Planting soil, lawn greening device, and method for manufacturing the same

Abstract

The present invention provides a planting soil, a turf greening device, and a method for manufacturing the same, which do not negatively affect the growth state of the turf and allow for the prior determination of the carbon sequestration effect, which depends on the characteristics and content of the biochar. [Solution] A planting soil for cultivating turf contains a soil base material and biochar suitable for the turf variety, and the biochar content is set within a range that does not cause poor growth of the turf, based on the turf variety and the characteristics of the biochar.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a planting soil using biochar, a lawn greening device, and a method for manufacturing the same.

Background Art

[0002] In response to recent climate change, technologies for absorbing and storing carbon dioxide, such as biomass carbonization and soil carbon storage, are desired. Biochar refers to a product obtained by subjecting organic materials (biomass) such as bamboo and wood to heat treatment at 350°C or higher under anaerobic or low oxygen conditions. Since biochar is mainly composed of amorphous carbon, when it is mixed with soil, it can semi-permanently trap atmospheric carbon dioxide fixed by photosynthesis in the soil, contributing to carbon storage. The effort to mix biochar can be credited under the domestic J-Credit system and overseas trading markets, and it is possible to trade according to the mixing amount and the carbon content rate that varies for each raw material.

[0003] Biochar also has aspects as a soil conditioner, having multifaceted effects such as improving water retention and drainage, and neutralization, and having the characteristic of being easy to use as a water retention material. Biochar has been traditionally used as an agricultural material, but in recent years, there has been an increasing expectation for its utilization as a soil improvement material that also has the above-mentioned carbon storage effect (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 1).

[0004] On the other hand, the soil improvement effect of biochar varies depending on the raw material of biochar, the mixing amount, the type and quality of the planting soil. In addition, the influence of biochar mixing on the growth state of plants varies depending on the plant species. As an example, depending on the raw material, biochar has a high pH, and when mixed, plant species that are weak in alkaline soil may experience poor growth. Furthermore, since the reactivity to soil drying also varies depending on the plant species, it is necessary to adjust the degree of the water retention effect of the required biochar according to the plant species. Therefore, it is necessary to consider both the planting soil and the plant species and determine the mixing conditions of biochar (see, for example, Non-Patent Document 2).

[0005] Regarding the soil improvement and carbon sequestration effects of biochar, a methodology for evaluating and providing data based on three categories—biochar characteristics, farmland area and type, and crop variety and yield—has been published (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By using this methodology, it is expected that it will be possible to formulate biochar mixing conditions for existing farmland.

[0006] On the other hand, conventional technologies related to planting turfgrass in soil containing biochar include the development of turfgrass soil incorporating bamboo charcoal and sand (see, for example, Patent Document 2) and planting bases composed of carbonized material and cement (see, for example, Patent Document 3). Conventional technologies related to unit-type greening materials containing biochar include greening devices mainly for trees, consisting of soil containing wood charcoal (see, for example, Patent Document 4). However, these technologies are limited to combinations of specific types of planting soil and biochar. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0007] [Non-Patent Document 1] Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Research Council website, "Development of CO2 Reduction and Absorption Technologies for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries," [online], [Accessed October 24, 2024], Internet<URL:http: / / www.affrc.maff.go.jp / docs / gikikin / attach / pdf / gikikin-1.pdf> [Non-Patent Document 2] Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website, "Guidelines for the upper limit of biochar application," "Survey on the impact of applying charcoal with soil carbon sequestration effect on crop growth," [online], [Accessed November 14, 2024], Internet<URL:https: / / www.maff.go.jp / j / seisan / kankyo / ondanka / attach / pdf / biochar01-1.pdf> [Patent Documents]

[0008] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-153012 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2008-48708 [Patent Document 3] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2009-329032 [Patent Document 4] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2004-89209 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] Incidentally, parks and green spaces on artificial ground are cited as potential locations for introducing biochar. Generally, in parks and similar areas, turf is widely used throughout Japan, taking into consideration human use such as sports and recreation. When implementing turf greening, methods include seed scattering and laying turf mats, as well as introducing a unit-type turf greening system that is integrated with the base.

[0010] When introducing biochar into soil used for turf greening, three points are considered important: soil improvement through biochar mixing, ensuring healthy plant growth, and quantifying the carbon sequestration effect. Therefore, a biochar-mixed soil material is desired that does not negatively affect plant growth and allows for the pre-determined carbon sequestration effect, which depends on the raw materials and mixing ratio. To clearly demonstrate the carbon sequestration effect, it is considered beneficial to consider technological development for unit-type turf greening systems integrated with the substrate, in order to prevent runoff due to rainfall and detachment during transportation and construction. In addition, when promoting the carbon sequestration effect, it is desirable to also calculate the amount of carbon fixed by photosynthesis in the turf.

[0011] The present invention has been made in view of the above, and aims to provide a planting soil, a turf greening device, and a method for manufacturing the same, which do not negatively affect the growth state of the turf and allow for prior determination of the carbon sequestration effect, which depends on the characteristics and content of the biochar. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the objective, the planting soil according to the present invention is a planting soil for cultivating turf, and is characterized in that it contains a soil base material and biochar suitable for the turf variety, and the biochar content is set within a range that does not cause poor growth of the turf, based on the turf variety and the characteristics of the biochar.

[0013] Furthermore, other planting soils according to the present invention are characterized in that they have a soil hardness that suppresses compaction deformation due to a predetermined amount of foot traffic, as described in the above invention.

[0014] Furthermore, the lawn greening device according to the present invention is a lawn greening device comprising the above-mentioned planting soil and the lawn, and is characterized by having an indicator section that clearly indicates the carbon sequestration effect by the biochar determined based on the biochar content and the carbon sequestration effect derived from photosynthesis of the lawn determined based on the height of the lawn.

[0015] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a turf greening device, comprising the steps of: setting the biochar content suitable for the variety of turf; determining the carbon sequestration effect of the biochar based on the set biochar content; determining the carbon sequestration effect derived from photosynthesis of the turf based on the height of the turf; creating a label that clearly indicates the determined carbon sequestration effect of the biochar and the carbon sequestration effect derived from photosynthesis of the turf; mixing the soil base material and the biochar at the set content to produce the planting soil; creating a package comprising the produced planting soil and the turf; and providing the label in the package at a position that can be clearly indicated to the user. [Effects of the Invention]

[0016] The planting soil according to the present invention is a planting soil for cultivating turf, containing a soil base material and biochar suitable for the turf variety. The biochar content is set within a range that does not cause poor turf growth, based on the turf variety and the characteristics of the biochar. Therefore, it does not negatively affect the growth state of the turf, and it is possible to provide a planting soil in which the carbon sequestration effect, which depends on the characteristics and content of the biochar, can be determined in advance.

[0017] Furthermore, other planting soils according to the present invention have a soil hardness that suppresses compaction deformation due to a predetermined amount of foot traffic, thus providing the effect of being able to be used properly without excessive loss due to foot traffic when used as a lawn.

[0018] Furthermore, the lawn greening device according to the present invention is a lawn greening device comprising the above-mentioned planting soil and the lawn, and has an indicator that clearly indicates the carbon sequestration effect by the biochar determined based on the biochar content and the carbon sequestration effect from photosynthesis of the lawn determined based on the height of the lawn. Therefore, it is possible to provide a lawn greening device that does not negatively affect the growth state of the lawn and allows for prior determination of the carbon sequestration effect by biochar and photosynthesis of the lawn.

[0019] Also, according to the method for manufacturing a lawn greening device according to the present invention, which is a method for manufacturing the above-described lawn greening device, the method includes: setting a content rate of the biochar suitable for the variety of the lawn; determining a carbon storage effect by the biochar based on the set content of the biochar; determining a carbon storage effect derived from photosynthesis of the lawn based on the grass height of the lawn; creating the display part that shows the carbon storage effect by the biochar and the carbon storage effect derived from photosynthesis of the lawn; mixing the base material for soil and the biochar with the set content rate to produce the planting soil; creating a package that sets the produced planting soil and the lawn; and providing the display part at a position where it can be displayed by a user in the package. Therefore, it is possible to provide a lawn greening device that does not have a negative impact on the growth state of the lawn and can grasp in advance the carbon storage effects by the biochar and photosynthesis of the lawn, achieving the effect of.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0020] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic flow chart showing an embodiment of a planting soil, a lawn greening device, and a manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a photographic view showing the state of Zoysia japonica when left for 24 days under non-irrigated conditions. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the results of a trampling treatment test.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0021] Hereinafter, embodiments of a planting soil, a lawn greening device, and a manufacturing method thereof according to the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited by this embodiment. [[ID=…]] [[ID=…]]

[0022] [[ID=…]] (Planting Soil) First, the planting soil according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described. The planting soil according to this embodiment is a planting soil for cultivating turf, and contains soil (soil base material) and biochar suitable for the turf variety. For the soil, for example, a base soil such as river sand can be used. The biochar content is set within a range that does not cause poor turf growth, based on the turf variety and the characteristics of the biochar (raw materials, production method, etc.). In this way, it is possible to provide a planting soil that does not negatively affect the growth of the turf and allows for prior understanding of the carbon sequestration effect, which depends on the characteristics and content of the biochar.

[0023] The above-mentioned planting soil preferably has a soil hardness that suppresses compaction deformation caused by foot traffic. In this way, it can be used properly without excessive loss due to foot traffic when used as a lawn.

[0024] (Lawn greening device) Next, a lawn greening device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The lawn greening device according to this embodiment comprises the above-mentioned planting soil, turf, and a facade, and is composed of a unit-type greening material in which the planting soil and turf are set together. This greening material is housed in a package.

[0025] The labeling section clearly indicates the carbon sequestration effect of biochar, determined based on the biochar content, and the carbon sequestration effect derived from photosynthesis in the grass, determined based on the grass height. For example, it is provided in a visible location on the surface of the package.

[0026] According to this embodiment, it is possible to provide a turf greening device that does not negatively affect the growth state of the turf and allows for prior determination of the carbon sequestration effect of biochar and photosynthesis in the turf.

[0027] (Manufacturing method for a lawn greening device) Next, a method for manufacturing a lawn greening device according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in Figure 1, the manufacturing method of the turf greening device according to this embodiment consists of four processes: (1) a process for examining the conditions for introducing biochar for each type of grass, (2) a process for calculating the carbon sequestration effect of biochar, (3) a process for calculating the carbon sequestration effect of the grass at the time of shipment, and (4) a packaging process. The contents of each process are described below.

[0028] (1) Process for examining the conditions for introducing biochar for each grass variety First, data on the growth characteristics of each grass variety (presence or absence of poor growth, etc.), data on the type of soil (soil base material), and data on the characteristics of biochar (raw materials and mixing amounts) are prepared (Step S1). These data should be correlated and may be obtained from a pre-created database. This database may be created, for example, by utilizing the carbon sequestration agriculture evaluation system described in Patent Document 1 above.

[0029] Next, based on the above data, the mixing conditions for biochar for each grass variety are evaluated (Step S2). Specifically, it is determined whether the mixing conditions, which are determined by the combination of soil and biochar raw materials for each grass variety and the biochar content in the soil, meet the condition of not causing poor growth of the grass plants. If it is determined that it meets the condition, it is listed as a candidate for biochar mixing conditions (Step S3). It is desirable to register the list of candidates in a database or similar. If it is determined that it does not meet the condition, it is removed from the list of candidates (Step S4).

[0030] Next, the biochar mixing conditions for each soil condition are evaluated (Step S6). Specifically, the soil conditions (weight, volume, etc.) of the site where the biochar will be introduced are obtained from a database, etc. (Step S5), and for each obtained soil condition, it is determined whether the candidate biochar mixing conditions listed in Step S3 above meet the condition that they will not cause poor growth of turf plants. If it is determined that they meet the condition, they are added to the list as candidate biochar mixing conditions (Step S7). It is desirable to register the list of candidates in a database, etc. If they are determined to be unsuitable, they are removed from the list of candidates (Step S8).

[0031] By following the above procedure, it is possible to determine candidate biochar mixing conditions (soil to be introduced, biochar raw materials, and content) suitable for each grass variety.

[0032] (2) Calculation process for the carbon sequestration effect of biochar Next, for the candidate biochar mixing conditions determined in (1) above, the amount of carbon dioxide stored (hereinafter referred to as "carbon storage amount"), which represents the carbon sequestration effect of the biochar, is calculated (Step S9). The carbon storage amount can be determined, for example, by the following formula (A) based on the calculation formula used in the J-Credit scheme.

[0033] [Carbon dioxide storage capacity] = {[Amount of biochar applied (carbon content)] × [Carbon content] × [Biochar survival rate after 100 years] × 44 / 12} - {Emissions related to the transportation and production of biochar} ... Equation (A)

[0034] In step S9 above, it is determined whether the calculated carbon storage amount is higher than a predetermined carbon storage amount. If it is determined to be higher, the process proceeds to the next step S11. On the other hand, if it is determined to be lower, it is excluded from the list of candidate biochar mixing conditions (step S10). This ensures that the biochar mixing conditions with a higher carbon storage amount are prioritized among the candidate conditions.

[0035] (3) Calculation process for the carbon sequestration effect of turf at the time of shipment Next, grass height data of the grass at the time of shipment is obtained for each grass manufacturer (Step S11). The grass height data may be obtained from a pre-created database or the like. Based on the obtained grass height data, the amount of carbon sequestration, which represents the carbon sequestration effect from photosynthesis of the grass at the time of shipment, is calculated (Step S12). The amount of carbon sequestration can be calculated, for example, using the dry weight of the growth before shipment, by the following formula (B). In formula (B), instead of using the dry weight of the growth before shipment, the weight change from the time of greening construction to reaching each grass height may be measured for each variety, and that measurement data may be used. In this case, the amount of carbon sequestration that serves as a guideline for each grass height may be calculated according to the grass height required depending on the intended use of the grass.

[0036] [Carbon dioxide storage capacity] = {[Dry weight of grown portion before shipment] × [Carbon content] × 44 / 12} ... Equation (B)

[0037] (4) Packaging process Next, based on the candidate biochar mixing conditions adopted in (2) above, a variety of turf to be packaged is selected, and the biochar mixing conditions (soil to be introduced, biochar raw materials and content, etc.) suitable for the turf variety are determined. Based on the determined mixing conditions, the soil and biochar are mixed to produce planting soil. Subsequently, a package consisting of a unit-type greening material is created, which is a set of this planting soil and the selected turf. The package clearly indicates the amount of carbon sequestration corresponding to the biochar used in (2) above, and the amount of carbon sequestration corresponding to the turf used in (3) above (Step S13). For example, a section for performance indication may be provided on the surface of the package in a location easily visible to the user, and the amount of carbon sequestration may be indicated in this section. By following the above procedure, a turf greening device that boasts a carbon sequestration effect is manufactured (Step S14).

[0038] According to the manufacturing method of the turf greening device of this embodiment, the carbon sequestration effect of biochar and turf photosynthesis is described on the package, making it easy to understand the carbon sequestration effect. Therefore, users can use it for credit production without having to calculate the carbon sequestration effect themselves. In addition, the planting soil is pre-mixed with biochar of a type and amount suitable for the growth of the turf variety. Therefore, it is possible to provide a turf greening device that does not negatively affect the growth state of the turf and allows for prior understanding of the carbon sequestration effect of biochar and turf photosynthesis.

[0039] Furthermore, because biochar has high water retention properties, it is expected to prevent poor growth even during periods of soil dryness when rainfall is not observed after application. Figure 2 shows a photograph of Zoysia japonica 24 days after no irrigation. The top three plants in the photograph were grown in planting soil mixed with river sand at a volume ratio of 30% charcoal, while the bottom three plants were grown in planting soil consisting only of river sand without charcoal. The top three plants remain green, while the bottom three have turned brown. Thus, planting soil mixed with charcoal can prevent poor growth of Zoysia japonica compared to soil without charcoal.

[0040] The planting soil preferably has a soil hardness that suppresses compaction deformation caused by foot traffic. To achieve this soil hardness, it is desirable to select biochar mixing conditions that minimize the effect of substrate reduction due to foot traffic. In this way, the area can be used appropriately without excessive reduction due to foot traffic when used as a turf area.

[0041] Figure 3 shows the soil hardness measurements for planting soil mixed with charcoal and bamboo charcoal at a volume ratio of 30%, after being compacted for 15 minutes every four days for a total of six times. In this figure, "Normal" represents the case without compaction, and "With compaction" represents the case with compaction. "Control" represents the measurement results for planting soil consisting of river sand without the mixing of charcoal and bamboo charcoal. As shown in this figure, regardless of whether charcoal and bamboo charcoal were mixed and whether compaction treatment was performed, the soil hardness was 1.5-2 kg / cm². 2It is within a certain range, and no significant decrease is expected.

[0042] As described above, the planting soil according to the present invention is a planting soil for cultivating turf, containing a soil base material and biochar suitable for the turf variety, and the biochar content is set within a range that does not cause poor growth of the turf, based on the turf variety and the characteristics of the biochar. Therefore, it does not negatively affect the growth state of the turf, and it is possible to provide a planting soil in which the carbon sequestration effect, which depends on the characteristics and content of the biochar, can be known in advance.

[0043] Furthermore, other planting soils according to the present invention have a soil hardness that suppresses compaction deformation due to a predetermined amount of foot traffic, so they can be used properly without excessive loss due to foot traffic when used as a lawn.

[0044] Furthermore, the lawn greening device according to the present invention is a lawn greening device comprising the above-mentioned planting soil and the lawn, and has an indicator that clearly indicates the carbon sequestration effect by the biochar determined based on the biochar content and the carbon sequestration effect from photosynthesis of the lawn determined based on the height of the lawn, so as to be able to provide a lawn greening device that does not negatively affect the growth state of the lawn and allows for prior determination of the carbon sequestration effect by biochar and photosynthesis of the lawn.

[0045] Furthermore, according to the method for manufacturing a turf greening device according to the present invention, the method for manufacturing the turf greening device described above includes the steps of: setting the biochar content suitable for the variety of grass; determining the carbon sequestration effect by the biochar based on the set biochar content; determining the carbon sequestration effect derived from the photosynthesis of the grass based on the height of the grass; creating a label that clearly indicates the determined carbon sequestration effect by the biochar and the carbon sequestration effect derived from the photosynthesis of the grass; mixing the soil base material and the biochar at the set content to manufacture the planting soil; creating a package that includes the manufactured planting soil and the grass; and providing the label in the package at a position that can be clearly indicated to the user. As such, it is possible to provide a turf greening device that does not negatively affect the growth state of the grass and allows for prior understanding of the carbon sequestration effect by biochar and photosynthesis of the grass.

[0046] Furthermore, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are among the 17 international goals adopted at the UN Summit in September 2015. The planting soil, turf greening device, and manufacturing method related to this embodiment can contribute to achieving some of the 17 SDGs, such as Goal 15, "Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems." [Industrial applicability]

[0047] As described above, the planting soil, turf greening device, and method for producing them according to the present invention are useful for planting soil and turf greening soil using biochar, and are particularly suitable for pre-determining the carbon sequestration effect which depends on the characteristics and content of the biochar, without negatively affecting the growth state of the turf.

Claims

1. A planting soil for cultivating turf, comprising a soil base material and biochar suitable for the turf variety, wherein the biochar content is set within a range that does not cause poor growth of the turf, based on the turf variety and the characteristics of the biochar.

2. The planting soil according to claim 1, characterized in that it has a soil hardness that suppresses compaction deformation due to a predetermined amount of foot traffic.

3. A lawn greening device comprising the planting soil described in claim 1 or 2 and the turf, A lawn greening device characterized by having a section that clearly indicates the carbon sequestration effect by the biochar, determined based on the biochar content, and the carbon sequestration effect derived from photosynthesis of the turf, determined based on the height of the turf.

4. A method for manufacturing a turf greening device according to claim 3, comprising the steps of: setting the biochar content suitable for the variety of turf; determining the carbon sequestration effect of the biochar based on the set biochar content; determining the carbon sequestration effect derived from photosynthesis of the turf based on the height of the turf; creating a label that clearly indicates the determined carbon sequestration effect of the biochar and the carbon sequestration effect derived from photosynthesis of the turf; mixing the soil base material with the biochar at the set content to produce the planting soil; creating a package comprising the produced planting soil and the turf; and providing the label in the package at a position that can be clearly indicated to the user.

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