WO2021145126A1

WO2021145126A1 - Plant cultivation method

Info

Publication number: WO2021145126A1
Application number: PCT/JP2020/047010
Authority: WO
Inventors: 理一郎岡; 宇佐美　由久; 正裕北島
Original assignee: 株式会社ファームシップ
Priority date: 2020-01-15
Filing date: 2020-12-16
Publication date: 2021-07-22
Also published as: JPWO2021145126A1

Abstract

The purpose of the present invention is to facilitate cultivation of a plant using a nutrient liquid stored in a container.　In this plant cultivation method, a nutrient liquid 20 stored in a container 10 is retained in the container 20, an individual plant P is cultivated while at least a portion of the plant P is retained within the container 10, and at least a portion of the nutrient liquid 20 in the container 10 is replaced with fresh nutrient liquid during the cultivation period of the plant P.

Description

Plant cultivation method

The present invention relates to a plant cultivation method.

In hydroponics of plants, plants may be cultivated with a part of the plant in a container containing nutrient solution. In such a method, in order to carry out efficient cultivation, a tray-shaped container is placed on each stage of a multi-stage cultivation shelf to store nutrient solution in the container, and the plant to be cultivated (specifically, specifically). Seedlings) may be lined up. In this case, the nutrient solution in the container is generally circulated by a circulation device (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In Patent Document 1, a nutrient solution tank is installed at the bottom of the cultivation shelf, and a pipe for supplying nutrient solution is laid from a pump connected to the nutrient solution tank to a container at each stage of the cultivation shelf. In addition, pipes for returning from each container to the nutrient solution tank are also laid.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-136919

However, when the nutrient solution in the container is circulated as in the technique described in Patent Document 1, the amount of the nutrient solution used increases by the amount of the nutrient solution flowing in the circulation path. In addition, since liquid feeding equipment such as a pump and piping are required, the equipment cost increases. Further, in hydroponics in which the nutrient solution is circulated, it becomes difficult to remove unnecessary components (for example, organic acids such as citric acid) that the plant discharges into the nutrient solution during the cultivation process.
The above-mentioned problems become more remarkable as the number of plants cultivated in one container increases.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to solve the problems of the above-mentioned prior art, that is, to more easily cultivate a plant using a nutrient solution stored in a container. To do.

In order to achieve the above object, in the plant cultivation method of the present invention, the nutrient solution stored in the container is kept in the container, and the plant is cultivated in a state where at least a part of one individual plant is put in the container. It is characterized in that at least a part of the nutrient solution in the container is replaced with a new nutrient solution during the cultivation period of the plant.
According to the above method, since it is not necessary to circulate the nutrient solution in the container, it is not necessary to install a pump, a pipe, or the like for circulating the nutrient solution, and it is not necessary to manage these devices. Further, since one plant is cultivated in the container, the amount of the nutrient solution stored in one container is relatively small, and the nutrient solution in the container can be easily replaced. As described above, it becomes possible to more easily cultivate a plant using the nutrient solution stored in the container.

Further, in the plant cultivation method of the present invention, at least a part of the nutrient solution in the container may be discharged from the container and a new nutrient solution may be supplied into the container in order to exchange the nutrient solution during the cultivation period. .. According to such a procedure, the nutrient solution in the container can be replaced more easily.

Further, in the plant cultivation method of the present invention, 50% wt or more of the nutrient solution in the container may be replaced with a new nutrient solution. Preferably, the amount of 90% wt or more is exchanged, more preferably the amount of 95% wt or more is exchanged, and particularly preferably the whole amount (a very small amount of nutrient solution remains in the container). It is better to replace (including the case).

Further, in the plant cultivation method of the present invention, the nutrient solution may be exchanged a plurality of times during the cultivation period of one individual plant in one container. At this time, it is preferable to change the nutrient solution exchange interval during the cultivation period according to the growth status of the plant. In this case, the nutrient solution can be appropriately exchanged according to the growth of the plant, and as a result, the plant can be cultivated more appropriately.
Alternatively, the replacement interval of the nutrient solution during the cultivation period may be changed according to the amount of decrease in the nutrient solution in the container within the preset unit time. In this case as well, the nutrient solution can be exchanged according to the growth of the plant, and the plant can be cultivated more appropriately.

Further, during the cultivation period, the first period in which the nutrient solution exchange interval is set to a predetermined time and the second period in which the nutrient solution exchange interval is set to a shorter time than the exchange interval in the first period May be included. In this case, in the cultivation period, the second period is preferably a period after the first period. Since plants consume more nutrient solution as they grow, it is necessary to supply nutrient solution to plants more appropriately by shortening the nutrient solution exchange interval during the cultivation period and later periods. Can be done.

Further, in the plant cultivation method of the present invention, the exchange interval of the nutrient solution may be constant during the cultivation period. In this case, the nutrient solution exchange schedule is simplified (simplified).

Further, in the plant cultivation method of the present invention, plants are cultivated in a container placed in the cultivation area, the container in the cultivation area is moved to an exchange area different from the cultivation area, and the nutrient solution in the container is moved in the exchange area. At least part of the solution can be replaced with a new nutrient solution. By separating the cultivation area and the exchange area in this way, the workability (ease of work) of the nutrient solution exchange work is improved as compared with the case where the exchange work is performed in the cultivation area. Furthermore, by adopting the above configuration, the laying route of the nutrient solution supply pipe can be shortened.

Further, in the plant cultivation method of the present invention, at least a part of the nutrient solution in the container may be replaced with a new nutrient solution by using the nozzle inserted in the container. As a result, the nutrient solution in the container can be appropriately replaced by the nozzle.

In the above configuration, the nozzle may be inserted into the container through the opening of the container for taking the plant out of the container or the hole of the container provided with a hole at a position different from the opening. It is desirable to provide a sealing structure (a structure for preventing liquid leakage) such as a valve so that the holes are normally sealed.

Further, in the above configuration, it is preferable to supply a new nutrient solution into the container by the same nozzle as the nozzle used when discharging at least a part of the nutrient solution in the container from the container. With such a configuration, it is not necessary to separately prepare a nozzle for discharging the nutrient solution and a nozzle for supplying the nutrient solution, and the number of devices (the number of nozzles) used for exchanging the nutrient solution is reduced accordingly.

On the other hand, a new nutrient solution may be supplied into the container by a supply nozzle different from the nozzle used when discharging at least a part of the nutrient solution in the container from the container. In this way, if the nozzle for discharging the nutrient solution and the nozzle for supplying the nutrient solution are separated, it is possible to prevent the nozzle for discharging the nutrient solution from coming into contact with the new nutrient solution supplied to the container. can. As a result, it is possible to prevent dirt or foreign matter from being mixed in the supplied new nutrient solution.

Further, in the above configuration, a new nutrient solution is supplied into the container by charging liquids having different components for each supply nozzle from each of the plurality of supply nozzles and mixing the liquids for each supply nozzle in the container. You may. In this case, it is preferable to change the amount of liquid charged from each of the plurality of supply nozzles according to the growth of the plant. As a result, the composition (ratio) of each component in the nutrient solution can be changed according to the growth of the plant, and the plant can be cultivated more appropriately.

Further, in the plant cultivation method of the present invention, at least one of the type of the component of the new nutrient solution supplied to the container and the concentration of the component may be changed according to the growth state of the plant. In this case, the type and concentration of each component in the nutrient solution can be appropriately changed according to the growth of the plant, so that the plant can be cultivated more appropriately.

Further, in the plant cultivation method of the present invention, a plurality of containers may be used, one plant may be cultivated for each container, and the nutrient solution for each of the two or more containers may be exchanged at the same time. In this case, the work efficiency (work speed) of the nutrient solution exchange can be improved by exchanging the nutrient solution for two or more containers at the same time.

According to the plant cultivation method of the present invention, it is possible to more easily cultivate a plant using the nutrient solution stored in the container.

It is a perspective view which shows the container and the plant to be cultivated. It is sectional drawing which shows the state of cultivating a plant in a container. It is a top view which shows the positional relationship between a cultivation area and an exchange area. It is a conceptual diagram of a nutrient solution supply system. It is a figure which shows the procedure of the plant cultivation method which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the state which the nozzle is inserted in the container. This is the first exchange pattern when the exchange interval of the nutrient solution is changed. This is the second exchange pattern when the exchange interval of the nutrient solution is changed. This is the third exchange pattern when the exchange interval of the nutrient solution is changed. This is the fourth exchange pattern when the exchange interval of the nutrient solution is changed. It is a perspective view which shows the container which concerns on the 1st modification. It is a figure which shows the container which concerns on the 2nd modification, and the procedure of exchanging the nutrient solution in the container. It is sectional drawing which shows another example which exchanges the nutrient solution in a container. It is a figure which shows the container which concerns on the 3rd modification.

The plant cultivation method according to one embodiment of the present invention (the present embodiment) will be described in detail with reference to the attached FIGS. 1 to 7.
However, the embodiments described below are given for facilitating the understanding of the present invention, and do not limit the present invention. That is, the present invention may be modified or improved from the embodiments described below as long as it does not deviate from the gist thereof. Also, of course, the present invention includes an equivalent thereof.

In the following description, "upper" and "lower" mean "upper" and "lower" in a normal use state. For example, the upper end of a container described later is used to cultivate a plant. It is the part located at the upper end of the container in the state of being closed.

<< About the plant cultivation method of this embodiment >>
The plant cultivation method of the present embodiment corresponds to the cultivation method by the hydroponic cultivation method, and the plant is cultivated in a state where a part or all of the plant is put in a nutrient solution.
More specifically, in the plant cultivation method of the present embodiment, the nutrient solution stored in the container is retained in the container, and at least a part (specifically, the root portion) of one individual plant is contained in the container. ) Is put in and the plant is cultivated.

[About the container]
The container used in the present embodiment has a space for storing the nutrient solution inside. The shape and size of the container are not particularly limited, and examples thereof include a substantially box-shaped shape as shown in FIG. 1 and a bottle-shaped shape. The size of the container should be a size that can be carried. Further, the structure of the container is not limited, and for example, the lid and other parts (container body) may be separable from each other, or the lid and the container body may be integrated. good.
Hereinafter, the container 10 having the shape shown in FIG. 1 will be described as an example.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, one container 10 is used for cultivating one individual plant P. Here, the "individual" is a unit representing the number of plants P to be cultivated, and one plant P is cultivated from one seedling (that is, one individual is one strain of plant P). means).
In addition, in the form in which one container 10 is used for one individual plant P, a plurality of plants are used in the early stage of growth (for example, the period from sowing to germination, or the period when the size of the plant P is sufficiently smaller than the container 10). A case may be included in which an individual plant is cultivated in one container 10 and one individual plant is cultivated in one container 10 in the subsequent period.

As shown in FIG. 1, one opening (hereinafter referred to as an outlet 12) for taking out the plant P to be cultivated from the container 10 is provided in the central portion of the upper end surface of the container 10. Through this outlet 12, the root portion of the plant P enters the container 10 and is immersed in the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10. More specifically, the root portion of the plant P is held by a medium 14 made of rock wool or the like, and the medium 14 is housed in a cup portion 16 made of a small bowl-shaped film body. A hole is formed in the bottom of the cup portion 16, and a part of the medium 14 is exposed by the hole.

The diameter of the outlet 12 of the container 10 is larger than the outer diameter of the cup portion 16. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, the cup portion 16 passes through the take-out port 12 and enters below the liquid level of the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10. As a result, the nutrient solution 20 soaks into the medium 14 exposed from the hole at the bottom of the cup portion 16, whereby the root portion of the plant P is immersed in the nutrient solution 20.

As shown in FIG. 3, the container 10 containing the plant P under cultivation is placed on a mounting table 22 installed in the cultivation area A1. The cultivation area A1 is, for example, a room provided in a building or a container for plant cultivation (hereinafter, cultivation room R), and is a predetermined range area (strictly speaking, a partitioned space) in the cultivation room R.
Incidentally, in FIG. 3, for convenience of illustration, the plant P cultivated in the container 10 is omitted.

Normally, a plurality of containers 10 are placed on the mounting table 22, and one plant P is cultivated in each container 10. From the viewpoint of management, it is preferable that the plurality of containers 10 on the mounting 22 are arranged in a row as shown in FIG. The number of containers 10 placed on the mounting table 22 is not particularly limited, and may be at least one or more.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a plurality of mounting tables 22 may be arranged side by side in the horizontal direction. Alternatively, a plurality of mounting tables 22 may be arranged in the vertical direction like a shelf. In that case, the position of the mounting table 22 on which the container 10 is placed may be determined according to the growth status of the plant P cultivated in the container 10. For example, as the growth of the plant P in the container 10 progresses, it is preferable to shift the mounting table 22 on which the container 10 is placed to the higher mounting table 22. By doing so, it is possible to manage the growth status of the plant P for each mounting table 22 (each stage).

[About nutrient solution]
The nutrient solution 20 used for hydroponic cultivation of the present embodiment is prepared by adding various nutrients to a solvent such as water and dissolving them to adjust the concentration of each component. The components in 20 in the solution include nitrogen (specifically, ammoniacal nitrogen or nitrate nitrogen), phosphoric acid (P ₂ O ₅ ), Kari (K ₂ O), lime (CaO), and magnesium oxide (specifically, ammonia nitrogen or nitrate nitrogen). MgO), manganese (MnO), boron (B ₂ O ₃ ), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo) and the like.

A predetermined amount of the nutrient solution 20 is stored in the container 10 and is used in a state of staying in the container 10. Here, when the nutrient solution stays in the container 10, the inflow to the container 10 and the outflow from the container 10 do not occur, and the nutrient solution is left standing in the container 10 or flows only in the container 10. Means the state of being. The amount of the nutrient solution in the container 10 consumed for the growth of the plant P and the amount of evaporation shall be allowed.

Then, in the present embodiment, at least a part of the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10 is periodically replaced with a new nutrient solution during the period in which the plant P is cultivated in the container 10. Here, as a method of exchanging with a new nutrient solution, the following methods (A) and (B) can be mentioned.
(A) A method in which the nutrient solution in the container 10 is discharged to the outside of the container 10 and discarded, and a new amount of nutrient solution corresponding to the discharged amount is generated and replenished (supplied) in the container 10.
(B) The nutrient solution in the container 10 is taken out of the container 10, and the nutrient solution taken out is subjected to a film treatment or a clarification treatment for removing impurities, and the consumed nutrients are additionally added. A method of returning to the container 10 after the above.
In the following, a case where the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10 is exchanged by using the above method (A) will be described as an example.

The nutrient solution 20 for initial filling and the nutrient solution 20 for replacement are both supplied by the nutrient solution supply system 30 shown in FIG. In the nutrient solution supply system 30, a predetermined amount of water is sent from the water storage tank 32 to the mixing tank 31 by a water supply device 33 such as a pump. Further, various nutrients contained in the nutrient solution 20 are stored in the nutrient tank 34 for each type, and when the nutrient solution is supplied, a predetermined amount is taken out by a nutrient input device 35 such as a pump and charged into the compounding tank 31. NS.

In the compounding tank 31, the water sent from the water storage tank 32 and the nutrients input from the nutrient tank 34 are mixed to prepare the nutrient solution 20. The nutrient solution in the compounding tank 31 is pressure-fed by the compressed air sent from the compressor 36, and is conveyed to the receiving tank 38 through the pressure-feeding line 37. It is preferable that the pumping line 37 is composed of, for example, a water-repellent tube or the like, and is laid so that there is no liquid pool in the line.

In the present embodiment, the receiving tank 38 of the nutrient solution supply system 30 is installed in the same room as the cultivation room R in which the cultivation area A1 is set, while the other equipment is the cultivation room R. Are installed in different rooms (hereinafter referred to as nutrient solution supply room Ra). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and all the constituent devices of the nutrient solution supply system 30 may be installed in the cultivation room R.

Further, each component device of the nutrient solution supply system 30 is controlled by a controller (not shown), and through the control of the controller, the amount of nutrient solution produced per supply (in other words, the amount of supply for one supply) and the supply amount thereof. The component composition of the nutrient solution is adjusted.

[Procedure of plant cultivation process]
In the plant cultivation process adopting the plant cultivation method according to the present embodiment, as described above, the container 10 in which the nutrient solution 20 is stored is placed on the mounting table 22, and the plant P is placed in the nutrient solution in the container 10. The plant P is cultivated in a state where the root portion of the plant is soaked.

Then, in the present embodiment, the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10 is regularly exchanged a plurality of times during the cultivation period of the plant P. Specifically, the plant P is cultivated in each container 10 over a period of several days to several tens of days. During the cultivation period of each plant P, the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10 in which each plant P is cultivated is exchanged with a new nutrient solution once a day (exchange interval). The frequency of exchanging the nutrient solution is not limited to once a day, and may be once every few days or twice or more a day.

Hereinafter, the procedure of the nutrient solution exchange step performed during the plant cultivation process according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In the nutrient solution exchange step, first, among the plurality of containers 10 placed in the cultivation area A1, the container 10 that has reached the nutrient solution exchange time (that is, the container 10 to be exchanged with the nutrient solution) is specified, and the container is specified. 10 is picked up from the mounting table 22 (S001).
Here, the nutrient solution exchange time may be set to the same time (date and time) among all the containers 10, or may be set to a different time (date and time) for each container 10. In the latter case, the identification information that can be read from the RFID (Radio Frequency Identifier) tag attached to the container 10, the position information of the arrangement position of the container 10, and the like are associated with the nutrient solution exchange time in advance. Then, the above information is acquired from each container 10, and the nutrient solution exchange time corresponding to the acquired information is specified.

The means for picking up the container 10 is not particularly limited, but for example, as shown in FIG. 3, a container 10 to be exchanged for nutrient solution is gripped by a known container gripping device 41 such as a robot arm, and the container 10 is gripped. May be placed on a transport table 42 such as a belt conveyor and transported to a predetermined location (for example, the replacement work station 44 shown in FIG. 3).

Next, move the picked up container 10 to the exchange area A2. The exchange area A2 is an area for exchanging the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10, and is set in a range different from that of the cultivation area A1 described above. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the cultivation area A1 and the exchange area A2 are partitioned in the same cultivation room R, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the above two areas are different from each other. It may be provided in the room.

In the exchange area A2, first, at least a part of the nutrient solution 20 remaining in the container 10 is discharged from the container 10 from the container 10 that has moved to the exchange area A2 (S003).
More specifically, the plant P cultivated in the container 10 to be exchanged for nutrient solution is grasped and lifted by a robot arm or the like. As a result, there is a gap between the edge of the take-out port 12 provided at the upper end of the container 10 and the plant P (strictly speaking, the medium 14 on which the plant P is fixed and the cup portion 16 containing the plant P). Free. Through this gap, the nozzle 43 shown in FIG. 6 is inserted into the container 10. At this time, it is preferable to insert the nozzle 43 to a position where the tip of the nozzle 43 comes into contact with the bottom surface of the container 10. A suction mechanism (not shown) is connected to the nozzle 43, and when the suction mechanism is activated, the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10 is sucked through the nozzle. The sucked nutrient solution is collected at a predetermined final destination and then discarded.

The amount of nutrient solution discharged from the container 10 is preferably 50% wt or more, more preferably 90% wt or more, and 95% wt or more of the residual amount in the container 10 at that time. It is more preferably 100% wt, and particularly preferably 100% wt. Here, the discharge amount of 100% wt may include a state in which a drop-shaped nutrient solution adheres to the inner wall of the container 10 and a small amount of the nutrient solution remains in the container 10.

Further, the method of discharging the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10 is not limited to the method of sucking the nutrient solution 20 by the nozzle 43, and other methods may be adopted. For example, the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10 may be directly discharged by providing a discharge port that can be opened and closed in the container 10 and opening the discharge port that is normally closed. Further, by turning the container 10 upside down, the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10 may be discharged by dropping its own weight.

During or after discharging the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10, the growth parameters of the plant P cultivated in the container 10 are measured (S004). Here, the growth parameter is a measurable index indicating the growth status of the plant P, and the growth status includes the presence or absence of a disease or the like. Specific growth parameters include the weight of the plant P, the size, color and shape of each organ (leaves, stems, etc.) in the plant P, and the size (length) of the entire plant.
Further, the amount of the nutrient solution 20 consumed by the plant P in one day, the residual amount of the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10, and the type of the component selectively consumed in the nutrient solution 20 are the growth status of the plant P. Therefore, the amount of the nutrient solution 20 discharged in step S003, the concentration of each component in the nutrient solution 20, and the like may be measured as growth parameters.
Further, the state of the root may be observed or photographed as a growth parameter while the plant P is grasped and floated.

In the flow shown in FIG. 5, the growth parameter measurement step S004 is to be performed after the nutrient solution discharge step S003, but the growth parameter measurement step S004 is performed before the nutrient solution discharge step S003. May be good.

When measuring the weight of the plant P or the residual amount of the nutrient solution 20 as a growth parameter, the weight of the entire container 10 including the plant P and the nutrient solution 20 is measured. After that, the plant P is removed from the container 10, the weight of the removed plant P or the container 10 from which the plant P is removed and the nutrient solution 20 remains is measured, and the measurement result is subtracted from the total weight of the container 10. Just do it.
Alternatively, after the nutrient solution 20 is discharged from the container 10, the weight of the container 10 containing the plant P is measured, and the weights of the container 10, the medium 14, and the cup portion 16 are subtracted from the measurement result to obtain the plant P. You may find the weight of.

The growth parameter measuring means is not particularly limited, but it may be appropriately selected from known measuring means according to the growth parameter to be measured. When measuring the presence or absence of disease as a growth parameter, for example, each organ of plant P is photographed, the photographed image is image-analyzed, and the presence or absence of disease and symptoms are determined by using a technique such as pattern matching. Can be measured.

After that, the nutrient solution supply system 30 creates a new nutrient solution 20 in the manner described above (S005). The amount of the new nutrient solution 20 created at this time is an amount corresponding to one exchange (in other words, the amount supplied to one container 10).

Further, the conditions for preparing the nutrient solution 20 (specifically, the amount, the type and concentration of each component in the nutrient solution) may be uniform, but may be changed according to the measurement result in step S004. Suitable.

Explaining in detail, the measurement result of the growth parameter measured in step S004 is transmitted to the controller of the nutrient solution supply system 30. At this time, the identification information of the plant P for which the growth parameter has been measured may be read from the RFID tag or the like attached to the container 10 and transmitted to the controller together with the measurement result of the growth parameter.

The controller records in advance data that defines the growth conditions at each time point and the conditions for preparing the nutrient solution 20 suitable for the cultivation environment, and from the measurement results of the growth parameters and the identification information of the plant P at the present time. The growth situation and cultivation environment are specified, and the conditions for preparing the nutrient solution 20 according to these are determined.
Then, by controlling each part of the nutrient solution supply system 30 according to the preparation conditions determined by the controller, a new nutrient solution 20 in which the type and concentration of the components in the liquid are adjusted according to the growth state of the plant P is created. .. Thereby, the component composition of the nutrient solution 20 can be adjusted for each individual plant P. For example, the nutrient solution 20 supplied to the plant P suffering from a certain disease is effective for treating the disease. Ingredient composition can be adjusted.

When adjusting the nutrient solution 20 according to the growth status of the plant P, it is preferable to change both the type and concentration of the components in the nutrient solution 20 according to the growth status of the plant P, but either one of them. You may change only.

After the preparation of the new nutrient solution 20 is completed, the nutrient solution 20 is sent to the exchange area A2 and supplied into the container 10 arranged in the exchange area A2 (S006). In the present embodiment, the new nutrient solution 20 is supplied by inserting a nozzle into the container 10 and passing through the nozzle, as in the case of discharging the nutrient solution.

Specifically, the new nutrient solution 20 is pumped to the exchange area A2 by compressed air after the amount for one exchange is created in the compounding tank 31 of the nutrient solution supply system 30. The new nutrient solution 20 flows through the pumping line 37 and is temporarily stored in the receiving tank 38 installed in the exchange area A2. Further, a supply line (not shown) is connected to the receiving tank 38, and a nozzle is attached to the tip of the supply line. This nozzle is inserted into the container 10 through the gap between the edge of the take-out port 12 provided at the upper end of the container 10 and the plant P, as in the case of discharging the nutrient solution. In this state, the nutrient solution in the receiving tank 38 (that is, the new nutrient solution 20) is supplied into the container 10 through the nozzle.

In the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of reducing the number of devices to be handled, the new nutrient solution 20 is supplied into the container 10 by the same nozzle as the nozzle for discharging the nutrient solution 43. Therefore, at the time of transition from the nutrient solution discharge to the nutrient solution supply, the liquid supply line of the nutrient solution 20 connected to the nozzle 43 is switched from the nutrient solution discharge line to the nutrient solution supply line by a switching mechanism (not shown).

Further, in the present embodiment, the nutrient solution is supplied into the container 10 by using the nozzle inserted in the container 10, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the inside of the container 10 is not limited to this, and a device or device other than the nozzle is used. 20 may be supplied to the nutrient solution 20.

When the supply of the new nutrient solution 20 is completed, the plant P (strictly speaking, the plant P held by the robot arm) is reinserted into the outlet 12 of the container 20 whose nutrient solution has been exchanged, and the container 20 is replaced. It is returned from the area A2 to the cultivation area A1 and placed on the mounting table 22 which was placed immediately before the nutrient solution exchange (S007).

When the above series of steps S001 to S007 are completed, one nutrient solution exchange step is completed. Then, the nutrient solution exchange step is carried out once a day during the cultivation period of the plant P in each container 10.

As described above, in the plant cultivation process adopting the plant cultivation method of the present embodiment, one container 10 is used for each individual plant P, and the plant P is a part (strictly speaking, a medium) thereof. The root portion fixed to 14) is cultivated in a state of being immersed in the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10. Here, the nutrient solution 20 stored in one container 10 is relatively small and stays in the container 10, so that it does not need to be circulated. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is not necessary to install a pump, a pipe, or the like for circulating nutrient solution as in Patent Document 1, and management of these is also unnecessary.
Moreover, since the amount of nutrient solution in the container 10 is small, the nutrient solution can be easily replaced. As described above, in the present embodiment, the plant P can be cultivated more easily and efficiently using the nutrient solution 20 stored in the container 10.

Further, in the present embodiment, the management and handling of the nutrient solution 20 (specifically, the retention, discharge and supply of the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10) can be performed for each container, in other words, for each individual plant. .. As a result, the nutrient solution 20 can be appropriately managed and handled according to the growth status of each plant P.
Further, by exchanging the nutrient solution 20, unnecessary components in the nutrient solution 20 (for example, organic acids such as citric acid discharged into the nutrient solution 20 by the plant P during the growth process) can be removed relatively easily. be.

<< Other Embodiments >>
The embodiments described above are merely examples of the plant cultivation method of the present invention, and examples of the plant cultivation method of the present invention other than the above-described embodiments can be considered.
For example, in the above embodiment, during the cultivation period of the plant P cultivated in one container 10, the cycle (that is, the exchange interval) for exchanging the nutrient solution in the container 10 is constant. It is not limited to this. Depending on the growth status of the plant P, the exchange interval of the nutrient solution 20 during the cultivation period may be changed.

For example, during the cultivation period, the first period in which the exchange interval of the nutrient solution 20 is set to a predetermined time and the first period in which the exchange interval of the nutrient solution 20 is set to be shorter than the exchange interval in the first period. Two periods may be included. Here, the second period is a period after the first period in the cultivation period. For example, it may be replaced every 3 to 6 days in the early stage of the cultivation period (corresponding to the first period) and daily in the latter stage of the cultivation period (corresponding to the second period, for example, several days before harvesting).

Further, during the cultivation period, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the replacement interval of the nutrient solution 20 may be shortened as the end point of the cultivation period (that is, the harvest time) is approached. FIGS. 7 to 10 show variations of the nutrient solution exchange pattern applied to the plant P having 14 days, 12 days, 10 days and 21 days of cultivation, respectively. The number of cultivation days is the number of days from transplanting seedlings to harvesting of the plant P to be cultivated. Further, in the nutrient solution exchange patterns shown in FIGS. 7 to 10, the day marked with a circle corresponds to the date of the nutrient solution exchange.

During the cultivation period, the replacement interval of the nutrient solution 20 does not necessarily have to be gradually shortened. That is, at least in the second period after the first period during the cultivation period, the exchange interval of the nutrient solution 20 should be shorter than the exchange interval in the first period, and in the period after the second period, the nutrient solution is exchanged. The exchange interval of 20 may be longer than the exchange interval in the second period. For example, in FIG. 7, in the third nutrient solution exchange pattern from the top, the nutrient solution 20 is exchanged at the timing when the cultivation days are 3, 7, 9, 10, 12, and 13 days. That is, in the above change pattern, the replacement interval of the nutrient solution 20 is shortened to 1 day, then extended to 2 days, and then shortened to 1 day again.

Further, even when the plant P of the same variety is cultivated for the same number of days, the exchange interval of the nutrient solution 20 may be appropriately changed for each strain (for each individual) as shown in FIGS. 7 to 10. .. This is because the cultivation environment (for example, temperature or humidity) can change depending on the cultivation place, and the growth status of each plant P can also change depending on the place.

Further, the replacement interval of the nutrient solution 20 during the cultivation period may be changed according to the amount of decrease of the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10 in a preset unit time (for example, one day or several days). The amount of decrease in the nutrient solution 20 in a unit time can be specified from the change in the liquid level of the nutrient solution 20 in the container 10, the weight of the nutrient solution 20 remaining in the container 10, and the like. Then, when the amount of decrease in the nutrient solution 20 in a unit time becomes large, the replacement interval may be shortened.

Further, in the above embodiment, a plurality of containers 10 are arranged on the mounting table 22, one plant P is cultivated in each container 10, and one container 10 is used when exchanging the nutrient solution 20. It was decided to pick up and carry out a series of steps related to nutrient solution exchange for each container 10. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the nutrient solution exchange for two or more containers 10 may be performed all at once by using a plurality of nozzles at a time. In this way, the nutrient solution exchange for the plurality of containers 10 can be performed more efficiently (faster).

Further, in the above embodiment, in order to discharge and supply the nutrient solution 20, the nozzle is inserted into the container 10 through an opening (that is, a take-out port 12) provided for taking out the plant P from the container 10. I decided. However, the opening into which the nozzle is inserted is not limited to the take-out port 12, and as shown in FIG. 11, a hole (hereinafter, nozzle insertion hole 18) is provided at a position different from the take-out port 12 in the upper part of the container 10. May be good. In this case, by inserting the nozzle into the container 10 through the nozzle insertion hole 18, the nutrient solution in the container 10 can be easily discharged. The nozzle insertion hole 18 should be provided with a sealing structure such as a valve so that the nozzle insertion hole 18 can be normally sealed (liquid leakage can be prevented).

Further, the form is not limited to the form in which the nozzle is inserted into the insertion hole provided in the container 10 and put into the inside of the container 10 when the nutrient solution is discharged. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the container 10y is divided into upper and lower parts, even if the upper part (hereinafter, lid portion 11B) is removed from the lower part (hereinafter, container body 11A). good. Then, the upper end opening of the container body 11A may be opened, and the nozzle 43 may be introduced into the container body 11A through the opening. In this case, when moving the container 10y, it is preferable to set the lid portion 11B on the container body 11A to close the upper end opening so that the nutrient solution 20 in the container body does not spill.

Further, in the above embodiment, when supplying the new nutrient solution 20 into the container 10, the same nozzle as the nozzle 43 for discharging the nutrient solution is used, but the present invention is not limited to this. That is, the nutrient solution may be supplied using a supply nozzle different from the nozzle 43 for discharging the nutrient solution. As a result, it is possible to prevent the new nutrient solution 20 supplied to the container 10 from becoming dirty due to contact with the nozzle 43 for discharging the nutrient solution, or to prevent foreign matter from being mixed in the nutrient solution 20.

Further, when the nutrient solution is supplied using the supply nozzle, a plurality of supply nozzles 48 may be used as shown in FIG. In this case, a new nutrient solution 20 is supplied into the container by charging a solution having a different component (stock solution of nutrient solution) for each supply nozzle from each supply nozzle 48 and mixing the solution for each supply nozzle in the container. You may. With this configuration, the amount of liquid input from each of the plurality of supply nozzles 48 is changed according to the growth or cultivation days of the plant, and the component ratio (blending) in the nutrient solution in the container is adjusted. Can be done. As a result, it is possible to prepare a nutrient solution 20 in which various components are blended in an appropriate ratio (concentration) according to the growth of the plant, and supply the nutrient solution 20 to the plant.

Further, when the nutrient solution is supplied by only one supply nozzle 48, there is a possibility that highly precipitateable components contained in the nutrient solution are precipitated in the piping connected to the supply nozzle 48. On the other hand, when liquids having different components are supplied from each of the plurality of supply nozzles 48, even if the components in the nutrient solution are precipitated, problems caused by the precipitation can be minimized.

When a plurality of supply nozzles 48 are used, as shown in FIG. 14, a plurality of nozzle insertion holes 18 may be provided at different locations on the upper part of the container 10.

Further, when using the container 10y which is divided into upper and lower parts, it is not always necessary to discharge the nutrient solution 20 by using a nozzle, and the container body 11A is turned upside down after removing the lid portion 11B from the container body 11A. The nutrient solution 20 may be discharged with.

Further, in the above embodiment, the nutrient solution 20 is supplied to the container 10 in a liquid state, but the present invention is not limited to this, and fertilizer is obtained by putting solid fertilizer in the container 10 and injecting water. May be in the form of dissolving and supplying the nutrient solution 20.

10,10x, 10y container 11A container body 11B lid 12 outlet (opening)
14 Medium 16 Cup 18 Nozzle insertion hole (hole)
20 Nutrient solution 22 Mounting stand 30 Nutrient solution supply system 31 Mixing tank 32 Water storage tank 33 Water supply device 34 Nutrient tank 35 Nutrient input device 36 Compressor 37 Pressure feed line 38 Receiving tank 41 Container gripping device 42 Transport stand 43 Nozzle 44 Replacement work station 48 Supply Nozzle A1 Cultivation area A2 Exchange area P Plant R Cultivation room Ra Nutrient solution supply room

Claims

Hold the nutrient solution stored in the container in the container and hold it in the container.
The plant is cultivated with at least a part of one plant in the container.
A plant cultivation method, characterized in that at least a part of the nutrient solution in the container is replaced with a new nutrient solution during the cultivation period of the plant.
The plant cultivation according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the nutrient solution in the container is discharged from the container and a new nutrient solution is supplied into the container in order to exchange the nutrient solution during the cultivation period. Method.
The plant cultivation method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein 50% wt or more of the nutrient solution in the container is replaced with a new nutrient solution.
The plant cultivation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the nutrient solution is exchanged a plurality of times during the cultivation period of one individual plant in the container.
The plant cultivation method according to claim 4, wherein the replacement interval of the nutrient solution during the cultivation period is changed according to the growth state of the plant.
The plant cultivation method according to claim 4, wherein the replacement interval of the nutrient solution is changed during the cultivation period according to the amount of decrease in the nutrient solution in the container within a preset unit time.
The cultivation period includes a first period in which the nutrient solution exchange interval is set to a predetermined time, and a second period in which the nutrient solution exchange interval is set to a time shorter than the exchange interval in the first period. NS,
The plant cultivation method according to claim 5 or 6, wherein in the cultivation period, the second period is a period after the first period.
The plant cultivation method according to claim 4, wherein the exchange interval of the nutrient solution is constant during the cultivation period.
The plant is cultivated in the container placed in the cultivation area, and the plant is cultivated.
Claims 1 to 8, wherein the container in the cultivation area is moved to an exchange area different from the cultivation area, and at least a part of the nutrient solution in the container is exchanged for a new nutrient solution in the exchange area. The plant cultivation method according to any one item.
The plant cultivation method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least a part of the nutrient solution in the container is replaced with a new nutrient solution by using the nozzle inserted in the container.
10. The nozzle is inserted into the container through the opening of the container for taking the plant out of the container or the hole of the container provided with a hole at a position different from the opening. The plant cultivation method described in.
The plant cultivation according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a new nutrient solution is supplied into the container by the same nozzle as the nozzle used when discharging at least a part of the nutrient solution in the container from the container. Method.
The plant cultivation according to claim 10 or 11, wherein a new nutrient solution is supplied into the container by a supply nozzle different from the nozzle used when discharging at least a part of the nutrient solution in the container from the container. Method.
A new nutrient solution is supplied into the container by charging liquids having different components for each supply nozzle from each of the plurality of supply nozzles and mixing the liquids for each supply nozzle in the container.
The plant cultivation method according to claim 13, wherein the amount of liquid charged from each of the plurality of supply nozzles is changed according to the growth of the plant.
According to any one of claims 1 to 14, the type of the component of the new nutrient solution supplied to the container and at least one of the concentrations of the component are changed according to the growth state of the plant. The described plant cultivation method.
Using a plurality of the containers, one individual of the plant was cultivated in each container.
The plant cultivation method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the nutrient solution for each of the two or more containers is exchanged at the same time.