Nutrient solutions

Abstract

The invention relates to a nutrient combination for the soilless cultivation of plants, in particular in vertical agriculture across at least two levels, preferably at least three levels, comprising at least: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, calcium, magnesium, boron, molybdenum, copper, manganese, iron and zinc; optionally microorganisms and / or microbe-based preparations, and optionally ferments; wherein the ratio of nitrogen to potassium is at least 1.0: 2.0. The invention also relates to a nutrient solution which comprises such a nutrient combination and water, and to a method for the soilless cultivation of plants.

Description

NUTRIENT SOLUTIONS

[0001] Priority is claimed from European patent application No. 23 194 896.9 dated 1 September 2023.

[0002] The invention relates to a nutrient combination for soilless cultivation of plants, particularly in vertical farming over at least two levels, preferably at least three levels, comprising at least: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, calcium, magnesium, boron, molybdenum, copper, manganese, iron, and zinc; optionally microorganisms and / or microbe-based preparations, and optionally ferments; wherein the ratio of nitrogen to potassium is at least 1.0 : 2.0. The invention further relates to a nutrient solution comprising such a nutrient combination and water, and to a method for soilless cultivation of plants.

[0003] The commercial production of plants and plant material for consumption is fraught with difficulties related to the natural botanical characteristics and the environment in which the plants are grown. To ensure economically viable production, suitable methods are needed to minimize these difficulties and maximize plant growth and yield.

[0004] Commercial farms have evolved to cultivate plants in organized rows. These rows facilitate planting, feeding, pruning, watering, tending, and harvesting the plants or the food products derived from them. Conventional farming methods often employ flood irrigation techniques and the mass spraying of chemicals for fumigation and fertilization.

[0005] Flood irrigation and mass spraying are not only a waste of water and chemical resources, but can also damage surface soils as well as groundwater and surface water sources. Irrigating fields with floodwater promotes erosion and the runoff of fertilizers and pesticides into water sources. In arid regions, flood irrigation often leads to soil mineralization, accompanied by the accumulation of surface salts. Flood irrigation also causes significant fluctuations in soil moisture, which puts stress on plants.

[0006] Hydroponic cultivation has traditionally been used for growing vegetables, flowers, and other annual plants that don't develop extensive root systems. Hydroponics is a subset of hydroponics, where plants are cultivated in a nutrient-rich, water-based solution. Instead of soil, hydroponics supports the root system through an inert medium. The fundamental principle of hydroponics is that the plant roots are in direct contact with the nutrient solution and simultaneously have access to oxygen, which is essential for growth. Good growth is essential. In contrast to open-field cultivation, plants are usually grown hydroponically in a greenhouse or in a closed environment on inert media.

[0007] For healthy and rapid growth, especially in a hydroponic environment, plants require a balanced supply of soluble nutrients. Liquid fertilizers typically contain the key macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as the micronutrients iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, and molybdenum, while often lacking the trace elements calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Using these types of fertilizers can lead to unbalanced growth and nutrient deficiencies in plants. Insufficient or excessive amounts of a nutrient can result in poor harvests. Excess amounts can be particularly problematic, as they can damage crops, waste money and fertilizer resources, and pollute the environment if fertilizer is released during flushing of the nutrient delivery system.

[0008] The correct timing of nutrient application takes into account the plant's growth pattern and thus the natural changes in nutrient requirements throughout the season. Plant development goes through various phases. It is important to anticipate changes in growth and nutrient requirements so that fertilization can be timed to meet the specific needs of the plant's growth.

[0009] Various nutrient compositions for the (soilless) cultivation of plants are known from the state of the art.

[0010] CN 105 777 269 A relates to a nutrient-rich solution for soilless cultures and to manufacturing and application methods for the nutrient-rich solution for soilless cultures. The nutrient-rich soilless solution comprises main materials, trace elements, and water, wherein the main materials include potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, calcium superphosphate, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, and humic acid; and the trace elements include iron(III) sulfate, magnesium sulfate, boric acid, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, ammonium molybdate, and cobalt chloride.

[0011] CN 105 859 384 A relates to a high-quality nutrient solution for soilless culture as well as manufacturing and application methods for the high-quality nutrient solution for soilless culture. The high-quality nutrient solution for soilless culture contains main materials, trace elements, and water, wherein the main materials include potassium nitrate, calcium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, calcium superphosphate, and sulfuric acid; and the trace elements include iron(III) sulfate, manganese sulfate, borax, zinc sulfate, copper sulfate, and ammonium molybdate.

[0012] CN 106 431 610 A relates to a biological organic nutrient solution that is integrated with four effects, i.e., rapid effect, long-term effect, special effect and synergism, and which can enable the combination of microorganisms and the organic nutrient solution to have a better effect. to exert. The nutrient solution is prepared from the following substances in parts by weight: 300 to 350 parts water, 100 to 140 parts potassium nitrate, 80 to 100 parts ammonium sulfate, 140 to 180 parts monopotassium phosphate, 25 to 30 parts magnesium sulfate, 20 to 30 parts calcium nitrate, 160 to 180 parts amino acid, 120 to 140 parts fulvic acids, 2 to 3 parts zinc sulfate, 2 to 3 parts manganese sulfate, 3 to 4 parts boric acid, 1 to 2 parts sodium selenite, 3 to 6 parts sodium polyaspartic acid, 5 to 8 parts aminooligosaccharin, 1 to 2 parts Bacillus subtilis, 1 to 2 parts PGPR probiotics and 2 to 3 parts EM probiotics.

[0013] CN 108 558 494 A relates to a cultivation technique for organic maize with a microelement and probiotic nutrient mixture and selenium-rich zinc, characterized by the inclusion of nutrient components, trace element components, and probiotic components, wherein the nutrient components consist of urea, P₂O₅, and K₂O; the trace element components consist of selenium, zinc, sulfur, boron, iron, manganese, copper, molybdenum, calcium, and magnesium; and the probiotic components consist of one or more combinations of amino acids, fulvic acids, humic acid, alginic acid, and superoxide dismutase. The high content of organic selenium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, and other elements in the maize meets the needs of the human body, improves immunity, helps prevent cancer, and increases the plants' resistance to drought and pests.

[0014] US 2009 0229331 Al relates to a concentrated, homogeneous, stable, water-soluble fertilizer suspension comprising: water-soluble mineral nutrients of at least nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium and magnesium; and an organic stabilizing additive; and wherein the pourable aqueous suspension contains water-soluble mineral nutrients in an amount of at least about 80 wt% of the suspension.

[0015] US 2015 075239 Al concerns soil-improving foliar nutrient compositions and methods for their manufacture and use. The compositions are aqueous compositions containing a carbon skeletal energy (CSE) component, a macronutrient, a vitamin cofactor, a complexing agent, and at least one exotic micronutrient component and an ionophore component.

[0016] US 2016 221886 A1 relates to a method for hydroponically growing plants, comprising hydroponically growing the plants in the presence of a controlled-release hydroponic fertilizer composition. The hydroponic fertilizer composition comprises a polymer-coated controlled-release fertilizer formulation, wherein the coated formulation has an NPK ratio with an NK ratio that is substantially balanced, and further comprises micronutrients and optionally chelated iron.

[0017] US 2020 154652 Al discloses nutrient compositions for plant growth. A nutrient composition contains primary macronutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and Potassium, secondary macronutrients, including calcium and sulfur. A nutrient composition may contain micronutrients and additional secondary macronutrients, such as magnesium. Nutrient compositions containing such nutrient sources exhibit beneficial plant growth. Hydroponic nutrient compositions, water-soluble powders, and plant growth media containing the nutrient composition, as well as methods for using the nutrient compositions, are also disclosed.

[0018] US 2022 194873 Al relates to a concentrated composition for plant nutrition. The composition contains a polymeric stabilizing agent with a high number of polar hydrophilic groups, such as microfibrillated cellulose (MFC), comprising calcium ions, sulfate ions, and salts of other elements for plant nutrition.

[0019] WO 2016 103162 A2 discloses a method for treating a plant, comprising bringing a fertilizer composition into contact with the soil near the plant, wherein the plant comprises one or more of the following: a date palm, a citrus plant, a fig plant, a mango plant or an olive plant, wherein the fertilizer composition comprises nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) in various degrees, including in the range of about 10-24:5-12:10-24.

[0020] WO 2018 156266 Al relates to a fertilizer containing a growth-promoting component, in at least one example a copolymer of fulvic acid and polymetallic humates, in an amount of about 80 to about 90 wt.%, based on the total weight of the fertilizer; a variety of elements present in an amount of about 3 to about 7 wt.%, based on the total weight of the fertilizer; and one or more secondary nutrients, micronutrients and biologically active heteromolecular trace metal complexes present in an amount of about 3 to about 10 wt.%, based on the total weight of the fertilizer.

[0021] However, state-of-the-art nutrient combinations are not entirely satisfactory. In soilless cultivation of plants, particularly lettuce, symptoms of nutrient deficiencies can be observed when using known nutrient combinations, especially potassium, calcium, and magnesium deficiencies. There is a need for improved nutrient combinations for soilless cultivation that enable optimal plant growth and can be individually tailored to the plants' needs.

[0022] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide improved nutrient combinations which are suitable for soilless cultivation of plants, in particular in vertical farming over at least two levels, preferably at least three levels.

[0023] This problem is solved by the subject matter of the patent claims.

[0024] It was found that the invented nutrient combination is suitable for soilless plant cultivation. The amount of nutrients supplied can be precisely adjusted and adapted to the specific needs of the plants. The specific needs of the plant must be adapted, which depend, for example, on the type of plant or the growth phase. Surprisingly, it was found that a nitrogen to potassium ratio of at least 1.0:2.0 is particularly beneficial for the growth of various plants.

[0025] Furthermore, it was surprisingly found that the nutrient combination according to the invention enables the cultivation of plants, particularly lettuce, without the plants showing symptoms of nutrient deficiency, such as potassium, calcium, or magnesium deficiency. A relative weight ratio of nitrogen to potassium in the range of 1.0 : 1.5 to 1.0 : 6.0 and a relative weight ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus in the range of 1.0 : 0.2 to 1.0 : 0.8 were found to be particularly advantageous. Additionally, a relative weight ratio of nitrogen to calcium of at least 1.0 : 3.0 was found to be particularly advantageous. The nutrient combination according to the invention provides the nutrients to the plants in sufficient quantities and with improved bioavailability.

[0026] Furthermore, it was surprisingly found that the nutrient combination according to the invention has improved storage stability.

[0027] Hydroponic cultivation has been found to offer many advantages. Compared to other growing media, hydroponic cultures result in the highest biomass and protein production from plants grown under the same environmental conditions and supplied with the same nutrient levels. This is made possible by careful control of the nutrient solution and pH value. A hydroponic system uses less water than plants grown in soil because the system is closed, resulting in less evaporation. Hydroponic cultivation is better for the environment because it produces less waste and pollution from soil runoff. Hydroponic cultivation leads to healthier plants than traditional soil cultivation because the supply of nutrients to the plants can be more easily regulated to optimize plant growth.

[0028] A first aspect of the invention relates to a nutrient combination for soilless cultivation of plants, particularly in vertical farming over at least two levels, preferably at least three levels, comprising at least: - Nitrogen, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 15 wt%; - Phosphorus, in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 6.0 wt.%; - Potassium, in an amount ranging from 1.0 to 30 wt.%; - Sulfur, in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10 wt.%; - Calcium, in an amount in the range of 0.4 to 30 wt.%, preferably 0.4 to 10 wt.%; - Magnesium, in an amount ranging from 0.04 to 5.0 wt.%; - Boron, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.05 wt%; - Molybdenum, in an amount ranging from 0.0005 to 0.05 wt%; - Copper, in an amount ranging from 0.0005 to 0.05 wt.%; - Manganese, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 wt%; - Iron, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 1.0 wt.%; and - Zinc, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.4% by weight; in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination; if necessary, microorganisms and / or microbe-based preparations, preferably consisting of chitin or toxins, selected from the group consisting of Arthrobacter globiformis, Azospilrillum brasilense, Azospilrillum lipoferum, Azotobacter chroococcum, Azotobacter paspcili, Azotobacter vinelandii, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bififobacterium animalis, Bififobacterium lactis, Bififobacterium longum, Brevibacillus brevis, Cellulomonas fimi, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lac- tococcus lactis, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteorides, Micrococcus luteus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas argentinensis, Pseudomonas azotoformans,Pseudomonas chlororaphis, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Pseudomonas fulva, Pseudomonas nitroreducens, Pseudomonas poae, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodospirillum rubrum, Saccharomyces cervisiae, Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptomyces griseus, and Thrichoderma reesei; and optionally, ferments selected from algae, compost, molasses, and mung beans; wherein the nitrogen-to-potassium ratio is at least 1.0 : 2.0; preferably, the nitrogen-to-potassium ratio is in the range of 1.0 : 2.0 to 1.0 : 15.

[0029] For the purposes of description, a nitrogen to potassium ratio of at least 1.0 : 2.0 means that the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises nitrogen and potassium in a ratio of 1.0 to 2.0, or that the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises potassium in a relative proportion of more than 2.0.

[0030] The nutrient combination according to the invention is preferably a concentrate or a powder with a relatively high concentration of nutrients, preferably with a nutrient concentration of at least 130,000 ppm, more preferably at least 190,000 ppm, more preferably at least 250,000 ppm, and even more preferably at least 550,000 ppm. For use in growing plants, in particular for irrigating the plants, the nutrient combination is preferably diluted with water to form a nutrient solution.

[0031] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 100,000 to 200,000 ppm, more preferably 110,000 to 190,000 ppm, even more preferably 120,000 to 180,000 ppm, and most preferably 120,000 to 140,000 ppm.

[0032] The inventive nutrient combination includes the macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, as well as the micronutrients iron, manganese, zinc, copper, boron, and molybdenum, and also the trace elements calcium, magnesium, and sulfur. Thus, the nutrient combination contains all the necessary nutrients for cultivating plants in mixed cropping systems. Additional nutrients may also be included in the nutrient combination.

[0033] For descriptive purposes, "soilless cultivation" is a cultivation method in which plants are grown independently of the existing soil. The plants are mechanically stabilized and require additional substrate for stability.

[0034] For the purpose of description, "vertical farming" is a special form of urban farming in which plants are cultivated on several superimposed levels based on circular economy principles and hydroponics under greenhouse conditions.

[0035] Unless expressly stated otherwise, all percentages are percentages by weight. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all percentages refer to the total weight of the nutrient combination or nutrient solution according to the invention. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all values ​​in grams per liter refer to one liter of the nutrient combination or nutrient solution according to the invention. Unless expressly stated otherwise, all values ​​in ppm are weight-based, i.e., ppmw.

[0036] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention has a density in the range of 1.00 to 1.60 g / cm³ at 23 °C. 3 , preferably from 1.02 to 1.50 g / cm³ 3 , preferably from 1.04 to 1.40 g / cm³ 3 , even more preferred from 1.06 to 1.30 g / cm² 3 , preferably from 1.08 to 1.25 g / cm³ 3 , and in particular preferably from 1.09 to 1.23 g / cm³ 3 .

[0037] In preferred embodiments, the nutrient combination according to the invention has a density of 1.23 g / cm³. 3 .

[0038] In other preferred embodiments, the nutrient combination according to the invention has a density of 1.096 g / cm³. 3 .

[0039] Preferably, the nutrient combination includes microorganisms and / or microbe-based preparations.

[0040] Preferably, this allows for the targeted induction of an interaction between plants and microorganisms and / or microbe-based preparations, thereby positively influencing plant nutrition and the plant's own stress management. Preferably, such microorganisms can and / or microbe-based preparations promote the growth of plant biomass and the development of leaves and roots, while simultaneously strengthening the plant's defenses against biotic and abiotic stress. This allows for the use of lower quantities of (synthetic) pesticides, stress regulators, or growth promoters.

[0041] Preferably, the nutrient combination comprises a solution containing microorganisms and / or microbe-based preparations. Suitable solutions containing microorganisms and / or microbe-based preparations are commercially available, for example, under the name Rhizoferm from Microbe Factory. A preferred composition of this solution is summarized in the table below:

[0042] Preferred microorganisms and their function are summarized in the table below:

[0043] Preferably, the nutrient combination comprises a total proportion of microorganisms of at least 50 ppm; more preferably at least 80 ppm, even more preferably at least 120 ppm, most preferably at least 150 ppm.

[0044] The nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) content can be expressed in various ways. For descriptive purposes, the NPK content refers to the weight percentage of the nutrient combination. For example, an NPK value of 10:5:10 means that 100 g of this nutrient combination contains 10 g of nitrogen, 5 g of phosphorus, and approximately 10 g of potassium.

[0045] Preferably, the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium (N : P : K) is in the range of 1.0 : 0.1 : 1.5 to 1.0 : 1.0 : 8.0, preferably from 1.0 : 0.2 : 2.5 to 1.0 : 0.7 : 6.0, more preferably from 1.0 : 0.3 : 3.5 to 1.0 : 0.5 : 4.5.

[0046] In preferred formulations, the concentration of potassium is greater than the concentration of nitrogen.

[0047] In preferred formulations, the concentration of potassium is greater than the concentration of phosphorus.

[0048] In preferred formulations, the concentration of nitrogen is greater than the concentration of phosphorus.

[0049] In preferred formulations, the concentration of calcium is greater than the concentration of nitrogen.

[0050] Preferably the ratio of nitrogen to potassium (N : K) is at least 1.0 : 2.4, preferably at least 1.0 : 2.7, more preferably at least 1.0 : 3.0, even more preferably at least 1.0 : 3.3, most preferably at least 1.0 : 3.6, and in particular at least 1.0 : 3.9.

[0051] Preferably the ratio of nitrogen to potassium (N : K) is at most 1.0 : 10, preferably at most 1.0 : 8.0, more preferably at most 1.0 : 7.0, even more preferably at most 1.0 : 6.0, most preferably at most 1.0 : 5.5, and in particular at most 1.0 : 5.0.

[0052] Preferably, the ratio of nitrogen to potassium (N : K) is in the range of 1.0 : 1.0 to 1.0 : 6.5, preferably from 1.0 : 1.5 to 1.0 : 6.0, more preferably from 1.0 : 2.0 to 1.0 : 5.5, even more preferably from 1.0 : 2.5 to 1.0 : 5.0, most preferably from 1.0 : 3.0 to 1.0 : 4.6, and particularly from 1.0 : 3.0 to 1.0 : 4.2.

[0053] Preferably the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus (N : P) is at least 1.0 : 0.15, preferably at least 1.0 : 0.20, more preferably at least 1.0 : 0.25, even more preferably at least 1.0 : 0.30, most preferably at least 1.0 : 0.35, and in particular at least 1.0 : 0.40.

[0054] Preferably the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus (N : P) is at most 1.0 : 1.0, preferably at most 1.0 : 0.9, more preferably at most 1.0 : 0.8, even more preferably at most 1.0 : 0.7, most preferably at most 1.0 : 0.6, and in particular at most 1.0 : 0.5.

[0055] Preferably, the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus (N : P) is in the range of 1.0 : 0.15 to 1.0 : 0.9, preferably from 1.0 : 0.2 to 1.0 : 0.8, more preferably from 1.0 : 0.25 to 1.0 : 0.7, even more preferably from 1.0 : 0.3 to 1.0 : 0.6, most preferably from 1.0 : 0.35 to 1.0 : 0.5, and particularly from 1.0 : 0.35 to 1.0 : 0.45.

[0056] Preferably the ratio of nitrogen to calcium (N : Ca) is at least 1.0 : 2.4, preferably at least 1.0 : 2.7, more preferably at least 1.0 : 3.0, even more preferably at least 1.0 : 3.3, most preferably at least 1.0 : 3.6, and in particular at least 1.0 : 3.9.

[0057] Preferably the ratio of nitrogen to calcium (N : Ca) is at most 1.0 : 10, preferably at most 1.0 : 8.0, more preferably at most 1.0 : 7.0, even more preferably at most 1.0 : 6.0, most preferably at most 1.0 : 5.5, and in particular at most 1.0 : 5.0.

[0058] Preferably, the ratio of nitrogen to calcium (N : Ca) is in the range of 1.0 : 0.4 to 1.0 : 8.0, preferably from 1.0 : 1.0 to 1.0 : 6.5, more preferably from 1.0 : 1.5 to 1.0 : 6.0, even more preferably from 1.0 : 2.0 to 1.0 : 5.5, most preferably from 1.0 : 2.5 to 1.0 : 5.0, and particularly from 1.0 : 2.5 to 1.0 : 3.5.

[0059] In preferred design forms - the ratio of nitrogen to potassium (N : K) is in the range of 1.0 : 2.5 to 1.0 : 5.0; - the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus (N : P) is in the range of 1.0 : 0.3 to 1.0 : 0.6; and - the ratio of nitrogen to calcium (N : Ca) is in the range of 1.0 : 1.5 to 1.0 : 6.0.

[0060] Preferably the ratio of nitrogen to magnesium (N : Mg) is in the range of 1.0 : 0.3 to 1.0 : 1.2, preferably from 1.0 : 0.4 to 1.0 : 1.1, more preferably from 1.0 : 0.5 to 1.0 : 1.0, even more preferably from 1.0 : 0.6 to 1.0 : 0.9, and most preferably from 1.0 : 0.7 to 1.0 : 0.8.

[0061] In preferred embodiments, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises sodium.

[0062] In preferred embodiments, the nutrient combination according to the invention includes chlorine.

[0063] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a nitrogen source selected from the group consisting of calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, triammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium thiosulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonia, calcium cyanamide, calcium ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium lignosulfonate, ammonium bifluoride, and ammonium heptamolybdate; preferably calcium nitrate.

[0064] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a phosphorus source selected from the group consisting of phosphorus pentoxide, phosphoric acid, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, triammonium phosphate, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, potassium phosphate, and sodium phosphate; preferably phosphorus pentoxide.

[0065] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a potassium source selected from the group consisting of potassium oxide, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium hydroxide, potassium manganate, potassium phosphate, potassium molybdate, potassium thiosulfate, and potassium nitrate; preferably potassium oxide.

[0066] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a sulfur source selected from the group consisting of ammonium sulfate, calcium sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sulfuric acid, cobalt sulfate, copper sulfate, iron sulfate, sulfur trioxide, and sulfur; preferably sulfur trioxide.

[0067] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a calcium source selected from the group consisting of calcium nitrate, calcium cyanamide, calcium acetate, calcium borate, calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate, calcium tartrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, and calcium lignosulfonate; preferably calcium oxide or calcium carbonate.

[0068] In particularly preferred embodiments, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises calcium ammonium nitrate. Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) is a mixture of ammonium nitrate and Calcium carbonate, preferably consisting of 76 wt.% ammonium nitrate and 24 wt.% calcium carbonate, based on the total weight of the calcium ammonium nitrate.

[0069] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a magnesium source selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, magnesium acetate, magnesium borate, magnesium chloride, magnesium citrate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium phosphate, and magnesium sulfate; preferably magnesium oxide.

[0070] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a boron source selected from the group consisting of boric acid, calcium borate, potassium borohydride, borax, boron trioxide, potassium tetraborate, sodium borate, sodium borohydride, and sodium tetraborate.

[0071] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a molybdenum source selected from the group consisting of molybdic acid, calcium molybdate, potassium molybdate, sodium molybdate, and ammonium molybdate.

[0072] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a copper source selected from the group consisting of copper acetate, copper chlorate, copper chloride, copper citrate, copper nitrate, and copper sulfate.

[0073] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a manganese source selected from the group consisting of manganese acetate, manganese chloride, manganese nitrate, manganese phosphate, and manganese sulfate.

[0074] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises an iron source selected from the group consisting of ferric chloride, ferric citrate, ferric nitrate, iron oxide, ferric citrate, ferrous sulfate, and ferric sulfonate.

[0075] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a zinc source selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, zinc acetate, zinc chloride, zinc citrate, zinc nitrate, and zinc sulfate.

[0076] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises nitrogen in an amount of at least 0.2 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 0.4 wt.%, more preferably at least 0.6 wt.%, even more preferably at least 0.8 wt.%, most preferably at least 1.0 wt.%, and in particular at least 1.2 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0077] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises nitrogen in an amount of at most 3.5 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 3.0 wt.%, more preferably at most 2.5 wt.%, even more preferably at most 2.0 wt.%, most preferably at most 1.6 wt.%, and in particular at most 1.2 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0078] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises nitrogen in an amount in the range of 0.005 to 8.0 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 6.0 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 0.015 to 4.0 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 wt.%, and in particular in the range of 1.0 to 1.25 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0079] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises phosphorus in an amount of at least 0.4 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 0.5 wt.%, more preferably at least 0.6 wt.%, even more preferably at least 0.7 wt.%, most preferably at least 0.8 wt.%, and in particular at least 0.9 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0080] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises phosphorus in an amount of at most 3.0 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 2.5 wt.%, more preferably at most 2.0 wt.%, even more preferably at most 1.5 wt.%, most preferably at most 1.0 wt.%, and in particular at most 0.8 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0081] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises phosphorus in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 5.0 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 1.8 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 1.4 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 0.4 to 1.2 wt.%, and in particular in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0082] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises potassium in an amount of at least 2.5 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 3.0 wt.%, more preferably at least 3.5 wt.%, even more preferably at least 4.0 wt.%, most preferably at least 4.5 wt.%, and in particular at least 5.0 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0083] The nutrient combination according to the invention preferably comprises potassium in an amount of at least 10 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 12 wt.%, more preferably at least 14 wt.%, even more preferably at least 16 wt.%, most preferably at least 18 wt.%, and in particular at least 20 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0084] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises potassium in an amount of at most 8.5 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 8.0 wt.%, more preferably at most 7.5 wt.%, even more preferably at most 7.0 wt.%, most preferably at most 6.5 wt.%, and in particular at most 6.0 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0085] The nutrient combination according to the invention preferably comprises potassium in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 8.5 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 2.5 to 8.0 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 7.5 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 3.5 to 7.0 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.5 wt.%, and in particular in the range of 4.5 to 6.0 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0086] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises sulfur in an amount in the range of 0.2 to 5.0 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.4 to 3.0 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 0.6 to 2.5 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 2.0 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 wt.%, and in particular in the range of 1.2 to 1.3 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0087] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises calcium in an amount of at least 3.0 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 3.5 wt.%, more preferably at least 4.0 wt.%, even more preferably at least 4.5 wt.%, most preferably at least 5.0 wt.%, and in particular at least 5.5 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0088] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises calcium in an amount of at least 8.0 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 10 wt.%, more preferably at least 12 wt.%, even more preferably at least 14 wt.%, most preferably at least 16 wt.%, and in particular at least 18 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0089] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises calcium in an amount of at most 27 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 24 wt.%, more preferably at most 21 wt.%, even more preferably at most 18 wt.%, most preferably at most 15 wt.%, and in particular at most 12 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0090] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises calcium in an amount of at most 8.5 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 8.0 wt.%, more preferably at most 7.5 wt.%, even more preferably at most 7.0 wt.%, most preferably at most 6.5 wt.%, and in particular at most 6.0 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0091] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises calcium in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 9.5 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 9.0 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 8.5 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 8.0 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 4.0 to 7.5 wt.%, and in particular in the range of 5.0 to 7.0 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0092] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises magnesium in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 4.0 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.5 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 2.0 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 wt.%, and in particular in the range of 0.8 to 1.0 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

[0093] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises at most 50 wt.% of a growth-promoting component comprising a copolymer of fulvic acid and polymetallic humates (CPFAPH), based on the total weight of the nutrient combination; preferably at most 30 wt.%, and more preferably at most 10 wt.%; even more preferably, the nutrient combination comprises no growth-promoting component comprising a copolymer of fulvic acid and polymetallic humates (CPFAPH).

[0094] In preferred embodiments, the nutrient combination according to the invention is solid, preferably a powder.

[0095] In other preferred embodiments, the nutrient combination according to the invention is liquid.

[0096] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises nitrogen in an amount of at least 0.2 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 0.4 g per liter, more preferably at least 0.6 g per liter, even more preferably at least 0.8 g per liter, most preferably at least 1.0 g per liter, and in particular at least 1.2 g per liter.

[0097] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises nitrogen in an amount of at most 3.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 3.0 g per liter, more preferably at most 2.5 g per liter, even more preferably at most 2.0 g per liter, most preferably at most 1.6 g per liter, and in particular at most 1.2 g per liter.

[0098] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises nitrogen in an amount in the range of 0.005 to 8.0 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 6.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.015 to 4.0 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 1.0 to 1.25 g per liter.

[0099] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises phosphorus in an amount of at least 0.4 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 0.5 g per liter, more preferably at least 0.6 g per liter, even more preferably at least 0.7 g per liter, most preferably at least 0.8 g per liter, and in particular at least 0.9 g per liter.

[0100] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises phosphorus in an amount of at most 3.0 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 2.5 g per liter, preferably at most 2.0 g per liter, more preferably at most 1.5 g per liter, most preferably at most 1.0 g per liter, and in particular at most 0.8 g per liter.

[0101] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises phosphorus in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 5.0 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 1.8 g per liter, and even more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 1.4 g per liter, preferably in the range of 0.4 to 1.2 g per liter, and particularly in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 g per liter.

[0102] The nutrient combination according to the invention preferably comprises potassium in an amount of at least 2.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 3.0 g per liter, more preferably at least 3.5 g per liter, even more preferably at least 4.0 g per liter, most preferably at least 4.5 g per liter, and in particular at least 5.0 g per liter.

[0103] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises potassium in an amount of at most 8.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 8.0 g per liter, more preferably at most 7.5 g per liter, even more preferably at most 7.0 g per liter, most preferably at most 6.5 g per liter, and in particular at most 6.0 g per liter.

[0104] The nutrient combination according to the invention preferably comprises potassium in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 8.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 2.5 to 8.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 7.5 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 3.5 to 7.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.5 g per liter, and particularly in the range of 4.5 to 6.0 g per liter.

[0105] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises sulfur in an amount in the range of 0.2 to 5.0 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.4 to 3.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.6 to 2.5 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 2.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 1.2 to 1.3 g per liter.

[0106] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises calcium in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 9.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 9.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 8.5 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 8.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 4.0 to 7.5 g per liter, and particularly in the range of 5.0 to 7.0 g per liter.

[0107] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises magnesium in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 4.0 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.5 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 2.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 g per liter, and particularly in the range of 0.8 to 1.0 g per liter.

[0108] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises boron in an amount in the range of 0.002 to 0.035 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.003 to 0.03 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.004 to 0.025 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.005 to 0.02 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.006 to 0.015 g per liter, and particularly in the range of 0.007 to 0.009 g per liter.

[0109] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises molybdenum in an amount in the range of 0.001 to 0.002 g per liter of the nutrient combination.

[0110] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises copper in an amount in the range of 0.001 to 0.002 g per liter of the nutrient combination.

[0111] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises manganese in an amount in the range of 0.002 to 0.05 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.003 to 0.04 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.004 to 0.03 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.005 to 0.025 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.006 to 0.02 g per liter, and particularly in the range of 0.007 to 0.016 g per liter.

[0112] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises iron in an amount in the range of 0.002 to 0.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.005 to 0.3 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.02 to 0.15 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.03 to 0.12 g per liter, and particularly in the range of 0.04 to 0.09 g per liter.

[0113] Preferably, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises zinc in an amount in the range of 0.002 to 0.2 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.005 to 0.16 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.12 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.007 to 0.08 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.008 to 0.04 g per liter, and particularly in the range of 0.009 to 0.02 g per liter.

[0114] In preferred embodiments, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises - Nitrogen, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 10 g; - Phosphorus, in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 6.0 g; - Potassium, in an amount ranging from 1.0 to 10 g; - Sulfur, in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 6.0 g; - Calcium, in an amount ranging from 0.4 to 10 g; - Magnesium, in an amount ranging from 0.04 to 5.0 g; - Boron, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.05 g; - Molybdenum, in an amount ranging from 0.0005 to 0.05 g; - Copper, in an amount ranging from 0.0005 to 0.05 g; - Manganese, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 g; - Iron, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 1.0 g; and - Zinc, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.4 g; each per liter of the nutrient combination.

[0115] In preferred embodiments, the nutrient combination according to the invention comprises a first nutrient concentrate A and a second nutrient concentrate B.

[0116] In preferred embodiments, the first nutrient concentrate A has a density of 1.23 g / cm³. 3 .

[0117] In other preferred formulations, the second nutrient concentrate B has a density of 1.096 g / cm³. 3 .

[0118] The nutrient concentrate A preferably includes nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron and / or zinc.

[0119] The nutrient concentrate B preferably comprises nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, boron and / or molybdenum.

[0120] In other preferred embodiments, nutrient concentrate A comprises nitrogen and calcium. In these preferred embodiments, nutrient concentrate B comprises nitrogen, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, boron and / or molybdenum.

[0121] In other preferred embodiments, nutrient concentrate B comprises nitrogen and calcium. In these preferred embodiments, nutrient concentrate A comprises nitrogen, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron, zinc, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, boron, and / or molybdenum.

[0122] Preferably, the first nutrient concentrate A and the second nutrient concentrate B are present in a ratio of 1:2 to 2:1.

[0123] Preferably, the first nutrient concentrate A comprises nitrogen in an amount of at least 0.1 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate A, preferably at least 0.2 g per liter, more preferably at least 0.4 g per liter, even more preferably at least 0.6 g per liter, most preferably at least 0.8 g per liter, and in particular at least 1.0 g per liter.

[0124] Preferably, the first nutrient concentrate A comprises nitrogen in an amount of at most 3.5 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate A, preferably at most 3.0 g per liter, more preferably at most 2.5 g per liter, even more preferably at most 2.0 g per liter, most preferably at most 1.6 g per liter, and in particular at most 1.2 g per liter.

[0125] Preferably, the first nutrient concentrate A comprises nitrogen in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 8.0 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate A, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 6.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.15 to 4.0 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 g per liter, and particularly in the range of 1.0 to 1.25 g per liter.

[0126] Preferably, the first nutrient concentrate B comprises nitrogen in an amount of at least 0.1 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate B, preferably at least 0.2 g per liter, more preferably at least 0.4 g per liter, even more preferably at least 0.6 g per liter, most preferably at least 0.7 g per liter, and in particular at least 0.08 g per liter.

[0127] Preferably, the first nutrient concentrate B comprises nitrogen in an amount of at most 0.5 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate B, preferably at most 0.3 g per liter, more preferably at most 0.25 g per liter, even more preferably at most 0.2 g per liter, most preferably at most 0.15 g per liter, and in particular at most 0.09 g per liter.

[0128] Preferably, the first nutrient concentrate B comprises nitrogen in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 1.0 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate B, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 0.2 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 0.15 g per liter, and particularly in the range of 0.07 to 0.09 g per liter.

[0129] Another aspect of the invention relates to a nutrient solution comprising the nutrient combination described above and water.

[0130] Preferably, the nutrient solution according to the invention consists of the nutrient combination according to the invention and water.

[0131] Suitable water parameters for use in the nutrient solution are summarized in the table below:

[0132] Preferably, the nutrient solution according to the invention has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 1 to 2300 ppm.

[0133] In preferred embodiments, the nutrient solution according to the invention has a total nutrient concentration of at least 500 ppm, preferably at least 600 ppm, more preferably at least 700 ppm, even more preferably at least 800 ppm, most preferably at least 900 ppm, and in particular at least 1000 ppm.

[0134] In preferred embodiments, the nutrient solution according to the invention has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 600 to 2300 ppm, preferably 600 to 1300 ppm, more preferably 700 to 1200 ppm, and even more preferably 800 to 1000 ppm.

[0135] In other preferred embodiments, the nutrient solution according to the invention has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 600 to 2300 ppm, preferably 1400 to 2300 ppm, more preferably 1500 to 2100 ppm, and even more preferably 1600 to 1900 ppm.

[0136] In other preferred embodiments, the nutrient solution according to the invention has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 900 to 1700 ppm, preferably 1100 to 1500 ppm.

[0137] Preferably, the nutrient solution according to the invention has a pH value in the range of 4.0 to 8.0, preferably from 5.0 to 7.0, and more preferably from 5.6 to 6.0.

[0138] In particularly preferred embodiments, the nutrient solution according to the invention has a pH value in the range of 5.5±0.8, preferably 5.5±0.6, more preferably 5.5±0.4, and even more preferably 5.5±0.2.

[0139] In particularly preferred embodiments, the nutrient solution according to the invention has a pH value in the range of 5.8±0.8, preferably 5.8±0.6, more preferably 5.8±0.4, and even more preferably 5.8±0.2.

[0140] Preferably, the nutrient solution according to the invention has a pH value of at most 7.5, preferably at most 7.0, more preferably at most 6.5, even more preferably at most 5.9, most preferably at most 5.7, and in particular at most 5.5.

[0141] Preferably, the nutrient solution according to the invention has a pH value of at least 4.0, preferably at least 4.3, more preferably at least 4.6, even more preferably at least 4.9, most preferably at least 5.2, and in particular at least 5.5.

[0142] Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of the nutrient solution according to the invention for the soilless cultivation of plants.

[0143] Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for the soilless cultivation of plants, in particular in vertical agriculture over at least two levels, preferably at least three levels, the method comprising at least the steps of: (a) Providing cuttings, seeds or planting material; (b) Providing substrate; (c) Sowing or planting the cuttings, seeds or planting material provided in accordance with step (a) into the substrate provided in accordance with step (b); (d) Providing the nutrient solution according to the invention described above; (e) Raising the cuttings, seeds or planting material sown or planted according to step (c) to seedlings, preferably to reach a target size; wherein step (e) comprises bringing into contact the substrate provided according to step (b) and the nutrient solution provided according to step (d); (f) If necessary, transplant the seedlings raised according to step (e); and (g) If necessary, cultivate the seedlings raised according to step (e) or the seedlings transplanted according to step (f).

[0144] Preferably, the plants used in the inventive method are selected from the group consisting of lettuces, cabbages, herbs, fruit-bearing vegetables, in particular cucumber, tomato or pepper, and flowering herbs; preferably lettuce, cabbages, and herbs; preferably lettuce.

[0145] Preferred are the plants selected according to the invented method from lettuce varieties Tirolion, Xandra, Marinski, Redial, Mineral, Hawking, Haflex, Expertise, Traject, Thurinus, Soliflore, Limambo, Kirinia, Kiribati, Exographie, Feddenas, Concentus, and Cousteau.

[0146] Step (a) of the method according to the invention comprises providing cuttings, seeds or planting material.

[0147] For descriptive purposes, "cuttings" are plant materials derived from vegetative propagation, such as sections from (mother) plants. "Plant material" additionally includes tubers, roots, and rhizomes.

[0148] The quantity of cuttings, seeds or planting material is preferably dependent on the germination rate of the seeds and the desired sowing / planting density.

[0149] Step (b) of the method according to the invention comprises the provision of substrate.

[0150] For the purpose of description, the "substrate" is the basis on which plants can thrive and germinate.

[0151] Preferably, the substrate serves as a stabilizing matrix for the plant, in / around which the plant can generate a stable hold via, for example, its roots; preferably by forming a root network and anchoring itself.

[0152] The substrate preferably has the ability to bind salts in the nutrient solution.

[0153] Preferably, the substrate comprises one or more components that are independently selected from the group consisting of humus, compost, natural garden soil, arable soil, coconut fibers, wood fibers, rock wool, wood wool, sphagnum moss, peat moss, perlite, sand, gravel; liquid, semi-solid or solid nutrient medium, preferably agarose gel; and synthetic materials or fibers, preferably polyvinyl chloride.

[0154] In preferred embodiments, step (b) of the inventive method comprises compacting the substrate.

[0155] In other preferred embodiments, the substrate is not compacted; preferably in the case of already manufactured fabric nonwoven webs.

[0156] In preferred embodiments, the substrate provided according to step (b) comprises the nutrient solution according to the invention.

[0157] In other preferred embodiments, the substrate provided according to step (b) does not contain the nutrient solution according to the invention; preferably, the substrate is free of plant-available nutrients.

[0158] Preferably, the nutrient solution containing the substrate in step (b) has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 1 to 900 ppm.

[0159] Step (c) of the inventive procedure comprises sowing or planting the cuttings, seeds or planting material provided according to step (a) into the substrate provided according to step (b).

[0160] Step (d) of the inventive procedure comprises providing the inventive nutrient solution described above.

[0161] Step (e) of the inventive method comprises raising the cuttings, seeds or planting material sown or planted according to step (c) to seedlings, preferably to reach a target size; wherein step (e) comprises bringing into contact the substrate provided according to step (b) and the nutrient solution provided according to step (d).

[0162] For descriptive purposes, a "seedling" is a young plant that has developed from a seed through germination of the embryo.

[0163] In preferred versions, the cuttings, seeds or planting material are covered from the time of sowing or planting.

[0164] Preferably, the cuttings, seeds or planting material are covered for 5 to 10 days, preferably for 6 to 9 days, particularly preferably for 7 to 8 days.

[0165] In preferred embodiments, the plants are exposed to light in step (e); preferably, a dark phase is performed if the plants are not exposed to light. Preferably, the light phase and dark phase alternate.

[0166] Preferably, in step (e) the plants are exposed to LED light.

[0167] In preferred embodiments, in step (e) the plants are exposed to light at a wavelength of 380 to 780 nm.

[0168] Preferably, in step (e) the plants are exposed to red light at a wavelength of 660 to 730 nm and / or to blue light at a wavelength of 437 to 450 nm.

[0169] Preferably in step (e) the plants are exposed to red light at a wavelength of 660 to 730 nm and to blue light at a wavelength of 437 to 450 nm, in a ratio of 1:4 to 2:4, in particular in a ratio of 1:1, 1:4 or 2:3.

[0170] Preferably in step (e) the plants are exposed to light for a duration of 10 to 24 hours per day, preferably 12 to 20 hours per day, and particularly preferably 16 to 18 hours per day.

[0171] In preferred embodiments, the nutrient solution in step (e) of the process according to the invention has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 600 to 1200 ppm, preferably 800 to 1000 ppm.

[0172] In other preferred embodiments, the nutrient solution in step (e) of the inventive process has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 900 to 1700 ppm, preferably 1100 to 1500 ppm.

[0173] Preferably, the nutrient solution comprises at least 0.2 mL of the solution containing microorganisms and / or microbe-based preparations per liter of the nutrient solution; more preferably at least 0.4 mL, even more preferably at least 0.5 mL, most preferably at least 0.6 mL, and in particular at least 0.7 mL.

[0174] Preferably, in step (e) irrigation is carried out with the nutrient solution, followed by an interruption of irrigation.

[0175] Irrigation is preferably carried out via the roots of the plants.

[0176] In preferred embodiments, the irrigation period lasts for a period of 2 to 21 minutes, preferably 3 to 19 minutes, particularly preferably 4 to 17 minutes and most preferably 5 to 15 minutes.

[0177] Preferably, an interruption of 400 to 1440 minutes, preferably 450 to 750 minutes, and particularly preferably 480 to 720 minutes takes place after irrigation.

[0178] Preferably, irrigation takes place in step (e) independently of the light and dark phases.

[0179] Preferably in step (e) the temperature of the nutrient solution is in the range of 12 to 28 °C, preferably 16.5 to 21.5 °C.

[0180] Preferably, the relative humidity in step (e) is 50 to 80%, more preferably 60 to 70%. Preferably, the relative humidity is adjusted depending on the exposure and dark phases.

[0181] Preferably in step (e) the relative humidity during the exposure of the plants is 55 to 80%, preferably 60-78%.

[0182] Preferably, in step (e) the relative humidity during the dark phase is 55-75%, preferably 57-71%.

[0183] Preferably in step (e) the air circulation in the area of ​​the plants is set to a range of 0.05 to 3.9 m / s, preferably 0.2 to 1.6 m / s, particularly preferably 0.4 to 1.2 m / s.

[0184] Preferably, in step (e) the air temperature is set depending on the exposure phases and the dark phases.

[0185] Preferably, in step (e) the temperature of the air during the exposure phases is in the range of 21 to 25 °C, preferably 21.5 to 24.5.

[0186] Preferably in step (e) the temperature of the air during the dark phases is in the range of 17 to 22 °C, preferably 17.5 to 19.5.

[0187] Step (f) of the method according to the invention comprises the transfer of the seedlings raised according to step (e).

[0188] In preferred implementations, the seedlings are transferred to a culture station upon reaching a target size, preferably a growth stage.

[0189] Preferably, the target size, preferably the growth stage, is reached after 2 to 5 weeks.

[0190] The preferred culture station is a vertical shelf, column or wall system, which is preferably automatically irrigable, ventilable and / or illuminated.

[0191] In other preferred implementations, the seedlings are not transplanted; preferably, they are sown or planted directly into the final growing container in step (c). The seedlings are preferably harvested, preferably after 2 to 3 weeks.

[0192] Step (g) of the method according to the invention comprises cultivating the seedlings raised according to step (e) or the seedlings transferred according to step (f).

[0193] In preferred embodiments, the plants are not exposed to light in step (g).

[0194] In other preferred embodiments, in step (g) the plants are illuminated, preferably with LED light; preferably a dark phase occurs when the plants are not illuminated. Preferably the illumination phase and dark phase alternate.

[0195] In preferred embodiments, in step (g) the plants are exposed to light at a wavelength of 380 to 780 nm.

[0196] Preferably in step (g) the plants are exposed to red LED light at a wavelength of 660 to 730 nm and / or blue LED light at a wavelength of 437 to 450 nm.

[0197] Preferably in step (g) the plants are exposed to red LED light at a wavelength of 660 to 730 nm and to blue LED light at a wavelength of 437 to 450 nm, in a ratio of 5:1 to 1:1, preferably in a ratio of 5:1 or 1:1.

[0198] In step (g) the plants are preferably exposed to light for a duration of 10 to 24 hours per day, preferably 12 to 20 hours per day, and particularly preferably 16 to 18 hours per day.

[0199] Preferably, in step (g) the duration of exposure depends on physiological growth parameters of the plant.

[0200] In preferred embodiments, in step (g) the plants are exposed to light for 12 to 18 hours per day to achieve flowering, preferably 14 to 16 hours.

[0201] In other preferred embodiments, in step (g) the plants are exposed to light for 10 to 14 hours per day to achieve flowering, preferably 11 to 13 hours.

[0202] In preferred embodiments, in step (g) the plants are exposed to light for 10 to 16 hours per day to achieve further growth, preferably 12 to 14 hours.

[0203] In other preferred embodiments, in step (g) the plants are exposed to light for 10 to 12 hours per day to achieve further growth, preferably 10 to 11 hours.

[0204] Preferably in step (g) the plants are brought into contact with the nutrient solution described above.

[0205] Preferably, water of the same composition as in step (d) is used in step (g) to prepare the nutrient solution.

[0206] In preferred embodiments, the nutrient solution has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 600 to 2500 ppm, preferably 1200 to 1900 ppm.

[0207] Preferably, the nutrient solution contains at least a total proportion of microorganisms of 50 ppm; more preferably at least 80 ppm, even more preferably at least 120 ppm, most preferably at least 150 ppm.

[0208] Preferably, in step (g) the plants are irrigated with the nutrient solution during the exposure to light, followed by an interruption of the irrigation.

[0209] Irrigation is preferably carried out via the roots of the plants.

[0210] In preferred embodiments, the irrigation period during exposure lasts for 3 to 10 minutes, preferably 4 to 9 minutes, particularly preferably 5 to 8 minutes and most preferably 5 to 6 minutes.

[0211] Preferably, after irrigation, there is an interruption of 40 to 95 minutes during exposure, preferably 45 to 90 minutes, particularly preferably 50 to 85 minutes.

[0212] In preferred embodiments, watering takes place during the dark phase, followed by an interruption of the watering, wherein the duration of the interruption is longer than the duration of the watering.

[0213] Preferably, the irrigation during the dark phase lasts for a period of 3 to 10 minutes, preferably 4 to 9 minutes, particularly preferably 5 to 8 minutes and most preferably 5 to 6 minutes.

[0214] Preferably, after irrigation, there is an interruption of 200 to 400 minutes during the dark phase, preferably 250 to 350 minutes, particularly preferably 280 to 320 minutes.

[0215] Preferably, irrigation takes place in step (g) during the exposure phase and during the dark phase.

[0216] Preferably, irrigation is controlled during the light phase and / or during the dark phase depending on the determination of the plant's wilting point.

[0217] Preferably, the temperature of the nutrient solution is in the range of 12 to 28°C, preferably from 17.5 to 19.5°C.

[0218] Preferably, the relative humidity in step (g) is 50 to 80%, preferably 60 to 70%.

[0219] Preferably in step (g) the relative humidity during the exposure of the plants is 55 to 80%, preferably 60-78%.

[0220] Preferably, in step (g) the relative humidity during the dark phase is 55-75%, preferably 57-71%.

[0221] Preferably in step (g) the air circulation in the area of ​​the plants is set to a range of 0.05 to 3.9 m / s, preferably 0.2 to 1.6 m / s, particularly preferably 0.4 to 1.2 m / s.

[0222] Preferably in step (g) the temperature of the air during the exposure phases is in the range of 21 to 25 °C, preferably 22.5 to 24.5.

[0223] Preferably in step (g) the temperature of the air during the dark phases is in the range of 18 to 22 °C, preferably 18.5 to 20.5.

[0224] Preferably in step (g) the CCL content is regulated during the exposure phases, preferably to a content of at least 400 ppm.

[0225] Preferably, the CO2 content is adjusted to a range of 700 to 1400 ppm, preferably 800 to 1300 ppm, particularly preferably 900 to 1200 ppm.

[0226] Preferably, the period from sowing to the first partial or complete harvest of the plant is at least 14 days, preferably at least 18 days, particularly preferably at least 30 days, and especially at least 32 days.

[0227] In preferred embodiments, the method according to the invention comprises the application and / or fumigation with plant-based, natural or synthetic growth regulators, Hormones, activators, their precursors or derivatives; preferably selected from abscissic acid, auxin, cytokinin, ethylene, brassinosteroids, strigolactones, gibberelian acid, salicylic acid and jasmonic acid.

[0228] In preferred embodiments, the method according to the invention comprises the mechanical injury and / or mechanical irritation of the root and aboveground parts of the plant; preferably by cutting or trimming measures or stroking devices / stroking trolleys.

[0229] In preferred embodiments, the nutrients contained in the nutrient solution are dosed separately; preferably via a separate storage tank.

[0230] Preferably, the period from sowing to the first division or the complete harvest of the plant is at least 14 days, preferably at least 18 days, particularly preferably at least 30 days, and especially at least 32 days.

[0231] In preferred embodiments, water changes and / or cleaning work are carried out on water-bearing elements, in particular nutrient tanks, which are used during the process according to the invention, preferably whereby salt deposits are dissolved.

[0232] Preferably, a cleaning solution is used for cleaning, preferably a plant-compatible and food-safe cleaning solution.

[0233] Preferably, the nutrient solution tanks are completely emptied and cleaned at regular intervals, preferably at intervals of 3 to 12 weeks, preferably at intervals of 4 to 5 weeks.

[0234] Preferably, sludge and dry deposits, especially salt deposits, are removed after the tanks have been emptied.

[0235] Germicidal and / or oxidizing agents are preferably used to clean the inner surfaces of the nutrient tanks.

[0236] The cleaning agent preferably contains hydrogen peroxide or ethanol.

[0237] Preferred embodiments of the invention are summarized below as sentences 1 to 124:

[0238] The following examples serve to illustrate the invention, but are not to be interpreted restrictively. Example 1:

[0239] A liquid nutrient combination for soilless lettuce cultivation was produced from a first nutrient concentrate A and a second nutrient concentrate B. The ratio of A to B is 1 : 1. The composition of the nutrient combination is listed in the table below:

[0240] The nutrient combination was used for soilless cultivation of lettuce (including varieties such as Tirolion, Xandra, Marinski, Redial, Mineral, Hawking, Haflex, Expertise, and Cousteau). For seedling cultivation, the liquid nutrient combination was diluted with water to a nutrient solution with a total nutrient concentration of 900 ppm, and the pH of the nutrient solution was adjusted to 6.0. For the further cultivation of the seedlings and mature plants, the liquid nutrient combination was diluted with water to a nutrient solution with a total nutrient concentration of 1750 ppm, and the pH of the nutrient solution was also adjusted to 6.0.

[0241] Several mature lettuce plants (especially the varieties Mineral, Expertise, Hawking, Redial, and Cousteau) showed browning on the leaf margins of the outer, older leaves (see Figures 1A, 1B, and IC). These symptoms are typically the first signs of potassium deficiency.

[0242] Furthermore, calcium deficiency was visible (especially in head-forming varieties like Tirolion) as browning of the leaf margins and blades (tipbum) in the inner leaf tissues, i.e., dry tissue of the youngest leaves (see Figure 2). This condition can typically also be exacerbated by irregular watering or high humidity, which can impair calcium uptake. Calcium deficiency in the plant due to unfavorable climatic conditions could be ruled out, as the sensor readings for relative humidity were within the optimal range for lettuce cultivation (65% on average). In addition, the CO₂ dosing was active (reaching -1200 ppm), and the air temperature was between 18 and 23 °C.

[0243] Nutrient concentrate A showed lower storage stability and the formation of salt crystals could be observed after 2 months of storage. Example 2:

[0244] A liquid nutrient combination for soilless lettuce cultivation was prepared from a first nutrient concentrate A and a second nutrient concentrate B. The ratio of A to B is 2:1. The composition of the nutrient combination is listed in the table below:

[0245] This nutrient combination was used instead of the nutrient combination according to Example 1 for the soilless cultivation of lettuce (including the varieties Tirolion, Xandra, Marinski, Mineral, Hawking, Expertise, Traject, Soliflore, and Cousteau). For seedling cultivation, the liquid nutrient combination was diluted with water to a nutrient solution with a total nutrient concentration of 1100–1500 ppm, and the pH of the nutrient solution was adjusted to 5.5. For the further cultivation of the seedlings and / or mature plants, the liquid nutrient combination was diluted with water to a nutrient solution with a total nutrient concentration of 1800 ppm, and the pH of the nutrient solution was also adjusted to 5.5.

[0246] Compared to the nutrient solution in Example 1, nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc were available to the plants in higher quantities. Furthermore, nutrient uptake by the plants was improved by adjusting the pH to 5.5 instead of 6.0. This resulted in greater availability of phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and boron in the nutrient solution for the plants.

[0247] About one week after switching from the nutrient solution according to Example 1 to the nutrient solution according to Example 2, approximately 3-week-old lettuce seedlings (of the Tirolion variety) still showed symptoms of magnesium deficiency in the form of tiny brown spots on the leaves (see Figures 3A and 3B).

[0248] Only after the changeover did newly planted seedlings of the same sowing date (of the varieties Tirolion, Xandra, Marinski, Mineral, Hawking, Soliflore and Cousteau) show no signs of problems after about 3 weeks. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency. Even after another 2 months, the lettuce plants showed no symptoms of magnesium or calcium deficiency (see Figures 4A, 4B and 4C).

[0249] Approximately three weeks after switching from the nutrient solution according to Example 1 to the nutrient solution according to Example 2, the initial calcium deficiency of the adult lettuce plants (variety Tirolion) improved. The newly formed inner leaves no longer showed browning or dry leaf tips, while the older, outer leaves still showed symptoms of the calcium deficiency caused before the change in nutrient composition (caused by the nutrient combination from Example 1). The inner leaves looked healthy and green with crisp, green tissue (see Figure 5A). Lettuce plants transplanted after the change (of the head-forming varieties Tirolion and Soliflore) also showed no symptoms of calcium deficiency after a total of 11 weeks of cultivation (see Figure 5B).

[0250] Lettuce seedlings (of the Cousteau variety) transplanted after the change in growing medium showed no symptoms of potassium or other nutrient deficiencies after approximately 2 to 3 weeks. After another 1.5 weeks, the newly formed leaves of the Cousteau seedlings appeared completely healthy and still showed no symptoms of potassium deficiency. Plants of other varieties, seemingly more susceptible to potassium deficiency, such as Mineral, Expertise, and Redial, showed no or barely visible potassium deficiency symptoms on the leaf margins. Even after harvesting (and a subsequent 2-week period of cultivation with the roots in a tray of tap water and placed on a sunny windowsill), the lettuce plants generally showed no newly emerging symptoms of potassium or other nutrient deficiencies (see Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C). This indicates that the plants have good post-harvest quality. Example 3:

[0251] A liquid nutrient combination for soilless lettuce cultivation was prepared from a first nutrient concentrate A and a second nutrient concentrate B. The ratio of A to B is 1:1. The composition of the nutrient combination is listed in the table below:

[0252] The nutrient combination was used for soilless cultivation of lettuce (including varieties such as Tirolion, Xandra, Marinski, Mineral, Redial, Expertise, Traject, Soliflore, Kirinia, Feddenas, Concentus, and Cousteau). For seedling cultivation, the liquid nutrient combination was diluted with water to a nutrient solution with a total nutrient concentration of 900 ppm, and the pH of the nutrient solution was adjusted to 5.8–5.9. For the further cultivation of seedlings and mature plants, the liquid nutrient combination was diluted with water to a nutrient solution with a total nutrient concentration of 1700 ppm, and the pH of the nutrient solution was also adjusted to 5.5.

[0253] Compared to the nutrient solution according to Example 2, calcium, copper, iron, manganese and zinc were available to the plants in slightly lower quantities.

[0254] The lettuce plants were healthy and showed no symptoms of nutrient deficiency as long as nutrients A and B were dispensed evenly from the nutrient reservoirs. The exception was the romaine lettuce variety Concentus, which relatively frequently exhibited potassium deficiency symptoms on the edges of older leaves.

[0255] Nutrient concentrate A exhibited lower storage stability: after 14 days of storage, unopened canisters in the storage room (cellar with uniform ambient temperature and humidity) showed a swollen shape, indicating unwanted gas development inside the canister.

[0256] After approximately 2-3 weeks of use, deposits of fine salt crystals increasingly formed at the bottom of the storage tanks containing nutrient concentrates A and B. This often led to frequent clogging of the dosing hoses and consequently to extensive cleaning of the dosing system. The resulting irregularities in the dosing volume from the storage tanks of nutrient concentrates A and B, caused by the (increasing) clogging, sometimes resulted in a nutrient imbalance in the nutrient solution used for plant irrigation. This was evident in the leaf symptoms of the growing plants, as well as other sensory characteristics such as atypical discoloration of leaves and flowers (indicating nutrient toxicity or deficiency in lettuce and other concurrently cultivated plants such as various herbs and leafy greens), dieback, and stunted growth (e.g.,Stunted growth, increased leaf and flower drop, rot), as well as a greater accumulation of bitter substances in leaves. Example 4:

[0257] A liquid nutrient combination for soilless lettuce cultivation was prepared from a first nutrient concentrate A and a second nutrient concentrate B. The ratio of A to B is 1:1. The composition of the nutrient combination is listed in the table below: Example 5:

[0258] A liquid nutrient combination for soilless lettuce cultivation was prepared from a first nutrient concentrate A and a second nutrient concentrate B. The ratio of A to B is 1:1. The composition of the nutrient combination is listed in the table below:

[0259] The nutrient combination was used for soilless cultivation of lettuce (including varieties such as Tirolion, Xandra, Marinski, Mineral, Redial, Traject, Concentus, Thurinus, Soliflore, Limambo, Kirinia, Kiribati, Exographie, Expertise, Feddenas, and Cousteau). For seedling propagation, the liquid nutrient combination was diluted with water to create a nutrient solution with a The total nutrient concentration was diluted to 900 ppm and the pH of the nutrient solution was adjusted to 5.8. For the further cultivation of seedlings or adult plants, the liquid nutrient combination was diluted with water to a nutrient solution with a total nutrient concentration of 1700-1800 ppm, and the pH of the nutrient solution was also adjusted to 5.8.

[0260] The nutrient combination contained ammonium ions as a nitrogen source in addition to nitrate ions, resulting in better and higher nitrogen availability for the plants compared to examples 1-4. Furthermore, boron, molybdenum, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc were present in slightly increased levels of plant availability.

[0261] The liquid nutrient combination was used in various hydroponic systems for the soilless cultivation of lettuce, which differed particularly in the lighting of the plants, the climate control and the air circulation.

[0262] The lettuce plants were healthy in all tested farming systems (which differed primarily in the design of the air circulation / flow, as well as the light intensity and the ratio of blue to red LEDs) and showed no symptoms of nutrient deficiency with optimal dosage of the two nutrient concentrates A and B. The exception was that the Romaine lettuce variety Concentus continued to show leaf symptoms of potassium deficiency, although these were less pronounced than when using the nutrient combination according to Example 3.

[0263] No crystal formation was observed in either nutrient concentrate A or B after storage for at least 8 months. Furthermore, the pH value of the nutrient solution could be easily adjusted. Example 6:

[0264] A solid nutrient combination for soilless lettuce cultivation was produced from a first nutrient concentrate A and a second nutrient concentrate B. The ratio of A to B is 1:1. The composition of the nutrient combination is listed in the table below: Example 7:

[0265] A solid nutrient combination for soilless lettuce cultivation was produced from a first nutrient concentrate A and a second nutrient concentrate B. The ratio of A to B is 1:1. The composition of the nutrient combination is listed in the table below:

[0266] The nutrient combination was used for soilless cultivation of lettuce (including varieties such as Xandra, Marinski, Mineral, Kiribati, Kirinia, Expertise, Exographie, Soliflore, and Cousteau). For seedling cultivation, the liquid nutrient combination was diluted with water to a nutrient solution with a total nutrient concentration of 900 ppm, and the pH of the nutrient solution was adjusted to 5.8. For the further cultivation of the seedlings and / or mature plants, the liquid nutrient combination was diluted with water to a nutrient solution with a total nutrient concentration of 1700–1800 ppm, and the pH of the nutrient solution was also adjusted to 5.8.

[0267] Compared to the nutrient combination according to Example 5, the nutrient combination contained slightly higher levels of ammonium, potassium, manganese and zinc, and slightly lower levels of all other nutrients.

[0268] The nutrient combination was used in various hydroponic systems for the soilless cultivation of lettuce, which differed particularly in the lighting of the plants, the climate control and the air circulation.

[0269] Any quantity of nutrient solution can be freshly prepared from the nutrient combination and diluted as needed. The recommended concentration for preparing a The nutrient solution corresponds to half the strength of the nutrient concentrates used in Example 5. By using the recommended nutrient concentration or an even more diluted solution, it is possible to operate the dosing system for at least 6 months (corresponding to the currently maximum tested period) without clogging the dosing lines.

[0270] The lettuce plants were completely healthy and showed no symptoms of nutrient deficiency with optimal dosage of the two nutrient concentrates. Example 8:

[0271] A liquid nutrient combination was prepared for soilless cultivation of lettuce with an N : P : K ratio of 1.00 : 0.17 : 3.25. The nutrient combination was used for soilless cultivation of lettuce (of the varieties Tirolion, Hawking, Xandra, Marinski, Mineral and Cousteau).

[0272] The lettuce plants showed various symptoms of nutrient deficiency, particularly signs of potassium deficiency, calcium deficiency and magnesium deficiency.

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A nutrient combination for the soilless cultivation of plants, in particular in vertical farming over at least two levels, preferably at least three levels, comprising at least: - nitrogen, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 15% by weight; - phosphorus, in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 6.0% by weight; - potassium, in an amount ranging from 1.0 to 30% by weight; - sulphur, in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 10% by weight; - calcium, in an amount ranging from 0.4 to 30% by weight, preferably 0.4 to 10% by weight; - magnesium, in an amount ranging from 0.04 to 5.0% by weight; - boron, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.05% by weight; - molybdenum, in an amount ranging from 0.0005 to 0.05% by weight; - copper, in an amount ranging from 0.0005 to 0.05% by weight; - manganese, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.1% by weight; - iron, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 1.0% by weight; and - zinc, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.4% by weight, based on the total weight of the nutrient combination; optionally microorganisms and / or microbe-based preparations, preferably consisting of chitin or toxins, selected from the group consisting of Arthrobacter globiformis, Azospilrillum brasilense, Azospilrillum lipoferum, Azotobacter chroococcum, Azotobacter paspcili, Azotobacter vinelandii, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Bacillus atrophaeus, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus megaterium, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bififobacterium animalis, Bififobacterium lactis, Bififobacterium longum, Brevibacillus brevis, Cellulomonas fimi, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus lactis, Lactobacillus plantarum, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, Lactococcus lactis, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteorides, Micrococcus luteus, Phanerochaete chrysosporium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas ar- gentinensis, Pseudomonas azotoformans,Pseudomonas chlororaphis, Pseudomonas flourescens, Pseudomonas fulva, Pseudomonas nitroreducens, Pseudomonas poae, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas stutzeri, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodospirillum rubrum, Saccharomyces cervisiae, Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptomyces griseus, and Thrichoderma reesei; and optionally, ferments selected from algae, compost, molasses, and mung beans; the nitrogen to potassium ratio being at least 1.0:2.

0. The nutrient combination according to claim 1, wherein the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium (N:P:K) is in the range of 1.0:0.1:1.5 to 1.0:1.0:8.0, preferably from 1.0:0.2:2.5 to 1.0:0.7:6.0, more preferably from 1.0:0.3:3.5 to 1.0:0.5:4.

5.

3. The nutrient combination according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the concentration of potassium is greater than the concentration of nitrogen.

4. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentration of potassium is greater than the concentration of phosphorus.

5. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentration of nitrogen is greater than the concentration of phosphorus.

6. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the concentration of calcium is greater than the concentration of nitrogen.

7. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of nitrogen to potassium (N:K) is at least 1.0:2.4, preferably at least 1.0:2.7, more preferably at least 1.0:3.0, even more preferably at least 1.0:3.3, most preferably at least 1.0:3.6, and in particular at least 1.0:3.

9.

8. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of nitrogen to potassium (N:K) is at most 1.0:10, preferably at most 1.0:8.0, more preferably at most 1.0:7.0, even more preferably at most 1.0:6.0, most preferably at most 1.0:5.5, and in particular at most 1.0:5.

0.

9. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of nitrogen to potassium (N:K) is in the range from 1.0:1.0 to 1.0:6.5, preferably from 1.0:1.5 to 1.0:6.0, more preferably from 1.0:2.0 to 1.0:5.5, even more preferably from 1.0:2.5 to 1.0:5.0, most preferably from 1.0:3.0 to 1.0:4.6, and in particular from 1.0:3.0 to 1.0:4.

2.

10. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P) is at least 1.0:0.15, preferably at least 1.0:0.20, more preferably at least 1.0:0.25, even more preferably at least 1.0:0.30, most preferably at least 1.0:0.35, and in particular at least 1.0:0.

40.

11. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P) is at most 1.0:1.0, preferably at most 1.0:0.9, more preferably at most 1.0:0.8, even more preferably at most 1.0:0.7, most preferably at most 1.0:0.6, and in particular at most 1.0:0.

5.

12. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus (N:P) is in the range from 1.0:0.15 to 1.0:0.9, preferably from 1.0:0.2 to 1.0:0.8, more preferably from 1.0:0.25 to 1.0:0.7, even more preferably from 1.0:0.3 to 1.0:0.6, most preferably from 1.0:0.35 to 1.0:0.5, and in particular from 1.0:0.35 to 1.0:0.

45.

13. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of nitrogen to calcium (N:Ca) is at least 1.0:2.4, preferably at least 1.0:2.7, more preferably at least 1.0:3.0, even more preferably at least 1.0:3.3, most preferably at least 1.0:3.6, and in particular at least 1.0:3.

9.

14. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of nitrogen to calcium (N:Ca) is at most 1.0:10, preferably at most 1.0:8.0, more preferably at most 1.0:7.0, even more preferably at most 1.0:6.0, most preferably at most 1.0:5.5, and in particular at most 1.0:5.

0.

15. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ratio of nitrogen to calcium (N:Ca) is in the range from 1.0:0.4 to 1.0:8.0, preferably from 1.0:1.0 to 1.0:6.5, more preferably from 1.0:1.5 to 1.0:6.0, even more preferably from 1.0:2.0 to 1.0:5.5, most preferably from 1.0:2.5 to 1.0:5.0, and in particular from 1.0:2.5 to 1.0:3.

5.

16. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises sodium.

17. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises chlorine.

18. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a nitrogen source selected from the group consisting of calcium nitrate, sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium nitrate, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, triammonium phosphate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium thiosulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonia, calcium cyanamide, calcium ammonium nitrate, urea, ammonium lignosulfonate, ammonium bifluoride, and ammonium heptamolybdate; preferably calcium nitrate.

19. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a phosphorus source selected from the group consisting of phosphorus pentoxide, phosphoric acid, monoammonium phosphate, diammonium phosphate, triammonium phosphate, potassium pyrophosphate, sodium pyrophosphate, potassium phosphate, and sodium phosphate; preferably phosphorus pentoxide.

20. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a potassium source selected from the group consisting of potassium oxide, potassium chloride, potassium sulfate, potassium carbonate, potassium acetate, potassium citrate, potassium hydroxide, potassium manganate, potassium phosphate, potassium molybdate, potassium thiosulfate, and potassium nitrate; preferably potassium oxide.

21. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a sulfur source selected from the group consisting of ammonium sulfate, calcium sulfate, potassium sulfate, magnesium sulfate, sulfuric acid, cobalt sulfate, copper sulfate, iron sulfate, sulfur trioxide, and sulfur; preferably sulfur trioxide.

22. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a calcium source selected from the group consisting of calcium nitrate, calcium cyanamide, calcium acetate, calcium borate, calcium carbonate, calcium chloride, calcium citrate, calcium lactate, calcium oxide, calcium sulfate, calcium tartrate, calcium ammonium nitrate, and calcium lignosulfonate; preferably calcium oxide or calcium carbonate.

23. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a magnesium source selected from the group consisting of magnesium oxide, magnesium acetate, magnesium borate, magnesium chloride, magnesium citrate, magnesium nitrate, magnesium phosphate, and magnesium sulfate; preferably magnesium oxide.

24. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a boron source selected from the group consisting of boric acid, calcium borate, potassium borohydride, borax, boron trioxide, potassium tetraborate, sodium borate, sodium borohydride, and sodium tetraborate.

25. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a molybdenum source selected from the group consisting of molybdic acid, calcium molybdate, potassium molybdate, sodium molybdate, and ammonium molybdate.

26. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a copper source selected from the group consisting of copper acetate, copper chlorate, copper chloride, copper citrate, copper nitrate, and copper sulfate.

27. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a manganese source selected from the group consisting of manganese acetate, manganese chloride, manganese nitrate, manganese phosphate, and manganese sulfate.

28. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises an iron source selected from the group consisting of ferrous chloride, ferrous citrate, ferrous nitrate, ferrous oxide, ferrous citrate, ferrous sulfate, and ferrous sulfonate.

29. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises a zinc source selected from the group consisting of zinc oxide, zinc acetate, zinc chloride, zinc citrate, zinc nitrate, and zinc sulfate.

30. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises nitrogen in an amount of at least 0.2% by weight of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 0.4% by weight, more preferably at least 0.6% by weight, even more preferably at least 0.8% by weight, most preferably at least 1.0% by weight, and in particular at least 1.2% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

31. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises nitrogen in an amount of at most 3.5% by weight of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 3.0% by weight, more preferably at most 2.5% by weight, even more preferably at most 2.0% by weight, most preferably at most 1.6% by weight, and in particular at most 1.2% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

32. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises nitrogen in an amount in the range of 0.005 to 8.0 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 6.0 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 0.015 to 4.0 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 wt.%, and in particular in the range of 1.0 to 1.25 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

33. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises phosphorus in an amount of at least 0.4% by weight of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 0.5% by weight, more preferably at least 0.6% by weight, even more preferably at least 0.7% by weight, most preferably at least 0.8% by weight, and in particular at least 0.9% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

34. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises phosphorus in an amount of at most 3.0 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 2.5 wt.%, more preferably at most 2.0 wt.%, even more preferably at most 1.5 wt.%, most preferably at most 1.0 wt.%, and in particular at most 0.8 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

35. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises phosphorus in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 5.0 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 1.8 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 1.4 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 0.4 to 1.2 wt.%, and in particular in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

36. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises potassium in an amount of at least 2.5% by weight of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 3.0% by weight, more preferably at least 3.5% by weight, even more preferably at least 4.0% by weight, most preferably at least 4.5% by weight, and in particular at least 5.0% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

37. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises potassium in an amount of at most 8.5% by weight of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 8.0% by weight, more preferably at most 7.5% by weight, even more preferably at most 7.0% by weight, most preferably at most 6.5% by weight, and in particular at most 6.0% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

38. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises potassium in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 8.5 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 2.5 to 8.0 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 7.5 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 3.5 to 7.0 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.5 wt.%, and in particular in the range of 4.5 to 6.0 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

39. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises sulfur in an amount in the range of 0.2 to 5.0 wt.% of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.4 to 3.0 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 0.6 to 2.5 wt.%, even more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 2.0 wt.%, most preferably in the range from 1.0 to 1.5% by weight, and in particular in the range from 1.2 to 1.3% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

40. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises calcium in an amount of at least 3.0% by weight of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 3.5% by weight, more preferably at least 4.0% by weight, even more preferably at least 4.5% by weight, most preferably at least 5.0% by weight, and in particular at least 5.5% by weight, based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

41. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises calcium in an amount of at most 8.5% by weight of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 8.0% by weight, more preferably at most 7.5% by weight, even more preferably at most 7.0% by weight, most preferably at most 6.5% by weight, and in particular at most 6.0% by weight, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

42. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises calcium in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 9.5 wt% of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 9.0 wt%, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 8.5 wt%, even more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 8.0 wt%, most preferably in the range of 4.0 to 7.5 wt%, and in particular in the range of 5.0 to 7.0 wt%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

43. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the nutrient combination comprises magnesium in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 4.0% by weight of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3.0% by weight, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.5 wt.%, more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 2.0 wt.%, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 wt.%, and in particular in the range of 0.8 to 1.0 wt.%, in each case based on the total weight of the nutrient combination.

44. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which comprises at most 50 wt.% of a growth-promoting component comprising a copolymer of fulvic acid and polymetallic humates (CPFAPH), based on the total weight of the nutrient combination; preferably at most 30 wt.%, and more preferably at most 10 wt.%; even more preferably, the nutrient combination does not comprise any growth-promoting component comprising a copolymer of fulvic acid and polymetallic humates (CPFAPH).

45. The nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims, which is solid, preferably a powder.

46. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 1 to 45, which is liquid.

47. The nutrient combination of claim 46, wherein the nutrient combination comprises nitrogen in an amount of at least 0.2 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 0.4 g per liter, more preferably at least 0.6 g per liter, even more preferably at least 0.8 g per liter, most preferably at least 1.0 g per liter, and in particular at least 1.2 g per liter.

48. The nutrient combination according to claim 46 or 47, wherein the nutrient combination comprises nitrogen in an amount of at most 3.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 3.0 g per liter, more preferably at most 2.5 g per liter, even more preferably at most 2.0 g per liter, most preferably at most 1.6 g per liter, and in particular at most 1.2 g per liter.

49. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 48, wherein the nutrient combination comprises nitrogen in an amount in the range of 0.005 to 8.0 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.01 to 6.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.015 to 4.0 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 1.0 to 1.25 g per liter.

50. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 49, wherein the nutrient combination comprises phosphorus in an amount of at least 0.4 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 0.5 g per liter, more preferably at least 0.6 g per liter, even more preferably at least 0.7 g per liter, most preferably at least 0.8 g per liter, and in particular at least 0.9 g per liter.

51. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 50, wherein the nutrient combination comprises phosphorus in an amount of at most 3.0 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 2.5 g per liter, more preferably at most 2.0 g per liter, even more preferably at most 1.5 g per liter, most preferably at most 1.0 g per liter, and in particular at most 0.8 g per liter.

52. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein the nutrient combination comprises phosphorus in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 5.0 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 2.5 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 1.8 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.3 to 1.4 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.4 to 1.2 g per liter, and especially in the range of 0.5 to 1.0 g per liter.

53. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 52, wherein the nutrient combination comprises potassium in an amount of at least 2.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at least 3.0 g per liter, more preferably at least 3.5 g per liter, even more preferably at least 4.0 g per liter, most preferably at least 4.5 g per liter, and in particular at least 5.0 g per liter.

54. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 53, wherein the nutrient combination comprises potassium in an amount of at most 8.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably at most 8.0 g per liter, more preferably at most 7.5 g per liter, even more preferably at most 7.0 g per liter, most preferably at most 6.5 g per liter, and in particular at most 6.0 g per liter.

55. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 54, wherein the nutrient combination comprises potassium in an amount in the range of 2.0 to 8.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 2.5 to 8.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 7.5 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 3.5 to 7.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 4.0 to 6.5 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 4.5 to 6.0 g per liter.

56. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 55, wherein the nutrient combination comprises sulfur in an amount in the range of 0.2 to 5.0 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.4 to 3.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.6 to 2.5 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.8 to 2.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 1.0 to 1.5 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 1.2 to 1.3 g per liter.

57. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 56, wherein the nutrient combination comprises calcium in an amount in the range of 0.5 to 9.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 1.0 to 9.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 2.0 to 8.5 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 3.0 to 8.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 4.0 to 7.5 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 5.0 to 7.0 g per liter.

58. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 57, wherein the nutrient combination comprises magnesium in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 4.0 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 3.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.5 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 2.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 g per liter, and especially in the range of 0.8 to 1.0 g per liter.

59. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 58, wherein the nutrient combination comprises boron in an amount in the range of 0.002 to 0.035 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.003 to 0.03 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.004 to 0.025 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.005 to 0.02 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.006 to 0.015 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 0.007 to 0.009 g per liter.

60. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 59, wherein the nutrient combination comprises molybdenum in an amount in the range of 0.001 to 0.002 g per liter of the nutrient combination.

61. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 60, wherein the nutrient combination comprises copper in an amount in the range of 0.001 to 0.002 g per liter of the nutrient combination.

62. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 61, wherein the nutrient combination comprises manganese in an amount in the range of 0.002 to 0.05 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.003 to 0.04 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.004 to 0.03 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.005 to 0.025 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.006 to 0.02 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 0.007 to 0.016 g per liter.

63. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 62, wherein the nutrient combination comprises iron in an amount in the range of 0.002 to 0.5 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.005 to 0.3 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.2 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.02 to 0.15 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.03 to 0.12 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 0.04 to 0.09 g per liter.

64. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 63, wherein the nutrient combination comprises zinc in an amount in the range of 0.002 to 0.2 g per liter of the nutrient combination, preferably in the range of 0.005 to 0.16 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.01 to 0.12 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.007 to 0.08 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.008 to 0.04 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 0.009 to 0.02 g per liter.

65. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 64, which - nitrogen, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 10 g; - phosphorus, in an amount ranging from 0.01 to 6.0 g; - potassium, in an amount ranging from 1.0 to 10 g; - sulphur, in an amount ranging from 0.1 to 6.0 g; - Calcium, in an amount ranging from 0.4 to 10 g; - magnesium, in an amount ranging from 0.04 to 5.0 g; - boron, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.05 g; - molybdenum, in an amount ranging from 0.0005 to 0.05 g; - copper, in an amount ranging from 0.0005 to 0.05 g; - manganese, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.1 g; - iron, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 1.0 g; and - Zinc, in an amount ranging from 0.001 to 0.4 g; each per liter of the nutrient combination.

66. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 46 to 65, which comprises a first nutrient concentrate A and a second nutrient concentrate B.

67. The nutrient combination according to claim 66, wherein the nutrient concentrate A comprises nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, copper, manganese, iron and / or zinc.

68. The nutrient combination according to claim 66 or 67, wherein the nutrient concentrate B comprises nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, boron and / or molybdenum.

69. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 66 to 68, wherein the first nutrient concentrate A and the second nutrient concentrate B are present in a ratio of 1:2 to 2:

1.

70. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 66 to 69, wherein the first nutrient concentrate A comprises nitrogen in an amount of at least 0.1 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate A, preferably at least 0.2 g per liter, more preferably at least 0.4 g per liter, still more preferably at least 0.6 g per liter, most preferably at least 0.8 g per liter, and especially at least 1.0 g per liter.

71. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 66 to 70, wherein the first nutrient concentrate A comprises nitrogen in an amount of at most 3.5 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate A, preferably at most 3.0 g per liter, more preferably at most 2.5 g per liter, even more preferably at most 2.0 g per liter, most preferably at most 1.6 g per liter, and in particular at most 1.2 g per liter.

72. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 66 to 71, wherein the first nutrient concentrate A comprises nitrogen in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 8.0 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate A, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 6.0 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.15 to 4.0 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 2.0 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 1.5 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 1.0 to 1.25 g per liter.

73. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 66 to 72, wherein the first nutrient concentrate B comprises nitrogen in an amount of at least 0.1 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate B, preferably at least 0.2 g per liter, more preferably at least 0.4 g per liter, even more preferably at least 0.6 g per liter, most preferably at least 0.7 g per liter, and in particular at least 0.08 g per liter.

74. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 66 to 73, wherein the first nutrient concentrate B comprises nitrogen in an amount of at most 0.5 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate B, preferably at most 0.3 g per liter, more preferably at most 0.25 g per liter, even more preferably at most 0.2 g per liter, most preferably at most 0.15 g per liter, and in particular at most 0.09 g per liter.

75. The nutrient combination according to any one of claims 66 to 74, wherein the first nutrient concentrate B comprises nitrogen in an amount in the range of 0.05 to 1.0 g per liter of the first nutrient concentrate B, preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.6 g per liter, more preferably in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 g per liter, even more preferably in the range of 0.4 to 0.2 g per liter, most preferably in the range of 0.6 to 0.15 g per liter, and in particular in the range of 0.07 to 0.09 g per liter.

76. A nutrient solution comprising the nutrient combination according to any one of the preceding claims and water.

77. The nutrient solution of claim 76, which has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 1 to 2300 ppm.

78. The nutrient solution according to claim 76 or 77, which has a total nutrient concentration of at least 500 ppm, preferably at least 600 ppm, more preferably at least 700 ppm, even more preferably at least 800 ppm, most preferably at least 900 ppm, and in particular at least 1000 ppm.

79. The nutrient solution according to any one of claims 76 to 78, which has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 600 to 2300 ppm, preferably 600 to 1300 ppm, more preferably 700 to 1200 ppm, and even more preferably 800 to 1000 ppm.

80. The nutrient solution according to any one of claims 76 to 78, which has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 600 to 2300 ppm, preferably 1400 to 2300 ppm, more preferably 1500 to 2100 ppm, and even more preferably 1600 to 1900 ppm.

81. The nutrient solution according to any one of claims 76 to 80, which has a pH in the range of 4.0 to 8.0, preferably 5.0 to 7.0, and more preferably 5.6 to 6.

0.

82. The nutrient solution according to any one of claims 76 to 81, which has a pH in the range of 5.5±0.8, preferably 5.5±0.6, more preferably 5.5±0.4, and even more preferably 5.5±0.

2.

83. The nutrient solution according to any one of claims 76 to 82, which has a pH of at most 7.5, preferably at most 7.0, more preferably at most 6.5, even more preferably at most 5.9, most preferably at most 5.7, and in particular at most 5.

5.

84. The nutrient solution according to any one of claims 76 to 83, which has a pH of at least 4.0, preferably at least 4.3, more preferably at least 4.6, even more preferably at least 4.9, most preferably at least 5.2, and in particular at least 5.

5.

85. A method for the soilless cultivation of plants, in particular in vertical farming over at least two levels, preferably at least three levels, the method comprising at least the steps: (a) providing cuttings, seeds or planting material; (b) providing substrate; (c) sowing or planting the cuttings, seeds or planting material provided in step (a) into the substrate provided in step (b); (d) providing the nutrient solution according to any one of claims 76 to 84; (e) growing the cuttings, seeds, or planting material sown or planted according to step (c) into seedlings, preferably until a target size is reached; wherein step (e) comprises bringing into contact the substrate provided according to step (b) and the nutrient solution provided according to step (d); (f) If necessary, transplanting the seedlings grown in accordance with step (e); and (g) If necessary, cultivating the seedlings raised according to step (e) or the seedlings transplanted according to step (f).

86. The method according to claim 85, wherein the plants are selected from the group consisting of lettuces, cabbages, herbs, fruit-bearing vegetables, in particular cucumber, tomato or pepper, and flowering herbs; preferably lettuce, cabbages, and herbs; preferably lettuce.

87. The method according to claim 85 or 86, wherein the substrate comprises one or more components independently selected from the group consisting of humus, compost, mature garden soil, arable soil, coconut fibers, wood fibers, rock wool, wood wool, sphagnum moss, peat moss, perlite, sand, gravel; liquid, semi-solid or solid nutrient medium, preferably agarose gel; and synthetic materials or fibers, preferably polyvinyl chloride.

88. The method of any one of claims 85 to 87, wherein step (b) comprises densifying the substrate.

89. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 88, wherein the substrate provided according to step (b) comprises nutrient solution according to any one of claims 76 to 84.

90. The method of claim 89, wherein the nutrient solution has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 1 to 900 ppm.

91. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 90, wherein the cuttings, seeds or planting material are covered from sowing or planting.

92. The method according to claim 91, wherein the covering is for 5 to 10 days, preferably for 6 to 9 days, more preferably for 7 to 8 days.

93. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 92, wherein in step (e) the plants are exposed to light; preferably a dark phase occurs when the plants are not exposed to light.

94. The method of claim 93, wherein in step (e) the plants are exposed to LED light.

95. The method according to claim 93 or 94, wherein in step (e) the plants are exposed to light at a wavelength of 380 to 780 nm.

96. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 95, wherein in step (e) the plants are exposed to red light at a wavelength of 660 to 730 nm and / or to blue light at a wavelength of 437 to 450 nm.

97. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 96, wherein in step (e) the plants are exposed to red light at a wavelength of 660 to 730 nm and to blue light at a wavelength of 437 to 450 nm, in a ratio of 1:4 to 2:4, in particular in a ratio of 1:1, 1:4 or 2:

3.

98. The method according to any one of claims 93 to 97, wherein in step (e) the plants are illuminated for a period of 10 to 24 hours per day, preferably 12 to 20 hours per day, more preferably 16 to 18 hours per day.

99. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 98, wherein in step (e) the nutrient solution has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 700 to 1200 ppm, preferably 800 to 1000 ppm.

100. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 99, wherein in step (e) irrigation is carried out with the nutrient solution, followed by an interruption of the irrigation.

101. The method of claim 100, wherein irrigation occurs via the roots of the plants.

102. The method according to claim 100 or 101, wherein the duration of the irrigation is for a period of 2 to 21 minutes, preferably 3 to 19 minutes, more preferably 4 to 17 minutes and most preferably 5 to 15 minutes.

103. The method according to any one of claims 100 to 102, wherein after irrigation there is an interruption of 400 to 1440 minutes, preferably 450 to 750 minutes, particularly preferably 480 to 720 minutes.

104. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 103, wherein in step (e) the temperature of the nutrient solution is in the range of 12 to 28°C, preferably 16.5 to 21.5°C.

105. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 104, wherein in step (e) the relative humidity is 50 to 80%, preferably 60 to 70%.

106. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 105, wherein in step (e) the relative humidity during the exposure of the plants is 55 to 80%, preferably 60-78%.

107. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 106, wherein in step (e) the relative humidity during the dark phase is 55-75%, preferably 57-71%.

108. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 107, wherein in step (e) the air circulation in the region of the plants is set to a range of 0.05 to 3.9 m / s, preferably 0.2 to 1.6 m / s, particularly preferably 0.4 to 1.2 m / s.

109. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 108, wherein in step (e) the temperature of the air during the exposure phases is in the range of 21 to 25°C, preferably 21.5 to 24.

5.

110. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 109, wherein in step (e) the temperature of the air during the dark phases is in the range of 17 to 22°C, preferably 17.5 to 19.

5.

111. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 110, wherein the seedlings are transferred to a culture station upon reaching a target size, preferably a growth stage.

112. The method according to claim 111, wherein the target size, preferably the growth stage, is reached after 2 to 5 weeks.

113. The method according to claim 111 or 112, wherein the culture station is a vertical shelf, column or wall system, which is preferably automatically waterable, aerated and / or illuminated.

114. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 113, wherein in step (g) no illumination of the plants occurs.

115. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 114, wherein in step (g) the plants are illuminated, preferably with LED light; preferably a dark phase occurs when the plants are not illuminated.

116. The method of claim 115, wherein in step (g) the plants are exposed to light at a wavelength of 380 to 780 nm.

117. The method according to claim 115 or 116, wherein in step (g) the plants are exposed to red LED light at a wavelength of 660 to 730 nm and / or blue LED light at a wavelength of 437 to 450 nm.

118. The method according to any one of claims 115 to 117, wherein in step (g) the plants are exposed to red LED light at a wavelength of 660 to 730 nm and to blue LED light at a wavelength of 437 to 450 nm, in a ratio of 5:1 to 1:1, preferably at a ratio of 5:1 or 1:

1.

119. The method according to any one of claims 115 to 118, wherein in step (g) the plants are illuminated for a period of 10 to 24 hours per day, preferably 12 to 20 hours per day, more preferably 16 to 18 hours per day.

120. The method according to any one of claims 115 to 120, wherein in step (g) the duration of exposure depends on physiological growth parameters of the plant.

121. The method of claim 120, wherein in step (g) the plants are illuminated for 12 to 18 hours per day to achieve flowering, preferably 14 to 16 hours.

122. The method of claim 120, wherein in step (g) the plants are illuminated for 10 to 14 hours per day to achieve flowering, preferably 11 to 13 hours.

123. The method of claim 120, wherein in step (g) the plants are illuminated for 10 to 16 hours per day to achieve further growth, preferably 12 to 14 hours.

124. The method of claim 120, wherein in step (g) the plants are illuminated for 10 to 12 hours per day to achieve further growth, preferably 10 to 11 hours.

125. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 124, wherein in step (g) the plants are contacted with the nutrient solution according to any one of claims 76 to 84.

126. The method according to claim 125, wherein in step (g) water of the same composition as in step (d) is used to prepare the nutrient solution.

127. The method according to claim 125 or 126, wherein the nutrient solution has a total nutrient concentration in the range of 600 to 2500 ppm, preferably 1200 to 1900 ppm.

128. The method according to any one of claims 125 to 127, wherein in step (g) the plants are irrigated with the nutrient solution during the exposure to light, followed by an interruption of the irrigation.

129. The method of any one of claims 125 to 128, wherein irrigation is via the roots.

130. The method according to any one of claims 125 to 129, wherein the duration of the irrigation during the light exposure is for a period of 3 to 10 minutes, preferably 4 to 9 minutes, more preferably 5 to 8 minutes, and most preferably 5 to 6 minutes.

131. The method according to any one of claims 125 to 130, wherein after the irrigation during the exposure there is an interruption of 40 to 95 minutes, preferably 45 to 90 minutes, particularly preferably 50 to 85 minutes.

132. The method according to any one of claims 125 to 131, wherein watering is carried out during the dark phase, followed by an interruption of watering, the duration of the interruption being longer than the duration of the watering.

133. The method according to any one of claims 125 to 132, wherein the duration of the irrigation during the dark phase is for a period of 3 to 10 minutes, preferably 4 to 9 minutes, more preferably 5 to 8 minutes, and most preferably 5 to 6 minutes.

134. The method according to any one of claims 125 to 133, wherein after irrigation during the dark phase there is an interruption of 200 to 400 minutes, preferably 250 to 350 minutes, particularly preferably 280 to 320 minutes.

135. The method according to any one of claims 125 to 134, wherein the control of irrigation during the light phase and / or during the dark phase is carried out in dependence on the determination of the wilting point of the plant.

136. The method according to any one of claims 125 to 135, wherein the temperature of the nutrient solution is in the range of 12 to 28°C, preferably 17.5 to 19.5°C.

137. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 136, wherein in step (g) the relative humidity is 50 to 80%, preferably 60 to 70%.

138. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 137, wherein in step (g) the relative humidity during the exposure of the plants is 55 to 80%, preferably 60-78%.

139. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 138, wherein in step (g) the relative humidity during the dark phase is 55-75%, preferably 57-71%.

140. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 139, wherein in step (g) the air circulation in the region of the plants is set to a range of 0.05 to 3.9 m / s, preferably 0.2 to 1.6 m / s, particularly preferably 0.4 to 1.2 m / s 141. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 140, wherein in step (g) the temperature of the air during the exposure phases is in the range of 21 to 25°C, preferably 22.5 to 24.

5.

142. The process according to any one of claims 85 to 141, wherein in step (g) the temperature of the air during the dark phases is in the range of 18 to 22°C, preferably 18.5 to 20.

5.

143. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 142, wherein in step (g) the CCL content is regulated during the exposure phases, preferably to a content of at least 400 ppm.

144. The method according to claim 143, wherein the CO2 content is adjusted to a range of 700 to 1400 ppm, preferably 800 to 1300 ppm, particularly preferably 900 to 1200 ppm.

145. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 144, wherein the period from sowing to the first partial harvest or the complete harvest of the plant is at least 14 days, preferably at least 18 days, more preferably at least 30 days, and especially at least 32 days.

146. The method according to any one of claims 85 to 145, wherein water changes and / or cleaning work is carried out on water-conducting elements, in particular nutrient tanks, which are used during the method, preferably wherein salt deposits are dissolved.

147. The method according to claim 146, wherein a cleaning solution is used for cleaning, preferably a plant-compatible and food-safe cleaning solution.

148. The method according to claim 146 or 147, wherein a complete emptying and cleaning of the nutrient solution tanks takes place at regular intervals, preferably at intervals of 3 to 12 weeks, preferably 4 to 5 weeks.

149. The method according to any one of claims 146 to 148, wherein after emptying the tanks, sludge and dry deposits, in particular salt deposits, are removed.

150. The method according to any one of claims 146 to 149, wherein germicidal and / or oxidizing agents are used to clean the internal surfaces of the nutrient tanks.

151. The method of claim 150, wherein the agent contains hydrogen peroxide or ethanol.

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