Seedling sheet manufacturing method, seedling sheet manufacturing device, seedling sheet basket, and seedling sheet use method

Abstract

To provide a method for producing a seedling sheet for Baby Tears without using soil, a seedling sheet producing device, a seedling sheet, a seedling sheet basket, and a method for using the seedling sheet. [Solution] A method for manufacturing a seedling sheet has a sheet material, liquid fertilizer impregnated into the sheet material, and seedlings of a plant of the Urticaceae family, the genus Moss Urticae, growing on the surface of the sheet material impregnated with the liquid fertilizer, and does not have soil.The seedling sheet is manufactured by preparing a medium sheet material, which is a sheet material on which stumps of a plant of the Urticaceae family, the genus Moss Urticae, are rooted, placing the liquid fertilizer in a container, holding the medium sheet material with a holder so that it does not come into contact with the liquid fertilizer, and supplying the liquid fertilizer to the medium sheet material at a constant rate with a supplying device, and growing seedlings from the stumps.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for manufacturing a seedling sheet of a plant of the genus Urticaceae in the family Urticaceae, a seedling sheet manufacturing device, a seedling sheet, a seedling sheet basket, and a method for using the seedling sheet. [Background technology]

[0002] Baby Tears seedlings (also known as Baby Tears sheets) in the form of soil sheets are known, in which the roots of Baby Tears (also known as Soleirolia or Moss Nettle), a plant of the Urticaceae family, are grown in the soil and used as material for flower and plant arrangements (Non-Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0003] [Non-Patent Document 1] Flower Shop Inatome, "How to manage your Baby Tears basket," [online], April 10, 2022, flower-shop-inatome blog, [Retrieved February 10, 2025], Internet〈URL:https: / / ameblo.jp / flower-shop-inatome / entry-12798483338.html〉 [Non-patent document 2] 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 3] 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] It is known that viewing flowers affects brain activity and alleviates psychological and physiological stress responses (Non-Patent Document 2). For example, patients who are continually experiencing psychological and physiological stress, such as those receiving anti-cancer drugs, may benefit from viewing flowers in flower arrangements or gardening.

[0005] 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 3).

[0006] In view of the above circumstances, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a method for manufacturing Baby Tears seedling sheets that does not use soil, a seedling sheet manufacturing device, seedling sheets, seedling sheet baskets, and methods for using seedling sheets. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A method for manufacturing a seedling sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is a method for manufacturing a seedling sheet that does not have soil and that has a sheet material, liquid fertilizer impregnated into the sheet material, and seedlings of a plant of the Urticaceae family, the genus Moss Urticae, growing on the surface of the sheet material impregnated with the liquid fertilizer, and that manufactures the seedling sheet by preparing a medium sheet material, which is the sheet material on which stumps of a plant of the Urticaceae family, the genus Moss Urticae, and placing the liquid fertilizer in a container, holding the medium sheet material with a holder so that the medium sheet material does not come into contact with the liquid fertilizer, and supplying the liquid fertilizer to the medium sheet material at a constant rate with a supplying device, and growing seedlings from the stumps, thereby manufacturing the seedling sheet. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a method for manufacturing Baby Tears seedling sheets that do not use soil, a seedling sheet manufacturing device, a seedling sheet, a seedling sheet basket, and a method for using the seedling sheet.

[0009] 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]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a seedling sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 shows a flow chart of a method for manufacturing a seedling sheet. [Figure 3] This is a photo of the seedling sheet being manufactured. [Figure 4] 1 shows a seedling sheet manufacturing device. [Figure 5] Shown is a seedling sheet basket. [Figure 6] The flow of how to use the seedling sheet is shown below. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] 1. Seedling sheet

[0013] FIG. 1 shows a seedling sheet according to one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0014] The seedling sheet 10 is a sheet of seedlings of a plant of the genus Soleirolia in the family Urticaceae. In this embodiment, as an example, the plant of the genus Soleirolia in the family Urticaceae is described as Baby Tears (also known as Soleirolia or Moss Nettle). The seedling sheet 10 has a sheet material 11, liquid fertilizer 12, and Baby Tears seedlings 13, but does not have soil.

[0015] The sheet material 11 is a water-absorbent nonwoven fabric containing chemical fibers. The sheet material 11 is, for example, a needle-punched nonwoven fabric (felt). A needle-punched nonwoven fabric is a nonwoven fabric processed by mechanically entangling the fibers by piercing a web made by a carding machine (carded web processing) with needles having protrusions (barbs) several dozen times or more. The sheet material 11 is a nonwoven fabric formed to a thickness of 1 to 5 mm by heat-treating (for example, 150°C) and compressing fibers laminated to an area of ​​400 to 600 g per square meter. Preferably, the sheet material 11 has a basis weight of 500 g / m. 2 The laminated fibers are heat treated and compressed to form a nonwoven fabric with a thickness of 3 mm. 2 , and the thickness is 3 mm, the density of the sheet material 11 is 500 g / (100*100*0.3)=approximately 0.167 (g / cm 3 )

[0016] Sheet material 11 contains 90 to 100% polyester. Preferably, sheet material 11 contains 95% polyester and 5% low-melting-point polyester. The size of sheet material 11 is, for example, 175 mm x 245 mm. If the color of sheet material 11 is green, for example, it is similar to the color of the leaves of Baby Tears and is aesthetically pleasing as black mold and green algae are not noticeable.

[0017] The sheet material 11 used is an absorbent nonwoven fabric that absorbs 420% (approximately four times) of its weight in water. The water absorption rate of the sheet material 11 will be explained. A sheet 11 (245 x 175 x 3 mm, 26 g) was prepared before water was supplied. The sheet material 11 was placed in a tray containing water, and the water-supplied sheet material 11 was removed every 30 seconds and its weight was measured. The amount of water supplied (g) was calculated by subtracting the weight of the sheet 11 before water supply (26 g) from the total weight (g) of the water-supplied sheet material 11. 30 seconds after the start of water supply, the amount of water supplied was 102 g, and the water supply rate was 102 / 26 x 100 = approximately 390% (rounded down to the second decimal place; the same applies below). 60 seconds after the start of water supply, the amount of water supplied was 108 g, and the water supply rate was 108 / 26 x 100 = approximately 410%. 90 seconds after the start of water supply, the amount of water supplied was 111 g, and the water supply rate was 111 / 26 x 100 = approximately 420%. Within 30 seconds after the start of water supply, most of the water (111 / 102 x 100 = 91.8%) had been supplied to the sheet material 11. The remaining water (8.2%) permeated into the sheet material 11 over time between 30 and 90 seconds after the start of water supply. From this experiment, it is clear that the sheet material 11 absorbs 420% (approximately four times) of its weight in water.

[0018] Liquid fertilizer 12 is impregnated into sheet material 11. Liquid fertilizer 12 is a liquid fertilizer for hydroponic cultivation, and may be, for example, "Vegetable Life A" (manufactured by OAT Agrio Co., Ltd.). Liquid fertilizer 12 contains, for example, 1.3% nitrogen (including 1.2% 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, respectively.

[0019] Baby Tears seedlings 13 are growing profusely on the surface 15 of sheet material 11 impregnated with liquid fertilizer 12. The roots of Baby Tears seedlings 13 are entangled in sheet material 11. When seedling sheet 10 is viewed from surface 15, 90% or more, preferably 100%, of surface 15 of seedling sheet 10 is covered with Baby Tears seedlings 13. Even if surface 15 of seedling sheet 10 is not 100% covered with Baby Tears seedlings 13, if sheet material 11 is green in color, the portions of surface 15 of seedling sheet 10 that are not covered with Baby Tears seedlings 13 are inconspicuous when seedling sheet 10 is viewed from surface 15, resulting in an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

[0020] 2. Seedling sheet manufacturing method and manufacturing equipment

[0021] Figure 2 shows the flow of the seedling sheet manufacturing method, and Figure 3 is a photograph of the seedling sheet during manufacturing.

[0022] First, a medium sheet material 17, which is a sheet material 11 on which Baby Tears plants 14 have taken root, is prepared (step S101). Specifically, first, a plurality of Baby Tears plants 14, each with roots, are prepared (step S101-1). First, a parent plant of Baby Tears is prepared. The parent plant of Baby Tears may be a second- or third-generation seedling grown hydroponically without soil. The parent plant may be renewed every two to four months. For example, the first-generation parent plant may be harvested from Baby Tears grown in soil, and when producing second-generation parent plants, a sheet rooted with plants taken from the soil may be used as the parent plant, and when producing third-generation parent plants, plants taken from the sheet produced in the second generation may be used.

[0023] Liquid fertilizer may be sprayed onto the Baby Tears parent plant, for example, the day before planting. The liquid fertilizer may be, for example, "Arafesta" (manufactured by Sakata Seed Corporation). The Baby Tears parent plant has nodes spaced approximately 5 to 20 mm apart, and roots develop at each node. By cutting the Baby Tears parent plant every 20 to 60 mm, preferably every 30 to 50 mm, multiple Baby Tears plants 14, each with one or more roots (nodes), are produced.

[0024] Next, multiple Baby Tears plants 14, each with roots, are placed on the surface 15 of sheet material 11 impregnated with water (not including liquid fertilizer) (step S101-2). The water-impregnated sheet material 11 is placed in a container with a lid. The container is made of, for example, polystyrene foam and has a tray shape. As shown in FIG. 3A, the Baby Tears plants 14 are placed on the surface 15 of the sheet material 11 with as few gaps as possible.

[0025] Next, the sheet material 11 with the sprouts 14 placed thereon is placed in a container for a predetermined period of time to produce the medium sheet material 17. For example, the sheet material 11 with the sprouts 14 placed thereon is first placed in a container with the lid on for, for example, one to two weeks (step S101-3). The lid maintains humidity, prevents water evaporation, and blocks light to prevent the growth of algae. Thereafter, if necessary, the sheet material 11 may be placed in the container with the lid removed for, for example, one to two weeks (step S101-4). In this way, the medium sheet material 17 is produced. Note that it is preferable to omit the step of placing the sheet material 11 with the sprouts 14 placed thereon in a container with the lid removed (step S101-4). By omitting step S101-4, the timing to start step S104 (illumination with LED light and supply of liquid fertilizer 12), which will be described later, can be advanced.

[0026] FIG. 4 shows a seedling sheet manufacturing device.

[0027] Here, the manufacturing device 20 for the seedling sheet 10 will be described. The manufacturing device 20 for the seedling sheet 10 has a container 21, a holder 22, a supplying device 23, and an LED lighting fixture. The container 21 is capable of containing the liquid fertilizer 12 and is, for example, tray-shaped. The holder 22 is capable of holding the medium sheet material 17 so that the medium sheet material 17 does not come into contact with the liquid fertilizer 12 in the container 21. The supplying device 23 is capable of supplying the liquid fertilizer 12 in the container 21 to the back surface 16 of the medium sheet material 17 at a constant speed. The supplying device 23 is, for example, a strip-shaped felt of 2 mm x 6 to 8 mm. One or more supplying devices 23 may be provided.

[0028] Returning to the explanation of the manufacturing method of the seedling sheet 10, the liquid fertilizer 12 is placed in the container 21 (step S102). The holder 22 holds the medium sheet material 17 so that the medium sheet material 17 does not come into contact with the liquid fertilizer 12 (step S103). While irradiating LED light from the LED lighting fixture, the supplying tool 23 supplies the liquid fertilizer 12 to the medium sheet material 17 at a constant speed (step S104). Specifically, one longitudinal end of the supplying tool 23 is immersed in the liquid fertilizer 12 in the container 21. The other longitudinal end of the supplying tool 23 is sandwiched between the holder 22 and the back surface 16 of the medium sheet material 17. The supplying tool 23 constantly supplies the liquid fertilizer 12 in the container 21 to the back surface 16 of the medium sheet material 17 by capillary action. As a result, the supplying tool 23 supplies the liquid fertilizer 12 to a portion of the back surface 16 of the culture medium sheet material 17, and the liquid fertilizer 12 supplied to the portion permeates the entire culture medium sheet material 17.

[0029] To combat algae and mold, the lid (step S101-3) and water supply using the water supply device 23 (felt) are effective against green algae. This slows down the growth of green algae, and the growth of leaves covers the medium, preventing the growth of algae. Because the parent plant is not soil, there is little risk of mold on the Baby Tears themselves, so the growth of bacteria can also be prevented.

[0030] Regarding the role of the water supply using the supply tool 23 (felt), when seedlings are placed directly on trays and grown, the amount of moisture needs to be monitored frequently. For this reason, management is made more efficient by using the supply tool 23, which can constantly supply moisture to the medium sheet material 17 to prevent drying out. Instead of directly soaking the medium sheet material 17 in water, the supply tool 23 uses capillary action to replenish moisture to the medium sheet material 17. Because the medium sheet material 17 only absorbs as much water as it can hold, the growth rate of green algae and mold caused by excess moisture is suppressed.

[0031] During the stage of producing the culture medium sheet material 17 (step S101), the Baby Tears stalks 14 have not yet taken root and evaporation of water is minimal, so the production device 20 is not used to prevent excess moisture. On the other hand, after the Baby Tears stalks 14 have taken root (step S101), the water supply by the supply tool 23 is effective as a moisture adjustment device to prevent the growth of green algae and mold caused by excess moisture in the culture medium sheet material 17 and to improve management efficiency.

[0032] Step S104 of supplying liquid fertilizer 12 is continued for 1 to 3 months at a temperature of 15 to 25°C, humidity of 55 to 65%, LED lighting intensity of 6,000 to 15,000 lux, and irradiation time of 15 to 17 hours per day. Preferably, step S104 of supplying liquid fertilizer 12 is continued for 2 months at a temperature of 20°C, humidity of 60%, LED lighting intensity of 7,000 to 13,500 lux, and irradiation time of 16 hours per day. As a result, seedlings are grown from the Baby Tears stubble 14, and seedling sheets 10 are produced (step S105), as shown in Figure 3 (B).

[0033] The advantage of LED lighting is that the wavelength and brightness can be adjusted. Using LEDs, which provide light suited to Baby Tears growth, increases nutrients compared to sunlight, which is affected by region and weather. As a result, the growth rate of newer generations of Baby Tears plants increases. As they are updated to the second and third generations, Baby Tears plants produced under LED lighting continue to grow at a faster rate.

[0034] For this reason, in step S101-1, it is preferable to use parent plants collected from N-1 generation plants as the Nth generation parent plants. The faster the growth rate, the shorter the period (for example, to one week) that the sheet material 11 on which the plants 14 are placed can be kept in a container with the lid closed in step S101-3.

[0035] 3. How to use the seedling sheet basket and seedling sheet

[0036] Figure 5 shows a seedling sheet basket.

[0037] The seedling sheet basket 30 includes a basket 31, a seedling sheet 10, and a foam material 32.

[0038] The basket 31 has side portions 33, a bottom portion 34, and a storage space portion 35 formed by the side portions 33 and the bottom portion 34. The side portions 33 have a structure 36 and a window portion 37 formed between the structure 36. The structure 36 is, for example, a woven or molded material made of natural materials such as rattan or bamboo, metal, resin, etc. The window portion 37 is a space that penetrates from the storage space portion 35 to the outside of the basket 31. The storage space portion 35 can accommodate the seedling sheet 10 and the foam material 32.

[0039] The seedling sheet 10 is placed in the storage space 35 of the basket 31 along the side 33 of the basket 31. Specifically, the seedling sheet 10 is placed in the storage space 35 of the basket 31 so that the surface 15 of the sheet material 11 faces the inner surface of the side 33 of the basket 31 and the Baby Tears seedlings 13 are exposed through the window 37 of the basket 31.

[0040] The foam material 32 is a so-called floral foam for arranging flowers or leaves 38. The foam material 32 is placed in the storage space 35 so that at least a portion of its side surface contacts the back surface 16 of the seedling sheet 10. The foam material 32 is water-absorbent and can be impregnated with liquid (liquid fertilizer or water). The foam material 32 supplies liquid (liquid fertilizer or water) to the seedling sheet 10 from the back surface 16 via at least a portion of its side surface that contacts the back surface 16 of the seedling sheet 10.

[0041] FIG. 6 shows a flow chart of how to use the seedling sheet.

[0042] A basket 31 is prepared (Step S201). The seedling sheet 10 is placed in the storage space 35 of the basket 31 so that the surface 15 of the sheet material 11 faces the inner surface of the side 33 of the basket 31 and the Baby Tears seedlings 13 are exposed through the window 37 of the basket 31 (Step S202). A foam material 32 impregnated with liquid (liquid fertilizer or water) is placed in the storage space 35 so that at least a portion of its side surface contacts the back surface 16 of the seedling sheet 10, completing the seedling sheet basket 30 (Step S203). Because at least a portion of the side surface of the foam material 32 contacts the back surface 16 of the seedling sheet 10, the liquid (liquid fertilizer or water) impregnated in the foam material 32 is constantly supplied to the back surface 16 of the seedling sheet 10. This allows the seedling sheet 10 to constantly supply moisture to the Baby Tears seedlings 13 (Step S204). Flowers or leaves 38 are arranged (planted together) in the foam material 32.

[0043] Since the seedling sheet 10 does not have soil, the seedling sheet 10 or the seedling sheet basket 30 using the seedling sheet 10 can be used in an environment where a germ-free, sterilized or sterilized state is required.

[0044] 4. Conclusion

[0045] This embodiment provides a soil-free Baby Tears seedling sheet manufacturing method, a seedling sheet manufacturing device, a seedling sheet, a seedling sheet basket, and a method for using the seedling sheet. This allows even anti-cancer drug patients with weakened resistance to pathogens in the soil to bring potted plants into their hospital rooms or garden at home during treatment. This may have a positive effect on patients who experience constant psychological and physiological stress, such as anti-cancer drug patients, by allowing them to enjoy potted plants and flowers in 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."

[0046] 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]

[0047] Seedling sheets 10, sheet material 11, liquid fertilizer 12, Baby Tears seedlings 13.

Claims

1. A method for producing a seedling sheet having a sheet material, a liquid fertilizer impregnated in the sheet material, and seedlings of a plant of the Urticaceae family, the genus Moss Nettle, growing on the surface of the sheet material impregnated with the liquid fertilizer, and having no soil, A medium sheet material is prepared, which is the sheet material on which a plant of the genus Moss Urticaceae family is rooted; The liquid fertilizer is placed in a container; The medium sheet material is held by a holder so that the medium sheet material does not come into contact with the liquid fertilizer; The liquid fertilizer is supplied to the medium sheet material at a constant rate by a supplying tool, and seedlings are grown from the stalks to produce the seedling sheet. Method for manufacturing seedling sheets.

2. A seedling sheet manufacturing device having a sheet material, liquid fertilizer impregnated in the sheet material, and seedlings of a plant of the Urticaceae family, the genus Moss Nettle, growing on the surface of the sheet material impregnated with the liquid fertilizer, and no soil, A container capable of containing the liquid fertilizer; a holder capable of holding the sheet material so that the sheet material does not come into contact with the liquid fertilizer; a supplying tool that supplies the liquid fertilizer to the sheet material at a constant rate; A seedling sheet manufacturing device comprising:

3. a basket having a side portion with a structure and a window portion formed between the structure, a bottom portion, and a storage space portion formed by the side portion and the bottom portion; a seedling sheet having no soil, the seedling sheet comprising a sheet material, liquid fertilizer impregnated in the sheet material, and seedlings of a plant of the Urticaceae family, the genus Moss Urticae, growing luxuriantly on the surface of the sheet material impregnated with the liquid fertilizer, the seedling sheet being placed in the storage space of the basket so that the surface of the sheet material faces the inner surface of the side of the basket and the seedlings of the plant of the Urticaceae family, the genus Moss Urticae, are exposed from the window of the basket; a foam material for arranging flowers or leaves, the foam material being arranged in the storage space so that at least a portion of the foam material is in contact with the back surface of the seedling sheet, the foam material being capable of being impregnated with liquid and supplying the liquid to the seedling sheet from the back surface; A seedling sheet basket.

4. providing a basket having a side portion having a structure and a window portion formed between the structure, a bottom portion, and a storage space portion formed by the side portion and the bottom portion; a seedling sheet having no soil, the seedling sheet comprising a sheet material, liquid fertilizer impregnated in the sheet material, and seedlings of a plant of the genus Moss Nettle of the family Urticaceae growing on the surface of the sheet material impregnated with the liquid fertilizer, the seedling sheet being placed in the storage space of the basket so that the surface of the sheet material faces the inner surface of the side of the basket and the seedlings of the plant of the genus Moss Nettle of the family Urticaceae are exposed through the window of the basket; A foam material for arranging flowers or leaves impregnated with a liquid is placed in the accommodation space so that at least a portion of the foam material contacts the back surface of the seedling sheet; The liquid impregnated in the foam material is supplied to the seedling sheet from the back side. How to use the seedling sheet.

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