AQUEOUS SEAWEED EXTRACT IN THE FORM OF A SOLUTION CONCENTRATE

Abstract

There is provided an aqueous seaweed extract in the form of a solution concentrate composition comprising: (a) at least 0.5% by weight soluble alginate based on the weight of concentrate composition; (b) at least 0.1% calcium by weight based on the weight of concentrate composition; (c) a calcium-chelating agent; and (d) a borate compound.

Claims

1. There is provided an aqueous seaweed extract in the form of a solution concentrate composition comprising: (a) at least 0.5% by weight soluble alginate based on the weight of concentrate composition; (b) at least 0.1% calcium by weight based on the weight of concentrate composition; (c) a calcium-chelating agent; and (d) a borate compound.

2. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the soluble alginate is present in an amount of at least 2% by weight of the concentrate composition.

3. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the borate (as boron equivalent) is present in an amount in the range of from 0.02 to 5% by weight based on the weight of the concentrate composition.

4. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the weight ratio of borate (as boron equivalent) to calcium is in the range of from 1:1 to 1:25.

5. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein calcium chelating agent is present in an amount in the range of from 0.1% to 8% by weight based on the weight of the concentrate composition.

6. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the molar ratio of chelating agent:calcium is in the range of from 12:1 to 1:4.

7. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, comprising at least 60% w/w water.

8. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises no more than 95% w/w water.

9. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the seaweed extract solution concentrate composition comprises: (a) alginate in an amount in the range of from 5% to 25% by weight of the weight of the concentrate composition; (b) calcium in an amount of from 0.1% to 5% by weight of the weight of the concentrate composition; (c) borate (as boron equivalent) in an amount in the range of from 0.02% to 5% by weight of the weight of the concentrate composition; (d) calcium chelating agent in the range of from 0.1% to 8% by weight of the concentrate composition; and (e) water in an amount of from 60% to 95% w/w of the concentrate composition.

10. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the borate is present in an amount of from 0.02 to 0.5% (as boron equivalent) by weight of the concentrate composition.

11. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the calcium is in the form of a calcium salt comprising at least one selected from the group consisting of calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium fulvate and calcium gluconate.

12. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the pH of the solution concentrate is in the range of from 7 to 12.5.

13. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, comprising one or more further materials selected from the group consisting of plant nutrients, pesticides, plant safeners, plant defence elicitors, soil enhancers, microbial nutrients, and beneficial biologicals, or parts, such as microbes.

14.-16. (canceled)

17. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 9, further comprising a biological plant protection agent selected from the group consisting of Bacillus thuringiensis; Bacillus firmus; the proteins, spores and toxins of at least one of Bacillus thuringiensis and Bacillus firmus; baculovirus; and endophytes.

18. (canceled)

19. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, comprising the chelating agent gluconodeltalactone (GDL) and wherein the weight ratio of GDL to calcium ion is at least 2 preferably at least 2.4.

20. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the borate compound comprises at least one selected from the group consisting of trialkyl borates, perborates, borax decahydrate, borax pentahydrate and boric acid.

21. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the boron compound is hydrated borax.

22. An aqueous seaweed extract according to claim 1, wherein the composition further comprises one or more phosphorous compounds.

23.-24. (canceled)

25. A method of preparing an aqueous seaweed extract in the form of a solution concentrate, the method comprising: (a) extracting a seaweed to provide a seaweed extract comprising alginate in an amount of at least 0.5% w/w, of the concentrate composition; (b) combining the extract with a calcium source in the presence of a calcium chelating agent and a borate compound to provide least 0.1% w/w calcium to provide a composition according to claim 1.

26.-27. (canceled)

28. A method of enhancing plant growth comprising: (a) providing a liquid seaweed extract concentrate composition according to claim 1; (b) optionally diluting the seaweed extract concentrate composition; and (c) applying the liquid seaweed extract to the plants or locus of the plants before, during or after planting in an amount to provide one or more benefit selected from the group consisting of improved plant vigour, enhanced plant growth, reduced plant stress and improved soil.

29. (canceled)

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0101] In the drawings:

[0102] FIG. 1 is a graph of the variation in gel particle size formed within the borate containing composition of the invention with the ratio of gluconodeltalactone (GDL)/calcium ion. The upper plot shows mean particle size and the lower plot shows the median particle size.

COMPARATIVE EXAMPLES 1 TO 7

[0103] These comparative examples examine the use of calcium chelating agents (in the absence of borate salts) in an attempt to stabilise an aqueous liquid seaweed extract concentrate.

[0104] The seaweed extract sold under the SEASOL brand was purchased from a commercial hardware store in Australia and had the specification shown in Table 1. The soluble solids content was increased from 15.5% by weight to 18% by weight by evaporation (this concentrate is a liquid with 82% w/w water content). The 18% w/w solids content was a solution without any precipitate.

[0105] The compositions of Comparative Examples 1 to 7 were prepared in accordance with the process in Table 2 and the resulting composition was examined for gel and or precipitate formation with the results shown in Table 2.

[0106] The chelating agents alone failed to provide the stability suitable for storage transport and handling of the seaweed extract concentrate with soluble calcium moieties.

[0107] The examples refer to a number of seaweed concentrates including the SEASOL seaweed concentrate product.

[0108] Composition of SEASOL Seaweed Extract (Trademark of SEASOL International Pty Ltd)

TABLE-US-00001 TABLE 1 Component/feature Amount Units pH 10.5 Total solids 15.5 % w/w Specific gravity 1.1 Grams/ml appearance Dark brown liquid, seaweed odour filtration 150 microns Element nitrogen 0.2% w/v phosphorous 0.02% w/v potassium 3.7% w/v boron 15 mg/L calcium 458 mg/L cobalt <0.5 mg/L copper <0.5 mg/L iron 115 mg/L magnesium 972 mg/L manganese 2 mg/L molybdenum <0.5 mg/L selenium <0.5 mg/L silicon 56 mg/L sodium 6820 mg/L sulfur 2,574 mg/L zinc 5

TABLE-US-00002 TABLE 2 Comparative Example (CE) Composition and results CE Calcium chelating Number formulation Moiety results 1 Start with SEASOL 18% soluble EDTA Large gel solids. particles Add 4% calcium nitrate, then add formed 1.5% tetrasodium EDTA 2 Make complex (with 1.5 parts EDTA, fulvic acid Layer formed tetrasodium EDTA, 4.5 parts calcium at bottom of nitrate, 1 part fulvic acid in 5 parts container water. Add 10 parts complex to (90 parts) SEASOL (18% soluble solids) 3 Make complex (with 8 parts Hydroxyethylenediamin Large gel HEDTA(40% soln in water) etriacetic acid particles and 5 parts calcium nitrate. Add 2 (HEDTA) formed parts complex to 90 parts SEASOL (18% soluble solids). 4 Add 10 parts calcium fulvate powder Fulvic acid Large gel to 90 parts SEASOL (18% soluble particles solids) formed 5 Into 84 parts SEASOL (18% soluble glucono delta lactone Crystal solids) add 1 part calcium hydroxide precipitate and 15 parts glucono delta lactone. 6 Make complex with 5 parts calcium glucono delta lactone Large gel nitrate, 3 parts gluconodelta lactone, particles 1.9 parts monoethanolamine and 4.5 formed parts water. Add 10 parts complex to 90 parts SEASOL (18% solublesolids). 7 Add 5 parts fulvic acid powder plus 6 Fulvic acid Phase parts calcium nitrate to 90 parts separation, SEASOL 18% solids Product not uniform

EXAMPLE 1

Preparation of a Seaweed Extract Concentrate Composition According to the Invention

[0109] The seaweed extract concentrate composition of Example 1 is prepared by making a calcium chelate pre-mix (see table entry below designated part1:calcium chelate pre-mix) and incorporating the calcium chelate pre-mix into SEASOL liquid extract followed by mixing and pH adjustment (see Table 3 below). The calcium chelate pre-mix comprises 1) a Source of calcium, 2) a chelating moiety for calcium, 3) a boron source and 4) a pH additive.

[0110] The seaweed extract concentrate composition of Example 1 is prepared by the steps shown in Table 3 with the components and amounts specified.

TABLE-US-00003 TABLE 3 Amount Required (kg) calcium containing liquid seaweed extract of the invention Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. Seaweed extract with Soluble solids 18% (Part 2) 90 kg Start Stirrer Slowly add calcium chelate pre-mix (Part 1) 13.2 kg Mix for 10 minutes Test pH then add Potassium Hydroxide 1 kg Add till pH above 10.9 to 11.4 Mix for 5 minutes after each addition Total 104.2 kg Part 1: Calcium Chelate Pre-mix Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. Water (Heat to 40 C.) 60 kg Start Stirrer Calcium Nitrate tetrahydrate 47 kg Glucono Delta Lactone 29 kg Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Borax) 11 kg Monethanolamine 23 kg Measure pH = 7.5 to 9 Total 170 kg

[0111] The final composition made using the above procedure had the following composition shown in Table 4:

TABLE-US-00004 TABLE 4 Item % w/w SEASOL (18% soluble solids) 86.37 Added water 4.47 Calcium nitrate tetrahydrate 3.50 Glucono delta lactone 2.16 Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (borax) 0.82 monoethanolamine 1.71 Potassium hydroxide 0.96 Total 99.99

[0112] The density of the final composition was 1.14 kg per litre.

[0113] The concentration of glucono delta lactone in the final composition was 2.16% w/w, and at density 1.14 kg/L this corresponds to 2.46% w/v.

[0114] The concentration of sodium borate (as sodium tetraborate decahydrate, Na.sub.2B.sub.4O.sub.7.10H.sub.20, molecular weight 381.4) in the final composition was 0.82% w/w and at formulation density 1.14 kg/L this corresponds to 0.93% w/v. The concentration in terms of boron was 410.8/381.40.82=0.093% w/w and at formulation density 1.14 kg/L this corresponds to 0.11% w/v.

[0115] The concentration of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2.4H.sub.2O, molecular weight 236.1) in the final composition was 3.50% w/w and at formulation density 1.14 kg/L this corresponds to about 4% w/v as calcium nitrate tetrahydrate. The concentration in terms of calcium was 40/236.13.5=0.59% w/w and at formulation density 1.14 kg/L this corresponds to 0.68% w/v.

[0116] The concentration of alginate in the final composition was about 10% w/w.

EXAMPLE 2

Preparation of a Liquid Calcium Containing Seaweed Extract Concentrate Composition According to the Invention

[0117] The seaweed extract concentrate of Example 2 is prepared using the procedure and amounts of components shown in Table 5 below.

TABLE-US-00005 TABLE 5 Amount Required (kg) Calcium containing liquid seaweed concentrate of the invention Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. SEASOL (Soluble solids 18%) (Part 2) 90 kg Start Stirrer Slowly add calcium chelate pre-mix (PART 1) 13.7 kg Mix for 10 minutes Test pH then add Potassium Hydroxide 1 kg Add till pH above 10.9 to 11.4 Mix for 5 minutes after each addition Total 104.7 kg Part 1: Calcium Chelate Premix Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. Water (Heat to 40 C.) 60 kg Start Stirrer Calcium Nitrate tetrahydrate 50 kg Glucono Delta Lactone 29 kg Sodium Borate (Borax, tetrasodium borate 11 kg decahydrate) Potassium Hydroxide 6 kg Measure pH = 7.5 to 9 Total 156 kg

[0118] The final composition of Example 2 made using the above procedure had the following composition shown in Table 6:

TABLE-US-00006 TABLE 6 Item % w/w SEASOL (18% soluble solids) 85.96 Added water 5.03 Calcium nitrate tetrahydrate 4.19 Glucono Delta lactone 2.43 Sodium borate 0.92 Potassium hydroxide 1.5 Total 100.03

[0119] The density of the final composition was 1.14 kg per litre.

[0120] The concentration of glucono delta lactone in the final composition was 2.43% w/w, and at density 1.14 kg/L this corresponds to 2.77% w/v.

[0121] The concentration of sodium borate (as sodium tetraborate decahydrate, Na.sub.2B.sub.4O.sub.7.10H.sub.20, molec weight 381.4) in the final composition was 0.92% w/w and at composition density 1.14 kg/L this corresponds to 1.05% w/v. The concentration in terms of boron was 410.8/381.40.92=0.10% w/w and at formulation density 1.14 kg/L this corresponds to 0.12% w/v.

[0122] The concentration of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate (Ca(NO.sub.3).sub.2.4H.sub.2O, molec weight 236.1) in the final composition was 4.19% w/w and at formulation density density 1.14 kg/L this corresponds to 4.78% w/v. The concentration in terms of calcium was 40/236.14.19=0.71% w/w and at formulation density 1.14 kg/L this corresponds to 0.81% w/v.

[0123] The concentration of alginate in the final composition was 10% w/w.

EXAMPLE 3

Preparation of a Calcium Containing Liquid Seaweed Extract Concentrate Composition According to the Invention

[0124] The seaweed extract composition of Example 3, in which sodium gluconate is the calcium chelator, is prepared by the general process described in Example 1 and detailed in Table 7 using the components in the amounts specified.

TABLE-US-00007 TABLE 7 Amount Required (kg) Calcium containing liquid seaweed concentrate of the invention Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. Seaweed extract with Soluble solids 18% (Part 2) 90 kg Start Stirrer Slowly add calcium chelate pre-mix (PART 1) 13.4 kg Mix for 10 minutes Test pH then add Potassium Hydroxide 1 kg Add till pH above 10.9 to 11.4 Mix for 5 minutes after each addition Total 104.4 kg Part 1: Calcium Chelate Pre-mix Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. Water (Heat to 40 C.) 60 kg Start Stirrer Calcium Nitrate tetrahydrate 47 kg Sodium gluconate 29 kg Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Borax) 10.9 kg Monethanolamine 3.5 kg Measure pH = 7.5 to 9 Total 150.4 kg

EXAMPLE 4

Evaluation of Composition Described in Example 2

[0125] The size and number of gel particles was estimated by using a Dino-Lite Handheld Digital Camera inserted in a Microscope in conjunction with DinoCapture 2 software from AnMo Electronics Corporation. A sample of the seaweed concentrate composition of Example 2 was placed on a microscope slide under a cover slip and the Dino digital was fitted into microscope. After image focussing, a photo was taken and captured on the software (which carried out further analysis). The sieve test was conducted by running 100 ml of concentrate through a sieve and drying and weighing the residue. The results are shown in Table 8.

[0126] Protocols for Particle Size, Average No of Particles, Sieve Test

TABLE-US-00008 TABLE 8 Typical gel Av no of gel particles Sieve test 53 particle size (mm) per sq 0.1 mm 0.1 mm microns. Example 2 0.009 10 0.16%

[0127] The Comparative Examples 1 to 7 contained very significant gelation with relatively large particles (or phase separation) which would render the product difficult or impossible to apply with farm spray equipment whereas the composition of the invention contained insignificant levels of particulates of size which would not interfere with normal spray application. Also the presence of significant particles reduces the bioavailablility of the calcium alginate component which is bound in gel form.

EXAMPLE 5

[0128] This example demonstrates the invention using a variety of six distinct borate compounds. These six distinct borate compounds were: [0129] 1. Trimethyl borateCAS 121-43-7, (purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Australia), purity>99%, chemical formula B(OCH3)3, mole weight 103.91 g. [0130] 2. Triisopropyl borateCAS 5419-55-6 (purchased from Sigma-Aldrich Australia), purity>98%, chemical formula B((CH3)2CHO)3,mole weight 188.07 g. [0131] 3. Sodium Perborate tetrahydrate CAS 10486-00-7 (purchased from Acros Chemicals, Australia), dimer (divalent) anion B2O4(OH)4, 2 boron atoms joined by 2 peroxo bridges, average composition NaBO3.4H2O. [0132] 4. Boric acid, chemical composition B(OH)3, mole weight 61.8 g. [0133] 5. Borax, (sodium borate, sodium tetraborate, disodium tetraborate, sodium tetraborate decahydrate), chemical formula Na2B4O7.10H2O, molar mass 381.38 (decahydrate) 201.22 (anhydrate). [0134] 6. Borax (sodium tetraborate pentahydrate, chemical formula Na2B4O7.5H2O.

[0135] Six different calcium chelate pre-mixes were made by mixing the components shown in Table 9:

TABLE-US-00009 TABLE 9 Part 1: Calcium chelate pre-mix parts Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. Water (Heat to 40 C.) 60 Start Stirrer Calcium nitrate tetrahydrate salt 47 Glucono Delta Lactone 29 Borate compound 11 Monethanolamine 23 Measure pH = 7.5 to 9 Total 170

[0136] The six calcium chelate pre-mixes were designated trimethyl borate pre-mix, triisopropyl borate pre-mix, sodium perborate tetrahydrate pre-mix, boric acid pre-mix, borax decahydrate pre-mix and borax pentahydrate pre-mix.

[0137] Six different formulations of the invention were made by adding 14 parts of calcium chelate pre-mix (6 variations as discussed above) to 86 parts seaweed extract (SEASOL, 18% solids).

[0138] Composition details for these six formulations are provided in table 10 below:

TABLE-US-00010 TABLE 10 Tri- Triiso- Sodium Borax Borax methyl propyl perborate Boric decahy- penta- borate borate tetrahydrate acid drate hydrate Parts Parts Parts Parts Parts Parts by by by by by by Procedure weight weight weight weight weight weight (i) Add 86 86 86 86 86 86 SEASOL, 18% solids (ii) Add 14 14 14 14 14 14 calcium chelate pre- mix Percentage 0.74 0.74 0.74 0.95 0.99 0.73 of final (0.08 as (0.04 as (0.10 as (0.17 (0.11 as (0.108 boron boron) boron) boron) as boron) as contain boron boron) Compound content (Percantage Boron equivalent)

[0139] The formulations shown in Table 10 were examined as follows: The size and number of gel particles was estimated using a Dino-Lite Handheld Digital Camera inserted in a Microscope in conjunction with DinoCapture 2 software from AnMo Electronics Corporation (see Example 4). Results are shown in Table 11.

TABLE-US-00011 TABLE 11 Sodium Trimethyl Triisopropyl perborate Boric Borax Borax borate borate tetrahydrate acid Decahydrate pentahydrate parameter formulation formulation formulation formulation formulation formulation Average gel 0.009 0.014 0.0114 0.0443 0.0058 0.0045 particle size (mm) Standard 0.0056 0.0118 0.0088 0.0237 0.0046 0.002 deviation Average no. of 120 188 192 184 78 48 gel particles per sq 0.1 mm 0.1 mm

[0140] Discussion

[0141] Based on gel particle size (smaller the better) and particle number (fewer the better), boron as borax (pentahydrate form) gave the best formulation and boric acid gave the worst formulation. Other boron moieties were significantly better than boric acid.

EXAMPLE 6

[0142] The following example explores the effect of increasing the calcium concentration (as calcium nitrate tetrahydrate) in formulations of the invention. Calcium-induced precipitation is the key problem addressed by the instant invention, and increasing calcium represents increasing likelihood of instability (associated with the formation of large and/or numerous gel particles).

[0143] Four calcium chelate pre-mixes C1, C2, C3 and C4 with varying quantities of calcium (added as calcium nitrate tetrahydrate) were prepared as provided in Table 12.

TABLE-US-00012 TABLE 12 C1 C2 C3 C4 Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts by component weight weight weight weight water 75 50 40 36 Calcium nitrate 35 60 70 80 tetrahydrate Gluconodelta 29 29 29 23 lactone Borax 8.74 8.74 8.74 8.74 (pentahydrate) Potassium hydroxide monoethanolamine 10 10 10 10 Total 157.74 157.74 157.74 157.74 Percent (rounded) 0.5% 0.9% 1.1% 1.2% calcium when calcium chelate (14 parts) is added to SEASOL (18% solids) 86 parts

[0144] Four formulations of the invention were made by taking 86 parts SEASOL (18% solids) and stirring in 14 parts of the above four calcium chelate pre-mixes C1, C2, C3, C4. These 4 formulations of the invention were designated FC1, FC2, FC3 and FC4 respectively.

[0145] The formulations FC1, FC2, FC3 and FC4 were examined as follows: The size and number of gel particles was estimated using a Dino-Lite Handheld Digital Camera inserted in a Microscope in conjunction with DinoCapture 2 software from AnMo Electronics Corporation (see Example 4). Results are shown in Table 13.

TABLE-US-00013 TABLE 13 parameter FC1 FC2 FC3 FC4 Average gel 0.0054 0.011 0.052 0.044 particle size (mm) Standard 0.0051 0.005 0.044 0.038 deviation

[0146] Discussion

[0147] The above formulations were passed through a 53 micron sieve, and it was observed that the quantity of residue on the sieve was greater for FC3 than for FC1 and FC2, and the quantity of residue for FC4 was significantly greater than for FC3. Gel particle size tends to increase with increasing calcium. The size increase is greatest when the calcium content is between 0.9% and 1.1%. This preferred calcium concentration range level will vary depending on borate loading.

[0148] Note that in the above experiment, the best (small) gel particle sizes are encountered when the ratio of gluconodeltalactone (GDL) to calcium (as calcium nitrate tetrahydrate is greater than around 2.5, and preferably greater than 3. These results are substantiated in Table 14: [0149] Calcium ion concentration based on the fact that in the calcium nitrate used, calcium comprises 17% of weight. [0150] So if there are 35 parts calcium nitrate in a total formulation weight of 157.74 parts (see Table 14 below for formulation with 0.52% calcium, rounded to 0.5%), the percent calcium in the formulation is 3.77%=(350.17/157.74). [0151] If there are 29 parts GDL in 157.74 parts total formulation, the percent GDL in the formulation is 18.38=29100/157.74 [0152] In this scenario, the ratio of GDL to calcium is 18.38/3.77=4.9 (approx).

TABLE-US-00014 TABLE 14 Formulation character F0.5% Cal F0.9% Cal F1.1% Cal F1.2% Cal Water 75 50 40 36 Calcium Nitrate 35 60 70 80 Gluco Delta lactone 29 29 29 23 Monethanolamine 10 10 10 10 Sodium Borate 8.74 8.74 8.74 8.74 Pentahydrate Total mass 157.74 157.74 157.74 157.74 Calcium Ion 3.77 6.5 7.54 8.62 Concentration % GDL mass % 18.38 18.38 18.38 14.58 Ratio GDL/Ca 4.9 2.8 2.4 1.7 Particle Size Mean 0.005 0.011 0.052 0.044 Median size 0.0038 0.0101 0.036 0.0331

[0153] The variation of particle size with the ratio of gluconodeltalactone (GDL) to calcium ion is shown in FIG. 1.

[0154] The above formulations FC1, FC2, FC3, FC4 were re-made by withholding borate components from the above-noted calcium chelate pre-mixes, and by adding the withheld borate material to the SEASOL (18% solids). This addition took place before the final step where calcium chelate pre-mix (14 parts) was added to SEASOL (18% solids) (84 parts). It was found that the variation of gel particle size with calcium was substantially the same.

EXAMPLE 7

[0155] In this example various calcium compounds were examined for use as a source of calcium ions used in the compositions of the invention. The water solubility of calcium salts examined is provided in Table 15.

TABLE-US-00015 TABLE 15 % Mean molecular Calcium salt Calcium weight Solubility in water Calcium Chloride 37% 147.02 >80 g/100 ml dihydrate Calcium hydroxide 54% Ca(OH)2 0.173 g/100 mL 74.093 g/mol (20 C. Calcium citrate 24% 498.4334 g/mol 0.085 g/100 mL tribasic (anhydrous) (18 C.) 0.095 g/100 mL (25 Calcium gluconate 9% 448.4 g/mol Needs heat to dissolve in water 3.5% in cold water Calcium Fulvate 7% Polymer 30% soluble in water Calcium Carbonate 40% 100 g/mol Almost insoluble in water Calcium nitrate 17% 236.15 g/mol >80 g/100 ml tetrahydrate

[0156] Four calcium chelate pre-mixes were made by utilising the four water soluble calcium salts: calcium nitrate, calcium chloride, calcium gluconate and calcium fulvate. These calcium chelate pre-mixes were designated nitrate, chloride, gluconate and fulvate pre-mixes respectively. The components used in preparing compositions of the four calcium chelate pre-mixes are shown in Table 16.1 to 16.4:

TABLE-US-00016 TABLE 16.1 Nitrate Calcium chelate pre-mix parts Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. Water (Heat to 40 C.) 60 Start Stirrer Calcium Nitrate tetrahydrate 47 Glucono Delta Lactone 29 Sodium tetraborate decahydrate (Borax) 11 Monethanolamine 23 Measure pH = 7.5 to 9 Total 170

TABLE-US-00017 TABLE 16.2 Chloride Calcium chelate pre-mix parts Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. Water (Heat to 40 C.) 60 Start Stirrer Calcium chloride 50 Glucono Delta Lactone 29 Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate (Borax) 8.74 Monethanolamine 10 Measure pH = 7.5 to 9 Total 157.74

TABLE-US-00018 TABLE 16.3 Gluconate Calcium chelate pre-mix parts Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. Water (Heat to 40 C.) 60 Start Stirrer Calcium gluconate 79 Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate (Borax) 10 Monethanolamine 6 water 10 Measure pH = 7.5 to 9 Total 165

TABLE-US-00019 TABLE 16.4 Fulvate Calcium chelate pre-mix parts Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. Water (Heat to 40 C.) 50 Start Stirrer Calcium nitrate 60 Potassium Fulvate 30 Sodium tetraborate pentahydrate (Borax) 8.75 Monethanolamine 5 Measure pH = 7.5 to 9 Total 153.75

[0157] The nitrate, chloride and fulvate calcium chelate pre-mixes were added at 10 parts to 90 parts of SEASOL (18% solids), and these formulations shown in Table 17 were examined.

[0158] The size of gel particles was estimated using a Dino-Lite Handheld Digital Camera inserted in a Microscope in conjunction with DinoCapture 2 software from AnMo Electronics Corporation (see Example 4). Results were as follows:

TABLE-US-00020 TABLE 17 parameter nitrate fulvate chloride Mean size (mm) 0.011 0.025 0.016 Std (mm) 0.011 0.028 0.015

[0159] The calcium gluconate complex was heated for a period of about one hour at 50 C. to it render soluble and when this complex (10 parts) was added to SEASOL (18% solids) 90 parts, a clear solution was found with very few gel particles.

EXAMPLE 8

[0160] The following phosphate salts were included in a liquid seaweed plus calcium formulation of the invention:

[0161] Monoammonium phosphate (MAP), chemical formula NH4H2PO4, mole weight 115 g, water solubility (20 deg C.) 404 g/L, phosphorous 27%.

[0162] Monopotassium phosphate (MKP), chemical formula KH2PO4, mole weight 136.1 g, water solubility (20deg C.) 226g/L, phosphorous 23%.

[0163] Sodium triphosphate (STP equals STPP for sodium tripolyphosphate), chemical formula Na5P3O10, mole weight 367.9 g, water solubility (25 deg C.) 145 g/L, phosphorous 25%.

[0164] Four different formulations of the invention were made by the following 4-step procedure: [0165] (i) Seaweed extract (18% solids), [0166] (ii) calcium chelate pre-mix, [0167] (iii) phosphate moiety, and [0168] (iv) optional pH adjustment.

[0169] The four formulations were designated MAP (low pH), MAP (high pH), MKP, and STP.

[0170] The SEASOL 18% solids composition was obtained by evaporation of the product shown in Table 1 to obtain 18% w/w solids content as described in Comparative Example 1.

[0171] The calcium chelate premix used was as shown in Table 3 (Part 1).

[0172] Formulation details are provided in Table 18 below.

TABLE-US-00021 TABLE 18 MAP MAP (low pH) (high pH) MKP STP Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts by Procedure weight weight weight weight (i) Add 81.8 81.8 80.4 82.0 Seasol, 18% solids (ii) Add 14 14 14 14 calcium complex (iii) add phosphorous moiety MAP 4.25 4.25 MKP 5.64 STP 4 Phosphorous 0.9% 0.9% 1.2% 1.0% (%) (iv) pH No pH pH adjusted pH adjusted No pH adjustment adjustment, up by KOH, up by KOH, adjustment, final pH final pH final pH final pH equals equals equals equals 8.08, final 10.56 final 10.5 final 10.5, final composition composition composition composition comprises comprises comprises comprises 4.25 parts 4.25 parts 5.64 parts 4 parts MAP MAP MKP STP

[0173] The formulations shown in Table 18 were examined as follows: The size and number of gel particles was estimated using a Dino-Lite Handheld Digital Camera inserted in a Microscope in conjunction with DinoCapture 2 software from AnMo Electronics Corporation (see Example 4). Results were as follows:

TABLE-US-00022 TABLE 19 MAP low MAP high parameter pH pH MKP STP Average gel .023 .011 .0099 .054 particle size (mm) Standard deviation .009 .006 .0088 .033 Average no. of gel 144 46 48 unstable 108 particles per sq. with crystals 0.1 mm 0.1 mm

[0174] Based on low gel particle size and high formulation stability, the optimal phosphorous-containing formulation was achieved by adding MAP to the SEASOL 18% plus calcium chelate pre-mix liquors, and by taking the final pH to the range 9-11.5.

EXAMPLE 9

[0175] This Example demonstrated preparation of compositions of the invention with a variety of sources of seaweed.

[0176] The following seaweed extracts were obtained and/or formulated:

[0177] SWE1Seaweed extract powder (manufacturer Acadian Seaplants) was obtained and dissolved at 18% solids in water, with pH adjustment to 10.5 with potassium hydroxide.

[0178] SWE2Seaweed liquid concentrate (Stimplex, a liquid,19.5% solids) Ascophyllium nodosum seaweed concentrate sold by Acadian. This was obtained and taken to pH 10.5 with potassium hydroxide.

[0179] Formulations according to the invention (FSWE1 and FSWE2 respectively) were made by mixing the nitrate calcium chelate premix of Table 3 (Part 1)(10 parts) to seaweed extracts SWE1 and SWE2 respectively.

[0180] The size of gel particles was estimated using a Dino-Lite Handheld Digital Camera inserted in a Microscope in conjunction with DinoCapture 2 software from AnMo Electronics Corporation (see Example 4). Results are shown in Table 20:

TABLE-US-00023 TABLE 20 parameter FSWE1 FSWE2 Mean size (mm) 0.0069 0.0051 Std (mm) 0.0063 0.0047

EXAMPLE 10

[0181] This example examines the effect of increasing the borate concentration (as borax pentahydrate) in formulations of the invention.

[0182] Four calcium chelate pre-mixes with different quantities of borax (as pentahydrate) were prepared as provided in Table 21.

TABLE-US-00024 TABLE 21 3 parts 5 parts 7 parts 10.9 parts borate in borate in borate in borate in calcium calcium calcium calcium chelate chelate chelate chelate pre-mix pre-mix pre-mix pre-mix Parts by Parts by Parts by Parts by component weight weight weight weight water 60 60 60 60 Calcium nitrate 50 50 50 50 tetrahydrate Gluconodelta 29 29 29 29 lactone Borax 3 5 7 10.9 (pentahydrate ) Potassium 0 0 0 0 hydroxide monoethanolamine 7 7 7 6

[0183] Four formulations of the invention were made by taking 86 parts SEASOL (18% solids) and stirring in 14 parts of the above four calcium chelate pre-mixes. These four formulations of the invention were designated F3, F5, F7 and F10.9 respectively.

[0184] The formulations F3, F5, F7 and F10.9 were examined as follows: The size and number of gel particles was estimated using a Dino-Lite Handheld Digital Camera inserted in a Microscope in conjunction with DinoCapture 2 software from AnMo Electronics Corporation (see Example 4). Results are shown in Table 22:

TABLE-US-00025 TABLE 22 parameter F3 F5 F7 F10.9 Average gel 0.068 0.021 0.0086 0.007 particle size (mm) Standard 0.063 0.016 0.0036 0.006 deviation

[0185] Discussion

[0186] There is a consistent trend to lower gel particle sizes when higher borate levels are used.

EXAMPLE 11

[0187] In this example the chelating agent potassium fulvate was included by mixing the following components in the parts by weight specified in Table 23:

TABLE-US-00026 TABLE 23 Fulvic Calcium Chelate pre-mix parts Ensure tank is clean and valve is closed. Water (Heat to 40 C.) 70 Start Stirrer Calcium nitrate tetrahydrate 40 Potassium fulvate 30 Sodium perborate decahydrate 10 Monethanolamine 5 Measure pH = 7.5 to 9

[0188] 14 Parts Fulvic calcium chelate pre-mix mixed with 86 parts Seasol (18% solids), and potassium hydroxide was used to achieve a pH of between 10.5 and 11.0. The final formulation was designated FFA.

[0189] The size of gel particles was estimated using a Dino-Lite Handheld Digital Camera inserted in a Microscope in conjunction with DinoCapture 2 software from AnMo Electronics Corporation (see Example 4). Results were as follows:

TABLE-US-00027 parameter FFA Mean size (mm) 0.011 Std (mm) 0.011

EXAMPLE 12

Bioefficacy Data

[0190] Bioefficacy was measured in terms of root growth when (i) seedlings were immersed in Commercial SEASOL concentrate of the composition of Table 1 (1/400 dilution in water), and compared with (ii) seedlings immersed in Calcium containing liquid seaweed concentrate of the invention (in Table 10 using the Borax pentahydrate formulation and process) (1/400 dilution in water).

[0191] The greenhouse conditions for the comparison were: 22-25 deg. C. at 60% relative humidity and using Capsicum seedlings with trimmed roots and grown for a 14 day duration at which point the roots were harvested, dried and their weight measured.

[0192] The following percent root weight gains were found when Calcium containing liquid seaweed concentrate of the invention was added to water according to the above protocol: capsicum seedlings in the treatment with Calcium containing liquid seaweed concentrate of the invention had 48% greater dry root weight relative to capsicum seedlings treated with commercial SEASOL concentrate.

TABLE-US-00028 Treatment Dried weight of roots (g) average SEASOL 0.074 SEASOL + Ca 0.110

[0193] The increase in the dried weight of roots in the presence of the stable calcium liquid seaweed concentrate of the invention represents a significant improvement in the enhanced growth.