. □h 1 廿に悮ゆすんさかき町l-≦Σ Features of the specification subject to amendmentlff1Il! Scope of request/Contents of Kusunoki's amendment to the detailed description of the invention As per the appendix, the statement of the present application is amended as follows: t The scope of the claim is amended as follows: Suitable and/or cultivating soil amendments in themselves include copolymers of acrylic sulfate and acrylamide rendered insoluble by cross-linking and having a particle size of between about 8 mesh and about 200 mesh. comprising polyelectrolyte-based polymer particles containing polymer particles that provide a swollen hydrogel having a gel strength of greater than about 0.3 psi in the presence of an aqueous solution, and furthermore, about 100 times or more of JliJt in distilled water. , which is further defined as being capable of reversibly absorbing and desorbing about 75 times or more of its am in a MA semi-fertilizer solution and about 15 times or more of its true meaning in a solution containing 500 ppm of calcium ions. (3) A soil improvement agent according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains one or more of the following: (8) A soil improvement agent according to claim 1, characterized in that it contains one or more of the following: (8) The average hydrophobic substance is about 100 mμ or less. Ball 2.
Delete "This ionic group is called..." in lines au1o to 12. & Delete "many" in the 9th stroke, line 11. 4. The electrolyte salt combination that corrects "It is preferable to denature the soil matrix..." from line 4 of page 10a to line 4 of page 11 is the combination of 1 Jum acrylic acid and acrylic amide. It is a point union. ” 5, line 1105 to page 12, line 2 “Also, the present invention...
...is preferable). ” to be deleted. & Delete "The present invention may also be used..." in lines 5 to 13 of page 12. L Correct "rental" in the bottom three lines of page 49 to "tare". Procedural Amendment Document January 1985 10 accounts Manabu Shiga Commissioner of the Patent Office Display of the case 1982 Patent Application No. 212751 Title of the invention Relationship with the case of the person amending the improvement agent for modifying the soil fracture matrix Patent Drawings subject to amendment by applicant's agent Contents of amendment in one copy Engraving of drawings as attached (no change in content)

Claims (1)

[Claims] m a soil conditioner suitable for mixing with a soil matrix having a moisture content of not more than about 5% by volume and/or as a cultivated material per se, made insoluble by cross-linking and containing from about 8 meshes to about 200 meshes; comprising polyelectrolyte polymer particles that are a copolymer of potassium acrylate and acrylamide with a particle size between, the polymer particles providing a swollen hydrogel having a gel strength of greater than about 0.3 psi in the presence of an aqueous solution. Furthermore, distilled water reversibly contains about 100 times its weight, standard fertilizer solutions contain about 75 times its weight, and solutions containing 500 ppm calcium ions reversibly contain about 15 times its weight. A soil amendment further defined as being capable of absorbing and desorbing.