JP5611777B2 - Hydroponic cultivation system and hydroponic cultivation method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention includes a cultivation tank for storing a nutrient solution, one or a plurality of cylindrical parts that are formed in a substantially vertical direction in the cultivation tank and in which a plant body is installed in the upper end opening, and a water level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tank The present invention relates to a nourishment nourishing culture system having a water level fluctuation means for changing the above, a similar nourishing cultivation method, and the like.

  In contrast to outdoor cultivation where crops are cultivated under natural weather conditions, facility cultivation in greenhouses, plastic houses, and other artificial facilities is widely used. Also, in recent years, plant factories that cultivate plants under controlled conditions such as light, water, and nutrients in closed spaces or semi-closed spaces have attracted attention as the ultimate facility cultivation.

  Plant cultivation, including plant factories, has advantages such as stable production with little influence from the weather, and the ability to adjust harvest and shipping times. In addition, cultivation in a plant factory has the advantage that no pesticide-free production is possible because there is no invasion of pathogenic bacteria and pests.

  In the institutional cultivation, soil cultivation, hydroponics, and hydroponics are performed according to the type of crops. Among these, hydroponics is a method of cultivating crops by irrigating and fertilizing with nutrient solution without using soil, and is classified into hydroponics without using a culture medium, solid culture with a culture medium, etc. . Hydroponics is a method of cultivating with nutrient solution without using soil or solid medium, and solid medium cultivation is a nutrient solution using a solid medium such as rock wool instead of soil for root support. It is a method of cultivating.

  In general, for nutrient solution cultivation, it is possible to adjust the nutrient solution components, prevent continuous cropping failure, can grow quickly and can be shipped in a short period of time, can be easily washed because there is no adhesion of soil, etc. There are advantages such as being able to reduce. Therefore, hydroponic cultivation is widely put into practical use for fruit vegetables such as melon, strawberry, eggplant, and tomato, and leaf vegetables such as spinach and lettuce. Moreover, hydroponics is adopted in the plant factory.

  However, root crops such as radish, carrot, burdock, and medicinal plants whose roots are harvested, so-called root crops, produce a large number of fine roots when they are cultivated with their roots immersed in nutrient solution. -The harvested parts such as rhizomes and tubers are not sufficiently enlarged. Therefore, hydroponics of root crops has hardly been put to practical use.

As prior art documents related to the present invention, for example, Patent Literature 1 discloses a hydroponic cultivation apparatus including water level displacement means for periodically moving a three-dimensional object into and out of a tank and periodically shifting the level of the nutrient solution up and down. However, Patent Literature 2 discloses a method for hydroponics of root vegetables in which the tip portion of the root is immersed in the culture solution and the portion other than the tip portion of the root is not immersed in the culture solution. A hydroponic cultivation system using an inclined bed for harvesting varieties and the like is disclosed in Patent Document 4 as a target plant that releases a growth-inhibiting substance for itself from the roots, and a subsidy for supporting the growth of the target plant. A hydroponic cultivation method for cultivating plants in different hydroponic cultivation areas and causing water to flow between these areas is disclosed in Patent Document 5 in the burdock that moves the liquid level of the culture solution up and down every predetermined time. Hydroponics methods are described respectively.
JP-A-7-177829 JP-A-2005-91 JP 2007-49957 A JP 2004-267140 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-41

  As described above, when so-called root crops are cultivated with their roots immersed in a nutrient solution, a large number of fine roots are generated, and the harvested parts such as main roots, adventitious roots, rhizomes and tubers are not sufficiently enlarged. Therefore, hydroponics of root crops has hardly been put to practical use.

  Then, an object of this invention is to provide the new hydroponic cultivation means etc. which can enlarge the harvest site | part of a root part in a root crop.

  In this invention, the cultivation tank which stores a nutrient solution, the 1 or several cylindrical part which is formed in this cultivation tank in a substantially perpendicular direction, installs a plant body in an upper end opening part, and the nutrient solution in the said cultivation tank A hydroponic cultivation system for root crops, and a similar hydroponic cultivation method are provided.

  First, one or a plurality of cylindrical portions are formed in a substantially vertical direction in a cultivation tank storing a nutrient solution, and the plant body is installed at the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion so that the root portion extends in the cylindrical portion. As a result, it is possible to prevent the root portion of the root crop from being bent or split into two, and a straight root crop can be obtained. Moreover, by planting one plant body in one cylindrical part, it can prevent that the root part of an adjacent plant body gets entangled, and can prevent the deterioration of the shape of the crop by the influence of another strain. In addition, there is an advantage that the harvesting operation can be performed easily and with low labor.

  In addition, by changing the water level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tank and intermittently applying drought stress to the roots, the occurrence of fine roots is suppressed, and the harvested parts such as main roots, adventitious roots, rhizomes and tubers are sufficiently enlarged. be able to.

  For example, by installing a fixed planting structure in a cultivation tank and inserting a cylindrical body into a penetrating portion provided in the fixed planting structure, or by providing a substantially vertical through hole in the fixed planting structure, Forming part.

  A water level fluctuation means for changing the water level of the nutrient solution by forming the planting structure with a lightweight member floating with respect to the nutrient solution, for example, by applying pressure to the planting structure from above and moving the lightweight member downward You may make it the structure provided with.

As means for moving the fixed planting structure downward, for example, any one of the following configurations (1) or (2) can be employed.
(1) A linear member is stretched over a fixed planting structure, and both ends of the linear member are fixed at positions substantially facing the cultivation tank, and a winding means is installed at at least one end of the linear member. The structure which moves a lightweight member below by winding up a member.
(2) A push-down member formed in a substantially horizontal direction and an elevating means for moving the push-down member up and down, and the push-down member is moved downward by the elevating means, so that the push-down member becomes the fixed planting structure. Configuration that pushes down the body.

  By adopting means to move the planting structure downward and change the water level of the nutrient solution, the nutrient solution for the volume of the planting structure can be reduced, and the scale of nutrient solution related equipment such as a storage tank can be reduced. . In addition, there is an advantage that a pump or the like for changing the water level is unnecessary, and that the water level can be changed quickly even if the cultivation tank is enlarged. In addition, the use of lightweight components makes it easy to handle, maintain, etc. for installation, replacement, removal, etc., and existing facilities that have only water and drainage facilities that are insufficient for fluctuations in water level (for example, pools, water tanks, etc.) There is also an advantage that it can be applied to.

  In this nourishing culture system, the cylindrical portion can be obtained by installing a substantially cylindrical extending member on the inner surface extending to the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion, or by replacing the cylindrical body with a long one. You may make it the structure which can extend the length of. For example, when the root portion extends to the vicinity of the bottom surface of the cultivation tank, the root portion can be further grown and extended by the extended length by performing hydroponics by extending the length of the tubular portion. Thereby, in the case of a root crop, cultivation according to the elongation of the root portion is possible, and a longer and larger crop can be obtained.

  In addition, in this hydroponics system, you may install the filling member which has a predetermined volume. For example, by installing a filling member in a part of the cultivation tank that is not used for cultivation, and reducing the volume in the cultivation tank, the nutrient solution for that volume can be reduced, such as a storage tank. The scale of equipment can be reduced.

  According to the present invention, in root crops, the occurrence of fine roots can be suppressed, the harvested parts such as main roots can be enlarged, and a good crop can be obtained.

<About the hydroponic system according to the present invention>
The present invention includes a cultivation tank for storing a nutrient solution, one or a plurality of cylindrical parts that are formed in a substantially vertical direction in the cultivation tank, and a plant body is installed in an upper end opening, and the nutrient solution in the cultivation tank A hydroponic cultivation system including at least a water level changing means for changing the water level of the water and an apparatus including the system are included. Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a hydroponic cultivation system according to the present invention.

  In the nutrient solution cultivation system A of FIG. 1, a cultivation tank 1 that stores the nutrient solution W, a plurality of tubular parts 3 that are formed in the cultivation tank 1 in a substantially vertical direction, and that have a plant body P installed at the upper end opening. The water level changing means 4 for changing the water level of the nutrient solution W in the cultivation tank 1 is provided.

  A fixed planting structure 2 is installed in the cultivation tank 1, and a cylindrical part 3 is formed by inserting a cylindrical body 31 into a penetrating part 21 provided in the fixed planting structure 2. The plant body P is installed by supporting the lower part of the stem (the part slightly above the root part P1) by the support member 32 and placing the support member 32 on the upper end opening of the cylindrical part 3. It has been broken.

  The cultivation tank 1 is a part for storing the nutrient solution W. A well-known thing can be utilized widely for the cultivation tank 1, and it is not specifically limited. Moreover, although a material is not specifically limited, A thing with little deterioration is preferable even if the nutrient solution W is stored for a long period of time. For example, those made of thermoplastic resin (for example, high density polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polystyrene, ABS resin, AS resin, acrylic resin, etc.), made of foamable resin (foamed polystyrene, foamed polypropylene, foamed polyurethane, etc.) Things can be used.

  Moreover, you may use the existing installation which can store water on a large scale, for example, a pool, a water tank, etc. As a result, existing facilities that are not frequently used can be used effectively, construction costs can be reduced, and large-scale cultivation of root crops can be performed easily and at low cost.

  The fixed planting structure 2 is a structure for forming the cylindrical portion 3. The planting structure 2 can be appropriately selected from those having a specific gravity lower than that of water, those having a specific gravity comparable to that of water, and those having a specific gravity higher than that of water, depending on the system configuration and use.

  A known material can be used as the material of the planting structure 2, and it is not particularly limited, but has a certain strength, is not deformed by an external force, has water resistance, and does not dissolve or corrode even after long-term cultivation. A material is preferred. For example, those made of foamable resin (such as polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, foamed polypropylene, rigid foamed urethane, etc.), lightweight plastic, wood, and plastic tanks of the same shape are relatively inexpensive and easy to mold and process into the desired shape. It is excellent in durability and suitable. Further, for example, a weight or the like may be attached to these materials to adjust the specific gravity.

  In addition, for example, the lid member of the cultivation tank 1 may be used as the fixed planting structure 2 and the tubular body 31 may be inserted into the penetrating portion 21 provided in the lid member (not shown). In this case, there is an advantage that the cylindrical body 31 can be made independent and the system configuration / installation work can be simplified.

  The cylindrical part 3 is a site | part which installs a plant body in the upper-end opening part, and extends the root part of a plant body in the cylinder. As above-mentioned, the plant body P is formed in the upper-end opening part of the cylindrical part 3 so that the one or some cylindrical part 3 may be formed in a substantially vertical direction in the cultivation tank 1, and the root part P1 may extend in the cylindrical part 3. Can prevent the root of the root crop from being bent or bifurcated, and a straight root crop can be obtained. Moreover, by planting one plant body P in one cylindrical part 3, it can prevent that the root part of an adjacent plant body gets entangled, and can prevent the shape deterioration of the crop by the influence of another strain. In addition, there is an advantage that the harvesting operation can be performed easily and with low labor.

  The cylindrical part 3 should just be formed so that the nutrient solution W can freely enter and exit from the lower end opening or the like, and the water level in the cultivation tank 1 and the water level in the cylindrical part 3 are substantially the same. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, it may be formed by inserting a cylindrical body 31 into a through-hole 21 provided in the fixed planting structure 2, or directly in a substantially vertical direction on the fixed planting structure 2. You may form by providing this through-hole. In addition, when forming the cylindrical part 3 with the cylindrical body 31, if the cylindrical body 31 can be installed in the state which does not fall down by a water level fluctuation etc., the diameter of the penetration part 21 and the cylindrical body 31 is not necessarily exact. For example, the cylindrical body 31 may be at least loosely fitted into the through-hole 21.

  The length and the size of the diameter of the cylindrical portion 3 are appropriately set according to the plant species and the length of the root portion (harvesting portion) P1. For example, the length of the cylindrical portion 3 is preferably 10 cm to 1 m, and the hole diameter is preferably 2 to 20 cm. In addition, when using the cylindrical body 31, the well-known thing which has a substantially cylindrical shape, such as a vinyl chloride pipe | tube, can be widely used about the material.

  In addition, a bottom receiving part that can hold the solid medium in the cylindrical part 3 and allows the nutrient solution to freely enter and exit the cylindrical part 3 is formed at or near the bottom of the cylindrical part 3, You may make it the structure which can be performed. The bottom receiving portion may be any as long as the nutrient solution can freely enter and exit and the solid medium can be prevented from flowing out. For example, the bottom receiving portion may be formed by installing a known member such as a net-like body at the bottom of the tubular portion 3, a plate-like body provided with a plurality of small holes, a water-permeable sheet, or the like. When the body 31 is used, the bottom receiving portion may be formed by providing a plurality of small holes in the bottom portion while using one in which one end is closed and the bottom portion is formed.

  The solid medium to be used is not particularly limited as long as it is insoluble in water, and any known medium can be used regardless of whether it is an inorganic medium or an organic medium. For example, sand, rubble (rock), rock wool, pumice sand, vermiculite, perlite, hydroball, ceramic, rice husk charcoal, granular phenol resin, etc. as an organic medium, peat moss, coconut fiber, bark medium, Rice husk etc. can be used.

  The support member 32 is a part that supports the plant body P. As the material of the support member 32, a known material such as a synthetic resin plate can be used. For example, a hole is made in the vicinity of the center of the support member 32, cotton or urethane sponge is wrapped around the lower part of the stem of the plant body P (a part slightly above the root part P1), and the plant is inserted into the hole of the support member 32. Support the body. And the support member 32 with which the plant body P was supported is mounted in the upper-end opening part of the cylindrical part 3, and the plant body P is installed.

  The water level changing means 4 is a part for adjusting the water level of the nutrient solution W. As described above, by changing the water level W1 of the nutrient solution W in the cultivation tank 1 and intermittently applying a drying stress to the root P1, the occurrence of fine roots is suppressed, and harvested parts such as main roots, adventitious roots, rhizomes, tubers, etc. Can be enlarged sufficiently.

  In FIG. 1, the water level fluctuation means 4 includes a nutrient solution supply means 41 that supplies the nutrient solution W into the cultivation tank 1, and a nutrient solution discharge means 42 that drains the nutrient solution W out of the cultivation tank 2. .

  When the root part P1 of the plant body P is desired to be immersed in the nutrient solution W, the nutrient solution is supplied from the nutrient solution supply means 41 (arrow X1), the cultivation tank 1 is filled with the nutrient solution W, and the root part P1 is dried. When applying stress, the nutrient solution discharge means 42 discharges the nutrient solution W from the cultivation tank 1 (arrow X2).

  As the nutrient solution supply means 41, a known means such as a supply pump can be used. As the nutrient solution discharge means 42, known means such as a drainage pump and siphon discharge can be applied.

  In addition, for example, the time and timing of supply / drainage of nutrient solution may be controlled using a water level sensor, a timer, or the like. In that case, the water supply / drainage may be controlled using a solenoid valve or the like. In addition, by connecting to the control unit, it is possible to automatically control the time of fluctuation of the water level of the nutrient solution, the supply / drainage speed of the nutrient solution, timing, and the like.

  The nutrient solution W is water in which water or fertilizer / various nutrients are dissolved, and is stored in the cultivation tank 1. A well-known thing can be suitably utilized for the nutrient solution W according to the plant species etc. to grow.

  Although the kind of plant P is not specifically limited, For example, this invention is applicable to what is called a root crop, such as root vegetables and a medicinal plant which makes a root part harvest.

  Examples of root vegetables include radish, carrot, burdock and the like.

Examples of medicinal plants whose roots are to be harvested include Ural licorice (scientific name “Glycyrrhiza uralensis”) and Spanish licorice (scientific name “Glycyrrhiza”).
glabra ”), Belladonna (scientific name“ Atropa belladonna ”), Toki (scientific name“ Angelica acutiloba ”), Yoroigusa (scientific name“ Angelica ”)
dahurica ”), Siciud (scientific name“ Angelica pubescens ”), Usbasaicin (scientific name“ Asiasarum sieboldii ”), Keirin Saisin (scientific name“ Asiasarum ”)
heterotropoides var.mandshuricum "), Kusasugikazura (scientific name" Asparagus
cochinchinensis "), yellow eel (scientific name" Astragalus membranaceus "), musk eel (scientific name" Astragalus mongholicus "), cypress (scientific name" Achyranthes fauriei "), Togoshitsu (scientific name" Achyranthes bidentata "), lc" B " Tokon (scientific name "Cephaelis
ipecacuanha "), saximatic button eel (scientific name" Clematis chinensis "), gentian (scientific name" Gentiana scabra "), hamlin (scientific name" Glehnia littoralis "), Colombo (scientific name" Jateorhiza ")
columba "), Tendai Yaku (scientific name" Lindera strychnifolia "), Murasaki (scientific name" Lithospermum erythrorhizon "), Kuko (scientific name" Lycium ")
chinense "), Nagabakuko (scientific name" Lycium barbatum "), Magwa (scientific name" Morus alba "), Janohige (scientific name" Ophiopogon japonicus "), peonies (scientific name" Paeonia lactiflora "), buttons (scientific name" Paeonia ")
suffruticosa "), Panax ginseng (scientific name" Panax ginseng "), Kyokyo (scientific name" Platycodon grandiflorum "), Senega (scientific name" Polygala "
senega ”), Itohimehagi (scientific name“ Polygala tenuifolia ”), Kudu (scientific name“ Pueraria lobata ”), Akajiaio (scientific name“ Rehmannia ”)
glutinosa var. purpurea "), Kaikeijio (scientific name" Rehmannia
glutinosa f. hueichigensis "), Bow Fu (scientific name" Saposhnikovia
divaricata "), Mokko (scientific name" Saussurea lappa "), Koganebana (scientific name" Scutellaria baicalensis "), Clara (scientific name" Sophora
flavescens "), Kikarasuuri (scientific name" Trichosanthes "
kirilowii "), Indian jabok (scientific name" Rauwolfia "
serpentina ”), Valeriana fauriei (scientific name“ Polygonum multiflorum ”), Oren (scientific name“ Coptis ”)
japonica ”), Coptis chinensis (scientific name“ Coptis chinensis ”), Coptis deltoidea (scientific name“ Coptis deltoidea ”), Ryoko (scientific name“ Alpinia ”)
officinarum "), Hanasuge (scientific name" Anemarrhena asphodeloides "), Udo (scientific name" Aralia
cordata ”), Okera (scientific name“ Atractylodes japonica ”), Ovana Okera (scientific name“ Atractylodes ovata ”), Hosoba Okera (scientific name“ Atractylodes
lancea "), Sarasinashoma (scientific name" Cimicifuga simplex "), Hokushouma (scientific name" Cimicifuga dahurica "), Kanshoma (scientific name" Cimicifuga ")
heracleifolia "), senkyu (scientific name" Cnidium officinale "), turmeric (scientific name" Curcuma longa "), gadgets (scientific name" Curcuma zedoaria "), hamasuge (scientific name" Cyperus rotundus "), yam (scientific name" Dioscorea ")
japonica "), Chinese yam (scientific name" Dioscorea batatas "), Ezoukogi (scientific name" Eleutherococcus senticosus "), Chigaya (scientific name" Imperata
cylindrica "), Kyokatsu (scientific name" Notopterygium incisum "), Kouhone (scientific name" Nuphar japonicum "), Tochibaninjin (scientific name" Panax
japonicus)), Podofilm Pertatum (scientific name "Podophyllum")
peltatum "), Narukoyuri (scientific name" Polygonatum "
falcatum ”), Kagulumabanarukoyuri (scientific name“ Polygonatum kingianum ”), Dioscorea (scientific name“ Rheum palmatum ”), Hasirikoro (scientific name“ Scopolia japonica ”), Ginger (scientific name“ Zingiber officinale ”), Octopricorn“ Aconitum ”
japonicum "), Japanese beetle (scientific name" Aconitum carmichaeli "), Sagiomodaka (scientific name" Alisma orientale "), Engosaku (scientific name" Corydalis turtschaninovii f.
yanhusuo ”), Onino Yagara (scientific name“ Gastrodia elata ”), Karas Bishak (scientific name“ Pinellia ternate ”), Sankirai (scientific name“ Smilax glabra ”), Amiga Sayuri (scientific name“ Fritillaria verticillata var. thunbergii ”).

  FIG. 2 is a schematic external perspective view showing another example of the hydroponic cultivation system according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view thereof.

  In the nutrient solution cultivation system A ′ of FIGS. 2 and 3, the tubular portion 3 is formed by providing a substantially vertical through-hole directly in the planting structure 2, and the planting structure 2 is used as the nutrient solution W. On the other hand, it is formed of a lightweight member that floats, and includes a water level fluctuation means 4 that fluctuates the water level of the nutrient solution W by moving the fixed planting structure 2 downward.

  Moreover, in this nourishing culture system A ′, as a means for moving the planting structure 2 downward, the linear member 43 is stretched over the planting structure 2, and both ends of the linear member 43 are respectively connected to the cultivation tank 1. A structure is adopted in which the fixed planting structure 2 is moved downward by fixing the winding means 46 at at least one end 45 of the linear member 43 and winding the linear member 43 while fixing to the substantially facing positions 44 and 45. doing.

  With this configuration, in the state where the linear member 43 is relaxed, the planting structure 2 floats with respect to the nutrient solution W (reference numeral X3), and therefore the root part P1 of the plant body P is hardly immersed in the nutrient solution W. It becomes a state. That is, when the linear member 43 is relaxed, it is possible to apply a drying stress to the root portion P1 of the plant body P.

  On the other hand, when the linear member 43 is wound up by the winding means 46 and is in a tension state, the fixed planting structure 2 is pushed downward (reference numeral X3), and therefore the root P1 of the plant body P is immersed in the nutrient solution W and Become.

  Therefore, by adjusting the tension state and the relaxed state of the linear member 43 using the winding means 46, both the nutrient solution supply and the dry stress load can be performed on the root part P1 of the plant body P.

  Thereby, the nutrient solution for the volume of the fixed planting structure 2 can be reduced, and the scale of the nutrient solution related equipment such as the storage tank can be reduced. In addition, there is an advantage that a pump for changing the water level is not necessary and that the water level can be changed quickly even if the cultivation tank is enlarged. In addition, the use of lightweight components makes it easy to handle, maintain, etc. for installation, replacement, removal, etc., and existing facilities that have only water and drainage facilities that are insufficient for fluctuations in water level (for example, pools, water tanks, etc.) There is also an advantage that it can be applied to.

  A known material can be used as the lightweight member employed in the fixed planting structure 2 and is not particularly limited. However, a material having a specific gravity lower than that of water and floating in water without external force is preferable. In addition, a material having a certain strength, not deformed by an external force, water-resistant, and does not dissolve or corrode even after long-term cultivation is preferable. For example, those made of foamable resin (such as polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, foamed polypropylene, rigid foamed urethane, etc.), lightweight plastic, wood, and plastic tanks of the same shape are relatively inexpensive and easy to mold and process into the desired shape. It is excellent in durability and suitable.

  In addition, using a poly tank for the fixed planting structure 2 has an advantage that specific gravity can be controlled by appropriately pouring and draining water. In addition, for example, the weight can be reduced by draining during installation, replacement, removal, maintenance, and the like. Further, for example, when the water level fluctuates, the weight load on the system can be reduced or the system can be downsized by approximating the specific gravity of the fixed planting structure 2 and the water.

  The linear member 43 should just have the intensity | strength which can endure the buoyancy of the fixed planting structure 2, and the material is not specifically limited. For example, a metal wire or a synthetic resin belt / string may be used.

  The means for fixing the linear member 43 to the predetermined outer wall portion of the cultivation tank 1 can also be performed by a known technique. For example, it is possible to employ means such as locking with a hanging tool or the like, placing a metal fitting or the like in the cultivation tank 1 and fastening the linear member 43 to the portion. Moreover, what is necessary is just to fix to the winding means 46 directly in the part in which the winding means 46 is provided.

  The winding means 46 is not particularly limited as long as the linear member 43 can be wound up. Moreover, the winding means 46 is not limited narrowly only when it is installed in one place, but the case where it is installed in multiple places is also widely included. For example, by adopting a configuration in which it is wound by a motor device or the like, control can be performed with a simple operation. Further, by connecting to the control unit, it is possible to automatically control the time, timing, etc. of the water level fluctuation of the nutrient solution.

  The amount of nutrient solution W stored in the cultivation tank 1 is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a light-weight material that floats completely in water without external force is used for the planting structure 2, and the length of the tubular portion 3 (the root portion P1 of the plant body P) and the height of the planting structure 2 are increased. By storing the nutrient solution W so as to reach the full water level when the linear member 43 is in the most tensioned state (the state where the fixed planting structure 2 is lowest), the linear member The root P1 is not immersed in the nutrient solution W during the relaxation of 43, and the root P1 can be completely immersed in the nutrient solution W during tension.

  FIG. 4 is a schematic external perspective view showing still another example of the hydroponic system according to the present invention, and FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view thereof.

  4 and 5, the tubular portion 3 is formed by inserting the tubular body 31 into the penetrating portion 21 provided in the fixed planting structure 2, and the support member 32 is formed. The plant body P is placed on the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion 3, and as the water level fluctuation means 4, a push-down member 47 formed in a substantially horizontal direction, and a lift that moves the push-down member 47 up and down. Means 50, and the push-down member 47 pushes down the fixed planting structure 2 by moving the push-down member 47 downward by the lifting means 50. Further, in the hydroponic system A ″, a lightweight member is used for the fixed planting structure 2.

  With this configuration, for example, when the push-down member 47 is moved upward by the lifting / lowering means 50 (reference numeral X4), the fixed planting structure 2 is floated and a drying stress can be applied to the root portion P1 of the plant body P. .

  On the other hand, when the push-down member 47 is moved downward by the lifting means 50 (reference numeral X4), the push-down member 47 pushes down the planting structure 2, and the planting structure 2 sinks into the nutrient solution W, and the plant P It will be in the state where the root part P1 of was immersed in the nutrient solution W.

  Therefore, by adjusting the height of the push-down member 47 using the elevating means 50, both the nutrient solution supply and the drying stress load can be performed on the root P1 of the plant body P.

  Thereby, like the above, the nutrient solution for the volume of the fixed planting structure 2 can be reduced, and the scale of the nutrient solution-related equipment such as the storage tank can be reduced. In addition, there is an advantage that a pump for changing the water level is not necessary and that the water level can be changed quickly even if the cultivation tank is enlarged. In addition, the use of lightweight components makes it easy to handle, maintain, etc. for installation, replacement, removal, etc., and existing facilities that have only water and drainage facilities that are insufficient for fluctuations in water level (for example, pools, water tanks, etc.) There is also an advantage that it can be applied to.

  The push-down member 47 may be a member having a shape that can push down the fixed planting structure 2 when the water level is changed. For example, a frame body or a rod-like object formed in a substantially horizontal direction is installed above the fixed planting structure 2, and when the fixed planting structure 2 is pushed down, the push-down member 47 is moved downward to You may make it the structure which pushes down the fixed planting structure 2 by applying a pressure to an upper surface. Further, a frame body, a rod-like object or the like formed in a substantially horizontal direction is fixed to the planting structure 2, and when the planting structure 2 is pressed down, the push-down member 47 is moved downward to move the planting structure 2 Alternatively, a downward pressure may be applied to push down the fixed planting structure 2.

  The material of the push-down member 47 is not particularly limited as long as it can withstand the load when the steady structure 2 is pushed down. For example, those made of metal, stainless steel, or synthetic resin can be used.

  The raising / lowering means 50 is not particularly limited as long as it can move the push-down member 47 up and down, and a known technique can be used. For example, the rack 48 and the pinion 49 may be combined and the push-down member 47 may be moved up and down by a rack and pinion method. In that case, for example, by operating using a linear head or the like, the control can be performed with a simple operation. Further, by connecting to the control unit, it is possible to automatically control the time, timing, elevating speed, etc. of the water level fluctuation of the nutrient solution.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing still another example of the hydroponic cultivation system according to the present invention.

  In the nutrient solution cultivation system A ′ ″ of FIG. 6, the gas storage unit 22 is formed in the planting structure 2 in a substantially vertical direction, and the gas supply means 51 that supplies the gas G to the gas storage unit 22 and the gas storage The water level changing means 4 includes an opening / closing means 52 attached to the upper end opening of the portion 22.

  When the gas G is supplied from the gas supply unit 51 with the opening / closing unit 52 closed, the gas G is stored in the gas storage unit 22. Thereby, buoyancy arises in the fixed planting structure 2 (arrow X6), and the root part P1 of the plant body P will be in the state which is hardly immersed in the nutrient solution W. That is, it is possible to apply a drying stress to the root part P <b> 1 of the plant body P by storing the gas in the gas storage part 22.

  On the other hand, when the opening / closing means 52 is opened and the gas G stored in the gas storage unit 22 is discharged, the fixed planting structure 2 sinks with its own weight (reference numeral X6), and the root P1 of the plant body P is immersed in the nutrient solution W. It becomes.

  Therefore, by using the water level fluctuation means 4 provided with the gas supply means 51 and the opening / closing means 52, both the nutrient solution supply and the drought stress load can be performed on the root part P1 of the plant body P. In addition, this nutrient solution cultivation system A "" has an advantage that the dissolved oxygen of the nutrient solution W can be improved by aeration.

  In this case, the planting structure 2 is preferably made of a material that has a specific gravity slightly higher than that of water and that sinks slowly in water without any external force. For example, a weight or the like may be attached to the same material as described above and the specific gravity may be adjusted.

  The gas supply means 51 is a part that supplies gas, and a known device such as an air pump, an air compressor (air compression supply machine), or an air cylinder can be used. For the gas G, for example, general air (atmosphere) may be used.

  The opening / closing means 52 is for closing the gas storage part 22 and storing the gas G in the same part. As the opening / closing means 52, well-known ones can be widely adopted including those manually installed such as ordinary synthetic resin sealing plugs. Further, for example, by configuring the opening / closing means 52 with a solenoid valve, it is possible to control with a simple operation. In addition, by connecting the gas supply means 51 and the electromagnetic valve to the control unit, it is possible to automatically control the time and timing of the water level fluctuation of the nutrient solution.

  FIG. 7: is a cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the example which installed the extending member in the hydroponic cultivation system which concerns on this invention.

  In FIG. 7, in the nutrient solution cultivation system A ″ shown in FIG. 5, a substantially inner surface cylinder that extends to the upper end opening of the tubular portion 3 with respect to the plant body P (reference P <b> 1 ′) in which the root portion P <b> 1 is particularly elongated. The extending member 6 is installed.

  For example, when the root part P1 of the plant body P extends to the vicinity of the bottom surface of the cultivation tank, the inner surface substantially cylindrical extension member 6 extending to the upper end opening of the cylindrical part 3 is installed to increase the length of the cylindrical part 3. By extending the length longer than the depth of the cultivation tank 1, it is possible to further grow and extend the root portion P1 by the extended length. Thereby, in the case of a root crop, cultivation according to the elongation of the root portion is possible, and a longer and larger crop can be obtained.

  When the extension member 6 is used, the upper portion of the root portion P1 is not immersed in the nutrient solution W regardless of the fluctuation of the water level W1, but the lower portion of the root portion P1 is immersed in the nutrient solution W when the water level is full. Since nourishing moisture is supplied to the root part P1, the upper part of the root part P1 also continues to enlarge. Moreover, in a medicinal plant, when the active ingredient is water-soluble, since the upper part of the root part P1 is not always immersed in the nutrient solution W, the content of the active ingredient in that part increases, and many target medicinal ingredients can be recovered. .

  For example, the extension member 6 may be the same as the tubular body 31 described above, installed between the plant body P and the tubular portion 3, or the same member as the fixed plant structure 2 with a through hole. May be formed and used between the plant body P and the tubular portion 3. The material of the extension member 6 can also be the same as those.

  The size and length of the extending member 6 are appropriately set according to the length of the fixed planting structure 2, the cylindrical portion 3, the root portion P1 of the plant body P, and the like. For example, it is preferable that the hole diameter of the inner surface of the extension member 6 is substantially the same as the hole diameter of the cylindrical portion 3. The length of the extension member 6 is preferably 10 cm to 50 cm, for example, and the length may be adjusted by connecting a plurality of extension members 6.

  The extension member 6 may be installed by, for example, simply placing the extension member 6 in the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion 3 and connecting the extension member 6 to the cylindrical portion 3 by insertion or the like. May be.

  In addition, the length of the cylindrical portion 3 is extended by replacing the cylindrical body 31 with a long one instead of installing the substantially cylindrical extending member 6 extending to the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion 3. May be. With this configuration, the cylindrical portion 3 can be extended with a simple operation.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing an example of a nutrient solution cultivation system that fluctuates the water level using two or more cultivation tanks.

  In the nutrient solution cultivation system of FIG. 8, a nutrient solution cultivation system A similar to that of FIG. 1 is provided, and the tubular body 31 is inserted into the cultivation tank 1 and the fixed planting structure 2 that store the nutrient solution W, respectively. By this, it is provided with the some cylindrical part 3 in which the plant body P was installed in the cultivation tank 1 in the substantially perpendicular direction, and the plant body P was installed in the upper end opening part.

  Moreover, between both systems A and A, a water level provided with the water level exchange means 53 which moves the nutrient solution W in both the cultivation tanks 1 and 1 mutually, and the water conduit 54 which connects between both cultivation tanks 1 and 1 directly. Adjustment means 4 is installed. In addition, a filling member 7 having a predetermined volume is installed in the cultivation tank 1.

  For example, the cultivation tank 1 is provided, and in one cultivation tank 1, the root part P1 of the plant body P is immersed in the nutrient solution W, and in the other cultivation tank 1, dry stress is applied to the root part P1 of the plant body P. To the state given.

  Next, the nutrient solution W is moved to the other cultivation tank 1 by the water level exchange means 53. As a result, the root P1 of the plant body P is immersed in the nutrient solution W, and the plant body P that has been immersed in the nutrient solution W is subjected to drying stress.

  And by performing the movement of the nutrient solution W by the water level exchange means 53 for every fixed period and changing the water levels W2 and W3 alternately, the nutrient solution for both plant bodies P in the respective cultivation tanks 1 and 1 Supply and drought stress loading can be performed alternately. The water level exchange of the nutrient solution W is preferably performed every 5 minutes to 1 hour, for example.

  Thereby, in both cultivation tanks 1 and 1, the harvested parts such as the main root of the root crop can be enlarged, and a good harvest can be acquired. In addition, this configuration has the advantage that the total amount of nutrient solution can theoretically be reduced to half. In addition, since a water storage tank or the like is unnecessary, the system configuration can be simplified, the construction cost can be reduced, and the cultivation area can be increased.

  For the water level exchanging means 53, for example, a known water supply / drainage pump can be used. For example, the time and timing of supply / drainage of nutrient solution may be controlled using a water level sensor, a timer, or the like. Further, by connecting to the control unit, it is possible to automatically control the time, timing, etc. of the water level fluctuation of the nutrient solution.

  The water guide pipe 54 is directly connected between the two cultivation tanks 1 and 1, is provided with an opening / closing means, and is a part through which the nutrient solution W passes. For example, when the water level is exchanged between the two cultivation tanks 1, 1, the nutrient solution moves until the water levels of the two cultivation tanks 1, 1 become the same due to the difference in water level by opening the water conduit 54. As a result, it is possible to reduce the burden on the pump or the like in the water level exchanging means 53, shorten the water level fluctuation time, reduce the power consumption, and the like.

  The water guide pipe 54 may be any pipe provided with an opening / closing means, and a known vinyl chloride pipe, metal pipe, or the like can be used. As the opening / closing means, a known valve structure or the like can be appropriately employed. Further, by using a solenoid valve as the opening / closing means and connecting to the control unit, automatic control of the water level exchange in conjunction with the water level exchange means 53 is possible.

  The filling member 7 is a member having a predetermined volume. By installing the filling member 7 having a predetermined volume in the cultivation tank 1, the volume in the cultivation tank 1 can be reduced and the amount of the nutrient solution W to be used can be reduced.

  For example, when the cultivation tank 1 is large, a large amount of nutrient solution W is required. In this case, the capacity burden on the pump and the like when the water level is changed is increased, and the initial cost and running cost are increased. On the other hand, the capacity | capacitance burden with respect to the amount of nutrient solution and a water level fluctuation | variation can be reduced by the capacity | capacitance of the filling member 7 by installing the filling member 7 in the cultivation tank 1. FIG.

  The filling member 7 only needs to have a predetermined volume, and the material thereof is not particularly limited. For example, the same material as the fixed planting structure 2 may be used as it is, or a hole or the like may be formed in those members. For example, the specific gravity may be adjusted by pouring water into a plastic tank or the like. The use of a polytank for the filling member 7 has an advantage that the work load during installation, replacement, removal and maintenance is small. These filling members 7 are used, for example, placed in the cultivation tank 1 or fixed at a predetermined position.

  In addition, for example, by arranging a plurality of cultivation tanks 1 in a stepped manner, and moving the nutrient solution from the upstream cultivation tank 1 to the downstream cultivation tank 1 in sequence, each cultivation tank 1 is planted every other plant. You may make it the structure which repeats the state in which the root part P1 of the body P was immersed in the nutrient solution W, and the state which gave the dry stress to the root part P1 of the plant body P. FIG.

  In this case, the nutrient solution W is supplied to the most upstream culture tank 1 by pumping the nutrient solution W from the most downstream culture tank 1 by a liquid feeding means such as a pump. In the case of this configuration, the water level of each cultivation tank 1 can be changed without using energy by gravity except when the liquid is fed to the most upstream cultivation tank 1.

<Nutrient culture method according to the present invention>
The nourishing crop cultivation method for root crops according to the present invention forms one or a plurality of cylindrical portions in a substantially vertical direction in a cultivation tank for storing the nutrient solution, and is tubular so that the root portion extends in the cylindrical portion. The plant body is installed in the upper end opening of the part, and the water level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tank is changed to include all that intermittently give drought stress to the root.

  As described above, by cultivating the root crop in the tubular portion, it is possible to prevent the root portion of the root crop from being bent or split into two branches, and a straight root crop can be obtained. Moreover, by planting one plant body in one cylindrical part, it can prevent that the root part of an adjacent plant body gets entangled, and can prevent the deterioration of the shape of the crop by the influence of another strain.

  In addition, by changing the water level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tank and intermittently applying drought stress to the roots, the occurrence of fine roots is suppressed, and the harvested parts such as main roots, adventitious roots, rhizomes and tubers are sufficiently enlarged. be able to.

  For example, by installing a fixed planting structure in a cultivation tank and inserting a cylindrical part into a through part provided in the fixed planting structure, or a through hole in a substantially vertical direction in the fixed planting structure You may perform the hydroponics of a root crop using what was formed by providing.

  Moreover, you may make it fluctuate the water level of a nutrient solution by forming a planting structure with the lightweight member which floats with respect to a nutrient solution, and moving a planting structure downward.

As means for moving the fixed planting structure downward, for example, any one of the following means (1) or (2) can be adopted.
(1) A linear member is stretched over the fixed planting structure, and both ends of the linear member are fixed at positions substantially facing the cultivation tank, and a winding means is installed at at least one end of the linear member. The linear member is wound up.
(2) A push-down member formed in a substantially horizontal direction and an elevating means for moving the push-down member up and down, and the push-down member is moved downward by the elevating means, so that the push-down member becomes the fixed planting structure. Press down on the body.

  By moving the planting structure downward and changing the water level of the nutrient solution, the nutrient solution for the volume of the planting structure can be reduced, and the scale of the nutrient solution-related equipment such as a storage tank can be reduced. In addition, there is an advantage that a pump or the like for changing the water level is unnecessary, and that the water level can be changed quickly even if the cultivation tank is enlarged. In addition, the use of lightweight components makes it easy to handle, maintain, etc., such as installation, replacement, and removal. There is also an advantage that it can be applied to.

  In addition, this hydroponics method may include the process of extending the length of a cylindrical part and performing hydroponics.

  For example, when the root portion extends near the bottom surface of the cultivation tank, by installing a substantially cylindrical extension member that extends to the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion, or replacing the cylindrical body with a long one By extending the cylindrical part longer than the depth of the cultivation tank and performing hydroponics, the root part can be further grown and extended by the extended length. Thereby, in the case of a root crop, cultivation according to the elongation of the root portion is possible, and a longer and larger crop can be obtained.

  Although the water level fluctuation time varies depending on the cultivated plant, for example, the full water level (the state where the root is immersed in the nutrient solution) is about 5 minutes to 48 hours, and the drainage level (the state where the root is subjected to drying stress) is about 5 It is preferable to perform the full water level and the drainage level alternately in minutes to 1 hour.

  In addition, the cultivation water level, the composition of the nutrient solution, and the like are appropriately set according to the cultivated plant.

  In Example 1, an attempt was made to cultivate Ural licorice, a medicinal plant belonging to the genus Licorice, by the water level fluctuation method.

  Nine vinyl chloride tubes with a diameter of 10 cm and a height of 50 cm were erected in a substantially vertical direction in a 50 cm × 50 cm × 50 cm cultivation tank. A hole was made in the vicinity of the center of a 10 cm × 10 cm plastic panel, and a partial urethane sponge or the like under the stem of a plant of Ural licorice was wrapped around and inserted into the hole in the plastic panel. The panel was placed in the upper end opening of the vinyl chloride tube.

  Cultivated for 300 days using the same nutrient solution of the Otsuka A prescription as the nutrient solution while repeating the trough of the nutrient solution water level.

  As a result, the root was enlarged in all the strains. The yield of the enlarged part of the root was 200 g or more per strain in terms of dry weight, which was about 20 times that in the case of soil cultivation.

  In Example 2, the extension member was installed in the hydroponic culture system of Example 1, and cultivation of the medicinal plant Ural licorice was continued.

  In Example 1, for strains with sufficiently enlarged and elongated roots, a total of five vinyl chloride tubes with a diameter of 10 cm and a height of 5 cm were sandwiched between the vinyl chloride tube and the plastic panel in accordance with the elongation of the roots. I went and continued cultivation.

  As a result, even if the length of the root part exceeded the depth of the nutrient solution, the enlargement and elongation of the root part could be continued. In particular, enlargement / elongation continued in the root portion of the portion that was not immersed in the nutrient solution even at the full water level.

  INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can be applied to hydroponics of so-called root crops such as root vegetables and medicinal plants whose roots are harvested. As mentioned above, hydroponic cultivation is less affected by the weather and can be stably produced. Harvest and shipping time can be adjusted. There are advantages such as being able to be shipped out, and being able to wash easily because there is no adhesion of soil, etc., and reducing labor such as harvesting work. Therefore, the present invention is industrially useful in that it is possible to perform hydroponic cultivation that can be put to practical use according to the present invention even for root crops that have been heavily cultivated in the open field.

  In general, medicinal plants are often harvested and used in the wild. On the other hand, in some medicinal plants, problems of environmental destruction and resource depletion due to overfishing have become apparent. The present invention is also industrially useful in that there is a possibility that these medicinal plants can be stably supplied by hydroponics.

Cross-sectional schematic diagram showing an example of a hydroponic system according to the present invention The external appearance schematic perspective view which shows another example of the hydroponic cultivation system which concerns on this invention (when performing a water level fluctuation | variation using a linear member). The cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows another example of the hydroponic cultivation system which concerns on this invention (when changing a water level using a linear member). The external appearance schematic perspective view which shows another example of the hydroponic cultivation system which concerns on this invention (when performing a water level fluctuation | variation using a raising / lowering means). The cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows another example of the hydroponic cultivation system which concerns on this invention (when changing a water level using a raising / lowering means). The cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows another example of the hydroponic cultivation system which concerns on this invention (when changing a water level using a bubble supply means). The cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the example which installed the extension member in the hydroponic cultivation system which concerns on this invention. The cross-sectional schematic diagram which shows the example of the nutrient solution cultivation system which fluctuates a water level using two or more cultivation tanks.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Cultivation tank 2 Fixed planting structure 3 Tubular part 31 Tubular body 32 Support member 4 Water level fluctuation | variation means 41 Nutrient solution supply means 42 Nutrient solution discharge means 43 Linear member 46 Winding means 47 Push-down member 50 Lifting means 51 Air supply means 52 Opening / closing means 53 Water level exchanging means 54 Water guide pipe 6 Extension member 7 Filling member A Hydroponic system G Gas P Plant P1 Root of plant P

Claims (11)

A hydroponics system for root crops that form the main root,
A cultivation tank for storing nutrient solution;
One or a plurality of cylindrical parts that are formed in the cultivation tank in a substantially vertical direction and install a plant in the upper end opening,
Water level variation means for varying the water level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tank ,
A hydroponic system for extending a root portion within a cylinder of the cylindrical portion using the cylindrical portion whose length is set to be longer than that of the main root . A planting structure is installed in the cultivation tank,
The said cylindrical part was formed by inserting a cylindrical body in the penetration part provided in the said fixed planting structure, or providing the through-hole of a substantially perpendicular direction in the said fixed planting structure. Hydroponics system. The planting structure is formed of a lightweight member that floats against the nutrient solution,
The hydroponic culture system according to claim 2, comprising the water level changing means for changing the water level of the nutrient solution by moving the fixed planting structure downward. The hydroponic system according to claim 3, comprising any one of the following (1) and (2) as means for moving the planting structure downward.
(1) A linear member is stretched over the fixed planting structure, and both ends of the linear member are fixed at positions substantially facing the cultivation tank, and a winding means is installed at at least one end of the linear member. The structure which moves the said fixed planting structure downward by winding up the said linear member.
(2) A push-down member formed in a substantially horizontal direction and an elevating means for moving the push-down member up and down, and the push-down member is moved downward by the elevating means, so that the push-down member becomes the fixed planting structure. Configuration that pushes down the body.   A configuration in which the length of the cylindrical portion can be extended by installing a substantially cylindrical extension member that extends to the upper end opening of the cylindrical portion, or by replacing the cylindrical body with a long one. The hydroponic cultivation system according to any one of claims 2 to 4, comprising:   The hydroponic system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a filling member having a predetermined volume is installed in the cultivation tank. A hydroponics method for root crops forming the main root,
Forming one or a plurality of cylindrical portions in a substantially vertical direction in the cultivation tank storing the nutrient solution,
The plants were placed on the upper end opening of the tubular portion,
The length of the cylindrical part is set longer than the main root so that the root part extends in the cylindrical part,
A hydroponic cultivation method that fluctuates the water level of the nutrient solution in the cultivation tank and intermittently applies drought stress to the roots. Install a planting structure in the cultivation tank,
The said cylindrical part is formed by inserting a cylindrical body in the penetration part provided in the said fixed planting structure, or providing the through-hole of a substantially perpendicular direction in the said fixed planting structure. Hydroponic cultivation method. The fixed planting structure is formed of a lightweight member that floats with respect to the nutrient solution,
The hydroponic cultivation method according to claim 8, wherein the water level of the nutrient solution is changed by moving the fixed planting structure downward. The hydroponic cultivation method according to claim 9, wherein the planted structure is moved downward by any one of the following (1) or (2).
(1) A linear member is stretched over the fixed planting structure, and both ends of the linear member are fixed at positions substantially facing the cultivation tank, and a winding means is installed at at least one end of the linear member. The linear member is wound up.
(2) A push-down member formed in a substantially horizontal direction and an elevating means for moving the push-down member up and down, and the push-down member is moved downward by the elevating means, so that the push-down member becomes the fixed planting structure. Press down on the body.   The hydroponics method as described in any one of Claims 7-10 including the process of extending the length of the said cylindrical part and performing hydroponics.

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