Hydroponic Cultivation System

Abstract

A hydroponic system and method for growing plants. The system includes one or more plant support structures (112, 212, 412, 512), one or more enclosure membranes (114, 414, 514), and one or more frames (416, 516). The one or more plant support structures (112, 212, 412, 512) hold plants (118, 218, 518) and have one or more holes. The one or more enclosure membranes (114, 414, 514) are breathable and water resistant and contain the solution (122, 222, 322, 422, 522) and at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures (112, 212, 412, 512) and have one or more openings (124, 224, 2, 424, 524) into which at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures (112, 212, 412, 512) fits. The one or more frames (416, 516) support the one or more enclosure membranes (114, 414, 514). A method of growing plants is also provided.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The disclosed embodiments relate generally to hydroponic cultivation, and more particularly, to systems and methods for efficient hydroponic cultivation. [Background technology]

[0002] Hydroponics is a method of growing plants primarily without soil in an oxygenated aqueous, nutrient-rich solution. Hydroponic systems can be used to grow plants in a variety of environments, including greenhouse and outdoor environments. One well-known type of hydroponic system is the thin film hydroponic, or NFT, system. In an NFT system, a shallow stream of oxygenated aqueous, nutrient-rich solution flows continuously through a channel, e.g., a pipe or trench, made of plastic or a water-resistant, non-breathable polymer sheet. The plant is suspended above the channel, with the plant's roots partially suspended in the continuously flowing solution.

[0003] Another well-known version of a hydroponic system is the deep water culture, or DWC, system. In a DWC system, an oxygenated aqueous nutrient-rich solution is maintained in a tank or container, such as a tub or elongated trough, made of plastic or water-resistant, non-breathable polymer sheeting. Plants are suspended above the tub or elongated trough, with the plant roots partially or completely submerged in the solution.

[0004] However, such known hydroponic systems rely heavily on pumps, aerators, motors and paddles to (i) maintain sufficient volume and / or continuous flow of solution over the plant roots, (ii) maintain necessary oxygen levels in the solution, and / or (iii) provide fresh solution to the plant roots. Because such known hydroponic systems rely heavily on electronic devices, any disturbance to these devices, such as a power loss, can cause the entire system to immediately stop functioning, leading to severe damage to or loss of the plants. In addition, the power required to operate such devices can be a significant expense in the operation of these hydroponic systems. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Thus, there is a need and a desire for more productive, efficient, reliable and cost-effective hydroponic cultivation systems and methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a hydroponic cultivation system. The system includes one or more plant support structures that hold plants. The one or more plant support structures have one or more holes. The system also includes one or more housing membranes that are breathable and water resistant, contain a solution and at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures, and have one or more openings into which at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures fit. The system further includes one or more frames that support the one or more housing membranes.

[0007] In one embodiment, the one or more housing membranes house at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures. In another embodiment, the one or more plant support structures further comprise a soilless plant medium. In another embodiment, the one or more plant support structures are connected to the one or more housing membranes or the one or more frames.

[0008] In one embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a Gurley-Hill porosity of about 1 to about 100 seconds per 100 cc of air. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a Gurley-Hill porosity of about 10 to about 50 seconds per 100 cc of air. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a water resistance of about 50 to about 1000 cmH2O. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a water resistance of about 100 to about 500 cmH2O. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a total reflectance greater than about 80%. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a total reflectance of about 400 to about 3500 g / m 2In another embodiment, the housing membrane or membranes have a water vapor transmission rate of about 750 to about 2000 g / m 2 / day. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a maximum elongation of less than about 40%.

[0009] In one embodiment, the one or more housing membranes are polyolefins. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes are polyethylene. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes are polypropylene. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes are nonwoven flash-spun plexifilamentary sheets of polyethylene.

[0010] In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more housing membranes is one component. In another embodiment, at least one of the one or more housing membranes has two or more components. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes is at least 10 housing membranes.

[0011] In another aspect, the disclosure provides a hydroponic cultivation system. The system includes one or more plant support structures that hold plants. The system also includes one or more enclosure membranes that are breathable and water resistant and contain a solution and at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures and have one or more openings into which at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures fit. The system further includes one or more frames that support the one or more enclosure membranes. The one or more plant support structures include a soilless plant medium and have one or more holes in the side or bottom of the one or more plant support structures. The one or more enclosure membranes are polyolefins and have a Gurley-Hill porosity of about 1 to about 100 seconds per 100 cc of air, a water resistance of about 100 to about 500 cmH2O, and a water resistance of about 400 to about 3500 g / m 2 / day g / m 2 / day. The solution contains water and nutrients.

[0012] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a hydroponic cultivation system. The system includes one or more plant support structures for holding plants, one or more enclosure membranes for containing a solution and at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures, and one or more frames for supporting the one or more enclosure membranes. The one or more plant support structures have one or more holes for allowing the solution to reach the plants inside the one or more plant support structures or for allowing the roots of the plants to extend into the enclosure membrane outside the one or more plant support structures. The one or more enclosure membranes are breathable, water resistant, and have one or more openings into which at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures fit.

[0013] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a hydroponic cultivation method. The method includes inserting a plant into one or more plant support structures having one or more holes. The method also includes disposing at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures into one or more openings of one or more housing membranes. The one or more housing membranes are breathable, water resistant, and supported by one or more frames. The method further includes providing a solution to the one or more housing membranes to create a water-static surface.

[0014] In one embodiment, the one or more plant support structures further comprise a soilless plant medium. In another embodiment, the one or more plant support structures are connected to one or more housing membranes or one or more frames.

[0015] In one embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a Gurley-Hill porosity of about 1 to about 100 seconds per 100 cc of air. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a Gurley-Hill porosity of about 10 to about 50 seconds per 100 cc of air. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a water resistance of about 50 to about 1000 cmH2O. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a water resistance of about 100 to about 500 cmH2O. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a total reflectance greater than about 80%. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a total reflectance of about 400 to about 3500 g / m 2 In another embodiment, the housing membrane or membranes have a water vapor transmission rate of about 750 to about 2000 g / m 2 / day. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes have a maximum elongation of less than about 40%.

[0016] In one embodiment, the one or more housing membranes are polyolefins. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes are polyethylene. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes are polypropylene. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes are nonwoven flash-spun plexifilamentary sheets of polyethylene.

[0017] In one embodiment, at least one of the one or more housing membranes is one component. In another embodiment, at least one of the one or more housing membranes has two or more components. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes is at least 10 housing membranes. In another embodiment, the one or more housing membranes is at least 100 housing membranes. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a hydroponic cultivation system according to an illustrative embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hydroponic system having multiple plant support structures according to an illustrative embodiment. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a hydroponic system having one plant support structure holding multiple plants according to an exemplary embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a front view of a hydroponic system having multiple vertically arranged enclosure membranes according to an illustrative embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a side view of a hydroponic system having multiple enclosure membranes arranged horizontally and vertically according to an illustrative embodiment. [Figure 6] 1 is a flowchart of a method for growing a plant according to an illustrative embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0019] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof and which show specific embodiments of the present invention. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the embodiments. It is also understood that structural, logical or procedural changes can be made to the specific embodiments disclosed herein without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

[0020] 1 illustrates an exemplary hydroponic system for growing plants 110. The hydroponic system 110 includes one or more plant support structures 112, a housing membrane 114, and a frame 116.

[0021] 1, the one or more plant support structures 112 are containers that hold plants 118. The one or more plant support structures 112 may be constructed from one or more of any suitable materials known in the art, including but not limited to plastics, foams, rubber, glass, ceramics, metals, alloys, cellulose or other plant-derived materials and composites thereof, in one or more of any suitable forms of materials known in the art, including but not limited to rigid materials, flexible materials, woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, collars and netting.

[0022] As used herein, "hold" means to directly or indirectly support, hold, and / or contain. Also, as used herein, "plant" refers to one or more seeds, cuttings, or plants, which may or may not include a seed plug or free-standing block of porous material. The seed plug or free-standing block of porous material may be one or more of any suitable material known in the art, including, but not limited to, open cell polymer foam, mineral wool, rock wool, compressed coconut fiber, and peat moss. The one or more plant support structures 112 may be of any suitable shape or size.

[0023] 1 , the one or more plant support structures 112 have one or more holes on the sides and / or bottom of the one or more plant support structures 112. The holes in the one or more plant support structures 112 allow the solution 122 to reach the plants 118 inside the one or more plant support structures 112 and allow the roots 120 of the plants 118 to extend outside the one or more plant support structures 112 and into the housing membrane 114 where the roots 120 can grow and further absorb water and nutrients from the solution 122.

[0024] In some embodiments, the one or more plant support structures 112 may include a soilless plant medium, which may be any medium for hydroponic systems known in the art, including, but not limited to, coconut coir, lightweight expanded clay aggregate (LECA), rock wool, perlite, vermiculite, sand, gravel, grosstone, rice husk, peat moss, or any combination of media.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the housing membrane 114 contains one or more plant support structures 112 and a solution 122. In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 may completely contain the one or more plant support structures 112, and in other embodiments, the housing membrane 114 may partially contain the one or more plant support structures 112. The one or more plant support structures 112 may be located anywhere along the housing membrane 114 in any manner, such as randomly or in rows. As shown in FIG. 1, the housing membrane 114 is in the shape of a triangular pyramid. However, in some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 may be of any suitable shape or size. The housing membrane 114 includes one or more openings 124 into which the one or more plant support structures 112 fit completely or partially. The one or more openings 124 may be of any suitable shape or size and may be located anywhere on the housing membrane 114 in any manner, such as randomly or in rows. In some embodiments, the one or more plant support structures 112 may be connected to the housing membrane 114 and / or frame 116 in any suitable manner known in the art. As used herein, "connected" means directly or indirectly fixed, attached, connected, held, and / or supported. In other embodiments, the one or more plant support structures 112 may not be connected to the housing membrane 114 and / or frame 116, and instead may be separately suspended above and / or within the housing membrane 114 in any suitable manner known in the art. In other embodiments, the one or more plant support structures 112 may not be connected to the housing membrane 114 and / or frame 116, and instead may float on the solution 122 within the housing membrane 114.

[0026] 1, the tops of the one or more plant support structures 112 are parallel to and flush with the top of the housing membrane 114. However, in some embodiments, the tops of the one or more plant support structures 112 may be above or below the top of the housing membrane 114. In some embodiments, the one or more plant support structures 112 may be positioned at any angle and in any direction relative to the top of the housing membrane 114. In some embodiments, the one or more plant support structures 112 occupy less than about 80% of the volume within the housing membrane 114, in other embodiments less than about 50% of the volume within the housing membrane 114, in other embodiments less than about 20% of the volume within the housing membrane 114, and in other embodiments less than about 10% of the volume within the housing membrane 114.

[0027] The housing membrane 114 may be constructed from one or more of any suitable materials known in the art that are breathable and water resistant. In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 may be a polyolefin, polyamide, polyaramid, polyester, polyimide, polyacrylate, poly(tetrafluoroethylene), copolymers containing tetrafluoroethylene or other fluorinated polymers, and / or hybrids and mixtures thereof that are breathable and water resistant.

[0028] As used herein, "polyolefin" is intended to mean any of a series of predominantly saturated polymeric hydrocarbons composed only of carbon and hydrogen. Exemplary polyolefins include, but are not limited to, polyethylene, polypropylene, polymethylpentene, as well as copolymers containing various combinations of the monomers ethylene, propylene, and methylpentene.

[0029] As used herein, "polyethylene" is intended to include not only homopolymers of ethylene, but also copolymers in which at least 85% of the repeating units are ethylene units, such as, for example, copolymers of ethylene and alpha-olefins. Preferred polyethylenes include low density polyethylene, linear low density polyethylene, and high density polyethylene.

[0030] As used herein, "polypropylene" is intended to include not only homopolymers of propylene but also copolymers in which at least 85% of the repeating units are propylene units. Preferred polypropylene polymers include isotactic polypropylene and syndiotactic polypropylene.

[0031] The breathability of the housing membrane 114 allows oxygen to enter the housing membrane 114 and carbon dioxide to exit the housing membrane 114. In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 has a Gurley-Hill porosity according to ISO 5636-5 of less than about 1000 seconds per 100 cc of air, in other embodiments less than about 500 seconds per 100 cc of air, in other embodiments less than about 100 seconds per 100 cc of air, in other embodiments less than about 50 seconds per 100 cc of air, in other embodiments less than about 10 seconds per 100 cc of air, in other embodiments less than about 1 second per 100 cc of air, in other embodiments from about 0.5 to less than about 1000 seconds per 100 cc of air, in other embodiments from about 1 to less than about 500 seconds per 100 cc of air, in other embodiments from about 1 to less than about 100 seconds per 100 cc of air, and in other embodiments from about 10 to less than about 50 seconds per 100 cc of air. The porosity is a measure of the time it takes for a defined volume of air to pass through an area of ​​a porous material where a particular pressure gradient exists, so a lower number means the material is more breathable and a higher number means the material is less breathable. The water resistance of the housing membrane 114 allows the solution 122 to remain within the housing membrane 114 without leaking. In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 has a water resistance (i.e., hydrostatic head) as measured using a hydrostatic pressure tester available as FX 3000 from Textest Instruments (Zurich, Switzerland) according to EN 20811 of about 50 cmH2O, in other embodiments greater than about 100 cmH2O, in other embodiments from about 50 cmH2O to about 1000 cmH2O, in other embodiments from about 100 to about 500 cmH2O, in other embodiments from about 100 to about 350 cmH2O, and in other embodiments from about 100 to about 200 cmH2O.

[0032] In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 may be constructed from one or more of any suitable materials known in the art that are light reflective. In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 may also function as a reflective barrier, meaning that the portion of the incident light that is not transmitted to the interior is reflected from the surface rather than being absorbed by the material itself. Reflection of solar radiation by the material helps to keep the exterior of the housing membrane 114 from overheating, thereby keeping the solution 122 and soilless plant medium (if used) cooler. Studies by Sattelmacher et al. and Du et al. have shown that high root temperatures reduce root growth and subsequently leaf augmentation. (Sattelmacher, B., Gerendas, J., Thoms, K., Brueck, H., & Bagdady, NH (1993), Interaction Between Root Growth and Mineral Nutrition. Environmental and Experimental Botany, Vol. 33, No. 1, pp. 63-73; Du, YC & Tachibana, S. (1994). Effect of Supraoptimal Root Temperature on the Growth, Root Respiration and Sugar Content of Cucumber Plants. Scientia Horticulturae, Vol. 58, pp. 289-301). In addition, oxygen solubility in the nutrient solution also decreases with increasing temperature, which can have a negative impact on plant growth. (See Du et al., Effect of Supraoptimal Root Temperature on the Growth, Root Respiration and Sugar Content of Cucumber Plants). Additionally, photosynthetically active light reflected from the housing membrane 114 is available for absorption by the leaves of the plants 118, further promoting plant growth.In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 has a total reflectance in the 350-1050 nm range of greater than about 65%, in some embodiments greater than about 80%, in some embodiments greater than about 90%, and in some embodiments greater than about 95%, as measured in accordance with ASTM E1164-02 using a spectrometer available, for example, as a Lambda 650 UV / Vis spectrometer from PerkinElmer (Waltham, Massachusetts, USA).

[0033] In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 has a surface area of ​​100 g / m2, as measured by ATSM E96, for example using an FX 3150 from Textest Instruments, Zurich, Switzerland. 2 / day (grams per square meter per day), in other embodiments, 400 g / m 2 / day, and in other embodiments, 1000 g / m 2 / day, and in other embodiments, from about 100 to about 8000 g / m 2 / day, and in another embodiment, from about 400 to about 3500 g / m 2 / day, and in another embodiment, about 750 to about 2000 g / m 2 / day moisture vapor transmission rate (MVTR).

[0034] In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 has low elasticity and can maintain its shape in areas not in direct contact with the frame 116 when the housing membrane 114 is partially or completely filled with the solution 122. In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 has an elastic modulus of greater than about 50 MPa, in other embodiments greater than about 100 MPa, in other embodiments greater than about 200 MPa, and in other embodiments greater than about 300 MPa, measured according to standard tensile property test method EN 12311-1 using a cross-sectional area calculated from the thickness specified by EN ISO 534. In other embodiments, the maximum elongation of the housing membrane 114 according to EN 12311-1 is less than about 40%, in other embodiments less than about 30%, and in other embodiments less than about 20%.

[0035] The housing membrane 114 can be one or more of materials known in the art in any suitable form, including, but not limited to, a sheet, a fabric, a thin film, a microporous thin film, a membrane, a laminate, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 can be a woven, nonwoven, or knitted fabric or sheet, a combination thereof, or a coated version thereof (e.g., coated with a breathable coating). In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 can be a SMS (spunbond-meltblown-spunbond) nonwoven fabric.

[0036] In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 is a nonwoven flash-spun plexifilamentary sheet of polyethylene. Such sheets are available under the trade name Tyvek® from DuPont, Wilmington, Delaware. As used herein, "plexifilamentary" refers to a three-dimensional integral network or web of a plurality of thin, ribbon-like thin film fibril elements of irregular length. Typically, they have an average thin film thickness of less than about 4 micrometers and a median fibril width of less than about 25 micrometers. The average thin film fibril cross-sectional area, when mathematically converted to a circular area, results in an effective diameter of about 1 micrometer to 25 micrometers. In plexifilamentary structures, the thin film fibril elements discontinuously bond and separate at irregular intervals at various locations throughout the length, width, and thickness of the structure to form a continuous three-dimensional network. Examples of plexifilamentary webs are those produced by the flash spinning process described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,081,519 (Blades et al.), U.S. Pat. No. 3,169,899 (Steuber), U.S. Pat. No. 3,227,784 (Blades et al.), and U.S. Pat. No. 3,851,023 (Brethauer et al.), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

[0037] The housing membrane 114 may be constructed from one component or multiple components including, but not limited to, an upper and lower portion (as shown in FIG. 1 ), each of which may be composed of the same or different materials. In some embodiments, the housing membrane 114 does not have any joints or seals, while in other embodiments, the housing membrane 114 may include one or more joints or seals.

[0038] The frame 116 provides structural support and balance to the housing membrane 114. The frame 116 may be of any suitable shape or size and may be arranged in any pattern. The frame 116 may be constructed from one or more of any suitable materials known in the art, including but not limited to natural or synthetic fibers (e.g., ropes / netting), rubber, urethane, plastic, glass, ceramic, metals, alloys, and composites thereof. The frame 116 is preferably a corrosion-resistant material. The frame 116 may be constructed from one component or multiple components, each of which may be composed of the same or different materials. In some embodiments, the frame 116 may be present or located at ground / road level by any suitable manner known in the art, and in other embodiments, may be held or located above / above ground / road level by any suitable manner known in the art, including but not limited to ropes, chains, shelves, etc.

[0039] The solution 122 within the housing membrane 114 creates a water surface that may be at various heights within the housing membrane 114, including as high as the top of the housing membrane 114. In some embodiments, the solution 122 occupies at least about 5% of the volume within the housing membrane 114, in other embodiments, at least about 10% of the volume within the housing membrane 114, in other embodiments, at least about 20% of the volume within the housing membrane 114, in other embodiments, at least about 50% of the volume within the housing membrane 114, in other embodiments, at least about 80% of the volume within the housing membrane 114, in other embodiments, at least about 90% of the volume within the housing membrane 114, and in other embodiments, 100% of the volume within the housing membrane 114. The solution 122 may be any solution known in the art for use in growing plants, including, but not limited to, solutions containing water, nutrients, fungicides, insecticides, growth regulators or enzymes, pH adjusters, fertilizers, and variations thereof. Nutrients may include one or more of any nutrients known in the art used in plant growth, including, but not limited to, N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), K (potassium), Ca (calcium), Cl (chlorine), Cu (copper), Fe (iron), Mg (magnesium), Mn (manganese), Mo (molybdenum), S (sulfur), B (boron), Zn (zinc), and variations thereof.

[0040] In some embodiments, a plurality of enclosure membranes 114 may be included in the hydroponic system 110, including, for example, at least 10 enclosure membranes, at least 25 enclosure membranes, at least 50 enclosure membranes, at least 100 enclosure membranes, at least 500 enclosure membranes, at least 1000 enclosure membranes, at least 2000 enclosure membranes, at least 3000 enclosure membranes, at least 4000 enclosure membranes, at least 5000 enclosure membranes, and at least 10,000 enclosure membranes. The enclosure membranes 114 may be of the same or different shapes and may be arranged vertically or horizontally in an irregular or arbitrary configuration. For example, a plurality of enclosure membranes 114 may be aligned in adjacent rows above and below each other or both to form a multi-row and / or multi-height hydroponic system 110.

[0041] In some embodiments, a plurality of plant support structures 112 may be included in the hydroponic cultivation system 110, including, for example, at least 10 plant support structures, at least 25 plant support structures, at least 50 plant support structures, at least 100 plant support structures, at least 500 plant support structures, at least 1000 plant support structures, at least 2000 plant support structures, at least 3000 plant support structures, at least 4000 plant support structures, at least 5000 plant support structures, and at least 10,000 plant support structures.

[0042] In some embodiments, the system 110 may be portable.

[0043] 2 illustrates an exemplary hydroponic system 210 having a plurality of plant support structures 212. The hydroponic system 210 includes a plurality of plant support structures 212 that hold plants 218, an enclosure membrane 214 that contains the plurality of plant support structures 212 and a solution 222 (not shown), and a frame 216. The enclosure membrane 214 includes a plurality of openings 224 into which one or more plant support structures 212 fit.

[0044] 2, the frame 216 abuts portions of the housing membrane 214 for support, including being arranged in a chevron pattern along the sides of the housing membrane 214. However, in some embodiments, the frame 216 can be designed and constructed in any suitable manner, including any location, arrangement, pattern, size, or shape, to provide support to the housing membrane 214 while allowing ventilation across at least a portion of the housing membrane 214.

[0045] 3 illustrates an exemplary hydroponic system 310 that includes an enclosure membrane 314 with one plant support structure 312 that holds a number of plants 318. The hydroponic system 310 includes the plant support structure 312 that holds the plants 318, the enclosure membrane 314 that contains the plant support structure 312 and a solution 322 (not shown), and a frame 316. The enclosure membrane 314 includes an opening 324 into which the plant support structure 312 fits. As shown in FIG. 3, the plant support structure 312 and the opening 324 are shaped like an elongated oval racetrack. However, in some embodiments, the plant support structure 312 and the opening 324 may be any suitable shape or size and may be located anywhere on the enclosure membrane 314.

[0046] 3, the frame 316 abuts portions of the housing membrane 314 for support, including being arranged in a chevron pattern along the sides of the housing membrane 314. In some embodiments, the frame 316 can be designed and constructed in any suitable manner, including any location, arrangement, pattern, size, or shape, to provide support to the housing membrane 314 while allowing airflow across at least a portion of the housing membrane 314.

[0047] 4 illustrates an exemplary hydroponic system 410 having multiple enclosure membranes 414 arranged vertically. The hydroponic system 410 includes multiple enclosure membranes 414 and multiple frames 416. The multiple enclosure membranes 414 house one or more plant support structures 412 (not shown) and a solution 422 (not shown). The multiple enclosure membranes 414 include one or more openings 424 (not shown) into which the one or more plant support structures 412 fit. The one or more plant support structures 412 (not shown) hold plants 418.

[0048] 5 shows an exemplary hydroponic system 510 having multiple enclosure membranes 514 arranged horizontally and vertically. The hydroponic system 510 includes multiple enclosure membranes 514 and multiple frames 516. The multiple enclosure membranes 514 house one or more plant support structures 512 (not shown) and a solution 522. The multiple enclosure membranes 514 include one or more openings 524 into which the one or more plant support structures 512 fit. The one or more plant support structures 512 hold plants 518. The one or more plant support structures 512 have one or more holes on the side and / or bottom of the one or more plant support structures 512 to allow the solution 522 to be delivered to the plants 518 and / or roots 520 of the plants 518.

[0049] Figure 6 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of a method 600 for growing a plant that may be used, for example, with a hydroponic cultivation system 110 as shown in Figure 1. The method 600 includes a step 602 of inserting a plant 118 into one or more plant support structures 112 having one or more holes in the side and / or bottom of the one or more plant support structures 112.

[0050] The method 600 further includes a step 604 of disposing at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures 112 within the one or more openings 124 of the one or more housing membranes 114 .

[0051] The method 600 further includes a step 606 of providing a solution 122 within the one or more housing membranes 114 to create a standing water surface for supplying the plants 118 and / or the roots 120 of the plants 118 .

[0052] Importantly, the steps may be performed in any order. For example, when performing the method 600 for growing plants, step 602 of inserting plants 118 into one or more plant support structures 112 having one or more holes in the side and / or bottom of the one or more plant support structures 112 may be performed after step 604 of placing at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures into one or more openings 124 of one or more housing membranes 114 and / or after step 606 of providing a solution 122 to the one or more housing membranes 114 to create a water-static surface. Similarly, step 606 of providing a solution 122 to the one or more housing membranes 114 to create a water-static surface may be performed before step 602 of inserting plants 118 into one or more plant support structures 112 having one or more holes and / or before step 604 of placing at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures into one or more openings 124 of one or more housing membranes 114. The method 600 for growing a plant may include additional steps.

[0053] Test Method The water vapor transmission rate was measured according to ATSM E96.

[0054] Gurley-Hill porosity was measured according to ISO 5636-5.

[0055] The water resistance was measured according to EN 20811.

[0056] The maximum extension was measured according to ISO 12311-1.

[0057] The elastic modulus was calculated according to EN 12311-1 using the cross-sectional area calculated from the thickness specified by EN ISO 534.

[0058] Total reflectance was measured according to ASTM E1164-02.

[0059] Turbidity was measured according to IS 3025-Part 16.

[0060] Dissolved oxygen (mg / L) was measured according to APHA 23rd ed 4500-OC.

[0061] pH at 25℃ 23rd ed 4500-H + Measurement was performed according to (B).

[0062] Total dissolved solids (mg / L) was determined according to APHA 23rd ed 2540-Solid(C).

[0063] Total suspended solids (mg / L) was determined according to APHA 23rd ed 2540-Solid(D).

[0064] The electrical conductivity (μS / cm) at 25° C. was measured according to 23rd ed 2510 B.

[0065] Total organic carbon (ppb) was determined according to APHA 23rd ed 5310-TOC-(B).

[0066] Total viable bacterial count (cfu / ml) was determined according to IS:5402:2012.

[0067] Coliform bacteria (cfu / 100 ml) were determined according to IS:15185:2002.

[0068] Yeasts and molds (cfu / 100 ml) were determined according to IS 5403:1999 (Reaffirmed-2009).

[0069] Algae (presence or absence in 100 ml) was measured according to APHA 22nd ed 10200 F (color method). EXAMPLES

[0070] The following examples are given to illustrate certain embodiments of the invention and should not be construed as limiting thereof in any way.

[0071] Example 1 A hydroponic setup was prepared using Tyvek® 1073B enclosure membrane in a greenhouse (28° C., 65% relative humidity). A 5 m long frame was constructed from metal in the shape of an inverted triangular cross section (V-shaped: 15 cm high, 25 cm bottom) to provide structural support and balance to the enclosure membrane. The enclosure membrane was constructed from Tyvek® 1073B, placed along the entire edge of the frame, and attached to the frame using adhesive tape. The flat top surface of the enclosure membrane contained openings 2 inches (about 5 cm) in diameter and spaced 12 inches (about 30.5 cm) apart, with holes, into which plant support structures (i.e., seed cups in this case) containing rice in 40 g of soil were inserted. The plant support structures were 3 inches (about 7.6 cm) high and 2 inches (about 5 cm) in diameter. The enclosure membrane was filled with about 65 L of nutrient solution to a height of about 12.5 cm so that the nutrient solution was always in direct contact with the plant support structures. Additional nutrient solution was added periodically throughout the experiment to maintain a height of approximately 12.5 cm. The composition of the nutrient solution was as follows:

[0072] [Table 1]

[0073] The plants were allowed to grow to a height of approximately 1 m with the plant roots growing outside the plant support structure into the nutrient solution. To test the water quality after 60 days, 50 cc water samples were collected from the water surface (i.e., from the water below the surface) into test tubes. The test tubes were hermetically sealed and sent for water quality testing within 24 hours.

[0074] Comparative Example 2 A hydroponic setup was prepared using PVC pipes in a greenhouse (28°C, 65% relative humidity). The PVC pipes were 5m long and 5 inches in diameter. The top side of the PVC pipes contained 2 inch openings formed in a row every 12 inches, with holes and plant support structures (i.e., seed cups in this case) containing rice in 40g of soil were inserted into the openings. The plant support structures were 3 inches tall and 2 inches in diameter. The plant support structures were in direct contact with the nutrient solution at all times (same as in Example 1). The nutrient solution was constantly flowing, with an inlet at one end of the PVC pipe and an outlet at the other end. The outflow fell about 1 foot into a fiber reinforced plastic tank, and a motor pumped the water from the fiber reinforced plastic open tank to the inflow pipe. This allowed sufficient oxygen to be captured from the aeration. As in Example 1, plants were grown to a height of 1 m with the plant roots growing submerged in the water. To test the water quality after 60 days, 50 cc water samples were collected in test tubes from a fiber-reinforced plastic open tank representing the average water quality conditions next to the plant roots. The test tubes were hermetically sealed and sent for water quality testing within 24 hours.

[0075] Comparative Example 3 A conventional soil cultivation set-up was prepared in a greenhouse (28°C, 65% relative humidity) with germinated rice in pots with 4 kg of soil. Water and fertilizer were provided at regular intervals and the rice was grown to a height of about 1 m with the rice roots growing into the soil. After 60 days, 50 cc water samples were collected to test the water quality in the pots. The test tubes were hermetically sealed and sent for water quality testing within 24 hours.

[0076] [Table 2]

[0077] [Table 3]

[0078] As shown in Tables 1A and 1B, the water quality analysis of the examples shows that Example 1 has lower turbidity, total suspended solids, total organic matter, and total viable count (i.e., bacterial count) than Comparative Examples 2 and 3. The dissolved oxygen concentration in Example 1 was comparable to Comparative Example 2, despite the absence of mechanical addition through aeration.

[0079] Example 4 A hydroponic setup was prepared using a Tyvek® 1073B enclosure membrane in a greenhouse (28° C., 65% relative humidity) as described in Example 1. Plant productivity was monitored by measuring the number of tillers and total seed weight per plant at the harvest stage, approximately 90 days after sowing date. Other productivity output parameters were also measured, including the number of seeds per plant and the number of days to 85% seed maturity (starting from sowing date).

[0080] Comparative Example 5 A conventional soil cultivation setup was prepared in a greenhouse (28°C, 65% relative humidity) using germinated rice in pots with 4 kg of soil as described in Comparative Example 3. The productivity parameters were measured as described in Example 4 (same sowing and harvesting dates as in Example 4). A comparison of the productivity parameters measured in Example 4 and Comparative Example 5 is shown in Table 2.

[0081] [Table 4]

[0082] Table 2 shows the improved plant productivity in Example 4 compared to Comparative Example 5. Example 4 shows a 32.6% increase in productivity with an earlier maturity of 6 days.

[0083] Comparative Example 6 A hydroponic setup was prepared in a greenhouse (28°C, 65% relative humidity) using PVC pipes as described in Comparative Example 2. A 1 HP motor was used to continuously circulate the aerated water through the PVC pipes. Table 3 shows the power consumption comparison between Comparative Example 6 and Example 1.

[0084] [Table 5]

[0085] Obviously, the power consumption is dramatically higher in PVC pipe based hydroponic systems with continuous aeration compared to systems that do not require electricity.

[0086] Logic Examples - Example 7, Comparative Example 8 and Example 9 The hydroponic setups from Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Example 4 were prepared separately in Example 7, Comparative Example 8, and Example 9, respectively, except that in each case the soil in the plant support structures was replaced with a soilless medium.

[0087] When comparing Example 7, Comparative Example 8, and Comparative Example 3, the Example shows similar results (physical and biological parameters) to those shown in Tables 1A and 1B for Example 1, Comparative Example 2, and Comparative Example 3. Water quality analysis of the Example shows that Example 7 has lower turbidity, total suspended solids, total organic matter, and total viable count (i.e., bacterial count) than Comparative Example 8 and Comparative Example 3. The dissolved oxygen concentration in Example 7 is comparable to Comparative Example 8, despite the lack of mechanical addition through aeration.

[0088] When comparing Comparative Example 9 with Comparative Example 5, the example shows similar results (plant productivity) to those shown in Table 2 for Example 4 and Comparative Example 5. Example 9 shows improved plant productivity compared to Comparative Example 5. Example 9 also shows a significant productivity increase with earlier maturation when compared to Comparative Example 5.

[0089] When comparing Example 7 with Comparative Example 6, the Example shows similar results (power consumption) to those shown in Table 3 for Example 1 and Comparative Example 6. Comparative Example 6 shows dramatically higher power consumption than Example 7.

[0090] conclusion Thus, the hydroponic systems for growing plants described herein offer many advantages in reduced energy costs, improved physical and biological parameters, improved productivity (e.g., earlier plant maturity and increased yield per plant), reduced capital costs, reduced maintenance costs, and the ability to cultivate more efficiently. The ability to support root oxygen requirements in the presence of a constant water level can also be applied in many other applications such as aquaculture, plant irrigation, general architectural water bodies, etc.

[0091] While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they are presented by way of example, not limitation. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Thus, although the present invention has been described with reference to the exemplary embodiments above, it should be understood that other embodiments are within the scope of the claims. It should further be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein may be combined to form other embodiments. After reading the above description, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the present invention in alternative embodiments. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the exemplary embodiments described above.

Claims

1. 1. A hydroponic cultivation system, comprising: one or more plant support structures for holding plants, the one or more plant support structures having one or more holes; one or more housing membranes comprising a breathable and water-resistant nonwoven, woven, or knitted fabric or sheet, containing a solution and at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures, and having one or more openings into which at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures fit; one or more frames supporting the one or more housing membranes, each frame being adjacent to the one or more housing membranes, including being positioned along a side of the one or more housing membranes while allowing ventilation through the one or more housing membranes; and Hydroponic systems including:

2. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more plant support structures further comprise a soilless plant medium.

3. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more plant support structures are connected to the one or more enclosure membranes or the one or more frames.

4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more housing membrane fabrics or sheets comprise a polyolefin.

5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the polyolefin is polyethylene or polypropylene.

6. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more housing membrane fabrics or sheets comprise nonwoven flash-spun plexifilamentary sheets of polyethylene.

7. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more housing membranes is a single component.

8. The system of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the one or more housing membranes has two or more components.

9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the one or more housing membranes is at least 10 housing membranes.

10. The system described in claim 1, wherein the one or more housing membrane fabrics or sheets have a Gurley-Hill porosity of 1 to 100 seconds or 10 to 50 seconds per 100 cc of air, or the one or more housing membrane fabrics or sheets have a water resistance of 50 to 1000 cmH2O or 100 to 500 cmH2O.

11. The system described in claim 1, wherein the one or more housing membrane cloths or sheets have a total reflectivity of greater than 80%.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the one or more housing membrane fabrics or sheets have a water vapor transmission rate of 400 to 3500 g / m 2 / day or 750 to 2000 g / m 2 / day.

13. The system described in claim 1, wherein the one or more housing membrane cloths or sheets have a maximum elongation of less than 40%.

14. 1. A hydroponic cultivation system, comprising: one or more plant support structures for holding plants; one or more enclosure membranes for containing the solution and at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures; one or more frames for supporting the one or more housing membranes, each frame being adjacent to the one or more housing membranes, including being positioned along a side of the one or more housing membranes, while allowing ventilation through the one or more housing membranes; Including, the one or more plant support structures have one or more holes to allow the solution to reach the plants inside the one or more plant support structures or to allow roots of the plants to extend into the enclosure membrane outside the one or more plant support structures; The one or more housing membranes comprise a breathable, water-resistant, non-woven, woven, or knitted fabric or sheet, and have one or more openings into which at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures fit.

15. A hydroponic cultivation system, one or more plant support structures for holding plants; one or more housing membranes comprising a breathable, water-resistant, nonwoven, woven, or knitted fabric or sheet, containing a solution and at least a portion of the one or more plant support structures, and having one or more openings into which a portion of the one or more plant support structures fits; one or more frames supporting the one or more housing membranes, each frame being adjacent to the one or more housing membranes, including being positioned along a side of the one or more housing membranes while allowing ventilation through the one or more housing membranes; and Including, the one or more plant support structures comprise a soilless plant medium and have one or more holes in a side or bottom of the one or more plant support structures; the one or more housing membrane fabrics or sheets are polyolefins and have a Gurley-Hill porosity of 1 to 100 seconds per 100 cc of air, a water resistance of 100 to 500 cm H2O, and a water vapor transmission rate of 400 to 3500 g / m2 / day; and The solution comprises water and nutrients. Hydroponic cultivation system.

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