Innovations for World Nutrition (IFWN), Florence, Ala., announced that three US patents have been issued for its new agronomic technologies (GM Aug. 13, 2021; May 1, 2020; April 5, 2019), and six more have been applied for following extensive greenhouse testing.
The inventor of the technology, Ray Shirley, the long-time industry veteran and Founder and Chairman of Applied Chemical Technology (ACT), Florence, Ala., said the new technologies are a breakthrough in the growth of grain and fiber.
Shirley said the technology results in enhanced early and sustained plant and root growth. He said after years of testing with rice, the technologies demonstrated sustained growth that resulted in extended plant life (up to two weeks) and increased yields of up to 50%. In addition to rice, he said the technology also works for corn, wheat, and cotton.
He said the yield increases do not require application of elevated levels of traditional fertilizer since the technologies improve the efficiency of the fertilizers used. Even more yields and efficiencies are achieved with special formulations when used along with additional fertilization.
The technology multiplies and fortifies the strength of the planted seed by providing the patented “Seed Grind” on the seed, which increases the nutrients provided by the planted seed. In testing, the coating included ground-up rice grains, including the husk, along with nutrients such as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, which are needed by the roots prior to leaf formation. Also included are sources of carbon dioxide and energy in the form of bicarbonates and sugars, and nitrogen in the form of urea, which also supplies carbon dioxide.
Alternatively, the coating mix can also be applied next to the seed in the ground. This option allows more flexibility and the addition of more and other ingredients.
The technology is continuing to be enhanced with the assistance of ACT, Shirley, and others. IFWN is actively seeking strategic and financial partners for continued development, marketing, and in spreading this technology worldwide to overcome existing nutrition and fiber needs. For more information contact Ray Shirley or Daniel Lewey at 256.367.5010.