| abstract |
Biodegradable anionic polymers are described which include recurring polymeric subunits, preferably constituted of vinyl and dicarboxylic monomers such as vinyl acetate or vinyl alcohol, and maleic anhydride, itaconic anhydride or citraconic anhydride, or combinations thereof. Free radical polymerization is used in the synthesis of polymers, which are then hydrolyzed to replace the ester groups with alcohol groups. The polymers can be complexed with ions and / or mixed with fertilizers or seeds to produce agriculturally useful compositions. The preferred products of the invention can be applied foliarly, to the seeds, to the fertilizer, or to the land adjacent to the growing plants, in order to improve the uptake of nutrients by the plants. |