DE202022107294U1 - Device for plant production - Google Patents

Abstract

Device (1) for plant production, having:- a first receiving device (3) with a substrate depression (4) for receiving a substrate (5) and at least one plant (2) rooted in the substrate (5), wherein the first receiving device (3 ) has one or more through-openings (6) in a region of the substrate depression (4), - a second receiving device (7) for receiving a nutrient liquid (8), - a buoyancy device (9) which is set up, the first receiving device (3) at a defined distance from a bottom (10) of the second receiving device (7) and/or a liquid level (11) of the nutrient liquid (8), wherein- the first receiving device (3) in the second receiving device (7) along a longitudinal axis (12) of the second receiving device (7) is movably arranged, with the first receiving device (3) and the second receiving device (7) forming an at least approximately closed internal volume (13). n.

Description

The invention relates to a device for plant production having a first receiving device with a substrate recess for receiving a substrate and at least one plant rooted in the substrate, the first receiving device having one or more through openings in a region of the substrate recess, a second receiving device for receiving a nutrient liquid and a buoyancy device that is set up to keep the first receiving device at a defined distance from a bottom of the second receiving device and/or a liquid level of the nutrient liquid, the first receiving device being arranged in the second receiving device so that it can move along a longitudinal axis of the second receiving device.

• - Einbringen eines Substrats in eine Substratvertiefung einer ersten Aufnahmeeinrichtung,
• - Einpflanzen einer Pflanze in das Substrat,
• - Einbringen einer Nährflüssigkeit in eine zweite Aufnahmeeinrichtung,
• - Einbringen der ersten Aufnahmeeinrichtung in die zweite Aufnahmeeinrichtung, derart, dass die Nährflüssigkeit durch eine oder mehrere Durchgangsöffnungen der Substratvertiefung gelangen kann,
• - Austarieren einer Auftriebseinrichtung derart, dass die erste Aufnahmeeinrichtung in einem definierten Abstand zu einem Boden der zweiten Aufnahmeeinrichtung und/oder zu einem Flüssigkeitsstand der Nährflüssigkeit gehalten wird, wobei die erste Aufnahmeeinrichtung in der zweiten Aufnahmeeinrichtung entlang einer Längsachse der zweiten Aufnahmeeinrichtung beweglich angeordnet ist.

A method for plant production is also disclosed, comprising at least the following steps:

• - introducing a substrate into a substrate recess of a first receiving device,
• - planting a plant in the substrate,
• - introducing a nutrient liquid into a second receiving device,
• - introducing the first receiving device into the second receiving device in such a way that the nutrient liquid can pass through one or more through-openings of the substrate depression,
• - Balancing a buoyancy device in such a way that the first receiving device is kept at a defined distance from a bottom of the second receiving device and/or from a liquid level of the nutrient liquid, the first receiving device being arranged in the second receiving device so that it can move along a longitudinal axis of the second receiving device.

Plant production systems in which the plant can access water or nutrient liquids in a reservoir are known from the prior art. The production system of hydroculture or hydroponics plays a particularly well-known role here.

For example, floating gardens are known from the general state of the art, in which plants are planted on buoyant bast mats which float, for example, on a lake. The roots of the plants can penetrate through the bast mat to the water of the lake. This provides the plants with a virtually inexhaustible reservoir of water, while at the same time a large part of the root mass is located in a well-aerated and oxygen-rich environment.

A disadvantage of the hydroponic and/or hydroponic systems known from the prior art is that they either require large natural water resources, such as lakes, for example, or have to be implemented on an industrial scale in a highly controlled environment, for example inside buildings.

Another disadvantage of the known centralized plant production methods is that they can, under certain circumstances, lead to the consumer becoming dependent on large-scale producers and logistics companies.

The present invention is based on the object of creating a device for plant production which avoids the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular making it possible to achieve high plant yields with low consumption of resources.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device having the features specified in claim 1.

The plant production device according to the invention comprises a first receiving device with a substrate recess for receiving a substrate and at least one plant rooted in the substrate, the first receiving device having one or more through-openings in a region of the substrate recess. Furthermore, the device according to the invention comprises a second receiving device for receiving a nutrient liquid and a buoyancy device which is set up to keep the first receiving device at a defined distance from a bottom of the second receiving device and/or a liquid level of the nutrient liquid, the first receiving device being in the second Recording device is arranged movably along a longitudinal axis of the second recording device. Provision is made for the first receiving device and the second receiving device to form an at least approximately closed internal volume.

The device according to the invention has the advantage that the nutrient liquid is enclosed in the at least approximately closed internal volume. In this way, unproductive evaporation losses of the nutrient liquid can be avoided. By avoiding evaporation losses, the water consumption for plant production is reduced on the one hand and a Changing a nutrient concentration in the nutrient liquid is prevented.

Furthermore, at least approximately complete closure of the interior volume prevents insects from penetrating the nutrient liquid. Therefore, in the device according to the invention, the nutrient liquid cannot become a breeding ground for potentially disease-transmitting insects, such as mosquitoes.

Because the first receiving device is arranged in the second receiving device so that it can move along the longitudinal axis, a relative distance between the plant or the root and a liquid level of the nutrient liquid can be maintained over a complete production period by suitably selecting the buoyancy device.

Provision can be made for the clear width of the through-openings to be matched to the substrate to be used. In particular, it has turned out to be advantageous if a diameter of the through-openings corresponds to one third of an average particle size of the substrate lying against the through-openings.

Provision can be made for the substrate to be designed or introduced heterogeneously, in particular in layers. A coarse-grained substrate is preferably arranged in the area of the through-openings. As a result, the passage openings can be made larger, which means that the roots of the plant can grow through them better. Furthermore, a capillary effect of the substrate can be reduced.

Depending on the substrate used, the substrate may also be referred to as an earth substrate. Depending on the components used, the nutrient liquid can also be referred to as a nutrient solution.

The device according to the invention allows decentralized plant production and can thereby reduce the dependence of consumers on large producers and logistics companies.

The decentralized plant production is facilitated by the device according to the invention in that only seed material has to be transported. In this way, a costly transport of food can be avoided.

The device according to the invention is easy to use and requires little information.

In an advantageous development of the device according to the invention, it can be provided that the first receiving device has a circular outer contour and the second receiving device has a circular inner contour.

If the first receiving device and the second receiving device have circular cross sections, the first receiving device can rotate about the longitudinal axis in the second receiving device without tilting or jamming occurring, which would make movement along the longitudinal axis more difficult.

Due to the circular design, the first receiving device and the second receiving device can also have an advantageously small material thickness of 1 mm to 3 mm plastic. This enables the device to be produced in a cost-effective and resource-saving manner.

It can be provided that the first receiving device and the second receiving device are formed by plastic molding and/or deep drawing.

When the first and second receiving devices are deep-drawn, their circular cross-section is of particular advantage, since associated deep-drawn molds can be produced as simple and inexpensive metal molds by turning. This enables a cost-effective, efficient and decentralized manufacture of the first and the second receiving device.

The buoyancy device can be made of polystyrene and at the same time form part of the first receiving device in such a way that the substrate recess can be inserted as a separate component into an at least partially continuous recess of the buoyancy device. This ensures contact between the substrate and the nutrient liquid.

In the case of an embodiment made of polystyrene, the buoyancy device can preferably be processed by means of laser cutting and/or water jet cutting and/or circular hole sawing.

A bevel can preferably be provided on an edge of the buoyancy device directed toward the second receiving device, which can give the buoyancy device, for example, an outer contour in the form of an inverted truncated pyramid. This can prevent tilting.

The recess and the substrate depression are preferably of conical design. Alterna Alternatively or additionally, a bead can be provided on an upper edge of the substrate depression, which prevents the substrate depression from falling through the buoyancy device.

The buoyancy device forms the inner volume together with the second receiving device and the substrate depression. The first receiving device is therefore constructed in two parts.

The separate substrate well can be used to grow the plant outside of the device. As a result, a space requirement can be minimized in a cultivation period.

In an advantageous development of the device according to the invention, it can be provided that the first receiving device has a projection directed away from the inner volume in an edge region directed towards the second receiving device.

It is advantageous if the first receiving device has the shape of an inverted truncated pyramid in the region of the overhang through the overhang. The projection is preferably designed as an edge region of the first receiving device that projects upwards.

The projection has the advantage that a tight closure of the inner volume can be achieved, with the risk of the first receiving device tilting in the second receiving device during a movement along the longitudinal axis being reduced. As a result, the device can follow the changing liquid level of the nutrient liquid in the course of plant growth without further checking and control.

• - die Auftriebseinrichtung die Substratvertiefung an deren Außenkontur umgreift, und/oder
• - die erste Aufnahmeeinrichtung eine von der Auskragung in Richtung der Substratvertiefung beabstandet verlaufende Wandung aufweist, welche zusammen mit der Auskragung die Auftriebseinrichtung ausbildet.

In an advantageous development of the device according to the invention, it can be provided that

• - The buoyancy device surrounds the substrate depression on its outer contour, and / or
• the first receiving device has a wall which runs at a distance from the projection in the direction of the substrate depression and which, together with the projection, forms the buoyancy device.

If the buoyancy device surrounds the substrate depression, preferably in the form of a ring, on its outer contour, the buoyancy device can advantageously be designed simply in the form of a ring and independently of the first receiving device.

If the buoyancy device is arranged under an edge region of the first receiving device, then the buoyancy device is shielded from the effects of the weather and can therefore be reused almost as often as desired. For example, at the end of its useful life, the first containment device can be replaced with a new specimen, with the buoyancy device remaining the same.

Other excellent materials for forming the buoyancy device in the aforementioned ring-shaped configuration are, for example, wood and/or bast.

If the buoyancy device is integrated into the first receiving device in such a way that the first receiving device itself achieves buoyancy in the nutrient liquid by being displaced, then a separate component for the buoyancy device can be dispensed with. In particular, it is advantageous if the buoyancy volume is formed by the projection pointing upwards and a wall pointing toward the substrate depression. The resulting shell-like peripheral recess allows the inclusion of other supporting materials, if necessary.

In an advantageous development of the device according to the invention, it can be provided that the at least one through-opening is arranged in a bottom area and/or a side area of the substrate depression.

Due to the mobility of the first receiving device in the second receiving device, the device according to the invention has two operating modes.

In a first operating mode, the buoyancy of the buoyancy device is sufficient to keep the first receiving device floating on the nutrient liquid.

In a second operating mode, the mass of the first receiving device or the substrate and/or the plant is too great for the buoyancy generated by the buoyancy device and/or the liquid level of the nutrient liquid has fallen too far. In this case, the first receiving device sits on a base of the second receiving device.

A decisive advantage of the device according to the invention is that a change between the two operating modes is possible at any time and, if necessary, occurs automatically.

In the first operating mode, it is advantageous if the roots of the plant can grow directly through the bottom area of the substrate depression towards the nutrient liquid. In the second operating mode, the bottom area of the substrate depression sits on the bottom area of the second receiving device, as a result of which access for the roots to the nutrient liquid can be reduced. In particular, however, as root growth progresses, tilting of the first receiving device and thus canting can occur. In order to avoid this, it is advantageous if, alternatively or in particular additionally, passage openings are arranged in a side region of the substrate depression, through which the roots of the plant can grow towards the nutrient liquid.

In an advantageous development of the device according to the invention, it can be provided that the first receiving device and/or the second receiving device and/or the buoyancy device are at least partially made of a biodegradable and/or UV-resistant plastic.

The use of a biodegradable and/or UV-resistant plastic enables particularly resource-saving plant production using the device according to the invention, since the first and the second receiving device either have a particularly long service life and/or can be degraded at least approximately without leaving any residue.

The use of a UV-resistant plastic, such as a polyetherimide, is particularly advantageous when the device is used, for example in the vicinity of the equator, under high levels of solar radiation.

Furthermore, a cover can be provided for the first receiving device. The cover can minimize solar radiation on the first recording device, which can increase its service life. Furthermore, the cover can be designed to be heat-insulating, for example, which reduces heat input into the interior volume and thus an evaporation rate of the nutrient liquid.

The cover can be made of styrofoam, sand, earth, mulch and/or the like, for example.

In particular, it can be provided that the masses or weights of the first receiving device, the substrate and the cover as well as the buoyancy device are matched to the buoyancy caused by the buoyancy device and are adapted depending on the expected size of the plant.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the first receiving device and/or the cover have colors that are adapted to the climatic conditions of the production site. For example, near the equator, a light color and thus a high level of reflection and in regions far from the equator a dark color and thus quick and easy heating can be advantageous.

Provision can be made for the first receiving device and/or the second receiving device and/or the buoyancy device and/or the cover to be at least partially made of an acrylic glass and/or a polycarbonate and/or an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene and/or a polylactide and /or a polycaprolactone and/or a polyhydroxybutanoic acid and/or a cellophane are formed.

Provision can also be made for the cover to be made from a felt.

Advantageously, a guide rail can be provided for guiding the first receiving device along the longitudinal axis. In particular when growing taller plants, the guide rail can, for example, run centrally through the substrate recess to prevent them from falling over. The guide rail can also be an advantage if the plant grows asymmetrically. Under certain circumstances, the guide rail can also be used to cultivate shrubs, perennials and/or trees in the device according to the invention.

In particular, the dimensions of the device are not restricted as long as the first receiving device does not fall over or tilt in the second receiving device. The use of the guide rail is particularly advantageous here.

In an advantageous development of the device according to the invention, it can be provided that a liquid level control device is provided to maintain a constant liquid level of the nutrient liquid in the second receiving device.

In the second operating mode in particular, it can be advantageous if the liquid level of the nutrient liquid is kept constant. As a result, even in the perched configuration of the second operating mode, the plant finds a liquid level that is constant relative to its root system.

It is of particular advantage if the liquid level control device has a control tube and a filling tube as well as a closed container. If the liquid level in the inner volume falls below the level of the end of the control tube, air penetrates through the control tube into the container, from which nutrient liquid flows through the filling tube into the inner volume until the liquid level has again reached the level of the control tube.

At this point, a method for plant production with the features explained below is also disclosed.

• - Einbringen eines Substrats in eine Substratvertiefung einer ersten Aufnahmeeinrichtung,
• - Einpflanzen einer Pflanze in das Substrat,
• - Einbringen einer Nährflüssigkeit in eine zweite Aufnahmeeinrichtung,
• - Einbringen der ersten Aufnahmeeinrichtung in die zweite Aufnahmeeinrichtung, derart, dass die Nährflüssigkeit durch eine oder mehrere Durchgangsöffnungen der Substratvertiefung zu dem Substrat gelangen kann,
• - Austarieren einer Auftriebseinrichtung derart, dass die erste Aufnahmeeinrichtung in einem definierten Abstand zu einem Boden der zweiten Aufnahmeeinrichtung und/oder zu einem Flüssigkeitsstand der Nährflüssigkeit gehalten wird, wobei die erste Aufnahmeeinrichtung in der zweiten Aufnahmeeinrichtung entlang einer Längsachse der zweiten Aufnahmeeinrichtung beweglich angeordnet ist.

The disclosed method of plant production includes at least the following steps:

• - introducing a substrate into a substrate recess of a first receiving device,
• - planting a plant in the substrate,
• - introducing a nutrient liquid into a second receiving device,
• - introducing the first receiving device into the second receiving device in such a way that the nutrient liquid can reach the substrate through one or more passage openings in the substrate depression,
• - Balancing a buoyancy device in such a way that the first receiving device is kept at a defined distance from a bottom of the second receiving device and/or from a liquid level of the nutrient liquid, the first receiving device being arranged in the second receiving device so that it can move along a longitudinal axis of the second receiving device.

It is also provided that an at least approximately closed internal volume is formed by the first receiving device and the second receiving device.

The method has the advantage that the method reduces an amount of soil required for plant production. This is particularly advantageous in sandy and/or hot regions of the world.

Furthermore, by means of the method, optimal nutrition of the plant and thus optimal growth can be achieved. As a result, pest control can be reduced and plant production can be made more sustainable. Also, by avoiding the wetting of the plant that occurs with overhead watering, fungal infection of the plant can be avoided. This can further reduce the use of pesticides.

Provision can be made for the method to be carried out in a shaded area. Shading can be particularly advantageous near the equator in order to avoid or reduce stress factors for the plants to be produced. In this case, the shading can be realized in particular by solar systems such as, for example, photovoltaic systems. As a result, area productivity is further increased.

Provision can also be made for the method to be carried out under trees, in particular in combination with forestry and/or an agroforestry system. The respective tree provides shade for the plant. However, since the nutrient liquid is in a closed internal volume, the tree cannot extract the nutrient liquid from the plant. There is therefore no competition between the shading tree and the plant grown using the method for the water resource.

In addition, it can be provided that aquatic animals are kept in the nutrient liquid. This allows the aquaponics production system to be easily integrated into the process.

In an advantageous development of the method, it can be provided that an upper side of the first receiving device facing away from the interior volume is covered with a covering material, in particular sand and/or wood chips.

Covering the top, for example with sand and/or wood chips and/or felt, can improve thermal insulation and/or UV protection.

In particular, provision can be made for the amount of covering material to be matched to the expected mass of the plant and the buoyancy of the first receiving device. The depth of the first receiving device in the nutrient liquid can accordingly be regulated by the covering material or the amount and mass of the covering material.

It can be provided that a nutrient composition in the nutrient liquid is calculated. In particular, it can be provided that the nutrient liquid has such a nutrient composition that it is preferably precisely matched to the expected nutrient requirement of the plant to be produced and/or corresponding plant groups during a production cycle. Furthermore, the existing volume of liquid can also be matched to the water requirement to be expected. Before preferably the nutrient liquid in the inner volume has such an amount of water and such an amount of nutrients that the nutrient concentration in the nutrient liquid does not change during the production cycle and the nutrient liquid is at least almost completely used up during a production cycle.

As a result, the plant production according to the method can be carried out in a particularly resource-efficient manner. The inventor has recognized that a water requirement per plant unit produced using the method is only 5% of the amount consumed using a conventional method.

Provision can be made for earth and/or sand and/or mulch to be used as the substrate. Using the materials described above has the advantage that they are available in large quantities depending on the region of the earth. Due to the nutrient supply via the nutrient liquid, the nutrient availability in the substrate plays a lesser role. In particular, the substrate has the task of guaranteeing optimal breathing conditions for the root system of the plant.

Compared to conventional hydroponic systems and hydroponic systems, in which the root system is no longer in contact with a suitable substrate, the process allows biological interactions to take place between the root system and the substrate. In particular, a suitable choice of substrate can promote the formation of mycorrhizae, which is more difficult in conventional hydroponic systems and hydroponic systems with the exclusion of air.

Furthermore, it can be provided that a depth of the first receiving device or a position of the first receiving device relative to the liquid level is adjusted in such a way that the substrate is partially saturated with the nutrient liquid and partially lies dry. The draft required for this can be selected in particular as a function of the capillary action of the substrate.

In an advantageous development of the method it can be provided that a, preferably oily, floating layer is applied to the nutrient liquid.

If a floating layer is additionally applied to the nutrient liquid in the at least approximately closed internal volume, evaporation of the water in the nutrient liquid and loss of nutrients, which may be volatile under certain circumstances, can be prevented. Furthermore, oviposition of insects into the nutritive liquid can be further prevented. In particular, oily floating layers have proven to be particularly efficient within the scope of the invention for preventing ammonia losses from the nutrient liquid and for preventing insects from laying eggs. Provision can be made for the oily floating layer to be formed from a natural oil and/or from a liparol. This avoids environmental pollution. If the nutrient liquid in the inner volume is not completely used up, the floating layer can be reused many times. It is particularly advantageous if, when using a floating layer, the liquid level is kept above a layer of the roots of the plant and/or the passage openings in order to avoid direct contact between the floating layer and parts of the plant.

Provision can also be made to add insecticides and/or larvicides, preferably environmentally friendly ones, to the nutrient liquid.

It is advantageous here if the insecticides and/or larvicides and/or the floating layer are tolerated by plants.

A plant production system is also disclosed at this point, in which a plurality of devices according to the invention are combined to form a production system.

Provision can be made in the plant production system for the plurality of devices to be arranged on shelves, in particular high shelves. This enables space-saving and efficient plant production. Alternatively or additionally, provision can be made for the plurality of devices to be integrated in and/or on buildings. As a result, the plants produced can contribute to cooling and shading as well as UV protection of the building.

Provision can advantageously be made for the second receiving device to be arranged in soil in such a way that the longitudinal axis is arranged at least approximately vertically.

Features that have been described in connection with the device according to the invention can also be advantageously implemented with the disclosed method and vice versa.

In addition, it should be noted that terms such as "comprising", "having" or "with" do not exclude any other features or steps. Also, terms such as "a" or "the" that indicate a singular number of steps or features sen, no plurality of features or steps - and vice versa.

In a puristic embodiment of the invention, however, it can also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms “comprising”, “having” or “with” are listed exhaustively. Accordingly, one or more listings of features may be considered complete within the scope of the invention, e.g. considered for each claim. The invention can consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1, for example.

It should be mentioned that designations such as “first” or “second” etc. are primarily used for reasons of distinguishing the respective device or method features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to one another.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawing.

The figures each show preferred exemplary embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are shown in combination with one another. Features of an exemplary embodiment can also be implemented separately from the other features of the same exemplary embodiment and can accordingly easily be combined with features of other exemplary embodiments by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and sub-combinations.

Elements with the same function are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung einer möglichen Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Pflanzenproduktion;
• 2 einen möglichen Querschnitt durch die Vorrichtung gemäß 1;
• 3 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren möglichen Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Pflanzenproduktion;
• 4 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren möglichen Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Pflanzenproduktion;
• 5 einen möglichen Querschnitt durch die Vorrichtung gemäß 4;
• 6 eine schematische Darstellung einer möglichen Anordnung einer Mehrzahl von Vorrichtungen zur Pflanzenproduktion;
• 7 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren möglichen Anordnung einer Mehrzahl von Vorrichtungen zur Pflanzenproduktion;
• 8 eine schematische Darstellung einer Draufsicht auf eine weitere mögliche Ausführungsform einer Auskragung;
• 9 eine blockdiagrammmäßige Darstellung einer möglichen Ausführungsform des offenbarten Verfahrens;
• 10 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren möglichen Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Pflanzenproduktion;
• 11 eine schematische Darstellung einer weiteren möglichen Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung zur Pflanzenproduktion; und
• 12 eine schematische Darstellung einer Draufsicht auf die Ausführungsform nach 11.

Show it:

• 1 a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a device according to the invention for plant production;
• 2 a possible cross section through the device according to FIG 1 ;
• 3 a schematic representation of a further possible embodiment of a device according to the invention for plant production;
• 4 a schematic representation of a further possible embodiment of a device according to the invention for plant production;
• 5 a possible cross section through the device according to FIG 4 ;
• 6 a schematic representation of a possible arrangement of a plurality of devices for plant production;
• 7 a schematic representation of another possible arrangement of a plurality of devices for plant production;
• 8th a schematic representation of a plan view of a further possible embodiment of a projection;
• 9 a block diagram representation of a possible embodiment of the disclosed method;
• 10 a schematic representation of a further possible embodiment of a device according to the invention for plant production;
• 11 a schematic representation of a further possible embodiment of a device according to the invention for plant production; and
• 12 a schematic representation of a plan view of the embodiment 11 .

1 shows a schematic representation of a possible embodiment of a device 1 for plant production or for the production of at least one plant 2.

The device 1 for plant production comprises a first receiving device 3 with a substrate recess 4 for receiving a substrate 5 and the at least one plant 2 rooted in the substrate 5. The first receiving device 3 has one or more through openings 6 in a region of the substrate recess 4. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a second receiving device 7 for receiving a nutrient liquid 8 and a buoyancy device 9, which is set up to keep the first receiving device 3 at a defined distance from a base 10 of the second receiving device 7 and/or a liquid level 11 of the nutrient liquid 8 . In this case, the first receiving device 3 is arranged in the second receiving device 7 such that it can move along a longitudinal axis 12 of the second receiving device 7 . Furthermore, the first receiving device 3 and the second receiving device 7 together form an at least approximately closed internal volume 13 .

in the in 1 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the first receiving device 3 has a projection 14 directed away from the inner volume 13 in an edge region directed towards the second receiving device 7 . in the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the Auskra tion 14 here in the growth direction of the plant 2 upwards.

Furthermore, in the in 1 illustrated embodiment of the device 1, the buoyancy device 9, the substrate recess 4 on its outer contour.

in the in 1 In the exemplary embodiment of the device 1 illustrated, a plurality of through-openings 6 are provided and arranged on a bottom area and a side area of the substrate depression 4 .

In an alternative exemplary embodiment that is not shown, it can be provided that only one passage opening 6 is arranged in the bottom area and/or the side area.

in the in 1 illustrated embodiment, the first receiving device 3 and/or the second receiving device 7 and/or the buoyancy device 9 are preferably formed at least partially from a biodegradable and/or UV-resistant plastic.

At the in 1 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, a cover 3a is also provided, which protects the first buoyancy device 3 from UV radiation and reduces heat input into the interior volume 13 .

in the in 1 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the device 1 is also in an operating mode in which the first receiving device 3 is kept floating at a defined distance from the liquid level 11 of the nutrient liquid by the buoyancy device 9 .

2 shows a possible cross section or half section along the cutting line 15 through the device 1 1 .

in the in 2 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the first receiving device 3 has a circular outer contour and the second receiving device 7 has a circular inner contour.

3 shows a schematic representation of a further possible embodiment of the device 1 for plant production.

At the in 3 In the embodiment illustrated, the first receiving device 3 has a wall 16 which runs at a distance from the projection 14 in the direction of the substrate depression 4 and which together with the projection 14 forms the buoyancy device 9 .

in the in 3 illustrated embodiment, the cover 3a is formed from a mulch material.

At the in 3 illustrated embodiment can preferably be provided that the projection 14 has a circumferential bead 14a. Edges on the projection 14 are avoided by the bead 14a, as a result of which jamming of the first receiving device 3 in the second receiving device 7 becomes less likely.

4 shows a schematic representation of a further possible embodiment of the device 1 for plant production.

At the in 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the device 1 is in a non-floating operating mode, in which the first receiving device 3 is arranged at a defined distance from the bottom 10 of the second receiving device.

in the in 4 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, a liquid level control device 17 is also provided for maintaining a constant liquid level 11 of the nutrient liquid 8 in the second receiving device 7 .

Here, the liquid level control device 17 has a control tube 17a, a filling tube 17b and a closed container 17c. If the liquid level 11 in the inner volume 13 falls below the position of the end of the control tube 17a, air penetrates through the control tube 17a into the container 17c, from which nutrient liquid 8 flows through the filling tube 17b into the inner volume 13 until the liquid level 11 reaches the end again of the control tube has reached 17a. The sealed container 17c can be, for example, a recycled plastic bottle.

Alternatively, the liquid level control device 17 can also be arranged at a distance from the second receiving device 7 if the liquid level 11 can be influenced by the liquid level control device 17, for example by a principle of communicating tubes.

in the in 4 illustrated perched mode of operation can preferably also cuttings of plants 2 are attracted.

5 shows a possible cross section or half section through the device 1 according to FIG 4 along the cutting line 15.

in the in 5 In the exemplary embodiment illustrated, the first receiving device 3 and the second receiving device 7 each have cross sections in the form of a, preferably regular, hexagon.

The in the 1 until 5 illustrated embodiments of the device 1 can preferably be made of plastic. Alternatively or additionally, concrete, loam and/or clay or pottery can also be considered as alternative materials for the second receiving device. Wood can also be used to form the first receiving device 3 .

6 shows a schematic representation of a possible arrangement of a plurality of devices 1 for plant production.

At the in 6 illustrated embodiment, the second receiving devices 7 each have a hexagonal outer contour. As a result, the devices 1 can be packed tightly across the surface, which leads to a low space requirement and low dead volume.

7 shows a schematic representation of a further possible arrangement of a plurality of devices 1 for plant production.

At the in 7 illustrated embodiment, the devices 1 are arranged on a shelf 18 . As a result, a required base area is reduced and thus a cultivation efficiency is further increased.

8th shows a schematic representation of a plan view of another possible embodiment of the projection 14.

At the in 8th illustrated embodiment, the projection 14 is listed very steep and has incisions 19 on. As a result, the projection 14 can rest even more closely against the second receiving device 7, as a result of which evaporation is further reduced.

9 Figure 12 shows a block diagram representation of a possible embodiment of a method for plant production.

The method for plant production comprises placing the substrate 5 in the substrate depression 4 of the first receiving device 3 as part of a substrate block 30, planting the plant 2 in the substrate 5 as part of a planting block 31, introducing the nutrient liquid 8 into the second receiving device 7 in the As part of a filling block 32, introducing the first receiving device 3 into the second receiving device 7 in such a way that the nutrient liquid 8 can reach the substrate 5 through one or more through-openings 6 in the substrate recess 4, as part of a moistening block 33. The method also includes a Balancing the buoyancy device 9 in such a way that the first receiving device 3 is kept at a defined distance from the bottom 10 of the second receiving device 7 and/or from the liquid level 11 of the nutrient liquid 8 within the scope of a buoyancy block 34. Within the scope of the buoyancy block 34 is the first recording device 3 movably arranged in the second receiving device 7 along the longitudinal axis 12 of the second receiving device 7 or can be moved along the longitudinal axis 12 . In the context of a volume block 35 it is provided that the at least approximately closed internal volume 13 is formed by the first receiving device 3 and the second receiving device 7 . Within the framework of the planting block 31, the upper side of the first receiving device 3 facing away from the inner volume 13 is preferably covered with a covering 3a or a covering material, in particular sand and/or wood chips.

A floating layer is preferably applied to the nutrient liquid 8 as part of the filling block 32 . Preferably the scum is an oily scum.

Provision can be made for fermentation residue from a biogas plant, in particular a microbiogas plant, to be used as the nutrient liquid 8 . This can increase the water and nutrient efficiency of decentralized plant production.

10 shows a schematic representation of a further possible embodiment of the device 1 for plant production.

The buoyancy device 9 is in the 10 illustrated embodiment is preferably made of polystyrene and at the same time forms part of the first receiving device 3 in such a way that the substrate depression 4 can be inserted as a separate component into an at least partially continuous recess of the buoyancy device 9 . This ensures that the substrate 5 comes into contact with the nutrient liquid 8 .

At the in 10 illustrated embodiment, the recess and the substrate recess 4 are preferably conical.

With regard to the other reference symbols in 10 be on the 1 and 3 referred.

Alternatively or additionally, a bead can be present at an upper edge of the substrate depression 4 be seen, which prevents the substrate depression 4 from falling through the buoyancy device 9 .

The buoyancy device 9 forms the inner volume 13 together with the second receiving device 7 and the substrate depression 4 . The first receiving device 3 is therefore constructed in two parts.

The separate substrate well 4 can be used to grow the plant 2 outside of the device 1 .

11 shows a schematic representation of a further possible embodiment of the device 1 for plant production.

At the in 11 illustrated embodiment, the second receiving device 7, which is embedded in the ground, has a depression for receiving the substrate depression 4. The depression preferably has a depth of at least 10 percent of a diameter of the substrate depression 4, so that the substrate depression 4 is supported or guided in the depression in such a way that the substrate depression 4 is prevented from tipping over to the side.

The second receiving device 7 can preferably be embedded in the ground by means of an earth auger.

The substrate depression 4 sits firmly in the depression due to its weight.

In the exemplary embodiment, the buoyancy device 9 with the cover 3a, which is preferably made of polystyrene, is also provided, which floats on the nutrient liquid 8 and thus prevents its evaporation and contamination with insect larvae.

At the in 11 illustrated embodiment, supports 20 are provided to support the plant 2 against the second receiving device 7 and to prevent it from falling over.

It can be provided that the substrate depression 4 and the second receiving device 7 are each at least partially made of concrete.

Provision can also be made for the substrate depression 4 and the second receiving device 7 to be glued together at the bottom of the depression, in particular as the plant grows, in order to achieve a more secure stand for the plant 2 .

Alternatively, it is disclosed that the substrate depression 4 and the second receiving device 7 are formed from one piece.

In the 11 illustrated embodiment is particularly suitable for trees, such as fruit trees, especially trellis trees and short trees.

Furthermore, the in 11 illustrated embodiment especially for perennials, such as berry bushes, and vine plants. In order to achieve a specific taste of the fruit, it can be provided that the substrate 5 is enriched with specific rock flour

In the embodiment according to 11 the liquid level 11 can be adjusted with the liquid level control device 17 (see 4 ) be managed.

Alternatively or additionally, a central liquid reservoir can be provided to supply the plant 2 with the nutrient liquid 8 . Provision can be made for a plurality of second receiving devices 7 to be connected to the central liquid reservoir via lines.

Provision can be made for the nutrient liquid 8 to be pressurized in the lines, for example by means of an elevated arrangement of the liquid reservoir or by means of a pump. The liquid level 11 in the respective second receiving device 7 can then preferably be regulated via a float valve.

Provision can be made for the plant 2 to be grown as a young plant in the substrate depression 4 and for the substrate depression 4 to be gradually moved over the course of the growth of the plant 2 in each case to larger second receiving devices 7 .

12 FIG. 12 shows a schematic representation of a plan view of the embodiment of the device 1 according to FIG 11

The supports 20, preferably three, are evenly distributed over the circular cross-section of the second receiving device.

With regard to the other reference numbers in the 11 and 12 refer to the previous figures.

The embodiments of the device 1 and the method shown in the figures reliably prevent mice from infesting the substrate 5 or the plant 2.

Furthermore, due to the embodiments of the device 1 and the method shown in the figures, a large amount of carbon dioxide per liter of water used can advantageously be removed from the atmosphere due to the high water efficiency.

The dimensions of the embodiments of the device 1 shown in the figures can each be adapted to an expected size of the plant 2 .

Reference List

1

contraption

2

plant

3

first recording facility

3a

cover

4

substrate deepening

5

substrate

6

passage opening

7

second recording device

8th

nutrient fluid

9

buoyancy device

10

Bottom of the second receptacle

11

liquid level

12

longitudinal axis

13

internal volume

14

cantilever

14a

bead

15

cutting line

16

wall

17

liquid level control device

17a

control tube

17b

filling tube

17c

container

18

shelf

19

incision

20

support

30

substrate block

31

planting block

32

filling block

33

humidification block

34

buoyancy block

35

volume block

Claims (7)

Device (1) for plant production, comprising: - a first receiving device (3) with a substrate recess (4) for receiving a substrate (5) and at least one plant (2) rooted in the substrate (5), the first receiving device (3) being in a region of the substrate recess (4) has one or more through openings (6), - a second receiving device (7) for receiving a nutrient liquid (8), - a buoyancy device (9) which is set up to hold the first receiving device (3) at a defined distance from a bottom (10) of the second receiving device (7) and/or a liquid level (11) of the nutrient liquid (8), wherein - the first receiving device (3) is arranged in the second receiving device (7) so that it can move along a longitudinal axis (12) of the second receiving device (7), the first receiving device (3) and the second receiving device (7) having an at least approximately closed internal volume ( 13) train. Device (1) after claim 1 , characterized in that the first receiving device (3) has a circular outer contour and the second receiving device (7) has a circular inner contour. Device (1) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the first receiving device (3) has a projection (14) directed away from the inner volume (13) in an edge region directed towards the second receiving device (7). Device (1) after claim 3 , characterized in that - the buoyancy device (9) surrounds the substrate depression (4) on its outer contour, and/or - the first receiving device (3) has a wall (16 ) which, together with the projection (14), forms the buoyancy device (9). Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the at least one passage opening (6) is arranged in a bottom area and/or a side area of the substrate depression (4). Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 5 , characterized in that the first receiving device (3) and / or the second receiving device (7) and / or the buoyancy device (9) at least partially from a biologically degradable and / or UV-resistant plastic are formed. Device (1) according to one of Claims 1 until 6 , characterized in that a liquid level control device (17) for maintaining a constant liquid level (11) of the nutrient liquid (8) in the second receiving device (7) is provided.

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