Use of a fertilizer containing l-amino acid for improving root growth and growth of mycorrhiza

Abstract

The present invention provides a method of using a fertilizer, comprising an amino acid selected from the group of L-glutamine, L-asparagine and L-arginine as major nitrogen source, optionally together with inorganic nitrogen and/or a suitable preservative, for stimulating root growth, inducing more fine roots, increase the number of root tips and/or for stimulating mycorrhiza development.

1 . Use of a fertilizer characterized in that it comprises a naturally occurring L-amino acid as a nitrogen source for stimulating root growth. 
     
     
         2 . Use of a fertilizer characterized in that it comprises a naturally occurring L-amino acid as a nitrogen source for stimulating mycorrhiza development. 
     
     
         3 . Use of a fertilizer according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the naturally occurring L-amino acid is chosen from the group of L-arginine L-asparagine, and L-glutamine as a nitrogen source, for stimulating root growth and/or for stimulating mycorrhiza development. 
     
     
         4 . Use of a fertilizer according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fertiliser also comprises an inorganic nitrogen compound such as nitrate or ammonium. 
     
     
         5 . Use of a fertilizer according to  claim 1 , characterized in that at least 30% (wt) of the nitrogen source therein, preferably at least 70% (wt) of the nitrogen source therein, preferably at least 85% (wt), and most preferably at least 90% (wt), is a L-amino acid and the other nitrogen source is an inorganic nitrogen comprising compound, such that the stimulation of the root and shoot growth is related to the ratio between the L-amino acid and the inorganic nitrogen comprising compound. 
     
     
         6 . Use of a fertilizer according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the L-amino acid is chosen from the group of L-arginine, L-asparagine, glycine, L-glutamic acid and L-glutamine. 
     
     
         7 . Use of a fertilizer comprising a naturally occurring L-amino acid, according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fertilizer also contains a suitable preservative. 
     
     
         8 . Use of a fertilizer comprising a naturally occurring L-amino acid, according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the preservative is selected from the group of a benzoate such as potassium benzoate, acetic acid, salicylic acid, propionic acid, sorbic acid, citric acid, and alexin plus. 
     
     
         9 . Use of a fertilizer comprising a naturally occurring L-amino acid, according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fertilizer is solid. 
     
     
         10 . Use of a fertilizer comprising a naturally occurring L-amino acid, according to  claim 1 , characterized in that the fertilizer is a solution.