Cultivation receptacle comprising a water distributor

Abstract

The disclosure presents a cultivation receptacle (1), comprising: - a bottom (3) and one or more than one sidewall (5) extending from the bottom (3) to an upper edge (6) of the one or more than one sidewall (5), onto which an optional cover (7) is arrangeable, that together define an accommodation (9) that is configured to receive at least one plant (13) having water roots (12) and air roots (14); - a water distributor (11) arranged in the accommodation (9) and configured to support and provide water to the water roots (12) of a plant (13); and - an air root growth space (17) arranged in the accommodation (9) between the water distributor (11) and the upper edge (6) or the cover (7) when arranged on the upper edge (6). A method for cultivating a plant using said cultivation receptacle is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] CULTIVATION RECEPTACLE COMPRISING A WATER DISTRIBUTOR

[0002] The present invention relates to a cultivation receptacle for accommodating a plant or crop in a greenhouse and a corresponding cultivation system and a method, in particular computer- implemented, for cultivating a plant using such a cultivation receptacle as well as use of such a cultivation receptacle or cultivation system.

[0003] In the field of horticulture, techniques for cultivating plants can generally be divided into substrate based and non-substrate-based techniques. For substrate-based techniques, a substrate (e.g. soil or rockwool) is provided to facilitate root growth. This substrate is periodically watered to provide the plants growing in the substrate with water and nutrients (fertiliser) that is dissolved in said water. In contrast, non-substrate-based techniques involve suspending the root system of the plant directly in nutrient-rich water, which may be supplied either in liquid form (hydroponics) or in the form of a periodically released mist (aeroponics).

[0004] Regardless of which technique is used, in practice a large amount of wastewater is generated that the plants failed to absorb. This wastewater generally contains leftover nutrients that are essentially wasted and moreover make the wastewater unsuitable for being disposed of directly for environmental reasons. Moreover, this wastewater may also contain disease producing pathogens that can spread to other plants in the greenhouse, which prohibits this wastewater from being used to water these other plants. For these reasons, this wastewater from the cultivation receptacles must be treated before it can safely be disposed of, which requires resources in the forms of energy and / or chemical agents.

[0005] A further downside of known cultivation receptacles and cultivation systems is that they generally provide few or sub-optimal opportunities measuring (a concentration of) nutrients or fertiliser. While it is certainly possible to measure the concentration of nutrients that is supplied to the plants in the cultivation receptacles, it is generally difficult if not impossible to deduce from these measurements the amount of nutrients that is absorbed by the plants.

[0006] The objective of the present invention is to provide a cultivation receptacle with which at least some or more of the hereabove disadvantages or further disadvantages of known cultivation receptacles are obviated or abated.

[0007] This objective is achieved with a cultivation receptacle comprising a bottom, one or more than one sidewall, and an optional cover that together define an accommodation that is configured to receive at least one plant having water roots and air roots, a water distributor arranged in the accommodation that is configured to support and water the water roots of a plant, and an air root growth space arranged or defined in the accommodation between the water distributor and the upper edge or the cover, when included. The one or more than one sidewall extends from the bottom to an upper edge thereof and may be embodied as a circumferential sidewall. The cover is arrangeable on the upper edge.

[0008] With the cultivation receptacle according to the present invention, water supplied to the one or more plants arranged in (an accommodation of) the cultivation receptacle is distributed over an enlarged surface area in a filmlike or moist layer, so that it may be easily absorbed by said plants. As such, the amount of water supplied to the plants may be kept to an advantageous minimum, with little or no wastewater being generated.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the cultivation receptacle, the water distributor is a rigid structure and / or comprises one or more than one channel configured to distribute the water over a top surface of the water distributor.

[0010] In these preferred embodiments, such a rigid structure allows the water to be substantially evenly distributed, contrary to water retaining structures comprising e.g. a sponge or the like that tend to retain water at a relatively fixed location.

[0011] In a further preferred embodiment of the cultivation receptacle, one or more than one channel forms a meandering path, a maze or a labyrinth-like structure on or recessed in the top surface of the water distributor.

[0012] The meandering path, maze or labyrinth-like structure ensures that the water is distributed over substantially the entire top surface of the water distributor, so that it may be distributed to all the plants that are arranged within the accommodation of the cultivation receptacle.

[0013] The one or more than one channel may be arranged in a zigzag configuration on or recessed in the top surface of the water distributor.

[0014] The water distributor may comprise a plurality of dams defining the one or more than one channel, e.g. by delimiting sides of the channel to define the meandering path, maze, labyrinth-like structure or zigzag configuration.

[0015] The water distributor, in particular the dams thereof, may further comprise one or more than one primary overflow fluidly connecting sections of the one or more than one channel at a level between that of the top surface of the water distributor and that of the one or more than one channel.

[0016] Further, the water distributor, in particular the dams thereof, may comprise one or more than one secondary overflow arranged at a level between that of the top surface of the water distributor and that of the one or more than one primary overflow to guide water out of the water distributor. More in general, the secondary overflow may be at least as deep as the primary overflow. When no primary overflow is provided, the secondary overflow may be arranged at a level between that of the top surface of the water distributor and that of the one or more than one channel. In a further preferred embodiment of the cultivation receptacle, the cultivation receptacle comprises at least one sensor (e.g. first sensor), wherein the at least one sensor is configured to obtain a sensor value from water present on the water distributor, the sensor value for example being a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content. The at least one sensor is preferably connectable to a watering system configured to water the water distributor in dependency of the sensor value obtained by the at least one sensor.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the cultivation receptacle, the water distributor is arranged at a vertical offset relative to the bottom, and wherein a water reservoir is arranged or defined between a level of the water distributor and the bottom.

[0018] In these embodiments, the water reservoir may serve as an emergency backup water source for the plants in case water cannot be supplied to the water distributor of the cultivation receptacle, for example in case of a malfunction. Moreover, excess water that cannot be retained by the water distributor may be collected in this water reservoir. As such, the water reservoir preferably at least partially surrounds the water distributor in further preferred embodiments. The water reservoir may also provide space and water volume for the water roots of the plants to grow into as the plant matures. When the water reservoir partially or completely surrounds the water distributor, water roots may more easily grow into the water reservoir while the plant is supported on the water distributor.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment of the cultivation receptacle, the cultivation receptacle comprises at least one water level sensor configured to sense a water level in the water reservoir, wherein the water level sensor is connectable to a watering system configured to water (i.e. provide water to) the water distributor for maintaining a desired water level within the water reservoir.

[0020] In a further preferred embodiment of the cultivation receptacle, the cultivation receptacle comprises at least one further sensor (i.e. second sensor), wherein the at least one further sensor is configured to obtain a sensor value from water present in the water reservoir, said further sensor value for example being a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content. The at least one further sensor is preferably connectable to a watering system configured to water the water distributor in dependency of the sensor value obtained by the at least one further sensor.

[0021] The cultivation receptacle may comprise both the at least one first sensor and the at least one further or second sensor. In this case, each of the first and second sensor values may be a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content. Both sensors may thus measure the same parameter though at a different position in the cultivation receptacle. The at least one first sensor and the at least one second sensor may all be connectable to the watering system which may in turn be configured to provide water to the water distributor in dependency of all of the first and second sensor values and / or a difference between first and second sensor values.

[0022] The further or second sensor may also be provided in the absence of the first sensor and vice versa. The designation first and second is only included to distinguish the two sensor types: the first type is configured to obtain a sensor value from water present on the water distributor while the second type is configured to obtain a sensor value from water present on the water reservoir.

[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the cultivation receptacle, the cultivation receptacle further comprises a water sensor configured to detect water on the water distributor, wherein the water sensor is configured to be connectable to a watering system configured to provide water to the water distributor.

[0024] In the above embodiments of the cultivation receptacle comprising at least one of the hereabove described sensors, water may be supplied to at least the water distributor of the cultivation receptacle in dependency of a value obtained by one or more of the aforementioned sensors.

[0025] The water distributor on can also be provided separately from known cultivation receptacles, so these such known cultivation receptacles can be transformed into the presently disclosed cultivation receptacle, for example by arranging the water distributor in the accommodation of such known cultivation receptacle. The water distributor on its own, in any embodiments disclosed herein, may therefore also be subject of protection.

[0026] In particular, a water distributor is provided having the features as described herein in relation to the water distributor of the disclosed cultivation receptacle. This includes the features related to the one or more than one channel, the protrusions or dams, the overflows and the sensors.

[0027] The disclosure further provides a cultivation system comprising at least one cultivation receptacle as disclosed herein, and a watering system configured to water a water distributor of the at least one cultivation receptacle.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment of the cultivation system, the watering system is configured to water the water distributor of the at least one cultivation receptacle in dependency of a sensor value obtained from one or more than one of: a water sensor configured to detect water on the water distributor, a first sensor configured to obtain a first sensor value of water present on the water distributor, a second sensor configured to obtain a second sensor value of water present in a water reservoir of the at least one cultivation receptacle, and a water level sensor configured to sense a water level of water in a water reservoir of the at least one cultivation receptacle.

[0029] The first sensor value and / or the second sensor value may be a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content. Preferably, the cultivation system according comprises both the first sensor and the second sensor. Each of the first and second sensor values may be a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content and the watering system may be configured to water the water distributor of the at least one cultivation receptacle in dependency of a difference between the first sensor value and the second sensor value.

[0030] The watering system of the cultivation system may be configured to water the water distributor of the at least one cultivation receptacle in dependency of a sensor value obtained from a water sensor configured to detect water on the water distributor to maintain a desired water level on the water distributor.

[0031] Alternatively or additionally, the watering system may be configured to water the water distributor of the at least one cultivation receptacle in dependency of a sensor value obtained from a water level sensor configured to sense a water level of water in a water reservoir arranged between a level of the water distributor and the bottom of the cultivation receptacle to maintain a desired water level in the water reservoir.

[0032] The above objective is moreover achieved with a method for cultivating a plant, comprising providing, in particular arranging, at least one of a plant, seed and seedling in an accommodation of a cultivation receptacle according to any one of the embodiments disclosed herein or of a cultivation receptacle part of a cultivation system as disclosed herein, and watering (i.e. providing water to) a water distributor of the cultivation receptacle, wherein the water distributor is arranged in the accommodation and is configured to support and water (i.e. provide water to) the water roots of the plant, seed or seedling. It is sufficient for performing the method, to provide a cultivation receptacle which already has the plant, seed or seedling arranged in the accommodation of the cultivation receptacle.

[0033] The method preferably comprises obtaining a first sensor value of water present on the water distributor, wherein the first sensor value may be a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content, and watering the water distributor of the cultivation receptacle in dependency of the first sensor value.

[0034] Alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise obtaining a second sensor value from water present in a water reservoir arranged between a level of the water distributor and a bottom of the cultivation receptacle, wherein the second sensor value may be a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content, and watering the water distributor of the cultivation receptacle in dependency of the second sensor value. The method may comprise obtaining both the first and second sensor values as a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content. Watering the water distributor of the cultivation receptacle may then be performed in dependency of a difference between the first sensor value and the second sensor value.

[0035] Alternatively or additionally to the above, the method may comprise watering the water distributor of the cultivation receptacle in dependency of a sensor value obtained from a water sensor configured to detect water on the water distributor to maintain a desired water level on the water distributor.

[0036] Further alternatively or additionally, the method may comprise watering the water distributor of the cultivation receptacle in dependency of a sensor value obtained from a water level sensor configured to sense a water level of water in a water reservoir arranged between a level of the water distributor and a bottom of the cultivation receptacle to maintain a desired water level in the water reservoir.

[0037] The method may be a computer-implemented method.

[0038] A computer program product is provided comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer controlling a watering system of or for a cultivation system, cause the cultivation system to perform the method as disclosed herein. Said cultivation system may in particular correspond to the cultivation system as disclosed herein. The cultivation system may thus also include a processor or computer communicatively coupled to the watering system and any sensors thereof.

[0039] Finally, use of a cultivation receptacle as disclosed herein and use of a cultivation system as disclosed herein is provided for cultivating a plant, seed or seedling.

[0040] The present invention will be elucidated here below with reference to the drawing of various exemplary embodiments, in which:

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a cultivation receptacle according to an embodiment;

[0042] Fig. 2 shows a top-down view of the cultivation receptacle of Fig. 1;

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cultivation receptacle of Fig. 1 and Fig- 2;

[0044] Fig. 4 shows a cross-sectional view in a width direction of the cultivation receptacle of Fig. 1 - 3;

[0045] Fig. 5 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a cultivation receptacle with a plurality of sensors in conjunction with a watering system;

[0046] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of another cultivation receptacle with a removable cover;

[0047] Fig. 7 shows a top-down view of the cultivation receptacle of Fig. 6; Fig. 8 shows a cross-sectional view in a width direction of the cultivation receptacle of Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 with sensors;

[0048] Fig. 9 shows the cross-sectional view of Fig. 8 though without sensors but with plants placed on the water distributor of the cultivation receptacle;

[0049] Fig. 10 shows a partial perspective view of yet another cultivation receptacle.

[0050] The following reference signs are used throughout.

[0051] I cultivation receptacle

[0052] 3 bottom

[0053] 4 open top

[0054] 5 sidewall

[0055] 6 upper edge

[0056] 7 cover

[0057] 8 drain hole

[0058] 9 accommodation

[0059] 10 orifice or opening

[0060] I I water distributor

[0061] 12 water roots

[0062] 13 plant

[0063] 14 air roots

[0064] 15 channel

[0065] 16 top surface of water distributor

[0066] 17 air root growth space

[0067] 18 protrusion or dam

[0068] 19 water reservoir

[0069] 20 primary overflow

[0070] 21 water sensor

[0071] 22 secondary overflow

[0072] 23 water level sensor

[0073] 25 sensor

[0074] 27 further sensor

[0075] 29 dripper

[0076] 30 watering system

[0077] 31 hose

[0078] Referring now to the figures, a cultivation receptacle 1 comprises a bottom 3, one or more than one sidewall 5 and, optionally, a removable cover 7 placed on a topside of the cultivation receptacle. The bottom 3, sidewalls 5 and the cover 7 collectively define an accommodation 9 into which at a plant 13 may be arranged with at least its roots. A top section of this plant 13 may protrude out of the accommodation through an orifice or opening 10 provided in the removable cover 7 or the cultivation recep table 1 may by uncovered with an open top 4. As the cover 7 is removable, it may not be included with the cultivation receptable 1. Cultivation receptacles 1 without covers 7 of with the cover 7 removed, e.g. as illustrated in Figures 1, 5, 6 and 10, are therefore also provided. For example, the cultivation receptacle 1 may have an open top 4 defined by a circumferential upper edge 6 of the side walls 5. A cover 7 may be preferred in some cases, for example to encourage germination in a dark environment or to control conditions such as temperature and humidity in the accommodation 9 of the cultivation receptacle 1. In order to access the accommodation 9, the cover 7 is removable.

[0079] The plant 13 is supported by a water distributor 11 arranged within the aforementioned accommodation 9. The water distributor 11 provides support to the plant 13 within the accommodation 9, in particular with respect to the plant’s 13 roots. Moreover, as is best elucidated in Fig. 5 the water distributor 11 distributes water that is supplied to the water distributor 11 (e.g. dripped thereon by means of a dripper 29) over a top surface 16 of the water distributor 11, where it may be easily absorbed by the roots of the plant 13.

[0080] The water distributor 11 and the removable cover 7 together define an air root growth space 17 in which the plant 13 may develop air roots 14. The removable cover 7 is not essential and the air root growth space 17 may be defined between the water distributor 11 and an upper edge 6 of the one or more than one sidewall 5 of the cultivation receptacle 1.

[0081] Plants generally comprise two types of roots: water roots 12 through which a plant absorbs water and air roots 14 through which the plant absorbs air. When placed in the cultivation receptacle 1, a plant 13 will primarily develop water roots 12 along the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11 where they may readily absorb water. In contrast, the air roots 14 of the plant 13 primarily develop in the air root growth space 17 above the water roots 12, there where the air roots 14 may absorb ambient air.

[0082] The water distributor 11 is preferably a rigid structure comprising - for example - a rigid plastic or the like with one or more than one channel 15. Such a rigid structure allows water to be substantially evenly distributed in a thin filmlike layer within the one or more than one channel 15, contrary to water retaining structures comprising e.g. a sponge or the like. The channel 15 may be formed by a channel- shaped recess on the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11, or alternatively in between protrusions 18 forming dams 18 on said top surface 16.

[0083] As particularly clear from Figure 1, the channel 15 may be zigzaggingly or meanderingly arranged on the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11. In particular, neighbouring zigzag or meander stretches of the channel 15 may be arranged substantially parallel. A fluid flowing through such channel 15 flows in opposite directions between neighbouring zigzags or meander stretches.

[0084] A primary overflow 20 is shown in a protrusion or dam 18 between stretches of the channel 15. The primary overflow 20 is provided at a level (e.g. depth or height relative to a vertical between the bottom 3 and upper edge 6) which lies between that of the channel 15 and the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11. The primary overflow 20 can thus also be seen as a recess relative to the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11, which is however not as deep as the channel 15. The primary overflow 20 stimulates equal flooding of the water distributor 11, even when parts of the channel 15 become blocked by growth of the plant 13 thereon.

[0085] A secondary overflow 22 is shown at a level which lies between that of the primary overflow 20 and the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11. Here, the primary overflow 20 is arranged between stretches of the channel 15, while the secondary overflow 22 is arranged between the channel 15 and the water reservoir 19. The secondary overflow 22 prevents too much build-up of water in sections of the channel 15 that become clogged or blocked, e.g. due to growth of the plants 13 on the water distributor 11. As the secondary overflows 22 are below the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11, said top surface 16 on which the plants 13 are supported is kept dry. This prevents those parts of the plant 13 resting on said top surface 16 from being wet or laying in water, which may be disadvantageous for plant growth.

[0086] Though both primary and secondary overflows 20, 22 may be provided, e.g. as illustrated, it is also foreseen to provide only the primary overflow 20 or only the secondary overflow 22, e.g. depending on characteristics of the plant 13 to be accommodated by the cultivation receptacle 1.

[0087] The embodiments shown in Figures 1-5 have channels 15 formed by a zigzagging and channel- shaped recess in the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11, while the embodiments shown in Figures 6 - 10 shows a plurality of protrusions or dams 18 jointly defining a zigzagging channel 15 therebetween. Figures 6 and 10 show particularly clearly that the primary and secondary overflows 20, 22 can be implemented as recesses in the protrusions or dams 18 of the water distributor 11. In other words, these overflows 20, 22 may be recessed relative to the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11. Alternatively, e.g. as indicated in Fig. 6, this top surface 16 may be defined by the protrusions or dams 18 which (at least in part) define the channel 15.

[0088] As illustrated in the various embodiments, it is preferred that the channel 15 follows a zigzagging or meandering path which is configured to force water to flow through the channel 15. This improves water distribution and increases path length as well as residence time of water in the channel 15. Exchange with ambient air, e.g. improved oxygen content, can thus be stimulated.

[0089] In the appended drawings, the at least one channel 15 forms a meandering path, a maze or a labyrinth-like structure at or on the top surface 16 of water distributor 11 that extends in zigzagging directions over the top surface 16, in particular substantially the entire top surface 16. Relatively small amounts of water that are dripped on the top surface 16 may therefore spread out over an enlarge surface area of the water distributor 11 to form the aforementioned thin filmlike layer of water, which may be easily absorbed by the water roots 12 of the plant 13. As such, the water needs of plants 13 arranged in the cultivation receptacle 1 can be met with only a minimal amount of water being supplied and little to no wastewater being generated.

[0090] In accordance with some embodiments of the cultivation receptacle, the water distributor 11 may be arranged at the bottom 7 of the cultivation receptacle 1. However, in the depicted preferred embodiments of the cultivation receptacle 1 the water distributor 11 is suspended within the accommodation 9 and arranged at a vertical offset relative to the bottom 3. Vertical in this context refers to the intended use position of the cultivation receptable 1 with the bottom 3 below the upper edge 6.

[0091] A water reservoir 19 is preferably arranged between a level L3 of the water distributor 11 and the bottom 3. The level L3 may in particular be defined by the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11, or - when present - by the secondary overflow 22 of the water distributor 11 which determines a maximum filling level of the water distributor 11.

[0092] As elucidated above, water supplied to (e.g. dripped onto) the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11 serves as the primary water source for the one or more plants 13 growing in the cultivation receptacle 1. Because this amount of water is relatively small and is largely either absorbed by the one or more plants 13 or evaporates, a malfunctioning of a watering system 30 through which said water is supplied can easily result in dehydration of the plants.

[0093] The aforementioned water reservoir 19 serves as an emergency backup water source in the event that the above occurs. As is elucidated in Fig. 4, the water roots 12 of the plant 13 over time develop to extend downward from the water distributor 11 and into the water reservoir 19. Here, the water roots 12 may absorb at least some amount of water and thus stay hydrated until the supply of water to the water distributor 11 is restored.

[0094] The water reservoir 19 may also collect any excess water that drips downward from the water distributor 11. It is for this reason the water reservoir 19 preferably at least partially surrounds the water distributor 11, when viewed in a top-down direction of the cultivation receptacle 1.

[0095] As stated above, water is supplied to the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11 by means of a watering system 30. Fig. 5 depicts a hose 31 connected to a dripper 29 forming part of such a watering system 30 for supplying water to at least the water distributor 11. Fig. 8 shows a watering system 30 having a plurality of drippers 29 and associated hoses 31. A dripper 29 may be provided for each stretch of the channel 15, for example a stretch defined by the part of the channel extending between two primary overflows 20. No cover 7 is shown in Fig. 5, though a cover 7 could be applied even when plants 13 grow above the upper edge 6 of the cultivation receptacle 1, for example when the cover 7 is supplied with openings 10. Openings 10 may be provided for plants 13, for sensors 21, 23, 25, 27 for cables of sensors, for hoses 31 and / or for drippers 29. The openings 10 are preferably form- fittingly arranged around the components protruding through the cover to improve control of the accommodation 9, e.g. regarding humidity. Openings 10 are indicated in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9.

[0096] The embodiments of the cultivation receptacle 1 depicted in Fig. 5 and Fig. 8 moreover comprises a plurality of sensors 21, 23, 25 and 27 associated with the watering system 30.

[0097] The first of these sensors is water sensor 21. The water sensor 21 may be arranged at or near the (the top surface 16 of) the water distributor 11 and is configured to detect the presence of water on the water distributor 11. Moreover, the water sensor 21 is communicatively connected with the aforementioned watering system 30 comprising the hose 31 and dripper 29.

[0098] The water sensor 21 is configured to monitor the presence of water on the water distributor 11 where it may easily be absorbed by the plants 13. In the event that the water sensor 21 fails to detect the presence of water or detects only an amount of water that is insufficient, additional water is supplied to the water distributor 11 via the dripper 29. As such, the water sensor 21 ensures that an appropriate minimal amount of water is be fed water distributor 11 and distributed to the water roots of the plants 13 at all times. A plurality of water sensors 21 may be provided at or near various locations of the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11 to detect the presence or absence of water across substantially the entire top surface 16 of the water distributor 11.

[0099] Within the water reservoir 19 a water level sensor 23 is provided, the water level sensor 23 being configured to sense a water level in the water reservoir 19. As stated above, the water reservoir 19 primarily serves as a backup water source in case water is not being supplied to the water distributor 11. As such, a minimum water level Li is maintained within the water reservoir 19. In the event that the water level sensor 23 senses that the water level within the water reservoir 19 drops below a minimal water level, additional water is fed into the water reservoir 19 until said minimum water level is reached. This additional water may be fed into the water reservoir via a dedicated inlet, or via the watering system 30 comprising the dripper 29 and hose 31 by temporarily overflooding the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11.

[0100] During operation, the water level within the water reservoir 19 is preferably maintained at a water level Lz above the aforementioned minimal water level and below a level L3 of the water distributor 11.

[0101] As particularly clear from Fig. 2, the water reservoir 19 may be arranged around the water distributor 11. Another example is shown in Fig. 6, in which the water reservoir 19 stretches along the water distributor 11, which is here composed of two sections neighbouring a water reservoir 19 arranged between the two sections of the water distributor 11. Fig. 10 shows yet another embodiment of the cultivation receptacle 1, in which a water reservoir 19 is provided on two sides of (a section of) the water distributor 11. Various arrangements of the water distributor 11 relative to the water reservoir 19 are conceived. In each case, the water reservoir 19 collects overflowing water from the water distributor 11.

[0102] The cultivation receptacle 1 may be provided with a drain hole 8. The drain hole 8 may be provided in the water distributor 11 (e.g. as shown in Fig. 2) and / or in the water reservoir 19 (e.g. as shown in Fig. 6). The drain hole 8 is preferably arranged at or below the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11, preferable the level L3 of the water distributor 11. Water supplied to the plants 13 typically comprises nutrients (i.e. fertiliser) dissolved therein for feeding the plants 13. The concentration (or amount) of nutrients in said water is preferably tailored to the nutrition requirements of the plants 13 to ensure that said nutrition requirements are met with little excess nutrients being wasted. To monitor the concentration of these nutrients and / or other nutrition related parameters of the supplied water a sensor 25 (also termed a first sensor) is provided.

[0103] The sensor 25 may be disposed at or near the water distributor 11 and is configured to measure one or more than one of a nutrition concentration, an acidity, a temperature, and an oxygen content of water supplied to the water distributor 11. Within the context of the present disclosure, each of these values may be referred to as a “sensor value” that is obtained by means of the at least one sensor 25.

[0104] For example, the at least one sensor may further or alternatively be configured to measure an electric conductivity of water supplied to the water distributor 11 representing a concentration of fertiliser that is dissolved in this water.

[0105] The at least one sensor 25 is communicatively connected with the aforementioned watering system 30, which supplies water to the water distributor 11 at least partially dependent on the sensor value obtained by the at least one sensor 25.

[0106] Alternatively or in addition, a further sensor 27 is arranged in the reservoir 19 and configured to obtain a sensor value (e.g. one or more of a nutrition concentration, an acidity, a temperature, an oxygen content and an electric conductivity) of water present in the water reservoir 19. Like the aforementioned sensor 25, the further sensor 27 is coupled with the watering system 30 to supply water in dependency of the sensor value obtained by the at least one further sensor 27.

[0107] It is noted here that the hereabove described at least one sensor 25 and the at least one further sensor 27 constitute alternatives for obtaining a nutrition related parameter or value. However, certain embodiments of the cultivation receptacle 1 may comprise both the at least one sensor 25 and the at least one further sensor 27. In these embodiments, the at least one sensor 25 obtains a sensor value from water when said water is supplied to the water distributor 11. The at least one further sensor 27 obtains a sensor value from this water after it has dripped off the water distributor 11 into the water reservoir 19 and at least some of the nutrients present in this water have been absorbed. Based on the two sensor values respectively obtained by these two sensors 25, 27 it may be derived how much fertiliser has been absorbed by the plants 13 and the watering system 30 may supply water to the water distributor in dependency of this difference.

[0108] While the present invention has elucidated with reference to the cultivation receptacle 1 as described here above, the present invention also encompasses a cultivation system comprising at least one cultivation receptacle 1 as described hereabove and a watering system 30 configured to supply water to at least a water distributor 11 of said at least one cultivation receptacle 1.

[0109] Said watering system 30 is preferably configured to water the water distributor 11 of the at least one cultivation receptacle 1 in dependency of a sensor value obtained from at least one of the hereabove described sensors 21, 23, 25 and 27.

[0110] Lastly, the present invention also comprises a method for cultivating a plant 13. This method comprises providing a plant 13, seed or seedling in an accommodation 9 of a cultivation receptacle 1 as described hereabove; and watering the water distributor 11 of the cultivation receptacle 1, the water distributor 11 being arranged in the accommodation 9 and being configured to support and water the water roots of a plant 13, seed or seedling.

[0111] It is noted here that the scope of protection for the developments described in the present disclosure are by no means limited to any particular feature of the embodiments described above and illustrated in the appended drawing. The scope of protection is exclusively determined based on the limitations of the appended independent claims, but may, in some jurisdictions, even encompass obvious alternatives for features in the independent claims. For example, while the hereabove described sensors 21, 23, 25 and 27 are placed in the vicinity of the water from which they obtain their measurement value, it is conceivable that at least some of these sensors 21, 23, 25 and 27 are non-contact sensors capable of obtaining their respective measurement values without contact and at a distance from said water (e.g. optical or spectrographic sensors).

[0112] The water distributor 11 in any of the embodiments disclosed herein, may also be provided as a separate product, for example to be arranged in retrofit into existing cultivation receptacles.

[0113] In particular, the water distributor 11 may be configured to:

[0114] - be arranged in an accommodation 9 defined by a bottom 3 and a circumferential side wall 5 of the cultivation receptacle 1 at a level between the bottom and an upper edge 9 of the side wall 5 or a cover 7 of the cultivation receptacle 1, the accommodation 9 of the cultivation receptacle 1 being configured to receive at least one plant 13 having water roots 12 and air roots 14; and

[0115] - support and water the water roots 12 of the plant 13.

[0116] Once the water distributor 11 is arranged in the cultivation receptacle 1, an air root growth space 17 may be defined in the accommodation 9 of the cultivation receptacle 1 between the water distributor 11 and the upper edge 6 or the cover 7 when arranged on the upper edge 6. To facilitate arranging of the water distributor 11 in a cultivation receptacle 1, the water distributor 11 may comprise supports to space the water distributor 11 from the bottom 3 of the cultivation receptacle 1 (e.g. as illustrated in Fig. 3 and 4). However, the water distributor 11 may also be arranged on the bottom 3 of the cultivation receptacle 1 as explained above.

[0117] Preferably, the water distributor 11 is configured to support a plant 13, seed or seedling on its top surface 16 and to provide water to water roots 12 developed by the plant 13 or the plant growing from the seed or seedling.

[0118] The water distributor 11 may be a rigid structure.

[0119] The water distributor 11 may comprise one or more than one channel 15 configured to distribute water over a top surface 16 of the water distributor 11. The one or more than one channel 15 preferably forms a meandering path, a maze or a labyrinth-like structure on or recessed in the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more than one channel 15 is arranged in a zigzag configuration on or recessed in the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11.

[0120] Preferably, the water distributor 11 comprises a plurality of protrusions or dams 18 defining the one or more than one channel 15, e.g. by delimiting said channel.

[0121] In a preferred embodiment, the water distributor 11 comprises at least one of:

[0122] - one or more than one primary overflow 20 fluidly connecting sections of the one or more than one channel 15, wherein the primary overflow 20 is preferably arranged at a level between that of the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11 and that of the one or more than one channel 15; and

[0123] - one or more than one secondary overflow 22 to guide water out of the water distributor 11, wherein the secondary overflow 22 is preferably arranged at a level between that of the top surface 16 of the water distributor 11 and that of the one or more than one channel 15, more preferably the level of the one or more than one primary overflow 20, when provided.

[0124] The water distributor 11 may thus comprise only primary or secondary overflows, or may comprise both of these types of overflows.

[0125] These and other aspects of the water distributor 11 can be the same as features of the water distributor 11 disclosed herein in the context of the cultivation receptacle 1.

[0126] Other variations for specifically described elements, components and functionalities, that may also be embodied within the scope of the appended claims of the present disclosure, have been at least hinted at in the above embodiment description or the skilled person may be considered to be able to contemplate these variations within the range of this skilled person’s general knowledge. This exemplary reference to alternative embodiments substantiates that any limitation to any specific feature that is not defined as a limitation in the independent claims is unwarranted.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A cultivation receptacle (1), comprising:- a bottom (3) and one or more than one sidewall (5) extending from the bottom (3) to an upper edge (6) of the one or more than one sidewall (5), onto which an optional cover (7) is arrangeable, that together define an accommodation (9) that is configured to receive at least one plant (13) having water roots (12) and air roots (14);- a water distributor (11) arranged in the accommodation (9) and configured to support and water the water roots (12) of a plant (13); and- an air root growth space (17) arranged in the accommodation (9) between the water distributor (11) and the upper edge (6) or the cover (7) when arranged on the upper edge (6).

2. Cultivation receptacle (1) according to claim 1, wherein the water distributor (11) is a rigid structure.

3. The cultivation receptacle (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the water distributor (11) comprises one or more than one channel (15) configured to distribute water over a top surface (16) of the water distributor (11).

4. Cultivation receptacle (1) according to claim 3, wherein the one or more than one channel(15) forms a meandering path, a maze or a labyrinth-like structure on or recessed in the top surface(16) of the water distributor (11).

5. Cultivation receptacle (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the one or more than one channel (15) is arranged in a zigzag configuration on or recessed in the top surface (16) of the water distributor (11).

6. Cultivation receptacle (1) according to any of the claims 3 - 5, wherein the water distributor (11) comprises a plurality of dams (18) defining the one or more than one channel (15).

7. Cultivation receptacle (1) according to any of the claims 3 - 6, wherein the water distributor (11) further comprises one or more than one primary overflow (20) fluidly connecting sections of the one or more than one channel (15) at a level between that of the top surface (16) of the water distributor (11) and that of the one or more than one channel (15).

8. Cultivation receptacle (1) according to claim 7, wherein the water distributor (11) further comprises one or more than one secondary overflow (22) arranged at a level between that of the top surface (16) of the water distributor (11) and that of the one or more than one primary overflow (20) to guide water out of the water distributor (11).

9. The cultivation receptacle (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising at least one first sensor (25) configured to obtain a first sensor value from water present on the water distributor (11), wherein the first sensor value is a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content, wherein the at least one first sensor (25) is connectable to a watering system (30) configured to water the water distributor (11) in dependency of the sensor value obtained by the at least one sensor (25).

10. The cultivation receptacle (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the water distributor (11) is arranged at a vertical offset relative to the bottom (3), and wherein a water reservoir (19) is arranged between a level of the water distributor (11) and the bottom (3).

11. The cultivation receptacle (1) according to claim 10, wherein the water reservoir (19) at least partially surrounds the water distributor (11).

12. The cultivation receptacle (1) according to claim 10 or 11, further comprising at least one water level sensor (23) configured to sense a water level in the water reservoir (19), wherein the water level sensor (23) is connectable to a watering system (30) configured to water the water distributor (11) for maintaining a desired water level within the water reservoir (19).

13. The cultivation receptacle according to any one of the foregoing claims 10 - 12, further comprising at least one second sensor (27) configured to obtain a second sensor value from water present in the water reservoir (19), wherein the second sensor value is a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content, wherein the at least one second sensor (27) is connectable to a watering system (30) configured to water the water distributor (11) in dependency of the second sensor value obtained by the at least one second sensor (27).

14. The cultivation receptacle (1) according to claim 13 and at least dependent on claim 9, comprising the at least one first sensor (25) and the at least one second sensor (27), wherein each of the first and second sensor values are a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content, wherein the at least one first sensor (25) and the at least one second sensor (27) are connectable to the watering system (30) configured to water the water distributor (11) in dependency of both the first sensor value and the second sensor value and / or a difference between first sensor value and the second sensor value.

15. The cultivation receptacle (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a water sensor (21) configured to detect water on the water distributor (11), wherein the water sensor (21) is configured to be connectable to a watering system (30) configured to water the water distributor (11) in dependency of the detected water amount for maintaining a desired water level on the water distributor (11).

16. A cultivation system, comprising:- a cultivation receptacle (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims; and- a watering system (30) configured to water a water distributor (11) of the cultivation receptacle (1).

17. The cultivation system according to claim 16, wherein the watering system (30) is configured to water the water distributor (11) of the cultivation receptacle (1) in dependency of one or more than one sensor value obtained from one or more than one of:- a first sensor (25) configured to obtain a first sensor value of water present on the water distributor (11), wherein the first sensor value is a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content; and- a second sensor (27) configured to obtain a nutrition value of water present in a water reservoir (19) arranged between a level of the water distributor (11) and the bottom (3) of the cultivation receptacle (1), wherein the second sensor value is a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content.

18. The cultivation system according to claim 17, comprising both the first sensor (25) and the second sensor (27),wherein each of the first and second sensor values are a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content, wherein the watering system (30) is configured to water the water distributor (11) of the cultivation receptacle (1) in dependency of a difference between the first sensor value and the second sensor value.

19. The cultivation system according to any of the claims 16 - 18, wherein the watering system (30) is configured to water the water distributor (11) of the cultivation receptacle (1) in dependency of a sensor value obtained from a water sensor (21) configured to detect water on the water distributor (11) to maintain a desired water level on the water distributor (11).

20. The cultivation system according to any of the claims 16 - 19, wherein the watering system (30) is configured to water the water distributor (11) of the cultivation receptacle (1) in dependency of a sensor value obtained from a water level sensor (23) configured to sense a water level of water in a water reservoir (19) arranged between a level of the water distributor (11) and the bottom (3) of the cultivation receptacle (1) to maintain a desired water level in the water reservoir (19).

21. A method for cultivating a plant, comprising:- providing at least one of a plant, seed and seedling in an accommodation (9) of a cultivation receptacle (1) according to any one of the foregoing claims 1 - 15 or as part of a cultivation system according to any of the claims 16 - 20; and- watering a water distributor (11) of the cultivation receptacle (1), the water distributor (11) being arranged in the accommodation (9) and being configured to support and water the water roots (12) of the plant (13), seed or seedling.

22. The method of claim 21, comprising:- obtaining at least one of the following sensor values:- a first sensor value of water present on the water distributor (11), wherein the first sensor value is a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content; and- a second sensor value from water present in a water reservoir (19) arranged between a level of the water distributor (11) and a bottom (3) of the cultivation receptacle (1), wherein the second sensor value is a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value froma group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content, and- watering the water distributor (11) of the cultivation receptacle (1) in dependency of the at least one obtained sensor value.

23. The method of claim 22, comprising:- obtaining both the first and second sensor values as a temperature, an electric conductivity or a nutrition value from a group of nutrition values comprising a nutrition concentration, an acidity and an oxygen content; and- watering the water distributor (11) of the cultivation receptacle (1) in dependency of a difference between the first sensor value and the second sensor value.

24. The method of any of the claim 21 - 23, comprising watering the water distributor (11) of the cultivation receptacle (1) in dependency of a sensor value obtained from a water sensor (21) configured to detect water on the water distributor (11) to maintain a desired water level on the water distributor (11).

25. The method of any of the claim 21 - 24, comprising watering the water distributor (11) of the cultivation receptacle (1) in dependency of a sensor value obtained from a water level sensor (23) configured to sense a water level of water in a water reservoir (19) arranged between a level of the water distributor (11) and a bottom (3) of the cultivation receptacle (1) to maintain a desired water level in the water reservoir (19).

26. A computer program product comprising instructions which, when the program is executed by a computer controlling a watering system of or for a cultivation system according to any of the claims 16 - 20, cause the cultivation system to perform the method of any of the claims 21 - 25.

27. A water distributor (11) of or for a cultivation receptacle (1) according to any of the claims 1 - 15.

28. Use of a cultivation receptacle according to any one of the foregoing claims 1 - 15, a cultivation system according to any of the claims 16 - 20, or a water distributor (11) according to claim 27 for cultivating a plant, seed or seedling.

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