JP2023137110A - Plant cultivation device, nutritious liquid processing member, and plant cultivation method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a plant cultivation device or the like that accelerates growth of plants.SOLUTION: A plant cultivation device comprises: a processed nutritious liquid supply mechanism (3) which supplies nutritious liquid (B) for cultivating plants (P), which is brought in contact with pellets (31) of biodegradable plastic, to a cultivation vessel (2) cultivating the plants (P), and the processed nutritious liquid supply mechanism (3) comprises: a column (30) which brings the nutritious liquid (B) in contact with the pellets (31) of biodegradable plastic; and a pump (35) which circulates the nutritious liquid (B) between the cultivation vessel (2) and the column (30), and is installed at a halfway point in a circulation path (A) of nutritious liquid.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a plant cultivation device, a nutrient solution treatment member, and a plant cultivation method.

Patent Document 1 describes a hydroponic cultivation device in which immobilized microorganisms are installed in the system of the hydroponic cultivation device. In this device, it is described in Patent Document 1 that photosynthetic bacteria are used as microorganisms. Patent Document 2 describes a seedling growing mat in which a mixed bacterial group of photosynthetic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, yeast bacteria, actinomycetes, etc. is contained in a biodegradable plastic foam.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 62-232321 JP-A-8-205673 specification

However, from the viewpoint of promoting crop growth, a new plant cultivation device is required.

One aspect of the present invention aims to provide a plant cultivation device and the like that further promotes plant growth.

In order to solve the above problems, a plant cultivation device according to one aspect of the present invention provides a process for supplying a nutrient solution for cultivating plants that has been in contact with biodegradable plastic to a cultivation tank for cultivating plants. The treated nutrient solution supply mechanism includes a nutrient solution processing section that brings the nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic, and a nutrient solution processing section that brings the nutrient solution into contact with the cultivation tank and the nutrient solution processing section. and a circulation section that circulates the nutrient solution between the nutrient solution and the nutrient solution, and is installed in the middle of the circulation path of the nutrient solution.
Further, a nutrient solution treatment member according to one aspect of the present invention includes a housing, a biodegradable plastic housed in the housing, and a nutrient solution for cultivating plants from outside the housing to the biodegradable plastic housed in the housing. A nutrient solution supply port for supplying the biodegradable plastic to the biodegradable plastic, and a nutrient solution discharge port for discharging the nutrient solution that has come into contact with the biodegradable plastic to the outside of the casing.
Further, the plant cultivation method according to one aspect of the present invention includes a supplying step of supplying a nutrient solution for cultivating plants that has been in contact with biodegradable plastic to a cultivation tank for cultivating plants; The method includes a return step of taking out the nutrient solution and supplying it to the biodegradable plastic, and a re-supply step of bringing the returned nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic and supplying it to the cultivation tank.

According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide a plant cultivation device and the like that further promotes the growth of plants.

1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a plant cultivation device according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the structure of a column included in a plant cultivation apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing typically the composition of the plant cultivation device concerning another embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure showing the result of cultivation of spinach in an example of the present invention. It is a figure showing the result of photographing the state of spinach after cultivation in an example of the present invention. It is a figure showing the result of photographing the state of spinach after cultivation in an example of the present invention. It is a figure showing the measurement result of pH in the Example of this invention. It is a figure showing the measurement result of EC in the example of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the measurement result of OD600 in the Example of this invention.

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail, but the explanation of the constituent elements described below is an example of the embodiments of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to these contents. Various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist. Furthermore, in the following description, "~" means a range of numerical values including both ends thereof.

<Plant cultivation equipment>
A plant cultivation device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a treated nutrient solution supply mechanism that supplies a nutrient solution for cultivating plants that has been in contact with a biodegradable plastic to a cultivation tank for cultivating plants, The treated nutrient solution supply mechanism includes a nutrient solution treatment section that brings the nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic, and a circulation section that circulates the nutrient solution between the cultivation tank and the nutrient solution treatment section. , and a circulation section installed in the middle of the circulation path of the nutrient solution. By supplying a nutrient solution that has come into contact with biodegradable plastic, bacteria in the cultivation environment proliferate, activating plant growth. Generally, in hydroponic cultivation, the nutrient solution is shielded from light to prevent the growth of algae. This creates an environment in which it is difficult for microorganisms to proliferate. However, according to one aspect of the present invention, bacteria can be easily grown by bringing the nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic. This can further promote plant growth. The bacteria that proliferate here are, for example, the resident bacteria in the cultivation environment, and the resident bacteria include, for example, bacteria in the nutrient solution, bacteria attached to the plant, bacteria in the rhizosphere of the plant, etc. be.

Note that as a method of increasing bacteria in the cultivation tank, a method of adding organic fertilizer (for example, bonito broth, etc.) to the nutrient solution may also be considered. However, when such methods are applied to hydroponic cultivation, it is difficult to manage fertilization based on the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution, and there is a possibility that bacteria may increase too much, bad odors may occur, and the cultivation tank may be contaminated. be. Therefore, such methods are generally not adopted in hydroponic cultivation. According to one aspect of the present invention, it is not necessary to use conventional organic fertilizers, so it is possible to prevent bacteria in the nutrient solution from multiplying excessively. Therefore, the risk of contamination of the cultivation tank can be suppressed, and the cultivation tank can be kept clean more easily.

The plant cultivation device according to one aspect of the present invention can be applied to, for example, devices for performing various cultivation methods of cultivating plants using a nutrient solution. Examples of such cultivation methods include hydroponics, solid medium cultivation, and spray hydroponics. Examples of hydroponics include fluidized hydroponics and static hydroponics; examples of fluidized methods include flooded hydroponics (DFT), thin film hydroponics (NFT), etc., and static methods include: Examples include capillary hydroponic, passive hydroponic, and floating root hydroponic. Examples of solid medium cultivation include a method using an inorganic medium and a method using an organic medium (natural organic type). Examples of the inorganic medium include natural inorganic, artificial inorganic, and synthetic organic media. Examples of natural inorganic media include gravel and sand media. Examples of artificial inorganic materials include artificial gravel, charcoal, porous ceramic, rock wool (slab, granular cotton), perlite, vermiculite, and the like. Examples of organic synthetic systems include polyurethane, phenol foam resin, polyester, and polyvinyl. Examples of the organic medium include rice husk, sawdust, coconut shell chips, bark, peat moss, coco peat (coconut shell), and the like. The shape of the medium may be granular, fibrous, foam, or other shapes as appropriate depending on the type of medium. In other words, the plant cultivation device according to one aspect of the present invention is a plant cultivation device for cultivating using these cultivation methods.

Moreover, the feeding method of the nutrient solution may be a continuous method or a batch method (intermittent method). In the case of a continuous type, the plant cultivation device may be configured to continuously flow the nutrient solution that has been brought into contact with the biodegradable plastic into the cultivation tank. In the case of a batch method, the nutrient solution may be brought into contact with the biodegradable plastic in a nutrient solution storage tank, and the nutrient solution may be supplied to the cultivation tank in a batch method. For example, the nutrient solution storage tank is equipped with a mechanism that brings the stored nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic, and the nutrient solution that has been in contact is supplied to the cultivation tank in a batch manner at the required timing. It may be configured as follows.

<Plants>
The target plant to be cultivated in the plant cultivation apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it is a hydroponic plant. Examples of plants include flowers and fruits and vegetables. Examples of flora include plants of the Asteraceae, Caryophyllaceae, Rosaceae, Liliaceae, Brassicaceae, etc. Specific examples include chrysanthemums, carnations, roses, lilies, stocks, statice, lisianthus, freesia, gladiolus, Examples include western orchids and gypsophila. Examples of fruits and vegetables include fruit vegetables, leaf vegetables, and root vegetables. Examples of fruit vegetables include plants of the Rosaceae, Solanaceae, and Cucurbitaceae families, and specific examples include strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, and watermelons. Examples of leafy vegetables include plants such as the family Ominaceae, Brassicaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, and Chenopodaceae, and specifically, spinach, lettuce, coriander, komatsuna, bok choy, and mizuna. etc. Specific examples of root vegetables include wasabi and the like.

<Nutritional solution>
A nutrient solution is a liquid for growing plants. For example, a nutrient solution has water as its main component and contains nutrients for growing plants. For example, when one embodiment of the present invention is applied to raising seedlings, the nutrient solution is a nutrient solution for germination and growth of seedlings. Further, when one embodiment of the present invention is applied to field cultivation, the nutrient solution is a nutrient solution for raising seedlings and further growing the plants grown from the seedlings until harvest. Furthermore, the components of the nutrient solution are not particularly limited and can be selected depending on the type of plant to be cultivated. For example, when applying one embodiment of the present invention to hydroponic cultivation, the nutrient solution can be appropriately selected from known nutrient solutions for hydroponic cultivation. Note that one embodiment of the present invention does not require organic fertilizer as described above, so the nutrient solution may include a configuration in which the nutrient solution does not contain organic fertilizer. good.

<Processed nutrient solution supply mechanism>
The treated nutrient solution supply mechanism in one aspect of the present invention is a mechanism that supplies a nutrient solution that has been brought into contact with biodegradable plastic to a cultivation tank for cultivating plants. According to one aspect of the present invention, since there is no need to immobilize bacteria on a carrier in advance as in Patent Document 1, plant growth can be promoted more easily. Further, in Patent Document 1, it is difficult to maintain a desired bacterial flora because the immobilized bacteria decrease with the passage of the cultivation period, but according to one aspect of the present invention, Since the biodegradable plastic can be supplied again, the desired bacterial flora can be maintained more easily.

The nutrient solution treatment section is a section for bringing the nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic. As described later, the nutrient solution processing section may include a container containing biodegradable plastic, such as a nutrient solution processing member, or the biodegradable plastic that is not in the container may be installed as is. It may be a different part. Examples of the container include a housing, a bag, and a net. Although it depends on the form of the biodegradable plastic after molding, it is preferable to place the biodegradable plastic in a container from the viewpoint of holding the biodegradable plastic in a predetermined position. Further, for example, in an embodiment in which the biodegradable plastic is directly installed in the nutrient solution storage tank and/or the nutrient solution flow path, the part where the biodegradable plastic is installed is one embodiment of the nutrient solution treatment section. Further, the treated nutrient solution supply mechanism may be configured to immerse the biodegradable plastic in the nutrient solution storage tank. In this case, the biodegradable plastic may be immersed in the nutrient solution storage tank all the time, or it may be immersed at a preset timing and period, and the nutrient solution is constantly or intermittently immersed in the nutrient solution storage tank. It may be circulated inside or between the nutrient solution storage tank and the cultivation tank.

The position where the biodegradable plastic is installed in the treated nutrient solution supply mechanism is not particularly limited as long as it is in the middle of the nutrient solution circulation path by the circulation section. For example, a biodegradable plastic may be installed inside the nutrient solution storage tank, and a nutrient solution supply channel from the nutrient solution storage tank to the cultivation tank, and a flow path for returning the nutrient solution from the cultivation tank to the nutrient solution storage tank. Biodegradable plastic may be installed in the flow path, etc. Furthermore, from the viewpoint of preventing excessive proliferation of bacteria due to retention of the nutrient solution on the surface of the biodegradable plastic, it is preferable to install the biodegradable plastic in a place where the nutrient solution is flowing.

<Nutritional solution treatment parts>
A case in which a biodegradable plastic is housed is also an embodiment of the nutrient solution treatment section. In this case, the casing includes a nutrient solution supply port for supplying the nutrient solution from outside the casing, and a nutrient solution discharge port for discharging the nutrient solution that has come into contact with the biodegradable plastic to the outside of the casing. It may also be an aspect in which it is provided. The nutrient solution treatment section of this embodiment is referred to as a "nutrient solution treatment member" in this specification.

The nutrient solution supply port and the nutrient solution discharge port may be openings provided separately in the housing, or one opening may serve as the nutrient solution supply port and the nutrient solution discharge port. If the nutrient solution supply port and the nutrient solution discharge port are provided as separate openings, their positions are not particularly limited, but for example, when the casing is installed, the nutrient solution supply port may be provided on the side near the bottom of the casing. It is more preferable to provide the nutrient solution outlet on the side close to the top surface of the housing, from the viewpoint that the nutrient solution flows while pushing out air and efficiently contacts the surface of the biodegradable plastic. Moreover, it is preferable from the viewpoint that the time during which the nutrient solution is in contact with the biodegradable plastic can be extended.

<Biodegradable plastic>
The biodegradable plastic used in the plant cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited. Examples of the type of biodegradable plastic include biodegradable polyester. In addition, examples of biodegradable polyesters include polybutylene succinate adipate (PBSA), polybutylene succinate (PBS), polylactic acid (PLA), and poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate). (PHBH), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyglycolic acid (PGA), polybutylene adipate terephthalate (PBAT), polyethylene terephthalate succinate (PETS), starch polyester resin, cellulose acetate, and the like. These may be used alone or in combination.

The shape of the biodegradable plastic is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a cylindrical shape, a granular pellet, a sponge shape, and a mesh shape. Further, the surface area per gram is preferably 300 mm ² or more, more preferably 500 mm ² or more. 1200 mm ² or less is preferable, and 1000 m ² or less is more preferable. The amount of biodegradable plastic used is not particularly limited, and is preferably 1 g or more, more preferably 10 g or more per liter of nutrient solution. The amount is preferably 1000 g or less, more preferably 100 g or less.

<Circulation section>
The treated nutrient solution supply mechanism in one aspect of the present invention includes a circulation section that circulates the nutrient solution between the cultivation tank and the nutrient solution processing section. Examples of the circulation section include conventionally known pumps and the like. Further, the treated nutrient solution supply mechanism includes a nutrient solution treatment section in the middle of the nutrient solution circulation path in the circulation section in order to bring the nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic in the middle of the nutrient solution circulation path.

<Plant cultivation method>
A method for cultivating plants according to one aspect of the present invention includes a supply step of supplying a nutrient solution for cultivating plants that has been in contact with biodegradable plastic to a cultivation tank for cultivating plants, and a step of supplying the nutrient solution from the cultivation tank to a cultivation tank for cultivating plants. This method includes a return step of taking out the nutrient solution and supplying it to the biodegradable plastic, and a resupply step of bringing the returned nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic and supplying it to the cultivation tank. A process including at least a return process and a resupply process is referred to as a circulation process. The circulation process may further include a supply process. The number of cultivation tanks through which the nutrient solution passes is not limited, and after the supplied nutrient solution passes through the first cultivation tank, it passes through the second cultivation tank, and then is returned to another biodegradable plastic and comes into contact with it. However, the returned nutrient solution may be re-supplied to the first cultivation tank after passing through the third cultivation tank. The plant cultivation method according to one embodiment of the present invention is not particularly limited as long as it includes a supply step and a circulation step of supplying a nutrient solution brought into contact with biodegradable plastic to a cultivation tank. This can be done more favorably by using a plant cultivation device. In addition, for convenience of explanation, the explanation of the same structure as that given in the plant cultivation apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will not be repeated in accordance with the explanation of the structure.

The specific embodiment of the supply process of supplying the nutrient solution brought into contact with the biodegradable plastic to the cultivation tank is not particularly limited. For example, it can be suitably carried out using the above-mentioned plant cultivation apparatus. Moreover, it can also be performed using an existing plant cultivation device. For example, a treated nutrient solution supply mechanism may be provided in the nutrient solution storage tank of an existing plant cultivation device or in the middle of a route for supplying the nutrient solution to the cultivation tank. Also, for example, after bringing the nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic by immersing the biodegradable plastic in a nutrient solution storage tank prepared separately from the plant cultivation equipment or circulating it, the nutrient solution can be transferred to the cultivation tank. may be supplied to

Plant cultivation conditions may be appropriately set depending on the type of plant, the stage of cultivation of the plant, and the like. For example, the flow rate of the nutrient solution, the water level of the nutrient solution, the temperature of the nutrient solution, the temperature in the cultivation environment, the humidity, etc. may be set as appropriate depending on the type of plant. Furthermore, the illumination intensity may be set appropriately depending on the type of plant and the like. Light from the natural environment may be used, but for example, from the early stage of germination to the seedling raising stage, it is necessary to ensure uniform growth of seedlings, to suppress the influence of pests and pathogens on young seedlings, and to carry out planting in a planned manner. Alternatively, a closed artificial light cultivation device may be used, which uses an artificial lighting device as a light-shielding closed space that shields the cultivation environment from light. In this case, it is preferable that the plants be illuminated with light at an appropriate intensity and period using an artificial lighting device, and that the nutrient solution be shielded from light in order to prevent the growth of algae. On the other hand, for cultivation after raising seedlings, a solar-type cultivation device may be used, which makes it easy to expand the cultivation area and requires less equipment investment and management costs. In this case as well, it is preferable that the entire cultivation device is covered with a vinyl house or the like, and that the nutrient solution is shielded from light or physically closed in order to prevent the growth of algae and the invasion of pests and diseases.

<Embodiment 1 of plant cultivation device>
An embodiment of a plant cultivation device according to one aspect of the present invention will be described using FIGS. 1 and 2. The plant cultivation device 1 includes a cultivation tank 2, a treated nutrient solution supply mechanism 3, and a nutrient solution storage tank 4. Moreover, the plant cultivation device 1 is a device for hydroponic cultivation.

<Cultivation tank 2>
The cultivation tank 2 is a cultivation tank for cultivating the plants P. Moreover, it is possible to supply the nutrient solution B to the cultivation tank 2.

Moreover, the cultivation tank 2 is equipped with the support part 21 which supports the plant P. When the plant cultivation device 1 is used for raising seedlings, the support portion 21 only needs to support the seedlings, and when the plant cultivation device 1 is used for cultivation in the field, the support portion 21 supports the seedlings and the plants that have grown from the seedlings. It is sufficient as long as it supports. The structure of the support part 21 is not limited as long as it can support the plant P, but may be, for example, a panel-like structure in which a through hole is provided. In the case of this structure, by arranging the plant in the through-hole, it is possible to support the plant P and bring the roots of the plant P into contact with the nutrient solution.

The cultivation tank 2 contains a nutrient solution B. The nutrient solution B is continuously supplied to the cultivation tank 2 according to the circulation path A of the nutrient solution B, and is continuously discharged from the cultivation tank 2 and returned to the circulation path A.

When the support part 21 supports the plant P, the amount of the nutrient solution B that is brought into contact with the roots may be appropriately set depending on whether the plant cultivation device 1 is a submerged type hydroponic system or a thin film type hydroponic system. In this embodiment, an embodiment in which one embodiment of the present invention is applied to thin film hydroponics will be described. Since this is a thin film type hydroponic system, the support part 21 supports the plant so that a part of the root is exposed from the nutrient solution B (that is, the entire root is not immersed in the nutrient solution B). Note that the plant cultivation device according to the present invention is not limited to such a form, and for example, when used for hydroponics other than thin film hydroponics, solid medium cultivation, or spray hydroponics, the structure of the plant cultivation device may be modified. Modifications can be made as appropriate depending on each method.

<Processed nutrient solution supply mechanism 3>
The treated nutrient solution supply mechanism 3 includes a column 30 and a pump 35. The column 30 brings the nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic pellets 31 . Pump 35 circulates the nutrient solution. Thereby, the nutrient solution that has come into contact with the biodegradable plastic can be supplied to the cultivation tank 2. Note that the pump 35 may be installed inside the nutrient solution storage tank 4 or outside.

<Column 30>
The column 30 is one embodiment of the nutrient solution treatment member in the present invention. The column 30 is a container containing a plurality of biodegradable plastic pellets 31. The configuration of the column 30 will be explained using FIG. 2.

As shown in FIG. 2, the column 30 includes a housing 32. The housing 32 is provided with an opening 33 and an opening 34 .

The housing 32 has a cylindrical structure. Many pellets 31 are housed in the housing 32.

The opening 33 is one aspect of the nutrient solution supply port provided in the nutrient solution treatment member according to the present invention. The nutrient solution B is supplied into the housing 32 from the opening 33. The opening 34 is one aspect of the nutrient solution outlet provided in the nutrient solution treatment member according to the present invention. The nutrient solution B inside the housing 32 flows out from the opening 34 and is discharged outside the housing 32.

That is, the nutrient solution B supplied into the housing 32 from the opening 33 passes through the column 30 and is discharged from the opening 34 to the outside of the housing 32 . When the nutrient solution B passes through the column, it passes through the gaps between the biodegradable plastic pellets 31. At this time, the nutrient solution B comes into contact with the biodegradable plastic pellets 31. The nutrient solution B flowing out from the housing 32 is supplied to the cultivation tank 2. As a result, the cultivation tank 2 is supplied with the nutrient solution B that has been brought into contact with the biodegradable plastic.

The column 30 is provided in the middle of the circulation path A of the nutrient solution B. With this configuration, the nutrient solution B brought into contact with the biodegradable plastic can be more easily supplied to the cultivation tank 2.

Column 30 can be replaced with another column 30. In other words, the housing 32 can be attached to or detached from the plant cultivation device 1. Therefore, when the biodegradable plastic in the column 30 decreases, the column 30 can be easily replaced with another new column 30. One aspect of the present invention is not limited to such a configuration, and biodegradable plastic may be supplied into the housing 32 without removing the housing 32 from the plant cultivation device 1. However, a configuration in which the column 30 itself can be replaced is more preferable because biodegradable plastic can be supplied to the plant cultivation apparatus 1 more easily.

<Pump 35>
The pump 35 is a pump for circulating the nutrient solution B supplied to the cultivation tank 2. In this embodiment, the pump 35 is one aspect of the circulation section of the present invention. The nutrient solution B discharged from the cultivation tank 2 by the pump 35 once returns to the nutrient solution storage tank 4, and then is supplied to the cultivation tank 2 again. As mentioned above, the column 30 is provided in the middle of the circulation path of the nutrient solution B. With this configuration and the pump 35, the nutrient solution B that has been brought into contact with the biodegradable plastic can be continuously supplied to the cultivation tank 2.

<Nutritional solution storage tank 4>
The nutrient solution storage tank 4 is a container for storing the nutrient solution B. The structure of the nutrient solution storage tank 4 is not particularly limited as long as it can store the nutrient solution B.

<Other configurations>
The plant cultivation device 1 may have a configuration other than the configuration described above. For example, a control device for controlling the flow rate and/or temperature of the nutrient solution B, a control device for controlling the pH of the nutrient solution, a control device for controlling the electrical conductivity of the nutrient solution, etc. may be provided.

An example of a device that controls the flow rate of the nutrient solution B (hereinafter referred to as a "flow rate control device") is a device that controls the flow rate by opening and closing a valve. Further, the flow rate control device may have a function of storing the flow rate set by the user and automatically controlling the flow rate based on the setting. In addition, the device for controlling the temperature of the nutrient solution B (hereinafter referred to as "temperature control device") includes, for example, a heating device and a cooling device for controlling the temperature of the cultivation tank 2 to a temperature suitable for the cultivation conditions of the plants. You may prepare. Further, it may be provided with a function of detecting the temperature of the cultivation tank 2 and the like and automatically controlling the temperature of the nutrient solution B so that the temperature is suitable for the cultivation conditions of the plants.

<Embodiment of plant cultivation method using plant cultivation device 1>
An embodiment of a plant cultivation method according to an embodiment of the present invention using the plant cultivation apparatus 1 will be described. First, in preparation for cultivating plants, do the following: That is, seeds, seedlings, etc. of the plant P to be cultivated are placed on the support part 21. Further, the nutrient solution B is stored in the nutrient solution storage tank 4 in advance. The cultivation tank 2 and the pipe serving as the circulation route A may also be filled with the nutrient solution B in advance. In addition, in preparation for cultivating plants, the cultivation environment, such as temperature and irradiation conditions, is adjusted to suit the cultivation conditions.

Next, the pump 35 is driven. Thereby, circulation of the nutrient solution B between the cultivation tank 2 and the nutrient solution storage tank 4 is started. The nutrient solution B discharged from the nutrient solution storage tank 4 passes through the column 30 and comes into contact with the biodegradable plastic pellets 31. The nutrient solution B that has come into contact with the pellets 31 is supplied to the cultivation tank 2 (one aspect of the supply process). The nutrient solution B that has passed through the cultivation tank 2 is returned to the nutrient solution storage tank 4. Moreover, when the nutrient solution B passes through the cultivation tank 2, the roots of the plants P come into contact with the nutrient solution B. The nutrient solution is returned to the column 30 again, comes into contact with the biodegradable plastic pellets 31 (an embodiment of the return process), and is again supplied to the cultivation tank 2 (an embodiment of the resupply process).

As described above, if the plant cultivation device 1 is used, the nutrient solution B brought into contact with biodegradable plastic can be continuously supplied to the cultivation tank 2 more easily.

<Embodiment 2 of plant cultivation device>
Another embodiment of the plant cultivation apparatus according to the present invention will be described using FIG. 3. For convenience of explanation, members having the same functions as the members described in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will not be repeated.

As shown in FIG. 3, the plant cultivation device 10 includes a cultivation tank 2, a column 30, a nutrient solution storage tank 4, a pump 5, and a partition plate 6. The plant cultivation device 10 differs from the plant cultivation device 1 in that there are two types of circulation paths for the nutrient solution B and that it includes a partition plate 6. In this embodiment, a mode in which one embodiment of the present invention is applied to a submerged type hydroponic system will be described. Since it is a submerged type hydroponic system, the support part 21 supports the plant so that the roots are not exposed from the nutrient solution B (that is, the entire roots are immersed in the nutrient solution B). In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, a case will be described in which the nutrient solution storage tank 4 and the cultivation tank 2 are integrated, but the nutrient solution storage tank 4 and the cultivation tank 2 are separate bodies. Good too.

<Circulation routes A and A'>
The plant cultivation device 10 is different from the plant cultivation device 1 in the circulation route of the nutrient solution B that is brought into contact with the biodegradable plastic. The plant cultivation device 10 has a circulation path A and a circulation path A' for the nutrient solution B. The circulation route A' is a route for circulating the nutrient solution B between the cultivation tank 2 and the column 30. The circulation route A is a route for circulating the nutrient solution B between the cultivation tank 2 and the nutrient solution storage tank 4. A pump (not shown) for circulating the nutrient solution B is installed between the cultivation tank 2 and the column 30 to form the circulation path A'. Thereby, the column 30 will be installed in the middle of the circulation path A'. That is, in this embodiment, the pump 5 is not a circulation part that constitutes the treated nutrient solution supply mechanism 3, but a pump for circulating the nutrient solution B disposed between the cultivation tank 2 and the column 30. This is one embodiment of the circulation part in the present invention.

As in the present embodiment, for the plant cultivation device 10 in which the nutrient solution circulation path A is formed between the cultivation tank 2 and the nutrient solution storage tank 4, a circulation path A' different from the circulation path A is formed. It is possible to attach the column 30 externally as shown in FIG. In this way, by newly attaching a nutrient solution treatment member to a plant cultivation device that has already been manufactured without a nutrient solution treatment member, the plant cultivation device according to one aspect of the present invention can be obtained. I can do it.

<Partition plate 6>
The partition plate 6 is a plate for partitioning the cultivation tank 2 and the nutrient solution storage tank 4 within the housing in which the cultivation tank 2 and the nutrient solution storage tank 4 are provided. The partition plate 6 is provided with a through hole 61 and a through hole 62. A pipe provided in the pump 5 penetrates into the through hole 61, and the tip of the pipe is placed inside the cultivation tank 2. Thereby, the nutrient solution B is supplied into the cultivation tank 2 through the pump 5, and the nutrient solution B that has passed through the cultivation tank 2 is supplied to the nutrient solution storage tank 4 through the through hole 62.

<Summary>
A plant cultivation device according to aspect 1 of the present invention includes a treated nutrient solution supply mechanism that supplies a nutrient solution for cultivating plants to a cultivation tank for cultivating plants, and the nutrient solution is supplied to a biodegradable plastic. The treated nutrient solution supply mechanism includes a nutrient solution treatment section that brings the nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic, and a nutrient solution treatment section that brings the nutrient solution into contact with the cultivation tank and the nutrient solution treatment section. and a circulation section that circulates the nutrient solution between the nutrient solution and the nutrient solution, and is installed in the middle of the circulation path of the nutrient solution. Thereby, the growth of plants can be further promoted.
In the plant cultivation device according to aspect 2 of the present invention, in aspect 1, the biodegradable plastic is polybutylene succinate adipate, polybutylene succinate, polylactic acid, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3- hydroxyhexanoate), polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycolic acid, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate succinate, starch polyester resin, and cellulose acetate.
A nutrient solution processing member according to aspect 3 of the present invention includes a housing, a biodegradable plastic housed in the housing, and a nutrient solution for cultivating plants that is transferred from outside the housing to the biodegradable plastic inside the housing. The biodegradable plastic is provided with a nutrient solution supply port for supplying the biodegradable plastic, and a nutrient solution discharge port for discharging the nutrient solution that has come into contact with the biodegradable plastic to the outside of the casing. Thereby, the nutrient solution that has come into contact with the biodegradable plastic can be more easily supplied to the cultivation tank.
The plant cultivation method according to aspect 4 of the present invention includes a supply step of supplying a nutrient solution for cultivating plants to a cultivation tank for cultivating plants, and a step of taking out the nutrient solution from the cultivation tank and supplying it to a biodegradable plastic. and a resupply step of bringing the returned nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic and supplying it to the cultivation tank, wherein the nutrient solution is the nutrient solution that was brought into contact with the biodegradable plastic. be,. Thereby, the growth of plants can be further promoted.
In the plant cultivation method according to aspect 5 of the present invention, in aspect 4, the biodegradable plastic is polybutylene succinate, polylactic acid, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), polyvinyl At least one selected from the group consisting of alcohol, polyglycolic acid, polybutylene adipate terephthalate, polyethylene terephthalate succinate, starch polyester resin, and cellulose acetate is used.
In the plant cultivation method according to aspect 6 of the present invention, in aspect 4 or 5, the nutrient solution that has been brought into contact with the biodegradable plastic is continuously supplied to the cultivation tank. This is carried out by passing water through the cultivation tank, or the nutrient solution after the contact is supplied to the cultivation tank in a batch manner.
In the plant cultivation method according to Aspect 7 of the present invention, in Aspects 4 to 6, the plant is a flower or a fruit or vegetable.
In the plant cultivation method according to aspect 8 of the present invention, in aspect 7, the fruits and vegetables are fruit vegetables, leaf vegetables, or root vegetables.
In the plant cultivation method according to aspect 9 of the present invention, in aspect 8, the fruit and vegetables are plants of the family Rosaceae, the family Solanaceae, or the family Cucurbitaceae.
In the plant cultivation method according to Aspect 10 of the present invention, in Aspect 8, the leafy vegetable is a plant of the family Ominaceae, Brassicaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, or Chenopodiaceae.
The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various changes can be made within the scope of the claims, and embodiments obtained by appropriately combining technical means disclosed in different embodiments. are also included within the technical scope of the present invention.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

<Plant cultivation conditions>
Spinach was grown under the following conditions.

A hydroponic cultivation device (trade name: Karen, manufactured by Kyowa Co., Ltd.) was used.

Twelve days after sowing, 10 seedlings (2 seeds sown, Rockwool medium) were each planted in a hydroponic culture device. Thereafter, the room temperature was set to 26°C, the light period was 12 hours, and the dark period was 12 hours, and the plants were cultivated for 26 days after planting.

As a nutrient solution, 12 L of an aqueous solution containing 0.1% by mass of High Tempo Ar and 0.3% by mass of Cu was used in each of the hydroponic cultivation devices.

On the day after planting, a column (an embodiment of a nutrient solution treatment member) was connected to one of the hydroponic cultivation devices. Specifically, the columns were connected so that the nutrient solution in the cultivation tank of the hydroponic cultivation device was supplied to the lower part of the column, and the nutrient solution discharged from the upper part of the column was supplied to the cultivation tank. A pump was also connected so that the circulation rate of the nutrient solution between the column and the cultivation tank was 8 L/min. The column was a container (manufactured by EHEIM, model number 2211) filled with 500 g of PBSA pellets (cylindrical shape, diameter 6 mm, length 30 mm). Openings were provided on the bottom and top to allow the supply and discharge of nutrient solution.

During the cultivation period, the pH, EC (electrical conductivity), and OD600 of the nutrient solution were measured to investigate changes over time. Additionally, during the cultivation period, the plant height was measured as the growth status of the plant. pH and EC were measured using LAQUA D-200 manufactured by Horiba Advanced Techno Co., Ltd. OD600 was measured using DR3900 manufactured by HACH.

The above cultivation was performed three times under the same conditions. Below, an example of cultivation using a hydroponic cultivation device with a column installed and circulation of nutrient solution between the column and the cultivation tank is referred to as "Example 1", and an example of cultivation with a hydroponic cultivation device without a column installed is shown below. "Comparative Example 1" and a cultivation example using a hydroponic cultivation apparatus in which a column was installed and the nutrient solution was not circulated between the column and the cultivation tank were referred to as "Comparative Example 2." In Comparative Example 2, a nutrient solution treatment device having a 20L bucket and column, which was prepared separately from the hydroponic cultivation device, was used. In the nutrient solution treatment device, a nutrient solution was prepared that was circulated between a 20 L bucket and a column at 25° C. for 7 days and brought into contact with biodegradable plastic. Cultivation was carried out in the same manner as in Comparative Example 1, except that the prepared nutrient solution was supplied to a hydroponic cultivation device independent of the nutrient solution treatment device.

<Results>
Figure 4 shows the results of measuring plant height during the third cultivation. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the results of spinach cultivation in this example, where black circles represent the plant height of spinach in Example 1, white circles represent Comparative Example 1, and white squares represent spinach plant height in Comparative Example 2. As shown in FIG. 4, in Example 1, compared to Comparative Examples 1 and 2, the spinach plants grew faster and had longer plant heights. Furthermore, the measurement results of pH, EC, and OD600 are shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, respectively. The definitions of black circles and white circles in FIGS. 7 to 9 are the same as in FIG. 4.

The spinach after the first cultivation and the second cultivation were observed. The observation results are shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows the result of photographing the state of spinach after the first cultivation, and FIG. 6 shows the result of photographing the state of the spinach after the second cultivation. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the entire plant including leaves, stems, and roots was larger in Example 1. In addition, Example 1 grew faster. As mentioned above, in Example 1 in which the bacterial column was installed, spinach grew quickly and large all three times.

Regarding changes in pH and EC during the cultivation period, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, there was no difference between Example 1 and Comparative Example 1. Furthermore, as for OD600, as shown in FIG. 9, it was confirmed that Example 1 tends to increase more easily than Comparative Example 1.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION This invention can be utilized for the hydroponic cultivation of a plant.

1, 10 plant cultivation device, 2 cultivation tank, 3 treated nutrient solution supply mechanism, 30 column (nutrient solution treatment member), 31 biodegradable plastic pellets, 4 nutrient solution storage tank, 5 pump, 35 pump (35) , A, A' circulation path, B nutrient solution, P plant

Claims (10)

Equipped with a treated nutrient solution supply mechanism that supplies nutrient solution for cultivating plants to a cultivation tank for cultivating plants,
The nutrient solution is a nutrient solution brought into contact with biodegradable plastic,
The treated nutrient solution supply mechanism includes:
a nutrient solution treatment unit that brings the nutrient solution into contact with the biodegradable plastic;
A circulation unit that circulates the nutrient solution between the cultivation tank and the nutrient solution processing unit, the circulation unit being installed in the middle of the nutrient solution circulation path,
Plant cultivation equipment. The biodegradable plastics include polybutylene succinate adipate, polybutylene succinate, polylactic acid, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycolic acid, polybutylene adipate tereph. The plant cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the plant cultivation device is at least one selected from the group consisting of thalate, polyethylene terephthalate succinate, starch polyester resin, and cellulose acetate. A casing and
a biodegradable plastic housed in the housing;
a nutrient solution supply port for supplying a nutrient solution for cultivating plants from outside the casing to the biodegradable plastic inside the casing;
A nutrient solution treatment member, comprising: a nutrient solution outlet for discharging the nutrient solution that has come into contact with the biodegradable plastic to the outside of the housing. A supply step of supplying a nutrient solution for cultivating plants to a cultivation tank for cultivating plants;
a return step of taking out the nutrient solution from the cultivation tank and supplying it to the biodegradable plastic;
a resupply step of bringing the returned nutrient solution into contact with biodegradable plastic and supplying it to the cultivation tank,
The method for cultivating plants, wherein the nutrient solution is a nutrient solution brought into contact with the biodegradable plastic. The biodegradable plastics include polybutylene succinate adipate, polybutylene succinate, polylactic acid, poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-3-hydroxyhexanoate), polyvinyl alcohol, polyglycolic acid, polybutylene adipate tereph. 5. The plant cultivation method according to claim 4, wherein at least one selected from the group consisting of thalate, polyethylene terephthalate succinate, starch polyester resin, and cellulose acetate is used. The nutrient solution that has been brought into contact with the biodegradable plastic is supplied to the cultivation tank by continuously passing the nutrient solution after the contact into the cultivation tank, or 6. The plant cultivation method according to claim 4, wherein the nutrient solution is supplied to the cultivation tank in a batch manner. The method for cultivating plants according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the plants are flowers or fruits and vegetables. The plant cultivation method according to claim 7, wherein the fruits and vegetables are fruit vegetables, leaf vegetables, or root vegetables. 9. The plant cultivation method according to claim 8, wherein the fruit and vegetables are plants belonging to the family Rosaceae, Solanaceae, or Cucurbitaceae. 9. The plant cultivation method according to claim 8, wherein the leafy vegetable is a plant of the family Ominaceae, Brassicaceae, Amaryllidaceae, Apiaceae, Lamiaceae, Amaranthaceae, Asteraceae, or Chenopodiaceae.

Images