WO2006013853A1

WO2006013853A1 - Spray water culture method

Info

Publication number: WO2006013853A1
Application number: PCT/JP2005/014110
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mikio Ichiyama
Original assignee: Centralsun Co., Ltd.
Priority date: 2004-08-03
Filing date: 2005-08-02
Publication date: 2006-02-09

Abstract

[PROBLEMS] To provide an epoch-making spray culture using by culture soil as a supporting material, solving the problems with a spray water culture method (spray culture) of prior inventions where conventional agricultural chemicals and chemical manure are not employed, and improving the solution. [MEANS FOR SOLVING PROBLEMS] (1) A spray water culture method supplying mist-like liquid manure directly to the roots of plant, characterized in that a culture bed where a culture nutrient medium container having a bottom face that enables the roots of plant to extend freely downward is set on a frame is used, the culture nutrient medium container is laid with culture nutrient medium containing culture soil and subjected to sterilization and saplings are grown, open surface of the space below the frame is covered with a material capable of shielding light to form a mist spray chamber, and liquid manure mist having liquid drop size of 50μm or less is sprayed downward from above the mist spray chamber. (2) The spray water culture method according to (1) characterized in that a non-woven fabric is laid on the bottom of the culture nutrient medium container having mesh-like bottom part and covered with culture nutrient medium.

Description

Specification

Spray hydroponics

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to an improvement of spray hydroponics (spray plowing) that supplies mist-like liquid fertilizer directly to plant roots, and more particularly to a conventional spray hydroponic cultivation method that does not use pesticides or chemical fertilizers. Background art

[0002] The current agriculture has suffered a vicious cycle in which the vitality of the soil has been lost due to the use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers for many years, so that the vitality of plants has declined and more and more pesticides and chemical fertilizers are required. Yes. When comparing the nutritional value of crops between the Showa 20s and the recent period, surprising data have been reported that the difference between the production areas has fallen to about 1/2 to 1/10. In addition, pesticides can cause environmental pollution, direct phytotoxicity to farmers, and decreased immunity caused by eating crops containing residual pesticides, which may be one of the causes of cancer and allergic diseases. Cannot be denied. Therefore, the spread of agricultural chemical-free and dechemical fertilizer agriculture as soon as possible is desired.

Hydroponics is known as a plant cultivation method that can cope with soil degradation (for example, Patent Literatures 1 and 2). Hydroponics is also called hydroponics, and it is also called “soilless cultivation” because it cultivates crops without using soil. It is different from soil cultivation as one of the plant cultivation methods of the 21st century. It is in the spotlight in the field. Today, the decline in the population engaged in crop production and the aging of the population are a problem in crop production, and in the field of horticulture, hydroponic cultivation is being studied as a countermeasure against this because soil deterioration due to salt accumulation failures is serious. Hydroponic cultivation is also attracting attention in the field of corporate plant growth, especially in biotechnology. In addition, the quality of crops (high nutritional value, hope for things) is becoming more and more important as it is clear that hydroponic cultivation can be easily implemented with high quality and high nutrition. Depending on the point of view, it can be said that hydroponics has already entered the diffusion stage.

Table 1 shows the types of hydroponics currently known.

table 1 Classification of hydroponics [-Polyester-cultivated polyurethane-cultivated

-Rock wool plow carbon plow

"Drip method L ceramic face / Kuichiko

(Irrigation method)

Yagara Plow Bark Plow

Recharged plowing Single plowing NFT plowing Hydroponic cultivation Submerged M type Kamizono Planar method-Circulation method-(Nutrition planting soil aeration method '· Kyowa Hyponica intermittent method ... New Japanese equivalent exchange Capillary suction method Hydroponic

(Floating root type)

Fog system spray hydroponics

Three-dimensional type • Rotating method Cylindrical method Pipe method Inclination method (Adopted in spray tillage) Hydroponics uses various supports instead of soil to support plants. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and must be selected according to the characteristics of the crop. In addition, hydroponic cultivation always involves root breathing problems, and various measures have been taken, but as long as the roots are in solution, they cannot be completely solved. Therefore, in recent years, a method called spray hydroponics (spray plowing) has been attracting attention and research is being carried out (for example, see Fig. 6 and Patent Document 3). Spray plowing is a method in which nutrient solution (liquid moon cake) is made into a mist with a spray pump and sprayed onto the roots, and since the roots are supported in the air without being immersed in the solution, respiratory problems can be avoided.

In spray plowing currently used in production fields, lettuce is cultivated by inserting seedlings planted in polyurethane into a perforated panel, fixing the panel diagonally and spraying liquid manure mist from the bottom. ing. It is used in plant factories aiming for short-term promotion by using artificial light sources for complete temperature control and carbon dioxide addition, and various studies are actively conducted at agricultural laboratories or departments of agriculture. Soil is not used for the culture medium. Since the recognition that hydroponics is soil-free cultivation is common among researchers, it seems that soil is not used. However, plants are basically rooted in the soil and take in valuable minerals from the soil. Unlike liquid fertilizer, soil has various buffering capacities and is a favorable environment for growing plants. Therefore, at the same time that the soil is used as the cultivation medium, the roots that have grown through the soil of a certain thickness will have a nutrient concentration that matches the growth stage by liquid fertilization. If it is possible to supply the plant, the plant grows healthy, and the forcing effect and the nutrition of the crop become possible.

The applicant has already applied for an invention based on this concept (see Patent Document 4, hereinafter referred to as a prior invention). However, later examination revealed that the invention of the prior application had several points to be improved.

[0004] Patent Document 5 describes that the particle size of a nutrient solution to be sprayed after being aerosolized is 100 μm or less. Also, paragraph [0041] of the document states that “the aerosol particle size is controlled by the distance traveled by the aerosol, and generally 40 μm or less is required when the transport distance is 20 m to 50 m in length. And when it hits the back of the leaves of the plant, the aerosol vaporizes and becomes about 10 / m in size. " However, this aspect of the present invention is different from the spray plowing of the present invention in which the roots are grown freely in the air. Moreover, there is no description or suggestion about the relationship between the droplet size of the liquid manure mist and the promotion of plant growth, and when the size of the liquid manure mist sprayed on the root is 50 / m or less as in the present invention. Even if the effect is remarkable, it is not disclosed at all.

In addition, the use of chitin and chitosan zeolite for plant cultivation is described in Patent Documents 6 to 7, and the supply of inorganic nutrient solution and organic nutrient solution separately in nutrient solution cultivation is described in Patent Document 8; The use of Ag ionized water as an auxiliary material is described in Patent Document 9, and the use of a disk filter in a nutrient solution recycling type cultivation system is described in Patent Document 10, respectively. There is no mention of application to the. Further, Patent Document 11 describes the use of a root drained net in mist cultivation.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-46577

Patent Document 2: JP-A-9-275831

Patent Document 3: JP-A-7_213180

Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2003-274774

Patent Document 5: JP-A-6-46696

Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-108921

Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001-103857 Patent Document 8: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2004-33151

Patent Document 9: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-60905

Patent Document 10: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2001_112363

Patent Document 11: Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 50-131244

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a revolutionary spray cultivation that solves and further develops the problems of the spray hydroponics method (spray cultivation) using a culture soil as a support material.

Means for solving the problem

[0007] The above problems are solved by the following inventions 1) to 7).

1) In the spray hydroponics method that supplies mist-like liquid fertilizer directly to the roots of plants, a cultivation bed is used in which a cultivation medium container with a bottom that allows the roots of the plants to freely extend downward is installed on a stand. In this culture medium container, cultivated culture medium containing culture soil is spread to grow young trees, and the open surface of the space below the gantry is covered with a light shielding material and sprayed with mist. A spray characterized by spraying liquid fertilizer mist with a droplet size of 50 μm or less intermittently (with a pause rather than continuously) from above to below the mist spray chamber Hydroponic cultivation method.

2) The spray hydroponics method according to 1), wherein a non-woven fabric is laid on the bottom of a cultivation medium container having a mesh-like bottom, and the cultivation medium is spread on the non-woven cloth.

3) The spray hydroponic cultivation method according to either 1) or 2), wherein the cultivation medium contains at least humus (ripe compost), chitin 'chitosan and zeolite.

4) As liquid fertilizer, it is characterized by using total liquid fertilizer with amino acid mixed with organic liquid fertilizer and Ca combined liquid fertilizer separately prepared! The spray hydroponics method according to any one of 3) to 3).

5) Sprayed water with amino acid-containing synthetic liquid fertilizer containing antibacterial metal ions from the stage where the roots extend below the cultivation medium, sprayed water according to any one of 1) to 4) Cultivation method.

6) Silver ions are selected as metal ions, water electrolysis equipment equipped with silver and platinum electrodes is used as a silver ion generator, and silver ions are supplied to liquid fertilizer 1) ~ The spray hydroponics method according to any one of 5).

7) Install a tray for collecting liquid fertilizer at the bottom of the gantry and install a sedimentation tank equipped with a disk filter in the liquid fertilizer circulation path to circulate and use the liquid fertilizer so that the stretched root does not fall to the tray above the tray. Features a net shelf for: ) ~ 6) spray hydroponic cultivation method.

The invention's effect

[0008] According to the present invention, it has the advantages of spray tillage and soil tillage, and the plant looks like dredged and rooted straw on the ground, has a forcing effect, extends the harvest period, and marvels. It is possible to provide a groundbreaking cultivation method that can secure high yields and produce high-quality crops that are nutritious and long-lasting. In addition, free fertilizer management becomes possible by circulating the total liquid fertilizer containing amino acids that could not be used in conventional hydroponics.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a bird's-eye view showing an outline of an example of a cultivation facility used in the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a design diagram of an example of a cultivation bed used as a platform and cultivation medium container force used in the present invention. (A) Front view, (b) Partial side view.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a cultivation medium container and a medium outflow prevention net used in the present invention. (A) Cultivation medium container having a reticulated bottom, (B) Net laid on the reticulated bottom, (C) Cultivation medium A state where a net is laid on the bottom of the container.

FIG. 4 is an image diagram illustrating the relationship between the size of droplet mist and the state of roots. (A) When the droplet is large, (b) When the droplet is small.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a typical example of a conventional spray hydroponic system.

[Fig. 6] An image of the conventional spray hydroponics method.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0010] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail.

Although the invention of the prior application is far superior to the prior art, it has been found that there are many points to be improved, and the present invention has solved these points. The improvements will be described in order below.

Uniform spraying of liquid manure mist> Studies have shown that the droplet size of liquid manure mist has a significant effect on plant growth. In other words, Fig. 4 shows an image diagram for explaining that the state of the root changes when the size of the droplet changes, but when the droplet is large, the root is almost immersed in water and is always wet. As shown in Fig. 4 (a), the root of the liquid fertilizer attached to the side roots hangs down and hinders the growth in the horizontal direction. The degree will be low. In addition, the extended root becomes a wall, and the liquid fertilizer mist may not be sufficiently supplied to the root of the strain away from the spray nozzle, causing growth failure.

On the other hand, when the droplets become small, especially in the form of a mist of 50 / im or less, branching in the horizontal direction increases as shown in Fig. 4 (b), and hair like hair is produced from each branched side root. Since many roots are generated, the roots do not become wet and the roots grow faster. If the droplet is small, it fills the mist spray chamber in a short time and penetrates into a narrow gap, so that the liquid fertilizer is sufficiently supplied to the root of the strain away from the nozzle.

Table 2 shows comparative data on the effect of droplet size on root and leaf growth. It can be seen that the weight of the root and the number of leaves increase significantly as the droplet size decreases. This data was obtained by changing the size of the liquid manure mist droplets under the same cultivation conditions as in the examples described later, and examining changes in the state of large leaves for 10 days after roots began to emerge from the medium. The figures in the table are the average of 10 shares.

Table 2

[Table 2]

From the results in Table 2, it is estimated that smaller droplets are preferable. Therefore, if the force of 35 xm, which was also studied in this case, is attempted, the nozzle diameter becomes small and the nozzle nozzle outlet is clogged immediately, which makes maintenance difficult, and the pressure of the feed pump needs to be increased. Power consumption will increase and the cultivation cost will increase. It turned out that it was not practical at present because of the high pressure and the fact that resin piping could not be used and the equipment cost was high. However, from the viewpoint of plant growth, it is considered that there is no problem even if the droplets are small.

Conventionally, in order to facilitate the absorption of liquid manure, the method of spraying liquid manure mist toward the tip of the root was the basic method. Figure 5 shows a typical example. The stainless steel net in the figure is a net shelf to prevent the stretched root from covering the spray (mist) nozzle, and the spray nozzle is installed below the tip of the root. However, in this method, the liquid manure mist directly hits the bottom of the cultivation medium container when there is a gap before the roots are densely formed, so the medium directly above the P 賁 mist nozzle becomes overhumid and the roots are When dense and dense, it takes a lot of time for the liquid mist to fill the entire mist spray chamber, hindering the drooping roots. In addition, it was found that there was a problem that the liquid manure mist was not sufficiently distributed to the roots away from the nozzle.

Therefore, in the present invention, the spray nozzle is provided at a position close to the bottom surface of the culture medium container (see, for example, FIG. 2). Even if the liquid fertilizer mist is sprayed downward in such a nose arrangement, the liquid fertilizer mist fills the entire mist spray chamber in a short time if the droplet size is 50 μm or less. You can overcome the problems. In addition, the impact of the droplets on the roots becomes gentle, and there is an advantage that nutrients can be supplied without applying stress to many hair roots that grow in the air. In order to make the liquid fertilizer mist rise easily in a mist, the spray nozzle is set as close to the bottom of the cultivation medium container as possible. The further away from the bottom, the liquid liquefies without mist so that it is not preferable.

Table 3 shows comparative data on the droplet size and the time required for the liquid manure mist to fill the mist spray chamber.

[Table 3] Droplet size Mist filling time

1 005 cron 55 seconds

75 microns 30 seconds

50S cron 10 seconds The data in Table 3 was measured under the same cultivation conditions as in the examples described later, with the roots fully stretched and sagging, changing only the size of the liquid manure mist droplets. is there. From the table, it can be seen that it takes 55 seconds to fill at 100 / im, but it takes 10 seconds at 50 / im.

[0012] <Shading of mist spray chamber>

In conventional spray plowing as shown in Fig. 6, light shielding in the mist chamber is not considered at all. However, as a result of investigation by the present inventor, when the shielding sheet of the mist spraying chamber is made light-shielding so that light does not enter, the roots do not become brown but become white and the extension is vigorous and vigorous. I found out. In the conventional method, the roots are browned and the vitality is reduced, the elongation rate of the roots is slowed, and the growth of the foliage becomes dull. It is desirable to block out light as completely as possible because it will turn brown when light enters.

It was also found that the generation of algae in the mist spray chamber can be prevented by shading. When algae is generated, the disk filter is clogged quickly, and maintenance takes a lot of labor and time. Therefore, there is a practical advantage that can prevent the generation of algae.

[0013] <Intermittent spraying of liquid manure mist>

It was found that, by not spraying the liquid manure mist continuously, providing an appropriate resting time produced a clear difference in hair root and leaf growth.

Table 4 shows comparative data. Under the same cultivation conditions as in the examples described later, only the spraying time and the resting time of the liquid manure mist were changed, and the change in the state of the large leaves was examined for 10 days after the roots began to emerge from the medium. The figures in the table are the average of 10 shares. In Table 4, “continuous” means continuous spraying without a pause. For example, the second stage “spray time 1 minute, pause time 5 minutes” means 1 minute spray and 5 minutes. It means repeating the pause.

Table 4

[Table 4] Spray time Rest time Root weight Number of leaves

Continuous 0 minutes 1 5 grams 6 sheets

1 minute 5 minutes 30 grams 1 2 sheets

〃 10 min 58g 1 6 sheets

2 minutes 5 minutes 30 grams 1 2 sheets

// 1 0 min 45g 1 4 sheets

3 minutes 5 minutes 20 grams 1 0 sheets

10 minutes 35 grams 1 3 sheets From the results in Table 4, it can be seen that, although there is variation in the degree of growth promotion, growth is significantly promoted compared to continuous spraying by providing a resting time. Also, spraying time is better for 1 minute than 3 minutes, and stopping time is better for 10 minutes than 5 minutes. Considering these results, it is considered that the roots are dried during the rest period, so that the generation of hair roots is activated in order to increase the absorption capacity of liquid fertilizer, and the growth of plants is promoted. That is, the spraying time and the stop time may be determined in consideration of the necessary amount of liquid fertilizer supplied and the time required for root drying.

Although there is a conventional example in which liquid fertilizer mist is sprayed intermittently, the purpose is to stop the pump because it breaks down when the spraying pump is operated continuously, and the growth of the plant This is completely different from the present invention in which the spraying time and the stop time are controlled from the viewpoint.

It is desirable to devise the bottom of the container to prevent the cultivation medium from flowing out from the mesh at the bottom of the cultivation medium container due to irrigation and liquid fertilizer and entering the circulating liquid fertilizer and blocking the spray nozzle. As a specific means, it was considered that a net was stretched on the bottom, but it was found that it is more preferable to spread a nonwoven fabric after that. Nonwoven fabrics have high flexibility in opening, so they can be used freely even when the roots grow and become thicker, and are superior to nets that cannot change the mesh. In addition, the outflow rate of the medium is greatly reduced compared to the net, so the number of maintenance of the liquid fertilizer filtration section (disk filter) can be reduced (see Table 5).

Furthermore, due to the moderate water absorption of the nonwoven fabric, liquid fertilizer penetrates from the bottom of the medium, improving the environment in the medium and preventing the drying of the mist spray chamber, making it easy to adjust the spray interval. There is also an advantage that.

As the non-woven fabric, those having high water resistance, suitable openings and having a characteristic that the gap easily expands as roots grow are preferable. A mesh opening of about 0.5 to about 1 mm and a thickness of about 5 to about 10 mm is preferably used. As a specific example, a colleton made of Sumitomo 3EM made of polyester fiber can be mentioned.

Insect nets may be used as the net, but in consideration of the environment, biodegradable “polylactic acid fibers” made from lactic acid obtained from corn starch (eg, Kanebo: Ratatron, Unitika) Manufactured by Terramac, manufactured by Kuraray: Plaster) are preferably used. The mesh size may be selected appropriately according to the culture medium, but is usually about 0.8 to: 1. Omm.

The nutrient solution circulation path is equipped with a sedimentation tank (flow rate of 5m / min), and also equipped with a high precision disk filter (25 / m) to prevent silt from returning to the nutrient solution storage tank. It is desirable to take When a disc filter is used, it can reduce nozzle clogging significantly. In that case, a big difference arises with a nonwoven fabric and a net.

In Table 5, a non-woven fabric (Colleton made by Sumitomo 3EM: CW-15 type with a thickness of 7 mm) and a biodegradable “polylactic acid fiber” (Kanebo: Latatron) net with a mesh size of 1 mm were stretched. Comparison results are shown, but the number of maintenance (the number of disk filter replacements) can be halved for non-woven fabrics.

Table 5

[Table 5]

A variety of amino acid liquid fertilizers made from fish waste are available, but liquid fertilizers containing amino acids in total fertilizers (N · P · K · Ca · Mg · other trace elements) (total containing amino acids) There is no liquid fertilization. This is because when organic substances and Ca are combined together, they bind and precipitate. As a result, only chemical fertilizer will be used, and the original taste and aroma of the crop will not be produced. Therefore, hydroponics crops are somewhat stunned, have no flavor, and have a high fake feeling. If amino acids are added to the liquid fertilizer to solve the problem of taste and aroma, the concentrated stock solution will not cause microbial contamination, but when diluted to the application concentration, it will be immediately contaminated with microorganisms. Therefore, in a nutrient solution system that does not incorporate an antibacterial system, amino acids cannot be added to the liquid fertilizer, and the foliar application is currently limited, and liquid fertilizer manufacturers have not made a total liquid fertilizer containing amino acids.

Therefore, as a result of studying amino acid-containing integrated liquid fertilizer, it became possible to obtain suitable liquid fertilizer by crop from pure materials. An example of the procedure of the creation method is shown in the following (ii) to (f). However, it is not limited to this production method, and various liquid fertilizers can be produced by appropriately changing raw materials and production procedures.

(Ii) Use organic material that is obtained by concentrating the boiled juice and boiled fish oil when boiling the edible portion of salmon. (Because it does not include the built-in, there is no risk of heavy metals etc.)

(Mouth) After treatment with proteolytic enzyme to break down into amino acids, heat treatment to inactivate the enzyme. (A stable molecular weight amino acid can always be secured by adopting enzymatic degradation)

(C) The high-pressure filter press removes impurities with high accuracy. (There are no contaminants, so the worry of nozzle clogging is eliminated, and the viscosity factor is removed at the same time.)

(2) In addition to nitrate nitrogen, water-soluble phosphoric acid and potash, add necessary trace elements in a reaction kettle to obtain organic liquid fertilizer.

(E) Ca liquid fertilizer should be prepared separately from organic liquid fertilizer to avoid precipitation, and mixed with appropriate amounts of nitrate nitrogen and compoundable Mg, Mn, B, Cu, Zn, etc. to make a Ca combined liquid fertilizer.

(F) Organic liquid fertilizer: Ca complex liquid fertilizer = Mixing and diluting at a ratio of about 2: 1 to prevent interference and precipitation.

One of the developed liquid fertilizers was registered with the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry in accordance with Article 7 of the Fertilizer Control Law and registered on June 25, 2004. The specifications are as follows.

Name of fertilizer CS Shisoamino Registration number Raw No. 85146

Fertilizer content Liquid compound fertilizer

Guarantee ingredient of fertilizer (%) Total nitrogen 2 · 0 Internal nitrate nitrogen 1. 0

Water-soluble phosphoric acid 1.5

Water-soluble potassium 7.0

As a material that promotes the use of effects (%)

Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid iron (as iron) 0.001

Sodium molybdate (as molybdenum) 0. 0008

Name of fertilizer CS Mist No. 1 Registration No. Raw No. 85147

Fertilizer content Liquid compound fertilizer

Guarantee ingredient of fertilizer (%) Nitrate nitrogen 7 · 5

Water-soluble additive 1. 0

Water soluble clay 3.2

Water-soluble manganese 0.07

Water-soluble boron 0.07

As a material that promotes the use of effects (%)

Lime nitrate (as calcium) 8. 18

Ethylenediamine tetrasuccinic acid ί 同 (as ί 同) 0 001

Ethylenediamine amine tetraacetate (as zinc) 0.001

In the invention of the prior application, cultivated soil that had been sterilized was used as the culture medium, but this cultivated soil alone may not satisfy the requirements for water permeability, water retention, base substitution capacity, etc. added. That is, the soil used for normal soil cultivation was sterilized with humus (completely composted) mixed with chitin 'chitosan that complements the growth activity and zeolite that increases the base substitution capacity as the cultivation medium. When used, the water retention and water permeability (breathability) are greatly improved, and it has a mild fertilization effect.It is ideal as a cultivation medium for crops, especially in the early stages of growth, and the growth of young trees is stronger. Become. The blending ratio (volume ratio) of humus (completely composted), chitin 'chitosan and zeolite is preferably about 5 to 6%: 10 to 15% in 50-60%: 100 times aqueous solution. Add soil to make it 100%. In addition, aseptic culture medium The treatment may be performed by a method of sterilization using high-temperature steam of about 90 to 100 ° C. The culture medium is preferably sterilized by heating and sterilizing every crop and then completely recycled.

[0019] <Preventing accumulation of stretched roots on the saucer>

Since the roots grow and accumulate on a tray for collecting liquid fertilizer (for example, a drain pan), the liquid fertilizer that circulates is blocked, and the roots may soak in the liquid fertilizer, resulting in incomplete root respiration. Therefore, it is preferable to provide a net shelf above the saucer (usually about 100 mm above) so that the roots do not fall down to the saucer. This net is made of a highly water-resistant resin (for example, made of vinyl), and the mesh is usually about 8 · 8 to about 1.0 mm.

It may be necessary to cut roots if the roots grow well and grow too much. Therefore, it is preferable to cover the mist spray chamber and to open and close the cover such as a shielding sheet. The method is not particularly limited, but for example, the upper part of the silver 'black double multi-sheet made by Mikado Kako is fixed to the upper part of the base with the binippet made by Toto Kogyo Co., Ltd. If it is allowed to hang down, the nutrient solution mist can be completely shielded, and when maintenance in the mist spraying chamber is necessary, the inspection work can be easily performed by lifting up the hung sheet.

Make the cultivation bed movable>

Usually, multiple cultivation beds are arranged in parallel in a house. For example, in the case of large leaves, harvesting is done by hand picking by a person. At that time, touching the large leaves of the adjacent cultivation bed that is not harvested can damage the large leaves. Therefore, it is preferable to make it movable by attaching a caster to the lower end of the cultivation bed so that the space between the cultivation beds can be expanded.

[0020] <Inventive antibacterial method>

In recent years, hydroponics has a tendency to increase liquid fertilizer concentration aiming at forcing cultivation, and as a result, the accumulation of nitrate nitrogen harmful to food in crops is increasing. In soil culture with organic fertilizer as the center, it is only necessary to use organic fertilizer in hydroponics. However, when organic fertilizer is mixed with liquid fertilizer, microorganisms can invade. Organic Since the ingredients are assimilated (eat), the following problems (1) to (3) occur. For this reason, organic fertilizer can only be applied by foliar spraying.

(1) The organic fertilizer component is not absorbed by the crop and is wasted.

(2) When microorganisms propagate, they form a slime, or they take root and cause respiratory problems.

(3) In spray plowing, liquid fertilizer is pressurized with a pump and sprayed with mist from the nozzle, but the propagated microorganisms block the nozzle and the filter in the liquid fertilizer circulation path, resulting in poor circulation. In order to deal with these obstacles, antibacterial measures against liquid fertilizer are important, but conventional nutrient liquid antibacterial systems are UV sterilization method, ozone sterilization method, heat sterilization method, etc., which are expensive and have large capacity. It is unsuitable for processing, and there are examples of test adoption, but not full-scale adoption.

-On the other hand, it has long been known that metal ions such as silver ions and copper ions have a high bactericidal effect.For example, kings and aristocrats in medieval Europe have made silver products to prevent food corruption and protect themselves from poisoning. He loved tableware, and as represented by Bordeaux liquid, copper compounds have been widely used as insecticides and preservatives. Therefore, we examined the use of silver ions as an antibacterial system that is cheap and can ensure food safety.

First, a method for obtaining an antibacterial effect by binding silver ions to an inverse glass (sodium silicate glass) that dissolves in water and constantly releasing a certain amount of silver ions in water using its sustained release properties. A suppression test was conducted. A reverse glass containing silver ions was immersed at a rate of 20 grams per 10 liters of liquid fertilizer, and the silver ion concentration measured after 24 hours was 70 p pb. The liquid fertilizer was inoculated with the hydraulic beet that was generated in the untreated liquid fertilizer and waited for growth, but no growth occurred and the inoculated hydro-bi disappeared. This test was repeated many times at different temperatures, and it was confirmed that the growth of microorganisms could be reliably suppressed with a silver ion concentration of 70 ppb or more.

However, this method releases all the silver ions in about 3 months, so it is necessary to replenish every 3 months. Therefore, we developed a water electrolysis device using silver as an electrode, and devised a system that can be used as a silver ion generator that only needs to be replaced once every two years. That is, if an electrolyzer equipped with a silver electrode and a platinum electrode is connected to a DC power source that can be varied within a range of 10 to 25 V, the liquid fertilizer is aerated and stirred while the electrode is installed in a nutrient solution tank. , Departure This is a system in which the produced silver ions diffuse into the liquid fertilizer and exert an antibacterial effect. The silver ion concentration is in the range of 70 to:! OOppb, and the appropriate ion concentration can always be maintained by detecting the concentration with an ion sensor and controlling the voltage applied to the electrolyzer.

If this antibacterial system is adopted, microbial contamination of the liquid fertilizer is completely prevented, and there is no problem even if the integrated liquid fertilizer containing amino acids is used, and maintenance work can be reduced.

In the above system, silver ions are most preferable from the viewpoint of power safety and the like that can change silver ions to other metal ions. Since silver ions were subsequently registered as pesticides, silver ions can no longer be used under the condition that they are completely pesticide-free. However, since it is a non-hazardous substance, it remains a very powerful antibacterial means.

[0022] <Improving profitability>

Spray farming has a high initial investment several times compared to conventional hydroponic facilities, so it is difficult for ordinary farmers to adopt it, despite being suitable for cultivation. Therefore, facility manufacturers are not actively developing. Therefore, as a result of investigating the spray plowing method, which can be profitable even if the initial investment is high, it was possible to grow healthy young trees in a cultivation medium using soil with a composition suitable for growth, and at the stage when the roots emerged. In addition, by supplying sufficient nutrients to the roots using integrated liquid fertilizer containing amino acids, the leaf emergence rate and the growth rate can be significantly higher than normal soil cultivation, and the tree has not been aged for more than a year. We developed a highly productive cultivation system that does not reduce daily yield until the time of renewal.

Furthermore, in the practice of the present invention, an elevated cultivation bed is usually used. However, for the production of a pedestal that supports a cultivation medium container at a height of about 80 cm (a height with good operability of the container), Zinc-plated steel pipe (25 mm in diameter) is used, and a base plate is installed at the bottom of the gantry so that it can cope with rough terrain. The cultivation bed is constructed with steel pipes on site using connecting fittings. However, if it is fixed with a vinyl nip using P〇 (polyolefin) for agriculture, it can be made a simpler and lower cost labor-saving facility.

Here, the outline of the facility for carrying out the spray hydroponics of the present invention will be briefly described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, but the embodiment of the present invention is not limited to this.

Fig. 1 is a bird's-eye view showing an outline of an example of a cultivation facility, which is an agricultural zinc-plated steel pipe A cultivation bed with a culture medium container placed on a base made by the above method is installed, and a facility for dripping liquid fertilizer onto the cultivation medium is installed on the top of the cultivation bed. A mist shower facility is provided for spraying repellents and air-conditioning in midsummer. In the lower space of the cultivation bed, a facility for spraying liquid fertilizer mist on the roots of the plant is provided. Facilities are provided to recycle excess liquid fertilizer. Actual cultivation is usually carried out by arranging a number of cultivation facilities shown in Fig. 1 in an agricultural house.

Figure 2 is a design drawing of an example of a cultivation bed consisting of a gantry and a cultivation medium container. The unit of dimensions in the figure is mm. In this figure, there is a drain pan for collecting and circulating excess liquid fertilizer at the bottom of the gantry, and a net shelf for preventing the roots of the plant extending from the top of the drain pan from descending to the drain pan. . In addition, a base plate is provided at the bottom of the gantry to deal with rough terrain.

The shape, structure, and material of the culture medium container are not particularly limited as long as the roots of the plant can pass through the bottom surface and freely extend downward, and a known one having a mesh-like bottom surface may be used. . However, since the cultivation medium is spread, it is preferable to have a side wall with an appropriate height at the end so that the cultivation medium does not spill from the container. In addition, as described above, it is desirable to prevent the culture medium from flowing out by placing a non-woven fabric on the mesh bottom of the container (see Fig. 3). The depth of the medium spread in the container is usually 4-6 cm. If it is too shallow, the function as a support material cannot be exhibited, and the advantage of combining hydroponics and soil cultivation is lost. If it is too deep, the advantage of hydroponics is lost, which is preferable. However, it is not limited to the above range because it varies depending on the type of plant and the nature of the culture medium. The gantry is about 70 to 80 cm in height and about 80 to 100 cm in width. The length is arbitrary as it varies depending on the size of the house, the number and arrangement of houses. In the lower space of the cultivation bed, a nutrient solution (liquid fertilizer) mist spraying device (for example, a PVC pipe having mist noznore at regular intervals) is provided. Cover both sides of the cultivation bed with a light-shielding vinyl sheet, etc., and make the lower space a simple mist spraying chamber.

It is preferable to use plant-derived ones (Clara preparations, etc.) as the repellents for the pests and mold diseases. Good. Further, an extract from a plant (for example, see Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-691 relating to the applicant's application) may be sprayed for antibacterial, deodorant, plant activation, and the like. Furthermore, an insect-proof net may be provided in the agricultural house or cultivation facility as an insect-control measure.

[0025] The present invention can be applied to any plant that can be spray-cultivated, but representative examples include large leaf perilla, tomato, honey beet, lettuce, strawberry, melon, spinach and the like. Since it is pesticide-free, it can be used to produce safe crops and has a longer shelf life and higher nutritional value than commercial ones. For tomatoes, strawberries, melons, etc., extremely high quality crops can be obtained, such as a dramatic increase in sugar content. Especially for large leaf perilla, the residual amount of nitrate nitrogen can be greatly reduced due to the effect of the integrated liquid fertilizer with amino acids, and the value of allylic aldehyde, the perfuming ingredient of perilla, increases, combined with the fact that pesticides are not used. In contrast, the size of a normal large leaf perilla is 6 cm × 8 cm (M size), but in the present invention, a size of about 10 cm × 12 cm can be easily obtained. In general, as the size increases, the leaves become harder and the strength becomes stronger and the commercial value drops. In the present invention, the same softness and taste are maintained regardless of whether it is large or small. In addition, the roots of all plants grow significantly, but they are cultivated completely pesticide-free and rich in contents and minerals, so they are expected to be used for various purposes including food.

Example

[0026] Large-leaf perilla was cultivated in an agricultural house by setting up a cultivation facility as outlined in Figs. The release surface (side surface, etc.) below the gantry was covered with a light-shielding sheet (silver-black double multi-sheet manufactured by Mikado Kako). The bottom of the culture medium container was laid with a non-woven fabric (Colleton manufactured by Sumitomo 3EM: CW-15 type with a thickness of 7 mm). The cultivation medium is humus (ripe compost): chitin 'chitosan: zeolite = 55%: 100% aqueous solution 5%: 12% (volume ratio) with soil added to 100%, 95 ° It was used after being sterilized with high-temperature steam of C. The seeding power was also planted on the cultivation bed 20 days later, and mixed from the stage where the roots extended below the cultivation medium, and mixed with fermented liquid fertilizer with amino acid (as described above, organic liquid fertilizer: Ca combined liquid fertilizer = 2: 1 volume ratio) Liquid fertilizer) was sprayed on the roots. For spray spraying, a small amount of spraying from Yamaha was used, and the droplet size of the liquid manure mist was 50 / im. The liquid fertilizer mist was sprayed repeatedly for 1 minute and 10 minutes.

The cultivation results are shown in the above-mentioned cultivation method of the applicant's prior invention and the conventional standard cropping pattern.

Large leaf perilla cannot be harvested in high quality by hydroponics, so Toyohashi and Oita have been experimentally cultivated, but none of them continue. The fact is that it cannot be harvested unless a large amount of pesticide is applied.

First, when comparing the harvesting period, as shown in Table 6, only one crop can be cultivated per year in open field cultivation, and the harvesting period is short. In the facility warming cultivation, 2 crops per year are standard, and the harvesting period is longer than that in open field cultivation. However, since the aging of the trees decreases and the leafing rate decreases, it is necessary to update the trees every crop. In contrast, the spray hydroponics method using a cultivation medium does not cause a decrease in leaf emergence rate due to aging of pods over a long period of time. Then, it is possible to harvest continuously for 14 months.

Next, when comparing the yields, in the facility warming cultivation, it is around 3.5 million per 10a per year, but in the invention of the prior application, it doubles to 7 million per year, and in the present invention it reaches about 10 million per year. Yield.

The difference in yield between the invention of the prior application and the present invention will be explained in more detail. In the invention of the prior application, the initial harvest becomes possible in about 1.5 months from the fixed planting, and one can be harvested every 3 days. The medium-term harvest becomes possible in one month, and one can be harvested per day, and the total amount can be harvested in about one month from the medium-term harvest. In the invention, it is about one month to enable the initial harvest of the same number of sheets, about half a month to enable medium-term harvesting, and about half a month to enable total harvesting. it can. That is, the present invention is faster in harvesting than the prior invention, and can be harvested for a long time.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] In the spray hydroponics method in which mist-like liquid fertilizer is supplied directly to the roots of the plant, a culture medium container having a bottom surface on which the plant roots can freely extend downward is installed on a gantry. Use a bed to cultivate seedling culture media containing culture soil in this culture medium container to grow young trees, and use a material that can shield the open surface of the space below the frame. Cover the mist spray chamber and spray the liquid manure mist with a droplet size of 50 μm or less intermittently (not continuously but with a pause) from the top to the bottom of the mist spray chamber. The spray hydroponics method characterized.

[2] The spray hydroponic cultivation method according to [1], wherein a non-woven fabric is laid on the bottom of a cultivation medium container having a mesh-like bottom, and the cultivation medium is spread on the non-woven cloth.

[3] The spray hydroponics method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cultivation medium contains at least humus (completely composted), chitin 'chitosan and zeolite.

[4] The spray hydroponic cultivation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the liquid fertilizer is an integrated liquid fertilizer containing amino acids obtained by mixing separately prepared organic liquid fertilizer and Ca composite liquid fertilizer.

[5] The sprayed water according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, from the stage where the roots extend below the cultivation medium, the total liquid fertilizer containing amino acids containing antibacterial metal ions is sprayed onto the roots. Tillage cultivation method.

[6] The silver ion is selected as the metal ion, the electrolyzer for water having the silver electrode and the platinum electrode is used as a silver ion generator, and the silver ion is supplied to the liquid fertilizer. The spray hydroponics method according to any one of to 5.

[7] A tray for collecting liquid fertilizer is provided at the bottom of the gantry and a sedimentation tank equipped with a disk filter is installed in the liquid fertilizer circulation path to circulate and use the liquid fertilizer so that the stretched root does not fall to the tray above the tray. A spray hydroponic cultivation method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a net shelf is provided.