Cultivation tool

Abstract

To provide a cultivation tool that is capable of suppressing the occurrence of poor growth of a plant.SOLUTION: A cultivation tool 10 comprises: a medium section 20 in which a germinated seed P1 can grow in a solid medium containing moisture; and a first sheet 30 provided adjacent to the medium section 20 and allowing a pre-germinated seed P1 to grow while being held on the medium section 20. The first sheet 30 is configured to allow permeation of water vapor from the medium section 20 while preventing permeation of water from the medium section 20. The cultivation tool 10 further comprises a second sheet 40 that covers the seed P1 grown on the first sheet 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the technology of cultivation tools. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, the technology of cultivation tools for growing seeds has been publicly known, as described in Patent Document 1, for example.

[0003] The cultivation tool described in Patent Document 1 includes a rectangular porous body with seed-sowing holes on the top surface. The seed-sowing holes are filled with powdered or granular material with plant seeds placed inside. Because the porous body and powdered or granular material are hydrophilic, for example, by pouring water onto the porous body or powdered or granular material, the seeds can be watered through the porous body, allowing them to grow.

[0004] When growing plant seeds, it is important to pay attention to the amount of water you give them. For example, if you give seeds more water than necessary (overwatering) before they have rooted, they may get moldy, rot, or crack internally.

[0005] However, in the cultivation tool described in Patent Document 1, water that has soaked into the porous body or granular material comes into contact with the seeds, so there is a possibility that more water than necessary will be supplied to the seeds (they will be easily over-humidified).For this reason, when seeds are grown in the cultivation tool described in Patent Document 1, there is a concern that the seeds will become moldy, resulting in poor plant growth. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-227835 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a cultivation tool capable of suppressing the occurrence of poor plant growth. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The problem to be solved by the present invention is as described above, and the means for solving this problem will now be described.

[0009] That is, in claim 1, the device comprises a first growth section in which seeds can grow in a moist solid medium after they have rooted, and a second growth section that is arranged adjacent to the first growth section and in which the seeds can grow while being held in place relative to the first growth section before they root, and the second growth section is configured to allow water vapor from the first growth section to pass through but not allow water from the first growth section to pass through.

[0010] In claim 2, the plant further comprises a cover section for covering the seeds grown in the second growing section.

[0011] In claim 3, the second growing section is made of a moisture-permeable, waterproof material and is placed on the first growing section.

[0012] In claim 4, the first growth section grows seeds that have rooted in the second growth section, and the second growth section has a deformation section that can be deformed so that the seeds held in the second growth section are pressed toward the first growth section, causing the seeds to move from the second growth section to the first growth section.

[0013] In claim 5, the deformation portion is configured by a notch portion whose length is set according to the diameter of the seed.

[0014] In claim 6, the solid culture medium of the first growth section is configured to grow seeds that have taken root in the second growth section by forming a recess that is circular in plan view on the underside of the deformation section and has an inner diameter and depth set according to the diameter of the seed.

[0015] In claim 7, the recess is formed so as to support the deformation portion at its periphery.

[0016] In claim 8, the recess is formed so as to be able to store the entire seed.

[0017] In claim 9, the deformation portions are provided in plurality in the second growth section, and the cultivation device further includes a pressing portion capable of pressing the plurality of seeds respectively held in the plurality of deformation portions against the first growth section all at once.

[0018] In claim 10, the solid medium of the first growing section is formed by bundling fibers that are oriented in the vertical direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] The present invention has the following effects.

[0020] According to claim 1, the occurrence of poor plant growth can be suppressed.

[0021] According to claim 2, the area around the seeds before they take root can be prevented from drying out.

[0022] According to claim 3, the second growing section can be quickly installed.

[0023] In claim 4, the seeds can be quickly transferred from the second growing section to the first growing section.

[0024] In claim 5, the seeds can be quickly transferred from the second growing section to the first growing section through the slit section of an appropriate length.

[0025] In claim 6, the rooted seeds can be grown in recesses whose size corresponds to the diameter of the seeds.

[0026] According to claim 7, it is possible to prevent seeds from falling onto the first growing section at an unintended timing.

[0027] According to claim 8, when the seeds are pressed toward the first growing portion, crushing of the seeds can be suppressed.

[0028] In claim 9, the pressing part can move a plurality of seeds from the second growing part to the first growing part all at once, thereby improving workability.

[0029] According to claim 10, the roots can be made to easily extend in the vertical direction. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the plant growth process. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a front cross-sectional view showing a cultivation tool according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Also, plan view. [Figure 4] FIG. [Figure 5] 1 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for growing a plant. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view showing the cultivation tool stored in a container in the first storage step S50. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which the seeds are pressed. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a front cross-sectional view showing the cultivation tool stored in a container in a second storage step S70. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the state in which a solid medium is divided. [Figure 10] 1A is a plan view showing an example of dimensions of a recess and a notch, and FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. [Figure 12] (a) A diagram showing the underside of the pressing part, (b) A diagram showing the pressing part on which a protrusion is formed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] In the following description, the up-down direction, left-right direction, and front-rear direction are defined according to the arrows shown in the drawings.

[0032] A cultivation tool 10 according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0033] The cultivation tool 10 is used to grow seeds P1 of plants P. More specifically, the cultivation tool 10 is used to grow seeds P1 before they take root (before roots P2 appear) until at least cotyledons P3 appear. The cultivation tool 10 is used, for example, in a facility for cultivating plants P. Note that in this embodiment, soybeans are used as an example of plants P, but the type of plants P grown in the cultivation tool 10 is not particularly limited.

[0034] First, an example of the process for growing soybeans will be described with reference to Figure 1. In this process, soybeans are grown by sowing seeds P1 in a medium C1 (e.g., soil) filled in a container C. The soybeans are also watered appropriately.

[0035] Soybean seeds P1 sown on medium C1 are grown in a dark environment until they take root. Once rooted, the soybeans are further grown in a bright environment and germinate. In Figure 1, light is irradiated onto the soybeans by a light source L, causing the soybeans to grow in a bright environment. Once germinated, the soybeans are further grown in a bright environment until cotyledons P3 appear. The soybeans then form true leaves P4.

[0036] When growing soybeans, it is necessary to pay attention to the amount of water given to the soybeans. For example, if soybeans that have already taken root are given too much water (over-moistened), poor growth such as root rot may occur. Furthermore, if soybeans before they take root are given too much water, the seeds P1 may become moldy, rot, or crack internally. In particular, when the seeds P1 are grown in a dark environment until they take root, as shown in Figure 1, the heat from the light source L does not evaporate the water, so care must be taken to avoid excessive moisture. Hereinafter, the period during which particular care must be taken to avoid excessive moisture (in this embodiment, the period from sowing the seeds P1 until they take root) will be referred to as the "first period."

[0037] Furthermore, if soybeans are not given enough water, they may stop growing or experience poor growth. For example, soybeans may fail to germinate or their sprouts may wither. In particular, when soybeans are grown under light from light source L, as shown in Figure 1, the heat from light source L causes water to evaporate, making them prone to drying. Furthermore, soybeans before the appearance of cotyledons P3 have relatively low resistance to drying, as the growth of roots P2 has not progressed very far. For this reason, when growing soybeans that have already rooted under light from light source L, special care must be taken to prevent drying until cotyledons P3 appear. Hereinafter, this period (the period from rooting to the appearance of cotyledons P3) will be referred to as the "second period."

[0038] As will be described later, the cultivation tool 10 is provided with a soybean growing area suitable for a first period and a soybean growing area suitable for a second period. Therefore, by switching the growing area of ​​the seeds P1 grown in the cultivation tool 10 depending on the first period and the second period, it is possible to prevent poor growth and grow the soybeans appropriately. The configuration of the cultivation tool 10 will be described below. As shown in FIG. 2, the cultivation tool 10 includes a culture medium section 20, a first sheet 30, and a second sheet 40.

[0039] The culture medium section 20 is for growing soybean seeds P1 after they have taken root. The culture medium section 20 is made of a rectangular solid culture medium. The solid culture medium of this embodiment is made by solidifying an artificial substance to facilitate the growth of the seeds P1, and is made of a water-absorbent material. The solid culture medium is also made of bundles of fibers oriented in the vertical direction. The solid culture medium is made of, for example, rock wool, cotton, hemp, etc. The culture medium section 20 has a recess 21.

[0040] The recess 21 is a recess formed on the upper surface of the culture medium section 20. As shown in FIG. 4, the recess 21 is formed in a circular shape in a plan view. In this embodiment, a plurality of recesses 21 are formed along the front-rear and left-right directions. The recess 21 is formed to a size sufficient to store the seeds P1. Details of the dimensions of the recess 21 will be described later.

[0041] The culture medium section 20 of this embodiment is configured to be divisible into blocks B (compartments) each including at least one recess 21. The imaginary line L21 shown in FIG. 4 is a line that imaginarily shows the boundary portion of the block B. The imaginary line L21 is formed as a straight line that passes between adjacent recesses 21 in the front-rear and left-right directions. By cutting the culture medium section 20 along the imaginary line L21, the culture medium section 20 can be divided into blocks B each including one recess 21 (see FIG. 9).

[0042] It is desirable that the culture medium section 20 be provided with auxiliary sections (for example, notches along the imaginary lines L21) that assist in division so that it can be easily divided into blocks B. The auxiliary sections make it easier to divide the culture medium section 20 into the intended shape.

[0043] The first sheet 30 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is for growing soybean seeds P1 before rooting. The first sheet 30 is made of a moisture-permeable, waterproof material. Note that moisture-permeable, waterproof means the property of allowing water vapor to pass through but not allowing water to pass through. The first sheet 30 is also made of a relatively soft (easily deformable) material. Examples of first sheets 30 having the above properties (moisture-permeable, waterproof, and relatively soft) include silicone-treated paper and polymer film. The first sheet 30 is formed in a generally rectangular shape in a plan view, with a size approximately the same as the upper surface of the culture medium section 20. As shown in Figure 3, the first sheet 30 has a slit 31.

[0044] The slits 31 are portions that hold soybean seeds P1 before they take root. The slits 31 are formed by making linear slits in the first sheet 30 so as to penetrate vertically (thickness direction). The slits 31 are made up of two slits that are perpendicular to each other. Figure 3 shows, as an example, a slit 31 that is made up of a slit that extends left and right and another slit that extends back and forth and passes through the middle of the slit.

[0045] In this embodiment, multiple incisions 31 are formed in the horizontal direction at the same intervals as the recesses 21. The first sheet 30 is placed on the culture medium section 20 so that the incisions 31 and the recesses 21 overlap vertically. In this way, the first sheet 30 is provided adjacent to the culture medium section 20 vertically. Note that the number of incisions 31 and recesses 21 is not limited to this embodiment (multiple), and can be changed as appropriate depending on the type of plant P, the purpose of growth, etc.

[0046] Soybean seeds P1 before rooting are placed in the slits 31. As a result, as shown in Fig. 2, the first sheet 30 can float the seeds P1 above the culture medium section 20 and hold the seeds P1 relative to the culture medium section 20. Holding the seeds P1 relative to the culture medium section 20 means supporting the seeds P1 in a state where the contact area between the culture medium section 20 and the seeds P1 is relatively small (for example, the contact area is smaller than when the seeds P1 are placed in the recesses 21).

[0047] As described above, because the first sheet 30 is made of a relatively soft material, when soybean seeds P1 are placed on it, the slits 31 deform to slightly open downward due to the weight of the seeds P1 or when an operator lightly presses the seeds P1. The lower parts of the seeds P1 are exposed to the underside of the first sheet 30 through this deformed portion. Thus, the seeds P1 are held on the first sheet 30 with their lower parts protruding into the recesses 21. Note that in this embodiment, the lower parts of the seeds P1 do not contact the culture medium section 20. Also, in FIG. 3, the seeds P1 are placed on the slits 31 formed on the rear side of the first sheet 30. The rear slits 31 normally deform to open downward, but for convenience of explanation, FIG. 3 shows the slits 31 in an undeformed state.

[0048] The second sheet 40 shown in Fig. 2 is intended to prevent the soybean seeds P1 from drying out. The second sheet 40 is provided so as to cover the soybean seeds P1 placed in the slits 31. For example, the second sheet 40 is formed in a generally rectangular shape in plan view, approximately the same size as the first sheet 30, and is placed over the soybean seeds P1 placed in the slits 31 so as to cover the soybean seeds P1 and the first sheet 30 from above. Note that the second sheet 40 is omitted from Fig. 3 for ease of explanation.

[0049] The second sheet 40 of this embodiment is made of a material that is difficult for water vapor to pass through. The second sheet 40 is also made of a flexible material. Examples of second sheets 40 that have the above characteristics (flexibility and water vapor-resistant) include polyethylene sheets and vinyl sheets. For convenience of explanation, in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 6 and 7 described below, a gap is shown between the second sheet 40 and the seed P1. However, in reality, when the second sheet 40 is placed over the seed P1, it deforms to fit the shape of the upper part of the seed P1 and comes into contact (close contact) with the upper part of the seed P1.

[0050] An example of a procedure for growing soybean seeds P1 using the cultivation tool 10 (a method for growing plants P) will be described below.

[0051] In one example of the procedure shown in Figure 5, a moisture content adjusting step S10, a soaking step S20, a medium hydration step S30, a sowing step S40, a first storage step S50, a pressing step S60, a second storage step S70, a nutrient solution adding step S80, and a transplanting step S90 are performed.

[0052] The moisture content adjusting step S10 and the soaking step S20 are steps for gently and sufficiently watering the soybean seeds P1 before rooting. As described above, if too much water is given to soybeans before rooting, the inside of the seeds P1 may crack. This is thought to be caused by the seeds P1 absorbing water too quickly, and is likely to occur when the seeds P1 are relatively dry (with a relatively low moisture content). Therefore, in this embodiment, the moisture content adjusting step S10 and the soaking step S20 gently and sufficiently soak the relatively dry seeds P1, thereby preventing the inside of the seeds P1 from cracking. The moisture content adjusting step S10 and the soaking step S20 will be described below.

[0053] The moisture content adjusting step S10 is a step of adjusting the moisture content of soybean seeds P1 before rooting. More specifically, the moisture content adjusting step S10 is a step of gradually adding water to relatively dry seeds P1 to gently increase the moisture content of the seeds P1. In the moisture content adjusting step S10, the dried soybean seeds P1 are placed, for example, in a hot and humid place. The temperature and humidity of the place where the seeds P1 are placed may be appropriately set depending on the moisture content of the seeds P1 before the moisture content adjusting step S10 is performed. For example, if the moisture content is about 7%, the seeds P1 may be placed in a place with a humidity of 95% and a temperature of 35°C for about 4 to 14 hours in the moisture content adjusting step S10. In this way, the moisture content of the seeds P1 is gently adjusted (increased) until it falls within a predetermined range (for example, a range of 13% to 17%).

[0054] The soaking step S20 is a step in which the soybean seeds P1, whose moisture content has been adjusted in the moisture content adjusting step S10, are soaked in water for a predetermined time (for example, 2 to 3 hours) to sufficiently water the seeds P1. Because the seeds P1 have absorbed a certain amount of water in the moisture content adjusting step S10, even if the seeds P1 are soaked in water in the soaking step S20, the seeds P1 can be prevented from absorbing water too rapidly. In this way, the moisture content adjusting step S10 and the soaking step S20 slowly and sufficiently water the soybean seeds P1 before they have rooted, preventing the inside of the seeds P1 from cracking. In addition, the outer skin of the seeds P1 can be softened to facilitate germination.

[0055] The medium portion hydration step S30 is a step of hydrating the medium portion 20 (solid medium). The procedure of the medium portion hydration step S30 is not particularly limited. In the medium portion hydration step S30, for example, the medium portion 20 may be hydrated by placing the medium portion 20 in a container filled with water, or the medium portion 20 may be hydrated by pouring water over it.

[0056] The sowing step S40 is a step of sowing soybean seeds P1 (before rooting) that have been soaked in water in the soaking step S20. In the sowing step S40, a first sheet 30 is placed on the culture medium part 20 that has been soaked in water in the culture medium part hydration step S30. Then, in the sowing step S40, soybean seeds P1 are sown one by one in the slits 31 of the first sheet 30 (see FIG. 3). Thereafter, in the sowing step S40, a second sheet 40 is placed over the soybean seeds P1, as shown in FIG. 2.

[0057] In this embodiment, the first sheet 30 is moisture-permeable and waterproof, which prevents water in the culture medium portion 20 (solid culture medium) from seeping into the first sheet 30. This configuration prevents water from the culture medium portion 20 from seeping into the first sheet 30 and coming into contact with the soybean seeds P1 before rooting, allowing P1 to grow in an environment where it is difficult to provide more water than necessary (it is difficult to become over-humidified).

[0058] The first sheet 30 is suitable for growing the seeds P1 during the first period (the period from sowing the seeds P1 until they take root) when particular care must be taken to avoid excessive moisture. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the first storage step S50 shown in Fig. 5, the soybean seeds P1 are grown on the first sheet 30 until the end of the first period. Specifically, the seeds P1 are grown until they take root. The first storage step S50 will be described below.

[0059] The first storage step S50 is a step of storing (growing) the seeds P1 before rooting in a dark environment. As shown in Fig. 6, in the first storage step S50, the cultivation tool 10 in which the seeds P1 have been sown on the first sheet 30 in the sowing step S40 is stored in a container 50.

[0060] The container 50 is formed in a box shape large enough to store the cultivation tool 10. The container 50 is also formed to a portable size. A lid 51 is provided on the top of the container 50. The lid 51 allows the top of the container 50 to be opened and closed. In a first storage step S50, the container 50 is stored in a dark place with the top closed and at a temperature suitable for rooting (for example, 15°C to 30°C). The container 50 is also stored for a period required for rooting (for example, about 3 to 5 days).

[0061] Thus, in this embodiment, in the first storage step S50, the soybean seeds P1 are grown on the first sheet 30 until the end of the first period. This prevents the soybeans from being overwatered (over-humidified) during the first period, thereby preventing the soybean seeds P1 from rotting or growing mold.

[0062] Furthermore, the first sheet 30 is moisture-permeable and waterproof, allowing water (water vapor) evaporated in the culture medium section 20 to pass through and be supplied to the soybean seeds P1. This configuration can prevent the soybean seeds P1 from drying out. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the soybean seeds P1 are covered with the second sheet 40, which makes it easier for water vapor that has permeated the first sheet 30 to remain below the second sheet 40, further preventing the seeds P1 from drying out.

[0063] Furthermore, by storing the cultivation tool 10 in the container 50, the water evaporated in the culture medium section 20 can be easily retained within the container 50 (around the cultivation tool 10). This prevents the entire cultivation tool 10 from drying out, and further prevents the seeds P1 from drying out.

[0064] As described above, the second period from rooting to the emergence of cotyledons P3 is a period during which particular care must be taken to prevent drying. Because the culture medium 20 shown in FIG. 6 contains water, by placing and growing seeds P1 on the culture medium 20, water can be supplied directly from the culture medium 20 to the seeds P1, preventing drying. Compared to the first sheet 30, the culture medium 20 is more suitable for growing seeds P1 during the second period during which particular care must be taken to prevent drying. Therefore, in this embodiment, the growing location of seeds P1 is switched from the first sheet 30 to the culture medium 20 in the pressing step S60 shown in FIG. 5. The pressing step S60 will now be described.

[0065] The pressing step S60 is a step of pressing the soybean seeds P1 that have taken root in the first sheet 30 toward the culture medium section 20. As shown in FIG. 7, in the pressing step S60, the soybean seeds P1 are pressed downward through the second sheet 40. For example, the seeds P1 are pressed downward with an operator's fingers or the like. This causes the slits 31 (see FIG. 3) to deform so as to open downward, and the soybean seeds P1 are dropped from the first sheet 30 into the recesses 21. In the pressing step S60, after the soybean seeds P1 have been dropped, the first sheet 30 and the second sheet 40 are removed. For the sake of convenience, in Figure 7, the roots P2 of the seed P1 dropped into the recess 21 are shown penetrating the culture medium section 20 (below the recess 21); however, in reality, the roots P2 of the seed P1 do not penetrate the culture medium section 20 immediately after the seed P1 is dropped into the recess 21, but rather grow as the seed P1 grows within the recess 21 and penetrates the culture medium section 20.

[0066] The second storage step S70 shown in FIG. 5 is a step of storing (growing) the seeds P1 rooted in the first storage step S50 (first sheet 30) in a place exposed to light. As shown in FIG. 8, in the second storage step S70, the container 50 is stored in a place exposed to light with the top open. For example, the container 50 is stored in a place in a facility where the cultivation tool 10 is installed, where light from a light source L can be irradiated on the soybeans or where sunlight can enter. Water is also filled in the container 50. In this way, in the second storage step S70, the seeds P1 rooted in the first storage step S50 are grown in a moist solid medium (depression 21). The seeds P1 are grown in an environment exposed to light except at night and at a temperature suitable for germination (for example, a temperature in the range of 20°C to 30°C). The seeds P1 are grown for a period required for germination and the emergence of cotyledons P3 (for example, about 3 to 5 days).

[0067] Thus, in the present embodiment, in the second storage step S70, the soybean seeds P1 are grown in the recesses 21 of the culture medium section 20 until the cotyledons P3 appear (until the end of the second period). This allows the seeds P1 to be grown in the recesses 21, which are less likely to dry out, during the second period when particular care must be taken to prevent drying, thereby preventing poor growth (such as withering of sprouts).

[0068] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the culture medium portion 20 is formed by bundling fibers oriented in the vertical direction, which makes it easier for soybean roots P2 to extend along the fibers (in the vertical direction).

[0069] The nutrient solution addition step S80 shown in Fig. 5 is a step of growing soybeans with cotyledons P3 in a liquid (nutrient solution) containing nutrients. In the nutrient solution addition step S80, the nutrient solution is added to water held in a container 50 shown in Fig. 8, for example, and soybeans are grown in the nutrient solution.

[0070] The extent to which the soybeans are grown in the nutrient solution addition step S80 is not particularly limited. In this embodiment, the soybeans are grown in the nutrient solution addition step S80 until they reach a size that allows them to be planted. For example, soybean seedlings are grown until they reach a desired size.

[0071] The transplanting step S90 is a step of transplanting the soybeans grown in the nutrient solution adding step S80. There are no particular limitations on where the soybeans are transplanted. For example, the soybeans may be planted (transplanted) into a panel for hydroponic cultivation. Although not shown in the figure, holes are formed in the hydroponic cultivation panel, and the soybeans are supported in the holes via a medium such as a sponge during hydroponic cultivation.

[0072] As described above, in this embodiment, the culture medium section 20 can be divided into blocks B. Therefore, when soybeans are planted on a hydroponic cultivation panel in the transplanting step S90, the culture medium section 20 can be divided into blocks B, and the blocks B can be placed in the holes in the panel as shown in FIG. 9. This eliminates the need to replace the culture medium in the transplanting step S90, reducing the time and effort required to perform the transplanting step S90. It also allows for more effective use of resources.

[0073] By growing soybeans according to the procedure shown in Fig. 5, the seeds P1 can be grown on the first sheet 30 during the first period, and on the culture medium section 20 during the second period (see Figs. 6 and 8). This prevents poor growth of soybeans due to excessive moisture or dryness, thereby improving the germination rate of soybeans.

[0074] Furthermore, the growing location of the seeds P1 can be changed (from the first sheet 30 to the culture medium part 20) smoothly (quickly) by pushing the soybean seeds P1 in. This eliminates the effort required to change the growing location, reducing the workload.

[0075] As described above, the second sheet 40 is made of a material that is difficult for water vapor to pass through. This makes it easier for water vapor that has passed through the first sheet 30 to be trapped under the second sheet 40 in the first storage step S50 (see FIG. 6), thereby effectively preventing the seeds P1 from drying out. Similarly to the second sheet 40, the container 50 is also desirably made of a material that is difficult for water vapor to pass through. This makes it easier for water that has evaporated in the culture medium section 20 to be trapped inside the container 50 (around the cultivation tool 10), thereby effectively preventing the entire cultivation tool 10 from drying out.

[0076] As described above, the second sheet 40 is made of a flexible material. This allows the second sheet 40 to deform to fit the shape of the top of the seeds P1 during the first storage step S50, and to come into contact with the seeds P1 over a relatively wide area. This configuration reduces the contact area between the seeds P1 and the air, effectively preventing mold growth.

[0077] FIG. 10 shows an example of the dimensions of the recesses 21 that are set to prevent the soybean seeds P1 from being crushed in the pressing step S60 (see FIG. 7). More specifically, FIG. 10 shows the inner diameter R21 and depth D21 of the recesses 21 that are set according to the diameter of the soybean seeds P1. It is assumed that the diameter of the soybean seeds P1 will vary depending on the moisture state (moisture content of the seeds P1). For this reason, the inner diameter R21 and the like of the recesses 21 are set based on the diameter of the seeds P1 in a predetermined moisture state. In the example shown in FIG. 10, the inner diameter R21 and the like of the recesses 21 are set based on the diameter of the seeds P1 when dry. The dimensions of the recesses 21 will be described in detail below.

[0078] The inner diameter R21 of the recess 21 is set to be at least larger than the major axis P1a of the soybean seeds P1. With this configuration, the inner diameter R21 can be made relatively large, so that when the soybean seeds P1 are pressed, the seeds P1 are prevented from being crushed by being pressed against the upper end (periphery) of the recess 21.

[0079] Furthermore, by making the inner diameter R21 relatively large, it is possible to prevent the holding force (pressure) of the culture medium section 20 from becoming too strong. More specifically, soybeans dropped into the recessed section 21 from the first sheet 30 germinate and grow. For this reason, if the inner diameter R21 of the recessed section 21 were small, there would not be enough space for the soybeans to grow within the recessed section 21, and the soybeans would come into contact with the inner circumferential surface of the recessed section 21 (be held by a strong force), which could make it difficult for them to grow. For this reason, in the example shown in FIG. 10 , the inner diameter R21 of the recessed section 21 is made large to ensure space within the recessed section 21 (to prevent the holding force of the culture medium section 20 from becoming too strong), thereby preventing the soybeans from becoming difficult to grow.

[0080] The inner diameter R21 of the recess 21 is preferably set to 1.5 to 1.8 times the major axis P1a of the soybean seed P1, thereby preventing the inner diameter R21 of the recess 21 from becoming larger than necessary.

[0081] 10(b), the depth D21 of the recess 21 is set to a length that is at least greater than the minor axis P1b of the soybean seeds P1. With this configuration, the recess 21 can be made deep enough to store the entire seeds P1 in the recess 21, and therefore, when the soybean seeds P1 are pressed, the soybean seeds P1 can be prevented from being pressed against the bottom surface of the recess 21 and being crushed.

[0082] The depth D21 of the recess 21 is preferably set to 1.2 to 1.5 times the minor axis P1b. This prevents the depth D21 of the recess 21 from becoming deeper than necessary, making it easier to form, for example, cotyledons P3 and true leaves P4 on the upper side of the culture medium portion 20.

[0083] In the example shown in FIG. 10, the dimensions of not only the recess 21 but also the slit 31 are set according to the diameter of the soybean seed P1. Here, as shown in FIG. 10(a), the slit 31 is composed of one slit extending left and right and one slit extending front and rear that passes through the middle of the slit. The dimensions of the slit 31 indicate the length L31a of the slit extending left and right and the length L31b of the slit extending front and rear. Each of the slit lengths L31a and L31b is set to be at least longer than the major diameter P1a of the soybean seed P1. In the example shown in FIG. 10, each of the slit lengths L31a and L31b is set to be at least twice the major diameter P1a of the soybean seed P1. This allows the slit 31 to deform smoothly when pressing the soybean seed P1.

[0084] Furthermore, the inner diameter R21 of the recess 21 is smaller than the lengths L31a and L31b of each slit. With this configuration, the recess 21 can support the slit portion 31 at its upper end (periphery). This prevents the soybean seeds P1 placed on the first sheet 30 from falling into the recess 21 at an unintended timing. For example, it is possible to prevent the seeds P1 from falling into the recess 21 before the pressing step S60 is performed due to the weight of the seeds P1 placed on the first sheet 30 or when the seeds P1 are placed on the first sheet 30 (lightly pressed down).

[0085] In the example shown in Figure 10, the dimensions of the recesses 21, etc. are set based on dried seeds P1, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is also possible to set the dimensions based on seeds P1 in any state (for example, seeds P1 in a moist state).

[0086] As described above, the cultivation tool 10 of this embodiment comprises a culture medium section 20 (first growth section) in which seeds P1 after rooting can be grown in a solid culture medium containing moisture, and a first sheet 30 (second growth section) that is arranged adjacent to the culture medium section 20 and in which seeds P1 before rooting can be grown while being held against the culture medium section 20, and the first sheet 30 is configured to allow water vapor from the culture medium section 20 to pass through but not allow water from the culture medium section 20 to pass through.

[0087] With this configuration, the growing location of the seeds P1 can be switched between the culture medium section 20 and the first sheet 30, and poor growth of the plants P can be prevented.

[0088] The first sheet 30 further includes a second sheet 40 (cover portion) for covering the seeds P1 grown thereon.

[0089] This configuration can prevent the area around the seed P1 from drying out before rooting.

[0090] The first sheet 30 is made of a moisture-permeable and waterproof material and is placed on the culture medium section 20 (see FIG. 2).

[0091] With this configuration, the first sheet 30 can be quickly installed.

[0092] Furthermore, the culture medium section 20 is used to grow seeds P1 that have taken root in the first sheet 30, and the first sheet 30 is provided with a deformation section (notch section 31) that can be deformed so that the seeds P1 move from the first sheet 30 to the culture medium section 20 when the seeds P1 are held in the first sheet 30 and pressed toward the culture medium section 20.

[0093] By configuring in this way, the seeds P1 can be quickly transferred from the first sheet 30 to the culture medium section 20.

[0094] The deformation portion is configured by a notch 31 whose length is set in accordance with the diameter of the seed P1 (see FIG. 3).

[0095] With this configuration, the seeds P1 can be quickly transferred from the first sheet 30 to the culture medium section 20 via the slits 31 of an appropriate length.

[0096] In addition, the solid culture medium of the culture medium section 20 is formed below the deformation section (notch section 31) and is configured to grow the seeds P1 that have taken root in the first sheet 30 by means of a recess 21 that is circular in plan view and has an inner diameter R21 and a depth D21 set according to the diameter of the seeds P1 (see Figures 2, 3 and 8).

[0097] With this configuration, the rooted seeds P1 can be grown in the recesses 21 having a size corresponding to the diameter of the seeds P1.

[0098] The recess 21 is formed so as to support the deformation portion (notch 31) at its periphery (upper end).

[0099] By configuring in this manner, it is possible to prevent the seeds P1 from falling into the culture medium section 20 due to deformation of the deformation section caused by the weight of the seeds P1.

[0100] The recess 21 is formed so as to be able to store the entire seed P1 (see FIG. 7). Note that this specification and Figure 10 describe an example of a recess 21 capable of storing the entire seed P1, in which the inner diameter R21 is larger than the major axis P1a of the soybean seed P1 and the depth D21 is set to a depth larger than the minor axis P1b of the seed P1.

[0101] By configuring in this way, when the seeds P1 are pressed toward the culture medium section 20, crushing of the seeds P1 can be suppressed.

[0102] The solid medium of the medium section 20 is made up of bundles of fibers oriented in the vertical direction.

[0103] By configuring in this way, it is possible to make it easier for the root P2 to extend in the vertical direction.

[0104] The culture medium section 20 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the first growth section according to the present invention. The first sheet 30 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the second growing portion according to the present invention. The second sheet 40 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of the cover portion according to the present invention. The notch 31 according to this embodiment is one embodiment of a deformation portion according to the present invention.

[0105] 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.

[0106] For example, the culture medium section 20 (solid culture medium) is configured by bundling fibers oriented in the vertical direction, but the detailed configuration of the culture medium section 20 is not limited to this embodiment as long as it is configured to grow the seed P1 in the solid culture medium. For example, the culture medium section 20 may be configured by bundling fibers oriented in a direction other than the vertical direction. The culture medium section 20 may also be made of a material other than fibers (e.g., a porous body). The shape of the culture medium section 20 is not limited to a rectangular parallelepiped and can be changed as appropriate. The culture medium section 20 may also include components (members) other than the solid culture medium. For example, the culture medium section 20 may include a solid culture medium and a support member (such as a case) that supports the solid culture medium.

[0107] Furthermore, although the recess 21 is formed to have a circular shape in a plan view, the shape of the recess 21 is not particularly limited and can be changed as appropriate depending on the shape of the seed P1 and the like.

[0108] Furthermore, the first sheet 30 and the second sheet 40 are formed in a generally rectangular shape when viewed from above, but the shapes of the first sheet 30 and the second sheet 40 are not limited to this embodiment and can be changed as appropriate.

[0109] An anti-fungal agent may be applied to the first sheet 30. This can prevent mold from growing on the first sheet 30, and thus prevent mold from growing on the seeds P1.

[0110] Furthermore, the cultivation tool 10 does not necessarily need to use a thin member (first sheet 30) to grow the unrooted seeds P1; it is also possible to grow the unrooted seeds P1 using a relatively thick member. Furthermore, the cultivation tool 10 may omit the second sheet 40 depending on the environment in which the unrooted seeds P1 are grown. For example, when growing the unrooted seeds P1 in a highly humid place, it is thought that the seeds P1 will be less likely to dry out even without the second sheet 40. Furthermore, when growing a plant P that is resistant to drought, it is thought that poor growth will be less likely to occur even without the second sheet 40. For this reason, it is also possible to omit the second sheet 40 when growing the seeds P1 in a highly humid place, etc.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the seeds P1 before rooting are held by the notches 31, but it is also possible to hold the seeds P1 before rooting by a configuration different from the notches 31. For example, it is also possible to hold the seeds P1 before rooting by a through-hole that is circular in plan view and smaller than the seeds P1 before rooting.

[0112] Furthermore, the second sheet 40 is impermeable to water vapor and is flexible, but this is just one example, and the properties of the second sheet 40 are not limited to those of this embodiment.

[0113] In this embodiment, water is supplied to the seeds P1 in the moisture content adjusting step S10 and the soaking step S20, but these steps S10 and S20 may be omitted.

[0114] Furthermore, in the first storage step S50, the container 50 (see FIG. 6) is stored in a dark place, but the specific procedure in the first storage step S50 is not limited to this embodiment as long as the seeds P1 can be grown in a dark environment. For example, if the container 50 has a high light-blocking property, the seeds P1 can be grown in a dark environment regardless of the location of the container 50 by closing the lid 51 of the container 50. Therefore, if the container 50 has a high light-blocking property, the container 50 can also be stored in a bright place.

[0115] Furthermore, in the pressing step S60, the soybean seeds P1 may be pressed using a jig 60 that presses a plurality of soybean seeds P1 at once. FIG. 11 shows an example of the jig 60. The jig 60 shown in FIG. 11 is formed in a flat plate shape large enough to press a plurality of seeds P1 at once. A gripping portion 61 that is held by an operator is provided on the upper surface of the jig 60. The gripping portion 61 is formed, for example, in a generally inverted U-shape when viewed from the front with its opening facing downward. Note that while FIG. 11 shows two gripping portions 61 as an example, the number of gripping portions 61 is not particularly limited. Furthermore, the shape and orientation of the gripping portion 61 (from which direction the inverted U-shape is viewed) are not particularly limited.

[0116] The worker can press the plurality of seeds P1 together by holding the gripping portion 61 and pressing the lower surface of the jig 60 against the second sheet 40 (see FIG. 7) from above.

[0117] The shape of the lower surface of the jig 60 is not particularly limited as long as it is a shape that allows multiple seeds P1 to be pressed collectively. For example, the lower surface of the jig 60 may be formed in a flat shape as shown in FIG. 12(a). Furthermore, for example, multiple protrusions 62 may be formed on the lower surface of the jig 60 as shown in FIG. 12(b). The multiple protrusions 62 are formed, for example, at the same intervals in the horizontal direction as the multiple recesses 21. By pressing the seeds P1 with the protrusions 62, the seeds P1 can be pressed deeper into the recesses 21.

[0118] As described above, the deformation portions (notches 31) are provided in multiple locations on the first sheet 30 (see Figure 3), and the cultivation tool 10 further includes a jig 60 (pressing portion) that can press multiple seeds P1, each held in the multiple deformation portions, against the culture medium portion 20 all at once.

[0119] By configuring in this way, it is possible to move a plurality of seeds P1 from the first sheet 30 to the culture medium section 20 all at once, thereby improving workability.

[0120] The jig 60 is one embodiment of the pressing portion according to the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0121] 10 Cultivation equipment 20 Culture medium section 30 Sheet 1 P1 species

Claims

1. a first growing portion capable of growing the rooted seeds in a moist solid medium; a second growing section provided adjacent to the first growing section and capable of growing while holding a seed before rooting relative to the first growing section; Equipped with The second growth portion is It is configured to allow water vapor from the first growing portion to pass through but not allow water from the first growing portion to pass through. Cultivation equipment.

2. Further provided is a cover portion for covering the seeds grown in the second growing portion. The cultivation tool according to claim 1.

3. The second growth portion is Constructed of a breathable and waterproof material and placed on the first growing section, The cultivation tool according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The first growing portion is The seeds that have taken root in the second growing section are grown; The second growth portion is a deformation section that is deformable so that the seeds in the held state are moved from the second growth section to the first growth section when the seeds are pressed toward the first growth section; The cultivation tool according to claim 3.

5. The deformation portion is The length of the notch is set according to the diameter of the seed. The cultivation tool according to claim 4.

6. The solid medium of the first growth portion is The seeds that have taken root in the second growing section are grown by a recess that is circular in plan view and is formed below the deformation section and has an inner diameter and depth set according to the diameter of the seeds. The cultivation tool according to claim 4.

7. The recessed portion is The peripheral edge is formed to support the deformation portion. The cultivation tool according to claim 6.

8. The recessed portion is The seed is formed so as to be able to be stored in its entirety. The cultivation tool according to claim 6.

9. The deformation portion is A plurality of the second growth portions are provided, The cultivation tool is The method further includes a pressing unit capable of collectively pressing the plurality of seeds held in the plurality of deformation units onto the first growth unit. The cultivation tool according to claim 4.

10. The solid medium of the first growth portion is It is made up of bundles of fibers oriented in the vertical direction. The cultivation tool according to claim 1 or 2.

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