Plant cultivation container and plant cultivation method

Abstract

To provide a plant cultivation container that can be used by connecting multiple units in the length direction, supplies air to the soil contained therein without providing ventilation holes in the side walls, reduces the moisture content of the soil at the outer edge compared to the core of the soil contained in the container, and can prevent circling of plant roots; and to provide a method for cultivating plants using the plant cultivation container.SOLUTION: Provided are a plant cultivation container to be used by connecting multiple units in the length direction, the plant cultivation container having a pair of side walls and a bottom connecting the lower ends of the pair of side walls, the upper ends of the pair of side walls being openings, and the inner surfaces of the pair of side walls being alternately provided with streak-like recesses extending from the openings toward the bottom and streak-like protrusions extending from the openings toward the bottom; as well as a method for cultivating plants using the same.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a plant cultivation container and a method for cultivating plants using the same. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a planter that can prevent circling of plant roots. When plants are grown in a planter, the roots tend to curl. This phenomenon is called circling. The planter in Patent Document 1 is made of a plate material with through holes, which is made by solidifying a large number of granular natural stones with a resin adhesive. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-56165 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Plant roots absorb water and nutrients from their tips, but when circling occurs, the tip of the root comes into contact with the soil less, resulting in less absorption of water and nutrients. In addition, when circling occurs, lignin accumulates in the roots, causing them to become woody, which inhibits the growth of new roots. Circling inhibits the healthy growth of plants.

[0005] In the planter of Patent Document 1, through holes are provided in the plate material that constitutes the side wall. When the roots of a plant grow, the roots extend to the outside of the planter through the through holes formed in the bottom and peripheral wall, and the roots stop growing when their tips reach the outside of the planter.

[0006] In a planter with through holes in the side walls or bottom as in Patent Document 1, the extended roots are exposed from the through holes, which causes a problem in that the aesthetics of the planter are impaired. In addition, in a planter like that in Patent Document 1, since it is surrounded by side walls on all four sides, it is not possible to use multiple planters connected together in the length direction, which makes it less convenient.

[0007] The present invention provides a plant cultivation container which can be used by connecting a plurality of units in the length direction, and which can supply air to the stored soil without providing a ventilation through hole in the side wall, thereby reducing the moisture content of the soil at the outer edge of the soil stored in the container compared to the core of the soil, thereby preventing circling of plant roots, and a method for cultivating plants using the plant cultivation container. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The present invention solves the above problems with a plant cultivation container (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as a "container") that is used by connecting a plurality of units in the length direction, and has a pair of side walls and a bottom connecting the lower ends of the pair of side walls, the upper ends of the pair of side walls being openings, and the inner surfaces of the pair of side walls are alternately provided with streak-like recesses extending from the openings toward the bottom and streak-like protrusions extending from the openings toward the bottom. In the present invention, a gap is formed between the streak-like recesses and the contained soil. Outside air is supplied to the soil contained inside the plant cultivation container through the gap, and the moisture content of the soil in contact with the air decreases. As a result, the moisture content of the outer edge of the soil contained in the container is smaller than that of the core. By reducing the moisture content of the outer edge of the soil, it becomes difficult for roots to grow around the outer edge of the soil, and the occurrence of circling can be effectively prevented.

[0009] The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by providing a method for cultivating plants using the above-mentioned plant cultivation container.

[0010] In the plant cultivation container and the plant cultivation method, it is preferable that an air-permeable sheet is fixed to cover the recessed and protruding portions on the inner surface of the side wall. By fixing the air-permeable sheet, it is possible to prevent soil contained in the container from entering the recessed portions and to more reliably supply air to the recessed portions from outside the container.

[0011] In the plant cultivation container and the plant cultivation method, it is preferable that the bottom portion is provided with a drainage channel consisting of a groove. By providing the drainage channel consisting of a groove, excess water in the soil can be discharged into the drainage channel.

[0012] In the plant cultivation container and the plant cultivation method, it is preferable that a liquid-permeable lid that closes the opening of the drainage channel is provided. By providing the lid, it is possible to prevent a large amount of soil from flowing out into the drainage channel.

[0013] In the plant cultivation container and the plant cultivation method, it is preferable to provide a hollow tube for circulating a heat exchange medium therein. By circulating the heat exchange medium inside the hollow tube, the soil can be heated or cooled depending on the temperature of the soil.

[0014] In the plant cultivation container and the plant cultivation method, it is preferable that both longitudinal ends are openings, and that a long-shaped plant cultivation container is constructed by connecting one plant cultivation container to another plant cultivation container so that the longitudinal opening of one plant cultivation container is connected to the longitudinal opening of the other plant cultivation container.

[0015] In the plant cultivation container and the plant cultivation method, it is preferable that the bottom has a convex portion for stacking, and the width of the convex portion is equal to or smaller than the width of the openings provided at the upper ends of the pair of side walls. According to this item, the containers can be stored by stacking them in the height direction so that the convex portion of one container is received in the opening of another container.

[0016] In the plant cultivation container and the plant cultivation method, it is preferable to further include rails for self-propelling agricultural equipment along the openings at the upper ends of the pair of side walls. While self-propelling the agricultural equipment along the rails, the soil area within the container and the plants within the container can be managed.

[0017] In the plant cultivation container and the plant cultivation method, it is preferable that the container further includes a plate-shaped partition plate extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the plant cultivation container, which makes it possible to manage the root zone of the plant to be cultivated and bring out the desirable characteristics of the plant. Effect of the Invention

[0018] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a plant cultivation container which can be used by connecting multiple units lengthwise, and which can supply air to the stored soil without providing ventilation through holes in the side walls, thereby reducing the moisture content of the soil at the outer edge of the soil compared to the core of the soil stored in the container, thereby preventing circling of plant roots, and a method of cultivating plants using the plant cultivation container. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0019] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front view showing an example of a plant cultivation container. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plant cultivation container of FIG. 1 as viewed from above. [Diagram 3] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing an example of a fixing device. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a front view showing a state in which a breathable sheet is attached to the plant cultivation container of FIG. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a side view of the plant growing container of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the plant growing container of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the plant growing container of FIG. 1. [Figure 8]FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the plant cultivation container of FIG. 1. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the plant cultivation container of FIG. 1. [Figure 10] 2 is a perspective view of the plant cultivation container to which the connector of FIG. 1 is attached, as viewed from below. [Figure 11] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the plant cultivation container of FIG. 1 as seen from below. [Figure 12] 2 is a perspective view showing a plant cultivation container in which the plant cultivation containers of FIG. 1 are connected in the longitudinal direction. FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a state in which rails and farm equipment are attached to a container for cultivating plants. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a front view showing the state in which the plant regenerator culture containers of FIG. 1 are stacked. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the plant cultivation container and the plant cultivation method of the present invention will be described. The embodiment described below is merely a limited example of the embodiment of the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the exemplified embodiment.

[0021] 1 to 14 show one embodiment of a plant cultivation container. The plant cultivation container 1 (hereinafter simply referred to as a container) of this embodiment is mainly used in vinyl greenhouses and solar sharing facilities (agricultural solar power generation facilities). The dimensions of the entrances and exits of such facilities are fixed to a certain extent. In order to enable the container 1 to be brought in through the entrance, the width dimension is configured to be smaller than the length dimension. In addition, by connecting any number of containers 1 in the length direction, the container is shaped to effectively utilize the space within the facility and cultivate plants.

[0022] The container 1 may be installed on the soil or buried in the soil. The method of installation to be adopted may be determined according to the plant to be cultivated. The part of the container 1 other than the soil where the container 1 is installed can be covered with a known weed control sheet to prevent weeds. When the container 1 is installed inside a solar sharing facility, the container can be made white and a white weed control sheet can be laid down to reflect light incident on the container 1 and the weed control sheet, and the reflected light can be made to enter the power generation element, thereby increasing the power generation efficiency. The container 1 can be used to cultivate plants such as fruit trees and vegetables.

[0023] The structure of the container 1 will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Fig. 1 etc., the container 1 has a pair of side walls 11 and a bottom 12 connecting the lower ends of the pair of side walls 11. The upper ends of the pair of side walls 11 form openings 13, and on the inner surfaces of the pair of side walls 11, as shown in Fig. 2 etc., stripe-shaped recesses 112 extending from the openings 13 toward the bottom 12 and stripe-shaped protrusions 111 extending from the openings 13 toward the bottom 12 are alternately provided. The protrusions 111 and the recesses 112 are alternately provided in the longitudinal direction of the container 1.

[0024] One side wall portion 11 and the other side wall portion 11 are disposed so as to face each other. The upper ends of the pair of side wall portions 11 are open, forming an opening 13. The side wall portions 11 are plate-shaped, and reinforcing ribs 54 are provided on the outside for the purpose of reducing weight and ensuring strength. On the inside of the side wall portions 11, as described above, when the bottom portion 12 of the container 1 is placed on a flat surface, stripe-shaped convex portions 111 and stripe-shaped concave portions 112 extending in the vertical direction are alternately provided. The upper ends of the convex portions 111 and the concave portions 112 are provided at positions where the ends of the convex portions 111 and the concave portions 112 are exposed from the surface of the soil when soil is contained in the container 1. In the container of this embodiment, the lower ends of the convex portions 111 and the concave portions 112 are shaped to extend to the end position of the drainage channel 15 provided in the bottom portion 12 that connects the lower ends of the pair of side wall portions 11.

[0025] The width of each of the convex portions 111 is, for example, 1 to 9 mm. Furthermore, the width of each of the concave portions 112 is, for example, 9 to 21 mm. The widths of the convex portions 111 and the concave portions 112 are not limited to this range. Furthermore, the height by which the convex portions 111 protrude from the concave portions 112 is, for example, 5 to 15 mm. The height by which the convex portions 111 protrude is not limited to this range. It is preferable that the width of the concave portions is larger than the width of the convex portions.

[0026] 3 and 4, an air-permeable sheet 14 is fixed to cover the recesses 112 and protrusions 111 on the inner surface of the side wall 11. The air-permeable sheet 14 may be any sheet that is air-permeable and can prevent soil inside the container from entering the recesses 112. Examples of the air-permeable sheet 14 include nonwoven fabric, mesh that can prevent soil from passing through, and woven fabric.

[0027] The breathable sheet 14 may be fixed to the inner surface of the side wall 11 by an appropriate method. In the container 1 of this embodiment, a pair of fasteners 16 are provided at positions spaced apart in the vertical direction on the inner surface of the side wall 11, and the breathable sheet 14 is fixed to the inner surface of the side wall 11 by the fasteners 16. As shown in FIG. 3, the fastener 16 has a spring 162 having a shape that meanders up and down, and a receiving portion 163 for the spring 162. In FIG. 3, elements hidden by other elements are shown by dashed lines. The receiving portion 163 has a plate-shaped base 164 and a pair of plate-shaped holding portions 165 protruding from the base 164. The tip of the holding portion 165 has a shape of a bent plate material. A slit-shaped hole is formed between the pair of holding portions 165. The breathable sheet 14 is inserted into the hole, and the spring 162 is fitted into the slit-shaped hole of the receiving portion 163. This fixes the breathable sheet 14 to the side wall portion 11. The configuration of the fixing device is not limited to this example.

[0028] 5 and other drawings, the reinforcing rib 54 has a shape in which a plurality of first plate portions 541 extending in the up-down direction and protruding from the side wall portion 11 intersect with a plurality of second plate portions 542 extending in the left-right direction and protruding from the side wall portion. A protrusion 543 is provided in a recess surrounded by the first plate portions 541 and the second plate portions 542. The shape of the reinforcing rib 54 is not limited to this example. The reinforcing rib may be omitted.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 1 etc., the bottom 12 is shaped to connect the lower ends of the pair of side wall portions 11. A drainage channel 15 consisting of a groove 151 is provided on the inside of the bottom 12. Left and right end portions 155 on the inside of the bottom 12 are located higher than a bottom surface portion 154 of the drainage channel 15. The end portions 155 and the bottom surface portion 154 are shaped to be connected by the side wall portions 153. The drainage channel 15 is shaped to extend along the longitudinal direction of the container 1.

[0030] A liquid-permeable lid 152 is placed over the drainage channel 15 so as to close the drainage channel opening 13. The lid 152 may have any configuration as long as it can prevent soil from entering the drainage channel 15 while allowing liquids such as water to pass through. Examples of the lid 152 include a mesh, a plate such as a punched metal having a plurality of through holes, and the like.

[0031] Similar to the side wall 11, a reinforcing rib 55 is provided on the outside of the bottom 12. As shown in Fig. 6 etc., the bottom reinforcing rib 55 extends in the length direction of the container 1 and has a shape in which a plurality of first plate portions 551 protruding from the bottom 12 intersect with a plurality of second plate portions 552 protruding from the bottom and extending in a direction intersecting the first plate portions. The shape of the reinforcing rib 55 is not limited to this example. Also, the reinforcing rib 55 may be omitted.

[0032] A stacking projection 17 is provided on the outer side of the bottom 12. As shown in FIG. 1 etc., the width of the projection 17 is equal to or smaller than the width of the opening 13 provided at the upper ends of the pair of sidewalls 11. The projection 17 is located in a protruding position compared to the left and right ends 155 of the bottom. The left and right ends 155 of the bottom 12 and the projection 17 are connected by the sidewalls 153.

[0033] The protrusion 17 and the left and right ends 155 of the bottom 12 are reinforced by a plurality of reinforcing ribs 56. The reinforcing ribs 56 are plate members that are connected to the side wall portions 153 of the protrusion 17 and the left and right ends 155 of the bottom 12. The configuration of the reinforcing ribs 56 is not limited to this example. Also, the reinforcing ribs 56 may be omitted.

[0034] When the containers 1 are transported or stored, as shown in FIG. 14, one container 1 can be stacked on another container 1 with the opening 13 facing down, with the opening 13 of the other container 1 fitting into the protrusion 17 provided on the bottom 12 of the first container 1. This makes it possible to prevent the stacked containers 1 from easily collapsing during transportation, etc. In the example of FIG. 14, the inner edge of the opening 13 abuts against the end of the reinforcing rib 56. This makes it possible to prevent the containers 1 from shifting position when stacked. The reinforcing rib 56 may be omitted, and the side wall 153 of the protrusion 17 provided on the bottom 12 may be in contact with the inner edge of the opening 13.

[0035] As shown in Fig. 1 etc., hollow tubes 181 for circulating a heat exchange medium therein are provided on the inner surface of the container 1. In the container 1 of this embodiment, a plurality of brackets 182 are provided on the inner surface of the side wall portion 11 at positions spaced apart in the vertical direction and the longitudinal direction of the container 1, and hollow tubes 181 extending along the longitudinal direction of the container 1 are fixed to the brackets 182. The brackets 182 have a support portion having a flat portion through which a screw is inserted, and an annular portion through which the hollow tubes 181 are inserted. The configuration of the brackets is not limited to this example and can be modified as appropriate.

[0036] As shown in Fig. 2 etc., both ends in the longitudinal direction of the container 1 are openings 19. As shown in Fig. 12, by connecting one container 1 to another container 1 so that the opening 19 in the longitudinal direction of one container 1 communicates with the opening 19 in the longitudinal direction of the other container 1, a cultivation container for long plants can be constructed.

[0037] 8, by disposing a packing 21 made of an elastic material between one container 1 and another container 1 to connect the first container 1 and the other container 1, it is possible to prevent liquid from leaking from the connection part of the container 1. The packing 21 has a shape corresponding to the pair of side walls 11 and the bottom 12 having the protrusion 17 of the container 1.

[0038] The first container 1 and the other container 1 can be fixed to each other by using a connector 22 as shown in Fig. 8 so that the positions do not easily shift. The connector 22 has a shape that conforms to the outer shape of the bottom 12 and has a plate-like first portion 221 that comes into contact with the left and right ends 155 of the bottom 12 of the container 1, a second portion 222 that comes into contact with the side wall portion 153 of the protrusion 17, and a third portion 223 that comes into contact with the bottom portion 171 of the protrusion 17, and has a shape formed by bending a plate material. As shown in Fig. 10 etc., the connector 22 is arranged so as to cover the connection portion between the first container 1 and the other container 1, and the connector 22 and the container 1 are screwed together, so that the first container 1 and the other container 1 can be fixed to each other so that the positions do not shift.

[0039] When cultivating a plant using the container 1, as shown in FIG. 12, a plate-shaped partition 31 extending in a direction intersecting the length direction of the container 1 can be inserted into the container 1 to cultivate the plant. By using the partition 31, the area into which the roots of the plant extend can be adjusted, and the plant can be cultivated so as to bring out its desirable characteristics. The partition 31 may have any shape that can divide the volume inside the container and prevent the roots of the plant from extending from one section to another. In addition, the partition 31 is preferably configured to be detachable from the container 1.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 12, the openings at both ends of the long-shaped plant cultivation container formed by connecting a plurality of containers 1 are sealed with the lid 41 so that the soil inside the container does not leak out. The lid 41 is provided with a drainage port 15 and communicates with the drainage channel 15 described above. Liquid such as water accumulated in the drainage channel 413 is discharged from the drainage channel 413. The lid 41 is a plate-shaped member that covers the opening, and a plurality of reinforcing ribs 57 are arranged on the outside. The reinforcing rib 57 has a shape in which a plurality of first plate portions 571 protruding from the lid 41 and extending in the vertical direction of the lid, and a plurality of second plate portions 572 extending in a direction intersecting the first plate portions and protruding from the lid 41 intersect with each other. The shape of the reinforcing rib 57 is not limited to this example. The reinforcing rib 57 may be omitted.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 13, the container 1 may be provided with rails 72 for self-propelling agricultural equipment 71 along the openings 13 at the upper ends of the pair of side walls 11. By operating an appropriate agricultural equipment 71 while self-propelling it along the rails 72, it is possible to manage the soil in the container or the plants in the container with little effort. An example of the agricultural equipment is a cultivator.

[0042] In the example of Figure 13, rails 72 are arranged at the upper end of the side wall portion 11, and wheels 74 of a base 73 carrying agricultural machinery 71 roll on top of the rails 72. However, depending on the configuration of the agricultural machinery, the position at which the rails 72 are arranged, the presence or absence of a base, the configuration of the wheels, etc. can be changed as appropriate.

[0043] The material from which the container 1 is made is not particularly limited, but it can be made from, for example, a known synthetic resin material.

[0044] A method for cultivating plants using the above-mentioned container 1 will now be described.

[0045] As described above, the container 1 may be used for outdoor cultivation, but is mainly installed and used in a solar sharing facility or a vinyl greenhouse. A plurality of containers 1 are connected in the length direction, soil is placed in the containers 1, and plants are cultivated using the soil. A long-shaped plant cultivation container formed by connecting a plurality of containers 1 in the length direction may be arranged in multiple rows at a predetermined interval within the facility.

[0046] On the inner surface of the side wall 11 of the container 1, streak-like recesses 112 extending from the opening 13 toward the bottom 12 and streak-like protrusions 111 extending from the opening 13 toward the bottom 12 are alternately provided. Air is supplied to the soil from the recesses 112, and the outer edge of the soil becomes drier than the core of the soil. This makes it difficult for the roots of the plants grown in the container 1 to rotate around the side wall 11. This makes it difficult for the roots of the plants to circulate. In addition, oxygen is supplied to the soil from the recesses 112, eliminating the oxygen shortage in the soil.

[0047] A drainage channel 15 is provided at the bottom of the container 1, which prevents the soil in the container from becoming muddy due to irrigation water, thereby preventing root rot of plants. The drainage channel 15 is covered with a lid 152, which prevents the drainage channel 15 from being blocked by the soil in the container.

[0048] The container 1 is provided with a hollow tube 181 through which a heat exchange medium flows. When the soil temperature is too high for the plants being grown, a refrigerant is supplied into the hollow tube to adjust the soil temperature to a level suitable for growing plants. When the soil temperature is too low for the plants being grown, a heating medium is supplied into the hollow tube to adjust the soil temperature to a level suitable for growing plants.

[0049] The soil in the container 1 is isolated from the soil in the field. This makes it possible to prepare a soil environment suitable for the variety of plants being cultivated, without relying on the characteristics of the soil in the field where the plants are cultivated. By combining this with temperature control using the drainage channel 15 and hollow pipe 181 described above, it becomes possible to prepare a soil environment suitable for the variety of plants being cultivated, without relying on the environment of the cultivation site.

[0050] The top of the container 1 is an opening 13. With soil placed in the container 1, the opening 13 can be covered with an appropriate cover such as a synthetic resin film, and the soil can be sterilized by supplying steam from a drainage channel 15. This makes it possible to prevent problems caused by continuous cropping when vegetables are continuously cultivated.

[0051] When cultivating plants using the container 1, the partition 31 can be used to restrict the area (root zone) where the plant will take root. For example, if the partition 31 is inserted into the container 1 to restrict the volume of soil, the root zone of the plant will be restricted, and the vegetative growth of the plant will be restricted. Plants whose vegetative growth is restricted will be encouraged to undergo reproductive growth. By utilizing this phenomenon, it becomes possible to obtain harvests, such as fruits, at an earlier stage after the start of plant cultivation. It also becomes possible to cultivate small plants, enabling high-density cultivation and more efficient agricultural work.

[0052] On the other hand, excessive restriction of the root zone of a plant shortens the lifespan of the plant. By removing the partition plate 31 at an appropriate time after starting cultivation, the restriction of the root zone can be lifted, and the shortening of the lifespan of the plant can be prevented. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1. Plant growing container 11 Side wall 12 Bottom 13 Opening 112 Striped depression 111 Striped convexity 14 Breathable sheet 15 Drainage Channel 152 Liquid-permeable lid 181 Hollow tube 71 Agricultural machinery 72 Rail 31 Partition

Claims

1. This is a plant cultivation container that is used by connecting multiple units lengthwise. The plant cultivation container has a pair of side walls and a bottom connecting lower ends of the pair of side walls, The upper ends of the pair of side walls are formed as openings, A plant growing container, the inner surfaces of a pair of side walls being alternately provided with stripe-shaped recesses extending from the opening toward the bottom and stripe-shaped protrusions extending from the opening toward the bottom.

2. 2. The plant-cultivating container according to claim 1, wherein an air-permeable sheet is fixed to the inner surface of the side wall so as to cover the recessed and protruding portions.

3. 2. The plant-growing container according to claim 1, wherein the bottom portion is provided with a drainage channel formed of a groove.

4. 4. The plant-cultivating container according to claim 3, further comprising a liquid-permeable lid for closing the opening of the drainage channel.

5. 3. The plant-cultivating container according to claim 1, further comprising a hollow tube for circulating a heat exchange medium therein.

6. Both ends in the longitudinal direction are openings.

3. The plant cultivation container according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a long-shaped plant cultivation container is constructed by connecting one plant cultivation container to another plant cultivation container so that the longitudinal opening of the one plant cultivation container is connected to the longitudinal opening of the other plant cultivation container.

7. The bottom has a protrusion for stacking.

3. The plant-cultivating container according to claim 1, wherein a width of the convex portion is equal to or smaller than a width of an opening provided at the upper ends of the pair of side walls.

8. 3. The plant-cultivating container according to claim 1, further comprising rails for allowing agricultural implements to move along the openings at the upper ends of the pair of side walls.

9. 3. The plant-cultivating container according to claim 1, further comprising a plate-shaped partition plate extending in a direction intersecting the longitudinal direction of the plant-cultivating container.

10. A method for growing plants using the container for growing plants according to claim 1.

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