EP3442321A1

EP3442321A1 - Support structure for the off-land growing of plants, for example strawberry plants, tomato plants or salad

Info

Publication number: EP3442321A1
Application number: EP17722091.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Marc JOULIN
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-04-12
Filing date: 2017-04-11
Publication date: 2019-02-20
Also published as: FR3049817B1; WO2017178750A1; FR3049817A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a support structure for the off-land growing of plants, for example strawberry or tomato plants. This support structure (1) comprises longitudinal profile sections (2) which each comprise, on the one hand, two opposite end and, on the other hand, an upper surface (261) designed to accept a growth medium substrate (4) and for the circulation of an irrigation liquid (potentially a percolate of a liquid with which the said growth medium substrate (4) is irrigated). According to the invention, the longitudinal profile sections (2) each comprise at least one monobloc longitudinal duct (25) which is designed for the circulation of a fluid along its length and which opens at the ends (24) of the said longitudinal profile section (2) for connection to a fluid circuit (5), namely for example an irrigation liquid circuit and/or a heat-transfer fluid circuit and/or a circuit for a gas rich in CO₂.

Description

Support structure for the above-ground cultivation of plants, for example strawberry plants,

tomatoes or salads

TECHNICAL FIELD TO WHICH THE INVENTION REFERS

The present invention relates to the field of above-ground cultivation of plants, for example strawberries, tomatoes or salads.

It more particularly relates to a support structure, and the installation comprising said support structure, for the implementation of such culture methods.

ARRI TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

The cultivation of plants is traditionally implemented in the "field", that is to say directly in the soil and organized in rows.

However, this type of crop is not without some disadvantages, especially for strawberries or tomatoes:

- leaves, fruit and stolons may come into contact with the soil, which may lead to their rot and the development of diseases of the root and leaf system;

- the weeds tend to invade the plantation, which disturbs the yield;

- harvesting fruit is tiring for operators, who must take a curved or squatting position.

To limit these problems, farmers now tend to move towards so-called "above-ground" cultivation, also called "suspended garden".

In most cases, this above-ground culture is done in shelters (glass or plastic), possibly heated.

This type of culture consists in planting the plants of plants in a culture substrate carried by support structures which are arranged above the ground.

The culture substrate is generally packaged in containers, for example in the form of bags, bins or pots. This growing substrate will allow the development of the root system; it consists for example of pine bark, peat, rock wool or coconut fiber.

The support structures generally comprise longitudinal profiles, in the form of gutters, which each comprise an upper surface adapted to receive the culture substrate (raw or conditioned in the aforementioned container); this upper surface is also adapted to the circulation of an irrigation liquid, where appropriate a percolate of irrigation liquids from said culture substrate.

To ensure the development of plants, it is still necessary to associate the culture substrate with different fluid circuits, namely:

- an irrigation liquid circuit, for feeding plants (usually via the growing medium) with water and nutrients, and

a heat transfer fluid circuit, to participate in regulating the thermal environment around the plants.

In practice, however, such plants for above-ground crop cultivation are not entirely satisfactory, particularly in terms of placement and reliability.

In particular, the fluid circuits use pipes which are arranged along the longitudinal sections.

However, the installation and maintenance of these pipes are complex and tedious.

In particular, the maintenance of the pipes on the longitudinal sections is effected by means of links or connecting members, which it is often difficult and long to position on these longitudinal profiles.

In addition, it is common that the pipes of the heat transfer fluid circuit are not arranged to ensure optimum regulation of the thermal environment.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art, the present invention proposes a new support structure for the above-ground cultivation of plants, for example strawberries, tomatoes or salads.

This support structure comprises longitudinal profiles which each comprise, on the one hand, two opposite ends and, on the other hand, an upper surface adapted to receive a culture substrate (raw or in containers) and to receive an irrigation liquid. , where appropriate to collect a percolate of an irrigation liquid from said culture substrate.

In accordance with the invention, said longitudinal profiles each comprise at least one monobloc longitudinal pipe which is adapted to the circulation of a fluid along its length, and which opens at the ends of said longitudinal section for connection to a fluid circuit. .

Such longitudinal profiles have the advantage of allowing a simple and fast introduction of fluid circuits, for example an irrigation liquid circuit and / or a heat transfer fluid circuit.

The usual problems with laying and maintaining pipes are removed. In addition, the heat transfer fluid will circulate as closely as possible, and optimally, with respect to the culture substrate to ensure optimum regulation of the thermal environment.

According to a preferred embodiment, the longitudinal profiles each comprise at least one lower part having a concave surface for collecting the percolate of irrigation liquids, and at least one upper part, to form said upper surface. adapted to receive the culture substrate.

In this case, preferably, said at least one lower portion of the longitudinal sections defines at least one integral longitudinal pipe, and said at least one upper portion of the longitudinal sections defines at least one integral longitudinal pipe.

More preferably, said at least one lower portion is formed of two divergent flaps from a lower longitudinal base, forming a V-shaped section, advantageously defining an angle of between 20 ° and 50 ° relative to one another.

According to a first variant of the preferred embodiment, the longitudinal sections each comprise:

a lower part having a concave surface for collecting the percolate of irrigation liquids, terminated by two upper edges arranged at a distance from one another, and

two upper portions each formed of a horizontal sidewalk flap, outwardly cantilevered from one of said upper edges, to form a pair of upper surfaces adapted to receive the culture substrate.

According to this first variant, the two horizontal sidewalk flaps comprise symmetrical upper surfaces with respect to each other, which upper surfaces each comprise at least two longitudinal bearings connected by a longitudinal shoulder to form two levels adapted to receiving the substrate. of culture.

Still according to this first variant, the lower part of the longitudinal sections, and if necessary the lower longitudinal base, defines a lower pipe; the upper parts of the longitudinal profiles define at least one lateral pipe.

Preferably, the lower pipe has a section of 200 to 500 mm ² , and the lateral monobloc longitudinal pipes each have a section of 200 and 800 mm ² .

According to a second variant of the preferred embodiment, the longitudinal profiles each comprise:

- two lower lateral parts, each having a concave surface for collecting the percolate of irrigation liquids, terminated by two upper edges arranged at a distance from one another, and

- An upper portion formed a horizontal flap, arranged between the two lower side portions and connected with one of the upper edges of each of said lower side portions, to form the upper surface adapted to receive the culture substrate.

According to another variant of the invention, the longitudinal profiles each comprise a bottom wall extended by two side walls; said bottom wall and / or said side walls define at least one integral longitudinal pipe.

Other non-limiting and advantageous features of the support structure according to the invention, taken individually or in any technically possible combination, are as follows:

said longitudinal profiles comprise a height of between 30 and 200 mm and a width of between 30 and 350 mm;

the longitudinal profiles are made of a material chosen from plastics

(eg PVC), and metal;

- The longitudinal sections are made of plastic and each comprise two skins, one lower and the other upper, connected by transverse partitions defining longitudinal chambers adapted to form said longitudinal pipes monoblock; said skins and said partitions advantageously have a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 mm; the monobloc longitudinal pipes are advantageously delimited by a lateral partition which is juxtaposed with respect to said upper skin to define, between them, at least one intermediate chamber;

- The longitudinal sections comprise several sections made of plastic, connected in series in a sealed manner (for example by hot melt, by welding, by gluing or by interlocking joints).

The present invention also relates to end caps intended to be attached to the ends of the longitudinal sections.

These end caps include:

assembly means with one end of a longitudinal section,

first passages capable of being connected with the end of at least one longitudinal pipe of said longitudinal section, and

- At least a second passage intended to come overlying the upper surface of said longitudinal section, for the circulation of percolate irrigation liquid collected by said longitudinal profile (or said irrigation liquid itself).

The assembly means are advantageously chosen from the gluing means, the welding means, the heat-fusing means and the interlocking means with seals.

The present invention also relates to the plant for the above-ground cultivation of plants, for example strawberries, tomatoes or salads.

This growing facility includes:

a support structure according to the invention,

- containers for the above-ground cultivation of plants, in which a culture substrate is reported,

a fluid circuit, for supplying said at least one monobloc longitudinal pipe, said fluid circuit is chosen from irrigation liquid circuits and / or heat transfer fluid circuits and / or gas circuits rich in C0 ₂ .

Preferably, this installation comprises irrigation pipes and / or misting, which are connected with at least one monobloc longitudinal pipe in which is intended to circulate the irrigation liquid.

The tubes are advantageously connected with said at least one monobloc longitudinal pipe by gluing, by hot melt or by drilling.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENT

The following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples, will make it clear what the invention consists of and how it can be achieved.

In the accompanying drawings:

- Figure 1 shows a portion of a longitudinal section adapted to form a support structure according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows a section of a longitudinal section according to Figure 1, on which are reported two types of containers shown schematically in broken lines;

- Figure 3 shows schematically and isolated, a terminal end to be attached to one end of a longitudinal section shown in Figures 1 and 2;

- Figure 4 shows the end cap of Figure 3, attached to one end of a profile according to Figures 1 and 2;

- Figure 5 shows a section of an alternative embodiment for a longitudinal section according to the invention;

- Figure 6 also shows a section of an alternative embodiment for a longitudinal section according to the invention;

- Figure 7 also shows a section of an alternative embodiment for a longitudinal profile according to the invention adapted to the salad culture.

The support structure 1, shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, is intended for above-ground cultivation of plants, also called "suspended garden".

By "plants" is meant in particular strawberry plants or tomato plants, or even salad plants.

For this purpose, the culture support 1 comprises two main elements:

longitudinal channels 2 in the form of a gutter (only one of these longitudinal sections is shown in FIGS. 1 to 7), and

end pieces 3 (shown in FIGS. 3 and 4) which are intended to be attached to the ends of the longitudinal sections 2 to participate in the fluidic connection of fluid circuits (for example an irrigation liquid circuit and / or a heat transfer fluid circuit and / or a C0 ₂ rich gas circuit, as described below).

The culture support 1 is advantageously intended to be part of, more generally, an installation for the above-ground cultivation of plants.

This culture installation then includes:

containers 4 for the above-ground cultivation of plants, in which a culture substrate is reported (FIGS. 2 or 7), and

fluid circuits 5 advantageously chosen from the irrigation liquid circuits and / or the heat transfer fluid circuits and / or the C0 ₂ rich gas circuits (FIG. 4).

Longitudinal profiles

The longitudinal profiles 2 according to the invention have a general shape of gutter adapted, firstly, to receive a culture substrate (not shown) and, secondly, to ensure the circulation of an irrigation liquid, if necessary to collect the percolate of irrigation liquid flowing from this culture substrate.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 6, the longitudinal section 2 according to the invention advantageously comprises a vertical median longitudinal plane 2 ', with at least two functional parts:

at least one lower portion 21, concave and opening upwards, adapted to collect the percolate of irrigation liquid, and

- At least an upper portion 22, formed by a horizontal flap, adapted to receive the culture substrate (bulk or containers).

In particular, the lower part 21 here comprises a V-shaped section formed of two flaps 21 1 diverging from a lower longitudinal base 212.

The two flaps 21 1 are each terminated by an upper edge 213. These upper edges 213 are arranged at a distance from one another.

The divergent flaps 21 1 advantageously define an angle of between 5 ° and

50 °, one with respect to the other.

Each lower portion 21 thus forms a concave upper surface 214.

Each longitudinal section 2 further comprises two opposite ends 24, at which this section 2 ends (one of them is shown in Figure 1).

According to the invention, each longitudinal section 2 comprises monobloc longitudinal pipes 25 (visible in particular in Figure 2) which are each adapted to the circulation of a fluid on their respective lengths.

Each longitudinal duct 25 is thus sealed along the entire length of the longitudinal profile 2 equipped.

By "fluid" is meant liquids and gases, in particular:

heat transfer fluids adapted to modulate the surrounding thermal conditions,

- Irrigation liquids, suitable for feeding and developing plants irrigated, and

- C0 ₂ -rich gases, to increase the C0 _{2 content} of the plant environment so as to optimize plant growth and yield.

By "monoblock" is meant in particular a longitudinal pipe made in the constituent material of the longitudinal section 2; the longitudinal pipe is thus an integral part of the structure of the longitudinal section 2.

Each longitudinal one-piece pipe 25 of the longitudinal section 2 has two ends, each of which opens at one of the ends 24 of the longitudinal section 2, for the connection of a fluid circuit (as described hereinafter with reference to FIGS. and 4).

In this case, the longitudinal profiles 2 are preferably made of plastic, for example polyvinyl chloride (or PVC).

These longitudinal profiles 2 comprise two skins 26, connected by transverse partitions 27 which define longitudinal chambers intended to be used to form the longitudinal monoblock pipes 25.

In particular, each one-piece longitudinal pipe 25 is advantageously delimited by at least one of the skins 26 (or even by the two skins 26) and by at least one transverse partition 27.

For the sake of simplification, the reference 25 is used to designate the longitudinal pipes monoblock, but also the longitudinal chambers.

In this case, the skins 26 of a longitudinal profile 2 comprise:

a lower skin 261, forming the lower surface of this longitudinal profile 2, and

an upper skin 262, forming the upper surface of this longitudinal profile 2. As an indication, the skins 26 and the partitions 27 advantageously have a thickness of between 0.5 and 5 mm.

Such a longitudinal section 2 can take different forms.

According to a first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the longitudinal profile 2 comprises:

a lower part 21, central and intermediate, for the collection of percolate of irrigation liquids, and

two upper lateral portions 22, each formed by a horizontal sidewalk component which extends cantilevered outwards from one of the upper borders 213 of the divergent flaps 21 1.

These two upper portions 22 thus form a pair of upper surfaces which are adapted to receive the culture substrate and which are separated by the lower part 21 spacer.

As illustrated in more detail in FIG. 2, these horizontal sidewalk flaps 22 each comprise an upper surface 222 for receiving the culture substrate. The upper surfaces 222 of the two horizontal sidewalk flaps 22 are symmetrical with respect to each other, on either side of the median vertical plane 2 '.

These upper surfaces 222 have a general shape in steps or stairs.

In this case, each upper surface 222 has two longitudinal bearings

2221, 2222 connected by a longitudinal shoulder 2223.

More specifically, each upper surface 222 comprises:

- An inner longitudinal bearing 2221, an inner edge is connected to the upper edge 213 of a diverging flap 21 1 and an outer edge is connected to the longitudinal shoulder 2223, and

- An outer longitudinal bearing 2222, an inner edge is connected to the longitudinal shoulder 2223 and whose outer longitudinal edge has an abutment rib 2224.

The outer longitudinal bearing 2222 is shifted upwardly with respect to the inner longitudinal bearing 2221 to form two levels suitable for receiving culture containers 4 having different widths and for lateral locking thereof.

In this case, the pair of inner longitudinal bearings 2221 is adapted to receive a first type of container 41 of reduced width, for example between 50 and 200 mm; the pair of outer longitudinal bearings 2222 is adapted to receive a second type of container 42, wider, for example between 100 and 350 mm.

The longitudinal bearings 2221, 2222 advantageously comprise a slight slope, descending towards the lower part 21, to favor the flow of the percolate of irrigation liquid towards the latter.

In this embodiment:

the lower longitudinal base 212 of the lower part 21 defines a lower one-piece longitudinal pipe 251 intended to be connected for example to the irrigation liquid circuit, and

the horizontal sidewalk flaps 22 define, in turn, lateral monobloc longitudinal ducts 252 intended to be connected for example to the heat transfer fluid circuit.

The lateral monobloc longitudinal pipes 252 extend parallel to each other; and they are distributed over the width of each of the two upper parts 22.

Only as an indication, the lower pipe 251 has a section of 200 to 500 mm ² ; the lateral monobloc longitudinal pipes 252 each have a section of 200 to 800 mm ² .

According to the second embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the longitudinal section 2 comprises: - two lower parts 21, side, for the collection of percolate of irrigation liquids, and

- An upper portion 22, central and intermediate, formed by a horizontal flap which is arranged between the two lower parts 21 and connected with the upper edge 213 of one of the flaps 21 1 of each of said lower portions 21, to form the surface upper adapted to receive the culture substrate.

The horizontal flap 22 comprises an upper surface 222 for receiving the culture substrate, formed by the upper skin 262 of the longitudinal section 2.

This upper surface 222 here has a generally slightly convex (upwardly convex) shape with an arrow located at the median vertical plane 2 '. This particular form aims to promote the flow of percolate irrigation liquid to the two lower portions 21 side.

In this embodiment, the lower parts 21 here define two monobloc longitudinal ducts, each formed in one of the flaps 21 1:

the inner flap 21 1 1 (connected to the horizontal flap 22) comprises a monobloc longitudinal duct 255 intended to be connected for example to the irrigation liquid circuit, and

- The outer flap 21 12 (at a distance from the horizontal flap 22) comprises a one-piece longitudinal duct 256 intended to be connected for example to a heat transfer fluid circuit.

Still in this embodiment, the upper portion 22 defines a plurality of longitudinal pipes 257, parallel distributed over its width and intended to be connected for example to the heat transfer fluid circuit.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is similar to that described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 4.

This embodiment is distinguished only by the presence of a side wall 28 within the upper portions 22, participating in defining said at least one lateral longitudinal pipe 252.

This side wall 28 is juxtaposed with respect to the upper skin 262 to define, between them, at least one intermediate chamber 29. In other words, said at least one intermediate chamber 29 is interposed between said at least one monobloc longitudinal pipe 25 and the upper skin 262.

Each lateral one-piece longitudinal pipe 252 is thus delimited by the lower skin 261, by at least one transverse partition 27 and by the lateral partition 28.

Said at least one intermediate chamber 29 is intended to regulate / adjust the heat transmitted from said at least one monobloc longitudinal pipe 25, to the upper skin 262. This structural feature is intended to prevent the attainment of excessive temperatures at the level of the upper skin 262, which would be likely to degrade the roots of cultivated plants.

Another alternative embodiment is further illustrated in FIG. 7. This embodiment is similar to that described above in connection with FIGS. 1 to 6, and is suitable for growing salad plants.

The longitudinal sections 2 are distinguished only by a generally U-shaped structure: a bottom wall 301 (horizontal) extended by two side walls 302 (vertical) extending facing one another.

The two side walls 302 here define the one-piece longitudinal ducts 25. These one-piece longitudinal ducts 25 are here superimposed, one with respect to the other, on the height of the side wall 302.

Here again, the two side walls 302 each comprise the lateral partition 28, participating in defining said at least one one-piece longitudinal pipe 25.

This lateral partition 28 is juxtaposed with respect to the upper skin 262 to define, between them, said at least one intermediate chamber 29.

In general and not shown, at least one of the one-piece longitudinal pipes 25 may comprise nozzles (also called "diffusers"), for the release of a gas in the immediate environment of the plants (for example a gas rich in C0 ₂ ).

These nozzles are distributed over the length of the one-piece longitudinal pipe 25, for example every 30 cm to 2.5 m.

Each nozzle thus passes through one of the skins 26 of the longitudinal profile 2, in communication with the associated integral longitudinal pipe 25 for the controlled release of said gas.

Still generally, each plastic longitudinal section 2 is advantageously made by the series connection of several sections, in a sealed manner.

These different sections are for that purpose placed end-to-end, then secured in a sealed manner by a suitable technique, for example by hot melt, by welding, by gluing or by interlocking joints.

Such an assembly makes it possible to obtain fluid-tight longitudinal sections 2 over all their lengths (without requiring the use of connection ends between two sections, with the mounting and sealing problems that would result therefrom), in particular:

the upper parts 22 for the flow of the irrigation percolate towards the lower part or parts 21,

the lower parts 21, for the flow of the irrigation percolate, and the one-piece longitudinal pipes 25, for the flow of the desired fluids.

As an indication, a longitudinal section 2 has a length that can be between 2 and 250 m (generally between 50 and 150 m). Each section (used to form the profile longitudinal 2) has for example a length of between 1 and 15 m (preferably between 6 and 12 m).

Alternatively, not shown, the longitudinal profiles could be made of another material, for example metal (aluminum or steel for example).

Still generally, the longitudinal profiles have a height of between 30 and 200 mm, and a width of between 30 and 350 mm.

tips

The fluidic connection of the one-piece longitudinal pipes 25, with the fluid circuits 5, is advantageously obtained by means of end pieces 3 attached to each of the two ends 24 of the longitudinal sections 2 (only one of these end pieces 3 is illustrated on the Figures 3 and 4).

Each endpiece 3 advantageously comprises a plate 31 comprising:

a rear face provided with means 32 for its sealed connection with an end 24 of a longitudinal profile 2,

a set of first through-passages 33 intended to come opposite the end of at least one one-piece longitudinal pipe 25 and to communicate fluidly with the latter, and

- At least a second passage 34, through, for the circulation of percolate irrigation liquid collected by the longitudinal section 2 in the lower part or 21 (or optionally for the circulation of the irrigation liquid in the mode of realization of Figure 7).

In particular, the plate 31 has a contour corresponding to the end 24 of a longitudinal profile 2, with:

a platinum part closing the one-piece longitudinal pipes 25, provided with first through-passages 33, and

at least one platinum part closing off the end of a lower part of this longitudinal profile 2, provided with said at least one second passage 34.

The assembly means 32 are here in the form of interlocking means adapted to cooperate with the end 24 of the longitudinal section 2 (for example in the form of a rear lip) associated with joints.

Alternatively, these assembly means 32 could also consist of bonding means, welding, thermofusion, interlocking joints and / or screwing.

The first passages 33 and the second passage 34 are extended, on the side of the front face of the plate 31, by a tubular member 35, to facilitate the connection of the fluid circuits 5 (Figure 3).

The first passages 33 here have a generally circular shape (FIG. 4).

These first passages 33 are arranged so as to communicate with at least one monobloc longitudinal pipe 25.

In this case, for the first embodiment of the longitudinal profile 2 (FIGS.

4) or for the embodiment of FIG. 6, the first passages 33 consist of:

- A first passage 331 lower intended to come opposite the longitudinal pipe monobloc lower 251 of the longitudinal profile 2, for the circulation of the irrigation liquid, and

first lateral passageways 332 intended to face the lateral monobloc longitudinal conduits 252 of the longitudinal profile 2, for the circulation of the coolant and / or the C0 ₂ rich gas.

In general, the tip 3 advantageously comprises between 2 and 10 first passages 33.

In this case, each first passage 332 lateral is connected to one or more lateral monobloc lateral pipes 252.

The second passage 34 is intended to come directly overlying the upper surface of the lower portion 21 of the longitudinal section 2 (that is to say above the upper skin 262), and particularly in the bulk of this lower part 21.

Each of these passages 32, 33 is advantageously closed by a removable portion of the plate 31 (defined by a breaking initiation line), which is intended to be degraded during the installation of the end piece 3 so as to connect the passages 32, 33 and the one-piece longitudinal pipes 25.

As an indication, for the second embodiment of the longitudinal section 2 (FIG.

5), the endpiece would include a plate 31 provided with:

a set of first passages 33, passing through (for example between 2 and 8), intended to come opposite the end of at least one one-piece longitudinal pipe 25 and to communicate fluidly with the latter, and

at least two second passages 34, through, for the circulation of the percolate of irrigation liquid collected in the lower portions 21 of the longitudinal profile 2.

As an indication, for the embodiment of the longitudinal profile 2 according to Figure 7, the endpiece comprises a plate 31 provided with:

- At least a second passage 34, passing through, for the circulation of the irrigation liquid along the longitudinal section 2.

Plant for the above-ground cultivation of plants For aboveground crop cultivation, the growing facility includes:

a support structure 1, as described above in relation to FIGS. 1 to 7,

containers 4 for the above-ground cultivation of plants, in which the culture substrate is reported, and

fluid circuits 5, to ensure the circulation of fluids along the monobloc longitudinal pipes 25 (represented very schematically in FIG. 4).

The support structure 1 advantageously comprises a plurality of longitudinal sections 2, arranged parallel to one another.

The culture containers 4 consist for example of bags, bins or pots. The cultivation substrate consists for example of pine bark, peat, rockwool or coconut fibers.

Alternatively, the culture substrate is deposited directly on the upper surface 262 of the longitudinal sections 2.

Still alternatively, according to the embodiment of FIG. 7, the culture containers 4 are carried by the side walls 302 via a plate 304 resting on the upper edge 303 of said side walls 302.

The fluid circuits 5 here comprise two distinct fluid circuits:

a first fluid circuit 51 forming an irrigation liquid circuit, and

a second fluid circuit 52 forming a heat transfer fluid circuit.

In particular, the fluid circuits 5 comprise piping systems, intended to be connected to the different passages 33, 34 of the end pieces 3.

In the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 6, the first fluid circuit 51 is connected to said at least one dedicated one-piece longitudinal pipe 251, 255 via the first passage 331 of each of the two end pieces 3.

The irrigation and / or misting liquid consists for example of water, in which can be added nutrients useful to plants.

The second fluid circuit 52 is connected to the dedicated one-piece longitudinal pipes 252, 256 via the second passages 332 of each of the two end pieces 3.

The heat transfer fluid advantageously consists of water which can be either refrigerated (for example at a temperature of between 5 ° C. and 30 ° C.) or heated (for example at a temperature of between 5 ° C. and 70 ° C., generally between 13 ° C and 45 ° C), depending in particular on the ambient conditions to be regulated.

As schematically illustrated in FIG. 2, tubings 6 may also be connected to the longitudinal profiles 2 to ensure the irrigation and / or the misting of the culture substrate.

In the present case, in the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 6, these tubes 6 are arranged so that:

a first end 61 is connected, in a sealed manner, to said at least one a monobloc longitudinal pipe 251, 255 dedicated to the irrigation liquid (for example by gluing, by hot melt, by drilling and / or by interlocking with seals), and

- A second end 62 is immersed in the culture substrate for the supply of the latter in irrigation liquid.

In particular, the first end 61 is introduced, in a sealed manner, through the lower skin 261.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 7:

the first fluid circuit 51 is connected to the second passage 34 of the end pieces 3, and

the second fluid circuit 52 is connected to the monobloc longitudinal pipes

25, via the first passages 33 of the end pieces 3.

The fluid circuits 5 may further comprise additional and optional fluid circuits, for example a circuit for feeding the plant environment with a gas rich in C0 ₂ (carbon dioxide) so as to promote their growth and their growth. performance.

This gas rich in C0 ₂ may consist of pure C0 ₂ , or C0 ₂ recovery of smoke.

Operation

The above-ground cultivation plant is first put in place, for example in a greenhouse.

For this, the longitudinal sections 2 are suitably arranged parallel to each other. These longitudinal profiles 2 can be suspended, or be placed on a base or be placed directly on the ground.

The sections of these longitudinal profiles 2 can be assembled on site. These sections are then connected in series, sealingly (for example by hot melt, by welding, by gluing or by interlocking joints) in the case of plastic profiles. This approach offers significant gains in terms of logistics, transportation costs and site adaptation.

The end pieces 3 are then attached at each of the two ends 24 of the longitudinal sections 2, in a fluid-tight manner.

The fluid circuits 5 are then suitably connected, in a manner, at the different passages 33, 34 of these end pieces 3.

The culture containers 4 can then be attached to the longitudinal profiles 2, accompanied by the positioning of the tubes 6.

In operation, in the embodiments according to FIGS. 1 to 6, the irrigation liquid circulates in at least one of the longitudinal single-piece pipes 25 of the longitudinal profiles 2, from a first end 24 to a second end 24 ( by example in the lower conduit 251 of the first embodiment).

This irrigation liquid thus flows from this monobloc longitudinal pipe 25 to the culture containers 4 via a set of pipes 6 provided for this purpose, regularly distributed over the length of this monobloc longitudinal pipe 25.

Irrigation liquid percolate (advantageously between 5% and 30% of the supplied irrigation liquid), flowing through the culture substrate, is recovered by said at least one lower portion 21 of the longitudinal sections 2.

At the end of these lower portions 21, the second passage 34 of the end pieces 3 allows the recovery of the percolate of irrigation liquid, especially for its evacuation, recycling and reuse.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 7, the irrigation liquid circulates along the upper surface 262 of the longitudinal profiles 2. The roots of the salad plants thus bathe directly in the irrigation liquid.

The heat transfer fluid will also circulate in longitudinal monobloc pipes 25 of the longitudinal sections 2, from a first end 24 to a second end 24 (for example the lateral one-piece longitudinal pipes 252 of the first embodiment).

This circulation will thus act, as close as possible to the plants and the cultivation substrate, so as to participate in optimal thermal environment conditions for the development of the plants (either to cool or to heat up this ambient environment).

Where appropriate, the C0 ₂ -rich gas flows in at least one longitudinal longitudinal pipe 25 of the longitudinal section 2, from a first end 24 to a second end 24.

This gas rich in C0 ₂ is released into the immediate environment of the plants via a set of nozzles provided for this purpose (not shown), evenly distributed along the length of this monobloc longitudinal pipe 25 (for example every 30 cm to 2, 5 m).

In general, the longitudinal profiles according to the invention have many advantages:

- a simplicity of installation,

an ease of implementation of the various fluidic circuits, already integrated in the profiles,

an optimal action of the coolant,

- a precise choice of the different heat exchange zones.

Claims

1. Support structure for the above-ground cultivation of plants, for example strawberries, tomatoes or salads, which support structure (1) comprises longitudinal profiles (2) which each comprise, on the one hand, two opposite ends (24) and, on the other hand, an upper surface (262) which is adapted to receive a cultivation substrate (4) and which is adapted to the circulation of an irrigation liquid, where appropriate the percolate of irrigation liquid from said culture substrate (4),

characterized in that said longitudinal profiles (2) each comprise at least one monobloc longitudinal pipe (25) which is adapted to the circulation of a fluid along its length, and which opens at the ends (24) of said longitudinal section (2 ) for connection to a fluid circuit (5).

2. Support structure for the above-ground cultivation of plants, according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal profiles (2) each comprise:

at least one lower portion (21) having a concave surface (214) for collecting the percolate of irrigation liquids, and

at least one upper part (22), to form an upper surface (222) adapted to receive the culture substrate (4).

3. support structure for above-ground cultivation of plants, according to claim 2, characterized in that said at least one lower portion (21) of the longitudinal profiles (2) defines at least one longitudinal pipe monobloc (25), and said at least one upper part (22) of the longitudinal profiles (2) defines at least one longitudinal monobloc pipe (25).

4. support structure for above-ground crop culture, according to any one of claims 2 or 3, characterized in that said at least one lower portion (21) is formed of two divergent flaps (21 1) from a base lower longitudinal section (212), forming a V-shaped section, advantageously define an angle of between 5 ° and 50 ° relative to each other.

5. support structure for above-ground cultivation of plants, according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the longitudinal profiles (2) each comprise:

- a lower portion (21) having a concave surface (214) for collecting the percolate of irrigation liquids, terminated by two upper edges (213) arranged at a distance from one another, and

- two upper portions (22) each formed by a horizontal sidewalk flap, cantilevered outwardly from one of said upper edges (213), to form a pair of upper surfaces (222) adapted to receive the culture substrate.

6. Support structure for above-ground cultivation of plants, according to claim 5, characterized in that the lower part (21) of the longitudinal profiles (2), and if necessary the lower longitudinal base (212), defines a lower pipe (251), and in that the upper portions (22) of the longitudinal profiles (2) define at least one lateral pipe (252).

7. Support structure for above-ground cultivation of plants, according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the longitudinal profiles (2) each comprise:

- two lower lateral parts (21), each having a concave surface

(214) for the collection of percolate of irrigation liquids, terminated by two upper borders (213) arranged at a distance from one another, and

an upper portion (22) formed by a horizontal flap, arranged between the two lateral lower parts (21) and connected with one of the upper edges (213) of each of said lateral lower parts (21), to form the upper surface ( 262) adapted to receive the culture substrate (4).

8. Support structure for the crop above ground of plants, according to claim 1, characterized in that the longitudinal profiles (2) each comprise a bottom wall (301) extended by two side walls (302),

and in that said bottom wall (301) and / or said sidewalls (302) define at least one integral longitudinal pipe (25).

9. support structure for the crop above ground of plants, according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the longitudinal profiles (2) are made of a material selected from plastic and metal.

10. Support structure for above-ground cultivation of plants, according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the longitudinal sections (2) are made of plastic and each comprise two skins (261, 262), one lower and the other upper, connected by transverse partitions (27) defining longitudinal chambers adapted to form said longitudinal monobloc pipes (25).

1 1. Support structure for above-ground cultivation of plants, according to claim 10, characterized in that the one-piece longitudinal pipes (25) are delimited by a lateral partition (28) which is juxtaposed with respect to said upper skin (262) to define between them at least one intermediate chamber (29).

12. Support structure for above-ground cultivation of plants, according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1, characterized in that it comprises end caps (3) intended to be attached to the ends (24) of the profiles longitudinal (2),

which end caps (3) comprise:

- assembly means (32) with one end (24) of a longitudinal profile (2),

first passages (33) capable of being connected with the end of at least one one-piece longitudinal pipe (25) of said longitudinal section (2), and

- at least a second passage (34) intended to come overlying the upper surface (262) of said longitudinal section (2), for the circulation of the irrigation liquid, where appropriate the percolate of irrigation liquid collected by said longitudinal section (2).

13. Installation for the above-ground cultivation of plants, for example strawberries, tomatoes or salads, which cultivation system comprises:

a support structure (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 12,

containers (4) for the above-ground cultivation of plants, in which a culture substrate is reported,

at least one fluid circuit (5) for supplying said at least one monobloc longitudinal pipe (25), said fluid circuit (5) being advantageously chosen from the irrigation liquid circuits (51) and / or the coolant circuits (52) and / or the C0 ₂ rich gases.