Table type lysimeter

Abstract

The present invention relates to a table-type lysimeter that can accurately measure and verify the amount and speed of movement of nutrient solution by separating and measuring the weight of the root portion and the stem portion of creeping plants or vine plants by configuring the flowerpot support portion and the stem support portion separately, and can obtain real-time information related to evapotranspiration and plant growth by utilizing real-time weight information of the flowerpot support portion and the stem support portion and information on the discharge amount of nutrient solution stored in the nutrient solution discharge tank. The present invention comprises: a support member (10) having a certain height from the ground, formed by combining a plurality of frames in horizontal, vertical, and vertical directions to form a frame; a flowerpot support member (20) installed with a certain area on one side of the lower portion of the support member (10) to support a flowerpot in which creeping plants or vine plants are cultivated; a flowerpot measuring load cell (30) installed on the flowerpot support member (20) to measure the weight of the flowerpot including the root portion of the plant and transmit the measurement information to a control unit (70); a stem support member (40) installed to cover the upper portion of the support member (10) and formed flat with a certain area to support the stem and fruit of the plant cultivated in the flowerpot; and a stem measuring load cell (50) installed on the stem support member (40) to measure the weight of the stem portion including the fruit of the plant and transmit the measurement information to a control unit (70). The invention is characterized by comprising: a nutrient solution discharge tank (60) installed in a lower part of the support member (10) and storing and discharging the nutrient solution that is not absorbed and is discharged among the nutrient solution supplied to the flowerpot, and a nutrient solution discharge tank load cell (65) that measures the weight of the nutrient solution discharge tank (60) and transmits it to a control unit (70); a control unit (70) that transmits measurement information received from the flowerpot measurement load cell (30), the stem measurement load cell (50), and the nutrient solution discharge tank load cell (65) to a server (80) connected via wired or wireless connection; and a server (80) equipped with a display unit that stores the measurement information received from the control unit (70), calculates the evapotranspiration amount of the nutrient solution based on this measurement information, and displays it together with the measurement information.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a table-type lysimeter capable of obtaining real-time information regarding the growth of a plant as well as the amount and speed of nutrient solution movement within the plant body by separately measuring the weight of the root and stem portions of creeping plants or vine plants. Background Technology

[0003] A lysimeter is used as a device to precisely measure the movement of water and substances (evapotranspiration, leaching, etc.) penetrating the soil layer.

[0004] These lysimeters typically measure the weight of soil placed in a large container while supplying water, thereby measuring the change in weight and the amount of water drained, and the evapotranspiration can be calculated through the amount of water supplied and the change in weight of the container.

[0005] Regarding the technology for conventional lysimeters, Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2101034 (Lysimeter) is disclosed.

[0006] Conventional lysimeters merely calculate evapotranspiration by measuring weight changes after placing soil in a container and supplying water; they were unable to quantitatively measure the amount and speed of nutrient solution movement based on plant weight changes, nor could they obtain information related to plant growth over time.

[0007] In addition, creeping plants and vines grow differently in each section of the stem as they grow, but the growth amount and evapotranspiration in each section of the stem could not be accurately measured, and when water or nutrient solution was supplied, related information such as the actual travel time, amount of travel, and speed of travel in each section of the stem could not be quantitatively measured. Prior art literature

[0009] Registered Patent Publication No. 10-2101034 (2020.04.08. Lysimeter) The problem to be solved

[0010] The present invention was devised to solve the aforementioned problems and provides a table-type lysimeter capable of obtaining real-time information related to plant growth by separating the flowerpot support and the stem support to measure the weight of the plant's root and stem parts separately, thereby accurately measuring and verifying the volume and speed of nutrient solution movement, and calculating the evapotranspiration and plant growth amount using real-time weight information of the flowerpot support and the stem support and information on the discharge volume of the nutrient solution stored in the discharge tank.

[0011] In addition, the present invention provides a table-type lysimeter in which the stem support portion is composed of a plurality of unit support portions, thereby enabling measurement at each section (base, middle, and tip) of the plant stem, and allowing for more accurate calculation of not only evapotranspiration but also the growth amount of each section.

[0012] In particular, the present invention solves the problem of measuring the growth amount of creeping plants or vine plants, which could not be measured by conventional lysimeters, through a new method of measuring the partial growth amount of the root and stem parts of plants. means of solving the problem

[0014] The means for solving the above problem according to the present invention comprises: a support member (10) provided such that a plurality of frames are combined with each other in horizontal, vertical, and vertical directions to form a frame and have a certain height from the ground; a flowerpot support member (20) installed with a certain area on one side of the lower portion of the support member (10) to support a flowerpot in which creeping plants or vine plants are cultivated; a flowerpot measuring load cell (30) installed on the flowerpot support member (20) to measure the weight of the flowerpot including the root portion of the plant and transmit the measurement information to a control unit (70); a stem support member (40) installed to cover the upper portion of the support member (10) and formed flat with a certain area to support the stem and fruit of the plant cultivated in the flowerpot; and a stem measuring load cell (50) installed on the stem support member (40) to measure the weight of the stem portion including the fruit of the plant and transmit the measurement information to a control unit (70). The invention is characterized by comprising: a nutrient solution discharge tank (60) installed in a lower part of the support member (10) and storing and discharging the nutrient solution that is not absorbed and is discharged among the nutrient solution supplied to the flowerpot, and a nutrient solution discharge tank load cell (65) that measures the weight of the nutrient solution discharge tank (60) and transmits it to a control unit (70); a control unit (70) that transmits measurement information received from the flowerpot measurement load cell (30), the stem measurement load cell (50), and the nutrient solution discharge tank load cell (65) to a server (80) connected via wired or wireless connection; and a server (80) equipped with a display unit that stores the measurement information received from the control unit (70), calculates the evapotranspiration amount of the nutrient solution based on this measurement information, and displays it together with the measurement information.

[0015] The above stem support (40) is installed as a plurality of unit support sections (41) that are divided and separated from each other to support the plant stem in sections (base, middle, and tip), and each of the plurality of unit support sections (41) has 1 to 3 load cells (50) for measuring the stem installed to measure the weight of the corresponding unit support section and transmit it to the control section (70).

[0016] Here, a plurality of through holes (42a) of a predetermined size are formed on the surface of the unit support part (41) so that air can pass through in the vertical direction.

[0017] At this time, the unit support member (41) is preferably composed of a main support plate (42) having a predetermined thickness with the through hole (42a) formed on its surface and the load cell (50) for measuring stems coupled to its lower surface, and an expansion support plate (43) formed on the upper surface of the main support plate (42) with a larger surface area than the main support plate (42) and having a hole formed on its surface to be aligned with the through hole (42a).

[0018] In addition, it is preferable that a load cell cover (45) be installed on the lower surface of the stem support part (40) so that the stem measuring load cell (50) is housed inside and not exposed to the outside.

[0019] Meanwhile, on the upper surface of the stem support part (40), a fruit measuring device (55) is installed to individually support a plurality of fruits grown on a plant being cultivated and to measure the weight of the corresponding fruit and transmit it to the control unit (70), and the fruit measuring device (55) is provided to be movable on the upper surface of the stem support part (40). Effects of the invention

[0021] According to the table-type lysimeter of the present invention, which is configured as described above, the problem of not being able to measure the growth amount of conventional creeping plants or vine plants is solved through a new method of separating and measuring the root and stem parts of plants, and it has the effect of accurately measuring and verifying the amount and speed of movement of the nutrient solution.

[0022] In addition, since measurements can be taken at each section of the plant stem (base, middle, and tip) by means of the unit support, it becomes possible to more accurately measure and secure information regarding not only the evapotranspiration rate for each section of the stem but also the amount of nutrient solution consumed during growth and the amount of stem growth.

[0023] In addition, by separately measuring the weight of the fruit hanging on the stem using a fruit measuring device, information related to plant growth resulting from the supply of nutrient solution can be obtained in real time through weight information of each section of the stem and the weight information of the fruit. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0025] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a table-type lysimeter according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 1 seen from the rear. FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a unit support member constituting a stem support member according to the present invention. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of a unit support member according to the present invention, FIG. 5 is a conceptual diagram of air moving through a plurality of through holes formed in a base plate according to the present invention. FIG. 6 is a structural diagram of a control unit for transmitting measurement information from load cells installed in each of the flowerpot support, unit support, and nutrient solution discharge tank according to the present invention. FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing a control unit connected to a server and a wireless communication network according to the present invention. FIG. 8 is an exemplary diagram showing an example of growing a Korean melon as a vine plant in a table-type lysimeter. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0026] Hereinafter, a table-type lysimeter according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0027] As described above, the table-type lysimeter according to the present invention is for measuring the weight of the root portion and the stem portion of a creeping plant or a vine plant separately, and comprises a support portion (10) that forms a frame and is provided to be at a certain height from the ground, a flowerpot support portion (20) installed on one side of the lower portion of the support portion (10), a load cell (30) for measuring the flowerpot, a stem support portion (40) installed to cover the upper portion of the support portion (10), a load cell (50) for measuring the stem, a nutrient solution discharge tank (60) and a nutrient solution discharge tank load cell (65), a control unit (70), and a server (80).

[0028] The support member (10) is a part that forms the frame of the lysimeter of the present invention, and a plurality of frames are combined with each other in the horizontal, vertical, and vertical directions to form the frame, and is provided to have a certain height from the ground so that the stem support member (40) covers the upper part of the support member (10) and is formed in a table shape.

[0029] The support member (10) is formed with a rectangular planar shape, and wheels may be installed at the lower corner portions so as to move the support member to a desired position. The wheels may also be installed in a height-adjustable manner to effectively respond to the height difference of the ground and level the stem support member.

[0030] The flowerpot support (20) is configured to support a flowerpot on one side of the lower part of the support (10) in which creeping plants or vine plants are cultivated, and is installed with a certain area.

[0031] Rubber feet may be installed on the lower corners or edges of the flowerpot support (20) to prevent slipping, and the rubber feet may be installed in a height-adjustable manner to level the flowerpot support.

[0032] A load cell (30) for measuring the weight of the flowerpot is installed in the flowerpot support (20) to measure the weight of the flowerpot.

[0033] The load cell (30) for measuring the flowerpot measures the weight of the flowerpot including the root portion of the creeping plant or vine plant planted in the flowerpot and transmits the measurement information to the control unit (70).

[0034] The stem support portion (40) is installed to cover the upper part of the support portion (10) and is formed flat with a certain area to support the stem and fruit of a plant grown in a flowerpot.

[0035] It is desirable that the above stem support part (40) be formed with a length of approximately 2m or more as the stem grows to a considerable length along with the growth of the plant due to the characteristics of creeping plants or vine plants.

[0036] The above stem support (40) is preferably formed of a lightweight aluminum material and coated with a material that can reflect sunlight on its surface or painted with a pigment such as white paint with excellent reflection efficiency. Accordingly, when sunlight is strong, such as in summer, the surface temperature is lowered, and the stems and fruits of creeping plants or vines that come into contact with the surface of the stem support are prevented from dying due to heat damage.

[0037] A stem measuring load cell (50) is installed in the stem support portion (40) to measure the weight of the stem support portion (40) by positioning it between the support portion (10) and the stem support portion (40).

[0038] The stem measuring load cell (50) measures the weight of the stem portion including the fruit of the plant and transmits the measured information to the control unit (70).

[0039] The above-mentioned stem measuring load cell (30) is preferably provided with a stem support part (40) having a length and width of approximately 2m or more and a substantial area, so it is desirable to provide multiple units and install them spaced apart from each other at specific locations.

[0040] When multiple load cells for measuring stems are installed, the control unit (70) collects the measurement information measured by each load cell for measuring stems and transmits it to the server (80).

[0041] The nutrient solution discharge tank (60) is installed in a lower part of the support member (10) and is configured to store the nutrient solution that is not absorbed and is discharged when the nutrient solution is supplied to a flowerpot placed on the flowerpot support member (20), and a discharge port is provided on one side of the lower part to discharge the stored nutrient solution to the outside.

[0042] An electronic valve (61) is installed at the discharge port to open and close the flow path by operating on / off by the control of the control unit (70).

[0043] A nutrient solution discharge tank load cell (65) is provided to measure the weight of the above nutrient solution discharge tank (60), and the measured information is transmitted to the control unit (70).

[0044] The control unit (70) supplies power to the above-mentioned load cell for measuring flowerpots (30), load cell for measuring stems (50), load cell for discharging nutrient solution (65), and electronic valve, and also transmits the measurement information received from the above-mentioned load cell for measuring flowerpots (30), load cell for measuring stems (50), and load cell for discharging nutrient solution (65) to a server (80) connected via wired or wireless connection.

[0045] The above-mentioned load cell for measuring flowerpots (30), load cell for measuring stems (50), and load cell for discharging nutrient solution (65) measure in real time and transmit the measurement information to the control unit.

[0046] The above-mentioned load cell for measuring flowerpots (30), load cell for measuring stems (50), and load cell for discharging nutrient solution (65) are connected via wired communication (e.g., RS-485 communication) to transmit the measured weight information to the control unit (70), and the control unit (70) is connected via wired communication (e.g., RS-485 communication) or wireless communication (LAN, etc.) to transmit the measured weight information to the server (80).

[0047] The server (80) is equipped with a display unit for outputting information, stores measurement information received from the control unit (70), calculates the evapotranspiration amount of the nutrient solution based on this measurement information, and outputs the calculated evapotranspiration amount along with the measurement information to the display unit.

[0048] Here, the server (80) can calculate the amount of plant growth based on the measurement information received in real time, and can calculate it by time of day as well as by day, and if necessary, can also calculate and verify it by minute.

[0049] Evapotranspiration is calculated using the amount of nutrient solution supplied to the pot, the amount of water discharged from the pot and stored in the nutrient solution discharge tank, and the weight information of the plant's fruit and stem. The plant's growth amount can be calculated using the calculated evapotranspiration and the plant's weight information (fruit + stem).

[0050] The present invention, configured as described above, allows for the accurate measurement of the amount and speed of movement of the nutrient solution due to the supply of nutrient solution by separating the root portion and the stem portion of the plant and measuring their weights, thereby enabling the accurate calculation of evapotranspiration as well as the calculation of the plant's growth amount.

[0051] In addition, real-time measured information can be used to detect changes in the measurement data at arbitrary time intervals (e.g., 1-minute intervals) to verify the relationship between evapotranspiration and plant growth resulting from the supply of nutrient solution, and to identify plant growth delays quickly, thereby enabling prompt response.

[0052] Meanwhile, in the present invention, the stem support part (40) is divided and installed as a plurality of unit support parts (41) so as to be separated from each other.

[0053] The unit support section (41) is intended to support the plant stem in sections (base, middle section, tip section), and each of the multiple unit support sections (41) has 1 to 3 stem measuring load cells (50) installed, and each stem measuring load cell measures the weight of the corresponding unit support section and transmits it to the control section (70).

[0054] As the stem support is divided and installed as a plurality of unit support sections (41), it is possible to measure each section (base, middle section, tip section) of the plant stem, and as a result, the evapotranspiration of the nutrient solution as well as the growth amount of each section can be calculated more accurately.

[0055] In the attached drawing, the stem support portion (40) is divided into six unit support portions (41) so as to be separated from each other, and each unit support portion (41) is shown to have two stem measuring load cells, one on each side, installed at the bottom.

[0056] The above unit support part (41) can be formed with a horizontal length of 90 to 100 cm and a vertical length of 60 to 70 cm, for example.

[0057] In addition, due to the characteristics of creeping plants or vines, fruit does not grow on the main stem but on the secondary or tertiary stems, and depending on the type of plant, 1 to 3 stems are left. Therefore, it is preferable to install the unit support (41) in two or three rows rather than arranging them in a single row.

[0058] Here, a plurality of through holes (42a) of a predetermined size are formed on the surface of the unit support part (41) so that air can pass through in the vertical direction.

[0059] As the above through hole (42a) is formed, air moves up and down through the through hole as shown in the conceptual diagram of FIG. 5, thereby allowing ventilation to occur, removing moisture and eliminating dampness, and thus preventing decay that may occur due to a humid environment.

[0060] In addition, the contact area between the stem or fruit and the surface of the unit support can be minimized, thereby preventing tissue necrosis caused by heat damage that may occur when the surface temperature of the unit support rises due to strong sunlight, such as during the summer.

[0061] Here, the unit support part (41) can be composed of a main support plate (42) and an extension support plate (43) for effective manufacturing.

[0062] The above main support plate (42) is provided as a plate of a predetermined thickness having the through hole (42a) formed on its surface, and the stem measuring load cell (50) is coupled to its lower surface.

[0063] The above-mentioned extension support plate (43) is formed with a larger surface area than the main support plate (42) and is provided to surround the upper surface of the main support plate (42), and a hole is formed on its surface to be aligned with the through hole (42a) formed in the main support plate (42).

[0064] The hole formed on the surface of the expansion support plate (43) is preferably formed in the same shape and size as the through hole formed in the main support plate, but it may be formed differently from the shape of the through hole and be slightly larger than the size of the through hole.

[0065] The through hole can be formed in a circular, square, or polygonal shape, and in the attached drawing, it is formed in a hexagonal shape.

[0066] As the main support plate (42) is formed with a predetermined thickness, bending does not occur even if the weight of the stem or fruit increases as the plant grows.

[0067] In addition, by providing a lightweight extension support plate to the main support plate, the supporting surface area of ​​the plant can be expanded while minimizing weight. Although the edge portion of the extension support plate that is not connected to the main support plate may bend when the weight of the stem or fruit becomes heavy, due to the characteristics of creeping plants or vines, multiple stems extend from the main stem, so the load applied to the edge portion of the extension support plate is relatively small, and thus the possibility of bending is very low.

[0068] Therefore, it is possible to effectively support the spreading stems while also effectively supporting the main stems and fruits, which are subjected to relatively heavy loads, thereby preventing damage such as bending.

[0069] In addition, it is preferable that a load cell cover (45) be installed on the lower surface of the stem support part (40) so that the stem measuring load cell (50), which is installed between the support part (10) and the lower surface, is not exposed to the outside.

[0070] The load cell cover (45) is made of a tubular body with an open bottom and an internal receiving space, and serves to receive the load cell (50) for measuring stems inside and block it from being exposed to the outside.

[0071] Meanwhile, on the upper surface of the stem support part (40), a fruit measuring device (55) is provided to measure the weight of the fruit while supporting the fruit growing on the plant being cultivated.

[0072] A plurality of fruit measuring devices (55) are provided to individually support all fruits growing on the stem and measure the weight of each fruit individually, and the information measured by each fruit measuring device (55) is transmitted to the control unit (70).

[0073] With the above fruit measuring device (55) provided, the growth of the plant as well as the weight of the harvested fruit can be accurately measured, making it possible to calculate the amount of fruit growth by time or day, as well as to calculate the accurate weight of the total fruit, and subsequently, when harvesting the fruit, it is possible to calculate the weight of the harvested fruit and the remaining fruit.

[0074] At this time, since the positions of the fruits are different, it is preferable that the fruit measuring device (55) be provided to be movable on the upper surface of the stem support (40).

[0075] The fruit measuring device (55) is installed to transmit measurement information by being connected to the control unit (70) via a wired connection or wireless connection, and when connected via a wired connection, it is connected by a cable of sufficient length so that it can move without interference on the upper surface of the stem support.

[0076] In addition, a rubber foot is provided on the lower edge of the fruit measuring device (55) so as not to easily slip while supported on the upper surface of the stem support (40), and the rubber foot is provided to be adjustable in length so as to be stably supported without shaking on the upper surface of the stem support. Explanation of the symbols

[0078] 10: Support part 20: Flowerpot stand part 30: Load cell for measuring flowerpots 40: Stem support 41: Unit support 42: Main support plate 42a: Through hole 43: Extension support plate 45: Load cell cover 50: Load cell for stem measurement 55: Fruit temperature gauge 60: Nutrient solution drainage tank 61: Solenoid valve 65: Nutrient solution discharge tank load cell 70: Control unit 80: Server

Claims

Claim 1 A plurality of frames are combined in horizontal, vertical, and vertical directions to form a frame, and a support member (10) is provided to have a certain height from the ground; a flowerpot support member (20) is installed with a certain area on one side of the lower part of the support member (10) to support a flowerpot in which creeping plants or vine plants are cultivated; a flowerpot measuring load cell (30) is installed on the flowerpot support member (20) to measure the weight of the flowerpot including the root portion of the plant and transmit the measurement information to a control unit (70); a stem support member (40) is installed to cover the upper part of the support member (10) and is formed flat with a certain area to support the stem and fruit of the plant cultivated in the flowerpot; a stem measuring load cell (50) is installed on the stem support member (40) to measure the weight of the stem portion including the fruit of the plant and transmit the measurement information to a control unit (70); a nutrient solution discharge tank (60) is installed on a part of the lower part of the support member (10) and stores and discharges the nutrient solution supplied to the flowerpot that is not absorbed and is discharged, and the A table-type lysimeter characterized by comprising: a nutrient solution discharge tank load cell (65) that measures the weight of the nutrient solution discharge tank (60) and transmits it to a control unit (70); a control unit (70) that transmits measurement information received from the potting plant measurement load cell (30), the stem measurement load cell (50), and the nutrient solution discharge tank load cell (65) to a server (80) connected via wired or wireless connection; and a server (80) that stores the measurement information received from the control unit (70), calculates the evapotranspiration amount of the nutrient solution based on this measurement information, and displays it together with the measurement information. Claim 2 A table-type lysimeter according to claim 1, wherein the stem support part (40) is installed as a plurality of unit support parts (41) that are divided and separated from each other to support the plant stem in sections (base, middle, and tip), and each of the plurality of unit support parts (41) has 1 to 3 load cells (50) for measuring the stem installed to measure the weight of the corresponding unit support part and transmit it to the control part (70). Claim 3 A table-type lysimeter according to paragraph 2, characterized in that a plurality of through holes (42a) of a predetermined size are formed on the surface of the unit support part (41) so that air can pass in the up and down direction. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the unit support member (41) is provided with a plate of a predetermined thickness having the through hole (42a) formed on its surface and the load cell (50) for measuring stem is coupled to the lower surface of the main support plate (42), and the extension support plate (43) is formed on the upper surface of the main support plate (42) with a larger area than the main support plate (42) and has a hole formed on its surface to be aligned with the through hole (42a), characterized in that it is a table-type lysimeter. Claim 5 A table-type lysimeter according to claim 1, characterized in that a load cell cover (45) is installed on the lower surface of the stem support part (40) so that the stem measuring load cell (50) is received inside and not exposed to the outside. Claim 6 A table-type lysimeter characterized in that, in any one of claims 1 to 5, a fruit measuring device (55) is installed on the upper surface of the stem support part (40) to individually support a plurality of fruits grown on a plant being cultivated, and to measure the weight of the corresponding fruit and transmit it to the control part (70), and the fruit measuring device (55) is provided to be movable on the upper surface of the stem support part (40).

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