NL2010590C2 - Method for growing perennial fruit-bearing plants and arrangement comprising such plants. - Google Patents

Method for growing perennial fruit-bearing plants and arrangement comprising such plants. Download PDF

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Publication number
NL2010590C2
NL2010590C2 NL2010590A NL2010590A NL2010590C2 NL 2010590 C2 NL2010590 C2 NL 2010590C2 NL 2010590 A NL2010590 A NL 2010590A NL 2010590 A NL2010590 A NL 2010590A NL 2010590 C2 NL2010590 C2 NL 2010590C2
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NL
Netherlands
Prior art keywords
substrate
growing
gutter
fluid
arrangement
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Application number
NL2010590A
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Dutch (nl)
Inventor
Tycho Vermeulen
Original Assignee
Stichting Dienst Landbouwkundi
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Priority to NL2010590A priority Critical patent/NL2010590C2/en
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Publication of NL2010590C2 publication Critical patent/NL2010590C2/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G27/00—Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots
    • A01G27/02—Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots having a water reservoir, the main part thereof being located wholly around or directly beside the growth substrate
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G27/00—Self-acting watering devices, e.g. for flower-pots
    • A01G27/005—Reservoirs connected to flower-pots through conduits
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G31/00—Soilless cultivation, e.g. hydroponics
    • A01G31/02—Special apparatus therefor
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
    • A01G—HORTICULTURE; CULTIVATION OF VEGETABLES, FLOWERS, RICE, FRUIT, VINES, HOPS OR SEAWEED; FORESTRY; WATERING
    • A01G9/00—Cultivation in receptacles, forcing-frames or greenhouses; Edging for beds, lawn or the like
    • A01G9/04—Flower-pot saucers
    • A01G9/047—Channels or gutters, e.g. for hydroponics
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02P—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PRODUCTION OR PROCESSING OF GOODS
    • Y02P60/00—Technologies relating to agriculture, livestock or agroalimentary industries
    • Y02P60/20—Reduction of greenhouse gas [GHG] emissions in agriculture, e.g. CO2
    • Y02P60/21—Dinitrogen oxide [N2O], e.g. using aquaponics, hydroponics or efficiency measures

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  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Hydroponics (AREA)
  • Cultivation Receptacles Or Flower-Pots, Or Pots For Seedlings (AREA)

Description

TITLE: Method for growing perennial fruit-bearing plants and arrangement comprising such plants
The present invention relates to a method for growing perennial fruit-bearing plants. Furthermore, the present invention relates to an arrangement comprising such plants.
An example of perennial fruit-bearing plants are grape vines. The best known method for growing grape vines is planting the grape vines in the ground. However, in order to cultivate grape vines in a better controllable way, another method has been developed, which involves planting the grape vines on substrate, in pots. Until now, grape vines have been grown in pots for research purposes using peat, cocos, sand, small pebbles or clay grains as substrate. As far as irrigation in substrate/pot-based growth is concerned, it is common to apply manual irrigation or drip irrigation.
Basic principles which are applicable to substrate/pot-based growth of plants include symmetric supply of water and nutrients on every plant position in order to realize homogenized growth and development of the various plants, recirculating water in order to reduce and prevent emissions of nutrients and pesticides to the environment, controlling plant development through nutrient application, and having winter hardiness for year round production outside. Furthermore, root temperature fluctuation can be reduced by installing the pots in the ground.
Although it has proven to be possible to grow perennial fruit-bearing plants such as grape vines in pots, a number of drawbacks are related to the application of the pots. A major drawback is the fact that fruit production is only allowed for a limited period of time. The reason is that root development will eventually limit the production due to lack of volume. Also, root decay is found due to the limited space available for the roots, and also due to ozone-depleted areas in the substrate. This root decay effect is intensified by seasonal root abortion.
It is an objective of the present invention to provide a method for growing perennial fruit-bearing plants which yields significantly better results than the method according to which pots are applied for growing the plants. In particular, it is an objective of the present invention to prolong the period of fruit production, and to provide for production at high plant density while having excellent and well-controlled supply of water and nutrients, while maintaining advantages associated with substrate/pot-based growth such as a possibility of symmetric supply of water and nutrients at every plant position, prevention of emissions to surface water, and a possibility of well-controlled supply of nutrients, adapted to specific needs of the plant during specific stages of growth and development of the plants.
The objective of the present invention is achieved by means of a method for growing perennial fruit-bearing plants, wherein at least one elongated growing gutter is applied, wherein a substrate is provided and placed in the growing gutter, wherein the plants are placed on the substrate and allowed to root in the substrate, and wherein vertical drainage of fluid from the substrate to a bottom portion of the growing gutter is allowed.
According to the present invention, at least one elongated gutter is used instead of pots for growing perennial fruit-bearing plants. Another feature of the present invention is the fact that vertical drainage of fluid is possible in the growing gutter. It is noted that applying growing gutters is known per se, and that the same goes for applying a substrate, and providing for a possibility of vertical drainage. However, the combination of features which is the basis of the method according to the present invention is unique and actually provides for a practical possibility of growing perennial fruit-bearing plants on substrate and realizing excellent fruit production for many years.
The method according to the present invention has many advantages in comparison to known methods for growing perennial fruit-bearing plants. In the following, an explanation of a number of those advantages will be provided.
On the basis of the vertical drainage, root decay is prevented. Furthermore, it is very well possible to take measures for preventing contact between the roots of the plants as present in the substrate and drainage fluid as can be present in the bottom portion of the growing gutter, which also contributes to keeping the roots in a good condition.
The bottom portion of the growing gutter may not only have a function in receiving and containing drainage fluid, but may also be used for supplying water and nutrients to the roots of the plants through the substrate. In such a case, it is not necessary to apply a separate device for irrigating the plants, which does not alter the fact that the present invention covers both options of applying such a separate device or omitting such a separate device.
The substrate may be chosen such as to be a coarse and/or non-organic substrate. By using a non-organic substrate, it is achieved that the substrate is not sensitive to erosion or decay. As a result, the substrate can be used for a period of more than ten years without needing to be replaced. Applying a coarse substrate provides a good opportunity of refreshing nutrients in the area where the roots of the plants are located, which leads to a high potential of nutrient control. A mixture of the nutrients can be homogenized as will be explained later. The method according to the present invention can be carried out both indoor and outdoor. In the latter case, measures can be taken for protecting the substrate against rain and sunlight.
Due to the elongated shape of the growing gutter, the space for root development is not so much limited as it is in pots. In general, root volume may be kept relatively small by frequent refreshing of nutrients. A high plant density is possible due to unhindered supply of water and nutrients, wherein the water and the nutrients reach the roots of the plants under the influence of capillary forces acting between the substrate grains.
Preferably, when the method according to the present invention is carried out, roots of the plants are prevented from reaching the bottom portion of the growing gutter, which has an effect in preventing root decay as mentioned in the foregoing. Any suitable means constituting a barrier between the bottom portion of the growing gutter and a substrate area located above the bottom portion can be applied as long as the means are capable of allowing fluid to pass. A practical example of such means is antirooting cloth.
A supply of fluid, particularly water and nutrients, to roots of the plants as present in the substrate may be realized by pumping fluid through the growing gutter and allowing the fluid to contact a bottom side of the substrate. In that way, it is ensured that the fluid is absorbed by the substrate over the entire length of the growing gutter, reaching the roots of all of the plants which are present in the growing gutter. Additionally or alternatively, it is possible to supply fluid to roots of the plants as present in the substrate by applying a device having at least one outlet opening for letting out fluid and placing the device at a position above the substrate in order to allow fluid to fall down from the outlet opening of the device on a top side of the substrate. Also, it is possible to place such a device at a position in the substrate in order to allow fluid to fall down from the outlet opening of the device within the substrate.
Advantageously, a reservoir for receiving, containing and emitting fluid is provided, wherein a fluid connection is established between the growing gutter and the reservoir, and wherein fluid is exchanged between the growing gutter to the reservoir. For example, the reservoir can be a small basin. In any case, an application of a reservoir allows for circulation of the mixture of nutrients in an arrangement comprising the reservoir and at least one substrate-filled growing gutter, whereby the mixture is homogenized.
Considering a flow of fluid from the growing gutter to the reservoir, it is possible to make an arrangement in which fluid is automatically drained from the growing gutter to the reservoir when a fluid level in the growing gutter exceeds a predetermined maximum, for example, by making an appropriate choice in respect of a level of an outlet of the growing gutter to the reservoir with respect to a bottom of the growing gutter. On the other hand, active drainage of the fluid is an option existing within the framework of the present invention, wherein fluid is drained from the growing gutter to the reservoir by pumping the fluid from the growing gutter to the reservoir. In general, fluid can be exchanged between the growing gutter and the reservoir by pumping the fluid from one of the growing gutter and the reservoir to the other of the growing gutter and the reservoir.
In a practical situation, it may be desirable to apply a plurality of elongated growing gutters, i.e. at least two growing gutters. In that case, in order to avoid a need for separate irrigation and drainage of the various growing gutters, it is advantageous if a direct fluid connection is established between the growing gutters. Assuming that a reservoir is applied for realizing homogenization of the mixture of nutrients through circulation, it is also possible that only an indirect fluid connection is established between the growing gutters, through the reservoir. In the first case, the growing gutters are arranged in series, as it were, whereas in the second case, the growing gutters are arranged in parallel. In either case, a supply of water and nutrients to the roots of the plants is very well controllable.
The present invention also relates to an arrangement comprising at least one elongated growing gutter, a substrate placed in the growing gutter, perennial fruit-bearing plants placed on the substrate, wherein roots of the plants are located in the substrate, and wherein a bottom portion of the growing gutter is adapted to receive fluid from the substrate and to contain such fluid. In general, it is possible for the growing gutter to have a U-shaped cross-section, in which case the bottom portion of the growing gutter is very well capable of performing the task of receiving fluid from the substrate and containing such fluid.
In conformity with what is mentioned in the foregoing in respect of the method according to the present invention, a number of options are applicable to the arrangement. In the first place, the substrate may be a non-organic substrate and/or a coarse substrate. In the second place, the arrangement may comprise means for preventing the roots of the plants from reaching the bottom portion of the growing gutter. In particular, the arrangement may comprise means such as anti-rooting cloth, which are located in the growing gutter for constituting a fluid-permeable barrier between the bottom portion of the growing gutter and a substrate area located above the bottom portion. In the third place, the arrangement may comprise means for pumping fluid through the growing gutter. In the fourth place, the arrangement may comprise a device having at least one outlet opening for letting out fluid, which is located at a position above the substrate or a position in the substrate in order to allow fluid to fall down from the outlet opening of the device on a top side of the substrate or within the substrate. In the fifth place, the arrangement may comprise a reservoir for receiving, containing and emitting fluid, which is in fluid connection to the growing gutter.
Assuming that the reservoir comprises an outlet for letting out fluid to the growing gutter, it may be desirable for the outlet to be arranged at a higher level than the bottom portion of the growing gutter. In that case, fluid may automatically be drained from the reservoir to the growing gutter if a level of the fluid in the growing gutter is below a certain minimum. Hence, in that way, a minimum level of fluid in the growing gutter is guaranteed.
In a practical situation, the arrangement according to the present invention may comprise a plurality of elongated growing gutters, i .e. at least two growing gutters. In such a case, the growing gutters may be in direct fluid communication with each other. Assuming that the arrangement comprises a reservoir as mentioned in the foregoing, another possibility for the growing gutters is to be only in indirect fluid communication with each other, through the reservoir. In the latter case, it may be desirable to have automatic drainage of fluid from the growing gutters to the reservoir. This may actually be realized by arranging an outlet of each of the growing gutters for letting out fluid to the reservoir at a higher level than at least a bottom portion of the reservoir. For the purpose of transferring fluid from the reservoir to the growing gutters, suitable pumping means may be applied. A minimum level of fluid in each of the growing gutters is determined by a level of the outlet of the growing gutter to the reservoir with respect to a bottom of the growing gutter. In general, having a minimum level of fluid in the growing gutters results in having a certain buffer of fluid available, which contributes to realizing production in a robust fashion.
It may be advantageous to have the at least one growing gutter of the arrangement according to the present invention installed in the ground. Another practical option involves a set-up on floors or tables. Furthermore, in case the arrangement is placed outdoor, it is desirable to apply means for shielding a top side of the substrate. In that way, it is avoided that rain can reach the substrate and thereby realize an unknown supply of water and other substances to the roots of the plants, which causes dilution of the nutrients in the substrate, and which probably also causes osmotic shocks. Furthermore, it is avoided that the influence of sunlight is reduced, whereby a risk of development of algae on the substrate is reduced.
The above-described and other aspects of the present invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the following detailed description of embodiments of an arrangement comprising at least one elongated growing gutter, coarse and non-organic substrate placed in the growing gutter, and perennial fruitbearing plants placed on the substrate, wherein furthermore features of a method for growing the plants in the context of the arrangement as mentioned will be explained.
The present invention will now be explained in greater detail with reference to the figures, in which equal or similar parts are indicated by the same reference signs, and in which: figure 1 diagrammatically shows a side view of a longitudinal section of a growing gutter in which substrate, a number of plants, and fluid are present; figure 2 diagrammatically shows a perspective view of an arrangement comprising a plurality of growing gutters in which substrate, a number of plants, and fluid are present, wherein the growing gutters are arranged in series as far as fluid communication between the growing gutters is concerned, and wherein one of the growing gutters is equipped with a reservoir for receiving, containing and emitting fluid; figure 3 diagrammatically shows a perspective view of another arrangement comprising a plurality of growing gutters in which substrate, a number of plants, and fluid are present, wherein the growing gutters are arranged in parallel as far as fluid communication between the growing gutters is concerned, through a reservoir for receiving, containing and emitting fluid; figure 4 diagrammatically shows a perspective view of a growing gutter in which substrate, a number of plants, and fluid are present, wherein the growing gutter is in fluid communication with a reservoir for receiving, containing and emitting fluid, and wherein a cover is provided for shielding a top side of the growing gutter against rain and sunlight; and figure 5 illustrates principles of irrigation as applicable with a growing gutter.
In general, according to the present invention, for the purpose of growing perennial fruit-bearing plants, at least one elongated growing gutter is applied, which is filled with substrate for accommodating roots of the plants. The substrate is of the coarse and non-organic type, and may comprise clay grains, for example. Another example of a coarse and non-organic substrate is substrate which comprises grains of sand, wherein an average diameter of the grains is about 400 pm. A configuration of the growing gutter and the substrate is such that vertical drainage of fluid from the substrate to a bottom portion of the growing gutter is possible, which contributes to maintaining the roots of the plants in the best possible condition. Among other things, contrary to a situation of horizontal drainage, there is practically no risk of contamination between plants as drainage fluid originating from the roots of one plant cannot reach the roots of any of the other plants in the growing gutter.
Figure 1 shows a growing gutter 10 in which substrate 20, a number of plants 30, and fluid 40 are present. The growing gutter 10 has an elongated shape, wherein a cross-section of the growing gutter 10 is more or less shaped like a U with a bottom and upstanding legs on either side of the bottom. Hence, under the influence of gravity, the fluid 40 which is not absorbed in the substrate 20 and by roots 31 of the plants 30 is present in a bottom portion 11 of the growing gutter 10, which is suitable for receiving and containing the fluid 40. The growing gutter 10 may be made of any suitable material, including metal and plastic.
The plants 30 are perennial fruit-bearing plants such as grape vines. The fruit may be any type of fruit, including soft fruit, hard fruit and stone fruit. The roots 31 of the plants 30 are located in the substrate 20. The substrate 20 is of a coarse and non-organic type, and comprises clay grains or another suitable type of non-organic grains having dimensions which are substantially larger than dimensions of grains of sand, for example. This type of substrate 20 is not at all sensitive to erosion or decay, so that undisturbed use of the substrate 20 without needing to refresh or refill the substrate 20 is possible for many years, particularly more than ten years. The substrate 20 is arranged such as to fill a major portion of the growing gutter 10, wherein the substrate 20 rests on a bottom 12 of the growing gutter 10 and extends all the way to an open top 13 of the growing gutter 10.
In general, the functioning of an arrangement 1 comprising the growing gutter 10, the substrate 20 and the plants 30 is as follows. Nutrients and water which are needed for growing the plants 30 are supplied as a fluid 40 to the bottom portion 11 of the growing gutter 10. Under the influence of capillary forces, the nutrients and the water move upwards in the substrate 20, and reach the roots 31 of the plants 30 in that way.
In the process, drainage takes place in a vertical direction under the influence of gravity, so that a situation in which the roots 31 are confronted with so much water that root decay may occur and/or a situation in which drainage fluid of one plant 30 can reach the roots 31 of another plant 30 are avoided. The supply of water and nutrients can be very well adjusted to the needs of the plants 30. Also, a sufficient supply of oxygen can be realized. As a result, it is sufficient for the plants 30 to develop only a limited amount of roots 31, wherein most of the roots 31 extend in a substantially vertical direction. On the basis of this phenomenon, it is possible to have a relatively large density of plants 30 in the growing gutter 10, wherein the plants 30 are positioned at a relatively small distance with respect to each other. For sake of completeness, it is noted that some of the roots 31 of the plants 30 can also extend in a more or less horizontal direction, in a longitudinal direction of the growing gutter 10. In this way, issues of root decay known from substrate/pot-based growth are avoided, as there is sufficient space for the roots 31 to develop in the longitudinal direction of the growing gutter 10.
It is preferred for the roots 31 of the plants 30 not to be in direct contact with the fluid 40. This can be realized by arranging a suitable root-turning layer in the growing gutter 10 at an appropriate level with respect to the bottom 12 of the growing gutter 10, such that there is enough space for having an appropriate level of the fluid 40 in the growing gutter 10 on the one hand, and for allowing for an appropriate length of the roots 31 of the plants 30 in a vertical direction on the other hand. For example, the root-turning layer may be realized in the form of anti-rooting cloth.
For the purpose of circulating the fluid 40 in the growing gutter 10, a pump 41is provided. In the shown example, the pump 41 is positioned at one end of the growing gutter 10. That one end of the growing gutter 10 is in fluid communication with the other end of the growing gutter 10 through a hose 14. When the pump 41 is activated, fluid 40 is made to move from the one end of the growing gutter 10 to the other end, and from one end of the hose 14 to the other end. At the other end, a small basin 15 constituting a reservoir in the arrangement 1, is present in the growing gutter 10, which is a portion of the growing gutter 10 which is free of substrate 20. Fresh nutrients and/or fresh water can be supplied to the fluid 40 as present in the basin 15. The pump 41 and the basin 15 has a function in obtaining a homogenization of the fluid 40 throughout the growing gutter 10. Hence, it is possible to realize symmetric supply of water and nutrients on every plant position in the growing gutter 10.
It is noted that in a practical situation, it is preferred to have an arrangement 1 in which a maximum of a variation of the level of the fluid 40 in the growing gutter 10 is 2 cm. In this respect, it is furthermore noted that practical dimensions of the growing gutter 10 can be chosen such as to allow the substrate 20 to have a height in a range of 10 to 30 cm above an average level of the fluid 40, and to have a width in a range of 5 to 25 cm.
The amount of fluid 40 which is present in the growing gutter 10 constitutes a buffer in the arrangement 1 comprising the growing gutter 10, the substrate 20 and the plants 30. The water requirements of the arrangement 1 are strongly reduced in respect of other types of arrangements, particularly arrangements in which the plants 30 are rooted directly in the ground, in view of the fact that fluid 40 is recirculated, wherein drainage water is re-used. Furthermore, the arrangement 1 is free from emissions to surface water.
The arrangement 1 is suitable for both indoor and outdoor growth of plants 30. Year round production outside is possible by having winter hardiness. Root temperature fluctuation can be reduced by installing the growing gutter 10 in the ground. Another possibility involves placing the growing gutter 10 on floors or tables, wherein the floors or tables may be made of any suitable material. For example, the floor may be a concrete floor, or the tables may be polypropylene tables. Plant development can be controlled through nutrient application, wherein the type and amount of nutrients can be accurately adjusted to the various stages of development such as growth, flowering, fruit development and ripening of fruit. Although it is not illustrated in the figures, it is possible to have a supply of water, possibly water mixed with nutrients, at a position above the growing gutter 10 and the substrate 20, wherein the water is allowed to fall down on the substrate 20 at the open top 13 of the growing gutter 10. However, this is not necessary in view of the fact that the bottom portion 11 of the growing gutter 10 can have a function in realizing the supply as mentioned, as has been explained in the foregoing.
In order to realize a certain volume of production, it is preferred to have an arrangement comprising more than one growing gutter 10. Such an arrangement may comprise a plurality of arrangements 1 comprising one growing gutter 10 as shown in figure 1. However, in that case, costs would be relatively high in view of the fact that each growing gutter 10 is equipped with its own pump 41. It is therefore preferred to have an arrangement comprising a plurality of growing gutters 10 in which the growing gutters 10 are in fluid communication with respect to each other, wherein only one pump 41 is needed for making the fluid 40 flow through the arrangement.
A first example of an arrangement comprising a plurality of growing gutters 10 and only one pump 41 is illustrated in figure 2. By way of example, the arrangement 2 as shown comprises four growing gutters 10, but it will be understood that the number of growing gutters 10 can be lower or higher within the framework of the present invention. A first growing gutter 10 has a portion which is free from substrate 20, which functions as a small basin 15 for homogenizing the fluid 40 as has been explained in the foregoing, and a fourth growing gutter 10 is equipped with the pump 41 for causing the fluid 40 to circulate through the arrangement 2, wherein a second growing gutter 10 and a third growing gutter 10 are arranged between the first growing gutter 10 and the fourth growing gutter 10. The fluid communication between the growing gutters 10 is realized in such a way that the growing gutters 10 can be denoted as being arranged in series. In particular, the arrangement 2 comprises four hoses 14, wherein a first hose 14 is arranged for connecting an outflow end 16 of the first growing gutter 10 to an inflow end 17 of the second growing gutter 10, wherein a second hose 14 is arranged for connecting an outflow end 16 of the second growing gutter 10 to an inflow end 17 of the third growing gutter 10, wherein a third hose 14 is arranged for connecting an outflow end 16 of the third growing gutter 10 to an inflow end 17 of the fourth growing gutter 10, and wherein a fourth hose 14 is arranged for connecting an outflow end 16 of the fourth growing gutter 10, which is an end where the pump 41 is arranged, to an inflow end 17 of the first growing gutter, which is an end where the basin 15 is present. When the pump 41 is operated, the fluid 40 is displaced in a direction from the first growing gutter 10 to the second growing gutter 10, from the second growing gutter 10 to the third growing gutter 10, from the third growing gutter 10 to the fourth growing gutter 10, and from the fourth growing gutter 10 to the first growing gutter 10, wherein homogenization of the fluid 40 is obtained in the basin 15 as present at the inflow end 17 of the first growing gutter 10. The direction of the flow of the fluid is indicated by means of arrows in figure 2. In respect of the basin 15, it is noted that an enlarged view of the basin 15 is depicted in figure 2 for sake of clarity.
In conformity with the explanation in respect of the basin 15 as provided in the foregoing, it is noted that the basin 15 allows for easy supply of fresh nutrients and/or fresh water to the arrangement 2. In the shown example, fluid 40 is pumped to an inlet side of the basin 15. Fluid 40 automatically flows from an outlet side of the basin 15 into the substrate-filled portion of the first growing gutter 10 when a level of the fluid 40 in the substrate-filled portion of the first growing gutter 10 gets lower than a level of an outlet of the basin 15. Hence, by choosing an appropriate level of the outlet of the basin 15, an average level of fluid 40 in the arrangement 2 can be determined, provided that the fluid communication between the various growing gutters 10 is provided at a sufficiently low level for the level of the fluid 40 to be substantially the same in all growing gutters 10, wherein fluid 40 is free to flow from one growing gutter 10 to a next growing gutter 10 in case the level of the fluid 40 in the one growing gutter 10 gets higher than the level of the fluid 40 in the next growing gutter 10.
In another arrangement comprising a plurality of growing gutters 10, the growing gutters 10 are arranged in parallel as far as fluid communication is concerned. An example of such an arrangement is illustrated in figure 3. In the shown example, the arrangement 3 comprises two growing gutters 10, but it will be understood that the number of growing gutters 10 can be higher within the framework of the present invention. In the arrangement 3, the basin 15 for homogenizing the fluid 40 is separate from the growing gutters 10, wherein each of the growing gutters 10 is in fluid connection to the basin 15 through a hose 14. An outlet of each of the growing gutters 10 is arranged at a higher level than at least a bottom portion of the basin 15, so that a level of the fluid 40 in the growing gutters 10, and consequently also a buffer quantity of fluid 40 in the arrangement 3, is determined by the level of the outlet. The basin 15 is equipped with a pump 41 for realizing a flow of fluid 40 back into the growing gutters 10, through another set of hoses 14.
Figure 4 serves for illustrating an option of having a cover 50 for shielding the open top 13 of a growing gutter 10 against rain and sunlight. Naturally, this option is relevant in the context of an outdoor configuration. By having the cover 50, the substrate 20 is preserved, and the well-controlled supply of water and nutrients to the plants 30 which are present in the growing gutter 10 is maintained on the basis of the fact that rain water is kept from reaching the substrate 20 and the roots 31 of the plants 30.
For sake of completeness, it is noted that in the example of an arrangement 4 comprising a growing gutter 10, substrate 20 and plants 30 as shown in figure 4, a separate basin 15 is provided, wherein the growing gutter 10 is provided with a pump 41 for pumping fluid 40 from the growing gutter 10 to the basin 15, and wherein a level of an outlet of the basin 15 to the growing gutter 10 is chosen such as to be at a higher level than the bottom 12 of the growing gutter 10, for automatically supplying fluid 40 to the growing gutter 10 when the level of the fluid in the growing gutter 10 falls below the level of the outlet.
It follows from the foregoing explanation of a number of examples of an arrangement 1, 2, 3, 4 according to the present invention that the present invention provides a practical principle of growing perennial fruit-bearing plants 30 which constitutes an advantageous alternative of growing such plants 30 in the ground or in pots. The principle of the present invention involves an application of at least one elongated growing gutter 10 and a substrate 20, which is preferably of a coarse and/or non-organic type, wherein the arrangement 1, 2, 3, 4 is adapted to have vertical drainage, which is beneficial to the condition and lifespan of the plants 30. A non-organic substrate 20 can be used for many years, so that the trouble of replanting the plants 30 as known from substrate/pot-based growth is avoided. A pump 41 can be used for refreshing fluid 40, particularly a mixture of water and nutrients, inside one or more growing gutters 10, wherein the fluid 40 can be made to flow to a reservoir 15 for having a position where fresh water and/or fresh nutrients can be supplied to the arrangement 1, 2, 3, 4, and for realizing homogenization of the fluid 40. A level of the fluid 40 in the at least one growing gutter 10 can be controlled by an appropriate choice of levels of fluid inlets and fluid outlets of the growing gutter 10 and the reservoir 15.
Figure 5 serves for illustrating principles of irrigation as applicable with a growing gutter 10. In particular, in figure 5, an end portion of a growing gutter 10 is diagrammatically shown. In the first place, a supply of fluid 40 is realized by having a quantity of fluid 40 in the bottom portion 11 of the growing gutter 10. A top level of the fluid 40 is indicated in figure 5 by means of a dashed line, and a double-headed arrow is used for indicating that the top level is variable. Furthermore, a single-headed arrow is used for indicating that irrigation by means of the quantity of fluid 40 as mentioned takes place through contact between the fluid 40 and the substrate 20. In the second place, it is possible to realize a supply of fluid 40 by having a so-called sweat hose 42 which extends through the substrate 20, and which is adapted to let out fluid 40 at various positions along its length, as indicated by means of a plurality of arrows having different orientations in figure 5. In the third place, it is possible to realize a supply of fluid 40 by having a hose 43 which extends above the substrate 20, and which is adapted to let out fluid 40 at various positions along its length in a direction of the substrate, i.e. in a downward direction, as indicated by means of a plurality of downwardly oriented arrows in figure 5. For sake of completeness, it is noted that within the framework of the present invention, it is possible to apply only one irrigation principle or any suitable combination of two or three principles if so desired.
It will be clear to a person skilled in the art that the scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples discussed in the foregoing, but that several amendments and modifications thereof are possible without deviating from the scope of the present invention as defined in the attached claims. While the present invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the figures and the description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary only, and not restrictive. The present invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiments.
Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by a person skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the figures, the description and the attached claims. In the claims, the word “comprising” does not exclude other steps or elements, and the indefinite article “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention.
In respect of the term “perennial fruit-bearing plants”, it is noted that the term “plants” is to be understood in a broad sense, in particular so as to include trees and crops. As has been mentioned in the foregoing, the fruit may be of any type, including grapes, raspberries, etc., more in general soft fruit, hard fruit and stone fruit.
The present invention can be summarized as follows. According to a method for growing perennial fruit-bearing plants 30, at least one elongated growing gutter 10 is applied, wherein a substrate 20 is provided and placed in the growing gutter 10, wherein the plants 30 are placed on the substrate 20 and allowed to root in the substrate 20, and wherein vertical drainage of fluid 40 from the substrate 20 to a bottom portion 11 of the growing gutter 10 is allowed. In order to preserve the best possible condition of roots 31 of the plants 30, it is preferred if the roots 31 are prevented from reaching the bottom portion 11 of the growing gutter 10, for example, by applying anti-rooting cloth at an appropriate position. A pump 41 can be applied for realizing a flow of fluid 40 through the growing gutter 10, and a reservoir 15 can be provided for homogenizing the fluid 40 in the process of fluid circulation.

Claims (25)

1. Werkwijze voor het kweken van meerjarige vruchtdragende planten (30), waarbij ten minste één langwerpige kweekgoot (10) wordt toegepast, waarbij een substraat (20) wordt verschaft en in de kweekgoot (10) wordt geplaatst, waarbij de planten (30) op het substraat (20) worden geplaatst en worden toegestaan om in het substraat (20) te wortelen, en waarbij verticale afvoer van vloeistof (40) van het substraat (20) naar een bodemgedeelte (11) van de kweekgoot (10) wordt toegestaan.A method for growing perennial fruit-bearing plants (30), wherein at least one elongated growing gutter (10) is used, wherein a substrate (20) is provided and placed in the growing gutter (10), wherein the plants (30) are placed on the substrate (20) and allowed to root in the substrate (20), and allowing vertical discharge of liquid (40) from the substrate (20) to a bottom portion (11) of the culture trough (10) . 2. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 1, waarbij niet-organisch substraat (20) wordt verschaft.The method of claim 1, wherein non-organic substrate (20) is provided. 3. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 1 of 2, waarbij grof substraat (20) wordt verschaft.The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein coarse substrate (20) is provided. 4. Werkwijze volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 1-3, waarbij wordt voorkomen dat wortels (31) van de planten (30) het bodemgedeelte (11) van de kweekgoot (10) kunnen bereiken.Method according to any of claims 1-3, wherein it is prevented that roots (31) of the plants (30) can reach the bottom part (11) of the growing trough (10). 5. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 4, waarbij middelen zoals anti-worteldoek in de kweekgoot (10) worden aangebracht voor het vormen van een vloeistofdoorlatende barrière tussen het bodemgedeelte (11) van de kweekgoot (10) en een substraatgebied dat zich boven het bodemgedeelte (11) bevindt.A method according to claim 4, wherein means such as anti-rooting cloth are provided in the culture gutter (10) to form a liquid-permeable barrier between the bottom portion (11) of the culture gutter (10) and a substrate area that is above the bottom portion (11). ). 6. Werkwijze volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 1-5, waarbij vloeistof (40) aan wortels (31) van de planten (30) zoals aanwezig in het substraat (20) wordt toegevoerd door vloeistof (40) door de kweekgoot (10) heen te pompen en de vloeistof (40) toe te staan om met een onderzijde van het substraat (20) in contact te komen.Method according to any of claims 1-5, wherein liquid (40) is supplied to roots (31) of the plants (30) as present in the substrate (20) through liquid (40) through the cultivation gutter (10) to pump and allow the liquid (40) to come into contact with a bottom side of the substrate (20). 7. Werkwijze volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 1-6, waarbij vloeistof (40) aan wortels (31) van planten (30) zoals aanwezig in het substraat (20) wordt toegevoerd door een inrichting (42, 43) met ten minste één uitlaatopening voor het uitlaten van vloeistof (40) toe te passen en de inrichting (42, 43) op één van een positie boven het substraat (20) en een positie in het substraat (20) te positioneren teneinde vloeistof (40) toe te staan om vanuit de uitlaatopening van de inrichting (42, 43) op één van een bovenzijde van het substraat (20) en een positie binnenin het substraat (20) te vallen.Method according to any of claims 1-6, wherein liquid (40) is supplied to roots (31) of plants (30) as present in the substrate (20) through a device (42, 43) with at least one outlet opening for dispensing fluid (40) and positioning the device (42, 43) at one of a position above the substrate (20) and a position in the substrate (20) to allow fluid (40) to falling from the outlet opening of the device (42, 43) onto one of a top side of the substrate (20) and a position within the substrate (20). 8. Werkwijze volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 1-7, waarbij een reservoir (15) voor het ontvangen, het in zich houden en het afgeven van vloeistof (40) wordt verschaft, waarbij een vloeistofverbinding tussen de kweekgoot (10) en het reservoir (15) tot stand wordt gebracht, en waarbij vloeistof (40) tussen de kweekgoot (10) en het reservoir (15) wordt uitgewisseld.A method according to any of claims 1-7, wherein a reservoir (15) for receiving, retaining and dispensing fluid (40) is provided, wherein a fluid communication between the culture trough (10) and the reservoir ( 15), and wherein fluid (40) is exchanged between the culture trough (10) and the reservoir (15). 9. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 8, waarbij vloeistof (40) tussen de kweekgoot (10) en het reservoir (15) wordt uitgewisseld door de vloeistof (40) van één van de kweekgoot (10) en het reservoir (15) naar de ander van de kweekgoot (10) en het reservoir (15) te pompen.The method of claim 8, wherein fluid (40) is exchanged between the culture gutter (10) and the reservoir (15) by the liquid (40) from one of the culture gutter (10) and the reservoir (15) to the other from pump the culture trough (10) and the reservoir (15). 10. Werkwijze volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 1-9, waarbij ten minste twee langwerpige kweekgoten (10) worden toegepast, en waarbij een directe vloeistofverbinding tussen de kweekgoten (10) tot stand wordt gebracht.A method according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein at least two elongated culture troughs (10) are used, and wherein a direct liquid connection between the culture troughs (10) is established. 11. Werkwijze volgens conclusie 8 of 9, waarbij ten minste twee langwerpige kweekgoten (10) worden toegepast, en waarbij via het reservoir (15) alleen een indirecte vloeistofverbinding tussen de kweekgoten (10) tot stand wordt gebracht.A method according to claim 8 or 9, wherein at least two elongated culture troughs (10) are used, and wherein only an indirect liquid connection between the culture troughs (10) is established via the reservoir (15). 12. Opstelling (1, 2, 3, 4) omvattende ten minste één langwerpige kweekgoot (10), in de kweekgoot (10) geplaatst substraat (20), op het substraat (20) geplaatste meerjarige fruitdragende planten (30), waarbij wortels (31) van de planten (30) zich in het substraat (20) bevinden, en waarbij een bodemgedeelte (11) van de kweekgoot (10) is ingericht om vloeistof (40) van het substraat (20) te ontvangen en om dergelijke vloeistof (40) in zich te houden.An arrangement (1, 2, 3, 4) comprising at least one elongated growing gutter (10), substrate (20) placed in the growing gutter (10), perennial fruit-bearing plants (30) placed on the substrate (20), wherein roots (31) of the plants (30) are in the substrate (20), and wherein a bottom portion (11) of the culture gutter (10) is adapted to receive liquid (40) from the substrate (20) and to receive such liquid (40). 13. Opstelling (1, 2, 3, 4) volgens conclusie 12, waarbij het substraat (20) een niet-organisch substraat (20) is.The arrangement (1, 2, 3, 4) of claim 12, wherein the substrate (20) is a non-organic substrate (20). 14. Opstelling (1, 2, 3, 4) volgens conclusie 12 of 13, waarbij het substraat (20) een grof substraat (20) is.An arrangement (1, 2, 3, 4) according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the substrate (20) is a coarse substrate (20). 15. Opstelling (1, 2, 3, 4) volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 12-14, omvattende middelen om te voorkomen dat de wortels (31) van de planten (30) het bodemgedeelte (11) van de kweekgoot (10) bereiken.Arrangement (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any of the claims 12-14, comprising means for preventing the roots (31) of the plants (30) from reaching the bottom portion (11) of the growing trough (10) . 16. Opstelling (1, 2, 3, 4) volgens conclusie 15, omvattende middelen zoals anti-worteldoek, die in de kweekgoot (10) zijn aangebracht voor het vormen van een vloei-stofdoorlatende barrière tussen het bodemgedeelte (11) van de kweekgoot (10) en een substraatgebied dat zich boven het bodemgedeelte (11) bevindt.An arrangement (1, 2, 3, 4) according to claim 15, comprising means such as anti-rooting cloth, which are arranged in the culture gutter (10) for forming a liquid-permeable barrier between the bottom portion (11) of the culture gutter (10) and a substrate area that is above the bottom portion (11). 17. Opstelling (1, 2, 3, 4) volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 12-16, omvattende middelen (41) om vloeistof (40) door de kweekgoot (10) heen te pompen.Arrangement (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any of claims 12-16, comprising means (41) for pumping liquid (40) through the culture trough (10). 18. Opstelling (1, 2, 3, 4) volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 12-17, omvattende een inrichting (42, 43) met ten minste één uitlaatopening voor het uitlaten van vloeistof (40), die zich op één van een positie boven het substraat (20) en een positie in het substraat (20) bevindt teneinde vloeistof (40) toe te staan om vanuit de uitlaatopening van de inrichting (42, 43) op één van een bovenzijde van het substraat (20) en een positie binnenin het substraat (20) te vallen.An arrangement (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any one of claims 12-17, comprising a device (42, 43) with at least one outlet opening for outlet of fluid (40), which is located in one of a position is located above the substrate (20) and a position in the substrate (20) to allow fluid (40) to exit from the outlet opening of the device (42, 43) at one of an upper side of the substrate (20) and a position to fall within the substrate (20). 19. Opstelling (1, 2, 3, 4) volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 12-18, omvattende een reservoir (15) voor het ontvangen, het in zich houden en het afgeven van vloeistof (40), dat in vloeistofverbinding met de kweekgoot (10) is.An arrangement (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any of claims 12-18, comprising a reservoir (15) for receiving, retaining and dispensing fluid (40) which is in fluid communication with the culture trough (10). 20. Opstelling (1, 2, 4) volgens conclusie 19, waarbij het reservoir (15) een uitlaat voor het uitlaten van vloeistof (40) naar de kweekgoot (10) omvat, en waarbij de uitlaat op een hoger niveau is aangebracht dan het bodemgedeelte (11) van de kweekgoot (10).An arrangement (1, 2, 4) according to claim 19, wherein the reservoir (15) comprises an outlet for draining fluid (40) to the culture trough (10), and wherein the outlet is arranged at a higher level than the bottom portion (11) of the culture trough (10). 21. Opstelling (2) volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 12-20, omvattende ten minste twee langwerpige kweekgoten (10) die in directe vloeistofverbinding met elkaar staan.An arrangement (2) according to any of claims 12-20, comprising at least two elongated culture troughs (10) which are in direct fluid communication with each other. 22. Opstelling (3) volgens conclusie 19, waarbij de kweekgoot (10) een uitlaat voor het uitlaten van vloeistof (40) naar het reservoir (15) omvat, en waarbij de uitlaat op een hoger niveau is aangebracht dan ten minste een bodemgedeelte van het reservoir (15).An arrangement (3) according to claim 19, wherein the culture trough (10) comprises an outlet for draining fluid (40) to the reservoir (15), and wherein the outlet is arranged at a higher level than at least a bottom portion of the reservoir (15). 23. Opstelling (3) volgens conclusie 22, omvattende ten minste twee langwerpige kweekgoten (10) die via het reservoir (15) alleen in indirecte vloeistofverbinding met elkaar staan.An arrangement (3) according to claim 22, comprising at least two elongated culture troughs (10) which are only in indirect fluid communication with each other via the reservoir (15). 24. Opstelling (1, 2, 3, 4) volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 12-23, waarbij de ten minste ene kweekgoot (10) in de grond is geïnstalleerd.An arrangement (1, 2, 3, 4) according to any one of claims 12 to 23, wherein the at least one growing gutter (10) is installed in the ground. 25. Opstelling (4) volgens een willekeurige der conclusies 12-24, omvattende middelen (50) voor het afschermen van een bovenzijde van het substraat (20).An arrangement (4) according to any of claims 12-24, comprising means (50) for shielding an upper side of the substrate (20).
NL2010590A 2013-04-09 2013-04-09 Method for growing perennial fruit-bearing plants and arrangement comprising such plants. NL2010590C2 (en)

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FR2659192A1 (en) * 1990-03-08 1991-09-13 Ollivier Jean Apparatus for growing out of the ground
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NL9401378A (en) * 1994-08-25 1996-04-01 Cornelis Maria Hendriks Device and method for cultivating a plant, and cultivation system
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* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0015103A1 (en) * 1979-02-14 1980-09-03 National Research Development Corporation Process for the production of mycorrhizal fungi
EP0310090A1 (en) * 1987-10-02 1989-04-05 Erwin Sick GmbH Optik-Elektronik Process and device for completing the nutritious solution for hydroponic cultures
FR2659192A1 (en) * 1990-03-08 1991-09-13 Ollivier Jean Apparatus for growing out of the ground
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