Technical proposals for plant cultivation

Abstract

The proposed technology relates to a plant cultivation assembly and a plant cultivation method, the plant cultivation assembly comprising a growth medium support, a growing position in the growth medium support, and a magnet, in which a magnetic field is generated by the magnet in the growth medium support, the generated magnetic field being inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Technical Field The proposed technology generally relates to the field of plant cultivation. In particular, the technology relates to an assembly and method for cultivating plants. [Background technology]

[0002] background The Earth's magnetic field (MF) is an environmental factor present in all ecosystems. It is known to affect many biological processes. The MF differs in different parts of the Earth.

[0003] The first reports of the effects of the Earth's magnetic field on plants were made in the 1960s. It is well documented that magnetic fields can be used to affect plant growth cycles, for example to stimulate plants to increase yield and quality.

[0004] "Magnetic field effect on plant growth, development, and evolution" Frontiers in Plant Science, September 2014, vol 5, article 445 by MeMaffei describes that geomagnetic fields are a natural component of our environment. The scientific paper concludes that plants receive and rapidly respond to changing MFs by altering their gene expression and phenotype.

[0005] US Patent No. 8,667,732 discloses a method for treating plants with electromagnetic fields, which method consists of applying a pulse sequence to growing plants or seeds in a pulsed electromagnetic field by a pulse generator. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] the purpose The proposed technique aims to improve the plant growth rate and / or plant quality. The proposed technique further aims at possible maintenance and reduction of the growth rate. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] overview According to the proposed technology at least the main object is achieved by a plant cultivation assembly having the features defined in the independent claims as well as by a plant cultivation method specified in the claims. Preferred embodiments of the proposed technology are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the proposed technology, there is provided a plant cultivation assembly comprising a growth medium support configured to be supported on or against a horizontal or horizontal surface, the growth medium support comprising a lower half and an upper half and including or defining a growth position within the growth medium support. The growth position may be located in the upper half of the growth medium support and at the center, or laterally or radially center, of the growth medium support. The assembly further comprises a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field at the growth position of the growth medium support inclined relative to the horizontal surface.

[0009] A growing position is understood to be a position, location, or place within the growth medium support. During use of the plant assembly, the plant is placed in the growing position, which means that at least a part of the plant is placed in the growing position. For example, a stem of the plant may originate from the growing position or a seed may be located in the growing position.

[0010] The plant cultivation assembly may comprise a growth medium, the term "growth medium" being to be understood as a medium that supports the plant, such as perlite in hydroponics. The growth medium may further provide nutrients to the plant, such as soil. The growth medium may be supported by a growth medium support. For example, the growth medium support may be a pot. The growth medium support may be a non-magnetic material, such as a plastic or ceramic material. The non-magnetic material may be a diamagnetic material. The non-magnetic material is understood to be a non-magnetic or non-ferromagnetic material. It should further be pointed out that the growth medium support may have any shape that allows supporting the growth medium, such as a cylinder, a box, etc.

[0011] The term "growth medium support" should be understood to include pots, trays, and growing boxes that are readily available for plant cultivation. The term "pot" as used in the specification and claims should be understood as any device that is readily available for plant cultivation.

[0012] It should also be noted that the term "plant" should be considered a general term. It should be understood that it should be understood to encompass embryonic plants, calluses, seeds, shoots, buds, bulbs, seedlings, rooted plants and cuttings / shoots of plants. The plant can be, for example, an amaryllis at any stage, or a tomatillo plant.

[0013] The plant growing assembly may include a plant disposed in a growing position, the plant being supported by a growing medium.

[0014] The magnet may be an electromagnet. The electromagnet comprises at least one electrical contact configured to connect the electromagnet to a power source. The power source may form part of the plant growing assembly. The plant growing assembly may further comprise a control unit configured to control the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet. The control unit may comprise a power source.

[0015] The term "electromagnet" should be understood as a magnet in which a magnetic field is generated or produced by an electric current. The electric current is direct current. Direct current produces a static magnetic field. An electromagnet can be a coil or a solenoid. An electromagnet can be a wire, or a combination of wires. The term "coil" should be understood to encompass an electrical conductor, such as a solid conductor or wire, wound to form a ring-like or annular shape. The term "solenoid" is understood to encompass an electrical conductor wound to form a spiral or helix.

[0016] The coil may be disposed below, above, or at least partially surrounding the growth medium support. The coil may be parallel to a horizontal surface or configured to extend radially parallel to the horizontal surface. Alternatively, the coil may be inclined relative to the horizontal surface or configured to extend radially at an angle relative to the horizontal surface.

[0017] The solenoid may partially surround the growth medium support. The solenoid may be aligned normal to the horizontal surface or may extend longitudinally perpendicular to the horizontal surface. The solenoid may be tilted relative to the horizontal surface normal or may extend longitudinally at an angle relative to the horizontal surface.

[0018] The maximum diameter of the electromagnet may be 90-100% of the maximum diameter, or maximum lateral, or radial, or extent, of the growth medium support. The coil may have a diameter smaller than the lateral or radial, extent of the growth medium support. The solenoid may have a diameter larger than the lateral or radial, extent of the growth medium support.

[0019] The magnet may be a permanent magnet. The term "permanent magnet" is to be understood as a material or object that generates a permanent magnetic field. This may be, for example, a paramagnetic or ferromagnetic material or object.

[0020] The magnetic field may be static. The term "static" should be understood as essentially constant, i.e. small variations such as 10% or less variation in the strength and / or gradient of the magnetic field. The term "static magnetic field" should be understood as the strength and direction of the magnetic field not changing, or the strength and / or direction changes by less than 10%. In the case of an electromagnet, this requires a constant current. Here, "magnetic field strength" is understood to be interchangeable with "magnetic field intensity".

[0021] According to a second aspect of the proposed technology, there is a method of growing a plant at a specific geographical location or place. The method includes determining or measuring or obtaining a target magnetic field having a target slope value, determining or measuring or obtaining a field magnetic field at the specific geographical location, and determining or measuring or obtaining a compensation magnetic field based on a difference between the target magnetic field and the field magnetic field. The method further includes generating a compensation magnetic field in the plant or exposing the plant to the compensation magnetic field. Determining or measuring or obtaining the target magnetic field may include determining or measuring or obtaining a seasonal-based change, or variation, or fluctuation of the magnetic field at the specific geographical location or place. It may further include synchronizing the seasonal-based change of the magnetic field with daylight variation. The daylight variation may be controlled by lighting and / or an applied magnetic field. Thus, the daylight variation may be artificially generated by lighting and synchronized with the seasonal-based change of the magnetic field.

[0022] The strength and tilt value of the geomagnetic field varies at various locations on Earth based on latitude and longitude. Changes in tilt occur during seasonal changes in the Earth's horizontal and / or vertical magnetic fields. The magnitude of the strength and tilt value are variables that depend on the Earth's position relative to the Sun, and the magnetic activity of the Sun. This position changes during the course of the year as the distance and position of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres change relative to the Sun. The magnitude of the magnetic field varies, or gets stronger or weaker, in both horizontal and vertical directions along the day-night position of a geographic location.

[0023] The pattern of change in the magnitude of intensity and slope values ​​repeats annually for each geographic location, meaning that the pattern is roughly the same from year to year, so an approximate pattern can be predicted based on information about previous years.

[0024] Determining or measuring or obtaining a target magnetic field with a target slope value is understood as obtaining the desired data. Obtaining the desired data may be performed directly, such as by measuring, or indirectly, such as by extracting data from a database. For example, the magnetic field at the location, or the target magnetic field, may be measured by a magnetometer to extract or obtain the specific magnetic field at the location. Measurements are preferably performed continuously. The target magnetic field may be measured by a geomagnetic observatory closest to the location. The measurements may be entered into a database of geomagnetic observatories. The desired data may be obtained from that database.

[0025] Obtaining data or patterns from geomagnetic observatories can be done by extracting these data from databases provided by the global observatories. For example, recorded magnetic data for a day and night or for the entire year may be obtained from the Intermagnet website.

[0026] https: / / www.intermagnet.org / index-eng.php Thus, the expression "obtaining a target magnetic field having a target slope value" may encompass obtaining the necessary or desired data from a database. A similar approach applies to the term "obtaining an in situ magnetic field at a particular geographic location." The in situ magnetic field may be measured by a magnetometer. The in situ magnetic field may be measured, for example, by a geomagnetic observatory closest to the location, and the data may be extracted from a corresponding database.

[0027] The term "tilt value" should be understood as the tilt with respect to a horizontal plane. The term "field magnetic field" should be understood as the magnetic field in the geographic location for growing the plants. The term "target magnetic field" should be understood as the magnetic field in the geographic area or place of origin of the plants. The target magnetic field typically varies throughout the year depending on the season. The changes in the target magnetic field are applied to the plants by the "compensation magnetic field". The term "compensation magnetic field" should be understood as the magnetic field applied to the plants. The compensation magnetic field is based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the field magnetic field. The target magnetic field may have a target intensity value, the field magnetic field may have a field intensity value, and the compensation magnetic field may have a calculated intensity value. It should be noted that the compensation magnetic field does not have to be an exact replica of the target magnetic field. Changes in the target magnetic field (e.g. due to seasonal variations) should be reproduced by the compensation magnetic field.

[0028] The plant may originate from a geographical region or location that has a natural growing season or cycle and has seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field. The plant may be at a particular developmental stage and determining or measuring or obtaining a target magnetic field may be based on the developmental stage of the plant, the natural growing season, and the seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field. Thus, a particular stage of the plant's growth or development may be targeted by mimicking the seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field. The variations may occur in a particular season in the vertical and / or horizontal direction. The strength of the geomagnetic field may vary. The orientation or tilt of the geomagnetic field may vary. The plant may sense the variations. This activates important signals for plant hormones to start or stop the development of a particular stage of the plant.

[0029] The plant may be a seed and may be at a particular stage of development, or the plant may be a sprout and may be at a particular stage of development, or the plant may be a bulb and may be at a particular stage of development, or the plant ....

[0030] The proposed technology may be used to induce and / or accelerate the germination of plants. The plants may be potato. The plants may be tomato seeds. The method may be carried out in a storage environment before planting the plants in soil. Traditionally, this process involves applying UV light, sunlight, or heat and humidity treatments. An advantage of the proposed technology is that the germination time may be shortened. The treatment of the plants may be initiated in the storage facility. This may reduce sprout losses. The quality of the potato sprouts may be increased. Thus, the yield may be increased. Furthermore, the process is more time and cost efficient due to the absence or less need for the additional treatments mentioned above.

[0031] The compensation magnetic field may be applied during the germination, seedling, dormancy and bud stages. It may also be applied during the flowering and / or fruiting stages. The compensation magnetic field may be applied during one or several of the above mentioned stages. For example, it may be applied to inhibit the sprouting potatoes. The compensation magnetic field may be applied to preserve the potatoes for a longer storage time. This means that the magnetic field that triggers germination may be cancelled. It is understood that by applying the desired compensation magnetic field to the potatoes, the cancellation of the magnetic field is provided. For example, the magnetic field that the potatoes receive from the soil during the germination stage can be cancelled. This may be achieved by applying a compensation magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field that is to be cancelled. This inhibits the potatoes from sprouting. In other words, the potatoes are stored in a dormant mode or stage in the warehouse. This is possible due to the relationship between the applied magnetic field and the hormones of the potatoes. It is understood that the potatoes are an illustrative example and other plants may be treated in a corresponding manner.

[0032] The proposed technology provides for preserving plants or inhibiting their growth. Additionally or alternatively, plants may be engineered to shift seasons and / or remain in one stage for a longer or shorter period of time. In other words, plants may be engineered to experience altered seasons and / or alter the duration of developmental stages.

[0033] The proposed technology can be used to accelerate the ripening process. This can be achieved during transportation and / or storage. For example, the proposed technology can be used against fungi. Another example is the use of the proposed technology to ripen and / or preserve berries, such as strawberries. The seeds of fruits or berries, such as strawberries, are part of the life cycle and actively regulate the hormones of the fruit when they accompany the fruit. This means that the sweetness, ripening and / or decay of the fruit can be controlled even after the seeds have been harvested from the plant.

[0034] Further advantages and features of the proposed technology will become apparent from the other dependent claims as well as the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS A more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the proposed technology will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments of the proposed technology, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0036] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plant growing assembly. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plant growing assembly. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plant growing assembly. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plant growing assembly. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a plant growing assembly. [Figure 6] Schematic diagrams of the experimental setup are shown in a to d. [Figure 7] 1 is a photograph of an example of the proposed technology. [Figure 8] 1 is a photograph of an example of the proposed technology. [Figure 9] Graphs a to d are examples of the proposed technology. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the experimental setup. [Figure 11] 11A and 11B are graphs of an example of the proposed technique. [Figure 12a] a to e show an embodiment of the second aspect of the technology. [Figure 12b] 1A to 1E show an embodiment of the second aspect of the technology. [Figure 12c] 1A to 1E show an embodiment of the second aspect of the technology. [Figure 12d] a to e show an embodiment of the second aspect of the technology. [Figure 12e] a to e show an embodiment of the second aspect of the technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] Text description of the illustration image024.gif. FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 shown in FIG. 1 is a pot having the form of a cylinder. It is closed at the bottom and provided with a drainage hole. Inside and radially centered in the upper half of the growth medium support 101 is a growing position 108 marked X. The growth medium support 101 is arranged on a flat and horizontal surface 102. An electromagnet 103 in the form of a solenoid inclined with respect to the surface 102 is arranged to surround a part of the growth medium support 101. The electromagnet 103 is connected to a control unit (not shown) as in the embodiment described in relation to FIG. 5.

[0038] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 shown in FIG. 2 has the form of a cylinder. The growth medium support 101 is arranged on a substantially flat / horizontal surface 102. A magnet 103 is arranged below the growth medium support 101. The magnet 103 is a permanent magnet. The plant cultivation assembly shown in FIG. 2 further comprises a growth medium 106 and a plant 107, both of which are arranged within the growth medium support 101. The plant 107 is located in a growing position 108.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 shown in Figure 3 has the form of a cylinder. The growth medium support 101 is arranged at an angle towards a substantially flat / horizontal surface 102. A magnet 103 is arranged below the growth medium support 101. The magnet 103 is a permanent magnet. On the inside of the top half of the growth medium support 101 is a growing position 108 marked with an X.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 shown in Figure 4 has the form of a cylinder. The growth medium support 101 is placed on a substantially planar / horizontal surface 102. The growth medium support 101 is placed on a mat 104. The mat 104 has an electromagnet 103 in the form of a coil connected to a control unit (not shown), as in the embodiment described in relation to Figure 5. The electromagnet 103 is placed within the mat, and the growth medium support 101 is in the centre of the coil. On the inside of the upper half of the growth medium support 101 there is a growth position 108 marked with an X.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 shown in Figure 5 has the form of a cylinder. The growth medium support 101 is arranged on a substantially planar / horizontal surface 102. A magnet 103 in the form of an electromagnet is arranged below the growth medium support 101. The electromagnet 103 is connected to a power source (not shown) and is in communicative communication with a processor 105. On the inside of the upper half of the growth medium support 101 there is a growth position 108 marked with an X.

[0042] Figures 6a-6d are schematic diagrams of the experimental setup. Figure 6a shows the setup for one group of seed pots. Figure 6b shows the setup for the control group. Figures 6c and 6d show the plant growing assemblies investigated. Two types were used: one with a coil shown in Figure 6c, and the other with a solenoid shown in Figure 6d.

[0043] FIG. 7 is a photograph showing a plant treated with the proposed technology (1) compared to an untreated plant (2), the control plant.

[0044] FIG. 8 is a photograph showing a plant treated with the proposed technology (1) compared to an untreated plant (2), the control plant.

[0045] Figures 9a-d show data from plants treated with the proposed technology (labeled whorl and solenoid) compared to plants not treated with the proposed technology (labeled control). Figure 9a shows the stem thickness in cm for plants treated with whorl, plants treated with solenoid, and the control group (i.e., no magnetic field). Figure 9b shows the stem length in cm for plants treated with whorl, plants treated with solenoid, and the control group (i.e., no magnetic field). Figure 9c shows the leaf length in cm for plants treated with whorl, plants treated with solenoid, and the control group (i.e., no magnetic field). Figure 9d shows the maximum leaf length in cm for plants treated with whorl, plants treated with solenoid, and the control group (i.e., no magnetic field).

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the experimental setup. It shows how the setup allows 15 coils connected in series to be arranged. Each coil has 7 turns. The plant growing assemblies with the coils are placed 2 cm apart.

[0047] Figure 11a-b show data from plants treated with the proposed technology compared to the control group (C) (T1 represents the device with a coil and T2 represents the device with a solenoid). Figure 11a shows the increase in stem length in cm per day after the first treatment. Figure 11b shows the increase in stem length in cm per day after the second treatment.

[0048] Figures 12a to 12e show an embodiment of the second aspect of the proposed technique. Figures 12a to 12e show how the steps of the method can be performed. According to an embodiment, determining or obtaining the compensation field is based on data obtained from a database. The data is provided by a geomagnetic observatory. As mentioned above, the changes in the tilt values ​​and the intensity of the geographical locations repeat in approximately the same pattern every year. The obtained data allows the calculation of the difference between the target magnetic field and the in situ magnetic field. According to an embodiment, the average change in magnitude over a period of time in the vertical direction is determined or obtained. In this embodiment, the period is one year.

[0049] In this embodiment, the pattern suitable for growing the plant is investigated, taking into account the geographical origin of the plant. In other words, the pattern suitable for the plant is based on the pattern present in the geographical origin of the plant. The pattern used is therefore the one-year pattern obtained by the geomagnetic observatory closest to the geographical origin of the plant. In this embodiment, the above-mentioned Intermagnet website is used to obtain the data. The corresponding steps of data acquisition are performed for the in situ magnetic field.

[0050] The average of each data is then calculated over a period of time to coincide with the seasonal life cycle of the plants. In Figures 12a-e, the plots represent the strength of the downward magnetic field. It is understood that the downward magnetic field is a vertical magnetic field. The plots in Figures 12a-e show that the average magnitude of the downward magnetic field changes during the seasons.

[0051] The plots in Figures 12a-e show vertical magnetic strength, and those skilled in the art will recognize that the corresponding methods can also be used to calculate or determine or obtain horizontal magnetic strength, or to calculate or determine tilt values.

[0052] Figures 12a to 12e show an embodiment of the proposed technology. This embodiment is directed to the investigation of the life cycle of plants, in particular potatoes, and its cultivation in Belgium. It is understood that cultivation according to this embodiment encompasses planting potatoes in soil. Here, the potato species is Papa Amarilla, which is an Andean variety of Solanum tuberosum. The potato species is native to Peru. Therefore, to determine or obtain the target magnetic field, data from the HUA observatory in Peru is used. As the cultivation site is in Belgium, data from the MAB observatory in Belgium is used to determine or obtain the in situ magnetic field. As mentioned above, the compensation magnetic field is based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the in situ magnetic field.

[0053] Figure 12a shows the average vertical magnetic field data from the HUA observatory in Peru for 2018.

[0054] Figure 12b shows the average vertical magnetic field data from the Belgian MAB observatory for 2018.

[0055] Figure 12c shows the inverted average of the vertical geomagnetic field data from the HUA observatory in Peru for the year 2018. The vertical magnetic fields in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are in opposite directions. The vertical magnetic field is upward in the Southern Hemisphere and downward in the Northern Hemisphere. Thus, the plot in Figure 12a is vertically inverted to form the plot in Figure 12c. By inverting the plot, the variations based on the downward vertical magnetic field are presented as in the Northern Hemisphere.

[0056] Figure 12d shows the inverted and time-shifted averages of the vertical geomagnetic field data from the HUA observatory in Peru for the year 2018. The seasons and beginnings of the life cycle start in opposite months in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. Thus, the plot in Figure 12c is cut at July and shifted to coincide with January in Belgium. The plot portion corresponding to January-June is shifted accordingly. The cut and shifted plot of Figure 12c thus forms Figure 12d.

[0057] Figure 12e shows the mean of the data from the Belgian MAB station for 2018 combined with the inverted and time-shifted mean of the vertical geomagnetic data from the Peruvian HUA station for the same year.

[0058] The planting season in Peru is in September, which, in the pattern of Figure 12e, coincides with the same time in April when potatoes are planted in Belgium.

[0059] As can be seen in Figure 12e, the downward magnetic field decreases in Belgium in April and in Peru in September. This means a decrease in the downward magnetic field, which is equivalent to an increase in the upward magnetic field. After planting, an increase in the downward magnetic field is observable in both Belgium and Peru. The increase continues until the harvest time, which is September in Belgium and March in Peru.

[0060] A compensation magnetic field based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the field magnetic field is determined or obtained or calculated.The plant is then exposed to the compensation magnetic field.This causes the plant to undergo pattern variation according to its geographic origin.The plant hormone production is thus manipulated by forcing the pattern variation.

[0061] As shown by the two graphs in Figure 12e, the magnetic field changes follow a pattern, but the pattern is slightly different in the two hemispheres. It is possible to identify seasonal trigger periods that activate hormones in the plants. By lengthening or shortening these periods, it is possible to manipulate the plant life cycle. The applied compensating magnetic field provides for the manipulation of the plant life cycle.

[0062] According to the above described embodiment, an average value of the variance is determined over a period of time, however, it will be appreciated that the actual variance can be used without determining an average value.

[0063] Above it is shown how the proposed technique can be used to take into account seasonal variations in the magnetic field, it being understood that the variations in the magnetic field can be considered for other periods such as a day or 24 hours.

[0064] The geomagnetic field has a regular variation with a fundamental period of 24 hours. The tilt value may, for example, deviate from the average value based on a 24-hour interval by less than 1 degree. The strength of the magnetic field may, for example, deviate from the average value based on a 24-hour interval by up to 30 nT. As mentioned above, the recorded magnetic data for day and night can be obtained, for example, from the Intermagnet website. Based on the data, a compensation magnetic field may be obtained for a 24-hour period. The plant can then be exposed to the compensation magnetic field.

[0065] According to another aspect of the proposed technology, there is provided a method of controlling or regulating hormone levels in a plant, comprising exposing the plant to a magnetic field, which may include any of the features of the methods described above, based on the recognition that the methods described above may affect hormone levels in the plant.

[0066] Detailed Description It should also be pointed out that all information relating to terms such as above, under, upper, lower, etc. should be construed / read as having the assembly oriented according to the figures and with the drawings oriented so that the references can be properly read, and thus such terms only indicate interrelationships in the illustrated embodiment, which may be altered if the proposed device is provided with a different construction / design.

[0067] In a first embodiment, the plant cultivation assembly comprises a growth medium support 101, a growing position 108 in the growth medium support 101, and a magnet 103. Such a plant cultivation assembly 100 is shown, for example, in FIG. 1. The growth medium support 101 is configured to be supported on a horizontal surface 102. The growth medium support 101 comprises a lower half 101a or lower portion and an upper half 101b or upper portion. The growth position 108 is located in the upper half 101b and in the center of the growth medium support 101. The growth position 108 is located in the upper third or upper quarter of the growth medium support 101.

[0068] The growing medium is configured to define a growing position 101 in which a plant is placed. The plant cultivating assembly 100 further comprises a magnet 103. The magnet 103 is configured to generate a magnetic field at a growth position 108 of the growth medium support 101 inclined with respect to the horizontal plane 102. By generating or applying a magnetic field inclined with respect to the horizontal plane 102 at the growth position 108, or at the plant 107 arranged at the growth position 108, the development of the plant 107 is influenced. Thus, the growth rate of the plant 107 is controlled so that the plant 107 grows faster. In other embodiments, the plant 107 can respond to the applied magnetic field, for example, by growing slower or by ceasing development. The response depends on the strength and the direction or inclination of the applied magnetic field. Thus, the plant cultivating assembly 100 advantageously controls the growth of the plant with respect to both strength and direction.

[0069] Depending on the type of plant, the strength and direction of the magnetic field is determined or obtained depending on the desired response and the stage the plant 107 is in, ie germinating, flowering, dormant, etc., as well as the origin of the plant 107.

[0070] In one embodiment of the plant cultivating assembly 100, the magnet 102 is an electromagnet. The electromagnet is connected to a power supply, as shown in FIG. 5. The plant cultivating assembly 100 further comprises a control unit 105 operatively connected to the electromagnet of the plant cultivating assembly 100. The control unit 105 controls the intensity of the current supplied to the electromagnet. The generated compensation magnetic field combines with the in situ magnetic field at the plant cultivating assembly 100 to result in a target magnetic field. In this way, the control unit 105 is configured to control the intensity and / or direction, or gradient, of the target magnetic field. This has the advantage that the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet can be controlled and modified depending on the type of plant 107, the desired response from the plant 107, the developmental stage of the plant 107, and / or the origin of the plant 107.

[0071] In one embodiment of the plant growing assembly 100, the electromagnet is in the form of a coil that is inclined with respect to the horizontal surface 102. The inclined magnet / coil 103 has the effect that the compensation magnetic field at the growing position 108 is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane 102. A gradient magnetic field offers the advantage that all characteristics of the target magnetic field can be reproduced (especially the strength and the gradient, possibly also the declination angle).

[0072] In one embodiment of the plant growing assembly 100, the magnet 103 is an electromagnet in the form of a solenoid. The solenoid partially surrounds the growth medium support 101, as shown in FIG. 1. The growth medium support 101 is arranged in a spiral defined by the solenoid. The tilted solenoid has the effect of tilting the compensation magnetic field generated with respect to the horizontal plane 102. In this embodiment, the current supplied by the control unit 105 is held constant and the compensation magnetic field generated is static. In other embodiments, the plant 108 is replaced with another type of plant 108 and the current is changed to provide a compensation magnetic field that is static but has a different strength.

[0073] In one embodiment of the plant growing assembly 100, the assembly 100 further comprises a mat 104. Such an embodiment is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 4. The mat 104 comprises one magnet 103. The magnet 103 is an electromagnet formed as a coil of copper wire. The mat 104 is flexible and waterproof. The electromagnet can also be formed from other metals or graphite.

[0074] The Earth's magnetic field has different strengths and gradients, or directions, values, at different geographical locations or places. By exposing the plant to a magnetic field that is the same or essentially the same as the magnetic field at the plant's origin, the growth cycle of the plant can be altered or influenced. Thus, in one embodiment of a method for cultivating a plant, the method comprises: - determining or measuring or obtaining a target magnetic field having a target gradient value and a target strength value; - determining or measuring or acquiring an in situ magnetic field at a specific geographic location having a gradient value and a target strength value; - determining or measuring or obtaining a compensation magnetic field based on a difference between a target magnetic field and an in-situ magnetic field; - exposing the plant (107) to a compensation magnetic field; is executed.

[0075] In one embodiment of the method of the proposed technology, the plant 107 is a seed and is at a particular developmental stage of germination. One advantage of applying a compensation magnetic field during germination is that the plant can grow larger and faster.

[0076] In one embodiment of the method, the plant is a sprout and the particular development stage is a seedling. One advantage of applying a compensation magnetic field during seedling is that the plant can obtain more leaves and grow larger.

[0077] In one embodiment of the method, the plant 107 is a bud and the particular developmental stage is the bud stage. The developmental stage following the bud stage is flowering, and by applying a compensation magnetic field during the bud stage, the time it takes for the bud to enter the flowering stage can be reduced.

[0078] In one embodiment of the method of the proposed technology, the plant 107 is a bulb and the particular development stage is a vegetative stage. One advantage of applying a compensation magnetic field during the vegetative stage of the bulb is that the vegetative stage can be extended and the plant can remain in the bulb stage for a longer period, i.e., the period until flowering can be extended. In one embodiment of the method of the proposed technology, the compensation magnetic field is applied during the germination, seedling and bud stages. It may also be applied during other / more / less developmental stages such as flowering, ripening and vegetative. One advantage of applying a compensation magnetic field during several, i.e. at least two, developmental stages is that the rate of the growth cycle can be increased. One advantage of the proposed technology is that the life cycle of the plant 107 can be reduced or extended and controlled. For example, the plant 107 exposed to the method of the proposed technology can flower twice a year instead of once.

[0079] In one particular embodiment of the method, the plant is amaryllis.Amaryllis is an ornamental flower native to South Africa, and is mainly propagated from a small bulb that develops in addition to the main bulb that produces the flower stalk.Amaryllis is an annual plant, and it naturally flowers once a year in the Western Cape around October.In the Northern Hemisphere, it naturally flowers in March to April.

[0080] Plants naturally go through an annual cycle to get the flower bulbs ready to produce flower stalks and blooms. The bulbs get ready, conserve energy over the winter, begin to produce one or two flower stalks, and begin to bloom in the spring. The plant produces leaves after flowering, loses the leaves by the end of summer and the beginning of winter, and goes back into a dormant state.

[0081] Today, this growth cycle is controlled in commercial farms to maintain the growing season, accelerate flowering, and preserve bulbs to delay flowering. This is generally controlled by the use of climate chambers where temperature and / or humidity are controlled. One advantage of the proposed technology method is that it can be used without or in combination with traditional climate chamber treatments.

[0082] In an embodiment, a vertical downward compensating magnetic field is applied when the flower bulb dries out to conserve energy for the next season. This can accelerate growth once the flower bulb is planted and receives water. The duration and intensity of the treatment depends on the type of flower. However, it typically varies between a few days and up to 10 weeks. This treatment can be seen as a pre-treatment, followed by a secondary treatment during the flowering period.

[0083] In certain embodiments, a vertical downward compensation magnetic field is also applied when the flower bulb is flowering. This may allow stem elongation and / or cause leaf development. This can be used, for example, for young flower bulbs, which need to undergo 2-3 years of leaf development before they can develop a flower stem. Treatment with the proposed technology can speed up such processes.

[0084] In certain embodiments, an upward compensatory magnetic field is applied to plants after flowering. This accelerates leaf senescence and prepares the plant to return to a dormant stage. In commercial farms, this process is usually accomplished by applying high temperatures for 10 to 15 days.

[0085] Proof of concept The examples are provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims.

[0086] Example 1: Tomatillo Two different sets of tomatillo plants grown from seed germination to fruiting stage were used in the experiment.

[0087] The first test was a set of three different tomatillo seeds in two different sample groups. The sample seeds were planted separately, each in a square plastic propagation pot with dimensions of 4 x 4 x 6 cm. All pots were placed in plastic pots with a diameter of 21 cm. In total, 18 small square pots and 2 large round pots.

[0088] Nine small square pots, each containing one tomatillo seed. All nine pots were placed in a larger pot and kept as a control group, for a total of nine seeds (three SIQUIROS seeds, three DALI seeds, and three TOMAYO seeds). Figures 6a-6d show a schematic diagram of the experimental setup. Figure 6a shows the setup for the two groups of seed pots. Figure 6b shows the setup for the control group. Figures 6c and 6d show the setup of the test posts connected to a current generator. A similar setup was used for the test groups. Both groups in round pots were placed on top of a square mat. One of the mats had a spiral coil placed in the center of the mat. The test groups were placed on top of the mat with the spiral coil.

[0089] The tomatillo trials were conducted using three different varieties of seeds: Siquiros, Dali, and Tomayo.

[0090] 1. First test In the first test, the subjects (seeds) were divided into two groups: control and treatment. Each group had three seeds of each seed type. The same type of pots were used for both groups and placed on the mat. The mat for the treatment group contained electromagnets, so the treatment group was exposed to a magnetic field. No magnetic field was applied to the control group. See Table 1 for a summary.

[0091] [Table 1]

[0092] Germination rate comparison The test group had a 33% higher germination rate compared to the control group. A summary is shown in Table 2. Illustrative examples of the size difference between treatment (1) and control (2) can be seen in Figures 7 and 8. As seen in Figures 7 and 8, the leaves, stems and roots of the treated samples are larger than their counterparts in the control sample.

[0093] [Table 2]

[0094] 2. Second Exam A second experiment with the TOMAYO variety of tomatillo tested additive treatments.

[0095] - 3 seeds, treatment 1: solenoid upper magnetic field 7.5 μT (pot diameter 24 cm, wire 40 turns, solenoid length 20 cm, current 30 mA) - 5 seeds, treatment 2: flat spiral coil - 3 seeds, control (no magnetic field) A comparison of the test results between the two treatments and the control group is shown in Tables 3-6 below and Figures 9a-d.

[0096] [Table 3]

[0097] [Table 4]

[0098] [Table 5]

[0099] [Table 6]

[0100] The tests showed that germination and seedling stem elongation rates were faster in seeds with basal solenoids with an upward magnetic field, and they developed stronger stems. Plants with whorls with a downward magnetic field developed larger leaves.

[0101] Average stem thickness increased by 20% compared to the control in the second trial, stem elongation increased by 12%, and leaf size increased by 7%.

[0102] Germination rate, speed and size of plants were all increased in both treatment groups compared to their respective controls.

[0103] Apart from plant quality, fruit size and yield were significantly higher in treated plants, i.e. plants treated with gradient magnetic field.

[0104] Example 2: Amaryllis 45 Amaryllis bulbs in 3 groups of 15 bulbs each (treatment 1, treatment 2, control). The bulbs are all at the end of their dormant period and are ready to grow stems, all pointing upwards.

[0105] The bulbs of each group were planted in 40x60 cm trays in plant cultivation assemblies with a diameter of 8 cm. The plant cultivation assemblies were placed 2 cm apart (see schematic diagram in Figure 10). The control group was placed on a regular plastic tray. The treatment groups were treated in two different ways, first during the dormant stage and second during the flowering stage. The treatments were performed in parallel.

[0106] Treatment 1: A plastic tray containing 15 coils connected in series, each with 7 turns. 40mA current, vertical magnetic field specification: downward, 0.8μT at the root level.

[0107] Treatment 2: A plastic tray containing 15 coils connected in series, each with 7 turns. 40mA current, vertical magnetic field specification: 0.8μT at the top and root levels.

[0108] The current was applied by a 12 V DC current generator. The magnetic field was measured 2 cm and 10 cm above the top layer.

[0109] The results are shown in the table below and in Figures 11a and 11b. Figure 11a shows the increase in stem length after the first treatment. Figure 11b shows the increase in stem length after treatment 2. The length of each stem was measured 30 days after watering began.

[0110] [Table 7]

[0111] [Table 8]

[0112] Continuing treatment 1 accelerates the senescence of the plant in the cycle, allowing the leaves to dry out more quickly and return to dormancy earlier in the season (similar to the fall effect in this particular plant due to the start of its life cycle). Table 9 shows the number of flowers on the stem after the different treatments.

[0113] [Table 9]

Claims

1. a growth medium support (101) configured to be supported on a horizontal surface (102), said growth medium support (101) comprising a lower half (101a) and an upper half (101b) and defining a growth position (108) within said growth medium support (101), said growth position (108) being located in said upper half (101b) of said growth medium support (101) and at the center of said growth medium support (101); a magnet (103) configured to generate a magnetic field at the growth location (108) of the growth medium support (101) inclined relative to a horizontal plane (102); A plant growing assembly (100).

2. 2. The plant cultivating assembly (100) of claim 1, further comprising a growing medium (106) supported on the growing medium support (101).

3. 3. The plant growing assembly (100) of claim 2, further comprising a plant (107) positioned at the growing location (108), the plant (107) being supported in the growing medium (106).

4. The plant cultivating assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the growth medium support (101) is a pot.

5. 2. The plant cultivating assembly (100) of claim 1, wherein the magnet (103) is an electromagnet, the electromagnet comprising at least one electrical contact configured to connect the electromagnet to a power source, and the plant cultivating assembly (100) further comprises a control unit (105) configured to control the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet.

6. The plant growing assembly (100) of claim 5, wherein the electromagnet is a coil.

7. The plant growing assembly (100) of claim 5, wherein the electromagnet is a solenoid.

8. The plant cultivating assembly (100) of claim 6, wherein the maximum diameter of the electromagnet is 90-100% of the maximum diameter of the growing medium support (101).

9. The plant cultivating assembly (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said magnetic field is static.

10. A method of cultivating a plant (107) in a specific geographic location, the method comprising: Obtaining a target magnetic field having a target gradient value; acquiring a field magnetic field at the particular geographic location; obtaining a compensation magnetic field based on a difference between the target magnetic field and the field magnetic field; exposing the plant (107) to the compensation magnetic field; A method comprising:

11. the target magnetic field having a target strength value; the field magnetic field having a field strength value; the compensation field having a calculated intensity value; The method of claim 10.

12. 11. The method of claim 10, wherein the plant originates from a geographic region having natural growing seasons and having seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field, the plant is at a particular developmental stage, and acquiring the target magnetic field is based on the developmental stage of the plant, the natural growing season, and the seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plant is a seed and the particular developmental stage is germination.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the plant is a sprout and the particular developmental stage is a seedling.

15. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plant is a bud and the particular developmental stage is the bud stage.

16. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the plant is a bulb and the developmental stage is a vegetative stage.

17. The method of claim 13, wherein the compensation field is applied during the germination, seedling and bud stages.

18. The method according to any one of claims 10 to 17, wherein the compensation field is static.

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