Technical proposals for plant cultivation

Abstract

The proposed technology relates to a plant cultivation assembly and a plant cultivation method, the plant cultivation assembly comprising a growth medium support, a growing position in the growth medium support, and a magnet, in which a magnetic field is generated by the magnet in the growth medium support, the generated magnetic field being inclined with respect to a horizontal plane.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Technical Field The proposed technology generally relates to the field of plant cultivation. In particular, the present technology relates to assemblies and methods for cultivating plants.

Background Art

[0002] Background The Earth's magnetic field (MF) is an environmental factor present in all ecosystems. It is known to affect many biological processes. The MF varies at different locations on Earth.

[0003] In the 1960s, there were the first reports on the effects of the Earth's magnetic field on plants. It has been well demonstrated that the magnetic field can be used to affect the plant growth cycle. For example, plants can be stimulated to increase yield and quality.

[0004] "Magnetic field effect on plant growth, development, and evolution" by M.E. Maffei, Frontiers in Plant Science, September 2014, vol 5, article 445, describes that the geomagnetic field is a natural component of our environment. This scientific paper concludes that plants receive the changing MF and respond rapidly to it by changing their gene expression and phenotype.

[0005] U.S. Patent No. 8,667,732 discloses a method of treating plants using an electromagnetic field. This method consists of applying a pulse sequence to growing plants or seeds in a pulsed electromagnetic field by a pulse generator.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] Objective The proposed technology aims to improve the growth rate and / or quality of plants. Furthermore, the proposed technology aims to maintain and reduce the growth rate as much as possible. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] overview According to the proposed technology, at least the primary objective is achieved by a plant cultivation assembly having the features defined in the independent claim, as well as a plant cultivation method specified in the claim. Preferred embodiments of the proposed technology are further defined in the dependent claims.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the proposed technology, a plant cultivation assembly is provided comprising a growth medium support configured to be supported on or relative to a horizontal or horizontal surface, the growth medium support comprising a lower half and an upper half, and including or defining a growth position within the growth medium support. The growth position may be located in the upper half of the growth medium support and at the center of the growth medium support, or at the lateral or radial center. The assembly further comprises a magnet configured to generate a magnetic field at the growth position of the growth medium support inclined with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0009] The term "growth position" is understood to mean a position, location, or place within a growing medium support. During use of a plant assembly, the plant is placed in a growth position, which means that at least a portion of the plant is located in the growth position. For example, the stem of the plant may begin in the growth position, or the seeds may be located in the growth position.

[0010] A plant cultivation assembly may include a growth medium, and the term “growth medium” should be understood as a plant-supporting medium such as perlite in hydroponics. The growth medium may further provide nutrients to the plant, such as soil. The growth medium may be supported by a growth medium support. For example, the growth medium support may be a pot. The growth medium support may be made of a non-magnetic material such as plastic or ceramic material. The non-magnetic material may be a diamagnetic material. The non-magnetic material is understood to be a highly magnetic or non-ferromagnetic material. It should be further noted that the growth medium support may have any shape that enables it to support the growth medium, such as a cylinder or a box.

[0011] The term “growth medium support” should be understood to include pots, trays, and growing boxes readily available for plant cultivation. The term “pot” as used in the specification and claims should be understood to mean a device readily available for plant cultivation.

[0012] The term "plant" should be considered a general term, but it should also be noted that it should be understood to encompass embryonic plants, calluses, seeds, buds, bulbs, seedlings, rooted plants, and plant cuttings / shoots. A plant could be, for example, an amaryllis at any stage, or a tomatillo plant.

[0013] A plant cultivation assembly may include plants positioned in a growing location, with the plants supported by a growing medium.

[0014] The magnet may also be an electromagnet. The electromagnet comprises at least one electrical contact configured to connect to a power source. The power source may form part of the plant cultivation assembly. The plant cultivation assembly may further comprise a control unit configured to control the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet. The control unit may comprise a power source.

[0015] The term "electromagnet" should be understood as a magnet in which a magnetic field is generated or produced by an electric current. The electric current is direct current (DC). A DC electric current generates a static magnetic field. An electromagnet can be a coil or a solenoid. An electromagnet can be a wire or a combination of wires. The term "coil" should be understood to encompass a conductor such as a solid conductor or wire wound to form a ring or annular shape. The term "solenoid" is understood to encompass a conductor wound to form a spiral or helix.

[0016] The coil may be positioned below, above, or at least partially surrounding the growth medium support. The coil may be parallel to the horizontal surface, or may be configured to extend radially parallel to the horizontal surface. Alternatively, the coil may be inclined with respect to the horizontal surface, or may be configured to extend radially at an angle with respect to the horizontal surface.

[0017] The solenoid may partially surround the growth medium support. The solenoid may be aligned with the normal to the horizontal surface, or it may extend longitudinally perpendicular to the horizontal surface. The solenoid may be inclined with respect to the normal to the horizontal surface, or it may extend longitudinally at an angle to the horizontal surface.

[0018] The maximum diameter of the electromagnet may be 90-100% of the maximum diameter of the growth medium support, or its maximum lateral or radial diameter, or range. The coil may have a diameter smaller than the lateral or radial diameter or range of the growth medium support. The solenoid may have a diameter larger than the lateral or radial diameter or range of the growth medium support.

[0019] The magnet may be a permanent magnet. The term "permanent magnet" should be understood as a material or object that generates a permanent magnetic field. This could be, for example, a paramagnetic or ferromagnetic material or object.

[0020] A magnetic field may be static. The term “static” should be understood as essentially constant, i.e., with small fluctuations such as variations of less than 10% in the strength and / or gradient of the magnetic field. The term “static magnetic field” should be understood as a magnetic field whose strength and direction do not change, or whose strength and / or direction change is less than 10%. In the case of an electromagnet, this requires a constant current. Here, “magnetic field strength” is understood to be interchangeable with “magnetic field strength.”

[0021] According to a second aspect of the proposed technology, there is a method for cultivating plants at a specific geographical location or site. The method includes determining, measuring, or acquiring a target magnetic field having a target gradient value; determining, measuring, or acquiring a field magnetic field at a specific geographical location; and determining, measuring, or acquiring a compensating magnetic field based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the field magnetic field. The method further includes generating a compensating magnetic field in the plants, or exposing the plants to a compensating magnetic field. Determining, measuring, or acquiring the target magnetic field may include determining, measuring, or acquiring the seasonal variation or fluctuation of the magnetic field at a specific geographical location or site. It may further include synchronizing the seasonal variation of the magnetic field with daylight variation. Daylight variation can be controlled by illumination and / or applied magnetic fields. Thus, daylight variation can be artificially generated by illumination and synchronized with the seasonal variation of the magnetic field.

[0022] The strength and tilt of the Earth's magnetic field vary at different locations on Earth based on latitude and longitude. The change in tilt occurs during seasonal variations in the Earth's horizontal and / or vertical magnetic fields. The magnitude of the strength and tilt are variables that depend on the Earth's position relative to the Sun and the Sun's magnetic activity. This position changes throughout the year as the distance and position of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres relative to the Sun change. The magnitude of the magnetic field varies both horizontally and vertically, or becomes stronger or weaker, along the diurnal position of the geographical location.

[0023] The pattern of changes in intensity and magnitude of the inclination value is repeated annually for each geographical location. This means that the pattern is almost the same every year. Therefore, an approximate pattern can be predicted based on information about past years.

[0024] Determining or measuring or obtaining a target magnetic field having a target inclination value is understood to be obtaining desired data. The acquisition of the desired data may be performed directly, such as by measurement, or indirectly, such as by extracting data from a database. For example, the magnetic field at a location, or the target magnetic field, may be measured by a magnetometer to extract or obtain a specific magnetic field at the location. It is preferable to perform the measurement constantly. The target magnetic field can be measured by the geomagnetic observatory closest to that location. The measured values can be input into the database of all global observatories. The desired data can be obtained from that database.

[0025] The acquisition of data or patterns from geomagnetic observatories can be done by extracting these data from the database provided by all global observatories. For example, the recorded magnetic data for day and night or for the whole year may be obtained from the Intermagnet website.

[0026] https: / / www.intermagnet.org / index-eng.php Therefore, the expression "obtaining a target magnetic field having a target inclination value" may include obtaining the necessary or desired data from a database. A similar approach applies to the term "obtaining the on-site magnetic field at a specific geographical location". The on-site magnetic field can be measured by a magnetometer. The on-site magnetic field may be measured, for example, by the geomagnetic observatory closest to that location, and the data may be extracted from the corresponding database.

[0027] The term "tilt value" should be understood as the tilt with respect to the horizontal plane. The term "local magnetic field" should be understood as the magnetic field at the geographical location where the plants are cultivated. The term "target magnetic field" should be understood as the magnetic field in the geographical region or location of the origin of the plants. The target magnetic field typically varies throughout the year depending on the season. The changes in the target magnetic field are applied to the plants by the "compensating magnetic field". The term "compensating magnetic field" should be understood as the magnetic field applied to the plants. The compensating magnetic field is based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the local magnetic field. The target magnetic field may have a target intensity value, the local magnetic field may have a local intensity value, and the compensating magnetic field may have a calculated intensity value. It should be noted that the compensating magnetic field does not have to be an exact replica of the target magnetic field. The changes in the target magnetic field (e.g., due to seasonal variations) should be reproduced by the compensating magnetic field.

[0028] Plants may originate from geographical regions or locations that have a natural growth season or cycle and seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field. The plants may be at a particular developmental stage, and the determination or measurement or acquisition of the target magnetic field may be based on the developmental stage of the plants, the natural growth season, and the seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field. Thus, a particular stage of growth or development of the plants may be targeted by mimicking the seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field. The variations may occur in the vertical and / or horizontal directions in a particular season. The intensity of the geomagnetic field may vary. The direction or tilt of the geomagnetic field may vary. The plants can sense the variations. This activates important signals for plant hormones to initiate or stop the development of a particular stage of the plants.

[0029] The plants may be seeds, or germination at a particular developmental stage, or the plants may be sprouts, or seedlings at a particular developmental stage, or the plants may be bulbs, or the vegetative stage at a particular developmental stage.

[0030] The proposed technique can be used to induce and / or accelerate plant germination. The plant may be a potato. The plant may be tomato seeds. The method may be carried out in a storage environment before planting the plants in soil. Conventionally, this process involves applying UV light, sunlight, or heat and humidity treatment. An advantage of the proposed technique is that germination time may be shortened. The treatment of the plants may be started in a storage facility. This may reduce sprout loss. The quality of potato sprouts may be improved. Therefore, the yield may be increased. Furthermore, the process is more time and cost efficient because it does not require or does not require the additional treatments mentioned above.

[0031] Compensatory magnetic fields can be applied during the germination, seedling, dormancy, and bud stages. They can also be applied during the flowering and / or fruiting stages. Compensatory magnetic fields may be applied during one or more of the stages described above. For example, they can be applied to inhibit the germination of potatoes. Compensatory magnetic fields may also be applied to preserve potatoes for longer storage periods. This means that the magnetic field that triggers germination can be canceled out. It is understood that by applying a desired compensatory magnetic field to potatoes, the cancellation of the magnetic field is provided. For example, the magnetic field that potatoes receive from the soil during the germination stage can be canceled out. This can be achieved by applying a compensatory magnetic field opposite to the magnetic field to be canceled out. This suppresses the germination of potatoes. In other words, potatoes are stored in a dormant mode or stage in a warehouse. This is possible due to the relationship between the applied magnetic field and the hormones of the potatoes. It is understood that potatoes are an illustrative example and other plants may be treated in corresponding ways.

[0032] The proposed techniques provide a way to preserve plants or inhibit their growth. Additionally or alternatively, plants may be manipulated to shift seasons and / or remain in a single stage for longer or shorter periods. In other words, plants may be manipulated to experience altered seasons and / or alter the duration of developmental stages.

[0033] The proposed technique can be used to accelerate the ripening process, which can be achieved during transport and / or storage. For example, the proposed technique can be used against fungi. Another example is the use of the proposed technique for ripening and / or preserving berries such as strawberries. Fruits such as strawberries or berry seeds are part of the life cycle and actively regulate the fruit's hormones, if they are present with the fruit. This means that the seeds can control the sweetness, ripening, and / or spoilage of the fruit even after they have been harvested from the plant.

[0034] Further advantages and features of the proposed technology will become apparent from the other dependent claims and the following detailed description of preferred embodiments.

[0035] Brief explanation of the drawing A more complete understanding of the above and other features and advantages of the proposed technology will be evident from the following detailed description of embodiments of the proposed technology, in conjunction with the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0036] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly. [Figure 2] This is a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly. [Figure 5] This is a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly. [Figure 6] Figures a-d are schematic diagrams of the experimental setup. [Figure 7] This is a photograph of an example of the proposed technology. [Figure 8] This is a photograph of an example of the proposed technology. [Figure 9] Figures a-d are graphs illustrating examples of the proposed technology. [Figure 10] This is a schematic diagram of the experimental setup. [Figure 11] a and b are graphs representing an example of the proposed technology. [Figure 12a] a to e illustrate one embodiment of the second aspect of the technology. [Figure 12b] a to e illustrate one embodiment of the second aspect of the technology. [Figure 12c] a to e illustrate one embodiment of the second aspect of the technology. [Figure 12d] a to e illustrate one embodiment of the second aspect of the technology. [Figure 12e] a to e illustrate one embodiment of the second aspect of the technology. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0037] Explanation of the diagram Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 shown in Figure 1 is a pot having a cylindrical shape. The bottom is closed and has drainage holes. Inside the upper half of the growth medium support 101, at the radial center, there is a growth position 108 marked X. The growth medium support 101 is placed on a planar and horizontal surface 102. An electromagnet 103 in the form of a solenoid, inclined with respect to the surface 102, is positioned to surround a portion of the growth medium support 101. The electromagnet 103 is connected to a control unit (not shown), as in the embodiment described in relation to Figure 5.

[0038] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 shown in Figure 2 has a cylindrical shape. The growth medium support 101 is placed on a substantially planar / horizontal surface 102. A magnet 103 is placed beneath the growth medium support 101. The magnet 103 is a permanent magnet. The plant cultivation assembly shown in Figure 2 further comprises a growth medium 106 and a plant 107, both of which are placed within the growth medium support 101. The plant 107 is located at a growth position 108.

[0039] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 shown in Figure 3 has a cylindrical shape. The growth medium support 101 is positioned at an angle toward a substantially planar / horizontal surface 102. A magnet 103 is positioned beneath the growth medium support 101. The magnet 103 is a permanent magnet. Inside the upper half of the growth medium support 101 is a growth position 108 marked with an X.

[0040] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 shown in Figure 4 has a cylindrical shape. The growth medium support 101 is placed on a substantially planar / horizontal surface 102. The growth medium support 101 is placed on a mat 104. The mat 104 has an electromagnet 103 in the form of a coil connected to a control unit (not shown), as in the embodiment described in relation to Figure 5. The electromagnet 103 is placed within the mat, and the growth medium support 101 is at the center of the coil. Inside the upper half of the growth medium support 101 is a growth position 108 marked with an X.

[0041] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a plant cultivation assembly 100 comprising a growth medium support 101. The growth medium support 101 shown in Figure 5 has a cylindrical shape. The growth medium support 101 is placed on a substantially planar / horizontal surface 102. A magnet 103 in the form of an electromagnet is placed beneath the growth medium support 101. The electromagnet 103 is connected to a power source (not shown) and communicates with a processor 105 in a communicative manner. Inside the upper half of the growth medium support 101 is a growth position 108 marked with an X.

[0042] Figures 6a to 6d are schematic diagrams of the experimental setup. Figure 6a shows the setup for a group of seed pots. Figure 6b shows the setup for the control group. Figures 6c and 6d show the plant cultivation assemblies being investigated. Two types were used: one with a coil as shown in Figure 6c, and one with a solenoid as shown in Figure 6d.

[0043] Figure 7 is a photograph showing a plant treated with the proposed technology (1) compared to an untreated plant (2), i.e., a control plant.

[0044] Figure 8 is a photograph showing a plant treated with the proposed technology (1) compared to an untreated plant (2), i.e., a control plant.

[0045] Figures 9a to 9d show data from plants treated with the proposed techniques (referred to as spiral and solenoid) compared to plants not treated with the proposed techniques (referred to as control). Figure 9a shows the stem diameter in cm for plants treated with the spiral, plants treated with the solenoid, and the control group (i.e., no magnetic field). Figure 9b shows the stem length in cm for plants treated with the spiral, plants treated with the solenoid, and the control group (i.e., no magnetic field). Figure 9c shows the leaf length in cm for plants treated with the spiral, plants treated with the solenoid, and the control group (i.e., no magnetic field). Figure 9d shows the maximum leaf length in cm for plants treated with the spiral, plants treated with the solenoid, and the control group (i.e., no magnetic field).

[0046] Figure 10 is a schematic diagram of the experimental apparatus. Figure 10 shows how 15 coils connected in series can be arranged by the apparatus. Each coil has 7 turns. The plant cultivation assemblies with coils are placed 2 cm apart.

[0047] Figures 11a and 11b show data from plants treated with the proposed technique compared to the control group (C) (T1 represents a device with a coil, and T2 represents a device with a solenoid). Figure 11a shows the daily increase in stem length in cm after the first treatment. Figure 11b shows the daily increase in stem length in cm after the second treatment.

[0048] Figures 12a to 12e illustrate one embodiment of a second aspect of the proposed technology. Figures 12a to 12e show how the steps of the method may be carried out. According to the embodiment, determining or acquiring the compensating magnetic field is based on data obtained from a database. The data is provided by a geomagnetic observatory. As mentioned above, the changes in the tilt value and intensity of the geographical location repeat in roughly the same pattern each year. The acquired data allows for the calculation of the difference between the target magnetic field and the field magnetic field. According to the embodiment, the average change in magnitude over a certain period in the vertical direction is determined or acquired. In this embodiment, the period is one year.

[0049] In this embodiment, patterns suitable for plant cultivation are investigated, taking into account the geographical origin of the plants. In other words, the patterns suitable for plants are based on the patterns present in the geographical origin of the plants. Therefore, the patterns used are the one-year patterns obtained from the geomagnetic observatory closest to the geographical origin of the plants. In this embodiment, the InterMagnet website mentioned above is used to acquire data. The corresponding steps of data acquisition are performed against the field magnetic field.

[0050] Subsequently, the average value of each data point is calculated over a certain period and matched with the seasonal life cycle of plants. In Figures 12a to 12e, the plots represent the strength of the downward magnetic field. It is understood that the downward magnetic field is a vertical magnetic field. The plots in Figures 12a to 12e show that the average magnitude of the downward magnetic field changes throughout the season.

[0051] The plots in Figures 12a to 12e show the perpendicular magnetic intensity. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the corresponding methods can also be used to calculate, determine, or obtain the horizontal magnetic intensity, or to calculate or determine the inclination value.

[0052] Figures 12a to 12e illustrate one embodiment of the proposed technology. This embodiment focuses on the study of the life cycle of a plant, particularly a potato, and its cultivation in Belgium. Cultivation according to this embodiment is understood to involve planting potatoes in soil. Here, the potato species is Papa Amarilla, which is an Andean variety of Solanum tuberosum. The potato species is native to Peru. Therefore, data from the HUA Observatory in Peru is used to determine or obtain the target magnetic field. Since the cultivation site is Belgium, data from the MAB Observatory in Belgium is used to determine or obtain the field magnetic field. As described above, the compensating magnetic field is based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the field magnetic field.

[0053] Figure 12a shows the average values ​​of vertical magnetic field data from the HUA Observatory in Peru in 2018.

[0054] Figure 12b shows the average values ​​of vertical magnetic field data from the MAB Observatory in Belgium in 2018.

[0055] Figure 12c shows the inverted mean values ​​of vertical geomagnetic field data from the HUA Observatory in Peru for 2018. The vertical magnetic fields in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are in opposite directions. The vertical magnetic field is upward in the Southern Hemisphere and downward in the Northern Hemisphere. Therefore, the plots in Figure 12a are inverted vertically to form the plots in Figure 12c. By inverting the plots, variations based on a downward vertical magnetic field are presented as in the Northern Hemisphere.

[0056] Figure 12d shows the inverted and time-shifted mean values ​​of vertical geomagnetic field data from the HUA Observatory in Peru for 2018. The seasons and beginnings of the life cycle start in opposite months in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. Therefore, the plot in Figure 12c is cut off at July and shifted to coincide with January in Belgium. Accordingly, the plot portion corresponding to January-June is shifted. Thus, the cut and shifted plot of Figure 12c forms Figure 12d.

[0057] Figure 12e shows a combination of the average values ​​of data from the MAB Observatory in Belgium in 2018 and the inverted and time-shifted average values ​​of vertical geomagnetic data from the HUA Observatory in Peru for the same year.

[0058] The planting season in Peru is September, which coincides with the same time in April when potatoes are planted in Belgium, according to the pattern in Figure 12e.

[0059] As seen in Figure 12e, the downward magnetic field decreases in Belgium in April and in Peru in September. This means a decrease in the downward magnetic field, which is equal to an increase in the upward magnetic field. After planting, an increase in the downward magnetic field is observable in both Belgium and Peru. The increase continues until harvest time, which is September in Belgium and March in Peru.

[0060] A compensating magnetic field is determined, acquired, or calculated based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the field magnetic field. The plant is then exposed to this compensating magnetic field. This causes the plant to undergo pattern variations according to its geographical origin. Thus, plant hormone production is manipulated by forcing these pattern variations.

[0061] As shown by the two graphs in Figure 12e, the changes in the magnetic field follow a pattern, although the pattern differs slightly between the two hemispheres. It is possible to identify seasonal trigger periods that activate hormones within the plant. By extending or shortening these periods, it is possible to manipulate the plant's life cycle. The applied compensatory magnetic field provides a means of manipulating the plant's life cycle.

[0062] According to the embodiments described above, the average value of the fluctuations is determined over a certain period. However, it is understood that it is possible to use the actual fluctuations without determining the average value.

[0063] The above demonstrates how the proposed technology can be used to account for seasonal variations in magnetic fields. It is understood that magnetic field variations may be considered over different time periods, such as a day or a 24-hour period.

[0064] The geomagnetic field has regular fluctuations with a basic period of 24 hours. The gradient value may deviate from, for example, the average value based on 24-hour intervals to less than 1 degree. The magnetic field strength may deviate from, for example, the average value based on 24-hour intervals to up to 30 nT. As mentioned above, recorded day and night magnetic data can be obtained, for example, from the Intermagnet website. Based on the data, a compensating magnetic field may be obtained for a 24-hour period. Plants can then be exposed to the compensating magnetic field.

[0065] According to another aspect of the proposed technology, a method is provided for controlling or regulating hormone levels within a plant, which includes exposing the plant to a magnetic field. This method may include any of the features of the methods described above. This is based on the recognition that the methods described above may affect hormone levels in plants.

[0066] Detailed explanation It should also be noted that all information relating to terms such as above, under, upper, and lower should be interpreted / read on the premise that the assembly is oriented according to the figure and the drawing is oriented so that the reference can be read appropriately. Therefore, such terms indicate only the relationships in the shown embodiments, and these relationships may change if the proposed equipment is provided with a different structure / design.

[0067] In a first embodiment, the plant cultivation assembly comprises a growth medium support 101, a growth position 108 within the growth medium support 101, and a magnet 103. Such a plant cultivation assembly 100 is shown, for example, in Figure 1. The growth medium support 101 is configured to be supported on a horizontal surface 102. The growth medium support 101 comprises a lower half 101a or lower part and an upper half 101b or upper part. The growth position 108 is located in the upper half 101b and in the center of the growth medium support 101. The growth position 108 is located in the upper third or upper quarter of the growth medium support 101.

[0068] The growth medium is configured to define the growth position 101 in which the plants will be placed. The plant cultivation assembly 100 further comprises a magnet 103. The magnet 103 is configured to generate a magnetic field at the growth position 108 of the growth medium support 101, which is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane 102. By generating or applying a magnetic field inclined with respect to the horizontal plane 102 at the growth position 108, or at the plant 107 placed at the growth position 108, the development of the plant 107 is affected. Thus, the growth rate of the plant 107 is controlled so that the plant 107 grows faster. In other embodiments, the plant 107 can respond to the applied magnetic field by, for example, growing slower or stopping development. The response depends on the intensity and direction or inclination of the applied magnetic field. Thus, the plant cultivation assembly 100 favorably controls plant growth with respect to both intensity and direction.

[0069] Depending on the type of plant, the strength and direction of the magnetic field are determined or obtained according to the desired response and the stage at which the plant 107 is, i.e., germination, flowering, dormancy, etc., as well as the origin of the plant 107.

[0070] In one embodiment of the plant cultivation assembly 100, the magnet 102 is an electromagnet. The electromagnet is connected to a power source, as shown in Figure 5. The plant cultivation assembly 100 further includes a control unit 105 operably connected to the electromagnet of the plant cultivation assembly 100. The control unit 105 controls the intensity of the current supplied to the electromagnet. The generated compensating magnetic field is coupled with the field magnetic field in the plant cultivation assembly 100 to produce a target magnetic field. In this way, the control unit 105 is configured to control the intensity and / or direction or gradient of the target magnetic field. This has the advantage that the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet can be controlled and modified according to the type of plant 107, the desired response from the plant 107, the developmental stage of the plant 107, and / or the origin of the plant 107.

[0071] In one embodiment of the plant cultivation assembly 100, the electromagnet is in the form of a coil inclined with respect to a horizontal surface 102. The inclined magnet / coil 103 has the effect of inclining the compensating magnetic field at the growth position 108 with respect to the horizontal plane 102. The inclined magnetic field has the advantage of being able to reproduce all the characteristics of the target magnetic field (particularly its intensity and inclination, and in some cases even its deflection).

[0072] In one embodiment of the plant cultivation assembly 100, the magnet 103 is an electromagnet in the form of a solenoid. The solenoid partially surrounds the growth medium support 101, as shown in Figure 1. The growth medium support 101 is positioned within a spiral defined by the solenoid. The inclined solenoid has the effect of inclining the generated compensating magnetic field with respect to the horizontal plane 102. In this embodiment, the current supplied by the control unit 105 is kept constant, and the generated compensating magnetic field is static. In other embodiments, the plant 108 is replaced with a different type of plant 108, and the current is modified to provide a compensating magnetic field that is static but has a different intensity.

[0073] In one embodiment of the plant cultivation assembly 100, the assembly 100 further comprises a mat 104. Such an embodiment is schematically shown in Figure 4. The mat 104 has one magnet 103. The magnet 103 is an electromagnet formed as a coil of copper wire. The mat 104 is flexible and waterproof. The electromagnet may also be formed from another metal or graphite.

[0074] The Earth's magnetic field has different strengths, inclines, or directions and values ​​at different geographical locations or places. By exposing plants to the same or essentially the same magnetic field as the one at their origin, it is possible to alter or influence their growth cycle. Therefore, in one embodiment of a method of cultivating plants, - A step of determining, measuring, or acquiring a target magnetic field having a target gradient value and a target intensity value, - A step of determining, measuring, or acquiring the field magnetic field at a specific geographic location having a gradient value and a target intensity value, - A step of determining, measuring, or acquiring a compensating magnetic field based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the field magnetic field, -A step of exposing the plant (107) to a compensating magnetic field and This will be executed.

[0075] In one embodiment of the proposed technology, plant 107 is a seed, germinating at a specific developmental stage. One advantage of applying a compensating magnetic field during germination is that the plant can grow larger and faster.

[0076] In one embodiment of this method, the plant is a bud, and a specific developmental stage is a seedling. One advantage of applying a compensating magnetic field during seedling development is that the plant can obtain more leaves and grow larger.

[0077] In one embodiment of this method, plant 107 is a bud, and the specific developmental stage is the bud stage. The developmental stage following the bud stage is flowering, and by applying a compensating magnetic field during the bud stage, the time it takes for the bud to enter the flowering stage can be shortened.

[0078] In one embodiment of the proposed technique, plant 107 is a bulb, and a particular developmental stage is the vegetative stage. One advantage of applying a compensatory magnetic field during the vegetative stage of the bulb is that the vegetative stage can be extended, allowing the plant to remain in the bulb stage for a longer period, i.e., extending the time until flowering. In one embodiment of the proposed technique, the compensatory magnetic field is applied during the germination, seedling, and bud stages. It may also be applied during other / more / less developmental stages such as flowering, maturation, and vegetative stages. One advantage of applying a compensatory magnetic field during several, i.e., at least two, developmental stages is that the rate of the growth cycle can be increased. One advantage of the proposed technique is that the life cycle of plant 107 can be reduced or extended and controlled. For example, plant 107 exposed to the proposed technique may flower twice a year instead of once.

[0079] In one specific embodiment of this method, the plant is amaryllis. Amaryllis is an ornamental flower native to South Africa, and it mainly reproduces from small bulbs that develop in addition to the main bulb that produces the flower stalk. Amaryllis is an annual plant, flowering once a year, around October in the Western Cape. In the Northern Hemisphere, it flowers naturally from March to April.

[0080] Plants naturally go through an annual cycle to prepare their flower bulbs to produce flower stalks and blooms. Once the bulbs are ready, they conserve energy during the winter, begin producing one or two flower stalks, and begin blooming in the spring. After flowering, the plants produce leaves, lose them by the end of summer and the beginning of winter, and return to a dormant state.

[0081] Today, this growth cycle is controlled in commercial farms to maintain the growing season, accelerate flowering, and preserve bulbs to delay flowering. This is generally controlled by the use of climate chambers where temperature and / or humidity are controlled. One advantage of the method by the proposed technology is that it can be used without or in combination with conventional artificial climate chamber treatments.

[0082] In this embodiment, a vertically downward compensating magnetic field is applied when the flower bulbs are drying out and conserving energy for the next season. This can accelerate growth once the flower bulbs are planted and receive water. The duration and intensity of the treatment depend on the type of flower, but typically vary from a few days to up to 10 weeks. This treatment can be viewed as a pretreatment, followed by a secondary treatment during the flowering period.

[0083] In certain embodiments, a vertically downward compensating magnetic field is applied even when the flower bulb is in bloom. This can enable stem elongation and / or induce leaf development. This can be used, for example, for young flower bulbs that need to go through 2-3 years of leaf development before they can develop flower stems. Processing by the proposed technique can accelerate such a process.

[0084] In certain embodiments, an upward compensatory magnetic field is applied to plants after flowering. This accelerates leaf senescence, preparing the plants to return to a dormant state. In commercial farms, this process is typically carried out by applying high temperatures for 10 to 15 days.

[0085] Proof of Concept This example is provided for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention as defined by the attached claims.

[0086] Example 1: Tomatillo We used two different sets of tomatillo plants, grown from seed germination to fruiting, in our experiment.

[0087] The first experiment involved sets of three types of tomatillo seeds in two different sample groups. The sample seeds were planted separately, each in a square plastic propagation pot measuring 4 x 4 x 6 cm. All pots were then placed in a plastic pot with a diameter of 21 cm. In total, there were 18 small square pots and 2 large round pots.

[0088] Nine small square pots, each containing one tomatillo seed. All nine pots (three Siquiros seeds, three Dali seeds, and three Tomayo seeds) were placed in a larger pot to serve as a control group. Figures 6a-6d show schematic diagrams of the experimental setup. Figure 6a shows the setup for the two groups of seed pots. Figure 6b shows the setup for the control group. Figures 6c and 6d show the setup of the test posts connected to the current generator. The test group was set up similarly. Both groups in round pots were placed on square mats. One of the mats had a spiral coil positioned in the center. The test group was placed on the mat with the spiral coil.

[0089] The tomatillo experiment was conducted using three different types of seeds: Siquiros, Dali, and Tomayo.

[0090] 1. First Examination In the first experiment, the test subjects (seeds) were divided into two groups: a control and a treatment. Each group contained three seeds of each subspecies. Both groups used the same type of pot and placed them on a mat. The mat for the treatment group contained an electromagnet, so the treatment group was exposed to a magnetic field. No magnetic field was applied to the control group. See Table 1 for a summary.

[0091] [Table 1]

[0092] Comparison of germination rates The test group had a 33% higher germination rate compared to the control group. A summary is shown in Table 2. Exemplary examples of the size difference between treatment (1) and control (2) can be seen in Figures 7 and 8. As seen in Figures 7 and 8, the leaves, stems, and roots of the treated samples are larger than their correspondings in the control samples.

[0093] [Table 2]

[0094] 2. Second Examination The second experiment on the TOMAYO variety of tomatillo was conducted using an additive treatment method.

[0095] - 3 seeds, treatment 1: Solenoid upward magnetic field 7.5μT (pot with diameter 24cm, 40 turns of wire, solenoid length 20cm, current 30mA) - 5 seeds, processing 2: flattened spiral coil - 3 seeds, control (no magnetic field) A comparison of the test results between the two treatment groups and the control group is shown in Tables 3-6 and Figures 9a-9d below.

[0096] [Table 3]

[0097] [Table 4]

[0098] [Table 5]

[0099] [Table 6]

[0100] According to this study, germination and stem elongation rates were faster in seeds with a basic solenoid having an upward magnetic field, and they developed stronger stems. Plants with a spiral having a downward magnetic field developed larger leaves.

[0101] In the second experiment, average stem thickness increased by 20% compared to the control group, stem elongation increased by 12%, and leaf size increased by 7%.

[0102] Plant germination rate, speed, and size all increased in both treatment groups compared to their respective control groups.

[0103] Apart from plant quality, fruit size and yield were significantly higher in treated plants, i.e., plants treated with a gradient magnetic field.

[0104] Example 2: Amaryllis 45 amaryllis bulbs in 3 groups of 15 bulbs each (Treatment 1, Treatment 2, Control) All the bulbs are at the end of their dormancy period, ready to grow stems, and are all pointing upwards.

[0105] Bulbs from each group were planted in 40 x 60 cm trays within 8 cm diameter plant cultivation assemblies. The plant cultivation assemblies were placed 2 cm apart (see schematic diagram in Figure 10). The control group was placed on a regular plastic tray. The treatment groups were treated in two different ways: the first time during the dormant period and the second time during the flowering period. The treatments were carried out in parallel.

[0106] Process 1: A plastic tray containing 15 coils connected in series, each with 7 turns. 40mA current, vertical magnetic field specifications: downward, 0.8μT at root level.

[0107] • Process 2: A plastic tray containing 15 coils connected in series, each with 7 turns. 40mA current, vertical magnetic field specifications: 0.8μT at the top and root level.

[0108] The current was applied using a 12V DC current generator. The magnetic field was measured at 2 cm and 10 cm above the top layer.

[0109] The results are shown in the table and Figures 11a and 11b below. Figure 11a shows the increase in stem length after the first treatment. Figure 11b shows the increase in stem length after treatment 2. The length of each stem was measured 30 days after the start of watering.

[0110] [Table 7]

[0111] [Table 8]

[0112] Continuing treatment 1 accelerates plant senescence in the cycle, allowing leaves to dry out more quickly and return to dormancy earlier in the season (similar to the autumn effect in this particular plant due to the timing of the start of the life cycle). Table 9 shows the number of flowers on the stem after different treatments.

[0113] [Table 9]

Claims

1. A growth medium support (101) configured to be supported on a horizontal surface (102), wherein the growth medium support (101) comprises a lower half (101a) and an upper half (101b), defines a growth position (108) within the growth medium support (101), and the growth position (108) is located in the upper half (101b) of the growth medium support (101) and in the center of the growth medium support (101), and An electromagnet (103) is provided at the growth position (108) of the growth medium support (101) and configured to generate a magnetic field that is inclined with respect to the horizontal surface (102), Equipped with, The electromagnet (103) is a coil or solenoid that surrounds at least a portion of the growth medium support (101), The coil or solenoid is inclined with respect to the horizontal surface (102) and the normal to the horizontal surface (102) in a plant cultivation assembly (100).

2. The plant cultivation assembly (100) according to claim 1, further comprising a growth medium (106) supported on the growth medium support (101).

3. The plant cultivation assembly (100) according to claim 2, further comprising a plant (107) located at the growth position (108), wherein the plant (107) is supported by the growth medium (106).

4. The plant cultivation assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the growth medium support (101) is a pot.

5. The plant cultivation assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the electromagnet (103) comprises at least one electrical contact configured to connect the electromagnet (103) to a power source, and the plant cultivation assembly (100) further comprises a control unit (105) configured to control the magnetic field generated by the electromagnet (103).

6. The plant cultivation assembly (100) according to claim 1, wherein the maximum diameter of the electromagnet (103) is 90 to 100% of the maximum diameter of the growth medium support (101).

7. The plant cultivation assembly (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the magnetic field is static.

8. A method for cultivating plants (107) at a specific geographical location, wherein the method is To obtain a target magnetic field with a target gradient value, Acquiring the field magnetic field at the aforementioned specific geographical location, A compensation magnetic field is obtained based on the difference between the target magnetic field and the field magnetic field. Exposing the plant (107) to the compensating magnetic field and Methods that include...

9. The target magnetic field has a target intensity value, The aforementioned field magnetic field has a field intensity value, The compensation magnetic field has a calculated intensity value. The method according to claim 8.

10. The method according to claim 8, wherein the plant originates from a geographical region having a natural growth season and seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field, the plant is in a specific developmental stage, and obtaining the target magnetic field is based on the developmental stage of the plant, the natural growth season, and the seasonal variations in the geomagnetic field.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plant is a seed and the specific developmental stage is germination.

12. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plant is a bud and the specific developmental stage is a seedling.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plant is a bud and the specific developmental stage is the bud stage.

14. The method according to claim 10, wherein the plant is a bulb and the developmental stage is the vegetative stage.

15. The method according to claim 11, wherein the compensating magnetic field is applied during the germination, seedling, and bud stages.

16. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the compensating magnetic field is static.

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