Liquid treatment system and method for treatment of a liquid used for the cultivation of leaf crop and / or herbs and / or potato plants

Abstract

The invention relates to a liquid treatment system (1) for treating liquid, for example water, being used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, wherein the system (1) comprises a container (2) for containing liquid; at least one ultrasonic transmitter (3) for transmitting ultrasonic waves into the liquid in the container (2); at least one gas supply (5) for supplying gas bubbles to the liquid in the container (2); and at least one nutrient supply (8) for supplying nutrients to the liquid in the container (2). The invention also concerns a method for the treatment of liquid as well as a method and system for cultivation of leaf crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants.

Description

[0001] LIQUID TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TREATMENT OF A LIQUID USED FOR THE CULTIVATION OF LEAF CROP AND / OR HERBS AND / OR POTATO PLANTS.

[0002] The invention relates to a liquid treatment system for treating liquid, for example water, used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants. The liquid can be used, for example, for so-called deep water culture, table cultivation, propagation floors, gutters (MGS), open gutters, tower frames, aquaponics, airoponics, overhead watering, ebb / flow systems and / or drip systems. Leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants may refer to leafy crop plant and / or herbaceous plants and / or potato plants, for example, whose vegetables may be consumed by a consumer and / or may belong, for example, to the order of Caryophyllales and / or family of Amaranthaceae and / or genus of Spinacia. Leafy crops are e.g. leafy vegetables, e.g. spinach, endive, kale, napa cabbage, lettuce, chard, chicory, pak choi, lacinato cabbage, duckweed and yellow cress. Herbs include coriander, dill, basil, thyme, rosemary, mint, and parsley. Potato plants may belong, for example, to the order of Solanales and / or family Solanaceae and / or genus of Solatium.

[0003] The liquid treatment system according to the invention comprises a container for containing liquid, for example water, at least one ultrasonic transmitter for sending ultrasonic waves into the liquid in the container, at least one gas supply for supplying gas bubbles, for example air bubbles or oxygen bubbles, to the liquid in the container, and at least one nutrient supply for supplying nutrients to the liquid in the container.

[0004] It has been found by the applicant that by providing a liquid treatment system with the above three components, namely supplying nutrients, in particular so that a certain EC value is achieved in the liquid as will be explained in more detail below, supplying oxygen via gas bubbles and providing an ultrasonic device in the form of at least one ultrasonic transmitter, the liquid can be kept clean from root exudates, fusarium, botrytus pythium and so on, so that the liquid is suitable for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants.

[0005] The container for containing the liquid can be any suitable type of container, such as a basin or silo.

[0006] The gas bubbles can be any suitable type of gas bubbles, where the gas at least has sufficient oxygen. Practically, the gas may be air.

[0007] The liquid treatment system according to the invention is preferably arranged such that the at least one ultrasonic transmitter for transmiting ultrasonic waves into the liquid in the container and the at least one gas supply for supplying gas bubbles, for example air bubbles or oxygen bubbles, to the liquid in the container are arranged for at least partially and, if desired, completely simultaneously transmiting the ultrasonic waves and supplying gas bubbles. As explained in more detail below, this may be advantageous due to the interaction between the ultrasonic waves and gas bubbles. To this end, the at least one ultrasonic transmitter and at least one gas supply may be arranged for substantially continuous transmission of ultrasonic waves and supply of gas bubbles, respectively. Alternatively, control means may be provided for controlling the at least one ultrasonic transmitter and the at least one gas supply, or a compressor associated therewith, such that they transmit ultrasonic waves and supply gas bubbles at least partially or completely simultaneously. For example, the control means may be arranged to control the at least one ultrasonic transmitter and the at least one gas supply or compressor connected thereto to transmit ultrasonic waves and supply gas bubbles for a defined duration of time per 24-hour period, for example a few hours per 24-hour period, wherein the defined duration overlaps at least partially, substantially, or completely. Partially or substantially may be understood, for example, to mean that the determined time duration overlaps at least 50%, preferably overlaps at least 70%, even more preferably overlaps at least 80%. For example, the control means may be arranged herein for turning on or off the at least one ultrasonic transmitter and / or with the at least one gas supply connected compressor, wherein the at least one ultrasonic transmitter and / or with the at least one gas supply connected compressor are at least partially and possibly completely on at the same time.

[0008] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the nutrient supply for supplying nutrients to the fluid is arranged such that the fluid has an EC value between 0.5 - 5, preferably between 0.8 - 3.

[0009] This can be achieved by dissolving nutrients in the liquid, which nutrients are supplied using the nutrient supply.

[0010] It should be noted that EC refers to electrical conductivity, for example measured in mS / cm.

[0011] For example, the nutrient content in the liquid may be in the range of 1 mM to 100 mM, preferably in the range of 1 mM to 50 mM, more preferably in the range of 10 mM to 50 mM.

[0012] The nutrients may alternatively be referred to as fertilizers.

[0013] For example, the nutrients may be chosen from the group comprising NH4, K, Na, Ca, K / Ca, Mg, Si, NO3, Cl, S, HCO3, P, Fe, Mn, Zn, B, Cu, Mo, Al and combinations thereof

[0014] The nutrient supply may optionally also be arranged for supplying stabilizers to the liquid in the container. Alternatively, an additional feed may optionally be provided for this purpose.

[0015] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system is arranged to provide one ultrasonic transmitter per 25 - 250 cubic meters of liquid. It has been found by the applicant that an ultrasonic transmitter can properly handle such an amount of liquid. Therefore, depending on the size of the container, the system may comprise multiple ultrasonic transmitters. If the system comprises multiple ultrasonic transmitters, the transmitters are preferably arranged distributed throughout the container.

[0016] Practically, the ratio of leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants may be such that there are multiple leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants per ultrasonic transmitter.

[0017] The at least one ultrasonic transmitter may be any suitable transmitter.

[0018] The at least one ultrasonic transmitter may have any suitable power output. For example, the power may be between 50 and 1000 watts.

[0019] Practically, the at least one ultrasonic transmitter is arranged in the container. In such an implementation form, the ultrasonic transmitter is waterproof.

[0020] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the at least one ultrasonic transmitter is arranged such that a direction of propagation of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic transmitter is at a non-right angle with respect to the liquid surface, the angle being for example between 0 and 45 degrees, preferably between 0 and 15 degrees, more preferably about 0 degrees.

[0021] In this embodiment, the ultrasonic waves are not transmitted perpendicular to the liquid surface, but at a different suitable angle therewith, preferably parallel to the liquid surface. An advantage of this is, that the ultrasonic can cross and come into contact with the gas bubbles.

[0022] The ultrasonic transmitters according to the invention are particularly provided for treating the liquid, whereby the ultrasonic transmitters can be arranged relative to the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants in such a way that the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants are not, or at least not necessarily, arranged in the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the at least one ultrasonic transmitter.

[0023] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the system comprises multiple gas feeders for supplying gas bubbles to the liquid in the container, the gas feeders being preferably arranged distributed throughout the container.

[0024] An advantage of providing multiple gas supplies is that the gas supplies can collectively supply a sufficient number of gas bubbles. The number of gas feeders can be chosen, for example, in dependence on the size of the container. By preferably arranging the gas inlets distributed over the container, the gas bubbles can be supplied scattered over the container. Preferably, the at least one gas supply is arranged below a propagation path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the at least one ultrasonic transmitter, such that the ultrasonic waves cross the gas bubbles.

[0025] When the gas bubbles are fed to the container, they will move upward to the liquid surface. By feeding the gas bubbles below a propagation path of the ultrasonic waves, the ultrasonic waves will cross and interact with the rising gas bubbles. It has been found by the applicant that this allows a very effective treatment of the liquid.

[0026] It is noted, that it is clear that by below a propagation path of the ultrasonic waves is meant that the waves and gas bubbles can cross each other and that in this form of implementation it is not sufficient that the at least one gas supply is arranged lower than the ultrasonic transmitter. In other words, a vertical line drawn through the at least one gas supply, in particular through a gas outlet opening thereof, intersects or crosses the propagation path of the ultrasonic waves.

[0027] For example, the gas inlets may discharge near a bottom of the container into the water for near bottom feeding of the gas bubbles.

[0028] Practically, the at least one gas supply may be connected to a compressor for compressing gas, wherein the compressor is arranged for providing compressed gas to the gas supply for supplying the gas bubbles and wherein the compressor comprises an inlet for receiving gas from outside the compressor.

[0029] The gas originating from outside the compressor and supplied to the compressor may be air, for example, outdoor air or air from the room where the compressor is located. Optionally, the inlet may be connected with a pipe, conduit or the like for supplying the gas from a desired location to the compressor.

[0030] In one embodiment of the system according to the invention, the container is used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants therein, wherein the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants are carried by a carrier carrying the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants above the liquid surface, such that at least the roots thereof can extend into the liquid.

[0031] For example, the carrier may be a floatable carrier that carries the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, or the carrier may be fixedly connected to the container so that it is arranged above the liquid surface in the aforementioned manner.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the system comprises at least one conveying means, such as a pipe, tube, conduit or the like, for conveying liquid from the container to the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants and optionally for returning liquid from the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants to the container.

[0033] Practically, the system may also comprise at least one pump for pumping the liquid. In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the liquid treatment system further comprises at least one ferrate supply for supplying ferrate to the liquid in the container.

[0034] It has appeared to the applicant that by supplying ferrate to the liquid in the container, the cultivation of said leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants can be further improved. In particular, it has been found to the applicant that the addition of ferrate to the liquid in the container provides stability to the liquid, thereby providing a stable liquid for growing said leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants. The addition of the ferrate to the liquid reduces the fluctuation of the acidity and / or nutrient content of the liquid. As a result, the amount of fresh water can be reduced and a lower ecological footprint is achieved.

[0035] In an embodiment of the system according to the invention, the amount of ferrate may be between 0.01 cc / m3 liquid and 1000 cc / m3 liquid, preferably between 0.1 cc / m3 liquid and 500 cc / m3 liquid, more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 100 cc / m3 3 liquid, still more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 75 cc / m3 liquid, still more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 50 cc / m3 liquid, most preferably between 2 cc / m3 liquid and 50 cc / m3 liquid.

[0036] The addition of ferrate in the said amount makes it possible to stabilize the acidity of the liquid. This will prevent the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants from dying and / or achieve an efficient growth rate.

[0037] For example, the ferrate can be supplied as a solution in water.

[0038] Alternatively, the ferrate can be supplied as a solid and dissolve in the liquid in the container.

[0039] Practically, a suitable amount of ferrate can be supplied to the liquid in the container per unit of time, for example per 24 hours, which amount can be chosen in dependence on the volume of the liquid in the container, such that the desired amount described above can be achieved.

[0040] The invention also relates to a method for treating liquid, for example water, used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, wherein the method comprises the following steps, to be performed in any suitable order:

[0041] (a) providing a container containing liquid, for example water;

[0042] (b) transmiting ultrasonic waves into the liquid contained in the container;

[0043] (c) supplying gas bubbles, for example air bubbles or oxygen bubbles, to the liquid in the container; and

[0044] (d) supplying nutrients to the liquid in the container. As described above using the system according to the invention, by sending ultrasonic waves into the liquid, supplying gas bubbles, for example air bubbles or oxygen bubbles, to the liquid, and supplying nutrients to the liquid, it can be achieved that the treated liquid is suitable for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants.

[0045] As is clear from the rest of the text, steps (b) and (c) are performed at least partially and, if desired, completely at the same time. This allows interaction between the ultrasonic waves and the gas bubbles.

[0046] As already described on the basis of the system, step d) is preferably performed such that an EC value of the liquid is between 0.5 - 5, preferably between 0.8 - 3.

[0047] As on the basis of the system already described, step b) is preferably carried out such that the propagation direction of the ultrasonic waves is at a non-right angle to the liquid surface, the angle being for example between 0 and 45 degrees, preferably between 0 and 15 degrees, more preferably about 0 degrees.

[0048] As has already been described on the basis of the system, steps b) and c) are preferably performed such that the gas bubbles are fed below a propagation path of the ultrasonic waves, such that the ultrasonic waves cross the gas bubbles.

[0049] As described above using the system according to the invention, it is further advantageous if the method further comprises step h) of supplying ferrate to the liquid in the container.

[0050] The ferrate is preferably supplied such that the amount of ferrate in the liquid is between 0.01 cc / m3 liquid and 1000 cc / m3 liquid, preferably between 0.1 cc / m3 liquid and 500 cc / m3 liquid, more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 100 cc / m3 3 liquid, still more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 75 cc / m3 liquid, still more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 50 cc / m3 liquid, most preferably between 2 cc / m3 liquid and 50 cc / m3 liquid.

[0051] For example, the ferrate may be provided as a solution in water.

[0052] Alternatively, the ferrate may be supplied as a solid and dissolve in the liquid in the container.

[0053] Practically, a suitable amount of ferrate can be supplied to the liquid in the container per unit of time, for example per 24 hours, which amount can be chosen in dependence on the volume of the liquid in the container, such that the desired amount described above can be achieved.

[0054] Other features and / or advantages of the method for treating liquid will be apparent from the description of the system for treating liquid and are similarly applicable to the method.

[0055] The invention further relates to a method for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, comprising the following steps, to be performed in any suitable order: (e) providing a growth substrate;

[0056] (f) providing one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants to the growth substrate; g) providing a liquid to the one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants, wherein the liquid is the liquid as treated by the system according to one of claims 1 - 11 or the method according to one of claims 12 - 15.

[0057] The method according to the invention for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants begins with the step of providing a growth substrate and providing one or more leafy crops seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leafy crops plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants to the growth substrate. Preferably, the growth substrate is a biodegradable growth substrate that enables plant growth. Preferably, the one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants are at substantially the same stage of development. These steps may be followed by the step of providing liquid to the one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants, the liquid being the liquid treated with the system or method according to the invention, as described in more detail above. The liquid grows the one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants, wherein the liquid is made suitable for growing the leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants using the system or method for treating the liquid.

[0058] It has been shown to the applicant that the method according to the invention enables the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants in certain embodiments of the invention to grow in an aqueous system with a depth in the range from 0 mm to 5000 mm, preferably in an aqueous system having a depth in the area from 10 mm to 5000 mm, preferably in an aqueous system having a depth in the area from 500 mm to 5000 mm, preferably in an aqueous system having a depth in the area from 1000 mm to 4000 mm, preferably in an aqueous system having a depth in the area from 2500 mm to 4000 mm.

[0059] As explained above with reference to the system and method of treating the liquid, the liquid preferably has an EC value between 0.5 - 5, preferably between 0.8 - 3. This can be achieved by dissolving nutrients in the liquid, which nutrients are supplied using the nutrient supply.

[0060] For example, the nutrient content in the liquid may be in the range of 1 mM to 100 mM, preferably in the range of 1 mM to 50 mM, more preferably in the range of 10 mM to 50 mM. The liquid may further contain stabilizers.

[0061] It is noted, that the liquid may be provided to the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants using, for example, so-called deep water culture, table cultivation, propagation floors, gutters (MGS), open gutters, tower frames, aquaponics, airoponics, overhead watering, ebb / flow systems and / or drip systems.

[0062] In particular, the leafy crop seeds and / or leaf crop plants may be spinach. Preferably, step (g) comprises supplying 0.7 to 1.3 liters of liquid to the leafy crop seeds and / or leaf crop plants per 1 kilogram of harvestable spinach.

[0063] It is apparent to the applicant that the method according to the invention produces exceptional results when the leafy crop seeds and leaf crop plants are spinach. For example, to grow 1 kilogram of spinach suitable for consumption by a consumer, between 0.7 and 1.3 liters of water was used. By comparison, conventional methods of growing spinach of similar quality require at least ten times as much water under the same conditions.

[0064] In another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the herb seeds and / or herb plants may be selected from the group of cilantro, dill and parsley.

[0065] In yet another preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the potato plant seeds and / or potato plants may be selected from the European Cultivated Potato Database, preferably the potato plant seeds and / or potato plants may be selected from the group comprising Yukon Gold, Jersey Royal, Opperdoezer Ronde, Linda potato, Marfona.

[0066] In yet another preferred embodiment, the pH of the liquid may be in the range of 5 to 6.5, preferably in the range of 5.5 to 6.5, preferably about 6. It has been found that the optimal acidity (pH) for growing leafy crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants with the method according to the invention is in the range of 5 to 8.

[0067] In yet another preferred embodiment, the temperature of the liquid may be between 0°C and 40°C, preferably between 10°C and 30°C, preferably between 15°C and 28°C, preferably between 15°C and 22°C.

[0068] The leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants are preferably grown at a temperature between 0°C and 40°C, preferably between 10°C and 30°C, preferably between 15°C and 28°C, preferably between 15°C and 22°C.

[0069] Providing liquid and / or growing leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants at a temperature between 0 °C and 40 °C, preferably between 10 °C and 30 °C, preferably between 10 °C and 30 °C; still more preferably in the range of 15 °C to 28 °C, still more preferably in the range of 15 °C to 22 °C provides optimum growing conditions for the leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants. As a result, leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants suitable for consumption are achieved in an efficient, effective and environmentally friendly manner.

[0070] In yet another preferred embodiment according to the invention, the liquid may be part of a water-based growing system.

[0071] Growing the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants in a water-based growth system allows growth without soil. An advantage is that the rate of plant growth is increased. This increases the yield of consumptive leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants per square meter.

[0072] Another advantage of the water-based growing system is that virus infections, fungal infections and the like can be prevented because unwanted particles and / or organisms can be removed from the liquid in a water-based system.

[0073] In yet another preferred embodiment according to the invention, any fertilizer provided comprises organomineral fertilizer comprising one or more elements selected from the group of boron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, silicon, sodium and sulphur.

[0074] As a result, efficient and effective leafy crops and / or herb and / or potato plant growth can be achieved.

[0075] The invention further relates to a system for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, comprising:

[0076] - a carrier having a growth substrate containing one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants;

[0077] - a liquid treatment system according to any one of claims 1 - 11 for treating liquid used for growing the one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants.

[0078] The carrier containing the growing substrate with the one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants may be held above the liquid surface, for example, such that at least the roots thereof may extend into the liquid. Alternatively or additionally, the system comprises at least one transport means, such as a pipe, tube, conduit or the like, for transporting liquid from the container to the carrier containing the growth substrate containing the one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants and optionally for returning liquid to the container. Even in the latter case, water-based cultivation may optionally be used, but where the plants are not arranged directly over the treated water, but where the water is treated at a distance from the plants, such as in a silo, and where the treated water is supplied to the plants and then returned to the container. Practically, at least one pump may have been provided for pumping the liquid.

[0079] Other features and / or advantages of the system for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants will be apparent from the description of the system and / or the method for treating liquid and / or the method for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants and are similarly applicable to the system for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants.

[0080] The invention will be explained in more detail by means of drawings, wherein:

[0081] Figure 1 schematically shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a system for treating liquid, for example water, used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0082] Figure 2 schematically shows a method for treating liquid, for example water, used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0083] Figure 3 schematically shows a method for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0084] Figure 4 schematically shows a vertical cross-sectional view of a system for treating liquid, for example water, used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants according to a second embodiment of the invention; and.

[0085] Figure 5 schematically shows a method for treating liquid, for example water, used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants according to a second embodiment of the invention.

[0086] Figure 1 shows a system 1 for treating liquid, for example water, used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants according to an embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the system comprises a container 2 for containing liquid, in this case water. It will be clear that the container 2 can be any suitable type of container, for example a basin or silo. The container 2 in this case includes two ultrasonic emitters 3 for emiting ultrasonic waves 4 into the water in the container 2, but it will be understood that any suitable number of ultrasonic emiters 3 may be provided and at least one ultrasonic emiter 3 may be arranged in any suitable manner, inside or outside the container 2. In this case, the system 1 comprises three gas feeders 5 for supplying gas bubbles 6 to the water in the container 2, but will be clear that any suitable number of gas feeders may have been provided. The gas forming the gas bubbles 6 may be any suitable gas, the gas containing sufficient oxygen, such as, for example, air or pure oxygen. Practically, the gas is air. As shown in Figure 1, in this case the gas feeders 5 are arranged below the ultrasonic emiters 3 so that the rising gas bubbles 6 cross the propagation path of the waves 4. The gas bubbles thereby rise in an essentially vertical direction, that is, at right angles to the water surface 10, and the propagation direction of the waves 4 in this case is essentially parallel to the water surface. The gas bubbles are provided in this case by a compressor 7, which compressor 7 draws air from its surroundings and compresses it for providing in this case air bubbles 6. For this purpose, the compressor 7 is connected to each of the gas supplies 5, but if desired, each gas supply 5 may have its own compressor 7. Alternatively to the compressor may be provided a gas tank, which contains gas, for example air or oxygen, under pressure therein and which is connected to the at least one gas supply 5 for supplying the gas bubbles to the container 2. In this example, the system 1 comprises one nutrient supply 8 for supplying nutrients and, if desired, stabilizers to the water, but it will be understood that the system may comprise any number of nutrient supplies 8. The nutrient supply 8 may be coupled with a nutrient container 9 for containing nutrients to be supplied to the container 2. By supplying the nutrients, the EC value of the water in the container 2 is kept between 0.5 and 5, preferably between 0.8 - 3, where the EC value is expressed, for example, in mS / cm. Practically, the container 2 can be used directly for growing the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, where the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants are carried by a carrier arranged above the water surface 10, for example by being connected to the container 2 or floating on the water. Alternatively or additionally, water may be discharged from the container 2 and transported to the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, for example by means of a pipe, tube or the like, and water derived from the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants may be returned to the container 2. The liquid can be used, for example, for so-called deep water culture, table cultivation, propagation floors, gutters (MGS), open gutters, tower frames, aquaponics, airoponics, above-ground watering, ebb and flow systems and / or drip systems.

[0087] Figure 2 schematically shows the steps of a method for treating liquid, in this case water, used to grow leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants. Step 20 involves providing a container that contains liquid, in this case water. Step 21 comprises sending ultrasonic waves into the water in the container. Step 22 is supplying gas bubbles, for example air bubbles or oxygen bubbles, to the water in the container. Step 23 is supplying nutrients to the water in the container. The ultrasonic waves and gas bubbles from steps 21 and 22 are preferably provided to the water almost continuously, preferably in such a way that the gas bubbles cross the ultrasonic waves. The latter can be achieved, for example, by supplying the gas bubbles below a propagation path of the ultrasonic waves and by transmiting the ultrasonic waves through the water at a non-right angle to the water surface. The nutrients from step 23 are preferably supplied to the water such that the EC value of the water is between 0.5 - 5, preferably between 0.8 - 3, where the EC value is expressed, for example, in mS / cm.

[0088] Figure 3 schematically shows the steps of a method for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants. Leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants may refer to leafy crops and / or herbaceous plants and / or potato plants, for example, whose vegetables may be consumed by a consumer and / or may belong, for example, to the order of Caryophyllales and / or family of Amaranthaceae and / or genus of Spinacia. Leafy crops are e.g. leafy vegetables, e.g. spinach, endive, kale, napa cabbage, lettuce, chard, chicory, pak choi, lacinato cabbage, duckweed and yellow cress. Herbs include cilantro, dill and parsley. Potato plants may belong, for example, to the order Solanales and / or family Solanaceae and / or genus Solatium. Step 30 comprises providing a growth substrate. The growth substrate may be, for example, a biodegradable growth substrate that allows plant growth. Step 31 comprises providing one or more of the above mentioned leafy plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants or seeds thereof to the growth substrate. Step 32 comprises providing a liquid to the one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leaf crop plants and / or herb plants and / or potato plants, wherein the liquid is the liquid as treated by the system of Figure 1 or 4 or the method of Figure 2 or 5. For the cultivation of the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, for example, so-called deep water culture, table cultivation, propagation floors, gutters (MGS), open gutters, tower frames, aquaponics, airoponics, overhead watering, ebb / flow systems and / or drip systems may be used.

[0089] Figure 4 shows a system 1 for treating liquid according to a second embodiment of the invention. Figure 4 uses equal reference numbers for equal parts as Figure 1. Only the differences from the system of figure 1 will be described here, otherwise reference is made to the description of the system of figure 1 above.

[0090] The system 1 of figure 4 differs from the system from figure in that the system 1 further comprises a ferrate supply 11 for supplying ferrate to the liquid in the container 2. It will be clear that the system can comprise any number of ferrate feeders 11. The ferrate supply 11 may be coupled with a ferrate container 12 for containing ferrate to be supplied to the container 2, for example as a solution in water. The ferrate is preferably supplied such that the amount of ferrate in the liquid in the container 2 is between 0.01 cc / m3 liquid and 1000 cc / m3 liquid, preferably between 0.1 cc / m3 liquid and 500 cc / m3 liquid, more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 100 cc / m3 3 liquid, still more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 75 cc / m3 liquid, still more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 50 cc / m3 liquid, most preferably between 2 cc / m3 liquid and 50 cc / m3 liquid.

[0091] Figure 5 schematically shows the steps of a method for treating liquid, in this case water, used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants according to a second embodiment of the invention. The method is similar to that shown in and described using Figure 2, but comprises an additional step 24. Figure 5 uses equal reference numbers for equal steps as in Figure 2. Only additional step 24 will be described here, otherwise refer to the description of the method from Figure 2 above.

[0092] Step 24 is the addition of ferrate to the water in the container. The ferrate from step 23 is preferably supplied to the water such that the amount of ferrate in the liquid in the container 2 is between 0.01 cc / m3 liquid and 1000 cc / m3 liquid, preferably between 0.1 cc / m3 liquid and 500 cc / m3 liquid, more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 100 cc / m3 3 liquid, still more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 75 cc / m3 liquid, still more preferably between 1 cc / m3 liquid and 50 cc / m3 liquid, most preferably between 2 cc / m3 liquid and 50 cc / m3 liquid. It should be noted that the embodiments shown are a possible embodiment but the invention is not limited to this.

Claims

Claims1. Liquid treatment system for treating liquid, for example water, used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, wherein the system comprises:- a container for containing liquid, for example water;- at least one ultrasonic transmitter for transmitting ultrasonic waves into the liquid in the container;- at least one gas supply for supplying gas bubbles, for example air bubbles or oxygen bubbles, to the liquid in the container;- at least one nutrient supply for supplying nutrients to the liquid in the container.

2. Liquid treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one nutrient supply for supplying nutrients to the liquid is arranged such that the liquid has an EC value between 0.5- 5, preferably between 0.8 - 3.

3. Liquid treatment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system is arranged such that one ultrasonic transmitter per 25 - 250 cubic meters of liquid is provided.

4. Liquid treatment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one ultrasonic transmitter is arranged in the container.

5. Liquid treatment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one ultrasonic transmitter is arranged such that a direction of propagation of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the ultrasonic transmitter is at a non-right angle to the liquid surface, the angle being for example between 0 and 45 degrees, preferably between 0 and 15 degrees, more preferably about 0 degrees.

6. Liquid treatment system according to any of the preceding claims, comprising multiple gas supplies for supplying gas bubbles to the liquid in the container, wherein the gas supplies are preferably arranged distributed throughout the container.

7. Liquid treatment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one gas supply is arranged below a propagation path of the ultrasonic waves transmitted by the at least one ultrasonic transmitter, such that the ultrasonic waves cross the gas bubbles.

8. Liquid treatment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one gas supply is connected to a compressor for compressing gas, wherein the compressor is arranged for providing compressed gas to the gas supply for supplying the gas bubbles, and wherein the compressor comprises an inlet for receiving gas outside the compressor.

9. Liquid treatment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one nutrient supply is further arranged for supplying stabilizers.

10. Liquid treatment system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the container is used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants therein, wherein the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants are carried by a carrier that carries the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants above the liquid surface, such that at least the roots thereof can extend into the liquid.

11. Liquid treatment system according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 10, comprising at least one transport means, such as a pipe, tube, conduit or the like, for transporting liquid from the container to the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants and optionally for returning liquid from the leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants to the container.

12. Liquid treatment system according to any of the preceding claims 1 - 11, comprising at least one ferrate supply for supplying ferrate to the liquid in the container.

13. Method for treating liquid, for example water, used for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, wherein the method comprises the following steps, to be carried out in any suitable order:(a) providing a container containing liquid, for example water;(b) transmiting ultrasonic waves into the liquid contained in the container;(c) supplying gas bubbles, for example air bubbles or oxygen bubbles, to the liquid in the container; and(d) supplying nutrients to the liquid in the container.

14. Method according to claim 13, wherein step (d) is performed such that an EC value of the liquid is between 0.5 - 5, preferably between 0.8 - 3.

15. Method according to claims 13 or 14, wherein step (b) is performed such that the propagation direction of the ultrasonic waves is at a non-right angle to the liquid surface, the angle being for example between 0 and 45 degrees, preferably between 0 and 15 degrees, more preferably about 0 degrees.

16. Method according to any of the preceding claims 13 - 15, wherein steps (b) and (c) are carried out such that the gas bubbles are fed below a propagation path of the ultrasonic waves, such that the ultrasonic waves cross the gas bubbles.

17. Method according to any of the preceding claims 13 - 16, comprising step:(h) supplying ferrate to the liquid in the container.

18. Method for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, comprising the following steps, to be performed in any suitable order:(e) providing a growth substrate;(f) providing one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leafy crop crops and / or herb plants and / or potato plants to the growth substrate; g) providing a liquid to the one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leafy crops and / or herb plants and / or potato plants, wherein the liquid is the liquid as treated by the system according to any of claims 1 - 12 or the method according to any of claims 13 - 17.

19. System for growing leafy crops and / or herbs and / or potato plants, comprising:- a carrier with a growth substrate comprising one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leafy crops and / or herb plants and / or potato plants;- a liquid treatment system according to any of claims 1 - 12 for treating liquid used for growing the one or more leafy crop seeds and / or herb seeds and / or potato plant seeds and / or leafy crops and / or herb plants and / or potato plants.

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