NL2007198C2

NL2007198C2 - A plant tray for propagating plants, a tray, and methods.

Info

Publication number: NL2007198C2
Application number: NL2007198A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Petrus Mattheus Maria Hoff
Original assignee: Holding P M M Hoff B V
Priority date: 2011-07-29
Filing date: 2011-07-29
Publication date: 2013-01-30

Description

P94953NL00

Title: A plant tray for propagating plants, a tray, and methods

An aspect of the invention relates to a plant tray for propagating plants, comprising a cup for retaining a plant growing medium and a seed , a cutting and/or a plant at least partly embedded in the plant growing medium, the cup having a bottom structure.

5 In the field of horticulture/agriculture, plant trays are widely used for growing seeds and plants. The plants are placed in plant trays made of cups with open bottoms or closed bottoms, or in the ground.

Trays with open bottoms are used in two ways: they are placed on a surface - being a growing table - resulting in the root tips not being able to 10 grow further and make an angle while being on the end - or on the soil — resulting in root tips growing in the soil which will break once the trays are lifted. Or cups with an open bottom are ‘hanged’ in such a way so that the root tips growth is stopped by the air (“airpruning”) once they come out of the tray below. However, then while being transported in a box, on a car or while 15 planting being placed on the ground the root tips break. This means that the roots have open wounds where funguses find an easy entrance to enter and infect the roots with diseases. Once broken or infected it means that the root has lost its capacity to quickly enter the soil in order to search for water and minerals. Trays with closed bottoms are also used resulting in the root tips not 20 being able to grow further and make an angle while being on the bottom. Both technologies also force to take the plant with its roots out of the cup in order to plant it in the soil, resulting in damaging the root tips. A problem caused by the use of non-biodegradable trays is that the plant with the roots have to be taken out the cup once being planted. However, if the soil-medium has not 25 been grown well through by the roots, the soil falls apart while planting, this way causing the breaking of the roots. In order to prevent the soil falling apart, growers put their plants for a longer growing period in the cup so that the 2 primary and secondary roots grow well through the soil medium. This results in horizontal and upward growing primary roots - who are only allowed to grow vertically down - and round growing secondary roots, who are only allowed to grow horizontal. It also results in a too long growing period in the 5 cup which results in infection with root diseases.

During the production of the young plant, in cups with a closed bottom or with an open bottom but being placed on a growing table, primary roots grow downwardly towards the bottom of the cup, there they cannot grow further so they turn around - growing horizontal - then they touch the sides of 10 the pot - and start to grow upwardly. In the meantime, secondary roots growing normally in a sideward direction consume the larger part of available growing energy until the cup is entirely traversed by a plant root structure. This way they start to grow downwards, horizontal, rounded and up again, against their own nature. When a plant is placed in the ground, normally the 15 primary roots grow downwardly to contact ground water, however, once the first primary root is being forced through the cup model in a horizontal or even upward growing direction, it does not grow downwards again. The secondary roots who should have grown in a sideward direction, but as a cause of the present model of the cups have grown in each direction also lost their natural 20 way of growing horizontal.

It is essential for the plant to reach the capillary hang water level and/ or the ground water level. Otherwise, irrigation is needed to survive, especially in dry or rocky subsoil.

In a first aspect of the invention it is an object of the invention to 25 provide a plant tray providing improved surviving conditions for a plant after having grown in the tray. Thereto, it is an object of the invention to provide a plant irrigating system having a reduced cost price. Thereto, according to the invention, the bottom structure of the cup is penetrable for a plant root growing in a downward direction, while the tray comprises a spacer extending 30 downwardly, beyond the bottom structure of the cup.

3

The invention is partly based on the insight that primary roots grow very fast to the bottom part of the tray. As present trays are made of plastic the primary root that is downwardly growing, arriving at the bottom, is not able to penetrate it, and starts to grow in a horizontal direction and mostly 5 even upwardly. Once the root grows horizontally and/or upwardly it is not able anymore to grow downwardly and its function, growing down in the soil searching for water, gets lost. In the occasion that trays have an open bottom structure and the primary root grows downward and remains on the bottom, this root gets easily broken during transport. By providing a bottom structure 10 that is penetrable for a plant root growing downwardly, it is counteracted that the primary root turns and grows upwardly in the cup. Further, by providing a spacer that extends downwardly, beyond the bottom structure of the cup, an air barrier can be formed below the bottom structure, reducing and/or even temporarily stopping the growth of the primary root (“airpruning’). Then, other 15 root components, such as the secondary roots may grow during the plant’s stay in the cup. By providing the spacer extending beyond the bottom structure of the cup, the tip of the primary root protruding through the cup’s bottom is mechanically protected during transport/storage. Since the primary root tip(s) is/are protected on the bottom side, there is a very low chance that the tip(s) 20 will be damaged during the planting process. This way, the roots will stay intact while planting so that they can immediately fulfill their growing function. Further, since wounding of the roots will hardly or not occur, also the entrance of funguses or microbes into the root structure is counteracted compared to planting according to the classic methods. As a consequence, 25 plants stay more healthy and need less herbicides/fungicides for recovery and less water for growth. Once, the plant with the cup is placed in the ground, the primary root will continue growing, downwardly, to reach the ground water level. In this way, the primary root growth is optimally controlled and prepared for growth in the ground, thereby improving surviving conditions of 30 the plant in the ground, especially in dry and rocky subsoil.

4

Preferably, a side wall of the cup is provided with a local structure that is penetrable for a plant root growing in a sideward direction, thereby enabling roots to grow through the cups side wall. This enables the secondary roots to follow their nature and grow through the cups side wall. The local 5 structure might even help the primary root system - if there are more developed primary roots then one for instance in the case with cuttings - to penetrate these structures.

For example, the local structure (e.g. providing root gangways) can be formed by e.g. one or more local side wall partitions that are thinner than 10 surrounding side wall sections, and/or one or more local incisions, or a similar structure, being penetrable for a plant root growing in a sideward direction.

In a highly preferred embodiment, the plant root penetrable structure is located at a radially inwardly protruding part of the side wall. Then, also roottips protruding through the side wall are mechanically 15 protected during transport and/or planting.

Another positive effect of embodiments of the plant root penetrable structure (e.g. root gangways) is that if the roots have not penetrated them, the soil medium doesn’t dry out because of evaporation which results in a better internal climate, less water use and less remaining minerals as 20 minerals stay behind while the water evaporates resulting in salination of the soil. Then, while the root tips are penetrating the gangways, they open like a door. The same is valid in case the bottom of the tray that exists of a ‘lip closure’. By having constructed it in a way that they close like ‘lips’ they close the cup mechanically until the primary root tips open it.. Through this way the 25 structures in the a side wall partition and the bottom ‘lip closure’ give the possibility for the roots to penetrate but in the same time they allow the user to use any kind of soil, even loose sand, as the soil cannot leave through the side wall and the bottom.

Besides, as a consequence, the entrance of funguses into the primary 30 root(s)is not only counteracted, but also entrance into the secondary roots 5 structure is counteracted, thus further improving surviving conditions of the plant.

The plant root penetrable structure (e.g. a respective partition) also helps preventing the root tips from being dried out too quickly during the 5 planting process. Many times growers take out the plants in dry or hot circumstances and plant them. Not only damage the root tips mechanically, but many times they ‘burn’ because of a sudden draught while taking them from the protected atmosphere inside the cup to the windy, hot and sunny atmosphere outside the cup. Also, while planting, the first hours the root tips 10 are in a dry soil that has a hygroscopic effect on the root tips. This effect is only solved when irrigation starts, but many times the damage between planting and the start of the irrigation already has taken place.

Advantageously, a side wall of the cup has locally a gas permeable structure, so that base material of the plant tray can be saved, exchange of 15 gasses, such as O2 and CO2 between the plant growing medium and the atmosphere is stimulated, and the development of fungus is counteracted.

In a preferred embodiment, the plant tray includes an adjustable cup, particularly a cup that can be brought from a relatively flat transport condition to a operation condition for holding the growing medium. For 20 example, the adjustable cup can include at least two cup sections that can be mutually moved from a first state to a second state, wherein inner sides of the cup sections are positioned away from each other when the cup sections are in their first state, wherein the inner sides form a cup’s inner side, for retaining the plant growing medium, when the cup sections are in their second state.

25 For example, the resulting cup can be 100% nestable (i.e. to a compact stack) when respective cup sections are in their first state.

The present patent application also relates to a method.

6

Another aspect of the patent application relates to an improved tray. Optionally, this second aspect may be combined with the above-described first invention.

JP2003070364 discloses a tray having seedling pots, made using a 5 pulp moulding process. A disadvantage of the know tray is that the pots are relatively low, compared to their width. Besides, the pots all contain relatively large central through-holes in their bottoms, allowing leakage of content (e.g. a plant growing medium) and swift drainage of water during use. Besides, in the known tray, chances are relatively high that a seedling’s primary root will 10 encounter the bottom of the seedling pot without finding the through-hole, resulting in horizontal and upward growing primary roots, leading to a too long growing period in the cup and infection with root diseases.

The second aspect of the invention aims to provide an improved tray. Particularly, this aspect aims to solve or at least alleviate the problems that 15 are encountered with the known tray

To this aim, there is provided a tray, wherein the tray has been manufactured by a pulp moulding process, the tray comprising at least one cup, the cup having a bottom structure that is preferably penetrable for a plant root growing in a downward direction, 20 wherein each cup is adjustable, having at least two cup sections that can be mutually moved from a first state to a second state, wherein inner sides of the cup sections are positioned away from each other when the cup sections are in their first state, wherein the inner sides form a cup’s inner side, enclosing a cup’s interior space, when the cup sections are in their second 25 state, the moulding process including manufacturing the tray with the cup sections in their first state.

In this way, the tray can be provided with cups having improved shapes, e.g. relatively high cups (with a height that is significantly larger than a cups width), relatively narrow cups, e.g. narrow substantially tapered cups 7 having inner side walls including relatively small top angles (e.g. smaller than 45 degrees).

In a further embodiment, the bottom structure is penetrable for a plant root growing in a downward direction. This can be achieved in various 5 ways as is described throughout this patent application. For example, the bottom structure can include a small aperture, or a local portion with a relatively small thickness, or a slit, cut or incision, or a ‘lip closure’ opening, being penetrable for a growing primary plant root.

Also, this second aspect of the invention includes the advantageous 10 manufacturing method as is defined by claim 39.

There is provided a method of manufacturing a tray, for example a tray as described above, the tray comprising at least one cup, preferably at least one row of cups, wherein a pulp moulding process is used, the method being characterised in that the tray is moulded by the 15 pulp moulding process with cup sections of each cup in a first state, in which first state inner sides of the respective cup sections are positioned away from each other, wherein after the moulding the cup sections of each cup can be adjusted from the first state to a second state for enclosing a cup’s interior space of the respective cup.

20 Further advantageous embodiments according to the inventions are described in the following claims.

By way of example only, embodiments of the present inventions will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures in which

Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a plant tray according 25 to the invention;

Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a cup of the plant tray of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the cup of Fig. 2 accommodating a first plant; 8

Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the cup of Fig. 2 accommodating a second plant;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic perspective view of cups of other plant trays according to the invention, 5 Fig. 6 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of a method according to the invention;

Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of an example of a cup of an embodiment according to the present inventions;

Fig. 8 shows a detail Q of Fig. 7; 10 Fig. 9 shows the embodiment of Fig. 7 in a folded-open condition;

Fig. 10 shows a tray including a plurality of cups of Figs. 7-9, in a folded-open state;

Fig. 11 is similar to Fig. 10, showing an alternative embodiment of the tray; and 15 Fig. 12 is a front view of a further embodiment of the invention.

It is noted that the figures show merely preferred embodiments according to the present inventions. In the figures, the same or corresponding reference numbers refer to equal or corresponding parts.

Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a plant tray 1 20 according to the invention. The plant tray 1 is applicable for propagating plants and/or seeds. The plant tray 1 has a multiple number of cups 3. The cups are mutually connected, preferably via a detachable connection. Figure 2 shows a schematic perspective view of a single cup 3 of the plant tray 1.

During use of the plant tray, the cups 3 retain a plant growing medium 5 and a 25 seed 6 and/or a plant 7 at least partially embedded in the plant growing medium 5 as illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 showing a schematic perspective cross-sectional view of the cup 3 accommodating a first plant and a second plant, respectively. On the upper side, the cup 3 has an opening 8 allowing an accommodated plant 7 to grow in an upward direction UD. The cup 3 further 30 has a bottom structure 9 that is penetrable for a primary root 10 of the plant 7 9 growing in a downward direction DD. Further, the tray 1 includes a spacer extending downwardly, beyond the bottom structure of the cup 3.

The bottom structure 9 as such can be configured and shaped in various ways, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. For example, the 5 bottom structure can be flat, concave or convex, when viewed in a top view (i.e. in downward direction DD). Also, the bottom structure can be flat, concave (c.f. Fig. 12, described in more detail below) or convex, when viewed from an opposite bottom view (i.e. in an upward direction UD).

The tray 1 is applicable for use in the field of horticulture / 10 agriculture. Plants, such as vegetables, bushes, trees or flowers, can be grown in the cups 3. Thereto, the cups 3 are filled with a plant growing medium, e.g. ground, clay, substrate such as rock wool, perlite, flug sand, coarse granulates and/or peat soil. If biodegradable based materials are used for manufacturing the plant tray 1, in principle any kind of plant growing medium can be used.

15 With the conventional trays the soil has to form a cup model and is not allowed to fall apart while planting in order not to cause breaking roots, because in the known planting method, the plant plug is taken out of the plastic cup before planting. By using a cup made from biodegradable material, any local soil, even soil that has no adhering structure, may be used. This means that the 20 growth of plants becomes world wide possible on the spot. In case of using non-biodegradable cups, after the plants have grown, the plant growing medium including the root structure, also called root plug, can be removed from the cup for planting in the ground. If biodegradable material is used for manufacturing the cup, the step of removing the plug from the cup can be omitted, thereby 25 advantageously avoiding that damage may occur on the roots of the plant. If when using a bio-degradable cup a seed doesn’t germinate and a cup is without a plant, the cup including the soil medium can be mixed and re-used together for the next planting. Small plants or seeds are embedded in the plant growing medium. During use, the tray 1 may be placed on a surface 13, e.g. on a desk, 10 in a stand, or on a floor, for instance in a glass house. After the plants have grown, the plants can be put in another environment, e.g. in the ground.

According to an aspect of the invention, each cup 3 is provided with a spacer 12 providing an air chamber 11 (i.e. a primary root receiving space) 5 located below the bottom structure 9 of the cup 3. The spacer 12 counteracts that the bottom structure 9 of the cups 3 contacts a surface 13 carrying the tray 1. In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, the spacer 12 includes four legs 14. However, also another multiple number of legs 14 can be applied, e.g. two, three or five legs, or more. In principle, also a single leg can be used.

10 Optionally, a leg is provided with a foot or a bottom plate providing extra stability to the tray 1. Further, it is noted that the spacer can be implemented in another way, e.g. as a tube extending below the bottom structure 9 of the cups or as a separate module supporting the cup 3. It is also noted that, instead of providing each cup 3 with a spacer, the tray may include a spacer 15 structure that provides for a chamber 11 extending below the bottom structure 9 of all cups 3. Such a spacer structure may e.g. include four legs located at the bottom corners of the tray.

The length of the spacer is chosen such that an air barrier is realized between the bottom structure 9 of the cup 3 and a surface 13 supporting the 20 plant tray 1. As an example, the height of the air barrier can be chosen in a range between circa 0.5 cm to circa 20 cm. In the embodiment wherein the spacer includes legs, also the length of the legs may e.g. range from circa 0.5 cm to circa 20 cm. In a non-limiting embodiment, a height of the air barrier can be relatively large with respect to a height of an interior 4 of the respective 25 cup 3. For example, the height of the air barrier can be at least 10% of the height of an interior spacer 4 of the respective cup 3, and particularly at least 15%.

Alternatively, the height of the air barrier can be smaller than 10% of the height of an interior spacer 4. A minimum height of the air barrier can 30 e.g. be 1 mm, particularly 2 mm. It is expected that an air barrier having a 11 height higher than 0.2 cm, for example at least about 0.5 cm, will lead to better results.

Figures 3 and 4 show embodiments wherein the inner surface 20 of the cup 3 is substantially tapered downwardly. As an example, the lower side 5 of the inner surface 20 is formed as (truncated) cone, a (truncated) pyramid or a rounded tapered structure such as a ball segment. In a horizontal cross section 3CS of the cup 3, the inner surface may be shaped as an oval or circle. However, the cup might also have another contour, in a horizontal cross section, such as a polygon, e.g. a triangle or square, plus, flower or star shape. 10 By applying the tapered construction, an optimal respect ratio between the circumference, the content of the cup and its rigidity can be obtained. Further, the inner surface of the cup may be tubular shaped, preferably having a constant diameter.

During use of the tray, the cup 3 retains the plant growing medium 15 5. The kernel 6, from which the plant 7 is growing, is located in the plant growing medium 5. A primary root 10 is growing from the kernel 6 in the downward direction DD. Here, the bottom structure 9 of the cup 3 comprises one aperture 25 allowing the primary root 10 to grow through the bottom 9 of the cup 3.

20 As an alternative to providing a single aperture, the bottom structure 9 may comprise a multiple number of apertures and/or a material that is penetrable for a growing primary plant root. For example, the bottom material comprises paper material, for instance including cardboard, cellulose, paper foam and/or fiber paper. Further, the bottom structure might include a 25 local portion with a relatively small thickness.

As a further alternative to providing an aperture, the bottom structure 9 may comprise a slit, cut or incision, or a ‘lip closure’opening, being penetrable for a growing primary plant root.

Advantageously, a cup bottom made of primary root penetrable 30 material comprises a relatively weak area, e.g. formed by a local constriction of 12 the thickness in the bottom, or by a local through-cut or incision, a ‘lip closure’opening, or by applying a weaker material in the relatively weak area. However, it is noted that the bottom of the cup does not need to have at least one hole or at least one relatively weak area. For example, the whole cup may 5 be relatively weak. Alternatively, the cup may be relatively strong, but the material can be weakened during use. For example, a part of water fed to the plant may work its way down through the plant growing medium 5 and may remain on top of the bottom structure 9, thereby attenuating the bottom to such extent that the primary root may relatively easily pierce through it when 10 it grows substantially in the downward direction DD.

Advantageously, the bottom structure 9 is substantially closed before being penetrated by a said primary plant root 10, particularly for preventing plant growing medium 5 escaping via the bottom. To that aim, for example, a said aperture 25 can be relatively narrow. Also, to that aim, very 15 good results can be obtained using a said cup bottom made of primary root penetrable material comprises a relatively weak area, e.g. formed by a local constriction of the thickness in the bottom, or by a local through-cut, a slit or incision or a ‘lip closure’ opening.

The plant array can be placed on a closed surface or on an open 20 structure, such as concrete netting or another supporting structure, enabling optimal air ventilation circumstances.

Further, the cup 3 has a side wall 21 provided with gas permeable portions 19, preferably at the top side 16 of the cup 3. The gas permeable portions 19 can facilitate an exchange of gasses, such air, carbon dioxide 25 and/or oxygen, between the growing medium 5 and the exterior 17 of the cup. The gas exchange can counteract fungal grow and/or can promote the growth of the plant 7 and/or roots, such as secondary roots 18 of the plant 7.

The side wall 21 of the cup 3 as shown in Figures 3 and 4 is also provided with a local structure 28 that is penetrable for a plant root growing in 30 a sideward direction. The penetrable structure 28 has preferably a mainly 13 elongated shape that is oriented downwardly to facilitate penetration by further primary plant roots 22 that grow in a direction with a downward component. However, the elongated shape might also be oriented in another direction, e.g. a sideward direction. Further, the penetrable structure 28 may 5 include an opening, a multiple number of openings or a material that is penetrable for growing roots. Optionally, also the gas permeable portions 19 are penetrable for roots, so that secondary roots can grow through the gas permeable portions 19.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the inner surface 20 10 of the cup 3 is provided with inwardly extending protrusions 23, formed as downwardly extending ribs in the embodiments shown in Figures 1-4. By application of the inwardly extending protrusions, a growth direction of roots is guided. Roots that tend to grow in a circumferential direction are thus stimulated to grow downwardly, so that a more natural and balanced root 15 structure is obtained. Ribs that extend inwardly and downwardly on the inner surface 20 of the cup 3 counteract that roots grow from a first circumferential section to a further circumferential section. Preferably, the inwardly extending protrusions 23 are mainly evenly distributed in the circumferential direction CD.

20 In addition, the tray 1 may include a single or a multiple number of downwardly extending ribs 24 attached to an outer surface of the cup 3 to provide a rigid structure.

By providing a cup 3 that has a side wall protruding radially inwardly and outwardly along a circumferential direction, a relatively rigid 25 structure can be obtained. Moreover, specific features can be implemented in a desired part of the cup wide wall 21. As an example, a local structure 28 that is penetrable for a plant root growing in a sideward direction can be provided at an inwardly protruding part of the side wall 21, while a gas permeable structure can be provided at an outwardly protruding part of the side wall 21, 30 as shown in Fig. 2.

14

It is noted that the cup 3 can be shaped in another way, e.g. without inwardly extending protrusions and/or without a downwardly extending rib attached to an outer surface of the cup. As an example, a cup having a pure circular cross sectional contour can be provided, e.g. for providing a simple 5 design.

The embodiment of the plant tray 1 as shown in Fig. 1-4 comprises a multiple number of cups 3. The cups are arranged in a regular two-dimensional array. As an example, the array includes four cups in a first direction x and six cups in a second direction y to meet standard plant tray 10 sizes, such as the Danish and the European sized trays. Apparently, the tray may include another number of cups in the x-direction and/or the y-direction. Further, in principle, a single cup array can be provided according to the invention.

In the shown embodiment of Fig. 1, the cups 3 are detachably 15 connected to each other. The connection can be realized by perforated lines 35, as shown, or otherwise, e.g. by pre-folding and/or providing local thin connecting lines, also called hinges. After growing, the cups can be disconnected. Alternatively, the cups are connected to each other in a solid way. Then, the plants can be removed from the cups, so that the tray can be 20 reused for a new set of plants and/or seeds.

In an advantageous manner, the plant tray 1 according to the invention may comprise intermediate portions 30 interconnecting the individual cups 3 and including a water guiding structure for guiding water from the intermediate portions towards the cups 3, as shown in e.g. Fig. 1 and 25 2. The intermediate portions 30 are not flat but include tilted sections 31, 32 guiding water that is incident on the plant tray 1 towards the cups 3. The tilted sections 31, 32 form a corrugated pattern having local minima and local maxima. In the shown embodiment, the intermediate portions 30 include apertures 33 at local minima, so that in principle all water droplets may flow 30 downwardly from the corrugated pattern. Then, the intermediate portions 30 15 may dry so that mechanical features of the tray do not deteriorate. Advantageously, the apertures 33 are located above the outer surface of the cup side wall 21, and above the local structures 28 that are penetrable for a plant root growing in a sideward direction, so that tips of outwardly growing 5 roots 18 can be moisturized. As a consequence, less irrigation water is needed for growing the plant(s).

Figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of cups 3 of other plant trays 1 according to the invention. On the left hand side a cup 3a is shown wherein both the local side wall structure 28 that is penetrable for a plant root 10 growing in a sideward direction and the local side wall structure 19 that is gas permeable, include a mainly elongated portion oriented in a sideward direction. Instead of the strip shaped legs shown in Fig. 1-4, the legs 14 of the left hand side cup spacer are pillar shaped. On the right hand side a further cup 3b is shown. Here, both the local side wall structure 28 that is penetrable 15 for a plant root growing in a sideward direction and the local side wall structure 19 that is gas permeable, include a mainly elongated portion oriented in the downward direction. Further, the spacer now includes two legs 14a,b having a curved strip shape.

Figure 12 depicts another advantageous, non-limiting embodiment 20 of the invention. The embodiment of Fig. 12 differs from the examples shown in Figures 1-5 in that the bottom structure 309 of each cup 303 as such is shaped to define the spacer. In this embodiment, the bottom structure as such has a concave lower side (faced away from the cup’s interior), thereby also defining the respective air chamber below the bottom structure. In this 25 embodiment, e.g., a first part of the bottom structure (for example a central part) can be penetrable by the plant root (e.g. in a manner as is described above). Another part of the bottom structure (e.g. enclosing a penetrable first bottom structure part) acts as a spacer, and extends towards a lower edge of the cup, downwardly beyond the first -penetrable- part of the bottom 30 structure. For example, in this advantageous embodiment, the respective tray 16 301 is nestable. Also, in this example, the concave bottom structure may be formed to define a relatively small spacer, e.g. having a height that is about 1 cm or smaller, and for example at least about 0.2 cm. The resulting nestable tray configuration can provide a desired minimum airpruning, i.e. stopping 5 further growth of a primary root after having penetrated the bottom.

Further, the plant tray may comprise a body including plant protecting and/or plant nutrition material. The body can be formed separately, e.g. as a ball or as a ring enclosing the cups. The ring may be added when positioning the cup in the ground, after growing in a conditioned space. As an 10 example, the ring may be formed by connecting two ring members to each other, e.g. using a snap connection. Further, the body can be integrated with the plant tray.

The plant protecting / plant nutrition material may include aromatic substances, flavourings, such as camphor, chili or garlic, (artificial) fertilizer or 15 micorrizhae, anti-fungal material and/or an insecticide, e.g. nicotine or borax for chasing away harmful animals such as termites, and/or fungi. Further, the plant protecting / plant nutrition material may include seeds, symbiotic bacteria, eggs, fungi and/or spores that may germinate after leaving the base material, thereby improving the biodiversity of the irrigating system. Further, 20 the plant protecting / plant nutrition material may include material that damages harmful animals. Such material may include glass grindings, sand grindings, metal grindings, cement, lime, silicon, rubber or any material that damages harmful animals without poisoning. As an example, the cups might include a first plant protecting / plant nutrition material and the intermediate 25 portions 30 may include a second plant protecting / plant nutrition material. The number of seeds, fungi and/or spores can be determined before integrating in a base material.

Advantageously, the plant tray may include biodegradable material. As an example, paper material and/or biodegradable plastic can be used.

17

By using paper material and/or biodegradable plastic, the plant irrigating system can be manufactured in a very cheap way. Further, the environmental impact decreases. Some cardboard, paper foam and/or fiber paper types easily tear, thereby counteracting any theft of the system. The 5 paper material may include cardboard, cellulose, such as paper tissue, paper foam and/or fiber paper.

As an example, the fiber paper may include coconut fiber, cotton fiber, banana fiber, jute fiber, wool fiber, straw fiber, grass fiber, hemp fiber, kenaf fiber, wheat straw paper, sunflower stalks fiber, rags fiber, mulberry 10 paper and/or kozo.

The biodegradable plastic can be made of renewable raw materials, but it can also be based on petroleum based plastics including an additive making it biodegradable.

Generally, petroleum based plastics are known as hydro-carbons.

15 During a biodegradation process, microbes are enabled to metabolize the molecular structure of the plastic and to produce inert humus material, water and biogases, such as CH4 and CO2. An example of a biodegradable additive is the commercially available substance, known as EcoPure including organic compounds for opening the polymer chain of the hydro-carbons, and 20 attractants stimulating microbial colonization on the plastics. The biodegradation occurs at the atomic level and is anaerobic or aerobic. As an example, a biodegradable additive can be applied for a wide variety of plastics, such as PVC, PE, PP, PS, PC, PET and PA.

Renewable raw materials for forming a biodegradable plastic may 25 include wood fiber, e.g. 60%, combined with a plastic, e.g. 40%. When a suitable biodegradable additive is added, the material is made biodegradable.

Alternatively, other biodegradable material can be used, such as bamboo, sugarcane, hay, pulp or elephant excrement. Further, pre-pressed material can used, such as pre-pressed sawdust, peat, peat moss, rice chaff etc.

18

Preferably, material forming the plant tray includes water impermeable material and/or is provided with a liquid impermeable coating, e.g. on the inner and/or outer side. Further, the forming material can be coated with a biodegradable layer, preferably having a pre-determined thickness so 5 that a desired degree of degradedness can be set. Alternatively or additionally, the degradedness of the biodegradable layer can be set by including a dosed amount of conserving material. Further, the degradedness can be set by localizing specific parts at specific heights with respect to the ground level. In general, material in the collection structure will degrade later than material in 10 the reservoir, due to the position relative to the ground.

Preferably, the base material of the plant tray includes specific material that is bound to the base material for a specific time period and is then disseminated into the environment, due to degradable properties of the base material. By setting the degradedness of the base material, the degree of 15 dissemination of the specific material can be determined. In this respect it is noted environmental parameters, such as wind, moisture etc may influence the degradedness of the base material.

Figure 6 shows a flow chart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention. After growing a plant in the plant tray, the plant 20 can be planted in the ground. The planting process includes the step of providing 100 a plant tray comprising biodegradable material, the tray including a cup 3 retaining a plant growing medium and a plant embedded in said medium, and the step of placing 110 the cup 3 on the ground, without removing the plug from the cup, i.e. without removing the plant growing 25 medium and a root structure of the plant.

Preferably, the method includes the step of removing a cup from the plant tray that includes a multiple number of cups, before placing the cup on the ground. Advantageously, the cup can be placed in a hole in the ground. Similarly, the method may include the step of covering a side wall of the cup at 30 least partly with ground, so that the plug is embedded in the ground.

19

Figures 7-10 depict a further advantageous embodiment, including the aspects of the both inventions.

As in Figures 3 and 4, the embodiment shown in Figures 7-10, 12 5 includes cups, 103, wherein the inner surface of each cup 103 is substantially tapered downwardly. The lower side of the inner surface can be formed as (truncated) cone, a (truncated) pyramid or a rounded tapered structure such as a ball segment.

Preferably, (as in the earlier embodiments as shown in Figures 1-6, 10 12), the cups are relatively high compared to their (maximum) width. For example, a height H of each cup 3, 103 (the height H excluding the length of the spacer, if any) can be significantly larger than a maximum width W of the cup’s interior, for example by a factor of at least 1.5 and particularly by a factor of at least 2. Double arrows W and H in Fig. 10 indicate the height and 15 width, respectively (the cup shown being in a first state, as explained below). Particularly, the cup’s height is the distance between the bottom 9, 109 of the cup and the top side 16, 116 of the cup, measured along a cup’s central axis. In this example, the maximum width W of the cup’s interior is the width measured at the top side, i.e. in a direction normally with respect to the cup’s 20 central axis (i.e. the width of the top opening, leading into the cup).

In a further embodiment, said cup height H can be at least 5 cm, for example at least 10 cm. As is mentioned before, the maximum width W can e.g. be at most about half the height H (and may e.g. be at least about 1 cm).

Also, from the drawings it follows (as in the earlier embodiments as 25 shown in Figures 1-6, 12), that the cups 3, 103 are relatively narrow, wherein the inner sides of the cups include relatively small angles (p (see Fig. 10) when viewed in a longitudinal cross-section. For example, the afore-mentioned angle cp can be smaller than about 45 degrees, for example an angle in the range of 0 to about 30 degrees.

20

Also, from the drawings it follows (as in the earlier embodiments as shown in Figures 1-6, 12), that each cup 3, 103 can be particularly narrow at its bottom 9, 109. As an example, the cup’s internal width K at the bottom (see Fig. 10), measured a direction normally with respect to the cup’s central axis, 5 can be at most 50% of said maximum width W, and particularly at most 20% of said maximum width W.

The embodiment shown in Figures 7-10 differs from the examples discussed with respect to the figures 1-6, 12 in that the cup 103 is adjustable, having at least two cup sections 103x, 103y (only two, in this extra 10 advantageous embodiment) that can be mutually moved from a first state to a second state. The first state of the cup 103 is shown in Fig. 9. Figure 10 shows a further embodiment, of a tray 101 having a plurality of cups with their cup sections in the first state. One major advantage is that the trays are nestable, at least when they are in their first (folded open) state. Also, a major 15 advantage is that the tray, having the present extra advantageous (e.g.

relatively elongated tapered) cup shape, can be made utilizing a pulp moulding process (known per se to the skilled person). An example of the manufacturing method is described below.

The adjustable cup 103 can be configured in various ways. For 20 example, the cup sections can be provided by separate sections, that are not interconnected when they are in the first state, wherein the sections can be joined to form the cup 103. In the present example, the cup sections 103x, 103y are already interconnected before being brought into the second (operating) condition, as will be described below.

25 In the present example, inner sides of the cup sections 103x, 103y (i.e. respective cup wall sections 121x, 121y) are positioned away from each other when the cup sections 103x, 103y are in their first state (see Fig. 9).

After the cup sections 103x, 103y have been brought in their second state (see Fig. 7), the inner sides (i.e. the cup wall sections 121x, 121y) together form a 30 cup’s inner side, for retaining the plant growing medium.

21

When the cup 103 is in its first condition (i.e. the sections 103x, 103y are in their first state), it occupies relatively little space, which is very useful for storage and/or transportation. Thus, a large number of plant trays can be jointly stored, and transported to a final destination, using a minimum of 5 space, leading to considerable savings in storage and transportation costs. When the plant trays have arrived in their final destination, the respective cups can be assembled, i.e. the respective cup sections can be adjusted to their second state to form the cups, e.g. to be used in a method as is described above.

From the drawing it particularly follows that the cup wall, of this 10 example, is divided into two wall sections 12 lx, 12 ly, opposite longitudinal wall edges joining each other when the cup 103 is in the second state (cf. Fig.

7), the longitudinal wall edges being spaced-apart from each other (and e.g. extending in line with each other, in the same plane, as in Fig. 9) when the cup 103 is in its initial first state. In the example, the two wall sections 121x, 121y 15 basically are two cup halves, of the same shape and dimensions. The adjustable cup may also include adjustable wall sections having mutually different shapes and dimensions. In addition, the adjustable cup may also include more than two adjustable wall sections, for example three or four such sections.

20 The present cup sections of each cup 103 are interconnected by interconnecting profiles 151, for example winglets, that are made in one piece with the walls of the cup sections 103x, 103y. The present interconnecting profiles 151 may have e.g. a wall thickness that is about the same as a thickness of cup wall sections 121x, 121y.

25 In this example, each of the cup sections 103x, 103y is provided with two parallel interconnecting profiles 151, extending in opposite directions from the respective wall section, the two interconnecting profiles 151 of the first cup section 103x being integrally connected to the interconnecting profiles of the second cup section 103y. In an alternative embodiment, each of the cup 22 sections 103x, 103y can e.g. be provided with a single interconnecting profile for attaching the cup sections to each other.

From the drawing it follows that the present interconnecting profiles 151 protrude laterally from respective cup wall sections 121x, 121y (radially 5 with respect to a cup’s centre line). In this case, the interconnecting profiles 151 extend along the entire height of the respective cup wall sections 12 lx, 12 ly. Also, in this embodiment (which includes both the first and second invention) the interconnecting profiles 151 extending downwardly, beyond the bottom structure of the cup, and provide respective spacer sections 112x, 112y 10 forming the cup’s spacer 112 when the cup sections 103x, 103y are in the second state.

It is noted that in this example, the bottom structure 109 of the cup 3 is provided by bottom structure sections 109x, 109y of the respective cup sections 103x, 103y. The bottom structure sections 109x, 109y form the bottom 15 structure after the cup sections have been adjusted to their second position. In that condition, the resulting bottom structure 109 is penetrable for a plant root growing in a downward direction, as has been described above. The present bottom structure sections 109x, 109y are spaced-apart (e.g. with external sides facing one another as in Fig. 9) when the cup sections are in their first 20 position.

The interconnecting profiles 151 may be configured to pivotally connect the respective cup sections to each other. In the example, to this aim, the profiles 151 are provided with hinge/folding lines 150.

Also, preferably, the cup sections 103x, 103y are integrally provided 25 (e.g. in one piece) with a locking structure 155, 156 for locking the cup sections together when they are in the second state. The locking structure 155, 156 can be part of the interconnecting profiles 151, and can e.g. be a clamping structure or a different type of locking means. In the example, interconnecting profiles 151 include clamping protrusions 155 and clamping through-holes 156 30 (having reinforced edges), cooperating with each other to hold respective 23 profiles 151 and the cup sections 103x, 103y together when the profiles 151 have been joined (cf. Fig. 8).

As follows from Fig. 10, the configuration described above regarding figures 7-9 can be used with great advantage in a plant tray 101, including a 5 plurality of adjustable cups.

In Fig. 10, the cup sections 103x, 103y of all cups are all in their first state, providing a very compact, relatively flat configuration, for example for storage and/or transport of the plant tray. When the tray of the present embodiment is in the flat state, it is nestable; i.e, that a plurality of trays can 10 be stacked onto each other, with cup sections (in their first state) of the trays nesting in each other. In the resulting stack, respective spacer parts 151 of different trays extend in parallel levels (each level being associated with a respective tray), thereby allowing a compact packing. In this example, in each row, the cup sections of mutually different cups 103 are integrally (in one 15 piece) connected to each other by respective interconnection profiles 151 extending there-between.

In this non-limiting embodiment, the tray 101 includes at least two rows (particularly two) of cups 103. In the non-limiting example, each row includes five adjustable cups 103. The tray 101 can also include another 20 number of rows of adjustable cups (for example one, three, four or more).

Similarly, each rows can include another number of adjustable cups (starting with only one cup).

The cups 103 in the tray 101 are preferably detachable interconnected. To this aim, the respective interconnection profiles 151 can be 25 provided with weakening lines, tearing lines, perforations or intermediate slits 152 (as in the drawing), as will be appreciated by the skilled person. Also, weakening lines, tearing lines, perforations or intermediate slits 154 (as in the drawing) can be provided between adjoining cup rows.

According to a further embodiment, the tray 101, or assembly of 30 adjustable cups 103, can be manufactured in a very economical and efficient 24 manner by a pulp moulding process, for example (but not limited to) wood pulp, paper pulp, or pulp including wood and/or paper material.

An alternative example of a tray 201 only includes the second invention, and is shown in Figure 11, providing similar advantages as the tray 5 shown in Fig. 10 regarding compactness and nestability during storage and transport, the tray’s cup(s) is/are not provided with the spacer(s) 112.In this alternative example, bottom sections 209x, 209y of each cup 203 can e.g. be pivotally connected with one another. Also, in this embodiment, the interconnecting profiles 251 extend e.g. towards but not beyond the bottom 10 structure of the cup. In this example, the cup sections 203x, 2037 of each cup, and their respective interconnection profiles 251, are pivotally connected, via a hinge/folding line 150 extending there-between, for adjusting the cups between the respective folded-out and folded-in conditions..

It is observed that the example shown in Fig. 11 includes a single 15 row of cups 103. Again, the tray 201 can also include another number of rows of adjustable cups.

Besides, according to a further embodiment, there can be provided a combination of embodiments according to Figures 10 and 11. For example, the tray can be provided with one or more rows of first cups that all include a 20 spacer, and with one or more rows of second cups which do not include a spacer (in the latter rows, the cup sections of each cup can be directly interconnected via hinge or fold lines 250)..

An aspect of the invention also provides a method of manufacturing a tray, for example a tray 101, 201 as is described above. The tray comprises at 25 least one cup, preferably at least one row of cups. A pulp moulding process is used to manufacture the tray 101, 201.

The manufacturing includes the tray 101, 201 being moulded by the pulp moulding process with cup sections of each cup in the first state, in which first state inner sides of the respective cup sections are positioned away from 30 each other (as in Figures 9, 10, 11). After the moulding, the cup sections of 25 each cup can be adjusted from the first state to the second state for enclosing a cup’s interior space of the respective cup (see the example of Fig. 7).

The pulp moulding process can be carried out in various ways. An example, wherein pulp is poured and subsequently pressed into a mould, is 5 described in JP200370364, included herein in its entirety by reference.

Alternatively, a mould can be used to scoop a layer of pulp from a pulp batch, for example a pulp bath. In the latter pulp moulding method, a pressing step (i.e. after pulp has been applied to the mould) can be left out.

The pulp as such can include various materials. Preferably, the pulp 10 consists of biodegradable material. For example, in an extra advantageous embodiment, the pulp that is used mainly consists (for example by at least 90%, e.g. at least 99%) of wood pulp, paper pulp, or a combination of paper pulp and wood pulp. The pulp can include other materials as well, for example one or more of the materials that have been mentioned above.

15 In a further embodiment, the pulp contains liquid (e.g. water) when it is applied to the mould, wherein the pulp can be dried (i.e. the liquid is removed from the pulp) during and/or after the moulding.

The mould that is used can e.g. be configured to form all cup sections of each cup in their first state. Preferably, the method includes providing the 20 tray with folding sections 150, 250 (e.g. hinge lines or perforation lines), for mutually folding the cup sections towards each other.

Preferably, the method includes providing the tray 101, 201 with locking structures, for mutually locking the cup sections to each other when they are in their second state.

25 Optional tray structures, e.g. said inwardly extending protrusions (forming root guiding structures), and/or said locking structures and/or said structures that are penetrable by a plant root, can be applied after the moulding, and particularly when the cup sections are still in their first state and therefore easily accessible (e.g. by a cutting device, a punch and/or another 30 tool, suitable to mechanically act on the moulded pulp). The mould that is used 26 can also be configured to provide one or more such structures as part of the moulding process itself.

Similarly, said folding sections 150, 250 (e.g. hinge lines or perforation lines) can be formed in the pulp material during (as part of) the 5 moulding process itself, or there-after with the cup sections of each cup still in their first state.

The invention is not restricted to the embodiments described herein. It will be understood that many variants are possible.

It is noted that the spacer(s) can be either integrated with the plant 10 tray and/or or cups (e.g., each spacer can be made in one piece with the plant tray), or can be manufactured separately to be assembled as a separate module to the plant tray.

Other such variants will be apparent for the person skilled in the art and are considered to fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the 15 following claims.

Claims

A plant tray for growing plants, comprising a bowl for holding a plant growth medium and a seed, a cutting and / or a plant that is at least partially embedded in the plant growth medium, the bowl having a soil structure that is permeable to a plant root growing in a downward direction, the tray further comprising a spacer that extends downward, beyond the bottom structure of the bowl.

The plant tray according to claim 1, wherein the spacer comprises a single or a plurality of legs.

The plant tray according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the spacer defines an air chamber located below the bottom structure of the bowl.

4. Plant tray as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein a side wall of the bowl locally has a structure that is permeable to a plant root that grows in a sideways direction.

The plant tray according to claim 4, wherein the structure permeable to the plant root comprises a substantially elongated portion that faces downwards.

6. Plant tray according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the structure permeable to the plant root 20 is placed at a radially inwardly extending part of the side wall.

A plant tray according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a side wall of the bowl locally comprises a gas-permeable structure.

8. Plant tray according to claim 7, wherein the gas-permeable structure comprises a substantially elongated portion that is directed sideways.

A plant tray according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a permeable structure has an opening, an incision, a cut and / or a slit.

10. Plant tray according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the bowl, viewed in a downward direction, has an oval or circular contour in a section.

A plant tray according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner surface of the bowl is substantially tapered downwards.

12. Plant tray according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the inner surface of the bowl is provided with inwardly extending protrusions.

A plant tray according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a downwardly extending rib attached to an outer surface of the bowl.

A plant tray according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising biodegradable material.

15. Plant tray according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a body with plant-protecting and / or plant-feeding material.

16. Plant tray according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a multiple number of bowls.

The plant tray of claim 16, comprising intermediate portions interconnecting the individual cups and having a water conducting structure for conducting water from the intermediate portions to the cups.

A plant tray according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the bowls are releasably connected to each other.

19. Plant tray according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bowl has at least two bowl sections that can be moved relative to one another from a first state to a second state, the inner sides of the bowl sections being spaced apart when the bowl sections are in their first are in a state where the inner sides form an inside of the bowl for holding the plant growth medium when the bowl sections are in their second state.

The plant tray according to claim 19, wherein the cup sections of each cup are hinged to each other.

The plant tray according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the cup sections are integrally provided with a locking structure for locking the cup sections together when they are in the second state. 10

A plant tray according to any one of claims 19-21, wherein the cup sections of a cup are interconnected by means of interconnected profiles, the interconnected profiles comprising spacer sections forming the spacer of the cup when the cup sections are in the second state .

A plant tray according to any one of claims 19-22, comprising a plurality of cups, wherein each cup has at least two cup sections that can be moved relative to each other from the respective first state to the respective second state, the bowl sections all being in their first state are, for example, for storage and / or transport of the plant tray.

The plant tray according to claim 23, wherein the plant tray is manufactured using a pulp molding process.

A plant tray according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the tray is nestable.

A plant tray according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each bowl has a concave bottom structure, wherein the concave bottom structure has a section permeable to a plant root growing in a downward direction, and wherein the concave bottom structure has a section that acts as the spacer serves that extends downwards, beyond the section permeable to the plant root.

27. A method of planting a plant, comprising the steps of: - providing a plant tray comprising biodegradable material, wherein the tray comprises a bowl holding a plant growth medium and a plant embedded in said medium, and - placing the bowl on the floor.

The method of claim 27, further comprising the step of removing a bowl from the plant tray having a plurality of bowls before the bowl is placed on the ground.

29. Plant tray according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the bowl is placed in a hole in the ground.

The plant tray according to claim 27, 28 or 29, further comprising the step of at least partially grounding a side wall of the bowl.

A tray, wherein the tray is made by a pulp molding process, the tray comprising at least one bowl with a bottom structure that is preferably permeable to a plant root growing in a downward direction, characterized in that each cup is an adjustable cup with at least two cup sections that can be moved relative to one another from a first condition to a second condition, inside sides of the cup sections being spaced apart when the cup sections are in their first condition, the inside sides being an inside of the bowl enclosing the inner space of the bowl when the bowl sections are in their second state, and wherein the so-called pulp molding process comprises manufacturing the tray with the bowl sections in their first state.

The tray of claim 31, wherein the cup sections of each cup are hinged to each other.

The tray of any one of claims 31-32, wherein the cup sections are integrally provided with a locking structure for locking the cup sections together when in the second state.

A tray according to any of claims 31-33, wherein a height (H) of each bowl is significantly greater than a maximum width (W) of each bowl, for example by a factor of at least 1.5 and preferably by a factor of at least 2.

35. A tray according to any one of claims 31-34, wherein the cup sections of a cup are mutually connected with the aid of mutually connected profiles.

A tray according to any of claims 31-35, wherein the tray consists essentially of shaped pulp selected from a group consisting of: wood pulp, paper pulp, pulp comprising wood and / or paper material, and / or biodegradable pulp.

A tray according to any of claims 31-36, wherein each cup is defined by only two mutually adjustable cup sections, in particular two cup halves.

38. A tray according to any of claims 31-37, wherein each of the cup sections integrally comprises two parallel interconnected profiles, which extend in opposite directions from the respective wall section, the two interconnected profiles of the first cup section being integrally connected with the interconnected profiles of the second bowl section.

39. Method for manufacturing a tray, for example a tray according to any of claims 1-26 and 31-38, wherein the tray comprises at least one bowl and preferably comprises at least one row of bowls, wherein a pulp molding process (pulp molding process) is used, characterized in that the tray is formed with the so-called pulp molding process with cup sections of each cup in a first state, wherein in the first state inner sides of the respective cup sections are placed away from each other, wherein after forming, the cup sections of each cup can be adjusted from the first state to a second state for enclosing an interior space of the respective cup.

The method of claim 39, wherein a mold is used that is adapted to form all cup sections of each cup in their first state.

41. Method according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the tray is provided with folding sections, for mutually folding the cup sections towards each other.

A method according to any of claims 39-41, wherein the tray is provided with locking structures for locking the cup sections together when they are in their second state.