FI105440B - Procedures and arrangements in plant cultivation - Google Patents

Description

105440

The present invention relates to a method for plant cultivation as defined in the preamble of claim 1. The present invention also relates to an arrangement for growing plants as defined in the preamble of claim 11.

According to the prior art, for example, various growing bags are known for growing flowers. Such media, mainly for growing co-10 cross-plants, for example in offices and homes, are disclosed in patent application EP 0 707 787 A1.

In the prior art, in professional growing of plants such as oregano and vegetables in greenhouses, growing bags are used as the substrate for the crop, which usually contains material such as unfertilized or fertilized peat and soil in which the plant is grown in a plastic sack or bag. The growing bag is, for example, 0.6-1.2 m long and 0.4-0.8 m wide. Synthetic substrates such as glass wool and mineral wool are also known, whereby the nutrients and fertilizers required by the plant are added to the substrate. The growth pouches are opened, for example, by slitting an opening into which one or more plants are planted. One prior art breeding bag is disclosed in US 4,209,945. However, said breeding bag is difficult and heavy to handle, especially the base of the breeding bags. 25 during installation. In this case, even hundreds of rearing bags are placed in rows. It is also difficult to collect the pouches, because the contents of the open pouch easily leak out during handling.

Necessary nutrients and fertilizers, such as granulated chicken manure, can be placed inside, on one side or at the other end of the growing bag, whereupon the plant is planted on the opposite edge or opposite end of the growing bag. The plant receives the nutritional supplements it needs at a later stage * * * after it has grown sufficiently close to these nutrients and fertilizers. However, handling and transporting breeding bags can also mix these supplements elsewhere in the bag.

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:! Known are peat-pressed and bagged substrates, which are smaller than bulk peat substrates, and which • »

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2 105440 at its site irrigated, causing dry peat beds to swell. At the end of the growing season, when harvested, these substrates are heavy and difficult to handle due to irrigation and the openings made. In addition, separating the bag material from the peat requires a lot of manual work. The baggy and membrane-like plastic material commonly used in growing bags contaminates nature unless recycling is done.

It is known that dried and compressed peat can also be placed in a growing bag and rolled up in a production bag. At its location, the culture bag is rolled open, partially incised and watered to expand the pellets. Such a growth pouch is disclosed in US 4,424,645. Said growth pouch is difficult to handle, for example, in a greenhouse, whereby the growth pouches must be individually mounted, rolled open and have an opening for irrigation. The installation and removal of nursing bags is handmade, where working positions are difficult and handling requires a lot of lifting. In addition, the bag made of plastic material must be separated at the time of collection from the growing material, which may, if desired, be fertilized and mixed with new peat or multamaterial.

However, when using limited media, where the fertilizer is mixed with the whole medium, the problem is that not enough fertilizer can be used to cover the entire growing season.

Mixing a sufficient amount of fertilizer into a substrate such as cucumber and tomato would result in very large substrates to obtain the appropriate fertilizer concentration. This is especially the case with natural [[['] cultivation. On the other hand, when the fertilizers are granular and: T: strong to save space, they easily damage the roots of the plant and furthermore, the optimum dissolution of the granular fertilizers into the substrate is highly dependent on the conditions and very uncertain.

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In the prior art, especially in professional plant cultivation methods using growing bags as a growing medium 35, it is a major disadvantage that the transport of pouch material and growing material such as manure compost, peat and soil to the place of production of the growing bags, and installation on site • • • • 105440 requires a high degree of transport, such as truck and tractor transport, and storage space at various stages of the process. Thus, these known methods consume energy as well as pollute the air, for example in the form of exhaust gases, and increase the cost of using pouches.

Energy consumption is also increased if the fertilizers are granulated and the growing material used in the growing bags, such as manure compost, is dried to lighten the growing bags and facilitate handling. The time taken to place and collect the growing bags on the substrate increases the cost of growing, since the planting of new plants cannot be started immediately after the harvest or after the plants have been removed.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a significant improvement on the prior art in overcoming the above drawbacks and to provide a simple, efficient and less polluting method for growing plants. A central principle of the invention is the use of a tubular, uniform and continuous substrate which is well adapted to be produced on site and to be machine-removable. It is also a basic principle of the invention that the use of two or more contiguous continuous substrates, i.e. a growth tube, can more easily control the growth of plants.

More particularly, the process of the invention is a plant

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the breeding is characterized by what is set forth in the characterizing part of claim 1. The arrangement of the invention in plant cultivation is characterized by what is stated in the characterizing part of claim 11.

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The invention provides several significant advantages. The method according to the invention for establishing and collecting the substrate can be machined simply by means of the equipment applying the method, whereby, for example, the cycle of the growing seasons is accelerated and effected. Establishment and collection can be handled by up to one person as needed. Especially in the case of large growing areas, for example, greenhouse cultivation is greatly enhanced by the reduction in the amount of work required compared to the prior art, which requires multiple handling and transfer of separate growing bags.

The method according to the invention saves time, labor costs and especially energy, since the propagation material can be transported directly from its collection point to the substrate placement and a separate bagging step with transport elsewhere can be avoided. Organic farming uses compost products, such as manure compost, as the breeding material, which contain the plant's total nutrient requirement during growth, resulting in a large amount of breeding material. In the process of the invention, separate drying of the compost products to reduce their volume and weight can be avoided, since the compost can be used as such, thus saving energy used for drying and transporting.

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The method makes it easier to utilize prior art farmer's or neighboring area's own breeding materials, especially manure compost, since they can be avoided for transport to a remote bagging destination. At the same time, energy used for transportation is reduced 20 and costs are reduced. With the application of the method, it is also easy to separate the breeding material and the bag material for recycling.

By providing apparatuses for applying the method of the invention for the production of substrate for forward, backward, and lateral movement: these devices can also be used in cramped greenhouses.

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In the process, the exchange or mixing of fertilizers and propagation material can be carried out quickly and even during the preparation of growing media, if necessary, to avoid, for example, strong fertilizers with delicate root crops such as throat.

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It is also easy to change the size of the substrate to fit different plants.

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One particular advantage of the medium shown is the airier structure: ·! whereby the oxygen state of the root system of the plant is considerably more favorable than that of the growing bags, and in particular, e.g.

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5 105440 in sheepskin pads. In the method of the invention, the fertilizer amount and nutrients required by the plant are compactly placed in the growing media and no additional fertilization during the growing season is required.

It is a particular advantage of the substrate applying the method of the invention that the clogging and breaking of irrigation devices, such as a drip or drain valve connected to a water tubing or piping, affects the growth of a single plant less than using single growing bags of prior art. When needed, the plant receives water and nutrients from other parts of the continuous medium. A further advantage is that, due to the continuous structure, the distribution of moisture and nutrients in the growing tube is more uniform, resulting in a more uniform quality of, for example, cucumber or tomato. Granulated fertilizers which require irrigation to dissolve in the culture layer can be avoided in the process of the invention. If granulated fertilizers are used in individual growing bags, it is also a disadvantage that the plant does not receive the nutrients it needs when the watering becomes clogged.

Furthermore, a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention 20 achieves considerable specific advantages in plant cultivation, since plant growth can be more precisely controlled and controlled than with the use of prior art cultivation bags.

According to a preferred embodiment of the above invention; 25, two growing media having a mesh support layer, i.e. growing tubes, are placed side by side, whereby a plant is planted in the first growing tube, As the seedling and in the second growing tube the nutritional supplement or fertilizer required by the plant is placed.

It is also a significant advantage of the invention that another medium, typically a supplement containing medium, can be replaced with a new medium when the crop is changed. This results in additional savings, * · · · · ...------. -. - since it is not always necessary to switch between the two substrates, and at the same time the start is saved. Separate substrates prevent the mixing of the substrates also during planting, whereby damage to the plant or roots due to the concentrated growth layer or planting in the wrong substrate is effectively prevented.

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By separating the substrates at a distance, for example, through an air gap, the roots of the plants in the other substrate are prevented. Subsequently, the media are moved into contact with each other, whereby the plant can grow roots through mesh-like support layers to another medium and utilize supplementary nutrients. The intake of plant supplements is thus better controlled and timed more accurately than with a single growing bag.

According to a preferred embodiment of the aforementioned invention, two media are placed on top of each other, whereby the upper, dilute medium is planted and the lower, more concentrated medium is provided with the nutritional supplement or fertilizer required by the plant. In this embodiment of the invention, heating conduits can also be placed very easily between or below the growth media, which is necessary especially for growing the throat and maintaining the temperature of the growth medium.

Growth of plants growing in growing tubes can be easily controlled by watering the first medium, or the second medium, or both at the same time. The dissolution of nutrients or fertilizers and minerals in the growing material is enhanced by irrigation. The second medium can be watered while it is separated from the first medium, thereby distributing the nutrients to the growth medium. the aali can be controlled in advance. Even in transplanted media ;;; 25 nutrient transfer can be controlled by irrigation prior to root growth.

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It is clear from the foregoing that the desired amount, e.g. three: T: 30 of substantially parallel medium, can be formed in the method of the invention, whereby a plant is planted in the middle or two media. It is further understood that two substrates can be placed in contact with each other already when placed on the substrate. By planting the plant in both media, the additional advantage is that the growing area is used efficiently.

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The invention will be further described in the following description with reference to: ·! and Figure 9 shows a preferred embodiment of a substrate applying the method of the invention in perspective and two cross-sectional view, Fig. 3 shows three preferred embodiments of a substrate applying the method of the invention in cross-sectional view and from the ends of the substrates, wherein the two substrates are in contact with one another and the third substrate is displaced sideways, Fig. 4 illustrates the method of the invention. three preferred embodiments of an applied substrate, in cross-sectional view and viewed from the ends of the substrates, wherein the two substrates are arranged in contact with each other; and Fig. 5 shows two preferred embodiments of a substrate applying the method of the invention, in cross-sectional view and from the end of the substrates, the two substrates being arranged one above the other and in contact with each other ;;; With 25.

Fig. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of a substrate 1 applying the method of the invention in perspective view and in two transverse cross sections of P1 visible and P2. The horizontal (arrow X) substrate 1 placed on substrate A, such as ground level, greenhouse floor or the like, comprises a growing layer 1a such as peat, soil, compost, or a mixture thereof containing organic fertilizer and fertilizers, as appropriate. or artificial 35 in the form of a fertilizer, and a support layer 1b flanking the growth layer 1a, bordering the growth layer 1a in the direction P1 of its cross-section, i.e. the cross-sectional shape P1. In Fig. 1, the support layer 1b surrounds the growth layer 1a on all sides thereof.

• · 105440

The growth medium 1 is formed as a continuous tubular growth medium 1, i.e. a growth tube 1, wherein the length L of the growth medium 1 is preferably several times the diameter D of the cross-section P1 of the growth medium 1. The diameter D is, for example, 0.15 to 1.0 m and the length L is, for example, 3.0 to 10.0 m, or even several tens of meters depending on the space, such as the greenhouse in which the substrate 1 is mounted. In the method according to the invention, the diameter D of the substrate used for planting the plant K can even be as low as 0.15-0.20 m. The substrate 1 extends 10, if necessary, in each direction indicated by the arrows X. Cross-sectional P1 also shows the press and root system of plant K to illustrate the operation of the invention. For example, the end P1 or P2 of the substrate 1 may be supported against the plate, or the mesh support portion 1b may be tightened over and bound to the end, so that the material of the growth layer 1a does not flow out. The substrate 1 can also be formed very short, but the method of the invention can be most effectively utilized in the installation and harvesting of the substrate 1 by the long substrate 1.

According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the growth layer 1a and the support layer 1b are mechanically connected to the growth medium 1 upon application to the medium A. Further, the continuous substrate 1 is preferably removed from the substrate A, preferably by mechanical means, in which case the substrate layer 1a and the support layer 1b are separated by · · ;;; 25 and separately collected. Of course, it is possible that the support layer 1b is made of a biodegradable material such as natural fiber, so that the support layer 1b does not need to be removed. The support layer 1b can then be crushed, for example, to promote composting and mixed with the material of the growth layer 1a.

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According to a first preferred embodiment of the substrate 1, the support layer 1b is formed of at least partially air and water permeable tubular and mesh material. During its growth, Plant K uses a large amount of carbon dioxide, water 35 for irrigation and nutrients, minerals and fertilizers dissolved in water from layer 1a. The support layer 1b is manufactured according to one example, so that the property of the support layer 1b, which holds the growth layer 1a, is maintained for at least the time between the formation of the substrate 1 and the collection thereof. Thus, the growth medium 1 remains intact during growth and can be collected.

According to another preferred embodiment of the substrate 1, the support collar 5b 1b is formed of a tubular and membrane material such as plastic, for example polyethylene. The membrane material is preferably a biodegradable material so that it can be composted. The support layer is made, at least in part, of a rapidly biodegradable film-like material such that, during the growing season, decomposition of the material 10 permits root growth from one substrate to another. Two or more substrates can be manufactured and installed separately at the beginning of the growing season and can be harvested together mechanically at the end. It is clear that one of the two substrates may be membrane-backed, biodegradable and the other may be mesh-like. In addition, holes or openings may be formed in the membrane support layer through which the root system can grow, whereby substrates made of non-degradable membrane may also be used. Two tubular substrates can be placed on the substrate simultaneously.

The decomposition rate of the support layer 1b can be influenced, for example, by surface treatment, material strength or material selection. The desired duration of the trait also depends on the length of the growing season of the crop. Of course, it is clear that the substrate 1 can be allowed to degrade already during the growing season, but care must be taken to ensure that ·; Breaking of the 25 support layer 1b would not expose the root of the plant K to prevent drying or would not weaken the plant K support. The root system of plant K does not grow through a plastic film or a very dense natural fiber, for example a plastic film can be used to form my growth: the lower part of substrate 1 to insulate substrate 1 from floor level A. .

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The mesh backing layer 1b may be made of plastic material such as nylon, acrylic and polyester, and natural fibers. The mesh backing layer Ib is preferably flexible, whereby the diameter dimension D of its substrate 1 may vary according to moisture variations.

: ·] The mesh size of the support layer Ib must also be selected so that the material of the growth layer 1b inside the support layer 1b does not excessively pass through the support layer 1b during handling and cultivation and allows the plant K the stem or roots growing through the support layer 1b. A short opening for plant K can also be incised in the support layer 1b. The single opening or the openings repeated in the longitudinal direction X of the substrate 1 5 may be incised into the support layer 1b already in connection with the formation of the substrate 1 by means of a blade, for example by hand or by separate equipment. At the opening, the support layer 1b only partially borders the growth layer 1a, but the part of the support layer 1b surrounding the growth medium 1 preferably holds the growth medium 1 together. It is, of course, possible to cut the support layer 1b over a length which is several times the diameter of the cross-section of the substrate 1. The mesh support layer 1b has the advantage of being easily permeable to both air and water, whereby the irrigation can be arranged at a desired location on the substrate 1 or the irrigation site can be easily changed without breaking the support layer 1b, for example by incision.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, according to a preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, three substantially parallel continuous tubular substrates 1, 2 and 3 and cross-sectional views are disposed on substrate A. Preferably, as stated above, short openings for plants can also be formed on the upper surface of this tubular substrate 1, 2 or 3. The growth media 1-3 extend substantially perpendicular to the cross-sectional plane shown in the figures and the lengths of the growth media may also vary.

• I «;;; In the method, plant K, such as seedling, cuttings, seeds, tubers, bulbs or the like, is planted in first substrate 1 and additional substrate K to control fertilizer and supplementary fertilizer growth layer 1a and second substrate 2 growing layer: T: 2a are separated. air gap R.

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As shown in Fig. 2, a strip N or an elongated film N, for example made of plastic, may also be used to separate the substrates 1 and 3 during their formation. As shown in Figure 3, the growth layer 1a of the first medium 1 and the second layer 2a of the second medium 2 are in contact with each other by moving the second medium 2 adjacent to the first medium 1 so that the roots of the plant K can grow * · Through the mesh support layers 1b and 2b.

• * 105440

Referring to Figure 3, in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the method of the invention, irrigation tubing V1 and V2 with drip valves are provided to simultaneously irrigate the first substrate 1, only the second substrate 2, or said substrates 1 and 2. This provides easy and accurate control of root growth, nutrient intake of K, and mineral dissolution. For example, successive pad-like portions may be formed in the first substrate 1, thereby reducing the cross-sectional area at the point of attachment. Pillows can be used to better differentiate K plants and their root systems. If the successive plants K are spaced apart, the amount of growth material used for the growth layer 1a can be reduced so that no material is placed between two successive binding sites. Binding may be performed manually or mechanically arranged during formation of the substrate 1. The cushion parts can also be easily cut off from one another, for example, in connection with harvesting and changing crops. The cushion parts can be cut off from each other already during installation of the substrate, which allows for shorter substrates.

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Referring to Figure 4, the plant may also be planted in a medium 2 or 3 smaller than the substrate 1, whereby the growth of the roots of the plant K through the mesh support layers 2b and 3b occurs earlier. In Figure 4, the substrates 1 and 2 are arranged in contact with each other and the substrate 3 is still separated by an air gap from the substrate 1. It is, of course, clear that the substrates 1 and 3 have the O dimensions as well as their substrate and plants K. may differ.

Referring to Figure 5, in accordance with an advantageous mmm embodiment of the method of the invention, two substantially parallel continuous tubular substrates 1 and 2 are disposed on substrate A, which are disposed: / overlay. Plant K, such as seedling, cuttings, seeds, tubers, * bulbs or the like, is planted in the first medium 1. Brochure:: · *: In the 35th embodiment, planting plant P. utilizes a planting pack P. In addition, there is a space between the media 1 and 2. located heating / piping L1 to control the temperature, for example by means of water circulation. Sei- • · ·

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It is incorrect that the substrate 1 may be located partly on the substrate 2 and partly directly on the substrate A.

To control the intake of plant K supplements and fertilizers, the first layer of the first medium 1 and the second layer 2 of the second medium 2 may be separated by the support layers 1b and 2b, for example by arranging growth-permitting contact between the first first medium 1 and the second medium 2 during the growing season. It will be appreciated that the media may vary in size and shape, whereby the media 2 may also completely cover the media 1. Furthermore, it is clear that, for example, the dimensioning of the substrate 1 also controls the time at which the plant K just reaches the second substrate 2.

It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments set forth above, but may vary within the scope of the claims. It will be understood, for example, that in an arrangement comprising two or more substrates, at least one substrate may be tubular and at least one substrate, e.g., a medium containing supplements, may be formed without a support layer. Thus, in Figures 1-5, a cross-section of a substrate may also represent a continuous, open, and non-support substrate. The various possibilities greatly increase the various applications of the invention and allow different ways of mechanically and mechanically mounting the substrates. to remove the substrates economically for the various jobs.

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Claims (15)

A process in plant cultivation, wind turbine is used continuously, on a substrate (A) in the direction (pii X) of the substrate (A) placed plant substrate (1, 2, 3), comprising at least one culture layer (1a, 2a, 3a ) for growing plants (K), wherein at least two continuous, substantially parallel plant substrates (1,2, 3) are placed on the substrate (A), wherein at least one plant substrate (1, 2, 3) comprises an additional cultivation layer (1a, 2a) , 3a) coalescing and its cross-sectional shape (P1, P2) at least partially angular support layer (1b, 2b, 3b), characterized in that - the plant (K) is planted in the first plant substrate (1,2, 3) and - the first plant substrate (1, 2, 3) and the second plant substrate (1, 2, 3) are arranged in a plant of the root system of the plant (K) from a plant substrate (1, 2, 3). a second enabling contact to control the plant's (K) plant and nutritional availability. 20 Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the length (L) of the continuous plant support (1, 2, 3) is multiplied relative to the diameter (D) of the cross-sectional shape (P1, P2) of the plant support (1,2, 3). . A method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized ·; The first plant substrate (1, 2, 3) and the second plant substrate (1,2,3) are placed at least partially on each other. • · • · · Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plant substrate (1,2,3) and the second plant substrate (1,2,3) are first separated from each other by means of a material placed therebetween ( N), and that the first plant substrate (1, 2, 3) and the second plant substrate (1, 2, 3) are then arranged in said contact with «· · I, ·, each other by removing said material (N). «» V '· 35 Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first plant substrate (1, 2, 3) and the second plant substrate (1, 2, 3) are first separated from each other by an air heel (R), and that the first plant The substrate (1, 2, 3) and the second plant substrate (1, 2, 3) are then arranged in said contact with each other by movement. Process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the cultivation layer (1a, 2a, 3a) of the first plant substrate (1, 2, 3.), peat, mulch, compost or any combination thereof, as well as nutrients and fertilizers, and that in the cultivation layer (1a, 2a, 3a) of the second plant substrate (1, 2, 3) is placed at least supplementary nutrients and additives used by the plant (K). Process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the plant substrate (1, 2, 3) successive cushion-shaped parts are formed. 15 Process according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, as the support layer (1b, 2b, 3b), at least partially a support layer (1b, 2b; 3b) made of a biodegradable material is used. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, as the support layer (1b, 2b, 3b), at least in part a mesh-shaped, air and water permeable support layer (1b, 2b, 3b) is used. Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that a heating tube system (P1) is arranged between and / or under the plant substrates (1, 2, 3). 11. Plant cultivation device using a continuous plant substrate located on a substrate (A) in the direction (pii X) of the substrate (A) • ««: (1,2, 3) comprising at least one plant layer (1a) , 2a, 3a) for growing plants (K), wherein on the substrate (A) are placed at least two continuous, substantially parallel cultivation layers (1, 2, 3), with at least one plant substrate (1,2). 3) further comprises a growing layer (1a, 2a, 3a) cohesive and this cross-sectional shape (P1, P2) at least partially angular support layer (1b, 2b, 3b), characterized in that the γ: 35 plant (K) is planted in the first plant substrate (1, 2, 3), and • · ♦ · 1 ♦ 18 105440 - the first plant substrate (1, 2, 3) and the second plant substrate (1, 2, 3) are arranged in a plant of the root system of the plant (K) from a plant substrate (1, 2, 3) to a second enabling contact to control the plant (K) plant and nutritional access. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the length (L) of the continuous plant support (1, 2, 3) is arranged multiple times the diameter (D) of the cross-sectional shape of the plant support (1, 2, 3). (P1, P2). Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first plant support (1, 2, 3) and the second plant support (1,2, 3) are located at least partially on each other. 15 Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that peat, mulch, compost or some combination thereof is placed in the cultivation layer (1a, 2a, 3a) of the first plant substrate (1, 2, 3a) and nutrients and fertilizers, and that in the cultivation layer (1a, 2a, 3a) of the second plant substrate (1, 2, 3), at least supplementary nutrients and additives used by the plant (K) are placed. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the plant substrate (1, 2, 3) are formed consecutively :: the following pillow-shaped parts. • · 1 • · · ψ t · • · «« «« · ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ ♦ 1 «« · · ·