Mangrove seedling incubator

Abstract

This utility model discloses a mangrove seedling cultivation box, which can mimic the natural environment of intertidal mudflats to achieve large-scale cultivation of mangrove seedlings. The mangrove seedling cultivation box includes a box body, a tidal simulation system, and a salinity control system. The substrate layer inside the seedling box simulates the muddy environment of real intertidal mudflats, providing physical support for the root development of mangrove seedlings. The water inlet and outlet at the top of the seedling box are connected to the tidal simulation system, allowing for periodic water injection and drainage to raise and lower the water level, replicating the hydrological conditions of the natural intertidal zone. The salinity control system is directly integrated inside the seedling box, dynamically adjusting the water salinity to allow seedlings to gradually adapt to different salinity environments during the cultivation stage. By increasing the volume of the seedling box or arranging it on a large scale, large-scale mangrove seedling cultivation without environmental limitations can be achieved, significantly improving cultivation efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of plant seedling equipment technology, and in particular to a mangrove seedling cultivation box. Background Technology

[0002] Current mangrove seedling cultivation relies heavily on open mudflats, which presents challenges such as uncontrollable salinity fluctuations, tidal cycles dependent on natural conditions, and difficulties in pest and disease control. Therefore, suitable mudflats for mangrove seedling cultivation are extremely scarce, hindering large-scale seedling production and posing a significant obstacle to mangrove ecological restoration. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention aims to solve at least one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this invention proposes a mangrove seedling cultivation box that can mimic the natural environment of tidal flats and realize the large-scale cultivation of mangrove seedlings.

[0004] A mangrove seedling cultivation box according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a box body, the box body including a seedling box and an equipment compartment, the seedling box being provided with a substrate layer, in which mangrove seedlings are cultivated, and the upper end of the seedling box being provided with a water inlet and a water outlet; a tidal simulation system, the tidal simulation system being disposed in the equipment compartment and communicating with the seedling box, the tidal simulation system being used to simulate the tidal water level changes of the tidal flats; and a salinity control system, the salinity control system being disposed in the seedling box, the salinity control system being used to adjust the salinity within the seedling box.

[0005] The system offers at least the following benefits: The separate design of the seedling tray and equipment compartment allows the substrate layer within the seedling tray to simulate the silty environment of a real tidal flat, providing physical support for the root development of mangrove seedlings. The water inlet and outlet at the top of the seedling tray are connected to a tidal simulation system, allowing for periodic water level fluctuations through injection and drainage. This ensures the substrate layer experiences alternating periods of submersion and exposure during the tidal cycle, replicating the hydrological conditions of the natural intertidal zone. The salinity control system is directly integrated into the seedling tray, dynamically adjusting water salinity to allow seedlings to gradually adapt to different salinity environments during the cultivation stage. The independently designed equipment compartment isolates mechanical components from the seedling environment, reducing the impact of vibration and heat during equipment operation on seedling growth. It also facilitates equipment maintenance without affecting the internal environment of the seedling tray. By increasing the volume of the seedling tray or scalable deployment, large-scale mangrove seedling cultivation can be achieved without environmental limitations, significantly improving cultivation efficiency.

[0006] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the tide simulation system includes a water tank, a water pump, a water level sensor, a drain valve, and a programmable controller. The water tank and the water pump are installed in the equipment compartment. The water tank is used for water storage. The output end of the water pump is connected to the seedling box through a water pipe. The water pump can pump water from the water tank into the seedling box. The water level sensor is installed in the seedling box and is used to detect the real-time water level in the seedling box. The drain valve is installed on the water inlet and is connected to the water tank through a water pipe. The programmable controller is installed in the equipment compartment and is electrically connected to the water pump. The water level sensor sends water level data to the programmable controller.

[0007] According to some embodiments of this utility model, the salinity control system includes a conductivity sensor, a regulating pump, a freshwater storage tank, and a brine storage tank. The conductivity sensor is installed in the seedling box and is used to detect the salinity in the seedling box. The freshwater storage tank and the brine storage tank are installed in the equipment compartment and are both connected to the seedling box. The regulating pump is installed in the equipment compartment, and there are two sets of regulating pumps. The two sets of regulating pumps are used to pump the liquid from the freshwater storage tank and the brine storage tank into the seedling box, respectively.

[0008] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the salinity control system further includes a plurality of microporous tubes, which are inserted into the matrix layer, and the freshwater storage tank and the brine storage tank are connected to the microporous tubes through the regulating pump.

[0009] According to some embodiments of the present invention, an environmental control module is also included, which is disposed in the equipment compartment and is used to simulate the natural environment.

[0010] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the environmental control module includes a full-spectrum LED light group, which is disposed in the box and located on the top of the seedling box.

[0011] According to some embodiments of the present invention, the environmental control module further includes a temperature and humidity sensor, a heating element, and a mist humidifier. The temperature and humidity sensor and the mist humidifier are disposed in the seedling box, and the heating element is disposed on the side wall of the seedling box.

[0012] According to some embodiments of the present invention, humus and crushed oyster shell particles are added to the matrix layer.

[0013] Additional aspects and advantages of this invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0014] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, wherein:

[0015] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0016] Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the present utility model (part of the box body is omitted);

[0017] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the salinity control system according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seedling box in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 1 ;

[0019] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the seedling box in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 2 . Detailed Implementation

[0020] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the directional descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the directional or positional relationship based on the directional or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this utility model.

[0021] In the description of this utility model, the use of "first" and "second" is only for the purpose of distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of technical features or the order of the technical features.

[0022] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly defined, terms such as "setting," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0023] Reference Figures 1 to 5This utility model discloses a mangrove seedling cultivation box, including a box body 10, a tidal simulation system 20, and a salinity control system 30. The box body 10 includes a seedling tray 11 and an equipment compartment 12. A substrate layer 111 is provided inside the seedling tray 11. Mangrove seedlings are cultivated in the substrate layer 111. The seedling tray 11 has a water inlet 112 and a water outlet 113 at its upper end. The tidal simulation system 20 is located in the equipment compartment 12 and is connected to the seedling tray 11. The tidal simulation system 20 is used to simulate the tidal changes in the tidal flats. The salinity control system 30 is located in the seedling tray 11 and is used to adjust the salinity within the seedling tray 11.

[0024] The container 10 features a separate design for the seedling box 11 and the equipment compartment 12, allowing the substrate layer 111 within the seedling box 11 to simulate the muddy environment of a real tidal flat, providing physical support for the root development of mangrove seedlings. The inlet 112 and outlet 113 at the top of the seedling box 11 are connected to the tidal simulation system 20, enabling periodic water level fluctuations through injection and drainage. This ensures that the substrate layer 111 experiences alternating periods of submersion and exposure during the tidal cycle, replicating the hydrological conditions of the natural intertidal zone. The salinity control system 30 is directly integrated into the seedling box 11, dynamically adjusting water salinity to allow seedlings to gradually adapt to different salinity environments during the cultivation stage. The independently designed equipment compartment 12 isolates mechanical components from the seedling environment, reducing the impact of vibration and heat during equipment operation on seedling growth. It also facilitates equipment maintenance without affecting the internal environment of the seedling box 11. By increasing the volume of the seedling tray or arranging it on a large scale, large-scale mangrove seedling cultivation can be achieved without environmental limitations, greatly improving seedling cultivation efficiency.

[0025] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The tidal simulation system 20 includes a water tank 21, a water pump 22, a water level sensor 23, a drain valve 24, and a programmable logic controller (PLC). The water tank 21 and water pump 22 are located in the equipment compartment 12. The water tank 21 stores water. The output of the water pump 22 is connected to the seedling box 11 via a water pipe. The water pump 22 pumps water from the water tank 21 into the seedling box 11. The water level sensor 23 is located in the seedling box 11. The water level sensor 23 detects the real-time water level in the seedling box 11. The drain valve 24 is located at the inlet 112 and connected to the water tank 21 via a water pipe. The PLC is located in the equipment compartment 12. The PLC is electrically connected to the water pump 22. The water level sensor 23 sends water level data to the PLC.

[0026] The tidal simulation system 20 achieves precise tidal level control through the coordinated operation of a water tank 21, a water pump 22, a water level sensor 23, a drain valve 24, and a programmable controller. The water pump 22 delivers water from the water tank 21 to the seedling box 11. The water level sensor 23 monitors the water level data in real time and feeds it back to the programmable controller. The controller drives the water pump 22 to start and stop and the drain valve 24 to open and close according to a preset program, forming a closed-loop circulation system. The water tank 21 and the water pump 22 are centrally located within the equipment compartment 12, avoiding the risk of water leakage due to exposed pipes and reducing mechanical noise within the seedling box 11. The drain valve 24, connected to the water tank 21 via an inlet 112, ensures that water can flow back to the water tank 21 for reuse during low tide, reducing water waste. The programmable controller supports customizable tidal frequency and amplitude, such as 2-4 high and low tides per day, with a water level fluctuation range of 0-20cm, accurately simulating the native habitat conditions of different mangrove species.

[0027] It is worth noting that in the embodiments of this utility model, the water level sensor 23 determines the water level by detecting the relative distance between the float and the sensor through a distance sensor fixed on the top of the seedling box 11.

[0028] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The salinity control system 30 includes a conductivity sensor 31, a regulating pump 32, a freshwater storage tank 33, and a brine storage tank 34. The conductivity sensor 31 is installed in the seedling box 11. The conductivity sensor 31 is used to detect the salinity in the seedling box 11. The freshwater storage tank 33 and the brine storage tank 34 are installed in the equipment compartment 12. Both the freshwater storage tank 33 and the brine storage tank 34 are connected to the seedling box 11. The regulating pump 32 is installed in the equipment compartment 12. There are two sets of regulating pumps 32. The two sets of regulating pumps 32 are used to pump the liquid from the freshwater storage tank 33 and the brine storage tank 34 into the seedling box 11, respectively.

[0029] The salinity control system 30 employs a combination of a conductivity sensor 31 and two independent regulating pumps 32. The conductivity sensor 31 monitors the salinity data within the seedling tray 11 in real time. When the salinity deviates from the set value, the regulating pumps 32 draw liquid from either the freshwater storage tank 33 or the brine storage tank 34 and inject it into the seedling tray 11, achieving dynamic salinity balance. The two regulating pumps 32 independently control the delivery paths of the freshwater and brine, preventing the two liquids from mixing within the pump body and causing crystallization and blockage. The brine storage tank 34 and the freshwater storage tank 33 are located within the equipment compartment 12, isolated from the seedling tray 11, reducing the space occupied by the tanks and preventing the brine from corroding the metal components within the seedling tray 11. The flexible hose delivery method of the regulating pumps 32 ensures that the liquid only contacts inert material pipes, avoiding the risk of corrosion caused by long-term contact with brine in traditional metal pumps and extending the service life of the equipment.

[0030] Reference Figures 1 to 5The salinity control system 30 also includes several microporous tubes 35. These microporous tubes 35 are inserted into the matrix layer 111. The freshwater storage tank 33 and the brine storage tank 34 are connected to the microporous tubes 35 via a regulating pump 32.

[0031] The microporous tubes 35 added to the salinity control system 30 are directly inserted into the substrate layer 111, and the brine is transported to the root zone via the regulating pump 32. The uniform distribution design of the microporous tubes 35 allows salt to slowly infiltrate from the lower layer of the substrate layer 111, simulating the salt diffusion process of groundwater in tidal flats, avoiding direct injection of liquid into the surface which would cause salt crystallization on the substrate surface and damage the seedling stems and leaves. The pore size design of the microporous tubes 35 can control the liquid flow rate and prevent high-pressure injection from eroding and damaging the original pore structure of the substrate layer 111. During the low tide period when the substrate layer 111 is exposed, the microporous tubes 35 continuously replenish the root zone with saline solution, maintaining root moisture and simulating the salt retention effect of tidal flat soil after the tide recedes, enhancing the seedlings' adaptability to salt stress. The connection structure between the microporous tubes 35 and the regulating pump 32 facilitates disassembly and cleaning, preventing salt deposition and blockage of the pipes after long-term use.

[0032] Reference Figures 1 to 5 A mangrove seedling incubator also includes an environmental control module 40. The environmental control module 40 is located in the equipment compartment 12. The environmental control module 40 is used to simulate the natural environment.

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The environmental control module 40 includes a full-spectrum LED light group 41, which is installed in the box 10 and located on top of the seedling box 11.

[0034] The full-spectrum LED light group 41 is fixed to the top of the seedling box 11. Its vertical illumination design ensures that the light covers all seedlings evenly, avoiding uneven growth caused by insufficient light in the edge areas.

[0035] Reference Figures 1 to 5 The environmental control module 40 also includes a temperature and humidity sensor 42, a heating element 43, and a mist humidifier 44. The temperature and humidity sensor 42 and the mist humidifier 44 are installed in the seedling box 11, and the heating element 43 is installed on the side wall of the seedling box 11.

[0036] Temperature and humidity sensor 42 monitors the environmental data inside the seedling box 11 in real time. The heating element 43, embedded in the side wall of the seedling box 11, achieves uniform heating through heat conduction, avoiding localized high temperatures that could scorch the seedling roots or stems and leaves. The heating element 43 installed on the side wall maintains a certain distance from the substrate layer 111, reducing the problem of excessively rapid evaporation of substrate moisture caused by direct heating. The atomizing humidifier 44 generates 10-20μm droplets suspended in the air, simulating the natural settling process of dew on the leaf surface, maintaining air humidity within the range of 70-85%. The nozzle of the atomizing humidifier 44 faces the top of the seedling box 11, avoiding direct spraying of water mist onto the base of the seedling stems, which could lead to salt accumulation. The linkage control of temperature and humidity sensor 42, heating element 43, and atomizing humidifier 44 can maintain constant temperature and humidity during low-temperature seasons, preventing seedling growth stagnation or leaf drop caused by sudden environmental changes.

[0037] Reference Figures 1 to 5 Humus and broken oyster shell particles are added to the matrix layer 111.

[0038] The humus added to substrate layer 111 enhances the substrate's water retention and organic matter content, providing a nutritional foundation for the seedling root microbial community and promoting the formation of symbiotic mycorrhizae. The incorporation of crushed oyster shell particles increases the porosity of substrate layer 111, improving aeration and preventing root rot due to oxygen deficiency. The calcium carbonate in oyster shells slowly releases calcium ions, neutralizing excess sodium ions in substrate layer 111 and mitigating the toxic effects of salinization on the roots. The composite structure of humus and oyster shell particles strengthens the substrate's resistance to compaction, maintaining a stable physical form under frequent tidal erosion and preventing root growth restriction caused by substrate compaction. The angular structure of the oyster shell particles also provides anchoring points for the prop roots of mangrove seedlings, mimicking the root-fixing effect of pebbles and shells in natural tidal flats.

[0039] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0040] Of course, this utility model is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this utility model. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A mangrove seedling cultivation box, characterized in that, include: The box (10) includes a seedling box (11) and an equipment compartment (12). The seedling box (11) is provided with a substrate layer (111) in which mangrove seedlings are cultivated. The seedling box (11) is provided with a water inlet (112) and a water outlet (113) at the upper end. A tidal simulation system (20) is installed in the equipment compartment (12). The tidal simulation system (20) is connected to the seedling box (11). The tidal simulation system (20) is used to simulate the tidal water level changes of the tidal flat. A salinity control system (30) is installed in the seedling box (11) and is used to adjust the salinity in the seedling box (11).

2. The mangrove seedling cultivation box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The tidal simulation system (20) includes a water tank (21), a water pump (22), a water level sensor (23), a drain valve (24), and a programmable controller. The water tank (21) and the water pump (22) are located in the equipment compartment (12). The water tank (21) is used to store water. The output end of the water pump (22) is connected to the seedling box (11) through a water pipe. The water pump (22) can pump water from the water tank (21) into the seedling box (11). The water level sensor (23) is located in the seedling box (11). The water level sensor (23) is used to detect the real-time water level in the seedling box (11). The drain valve (24) is located on the inlet (112) and connected to the water tank (21) through a water pipe. The programmable controller is located in the equipment compartment (12). The programmable controller is electrically connected to the water pump (22). The water level sensor (23) sends the water level data to the programmable controller.

3. The mangrove seedling cultivation box according to claim 1, characterized in that, The salinity control system (30) includes a conductivity sensor (31), a regulating pump (32), a freshwater storage tank (33), and a brine storage tank (34). The conductivity sensor (31) is installed in the seedling box (11) and is used to detect the salinity in the seedling box (11). The freshwater storage tank (33) and the brine storage tank (34) are installed in the equipment compartment (12) and are connected to the seedling box (11). The regulating pump (32) is installed in the equipment compartment (12). There are two sets of regulating pumps (32). The two sets of regulating pumps (32) are used to pump the liquid from the freshwater storage tank (33) and the brine storage tank (34) into the seedling box (11).

4. The mangrove seedling cultivation box according to claim 3, characterized in that, The salinity control system (30) also includes a number of microporous tubes (35), which are inserted into the matrix layer (111). The freshwater storage tank (33) and the brine storage tank (34) are connected to the microporous tubes (35) through the regulating pump (32).

5. The mangrove seedling cultivation box according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an environmental control module (40), which is located in the equipment compartment (12) and is used to simulate the natural environment.

6. A mangrove seedling cultivation box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The environmental control module (40) includes a full-spectrum LED light group (41), which is installed in the box (10) and located on top of the seedling box (11).

7. A mangrove seedling cultivation box according to claim 5, characterized in that, The environmental control module (40) also includes a temperature and humidity sensor (42), a heating element (43), and a mist humidifier (44). The temperature and humidity sensor (42) and the mist humidifier (44) are installed in the seedling box (11), and the heating element (43) is installed on the side wall of the seedling box (11).

8. A mangrove seedling cultivation box according to claim 1, characterized in that, Humus and broken oyster shell particles are added to the matrix layer (111).

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