Aquaponics system

Abstract

To provide an aquaponics system that inhibits occurrence of salt damage in plants, and can improve yield and the quality.SOLUTION: An aquaponics system comprises: an aquaculture tank 20 in which fish F is raised by water (raising water W1) containing salinity; a filter tank 30 which filters water discharged from the aquaculture tank 20; a cultivation tank 10 which is capable of cultivating plants B by using the water filtered by the filter tank 30, and has a plurality of bed parts (a front bed part 11a and a rear bed part 11b) in which the plants B grouped corresponding to a cultivation period are arranged, and water having high salinity concentration is gradually reserved corresponding to a length of the cultivation period of the plants B to be arranged; and a fertilizer spray 70 which is capable of executing foliar spray control of applying foliar spray fertilizer W3 to the arranged plants B in the rear bed part 11b (at least one bed part) of the plurality of bed parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of an aquaponics system that combines fish farming and plant cultivation. [Background technology]

[0002] Aquaponics system technology, which combines fish farming and plant cultivation, has been publicly known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] The aquaponics system described in Patent Document 1 includes a breeding tank for raising freshwater fish, a plant container for cultivating plants, and a pump for sending raw water from the breeding tank to the plant container. The raw water sent from the breeding tank to the plant container by the pump is purified by a filter bed inside the plant container. This decomposes waste from the freshwater fish, and treated water containing nitrate, a nutrient source for the plants, is produced in the plant container. In the aquaponics system, the plants absorb this nitrate, and the treated water is returned to the breeding tank, allowing freshwater fish and plants to be cultivated simultaneously.

[0004] Although freshwater fish are cultivated in the breeding tanks of Patent Document 1, profitability can be improved by cultivating saltwater fish, which are more popular as food than freshwater fish, in the breeding tanks. In this case, there is a possibility that salt damage may occur to the plants, so one possible approach is to gradually increase the salt concentration of the water supplied to the plants to allow the plants to become accustomed to the salt concentration. However, as the salt concentration increases (i.e., as the ratio of treated water to the water supplied to the plants increases), there is a possibility that the content of fertilizer components may become unbalanced. If the content of fertilizer components becomes unbalanced in this way, there is a possibility that the yield and quality of the plants may decrease. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6548220 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present invention was made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and the problem it aims to solve is to provide an aquaponics system that can prevent salt damage to plants when raising saltwater fish, and can improve harvest yield and quality. [Means for solving the problem]

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

[0008] That is, in claim 1, the invention comprises an aquaculture tank in which fish are raised in water containing salt, a filtration tank that filters the water discharged from the aquaculture tank, a cultivation tank in which plants can be cultivated using the water filtered in the filtration tank, the cultivation tank having a plurality of bed sections in which the plants are arranged in groups according to their cultivation period and in which water with gradually increasing salt concentrations is stored according to the length of the cultivation period of the plants arranged, and a fertilizer spraying device that can perform foliar spraying control to spray fertilizer on the leaves of the plants arranged in at least one of the plurality of bed sections.

[0009] In claim 2, the fertilizer spraying device is provided with an acquisition unit that acquires the condition of the plants in the bed area that is the target of foliar spraying, and is capable of performing the foliar spraying control according to the acquisition results of the acquisition unit.

[0010] In claim 3, the fertilizer spraying device does not perform foliar spraying when it is determined from the result of the acquisition unit that there is no plant.

[0011] In claim 4, the fertilizer spreading device includes a notification unit that issues a notification when it is determined from the result of the acquisition unit that there is no plant.

[0012] In claim 5, the grouped plants are moved to the bed section where water with a higher salt concentration is stored as a predetermined period of time passes, and the fertilizer spraying device is capable of performing the foliar spraying control as the predetermined period of time passes.

[0013] In claim 6, the plurality of bed portions are formed by partitions that separate the interior of one water tank, and the partitions can be installed at any location within the interior of the one water tank.

[0014] In claim 7, the fertilizer contains trace elements. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The present invention has the following effects.

[0016] According to the present invention, when raising saltwater fish, salt damage to plants can be prevented and the yield and quality can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] 1 is a side schematic view showing an aquaponics system according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Also, a plan view of the exterior. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing foliar spray control executed by the control device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] In the following description, the up-down direction, the front-rear direction, and the left-right direction are defined according to the arrows shown in the drawings.

[0019] An aquaponics system (hereinafter simply referred to as "system") 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to Figs. 1 to 3.

[0020] The system 1 simultaneously cultivates fish F and plants B. In this embodiment, saltwater fish (such as tiger pufferfish or grouper) are raised as the fish F, and Japanese mustard spinach is cultivated as the plant B. However, the fish and plants to be raised are not limited to these. The system 1 includes a cultivation tank 10, a cultivation tank 20, a filtration tank 30, a latter pump 40, a dilution tank 50, a former pump 60, and a fertilizer sprayer 70.

[0021] The cultivation tank 10 is for hydroponically cultivating a plant B. As shown in FIG. 1, the cultivation tank 10 includes a cultivation tank 11, a partition plate 12, a drainage section 13, and a planting plate 14.

[0022] The cultivation tank 11 is an aquarium for cultivating a plant B. The cultivation tank 11 stores water to be supplied to the plant B. In this embodiment, two types of water with different salinity concentrations are used as the water to be supplied to the plant B, as will be described later. The cultivation tank 11 has an open top and is formed into a substantially rectangular shape in a plan view. In this embodiment, the cultivation tank 11 is arranged with its longitudinal direction facing the front-to-rear direction and its lateral direction facing the left-to-right direction in a plan view. The cultivation tank 11 is also provided with a foam separator (protein skimmer) (not shown), which adsorbs and removes contaminants from the water by the force of bubbles.

[0023] The partition plate 12 is a part that divides (divides) the interior of the cultivation tank 11. The partition plate 12 is disposed in the center of the interior of the cultivation tank 11 in the front-to-rear direction. The partition plate 12 is formed in a plate shape and is provided so as to span the interior of the cultivation tank 11 in the left-to-right direction. In this way, the partition plate 12 divides the cultivation tank 11 into two sections, a front section and a back section. The partition plate 12 is provided in a movable manner and can be installed at any desired location by, for example, an operator. In this embodiment, one partition plate 12 is provided, but multiple partition plates 12 may be provided. This allows the cultivation tank 11 to be divided into three or more sections.

[0024] In the following description, the cultivation tank 11 is divided into two sections, front and rear, and the front section will be referred to as the "first half bed section 11a" and the rear section will be referred to as the "second half bed section 11b." In this embodiment, the first half bed section 11a and the second half bed section 11b are formed to be the same size. Two types of water with different salinity concentrations are stored in the first half bed section 11a and the second half bed section 11b. Specifically, water with a higher salinity concentration is stored in the bed section located on the rear side (in this embodiment, the second half bed section 11b) than in the bed section located on the front side (in this embodiment, the first half bed section 11a).

[0025] The drainage section 13 is for draining water inside the cultivation tank 11. The drainage section 13 can drain the water inside the cultivation tank 11 to a predetermined destination by overflow or the like. The drainage section 13 is provided on each of the two bed sections, front and rear, of the cultivation tank 11. Specifically, the drainage section 13 of the front bed section 11a can drain water from the front bed section 11a to the dilution tank 50, which will be described later. Furthermore, the drainage section 13 of the rear bed section 11b can drain water from the rear bed section 11b to the aquaculture tank 20, which will be described later.

[0026] The planting plate 14 is a member on which the plant B is planted. The planting plate 14 is made of, for example, foamed steel, and is formed into a generally rectangular plate that is long in the left-right direction. The planting plate 14 is installed on top of the cultivation tank 11 so as to cover the cultivation tank 11. When installed on top of the cultivation tank 11, the planting plate 14 is configured to be freely slidable in the front-to-rear direction by a slide mechanism possessed by the cultivation tank 10 and / or the planting plate 14.

[0027] The planting plate 14 also has a plurality of (four in this embodiment) holes that penetrate in the vertical direction and are spaced apart from one another in the horizontal direction. Plants B are planted in the plurality of holes in the planting plate 14. In this way, the planting plate 14 supports four plants B, and the roots of the plants B can be immersed in the water inside the cultivation tank 11 (the front bed section 11a and the rear bed section 11b).

[0028] Furthermore, a plurality of planting plates 14 are arranged side by side along the front-rear direction of the cultivation tank 11. In this embodiment, three planting plates 14 are arranged side by side above each of the front and rear bed sections 11a and 11b of the cultivation tank 11. Plants B with different cultivation periods are planted on the plurality of planting plates 14. That is, a plurality of plants B (four plants) grouped according to their cultivation periods are arranged on each planting plate 14. Of the six planting plates 14 installed in the cultivation tank 11, the plants B with longer cultivation periods (i.e., more advanced growth status) are arranged on the planting plates 14 located from the front to the rear.

[0029] The culture tank 20 is for cultivating fish F. Water is stored in the cultivation tank 10, and fish F are raised in it. Water from the rear bed section 11b of the cultivation tank 10 flows into the cultivation tank 10 via the drainage section 13. The culture tank 20 is also configured to be able to discharge the breeding water that exceeds a certain water level into the filtration tank 30, which will be described later.

[0030] The filtration tank 30 is used to filter the water used in the aquaculture tank 20. In this embodiment, the filtration includes both physical filtration and biological filtration. Water discharged from the aquaculture tank 20 flows into the filtration tank 30. The filtration tank 30 can filter out impurities contained in the rearing wastewater through physical filtration. The filtration tank 30 can also nitrify ammonia contained in the rearing wastewater and convert it into nitric acid through biological filtration.

[0031] The latter half pump 40 is capable of pumping water. The latter half pump 40 is provided in the middle of a communication path that connects the filtration tank 30 and the latter half bed section 11b of the cultivation tank 10. The latter half pump 40 can pump water from the filtration tank 30 to the latter half bed section 11b of the cultivation tank 10 via the communication path.

[0032] In this way, in the system 1, a circulation path for the second half of the cultivation period (second half circulation path) is formed, through which water can circulate between the second half bed section 11b of the cultivation tank 10, the cultivation tank 10, and the filtration tank 30. In this embodiment, salt-containing breeding water W1 for saltwater fish is used as the water circulating through the second half circulation path. The breeding water W1 contains various nutrients necessary for raising the fish F. Specifically, the breeding water W1 contains, for example, sodium, potassium, and calcium. The breeding water W1 also contains nitrate derived from ammonia generated from the feces and leftover food of the fish F being raised. These components are absorbed by the plants B as fertilizer components.

[0033] The dilution tank 50 is for storing water with a low salt concentration (at least water with a salt concentration lower than that of the culture water W1). In this embodiment, the dilution tank 50 stores water (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as "solution W2") obtained by diluting the culture water W1 with dilution water (e.g., fresh water). The solution W2 contains nutrients required for the growth of the plant B. Examples of the nutrients include trace elements such as iron, zinc, and boron. The salt concentration of the solution W2 is generally set to a concentration (approximately 0.3%) that is unlikely to cause salt damage to the plant B. Water from the front bed section 11a of the cultivation tank 10 (solution W2 after use in the cultivation tank 10) flows into the dilution tank 50 via the drainage section 13.

[0034] The first half pump 60 is capable of pumping water. The first half pump 60 is provided in the middle of a communication path that connects the dilution tank 50 and the first half bed section 11a of the cultivation tank 10. The first half pump 60 can pump water from the dilution tank 50 to the first half bed section 11a of the cultivation tank 10 via the communication path.

[0035] In this way, in the system 1, a circulation path for the first half of the cultivation period (first half circulation path) is formed, through which water can circulate between the first half bed section 11a of the cultivation tank 10 and the dilution tank 50. In this embodiment, the solution W2 is used as the water circulating through the first half circulation path, as described above. Note that the water circulating through the first half circulation path is not limited to the above, and water with no salt concentration at all can also be used.

[0036] The fertilizer spraying device 70 is a device that sprays fertilizer onto the leaves of the plants B. The configuration of the fertilizer spraying device 70 will be described in detail later.

[0037] In addition to the configuration described above, the system 1 may be provided with other appropriate equipment necessary for the growth of the fish F and the plants B. For example, equipment for adjusting water temperature and sterilizing and disinfecting, a component adjusting mechanism for adjusting the components necessary for the growth of the fish F and the plants B, etc. may be provided.

[0038] The procedure for cultivating plant B in system 1 will be described below with reference to FIGS.

[0039] A plant B that has reached a predetermined growth stage is transplanted (planted) into the cultivation tank 10 of the system 1. For example, a plant B that has reached the planting stage is transplanted into the cultivation tank 10. In this case, the plant B is planted on the planting plate 14 and placed by an operator in the frontmost part of the cultivation tank 10 (i.e., the frontmost part of the front half bed section 11a, hereinafter referred to as "first position P1"). The roots of the plant B on the planting plate 14 placed in the cultivation tank 10 are immersed in the solution W2, and cultivation (hydroponic cultivation) in the cultivation tank 10 begins. In this embodiment, the plant B is assumed to be ready for harvest two weeks after hydroponic cultivation begins.

[0040] The planting plate 14 is then gradually slid rearward by the operator depending on the time that has passed since installation. When space opens up at the first position P1 of the front bed section 11a, a new planting plate 14 is installed in the vacant space. In this way, in the cultivation tank 10, the plants B that have been cultivated for a longer period (i.e., the more advanced their growth status) are placed further rearward.

[0041] In this embodiment, the planting plate 14 placed at the first position P1 is moved to the rearmost part of the first half bed section 11a (hereinafter referred to as the "second position P2") one week later. That is, the plant B is cultivated in the first half bed section 11a using the solution W2 with a low salt concentration during the first week after the start of hydroponic cultivation.

[0042] Then, one week after the start of hydroponic cultivation, the planting plate 14 at the second position P2 is moved beyond the partition plate 12 to the rear side of the cultivation tank 10 and placed at the frontmost part of the latter half bed section 11b (hereinafter referred to as "third position P3"). Then, depending on the elapsed time, the planting plate 14 is gradually slid rearward. In this way, the planting plate 14 placed at the third position P3 is moved to the rearmost part of the latter half bed section 11b (hereinafter referred to as "fourth position P4") one week later (two weeks after the start of hydroponic cultivation).

[0043] In this way, the plant B is cultivated in the rear bed section 11b using the rear water W1 with a high salt concentration in the second week after the start of hydroponic cultivation. The plant B thus moved to the fourth position P4 is harvested by an operator two weeks after the start of hydroponic cultivation.

[0044] As described above, according to the system 1 of this embodiment, the cultivation tank 10 is divided into a first half (first half bed section 11a) and a second half (second half bed section 11b), and the cultivation is performed in water with a low salt concentration in the first half bed section 11a, and in water with a high salt concentration in the second half bed section 11b. This allows the plant B to grow while acclimatizing to the salt concentration, thereby reducing salt damage to the plant B. Furthermore, by providing a buffer (first half bed section 11a) rather than suddenly transferring the plant B from freshwater to aquaculture wastewater (used rearing water W1) with a high salt concentration, stress on the plant B caused by a sudden change in the root garden environment can be reduced.

[0045] Furthermore, as the growth of plant B progresses, simply by sliding the planting plate 14, the planting plate 14 can be moved from the first half (first half bed section 11a) to the second half (second half bed section 11b) of the cultivation tank 10, allowing the roots to be flooded with water of different salinity concentrations. This reduces the amount of work required, for example, to transplant plant B between cultivation tanks that store water of different salinity concentrations depending on the growth of the plant B.

[0046] Furthermore, a certain amount of plants B, which are in a state of vigorous nitrate absorption in the later stage of growth, are always planted in the rear bed section 11b of the cultivation tank 10, which circulates water with the aquaculture tank 20, improving and maintaining the nitrate absorption efficiency. In this way, low nitrate can be maintained for the cultivation of fish F, and an environment suitable for the growth of both fish F and plants B can be created.

[0047] Here, sodium, potassium, calcium, nitrate, and the like contained in the rear water W1 in the rear bed section 11b of the cultivation tank 10 are absorbed by the plant B as fertilizer components. However, the rear water W1 does not contain trace elements such as iron, zinc, or boron. Furthermore, when the foam separator provided in the cultivation tank 10 is operated, the generated positive ions may adsorb and remove iron ions and other impurities from the water. Thus, the rear water W1 in the rear bed section 11b of the cultivation tank 10 contains many nitrogen-based fertilizer components, but contains almost no trace elements. In such cases, the plant B may develop deficiencies (physiological disorders), resulting in reduced growth and reduced quality, such as yellowing.

[0048] To address this issue, it is conceivable to supply fertilizer containing trace elements to the rearing water W1, but the fertilizer components supplied are not designed with the growth of the fish F in mind, and there are concerns about the impact on the growth of the fish F. Furthermore, when the foam separator is operated, there is a possibility that iron ions and the like contained in the water are adsorbed and removed, as described above, and therefore it is conceivable that the trace elements will still be insufficient despite the addition of fertilizer.

[0049] Therefore, the system 1 is provided with a fertilizer spraying device 70 to suppress quality degradation such as reduced growth and yellowing of the plant B caused by a lack of trace elements. As will be described later, the fertilizer spraying device 70 can execute foliar spray control for spraying fertilizer on the leaves.

[0050] The configuration of the fertilizer spreading device 70 will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0051] As described above, the fertilizer spraying device 70 is a device that sprays fertilizer onto the foliage of plants B. As will be described later, the fertilizer spraying device 70 is configured to perform foliar spraying of fertilizer onto plants B on planting plates 14 arranged in the rear half bed section 11b of the cultivation tank 10. The fertilizer spraying device 70 includes a camera 71, a fertilizer tank 72, a spray nozzle 73, fertilizer piping 74, a fertilizer pump 75, an alarm unit 76, and a control device 77.

[0052] The camera 71 captures the status of the plants B in the rear bed section 11b that are the target of foliar spraying. The camera 71 is installed near the center in the front-to-rear direction of the cultivation tank 11 (i.e., near the partition plate 12). The camera 71 is directed toward the inside of the cultivation tank 11, and can capture an image of the planting plate 14 (and thus the plants B planted on this planting plate 14) that is located at the third position P3 of the rear bed section 11b.

[0053] The fertilizer tank 72 stores liquid fertilizer containing trace elements (hereinafter referred to as "fertilizer W3"). In this embodiment, the fertilizer W3 in the fertilizer tank 72 is replenished by an operator. The fertilizer tank 72 may also have a predetermined replenishing mechanism, and may automatically replenish the fertilizer in response to the detection results of a water level sensor or the like.

[0054] The spray nozzle 73 is for spraying the fertilizer W3 in the fertilizer tank 72. The spray nozzle 73 is positioned above the third position P3 of the rear bed section 11b by a predetermined support stand. In this way, the spray nozzle 73 is positioned approximately directly above the plant B planted on the planting plate 14 at the third position P3. The spray nozzle 73 is configured to be able to spray the fertilizer W3 all over the plant B located below. In this embodiment, four spray nozzles 73 are provided, one for each of the four holes in the planting plate 14.

[0055] The fertilizer piping 74 is configured to allow the fertilizer W3 to flow from the fertilizer tank 72 to the four spray nozzles 73. The upstream end of the fertilizer piping 74 is connected to the fertilizer tank 72. The four spray nozzles 73 are connected to the downstream side of the fertilizer piping 74 at intervals from one another.

[0056] The fertilizer pump 75 is capable of pumping the fertilizer W3. The fertilizer pump 75 is provided in a midway portion of the fertilizer piping 74, upstream of the four spray nozzles 73. The fertilizer pump 75 can pump the fertilizer W3 in the fertilizer tank 72 to the four spray nozzles 73 via the fertilizer piping 74.

[0057] The alarm unit 76 is capable of notifying an operator of the occurrence of an abnormality (error) in the foliar spraying process of the foliar spray control. In this embodiment, the alarm unit 76 has, for example, a predetermined alarm means and can output an alarm sound such as a buzzer. The alarm unit 76 is also provided with a reset means that allows the operator to reset the alarm (error reset). When the operator operates the reset means, for example, the output of the alarm sound is stopped. Note that the alarm unit 76 is not limited to the above and may have, for example, a predetermined light-emitting means or display means, etc., and may notify by light emission or display.

[0058] The control device 77 is capable of executing various processes of the fertilizer spraying device 70. The various processes include spray control, which will be described later. The control device 77 is mainly composed of an arithmetic processing device such as a CPU, and storage devices such as RAM and ROM. The storage device of the control device 77 stores information and various programs required to execute the various processes. The programs include a program related to foliar spray control.

[0059] The control device 77 is electrically connected to the camera 71. In this way, the control device 77 can control the camera 71. The control device 77 can acquire the imaging results (imaging data) of the camera 71. The control device 77 can also analyze the acquired imaging data and acquire information contained in the imaging data.

[0060] The control device 77 is also electrically connected to the fertilizer pump 75. In this way, the control device 77 can control the fertilizer pump 75. The control device 77 is also electrically connected to the alarm unit 76. In this way, the control device 77 can operate the alarm unit 76.

[0061] The control device 77 also has two types of timer switches as functions executed by a program. Hereinafter, these two types of timer switches will be referred to as a "first timer switch 77a" and a "second timer switch 77b."

[0062] The first timer switch 77a detects the time to start spraying from the spray nozzle 73. The time to start spraying (spray start time) is registered in advance in the first timer switch 77a. The spray start time is set arbitrarily, for example, according to the work time when the planting plate 14 is slid. In other words, the spray start time is set, for example, according to the timing when a new planting plate 14 slides from the first bed section 11a to the third position P3 of the second bed section 11b.

[0063] The second timer switch 77b detects the duration (spray operation time) of spraying by the spray nozzle 73. The spray operation time is set arbitrarily according to the type and concentration of the fertilizer W3.

[0064] The foliar spray control by the control device 77 will be described below using the flowchart shown in Figure 3. In the foliar spray control, at a predetermined timing, a process for carrying out foliar spray (hereinafter referred to as "foliar spray process") is executed.

[0065] Once the control of foliar spraying by the control device 77 is started, the processes from step S11 to step S20 are repeatedly executed.

[0066] In step S11, when the control device 77 detects that the first timer switch 77a has reached a predetermined spray start time (predetermined time), the process proceeds to step S12.

[0067] In step S12, the control device 77 starts executing the foliar spraying process. The foliar spraying process is a general term for the processes from step S13 to step S20, which will be described later. After the process of step S12, the control device 77 proceeds to the process of step S13.

[0068] In step S13, the control device 77 performs image analysis. Specifically, the control device 77 controls the camera 71 to capture an image and acquires current image data. The control device 77 then analyzes the acquired image data and acquires information contained in the image data. After processing step S13, the control device 77 proceeds to processing step S14.

[0069] In step S14, the control device 77 determines whether or not plant B is present at the third position P3 of the cultivation tank 10 based on the results of the image analysis in the processing of step S13. In other words, the control device 77 determines whether the target for foliar spraying is present where it should be (directly below the spray nozzle 73). In this embodiment, if all four plant B plants are not present (if even one plant B plant is not present), it is determined that plant B is not present. Examples of cases in which it is determined that plant B is not present include when the planting plate 14 is not at the third position P3, or when the planting plate 14 is at the third position P3 but one or more plant B plants are not planted on the planting plate 14 for some reason. Note that the determination that plant B is not present is not limited to the above-described example, and may be made based solely on whether or not the planting plate 14 is at the third position P3, without considering the number of plant B plants.

[0070] If the control device 77 determines that plant B is present at the third position P3 of the cultivation tank 10 (YES in step S14), it proceeds to the processing of step S17. On the other hand, if the control device 77 determines that plant B is not present at the third position P3 of the cultivation tank 10 (NO in step S14), it proceeds to the processing of step S15.

[0071] In step S15, the control device 77 displays an error. Specifically, the control device 77 activates the notification unit 76 to notify the user. This allows the user to recognize that some kind of abnormality has occurred during the foliar spraying process. The user can then take action to resolve the abnormality, such as placing the planting plate 14 at the third position P3 of the aquaculture tank 20 or correcting its position. After processing step S15, the control device 77 proceeds to processing step S16.

[0072] In step S16, the control device 77 determines whether an error reset has been performed. Specifically, the control device 77 determines whether the reset means of the notification unit 76 has been operated. The reset means is operated, for example, by the worker who has been notified.

[0073] When the control device 77 determines that an error reset has been performed (YES in step S16), it proceeds to the processing of step S13. Note that when an error reset is performed, it is assumed that, for example, an operator who has received the notification has resolved the abnormality. On the other hand, when the control device 77 determines that an error reset has not been performed for a predetermined period of time (NO in step S16), it proceeds to the processing of step S15. That is, the control device 77 continues to display the error. Note that when an error reset is not performed, it is assumed that, for example, an operator is absent despite the notification. Note that the control device 77 can also stop the execution of the foliar spraying process when the processing of steps S15 and S16 has been repeated a predetermined number of times.

[0074] In step S17, the control device 77 sprays the fertilizer W3. Specifically, the control device 77 operates the fertilizer pump 75 to supply the fertilizer W3 in the fertilizer tank 72 to the four spray nozzles 73 via the fertilizer piping 74. As a result, the four spray nozzles 73 spray the fertilizer W3 downward. That is, foliar spraying is initiated on the four plants B located at the third position P3 in the cultivation tank 10. After processing step S17, the control device 77 proceeds to processing step S18.

[0075] In step S18, the control device 77 starts measuring time using the second timer switch 77b simultaneously with the start of spraying in step S17. Then, the control device 77 determines whether the time measured by the second timer switch 77b has reached a predetermined spray operation time. If the control device 77 determines that the time measured by the second timer switch 77b has reached the predetermined spray operation time (YES in step S18), it proceeds to the processing of step S19. On the other hand, if the control device 77 determines that the time measured by the second timer switch 77b has not reached the predetermined spray operation time (NO in step S18), it proceeds to the processing of step S17. That is, the control device 77 continues spraying of fertilizer W3.

[0076] In step S19, the control device 77 stops the spraying of the fertilizer W3. Specifically, the control device 77 stops the operation of the fertilizer pump 75. After the process of step S19, the control device 77 proceeds to the process of step S20.

[0077] In step S20, the control device 77 ends the execution of the foliar spraying process that has been executed since the previous step S12. After the process of step S20, the control device 77 again proceeds to the process of step S11. That is, the control device 77 monitors the timing for starting the execution of the next foliar spraying process.

[0078] This configuration can prevent a decrease in the yield and quality of the plant B due to a lack of trace elements. That is, by foliar spraying the trace elements that are lacking in the rearing water W1 using the fertilizer spraying device 70, the trace elements can be efficiently supplied to the plant B, thereby improving the yield and quality of the plant B.

[0079] Furthermore, since spraying from the spray nozzle 73 of the fertilizer spreading device 70 is performed automatically at a predetermined time and at a predetermined location, the labor required for spraying can be significantly reduced compared to, for example, when spraying is performed manually by an operator.

[0080] Furthermore, in the case of foliar spraying, fertilizer W3 is not mixed into the breeding water W1, which prevents, for example, fertilizer components mixed in the water from affecting the fish F. Furthermore, fertilizer W3 is not adsorbed and removed by the operation of the foam separator, so fertilizer W3 can be efficiently supplied to plant B.

[0081] Furthermore, if it is determined using a camera 71 or the like that the plant B is not at the third position P3 of the rear bed section 11b, an error message is displayed to the operator and the fertilizer W3 is not sprayed, thereby preventing the fertilizer W3 sprayed from above from mixing with the breeding water W1.

[0082] As described above, in the system 1 according to this embodiment, a culture tank 20 in which fish F are cultured in salty water (culture water W1); a filtration tank 30 for filtering water discharged from the aquaculture tank 20; a cultivation tank 10 in which plants B can be cultivated using water filtered in the filtration tank 30, the cultivation tank 10 having a plurality of bed sections (first half bed section 11a and second half bed section 11b) in which the plants B are arranged in groups according to their cultivation periods and in which water with gradually increasing salt concentrations is stored according to the length of the cultivation period of the plants B to be arranged; a fertilizer spraying device 70 capable of performing foliar spraying control to spray fertilizer W3 onto the plants B placed in the rear bed section 11b (at least one bed section) among the plurality of bed sections; It is equipped with the following.

[0083] With this configuration, when raising fish F (saltwater fish), salt damage to the plants B can be prevented, and the yield and quality can be improved.

[0084] In System 1, A camera 71 (acquisition unit) is provided to acquire the status of the plant B in the rear bed portion 11b that is the target of foliar spraying, The fertilizer spreading device 70 includes: The foliar spray control can be carried out according to the results acquired by the camera 71 (acquisition unit).

[0085] With this configuration, foliar spraying can be performed depending on the condition of plant B (for example, whether plant B is present or not).

[0086] Also in System 1, The fertilizer spreading device 70 includes: If it is determined from the results of the camera 71 (acquisition unit) that the plant B is not present, foliar spraying is not carried out.

[0087] This configuration can prevent the fertilizer W3 from being mixed into the solution W2.

[0088] Also in System 1, The fertilizer spreading device 70 includes: The device is provided with a notification unit 76 that issues a notification when it is determined that the plant B is not present based on the result of the camera 71 (acquisition unit).

[0089] With this configuration, the operator can resolve the abnormal condition.

[0090] Also in System 1, The grouped plants B are moved to the bed section where water with a higher salt concentration is stored as a predetermined period of time passes, The fertilizer spreading device 70 includes: The foliar spray control can be carried out in accordance with the passage of the predetermined period.

[0091] With this configuration, the spraying operation can be performed automatically, thereby reducing the labor required for the spraying operation.

[0092] Also in System 1, The plurality of bed portions include: The inside of one water tank is divided into compartments by partition plates 12, The partition plate 12 is It can be installed at any desired location inside the single cultivation tank 11.

[0093] This configuration allows beds to be formed according to the type of plant being cultivated, and also reduces the amount of work required, such as replanting plant B between cultivation tanks containing water with different salinity concentrations depending on the growth conditions.

[0094] Also in System 1, The fertilizer W3 contains trace elements.

[0095] With this configuration, it is possible to effectively suppress a decrease in the growth rate of plant B and deterioration in quality such as yellowing caused by a lack of trace elements.

[0096] In this embodiment, the partition plate 12 of the cultivation tank 10 is provided in a movable manner and can be set at any desired location by, for example, an operator.

[0097] With this configuration, for example, if it is desired to widen the dilution water area in the first half of the cultivation tank 11 (to allow for a longer cultivation period), the partition plate 12 can be installed behind the center of the cultivation tank 11 in the front-to-back direction, and if it is desired to widen the undiluted water area in the second half of the cultivation tank 11 (to allow for a longer cultivation period), the partition plate 12 can be installed ahead of the center of the cultivation tank 11 in the front-to-back direction, thereby allowing the first half and second half to be changed in any proportion.

[0098] In this way, for example, it is assumed that the periods when salt damage resistance and nitrate absorption efficiency are high differ depending on the plant species, and it is possible to adopt the optimal treatment period each time, making it possible to cultivate different cultivated items in one cultivation tank 11 depending on the season.

[0099] 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.

[0100] For example, in this embodiment, the aquaculture tank 20, the filtration tank 30, the fertilizer tank 72, etc. are arranged below the cultivation tank 10, but this is not limited to this. The cultivation tank 10 may also be multi-tiered.

[0101] In addition, in this embodiment, the spray nozzle 73 of the fertilizer spreader 70 is provided to correspond to one of the six planting plates 14, but it may be provided to correspond to multiple planting plates 14. Furthermore, if the fertilizer spreader 70 is provided with multiple rear half bed sections 11b, for example, by providing multiple partition plates 12, the spray nozzle 73 of the fertilizer spreader 70 can be provided to correspond to one or multiple planting plates 14 for each rear half bed section 11b.

[0102] In addition, in this embodiment, the spray nozzle 73 of the fertilizer spraying device 70 is fixed, but it may be configured to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the cultivation tank 11. In this way, when performing foliar spraying corresponding to a plurality of planting plates 14, it is not necessary to provide the same number of spray nozzles 73 as the number of planting plates 14, which allows for a simplification of the configuration and a reduction in costs.

[0103] In this embodiment, the control device 77 controls foliar spraying by using two types of timer switches (i.e., by detecting the passage of a predetermined time), but this is not limiting. In other words, foliar spraying can be started and stopped at various times, for example, when movement of the planting plate 14 is detected.

[0104] In this embodiment, the camera 71 (image data) is used to determine whether or not the plant B is present at the third position P3 in the cultivation tank 10, but this is not limiting. For example, various detection means such as an infrared sensor can be used.

[0105] Furthermore, the condition of plant B acquired by the acquisition unit (camera 71 in this embodiment) is not limited to the presence or absence of plant B as in this embodiment. For example, the acquisition unit may acquire the growth condition of plant B (size, color, shape, etc.). Furthermore, the fertilizer spraying device 70 can be configured to appropriately select the amount and type of fertilizer W3 to be sprayed on the leaves according to the acquired growth condition of plant B. Furthermore, the fertilizer spraying device 70 does not spray the same amount of fertilizer W3 from the four spray nozzles 73 for the same period of time (rather than using the same spray pattern for all spray nozzles 73), but can use a different, optimal spray pattern for each plant B according to the condition of each plant B acquired by the acquisition unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0106] 1. Aquaponics System 10 cultivation tank 11a Front bed section 11b Rear bed section 20 Aquaculture tanks 30 Filtration tank 70 Fertilizer spreading equipment

Claims

1. aquaculture tanks in which fish are raised using salty water; a filtration tank for filtering water discharged from the aquaculture tank; a cultivation tank capable of cultivating plants using the water filtered in the filtration tank, the cultivation tank having a plurality of bed sections in which the plants are arranged in groups according to their cultivation periods and in which water with increasing salt concentrations is stored according to the length of the cultivation periods of the plants arranged; a fertilizer spraying device capable of performing foliar spraying control to spray fertilizer on the foliage of the plants placed in at least one of the plurality of bed sections; Equipped with Aquaponics system.

2. An acquisition unit is provided for acquiring information on the state of the plants in the bed area to be subjected to foliar spraying, The fertilizer spreading device is The foliar spray control can be performed according to the acquisition result of the acquisition unit.

2. The aquaponics system of claim 1.

3. The fertilizer spreading device is When it is determined that the plant is not present based on the result of the acquisition unit, foliar spraying is not performed.

3. The aquaponics system of claim 2.

4. The fertilizer spreading device is a notification unit that issues a notification when it is determined that the plant is not present based on the result of the acquisition unit; 3. The aquaponics system of claim 2.

5. the grouped plants are moved to the beds where water with a higher salt concentration is stored over a predetermined period of time; The fertilizer spreading device is The foliar spray control can be executed in response to the passage of the predetermined period.

2. The aquaponics system of claim 1.

6. The plurality of bed portions include: The tank is divided into compartments by partitions that separate the inside of the tank. The partition portion is It can be installed at any location inside the one water tank.

6. The aquaponics system of claim 5.

7. The fertilizer contains trace elements.

2. The aquaponics system of claim 1.

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