A fertilizer for seaweed and a seaweed cultivation facility equipped therewith, a method for manufacturing a fertilizer for seaweed, and a method for cultivating seaweed.
A seaweed fertilizer using raw rubber and ground marine shells addresses nutrient insufficiency and high costs in conventional methods, enabling easy and inexpensive seaweed fertilization and rope reuse, promoting growth and utilizing waste shells.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- MITSUUMA
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-06
AI Technical Summary
Conventional seaweed cultivation methods face issues with insufficient nutrient supply, high costs due to expensive materials like latex and cotton ropes, and the inability to reuse ropes, leading to increased expenses and environmental impact.
A seaweed fertilizer using raw rubber and ground marine organism shells, optionally with iron fulvic acid, is formed into sheets or strings and fixed to cultivation ropes, allowing easy and inexpensive fertilization, rope strengthening, and reuse.
The solution enables easy and cost-effective seaweed fertilization, strengthens cultivation ropes, promotes seaweed growth, and effectively utilizes waste sea urchin shells, while being environmentally friendly.
Smart Images
Figure 2026112241000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to a fertilizer for seaweed using shell powder such as sea urchin shells, an aquaculture facility for seaweed equipped with the same, a method for producing the fertilizer for seaweed, and a method for culturing seaweed.
Background Art
[0002] Conventionally, techniques for culturing seaweeds such as kelp have been proposed. For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-33174 discloses a method for culturing kelp plants by vertically installing a rope having spores of kelp plants in the sea (Patent Document 1).
Prior Art Documents
Patent Documents
[0003]
Patent Document 1
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0004] However, in conventional cultivation methods including the invention described in Patent Document 1, nutrients necessary for the growth of seaweeds tend to be insufficient. Therefore, in recent years, attempts have been made such as mixing sea urchin shells containing nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus with latex (the sap of the rubber tree), impregnating the mixed solution into the above-mentioned ropes, or installing the dried mixed solution on the seabed as fertilizer.
[0005] However, the ropes used in aquaculture cannot be re-soaked with the mixture because the latex hardens once it has been impregnated. This means that nutrients cannot be added later, and the ropes cannot be reused, making them disposable. Furthermore, high-strength ropes like nylon are not easily impregnated with the mixture, forcing the use of lower-strength cotton ropes. In addition, the latex and cotton ropes used in the mixture are expensive, leading to increased costs. Moreover, simply drying the mixture makes it brittle and easily crumbled, making it difficult to handle.
[0006] The present invention was made to solve these problems and aims to provide a seaweed fertilizer that allows for easy and inexpensive fertilization and top dressing of seaweed, as well as enabling the strengthening and reuse of cultivation ropes, a seaweed cultivation facility equipped therewith, a method for manufacturing the seaweed fertilizer, and a method for cultivating seaweed. [Means for solving the problem]
[0007] The seaweed fertilizer according to the present invention is a seaweed fertilizer for which raw rubber and shell powder, which is obtained by grinding the shells of marine organisms into powder, are contained in raw rubber and shell powder, which is obtained by grinding the shells of marine organisms into powder, and are formed in the form of a sheet or string.
[0008] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in order to effectively utilize sea urchin shells, which are waste products, and to solve the problem of protecting seaweed from sea urchins, which are natural enemies of seaweed, the shell powder may be powder made from sea urchin shells.
[0009] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, iron fulvic acid may be further included in order to solve the problem of promoting the growth of seaweed.
[0010] The seaweed cultivation facility according to the present invention solves the problems of being able to easily and inexpensively fertilize and supplement fertilize seaweed, as well as increasing the strength and reusing cultivation ropes, by having cultivation ropes on which seaweed seedlings are held, and a seaweed fertilizer material of any of the above-described forms is fixed to the cultivation rope at a position near the seedlings.
[0011] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the problem of appropriately fixing the seaweed fertilizer to the aquaculture rope according to its shape, if the seaweed fertilizer is formed in the shape of a sheet, the seaweed fertilizer may be fixed by being wrapped around the aquaculture rope in a cylindrical shape, and if the seaweed fertilizer is formed in the shape of a string, the seaweed fertilizer may be fixed by being wrapped around the aquaculture rope in a spiral shape, or by being sandwiched and fixed in the mesh of the aquaculture rope.
[0012] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the problem of making it easier to press down a sheet-like fertilizer for seaweed, if the fertilizer for seaweed is formed in the shape of a sheet, an adhesive sheet containing the raw rubber and the shell powder, but with a lower shell powder content than the fertilizer for seaweed, may be interposed and fixed to the end of the fertilizer for seaweed that is wrapped around the cultivation rope.
[0013] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a seaweed fertilizer, which aims to solve the problem of manufacturing a seaweed fertilizer that can be easily and inexpensively applied to seaweed for fertilization and top dressing, and that can also be used to increase the strength of aquaculture ropes and for reuse. The method comprises: a raw rubber kneading step of kneading raw rubber using an open roll machine; a shell powder kneading step of adding shell powder, which is made from the shells of marine organisms, to the kneaded raw rubber and kneading it; and a seaweed fertilizer molding step of forming the kneaded raw rubber and shell powder into a sheet or string.
[0014] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the problem of promoting the growth of seaweed, iron fulvic acid may be further added and kneaded in the shell powder kneading step.
[0015] The seaweed cultivation method according to the present invention solves the problems of being able to easily and inexpensively apply fertilizer and top dressing to seaweed, as well as increasing the strength and reusing cultivation ropes, by providing a seaweed cultivation method using cultivation ropes on which seaweed seedlings are held, and comprising a seaweed fertilizer fixing step of fixing a seaweed fertilizer material of any of the above-described form to a position near the seedlings on the cultivation rope.
[0016] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the problem of appropriately fixing the seaweed fertilizer to the aquaculture rope according to its shape, if the seaweed fertilizer is formed in the form of a sheet, in the seaweed fertilizer fixing step, the seaweed fertilizer is wrapped around the aquaculture rope in a cylindrical shape and then the ends are crimped to fix it. If the seaweed fertilizer is formed in the form of a string, in the seaweed fertilizer fixing step, the seaweed fertilizer may be wrapped around the aquaculture rope in a spiral shape and fixed, or the seaweed fertilizer may be sandwiched in the mesh of the aquaculture rope and fixed.
[0017] Furthermore, in one aspect of the present invention, in order to solve the problem of making it easier to press down a sheet-like fertilizer for seaweed, if the fertilizer for seaweed is formed in the form of a sheet, in the process of fixing the fertilizer for seaweed, an adhesive sheet containing the raw rubber and the shell powder, but with a lower shell powder content than the fertilizer for seaweed, may be interposed at the end of the fertilizer for seaweed and pressed down. [Effects of the Invention]
[0018] According to the present invention, fertilization and supplemental fertilization of seaweed can be performed easily and inexpensively, and cultivation ropes can also be made stronger and reused. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0019] [Figure 1] This flowchart shows one embodiment of a method for producing a fertilizer for seaweed according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing one embodiment of the seaweed cultivation method according to the present invention. [Figure 3]This is a diagram showing an embodiment (main rope direct attachment method) of a seaweed cultivation facility according to the present invention. [Figure 4] It is an enlarged view of the X part in FIG. 3, showing (a) the case of using a sheet-shaped fertilizer for seaweed, and (b) the case of using a string-shaped fertilizer for seaweed. [Figure 5] This is a diagram showing an embodiment (branch rope attachment method) of a seaweed cultivation facility according to the present invention. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged view of the Y part in FIG. 5, showing (a) the case of using a sheet-shaped fertilizer for seaweed, and (b) the case of using a string-shaped fertilizer for seaweed. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view taken along the line A-A in FIG. 4.
Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention
[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of a fertilizer for seaweed according to the present invention, a seaweed cultivation facility equipped with the same, a method for manufacturing the fertilizer for seaweed, and a method for cultivating seaweed will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0021] [1] Fertilizer for Seaweed The fertilizer for seaweed 1 of the present embodiment is for fertilizing seaweed, and mainly contains raw rubber, shell powder obtained by pulverizing the shells of marine organisms, and iron fulvate, and is formed in a sheet shape or a string shape.
[0022] In the present invention, seaweed includes all algae that grow in the sea, such as kombu and wakame, and in this embodiment, kombu is targeted. Raw rubber is obtained by collecting, purifying, coagulating, and drying latex (the sap of the rubber tree), and is not vulcanized. Furthermore, the shells of marine organisms include those containing nitrogen, phosphorus, etc., which are nutrients for seaweed, such as the shells and spines of sea urchins, the shells of scallops such as scallops, and the soft shells of squids, etc., and in this embodiment, sea urchin shells are used.
[0023] In this invention, "sheet-like" refers to a thin, flat shape, and can have dimensions such as 100 mm wide x 210 mm long x 2.5 mm thick. "String-like" refers to a long, narrow shape such as a ribbon or line, and can be made to any length depending on the intended use. However, the size of the seaweed fertilizer material 1 is not limited as long as it is a size that can be easily held by the aquaculture rope described later.
[0024] In this embodiment, iron fulvic acid was produced by boiling bark compost, obtained by fermenting tree bark, and steel wool in hot water to create an aqueous solution of iron fulvic acid, which was then soaked into the bark compost and dried.
[0025] [2] Method for manufacturing fertilizer for seaweed Next, the manufacturing method of the seaweed fertilizer 1 of this embodiment will be explained using Figure 1. First, a lump of raw rubber is put into an open roll machine and kneaded (Step S1: Raw Rubber Kneading Process). This makes the raw rubber smooth and soft, making it easier to mix in the shell powder. An open roll machine is a machine that rotates two large rollers in opposite directions and kneads the material while sandwiching it between the rollers.
[0026] Next, once the raw rubber that has been kneaded in the raw rubber mixing process has become smooth, shell powder is added to the raw rubber and kneaded using an open roll machine (Step S2: Shell powder kneading process). As a result, nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients that are essential for seaweed are incorporated into the mixture of raw rubber and shell powder, and the strength of the mixture is improved, making it easier to press together even in low temperature or underwater environments, while also making it difficult to peel off after pressing.
[0027] Furthermore, in this embodiment, in the shell powder kneading process described above, bark compost as fulvic acid iron is added to the shell powder and kneaded. This ensures that fulvic acid iron, which promotes seaweed growth, is also included in the kneaded material. Note that the order in which the shell powder and bark compost (fulvic acid iron) are added does not matter; they can be added either first or simultaneously.
[0028] Finally, the mixture of kneaded raw rubber and shell powder is formed into a sheet or string (Step S3: Forming process for seaweed fertilizer). At this time, the raw rubber kneaded as a raw material makes the mixture stronger and less likely to crumble compared to liquid latex, making it easier to handle and mold. Also, because it is formed into a sheet or string, it becomes easily deformable, so it can be easily held on aquaculture ropes, and a seaweed fertilizer 1 is produced that can effectively fertilize and supplement seaweed with nutrients.
[0029] [3] Seaweed farming facilities and farming methods Next, the seaweed cultivation facility 10 and cultivation method of this embodiment will be described. First, as shown in Figure 2, the cultivation facility 10 equipped with cultivation ropes 11 is installed in the sea (Step S11: Cultivation facility installation process). The cultivation facility 10 mainly consists of two methods: the direct attachment method, as shown in Figure 3, in which a main rope 111 stretched approximately horizontally in the sea is used as the cultivation rope 11 and seaweed seedlings are directly held to it; and the branch rope attachment method, as shown in Figure 5, in which branch ropes 112 suspended from the main rope 111 into the sea are used as the cultivation ropes 11 and seaweed seedlings are held to them.
[0030] In all types of aquaculture facilities 10, both ends of the main rope 111 are fixed to the seabed by anchor bolts 12, and multiple floats 13 are attached to the central part of the main rope 111. This maintains the main rope 111 floating at a predetermined depth above the seabed.
[0031] Furthermore, in the direct attachment method for the main rope, there are two cases: one in which a short seedling thread 14 is held in place by being sandwiched between the mesh of the main rope 111, as shown in Figure 4(a); and another in which a long seedling thread 14 is spirally wrapped around the main rope 111 and both ends are held in place by being sandwiched between the mesh of the main rope 111, as shown in Figure 4(b).
[0032] On the other hand, in the branch rope attachment method, as shown in Figure 6(a), there is a case where a short seedling thread 14 is held in place by being sandwiched between the mesh of the branch rope 112, and as shown in Figure 6(b), there is a case where a long seedling thread 14 is spirally wrapped around the branch rope 112 and both ends are held in place by being sandwiched between the mesh of the branch rope 112.
[0033] Furthermore, the cultivation rope 11 is not limited to the main rope 111 or branch ropes 112, but may also be a single rope with a weight attached to its lower end and submerged. Also, the method of holding seaweed seedlings on the cultivation rope 11 is not limited to sandwiching or wrapping the seedling thread 14, but any method that holds the seaweed seedlings in a way that prevents them from easily coming off the cultivation rope 11 is acceptable.
[0034] Next, the seaweed fertilizer 1 is fixed to the vicinity of the seedlings on the aquaculture rope 11 installed in the sea (Step S12: Seaweed fertilizer fixing process). Specifically, if the seedling threads 14 are caught in the mesh of the main rope 111 and branch ropes 112, which are the aquaculture rope 11, the sheet-like seaweed fertilizer 1 is wrapped around the aquaculture rope 11 in a cylindrical shape and fixed to the vicinity of the seedling threads 14, as shown in Figures 4(a) and 6(a).
[0035] Specifically, after wrapping the seaweed fertilizer 1 around the cultivation rope 11, the ends are firmly pressed against the lower layer of seaweed fertilizer 1 using crimping pliers or by hand. This easily crimps the seaweed fertilizer 1 pieces together and fixes them to the cultivation rope 11, thus completing the seaweed cultivation facility 10 equipped with the seaweed fertilizer 1. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, the seaweed fertilizer sheet 1 is wrapped around the cultivation rope 11 approximately twice, but this is not the only option, and the number of wraps may be increased or decreased as appropriate depending on the required amount of fertilizer.
[0036] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, when using a sheet-shaped seaweed fertilizer 1 in the seaweed fertilizer fixing process described above, an adhesive sheet 2 is interposed at the end of the seaweed fertilizer 1 to facilitate the pressing of the seaweed fertilizer 1. In this embodiment, the adhesive sheet 2 contains raw rubber and shell powder and is manufactured by the same manufacturing method as the seaweed fertilizer 1, but with a lower shell powder content than the seaweed fertilizer 1.
[0037] For example, the shell powder content in the seaweed fertilizer 1 can be set to 80%, and the shell powder content in the adhesive sheet 2 can be set to 50%. As a result, the adhesive sheet 2, which has a lower shell powder content, will have a higher viscosity than the seaweed fertilizer 1, thus providing an adhesive effect. By setting the appropriate content, the seaweed fertilizer 1 can be firmly bonded. Note that the shell powder content in the seaweed fertilizer 1 and adhesive sheet 2 is not limited to the above values and can be set as appropriate.
[0038] On the other hand, if the seedling threads 14 are spirally wrapped around the main rope 111 and branch ropes 112, which are the cultivation ropes 11, the string-like seaweed fertilizer material 1 is spirally wrapped around the cultivation ropes 11 so as to overlap with the seedling threads 14, as shown in Figures 4(b) and 6(b). Alternatively, the string-like seaweed fertilizer material 1 may be cut into several short pieces and secured by being tucked into the mesh of the cultivation ropes 11 at predetermined intervals.
[0039] As described above, in the present invention, the position near the seedlings includes not only a short distance from the seedlings, but also a state of contact with the seedlings.
[0040] Furthermore, if the seaweed fertilizer 1 decomposes naturally and becomes smaller, or if it comes off the cultivation rope 11 due to rough waves, the seaweed fertilizer 1 is reapplied to the cultivation rope 11 (Step S13: Seaweed fertilizer reapplication process). Specifically, after approaching the cultivation rope 11 by boat, the reapplication is completed simply by pulling it in and wrapping the seaweed fertilizer 1 around it, or by wedging it into the mesh of the cultivation rope 11. Therefore, there is no need to lift the cultivation rope 11 ashore to work on it, and reapplication can be easily done whenever and wherever needed.
[0041] [4] Action / Effect Next, the seaweed fertilizer 1 according to the present invention, the seaweed cultivation facility 10 equipped therewith, the method for producing the seaweed fertilizer 1, and the operation of the seaweed cultivation method will be described.
[0042] As described above, the seaweed fertilizer 1 fixed to the vicinity of the seedlings on the cultivation rope 11 is made from unvulcanized raw rubber, so it gradually decomposes naturally in the sea, releasing nutrients from the shell powder into the surroundings over a long period of time. Therefore, in the cultivation facility 10 equipped with the seaweed fertilizer 1, the seaweed seedlings held on the cultivation rope 11 stably absorb nutrients released from the nearby seaweed fertilizer 1, and grow healthy and large.
[0043] Furthermore, the raw rubber used in the seaweed fertilizer 1 is cheaper than conventionally used latex and other materials. In addition, the seaweed fertilizer 1 can be easily fixed by simply wrapping it around the cultivation rope 11 and crimping it, or by inserting it into the mesh. Therefore, the seaweed fertilizer 1 allows for easy and inexpensive fertilization and supplemental fertilization of seaweed. Moreover, since the seaweed fertilizer 1 does not need to be soaked into the cultivation rope 11 as in conventional methods, high-strength and inexpensive nylon ropes can be used, making the cultivation rope 11 stronger and reusable.
[0044] Furthermore, the shell powder contained in the seaweed fertilizer 1 improves the strength of the seaweed fertilizer 1, making it easier to apply pressure even in low-temperature or underwater environments, and making it difficult to peel off after application. Moreover, in this embodiment, the adhesive sheet 2, which has a lower shell powder content than the seaweed fertilizer 1, has high viscosity, so when wrapping and fixing the seaweed fertilizer 1, interposing it allows the ends of the seaweed fertilizer 1 to be easily and firmly applied.
[0045] Furthermore, in this embodiment, since sea urchin shell powder is used as the shell powder, the waste sea urchin shells are effectively utilized, and it is also expected to have the effect of protecting seaweed from sea urchins, which are natural enemies of seaweed. In addition, the iron fulvic acid contained in the seaweed fertilizer 1 is utilized by seaweed when it takes in nitrogen and performs photosynthesis, thus further promoting the growth of seaweed.
[0046] According to the seaweed fertilizer 1, seaweed cultivation facility 10 equipped therewith, method for manufacturing the seaweed fertilizer 1, and method for cultivating seaweed as described above, the following effects can be achieved. 1. The seaweed fertilizer 1 allows for easy and inexpensive fertilization and supplemental fertilization of seaweed, and also enables the strengthening and reuse of aquaculture ropes 11. 2. By processing sea urchin shells into powder, the waste sea urchin shells can be effectively utilized, and seaweed can be protected from sea urchins, which are a natural enemy of seaweed. 3. By including iron fulvic acid in seaweed fertilizer 1, the growth of seaweed can be promoted. 4. Depending on the shape of the seaweed fertilizer material 1, such as a sheet or string, it can be appropriately fixed to the aquaculture rope. 5. When wrapping and securing the sheet-like seaweed fertilizer 1, interposing the adhesive sheet 2 at the end of the seaweed fertilizer 1 makes it easier to press the seaweed fertilizer 1 into place. 6. Since the seaweed fertilizer 1 can be manufactured using only naturally derived raw materials, it can be used to fertilize and supplement seaweed without adversely impacting the environment.
[0047] Furthermore, the seaweed fertilizer 1 and seaweed cultivation facility 10 equipped therewith, the method for manufacturing the seaweed fertilizer 1, and the method for cultivating seaweed according to the present invention are not limited to the embodiments described above and can be modified as appropriate. [Explanation of Symbols]
[0048] 1 Fertilizer for seaweed 2. Adhesive sheet 10 Aquaculture facilities 11. Rope for aquaculture 111 Main rope 112 Branch rope 12 Anchor bolts 13 Floats 14 Seedling thread
Claims
1. A fertilizer for seaweed, Natural rubber and It contains shell powder, which is made by grinding the shells of marine organisms into powder, A fertilizer for seaweed, formed in the form of a sheet or string.
2. The aforementioned shell powder is powder made from sea urchin shells, as described in claim 1, for use as a fertilizer for seaweed.
3. The seaweed fertilizer according to claim 1 or claim 2, further containing iron fulvic acid.
4. Having a cultivation rope that holds seaweed seedlings, A seaweed cultivation facility, wherein the seaweed fertilizer material described in claim 1 or claim 2 is fixed to the cultivation rope at a position near the seedlings.
5. If the seaweed fertilizer is formed in sheet form, the seaweed fertilizer is wrapped around the aquaculture rope in a cylindrical shape and fixed in place. If the seaweed fertilizer is formed in the shape of a string, the seaweed fertilizer is secured by spirally wrapping it around the aquaculture rope, or by tucking it into the mesh of the aquaculture rope. A seaweed cultivation facility according to claim 4.
6. When the aforementioned fertilizer for seaweed is formed in a sheet shape, The end of the seaweed fertilizer wrapped around the aforementioned aquaculture rope is, The seaweed cultivation facility according to claim 5, wherein an adhesive sheet containing the raw rubber and the shell powder, with a lower shell powder content than the seaweed fertilizer, is interposed and fixed in place.
7. A method for manufacturing a fertilizer for seaweed, The raw rubber mixing process involves mixing raw rubber using an open roll machine, A shell powder mixing step is performed in which shell powder, which is made by grinding the shells of marine organisms into powder, is added to the raw rubber that has been kneaded, A process for forming a fertilizer for seaweed, in which the kneaded raw rubber and the shell powder are formed into a sheet or string, A method for producing a fertilizer for seaweed, comprising the characteristics of a seaweed fertilizer.
8. The method for producing a seaweed fertilizer according to claim 7, wherein in the shell powder kneading step, iron fulvic acid is further added and kneaded.
9. A method for cultivating seaweed using cultivation ropes on which seaweed seedlings are held, A method for cultivating seaweed, comprising a step of fixing a seaweed fertilizer material according to claim 1 or claim 2 to a position near the seedlings on the cultivation rope.
10. If the seaweed fertilizer is formed in sheet form, in the seaweed fertilizer fixing step, the seaweed fertilizer is wrapped around the cultivation rope in a cylindrical shape, and then the ends are crimped and fixed. If the seaweed fertilizer is formed in the shape of a string, in the seaweed fertilizer fixing step, the seaweed fertilizer is fixed by spirally winding it around the cultivation rope, or by sandwiching the seaweed fertilizer between the mesh of the cultivation rope. The method for cultivating seaweed according to claim 9.
11. The method for cultivating seaweed according to claim 10, wherein, in the seaweed fertilizer fixing step, an adhesive sheet containing the raw rubber and the shell powder, but with a lower shell powder content than the seaweed fertilizer, is interposed at the end of the seaweed fertilizer and pressed into place.