Cassette for growing plants

Abstract

A plant cultivation cassette comprises a container (1) with a base (2) and a wall (4). The base (2) and at least a lower portion of the wall (4) form a watertight tray (5) containing water and a non-buoyant, open-pored evaporation structure (10) suitable for capillary water conduction. Above this is a first insert (17) containing a humic acid fiber substrate (24) and containing viable plant material (26). Above the first insert (17) is a second insert (27) containing a second filling (35) of a humic acid fiber substrate that covers the viable plant material (26). The wall (19) of the first insert (17) and the wall (30) of the second insert (27) maintain a distance from the wall (4) of the container (1), at least in certain areas.The second filling (35) has a lower concentration of the humic acid fiber substrate than the first filling (24).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a cassette for growing plants, comprising a container with a bottom and a wall rising from it, which is at least partially translucent, wherein the bottom and at least a lower part of the wall form a watertight tray.

[0002] Cassettes used for growing plants are known in various designs and configurations, for example from the following publications: CN 2304242 Y, CN 2349768 Y, CN 2595152 Y, CN 102696421 A, CN 105409626 A, CN 109716956 A, CN 112816624 A, CN 112913622 A, CN 202168369 U, CN 203912715 U, CN 205658077 U, CN 207340616 U and CN 209120741 U.

[0003] JP H06-181641 A discloses a planting trough with an outer container and an inner water reservoir. Within the latter, supported by pillars above the water level, rests a mesh basket containing a (lower) layer of sphagnum moss and an (upper) layer of planting substrate in which the plants grow. Capillary elements dangle from the sphagnum moss layer into the water reservoir.

[0004] From DE 699 08 410 T2, a plant pot is known, comprising a tray suitable for receiving water and a plant container with a base and a wall. The wall has openings so that a moisture-absorbing and -storing material located at the bottom of the plant container is supplied with water from the tray. Above the moisture-absorbing material is a porous plate, and above this is the planting substrate (potting soil). When the plant pot is used, the plants growing in the planting substrate are intended to push their roots through the porous plate into the space containing the moisture-absorbing and -storing material.

[0005] WO 2023 / 080 927 A1 discloses a multi-part container for plants comprising a base container and at least two (upper) container inserts housed within it. The base container and the container inserts, which interact with it, are each truncated pyramidal in shape, with walls that widen towards the top.

[0006] From EP 0 504 762 A1, a growing bar for essentially endless hydroponic systems is known. The growing bar (which is to be placed, for example, in a trough) comprises a substrate packaged in a casing, such as a tubular foil bag. The substrate consists of a base material made from non-peaty plant fibers produced by mechanical shredding (e.g., wood chips), which are coated on their surface with a plant growth-enhancing substance. Openings can be cut into the top of the casing to allow watering of the substrate and planting of plants.

[0007] CN 1 18 716 052 A discloses a planting container which has a water-absorbing and water-storing layer, a plant growth layer, and a cover layer arranged in layers (from bottom to top). The plant growth layer comprises a growing substrate and plant seeds distributed therein; and the cover layer is porous so that the growing plants can penetrate it.

[0008] The present invention is aimed at providing a planting cassette that is improved compared to the prior art. Compared to known planting cassettes, it is intended to be characterized, in particular – without any loss of plant growth or yield – by a special sustainability in the sense of very low water consumption.

[0009] The above problem is solved by using a planting cassette of the type mentioned at the beginning. - the tub contains water and a non-buoyant, open-pored evaporation structure suitable for capillary water conduction, which extends upwards above the water level, - a first insert containing a humic acid fiber substrate and viable plant material is located above the evaporation structure, wherein the wall of the first insert maintains a distance from the wall of the cassette at least in some areas, and - a second insert is located above the first insert, containing a second filling covering the viable plant material and containing a humic acid fiber substrate, wherein the wall of the second insert maintains a distance from the wall of the cassette at least in some areas and the second filling has a lower concentration of the humic acid fiber substrate than the first filling.

[0010] Through the synergistic interaction of the aforementioned three features characteristic of the planting cassette according to the invention, optimal use of the supplied water can be achieved. The supply of water held in the tray to the first insert, filled with the first substrate, via the evaporation structure that extends into the water and projects above the water level, ensures, firstly, a particularly uniform supply of moisture to the first insert, especially one that is highly independent of the current water level in the tray. Furthermore, the supply of water to the first insert, utilizing the capillary action of the evaporation structure, is suitable for purifying the water reaching the first substrate, i.e., removing certain impurities (harmful or detrimental to the plants) from the water by depositing and accumulating them in the pores of the evaporation structure.Moreover, evaporation and transpiration losses are virtually avoided, or at least reduced to a minimum, making the planting cassette according to the invention particularly suitable for use in regions with limited water resources or restricted water availability, and potentially enabling economically viable agriculture and horticulture in such areas. The aspect of particularly high plant yield relative to water input is especially relevant when the planting cassette according to the invention is used on a larger scale in commercial agriculture and horticulture – by employing a large number of planting cassettes (su) joined together to form a unit. Here, the ecological advantage of particularly low water consumption translates directly into economic advantages, namely particularly low water costs.

[0011] Further advantages of the present invention include: The subterranean water supply and the resulting upwelling of the plant roots through the humic-rich soil layer(s) ensures an optimal supply of nutrients to the cultivated plants. At the same time, the reduced moisture in the upper soil layer(s) compared to top-down irrigation significantly reduces the risk of rot, which can damage the plants and / or impair plant yield, as well as the risk of fungal infections. Consequently, the plant cassette achieves optimal utilization—in terms of high conversion efficiency—of the incident light and sensible heat through the plant's own photosynthesis.

[0012] The present invention enables the economically viable and high-yielding cultivation of crops even in regions and territories that, due to prevailing climatic conditions and / or other local circumstances (e.g., the natural soil composition or the effects of human intervention such as drainage, slash-and-burn agriculture, sealing, etc.), would not be suitable for cultivating the plants in question. This is further enhanced by the fact that cultivating the plants in individual (potentially mobile) cassettes allows for efficient physical plant protection, specifically protection from strong winds, precipitation (rain, hail, snow), excessive sunlight, etc. This physical plant protection reduces the need for chemical, biological, and / or integrated pest management measures, or even eliminates the need for such measures entirely.This is not only an economic factor, but also and especially an ecological one; in this way, as well as through the reduced need for chemical nutrients and fertilizers, the present invention contributes to a particularly sustainable horticulture and agriculture.

[0013] The reduced infestation of companion plants ("weeds") resulting from plant cultivation in cassettes according to the invention has a similar effect, with the correspondingly reduced need for weed control measures and interventions representing a significant aspect for economically viable management of the respective area. Furthermore, plant cultivation using the cassettes according to the invention allows the cultivation of the plants above ground, and moreover, in a rooting medium tailored to the specific characteristics and water requirements of the respective plant species. Another significant advantage of plant cultivation in the plant cassettes according to the invention above the natural soil is the elimination of the risk of crop loss due to pests, such as...Seed thieves (ants and birds), rodents (voles), insect larvae (grubs), and other pests (slugs, worms, beetles, fungi) are all prevented from harming the plants. Furthermore, those responsible for the care, monitoring, tending, and management of the plants are spared from having to maintain postures that are detrimental to their health (e.g., prolonged bending).

[0014] According to a first preferred embodiment, the wall of the planting cassette according to the invention is at least partially transparent. The resulting unimpeded light penetration through the wall to the cultivated plants is suitable for positively influencing biomass production and / or flower / fruit development. This is particularly true in conjunction with the further preferred feature that the planting cassette has a cuboid shape, with the wall comprising four side walls. Such cuboid planting cassettes can be arranged in high or very high density, i.e., directly adjacent to one another, in order to optimally utilize the available surface area for plant cultivation.And especially with such plant cassettes arranged directly adjacent to one another, the light transmission of the walls is important with regard to optimal utilization of the incident light and the light scattered within the plant cassette arrangement.

[0015] Another preferred embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the wall of the first insert is permeable to air, in particular by having openings. The same applies to the wall of the second insert. This is advantageous for the microclimate in the first and second inserts, respectively, and for the development of the microorganisms present there that promote plant growth and development.

[0016] According to another preferred embodiment of the present invention, an organic nonwoven fabric, in particular a palm fiber nonwoven fabric, is arranged between the evaporation structure and the first insert, particularly below the first filling. This has a beneficial effect on the moisture distribution within the filling of the first insert; and the overall water consumption benefits from this optimization of the moisture distribution – in the sense of a reduction in water consumption.

[0017] Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is characterized by the fact that an organic nonwoven fabric, in particular a palm fiber nonwoven fabric, is arranged between the first and second inserts, and in particular between the first and second fillings. This too is a measure that has a positive effect on the water balance within the planting cassette.

[0018] Regarding the evaporation structure, it is preferably monolithic, particularly when made of fired clay. The latter not only possesses an optimal porosity for the present invention, resulting in both very high water storage capacity and—through capillary action—ideal water transport towards the first point of use, but the temperature-balancing effect of such a monolithic evaporation structure also leads to positive effects on plant yield. Particularly preferably, such a monolithic evaporation structure features an arrangement of upward-facing blind holes. These holes allow a microclimate to develop that further positively influences plant yield.

[0019] According to yet another preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one frame or frame element is provided which—acting as a barrier—essentially closes off the space between the wall of the container and the evaporation structure (or the wall of the first insert) at the top. The advantageous effect of this barrier-forming frame / frame element lies in the (largely) sealing off of the tray from the surroundings of the planting cassette, in the sense that the gap or space, which exists near the wall of the tray, typically between the wall of the container and the evaporation structure, and which is at least partially filled with water and forms a water reservoir, is largely closed off at the top. Compared to planting cassettes without such a frame element, this results in a significant reduction in transpiration losses.A gradient in water partial pressure between the air space of the aforementioned water reservoir (below the barrier) and the surroundings of the planting tray results—due to the direct exchange prevented by the frame element—in the permeation of moisture, at least through the filling of the first insert. The water migrating in this controlled manner and condensing within the filling of the first insert is optimally utilized for the development of the plants cultivated in the planting tray. Thus, the aforementioned frame element further contributes to the desired optimal utilization of the water provided in the planting tray. It also effectively protects the water reservoir from contaminants falling into it from above; and equally effectively, the barrier prevents insects searching for water from entering the reservoir and drowning there.

[0020] Furthermore, a light protection or shading element is preferably positioned at a distance above the second insert. Using such a light protection element, adjusting the amount of sunlight or (partial) shading to the individual needs of each plant cultivated in the planting tray represents another way to optimize plant yield. Especially during the germination phase, the shading effect of the light protection or shading element on the contents of the second insert prevents them from drying out, thus making a valuable contribution to the economical use of the water provided in the planting tray.

[0021] As mentioned above, particularly for the commercial use of the invention in agricultural and horticultural operations, a large number of plant cassettes according to the invention can be arranged in a (dense) arrangement. For such a plant cassette arrangement comprising a plurality of cassettes, i.e., a corresponding arrangement of plant cassettes according to the invention, it is particularly advantageous, according to a further aspect of the present invention, if the majority of the plant cassettes are connected to a water storage and / or treatment station that communicates with them, namely, is directly or indirectly connected to the respective trough. The water-carrying network can comprise a flow-technical series connection of several plant cassettes or groups of plant cassettes and / or a flow-technical parallel connection of several plant cassettes or groups of plant cassettes.

[0022] Within the scope of the present invention, several of the described internal components can be accommodated in a single container. Particularly for larger-scale plant cultivation, this allows for a highly advantageous combination, from an economic perspective, of relatively few, comparatively large containers and a multitude of easily manageable internal components.

[0023] Furthermore, the plant cassettes can be designed to be stackable, with both linear stackability in the sense of a vertical arrangement of plant cassettes aligned one above the other and staggered stackability, for example in the sense of a stepped or terraced arrangement, being considered.

[0024] For a high degree of flexibility, for example, to store the plant cassettes indoors at night and / or during adverse weather conditions, mobile plant cassette arrangements can be provided, in particular by arranging the (or multiple) plant cassettes on a trolley (for example, in the form of a rolling pallet). According to another design, which may be useful in certain cases, plant cassette arrangements can be enclosed by protective grilles, especially when used for cultivating particularly valuable plants. In some cases, a combination of both designs is particularly useful, with several plant cassettes (possibly stacked in a terraced fashion) arranged on a trolley equipped with a protective grille.

[0025] The present invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to an embodiment illustrated in the drawing. Fig. 1 a vertical section through a preferred embodiment of a cassette according to the invention for growing plants.

[0026] The planting box illustrated in the drawing – not necessarily to scale for illustrative purposes – has a cuboid shape. It comprises a container 1 with a base 2 and a wall 4 rising from it, comprising four side walls 3. The latter is made of transparent Plexiglas. The base 2 and the wall 4 form a watertight container 5. Furthermore, the planting box has a multi-tiered insert 6, which is inserted into the container 1 from above and is described in more detail below.

[0027] The installation 6 has a base plate 7 – which may be perforated or have openings, or alternatively be frame-like – which rests on the bottom 2 of the container 1 via feet 8. On the base plate 7, with the optional interposition of an organic fleece 50, specifically a palm fiber fleece, rests a monolithic, block- or cuboid-shaped water-conducting body 9 made of fired clay, forming a non-buoyant, open-pored evaporation structure 10 suitable for capillary water conduction. The water-conducting body 9 has an arrangement of upwardly open blind holes 11.

[0028] The water guide body 9 is surrounded, essentially flush with its upper surface, by a frame 13 which is supported on the base plate 7 by lower supports 12. The frame's external dimensions are such that it largely seals off the annular space 14 between the water guide body 9 and the wall 4 of the container 1, acting as a barrier. This prevents evaporation losses of the water stored in the basin 5—formed by the bottom 2 and the side walls 3 of the container 1—within the aforementioned annular space 14. As shown, the water guide body 9 projects upwards above the water level 16.

[0029] Above the water guide body 9 is a first insert 17. This insert comprises a circumferential wall 19, supported on the frame 13 and provided with ventilation openings 18. This wall maintains a distance from the wall 4 of the container 1 to allow for air circulation. An organic nonwoven fabric 20, specifically a palm fiber nonwoven fabric 21, lies against the inside of the wall 19 of the first insert 17. Another organic nonwoven fabric 23, also a palm fiber nonwoven fabric 22, lies on top of the water guide body 9. As illustrated, the organic nonwoven fabric 23 can extend slightly beyond the water guide body 9, so that an edge 46 is visible through the (transparent) wall 4 of the container 1, allowing visual inspection of the moisture content of the nonwoven fabric 23. The remaining space of the first insert 17 is filled with a first filling 24 containing a humic acid fiber substrate.This contains, schematically indicated as bulbs 25, viable plant material 26.

[0030] Above the first insert 17 is a second insert 27. This second insert comprises a circumferential wall 30, supported on an intermediate frame 28 resting on the wall 19 of the first insert 17. The circumferential wall 30 is provided with ventilation openings 29 and maintains a distance from the wall 4 of the container 1 for the purpose of air circulation. An organic fleece 31, namely a palm fiber fleece 32, is also lined on the inside of the wall 30 of the second insert 27. Another organic fleece 34, also a palm fiber fleece 33, lies on top of the first filling 24 of the first insert 17. The remaining space of the second insert 27 is filled with a second filling 35, which again contains a humic acid fiber substrate and covers the viable plant material 26 contained in the first filling 24. However, the second filling 35 has a lower concentration of the humic acid fiber substrate than the first filling 24.A finishing frame 36 rests on top of the wall 30 of the second insert 27. This frame is connected to the intermediate frame 28 via upper supports 37, which in turn is connected to the frame 13 via middle supports 38. Two of the upper supports 37 are connected to each other – above the finishing frame 36 – by a bracket 39, which serves as a handle 40. The complete assembly described above can be inserted into or removed from the container 1 using the two handles 40. The brackets 39 also serve to support an (optional) light protection element 41, which can be attached at a distance above the second insert 27 and consists of a support frame 42 and a palm fiber fleece 43 fixed to it.

[0031] The drawing also shows an optional extension 44, which can be placed on top of the wall 4 of the container 1 to extend it upwards. This allows the height of the planting cassette to be adjusted to the growth of the plants being cultivated or to specific weather conditions (e.g., wind). Furthermore, the drawing shows two water connections 45, which can be used to fill the tray 15 with water, to drain the water, and / or to (if necessary, continuously) exchange the water. The water connections 45 are used in particular in a cassette arrangement comprising multiple planting cassettes, in which the trays 15 of the individual planting cassettes communicate (directly or indirectly, i.e., via at least one other planting cassette) with a water storage and / or treatment station.

[0032] The blind holes 11 can accommodate water-purifying or water-refining inserts 48, as illustrated by one of them. Here, a ceramic canister 49 with a smaller pore size than the water-conducting body 9 is exemplified. For example, these further reduce heavy metals and microplastics in the water reaching the cultivated plants.

[0033] The overhang (edge ​​46) described in connection with the fleece 23, which allows a visual inspection of the condition, in particular the moisture of the fleece, can also be advantageously provided on the other fleeces.

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