A controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation and a method for preparing the nutrient solution.

Abstract

This invention discloses a controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for hydroponics and a method for preparing the nutrient solution. The controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for hydroponics comprises: a first fertilizer-containing packaging, including a first outer packaging and fertilizer granules A sealed within the first outer packaging for preparing the nutrient solution; a second fertilizer-containing packaging, including a second outer packaging and fertilizer granules B sealed within the second outer packaging for preparing the nutrient solution; and a third fertilizer-containing packaging, including a third outer packaging and fertilizer granules C sealed within the third outer packaging for preparing the nutrient solution. The first, second, and third outer packaging are all made of water-soluble materials, and each outer packaging dissolves at a different rate in water, ensuring that the fertilizer granules in each fertilizer-containing packaging are released sequentially in the water during nutrient solution preparation. This invention avoids the contact and precipitation of high-concentration A, B, and C liquid fertilizer elements, and allows for simple and rapid preparation of the nutrient solution.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation and a method for preparing the nutrient solution, belonging to the field of soilless cultivation technology. Background Technology

[0002] Soilless cultivation is a cultivation technique that uses mineral-rich aqueous solutions (nutrient solutions) as a source of essential elements for plant growth. It provides the necessary environment for crop root growth and allows for the regulation of these conditions, promoting crop growth and achieving better yields and quality while eliminating soil-borne diseases. Soilless cultivation eliminates the limitations of soil, greatly expanding the scope of agricultural production and enabling crops to be grown on non-arable land. It is widely used in open fields, greenhouses, and plant factories.

[0003] Different plants have different nutrient solution requirements, and preparing a suitable nutrient solution is crucial for ensuring healthy plant growth. However, nutrient solutions have diverse elemental compositions, containing more than 10 macro- and micro-elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, manganese, iron, boron, zinc, copper, molybdenum, and chlorine. These elements exist in the nutrient solution as salts and are prepared by mixing different compounds such as potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, ammonium phosphate, potassium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, disodium EDTA, ferrous sulfate, boric acid, manganese sulfate, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, and ammonium molybdate. The process is cumbersome and complex, making it difficult for ordinary growers to operate. Problems can easily occur during the selection of raw materials, dosage calculation, and preparation and mixing, affecting plant growth.

[0004] To facilitate easier preparation and application in large-scale production, existing technologies differentiate the aforementioned compounds into macro-elements and micro-elements. Furthermore, compounds centered on calcium salts are designated as Solution A, compounds centered on phosphates as Solution B, and iron salts and micro-elements combined as Solution C. Specialized companies prepare and package each solution according to specific proportions. Users simply mix the packaged fertilizer with water in a certain ratio to obtain high-concentration stock solutions A, B, and C. After adjusting the pH by mixing these stock solutions with water in a specific ratio, they can be used for vegetable cultivation. Alternatively, the fertilizer can be directly mixed with water according to the final dilution ratio to obtain the nutrient solution (CN112919956B, CN112824354B). While these products and methods greatly simplify the nutrient solution preparation process, precipitation can occur when high-concentration Solutions A and B come into contact during the mixing process, affecting the effectiveness of the nutrient solution and cultivation results. Therefore, the mixing speed and concentration need to be controlled during use.

[0005] With the increasing maturity of plant factory technology, related miniaturized products have expanded to various locations including homes, restaurants, and schools. However, operators often lack professional nutrient solution preparation skills, creating an urgent need for a product and method that allows for the simple and rapid preparation of suitable nutrient solutions. Current technologies primarily focus on controlling the concentration and release speed of nutrient solutions through controlled-release fertilizer preparation (CN101857514B, CN102674930B, TWI818227B, CN101830761B, CN101857499B, CN113637301B) and controlled release devices (CN218218667U, CN219087802U). However, none of these patents address the user's need for convenience. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation and a method for preparing the nutrient solution. By controlling the solubility of each fertilizer granule packaging in water, the fertilizers are released sequentially, avoiding contact between high-concentration A, B, and C liquid fertilizer elements and the occurrence of chemical reactions that produce precipitation. This allows for simple and rapid preparation of the nutrient solution.

[0007] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation, comprising:

[0008] A first fertilizer-containing package includes a first outer packaging and fertilizer granules A for preparing a nutrient solution encapsulated within the first outer packaging; and,

[0009] The second fertilizer-containing packaging includes a second outer packaging and fertilizer granules B, encapsulated within the second outer packaging, for preparing the nutrient solution; and,

[0010] The third fertilizer-containing package includes a third outer packaging and C fertilizer granules encapsulated within the third outer packaging for preparing nutrient solution;

[0011] The first outer packaging, the second outer packaging, and the third outer packaging are all made of water-soluble materials, and each outer packaging dissolves at a different rate in water, so that the fertilizer particles in each fertilizer-containing packaging are released sequentially in the water during the preparation of the nutrient solution.

[0012] In the above-mentioned controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation, the water-soluble material is a composite material of one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, plant cellulose, and water-soluble polysaccharides.

[0013] In the above-mentioned controlled-release fertilizer packaging for soilless plant cultivation, the first outer packaging, the second outer packaging, and the third outer packaging are respectively packaging bags or capsule shells.

[0014] In the above-mentioned controlled-release fertilizer packaging for soilless plant cultivation, two or three of the first fertilizer packaging, the second fertilizer packaging, and the third fertilizer packaging are integrated into one structure.

[0015] In the above-mentioned controlled-release fertilizer packaging for soilless plant cultivation, the first fertilizer packaging, the second fertilizer packaging, and / or the third fertilizer packaging are filled with air.

[0016] In the above-mentioned controlled-release fertilizer packaging for soilless plant cultivation, the thickness of the first outer packaging, the second outer packaging, and the third outer packaging is 20-30 μm.

[0017] In the above-mentioned controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation, the fertilizer granules A include phosphates;

[0018] The fertilizer granules B include calcium salts;

[0019] The C fertilizer granules include iron salts and trace elements.

[0020] Furthermore, fertilizer granules A include potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate;

[0021] The fertilizer granules B include calcium nitrate;

[0022] The C fertilizer granules include chelated iron, manganese sulfate, boric acid, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, and ammonium molybdate.

[0023] Secondly, the present invention provides a method for preparing a nutrient solution for soilless plant cultivation, comprising the following steps: simultaneously placing each package of the controlled-release fertilizer-containing nutrient solution for soilless plant cultivation as described in any of the above claims into a specific volume of water for dissolution, thereby obtaining the nutrient solution for soilless plant cultivation.

[0024] Thirdly, the present invention provides the application of the controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation as described in any of the above claims in soilless plant cultivation.

[0025] In the above applications, the plant can be any one of leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, and fruits; the leafy vegetables include any one of lettuce, kale, celery, bok choy, and Chinese cabbage; the fruit vegetables include any one of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplants; and the fruits include any one of strawberries and blueberries.

[0026] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] The controlled-release fertilizer packaging for hydroponics provided by this invention includes a first fertilizer packaging containing fertilizer granules A, a second fertilizer packaging containing fertilizer granules B, and a third fertilizer packaging containing fertilizer granules C. The dissolution rates of each outer packaging in water are different. By controlling the solubility of each fertilizer granule outer packaging in water, the fertilizer granules are released sequentially, avoiding contact and chemical reactions between high concentrations of A, B, and C liquid fertilizer elements to prevent precipitation. It is suitable for the rapid and simple preparation of nutrient solutions for various plant cultivation devices such as homes, schools, restaurants, islands, and container plant factories, and can be operated without professional personnel or special training. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation according to the present invention.

[0029] The labels in the diagram are as follows:

[0030] 100 - First fertilizer-containing packaging; 101 - First outer packaging; 102 - A fertilizer granules; 200 - Second fertilizer-containing packaging; 201 - Second outer packaging; 202 - B fertilizer granules; 300 - Third fertilizer-containing packaging; 301 - Third outer packaging; 302 - C fertilizer granules. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of this invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0032] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., used to define components are merely for the purpose of distinguishing them. Unless otherwise stated, these terms have no special meaning and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "fit," "composite," "integrated structure," etc., should be interpreted broadly. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] like Figure 1As shown, the controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for hydroponics of plants of the present invention includes a first fertilizer-containing packaging 100, a second fertilizer-containing packaging 200, and a third fertilizer-containing packaging 300. The first fertilizer-containing packaging 100 includes a first outer packaging 101 and A fertilizer granules 102 encapsulated in the first outer packaging 101 for preparing the nutrient solution. The second fertilizer-containing packaging 200 includes a second outer packaging 201 and B fertilizer granules 202 encapsulated in the second outer packaging 201 for preparing the nutrient solution. The third fertilizer-containing packaging 300 includes a third outer packaging 301 and B fertilizer granules 302 encapsulated in the third outer packaging 301 for preparing the nutrient solution. The first outer packaging 101, the second outer packaging 201, and the third outer packaging 301 are all made of water-soluble materials, and the dissolution rate of each outer packaging in water is different, so that the fertilizer granules in each fertilizer-containing packaging are released sequentially in the nutrient solution during the preparation process. In this invention, the outer packaging is made of water-soluble material. During use, the package containing fertilizer granules A, B, and C is placed into the corresponding volume of water according to the product label. The granules, with different solubilities, will dissolve slowly and sequentially, releasing the A, B, and C fertilizer granules inside. Because the dissolution of the granules does not occur simultaneously, the high concentrations of A, B, and C liquid fertilizer elements will not come into contact and undergo a chemical reaction to produce precipitation. During the dissolution process, the liquid is stirred, and the target nutrient solution is obtained after complete dissolution.

[0034] Regarding the water solubility of fertilizer granules, this invention can further adjust the dissolution rate of each packaging unit in water by rationally selecting materials. In the above embodiments, preferably, the water-soluble material is a composite material of one or more of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), gelatin, plant cellulose, and water-soluble polysaccharides. Based on the water solubility of the above water-soluble materials, this invention can more rationally control the release of each fertilizer granule. The materials of the controlled-release fertilizer packaging units for soilless plant cultivation can be the same or different.

[0035] In the above embodiments, in order to better encapsulate the fertilizer granules, the first outer packaging, the second outer packaging, and the third outer packaging are respectively packaging bags or capsule shells.

[0036] In the above embodiments, the first fertilizer-containing packaging body 100, the second fertilizer-containing packaging body 200, and the third fertilizer-containing packaging body 300 can be independent packaging bodies, or two or three of the first fertilizer-containing packaging body 100, the second fertilizer-containing packaging body 200, and the third fertilizer-containing packaging body 300 can be integrated into a single structure. The integrated structure allows the entire packaging body to be easily immersed in water for use.

[0037] In the above embodiments, preferably, the first fertilizer-containing packaging body, the second fertilizer-containing packaging body, and / or the third fertilizer-containing packaging body are filled with air. Specifically, the volume of the film bag or capsule cavity can be designed according to the weight of the A, B, and C fertilizer granules filled in the packaging body. For example, air can be filled in the remaining space after filling the A, B, and C fertilizer granules, or an air cavity can be set separately in each packaging body. By filling air, the buoyancy of the packaging body can be adjusted so that it floats or is suspended in water. In use, after the packaging body dissolves in water, the A, B, and C fertilizer granules slowly leak out and settle to the bottom of the nutrient solution container, gradually dissolving during the settling process. This design further improves the uniformity of fertilizer granule dissolution in the container and significantly reduces the chance of high-concentration A, B, and C liquid fertilizer elements coming into contact and reacting chemically to produce precipitation.

[0038] In the above embodiments, preferably, the thickness of the first outer packaging, the second outer packaging, and the third outer packaging is 20–30 μm to ensure reasonable mechanical strength and dissolution time. The thicknesses of the first outer packaging, the second outer packaging, and the third outer packaging can be the same or different. For example, when the materials of the first outer packaging, the second outer packaging, and the third outer packaging are the same, their thicknesses can be controlled to be different so that their contents are released sequentially.

[0039] For the purposes of this invention, fertilizer granules A, B, and C can be any two or three types of fertilizer granules from a hydroponic plant nutrient solution that react at high concentrations. Generally, fertilizer granules A comprise phosphates; fertilizer granules B comprise calcium salts; and fertilizer granules C comprise iron salts and trace elements. In a further embodiment of this invention, fertilizer granules A comprise potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate; fertilizer granules B comprise calcium nitrate; and fertilizer granules C comprise chelated iron, manganese sulfate, boric acid, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, and ammonium molybdate. The composition of fertilizer granules A, B, and C can be adjusted according to the type of hydroponic plant. Taking lettuce as an example, by weight, the controlled-release fertilizer package for hydroponic cultivation contains fertilizer granules A, 50 parts potassium nitrate, 36 parts magnesium sulfate, 10 parts potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 8 parts ammonium dihydrogen phosphate; fertilizer granules B, 100 parts calcium nitrate; and fertilizer granules C, 2.5 parts chelated iron, 0.3 parts boric acid, 0.2 parts manganese sulfate, 0.005 parts copper sulfate, 0.05 parts zinc sulfate, and 0.002 parts ammonium molybdate.

[0040] This invention further provides a method for preparing a nutrient solution for soilless plant cultivation, comprising the following steps: simultaneously placing each package of the controlled-release fertilizer-containing nutrient solution for soilless plant cultivation into a specific volume of water for dissolution, thereby obtaining the nutrient solution for soilless plant cultivation. The specific volume of water can be adjusted within a reasonable range according to the concentration of the nutrient solution. Taking lettuce as an example, each of the following mass components of the controlled-release fertilizer-containing nutrient solution for soilless plant cultivation is added to 100L of water: Fertilizer granules A include 50g potassium nitrate, 36g magnesium sulfate, 10g potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and 8g ammonium dihydrogen phosphate; Fertilizer granules B include 100g calcium nitrate; Fertilizer granules C include 2.5g chelated iron, 0.2g manganese sulfate, 0.3g boric acid, 0.005g copper sulfate, 0.05g zinc sulfate, and 0.002g ammonium molybdate.

[0041] This invention also provides the application of the controlled-release fertilizer-containing nutrient solution packaging for hydroponics in hydroponic plants. This invention can provide nutrient solutions for all suitable hydroponic plants, including leafy vegetables such as lettuce, kale, celery, bok choy, and Chinese cabbage, as well as fruit vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and eggplants, and fruits such as strawberries and blueberries.

[0042] The following experiment uses lettuce as an example to verify the effectiveness of the prepared stock solution of the controlled-release fertilizer-containing nutrient solution packaged for hydroponics. The experimental setup is as follows: The controlled-release fertilizer-containing nutrient solution packaged for hydroponics is designed as follows: The first fertilizer-containing package includes a 200mm*200mm, 20μm thick PVA material bag, a first packaging bag, and fertilizer granules A sealed inside the bag. The mass of each component in fertilizer granules A is as follows: potassium nitrate 50g; magnesium sulfate 36g; potassium dihydrogen phosphate 10g; ammonium dihydrogen phosphate 8g; The second fertilizer-containing package includes a 200mm*200mm, 30μm thick PVA material bag, a second packaging bag, and fertilizer granules A sealed inside the bag. The first, second, and third fertilizer granules contained the following components: 100g calcium nitrate. The third fertilizer-containing package consisted of a 50mm x 50mm, 25μm thick PVA bag containing fertilizer granules (C), with the following components: 2.5g chelated iron, 0.3g boric acid, 0.2g manganese sulfate, 0.005g copper sulfate, 0.05g zinc sulfate, and 0.002g ammonium molybdate. The first, second, and third packages contained air in volumes of 50ml, 50ml, and 5ml respectively. When all packages were simultaneously immersed in 100L of water, the results showed that the first package ruptured first, dissolving fertilizer granules (A). Then, after 5 minutes, the third package ruptured, dissolving fertilizer granules (C). After 10 minutes, the second package ruptured, dissolving fertilizer granules (B). No precipitation reaction occurred during this period. The above results demonstrate that the present invention uses water-soluble materials with different solubility to package the fertilizer granules of the nutrient solution for soilless cultivation separately. During the preparation of the nutrient solution, it can avoid the high concentrations of liquid fertilizer elements A, B, and C from coming into contact and reacting chemically to produce precipitation and thus rendering the nutrient solution ineffective.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation, characterized in that, include: The first fertilizer-containing package includes a first outer packaging and fertilizer A granules for preparing nutrient solution encapsulated within the first outer packaging. and, The second fertilizer-containing package includes a second outer packaging and B fertilizer granules encapsulated within the second outer packaging for preparing nutrient solution; and, The third fertilizer-containing package includes a third outer packaging and C fertilizer granules encapsulated within the third outer packaging for preparing nutrient solution; The first outer packaging, the second outer packaging, and the third outer packaging are all made of water-soluble materials, and each outer packaging has a different dissolution rate in water, so that the fertilizer particles in each fertilizer-containing packaging are released in water in sequence during the preparation of the nutrient solution. The water-soluble material is a composite material of one or more of polyvinyl alcohol, gelatin, plant cellulose and water-soluble polysaccharides; The thickness of the first outer packaging, the second outer packaging, and the third outer packaging is 20~30μm; The fertilizer granules A contain phosphates; The fertilizer granules B include calcium salts; The C fertilizer granules include iron salts and trace elements.

2. The controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first outer packaging, the second outer packaging, and the third outer packaging are respectively packaging bags or capsule shells.

3. The controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: Two or three of the first fertilizer-containing packaging body, the second fertilizer-containing packaging body, and the third fertilizer-containing packaging body are integrated structures.

4. The controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation according to any one of claims 1-2, characterized in that: The first fertilizer-containing packaging body, the second fertilizer-containing packaging body, and / or the third fertilizer-containing packaging body are filled with air.

5. The controlled-release fertilizer-containing packaging for soilless plant cultivation according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fertilizer granules A include potassium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, potassium dihydrogen phosphate, and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate; The fertilizer granules B include calcium nitrate; The C fertilizer granules include chelated iron, manganese sulfate, boric acid, copper sulfate, zinc sulfate, and ammonium molybdate.

6. A method for preparing a nutrient solution for hydroponics of plants, comprising the following steps: Each package of the controlled-release fertilizer-containing nutrient solution for soilless plant cultivation as described in any one of claims 1-5 is simultaneously placed in a specific volume of water for dissolution to obtain the nutrient solution for soilless plant cultivation.

7. The application of the controlled-release fertilizer-containing nutrient solution packaging for soilless plant cultivation according to any one of claims 1-5 in soilless plant cultivation.

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