ADAPTIVE CULTIVATION SYSTEM

Description

DESCRIPTION of the patent for industrial invention from Title: “Adaptive cultivation system” in the name of: Germina Srl with headquarters in Carrara (MS), Viale Domenico Zaccagna 6, 54033, VAT number 01412350454; inventor 5th designated: Marco GHIO of Italian nationality. Technical field The present invention concerns an adaptive system of cultivation conveniently usable in the field 10 horticultural and / or floricultural. This system of adaptive cultivation including a pot equipped with a suitable growing substrate for plants and / or similar. Said vase and said substrate defining an adaptive cultivation volume i.e. 15 capable of adapting seamlessly to the progressive development stages of the hosted crops. The present invention is therefore addressed to all the germination and growth processes used in the horticultural and floricultural sector, for cultivation 20 of any kind of plants or crops. Said applications including, but not limited to, non-limiting, both outdoor cultivations and inside agricultural greenhouses and / or functionally designated areas equivalent. This system is advantageously 25 applicable both on a small scale for domestic and / or amateurs as well as on a large scale for commercial and / or commercial uses industrialists. State of the art 30 It is well known that the cultivation of plants and / or crops in the horticultural and / or floricultural sector provides basically two phases: • a first phase of germination in which the embryo content in a seed begins to exit the phase of retirement following the occurrence of appropriate environmental conditions (substrate of development, water content, oxygen and adequate temperature); 5 • a second and subsequent growth phase in which the seeds have germinated and the seedlings generated are strong enough to be transferred to a larger growing environment in which to develop and further increase both in height and in 10 terms of radical development. To promote seed germination, it is the use of has gradually become established and widespread pre-assembled substrates typically consisting of a germination wafer and / or pellet. These substrates 15 consist essentially of disks or cubes of various sizes shapes and sizes composed of materials such as peat or coconut and used depending on the type of crops and of the application areas: peat is very appreciated for its ability to retain moisture 20 and provide a sterile environment and the resulting coconut preferable for its excellent drainage properties and ventilation, i.e. preventing unwanted stagnation water. From the implementation point of view the above mentioned 25 basic materials are usually compressed into shapes of cubes or disks to obtain a compact structure that is easy to handle and transportable. Further called germination pods are 30 often covered with a biodegradable net that helps to maintain shape during handling and use, particularly during any event irrigation. In current and habitual use, the pods of germination for growing plants involves the following phases of use: • Preparation: the wafers are placed in a 5 tray or in a suitable container and subsequently moistened with water which makes them expand and become soft; • Inserting the seeds: once the pods are fully expanded, the seeds are inserted into 10 small holes / seats located on the surface. These holes can be made manually or be already prepared; • Germination: the seed pods are maintained in an appropriate growth environment by 15 thermohygrometric point of view. In this phase the seedling begins to develop and the relative root system grows and expands progressively inside the wafer to nutrient search. 20 • Transplant: once the seedlings are strong enough, they can be transplanted directly in the ground or in a larger pot, Wafer included. The wafer decomposes naturally. in the ground. Identifying the technical problem Transplanting plants after germination, in a pod, induces a state of stress in the plant. This stress is due to the change in the environment of 30 growth, which requires the plant to adapt to new conditions. In response to this change, the plant does not follows a linear growth path. Instead, goes through a period of stasis, which can last approximately 10 days. During this period, the plant does not show 5 visible signs of growth. This is because the plant is focusing its energies and resources to adapt to the new environment and overcome stress caused by the transplant. Only after completing this adaptation process, the plant resumes its 10 normal growth, continuing its development in a more stable and robust. This aspect is obviously detrimental both in terms of quality of the cultivation process both in economic and financial terms. 15 From the point of view of crop quality: • An excessive period of stasis can lead to following an overall growth more slow and less vigorous; • Transplant stress can reduce the ability 20 of the plant to produce flowers, fruits or leaves of high quality; • The plant's immune system can be compromise, making her less able to defend herself from diseases and parasites; 25 • Leaves may wilt and turn yellow during the period of stasis due to the reduction of photosynthesis and therefore of energy production. From an economic and financial point of view, moreover to the obvious unproductive delay in the crop cycle 30 with any system downtime, please note that: • The need to monitor and care for plants stress can increase labor costs mainly due to the need to pre-treat and / or handle the germination wafer carefully keeping the wafer as intact as possible with root system during transition; • The possible use of biostimulants for 5 compensation determines additional costs; • The possible reduction in growth and post stasis production can lead to lower plant productivity in terms of flowers / fruits; 10 • Excessive transplant stress can lead in some cases to extremes to the death of plants with consequent direct loss of investment, both in terms of time than money. 15 Purposes of the invention This patent aims to overcome the critical issues of the known art described in the previous paragraph and, in particular, the issues left open by the systems and mitigation techniques currently 20 employees in the horticultural sector to limit the transplant stress. The main objective of the proposed patent is to create a productive cultivation system usable in the horticultural and floricultural sector for 25 avoid the inconveniences introduced by the operation of transplantation and ensure a smooth transition and seamlessly between the phase of germination and growth. A further objective of the proposed patent is to 30 to create an adaptive cultivation system that is, capable of adapting flexibly to different and subsequent stages of development of a crop and, particularly, provide a volume of cultivation and a modular growing substrate and progressively extendable according to development radical of said crop. A further objective of the proposed patent is 5 create an adaptive cultivation system that provides ready-to-use equipment that does not require complex preparations. A further objective of the proposed patent is create a cultivation system based on 10 tools and equipment that take up little space and They are easy to carry. A further objective of the proposed patent is create a characterized cultivation system from the use of easily accessible materials and devices 15 available on the market. A further purpose of the proposed patent is to create a cultivation system adaptable to the different types of crops and application areas; said system being capable of producing conditions 20 ideal for germination and growth and of improve success rate and productivity. Finally, a further purpose of the proposed patent is that of creating a cultivation system environmentally friendly and, in particular, a system based 25 on the pervasive use of biodegradable materials and / or compostable to allow easy disposal with recycling. Summary of the invention 30 The above mentioned objectives and other purposes which will become clearer later on, they are achieved through the adaptive cultivation system for horticultural and floricultural applications according to the main claim 1. Some advantageous forms of implementation and some implementation alternatives are represented in the dependent claims. In an advantageous form of implementation the system 5 The proposed adaptive cultivation system includes the use of a single cultivation volume preferably but not necessarily in the form of a modular vase, called vase being used adaptively and without solution of continuity to host and promote both phases 10 of seed germination and development and growth of the resulting plan. More precisely, this system is characterized by a pot and a growing substrate both modular and expandable, that is, capable of increasing 15 progressively the cultivation volume grows of the plant and, in particular, of its apparatus radical. To achieve this result, the vessel is divided in a plurality of horizontal sections; said sections 20 being concentric, decreasing and stackable as It happens in common containers (glasses, cups) folding. According to the proposed cultivation system called vase in compact initial configuration, i.e. with 25 stacked sections is preloaded by inserting into the bottom section of a growing substrate multilayer or a growing substrate comprising a plurality of germination pods compact, vertically overlapping and isolated from each other 30 by means of a suitable membrane; said wafers being preferably but not necessarily in equal numbers to the above-mentioned sections of the vessel. In the current use of the system the pods are separately and progressively watered starting from from the upper wafer which reasonably contains the seed to germinate. 5 Once germination has taken place and the plant grows and its root system the cultivation system provides for means to progressively remove the insulating layers of the wafers underneath the first and allow the passage of water and the regular 10 propagation of the root system in the pods underlying; said wafers being provided with adequate nutrients useful for the subsequent growth phases of the plant; this allows for the gradual and continuous development of the seedling without having to resort to 15 transplanting it into a cultivation environment wider. Finally, it should be noted that following the gradual watering each germination pod compressed corresponds to the progressive expansion 20 volumetric multilayer growing substrate. The proposed cultivation system exploits the aforementioned volumetric expansion steps to lift progressively the various horizontal sections that go to increase the overall volume of the vessel 25 modular. The proposed cultivation system is for this purpose provided with means in a preferable form but not exclusive of a lid and of interlocking seats and progressive coupling that allows the different 30 sections (starting from the top edge) of be dragged up one at a time, this determining the progressive assembly with overall volumetric growth of the vessel and of the cultivation volume. Brief description of the attached drawings 5 Additional Features and Benefits of the proposed technical solution, will be more evident in the following description of a form preferred, but not exclusive, implementation represented, by way of example and not limited to 10 limiting, in the three attached tables of drawings where: • Fig.1 illustrates the resolution principle of the proposed invention; • Fig.2,3,4 show a realization of the 15 expandable modular vessel according to the invention; • Fig.5 illustrates a sectional view of the vessel modular expandable in collection configuration with evidence of the growing substrate multilayer contained within it; 20 • Fig.6,7,8 illustrate the progressive expansion volumetrics of the growing substrate multilayer caused by progressive irrigation water and consequent expansion of layers underlying and annexed raising of the sections 25 horizontals of the modular vase and growth of the cultivation volume; • Fig.9 illustrates in detail the substrate of multilayer cultivation according to the system of proposed adaptive cultivation; 30 • Fig.10 illustrates in detail a realization of a single wafer according to the system of proposed adaptive cultivation. Please note that the figures attached to this document illustrated question are one of the possible forms executives of the system, to better understand its advantages and features described. 5 These executive forms are therefore to be understood as purely illustrative purposes and not limiting to the concept inventive, that is, the creation of a system adaptive cultivation system that can be used to advantage in horticultural and / or floricultural sector for germination 10 and growth of plants without the need for transplanting. It should be noted that the above mentioned figures present and describe an embodiment comprising a vase modular and a multi-layer growing substrate characterized by three elements each but no obstacles 15 that both said elements are characterised by a different number of elements without going out of scope of the proposed and claimed invention. Best way to implement the invention 20 With reference to the attached drawing tables and the problem is illustrated in particular in Fig.1 technical addressed and the resolution principle to which the proposed invention aims to provide a system adaptive cultivation; called joint system of 25 germination and growth being able to adapt adaptable to the various and successive stages of development of a crop from seed to plant and, in particular, provide a growing volume and a growing substrate modular and progressively extendable cultivation 30 depending on the root development of the different crops hosted. Fig. 1 then illustrates the operation of the proposed system and in particular the expansion of the vase (100) and the relative cultivation volume (200) hosted in the different stages of germination and growth. Said vase (100) being made in modular form and being characterized by a plurality of sections 5 horizontal overlapping and stackable starting from from a collected configuration (A) they expand into height in a telescopic manner by stacking progressively (B),(C),(D) and determining the gradual increase in volume 10 cultivation (200) available. In this way the compartment available for cultivation inside the pot increases its volume, starting from a condition of minimum volumetric extension (A) at a condition of maximum volumetric extension (B), in 15 so that the volume of the cultivation area (200) follow the growth phases of the root system of the hosted plant. With reference to the attached drawings and particularly in Fig. 2,3,4 the 20 structure of an expandable modular vessel (100) according to the invention, said vessel comprising by title three sections, exemplary and not limiting horizontal vertically superimposable. For the precision the expandable modular vase (100) in 25 question includes a background section (101) equipped with drainage openings (102), at least one intermediate section (103) also reiterating that the the number of intermediate sections may obviously vary and an upper section (104) that defines the edge 30 higher (105) of the cultivation volume; said upper section (104) being surmounted by a suitable covering element (105) characterised by a central light or opening (106) and represented in Fig.4 for purely illustrative purposes in the form of circular crown. These horizontal sections (101),(103),(104) are concentric as illustrated in Fig.3 and, further, 5 are characterized by flared profiles with widths progressively decreasing starting from the edge upper (105) to the bottom section (101). In particular, these sections are overlapping. and stackable: thanks to the flared shape and 10 progressively decreasing of the various sections linked from top to bottom, the modular vase is capable of assuming a compact and collected configuration compact (A) as shown in Fig.1 and Fig.2 where all sections overlap completely and / or 15 partially and, by gravity, they collect compacting on the bottom section (101), this reducing the overall height and reducing the space cultivable up to the previously mentioned condition of minimum volumetric extension (D). 20 With reference to the attached drawings and particularly in Fig.5 it is illustrated in view sectioned the expandable modular vessel (100) according to the proposed invention, said vessel being represented in the initial collected configuration (A) 25 and with minimum volumetric extension. This Fig.5 further depicts a substrate of multilayer cultivation (300) internally contained to the dynamically defined cultivation space (200) and progressively from the modular vessel (100). 30 According to the proposed cultivation system called expandable modular vessel (100) in configuration compact initial (A) i.e. with horizontal sections (101),(103),(104) stacked is preloaded fitting into the base (107) of the bottom section (101) a multilayer growing substrate (300). Said multilayer growing substrate (300) comprising a plurality of germination pods 5 compacts (301),(302),(303); said wafers being preferably but not necessarily in equal numbers to the horizontal sections (101),(103),(104) which make up the expandable modular vase (100). The pods that make up the growing substrate 10 multilayers are overlapped and packaged for arrange vertically in the cultivation volume (200) starting from a first adjacent upper wafer (301) to the upper edge (105) up to a last wafer (303) positioned on the base (107) of the bottom section 15 (101). Each of the remaining pods (302) positioned on the intermediate levels of the stack are separated from the underlying and overlying wafers through an appropriate waterproof membrane (400) that prevents the passage by gravity of water between adjacent pods. 20 According to the proposed adaptive cultivation system the first upper wafer (301) is used to host the seed subjected to germination while the pods underlying (302),(303) are used to provide the nutrients needed for subsequent growth stages 25 of the plant; said lower wafers (302),(303) being progressively accessible and exploitable from the plant when, through appropriate means, they are made progressively permeable starting from the top successive membranes (400) that separate pairs of wafers 30 adjacent. In these circumstances the irrigation water which spreads downwards from the wafer of overlying germination allows the apparatus root of the plant to propagate downwards and develop in the underlying wafer benefiting from new nutrients. Please note that the growing substrate multilayer (300) and the related pods 5 (301),(302),(303) that compose it are configured to occupy the space between the base (107) of the bottom section (101) and the covering element (105) when the expandable modular vessel (100) is located in the aforementioned condition of minimum extension 10 volumetric (A). The covering element (105), in order to facilitate the correct and stable positioning of the substrate cultivation under the opening / light is provided with lateral collision elements (108) used to hold 15 centered the multilayer substrate (300) and limit any bulges when, in the current use of the system, the germination and growth pods are water them and they expand. Furthermore Fig.5 illustrates an example of 20 implementation of the above-mentioned means to make permeable membranes (400) between two pairs of adjacent wafers (301),(302) and (302),(303). In In particular, an extendable electric wire is shown (500) housed in a collected position in the section 25 upper (104) of the modular vessel (100) and powered preferably but not necessarily through a external source reachable thanks to an appropriate opening (109) made in the vase (100). Said thread electric (500) being preferably but not 30 exclusively of multipolar type and being used according to the invention to progressively make permeable membranes (400) and selectively activate and progressively the underlying wafers (302),(303) to the first year of high school (301) or starting from second wafer (302) up to the last wafer (303) housed on the base (107) of the bottom section (101) . 5 With reference to Fig.6,7,8 of the attached drawings the functioning of the modular vessel is illustrated expandable (100) of which the adaptive system of cultivation object of invention and, more precisely, the seamless transition from the phase 10 of germination and those of growth and development. In in particular, the progressive expansion is represented volumetrics of the multilayer growing substrate (300) caused by the progressive water spraying that it propagates between successive layers; called progressive 15 sprinkling of the underlying wafers (302),(303) being driven through means that sequentially make the membranes permeable(400) that separate the wafer currently used by the wafer underlying; this allows the roots of the 20 plant to propagate downwards. Further the Fig.6,7,8 illustrate the progressive increase and gradual horizontal sections (101),(102),(103) which make up the expandable modular vase (100) with consequent increase in cultivation volume 25 (200) and depth expansion of the apparatus radical; said elevation being caused from the expansion caused by the subsequent phases hydration of the wafers (301),(302),(303) which make up the cultivation substrate (300). 30 In particular, Fig.6 illustrates the expansion of the first wafer (301) tablet comprising the seed to germinate. Starting from the condition of minimum volumetric extension (A) described in the previous Fig.5 the upper wafer (301) hydrated expands upwards and hits the lower portion of the covering element (105) with related lateral containment collisions (108). 5 The expansion of the wafer (301) generated by the simple watering causes pressure growing which progressively raises the upper section (104) of the modular vessel (100). More precisely, the upper wafer (301) is 10 configured and sized to expand vertically and reach the configuration of maximum expansion by dragging the first one upwards upper section (104) of the expandable modular vessel (100) until reaching the upper edge level 15 (109) of the vessel section below (102). When this quota is reached in the two upper sections (104) and intermediate (103) involved connect and compact thanks to a stop and clamping seat (110) obtained at the interface between the respective edges 20 lower and upper of the two sections of the vase (104),(103) which are connected by the effect of the pressure exerted by the expanded substrate. As a title exemplary and non-limiting said striking seat and tightening (1110) can be realized in the form of 25 perimeter curb made in one or preferably both called bottom edge and edge upper upper between two adjacent sections of the vessel expandable modular (100) that can be connected to effect of pressure. 30 With reference to the attached drawings and Fig.7,8 are illustrated in a similar way to the previous case the subsequent expansions of the second (302) and of the third (303) wafer used according to the specimen of realization provided. Said expansions generating respectively lifting with tightening in second section (103) of the modular vase until the consolidation of the structure which, in a manner 5 similar to the previous case, is obtained when said second section (103) of the expandable modular vessel (100) is dragged by the expansion of the wafers underlying (302),(303) until reaching the quota of top edge of the bottom section (101). When 10 this quota is reached in the two upper sections and the lower ones involved connect and compact thanks to a stop and clamping seat (110) obtained at the interface between the respective edges lower (110A) and upper (110B) of the two sections 15 adjacent vases that are going to connect. In this case the process of vessel expansion modular expandable (100) with volume growth of cultivation (200) is driven by means that make them selectively and progressively permeable 20 membranes (400) arranged between the stacked wafers. Thanks to these means the water irrigated to the seedling is free to descend progressively and by gravity in the lower layers of the growing substrate multilayer (300) making it expand progressively 25 pods (301),(302),(303) stacked and allowing the colonization of the plant's root system. With reference to the attached drawings and, particularly in Fig. 9 it is illustrated in detail the stratification that leads to the creation of the 30 multi-layer growing substrate (300) used according to the proposed invention; said substrate of multilayer cultivation (300) being made with multilayer technique, that is, including a plurality of germination pods (301),(302),(303) initially compact, overlapping vertically and isolated from each other by waterproof membranes to water (400); said substrate (300) being 5 possibly provided in its upper part that is, adjacent to the upper surface of the first germination wafer of an adhesive (600) or covering element to facilitate its conservation before use and to prevent any possible 10 liquid spills that could activate accidentally germination and / or expansion accidental and unsolicited use of the first pod. With reference to the attached drawings and in particular, Fig.10 illustrates an example 15 of preferable but not exclusive realization of a of said wafers (301),(302),(303) according to the patent proposed. Said wafers comprising a portion preferably in the form of a compressed disc (304) of organic material such as the aforementioned peat or coconut 20 and functionally equivalent elements i.e. preparatory and functional to development with crop growth. These wafers being topped by a resistance (305) preferably in the form of a serpentine; called 25 coil being connected to the wire (500) used to drive the system and progressively activate and sequentially the expansion of the wafers (301),(302),(303) which compose the substrate of multilayer cultivation (300). 30 Said resistance (305) being further topped with a layer of waterproof membrane (400) which due to the electric current passing through the resistance (305) is thermally eroded and / or damaged by losing the above mentioned properties of waterproofing and allowing water to pass through above to descend by gravity through the membrane (400) in the pods (301),(302),(303) 5 tablet below and determine its progressive and sequential volumetric expansion. Said waterproof membrane layer (400) being possibly used not only to cover the resistance (305) but also to wrap and compact the 10 wafer and the entire substrate (300); said use secondary allowing to maintain the form factor of the wafers (301),(302),(303) during the expansion for water supply and allowing to limit the bulging of the same and any dilation 15 horizontal at the expense of the planned expansion in vertical direction with progressive dragging of sections (104) and (103) of the vessel (100). Advantages of the invention 20 The advantages of the invention according to the patent of The proposed invention is multiple and evident both in terms of efficiency and improvement of the cultivation systems currently used for germination and growth of vegetable and garden crops 25 horticultural companies. The proposed solution resulted conveniently usable as a joint system of germination and growth said processes being obtained gradually and seamlessly that is, eliminating the so-called transplant stress. Industrial applicability and implementation alternatives While the invention is susceptible of various modifications and alternative constructions, some forms of favorite realizations were shown in the drawings and described in detail in the example of implementation previously illustrated. It must be understood, however, that there is no 5 intention to limit the invention to the specification embodiment illustrated, but, on the contrary, It is intended to cover all modifications, constructions alternatives, and equivalents that fall within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims 10 attached. The use of “for example”, “etc.”, “or” indicates non-exclusive alternatives without limitation unless not otherwise indicated. The use of “include” means “include, but not 15 limited to” unless otherwise stated. In particular, the invention may be realized with technical equivalents, with materials or devices supplements suitable for the purpose and application area. Conformation and sizing of the parts 20 constituents and the products made may vary in an appropriate manner, but consistent with the solution proposal. Any changes to the specimen of proposed implementation, including adjustments and 25 sizing appropriate to specifications and further applications, will be easily deducible from a adequately trained technician in the field and without leaving from the scope of protection of the claimed patent. This without invalidating or eluding the inventive core 30 of the invention and its application to any type of hydraulic braking circuits. The system can be further adapted and further equipped with systems and accessories common use in the application field and also in the availability of a technician in the field and further the possibility of realizing the system is claimed even in partial form. 5 It is important to reiterate that the solution proposed thanks a careful choice of materials could result in totally eco-friendly. By way of example and non-limiting waterproof membranes may be made of bioplastic of natural origin, 100% compostable such as the so-called PLA and / or functionally equivalent materials. The resistance used can also be advantageously made of carbon wire this allowing complete removal at the end of its life with 15 composting of the growing substrate with annexes means of control and subsequent recycling of the vessel modular that can be effectively reused loading it with new germination pods and growth. The applicant Alberto BOREA Legal Representative. GERMINA SRL 25 (Digitally Signed Document)

Claims

Claims 1. Adaptive cultivation system; said system allowing plants to be grown within a cultivation volume (200); said cultivation volume being expandable as the root development of said plants varies from a condition of minimum volumetric extension (A) to a condition of maximum volumetric extension (D); said system comprising: i. an expandable modular pot (100) used to house said cultivation volume (200); said pot (100) comprising a bottom section (101), at least one intermediate section (103) and an upper section (104); said sections (101),(103),(104) being horizontal, concentric and superimposable sections and being progressively stackable allowing the pot (100) to progressively pass from said condition of minimum volumetric extension (A) to said condition of maximum volumetric extension (D); ii.a multi-layered growing medium (300) comprising an upper growing pod (301), at least one intermediate pod (302) and a base pod (303) positioned on the base (107) of said bottom section (101); said pods (301), (302), (303) being separated from each other by an impermeable membrane (400); said upper pod (301) being used to house the seed of a plant; iii. a lid (105) superimposed on said upper section (104); comprising a central opening (106) for watering and illuminating said growing volume (200); iv. means for selectively and progressively making permeable the membranes (400) comprised between pairs of adjacent pods (301),(302) and (302),(303).

2. Adaptive cultivation system according to claim 1 wherein said means for selectively and progressively making the membranes (400) permeable comprise a resistance (305) interposed between the membrane (400) and the underlying disk (304) of organic material of the cultivation pods (301),(302),(303).

3. Adaptive cultivation system according to claim 1 wherein said lid (105) comprises lateral stops (108) used to laterally contain the multilayer substrate (300).

4. Adaptive growing system according to claim 1 wherein said upper pod (301) is covered by a protective upper adhesive.

5. Adaptive cultivation system according to claim 1 wherein said bottom section (101) is equipped with drainage openings (102).

6. Adaptive cultivation system according to claim 1 wherein said expandable modular pot (100) comprises an opening (109) for the connection of a wire (500) used to progressively activate the resistors (305).