Cultivation device

Abstract

To provide a cultivation device that enables the reuse of materials containing rhizobia.SOLUTION: A cultivation device 1 for cultivating leguminous plants 2 by hydroponics is provided, the device comprising: a propagation layer 10 including a granular material 11 that promotes the growth of rhizobia and enables them to colonize the roots of the leguminous plants 2; a high-buoyancy layer 20 that separates the propagation layer 10 from a nutrient solution 3; and a water supply part 30 that guides the nutrient solution 3 to the propagation layer 10.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for a cultivation apparatus for legume plants. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, techniques relating to the cultivation of legumes have been publicly known, for example as described in Patent Document 1.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a granular material for inoculating legume plants with rhizobia. According to the method using the granular material described in Patent Document 1, activated rhizobia can be added to soil.

[0004] However, when using soil as described above, there is a possibility that continuous crop failure may occur due to an imbalance in the nutritional components in the soil. For this reason, it is not possible to continue cultivating legumes in the same land, and for the next crop, it is necessary to change the location and add new rhizobia to the soil. For this reason, it is difficult to reuse the granular material containing rhizobia used in the previous land. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2010-220582 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cultivation apparatus capable of reusing materials containing root nodule bacteria. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The problem to be solved by the present invention has been described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0008] That is, in claim 1, a cultivation device for cultivating legumes by nutrient solution cultivation includes a growth section containing a material for growing root nodule bacteria and enabling the root nodule bacteria to parasitize the roots of the legumes, a partition section separating the growth section from the nutrient solution, and a water-conducting section for conducting the nutrient solution to the growth section.

[0009] In claim 2, the partition section separates the proliferation section from the nutrient solution by floating on the nutrient solution with the proliferation section placed thereon.

[0010] In claim 3, the partition portion comprises a first hole portion supporting the culture medium of the legume plant so that the roots of the legume plant pass through to the nutrient solution side, and a second hole portion through which the water conducting portion passes so that one end side of the water conducting portion is located on the nutrient solution side and the other end side of the water conducting portion is located in the growth portion.

[0011] In claim 4, the material is granular, and the partition has a gap through which the roots of the legumes can pass, and includes a holding portion for holding the material.

[0012] In claim 5, the proliferation section contains an alkaline substance from which an alkaline component is eluted by the nutrient solution guided from the water-guiding section.

[0013] In claim 6, the proliferation portion is formed by mixing the alkaline substance into the granular material.

[0014] In the seventh aspect of the present invention, the alkaline substance is provided in a portion of the water-conducting section that is located in the proliferation section. Effect of the Invention

[0015] The present invention has the following advantages.

[0016] In the present invention, materials containing root nodule bacteria can be reused. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing a schematic diagram of a cultivation apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 4 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view showing the cultivation state using the cultivation device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 11 is an enlarged front cross-sectional view showing the state of cultivation using the cultivation device according to the second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Hereinafter, a cultivation apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0019] The cultivation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is used for cultivating a legume plant 2. For example, soybeans can be used as the legume plant 2. The cultivation apparatus 1 is used for hydroponics, not soil cultivation, in which a nutrient solution 3 (culture solution) is provided to the legume plant 2. Here, the nutrient solution 3 is a solution in which fertilizer is dissolved in water. As the nutrient solution, for example, a nutrient solution containing various components (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sulfur, iron, manganese, etc.) mixed in a ratio suitable for general plants can be used. As shown in FIG. 1, the nutrient solution 3 is stored in a container 4. An appropriate water tank can be used as the container 4. The nutrient solution 3 is supplied to the container 4 from an appropriate supply source.

[0020] In this embodiment, the nutrient solution culture is assumed to be a solid medium culture using a solid medium, the medium 5. As the medium 5, various solid media such as rock wool, peat moss, vermiculite, etc. can be used. The medium 5 is formed, for example, in a substantially cylindrical shape. The medium 5 supports the roots 2a of the legume plant 2 and allows the nutrient solution 3 to be stored so that the roots 2a can absorb the nutrient solution 3.

[0021] The cultivation apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 floats on a nutrient solution 3 in a container 4 and supports a medium 5 for a legume plant 2 to be cultivated. The cultivation apparatus 1 is formed in a roughly plate shape (panel shape) with the plate surface facing up and down. The cultivation apparatus 1 is capable of cultivating a plurality of legume plants 2. Note that the illustrated example shows a portion where one legume plant 2 is supported.

[0022] Here, the legume plant 2 parasitizes root nodule bacteria, which are microorganisms, on the roots 2a, and provides the root nodule bacteria with sugars, which are photosynthetic products, in exchange for obtaining nitrogen compounds that the root nodule bacteria convert from nitrogen. This action of the root nodule bacteria (nitrogen fixation) enhances the immune function of the legume plant 2 against pests, allowing the legume plant 2 to be cultivated favorably. For this reason, in cultivating the legume plant 2, it is important to parasitize the roots 2a with root nodule bacteria.

[0023] The cultivation apparatus 1 according to this embodiment can favorably cause root nodule bacteria to parasitize the roots 2a of a legume plant 2. The cultivation apparatus 1 includes a proliferation layer 10, a high buoyancy layer 20, and a water conducting section 30.

[0024] The proliferation layer 10 shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is for proliferating rhizobia and parasitizing the roots 2a of the legume plant 2. The proliferation layer 10 constitutes the upper part of the cultivation device 1 in the thickness direction. Granular material 11 having properties suitable for the growth of rhizobia is spread over the proliferation layer 10. The granular material 11 is water-absorbent, porous, lightweight, and made of a weakly alkaline substance. For example, hydroballs with a flow diameter of about 5 mm to 20 mm can be used as the granular material 11. Note that the granular material 11 is not limited to hydroballs, and various materials can be used.

[0025] As shown in Fig. 1, the proliferation layer 10 is formed by spreading granular material 11 so as to surround the periphery of the medium 5. Roots 2a extending from the medium 5 are located within the proliferation layer 10. The roots 2a that reach the proliferation layer 10 are parasitized by rhizobia.

[0026] The proliferation layer 10 is provided with a retaining portion 12 that prevents the granular material 11 from falling into the nutrient solution 3. As shown in FIG. 1, the retaining portion 12 is provided at the boundary between the granular material 11 and the culture medium 5, or at the end of the proliferation layer 10. The retaining portion 12 has gaps that allow the roots 2a of the legume plant 2 to pass through and that are smaller than the particle size of the granular material 11. A net having a mesh size of the above-mentioned gaps can be used as the retaining portion 12. A wall-shaped member having slits of the above-mentioned gap size can also be used as the retaining portion 12.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 2, the growth layer 10 according to this embodiment has an alkaline substance 13 mixed into the granular material 11. As the alkaline substance 13, for example, organic lime such as crushed oyster shells can be used. In the illustrated example, the alkaline substance 13 is shown as a solid granular figure. The alkaline substance 13 is mixed into the granular material 11 in the growth layer 10 in a generally homogeneous manner.

[0028] By including the alkaline substance 13 in the proliferation layer 10, the proliferation layer 10 can be kept in a condition suitable for the growth of rhizobia. That is, as the legume plant 2 grows, it excretes acidic substances from the roots 2a, so that the portion of the proliferation layer 10 around the roots 2a may become biased toward acidity. If the proliferation layer 10 becomes biased toward acidity, the activity of the rhizobia decreases, making it difficult for the rhizobia to proliferate favorably. Therefore, by including the alkaline substance 13 in the proliferation layer 10 as in this embodiment, the alkaline component of the alkaline substance 13 is eluted into the nutrient solution 3 supplied into the proliferation layer 10, and the proliferation layer 10 can be kept neutral or alkaline, which is a condition suitable for the growth of rhizobia. A detailed explanation of the mode of eluting the alkaline component of the alkaline substance 13 will be described later.

[0029] The high buoyancy layer 20 provides buoyancy to the cultivation device 1. The high buoyancy layer 20 constitutes the lower part of the cultivation device 1 in the thickness direction. The high buoyancy layer 20 has buoyancy that allows it to float in the nutrient solution 3 with the growth layer 10 placed on the upper surface. The high buoyancy layer 20 is formed of a material with high buoyancy, such as a closed-cell sponge. By floating the high buoyancy layer 20 in the nutrient solution 3, the growth layer 10 can be positioned above the nutrient solution 3, and the growth layer 10 and the nutrient solution 3 can be separated. This makes it possible to prevent the root nodule bacteria in the growth layer 10 from flowing into the nutrient solution. The high buoyancy layer 20 has a first hole portion 21 and a second hole portion 22.

[0030] The first hole 21 shown in Fig. 2 supports the culture medium 5 so as to allow the roots 2a of the legume plant 2 to pass through to the nutrient solution 3 side. The first hole 21 penetrates the high buoyancy layer 20 in the thickness direction. The first hole 21 is formed in a shape that generally corresponds to the culture medium 5 in a plan view. The legume plant 2 is supported relative to the cultivation device 1 by fitting the culture medium 5 into the first hole 21. A plurality of first holes 21 are formed in the high buoyancy layer 20 at intervals in the horizontal direction.

[0031] The second hole portion 22 is provided with a water guide portion 30 described later. The second hole portion 22 penetrates the high buoyancy layer 20 in the thickness direction. A plurality of second holes 22 are formed in the high buoyancy layer 20 at intervals in the horizontal direction.

[0032] The water conducting section 30 guides the nutrient solution 3 to the proliferation layer 10. The water conducting section 30 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape extending in the vertical direction. The water conducting section 30 is formed from highly water-conductive cloth, string, or the like. As shown in FIG. 2 , the water conducting section 30 is inserted into the second hole section 22 and held against the high buoyancy layer 20. In this state, the lower end side of the water conducting section 30 is located on the nutrient solution 3 side, and the upper end side of the water conducting section 30 is located inside the proliferation layer 10.

[0033] 2, the water conducting parts 30 draw up the nutrient solution 3 by capillary action and supply the nutrient solution 3 to the proliferation layer 10. This makes it possible to supply the moisture necessary for the survival of the rhizobia into the proliferation layer 10. The length, outer diameter and number of the water conducting parts 30 can be appropriately set according to the amount of nutrient solution 3 to be supplied into the proliferation layer 10.

[0034] Furthermore, in this embodiment, because the alkaline substance 13 is mixed into the proliferation layer 10, the alkaline component of the alkaline substance 13 can be slowly eluted by the nutrient solution 3 supplied into the proliferation layer 10 by the water conducting section 30. Furthermore, with the above configuration, the alkaline component can be eluted uniformly in the proliferation layer 10. This makes it possible to keep the proliferation layer 10 neutral or alkaline, which is a condition suitable for the proliferation of rhizobia, and to activate the rhizobia.

[0035] The cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment is formed in a plate shape in which the proliferation layer 10, the high buoyancy layer 20, and the water conducting section 30 are integrally formed with each other. This can improve the ease of handling of the cultivation device 1. Various methods can be used to fix the above-mentioned members, such as fitting the members together, fixing using fasteners, bundling, and adhesion. It is also possible to use the cultivation device 1 in a state in which the proliferation layer 10 is simply placed on the high buoyancy layer 20 provided with the water conducting section 30, without fixing the members in particular.

[0036] The following describes a method for cultivating a legume plant 2 using the cultivation apparatus 1. First, an operator floats the cultivation apparatus 1 in the nutrient solution 3 in a container 4. Root nodule bacteria have been added in advance to the granular material 11 in the proliferation layer 10 of the cultivation apparatus 1. With the cultivation apparatus 1 floating in the nutrient solution 3, water (nutrient solution 3) sucked up by the water conducting section 30 is supplied to the rhizobium in the proliferation layer 10. This allows the rhizobium to proliferate in the proliferation layer 10.

[0037] Next, the worker places the culture medium 5, in which the legume plant 2 to be cultivated is planted, in the first hole 21 of the cultivation device 1 (high buoyancy layer 20). The legume plant 2 may be one in which, for example, two leaves have just appeared. The legume plant 2 placed in the cultivation device 1 grows by absorbing the nutrient solution 3 through the roots 2a. The roots 2a that extend as the legume plant 2 grows pass through the retaining portion 12 and reach the proliferation layer 10. In this state, it is possible to parasitize the roots 2a of the legume plant 2 with the rhizobia that have been propagated in the proliferation layer 10.

[0038] In this way, in the cultivation method using the above-mentioned cultivation apparatus 1, root nodule bacteria can be preferably parasitized on the roots 2a of the legume plant 2 in nutrient solution cultivation. This allows for a higher yield of the legume plant 2 than in nutrient solution cultivation using only the nutrient solution 3 (without using root nodule bacteria). Furthermore, in the cultivation method using the above-mentioned cultivation apparatus 1, nitrogen compounds converted by the root nodule bacteria using nitrogen in the air can be obtained. This allows for a reduction in the amount of nitrogen fertilizer to be applied compared to a method in which the nitrogen component is dissolved in the nutrient solution 3, for example. When the legume plant 2 has grown sufficiently, the worker can harvest it by pulling out the legume plant 2 together with the medium 5 from the cultivation apparatus 1.

[0039] According to the cultivation method using the above-mentioned cultivation apparatus 1, the granular material 11 can be reused for the next crop. That is, for example, in the case of soil cultivation, it is necessary to replace the granular material 11 containing rhizobia after each crop to avoid continuous crop damage. Also, for example, in a method in which the granular material 11 containing rhizobia is added to the nutrient solution 3 for cultivation, the balance of the nutrients in the nutrient solution 3 is lost after one crop is completed, so it is necessary to discard the nutrient solution 3 together with the granular material 11 and replace the granular material 11.

[0040] On the other hand, in the cultivation method using the cultivation apparatus 1, after the previous crop of legumes 2 is harvested, the culture medium 5 for the next crop of legumes 2 can be provided in the same cultivation apparatus 1 as described above. In this way, according to the cultivation method using the cultivation apparatus 1, after the legumes 2 are harvested, the granular material 11 containing the rhizobia can be reused for the next crop without replacing the granular material 11 in the propagation layer 10. This makes it possible to reduce the cost incurred in updating the granular material 11.

[0041] Furthermore, in the cultivation device 1 according to this embodiment, the holding portion 12 is formed to be able to pass through the roots 2a, and the granular material 11 is lightweight, so that residues of the roots 2a are unlikely to remain in the propagation layer 10 when the legume plant 2 is pulled out. Therefore, the granular material 11 in the propagation layer 10 can be easily reused for the next crop.

[0042] In addition, in this embodiment, by floating the cultivation apparatus 1 on the nutrient solution 3, the cultivation apparatus 1 can be easily removed from the container 4. This makes it easier to clean the cultivation apparatus 1 after harvesting the legume plants 2 (e.g., remove residues of the roots 2a remaining in the proliferation layer 10) and remove dirt from the nutrient solution 3, thereby improving maintainability.

[0043] Although the first embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0044] A second embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Fig. 3. In the following description of the second embodiment, differences from the first embodiment will be described, and descriptions of common configurations will be omitted as appropriate.

[0045] The cultivation apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment differs from the cultivation apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment in that an alkaline substance 13A is provided in the water-conducting section 30.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3, the alkaline substance 13A is provided in a portion of the water conducting section 30 located in the proliferation layer 10. In this embodiment, the alkaline substance 13A is contained in the portion of the water conducting section 30 located in the proliferation layer 10 (the portion above the high buoyancy layer 20). As shown in FIG. 3, the nutrient solution 3 sucked up by the water conducting section 30 dissolves the alkaline substance 13A when it is supplied to the proliferation layer 10. Instead of the configuration in which the alkaline substance 13A is contained in the water conducting section 30 as described above, the alkaline substance 13A may be provided on the outside of the water conducting section 30. Specifically, the alkaline substance 13A having a substantially cylindrical shape with a bottom may be provided so as to cover the upper part of the water conducting section 30.

[0047] The cultivation apparatus 1A according to the second embodiment provides substantially the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Moreover, according to this embodiment, the alkaline component of the alkaline substance 13A can be efficiently eluted by the nutrient solution 3 supplied into the proliferation layer 10 by the water conducting section 30. This can activate the rhizobia in the proliferation layer 10.

[0048] As described above, the cultivation apparatus 1, 1A according to this embodiment is, A cultivation device 1, 1A for cultivating a legume plant 2 by hydroponic cultivation, A proliferation layer 10 (proliferation portion) including a granular material 11 (material) capable of proliferating root nodule bacteria and parasitizing the root nodule bacteria on the roots of the legume plant 2; A high buoyancy layer 20 (partition) that separates the proliferation layer 10 and the nutrient solution 3; A water guide section 30 that guides the nutrient solution 3 to the proliferation layer 10; It is equipped with the following.

[0049] With this configuration, the granular material 11 containing the rhizobia can be reused. That is, after the legume plants 2 are harvested, the granular material 11 containing the rhizobia can be reused for the next crop without replacing the granular material 11 in the proliferation layer 10.

[0050] In addition, the high buoyancy layer 20 is The proliferation layer 10 floats on the nutrient solution 3 in the placed state, thereby separating the proliferation layer 10 from the nutrient solution 3.

[0051] With this configuration, the cultivation apparatus 1 can be easily removed from the container 4 in which the nutrient solution 3 is stored. This allows for easy cleaning of the cultivation apparatus 1 (e.g., removal of residues of the roots 2a remaining in the proliferation layer 10) after harvesting the legume plants 2 and removal of dirt from the nutrient solution 3, improving maintainability.

[0052] In addition, the high buoyancy layer 20 is A first hole portion 21 for supporting a culture medium 5 of the legume plant 2 so that the roots 2a of the legume plant 2 pass through the nutrient solution 3 side; A second hole portion 22 through which the water guide portion 30 passes so that one end side of the water guide portion 30 is located on the nutrient solution 3 side and the other end side of the water guide portion 30 is located on the proliferation layer 10; It is equipped with the following.

[0053] With this configuration, the high buoyancy layer 20 can be used to support the culture medium 5 and the water conducting section 30.

[0054] The granular material 11 is granular, The high buoyancy layer 20 is The high buoyancy layer 20 is provided with a retaining portion 12 having a gap through which the roots 2 a of the legumes 2 can pass and for retaining the high buoyancy layer 20 .

[0055] By configuring in this manner, it is possible to prevent the granular material 11 from falling into the nutrient solution 3.

[0056] In addition, the proliferation layer 10 is The nutrient solution 3 guided from the water-guiding section 30 contains alkaline substances 13, 13A whose alkaline components are eluted by the nutrient solution 3.

[0057] With this configuration, proliferation layer 10 can be kept neutral or alkaline, which is a suitable condition for the proliferation of root nodule bacteria, and the root nodule bacteria can be activated.

[0058] In addition, the proliferation layer 10 is The alkaline substance 13 is mixed into the granular material 11 which is in granular form.

[0059] With this configuration, the alkaline component can be uniformly eluted in the proliferation layer 10, and the root nodule bacteria in the proliferation layer 10 can be activated.

[0060] The alkaline substance 13A is It is provided in the portion of the water conducting section 30 that is located in the proliferation layer 10 .

[0061] With this configuration, the alkaline component of alkaline substance 13A can be efficiently eluted, and the root nodule bacteria in proliferation layer 10 can be activated.

[0062] The proliferation layer 10 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a proliferation portion. Moreover, the high buoyancy layer 20 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a partition portion.

[0063] Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above configuration, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention described in the claims.

[0064] For example, in the present embodiment, the high buoyancy layer 20 is used to float the cultivation apparatus 1 on the nutrient solution 3, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the cultivation apparatus 1 may be fixed to the container 4 of the nutrient solution 3 so as to separate the proliferation layer 10 and the nutrient solution 3.

[0065] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example is shown in which the alkaline substances 13, 13A are preliminarily contained in the growth layer 10, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the alkaline substances 13, 13A may be added to the growth layer 10 during cultivation using the cultivation device 1.

[0066] In the present embodiment, the culture device 1 is configured by the proliferation layer 10, the high buoyancy layer 20, and the water conducting section 30, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. For example, the culture device 1 may include a container 4 and a culture medium 5.

[0067] In addition, in the present embodiment, an example in which soybeans are cultivated as the legume plant 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this embodiment. As the legume plant 2, for example, various legume plants such as kidney beans and adzuki beans can be adopted. [Explanation of symbols]

[0068] 1 Cultivation equipment 10 Proliferation layer 20 High buoyancy layer 30 Water conveyance section

Claims

1. A cultivation device for cultivating legumes by hydroponics, comprising: A propagation part containing a material capable of propagating rhizobia and parasitizing the rhizobia on the roots of the legume plant; A partition that separates the growth section and the nutrient solution; A water conveying section that conveys the nutrient solution to the growth section; A cultivation device comprising:

2. The partition portion is The growth part is placed on the substrate and floats on the nutrient solution, thereby separating the growth part from the nutrient solution. The cultivation device according to claim 1.

3. The partition portion is A first hole portion for supporting a culture medium for the legume plant so that the roots of the legume plant pass through the nutrient solution side; A second hole portion through which the water conducting portion passes so that one end side of the water conducting portion is located on the nutrient solution side and the other end side of the water conducting portion is located on the growth portion; Equipped with The cultivation device according to claim 1.

4. The material is in granular form; The partition portion is The material is provided with a holding portion having a gap through which the roots of the legume plant can pass and holding the material. The cultivation device according to claim 1.

5. The growth portion is The alkaline substance contains an alkaline component that is eluted by the nutrient solution guided from the water guide portion. The cultivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The proliferation portion is The alkaline substance is mixed into the granular material. The cultivation device according to claim 5.

7. The alkaline substance is The water guide is provided in a portion of the water guide located in the proliferation portion. The cultivation device according to claim 5.

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