System for producing cans, stems or strips of plant growth media filled with seeds and / or fertilizers, and apparatus therefor

Abstract

A system (100) for producing a tank, rod (300) or strip of plant growth medium filled with seed and / or fertilizer, comprising:-support means (110) adapted to receive and support a tank, rod (300) or strip of plant growth medium; -a supply tube (120) having a lumen (122), the supply tube (120) being adapted to be in a retracted position and an extended position, where the extended position is intended to be inserted into the growth medium of the plant growth medium tank, rod (300) or strip; -a delivery unit (130) adapted to deliver seeds (10) and / or a dose of fertilizer through said feed pipe (120) and into said growth medium; wherein the supply tube (120) comprises a cutting means, preferably a blade (128), mounted at the tip of the supply tube (120), adapted to cut into the plant growth medium tank, rod (300) or strip, thereby facilitating movement of the supply tube (120) into the plant growth medium tank, rod (300) or strip.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the production of plant growth medium cans, rods or tapes. Background Art

[0002] For the seed propagation of plants, it is well known in the art to add seeds during a production operation on an assembly line. A common problem with this process is to accurately position the seeds on top of the growth medium in a plant growth medium can, rod or tape. During subsequent operating steps, the seeds also tend to shift from their original position.

[0003] EP1197137 discloses a method for growing two plants for the development of a composite or combined plant structure including leaves. The two plants are intermixed together in the composite structure. The sowing of the first and second seeds can be carried out simultaneously or with a delay between the two seeds, depending on their respective growth rates. The sowing into the growth medium is disclosed to be carried out by means of a syringe sowing device through a seed dispenser inserted into the growth medium. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a system that overcomes the problems mentioned above.

[0005] A first aspect relates to an apparatus for producing a plant growth medium can, rod or tape filled with seeds and / or fertilizer, comprising:

[0006] - a support device adapted to receive and support a plant growth medium can, rod or tape;

[0007] - a supply tube having a lumen, the supply tube being adapted to be in a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the extended position is for insertion into the growth medium of the plant growth medium can, rod or tape;

[0008] - a delivery unit adapted to deliver seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer through the supply tube and into the growth medium.

[0009] Thus, the apparatus can perform a process for producing a plant growth medium can, rod or tape filled with seeds and / or fertilizer. The process comprises the following steps:

[0010] i) providing a plant growth medium can, rod or tape; and

[0011] ii) inserting a supply tube having a tip (e.g., a blunt or pointed tip) into the growth medium of the plant growth medium can, rod or tape;

[0012] iii) delivering seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer through the supply tube and into the growth medium; and

[0013] iv) Remove the supply tube from the growth medium, thereby allowing the growth medium to close around the seed and / or a dose of fertilizer to produce a plant growth medium pot, rod or tape filled with the seed and / or fertilizer.

[0014] The inventors of the present invention use a supply tube to accurately position seeds within the growth medium of a plant growth medium pot, rod or tape. Instead of sowing seeds on top of the growth medium, the seeds are fixed in their position within the growth medium, preferably 1 - 20 mm below the surface, such as in the range of 2 - 18 mm, preferably in the range of 5 - 15 mm. The inventors have recognized that this technique is also suitable for delivering a dose of fertilizer to the growth medium.

[0015] In one or more embodiments, the seed and a dose of fertilizer are simultaneously delivered through the supply tube, and the seed and a dose of fertilizer are preferably formulated as a single unit, such as a pellet.

[0016] In one or more embodiments, a dose of fertilizer is delivered through the supply tube as one or more pellets.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, during the insertion operation, the seed and / or a dose of fertilizer is held on or within the tip of the supply tube (preferably by suction through the supply tube).

[0018] In one or more embodiments, the seed and / or a dose of fertilizer held on or within the tip of the supply tube is actively released therefrom, for example, by blowing air through the supply tube or by a mechanical pushing mechanism, such as a piston.

[0019] In some embodiments, the seeds may be coated to improve ease of handling and quality. Seed coating is the application of materials to the surface of seeds, for example, for the purpose of making the shape, size, weight and surface of the seeds more uniform, such as for making the seeds easier to plant and / or applying active compounds that improve seed quality and protect the seeds from biotic and abiotic stresses. An example of a coating is a film coating, which uses an adhesive, usually a polymer, as a fixative to bond active compounds (such as fungicides, insecticides or biostimulants) within the coating to the seeds. The film coating reduces harmful dust from the treated seeds and produces a smooth surface, enabling the seeds to flow easily through processing and sowing equipment, such as through a supply tube. Another example of a coating is pelleting, a process that wraps seeds or a group of seeds with a shell that increases the size and weight of the seeds and ensures a smooth and uniform shape - typically spherical or oval. Pelleted seeds improve their handling and planting efficiency. Pelleting can also incorporate active ingredients, such as fertilizers or biocides, with the benefit that the pellet composition protects the seeds from contact with phytotoxic compounds and gives them a better start in the germination process.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, step i) comprises producing a continuous length of growth medium having a first side, a second side positioned opposite the first side, and a first end face, wherein step ii) comprises inserting the supply tube into the first or second side of the continuous length of growth medium, and wherein the process further comprises step v): separating a portion of the continuous length of growth medium comprising the seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer to form a plant growth medium pot, rod, or strip filled with seeds and / or fertilizer. Prior to performing step v), steps ii) to iv) may be repeated a number of times along the length of the continuous length of growth medium. In some embodiments, the continuous length of growth medium advances sequentially or continuously under the supply tube. Alternatively, the supply tube moves along the continuous length of growth medium.

[0021] In one or more embodiments, step i) comprises producing a continuous length of growth medium having a first side, a second side positioned opposite the first side, and a first end face, wherein step ii) comprises inserting the supply tube into the first end face of the continuous length of growth medium; and wherein the process further comprises the steps of: v) separating a portion of the continuous length of growth medium comprising the seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer to form a plant growth medium pot, rod, or strip filled with seeds and / or fertilizer, and a new first face of the continuous length of growth medium; and vi) repeating steps ii) to v) one or more times.

[0022] The term "continuous length of growth medium" refers to the production of a growth medium that is manufactured in a continuous production line as disclosed, for example, in WO9203914, or by producing blocks of various lengths of, for example, rock wool (e.g., see WO12172186) or other types of growth medium with rock wool blocks or blocks of another type of growth medium, and sorting them end-to-end to form a continuous length of growth medium. Thereafter, the length of growth medium is cut into pieces of a suitable size (height relative to diameter) corresponding to the desired size of the plant growth medium pot, rod, or strip.

[0023] The advantage of sowing and / or fertilizing prior to separating a portion of the continuous length of growth medium is that there is more control over the placement of a greater mass of seeds, and more freedom to control and handle the subsequently formed plant growth medium pot, rod, or strip filled with seeds and / or fertilizer.

[0024] When one or more seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer are placed within the end face (free end) of the continuous length of growth medium, it is possible, for example, to produce plant growth medium pots filled with seeds of different heights.

[0025] When one or more seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer are placed within the first and / or second sides of a continuous length of growing medium, it is possible, for example, to produce plant growth medium cans, rods or strips of different lengths filled with special seeds or fertilizers that are particularly suitable for hydroponic production.

[0026] Generally, depending on the type and use of the plant growth medium cans, rods or strips filled with seeds and / or fertilizers, the seeds and / or fertilizers can be placed at different positions within and / or in different patterns in the plant growth medium cans, rods or strips.

[0027] Alternatively, it is possible to sow and / or fertilize after separating a portion of the continuous length of growing medium. One advantage of this process is that during movement towards the dispenser unit, it is possible to place the seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer at one or both of the first or second end faces of the formed (i.e., separated, e.g., cut) cans, rods or strips.

[0028] Thus, generally, the plant growth medium cans, rods or strips filled with seeds and / or fertilizers can be produced in a vertical position (i.e., standing on an end face) or a horizontal position (i.e., lying on a side, preferably on the side without sowing). In other embodiments, the growing medium rod or strip can be a trough filled with growing medium. The plant growth medium can can be a paper can, for example, a growing medium covered with a suitable paper. Such paper cans are well known in the art and can be produced, for example, by machines from Ellepot A / S.

[0029] When the plant growth medium cans, rods or strips filled with seeds and / or fertilizers are produced in a horizontal form, the length of the growth medium cans, rods or strips is preferably at least 0.5 meters. Shorter lengths in the range of 0.1 - 0.4 meters are contemplated by the present invention, but are less preferred. Compared to a traditional growing medium can with a bottom end and a top end, this type of growing medium rod has a front end and a rear end because its length requires it to be laid flat, for example, within the cavity of a hydroponic reservoir. If produced as a growing medium covered with a suitable paper, this construction reduces the area of the growing medium not covered by the sheet and thus reduces the risk of the growing medium clogging the filters, pumps and pipes of a hydroponic system for nutrient solution recirculation.

[0030] For hydroponic production, the length of the growth medium cans, rods or strips can preferably be in the range of 0.5 - 20 meters, such as in the range of 1 - 18 meters, for example in the range of 2 - 16 meters, such as in the range of 3 - 14 meters, for example in the range of 4 - 15 meters, such as in the range of 5 - 14 meters, and even more preferably in the range of 5 - 10 meters.

[0031] In one or more embodiments, the process further comprises the steps of:

[0032] - Provide an elongated hydroponic reservoir having one or more spaces, each of the one or more spaces being adapted to receive a plant growth medium pot, rod or strip filled with seeds and / or fertilizer; and

[0033] - Position the plant growth medium pot, rod or strip within the space.

[0034] In one or more embodiments, the process includes the following steps:

[0035] - Place one or more seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer within the first and / or second side by performing steps ii)-iv);

[0036] - Separate a portion of a continuous length of growth medium including one or more seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer by performing step v) to form a plant growth medium pot, rod or strip filled with seeds and / or fertilizer; and

[0037] - Repeat the steps one or more times.

[0038] In one or more embodiments, the process includes the following steps:

[0039] - Place one or more seeds at multiple locations along the length of the first and / or second side with a predefined distance between them by performing steps ii)-iv) multiple times. This embodiment enables, for example, the production of multiple plants in each plant growth medium pot, rod or strip filled with seeds. This can be advantageous, for example, for the hydroponic production of lettuce. Additionally, the same process allows for the production of plant growth medium pots, rods or strips of different lengths filled with seeds in a production line within the same batch.

[0040] In one or more embodiments, step i) includes:

[0041] - Separate a portion of a continuous length of growth medium to form a plant growth medium pot, rod or strip, each having a first side, a second side positioned opposite the first side, a first end face, and a second end face.

[0042] A second aspect relates to a plant growth medium pot, rod or strip filled with seeds and / or fertilizer produced by the process according to the invention.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the support device includes an opening or a guiding channel adapted to receive a portion of a supply pipe in an extended position of the supply pipe.

[0044] In one or more embodiments, the support device is configured as a clamp adapted to be in a closed position and an open position. When in its closed position, while supporting the plant growth medium pot, rod or strip, it ensures that seeds and / or a certain dose of fertilizer can be accurately positioned in the growth medium. In the closed position, it is preferably adapted to prevent the plant growth medium pot, rod or strip from losing its overall shape during insertion into the supply tube. Preferably, the clamp includes an opening or a guiding channel adapted to receive a portion of the supply tube in an extended position of the supply tube. In its open position, it allows the plant growth medium pot, rod or strip to move forward or away from the clamp.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the supply tube is adapted to be in a closed configuration and an open configuration, the closed configuration being adapted to hold seeds and / or a certain dose of fertilizer within the lumen, and the open configuration being adapted to allow the seeds and / or a certain dose of fertilizer to escape from the lumen.

[0046] In one or more embodiments, the supply tube lumen is defined by a front wall portion and a rear wall portion. Preferably, the front wall portion includes a blade (i.e., a cutting device) adapted to cut into the plant growth medium pot, rod or strip, thereby facilitating the movement of the supply tube into the plant growth medium rod. This embodiment is particularly useful when the plant growth medium pot, rod or strip includes a paper liner. In such a case, the paper can be cut as the supply tube is inserted therethrough. In one or more embodiments, the rear wall portion can be elastically tilted relative to the front wall portion and block the lower end of the lumen into a closed configuration of the lumen. Preferably, a spring unit is adapted to force the rear wall portion into a position such that it blocks the lower end of the lumen. The front wall portion is preferably operatively connected to the rear wall portion. In some embodiments, the front wall portion is configured to force the lumen into its open configuration, for example, by resisting the spring unit (if present) that forces the rear wall portion into a position such that it blocks the lower end of the lumen.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, the supply tube includes a cutting device, preferably a blade, mounted at the tip of the supply tube, the cutting device being adapted to cut into the plant growth medium pot, rod or strip, thereby facilitating the movement of the supply tube into the plant growth medium pot, rod or strip.

[0048] In one or more embodiments, the system further includes:

[0049] - a device adapted to separate a portion of a continuous length of growth medium including one or more seeds to form a plant growth medium pot, rod or strip filled with seeds.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the conveying unit is a drum planter. Drum planters are well known in the art. Alternatively, the conveying unit is a needle planter.

[0051] In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises:

[0052] - a device adapted to produce a continuous length of growing medium having a first side, a second side oppositely positioned to the first side, and a first end face, wherein the supply tube is adapted to be inserted into the first or second side of the continuous length of growing medium; and

[0053] - a device adapted to separate a portion of the continuous length of growing medium comprising the seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer to form a plant growing medium pot, rod or strip filled with seeds and / or fertilizer, such as a cutting device.

[0054] The device adapted to produce a continuous length of growing medium may be as disclosed in WO1992003914 or WO19011742 and is hereby incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, the main difference is that the length of the rod may be significantly longer than that of conventionally produced pots. In this case, clearly fewer separation (e.g., cutting) operations are required per time period.

[0055] The device adapted to separate a portion of the continuous length of growing medium may include, for example, a knife, a saw, a hot wire, etc., preferably configured to be reciprocating. Such devices are also described in WO1992003914 and WO19011742.

[0056] In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises:

[0057] - a dispenser unit adapted to position the plant growing medium pot, rod or strip filled with seeds and / or fertilizer into an elongated hydroponic reservoir.

[0058] In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises:

[0059] - a conveyor system adapted to transport the elongated hydroponic reservoir through the dispenser unit.

[0060] In one or more embodiments, the system further comprises:

[0061] - a dispenser unit adapted to position the plant growing medium pot, rod or strip filled with seeds and / or fertilizer into an elongated hydroponic reservoir, or into a propagation tray, or into a storage or transport tray, or onto a storage or transport spindle, etc.

[0062] In some embodiments, the dispenser unit can be of any type known in the art, configured for dispensing and optionally also incorporating a device adapted to produce a continuous length of growing medium (optionally in the form of a growing medium held in a water and air permeable sheet). A suitable type of dispenser unit can be as disclosed in WO2017216146, WO2017216145 or WO19001944, which are hereby incorporated by reference.

[0063] In one or more embodiments, the elongated hydroponic reservoir is a tube, pipe or trough. The length of the elongated hydroponic reservoir can vary, but is preferably at least 2 meters long, such as in the range of 2 - 50 meters, for example at least 3 meters, such as in the range of 3 - 45 meters, for example at least 4 meters, such as in the range of 4 - 40 meters, for example at least 5 meters, such as in the range of 5 - 35 meters, for example at least 6 meters, such as in the range of 6 - 30 meters, for example at least 7 meters, such as in the range of 7 - 25 meters, for example at least 8 meters, such as in the range of 8 - 20 meters, for example at least 9 meters, such as in the range of 9 - 15 meters, for example at least 10 meters.

[0064] In some embodiments, the dispenser unit can for example include:

[0065] - a plurality of dispenser elements configured to move between a loading position and an unloading position; each dispenser element includes an end - open channel or cavity adapted to receive an entire quantity of plant growth medium pots filled with seeds; wherein the dispenser elements in the loading position are positioned relative to each other such that their end - open channels or cavities are set in continuity with each other to form a receiving unit having an end - open channel or cavity adapted to receive a single length of plant growth medium pots filled with seeds; and wherein, when in the unloading position, the dispenser elements are rotated relative to their loading position such that their end - open channels or cavities are set parallel to each other. This type of dispenser unit can also be configured to prepare separate plant growth medium pots to be sown and / or fertilized, wherein when the dispenser element is in its unloading position, seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer are placed within the growth medium (i.e., the supply tube is positioned within the growth medium and then retracted again). Thus, the sowing and / or fertilizing and unloading operations are performed simultaneously or at least sequentially. The dispenser unit can also include a piston unit which, when in the unloading position, is adapted to enter the end - open channel or cavity of the dispenser element to release the plant growth medium pot filled with seeds therefrom. In some embodiments, the supply tube also serves as the piston unit. This configuration ensures that the plant growth medium pots leave the end - open channel or cavity at the correct time. In this way, the supply tube has a dual role, both as part of the seed and / or fertilizer delivery unit and as part of the dispenser unit.

[0066] Alternatively, the dispenser unit may be configured as a rod or a tape guide adapted to guide a rod or a tape of plant growth medium filled with seeds into an elongated hydroponic reservoir, or into a propagation tray, or into a storage or transport tray, or onto a storage or transport spindle, etc. The rod or tape guide may be configured with openings adapted to allow a supply tube to operate through the rod or tape guide to place one or more seeds along the length of the rod or tape of plant growth medium passing therethrough.

[0067] In one or more embodiments, the system mentioned above further includes a conveyor system adapted to transport an elongated hydroponic reservoir through the dispenser unit.

[0068] The supply tube and the delivery unit may be integrated into the dispenser unit, for example, thereby allowing the seed and / or a dose of fertilizer positioning process and the dispensing process to be performed simultaneously.

[0069] In one or more embodiments, the system is further adapted to simultaneously transport a seed and a dose of fertilizer through the supply tube, and the seed and the dose of fertilizer are preferably formulated as a single unit, such as a pellet.

[0070] In one or more embodiments, the system is further adapted to transport a dose of fertilizer through the supply tube as one or more pellets.

[0071] In one or more embodiments, during the insertion operation, the seed and / or a dose of fertilizer is held on or within the tip of the supply tube.

[0072] In one or more embodiments, the seed and / or a dose of fertilizer held on or within the tip of the supply tube is actively released therefrom, for example, by blowing air through the supply tube or by a mechanical pushing mechanism, such as a piston.

[0073] As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed herein as from "about" or "approximately" one particular value and / or to "about" or "approximately" another particular value. When expressing such a range, another embodiment includes from one particular value and / or to the other particular value. Similarly, when a value is expressed as approximate by use of the antecedent "about", it will be understood that the particular value forms another embodiment.

[0074] It should be noted that the embodiments and features described in the context of one aspect of the present invention also apply to other aspects of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0075] Figure 1A perspective view of a system for the pipeline production of plant growth medium cans, rods or tapes for seed and / or fertilizer filling according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown.

[0076] Figure 2A -C shows an example of a continuous length of growth medium and a plant growth medium rod / can.

[0077] Figures 3-6 show views of an exemplary process sequence for operating a supply pipe and a conveying unit according to various embodiments of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0078] Figure 1 A perspective view of a system 100 according to various embodiments of the present invention is shown. The system 100 is for the pipeline production of plant growth medium cans, rods 300 or tapes for seed and / or fertilizer filling. The system 100 includes a support device 110 that is adapted to receive and support a plant growth medium rod / can 300 at a specific location along its length (see Figure 2A ), or alternatively (not shown) to receive and support a continuous length of growth medium 200 at a specific location along its length (also see Figure 2B ). One or more conveyor units (not shown) may be present to support the remainder of the plant growth medium rod 300 and to move the plant growth medium rod 300 from left to right, or vice versa. The support device 110 is configured here as a sandwich clamp, but may have many other configurations, such as elongate guide rods positioned along the length of the plant growth medium rod 300, or individual pistons adapted to support the plant growth medium rod 300 in their extended position and release their support in their retracted position. The advantage of the sandwich clamp configuration is that the overall shape is supported. The sandwich clamp includes a first clamp part 112 and a second clamp part 114. The first clamp part 112 is configured to be in a retracted position and an extended position relative to the plant growth medium rod 300 and / or relative to the second clamp part 114, so as to be able to support the plant growth medium rod 300 in its extended position and release its support in the retracted position. In some embodiments, the two clamp parts may be configured to be in a retracted position and an extended position relative to each other. The support device 110 shown (and thus the entire system) is adapted to support twenty plant growth medium rods arranged in parallel simultaneously, but depending on the capacity requirements, may be configured to handle only a single plant growth medium rod or multiple (e.g., 2 - 100 growth medium rods) plant growth medium rods.

[0079] System 100 also includes a supply pipe 120 and a delivery unit 130. Here, twenty supply pipes together form a unit, and the delivery unit 130 is adapted to deliver seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer through the supply pipe 120, that is, through each of the twenty supply pipes. Hereinafter, when explaining the functions, only one supply pipe will be mentioned as it is the same process that all supply pipes undergo. As previously mentioned, the system can be configured for one or more plant growth medium rods. Figures 3 - 6 show an exemplary process sequence for operating the supply pipe 120 and the delivery unit 130. In Figure 3A this, the system is prepared for a new operating sequence which is to deliver the fertilizer-coated seeds 10 into the growth medium of the plant growth medium rod 300. The same operating sequence can be used to deliver, for example, seeds or fertilizer pellets into the growth medium of the plant growth medium rod 300. The delivery unit 130 (here a cartridge seeder, more particularly a rotary cartridge seeder) positions the pellets 10 of seeds and fertilizer above the upper open end of the cavity 122 of the supply pipe (in this configuration, the opposite lower end of the cavity 122 is closed). The supply pipe is adapted to be in a closed configuration (i.e., the lower end of the cavity 122 is closed) and an open configuration (i.e., the lower end of the cavity 122 is open), the closed configuration being adapted to hold the pellets 10 of seeds and fertilizer within the pipe cavity 122, and the open configuration being adapted to allow the pellets 10 of seeds and fertilizer to escape from the pipe cavity 122.

[0080] The cavity 122 is defined by a front wall portion 126 and a rear wall portion 124, both having important functions. The front wall portion 126 includes a blade 128 (i.e., a cutting device) which is adapted to cut into the plant growth medium rod 300, thus facilitating the movement of the supply pipe 120 into the plant growth medium rod 300. The rear wall portion 124 can be elastically tilted relative to the front wall portion 126 and blocks the lower end of the cavity 122 into the closed configuration of the cavity, as is the case in all of Figure 3A -D. Here, a spring (not shown) forces the rear wall portion 124 to be positioned such that it blocks the lower end of the cavity 122. In Figure 3B this, the pellets 10 of seeds and fertilizer have entered the cavity 122, and in Figure 3C this, the pellets 10 of seeds and fertilizer stay in the position between the front wall portion 126 and the rear wall portion 124. In Figure 3D this, the downward movement of the supply pipe 120 forces the first clamp portion 112 into its extended position, thus fixing a part of the plant growth medium rod 300. The lower part of the rear wall portion 124 and the lower part of the front wall portion 126, including the blade 128, simultaneously move into the guiding channel 116 in the first clamp portion 112 and into the growth medium of the fixed part of the plant growth medium rod 300. For comparison with Figure 4B -D, Figure 4A and Figure 3DThe same. The front wall portion 126 is operatively connected to the rear wall portion 124 so as to be able to resist a spring that forces the rear wall portion 124 to be positioned such that it blocks the lower end of the cavity 122. In Figure 4B -C, the front wall portion 126 further moves downwardly alone, thereby pushing the lower portion of the rear wall portion 124, causing the rear wall portion 124 to tilt away from the lower end of the cavity, which thereby opens to allow the pellets 10 of seeds and fertilizer to escape therefrom. In Figure 4D , the entire supply tube 120 is lifted back into its retracted position relative to the conveying unit 130 while the front wall portion still pushes the lower portion of the rear wall portion 124. In this way, the pellets 10 of seeds and fertilizer are prevented from being sucked back into the lumen 122 of the tube. Further, the first clamping portion 112 moves back to its retracted position, releasing its clamping of the plant growth medium rod 300. In Figure 5 , the front wall portion 126 further moves upwardly alone (to its retracted position), thereby removing the pressure on the lower portion of the rear wall portion 124, causing the rear wall portion 124 to tilt backward to block the lower end of the cavity 122. At the same time, the conveying unit 130 positions a new pellet 10 of seeds and fertilizer above the upper open end of the lumen 122 of the supply tube. In Figure 6 , the plant growth medium rod 300 advances a small amount to the left, thereby preparing a new portion for seeding. The new pellet 10 of seeds and fertilizer has fallen into the lumen 122 of the tube, and the entire process sequence is repeated a number of times until the plant growth medium rod 300 is seeded with the desired number of pellets of seeds and fertilizer.

[0081] Figure 2B -C shows an example of a continuous length of growth medium 200 having a first end face (only the free end having the end face is shown). The continuous length of growth medium 200 is embodied as a square rod in Figure 2C and as a cylindrical rod in Figure 2B . The two rods are shown as having a first side 210, a second side 220 positioned opposite the first side 210, and a first end face 230. Obviously, the square rod has two additional sides.

[0082] Figure 2A shows an example of a cylindrical plant growth medium rod 300 having a first end face 330 and a second end face 340, which rod is cut from a continuous length of growth medium 200 as shown in Figure 2B .

[0083] Reference numerals

[0084] 10 Pellets of seeds and fertilizer

[0085] 100 System

[0086] 110 Support device

[0087] 112 First fixture part

[0088] 114 Second fixture part

[0089] 116 Guide channel

[0090] 120 Supply pipe

[0091] 122 Chamber

[0092] 124 Rear wall part

[0093] 126 Front wall part

[0094] 128 Blade

[0095] 130 Conveyor unit

[0096] 200 Continuous length of growth medium

[0097] 210 First side

[0098] 220 Second side

[0099] 230 First end face

[0100] 300 Plant growth medium rod

[0101] 330 First end face

[0102] 340 Second end face

Claims

1. A system (100) for producing plant growth medium cans, rods (300) or tapes filled with seeds and / or fertilizers, comprising: - A support device (110) adapted to receive and support a plant growth medium can, rod (300) or tape; - A supply pipe (120) having a lumen (122), the supply pipe (120) being adapted to be in a retracted position and an extended position, wherein the extended position is for insertion into the growth medium of the plant growth medium can, rod (300) or tape; - A conveying unit (130) adapted to convey seeds (10) and / or a dose of fertilizer through the supply pipe (120) and into the growth medium; Characterized in that the supply pipe (120) includes a cutting device, preferably a blade (128), mounted at the tip of the supply pipe (120), the cutting device being adapted to cut into the plant growth medium can, rod (300) or tape, thereby facilitating movement of the supply pipe (120) into the plant growth medium can, rod (300) or tape.

2. The system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The support device (110) includes an opening or guiding channel (116) adapted to receive a portion of the supply pipe (120) in the extended position of the supply pipe.

3. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-2, wherein, The supply pipe (120) is adapted to be in a closed configuration and an open configuration, the closed configuration being adapted to hold seeds (10) and / or a dose of fertilizer within the lumen (122), the open configuration being adapted to allow the seeds (10) and / or a dose of fertilizer to escape from the lumen (122).

4. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The conveying unit (130) is a drum seeder or a needle seeder.

5. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 4, further comprising: - An apparatus adapted to produce a continuous length of growth medium having a first side, a second side positioned opposite the first side, and a first end face, wherein the supply pipe is adapted to be inserted into the first or second side of the continuous length of growth medium; and - An apparatus, such as a cutting apparatus, adapted to separate a portion of the continuous length of growth medium including the seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer to form a plant growth medium can, rod or tape filled with seeds and / or fertilizer.

6. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 5, further comprising: - A dispenser unit adapted to position the plant growth medium cans, rods or tapes filled with seeds and / or fertilizers into an elongated hydroponic reservoir.

7. The system (100) according to claim 6, further comprising a conveyor system adapted to transport the elongated hydroponic reservoir through the dispenser unit.

8. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1 - 7 is further adapted to convey seeds and a dose of fertilizer simultaneously through the supply pipe, the seeds and the dose of fertilizer preferably being formulated as a single unit, such as a pellet.

9. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-7 is further adapted to convey a dose of fertilizer as one or more pellets through the supply tube.

10. The system (100) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, During the insertion operation, the seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer are held on or within the tip of the supply tube.

11. The system (100) according to claim 10, wherein, The seeds and / or a dose of fertilizer held on or within the tip of the supply tube are actively released therefrom, for example by blowing air through the supply tube or by a mechanical pushing mechanism such as a piston.

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