Hydroponic cultivation device, hydroponic cultivation method, device for producing rooting seedling medium, method for producing rooting seedling medium, and method for using rooting seedling medium

Abstract

To cultivate plants such as flower seedlings while reducing the risk of bacteria. To manufacture a rooting seedling medium that can be used for group plantings while reducing the risk of bacteria. [Solution] The hydroponic cultivation device comprises an outer cup with an open top end, an inner cup housed in the outer cup, with an open top end and a liquid storage section capable of storing liquid, and a through hole provided in the liquid storage section, a culture medium having an upper and lower section which are opposite ends in a first direction, an intermediate section between the upper and lower sections, and a plant growth section provided on the upper surface of the upper section, and a holder that holds the culture medium against the inner wall surface of the inner cup, the holder having a detachment section for detaching the culture medium from the holder in a direction which includes a component of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the holder holding the upper part of the culture medium so that the lower part is within the liquid housed in the inner cup and the intermediate part is in contact with air, and the lower and intermediate parts do not contact the holder and do not face the holder in the second direction.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hydroponic cultivation device and method for plants such as ornamental flower seedlings, a device for manufacturing a rooting seedling medium that is a medium that holds roots that have grown from plants, a method for manufacturing a rooting seedling medium, and a method for using the rooting seedling medium. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In gardening, flower seedling production, and the like, soil is used to grow plants in outdoor environments. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Kunihiko Okada, Hiroko Mochizuki, Hiroko Yumoto, "(Research Results) Flower Appreciation Relieves Mental and Physical Stress," [online], July 1, 2020, NARO, [Retrieved February 10, 2025], Internet <URL: https: / / www.naro.go.jp / publicity_report / press / laboratory / nivfs / 135407.html> [Non-patent document 2] Dovie & Co. Mai Kumagai, "First step! I want to open a flower shop attached to an indoor plant factory dedicated to soil-free hydroponic cultivation!", [online], August 10, 2023, Makuake, [Retrieved February 10, 2025], Internet〈URL: https: / / www.makuake.com / project / calin_flower / 〉 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Growing plants in outdoor environments, such as gardening and flower seedling production, poses many risks due to pests and the effects of global warming in recent years. Global warming has made it difficult to produce flower seedlings, and flower seedling producers have been forced to withdraw from flower seedling production due to factors such as rising prices for fertilizer and declining demand from general consumers. On the other hand, due to factors such as operating in the red due to high utility and labor costs and labor shortages, it is considered difficult to produce ornamental flower seedlings using hydroponic cultivation in plant factories.

[0005] Incidentally, it is known that viewing flowers affects brain activity and alleviates psychological and physiological stress responses (Non-Patent Document 1). For example, patients who are continually experiencing psychological and physiological stress, such as anti-cancer drug patients, may be positively affected by viewing flowers in flower arrangements or gardening.

[0006] On the other hand, anti-cancer drug patients and others with weakened resistance cannot tolerate pathogens contained in the soil, so they are prohibited from bringing potted plants into their hospital rooms or engaging in gardening while receiving treatment at home (Non-Patent Document 2).

[0007] In view of the above circumstances, the object of the present disclosure is to cultivate plants such as flower seedlings while reducing the risk of bacteria, and to produce a rooting seedling medium that can be used for mixed plantings, etc. while reducing the risk of bacteria. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A hydroponic cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: an outer cup having an open top; an inner cup that is accommodated in the outer cup, has an open upper end, and includes a liquid storage section that can store liquid, and a through hole that is provided in the liquid storage section; A culture medium having an upper portion and a lower portion which are opposite ends in a first direction, an intermediate portion between the upper portion and the lower portion, and a plant growth portion provided on an upper surface of the upper portion; a holder that holds the culture medium against an inner wall surface of the inner cup, the holder having a release portion for releasing the culture medium from the holder in a direction including a component of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the holder holding the upper portion of the culture medium such that the lower portion is present in the liquid contained in the inner cup and the middle portion is in contact with air, and the lower portion and the middle portion do not contact the holder and do not face the holder in the second direction; It is equipped with:

[0009] An apparatus for manufacturing a rooting seedling medium according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes: A rooting seedling medium manufacturing device for manufacturing a rooting seedling medium, which is a medium that holds roots that have been rooted from a plant, an outer cup having an open top; an inner cup that is accommodated in the outer cup, has an open upper end, and includes a liquid storage section that can store liquid, and a through hole that is provided in the liquid storage section; a holder that holds a culture medium, the culture medium having an upper and lower portion that are opposite ends in a first direction, an intermediate portion between the upper and lower portions, and a plant growing portion provided on an upper surface of the upper portion, against an inner wall surface of the inner cup, the holder having a release portion for releasing the culture medium from the holder in a direction that includes a component of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the holder holding the upper portion of the culture medium so that the lower portion is present in the liquid contained in the inner cup and the intermediate portion is in contact with air, and the lower portion and the intermediate portion do not contact the holder and do not face the second direction; It is equipped with: [Effects of the Invention]

[0010] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to cultivate plants such as flower seedlings while reducing the risk of bacteria, and it is also possible to produce a rooting seedling medium that can be used for mixed plantings, etc. while reducing the risk of bacteria.

[0011] The effects described here are not necessarily limited to those described herein, and may be any of the effects described in this disclosure. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is a perspective view showing a hydroponic cultivation device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. [Figure 2] 1A and 1B are diagrams showing a schematic view of a holder, in which (A) is a perspective view showing a part of the holder before being attached to an inner cup, and (B) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the holder attached to the inner cup. [Figure 3] 1 is a flowchart showing a hydroponic cultivation method. [Figure 4] Rooting seedling medium is shown. [Figure 5] An example of an arrangement for using the rooting seedling medium is shown below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] 1. Hydroponic cultivation equipment

[0015] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a hydroponic cultivation device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0016] The hydroponic cultivation device 1 includes an outer cup 100, an inner cup 200, a culture medium 300, and a holder 400.

[0017] The outer cup 100 has an open top end 101 and is, for example, an inverted truncated cone with dimensions of 85 mm diameter x 106 mm height x 52 mm base diameter, and may be made of A-PET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate). The outer cup 100 is preferably black and transparent with light-blocking properties. The light-blocking properties block the incidence of light and prevent the growth of green algae and mold. The outer cup 100 has a liquid storage section 102 that can store a liquid 500. The liquid storage section 102 is a portion of the lower part of the outer cup 100 that is about half the height.

[0018] The inner cup 200 is equal to or smaller in size than the outer cup 100 (i.e., the same size as or smaller than the outer cup 100) and has a shape that can be accommodated in the outer cup 100. The inner cup 200 has an open top 201 and is an inverted truncated cone, for example, with dimensions of 74mm diameter x 87mm height x 45mm base diameter, and may be made of A-PET (amorphous polyethylene terephthalate). The inner cup 200 is preferably black and transparent and has light-blocking properties. The light-blocking properties block light and prevent the growth of green algae and mold. By using black and transparent outer cups 100 and inner cups 200, the aesthetic appearance is not impaired even if the environment becomes prone to algae growth after the product is delivered to the consumer from the production factory, and the double cups facilitate cultivation management.

[0019] The inner cup 200 has a liquid storage section 202 that can store a liquid 500. The liquid storage section 202 is a portion that is about half the height of the lower side of the inner cup 200. A through-hole 203 is provided in the liquid storage section 202. The through-hole 203 penetrates the side wall of the inner cup 200. Because the inner cup 200 has the through-hole 203, the inner cup 200 alone cannot store the liquid 500. However, if the inner cup 200 is stored in the outer cup 100, the liquid 500 that flows through the through-hole 203 and moves outside the inner cup 200 is stored in the outer cup 100.

[0020] Liquid 500 is water, liquid fertilizer, or the like. Liquid 500 may be a liquid fertilizer for hydroponic cultivation, such as "Vegetable Life A" (manufactured by OAT Agrio Co., Ltd.). Liquid fertilizer as liquid 500 contains, for example, 1.3% nitrogen (of which 1.2% is nitrate nitrogen), 0.6% water-soluble phosphate, 1.9% water-soluble potassium, 0.32% water-soluble magnesium, 0.008% water-soluble manganese, 0.008% water-soluble boron, and trace amounts of iron, copper, zinc, and molybdenum. The EC (electrical conductivity) of liquid 500 may be approximately 1.0 to 1.2. Because the fertilizer contained in the liquid fertilizer is an electrolyte, the EC (electrical conductivity) corresponds to the fertilizer concentration.

[0021] The culture medium 300 has a longitudinal direction in the Y direction (first direction) and has a shape such as a cone, a polygonal pyramid, a truncated cone, a truncated polygonal pyramid, a cylinder, or a polygonal prism. In this document, the terms "angle" and "pyramid" do not necessarily refer to shapes composed only of straight lines; rounded shapes (with a radius) are also included in the terms "angle" and "pyramid." The culture medium 300 has an upper portion 301, a middle portion 302, and a lower portion 303 that are continuous in the Y direction (the longitudinal direction of the culture medium 300). The upper portion 301 and the lower portion 303 are opposite ends that face each other in the Y direction. The middle portion 302 is a region between the upper portion 301 and the lower portion 303 and is continuous with the upper portion 301 and the lower portion 303. The culture medium 300 has a plant growth portion 304 provided on an upper surface 305 of the upper portion 301. The upper surface 305 corresponds to the bottom surface of a shape such as a cone, a polygonal pyramid, a truncated cone, a truncated polygonal pyramid, a cylinder, or a polygonal prism. The lower portion 303 of the culture medium 300 is present in the liquid 500 contained in the inner cup 200, the middle portion 302 is in contact with air, and the upper portion 301 is held by the holder 400.

[0022] The plant cultivation section 304 is recessed in the Y direction from the upper surface 305 and can accommodate a plant. The plant cultivation section 304 may be a shallow recess or a deep hole with a bottom and an inner wall surface 204 extending in the Y direction. The plants accommodated in the plant cultivation section 304 are, for example, seeds, branches (branches for cuttings), or seedlings. The plant cultivation section 304 may accommodate a plant-holding material (not shown), and the plant may be held in the plant-holding material. The plant-holding material may be, for example, rock wool (an artificial mineral fiber produced by mixing basalt, iron furnace slag, or the like with lime and dissolving it at high temperature). The rock wool may be wetted with water. For example, the plant-holding material (rock wool) may be accommodated in the plant cultivation section 304, and the seeds (plants) may be placed on the rock wool and then thinly covered with rock wool so that the seeds (plants) are covered. If the plant is a branch (branch for cuttings) or a seedling, the plant holder may not be necessary as long as the plant is stable. If the plant is a seed, the plant holder may not be necessary as long as plant cultivation section 304 is a shallow depression. If the plant is a branch (branch for cuttings) or a seedling and does not fit easily in plant cultivation section 304, a cut may be made in plant cultivation section 304.

[0023] Culture medium 300 may be, for example, a truncated cone or cone with a circular top surface 305 having a diameter of approximately 25 mm and a length in the Y direction of approximately 50 mm. When liquid (water, liquid fertilizer, etc.) permeates culture medium 300, culture medium 300 expands by approximately 1.2 to 1.3 times, and top surface 305 may expand to a diameter of approximately 30 mm and a length in the Y direction of approximately 65 mm. Plant cultivation area 304 may be a hole with a bottom, with an opening at top surface 305 of approximately 5 mm and a depth of approximately 10 mm.

[0024] The culture medium 300 is made from a material that is durable, flexible, and has high water retention. The culture medium 300 may contain, for example, coconut fiber, peat moss, radium ore powder, and a coagulant. Preferably, the coconut fiber and peat moss are sterile coconut fiber and sterile peat moss. The culture medium 300 preferably contains a material containing silicon. The radium ore powder contains silicon. Plants can obtain various effects by absorbing silicon from the culture medium 300. The main effects of silicon on plants include strengthening cell walls, improving photosynthesis efficiency, mitigating drought stress, improving pest resistance, and promoting root growth. More specifically, silicon hardens plant cell walls, forming a stronger structure that protects plants from pathogens and pests (strengthening cell walls). Silicon allows plants to efficiently utilize light energy and promotes photosynthesis (improving photosynthesis efficiency). Silicon helps plants maintain cellular function even under dry conditions (mitigating drought stress). Silicon strengthens the cell walls of plants, preventing the invasion of pathogens and pests and increasing their resistance (improving pest resistance). Silicon promotes root growth, allowing plants to absorb sufficient nutrients (promoting root growth).

[0025] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic view of the holder, in which (A) is a perspective view showing a part of the holder before being attached to the inner cup, and (B) is a partial cross-sectional view showing the holder attached to the inner cup.

[0026] The holder 400 is made of a material that is stretchable and deformable in all directions and allows air to pass through, such as a sponge. The sponge material may be, for example, polyurethane foam, polyester, ethylene propylene rubber, nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or the like.

[0027] As shown in (A), before being attached to the inner cup 200, the holder 400 has a shape (an unfolded, elongated shape) that is different from the shape of the upper end 201 of the inner cup 200 (a circle with a diameter of 74 mm). The holder 400 has a thick portion 416, a bottom surface 415 that is one surface of the thick portion 416, and a bellows portion 417 provided on the opposite side of the thick portion 416 from the bottom surface 415. The holder 400 is elongated, and the bottom surface 415 is an elongated rectangle. The bellows portion 417 has peaks 413 and valleys 414 that are formed at a constant pitch in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the elongated holder 400 and are parallel to the short side (Y direction) of the rectangular bottom surface 415.

[0028] The bottom surface 415 has, for example, a short side (Y direction) length of approximately 25 mm and a long side (Z direction) length that is equal to or greater than the circumference (approximately 232 mm) of the circle (74 mm diameter) of the upper end 201 of the inner cup 200. Five to eight peaks 413 are provided, for example. The height from the bottom surface 415 of the holder 400 to the peaks 413 (X direction perpendicular to the Y direction) is approximately 37.5 mm. The distance (X direction) between the valleys 414 and the bottom surface 415 is approximately 7.5 mm. The distance (inclined with respect to the X direction) from the valleys 414 to the peaks 413 is approximately 30 mm.

[0029] As shown in (B), the holder 400 holds the culture medium 300 against the inner wall surface 204 of the inner cup 200. The holder 400 has a detachment portion 401, a holding portion 402, a light-shielding portion 403, and an abutment portion 404. A bottom surface 415 of the holder 400 functions as the abutment portion 404. Both end portions 411 and 412 in the longitudinal direction (Z direction) of the holder 400 function as the detachment portion 401. When the holder 400 (particularly the bellows portion 417) is virtually divided into approximately equal portions on the XZ plane so as to divide the short sides (Y direction) into approximately equal portions, one portion functions as the holding portion 402, and the other portion functions as the light-shielding portion 403.

[0030] When the upper end of the inner cup 200 and the holder 400 are viewed from the Y direction (from above), the perimeter of the holder 400 is greater than the perimeter of the upper end of the inner cup 200, and the area of ​​the opening formed by the holder 402 is smaller than the area of ​​the upper surface 305 of the culture medium 300. The holder 400 is expandable and deformable in all directions including the X direction (radial direction of the inner cup 200).

[0031] By contracting the holder 400 holding the culture medium 300 and then releasing and extending it within the inner cup 200, the abutment portion 404 of the holder 400 abuts against the inner wall surface 204 of the inner cup 200 and the holding portion 402 of the holder 400 clamps the culture medium 300, so that the holder 400 holds the culture medium 300 against the inner wall surface 204 of the inner cup 200.

[0032] Specifically, when the culture medium 300 is held against the inner wall surface 204 of the inner cup 200 by the holder 400, the holder 400 and the culture medium 300 are set in the inner cup 200 as follows: First, the holding portion 402 of the holder 400 is wrapped around the upper portion 301 of the culture medium 300 so that the bellows portion 417 comes into contact with the upper portion 301 of the culture medium 300. The detachment portion 401, which is formed by both end portions 411, 412 of the holder 400, faces the upper portion 301 of the culture medium 300 in the X direction (second direction: radial direction), and the both end portions 411, 412 face each other in the circumferential direction.

[0033] Next, the holder 400 wrapped around the culture medium 300 is inserted into the inner cup 200 in a contracted state and released. This causes the expandable holder 400 to expand within the inner cup 200. As the holder 400 expands, the abutment portion 404 comes into contact with the inner wall surface 204 of the inner cup 200, and the holder 402 holds the upper portion 301 of the culture medium 300. As a result, the holder 400 holds the upper portion 301 of the culture medium 300 so that the lower portion 303 of the culture medium 300 is present in the liquid 500 contained in the inner cup 200, the middle portion 302 is in contact with air, and the lower portion 303 and middle portion 302 do not contact the holder 400 or face the holder 400 in the X direction. The holder 400 also prevents the liquid 500 from spilling from the inner cup 200.

[0034] In this way, the holder 400 holds one culture medium 300, but not multiple culture media 300. Similarly, the inner cup 200 contains one culture medium 300, but not multiple culture media 300. This prevents the roots of plants that have taken root in multiple culture media 300 contained in one inner cup 200 from becoming entangled with each other.

[0035] Because the holder 400 is made of a material that allows air to pass through, the holding portion 402 holds the upper portion 301 of the culture medium 300 while allowing air to pass through the interior of the inner cup 200. This allows the middle portion 302 of the culture medium 300 to come into contact with air. In other words, the holding portion 402 supplies air to at least the middle portion 302 of the culture medium 300. Note that the lower portion 303 of the culture medium 300 is present in the liquid 500 contained in the inner cup 200.

[0036] The light-shielding portion 403 of the holding portion 402 is located above the holding portion 402 and is not in contact with the culture medium 300. Therefore, the light-shielding portion 403 extends in the X direction (radial direction) above the upper surface 305 of the culture medium 300, forming an eave-like shape that covers the outer peripheral region of the upper surface 305. As a result, the light-shielding portion 403 blocks light from entering the upper surface 305 of the culture medium 300, preventing the growth of green algae and mold.

[0037] The detachment portion 401 (both ends 411, 412) of the holder 402 detaches the culture medium 300 from the holder 400 in a direction that includes a component of the X direction. Specifically, when the holder 400 and the culture medium 300 are removed from the inner cup 200 and then the holder 400 is released, the holder 400 returns to the shape shown in (A), and the culture medium 300 can be detached in a direction that includes a component of the X direction (the height direction from the bottom surface 415 of the holder 400 to the ridges 413, and the radial direction of the inner cup 200).

[0038] 2. Hydroponic cultivation method

[0039] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the hydroponic cultivation method.

[0040] A plant holder is placed in the plant growing section 304 of the culture medium 300 as needed, and a plant (e.g., a seed soaked in water for about a day) is placed therein (Step S1). The culture medium 300 is held relative to the inner cup 200 by the holder 400 (Step S2). A liquid 500 is placed in the outer cup 100 (Step S3). The inner cup 200 is placed in the outer cup 100, and the liquid 500 in the outer cup 100 is moved into the inner cup 200 via the through-hole 203 (Step S4). As a result, the lower part 303 of the culture medium 300 is present in the liquid 500 placed in the inner cup 200, the middle part 302 is in contact with air, and the lower part 303 and middle part 302 are not in contact with the holder 400 and are not facing the holder 400 in the X direction, and the plant is grown in this state. This produces a rooting seedling medium 600 in which the middle portion 302 and / or the lower portion 303 of the medium 300 retains roots that have been rooted from the plant housed in the plant growth portion 304 of the medium 300. The order of steps S1-S4 may be changed.

[0041] After growing plants (e.g., flower seedlings) in the culture medium 300, the rooting seedling medium 600 may be removed, if necessary (step S5). In this case, rather than removing the rooting seedling medium 600 from the hydroponic cultivation device 1 by pulling it out of the holder 400 in the Y direction (the longitudinal direction of the medium 300), the holder 400 holding the rooting seedling medium 600 is removed from the inner cup 200. For example, the holder 400 can be removed from the inner cup 200 by inserting a finger or a thin or narrow tool between the holder 400 and the inner cup 200. When removed from the inner cup 200, the holder 400, which had been pressed by the inner wall surface 204 of the inner cup 200, is released at the detachment portion 401. This allows the rooting seedling medium 600 to be removed by detaching it from the detachment portion 401 of the holder 400 in a direction including the X direction.

[0042] If the rooting seedling medium 600 is not removed from the hydroponic cultivation device 1, the plants can be displayed on a desk together with the hydroponic cultivation device 1 or hung on a wall using a dedicated net or hanger. The hydroponic cultivation device 1 and rooting seedling medium 600 are realized, which are aesthetically pleasing as ornamental plants, easy to cultivate and manage, and can be used for arranging. To replace the liquid 500, simply remove the inner cup 200 from the outer cup 100, replace the liquid 500 in the outer cup 100, and then return the inner cup 200 to the outer cup 100, making cultivation management easy.

[0043] 3. Rooting seedling medium manufacturing equipment, manufacturing method and method of use

[0044] The hydroponic cultivation apparatus 1 of this embodiment can be used as an apparatus for manufacturing a rooting seedling medium 600. In this embodiment, the rooting seedling medium 600 refers to the medium 300 that holds roots 601, stems, leaves, and flowers 602 that have rooted from a plant housed in the plant cultivation section 304. Specifically, the rooting seedling medium 600 is in a state in which the middle section 302 and / or the lower section 303 of the medium 300 holds roots 601 that have rooted from a plant housed in the plant cultivation section 304 of the medium 300. The apparatus for manufacturing the rooting seedling medium 600 includes at least the outer cup 100, the inner cup 200, and the holder 400 of the apparatus for manufacturing the rooting seedling medium 600, and may further include the medium 300.

[0045] The hydroponic cultivation method of this embodiment can be used as a method for manufacturing the rooting seedling medium 600. In this case, the step of removing the rooting seedling medium 600 from the holder 400 (step S5) is essential.

[0046] FIG. 4 shows the rooting seedling medium.

[0047] As described above, the lower portion 303 and middle portion 302 of the culture medium 300 do not contact the holder 400 and do not face the holder 400 in the X direction (radial direction). Therefore, as shown in (A) and (B), the roots of the plant growing from the rooting seedling medium 600 do not become entangled in the holder 400. In (C) and (D), the detachment portion 401 of the holder 402 is opened, and the rooting seedling medium 600 is detached from the holder 400 in a direction that includes a component of the X direction. In other words, the rooting seedling medium 600 is not removed from the hydroponic cultivation device 1 by pulling it out in the Y direction (the longitudinal direction of the culture medium 300). In this way, due to two points, firstly, the roots do not get tangled in the holder 400, and secondly, the detachment portion 401 is opened and the rooting seedling medium 600 is detached from the holder 400 in a direction including the X-direction component, the rooting seedling medium 600 can be removed together with the roots 601 without damaging or tearing off the roots 601 that have grown in the rooting seedling medium 600.

[0048] In contrast, a culture pot according to an example of a conventional hydroponic cultivation device (https: / / www.justsmart.jp / ) (accessed June 27, 2025) will be described as a comparative example. The culture pot that holds the medium covers the entire upper side of the medium, making it impossible to remove the rooting seedling medium in the X direction (radial direction). The rooting seedling medium can only be removed by pulling it out in the Y direction (longitudinal direction). In addition, parts that form multiple slits (through holes) are configured on the outside of the culture pot. Roots that grow from the rooting seedling medium grow out of the culture pot through the multiple slits, and the roots that grow out of the multiple slits become entangled. When the rooting seedling medium is pulled out of the culture pot in the Y direction (longitudinal direction), the entangled roots that grow through the multiple slits get tangled or caught on the parts that make up the slits, so the only way to remove them is to cut them with scissors or tear them apart by hand. Furthermore, in conventional hydroponic cultivation devices, there are no partitions separating the multiple culture pots underwater, so the roots that grow out of the multiple culture pots become entangled. Based on this structure, it is considered that in conventional hydroponic cultivation devices, it is impossible to remove the rooting seedling medium 600 along with the roots 601 without damaging or tearing off the roots 601 that have grown in the rooting seedling medium 600 as in this embodiment.

[0049] The rooting seedling medium 600 manufactured by the rooting seedling medium 600 manufacturing device using the hydroponic cultivation device 1 of this embodiment and removed without damaging the roots can be used, for example, as follows: The rooting seedling medium 600 with the roots 601, stems, leaves, and flowers 602 still attached can be used for group planting, garden planting, repotting, or flower arrangement. For example, the rooting seedling medium 600 can be planted together with the medium 300 in a pot or basket. Using culture stones in the medium allows for group planting indoors. For garden planting and repotting, the rooting seedling medium 600 can be replanted together with the medium 300 in a garden flower bed or planter, or the rooting seedling medium 600 of a large variety can be repotted and enjoyed. Using culture stones in the medium allows for repotting indoors. The rooting seedling medium 600 can be used for everything from sowing to arranging, and can also be repotted. If materials that are safe for living organisms are used, it can also contribute to reducing environmental impact.

[0050] Figure 5 shows an example of an arrangement for using the rooting seedling medium.

[0051] For example, culture stones and rooting seedling medium 600 are placed in the inner cup 200, and the rooting seedling medium 600 is secured in place with the culture stones. Liquid 500 (water) is placed in the liquid storage section 102 of the outer cup 100. The inner cup 200 containing the culture stones and rooting seedling medium 600 is placed in the outer cup 100. Later, when watering, the inner cup 200 containing the culture stones and rooting seedling medium 600 is removed from the outer cup 100. The liquid 500 (water) in the liquid storage section 102 of the outer cup 100 is replaced. The inner cup 200 containing the culture stones and rooting seedling medium 600 is placed in the outer cup 100. When watering by immersion, the water should reach the top of the inner cup 200, and after soaking for about two hours, the outer cup 100 is removed, the water is drained, and the inner cup 200 is returned to the outer cup 100. It is recommended to change the water about once every three days.

[0052] The parts of the plant other than the roots 601 are separated from the rooting seedling medium 600, and the separated parts (stems, leaves, and flowers 602) are used for cut flowers, bouquets, or food. Bouquets and cut flower arrangements using floral foam are possible. Because the plants remain submerged in the liquid 500 until just before planting, and because no undue force is applied to the plants when the rooting seedling medium 600 is removed from the hydroponic cultivation device 1, the plants can be arranged in a healthy state, resulting in a long-lasting arrangement. As for food, the stems, leaves, and flowers 602 can be cooked as vegetables, or the flowers 602 can be used as edible containers. For example, the flowers 602 (e.g., edible roses) can be used as edible containers instead of cups or cones for frozen desserts such as soft serve ice cream or ice cream. That is, the shape of the flowers 602 (e.g., edible roses) can be maintained while the frozen desserts such as soft serve ice cream or ice cream are placed on top of the petals. This allows consumers of all ages to become familiar with roses. Roses are also rich in vitamins, making them good for health.

[0053] Plants can be grown as meristem seedlings. Meristem refers to shoot apex culture. Cells near the apical meristem of a plant are generally virus-free, so in theory, culturing these cells can produce virus-free plants. If it is difficult to produce virus-free plants in a single culture, they can be made virus-free through several stages of culture.

[0054] 4. Conclusion

[0055] The hydroponic cultivation device 1 or the manufacturing device for the rooting seedling medium 600 does not use soil, and the rooting seedling medium 600 does not contain soil. Furthermore, the light-shielding properties of the outer cup 100, inner cup 200, and holder 400 can prevent the growth of green algae, mold, and the like. The absence of soil and the prevention of the growth of green algae, mold, and the like can reduce the risk of bacteria. The rooting seedling medium 600 can be used in environments requiring a sterile, sterilized, or sterilized state. The plants can be meristem seedlings. Because a sterile state is maintained during the manufacturing process of the rooting seedling medium 600, the risk of viral infection in people undergoing anticancer drug treatment, etc., is reduced.

[0056] In this embodiment, the risk of bacteria is reduced by adjusting the conditions that cause mold growth (temperature, humidity, oxygen, and nutrients) and eliminating the conditions that cause algae growth (light intensity, moisture). Mold grows when the conditions of temperature, humidity, oxygen, and nutrients are met. Algae grows when the conditions of light intensity and moisture are met. The holder 400 and cups 100 and 200 block light, preventing algae growth. Furthermore, the holder 400 allows air to pass through while minimizing oxygen. Regarding nutrients, preventing algae growth effectively reduces the nutrient source for fungi (mold). Temperature and humidity can be controlled within the factory. These adjustments can effectively prevent green algae and mold. Temperature is essential for the growth of plants, especially flower seedlings, but light intensity and moisture (humidity) can be controlled. Algae and mold are prone to grow in areas exposed to light and humidity. In this embodiment, the sides of the culture medium 300 are shaded by the outer cup 100 and the inner cup 200, and the top surface 305 of the culture medium 300 is shaded by the shade portion 403 of the holder 400. Therefore, by not exposing the culture medium 300 to light from the seed-growing stage, it is possible to cultivate plants while suppressing the growth of green algae and mold. Furthermore, the holder 400 ensures that only the lower portion 303 of the culture medium 300 is present in the liquid 500, while the middle portion 302 is in contact with the air, and the upper portion 301 is not in contact with the liquid 500. In this way, by limiting the presence of only the lower portion 303 in the liquid 500 to the minimum necessary amount and reducing the moisture content of the culture medium 300, it is also possible to cultivate plants while suppressing the growth of green algae and mold.

[0057] This embodiment enables sterilization, reduces costs, and ensures stable production regardless of the environment. Anyone, including cancer patients, can touch flowers and reduce psychological and physiological stress. Even anti-cancer drug patients with weakened resistance who cannot tolerate pathogens in the soil can bring potted plants into their hospital rooms or garden during home treatment. It is possible to provide clean flower seedlings that can be enjoyed by many patients undergoing anti-cancer drug treatment.

[0058] According to this embodiment, even patients receiving anti-cancer drugs and whose resistance has been weakened to the pathogens contained in the soil can use the hydroponic rooting seedling medium 600 to bring potted plants into their hospital rooms or garden during home treatment. This may have a positive effect on patients who experience continuous psychological and physiological stress, such as anti-cancer drug patients, by allowing them to enjoy potted plants or gardening. This embodiment is expected to contribute to Goal 3 of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), "Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages."

[0059] Although the embodiments and modified examples of the present technology have been described above, the present technology is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and it goes without saying that various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present technology. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 1: hydroponic cultivation device, 100: outer cup, 101: upper end, 102: liquid storage section, 200: inner cup, 201: upper end, 202: liquid storage section, 203: through hole, 204: inner wall surface, 300: culture medium, 301: upper part, 302: middle part, 303: lower part, 304: plant growth section, 305: upper surface, : plant holder, 400: holder, 401: detachment part, 402: holding part, 403: shading part, 404: contact part, 411: both ends, 413: peak part, 414: valley part, 415: bottom surface, 416: thick part, 417: bellows part, 500: liquid, 600: rooting seedling medium, 601: root, 602: flower.

Claims

1. an outer cup having an open top; an inner cup that is accommodated in the outer cup, has an open upper end, and includes a liquid storage section that can store liquid, and a through hole that is provided in the liquid storage section; A culture medium having an upper portion and a lower portion which are opposite ends in a first direction, an intermediate portion between the upper portion and the lower portion, and a plant growth portion provided on an upper surface of the upper portion; a holder that holds the culture medium against an inner wall surface of the inner cup, the holder having a detachment portion for detaching the culture medium from the holder in a direction including a component of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the holder holding the upper portion of the culture medium such that the lower portion is present in the liquid contained in the inner cup and the middle portion is in contact with air, and the lower portion and the middle portion do not contact the holder and do not face the holder in the second direction; A hydroponic cultivation device comprising:

2. The hydroponic cultivation device according to claim 1, The holder has a holding part that holds the upper part of the culture medium and allows air to pass through, a light-shielding part that blocks light from entering the upper surface of the culture medium, and an abutting part that abuts against the inner wall surface of the inner cup. Hydroponic cultivation equipment.

3. The hydroponic cultivation device according to claim 2, When the upper end of the inner cup and the holder are viewed from the first direction, a circumferential length of the holder is greater than a circumferential length of the upper end of the inner cup, and an area of ​​an opening formed by the holder is smaller than an area of ​​an upper surface of the culture medium; the retainer is extendable and contractible in at least the second direction; The holder holding the culture medium is contracted and then released and extended within the inner cup, so that the abutting portion of the holder abuts against the inner wall surface of the inner cup and the holding portion of the holder clamps the culture medium, thereby holding the culture medium against the inner wall surface of the inner cup. Hydroponic cultivation equipment.

4. The hydroponic cultivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The plant growing portion of the culture medium is recessed from the top surface in the first direction and is capable of accommodating a plant. Hydroponic cultivation equipment.

5. The hydroponic cultivation device according to claim 4, The plant contained in the plant growing portion of the culture medium is a seed, a branch, or a seedling. Hydroponic cultivation equipment.

6. The hydroponic cultivation device according to claim 4, The plant growing portion of the culture medium contains a plant holding material, and the plant is held in the plant holding material. Hydroponic cultivation equipment.

7. The hydroponic cultivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, The middle and / or lower portion of the culture medium supports roots that have grown from the plant contained in the plant growth portion of the culture medium. Hydroponic cultivation equipment.

8. The hydroponic cultivation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, the holder holds one culture medium, but does not hold a plurality of culture media; The inner cup contains one culture medium and does not contain multiple culture media. Hydroponic cultivation equipment.

9. The hydroponic cultivation device according to claim 4, The plant is a meristem seedling Hydroponic cultivation equipment.

10. an outer cup having an open top; an inner cup that is accommodated in the outer cup, has an open upper end, and includes a liquid storage section that can store liquid, and a through hole that is provided in the liquid storage section; A culture medium having an upper portion and a lower portion which are opposite ends in a first direction, an intermediate portion between the upper portion and the lower portion, and a plant growth portion provided on an upper surface of the upper portion; a holder that holds the culture medium against an inner wall surface of the inner cup, the holder having a release portion for releasing the culture medium from the holder in a direction that includes a component of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; A hydroponic cultivation method using a hydroponic cultivation device having placing a plant in the plant growth section of the culture medium; The holder holds the upper portion of the culture medium; The outer cup contains a liquid; By accommodating the inner cup in the outer cup, the plant is grown in a state in which the lower part of the culture medium is present in the liquid accommodated in the inner cup, the middle part is in contact with air, and the lower part and the middle part are not in contact with the holder and are not facing the second direction. Hydroponic cultivation method.

11. A rooting seedling medium manufacturing device for manufacturing a rooting seedling medium, which is a medium that holds roots that have been rooted from a plant, an outer cup having an open top; an inner cup that is accommodated in the outer cup, has an open upper end, and includes a liquid storage section that can store liquid, and a through hole that is provided in the liquid storage section; a holder that holds a culture medium, the culture medium having an upper and lower portion that are opposite ends in a first direction, an intermediate portion between the upper and lower portions, and a plant growing portion provided on an upper surface of the upper portion, against an inner wall surface of the inner cup, the holder having a release portion for releasing the culture medium from the holder in a direction that includes a component of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction, the holder holding the upper portion of the culture medium so that the lower portion is present in the liquid contained in the inner cup and the intermediate portion is in contact with air, and the lower portion and the intermediate portion do not contact the holder and do not face the second direction; A rooting seedling medium manufacturing device comprising:

12. A method for producing a rooting seedling medium using a rooting seedling medium producing device that produces a rooting seedling medium that is a medium that holds roots that have been rooted from a plant, The rooting seedling medium manufacturing apparatus includes: an outer cup having an open top; an inner cup that is accommodated in the outer cup, has an open upper end, and includes a liquid storage section that can store liquid, and a through hole that is provided in the liquid storage section; a holder that holds a culture medium, the culture medium having an upper portion and a lower portion that are opposite ends in a first direction, an intermediate portion between the upper portion and the lower portion, and a plant growing portion provided on an upper surface of the upper portion, against an inner wall surface of the inner cup, the holder having a release portion for releasing the culture medium from the holder in a direction that includes a component of a second direction perpendicular to the first direction; and The method for producing the rooting seedling medium comprises: placing a plant in the plant growth section of the culture medium; The holder holds the upper portion of the culture medium; The outer cup contains a liquid; By accommodating the inner cup in the outer cup, the lower part of the culture medium is present in the liquid accommodated in the inner cup, the middle part is in contact with air, and the lower part and the middle part are not in contact with the holder and do not face the second direction, A rooting seedling medium is produced in which the middle part and / or the lower part of the medium holds roots that have been rooted from the plant contained in the plant growing part of the medium. Method for producing rooting seedling medium.

13. 13. The method for producing a rooting seedling medium according to claim 12, The rooting seedling medium is removed by being removed from the removal portion of the holder in a direction including a component of the second direction. Method for producing rooting seedling medium.

14. A method for using a rooting seedling medium produced by the method for producing a rooting seedling medium according to claim 13, The rooting seedling medium is used for group planting, garden planting, potting, or flower arrangement. How to use rooting seedling medium.

15. 14. A method for using the rooting seedling medium according to claim 13, Separating the parts of the plant other than the roots from the rooting seedling medium, and using the separated parts for cut flowers, bouquets, food, or edible containers. How to use rooting seedling medium.

16. 14. A method for using the rooting seedling medium according to claim 13, Separating the parts of the plant other than the roots from the rooting seedling medium, and using the separated parts as edible containers for serving food. How to use rooting seedling medium.

17. A method for using the rooting seedling medium according to any one of claims 12 to 16, The rooting medium is used in an environment where sterility is required. How to use rooting seedling medium.

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