Appeal No. 1999-1669
Application No. 08/816,756
solution . . . [because of] the relatively high viscosity of aqueous ionic
solutions of metal alkanoates . . . and the inability of planting equipment to
deliver such fluids at the desired lower flow rates.
Because of the concentrated character of many nitrogen fertilizers, including
pressured anhydrous ammonia, care is taken to avoid applying these
fertilizers directly to the roots of growing plants or in contact with newly
planted seeds. Instead, these fertilizers are conventionally applied a
distance from the plant roots. For example, [an aqueous ammoniacal ionic
solution of zinc acetate], when mixed with liquid or dry granular fertilizer and
applied as a starter simultaneously with the planting of corn seeds, is
typically applied 2" or more to the side of a furrow in which the seeds are
placed and 2" or more below the level of the seeds in the furrow. By
distancing the fertilizer/alkanoate mixture from the corn seeds, the seeds are
not burned by the fertilizer and the sprouted plants eventually can access []
the fertilizer/alkanoate mixture after the plants are established.
Thus, application of . . . aqueous ammoniacal ionic solutions of metal
alkanoates near plant roots has traditionally been limited by restrictions on
placement of the carrier ammonia or other fertilizer liquids or solids.
According to appellants, the claimed invention “relates to a method of pretreating
seeds with an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of metal alkanoates and of applying
such solutions to seeds, in-furrow, at planting.” Specification, page 1.
DISCUSSION
Independent claims 1, 8 and 12 represent the broadest aspects of the invention.
Claims 1 and 12 require depositing seeds in a soil furrow; applying an unatomized
aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of a metal alkanoate directly to the seeds, in an
amount effective to stimulate root growth of seedlings; and, finally, covering the seeds with
soil. The solution contains alkanoate ions of from 2 to 6 carbons each. Claim 8 requires
applying an aqueous ammoniacal ionic solution of a metal alkanoate directly to seeds,
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