Irrigation device for seedling cultivation and irrigation method for seedling cultivation

Abstract

To provide an irrigation device for seedling cultivation that prevents an increase in instantaneous power consumption through shifting of liquid supply timing and inhibits sudden changes in liquid volume inside a tank, thereby enabling flexible response to an increase or decrease in the number of cultivation tanks.SOLUTION: A irrigation device for seedling cultivation 1 includes: cultivation tanks 2a to 2c; a tank 3 that stores water 31 having water or fertilizer components dissolved therein; a controller 8; and liquid supply means 4a to 4c. The control unit 8 repeats liquid supply from the tank 3 to the cultivation tanks 2a to 2c under setting conditions specifying different liquid supply start times for the respective cultivation tanks 2a to 2c.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an irrigation device for seedling cultivation and a method for irrigating seedlings for cultivating plant seedlings.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a method of cultivating vegetables and the like using a tank and a liquid supply means is known (Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent No. 5763282).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If it is possible to expand or contract the scale of seedling cultivation while avoiding large-scale equipment investment, a flexible production form can be adopted. By having a single tank, the adjustment of the water components and water quality management can be centrally controlled. Standard products can be applied to the cultivation tanks and the seedling cultivation trays arranged in the cultivation tanks. On the other hand, as the number of cultivation tanks increases, the piping route becomes complicated, making it difficult to adjust the liquid supply. As a countermeasure, a configuration in which a plurality of liquid supply means are arranged can be considered. However, if the liquid supply timings overlap, the instantaneous power increases and the liquid volume in the tank rapidly decreases. As a result, there is a new problem that it is necessary to secure a power supply capacity corresponding to the peak value of the instantaneous power and a tank capacity corresponding to the maximum liquid volume.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention is made to provide an irrigation device for seedling cultivation that can prevent an increase in instantaneous power by shifting the liquid supply timing, suppress a rapid change in the liquid volume in the tank, and flexibly respond to an increase or decrease in the number of cultivation tanks.

[0006] The irrigation device for seedling cultivation according to the present invention includes a plurality of cultivation tanks, a tank for storing water or water in which fertilizer components are dissolved, a control unit, and a plurality of liquid supply means. The control unit is characterized by repeatedly supplying liquid from the tank to the cultivation tanks under the setting condition that the liquid supply start times of the respective cultivation tanks are different.

[0007] With this configuration, even if the equipment load increases due to an increase in the number of cultivation tanks, an instantaneous increase in power can be prevented. Moreover, changes in the liquid volume in the tank can be suppressed. That is, it is possible to flexibly respond to increases or decreases in the number of cultivation tanks.

[0008] As an example, the control unit has an input unit for inputting basic data that is the basis for the setting conditions, and a status display unit for displaying an error when the basic data does not conform to the setting conditions, and starts the liquid supply in a state where there is no error display. That is, by inputting basic data according to the type of plant, the degree of growth, and the environment, and supplying liquid in a state where the basic data conforms to the setting conditions, a flexible production form can be adopted according to the type of plant, the degree of growth, and the environment.

[0009] As an example, this configuration includes water level detection means arranged in the cultivation tank for detecting the water level, and the control unit supplies the liquid based on a water level detection signal from the water level detection means. With this configuration, the water level control in each cultivation tank can be executed simply and reliably.

[0010] As an example, this configuration performs liquid supply control by coordinating the water level detection means and the liquid supply means. With this configuration, process abnormalities such as idling or clogging of drainage holes can be detected early, so that a configuration with excellent maintainability can be achieved. As an example, this configuration supplies liquid in order from the cultivation tank that requires the most water. With this configuration, when the consumption of water in the tank becomes excessive, water can be supplied promptly.

[0011] As an example, this configuration includes a number of liquid discharge means corresponding to the liquid supply means, and the control unit repeats the liquid discharge from the cultivation tank to the tank under the setting conditions in which the liquid discharge start times of the respective cultivation tanks are different. With this configuration, the equipment load can be minimized by alternately operating one liquid supply means and one liquid discharge means at a time.

[0012] Examples of the liquid supply means include a liquid supply pump and a solenoid valve. As the liquid supply means, a device capable of opening and closing a water supply pipe or a water supply port by energization control can be applied. Examples of the water level detection means include a water level sensor and a float switch. As the water level detection means, a device capable of detecting the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the water level and transmitting an electric signal to the control unit can be applied. Examples of the liquid discharge means include a liquid discharge pump and a solenoid valve. As the liquid discharge means, a device capable of opening and closing a drain pipe or a drain hole by energization control can be applied.

[0013] The irrigation method for seedling cultivation according to the present invention includes a plurality of cultivation tanks, a tank for storing water or water in which fertilizer components are dissolved, and a control unit. The control unit repeats the liquid supply from the tank to the cultivation tank under the setting conditions in which the liquid supply start times of the respective cultivation tanks are different, and performs bottom irrigation on the seedlings arranged in the cultivation tank.

Effects of the Invention

[0014] According to the present invention, the scale of seedling cultivation can be expanded or reduced without large-scale equipment investment or infrastructure maintenance, so that the market requirements can be flexibly met.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

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Figure 6

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a configuration example of the irrigation device 1 for seedling cultivation according to the present embodiment. In the example of FIG. 1, for three cultivation tanks 2a to 2c, the circulation control of water 31 in a state where water or a fertilizer component is dissolved is performed by one tank 3 and one control unit 8. In addition to the above configuration, for example, the number of the cultivation tanks may be two, or may be four or more. In all the drawings for explaining the embodiments, members having the same function may be denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated explanations thereof may be omitted.

[0017] In the irrigation device 1 for seedling cultivation, mats 2h each having a plurality of drain holes are respectively arranged in the cultivation tanks 2a to 2c, and seedling cultivation trays 9a to 9c are respectively arranged on the mats 2h. The seedling cultivation trays 9a to 9c are multi-cavity containers, and commercially available products can be applied. As an example, the seedling cultivation trays 9a to 9c have a width of 300 mm, a length of 400 mm, a capacity of 150 mL, and cavities are integrally formed in a 5×8 matrix. In each cavity of the seedling cultivation trays 9a to 9c, a culture medium and seedlings 32 are arranged. The irrigation device 1 for seedling cultivation is configured to perform bottom irrigation on the seedlings 32 in the seedling cultivation trays 9a to 9c. As the culture medium, soil, rock wool, or a mixture thereof, or other known culture media can be applied. As the seedlings 32, trees, fruit trees, flower plants, vegetables, or other known cultivated seedlings can be applied.

[0018] The cultivation tank 2a is provided with a water level sensor 7a capable of detecting the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the water level. The cultivation tank 2b is provided with a water level sensor 7b capable of detecting the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the water level. The cultivation tank 2c is provided with a water level sensor 7c capable of detecting the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the water level. Here, the water level sensors 7a to 7c are configured to be able to change the upper limit position and the lower limit position of the water level respectively.

[0019] The control unit 8 performs circulation control to repeat the liquid supply from the tank 3 to the cultivation tanks 2a to 2c and the liquid discharge from the cultivation tanks 2a to 2c to the tank 3. As an example, the control unit 8 supplies water 31 to the cultivation tanks 2a to 2c and stops the supply of water 31 when the water level sensors 7a to 7c reach the set upper limit value. After that, it maintains the state of irrigation for a certain period of time, and when the specified time arrives, it discharges water 31 from the cultivation tanks 2a to 2c and stops the discharge of water 31 when the water level sensors 7a to 7c reach the set lower limit value.

[0020] The seedling cultivation irrigation device 1 has a tank 3 for storing water 31 in a state where water or a fertilizer component is dissolved. The seedling cultivation irrigation device 1 has a liquid supply pump 4a and a liquid supply pipe 12a, a liquid supply pump 4b and a liquid supply pipe 12b, and a liquid supply pump 4c and a liquid supply pipe 12c. The seedling cultivation irrigation device 1 has a filter 5a, a drainage pump 6a, and a drainage pipe 11a, a filter 5b, a drainage pump 6b, and a drainage pipe 11b, and a filter 5c, a drainage pump 6c, and a drainage pipe 11c.

[0021] As an example, the control unit 8 is attached to the side surface of the tank 3. As an example, the control unit 8 includes a CPU composed of a one-chip microcomputer, a liquid crystal display panel, a power supply circuit, and various switches.

[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the control panel 8a in the control unit 8 has an input unit 21, a setting display unit 22, and a status display unit 23. As an example, the input unit 21 has a setting button 21a, an up change button 21b, a down change button 21c, and an OK button 21d.

[0023] As an example, the setting display unit 22 includes a start time display screen 22a of the cultivation tank 2a, a liquid supply time screen 22b of the cultivation tank 2a, and a liquid supply interval screen 22c of the cultivation tank 2a. As an example, the setting display unit 22 includes a start time display screen 22d of the cultivation tank 2b, a liquid supply time screen 22e of the cultivation tank 2b, and a liquid supply interval screen 22f of the cultivation tank 2b. As an example, the setting display unit 22 includes a start time display screen 22g of the cultivation tank 2c, a liquid supply time screen 22h of the cultivation tank 2c, and a liquid supply interval screen 22i of the cultivation tank 2c.

[0024] As an example, the status display unit 23 includes a liquid supply lamp 23a of the cultivation tank 2a, a drainage lamp 23b of the cultivation tank 2a, and a seedling raising lamp 23c of the cultivation tank 2a. As an example, the status display unit 23 includes a liquid supply lamp 23d of the cultivation tank 2b, a drainage lamp 23e of the cultivation tank 2b, and a seedling raising lamp 23f of the cultivation tank 2b. As an example, the status display unit 23 includes a liquid supply lamp 23g of the cultivation tank 2c, a drainage lamp 23h of the cultivation tank 2c, a seedling raising lamp 23i of the cultivation tank 2c, and an abnormality lamp 23k.

[0025] The seedling raising irrigation device 1 is configured such that the control unit 8 performs circulation control according to set conditions in which the liquid supply start times discharged from the liquid supply pumps 4a to 4c are made different in the cultivation tanks 2a, 2b, and 2c respectively.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a schematic flowchart showing an example of a control procedure in the seedling raising irrigation device 1. In step S1 of FIG. 3, the operator turns on the main power supply (not shown) of the seedling raising irrigation device 1 and inputs basic data that serves as the basis for the set conditions.

[0027] As an example, when the setting button 21a is pressed, the start time display screen 22a of the cultivation tank 2a blinks. Therefore, the up change button 21b or the down change button 21c is appropriately pressed to set the start time, and then the confirmation button 21d is pressed. When the confirmation button 21d is pressed, next, the start time display screen 22d of the cultivation tank 2b blinks. The same setting is performed, the setting of the cultivation tank 2c is performed, and when the confirmation button 21d is pressed, the process proceeds to step S2.

[0028] In step S2 of FIG. 3, the control unit 8 determines whether the set conditions are appropriate. If the control unit 8 determines that the input basic data does not conform to the set conditions, it transitions to step S2A.

[0029] In step S2A of FIG. 3, the control unit 8 turns on or blinks the abnormality lamp 23k to display an error. Since the abnormality lamp 23k turns on or blinks, the operator appropriately presses the up change button 21b, the down change button 21c, etc. to re-enter the basic data that is the basis of the set conditions. If the control unit 8 determines that the input basic data conforms to the set conditions, it transitions to step S3.

[0030] In step S3 of FIG. 3, the control unit 8 circulates the water 31. Here, there may be buttons for operation on and operation off. For example, it may be configured such that when the operation on button is pressed, step S1 starts, and when the operation off button is pressed, a series of operations ends (not shown).

[0031] Therefore, the control unit 8 performs the circulation control in a state where there is no such error display.

[0032] FIG. 4 is a schematic timing chart showing an example of the pump operation in the seedling cultivation irrigation device 1. As an example, the seedling cultivation irrigation device 1 provides a predetermined standby time from the end point of the irrigation control of the cultivation tank 2a to the start point of the irrigation control of the cultivation tank 2b. Also, the seedling cultivation irrigation device 1 provides a predetermined standby time from the end point of the irrigation control of the cultivation tank 2b to the start point of the irrigation control of the cultivation tank 2c.

[0033] As an example, the standby time is, for example, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, or 30 minutes, and an arbitrary standby time can be set according to the pump rating, pipe length, layout, etc.

[0034] FIG. 5 is a schematic timing chart showing an example of the pump operation in FIG. 4 over a long period of time. The cycle of the irrigation control is, for example, one day, and any cycle time can be set according to the type and growth status of the seedlings 32, such as half a day, two days, three days, or seven days.

[0035] FIG. 6 is a schematic timing chart showing another example of the pump operation in the seedling-growing irrigation device 1. The cycle of the irrigation control may be set to different cycles in the cultivation tanks 2a, 2b, and 2c respectively, and any cycle time can be set according to the type and growth status of the seedlings 32.

[0036] [Embodiment] In the seedling-growing irrigation device 1 of the embodiment, cedar seedlings 32 were grown using water 31 in which fertilizer components were dissolved in well water and multi-cavity containers JFA-150 as seedling-growing trays 9a to 9c. According to the growth status of the seedlings 32, the cultivation tank 2a was irrigated every three days, the cultivation tank 2b was irrigated every five days, and the cultivation tank 2c was irrigated every seven days, and it was confirmed that they grew smoothly.

[0037] According to this embodiment, it is possible to flexibly respond to market demands and expand or reduce the scale of seedling cultivation without large-scale equipment investment or infrastructure construction.

[0038] In the above-described embodiment, a configuration having a liquid supply pump and a liquid discharge pump has been described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For this configuration, instead of a liquid supply pump or a liquid discharge pump, a device that controls the opening and closing of a pipeline by energization control, such as a solenoid valve, can be used. Also, for this configuration, the liquid supply rate and the liquid discharge rate can be adjusted by utilizing gravity. The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Explanation of Signs

[0039] 1 Seedling-growing irrigation device 2a, 2b, 2c Cultivation tanks, 2h Mat 3 Tank 4a, 4b, 4c Liquid supply means (liquid supply pump) 5a, 5b, 5c filters 6a, 6b, 6c liquid discharge means (liquid discharge pump) 7a, 7b, 7c water level detection means (water level sensor) 8 control unit, 8a control panel 9a, 9b, 9c trays for seedling cultivation 11a, 11b, 11c liquid discharge pipes 12a, 12b, 12c liquid supply pipes 21 input unit 22 setting display unit 23 status display unit 31 water 32 seedlings

Claims

1. A seedling cultivation irrigation device comprising a plurality of cultivation tanks, a tank for storing water in which water or a fertilizer component is dissolved, a control unit, and a plurality of liquid supply means, wherein the control unit repeats liquid supply from the tank to the cultivation tanks under a set condition in which the liquid supply start times of the respective cultivation tanks are different. A seedling cultivation irrigation device characterized by the above.

2. The control unit has an input unit for inputting basic data serving as a basis for the set condition, and a status display unit for displaying an error when the basic data does not conform to the set condition, and starts the liquid supply in a state where there is no error display. The seedling cultivation irrigation device according to Claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. The cultivation tank is provided with water level detection means for detecting the water level, and the control unit performs the liquid supply based on a water level detection signal from the water level detection means. The seedling cultivation irrigation device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

4. The liquid supply means is provided with a corresponding number of drainage means, and the control unit repeats drainage from the cultivation tanks to the tank under the set condition in which the drainage start times of the respective cultivation tanks are different. The seedling cultivation irrigation device according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

5. A seedling cultivation irrigation method comprising a plurality of cultivation tanks, a tank for storing water in which water or a fertilizer component is dissolved, and a control unit, wherein the control unit repeats liquid supply from the tank to the cultivation tanks under a set condition in which the liquid supply start times of the respective cultivation tanks are different, and performs bottom irrigation on the seedlings arranged in the cultivation tanks. A seedling cultivation irrigation method characterized by the above.

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