Water and nutrient irrigation device based on plug tray

By designing a water and nutrient irrigation device based on seed trays, and utilizing a combination of soaking tank and water-fertilizer tank, the problem of improper water management in seed tray seedling cultivation was solved, achieving uniform infiltration and effective replenishment of nutrient solution, and improving seedling growth efficiency.

CN223613969UActive Publication Date: 2025-12-02PUTIAN INST OF AGRI SCI
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202422704665.2
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-11-07
Publication Date
2025-12-02
Estimated Expiration
2034-11-07

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing plug seedling technology, improper water management can easily lead to the loss of culture medium, and direct water spraying affects the plant leaves, especially during the hot season when evaporation is high, which affects seedling growth.

Method used

Design a water and nutrient irrigation device based on seedling trays, including a soaking tank and multiple water and fertilizer tanks. The seedlings in the seedling trays are transported to the soaking tank by a conveyor belt mechanism for bottom irrigation. Nutrient solution is prepared in the water and fertilizer tanks and seeps back into the substrate through the bottom holes of the seedlings in the seedling trays. Uniform irrigation is achieved by combining surface tension and capillary force.

Benefits of technology

It achieves uniform penetration of nutrient solution, avoids substrate loss and plant damage, improves the absorption efficiency of water and nutrients, is suitable for large-scale production, and improves the efficiency of seedling production.

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Abstract

The water and nutrient irrigation device comprises a soaking box, at least two water and fertilizer boxes are connected to a liquid inlet pipe of the soaking box in parallel, a conveying belt mechanism is arranged on the side of the soaking box, and seedling raising frames are arranged on the sides of the head end and the tail end of the conveying belt mechanism. A nutrient solution can be prepared by utilizing the water-fertilizer boxes, and when the nutrient solution does not need to be prepared, only one of the water-fertilizer boxes needs to be filled with water or commercial water-soluble fertilizer. The soaking box can be used for collecting irrigation liquid flowing from the water and fertilizer box to soak plug seedlings. During soaking, the irrigation liquid can reversely permeate into the matrix through holes in the bottom of the plug seedling, and penetration is complete if the color of the surface of the matrix is darkened. The humidity of the culture medium can be guaranteed, growth and development of seeds and seedlings are facilitated, irrigation liquid at the bottom of the hole can be absorbed by the root system, and branching of the root system can be improved. Direct influence or damage to the seedlings during water replenishing in sunny days and rainy days can be effectively avoided, and water and nutrient replenishing is more sufficient.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a water and nutrient irrigation device based on a seed tray. Background Technology

[0002] Plug seedling technology uses substrates such as peat moss and vermiculite to replace soil, enabling mechanized precision sowing, one seed per hole, and one-time seedling production. This modern seedling technology eliminates the need for large amounts of bed soil required by traditional soil seedling cultivation, reducing labor intensity. The small volume and light weight of the plug seedling substrate facilitate long-distance transportation and distribution of seedlings; the substrate and equipment are easy to sterilize, reducing the occurrence and spread of soil-borne diseases and pests; and multi-layer vertical seedling cultivation can be implemented, improving land and space utilization.

[0003] Plug seedling cultivation technology is widely used in vegetable production. In the early stages of seedling production, water management is crucial. Watering at the wrong time or using the wrong method can severely impact the growth of plug seedlings. Most existing technologies involve direct application of water to the substrate surface via sprinkler irrigation or watering, allowing the water to slowly seep into the substrate and be absorbed by the plant roots. However, this method has the following drawbacks: watering the surface of the plug cells can lead to the loss of substrate within the plug, and during the high temperatures of summer and autumn, direct watering can damage the leaves due to high evaporation rates. Utility Model Content

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by this utility model is to provide a water and nutrient irrigation device based on a seed tray.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution of this utility model is: a water and nutrient irrigation device based on seedling trays, including a soaking tank, at least two water and fertilizer tanks connected in parallel on the liquid inlet pipe of the soaking tank, a conveyor belt mechanism is provided on the side of the soaking tank, and seedling racks are provided on the first and last sides of the conveyor belt mechanism.

[0006] Preferably, the number of water and fertilizer tanks is three, namely a first water and fertilizer tank, a second water and fertilizer tank, and a third water and fertilizer tank.

[0007] Preferably, a front-end valve is installed on the water pipe at the inlet end of the first, second, and third water-fertilizer tanks, and a rear-end valve is installed on the water pipe at the outlet end of the first, second, and third water-fertilizer tanks.

[0008] Preferably, the water pipes at the inlet ends of the first, second, and third water and fertilizer tanks converge into a main pipe and are connected to a faucet, and a main valve is installed on the main pipe.

[0009] Preferably, the water pipes at the outlet ends of the first, second, and third water-fertilizer tanks converge and are connected to the inlet pipe of the soaking tank.

[0010] Preferably, the opening of the soaking tank faces upwards to hold the irrigation solution.

[0011] Preferably, the seedling racks all include a tabletop and table legs for placing plug seedlings.

[0012] Compared with existing technologies, this utility model has the following beneficial effects: This tray-based water and nutrient irrigation device utilizes water and fertilizer tanks to prepare nutrient solutions. When no self-prepared nutrient solution is needed, simply fill one of the water and fertilizer tanks with water or commercial water-soluble fertilizer. Simultaneously, a soaking tank collects the irrigation solution (which can be self-prepared nutrient solution, water, or commercial water-soluble fertilizer) flowing from the water and fertilizer tanks for soaking the tray seedlings. During soaking, the irrigation solution can seep back into the substrate through the holes at the bottom of the tray seedlings; a darkening of the substrate surface indicates complete penetration. This ensures the humidity of the culture medium, which is beneficial to the growth and development of seeds and seedlings. The irrigation solution at the bottom of the tray can be absorbed by the roots, promoting root branching. It effectively avoids direct impact or damage to seedlings caused by watering on sunny or rainy days. Water and nutrient replenishment is more sufficient, controllable, and continuous. Seedlings absorb water and nutrients more directly and effectively. It is convenient and quick to operate, has a wide range of applications, is suitable for large-scale production, and improves seedling production efficiency.

[0013] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0014] Figure 1 This is a top view of an embodiment of the present utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0016] It should be noted that the following detailed descriptions are exemplary and intended to provide further explanation of this application. Unless otherwise specified, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application pertains.

[0017] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the exemplary embodiments according to this application. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0018] like Figure 1As shown, this embodiment provides a water and nutrient irrigation device based on seedling trays, including a soaking tank 1. At least two water and fertilizer tanks are connected in parallel on the liquid inlet pipe of the soaking tank. A conveyor belt mechanism 11 is provided on the side of the soaking tank. Seedling racks 12 are provided on the side of the first and last ends of the conveyor belt mechanism.

[0019] In this embodiment of the utility model, there are three water and fertilizer tanks, namely the first water and fertilizer tank 2, the second water and fertilizer tank 3, and the third water and fertilizer tank 4.

[0020] In this embodiment of the utility model, a front valve 5 is installed on the water pipe at the inlet end of the first, second, and third water-fertilizer tanks, and a rear valve 6 is installed on the water pipe at the outlet end of the first, second, and third water-fertilizer tanks.

[0021] In this embodiment of the utility model, the water pipes at the inlet ends of the first, second and third water-fertilizer tanks converge into a main pipe 7 and are connected to a faucet, and a main valve 8 is installed on the main pipe.

[0022] In this embodiment of the invention, the water pipes at the outlet ends of the first, second, and third water-fertilizer tanks converge and are connected to the inlet pipe 9 of the soaking tank.

[0023] In this embodiment of the invention, the opening of the soaking tank faces upwards to hold the irrigation solution.

[0024] In this embodiment of the utility model, the seedling rack includes a tabletop and table legs for placing the seedlings 10 in the plug trays.

[0025] In this embodiment of the utility model, the irrigation device is made entirely of stainless steel, which has strong corrosion resistance and can resist the corrosive environment caused by many chemicals and applied fertilizers, making it durable and cost-effective.

[0026] In this embodiment of the invention, the working principle of the water and nutrient irrigation device based on the seed tray is as follows:

[0027] Nutrient solutions can be prepared according to the seedling growth needs and different nutrient solution formulas. For example, stock solutions A, B, and C can be placed in the first, second, and third water-fertilizer tanks, respectively. Each of the three water-fertilizer tanks has an independent valve switch at the connection point to the water tap and the connection point to the soaking tank, which can be controlled independently.

[0028] When there is no need to prepare the nutrient solution yourself, simply fill the first / second / third water-fertilizer tank with water or commercial water-soluble fertilizer.

[0029] The soaking tank collects irrigation solution flowing from the water and fertilizer tank. The irrigation solution is either self-prepared nutrient solution, water, or commercial water-soluble fertilizer. Seedlings in plug trays awaiting soaking are placed on a seedling rack next to the first end of the conveyor belt mechanism. The conveyor belt mechanism starts, and one operator moves the seedlings onto the conveyor belt mechanism, gradually sending them to the soaking tank. Another operator moves the seedlings one by one into the soaking tank, soaks them for 2 minutes, and then returns them to the conveyor belt mechanism (the conveyor belt mechanism stops operating during the soaking period). Finally, another operator, positioned at the end of the conveyor belt mechanism, moves the soaked seedlings to a seedling rack next to the end of the conveyor belt mechanism.

[0030] During soaking, the irrigation solution can seep back into the substrate through the holes at the bottom of the seedling tray. Observe the substrate surface as it darkens in color, indicating complete infiltration. Do not press the seedling trays forcefully into the water surface to avoid the substrate being pushed up, shifting, or dispersing.

[0031] The seedling trays placed on the conveyor belt mechanism have water collection trays at the bottom to prevent irrigation liquid from dripping onto the conveyor belt mechanism.

[0032] In plug seedling cultivation, irrigation should be carried out at the bottom of the plug, with the irrigation solution poured in from the bottom until water seeps in. The principle of water absorption at the bottom of the plug mainly relies on the interaction of surface tension and capillary forces. This phenomenon is known as the "spoon absorption phenomenon." It is due to the formation of a thin layer occupied by liquid molecules on the liquid surface, which can be regarded as an elastic film with a tendency to contract. When an object (such as a spoon) is placed in water, the part of its surface near the water surface will contact the water surface. This causes the water molecules on the surface of the object to be affected by surface tension, thus generating a contraction force towards the bottom of the object. At the same time, the contact area between the object and the water is very small. On this small contact area, the effect of capillary forces is very significant, which can further increase the adsorption force of water molecules towards the bottom of the object. This phenomenon is not limited to spoon absorption but also applies to water management in plug seedling cultivation. In plug seedling cultivation, effective water management can be achieved by controlling the alternation of dryness and wetness at the bottom of the plug.

[0033] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model in any other way. Any person skilled in the art may make changes or modifications to the above-disclosed technical content to create equivalent embodiments. However, any simple modifications, equivalent changes, and modifications made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of this utility model without departing from its technical solution shall still fall within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A water and nutrient irrigation device based on a seed tray, characterized in that: The device includes a soaking tank, on which at least two water and fertilizer tanks are connected in parallel. A conveyor belt mechanism is provided on the side of the soaking tank, and seedling racks are provided on the sides of both the beginning and end of the conveyor belt mechanism.

2. The water and nutrient irrigation device based on a seed tray according to claim 1, characterized in that: There are three water and fertilizer tanks: the first water and fertilizer tank, the second water and fertilizer tank, and the third water and fertilizer tank.

3. The water and nutrient irrigation device based on a seed tray according to claim 2, characterized in that: A front valve is installed on the water pipe at the inlet end of the first, second, and third water-fertilizer tanks, and a rear valve is installed on the water pipe at the outlet end of the first, second, and third water-fertilizer tanks.

4. The water and nutrient irrigation device based on a seed tray according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water pipes at the inlet ends of the first, second, and third water and fertilizer tanks converge into a main pipe and are connected to a faucet. A main valve is installed on this main pipe.

5. The water and nutrient irrigation device based on a seed tray according to claim 3, characterized in that: The water pipes at the outlets of the first, second, and third water-fertilizer tanks converge and are connected to the inlet pipe of the soaking tank.

6. The water and nutrient irrigation device based on a seed tray according to claim 1, characterized in that: The soaking tank has its opening facing upwards and is used to hold the irrigation solution.

7. The water and nutrient irrigation device based on a seed tray according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seedling racks all include a tabletop and table legs for placing plug seedlings.