Cultivation apparatus and cultivation method

Abstract

To provide a cultivation apparatus and a cultivation method capable of favorably promoting the growth of seedlings even when the seedlings are cultivated in a crowded state.SOLUTION: A cultivation apparatus 1 includes a plurality of cultivation trays T arranged in an outdoor cultivation space, a supply device 2 configured to supply carbon dioxide from a supply pipe 22 disposed on the cultivation trays T, a control device C for controlling the supply of carbon dioxide by the supply device 2, and a carbon dioxide concentration sensor that measures the carbon dioxide concentration above the cultivation trays T. Each cultivation tray T is configured to accommodate, in respective storage holes 7, seedling containers in which a resin sheet is wound around simplified cultivation solid soil. The supply pipe 22 is disposed at substantially the same height position as the upper ends of the seedling containers. The control device C controls the supply device 2 so as to intermittently supply carbon dioxide when the measurement value of the carbon dioxide concentration sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cultivation device and a cultivation method. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 discloses a cultivation device and method for seedlings such as cedar seedlings. More specifically, the device is configured to cultivate cedar seedlings by forming a seedling bed from a polyethylene sheet and a tray with multiple storage holes that hold cylindrical seedling containers made of the polyethylene sheet, and by storing simple solid cultivation soil in the seedling containers attached to each of the multiple storage holes.

[0003] According to this technology, compared to planting seedlings in a field and cultivating them, the seedlings can be handled more easily and their roots can be prevented from becoming entangled during the cultivation process, making it possible to cultivate the seedlings by arranging them closely together in an area-efficient manner. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-113935 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, growing seedlings too close together can hinder their growth. One possible reason for this is that the close proximity of the seedlings reduces ventilation around them, resulting in stagnation of air and a lack of carbon dioxide (carbon dioxide starvation) needed for photosynthesis.

[0006] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a cultivation apparatus and a cultivation method that can solve such problems and promote the growth of seedlings even when the seedlings are cultivated in close proximity to each other. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the first invention provides: A cultivation device for densely cultivating seedlings in an outdoor cultivation space, The cultivation device includes a plurality of cultivation trays arranged in a grid pattern in the cultivation space, a supply device configured to be able to supply carbon dioxide from a supply pipe arranged on the cultivation tray, a control device for controlling the supply of carbon dioxide by the supply device, and a carbon dioxide concentration sensor for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration on the cultivation tray, The cultivation tray is configured to enable dense cultivation of seedlings by storing seedling containers, each made of cylindrically shaped simple cultivation solid soil wrapped with a resin sheet, in a plurality of storage holes, The supply pipe is disposed at a height position substantially the same as the height position of the upper end of the seedling container housed in the cultivation tray, The control device acquires information about the measurement value from the carbon dioxide concentration measurement sensor, and when the acquired measurement value of the carbon dioxide concentration is below a predetermined value, controls the supply device to supply carbon dioxide intermittently.

[0008] According to the first aspect of the present invention, even when seedlings are grown in close proximity to one another, carbon dioxide can be supplied from a supply pipe positioned at approximately the same height as the top of the seedling containers housed in the cultivation tray. This allows for optimal supply of gas to the densely packed seedling areas where ventilation is poor (air stagnation) due to close cultivation, thereby promoting seedling growth. Furthermore, by supplying carbon dioxide intermittently, for example, at one-minute intervals, a sudden increase in carbon dioxide concentration (oversupply) can be prevented and carbon dioxide can be applied efficiently. In particular, in close cultivation, the air around the seedlings is likely to stagnate, so continuous carbon dioxide supply is likely to result in oversupply. Therefore, by supplying carbon dioxide intermittently, oversupply of carbon dioxide can be effectively prevented and an appropriate amount of carbon dioxide can be supplied for seedling growth. This optimizes seedling growth.

[0009] The second invention has the same configuration as the first invention, but also: The cultivation device further includes a wind speed sensor for measuring a wind speed above the cultivation tray, the supply device is configured to be able to supply air from the supply pipe, The control device acquires information about a measurement value from the wind speed sensor, When the measured value of the air velocity sensor remains below a predetermined value for a predetermined period of time, the supply device is controlled to supply air for a predetermined set period of time.

[0010] According to the second invention, in addition to the effects of the first invention, If it is determined that there is poor ventilation around the seedlings and that the air is stagnating rather than circulating, the supply device can be controlled to supply air for a predetermined set time (for example, one minute), thereby circulating the stagnant air around the seedlings, preventing a carbon dioxide deficiency in the seedlings due to dense cultivation, and further promoting the growth of the seedlings.

[0011] In order to achieve the above object, the third invention provides: A cultivation method for densely cultivating seedlings in an outdoor cultivation space using the cultivation device according to the first invention, The cultivation method includes disposing the cultivation device in the cultivation space, and storing seedling containers into which seedlings to be cultivated have been transplanted in each of the plurality of storage holes provided in the cultivation tray, thereby closely packing the seedlings together; The present invention provides a cultivation method characterized in that carbon dioxide is intermittently supplied from the supply pipe when the carbon dioxide concentration measured by the carbon dioxide concentration measuring sensor is equal to or lower than a predetermined value.

[0012] According to the third aspect of the present invention, even when seedlings are grown in close proximity to one another, carbon dioxide can be supplied from a supply pipe positioned at approximately the same height as the top of the seedling containers housed in the cultivation tray. This allows for optimal supply of gas to the densely packed seedling areas where ventilation is poor (air stagnation) due to dense cultivation, thereby promoting seedling growth. Furthermore, by supplying carbon dioxide intermittently, for example, at one-minute intervals, a sudden increase in carbon dioxide concentration (oversupply) can be prevented and carbon dioxide can be applied efficiently. In particular, in close-packed cultivation, the air around the seedlings is likely to stagnate, so continuous carbon dioxide supply is likely to result in oversupply. Therefore, by supplying carbon dioxide intermittently, oversupply of carbon dioxide can be effectively prevented and an appropriate amount of carbon dioxide can be supplied for seedling growth. This optimizes seedling growth.

[0013] The fourth invention, in addition to the configuration of the third invention, The simple cultivation solid soil is characterized in that charcoal is blended therein.

[0014] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effects of the third aspect of the present invention, The addition of charcoal to the simple cultivation solid soil ensures carbon offsetting. Furthermore, after the seedlings have grown, they can be planted in mountainous areas along with the simple cultivation solid soil, which can lead to soil improvement. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a cultivation apparatus and a cultivation method that can promote the growth of seedlings well even when the seedlings are cultivated in close proximity to each other. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0016] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a cultivation facility in which a cultivation device according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is installed. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seedling container into which seedlings have been transplanted. [Figure 3]3(a) is a perspective view of a cultivation tray of the cultivation device of FIG. 1, FIG. 3(b) is a schematic partially sectional side view of the same, and FIG. 3(c) is a schematic partially sectional front view of the same. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the connection configuration of the culture apparatus of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device of the culture device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] <1. Overall structure of the cultivation facility> Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the overall configuration of a cultivation facility H in which a cultivation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is arranged will be described with reference to Fig. 1. In the following description, the x direction shown in Fig. 1 is defined as the horizontal direction, and the y direction is defined as the vertical direction, but the definitions of these directions themselves do not limit the present invention.

[0018] A cultivation device 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of cultivation trays T for cultivating seedlings arranged in a grid (matrix) pattern in an outdoor cultivation space (e.g., a farm field), a supply device 2 for supplying an applied gas to the seedlings 4 (see FIG. 2, etc.) cultivated in the plurality of cultivation trays T, and a control device C for controlling the operation of the supply device 2. A cultivation facility H is formed by disposing a housing 3 that simply covers the cultivation space. The housing 3 is a frame body assembled into a greenhouse shape by joining and fixing framework materials such as pipes and frame materials, and can be fitted with a shading sheet on the side and a simple roof on the top. However, the housing 3 is not an essential component of the present invention. Below, a case where the seedlings 4 are cedar will be described, but this is not limited thereto, and various seedlings such as cypress, pine, and blueberry can also be used.

[0019] <2. Seedling container> FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a seedling container A into which a seedling 4 has been transplanted. The seedling container A is to be stored in the cultivation tray T shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, it is composed of a cylindrically shaped simple cultivation solid soil 5 wrapped around a flexible resin sheet 6, specifically a polyethylene plastic sheet. In this embodiment, the seedlings 4 are cedar cuttings. The simple cultivation solid soil 5 is made, for example, from coconut peat made from coconut shells, mixed with an appropriate amount of charcoal, and solidified into a cylindrical shape. Adding charcoal to the simple cultivation solid soil 5 improves breathability and water retention, aiding the respiration of the seedling roots and promoting the growth of the seedlings 4. Furthermore, the charcoal is preferably biochar (woody biomass waste) generated after burning wood fuel in woody biomass power generation, ensuring carbon offset. After the seedlings 4 are grown, the simple cultivation solid soil 5 can be planted in mountainous areas, contributing to soil improvement. As an example, the seedling container A in this embodiment has a diameter of 4 cm and a height d1 of 16 cm.

[0020] <3. Cultivation tray> 3(a) is a perspective view of the cultivation tray T of the cultivation device 1 of FIG. 1, FIG. 3(b) is a partially cross-sectional side view of the same, and FIG. 3(c) is a partially cross-sectional front view of the same. As shown in FIG. 3(a), the cultivation tray T has a generally rectangular box shape in a plan view, and a plurality of storage holes 7 for storing and holding the seedling raising containers A are provided on the upper surface thereof.

[0021] The storage holes 7 are regularly spaced at predetermined intervals in the horizontal direction x and the vertical direction y of the cultivation tray T. In this embodiment, a total of 20 storage holes 7 are provided, four in the horizontal direction x and five in the vertical direction y. However, the arrangement and number of the storage holes 7 are not limited to the illustrated example, and may be arranged regularly so as to allow dense cultivation of seedlings 4. The diameter of the storage holes 7 is approximately 4 cm to match the diameter of the seedling-raising container A, and the spacing dx between the storage holes 7 in the horizontal direction x (the horizontal distance between the centers of the storage holes 7 in a plan view) and the spacing dy between the storage holes 7 in the vertical direction y (the vertical distance between the centers of the storage holes 7 in a plan view) are each designed to be approximately 6 cm. It is preferable that the dimensions of the horizontal and vertical spacings dx and dy be designed to correspond to the diameter of the seedling-raising container A. This allows dense cultivation by storing (setting) seedling-raising containers A with transplanted seedlings 4 in each of the storage holes 7. In this specification, dense cultivation refers to cultivation in which seedlings 4 are densely packed together, and at least the spacing between the seedlings 4 in the horizontal direction x and vertical direction y (in other words, the distance between the center points of the storage holes 7) is less than twice the diameter of the seedling container A.

[0022] In addition, the storage hole 7 has a cylindrical side wall rib 7a formed on the inside of the cultivation tray T along the circular opening, and the rib 7a maintains the vertical posture of the stored seedling container A and is configured to prevent the resin sheet 6 from loosening and peeling off from the simple cultivation solid soil 5.

[0023] Additionally, a cultivation environment measuring sensor S1 for measuring the cultivation environment of the densely cultivated seedlings 4 and a wind speed measuring sensor S2 for measuring wind speed are provided at appropriate locations on the cultivation tray T. Measurement information from the cultivation environment measuring sensor S1 and the wind speed measuring sensor S2 is transmitted via wireless communication to a control device C described later.

[0024] Specifically, the cultivation environment measuring sensor S1 includes a temperature sensor s1 for measuring the temperature around the seedling 4, a humidity sensor s2 for measuring humidity, a carbon dioxide concentration sensor s3 for measuring carbon dioxide concentration, and a solar radiation measuring sensor s4 for measuring solar radiation. When multiple cultivation trays T are arranged as shown in the illustrated example, these sensors s1 to s4 do not need to be provided on all cultivation trays T, but may be provided on appropriate cultivation trays T (e.g., a cultivation tray T located approximately in the center of the cultivation space) among the multiple cultivation trays T to measure the cultivation environment of the seedling 4. When multiple sensors s1 to s4 are provided on multiple cultivation trays T, the control device C (described later) may calculate the average values ​​of the measurements acquired by each of the sensors s1 to s4 and perform various controls (described later) using the calculated average values. It is preferable that the temperature sensor s1, humidity sensor s2, carbon dioxide concentration sensor s3, and wind speed measurement sensor S2 are arranged at approximately the same height as the height d1 of the seedling container A, and the solar radiation measurement sensor s4 is preferably arranged at a position higher than the height d1 of the seedling container A in order to measure the solar radiation on the seedlings 4.

[0025] <4. Supply pipe location> Here, the position of the supply pipe 22, which will be described later, will be explained. As shown in FIGS. 3(a) to 3(c), in this embodiment, the supply pipe 22 is disposed so as to pass above the approximate center (in the horizontal direction) of each cultivation tray T to enable uniform supply. The supply pipe 22 is supported by the support member 8 so that its height position d2 is slightly higher than the height d1 of the seedling container A. Furthermore, in a plan view, the supply pipe 22 is disposed so as to pass between the storage holes 7 of the cultivation tray T. The height position d2 may be set to be approximately the same as the height d1 of the seedling container A. This arrangement allows gas to be supplied from the supply pipe 22 to the densely packed seedling A, where ventilation is poor (air stagnation occurs). Furthermore, when liquid is supplied from the supply pipe 22, the liquid flowing down from the supply pipe 22 can be supplied to the seedling container A in an optimal manner.

[0026] <5. Feeding device> FIG. 4 is a schematic plan view showing the connection configuration of the cultivation device 1 of FIG. As described above, the cultivation apparatus 1 is equipped with the supply device 2 that supplies the applied gas, and the supply device 2 is configured to pump and supply the applied gas from the supply source Ps to the supply destination Pe by the electric pump 18. Here, the applied gas refers to all gases that are applied to promote the growth of the seedlings 4.

[0027] 4, the supply device 2 is configured to be able to supply gas and liquid from a supply source Ps to a supply destination Pe. Specifically, the supply source Ps includes a water supply source 11 (e.g., a water storage tank) that is a water supply source, a liquid fertilizer supply source 12 (e.g., a liquid fertilizer tank) that is a liquid fertilizer supply source, an antibody bacteria supply source 13 (e.g., a tank containing a medicinal solution containing antibody bacteria) that is a supply source of antibody bacteria that prevents diseases of the seedlings 4, a carbon dioxide supply source 14 (e.g., a carbon dioxide cylinder) that is a carbon dioxide (gas) supply source, an air supply source 15 (e.g., an air compressor) that is a air supply source, and an oxygen supply source 16 (e.g., a carbon dioxide cylinder) that is an oxygen (gas) supply source. Each of the supply sources 11 to 16 is connected to a pump 18 by a pipe 17. The pump 18 is a diaphragm pump that can be driven to send gas and liquid to the supply destination Pe, and its opening and closing is controlled by a control device C described later. Carbon dioxide, air, and oxygen are applied gases. In this embodiment, the supply device 2 has been described as supplying gas and liquid through the same system, but it can also be configured to supply gas and liquid through separate systems (i.e., in the configuration of supply source Ps, separate piping 17 is used for gas and liquid, and a pump 18 for delivering gas and a pump 18 for delivering liquid are provided, respectively, and in the configuration of supply source Pe, electromagnetic valves B and supply pipes 22 are provided for gas and liquid, respectively).

[0028] Furthermore, electromagnetic valves B (b1 to b6) are provided on the piping between each of the supply sources 11 to 16 and the pump 18. The electromagnetic valves B (b1 to b6) provided on the supply source Ps side are controlled to open and close by a control device C (described later), which enables the control device C to control which of the supply sources 11 to 16 is to be connected to the supply destination Pe, that is, which of the gases and liquids that can be supplied by the supply source Ps is to be supplied to the supply destination Pe.

[0029] The supply destination Pe is configured such that a plurality of supply pipes 22 are arranged along the longitudinal direction of each column of the cultivation trays T, and electromagnetic valves B (b7 to b10) are interposed in each of the supply pipes 22. The electromagnetic valves B (b7 to b10) arranged on the supply destination Pe side are controlled to open and close by a control device C (described later). This allows the control device C to control which of the multiple columns of the cultivation trays T are connected to the supply source Ps, i.e., which columns receive the gas or liquid supplied from the supply source Ps. Normally, the electromagnetic valves B (b7 to b10) arranged on the supply destination Pe side are controlled to open, and the gas or liquid supplied from the supply source Ps is supplied to all columns. In this embodiment, one supply pipe 22 is arranged for each column of the cultivation trays T. However, this is not limited to this, and multiple supply pipes may be arranged for each column. Furthermore, one supply pipe may be arranged for every two or three columns depending on the width size of the cultivation trays T. Alternatively, they may be arranged so as to intersect vertically and horizontally on the cultivation tray T. Also, two supply pipes may be arranged, one above the other, on the cultivation tray T, and in this case, they may be divided according to their uses, such as the upper supply pipe 22 being for gas supply and the lower supply pipe 22 being for liquid supply.

[0030] In addition, the upstream side of the supply pipe 22 is connected to the piping 17 that communicates with the pump 18 by a flexible resin hose 21, which makes it easy to adjust or change the installation position of the supply pipe 22.

[0031] <6. Control Device> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device C of the cultivation device 1 of FIG. The control device C is configured with a CPU that performs calculation processing and a memory that can read and write information necessary for the calculation processing, and is an information processing device that can execute various processes that are preferable for promoting the growth of seedlings 4 by the CPU operating in accordance with various control programs stored in the memory.

[0032] An environmental measurement sensor S1 and a wind speed sensor S2 are connected by wire or wirelessly to the input side of the control device C, and measurement information can be acquired from these sensors. Furthermore, a timekeeping unit S3 is connected by wire or wirelessly, and information relating to the time or duration measured by the timekeeping unit S3 can be acquired.

[0033] Furthermore, the output side of the control device C is connected to the supply device 2 via wireless communication (or wired communication is also acceptable), and more specifically, to the electromagnetic valves B (b1-b6) arranged on the supply source Ps side, the electromagnetic valves B (b7-b10) arranged on the supply destination Pe side, and the pump 18, and is capable of controlling each of these devices. The control device C configured as described above controls the operation of the supply device 2 based on information acquired from the environment measurement sensor S1, the wind speed sensor S2, and the timing unit S3 by executing a predetermined program stored in memory. An example of control by the control device C will be described below.

[0034] [Control example] (I) Carbon dioxide supply treatment The control device C performs a carbon dioxide supply process in which carbon dioxide is supplied from the carbon dioxide supply source 14 to the surroundings of the seedlings 4 through the supply pipe 22. During this process, when carbon dioxide is being supplied, the control device C controls the electromagnetic valves b4, b7 to b10 to open and drives the pump 18. At that time, the electromagnetic valves b1 to b3, b5, and b6 are controlled to close. When the supply of carbon dioxide is stopped, all the electromagnetic valves B (b1 to b10) are controlled to close and the pump 18 is stopped.

[0035] The carbon dioxide supply process controls the supply device 2 to repeatedly start and stop the supply of carbon dioxide at one-minute intervals during the day (e.g., from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM) when the measurement value of the carbon dioxide concentration sensor s3 is below a predetermined value (e.g., 1000 ppm). Furthermore, when the measurement value of the carbon dioxide concentration sensor s3 exceeds the predetermined value (e.g., 1000 ppm), the supply device 2 stops the supply of carbon dioxide. This prevents a carbon dioxide shortage in the seedlings 4 due to dense cultivation and promotes the growth of the seedlings 4. Furthermore, by supplying carbon dioxide intermittently, such as at one-minute intervals, a sudden increase in carbon dioxide concentration (oversupply) can be prevented and carbon dioxide can be applied efficiently. In particular, in dense cultivation, the air around the seedlings 4 tends to stagnate, so continuous carbon dioxide supply is likely to result in an oversupply. Therefore, by supplying carbon dioxide intermittently, an oversupply of carbon dioxide can be effectively prevented and an appropriate amount of carbon dioxide can be supplied for the growth of the seedlings 4. This optimizes the growth of the seedlings 4.

[0036] Furthermore, when carbon dioxide is being supplied, if the measurement value of the wind speed sensor S2 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 10 m / s), it may be determined that the situation is such that the carbon dioxide is easily carried away by the wind, and the supply time of carbon dioxide may be extended (e.g., from 1 minute to 3 minutes). Similarly, when carbon dioxide is being supplied, if the measurement value of the solar radiation amount sensor s4 is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (e.g., 6 kWh / m2), it may be determined that the situation is such that the solar radiation is strong and carbon dioxide consumption by photosynthesis is high, and the supply time of carbon dioxide may be extended (e.g., from 1 minute to 3 minutes). Similarly, when carbon dioxide is being supplied, if the measurement value of the humidity sensor s4 is equal to or less than a predetermined value (e.g., 50%), it may be determined that the situation is such that humidity is low and transpiration is active and carbon dioxide consumption by photosynthesis is high, and the supply time of carbon dioxide may be extended (e.g., from 1 minute to 3 minutes).

[0037] Furthermore, the carbon dioxide supply process may be configured to control the supply and stop of carbon dioxide for each column of the cultivation trays T on which the supply pipes 22 are disposed based on the measured values ​​for each column of the cultivation trays T on which the supply pipes 22 are disposed. That is, in this case, the control device C acquires and manages the measured values ​​of the environment measurement sensor S1 and the wind speed sensor S2 for each column of the cultivation trays T on which the supply pipes 22 are disposed. Then, the control device C controls the supply and stop of carbon dioxide for each column of the cultivation trays T on which the supply pipes 22 are disposed based on the acquired measured values. For example, when the carbon dioxide concentration measured in the first column of the columns is 1000 ppm or less and the carbon dioxide concentrations measured in the other second to fourth columns are greater than 1000 ppm, the solenoid valves B (b7 to b10) of the supply destinations Pe corresponding to the first column are controlled to open, and the solenoid valves B of the other supply destinations Pe are controlled to close, so that carbon dioxide is supplied only to the supply pipes 22 disposed above the first column of the cultivation trays T.

[0038] (II) Air supply treatment The control device C performs an air supply process to supply air from the air supply source 14 to the surroundings of the seedlings 4 through the supply pipe 22. During this process, the control device C controls the electromagnetic valves b5, b7 to b10 to open and drives the pump 18. At that time, the electromagnetic valves b1 to b4, and b6 are controlled to close.

[0039] In the air supply process, when the measurement value of the wind speed sensor S2 remains below a predetermined value (e.g., 2 m / s) for a predetermined period of time (e.g., 5 minutes) during the daytime (e.g., 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM), it is determined that the air circulation around the seedlings 4 is poor and that the air is stagnating without circulating, and the supply device 2 is controlled to supply air for a predetermined set period of time (e.g., 1 minute). This circulates the stagnant air around the seedlings 4, preventing a carbon dioxide deficiency in the seedlings 4 due to dense cultivation and promoting the growth of the seedlings 4. The air supply process may also be configured to control the supply and stop of air for each column of the cultivation trays T to which the supply pipes 22 are attached based on the measurement value for each column. Note that, during air supply, it is preferable to control the pump 18 to increase the flow rate in the pipes 17 more than during carbon dioxide supply, thereby making it easier to generate airflow from the supply pipes 22. It is preferable that, when the condition for supplying air is satisfied in the air supply process during the carbon dioxide supply process, the control device C temporarily suspends the carbon dioxide supply process, supplies air by the air supply process, and then resumes the suspended carbon dioxide supply process. In addition to the above configuration, the air supply process may be performed at night. Alternatively, in addition to the above configuration, the air supply process may be performed when the measurement value of the humidity sensor s2 becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0040] (III) Oxygen supply treatment The control device C performs an oxygen supply process in which oxygen is supplied from the oxygen supply source 16 to the surroundings of the seedlings 4 through the supply pipe 22. During this process, the control device C controls the electromagnetic valves b6, b7 to b10 to open and drives the pump 18. At that time, the electromagnetic valves b1 to b5 are controlled to close.

[0041] The oxygen supply treatment is a treatment that supplies a predetermined amount of oxygen at night (for example, between 6 PM and 5 AM) when photosynthesis does not occur. This treatment helps the seedlings 4 breathe, prevents oxygen deficiency in the roots, and promotes growth. The addition of charcoal to the simple cultivation solid soil 5 makes it easier to supply oxygen to the roots, further effectively preventing oxygen deficiency in the roots.

[0042] As described above, according to the present invention, even when seedlings 4 are grown close together in an open outdoor space, the growth of the seedlings 4 can be favorably promoted by effectively applying an applied gas such as carbon dioxide or air locally to areas where the seedlings 4 are crowded together and ventilation is poor. Furthermore, in outdoor cultivation, there are large environmental changes such as wind and solar radiation during the day, but the growth of the seedlings 4 can be favorably promoted by responding favorably to such environmental changes.

[0043] <7.Other> Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it goes without saying that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical concept.

[0044] The control device C may be configured to determine that, when the measurement value of the wind speed sensor S1 exceeds a predetermined upper limit (for example, 15 m / s) during the carbon dioxide supply process, the situation is such that the supplied carbon dioxide is likely to be washed away by strong winds, and to control the supply device 2 to temporarily suspend the supply of carbon dioxide even if the conditions for carbon dioxide supply are met. This prevents the supplied carbon dioxide from being washed away by the wind and resulting in loss, and reduces running costs. The control device C may also be configured to accept setting operations from an administrator via a device such as a touch panel, and to set the above upper limit.

[0045] Furthermore, in the carbon dioxide supply process, the control device C may be configured to acquire information on the measurement value of the carbon dioxide concentration sensor s3 at predetermined time intervals while carbon dioxide is being intermittently supplied, monitor the rate of increase in the carbon dioxide concentration, and if the rate of increase in the carbon dioxide concentration is above a certain level (for example, 100 ppm / min or higher), determine that photosynthesis of the seedlings 4 is slowing down, and control the supply device 2 to temporarily suspend the supply of carbon dioxide or reduce the flow rate of carbon dioxide in the supply pipe 22. This makes it possible to prevent an oversupply of carbon dioxide.

[0046] The control device C may also be configured to accept setting operations from an administrator using a device such as a touch panel, and to be able to set the flow rate of the applied gas in the carbon dioxide supply process and air supply process, the pressure in the supply pipe 22, the time interval for intermittent application, the carbon dioxide concentration at which carbon dioxide is supplied, etc. Furthermore, the above settings may be configured to be divided into time intervals, such as from sunrise to 9:00, 9:00 to 12:00, and 12:00 to 17:00, and to be able to set each of the divided time intervals.

[0047] The control device C may also be configured to alternately or overlappingly apply carbon dioxide and air. For example, in the carbon dioxide supply process, if the carbon dioxide concentration at which the supply of carbon dioxide starts is set to 1000 ppm, and the measured value of the carbon dioxide concentration sensor s3 is slightly below 1000 ppm (for example, 900 to 999 ppm), the control device C may be configured to supply a mixture of carbon dioxide and air.

[0048] In addition, the control device C may be configured to control the supply device 2 so that the greater the amount of solar radiation, the greater the amount of applied gas (increase the flow rate or application time), and the greater the wind speed, the greater the amount of applied gas (increase the flow rate or application time).

[0049] The control device C may also be configured to divide the area where the plurality of cultivation trays T are arranged into a plurality of sections (areas) and independently control the above-mentioned carbon dioxide supply process, air supply process, oxygen supply process, watering, and fertilization for each section. In this case, information about each section (setting information for the devices arranged in each section) is pre-stored in the control device C. For example, information for uniquely identifying the devices arranged in each section, such as the cultivation trays T, supply pipe 22, environment measurement sensor S1, and wind speed sensor S2, is set for each section. This allows independent control of the devices for each section according to the cultivation environment determined from the measurement values ​​of the sensors. Furthermore, the control device C may be configured to set information regarding the growth rate of the seedlings 4, the date and time the seedlings 4 were transplanted, the variety, etc., for each section, and based on this set information, automatically change (automatically change and adjust) the flow rate of the applied gas, the pressure in the supply pipe 22, the time for applying the applied gas (the time interval for intermittent application), the carbon dioxide concentration at which application begins, and the wind speed linkage (air supply based on the measurement value of the wind speed sensor S2) for each section. For example, if the variety of the first section is cedar and the variety of the second section is cypress, in the carbon dioxide supply process, the concentration of the applied gas (carbon dioxide) supplied to the cedar in the first section is 1000 ppm, and the concentration of the applied gas (carbon dioxide) supplied to the cypress in the second section is 900 ppm. Carbon dioxide is supplied intermittently to the cedar in the first section every minute, and to the cypress in the second section every two minutes, etc. The information relating to these changes and adjustments is set in the control device C in advance by an administrator.

[0050] Furthermore, the control device C may be connected to a telecommunications line (such as the Internet) so that an administrator can remotely configure the settings by operating an information terminal such as a smartphone, tablet, or personal computer.

[0051] Also, a solar panel may be provided at an appropriate location on the housing 3, and the power generated by the solar panel may be used to supply power for driving the environmental measurement sensor S1, the wind speed sensor S2, and various other devices. Furthermore, the measured values ​​of the environmental measurement sensor S1, the wind speed sensor S2, etc. may be transmitted to the control device C at predetermined time intervals via wireless communication, and the control device C may receive and record the data over time, and the measured value data recorded in the control device C may be checked by an administrator remotely on an information terminal via a telecommunications line as needed.

[0052] Although the above embodiment has been described in terms of cultivating seedlings, the above technology can also be applied to pot cultivation of strawberries, tomatoes, Japanese mustard spinach, and the like. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 Cultivation equipment 2 Feeding device 3. Housing 4 Seedlings 5 Simple cultivation solid soil 6 plastic sheets 7 Storage hole 7a Rib 8 Support member 17 Piping 18 Pump 21 Flexible hose 22 Supply pipe A Seedling container B. Solenoid valve C Control device Ps source Pe supply destination S1 Environmental Measurement Sensor S2 Wind Speed ​​Sensor T Cultivation Tray

Claims

1. A cultivation device for densely cultivating seedlings in an outdoor cultivation space, The cultivation device includes a plurality of cultivation trays arranged in a grid pattern in the cultivation space, a supply device configured to be able to supply carbon dioxide from a supply pipe arranged on the cultivation tray, a control device for controlling the supply of carbon dioxide by the supply device, and a carbon dioxide concentration sensor for measuring the carbon dioxide concentration on the cultivation tray, The cultivation tray is configured to enable dense cultivation of seedlings by storing seedling containers, each made of cylindrically shaped simple cultivation solid soil wrapped with a resin sheet, in a plurality of storage holes, The supply pipe is disposed at a height position substantially the same as the height position of the upper end of the seedling container housed in the cultivation tray, The control device acquires information about the measurement value from the carbon dioxide concentration measurement sensor, and controls the supply device to intermittently supply carbon dioxide when the acquired carbon dioxide concentration measurement value is below a predetermined value.

2. The cultivation device further includes a wind speed sensor for measuring a wind speed above the cultivation tray, the supply device is configured to be able to supply air from the supply pipe, The control device acquires information about a measurement value from the wind speed sensor, 2. The cultivation device according to claim 1, wherein the supply device is controlled to supply air for a predetermined set time when the measurement value of the wind speed sensor remains below a predetermined value for a predetermined time.

3. A cultivation method for densely cultivating seedlings in an outdoor cultivation space using the cultivation device according to claim 1, The cultivation method includes disposing the cultivation device in the cultivation space, and storing seedling containers into which seedlings to be cultivated have been transplanted in each of the plurality of storage holes provided in the cultivation tray, thereby closely packing the seedlings together; A cultivation method characterized in that carbon dioxide is intermittently supplied from the supply pipe when the carbon dioxide concentration measured by the carbon dioxide concentration measuring sensor is below a predetermined value.

4. 4. The cultivation method according to claim 3, wherein charcoal is mixed into the simple cultivation solid soil.

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