WO2021107774A1

WO2021107774A1 - System for growing plants

Info

Publication number: WO2021107774A1
Application number: PCT/NL2020/050739
Authority: WO
Inventors: Ralf DERKSEN; Emiel Wilhelmus Johannes BRONSWIJK
Original assignee: Saint-Gobain Cultilène B.V.
Priority date: 2019-11-26
Filing date: 2020-11-25
Publication date: 2021-06-03
Also published as: NL2024313B1

Abstract

A system for growing plants (11) which comprises a cultivation block (2) in combination with a substrate mat (21) on which the cultivation block (2) rests. The system furthermore comprises an active element (24,34,41,51,61) which comprises a packaging containing at least one active substance. The active element (24,34,41,51,61) is provided between the cultivation block (2) and the substrate mat (21).

Description

TITLE: System for growing plants.

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a system for growing plants. When growing plants, such as tomato plants, it is known to use substrate mats resting on cultivation gutters on each of which substrate mats one or more cultivation blocks rest. In a first raising stage of the growing process, plant seeds are grown in a so-called plug. As soon as a seedling of a certain height has grown from the plant seeds, the plugs containing the seedlings growing therein are placed in recesses provided in the upper sides of the cultivation blocks, the so-called plug holes. Prior to this, the cultivation blocks have been wetted through. The seedlings will subsequently continue to grow with the roots of the seedlings continuing to grow in the material, such as for example rock wool, of the cultivation blocks. The four sides of the cultivation blocks are, for example, enveloped in a film-like material. Once the plants have reached a certain size, the cultivation blocks comprising the plants growing therein are placed on the substrate mats at the location of openings provided for the purpose in the film-like packaging of the substrate mats for each cultivation block at the start of the maturing stage following the raising stage. The substrate mats are also wetted through beforehand. The plants then continue to grow, with the roots growing through the abovementioned openings in the material of the substrate mats, such as for example rock wool.

In order for the plants to grow, water is supplied to the roots, both during the raising stage and during the maturing stage. During the raising stage, this is done, for example, by allowing water to flow in ducts provided in the underside of the cultivation blocks. This may be carried out, for example, according to an ebb and flood principle, in which a layer of water is provided on a surface and the water is removed again after a certain period of time. The ducts on an underside of the cultivation blocks allow a good supply and removal of water. During the maturing stage, drippers are used to this end which are placed in the top side of the growing blocks. On account of the force of gravity, the water will descend downwards through the materials of the cultivation blocks and substrate mats used. The water which has not been absorbed by the roots of the plants then escapes from the packagings of the substrate mats via outlet openings provided for the purpose in the packagings of the substrate mats. In order to stimulate good growth of the plants, it is known to add nutrients to the water during the raising stage as well as during the maturing stage. In addition, it is known to spread or spray nutrients or other active substances in the form of granules, for example carbon granules, or as powders or as a liquid onto the substrate mats at the location of the openings before placing the cultivation blocks onto these openings. It is also known to spread such granules in the plug hole before inserting the plug therein.

Adding nutrients or other active substances to the water has the drawback that a considerable amount of these substances is not absorbed by the roots and leaves the material of the cultivation blocks and/or substrate mats unused, together with the water. The drawback of spreading the abovementioned granules is that, in practice, these are not dosed in the correct amount and/or not uniformly and that spreading is, in addition, labour-intensive. T oo many or too few granules may have detrimental effects on the plants and, in addition, result in increased/unnecessary costs.

It is an object of the invention to provide a system as mentioned in the preamble by means of which it is possible to supply active substances to the roots of the plants in a more efficient way, the invention being usable during the raising stage and during the maturing stage. This improved efficiency may, inter alia, also relate to the uniformity of the dosing of active substances to the plants, to the location of supply, which may result, for example, to a more direct absorption of substances by the roots of the plant and/or to a less labour-intensive and/or time-saving way of supply. This may be done directly, for example by making nutrients available, but also indirectly, for example by improving the soil quality by making a soil improver available. To this end, the invention provides a system according to Claim 1. The system according to the invention results in an increased efficiency in the supply of active substances to the roots of the plants compared to known systems.

The following definitions are used in the present description. Other terms which are not described below have the generally accepted meaning in the field.

“Substrate” as used in the present description means: an artificial medium for growing plants. Substrate material may be, for example, rock wool, wood fibre, coconut fibre, glass wool.

“Active substance” as used in the present description means: a substance selected from the group of plant biostimulants, crop protection products, soil improvers, fertilizers, liming agents, growth regulator or a combination thereof. The active substance is preferably natural in origin.

“Plant biostimulant” or “biostimulant” as used in the present description means: a fertilizing product which stimulates the developmental processes of a plant, irrespective of the nutrient content of the product. Action as a biostimulant may include: improving the efficiency of the use by the plant of nutrients; increasing the tolerance of the plant to a-biotic stress, such as drought, silting; improving the overall quality of the plant. A biostimulant may be microbial or non-microbial. Examples of biostimulants are silicon, carbon or active carbon, extracts of seaweed and/or algae, humic acids, proteins, amino acids, chitin and compost. There is a certain degree of overlap between the definitions of biostimulants and crop protection products.

“Crop protection product” as used in the present description means: means which is intended for one of the following applications: the protection of plants or plant products against all harmful organisms; influencing the life processes of plants, such as influencing their growth insofar as this does not involve nutritional substances; the storage of plant products; the destruction of undesired plants or parts of plants; and the restriction or prevention of undesired growth of plants.

“Soil improver” as used in the present description means: a substance or micro-organism which is provided in order to maintain, improve and/or protect, inter alia, physical and chemical properties of the soil, soil structure and soil biological activity. A soil improver may be organic or inorganic. An organic soil improver may be microbial or non-microbial. Examples of a soil improver are leonardite and brown coal (also referred to as lignite).

“Fertilizer” as used in the present description means: nutrient (nutritional substance) of biological or non-biological origin to stimulate the growth of crops. Examples of fertilizer are compost, animal manure (for example cow manure, pig manure or worm manure) or chemical fertilizer. A fertilizer may comprise one or more main elements (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sulphur and/or magnesium) and/or trace elements (iron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, boron and/or manganese).

“Liming agent” as used in the present description means: lime or lime- containing substance. Lime is a designation for a number of alkaline calcium salts, such as calcium oxide, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate and calcium hydrogen carbonate. Lime occurs in nature in the form of calcium carbonate. Liming serves to counter the effects of acidification or to keep the pH above a certain threshold.

“Growth regulators” as used in the present description means: a protein or hormone which can cause certain activities to diminish. An example of a growth regulator is chlormequat (CAS number 7003-89-6), for example in the form of chlormequat chloride. Chlormequat is commercially available, for example, under the name Cycocel® 75 by BASF, but also under the names Belcocel 750, Cycofix 750, Stabilar 750 and Jadex O 720. Another example of a growth regulator is daminozide (CAS number 1596-84-5), commercially available for example under the names Alar, B-NINE and Dazide Enhance. Another example of a growth regulator is paclobutrazol (CAS number 76738-62-0), commercially available for example under the name Bonzi or Pirouette. Preferably, chlormequat is chosen as the growth regulator.

In an embodiment, the packaging is at least partly made of a packaging material which is penetrable by roots of a plant. In such an embodiment, the at least one active substance will at least substantially remain in the packaging, even after the roots have penetrated the packaging material. The roots will then grow inside the packaging in the direct vicinity of the at least one active substance and be able to profit efficiently of the activity of the at least one active substance.

The penetrable packaging material is preferably penetrable by roots within a week, more preferably within 3 days. Such a penetrability may be achieved, for example, if the packaging material has passages which are of a size which is, on the one hand, sufficiently large to offer the roots sufficient space to grow out them and, on the other hand, not be so large that the at least one active substance could escape from the packaging. In this case, such a situation may be achieved if the packaging material has a permeability to air of between 2000 and 4000 L/m2 * seg, preferably 2500 and 3700 L/m2 * seg, more preferably between 2750 and 3450 L/m2 * seg, measured at a pressure of 200 Pa, in accordance with ISO 9237:1996.

An alternative way to be able to achieve that the roots and the at least one active substance can come into direct contact or at least in close proximity of each other may be provided if the packaging is at least partly made of a packaging material which is soluble in water. In use, dissolving the packaging material may advantageously take place by supplying water to a cultivation block and/or a substrate mat, as is already known per se in practice. After the packaging has dissolved, the at least one active substance will be able to spread in the material of the cultivation block and/or of the substrate, typically because of the water which flows through the cultivation block and/or the substrate.

In this case, a suitable embodiment of the packaging material may be obtained, for example, if the packaging material comprises a water-soluble polymer, such as a polymer comprising polyvinyl alcohol.

In an embodiment, the packaging comprises two sheet-type packaging parts which are connected to each other near their respective peripheral edges. Such an active element can easily be produced in a manner which is generally known for the production of disc-shaped coffee pads or at least in a way which is similar thereto.

The advantageous effects of the system according to the invention can be achieved in particular if the at least one active substance is chosen from the group of plant biostimulants, crop protection products, soil improvers, fertilizers, liming agents, growth regulators or a combination thereof.

In case the at least one active substance comprises a plant biostimulant, this may advantageously be chosen from the group consisting of silicon, carbon or active carbon, extracts of seaweed and/or algae, humic acids, proteins, amino acids, chitin, compost and minerals.

In general, it is true that the at least one active substance may preferably comprise at least carbon.

In a further embodiment, the system comprises a cultivation block in combination with a substrate mat on which the cultivation block rests, wherein the active element is provided between the cultivation block and the substrate mat.

In this case, it is furthermore possible for a recess to be provided in the side of the substrate mat facing the cultivation block and/or in the side of the cultivation block facing the substrate mat, in which recess the active element is placed. The respective recess(es) thus offer a space for accommodating the active element. In particular in case the recess(es) are provided in both the substrate mat and in the cultivation block, the active element may also serve as a positioning element in order to place the cultivation block at the correct position on the substrate mat.

In a further embodiment, a recess is provided in the side of the cultivation block facing the substrate mat into which recess the active element is at least partly placed, wherein the periphery of this recess, viewed in top view, at least partly corresponds to the periphery of the active element, viewed in top view. In this way, the active element may, at least viewed in top view, have a relatively large surface, as a result of which the chance that roots of a plant will grow through the at least one active substance is likewise large.

In order to maximize the abovementioned chance, in a further embodiment, the periphery of the recess, viewed in top view, completely corresponds to the periphery of the active element, viewed in top view.

In a possible embodiment, the cultivation block is provided, on the side facing the substrate mat, with at least one continuous groove which is delimited on the mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs, with the groove at least partly forming the recess provided in the cultivation block. Such cultivation blocks which have a number of parallel continuous grooves are already known per se. With the system according to the invention, the respective grooves may be used to accommodate, optionally partly, active elements therein.

In a specific embodiment, the cultivation block is provided, on the side facing the substrate mat, with a single continuous groove, i.e. not two or more continuous grooves, which is delimited on mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs which are situated on mutually opposite sides of the cultivation block, wherein the groove at least partly forms the recess provided in the cultivation block. In this way, the active element may have a relatively large surface, as a result of which the chance that roots of a plant will grow through the at least one active substance is likewise large.

In the context of the latter, in an embodiment, the surface of the two supporting ribs is smaller, viewed in top view, than the surface of the single continuous groove, viewed in top view.

In a further embodiment, the cultivation block is provided with a continuous groove on the side facing the substrate mat which is delimited on mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs wherein the recess extends at least partly in the upper plane of the groove. In this way, it is possible, for example if the substrate mat is not provided with a recess for partly accommodating an active element therein, to make the active element thicker/higher than the height of the continuous groove.

A practical embodiment may be achieved if the active element has a flat shape. The expression flat shape is understood to mean that the size of the height of the active element is at most 25 %, preferably at most 15 %, of the smallest dimension of the active element, viewed in a direction at right angles to the principal plane. In this context, the active element may be, for example, strip-shaped or plate shaped.

In general, the active element may, in top view, have a rectangular, such as square, shape, which design may complement the design of a cultivation block well.

Alternatively, the active element may, in top view, also have a round shape.

Partly depending on the composition of the at least one active substance, the weight of the at least one active substance may be between 2 grams and 200 grams, preferably between 5 and 100 grams, and more preferably between 20 grams and 50 grams, such as for example 30 grams.

In another aspect, the system comprises a cultivation block in combination with a plug which is placed in a recess of the cultivation block and in which a plant grows, wherein the active element is provided between the cultivation block and the plug. In this way, the invention may also be useful when cultivating a seedling in a cultivation block.

In this situation, the weight of the at least one active substance is preferably between 0.5 grams and 20 grams and more preferably between 3 grams and 10 grams.

The present invention also relates to a cultivation block for use in a system according to the invention, as described above. On an underside thereof, the cultivation block is provided with a single continuous groove which is delimited on mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs which are situated on two mutually opposite sides of the cultivation block.

Optionally in combination with the preceding embodiment, the cultivation block may be provided on an underside thereof with a round or at least partly round recess, for example in the form of a segment of a sphere, for at least partly accommodating an active element having a round cross section therein.

The present invention also relates to a substrate mat for use in a system according to the invention, which substrate mat is provided on a top side thereof with at least one recess for at least partly accommodating an active element therein.

The respective recess in the top side of the substrate mat may be round, for example in the form of segment of a sphere or at least partly round, or may be rectangular, depending on the form of the active element with which the substrate mat is intended to be combined.

In a practical embodiment, the substrate mat is provided on all sides with a packaging, such as typically with a film-like plastic material.

In this case, the packaging is preferably provided with an opening in which the rectangular or round or partly round recess in the substrate mat extends. The opening may be provided, for example, by creating perforated edges along the periphery of the surface of the material of the packaging where the opening has to be produced, as a result of which the material of the packaging can be torn apart on the inside of these perforated edges in order to create the respective opening.

The invention furthermore provides an active element for use in a system according to the invention as described above.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The present invention is furthermore described with reference to the attached figures which show possible embodiments of the present invention and in which similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements.

Figs. 2 tot 6 show an isometric view of five embodiments, respectively, of the system according to the invention.

Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of another aspect of the system, namely in a first phase of growth.

System 1 according to Fig. 1 comprises a cultivation block 2, a plug 3 and an active element 4. The cultivation block 2 has four upright sides 5a-5d, each also denotable by reference numeral 5, a top surface 6 and a bottom surface 7. Adjacent surfaces 5-7 are oriented at right angles to each other. The surfaces 5-7 each have a square shape, with the sides of the square shape having a length of 10 cm. Cultivation block 2 is made of rock wool, wherein a plastic film is wound around the sides 5 which prevents or at least reduces the risk of roots from a plant 11 growing out of the cultivation block 2 via one of the sides 5. Top surface 6 and bottom surface 7 are free from such film material.

In the middle of the top surface 6, a cylindrical recess 8 is provided having a length L and a diameter D of 28 mm. A continuous groove 9 is provided in the bottom surface 7 which extends between the sides 5b and 5d and has a width B. On its longitudinal sides, groove 9 is delimited by supporting ribs 10a, 10b, which each have a width b. The size of B is larger than twice the size of b.

Plug 3, which is also made of rock wool, is cylindrical in shape and has a length I and a diameter d. The sizes of D and d are substantially equal, so that plug 3 fits into recess 8. A plant 11 grows in the top side of plug 3, for which purpose a plant seed was placed in plug 3 by a cultivator at an earlier stage.

The active element 4 is disc-shaped and has a height h and a diameter which is equal to diameter d of plug 3 and thus to diameter D of recess 8. When added together, height h of active element 4 and length I of plug 3 are equal to the size of the length L of recess 8 in cultivation block 2. Active element 4 will be described in more detail below. For the time being, the description that the active element 4 comprises a packaging containing at least one active substance will have to suffice. This also applies to the active elements 24, 34, 41 , 51 and 61 which are yet to be described below.

In use, the active element 4 with the plug 3 on top which contains plant 11 growing therein is placed in recess 8, so that the active element 4 adjoins the bottom of recess 8 and the top side of plug 3 is level with top surface 6 of cultivation block 2. From this situation, it is possible for the roots of plant 11 to continue to grow from plug 3 into the material of cultivation block 2. In this case, these roots may also grow through the active element 4 or at least through the at least one active substance which active element 4 comprises. While thus cultivating plant 11 further, the cultivation block 2, by means of supporting ribs 10a, 10b, rests on a surface over which water flows regularly in the length direction of groove 9 according to an ebb/flood principle, in which case groove 9 acts as a flow passage and water can be supplied to the cultivation block 2 and thus to the roots of plant 11 via the underside of cultivation block 2.

Fig. 2 relates to a later stage of growth of plant 11 in which a substrate mat 21 is also used. Substrate mat 21 is likewise made of rock wool, has an elongate shape, of which only a part of the length is shown in Fig. 2 and which is packaged in a film-like plastic packaging 22 which surrounds the rock wool material on all sides.

In use, the cultivation block 2 is placed on the substrate mat 21. On that part of the surface of the top side of substrate mat 21 on which the cultivation block 2 rests on the substrate mat 21 , the film-like packaging material of substrate mat 21 has been removed, so that the rock wool of the substrate mat 21 at this position comes in direct contact with the rock wool of the cultivation block 2 on the underside thereof, more specifically with the undersides of supporting ribs 10a, 10b. In addition, in the area of recess 9, an equally large recess 23 is provided in the rock wool material.

The system furthermore comprises an active element 24 which, in top view, has the same shape and size as groove 9 or recess 23. The thickness/height H of the active element 24 is equal to the sum of the height hi of groove 9 and the height h2 of recess 23.

Based on the above description, it will be clear that the active element 24 can be placed in recess 23 and that the cultivation block 2 can be placed on the substrate mat 21 , in which case the underside of the active element 24 rests on the bottom of recess 23 and the top side of active element 24 bears against the top side of groove 9. Active element 24 thus serves, inter alia, to position the cultivation block 2 correctly with respect to substrate mat 21 , on the one hand due to the matching configuration of the active element 24 and, on the other hand, the groove 9 and recess 23. From this situation, the roots of plant 11 can grow further into the rock wool of the substrate mat 21 via the underside of cultivation block 2. These roots may grow through the active element 24 or at least through the at least one active substance of the active element 24.

In a variant of the embodiment from Fig. 2, the use of a recess 23 may be omitted, in which case the thickness D of the active element 24 is chosen to be equal to the height hi of groove 9. Furthermore alternatively, it is also possible to omit a groove 9 into which the active element 24 partly fits and to make the thickness D of the active element 24 and the height h2 of recess 23 equal.

In yet a further alternative embodiment, it is also possible neither to use a groove 9 into which the active element 24 (partly) fits nor to use a recess 23, but to make the active element 24 larger, mainly so that the active element 24, in top view, has the same shape and dimensions as the cultivation block 2, so that the cultivation block 2, by means of the supporting ribs 10a, 10b, can rest on the active element, but the entire underside of active element 24 itself rests on the exposed rock wool material of the substrate mat 21.

Although the above description of Fig. 2 mentions the presence of an active element 4 between plug 3 and cultivation block 2, this is not necessary within the context of the present invention. As such, the use of an active element 24 between the cultivation block 2 and the substrate mat 21 per se also falls within the scope of the inventive idea.

The embodiments to be described with reference to Figs. 3 to 6 differ from the embodiment in Fig. 3 with regard to the embodiment of the respective cultivation block corresponding to the cultivation block 24 and, related thereto, to the design of the underside of the cultivation block used and the top side of the substrate mat used.

The embodiment from Fig. 3 uses two active elements 34 instead of a single active element 24. Each of the active elements 34 fits, at least by a part of the height thereof, into one of the two grooves 35 which are provided on the underside of cultivation block 36. Between the grooves 35, a central support rib 37 is provided. The advantage according to the embodiment from Fig. 3 is that this can be used with cultivation blocks which are known per se, since a cultivation block 36 having two (or three) grooves on the underside, such as grooves 35, is known per se. In the embodiment from Fig. 3, two recesses 38 are furthermore provided in the rock wool material of substrate mat 39 in which the respective active elements 34 can be (partly) accommodated.

With the embodiment from Fig. 4, the active element 41 used, which is used between cultivation block 42 and substrate mat 43, is disc shaped. The diameter D of the active element 41 is equal to the width B of groove 44. In the top side of the substrate mat 43, a disc-shaped recess 45 is provided. The sum of the height hi of groove 44 and the height h2 of recess 45 is smaller than the height H of the active element 41. In order to nevertheless provide sufficient space for the active element 41 , a further round recess 46 with height h3 is provided in the top surface of groove 44, so that the sum of hi , h2 and h3 equals H.

The embodiment from Fig. 5 uses a disc-shaped active element 51 , just like the embodiment from Fig. 4. The diameter D of the active element 51 is larger than the width B of groove 52 on the underside of cultivation block 53. In order to nevertheless provide space for the active element 51 arc-shaped recesses 55a, 55b are provided on mutually facing sides of the supporting ribs 54a, 54b which delimit groove 52 on mutually opposite sides. The height H of the active element 51 equals the sum of the height hi of groove 52 and the height h2 of recess 56 in the top side of substrate mat 57. The diameter of the recess 56 is equal to diameter D of the active element 51.

In the embodiment from Fig. 6, the active element 61 has the form of two mirrored segments of a sphere provided opposite each other. In the top surface of groove 62, on the underside of cultivation block 63, and on the top side of substrate mat 64 respective recesses 65, 66 in the shape of segments of a sphere are provided, so that space is made for active element 61 between substrate mat 64 and cultivation block 63 in the situation in which cultivation block 63 rests on the substrate mat 64.

The above-described active elements 4, 24, 34, 41 , 51 and 61 each comprise, as has already been indicated, a packaging containing at least one active substance.

In this case, the material of the packaging is such that roots of plant 11 are given the chance to grow through the at least one active substance. Thus, it is possible to bring the roots in direct contact with the at least one active substance or to enable the roots to grow in the immediate surroundings of the at least one active substance. In this way, plant 11 is able to make efficient use of the effectiveness of the active substance.

The material of the packaging may comprise passages which make it possible for the roots to grow through these passages. On the one hand, the passages have to be large enough to offer sufficient space to the roots, but, on the other hand, they should not be so large that the active substance can escape from the packaging via these passages at an undesirable moment, for example even before the respective active element 4, 24, 34, 41 , 51 or 61 has been fitted between plug 3 and cultivation block 2, 36, 42, 53 or 63 or between cultivation block 2, 36, 42, 53 or 63 and substrate mat 21 , 39, 43, 57 or 64, respectively. It has been found that the abovementioned boundary conditions can be met if the material of the packaging has a permeability to air of between 2000 and 4000 L/m²* seg, preferably 2500 and 3700 L/m2 * seg, more preferably between 2750 and 3450 L/m2 * seg, for example 3000 L/m2 * seg. The thickness of the material is between 50 and 500 microns, preferably 100 and 300 microns, for example 200 microns.

Alternatively, the roots are also given the possibility to grow through the at least one active substance of the respective active element 4, 24, 34, 41 , 51 and 61 if the material of the packaging of the active element is water-soluble. In this case, use is made of the fact that both during raising and during maturation of plants water is regularly supplied to the respective cultivation block and the respective substrate mat, to a degree such that the material of the cultivation block and the substrate mat is saturated with water. Under these circumstances, the packaging of the active element will dissolve and thus disappear, as a result of which the contents of the packaging or the at least one active substance of the respective active element will be directly accessible and penetrable to the roots of the respective plant.

In an embodiment, the packaging material is a fine gauze which comprises or is made of polylactic acid (also known as polylactide or PLA) and/or polymer resin. This material is biodegradable and biocompatible. It may be prepared from starch, for example from maize starch or sugar cane.

In an embodiment, the packaging material comprises or is made of gelatine. Gelatine is a protein product which is prepared by partial hydrolysis of collagen. The gelatine stems from, for example, pigs, cows (calves), poultry or fish.

In an embodiment, the packaging material comprises or is made of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and/or pullulan. Hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) is also referred to as hypromellose and is a polymer prepared from cellulose. Pullulan is a polysaccharide, mainly consisting of maltotriose units.

The at least one active substance of the active element is chosen from the group of plant biostimulants, crop protection products, soil improvers, fertilizers, liming agents, growth regulators or a combination thereof. The at least one active substance is, for example, a plant biostimulant, chosen from the group consisting of silicon, carbon or active carbon, extracts of seaweed and/or algae, humic acids, proteins, amino acids, chitin, compost and minerals, with the at least one active substance preferably at least comprising carbon. Such substances may contribute to improved growth of the plant whose roots grow through the latter or at least in the vicinity thereof.

Other variants of the disclosed embodiments may be understood and used by the person skilled in the art when using the present invention, from studying the figures, the description and the attached claims. In the claims, the term ‘comprise’ does not exclude other elements or steps and the indefinite article 'a(n)’ does not exclude the plural.

The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the attached claims. One or more objects of the invention are achieved by the attached claims. CLAUSES

The following clauses define various aspects and embodiments of the invention.

1. System for growing plants, comprising a cultivation block in combination with a plug which is placed in a recess of the cultivation block and in which a plant grows and/or in combination with a substrate mat on which the cultivation block rests, as well as an active element which comprises a packaging containing at least one active substance, wherein the active element is provided between the cultivation block and the plug or between the cultivation block and the substrate mat.

2. System according to clause 1 , wherein the packaging is at least partly made of a packaging material which is penetrable by roots of a plant.

3. System according to clause 2, wherein the packaging material has a permeability to air of between 2000 and 4000 L/m² * seg, preferably between 2500 and 3700 L/m² * seg, preferably between 2750 and 3450 L/m² * seg.

4. System according to clause 1 , wherein the packaging is at least partly made of a packaging material which is water-soluble.

5. System according to clause 4, wherein the packaging material comprises a water-soluble polymer.

6. System according to clause 5, wherein the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

7. System according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the packaging comprises two sheet-type packaging parts which are connected to each other near their respective peripheral edges.

8. System according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one active substance is chosen from the group of plant biostimulants, crop protection products, soil improvers, fertilizers, liming agents, growth regulators or a combination thereof. 9. System according to clause 8, wherein the at least one active substance comprises a plant biostimulant which is chosen from the group consisting of silicon, carbon or active carbon, extracts of seaweed and/or algae, humic acids, proteins, amino acids, chitin, compost and minerals.

10. System according to clause 8 or 9, wherein the at least one active substance comprises at least carbon.

11. System according to one of the preceding clauses, comprising a cultivation block in combination with a substrate mat on which the cultivation block rests, wherein the active element is provided between the cultivation block and the substrate mat.

12. System according to clause 11 , wherein a recess is provided in the side of the substrate mat facing the cultivation block and/or in the side of the cultivation block facing the substrate mat, in which recess the active element is placed.

13. System according to clause 12, wherein a recess is provided in the side of the cultivation block facing the substrate mat into which recess the active element is at least partly placed, wherein the periphery of this recess, viewed in top view, at least partly corresponds to the periphery of the active element, viewed in top view.

14. System according to clause 12 or 13, wherein the periphery(-ies) of the recess(es), viewed in top view, corresponds/correspond completely with the periphery of the active element, viewed in top view.

15. System according to clause 13 or 14, wherein the cultivation block is provided, on the side facing the substrate mat, with at least one continuous groove which is delimited on the mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs, with the groove at least partly forming the recess provided in the cultivation block. 16. System according to clause 13, 14 or 15, wherein the cultivation block is provided, on the side facing the substrate mat, with a single continuous groove which is delimited on mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs which are situated on mutually opposite sides of the cultivation block, wherein the groove at least partly forms the recess provided in the cultivation block.

17. System according to clause 16, wherein the surface of the two supporting ribs, viewed in top view, is smaller than the surface of the single continuous groove, viewed in top view.

18. System according to one of clauses 15, 16 or 17, wherein the cultivation block, on the side facing the substrate mat, is provided with a continuous groove which is delimited on mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs wherein the recess extends at least partly in the top surface of the groove.

19. System according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the active element has a flat shape.

20. System according to one of the preceding clauses, wherein the active element, in top view, has a rectangular, such as square, shape.

21. System according to one of clauses 1 to 19, wherein the active element, in top view, has a round shape.

22. System according to one of clauses 11 to 21, wherein the weight of the at least one active substance is between 2 grams and 200 grams, preferably between 5 and 100 grams, and more preferably between 20 grams and 50 grams.

23. System according to one of clauses 1 to 10, comprising a cultivation block in combination with a plug which is placed in a recess of the cultivation block and in which a plant grows, wherein the active element is provided between the cultivation block and the plug. 24. System according to clause 23, wherein the weight of the at least one active substance is between 0.5 grams and 20 grams and more preferably between 3 grams and 10 grams.

25. Cultivation block for use in a system according to one of clauses 1 to 24, which cultivation block, on an underside thereof, is provided with a single continuous groove which is delimited on mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs which are situated on two mutually opposite sides of the cultivation block.

26. Cultivation block, for example according to clause 25, for use in a system according to one of clauses 1 to 24, which cultivation block is provided, on an underside thereof, with a round or at least partly round recess for at least partly accommodating an active element having a round cross section therein.

27. Cultivation block according to clause 26, wherein the recess is in the form of a segment of a sphere.

28. Substrate mat for use in a system according to one of clauses 1 to 24, which substrate mat is provided, on a top side thereof, with at least one recess for at least partly accommodating an active element therein.

29. Substrate mat according to clause 28, wherein the recess is round or at least partly round on the top side thereof.

30. Substrate mat according to clause 29, wherein the recess is in the form of a segment of a sphere.

31 Substrate mat according to clause 28, wherein the recess is rectangular on the top side thereof.

32. Substrate mat according to one of clauses 28 to 31 , wherein the substrate mat is provided with a packaging on all sides. 33. Substrate mat according to clause 32, wherein an opening is provided in the packaging in which the rectangular or round or partly round recess in the substrate mat extends. 34. Active element for use in a system according to one of clauses 1 to

33, comprising a packaging containing at least one active substance.

Claims

1. System for growing plants, comprising a cultivation block in combination with a substrate mat on which the cultivation block rests, as well as an active element which comprises a packaging containing at least one active substance, wherein the active element is provided between the cultivation block and the substrate mat.

2. System according to Claim 1 , wherein the packaging is at least partly made of a packaging material which is penetrable by roots of a plant.

3. System according to Claim 2, wherein the packaging material has a permeability to air of between 2000 and 4000 L/m² * seg, preferably between 2500 and 3700 L/m² * seg, preferably between 2750 and 3450 L/m² * seg.

4. System according to Claim 1, wherein the packaging is at least partly made of a packaging material which is water-soluble.

5. System according to Claim 4, wherein the packaging material comprises a water- soluble polymer.

6. System according to Claim 5, wherein the polymer comprises polyvinyl alcohol.

7. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the packaging comprises two sheet-type packaging parts which are connected to each other near their respective peripheral edges.

8. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one active substance is chosen from the group of plant biostimulants, crop protection products, soil improvers, fertilizers, liming agents, growth regulators or a combination thereof.

9. System according to Claim 8, wherein the at least one active substance comprises a plant biostimulant which is chosen from the group consisting of silicon, carbon or active carbon, extracts of seaweed and/or algae, humic acids, proteins, amino acids, chitin, compost and minerals.

10. System according to Claim 8 or 9, wherein the at least one active substance comprises at least carbon.

11. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a recess is provided in the side of the substrate mat facing the cultivation block and/or in the side of the cultivation block facing the substrate mat, in which recess the active element is placed.

12. System according to Claim 11 , wherein a recess is provided in the side of the cultivation block facing the substrate mat, in which recess the active element is at least partly placed, wherein the periphery of this recess, viewed in top view, at least partly corresponds to the periphery of the active element, viewed in top view.

13. System according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the periphery(-ies) of the recess(es), viewed in top view, corresponds/correspond completely with the periphery of the active element, viewed in top view.

14. System according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein the cultivation block is provided, on the side facing the substrate mat, with at least one continuous groove which is delimited on the mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs, with the groove at least partly forming the recess provided in the cultivation block.

15. System according to Claim 12, 13 or 14, wherein the cultivation block is provided, on the side facing the substrate mat, with a single continuous groove which is delimited on mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs which are situated on mutually opposite sides of the cultivation block, wherein the groove at least partly forms the recess provided in the cultivation block.

16. System according to Claim 15, wherein the surface of the two supporting ribs, viewed in top view, is smaller than the surface of the single continuous groove, viewed in top view.

17. System according to one of Claims 14, 15 or 16, wherein the cultivation block, on the side facing the substrate mat, is provided with a continuous groove which is delimited on mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs wherein the recess extends at least partly in the top surface of the groove.

18. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the active element has a flat shape.

19. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the active element, in top view, has a rectangular, such as square, shape.

20. System according to one of Claims 1 to 18, wherein the active element, in top view, has a round shape.

21. System according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the weight of the at least one active substance is between 2 grams and 200 grams, preferably between 5 and 100 grams, and more preferably between 20 grams and 50 grams.

22. Cultivation block for use in a system according to one of Claims 1 to 21 , which cultivation block, on an underside thereof, is provided with a single continuous groove which is delimited on mutually opposite sides thereof by supporting ribs which are situated on two mutually opposite sides of the cultivation block.

23. Cultivation block, for example according to Claim 22, for use in a system according to one of Claims 1 to 21 , which cultivation block is provided, on an underside thereof, with a round or at least partly round recess for at least partly accommodating an active element having a round cross section therein.

24. Cultivation block according to Claim 23, wherein the recess is in the form of a segment of a sphere.

25. Substrate mat for use in a system according to one of Claims 1 to 21 , which substrate mat is provided, on a top side thereof, with at least one recess for at least partly accommodating an active element therein.

26. Substrate mat according to Claim 25, wherein the recess is round or at least partly round on the top side thereof.

27. Substrate mat according to Claim 26, wherein the recess is in the form of a segment of a sphere.

28. Substrate mat according to Claim 25, wherein the recess is rectangular on the top side thereof.

29. Substrate mat according to one of Claims 25 to 28, wherein the substrate mat is provided with a packaging on all sides.

30. Substrate mat according to Claim 29, wherein an opening is provided in the packaging in which the rectangular or round or partly round recess in the substrate mat extends.

31. Active element for use in a system according to one of Claims 1 to 30, comprising a packaging containing at least one active substance.