JP2014161297A - Culture medium for hydroponics, container for hydroponics, kit with plant seed for hydroponics, method of hydroponics, and manufacturing method of culture medium for hydroponics - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a culture medium for hydroponics, a container for hydroponics, a kit with plant seeds for hydroponics, a method of hydroponics, and a manufacturing method of a culture medium for hydroponics which are capable of improving safety of hydroponics and promoting growth of plants.SOLUTION: Since a culture medium 1 comprises a first fiber 21 having biodegradability and a second fiber 22 having biodegradability, harmful substance is not transferred to nutrient liquid even in the state where the medium is housed into a cultivation pot 2 and immersed in nutrient liquid of a cultivation tray 3. Further, the first fiber 21 extending in a predetermined fiber direction D1 and the second fiber 22 extending in the predetermined fiber direction D1 are bundled into a fiber bundle 20, and a support layer 23 which supports the fiber bundle is formed on an outer peripheral side in the state where gap between fibers is kept. Therefore, roots extended from a seed not only easily extend in the fiber direction D1, but also easily extend in a direction crossing the fiber direction by growing through gap between fibers.

Description

  The present invention relates to a medium for hydroponics, a container for hydroponics, a kit with seeds for plants for hydroponics, a method for hydroponics, and a method for producing a medium for hydroponics.

  Conventionally, what is given to patent documents 1 is known as a hydroponics device used for hydroponics. This device includes a tray in which a nutrient solution is stored, and a cover that covers an upper portion of the tray and can be set with cultivation pots at predetermined intervals. The cultivation pot is filled with a medium, and plant seeds and roots are planted in the medium. As this culture medium, crushed bark, fibers formed into mats and pots are used.

JP 2000-253764 A

  Here, when a conventional medium for hydroponics is used, depending on the applied material, there is a possibility that harmful substances may be dissolved when immersed in a nutrient solution. There is also a problem that the roots of plants planted in the medium are difficult to grow.

  Therefore, the present invention can improve the safety of hydroponics, and can increase the growth of plants, a hydroponic medium, a hydroponic container, a hydroponic plant seed kit, a hydroponic method, and a hydroponic It is an object of the present invention to provide a method for producing the medium.

  The culture medium for hydroponics according to the present invention is a culture medium for planting seeds or roots of plants for hydroponics that are accommodated in a predetermined container and placed in a cultivation tray, and extends in a predetermined fiber direction and biodegrades. A fiber bundle that is formed by bundling at least the first fibers having properties, and the fiber bundle has one end surface, the other end surface, and an outer peripheral surface by extending in the fiber direction, and the outer peripheral surface side of the fiber bundle. Is formed with a support layer that supports the fiber bundle in a state in which a gap between the fibers is maintained, and the support layer includes a first fiber and a second fiber that extends in the fiber direction and has biodegradability. The outer peripheral surface of the fiber bundle can be deformed following the internal shape of the container, and is formed by heat treatment using the second fiber as a binder.

  Since the culture medium for hydroponics according to the present invention is composed of the first fiber having biodegradability and the second fiber having biodegradability, it is housed in a container and immersed in the nutrient solution of the cultivation tray. Even in the state, no harmful substances are transferred to the nutrient solution. Further, the first fiber extending in the predetermined fiber direction and the second fiber extending in the predetermined fiber direction are bundled into a fiber bundle, and the fiber bundle is supported in a state where a gap between the fibers is held on the outer peripheral side. A layer is formed. As a result, a continuous gap extending in the fiber direction is formed in the fiber bundle. Accordingly, the roots extended from the seeds are not only thick and easy to extend long in the fiber direction, but also easily extend in the direction intersecting the fiber direction by passing through the gaps between the fibers. Further, the support layer formed on the outer peripheral side of the fiber bundle is formed by heat treatment using a second fiber extending in the same fiber direction as the first fiber as a binder. Therefore, in the support layer, the fiber structure in which continuous gaps extending in the fiber direction are formed is maintained as in the inside of the fiber bundle. Therefore, in the support layer, the growth of roots in the direction crossing the fiber direction is not inhibited, and the growth of plants is promoted. In addition, since the outer peripheral surface of the fiber bundle can be deformed following the internal shape of the container, the internal shape of the container is a shape suitable for plant growth, and a shape that can reliably support the medium without rattling. In this case, it can be reliably accommodated following the internal shape. This promotes plant growth. By the above, it is possible to improve the safety of hydroponics without causing harmful substances to dissolve in the nutrient solution, etc., the roots are thick and easy to grow long, the absorption of nutrients from the nutrient solution etc. is improved, and the growth of the plant can be promoted it can.

In the hydroponics medium according to the present invention, the fiber density of the fiber bundle may be 0.07 to 0.3 g / cm ³ . As a result, the density of the fiber bundle is not too high, preventing the roots of the plant from growing thickly, and the density of the fiber bundle is too low to induce capillary action, resulting in poor water absorption. The density can be optimized for plant root growth.

  In the culture medium according to the present invention, the thickness of the first fiber and the thickness of the second fiber may be 1 to 30 μm. As a result, the fiber gap is not too small to prevent the plant roots from growing thickly, or the gap between the fibers is too large to induce capillary action, resulting in poor water absorption. This can be optimized for plant root growth.

  In the culture medium according to the present invention, the first fiber may be a cellulose fiber or an animal fiber. These materials can be used as materials suitable for the first fiber having biodegradability.

  In the culture medium according to the present invention, the second fiber may be a polylactic acid fiber. These materials have biodegradability and can be used as materials suitable for the second fiber as a binder.

  A container for hydroponics according to the present invention is a container for storing a medium for planting seeds or roots of a plant for hydroponics and placing it on a cultivation tray for opening the top side and placing the medium. A main body having an internal space and a flange that surrounds an opening on the upper end side of the main body, and at least a surface forming the main body and the flange has a light shielding property. And For example, the main body part and the collar part which comprise a container are comprised with the opaque material.

  Since the container for hydroponics according to the present invention has a main body portion that has an opening at the upper end side and a space for arranging the medium therein, the medium can be supported by the main body portion, and the grown plant It can be reliably supported. Moreover, the collar part surrounding the opening part of the upper end side of a main-body part, and at least the surface which forms a main-body part have shielding property with respect to light. That is, it is possible to prevent algae and the like from propagating in the cultivation tray due to light penetrating the container and reaching the nutrient solution in the cultivation tray by shielding light at least on the surfaces of the buttocks and the main body.

  Moreover, the collar part may have a reflective surface that reflects light from above toward the inside. For example, the color of the surface of the buttock is set to a color and brightness that reflects light such as white. As a result, the light reflected by the reflective surface of the buttock heads toward the inner plant, thereby promoting the photosynthesis of the leaves of the plant and promoting the growth of the plant.

  Moreover, the upper part which continues a collar part may be covered with the surrounding wall without an opening part, and the main-body part may be provided with the opening part in the lower part. That is, the upper part of the main body part (just below the collar part) is a wall without an opening part (penetration part), and the lower part of the main body part is formed with an opening part (penetration part) by a slit or the like. As a result, at the lower part of the main body part, the roots of the plant can be extended thickly and long through the opening part, while at the upper part of the main body part, the light is blocked by the peripheral wall without the opening part, so that the light can It is possible to prevent algae and the like from propagating in the cultivation tray by transmitting and reaching the nutrient solution in the cultivation tray.

  Moreover, the main-body part may be provided with the protrusion part which protrudes from the inner side of a side surface. This makes it possible to support the culture medium with the protrusions and reliably support the grown plant. In addition, since a gap can be formed between the side surface of the main body and the medium, it is possible to promote the growth of roots extending from the side surface of the medium.

  The plant seed kit for hydroponics according to the present invention is characterized in that the plant seed, the above-described medium, and the above-described container are configured as separately packaged parts. Further, the hydroponics method according to the present invention is a hydroponics method of a plant using the above-mentioned kit with seeds, and the seeds of the plant are floated on water in advance, and the seeds are implanted in a medium after germination, A seed-attached unit configured by accommodating the medium in a container is arranged in a predetermined cultivation tray.

  Here, this kit with seeds can be produced and sold one by one in which a container is filled with a culture medium and seeds are added (in a cartridge state). In this way, the user can perform domestic hydroponics without much effort. On the other hand, containers, seeds, and culture media can be separated into parts in advance and sold as consumables and replacement parts, and the hydroponics method described above is used using the hydroponic plant seed kit. Can do. Thus, it is possible to provide a service in line with the user's preference (for example, wanting to take a certain care to grow plants). In addition, the user can purchase necessary parts when necessary and cultivate plants. This eliminates parts waste and minimizes waste. In addition, the nutrient solution of the capacity | capacitance which should be put into the cultivation tray of a cultivation apparatus can be sold as a component of a kit with a seed as a packaged part. Moreover, the main unit and the cultivation tray of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus can be sold alone.

  The method for producing a medium for hydroponics according to the present invention is a method for producing a medium for planting seeds or roots of a plant for hydroponics that is accommodated in a predetermined container and placed on a cultivation tray, and includes a predetermined fiber. A first fiber that extends in the direction and has biodegradability and a second fiber that extends in a predetermined fiber direction and has biodegradability and is disposed at least on the outer peripheral side, and extends in the fiber direction By forming a fiber bundle having one end surface, the other end surface, and the outer peripheral surface, and heat-treating the second fiber as a binder with respect to the outer peripheral surface side of the fiber bundle, the gap between the fibers is maintained. A support layer for supporting the fiber bundle is formed.

  By the method for producing a culture medium for hydroponics according to the present invention, a culture medium that can improve the safety of hydroponics as described above and can promote the growth of plants can be produced.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the safety of hydroponics and promote the growth of plants.

It is a perspective view of a hydroponics device to which a culture medium and a cultivation pot concerning an embodiment of the present invention are applied. It is sectional drawing along the II-II line | wire shown in FIG. It is a perspective view of a culture medium and a cultivation pot concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the structure of a culture medium. It is the top view and sectional drawing of a cultivation pot. It is a figure which shows the kit with a seed concerning embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of the hydroponics which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the method of the hydroponics which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a culture medium for hydroponics, a container for hydroponics, a kit with seeds for a plant for hydroponics, a method for hydroponics, and a method for producing a medium for hydroponics will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. .

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hydroponics apparatus 100 to which a culture medium 1 and a cultivation pot 2 (container) according to this embodiment are applied. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the II-II cross section shown in FIG. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the hydroponics device 100 includes a cultivation tray 3 for storing a nutrient solution W for hydroponics, and a main unit 4 for installing the cultivation tray 3. A cultivation pot 2 in which the culture medium 1 is accommodated is disposed on the cultivation tray 3. The hydroponics apparatus 100 is an apparatus capable of cultivating the plant G in the main unit 4 without using other external devices. The hydroponics apparatus 100 is independent of other apparatuses, and can be installed in any place such as a house room or various office spaces. That is, it is possible to grow a plant in any place without worrying about the installation place.

  The cultivation tray 3 includes a storage tank 6 that stores the nutrient solution W therein and a lid body 7 that covers the storage tank 6. In addition, although this embodiment demonstrates the cultivation tray 3 which has comprised the rectangular parallelepiped box shape, the shape of the cultivation tray 3 is not specifically limited, It is a cube shape, a column shape, an elliptical column shape, and a bowl shape. Also good. The storage tank 6 includes a bottom wall portion 11 and side wall portions 12 extending upward from the respective edge portions of the bottom wall portion 11. The storage tank 6 is open on the upper surface side. The lid body 7 is a plate-like member that covers the opening on the upper surface side of the storage tank 6 and is detachable from the storage tank 6. A through-hole 14 for fitting the cultivation pot 2 is formed in the lid body 7. In the present embodiment, the lid body 7 is formed with a plurality of (three in the figure) through-holes 14 arranged in a line along the longitudinal direction. It is not limited.

  The main unit 4 has a bottom wall portion 16 where the cultivation tray 3 is disposed, an upper wall portion 17 facing the bottom wall portion 16, and both ends of the bottom wall portion 16 and the upper wall portion 17 extending in the vertical direction. And a pair of side wall portions 18 and 19 to be connected. The bottom wall portion 16 and the top wall portion 17 have a rectangular plate shape, and the side wall portions 18 and 19 are arranged so as to face the longitudinal direction of the bottom wall portion 16 and the top wall portion 17. . In the example shown in FIG. 1, side walls are not provided on the side surfaces of the bottom wall portion 16 and the upper wall portion 17 that face each other in the short direction, and are open. However, a side wall portion may be provided. The main unit 4 is provided with a lighting device (not shown) that irradiates light to the plant G grown in the cultivation pot 2 of the cultivation tray 3.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 3-5, the structure of the culture medium 1 and the cultivation pot 2 is demonstrated in detail. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the culture medium 1 and the cultivation pot 2 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram for explaining the configuration of the culture medium 1 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a plan view and a cross-sectional view of the cultivation pot 2.

  Medium 1 is for planting seeds or roots of plant G. The culture medium 1 supports the seeds or roots of the plant G, and can soak up the nutrient solution W by capillary action when immersed in the nutrient solution W of the cultivation tray 3. Supply sufficient nutrient solution W. The medium 1 is a member having a fiber direction D1 so that the roots of the plant G can easily grow, and has fine voids continuous in the fiber direction D1 inside.

  The culture medium 1 includes a fiber bundle 20 formed by bundling a plurality of fibers (details of the fibers will be described later) extending in the fiber direction D1. The fiber bundle 20 has a columnar shape extending along the fiber direction D1. Thereby, the fiber bundle 20 has one end surface 20a, the other end surface 20b, and an outer peripheral surface 20c. In addition, the fiber bundle 20 should just be the shape extended in the fiber direction D1, and may be not only a column shape but prismatic shape and other shapes. The fiber bundle 20 is set to a size capable of fixing the root of the plant G at the same time as being able to fix the root and supporting the plant G even when leaves and stems grow. For example, the diameter of the fiber bundle 20 is set to about 14.0 to 16.0 mm, and the height (the size in the fiber direction D1) is set to about 43.0 to 47.0 mm. However, the size of the fiber bundle 20 may be appropriately adjusted according to the size of the cultivation pot 2.

  As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the fiber bundle 20 includes a first fiber 21 extending in the fiber direction D1 and having biodegradability, and a second fiber 22 extending in the fiber direction D1 and having biodegradability. Formed by bundling. The fiber bundle 20 has only a single fiber direction D1, and does not have a fiber direction component in a direction intersecting the fiber direction D1. That is, the fiber bundle 20 includes only fibers that extend in the fiber direction D1, and has fibers that extend in a direction D2 orthogonal to the fiber direction D1 (or in a direction having a direction component in the direction D2). Not done. Therefore, a fine space extending in the fiber direction D1 is formed inside the fiber bundle 20.

  For example, as shown in FIG.4 (c), when the culture medium which concerns on the fiber structure which has two fiber directions of the direction D1 and the direction D2 is used, even if the root R is going to extend to the radial direction D3, each fiber is mutually It is difficult to spread, and there is a case where a sufficient gap for passing the root R cannot be secured. Accordingly, the root R grows mainly in the direction D1 (downward) because the growth in the radial direction D3 is inhibited by the fiber structure. On the other hand, since the culture medium 1 according to the present embodiment has a fiber structure having a single fiber direction D1, as shown in FIG. 4 (d), each of the roots R is about to extend in the radial direction D3. The fibers are easy to spread and a gap for passing the root R can be sufficiently secured. Accordingly, the root R is promoted not only in the fiber direction D1 (downward direction) but also in the radial direction D3.

  The “fiber extending in the fiber direction D1” refers to a state in which the fiber extends in the fiber direction D1 when viewed as a whole, and a portion that is partially directed toward the direction D2 due to a deflection or twist of the fiber. May be included. Moreover, as long as it is in the range which does not inhibit root growth, one part fiber may incline with respect to the fiber direction D1 by the manufacturing error at the time of bundling a fiber, etc.

  As shown in FIG. 4B, a support layer 23 that supports the fiber bundle 20 is formed on the outer peripheral surface 20c side of the fiber bundle 20 while maintaining a gap between the fibers. The support layer 23 is formed with a thickness of about 0.5 to 1.5 mm from the outer peripheral surface 20 c of the fiber bundle 20. The support layer 23 is a layer formed by subjecting the outer peripheral surface 20c of the fiber bundle 20 to heat treatment using the second fibers 22 as a binder. In the support layer 23, all or a part of the second fibers 22 are in a cured state after being dissolved by heat treatment. Therefore, in the support layer 23, the first fibers 21 are fused together by the second fibers 22. The support layer 23 is formed with sufficient strength to maintain the shape of the fiber bundle 20 even during water absorption. Note that the one end face 20a and the other end face 20b of the fiber bundle 20 are not heat-treated. This makes it easy to plant seeds or roots of the plant G.

  The melting point of the first fiber 21 is higher than the melting point of the second fiber 22. That is, the melting point of the second fiber 22 is lower than the melting point of the first fiber 21. The temperature of the heat treatment when forming the support layer 23 is set to a temperature not lower than the melting point of the second fibers 22 and not higher than the melting point of the first fibers 21. Thereby, the shape of the first fiber 21 is maintained without melting, while the second fiber 22 functions as a binder for melting and integrating the first fiber 21.

  Also in the support layer 23, the fiber structure which does not inhibit the growth of the root R in the radial direction D3 as described in FIG. 4D is maintained. The said fiber structure is implement | achieved by mixing the 2nd fiber 22 extended in the fiber direction D2 in the 1st fiber 21 extended in the fiber direction D1, and using the said 2nd fiber 22 as a binder. For example, when the binder material is applied to the outer peripheral surface 20c of the fiber bundle 20 and heat-treated, or when the binder material sheet is wound and heat-treated, the fiber structure on the outer peripheral surface 20c side of the fiber bundle 20 is blocked by the support layer. Therefore, the root R is difficult to pass through.

  Further, the support layer 23 can be deformed following the internal shape of the cultivation pot 2. That is, the support layer 23 is set to a hardness and thickness that can be deformed following the internal shape of the cultivation pot 2. As shown in FIG. 5A, when the culture medium 1 is accommodated in the cultivation pot 2, the outer peripheral surface 20 c of the culture medium 1 is pressed radially inward by the guide rib 32 formed inside the cultivation pot 2. The support layer 23 is deformed according to the pressing force by the guide rib 32 and is curved radially inward in the vicinity of the contact position with the guide rib 32. The followability of the support layer 23 can be realized by setting the heating condition when heat treating the outer peripheral surface 20c of the fiber bundle 20 to an appropriate condition and adjusting the degree of fusion between the fibers. That is, when the degree of fusion of the second fibers 22 is weakened and the fiber bundle 20 is molded to such an extent that it cannot be loosely separated, the shape of the culture medium 1 is deformed when the cultivation pot 2 is filled, and the inner shape of the cultivation pot 2 is obtained. It is possible to follow.

  In addition, the 2nd fiber 22 should just be arrange | positioned in the position in which the support layer 23 is formed in the fiber bundle 20 at least. That is, in the region of the fiber bundle 20 excluding the support layer 23, it is sufficient that at least the first fibers 21 are bundled, and the second fibers 22 are not necessarily arranged. However, the first fiber 21 and the second fiber 22 may be mixed in the entire region of the fiber bundle 20. When the second fibers 22 are arranged only on the outer peripheral surface 22c side, the number of second fibers 22 used can be reduced. In the case where the second fibers 22 are mixed over the entire area, it is possible to omit the trouble of arranging the second fibers 22 only on the outer peripheral surface 20c side during manufacturing.

  Although it will not specifically limit if the 1st fiber 21 is a fiber which has biodegradability, For example, you may apply a cellulose fiber or an animal fiber. Cellulose fibers include natural cellulose fibers such as hemp and cotton, regenerated cellulose fibers such as cupra, viscose rayon, and polynosic rayon, and refined cellulose fibers. Regenerated cellulose fibers are particularly suitable. Moreover, although the form of a fiber can use both a short fiber and a long fiber, Preferably it is a long fiber, More preferably, it is a continuous long fiber with few drop-off fibers. For example, wool or silk is applied as the animal fiber. The first fibers 21 do not elute harmful substances even during water absorption. Note that a plurality of types of fibers may be mixed as the first fibers 21.

  The second fiber 22 is a fiber having biodegradability and is not particularly limited as long as it has a lower melting point than the first fiber 21 and satisfies the target performance of the present invention as a binder. Polylactic acid resin, polybutylene succinate, polyvinyl alcohol, etc. may be applied. In particular, it is preferable to apply a polylactic acid resin. The second fibers 22 do not elute harmful substances even during water absorption. Note that a plurality of types of fibers may be mixed as the second fibers (however, the melting points of all the fibers are lower than the melting points of the fibers functioning as the first fibers 21).

  The thickness of the first fiber 21 may be 1 to 30 μm. The thickness of the second fiber 22 may be 1 to 30 μm. The thickness of the first fiber 21 and the second fiber 22 may be the same or different. Moreover, the thickness of each fiber in the fiber bundle 20 may be uniform or may be different from each other.

The density of the fibers of the fiber bundle 20, that is, the density of the first fibers 21 and the second fibers may be 0.07 to 0.3 g / cm ³ . In addition, also when the area | regions other than the support layer 23 among the fiber bundles 20 are comprised only by the 1st fiber 21, the density of the 1st fiber 21 in the said area | region is 0.07-0.3 g / cm < ³ >. It may be. When the density is smaller than the range, the supporting force of the root R of the plant G may be weakened. On the other hand, when the density is larger than the range, the growth of the root R may be inhibited.

  The mixing ratio of the second fibers 22 in at least the support layer 23 is preferably about 30% with respect to the entire fibers (the total of the first fibers 21 and the second fibers 22). Any mixing ratio may be used as long as the second fiber 22 can exhibit the function as a binder, the gap between fibers for growing roots, and water absorption so that the fiber bundle 20 can be maintained. However, in the region other than the support layer 23, the mixing ratio of the second fibers 22 may be smaller than the above range.

  Next, the manufacturing method of the culture medium 1 is demonstrated. First, a bundle of the first fibers 21 and the second fibers 22 is prepared. After mixing each fiber at a predetermined ratio, both the fibers 21 and 22 are straightly extended in the fiber direction D1, and the support layer 23 is formed by applying heat treatment to the outer peripheral surface 20c in a state where the diameter of the medium 1 is set. . Thereafter, the fiber bundle 20 is cut to the length of the medium 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the outer peripheral surface 20c may be subjected to heat treatment after the fiber bundle 20 is cut to the length of the culture medium 1. In the case of a short fiber, the cut may be omitted depending on the setting of the length of the fiber bundle.

  For example, an example in which a cupra fiber is employed as the first fiber 21 and a polylactic acid fiber is employed as the second fiber 22 will be described. First, a cupra fiber is mixed as a first fiber 21 at a mixing ratio of about 70%, and a polylactic acid fiber is mixed as a second fiber 22 at a mixing ratio of about 30%. It heats at 170 degreeC or more which is melting | fusing point of, and heat-seal | fuses it. Since the melting point of polylactic acid fiber is about 170 ° C., it melts in the surface layer of the fiber, but the cupra does not soften or melt (however, the cupra has the property of starting to discolor at 260 to 300 ° C. Of heat).

  Cupra is a cellulose fiber made mainly of cotton linter and has biodegradability. Polylactic acid is also biodegradable (hydrolyzed by water in the environment and reduced in molecular weight, and finally decomposed into carbon dioxide and water by microorganisms, etc.) and has a form-maintaining property. (Since it has a melting point of about 170 ° C., when it is molded into a cylindrical shape as a culture medium, the shape can be maintained by applying heat around the circle, and no adhesive or the like is required). Polylactic acid is one of the bioplastics that can be synthesized from plant-derived materials. When lactic acid bacteria are allowed to act on glucose (glucose), sugar (sucrose) or the like, lactic acid is obtained by the fermentation action.

  Next, the configuration of the cultivation pot 2 will be described. Fig.5 (a) shows the figure which looked at the cultivation pot 2 from upper direction, FIG.5 (b) shows sectional drawing along the Vb-Vb line | wire shown to Fig.5 (a). As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the cultivation pot 2 is opened at the upper end side, and has a main body 31 having a space for placing the medium 1 therein, and a guide rib 32 protruding from the inner side surface of the main body 31. And a flange 33 surrounding the opening on the upper end side of the main body 31. The cultivation pot 2 is configured so that the culture medium 1 can be inserted from the opening on the upper end side. The insertion direction coincides with the fiber direction D1 of the culture medium 1. That is, the culture medium 1 is supported by the cultivation pot 2 in such a posture that the fiber direction D1 coincides with the vertical direction.

The cultivation pot 2 is comprised by shape | molding resin, for example. As the resin, PP, PE or the like may be applied. In addition, when PP is applied, since the cultivation pot 2 can be hardened compared with the case where PE is employ | adopted, the plant G can be supported more reliably.
The cultivation pot has a shielding property against light (does not transmit light). That is, the cultivation pot 2 (at least the surface) is a color having reflectivity, is not light transmissive, and is opaque. Specifically, the cultivation pot 2 has a lightness other than 0, that is, a color other than black, and is white in this embodiment. Light or the like irradiated from above can be prevented from passing through the cultivation pot 2 and entering the nutrient solution in the cultivation tray 3. Thereby, algae and the like can be prevented from breeding in the cultivation tray 3. In addition, the color of the material itself which comprises the cultivation pot 2 may be an opaque color which has reflectivity, and the process which attaches the opaque color which has reflectivity to the surface of the cultivation pot 2 may be performed.

  The main body 31 has a truncated cone shape having a taper that tapers downward from above. Although the magnitude | size in the up-down direction of the main-body part 31 is not specifically limited, It sets to the magnitude | size which can support the substantially whole region of the culture medium 1 in the fiber direction D1, so that the culture medium 1 and the plant G can fully be supported. The main body 31 has a shielding area E1 for shielding light and a penetration 35 formed with a slit 35 which is an opening for taking the nutrient solution into the culture medium 1 arranged inside and allowing the root R of the plant G to pass therethrough. And an area E2. The shielding area E <b> 1 is formed on the upper end side of the main body part 31, and the penetration area E <b> 2 is formed on the lower end side of the main body part 31. Specifically, the slit 35 is formed by providing a plurality of through holes in the circumferential direction in the through region E2 without providing the through holes in the shielding region E1 with respect to the frustoconical cylindrical peripheral wall portion 34 of the main body 31. . An annular bottom wall portion 36 is provided at the lower end portion of the frustoconical cylindrical peripheral wall portion 34 of the main body portion 31. A through hole 37 is formed in the bottom wall portion 36 at the center position. The diameter of the through hole 37 is smaller than the diameter of the culture medium 1.

  The slit 35, which is an opening of the peripheral wall portion 34, is configured by forming a through hole having the same shape around the central axis CL at a certain angle with respect to the peripheral wall portion 34. The slit 35 has a substantially rectangular shape extending in the vertical direction. In the present embodiment, six slits 35 are formed in the circumferential direction, but the number is not particularly limited. The lower end of the slit 35 extends to the bottom wall portion 36. The upper end 35a of the slit 35 is set at the boundary position between the shielding area E1 and the penetration area E2. It should be noted that the position of the upper end 35a, that is, the size of the slit 35 in the vertical direction is any size as long as the shielding region E1 is ensured enough to prevent light from above from entering the nutrient solution. May be set. In the present embodiment, the upper end 35a is disposed on the upper end side of the main body 31, and the penetrating region E2 is secured larger than the shielding region E1 in the vertical direction. By securing a large slit 35, the range in which the root R of the plant G can pass can be widened. The size of the slit 35 in the circumferential direction, that is, the distance in the circumferential direction between the one side end 35b and the other side end 35b of the slit 35 is not limited as long as the strength of the penetrating region E2 of the main body 31 can be secured. It may be set to any size. Between the side end 35b of one slit 35 and the side end 35b of another adjacent slit 35, the peripheral wall portion 34 of the main body portion 31 remains, and the portion includes the shielding region E1 and the bottom wall portion. It is comprised as the connection part 38 extended in the up-down direction which connects 36.

  The shielding region E1 has a peripheral wall surface structure where no opening exists, and the penetrating region E2 has a skeleton structure. When installed in the through hole 14 of the cultivation tray 3 of the hydroponics apparatus 100 described later, the boundary position between the shielding area E1 and the penetration area E2 is set so as to substantially coincide with the nutrient solution surface.

  The guide rib 32 has a function of guiding the culture medium 1 when the culture medium 1 is inserted into the cultivation pot 2 and holding the culture medium 1 after the insertion. The guide rib 32 is a plate-like rib protruding from the inner peripheral surface 31a of the main body 31 toward the central axis CL when viewed from above (the state shown in FIG. 5A). The guide rib 32 extends over substantially the entire area of the main body 31 in the vertical direction. The guide rib 32 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the connecting portion 38 in the penetrating region E2. The inner end portion 32 a in the radial direction of the guide rib 32 is a portion that supports the culture medium 1 by contacting the outer peripheral surface 20 c of the culture medium 1. The tip 32a extends substantially parallel to the vertical direction. The tip 32 a is disposed at a position where the culture medium 1 can be pressed when the culture medium 1 is inserted into the main body 31. In this embodiment, since the culture medium 1 has a cylindrical shape, the dimension between the central axis CL and the tip 32a when viewed from above (the state shown in FIG. 5A) is the culture medium 1. It is set to be smaller than the radius of. As a result, the outer peripheral surface 20 c (that is, the support layer 23) of the culture medium 1 is deformed following the tip portion 32 a of the guide rib 32. On the upper end side of the tip end portion 32a of the guide rib 32, a notch portion 32b is formed. This facilitates insertion of the culture medium 1. After being inserted into the main body 31, the culture medium 1 is filled in a state of swelling in the main body 31 due to root growth and water absorption.

  A cylindrical portion 39 that extends straight upward is formed at the edge of the upper end of the main body 31, and a flange 33 that extends from the edge of the upper end of the cylindrical portion 39 to the outer peripheral side is formed. The cylindrical portion 39 is a portion facing the inner peripheral surface of the through hole 14 when the cultivation pot 2 is set in the through hole 14 of the lid 7 of the cultivation tray 3. In order to suppress rattling of the cultivation pot 2, a projection that contacts the through hole 14 may be provided in the cylindrical portion 39, and a projection that contacts the cylindrical portion 39 may be provided in the through hole 14. The eaves part 33 is extended so that it may go to an outer peripheral side as it goes upwards. With such a configuration, the inner peripheral surface of the flange portion 33 functions as a reflection surface 33a that reflects light from above toward the inside. The light reflected by the reflecting surface 33a is applied to the plant G, whereby the growth of the plant G is promoted. Note that the reflection surface 33a may be curved or planar. The light reflectance of the reflecting surface 33a is, for example, 50 to 100%.

  A plant seed kit 200 for hydroponics for hydroponics using the hydroponic apparatus 100 as described above will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, for example, a plant seed kit 200 for hydroponics includes a package 201 in which plant seeds are packaged, a package 203 in which cultivation pots 2 are packaged, and a package 204 in which culture medium 1 is packaged. The package 205 in which the main unit 4 is packaged and the package 206 in which the cultivation tray 3 is packaged are packed together. Further, a package 202 in which an appropriate amount of nutrient solution for the cultivation tray 3 is packaged is also included. Thus, in the plant seed kit 200 for hydroponics, plant seeds (seeds are herbs such as basil, water watercress, arugula, chives, quince, chervil, leafy vegetables, etc.) × 3. The seed, nutrient solution x 1 bag, cultivation pot 2 x 3 pieces, medium 1 x 3 pieces, main unit 4 and cultivation tray 3 are configured as separately packaged parts. That is, it is preferable that each package 201, 202, 204, 203, 205, 206 is packed as one set at the time of initial sales.

  On the other hand, the package 201 in which plant seeds are packaged, which constitutes the plant seed kit 200 for hydroponics, includes a package 203 in which the cultivation pot 2 is packaged and a package 204 in which the culture medium 1 is packaged for each type. The package 202 containing the nutrient solution can be sold separately as a consumable and replacement part, and the package 202 containing the nutrient solution can also be sold separately as a consumable. Also, the package 205 in which the main unit 4 is packaged and the package 206 in which the cultivation tray 3 is packaged may be sold separately for replacement. Note that a timer for setting the lighting or extinguishing time of the artificial lighting fixture provided in the main unit 4, a seed germination cup, tweezers, and the like can be simultaneously sold as optional items.

  Next, a hydroponics method for plants using the plant seed kit 200 for hydroponics as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as shown to Fig.7 (a), the seed of a plant is taken out from the package 201, and it floats on the water in a cup. Simply put tap water in the cup. In this state, the roots emerge from the seeds after 1 day, and germinate as shown in FIG. 7B after 3 to 5 days. Next, the culture medium 1 is moistened, and the germinated seeds are picked with tweezers and are planted in the culture medium 1 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 7 (d), the culture medium 1 in a state where the germinated seeds are planted is accommodated in the cultivation pot 2.

  Next, as shown to Fig.8 (a), the cultivation pot 2 which accommodated the culture medium 1 is set to the cover body 7 of the cultivation tray 3, and it is set as a unit with a seed. On the other hand, as shown in FIG.8 (b), water is stored in the storage tank 6 of the cultivation tray 3, and the nutrient solution of the package 202 is put in water and stirred. As shown in FIG. 8C, hydroponics is started by setting the lid body 7 in the storage tank 6 and turning on the illumination of the main unit 4.

  Next, the action and effect of the culture medium 1 for hydroponics, the cultivation pot 2 for hydroponics, the seeded kit 200 for hydroponics, the method of hydroponics, and the production method of the culture medium 1 according to the present embodiment will be described.

  The following are known as conventional hydroponics. Since the cultivation bed for hydroponics needs to be replanted after germination and growth of the plant, for example, a part of the medium of the cultivation bed for hydroponics is cut out, and the medium for seeding is put into the cut out part. The cultivation panel etc. which were inserted and returned are used. Moreover, soil, alternative soil, etc. are used for a culture medium. If this cultivation panel is used, the planting after the germination growth of the plant is easy. That is, when harvesting leafy vegetables, a medium in which plant roots are entangled can be extracted from the cultivation floor, and a new medium produced in advance can be fitted and used again for plant cultivation.

  Alternatively, a kit in which a medium is inserted into a container is also known. In this kit, a medium mainly composed of urethane resin is filled in a resin skeleton container, and seeds are attached to the urethane resin. According to this, it can germinate reliably only by putting it in the nutrient solution, and can induce root growth and fixation.

  However, the above configuration has the following problems. That is, since the medium has no directionality, roots are difficult to grow. In addition, depending on the material of the culture medium, there is a possibility that harmful substances will dissolve when immersed in water.

  On the other hand, since the culture medium 1 for hydroponics according to the present embodiment is composed of the first fibers 21 having biodegradability and the second fibers 22 having biodegradability, the medium 1 is accommodated in the cultivation pot 2. Even in a state where the cultivation tray 3 is immersed in the nutrient solution, no harmful substances are transferred to the nutrient solution. Further, the first fiber 21 extending in the predetermined fiber direction D1 and the second fiber 22 extending in the predetermined fiber direction D1 are bundled to form a fiber bundle 20, and the fibers are held in a state where a gap between the fibers is held on the outer peripheral side. A support layer 23 that supports the bundle is formed. As a result, a continuous gap extending in the fiber direction D1 is formed in the fiber bundle 20. Accordingly, the roots extending from the seeds are not only thick and easy to extend in the fiber direction D1, but also easily extend in the direction intersecting the fiber direction by passing through the gaps between the fibers. The support layer 23 formed on the outer peripheral side of the fiber bundle 20 is formed by heat treatment using the second fiber 22 extending in the same fiber direction D1 as the first fiber 21 as a binder. Therefore, in the support layer 23, as in the inside of the fiber bundle 20, a fiber structure in which a continuous gap extending in the fiber direction D1 is formed is maintained. Therefore, in the support layer 23, the growth of roots in the direction intersecting the fiber direction D1 is not inhibited, and the growth of plants is promoted. In addition, since the outer peripheral surface 20c of the fiber bundle 20 can be deformed following the internal shape of the cultivation pot 2, the internal shape of the cultivation pot 2 can be reliably used without growing the shape and medium suitable for plant growth. When the shape is such that it can be supported, it can be reliably accommodated following the internal shape. This promotes plant growth. By the above, it is possible to improve the safety of hydroponics without causing harmful substances to dissolve in the nutrient solution, etc., the roots are thick and easy to grow long, the absorption of nutrients from the nutrient solution etc. is improved, and the growth of the plant can be promoted it can.

  Moreover, according to the manufacturing method of the culture medium 1 for hydroponics which concerns on this embodiment, the culture medium 1 which has the above effects can be manufactured.

  Moreover, since the culture medium 1 which concerns on this embodiment also has the function to suck up water simultaneously with the function to plant a seed, it can grow a plant reliably. In addition, since it has a structure that can be easily discarded after growth, no harmful substances are generated during disposal.

Moreover, in the culture medium 1 of the hydroponics which concerns on this embodiment, the density of the fiber of the fiber bundle 20 is 0.07-0.3 g / cm < ³ >. Thereby, the density of the fibers of the culture medium 1 can be optimized for the growth of plant roots. If the fiber density is in the above range, the fiber bundle 20 is too dense to prevent the roots of the plant from growing thickly, or the fiber bundle 20 is too low to induce water absorption without inducing capillary action. It won't get worse.

  Moreover, in the culture medium 1 which concerns on this embodiment, the thickness of the 1st fiber 21 and the thickness of the 2nd fiber 22 are 1-30 micrometers. Thereby, the fiber thickness of the culture medium 1 can be optimized for the growth of plant roots. If the thickness of the fiber is in the above range, the gap between the fibers is too small to prevent the plant roots from growing thickly, or the gap between the fibers is too large and the water absorption becomes poor without inducing capillary action. There is nothing.

  Moreover, in the culture medium 1 which concerns on this embodiment, the 1st fiber 21 is a cellulose fiber or an animal fiber. These materials can be used as materials suitable for the first fiber 21 having biodegradability.

  Moreover, in the culture medium 1 which concerns on this embodiment, the 2nd fiber 22 is a polylactic acid fiber. These materials are biodegradable and can be used as appropriate materials for the second fibers 22 as a binder.

  Since the cultivation pot 2 for hydroponics according to the present embodiment includes a main body 31 having an opening at the upper end side and a space for arranging the culture medium 1 therein, the culture medium 1 can be supported by the main body 31. It becomes possible and can support the grown plant reliably. Further, the flange 33 surrounding the opening on the upper end side of the main body 31 and at least the surface forming the main body 31 have a light shielding property. That is, algae and the like are propagated in the cultivation tray 3 when light is transmitted through the cultivation pot 2 and reaches the nutrient solution in the cultivation tray 3 by shielding light at least on the surfaces of the ridge part 33 and the main body part 31. Can be prevented.

  Moreover, the collar part 33 has the reflective surface 33a which reflects the light from upper direction toward the inside, and, thereby, the light reflected by the reflective surface 33a of the collar part 33 goes to the leaf etc. of an inside plant. This promotes photosynthesis of plant leaves and promotes plant growth.

  The main body 31 is covered with a shielding area E1 that is a peripheral wall having no opening at the upper part continuous with the flange part 33, and a through area E2 having a slit 35 as an opening is provided at the lower part. As a result, the root of the plant can be stretched thick and long through the slit 35 at the lower part of the main body 31, while the upper part of the main body 31 shields light by the shielding region E <b> 1 that is a peripheral wall without an opening. Thus, it is possible to prevent algae and the like from propagating in the cultivation tray 3 due to light passing through the main body 31 and reaching the nutrient solution in the cultivation tray 3.

  Moreover, the main-body part 31 is provided with the guide rib 32 which protrudes from the inner side of a side surface. As a result, the medium 1 can be supported by the guide ribs 32, and the grown plants can be reliably supported. Moreover, since a gap can be formed between the side surface of the main body 31 and the culture medium 1, the growth of roots extending from the side surface of the culture medium 1 can be promoted.

  Moreover, the cultivation pot 2 is integrally formed with resin, and the medium 1 can be sufficiently fixed by the guide ribs 32 therein. Accordingly, the cultivation pot 2 is not deformed, and the culture medium 1 is sufficiently supported, so that the cultivation pot 2 is prevented from falling off the cultivation tray 3 and the plant is overturned. Further, since the cultivation pot 2 has a taper downward, it can be smoothly inserted without being caught on the cultivation tray 3.

  In the plant seed kit 200 for hydroponics according to the present embodiment, the plant seed, nutrient solution, medium 1 and cultivation pot 2 are configured as separately packaged parts. In addition, the hydroponics method according to the present embodiment uses the seeded kit 200, the seeds of plants are floated on water in advance and germinated in advance, the seeds are implanted in the medium 1 after germination, and the medium 1 is cultivated in the cultivation pot 2. The seeded unit that is housed and configured in the container is placed in a predetermined cultivation tray 3. Here, the seed-attached kit 200 can be produced and sold one set at a time in which the culture pot 2 is filled with the culture medium 1 and seeded (in a cartridge state). In this way, the user can perform domestic hydroponics without much effort. On the other hand, the cultivation pot 2, seeds, and culture medium 1 can be separated into parts in advance and sold as consumables and replacement parts, and the above-described hydroponics using the plant seed kit 200 for hydroponics is used. The method can be adopted. Thus, it is possible to provide a service in line with the user's preference (for example, wanting to take a certain care to grow plants). You can grow as many plants as you need. In addition, waste can be saved and waste can be minimized. In addition, the nutrient solution of the capacity | capacitance which should be put into the cultivation tray 3 of the cultivation apparatus 100 can be sold as a component of the kit 200 with a seed as a packaged part. Moreover, the main body unit 4 and the cultivation tray 3 of the hydroponic cultivation apparatus 100 can also be sold alone.

  Moreover, if the culture medium 1 and the seed are separated, the management of the seed becomes easy. Unlike the case where a medium in which the seeds are integrated is adopted, the seeds do not fall from the medium 1 during transportation, and the glue for fixing the seeds is unnecessary, so that the seeds are not soiled and impurities do not adhere. Moreover, since it is packaged, it is very easy to sell. Furthermore, since only the medium 1 and seeds can be sold, the transportation cost is greatly reduced. In addition, when seeds are floated on water in advance before planting in the medium, germination can be ensured without being disturbed by external factors.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the shape of the culture medium, the shape of the cultivation pot, and the like may be appropriately changed without changing the gist of the present invention, and the hydroponics procedure may be appropriately changed. Good.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Medium, 2 ... Cultivation pot (container), 3 ... Cultivation tray, 4 ... Main body unit, 6 ... Storage tank, 7 ... Lid body, 20 ... Fiber bundle, 21 ... 1st fiber, 22 ... 2nd fiber , 23 ... support layer, 31 ... body part, 32 ... guide rib (protrusion part), 33 ... heel part, 200 ... kit with seeds of plants for hydroponics, 201 ... package in which plant seeds are packaged, 202 ... nutrient solution , A package in which the cultivation pot 2 is packaged, a package in which the medium 1 is packaged, a package in which the main body unit 4 is packaged, and a package in which the cultivation tray 3 is packaged.

Claims (12)

A medium for planting seeds or roots of hydroponics plants contained in a predetermined container and placed in a cultivation tray,
A fiber bundle formed by bundling at least a first fiber that extends in a predetermined fiber direction and has biodegradability;
The fiber bundle has one end surface, the other end surface and an outer peripheral surface by extending in the fiber direction,
On the outer peripheral surface side of the fiber bundle, a support layer that supports the fiber bundle in a state in which a gap between fibers is held is formed,
The support layer is formed by arranging the first fiber and a second fiber that extends in the fiber direction and has biodegradability, and is subjected to heat treatment using the second fiber as a binder,
The culture medium for hydroponics, wherein the outer peripheral surface of the fiber bundle can be deformed following the internal shape of the container. The density of the fiber of the said fiber bundle is 0.07-0.3g / cm < ³ >, The culture medium for hydroponics of Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned.   The culture medium for hydroponics according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the thickness of the first fiber and the thickness of the second fiber are 1 to 30 µm.   The culture medium for hydroponics according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first fibers are cellulose fibers or animal fibers.   The medium for hydroponics according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second fiber is a polylactic acid fiber. A container for storing a medium for planting seeds or roots of a plant for hydroponics and placing it on a cultivation tray,
A main body having an opening on the upper end side and a space for arranging the medium therein,
A collar that surrounds the opening on the upper end side of the main body, and
A container for hydroponics, wherein at least the surfaces forming the main body and the heel have a light shielding property.   The container for hydroponics according to claim 6, wherein the collar has a reflection surface that reflects light from above toward the inside.   The container for hydroponics according to claim 6, wherein the main body portion is covered with a peripheral wall having no opening portion at an upper portion continuous with the heel portion, and an opening portion is provided at a lower portion.   The said main-body part is provided with the protrusion part which protrudes from the inner side of a side surface, The container for hydroponics of Claim 6 characterized by the above-mentioned.   A plant seed, the medium according to any one of claims 1 to 5, and the container according to any one of claims 6 to 9 are configured as separately packaged parts. A kit with seeds for hydroponics. A method for hydroponics of a plant using the kit with seeds according to claim 10,
The seeds of the plant are floated on water in advance and germinated in advance. After the germination, the seeds are implanted in the medium, and the seeded unit configured by accommodating the medium in the container is disposed in a predetermined cultivation tray. A feature of hydroponics. A method for producing a medium for implanting seeds or roots of hydroponics plants to be placed in a predetermined container and placed in a cultivation tray,
A first fiber that extends in a predetermined fiber direction and has biodegradability and a second fiber that extends in a predetermined fiber direction and has biodegradability and is disposed at least on the outer peripheral side are bundled, and the fiber Forming a fiber bundle having one end surface, the other end surface and an outer peripheral surface by extending in the direction;
A support layer that supports the fiber bundle in a state in which a gap between the fibers is maintained is formed by heat-treating the second fiber as a binder with respect to the outer peripheral surface side of the fiber bundle. A method for producing a culture medium for hydroponics.