A self-circulating soilless planting tank

Abstract

This utility model discloses a self-circulating soilless planting trough, relating to the field of agricultural planting. The utility model includes a planting trough body and a water replenishment trough body. An arched, breathable mesh is arranged at the lower part of the planting trough body. A mesh support frame is provided on the inner wall of the planting trough body to support the arched, breathable mesh. An artificial substrate for planting plants is laid above the arched, breathable mesh, and nutrient solution is placed below the arched, breathable mesh, forming a moisture layer between the arched, breathable mesh and the nutrient solution. This utility model plants the plants in the artificial substrate. During growth, the plant roots extend downwards, gradually passing through the arched, breathable mesh and the moisture layer to reach the nutrient solution layer. The crops can simultaneously absorb nutrients through the substrate and nutrient solution. A circulating water pump, through a circulating water pipe, periodically starts the circulation of the nutrient solution, increasing the integration of oxygen into the nutrient solution and the abundance of water vapor in the moisture layer. A water level controller replenishes water in a timely manner through the water replenishment pipe to ensure a stable water level in the trough.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of agricultural planting, specifically a self-circulating soilless planting trough. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, soilless cultivation technology has been widely used in modern agriculture, especially urban agriculture, due to its advantages such as water conservation, fertilizer saving, and avoidance of soil-borne diseases and pests. Common forms of soilless cultivation include hydroponics, aeroponics, and substrate culture. However, some problems still exist in existing technologies: for example, the dissolved oxygen content of the nutrient solution in traditional hydroponic systems is low, which can easily lead to oxygen deficiency in plant roots; aeroponic systems require high precision equipment and are costly; while substrate culture has good aeration, the distribution of water and nutrients is uneven, making management more complex.

[0003] Furthermore, existing soilless planting systems mostly operate independently, with nutrient solution circulation and water replenishment largely controlled manually or by simple timers. They lack integrated automatic circulation and water level control mechanisms, resulting in low efficiency in water and nutrient solution utilization and increased labor intensity in daily management. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a structurally sound, easy-to-operate, self-circulating soilless planting trough to improve planting efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and be suitable for home and small-scale agricultural settings. Therefore, we propose a self-circulating soilless planting trough to address the aforementioned problems.

[0004] The information disclosed above in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background section of this utility model, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a self-circulating soilless planting trough, which can improve planting efficiency, reduce maintenance costs, and is suitable for home and small-scale agricultural scenarios.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: a self-circulating soilless planting trough, comprising:

[0007] The planting trough has an arched ventilation grid at the lower part of its body. The inner wall of the planting trough is equipped with a grid support frame to support the arched ventilation grid. An artificial substrate for planting plants is laid on top of the arched ventilation grid, and a nutrient solution is placed below the arched ventilation grid. A moisture layer is formed between the arched ventilation grid and the nutrient solution.

[0008] The water replenishment tank is equipped with a water replenishment pipe connected to an external water source. The water replenishment pipe is connected to a water level controller. The water replenishment tank is also equipped with a circulating water pump connected to a circulating water pipe. The other end of the circulating water pipe extends to the nutrient solution in the planting trough.

[0009] Preferably, the water level of the nutrient solution is 2-3 cm higher than the grid support frame.

[0010] Preferably, the artificial matrix is ​​blocked above the arched, breathable mesh.

[0011] Preferably, the arched ventilation grid is provided with a grid for the plant roots to extend downwards.

[0012] Preferably, a drain pipe is provided at the bottom of the water replenishment tank, and the drain pipe is equipped with a drain valve.

[0013] Preferably, the other end of the circulating water pipe is fixed by a mesh support frame.

[0014] Preferably, the planting trough and the water replenishment trough are integrated into one unit.

[0015] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0016] 1. This utility model involves planting plants in an artificial substrate. During the growth process, the plant roots extend downwards, gradually passing through the arched breathable mesh and the moisture layer to reach the nutrient solution layer. The crops can absorb nutrients through the substrate and nutrient solution at the same time. The circulating water pump starts the circulation of the nutrient solution through the circulating water pipe at regular intervals, which increases the integration of oxygen in the nutrient solution and the abundance of water vapor in the moisture layer. The water level controller replenishes water in a timely manner through the water replenishment pipe to ensure the stability of the water level in the tank.

[0017] 2. This utility model adopts an internal circulation of nutrient solution and can connect multiple planting troughs in series to plant simultaneously using a single circulation system. Because the substrate and nutrient solution supply nutrients at the same time, this facility ensures the water and fertilizer needs of crops throughout their entire growth process, reducing the labor required for fertilization and watering in traditional agricultural planting. There is no water vapor evaporation from the soil surface, thus achieving the goals of water conservation, environmental protection, safety, and increased yield. It is especially suitable for use in small vegetable gardens on urban family rooftops and balconies. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings.

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the planting effect structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a side view of the structural plan of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the main planar structure of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention.

[0023] In the picture:

[0024] 1. Planting trough; 2. Arched breathable mesh; 3. Mesh support frame; 4. Circulating water pump; 5. Water level controller; 6. Circulating water pipe; 7. Water supply pipe; 8. Sewage pipe; 9. Artificial substrate; 10. Nutrient solution; 11. Moisture layer; 12. Water supply trough. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solution of this utility model, a further detailed description of this utility model will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without inventive effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0026] Example 1:

[0027] A self-circulating soilless planting trough, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, it includes a planting trough 1 and a water replenishment trough 12.

[0028] An arched ventilation grid 2 is installed at the lower part of the planting trough 1. A grid support frame 3 is installed on the inner wall of the planting trough 1 to support the arched ventilation grid 2. An artificial substrate 9 for planting plants is laid on top of the arched ventilation grid 2, which can fix the plants and maintain a certain level of humidity and ventilation. A nutrient solution 10 is placed below the arched ventilation grid 2. A moisture layer 11 is formed between the arched ventilation grid 2 and the surface of the nutrient solution 10. The moisture layer 11 is conducive to the root system's oxygen absorption and the maintenance of a humid environment.

[0029] The arched breathable mesh 2 is made of stainless steel, possessing corrosion resistance, aging resistance, and non-toxicity. The mesh aperture can be adjusted according to the type of crop: 6-8mm is recommended for leafy vegetables, while 8-10mm can be appropriately increased for fruiting vegetables or root vegetables to ensure smooth root penetration and prevent substrate from falling off. The mesh surface can be treated with an anti-slip coating to prevent substrate slippage.

[0030] The mesh support frame comes in various heights to accommodate the different root growth depth requirements of various crops.

[0031] Artificial substrate 9 can be made by mixing coconut coir, perlite, and vermiculite in a 6:2:2 ratio, which has good water retention and air permeability. It can be laid in layers: a bottom layer of coarse-grained substrate for drainage, a middle layer of medium-grained substrate for water and fertilizer retention, and an top layer of fine-grained substrate for seed fixation and germination.

[0032] Specifically, the water level of the nutrient solution 10 is just above the grid support frame 3, which ensures that the bottom of the substrate is moist while avoiding excessive soaking of the substrate, which could lead to poor aeration.

[0033] Specifically, the artificial substrate 9 is positioned above the arched breathable mesh 2. The arched breathable mesh 2 is designed not only to support the artificial substrate 9, but also to form a moisture layer 11, enhancing the oxygen supply to the roots.

[0034] Specifically, the arched breathable grid 2 is provided with a grid for the plant roots to extend downwards, so that the plant roots can extend downwards into the nutrient solution 10 and the moisture layer 11, thus achieving dual-channel absorption of nutrients and water.

[0035] The water replenishment tank 12 is equipped with a water replenishment pipe 7 connected to an external water source. The water replenishment pipe 7 is connected to a water level controller 5, which automatically controls the water level, achieving automatic water replenishment and reducing manual intervention. The water replenishment tank 12 also contains a circulating water pump 4, connected to a circulating water pipe 6. The other end of the circulating water pipe 6 extends to the nutrient solution 10 inside the planting trough 1. When the circulating water pump 4 starts, it pumps the nutrient solution 10 into the planting trough 1 through the circulating water pipe 6, achieving liquid circulation, increasing dissolved oxygen levels, and promoting uniform nutrient distribution. The circulating water pump 4 is activated periodically to promote the flow of the nutrient solution 10 and prevent localized oxygen deficiency or uneven nutrient distribution.

[0036] The circulating water pump 4 can be connected to a timer or intelligent controller to automatically adjust the circulation frequency based on light intensity and temperature. For example, it can circulate for 10 minutes every 2 hours during the day and for 10 minutes every 4 hours at night to save energy and adapt to the plant's metabolic rhythm. The circulating water pump 4 and the controller should have an IP67 waterproof rating, and the power interface should be equipped with a leakage current protector to ensure electrical safety in humid environments.

[0037] Specifically, a drain pipe 8 is installed at the bottom of the water replenishment tank 12. The drain pipe 8 is equipped with a drain valve, which facilitates regular cleaning of sediment and replacement of the nutrient solution 10, keeping the system clean. The design of the drain pipe 8 facilitates system maintenance and extends its service life.

[0038] Specifically, the other end of the circulating water pipe 6 is fixed by the mesh support frame 3 to prevent displacement or splashing.

[0039] Specifically, the planting trough 1 and the water supply trough 12 are integrated into one unit, saving space and facilitating the use of multiple troughs in series. The structure is compact, highly expandable, and easy to install and move, making it particularly suitable for use in limited spaces such as balconies and rooftops. If multiple planting troughs are used in series, a flow regulating valve can be installed at the outlet of the circulating water pipe 6 in each trough to ensure a uniform supply of nutrient solution 10 to each trough.

[0040] This system is particularly suitable for shallow to medium-rooted crops such as leafy vegetables, herbaceous plants, and small fruit vegetables. For deep-rooted crops such as carrots, the thickness of the artificial substrate (9) and the depth of the nutrient solution (10) can be adjusted.

[0041] Operating procedures:

[0042] Install the grid support frame 3 and the circulating water pipe 6. Lay the artificial substrate 9 in the planting trough 1 and insert seedlings or seeds. When the roots are about to enter the moisture layer 11, connect the water and power supply, inject an appropriate amount of nutrient solution 10 into the planting trough 1, and set the operating time of the circulating water pump 4, for example, circulating for 10 minutes every 2 hours. Automatically replenish sufficient nutrient solution 10 to the water replenishment trough 12 through the water replenishment pipe 7 and the water level controller 5 for use by the circulating water pump 4. Regularly check the water level and the concentration of nutrient solution 10 for timely adjustment. Old solution can be drained and new solution replenished through the drain pipe 8. After the crop is harvested, clean the substrate and the inside of the device, disinfect with food-grade hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite dilution, rinse thoroughly, dry, and then reuse for the next round of planting.

[0043] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "joining," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0044] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "on top of," and "over" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0045] The foregoing description only illustrates certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. Undoubtedly, those skilled in the art can modify the described embodiments in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, the above drawings and descriptions are illustrative in nature and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A self-circulating soilless planting trough, characterized in that, include: Planting trough (1), an arched ventilation grid (2) is provided at the lower part of the planting trough (1), a grid support frame (3) is provided on the inner wall of the planting trough (1) to support the arched ventilation grid (2), an artificial substrate (9) for planting plants is laid on the top of the arched ventilation grid (2), a nutrient solution (10) is provided below the arched ventilation grid (2), and a moisture layer (11) is formed between the arched ventilation grid (2) and the nutrient solution (10); The water replenishment tank (12) is equipped with a water replenishment pipe (7) connected to an external water source. The water replenishment pipe (7) is connected to a water replenishment level controller (5). The water replenishment tank (12) is also equipped with a circulating water pump (4). The circulating water pump (4) is connected to a circulating water pipe (6). The other end of the circulating water pipe (6) extends to the nutrient solution (10) in the planting trough (1).

2. The self-circulating soilless planting trough according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water level of the nutrient solution (10) is 2-3 cm higher than the grid support frame (3).

3. The self-circulating soilless planting trough according to claim 1, characterized in that: The artificial matrix (9) is blocked above the arched breathable mesh (2).

4. The self-circulating soilless planting trough according to claim 1, characterized in that: The arched ventilation grid (2) is provided with a grid for the plant roots to extend downwards.

5. The self-circulating soilless planting trough according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the water replenishment tank (12) is provided with a drain pipe (8), and the drain pipe (8) is equipped with a drain valve.

6. The self-circulating soilless planting trough according to claim 1, characterized in that: The other end of the circulating water pipe (6) is fixed by a mesh support frame (3).

7. The self-circulating soilless planting trough according to claim 1, characterized in that: The planting trough (1) and the water replenishment trough (12) are integrated into one unit.

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