Lettuce seedling raising device

Abstract

The application discloses a lettuce seedling raising device, which comprises a circular bottom plate, a left half ring fence and a right half ring fence, the left half ring fence and the right half ring fence are connected through insertion to form a complete ring fence; the edge of the circular bottom plate is provided with a ring-shaped insertion slot, the bottom end of the complete ring fence is inserted into the ring-shaped insertion slot of the circular bottom plate to form a pot body with an open top; wherein the sidewall of the complete ring fence is densely provided with air holes; the circular bottom plate is provided with a drainage valve; when the pot body is used for planting lettuce, the air holes can ventilate the lettuce planted in the pot body, and the drainage valve can drain water for the lettuce planted in the pot body, so that the problems of poor drainage and ventilation are solved, and the device is suitable for the seedling raising stage management and cultivation of lettuce and other leafy vegetable crops.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of agricultural equipment, specifically to a lettuce seedling generator. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, in facility agriculture and factory-scale vegetable seedling production, various seedling raising devices such as plug trays and seedling boxes are widely used for raising lettuce and other leafy vegetables. Most existing lettuce seedling raising devices adopt a one-piece plastic molding structure, which has the advantages of low cost and convenient mass production, but also has a series of technical defects and application problems: First, existing lettuce seedling growers have insufficient drainage and ventilation. The drainage hole design at the bottom of the grower is simple and cannot adjust water management according to different substrates and crop types. This can easily lead to water accumulation in the substrate and poor ventilation during the seedling stage, affecting root growth and causing frequent root rot and weak seedlings.

[0003] Secondly, most lettuce seedling containers do not fully consider the natural growth pattern of roots in their structural design. The smooth inner wall of the container makes it easy for the roots of crops such as lettuce to grow coiled along the inner wall of the container (i.e., the "root coiling" phenomenon), which affects the seedling recovery and subsequent growth after transplanting.

[0004] Furthermore, existing lettuce seedling machines lack a suitable matching structure with automated transplanting equipment, making rapid docking and precise transfer impossible. This results in low transplanting efficiency and high seedling damage rates, offsetting further improvements in the automation level of vegetable production. For example, Chinese invention patent CN116138156A discloses a fruit and vegetable seedling rack and a method for raising lettuce seedlings. Although it improves germination and survival rates, it has significant shortcomings in terms of structural simplification, ventilation and drainage, root health, and mechanized transplanting positioning.

[0005] In summary, existing lettuce seedling machines suffer from insufficient drainage and ventilation, and poor adaptability to lettuce seedling transplanting. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a lettuce seedling generator that solves the problems of insufficient drainage and ventilation, and poor adaptability of existing lettuce seedling generators for transplanting.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: This utility model discloses a lettuce seedling device, including a circular base plate, a left half-ring enclosure and a right half-ring enclosure, wherein the left half-ring enclosure and the right half-ring enclosure are connected to form a complete ring enclosure; the edge of the circular base plate is provided with a ring slot, and the bottom end of the complete ring enclosure is inserted into the ring slot of the circular base plate to form a pot with an open top. The side walls of the complete annular enclosure are densely covered with ventilation holes. A drain valve is provided on the circular base plate; When the basin is used to grow lettuce, the vent holes allow the lettuce grown in the basin to be ventilated, and the drain valve allows the lettuce grown in the basin to drain water.

[0008] Preferably, the complete annular enclosure is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, forming a frustum shape; the vertical end face of the basin is a trapezoid with an open top.

[0009] Preferably, the two ends of the left half-ring enclosure are respectively provided with a first insertion groove and a first insertion plate, and the two ends of the right half-ring enclosure are respectively provided with a second insertion plate and a second insertion groove. When the left half-ring enclosure and the right half-ring enclosure are inserted, the second insertion plate of the right half-ring enclosure is inserted into the first insertion groove of the left half-ring enclosure, and the first insertion plate of the left half-ring enclosure is inserted into the second insertion groove of the right half-ring enclosure.

[0010] Preferably, the drain valve is an electrically controlled valve, and the drain valve is equipped with a drain valve switch, which is located on the left half-ring enclosure or the right half-ring enclosure.

[0011] Preferably, a drain outlet is provided on the side of the circular base plate, and a drain valve is located in the center of the circular base plate, with the drain outlet connected to the drain valve.

[0012] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: (I) This utility model discloses a lettuce seedling device, comprising a pot with an open top and numerous ventilation holes on the side walls; a drain valve is provided at the bottom of the pot; when the pot is used to grow lettuce, the ventilation holes allow air to pass through the lettuce planted in the pot, and the drain valve allows water to drain from the lettuce planted in the pot. Therefore, this lettuce seedling device solves the problems of insufficient drainage and ventilation. This utility model discloses a lettuce seedling device with excellent drainage and ventilation, solving the problems of insufficient drainage and ventilation, and is suitable for the seedling management and cultivation of lettuce and other leafy vegetables.

[0013] (II) This utility model discloses a lettuce seedling device, comprising a circular base plate, a left half-ring enclosure, and a right half-ring enclosure. The left and right half-ring enclosures are interlocked to form a complete ring enclosure. The edge of the circular base plate is provided with an annular slot, and the bottom end of the complete ring enclosure is inserted into the annular slot of the circular base plate, forming a pot with an open top. The lettuce seedling device disclosed in this utility model allows the pot to be disassembled into the left half-ring enclosure, the right half-ring enclosure, and the circular base plate. Simultaneously, the left half-ring enclosure, the right half-ring enclosure, and the circular base plate can be assembled into a pot. The detachability of the lettuce seedling device facilitates the removal of soil from the device, making it convenient to replace the soil and replant new lettuce seedlings. This improves the adaptability of lettuce seedlings for transplanting and enhances soil mobility, making it suitable for the management and cultivation of lettuce and other leafy vegetables during the seedling stage.

[0014] (III) This utility model provides a new type of high-efficiency lettuce seedling machine, which aims to improve water management and air circulation during the seedling process by optimizing the structural design of the lettuce seedling machine, promoting the natural downward growth of roots, preventing root entanglement, improving the compatibility between the lettuce seedling machine and automatic transplanting equipment, enhancing the overall efficiency of seedling raising and transplanting, simplifying seedling raising operations, improving seedling quality, and making the lettuce seedling machine reusable, thereby effectively overcoming the various shortcomings in the existing technology. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a top view of the overall structure of the lettuce seedling generator provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a front view of the lettuce seedling generator provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model; Figure 3 This is an exploded view of the lettuce seedling generator provided in Embodiment 1 of this utility model.

[0016] Figure labeling: 1-circular base plate, 10-annular slot; 2-Left half-ring enclosure; 3-Right half-ring enclosure; 41-Ventilation hole, 42-Drain valve, 43-Drain outlet; 51-First insertion groove, 52-First insertion plate; 61-Second insertion plate, 62-Second insertion groove. Detailed Implementation

[0017] Exemplary embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. While exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings, it should be understood that the invention can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to enable a more thorough understanding of the invention and to fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.

[0018] Example 1: A lettuce seedling generator Embodiment 1 of this utility model provides a lettuce seedling generator, the structure of which will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0019] refer to Figures 1 to 3 The lettuce seedling device includes a circular base plate 1, a left half-ring enclosure 2, and a right half-ring enclosure 3.

[0020] The left half-ring enclosure 2 and the right half-ring enclosure 3 are connected to form a complete ring enclosure; The edge of the circular base plate 1 is provided with an annular slot 10, and the bottom end of the complete annular enclosure is inserted into the annular slot 10 of the circular base plate 1 to form a basin with an open top. The side walls of the complete ring-shaped enclosure are densely covered with ventilation holes 41; A drain valve 42 is provided on the circular base plate 1.

[0021] When the basin is used to grow lettuce, the vent 41 is used to ventilate the lettuce grown in the basin, and the drain valve 42 is used to drain the lettuce grown in the basin.

[0022] Because lettuce seedlings grow quickly and have high water and air requirements, lettuce seedling production demands high drainage and ventilation capabilities from the seedling machine. This particular seedling machine solves the problems of insufficient drainage and ventilation by incorporating ventilation holes and drainage valves.

[0023] Specifically, the complete annular enclosure is wide at the top and narrow at the bottom, forming a frustum shape; the vertical end face of the basin is a trapezoid with an opening at the top.

[0024] To improve the adaptability of lettuce seedlings for transplanting, after the lettuce seedlings have grown to maturity, the soil needs to be replaced and new lettuce seedlings replanted. To facilitate the removal of soil from the lettuce seedling device, it is required that the lettuce seedling device be detachable. As a specific implementation, the left half-ring enclosure 2 has a first insertion groove 51 and a first insertion plate 52 at both ends, and the right half-ring enclosure 3 has a second insertion plate 61 and a second insertion groove 62 at both ends. When the left half-ring enclosure 2 and the right half-ring enclosure 3 are connected, the second insertion plate 61 of the right half-ring enclosure 3 is inserted into the first insertion groove 51 of the left half-ring enclosure 2, and the first insertion plate 52 of the left half-ring enclosure 2 is inserted into the second insertion groove 62 of the right half-ring enclosure 3.

[0025] To facilitate drainage control, the drain valve 42 is an electrically controlled valve, and the drain valve 42 is equipped with a drain valve switch, which is located on the left half-ring enclosure 2 or the right half-ring enclosure 3.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, a drain outlet 43 is provided on the side of the circular base plate 1, and a drain valve 42 is located in the center of the circular base plate 1. The drain outlet 43 is connected to the drain valve 42.

[0027] To ensure structural stability and environmental friendliness, the lettuce seedling generator is made of lightweight, high-strength plastic or biodegradable materials.

[0028] To ensure good air exchange capacity of the seedling substrate during seedling cultivation and to prevent root hypoxia caused by excessive substrate moisture, the sidewalls of the lettuce seedling device are made of a high-porosity material.

[0029] Specifically, the drain valve can regulate the flow of water at the bottom, thereby adapting to the different water management needs of different crop growth stages and ensuring that the seedling substrate is neither waterlogged nor excessively dry.

[0030] In practical use, the lettuce seedling generator of this utility model can be used alone or combined and arranged on a standard seedbed for centralized seedling cultivation.

[0031] Example 2: Method of using a lettuce seedling generator Embodiment 2 of this utility model provides a method for using a lettuce seedling generator, which adopts the lettuce seedling generator of Embodiment 1. The method of use includes the following steps: Step A: Preparation stage Fill the lettuce seedling container with seedling substrate and sow lettuce seeds; Before raising seedlings, fill the lettuce seedling machine with a suitable seedling substrate such as a mixture of coconut coir and perlite, and adjust the opening of the drain valve 42 to match the water retention requirements of the substrate. During the seedling process, lettuce seeds are placed together with the seedling substrate in a lettuce seedling container; After sowing lettuce seeds, during the seedling stage, air exchange is ensured through the ventilation holes 41, and excess water is drained in time through the drainage valve 42 to maintain the substrate in a suitable moist state.

[0032] Step B: Seedling stage By adjusting the drain valve 42, the substrate moisture is dynamically managed to ensure suitable humidity; Vent 41 provides continuous oxygen supply; When raising seedlings, a suitable seedling substrate, such as a mixture of coconut coir and perlite, can be filled into the pot before sowing lettuce seeds. The opening of the drainage valve 42 should be controlled to regulate the moisture level during the seedling stage.

[0033] Step C: During the seedling stage, The ventilation holes 41 and the water-conducting structure on the sidewalls and bottom maintain suitable moisture and good aeration of the substrate, promoting the downward growth of seedling roots.

[0034] After seedling cultivation is completed, seedling collection and transplanting operations are carried out quickly and accurately to reduce seedling damage rate.

[0035] Experimental or application effect verification: Under the same seedling raising conditions, compared with ordinary non-ventilated tray seedling raising, lettuce seedlings raised using the lettuce seedling raising device of this utility model show the following characteristics: Germination rate increased to over 96%; average root length increased by about 23%; root entanglement decreased by about 70%; seedling transplant survival rate increased by about 5% to 8%; post-transplant recovery period shortened by about 2 to 3 days; overall seedling raising cycle shortened by about 10%, resulting in significantly improved economic benefits.

[0036] In addition, this utility model also has the following beneficial effects: I. Significantly improved ventilation and drainage This utility model has a detachable ventilation hole 41 structure on the side wall of the lettuce seedling device, and a drain valve 42 at the bottom, wherein the drain valve 42 is an adjustable drain hole.

[0037] The ventilation holes 41 on the sidewalls ensure good air circulation inside the container, effectively preventing root hypoxia caused by excessive substrate moisture. The adjustable drainage holes allow for flexible adjustment of drainage speed and moisture retention levels based on the seedling substrate and seedling age.

[0038] Through theoretical analysis and small-scale experiments, lettuce seedlings raised using this lettuce seedling machine showed that root vigor increased by about 18% and root rot rate decreased by about 20%.

[0039] II. Simple structure, flexible use, and reduced seedling costs The single-unit, independent seedling design flexibly adapts to different scales of seedling needs and can be used individually or in combination. The materials are durable, and the containers can be reused multiple times, reducing the consumption of disposable consumables. Easy to maintain, this utility model features a detachable and washable pot for the lettuce seedling grower, making overall cleaning of the container convenient and reducing usage and maintenance costs.

[0040] In summary, this utility model, through structural innovation and functional integration, systematically improves the problems existing in the current lettuce seedling cultivation process, such as poor drainage, insufficient aeration, root entanglement, low transplanting efficiency, and poor environmental performance, and has good prospects for promotion and application.

[0041] 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 lettuce seedling generator, characterized in that, It includes a circular base plate (1), a left half-ring enclosure (2), and a right half-ring enclosure (3). The left half-ring enclosure (2) and the right half-ring enclosure (3) are connected to form a complete ring enclosure; The edge of the circular base plate (1) is provided with an annular slot (10), and the bottom end of the complete annular enclosure is inserted into the annular slot (10) of the circular base plate (1) to form a basin with an open top. The side walls of the complete annular enclosure are densely covered with ventilation holes (41). A drain valve (42) is provided on the circular base plate (1); When the basin is used to grow lettuce, the vent (41) can ventilate the lettuce planted in the basin, and the drain valve (42) can drain the lettuce planted in the basin.

2. The lettuce seedling generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The complete circular enclosure is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, forming a frustum shape; The vertical end face of the basin is a trapezoid with an opening at the top.

3. The lettuce seedling generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The left half-ring enclosure (2) is provided with a first insertion groove (51) and a first insertion plate (52) at both ends. The right half-ring enclosure (3) is provided with a second plug plate (61) and a second plug groove (62) at both ends. When the left half-ring enclosure (2) and the right half-ring enclosure (3) are connected, the second insertion plate (61) of the right half-ring enclosure (3) is inserted into the first insertion groove (51) of the left half-ring enclosure (2), and the first insertion plate (52) of the left half-ring enclosure (2) is inserted into the second insertion groove (62) of the right half-ring enclosure (3).

4. The lettuce seedling generator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drain valve (42) is an electrically controlled valve, and the drain valve (42) is equipped with a drain valve switch, which is located on the left half-ring enclosure (2) or the right half-ring enclosure (3).

5. The lettuce seedling generator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The circular base plate (1) has a drain outlet (43) on its side, and the drain valve (42) is located in the center of the circular base plate (1). The drain outlet (43) is connected to the drain valve (42).

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