WO2020127550A1

WO2020127550A1 - Rooting substrate for hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic plant systems

Info

Publication number: WO2020127550A1
Application number: PCT/EP2019/086045
Authority: WO
Inventors: Sebastian Haimerl
Original assignee: Sebastian Haimerl
Priority date: 2018-12-18
Filing date: 2019-12-18
Publication date: 2020-06-25
Also published as: DE102018132626B4; DE102018132626A1; EP3897101A1

Abstract

A rooting substrate (1) for hydrocultures, in particular hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic plant systems, consisting of at least one substrate body (2) having a three-dimensional structure (3) and at least one receiving region (4) for receiving a plant (5) or seedling or a seed, the rooting substrate (1) being produced by means of a generative or additive manufacturing process, in such a way that a three-dimensional structure (3) having a plurality of apertures and/or holes and/or cavities (7) for receiving the roots (6) of a plant is formed, the three-dimensional structure (3) forming an air-permeable structure that enables the roots (6) of a plant to grow through the substrate body (2) and to become anchored in the substrate body (2).

Description

Roots substrate for hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic

Planting systems

Technical field

The invention relates to a rooting substrate for use in hydroponic, in particular hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting systems.

PRIOR ART When growing plants, substrates are often used in hydroponics which serve to give the plant stability and stability and

To provide cavities for the formation of the root system of the plant.

The term hydroponics is essentially to be understood as a method in which, instead of soil, aqueous solutions of nutrients, in particular

Mineral nutrients can be used. Plants can thus be grown in such a way that their roots are either only in an aqueous nutrient solution made of mineral nutrients or in an inactive medium such as. B. perlite,

Gravel, mineral wool or coconut shells. Especially with conventional ones

Hydroponic planting systems hang the roots of the plant's root system almost freely and are partially or completely immersed in a nutrient solution.

In contrast, the root system of the plant in aeroponics hangs in a nutrient mist or droplet enriched air space. Aquaponics also refers to a process that uses techniques for raising fish in aquaculture and

Cultivation of plants using hydroponics connects.

With conventional hydroponic planting systems, plants are integrated into one

Planter such as B. net pot or plant basket, which is filled with a porous material made of pearlite, vermiculite, rock wool, coconut fibers, coconut chips, expanded clay, plastic foam, etc. The porous material is the substrate of the planting system and is continuously or periodically saturated with a solution of nutrients. In particular, the substrate can be

Expanded clay balls or rock wool cubes or the organic substrate with the Trade name Eazy Plug ^® . The substrate provides the roots of the plant with moisture and nutrients through capillary action and enables oxygen exchange in the root area. A disadvantage of such planting systems is that the porous material, which is present in bulk in the planter, produces abrasion which contaminates the nutrient solution and thus the hydroponic system. Contamination of the hydroponic system by abrasion has the consequence that the service life of the hydroponic system, especially the pumps, filters, etc. is shortened. As a result, a hydroponic system that uses a substrate as a bulk material is also significantly more maintenance-intensive. Since the substrate is in bulk, the structure of the substrate can only be individually adapted to different types of plants to a limited extent.

AU 2015101039 A4 also shows a system for growing plants in aquacultures, comprising a container with a container lid, a disc-shaped holding device for holding a plant that can be inserted into the container, and a nutrient solution, preferably agar, that can be filled into the container. The disc-shaped holding device has a grid-like structure and consists of a steel or plastic grid. Although the root system lies on the disk-shaped holding device, the root system cannot anchor itself completely in the substrate. Rather, the roots penetrate the grid-like structure and hang freely in the nutrient solution. As a result, the disc-shaped holding device gives the plant little hold. Expansion of the roots over a larger volume is also not supported by the disk-shaped holding device.

In addition, DE 20 2008 017 655 U l discloses an aeroponic planting system with a root spray pot, comprising a planter, for. B. in the form of a "classic flower pot" and a usable and reusable in the planter root grid system for receiving the roots of a plant.

The root lattice system consists of disc-shaped lattice elements and connecting elements, the lattice elements and the connecting elements being plugged together and thus forming the root lattice system. In the present case, the root network of the plant is supplied by means of one or more spray heads or droppers, which distribute the nutrients throughout the interior of the planter. The lattice elements of the root lattice system only have openings which extend from the respective top of the lattice element to the respective underside of the lattice element. In this way, it is achieved that the roots pass through the root grid system in the interior of the planter spread, however, expanding the roots in any other direction than the horizontal direction is not supported. Another disadvantage is that the root grid system consists of several parts or components and must be assembled in the manner of a modular system.

Presentation of the invention

On the basis of the prior art set out, the object of the invention is to provide a rooting substrate for hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting systems which is individually tailored to the

Growth parameters / properties of the respective plant species or plant is adaptable and is also quick and easy to produce. This object is achieved according to the invention by the rooting substrate according to claim 1.

The present invention provides a rooting substrate for hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting systems, consisting of at least one substrate body with a three-dimensional structure and at least one receiving area for receiving a plant or young plant, in particular a cutting, seedling, seedling or seed. The rooting substrate is produced by means of a generative or additive manufacturing process, in such a way that a three-dimensional structure with a large number of

Breakthroughs and / or holes and / or cavities for receiving roots of a plant. According to the invention, the three-dimensional structure forms an air-permeable structure which enables the roots of a plant to grow through the substrate body and to anchor it in the substrate body.

Using a generative manufacturing process, which is also understood as additive manufacturing and is often also referred to as "rapid prototyping" or "3D printing", the at least one substrate body is manufactured directly on the basis of computer-internal data models. The at least one substrate body is produced from shapeless, for example liquid or powdery material by means of chemical and / or physical processes. Generative or additive manufacturing of the substrate body is particularly advantageous since the substrate body can also be produced economically in this way as a single piece, as a special product and in small series. Using the generative or

additive manufacturing can also easily different substrate bodies Complexity and / or different shape and / or different size and / or structure can be produced. Since the substrate body in this case has a high level of complexity, it is increased by the generative or additive

Manufacturing processes in particular also the cost-effectiveness of the animal production.

The at least one substrate body particularly preferably consists of a

Plastic, especially powdered plastic or a

plastic-coated molding sand and is produced by means of generative or additive manufacturing processes, for example by means of selective laser sintering. The at least one substrate body is created layer by layer on the basis of the three-dimensional geometry data or 3D volume data available and processed in layer data from a powdered plastic which is fused in layers by a laser beam. The layers are then sintered or melted into the powder bed step by step according to the layer contour of the substrate body. The layer thickness of the individual layers largely depends on the manufacturing process. For example, the layer thickness of a single layer can be between 1 mhi and 400 mhi during laser sintering, while with fused deposition modeling (FDM) the layer thickness of a single layer is between 0.01 mm and 10 mm. In the case of contour crafting, the layer thickness can in some cases even be several centimeters. As a material for setting the at least one

Ceramic, metal or other generatively or additively applicable materials can also be used for the substrate body. In addition, as generative or

additively applicable material with or without binder bonded or sintered sand or bio-based material such as Plastiform, etc. can be used.

Particularly suitable as materials for fixing the at least one substrate body are stainless steel, titanium or titanium alloys, copper, polyether ether ketone (PEEK for short), polyethylene terephthalate (PET for short), polyactides (PLA for short),

Bioplastics, food-safe plastics, biocompatible plastics, fuzz or composite materials made from e.g. B. Flarz mixed with sand or fibers. The selection of the suitable material depends not only on the plant itself, but also on the conditions, such as. B. Weather influences to which the rooting substrate is exposed. For example, felts or UV fibres, which may be mixed with sand and / or natural fibers and / or carbon fibers, are suitable for e.g.

Greening of buildings, especially greening of buildings in large fleas, as these have high strength values. Particularly suitable for the

Due to their strength and long-term durability, greening of buildings is plastics and metals. In the field of food production or in the Stainless steel or food-safe and / or sterilizable plastics are preferably used in food technology. In contrast, substrate bodies which are made of flexible materials are particularly suitable for strongly rooted plants, taproot, perennials, woody plants, etc. It is also possible to combine different materials, in particular different plastics, in the manufacture of the rooting substrate, for example by the

Irrigation unit made of solid material and the substrate body made of a flexible material or the substrate body made of a compostable plastic and a holding piece, for fixing the seed in the receiving area, made of water-soluble plastic. Even if individual components of the rooting substrate consist of different materials, the components such. B.

Irrigation unit, handle for holding the rooting substrate,

Holding device, holding piece for fixing the seed, etc. and the substrate body in one piece or in one piece and in a single process

be printed / produced.

After the rooting substrate according to the invention has been produced, the substrate body can at least partially be coated with a coating such as. B.

Functional coating and / or sealing or other

Surface coatings are provided. The individual components of the rooting substrate, such as Irrigation unit, handle for holding the rooting substrate, holding device, holding piece for fixing the seed, etc. can each be at least partially coated after production.

The rooting substrate according to the invention serves in particular as a replacement for growth substrates or growth media known from the prior art, such as, for. B. perlite, vermiculite, rock wool, coconut fiber, coconut chips, expanded clay,

Plastic foam, etc. and has the advantage that the

Rooting substrate can be reused as often as required and can be easily cleaned or uprooted. It would be conceivable to treat the rooting substrate with a chemical cleaning after use, so that the root remains are removed from the rooting substrate by chemical decomposition. Alternatively, the rooting substrate can be blown out after use, for example using compressed air. It is particularly effective if the rooting substrate is dried before blowing out. If it is a rooting substrate with a uniformly arranged, three-dimensional structure, it is also conceivable to provide ejectors which are guided or pressed through the uniformly arranged structure. Alternatively the roots or root remnants can also simply be cut off or plucked from the substrate body or rubbed off or broken off in the dry state. Are the roots relatively firm in that?

Anchored or connected to the substrate body, the roots or root remnants can also be removed by means of drills or milling cutters. Sandblasting and chemical or biological decomposition processes also provide processes

Removal of roots or root remains from the substrate body. Im

After the procedure for removing the roots or root residues from the substrate body, the rooting substrates can still be sterilized and / or washed. The washing of the rooting substrates can be done by means of washing systems, comparable to those used for cleaning planters, the sterilization of the rooting substrates with z. B. UV light, radiation, heat or by chemical means such. B. hydrogen peroxide. The reusability and long life of the

Rooting substrates are particularly sustainable.

The three-dimensional structure of the rooting substrate with a multiplicity of openings and / or holes and / or cavities creates one

Air-permeable structure which enables the root system or the roots of the plant to grow through the substrate body and to anchor itself on the substrate body and to grow together on the substrate body. It has been shown that this three-dimensional structure provides the root system or the roots of the plant particularly well with nutrients and oxygen. Furthermore, as the root system or roots of the plant progress, a positive connection is created between the root system or roots of the plant and the substrate body. This gives the plant a particularly good hold and high stability.

The three-dimensional structure of the substrate body is advantageously in the form of a uniformly arranged structure, in particular in the form of a diamond or Crystal structure, lattice or lattice structure or a net-like structure. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate body consists of a lattice structure, the individual layers of which, both in a first plane running parallel to the vertical plane and in a second plane running parallel to the horizontal plane, have a pattern in the form of a wire grid, i. H. the respective layer of the substrate body consists of spaced apart, intersecting and extending in the longitudinal and transverse directions

Substrate body portions. The mesh size or the distances between the individual longitudinal or transverse substrate body sections depend on the type of plant or plant to be grown. Alternatively, the three-dimensional structure of the substrate body is an irregularly arranged structure, in particular coral-like or sponge-like or braid-like

Structure, trained. As a result, the generative or additive manufacturing process can also be used to produce porous or sintered substrate bodies. Due to the different structures of the substrate body, it can be individually adapted to the needs or growth parameters / properties of the plant type or plant. Furthermore, the three-dimensional structure of the

Substrate body that the roots of the plant can expand over a larger volume. It is also advantageous that there is a low risk of mold growth at the roots due to the three-dimensional structure, since the rooting substrate has sufficient air permeability. In addition, the rooting substrate has less weight compared to bulk growth media with the same volume. The weight saving is a decisive advantage, particularly with vertical hydroponic or aeroponic planting systems as well as with green roofs and facades. The three-dimensional structure has particularly when used in the

Greening of buildings is another decisive advantage, namely that the three-dimensional structure of the substrate body can be used to set the capillary effect, i.e. water release can be delayed by the capillary effect. Delayed water delivery is a significant advantage, especially in heavy rain showers or extreme weather conditions with heavy rain.

Regardless of whether the three-dimensional structure of the

Substrate body around a uniformly arranged structure, in particular in the form of a diamond or. Crystal structure, lattice or lattice structure or a net-like structure or around an irregularly arranged structure,

in particular coral or sponge-like or braid-like structure, these structures enable the roots or the root system of the plant to grow through the structures, to anchor themselves in the structures and to grow together in the structures. As a result, the roots of the plant enter into a preferably firm connection with the respective structure of the substrate body. The roots or the root system of the plant or young plant spread from a receiving area in the substrate body through the openings and / or holes and / or cavities of the three-dimensional structure in the direction of the

Top, bottom and / or side surfaces of the substrate body and partially grow out of the substrate body. The substrate body particularly preferably extends along a vertical longitudinal axis and has a shape-independent shape, namely in particular an irregular surface and / or an irregular shape. In a preferred embodiment, the substrate body has a defined shape, for. B. in the form of a sphere, pyramid, cuboid, cube, tetrahedron, cone, truncated cone, cylinder, half cylinder, hollow cylinder or full torus. Due to the variable configuration of the shape of the substrate body, it can be used in a variety of ways, on the other hand, the shape of the substrate body can be selected so that integration of the rooting substrate into existing plants for growing plants in a hydroponic system is ensured.

Furthermore, the substrate body preferably has an upper side, an underside opposite the upper side and one or more side surface (s) connecting the upper and lower side, the openings and / or holes and / or cavities being different from the upper side and / or underside and / or the one or more side surface (s) extend into the substrate body. The openings and / or holes and / or cavities form a labyrinth-like system in which the roots of the plant can form from the receiving area in the direction of the top and / or bottom and / or side surface (s). Labyrinth-like means that the roots of the plant or

Young plant from a receiving area of the substrate body through the openings and / or holes and / or cavities any way through the

Look for the substrate body and, if necessary, out of the substrate body. The number and / or the size and / or configuration of the openings and / or holes and / or

Cavities depend on the type of plant or plant to be grown. Through the individual adaptation of the rooting substrate to the respective plant type or plant, an optimal water and / or nutrient supply and

Oxygenation of the plant or the root system of the plant can be guaranteed. As a result, maximum plant growth is achieved.

The at least one receiving area is preferably designed such that the roots or seeds of the plant located on the plant rest on the at least one receiving area. The number of receiving areas is by no means limited to one receiving area; two or more receiving areas can also be provided. In a preferred embodiment, the at least one receiving area is formed by at least one segment of the top or the side surface, the roots of the plant or the seeds of the Place the plant directly on the surface of the substrate body. If the at least one receiving area is formed by at least one recess, the plant or the seed of the plant is inserted into the recess. In a preferred embodiment, the receiving area consists of a recess for receiving a plant or a seed of a plant. In an alternative

Embodiment has a receiving area two or more recesses, wherein a plant or a seed of a plant is preferably used in each recess. Furthermore, the at least one recess is advantageously made on the top or the bottom or the side surface of the substrate body. The at least one recess can be designed differently in shape and / or size and / or configuration depending on the type of plant or plant.

The cutout is advantageously made centrally in the upper side of the substrate body and extends to a depth which preferably corresponds to half or less than half the height of the substrate body. However, the height of the substrate body is by no means set to half or less than half the height of the substrate body, rather this parameter varies depending on the type of plant or on the plant growing in the substrate body.

It is preferred to fix a seed in the receiving area of the

Substrate body a fixative, in particular clamping means, more water-soluble

Adhesive, dissolving holding piece, etc., is provided. Fixing the seed in the receiving area of the substrate body ensures that the seed is not washed away when irrigation or nutrient solution is introduced. It would also be conceivable to design the receiving area in such a way that the seed is fixed in it by the special design of the receiving area, i. H. no additional fixative would be required.

The at least one substrate body is also advantageously formed in one piece. In an advantageous embodiment, the rooting substrate can consist of two or more, one-piece substrate bodies. The design of the rooting substrate with at least two substrate bodies has the advantage that the rooting substrate can be assembled in a modular manner. Accordingly, individual substrate bodies can be exchanged in a simple manner, in particular at low cost.

In a preferred embodiment, the rooting substrate has a

Irrigation unit, comprising at least one irrigation channel for supplying / removing a nutrient solution. The irrigation channel is preferably as Pipeline formed and has an inlet opening for supplying a

Nutrient solution, an outlet opening for discharging a nutrient solution and a large number of drip openings through which the nutrient solution exits to supply the roots. The irrigation channel can also be designed as a capillary. The irrigation unit is advantageously integrated directly in the substrate body, i. H. the at least one irrigation channel is guided through the substrate body. For example, the irrigation channel can be configured as a channel, as at least two channels running in parallel or around the recess in the

Channel body extending channel may be formed. The irrigation channel is advantageously arranged essentially parallel to a horizontally running plane. Particularly preferably, the irrigation channel has a first irrigation channel section for supplying the nutrient solution, a second irrigation channel section for discharging the nutrient solution, and at least one third irrigation channel section connecting the first and second irrigation channel sections, with the first and second irrigation channel sections

Irrigation canal section and at least a third

Irrigation canal section and between the second irrigation canal section and at least a third irrigation canal section is a node at which the irrigation canal branches or is brought together again. Neither the number of irrigation channels nor the guidance of the irrigation channels through the substrate body is specified. Rather, the number of irrigation channels and the routing of the irrigation channels through the substrate body depend on the type of plant or on the respective area of application. By guiding the at least one irrigation channel through the substrate body, it is possible to arrange a plurality of substrate bodies, each with at least one irrigation channel, in a row and to connect irrigation channels from adjacent substrate bodies to one another. In this way, a so-called series connection is created. The arrangement in a row has the decisive advantage that the rooting substrate according to the invention is also used in systems which grow a large number of plants. In particular, the rooting substrates arranged in series can be connected to a common circuit which transports the nutrient solution through the system or the system. In a further preferred embodiment, at least one collecting container is also provided, in which the nutrient solution not absorbed by the roots of the plant is collected. Each

Rooting substrate can have a separate collecting container.

However, it would also be conceivable for a collecting container for at least two Rooting substrates is provided. The nutrient solution collected in the receptacle is preferably returned to the cycle.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one

Irrigation channel an inlet nozzle for supplying water and / or a nutrient solution. The free end of the inlet connection is connected to a water and / or nutrient solution supply network. Furthermore, the at least one irrigation channel is designed in a ring or a circle, so that it essentially surrounds the receiving area of the substrate body and an optimal supply of the roots of the plant or young plant with water and / or nutrient solution is ensured.

Depending on the use and / or configuration of the rooting substrate, the at least one irrigation channel can be guided through the substrate body or arranged on the top, bottom or on one of the side surfaces. It is advantageous to provide the irrigation channel on the top of the substrate body or directly under the top of the substrate body. So that water and / or the

One or more drip opening (s) are provided in the irrigation channel in the best way possible to deliver nutrient solution to the roots of the plant. The number and / or size of the drip openings is individually adapted to the type and / or the needs of the respective plant.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one

Irrigation channel of the irrigation unit is designed as an irrigation pipe, comprising at least a first pipe section which is at least partially integrated or insertable into a recess provided for the irrigation pipe in the substrate body and has one or more drip openings, and at least one connecting to the first pipe section, second pipe section for supplying water and / or a nutrient solution to the first

Pipe section. The first tube section projecting into the substrate body has one or more drip openings in order to be able to effectively supply the root system or the roots of the plant with water and / or a nutrient solution. The recess is advantageously introduced into the substrate body from the underside of the substrate body and extends in the direction of the receiving region of the substrate body. In order to ensure the best possible irrigation, the recess, into which the irrigation pipe is integrated or can be inserted, extends to the underside of the receiving area. However, the depth of the recess in the substrate body is not fixed, rather it depends on e.g. B. the shape of the substrate body, type of plant, intended use of the rooting substrate, characteristics of the root system, etc. The recess for receiving the irrigation pipe does not necessarily have to be made from the underside of the substrate body, but can also be introduced from one of the side surfaces or the top . The number and / or the configuration and / or the size of the recess (s) can also vary or is preferably dependent on the number and / or configuration of the irrigation tube or irrigation tubes to be accommodated.

In a first preferred embodiment variant, the second pipe section of the irrigation pipe has a free end, which enables connection to a water and / or nutrient solution supply network. For this purpose, the free end on the second pipe section is designed such that it can be connected to a supply network or a central supply line. In a second preferred embodiment variant, the second pipe section of the irrigation pipe in turn has a free end which projects into a supply container with water and / or a nutrient solution in order to lead water and / or the nutrient solution to the one or more drip opening (s) by means of a vacuum can. In this case, a supply line for supplying a gas, in particular air or compressed air, branches off from the second pipe section in order to generate a negative pressure or suction in the irrigation pipe, so that the water and / or the nutrient solution is sucked out of the supply container or in the direction of the drip opening (s) ) is promoted or transported. The supply line of gas, in particular air, is preferably carried out via a central gas supply, in particular

Compressed air supply, or an air pump or diaphragm air pump. In a specific exemplary embodiment, the opening of the free end of the second tube section and the branching of the feed line from the second tube section are located below the surface of the water and / or nutrient solution in the supply container, so that water and / or the nutrient solution into the

Irrigation pipe can penetrate. The rising gas bubbles, in particular air bubbles in the irrigation pipe, convey or transport the water and / or the nutrient solution from the supply container in the direction of the one or more drip opening (s). As a result, the water and / or nutrient solution can be supplied without a pump, in particular a water pump. In addition, a central gas supply, in particular

Compressed air supply, easy to implement and easy to use. Another positive effect is that the central gas supply, in particular compressed air supply, differs from systems that use pumps, water pumps in particular work, save energy. Another advantage of the pneumatic system is that the supply of the gas or air can be controlled with high precision and precisely using preferably electromagnetic switching valves, so that the irrigation of the roots of the plants or young plant can also be controlled very precisely. By designing the irrigation pipe with a supply line for gases, in particular air or compressed air, the principle of an "airlift" or "airlift" is thus realized.

In a particularly preferred manner, at least one area with a cross-sectional constriction can additionally be provided in the irrigation pipe in order to achieve a Venturi effect.

The rooting substrate and the irrigation pipe and / or the feed line are preferably formed in one piece or in one piece and produced by means of a generative or additive manufacturing process.

It is also conceivable to combine one or more irrigation units by, for example, the rooting substrate with an annular one

Irrigation unit and an irrigation unit designed as a tube is equipped. A combination of two different ones

Irrigation units can be advantageous, for example, if a first irrigation unit is particularly effective in a first growth phase of a plant or young plant and in a second growth phase of the plant or

Young plant a second irrigation unit is particularly effective. In a planting system or a cultivation system in which the roots

Depending on the system, depending on a particular form of the root system in the water and / or in a nutrient solution, irrigation by means of the, preferably internal, irrigation unit can only be used at an early stage of cultivation. That is, irrigation by means of

Depending on the characteristics of the root or the root system and / or the planting system or cultivation system or greening system and / or the type of plant, the irrigation unit can also be switched on or operated only temporarily.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment variant, a holding device is provided on the substrate body, by means of which the rooting substrate in a device receiving the holding device, in particular a receptacle on a planter, a receptacle unit for greening the building, a receptacle in a hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system or one Inclusion in a cultivation system that can be positioned and / or attached. The holding device is not limited to a shape and / or size and / or configuration, rather the shape and / or size and / or

Design of the holding device depending on e.g. the device receiving the holding device, shape of the substrate body, type and size of the plant or young plant, and the device passing through the holding device

Components or connection elements. In a preferred embodiment, the holding device is preferably disc-shaped and has one

Edge area and an inner area enclosed by the edge area, the inner area having a lattice-like structure. The lattice-like structure is designed such that the roots of the plant or young plant from that

Growing area through the lattice structure of the holding device and can also anchor in this. In this case, the holding device is therefore not only used for fastening the rooting substrate to a receptacle in a hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system, one

Cultivation system or a greening system, but at the same time that the roots of the plant or young plant expand from the receiving area in the direction of the top of the substrate body and can grow through the lattice-like structure. In an alternative embodiment, the preferably disc-like holding device is formed over the entire surface, i. H. neither the edge area nor the interior area has a lattice-like structure. In a further alternative embodiment, the holding device is ring-shaped and encompasses or surrounds the side surface (s) of the rooting substrate. Advantageously, the holding device is aligned radially to the longitudinal axis of the rooting substrate and parallel to a horizontal plane, so that the holding device can be placed and mounted in a simple manner on a device receiving the holding device.

It is also advantageous that at least one opening is made in the holding device in order to surround the holding device with a holding device

receiving device by means of connecting means such as e.g. To be able to connect screws, bolts or pins. The number of in the holding device

Openings introduced are in no way limited to one opening, rather two or more, in particular two to ten, openings can be made spaced apart from one another in the holding device, the

Openings are arranged in particular in the edge region of the respective holding device. Four are particularly preferred to be uniform to one another

disputed openings in the edge region of the holding device brought in. Furthermore, the holding device can be attached to the top or bottom of the substrate body. Optionally, the holding device can be arranged radially to the longitudinal axis and can be arranged surrounding or surrounding the substrate body. In addition, at least one opening for growing through the plant and / or at least one opening for carrying out the irrigation unit, in particular the inlet connection, is introduced into the holding device.

At least one handle for holding the rooting substrate is advantageously attached to the substrate body. The handle can be U-shaped, the free ends of the U-shaped handle with the

Substrate body are connected. Particularly in partially or fully automated systems or in cleanrooms, the handle on the rooting substrate is of great importance, since transport and / or conveying devices of transport systems or robot grippers can grip and / or hold the rooting substrate better.

It has turned out to be particularly advantageous that the at least one

Substrate body and the at least one irrigation unit and / or the

To form the holding device and / or the handle in one piece or in one piece. A generative or additive is suitable as the manufacturing process

Manufacturing process. Accordingly, in the manufacture of the

Rooting substrates not only take into account the parameters and / or needs of the plant, but also the equipment of the rooting substrates can be designed to vary depending on the area of application or intended use.

Finally, it is advantageous that the rooting substrate be from one

Covering element, in particular covered by an envelope, is at least partially covered or encased. Depending on the application, the cover element can only be provided on the upper side of the substrate body and / or on the side surfaces of the substrate body. The preferably cover-like cover element on the one hand protects the plant and / or the roots of the plant or young plant from external influences and / or weather influences such as UV radiation, wind, rain, etc. on the other hand, the cover element serves as a vapor barrier. The cover element is preferably formed from a flexible yet dimensionally stable material and is produced by means of a generative or additive manufacturing process. Since the cover element is not a complex body, the cover element can also be produced using another manufacturing method, for example by means of an injection molding method. The present invention also includes the use of one of the above

rooting substrates described in a hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system. A first planting system has a planter, in particular a net pot or planting basket, and at least one in it

A rooting substrate according to the invention that can be used in a planter. A second planting system has at least one rooting substrate according to the invention and a holding device, in particular a holding ring, on which the at least one rooting substrate is arranged and which is used for the

Integrate rooting substrate into a hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system.

The rooting substrate also includes the use of the

Rooting substrate as a growing substrate or growth substrate. The growing substrate is used for growing the young plant, in particular a cutting, seedling, seedling or seed. As soon as the first roots from the

If the growing substrate protrudes, the young plant can be inserted into a growth substrate which has a larger volume than the growing substrate. The growing substrate together with the plant located therein can advantageously be inserted into a recess in the growth substrate. This means that there is always enough space available for the root system to allow it to spread optimally.

Furthermore, the present invention is used in a greening system for buildings, comprising a receiving unit for receiving the

Rooting substrate according to the invention and a fastening section for fastening the receiving unit to a part of a building, in particular one

Building wall, facade, roof, or the like. It is thus possible to attach plants directly and easily to the building using the greening system.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will be explained in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawings. Show it Figure 1 is a perspective view of a rooting substrate according to the invention with a lattice structure.

Fig. 2 shows a top view of the rooting substrate according to the invention according to FIG. 1;

3 is a perspective view of an alternative rooting substrate with a coral-like structure; Fig. 4 is a perspective view of an alternative rooting substrate with a sponge-like structure;

5 shows a perspective view of a rooting substrate according to FIG. 1 with a planter in an exploded view;

6 shows a perspective view of a rooting substrate according to FIG. 1 with a retaining ring;

7 shows a perspective view of a rooting substrate according to FIG. 1 with an irrigation unit;

FIG. 8 shows a top view of the rooting substrate according to FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the rooting substrate according to FIG. 7 in a sectional illustration; FIG.

10 is a rear view of a rooting substrate with a retaining ring and an irrigation unit; 11 shows a perspective view of the rooting substrate according to FIG. 10;

12 is a side view of a rooting substrate with an alternative irrigation unit; 13 is a perspective view of a rooting substrate of FIG

Irrigation unit according to Figure 12; 14 is a perspective view of a rooting substrate with an irrigation unit and a handle;

15 is a perspective view of a rooting substrate with

network structure and with an irrigation unit and a

Retaining ring;

16 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a

Rooting substrate with a mesh-like structure and with an irrigation unit and a retaining ring;

17 shows a perspective view of a greening system for buildings with a rooting substrate according to the invention, and FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a greening system for buildings with a cover-like covering element.

Ways of Carrying Out the Invention

A rooting substrate for use in a hydroponic system, in particular a hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system, is shown in FIG. Such a rooting substrate 1 is used to grow at least one plant 5 or young plant, in particular a cuttings, seedlings, seedlings or seeds.

The rooting substrate 1 consists of at least one substrate body 2 with a three-dimensional structure 3 and at least one receiving area 4 for receiving a plant 5 or young plant or a seed. The

Rooting substrate 1 is by means of a generative or additive

Manufacturing process manufactured in such a way that a three-dimensional structure 3 with a plurality of openings and / or holes and / or cavities 7 is formed for receiving the roots of a plant. The at least one

Substrate body 2 is preferably made of a metal, plastic, ceramic or other generatively or additively applicable material. In addition, sand that is bonded or sintered or biologically based material such as plastiform, etc. can be used as a generative or additive material with or without a binder. In particular, they are suitable as generatively or additively applicable Materials stainless steel, titanium or titanium alloys, copper, polyether ether ketone (PEEK for short), polyethylene terephthalate (PET for short), polyactide (PLA for short), bioplastics, food-safe plastics, biocompatible plastics, resins or

Composites from e.g. B. resin or sand. Depending on the type of manufacturing process, it is also possible to combine different materials, in particular plastics, in a rooting substrate, so that, for example, the irrigation unit is made of solid material and the substrate body is made of a flexible plastic, or vis a vis. A further example would be a one-piece or one-piece rooting substrate, comprising a substrate body made of a compostable plastic and a holding piece for fixing the seed in the receiving area made of a water-soluble material, in particular water-soluble plastic, the rooting substrate being printed or produced in a single process. In special cases it is also possible to manufacture the substrate body itself from different materials by means of an additive or generative manufacturing process. Furthermore, the rooting substrate, preferably the substrate body, can be at least partially provided with a surface coating.

The substrate body 2 according to FIG. 1 has a defined shape, namely a cylindrical shape, and extends along a vertically running one

Longitudinal axis LA and a transverse axis QA running transverse to the longitudinal axis LA. The longitudinal axis LA and the transverse axis QA span a first plane El, namely a plane El, which runs parallel to a vertical plane. Furthermore, a second plane E2 is provided, which runs parallel to a horizontal plane. The cylindrical substrate body 2 in the present case has an upper side 8, a lower side 9 opposite the upper side 8 and a side surface 10 connecting the upper and lower sides 8, 9.

Furthermore, the three-dimensional structure 3 of the rooting substrate 1 can be designed as a uniformly arranged structure or as a non-uniformly arranged structure. While a diamond or crystal structure or lattice or lattice structure or network structure is shown as a uniformly arranged structure in FIGS. 3 and 4, a coral-like and sponge-like structure is shown. The coral-like and sponge-like structure according to FIGS. 3 and 4 and braid-like structure according to FIGS. 15 to 17 are examples of an irregularly arranged structure. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIGS. 1 and 2, a lattice structure is shown, the individual of which

Layers, both in a first level E1 and in a second level E2 Have patterns in the form of a wire mesh. Accordingly, each layer of the substrate body 2 consists of spaced-apart, intersecting longitudinal and transverse substrate body sections 19. The mesh size or spacing between the individual longitudinal and transverse directions

Substrate body sections 19 is preferably 0.05 mm to 50 mm, in particular 1 mm to 25 mm. The mesh size or spacing is particularly preferably 1.5 mm and 5 mm. The width of a substrate body section 19, the so-called web width, is preferably between 0.05 mm to 50 mm, in particular 1 mm to 25 mm. The height between the individual wire-grid-shaped layers, the so-called web height, is also between

0.05 mm to 50 mm, in particular 1 mm to 25 mm. The mesh size and / or web height and / or web width are, however, in no way specified, rather the mesh size and / or web height and / or web width of the lattice structure can vary depending on the type of plant.

To form or expand the roots in the substrate body 2, the three-dimensional structure 3 has a multiplicity of openings and / or holes and / or cavities 7, the openings and / or holes and / or cavities 7 extending from the top 8 and / or underside 9 and / or the one or more side surface (s) 10 extend into the substrate body 2. The openings and / or holes and / or cavities 7 form a labyrinthine system in which the roots of the plant extend from the receiving area 4 in the direction of the top 8 and / or bottom 9 and / or the one or more

Can form side surface (s) 10, d. H. the roots 6 of the plant 5 or

Young plants can find a way along the openings and / or holes and / or cavities 7 of the substrate body 2, namely from the

Receiving area 4 in the direction of the top 8 and / or bottom 9 and / or the one or more side surface (s) 10. Depending on the extension of the roots 6 of the plant 5, these can of course also grow out of the substrate body 2.

The generative or additive manufacturing method allows both the three-dimensional structure 3 and / or the shape of the substrate body 2 and / or the configuration of the openings and / or holes and / or cavities 7 to be individually adapted, as a result of which a rooting substrate 1 can be produced which is suitable for the Growth of a plant species offers optimal conditions.

In alternative embodiments according to FIGS. 3 and 4, the

Substrate body 2 has a shape-independent shape. The rooting substrate 1 also consists of at least one substrate body 2 with a three-dimensional structure 3 and at least one receiving area 4 for receiving a plant 5 or young plant or a seed. While the shape of the substrate body 2 is essentially cylindrical, the surface of the substrate body 2 has an irregular nature. The openings and / or holes and / or cavities 7 are also arranged irregularly and differ in design and / or shape. In addition, the number of openings and / or holes and / or cavities 7 made in the top 8, bottom 9 and side surface (s) 10 can vary widely. Despite the irregularly arranged or irregular openings and / or holes and / or cavities 7 in the substrate body 2, the substrate body 2 forms a labyrinthine system in which the roots of the plant 5 extend from the receiving area 4 towards the top 8 , Bottom 9 and / or side surface (s) can expand.

Regardless of the design and / or shape and / or size of the

Rooting substrate 1 has the substrate body 2 at least one

Receiving area 4 for receiving the roots of a plant 5 or young plant or a seed. A plant 5 conventionally consists of one

Root system and a shoot system, the shoot system consisting essentially of a shoot axis, possibly one or more side shoots, leaves and buds. The root system connected to the shoot system serves on the one hand to anchor the plant in the soil or on the substrate / substrate body, and on the other hand to absorb nutrients and water. The at least one receiving area 4 of the substrate body 2 is designed to receive either the root system connected to the shoot system or the seed. The receiving area 4 can thereby by at least one segment of the top 8 and / or bottom 9 and / or side surface 10 or by at least one

Recess 11 may be formed. As shown in Figures 1 or 2, the

Receiving area 4 formed as a recess 11 which is made in the center of the top 8 of the substrate body 2 and has a circular opening. As can be seen from Figure 9, the recess 11 projects into the

Substrate body 2 to a depth t, which preferably corresponds to half or less than half the height h of the substrate body 2. The height h of the

However, the substrate body 2 is by no means set to half or less than half the height h of the substrate body 2; rather, this parameter varies depending on the type of plant or on the plant 5 growing in the substrate body 2. Furthermore, the at least one substrate body 2 is preferably formed in one piece. Depending on the rooting substrate 1, two or more one-piece substrate bodies 2 can also form the rooting substrate 1.

This points to the supply / discharge of water and / or a nutrient solution

Rooting substrate 1, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 9, has an irrigation unit 12 with an irrigation channel 13, the irrigation channel 13 in the present case being designed as a pipeline. According to the invention

Irrigation channel 13 from a first irrigation channel section 20 with an inlet opening 14 for supplying a nutrient solution, a second

Irrigation channel section 21 with an outlet opening 15 for discharging a nutrient solution and at least one of the first and second

Irrigation channel section 20, 21 connecting, third

Irrigation channel section 22, 22 ^' . The at least a third

Irrigation channel section 22, 22 ^'is directly integrated in the substrate body 2, ie at least a third irrigation channel portion 22 is passing through the substrate body 2, in the present embodiment according to Figures 7 to 9 are two central irrigation channel sections 22, ^22' are provided, said semicircular are and are arranged between the recess 11 and the side surface 10 of the substrate body 2. In particular, the semicircular third irrigation channel sections 22, 22 ^{′ are} guided mirror-symmetrically around the recess 11 of the substrate body 2. So that the nutrient solution can flow through the two third irrigation channel sections, a node is provided between the first and third irrigation channel sections 20, 22, 22 ^' and between the second and third irrigation channel sections 21, 22, 22 ^' , at which the irrigation channel 13 branches or is brought together again. The number of third irrigation channels 13 can depend on the configuration of the substrate body 2 and / or

Plant type 5 vary. The irrigation channel sections 20, 21, 22, 22 ^{'in the} present case are arranged essentially parallel to the plane E2. Furthermore, at least the at least one third irrigation channel section 22, 22 ^{′ has} one or more drip openings 16 through which the water and / or the

Nutrient solution to supply the roots emerges. The arrangement of two or more substrate bodies 2, each with an irrigation unit 12 in a row, is not shown in the figures. The irrigation units 12 of the adjacent substrate bodies 2 are coupled to one another, so that a common irrigation system is created. This type of arrangement of two or Several substrate bodies 2 are used in particular in systems in which a large number of plants are grown or cultivated.

Furthermore, the rooting substrate 1 according to the invention can be inserted into a plant container 17, in particular a net pot or plant basket, and thus forms a hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system. Optionally, the at least one rooting substrate 1 can be fastened to a holding device 18, in particular a holding ring, the holding device 18 serving to

To integrate rooting substrate 1 in a hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system, cultivation system or in a greening system. As can be seen from FIG. 6, the holding device 18 is arranged on the upper side 8 of the substrate body 2. In the exemplary embodiment according to FIG

Holding device 18 is disc-shaped and has an edge region and an inner region enclosed by the edge region, the inner region having a lattice-like structure. The lattice-like structure is designed such that the roots 6 of the plant 5 or young plant from which

Recording area 4 grow through the lattice structure of the holding device 18 and can also anchor itself in this. Thus, the holding device 18 is not only used for fastening the rooting substrate 2 to a holder in a hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system, one

Cultivation system or a greening system, but also serves that the roots 6 of the plant 5 or young plant can expand from the receiving area 4 in the direction of the top 8 of the substrate body 2. Furthermore, there is at least one, preferably circular, opening in the

Holding device 18 is provided, which enables the plant 5 or young plant to grow from the receiving area 4 through the opening of the holding device 18 upwards or in the direction of the sunlight. The shape and / or size of the holding device 18 is dependent on the shape of the substrate body 2 and / or the holder to which the holding device 18 is attached. In a further embodiment, shown in FIG. 11, the inner region of the holding device 18 is not designed as a lattice-like structure, but rather as a full-area holding device 18 with at least one opening through which the plant 5 or young plant can grow.

Finally, the rooting substrate 1 according to the invention can be used as

Growth substrate or growth substrate can be formed. The rooting substrate, which is designed as a growing substrate, not shown here, can preferably be inserted or integrated into the growth substrate. Figures 10 to 13 show further variants of the

Rooting substrate 1, comprising a substrate body 2 with a

three-dimensional structure 3, the three-dimensional structure 3 being in the form of a lattice structure. The substrate body 2 has a defined shape, essentially that of a cuboid,

especially that of a cube. On the upper side 8 of the substrate body 2 there is a folding device 18 which has the shape of a disk which has at least one, preferably circular, opening, the opening serving to allow the plant 5 or young plant to grow upwards. The folding device 18 can in different ways with the

Be substrate body 2 connected. It is conceivable to manufacture the folding device 18 as a separate component, for example by means of a generative or additive manufacturing process or injection molding process or stamping process, etc. For connecting the folding device 18 to the substrate body 2, for example, adhesives, clips or other fastening means can be provided. Alternatively, the folding device 18 and the substrate body 2 can be formed in one piece or in one piece, in which case both the folding device 18 and the substrate body 2 are produced by means of generative or additive manufacturing processes.

As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, an irrigation unit 12 is further provided, comprising at least one irrigation channel 13 and an inlet opening 14 for supplying water and / or a nutrient solution. In the present

The embodiment is the irrigation channel 12 as an annular or

circular irrigation channel, the annular or circular irrigation channel having at least one inlet opening 14, in particular an inlet connector 31 with inlet opening 14, via which the

Irrigation canal water and / or a nutrient solution can be supplied. The inlet connection 31 can be connected to a supply network for supplying water and / or a nutrient solution. In FIGS. 10 and 11, the irrigation unit 12 is integrated in the substrate body, so that the

Irrigation channel 13 is located in the substrate body 2 and only the inlet connector 31 protrudes outwards or is guided out of the substrate body 2 in the direction of the upper side. If a folding device 18 is arranged on the upper side 8 of the substrate body, this preferably has an opening through which the inlet connector 31 can be guided outwards from the substrate body. Advantageously, the substrate body 2 and the irrigation unit 12 formed in one piece or in one piece and produced by means of a generative or additive manufacturing process. For optimal supply of the roots of the plant with water and / or a nutrient solution, the distribution of the water and / or the nutrient solution is provided in the irrigation channel 12 several drip openings 16, from which the water and / or the nutrient solution can emerge in the direction of the roots.

FIGS. 12 and 13 show a further alternative embodiment of the

Rooting substrate 1 shown, in which the at least one

Irrigation channel 13 of the irrigation unit 12 is designed as an irrigation pipe 28. The irrigation pipe 28 comprises at least a first pipe section which is at least partially integrated or insertable into a recess 35 provided for the irrigation pipe 28 in the substrate body 2 and has one or more drip openings 16 and at least one on the first pipe section 29 subsequent and essentially outside of

Substrate body 2 extending, second pipe section 30 for supplying water and / or a nutrient solution to the first pipe section 29. Not shown in the figures is an irrigation pipe 28, in which the free end of the second pipe section 30 to a connection to a water and / or

Has nutrient solution supply network. The at least one, preferably cylindrical, recess 35, into which the irrigation tube 28 is at least partially received, can be introduced into the substrate body 2 from the bottom 9, top 8 and / or side surface (s) 10. The at least one recess 35 preferably extends from the respective side 8, 9, 10 in the direction of the receiving region 4 in the substrate body 2. The depth of the

Recess 35 is adapted to the configuration of the substrate body 2 and / or the type of plant and / or the shape and / size of the irrigation pipe 28 or is taken into account in the manufacture of the substrate body 2.

In a preferred embodiment, according to FIGS. 12 and 13, the second pipe section 30 of the irrigation pipe 28 has a free end, which projects into a supply container with water and / or a nutrient solution 33, for water and / or the nutrient solution by means of suppression or suction to be able to transport or lead to the one or more drip opening (s) 16. The, preferably cylindrical, recess 35 in the substrate body 2 is located on the underside 9 of the substrate body 2 and extends along the longitudinal axis LA in the direction of the receiving region 4 of the substrate body 2. As can be seen from FIG. 12, a branch branches on the second tube section 30 Supply line 32 for supplying a gas, in particular air or compressed air, in order to generate a negative pressure or suction in the irrigation pipe 28. The more gas or air supplied to the irrigation pipe, the more water and / or nutrient solution is drawn from the supply container. Due to the generated oppression in

Irrigation pipe 28 is therefore sucked in the water and / or the nutrient solution from the supply container or conveyed or transported in the direction of the drip opening (s) 16. Both the branch of the feed line 32 from the

Irrigation pipe 28 as well as the opening of the free end of the second

Pipe section 30 below the surface 34 of the water and / or

Nutrient solution in the supply container, d. H. the water and / or the

Nutrient solution can penetrate the irrigation tube 28 to a certain height. Due to the rising gas bubbles, in particular air bubbles, in the irrigation pipe 28, the water and / or the nutrient solution is removed from the

Supply container transported or transported in the direction of the one or more drip opening (s) 16. In addition, a cross-sectional constriction can be provided in the irrigation pipe 28 in at least one region in order to achieve a Venturi effect. The supply line of gas, in particular air, is preferably carried out via a central gas supply, not shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in particular compressed air supply, or an air pump or membrane air pump.

In FIG. 14, reference number 1 shows a rooting substrate, the shape of which is essentially frustoconical and has a lattice structure. Furthermore, an irrigation unit 12 is provided with at least one irrigation channel 13, which is preferably ring-shaped or circular and at least one inlet connection 31 with a

Has inlet opening 14 for supplying water and / or a nutrient solution. Furthermore, a handle 25 for holding the rooting substrate 1 is provided on the substrate body 2. The handle 25 can be designed in the form of a U-shaped handle, in which the two free ends of the handle are attached to the substrate body. This creates an optimal handle to grip or hold the rooting substrate 1, for example with a robot gripper. However, other designs of the handle 25 are also conceivable, and in particular in the case of partially or fully automated plants for growing and / or cultivating plants or in fully automated cleanrooms, a handle 25 is often necessary in order to be able to ensure transport by means of robot grippers and / or transport systems . In a further embodiment variant, according to FIGS. 15 to 17, a rooting substrate 1 with a substrate body 2 is shown, the three-dimensional structure 3 of the substrate body 2 being formed by an irregular structure in the manner of a braid. In the braided structure, the individual substrate body sections 19 are designed differently, the substrate body sections 19 differing in particular in their length and / or orientation. In addition, the substrate body sections 19 do not have to be formed in a straight line, rather the substrate body sections 19 can have curvatures and / or bends and / or other non-straight lines. In addition, the branches and / or crossing points at the respective ends of a substrate body section 19 can differ in the number of branching substrate body sections 19, ie at least one, preferably two to six branches can be provided at one end of a substrate body section 19. Accordingly, an arbitrarily complex network of substrate body sections 19 is created, which can be individually adapted to the type of plant 5 and the needs or growth parameters / properties of plant 5. The irregular structure, preferably tangled braid, creates optimal conditions for the roots 6 of the plant 5 or young plant, so that the roots 6 can form an optimal connection, preferably a physical connection, with the substrate body 2, ie the roots 6 can have the three-dimensional structure 3 grow through, anchor yourself in it and grow together in it.

To supply water and / or a nutrient solution, an irrigation unit 12 is provided in FIGS. 14 to 18 with at least one, preferably circular or ring-shaped irrigation channel 13, the irrigation channel 13 having at least one inlet opening 14 through which water and / or a Nutrient solution can be introduced into the at least one irrigation channel 13. Advantageously, at least one

Irrigation channel 13 an inlet port 31 is provided with an inlet opening 14. As already described in the previous exemplary embodiments, the substrate body 2 and / or the folding device 18 and / or the

Irrigation unit 12 can be formed in one piece or in one piece. The fixing is preferably carried out by means of a generative or additive

Manufacturing process. The substrate body 2, according to FIGS. 14 to 17, is essentially frustoconical. In addition, a folding device 18, preferably in the form of a folding ring, can be attached to the substrate body 2. In a special embodiment, the retaining ring is in the lower area of the Substrate body 2, in particular attached to the underside 9 of the substrate body 2. In FIG. 16 it can be seen that the retaining ring is arranged at a distance from the underside 9 of the substrate body 2 and engages around the substrate body 2 on the side surfaces 10. In order to hold the holding device 18 on a holder in a hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system,

To be able to attach the cultivation system or a greening system, at least one, preferably circular, opening 24 is made in the holding device 18. The number of inserted into the holder 18

Openings 24 are in no way limited to one opening 24, rather two or more, in particular two to ten, openings 24 may be introduced into the holding device 18 at a distance from one another.

Figures 17 and 18 relate to a greening system, in particular for

Greening of a building, comprising a receiving unit 26 for receiving at least one rooting substrate 1 and means for fastening to a building, in particular for fastening to a building wall, facade, roof. etc. The rooting substrate 1 received by the receiving unit 26 in FIG. 16 preferably has at least one irrigation unit 12 and a holding device 18. Since the plants 5 in greening systems or

Building greening systems have to withstand external influences or weather influences, it is important that the at least one rooting substrate 1 is held firmly and securely in the receiving unit 26. The rooting substrate 1 is preferably attached to the receiving unit 26 by means of an adhesive, clamp or screw connection.

The greening system according to FIG. 18 differs from that

Greening system of FIG. 17 in that a covering element 27 is additionally provided, which at least partially covers or envelops the rooting substrate 1. Depending on the application, the substrate bodies individually adapted to the plant and / or cultivation method can have a cover element 27 on the top 8 and / or on the side surfaces 10, the cover element 27 preferably serving as a vapor barrier and / or root shield. The cover 27 serves not only as a vapor barrier and / or

Root shielding, but also as a type of protection against external influences such as UV radiation, rain showers, wind, etc. In FIG. 18, the substrate body 2 is located in a receiving unit 26 and is completely covered by the cover element 27. Furthermore, the cover element 27 has at least one opening through which the plant 5 can grow out of the cover element 27. Furthermore, can a further opening can be provided in the cover element 27, through which the inlet connection 31 of the irrigation unit 12 is led out of the cover element 27 or the casing. The cover element 27 can have a wide variety of shapes, the cover element 27 being essentially dependent on the shape of the substrate body 2. The cover element 27 does not necessarily have to be produced by means of a generative or additive manufacturing method, rather the cover element 27 can also be produced by means of a

Injection molding process or another suitable process. For example, when placing a seed in the receiving area 4 of the

Substrate body 2 may be required that the seed may have to be fixed in the receiving area 4 depending on the size and shape (not shown in the figures). In particular, the fixation ensures that the seed is not washed away when irrigation begins. A wide variety of fixatives such as e.g. a bracket, a dissolving one

Holding piece, water-soluble adhesive, etc. are used.

Reference list

1 rooting substrate

2 substrate body

3 structure

4 recording area

5 plant

6 roots

7 breakthroughs / holes / cavities

8 top

9 bottom

10 side surface

11 recess

12 irrigation unit

13 irrigation canal

14 inlet opening

15 outlet opening

16 drip openings

17 planter

18 holding device

19 substrate body portion

20 first irrigation canal section

21 second irrigation canal section

22, 22 ^' third irrigation channel section

23 connector

24 breakthrough

25 handle

26 recording unit

27 cover element

28 irrigation pipe

29 first pipe section

30 second pipe section

31 inlet connection

32 supply line

33 water and / or nutrient solution

34 Surface of the water and / or nutrient solution

35 recess LA longitudinal axis

QA transverse axis

El first level

E2 second level

h height of the substrate body t depth of the recess

b Width of the substrate body section

Claims

1. Rooting substrate (1) for hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting systems, consisting of at least one substrate body (2) with a three-dimensional structure (3) and at least one receiving area (4) for receiving a plant (5) or young plant or a seed, thereby characterized in that the rooting substrate (1) is produced by means of a generative or additive manufacturing process in such a way that a three-dimensional structure (3) with a multiplicity of openings and / or holes and / or cavities (7) for receiving the roots (6) of one Forms plant (5), and that the three-dimensional structure (3) forms an air-permeable structure, which enables the roots (6) of a plant to grow through the substrate body (2) and anchor in the substrate body (2).

2. rooting substrate (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the three-dimensional structure (3) as a uniformly arranged structure, in particular in the form of a diamond, lattice, lattice or network structure, or as a non-uniformly arranged structure, in particular coral or sponge-like or braid-like structure.

3. rooting substrate (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the substrate body (2) extends along a vertical longitudinal axis (LA) and a shape-independent shape or a defined shape, in particular a spherical, pyramid, cuboid , Cube, tetrahedron, cone, truncated cone, cylinder, half cylinder, hollow cylinder or fully toroidal shape.

4. rooting substrate (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized

characterized in that the substrate body (2) has a top (8), a bottom (9) opposite the top (8) and one or more side surfaces (10) connecting the top and bottom (8, 9) and the Openings and / or holes and / or cavities (7) extend from the top (8) and / or bottom (9) and / or the one or more side surface (s) (10) into the substrate body (2).

5. rooting substrate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the at least one receiving area (4) such it is designed that the roots or the seeds of the plant (5) located on the plant (5) rest on the at least one receiving area (4).

6. rooting substrate (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the at least one receiving region (4) by at least one segment of

Top (8) and / or bottom (9) and / or side surface (10) or at least one recess (11) is formed.

7. rooting substrate (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one recess (11) on the top (8) or the bottom (9) or the side surface (10) of the substrate body (2) is introduced.

8. rooting substrate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the at least one substrate body (2) consists of a metal, plastic, ceramic or other generatively or additively applicable material.

9. rooting substrate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the at least one substrate body (2) is formed in one piece.

10. rooting substrate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that an irrigation unit (12) is provided, comprising at least one irrigation channel (13) for supplying or supplying / removing water and / or a nutrient solution.

11. rooting substrate (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one irrigation channel (13) through the substrate body (2) or on the top (8), bottom (9) or one of the

Side surface (s) (10) is arranged and has one or more drip opening (s) (16).

12. rooting substrate (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized

characterized in that the irrigation channel (13) a first

Irrigation channel section (20) for supplying water and / or

Nutrient solution, a second irrigation channel section (21) for draining water and / or a nutrient solution and at least one of the first and a second irrigation channel section (20, 21) connecting third irrigation channel section (22, 22 ^' ).

13. Rooting substrate (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that between the first irrigation channel section (20) and the at least one third irrigation channel section (22, 22 ^' ) and between the second irrigation channel section (21) and the at least one third

Irrigation channel section (22, 22 ^' ) is a node at which the irrigation channel (13) branches or is brought together again.

14. rooting substrate (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized

characterized in that the at least one irrigation channel (13) has an inlet connection (31) for supplying water and / or a nutrient solution.

15. rooting substrate (1) according to claim 10, 11 or 14, characterized

characterized in that the at least one irrigation channel (13) is annular or circular.

16. Rooting substrate (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the at least one irrigation channel (13) of the irrigation unit (12) is designed as an irrigation pipe (28), comprising at least a first pipe section (29) which is at least partially in one for the

Irrigation pipe (28) provided recess (35) in the substrate body (2) is integrated or insertable and has one or more drip opening (s) (16), and at least one on the first pipe section (29)

subsequent, second pipe section (30) for supplying water and / or a nutrient solution to the first pipe section (29).

17. rooting substrate (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that the second pipe section (30) of the irrigation pipe (28) has a free end which enables connection to a water and / or nutrient solution supply network or which in a with water and / or a supply container filled with a nutrient solution protrudes in order to transport water and / or the nutrient solution to the one or more drip opening (s) (16) by means of suppression or suction.

18. Rooting substrate (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that on the second pipe section (30) branches off a supply line (32) for supplying a gas, in particular air or compressed air, in which

Irrigation pipe (28) to generate a vacuum or suction, so that the water and / or the nutrient solution is sucked out of the supply container or conveyed or transported in the direction of the drip opening (s).

19 rooting substrate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fixing means, in particular clamping means, water-soluble adhesive, dissolving pleats, etc., is provided for fixing a seed in the receiving area (4) of the substrate body (2).

20. Rooting substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a folding device (18) is provided on the substrate body (2), by means of which the rooting substrate (1) in a

Folding device (18) receiving device, in particular a receptacle on a planter (17), a receptacle unit (26) for greening buildings, a receptacle in a hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system, a receptacle in a cultivation system, can be positioned and / or attached.

21, rooting substrate (1) according to claim 20, characterized in that in the folding device (18) at least one opening (24) is introduced to the folding device (18) with a the folding device (18) receiving device by means of connecting means such. B. to be able to connect screws, bolts or pins.

22. Rooting substrate (1) according to claim 20 or 21, characterized

characterized in that the folding device (18) on the top (8) or bottom (9) of the substrate body (2) is attached or the folding device

(18) is arranged radially to the longitudinal axis (LA) and surrounds or encloses the substrate body (2) on the side surface (s) (10).

23. Rooting substrate (1) according to claim 22, characterized in that in the folding device (18) at least one opening for growing through

Plant and / or at least one opening for carrying out the

Irrigation unit (12), in particular the inlet connector (31), is introduced.

24. The rooting substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one handle (25) for holding the rooting substrate (1) is attached to the substrate body (2).

25. rooting substrate (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the at least one substrate body (2) and the at least one irrigation unit (12) and / or the holding device (18) and / or the handle (25) are formed in one piece or in one piece.

26. Rooting substrate (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized

characterized in that the rooting substrate (1) is at least partially covered or covered by a cover element (27), in particular by a cover.

27. Hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system with a plant container (17), in particular a net pot or plant basket, and at least one rooting substrate (1) which can be used in the plant container (17) according to one of Claims 1 to 26 or with at least one rooting substrate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 26 and a holding device (18), on which the at least one rooting substrate (1) is arranged and serves to integrate the rooting substrate (1) in a hydroponic, aquaponic or aeroponic planting system.

28. Use of the rooting substrate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 26 as a growth substrate or growth substrate.

29. Greening system for buildings, comprising a receiving unit (26) for receiving the rooting substrate (1) according to one of claims 1 to 26 and a fastening section for fastening the receiving unit (26) to a part of a building, in particular a building wall, facade, roof, or the like .