Biodegradable seeding pot and manufacturing method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a technology for a seedling pot for growing seedlings, wherein the pot is molded using agar and potato starch as main raw materials, thereby enabling environmentally friendly biodegradability so that the seedling can be transplanted directly into the farmland without separating the seedling and the pot. Furthermore, since the biodegradation rate of the pot is controlled according to the type of seedling and the soil environment, the seedling can quickly establish itself in the farmland, thereby increasing farm productivity, reducing labor for workers, and facilitating mass production of a biodegradable seedling pot.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a technology for a seedling pot for growing seedlings. More specifically, it relates to a biodegradable seedling pot that is environmentally friendly and biodegradable, allowing the seedling to be transplanted directly into farmland without separating the pot. Furthermore, by controlling the biodegradation rate of the pot according to the type of seedling and the soil environment, the seedling can quickly establish itself in the farmland, thereby increasing farm productivity, reducing labor costs, and facilitating mass production. Background Technology

[0003] Generally, seedling pots contain soil that supplies nutrients and provide a growing environment for plant seeds or seedlings to be planted and grow. In particular, most seedling pots are made of plastic and are shaped like flowerpots with drainage holes formed on the bottom surface for drainage.

[0004] Although these seedling pots are recyclable due to the properties of plastic, they have recently been causing significant problems as they not only take a considerable amount of time for plants to grow but also become a major culprit in soil and environmental pollution if left unmanaged.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need for a seedling pot that, like plastic pots, fully satisfies functions such as maintaining shape and providing a growth environment during the seedling period, while naturally biodegrading after seedling to provide necessary nutrients for plants and prevent soil and environmental pollution.

[0007] In this regard,

[0008] As prior art for existing biodegradable seedling pots, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-1176550 (biodegradable plastic seedling pot) has been presented.

[0009] Since this prior art is manufactured from biodegradable plastic, it has the advantage of allowing the seedling pot to be planted directly in the field without separating the grown seedling. Additionally, by forming spiral protrusions and a habitat space where microorganisms can inhabit on the outer surface of the body, it not only allows the seedling pot to be easily planted in the field but also provides the effect of allowing the body to decompose quickly by microorganisms that have taken root and inhabit the habitat space.

[0010] In addition, Korean Registered Patent No. 10-2596683 (Naturally Biodegradable Functional Seedling Pot) has been presented as prior art for existing naturally biodegradable seedling pots.

[0011] This prior art provides the effect of supplying nutrients necessary for crop growth through the biodegradation process via compositions that are completely naturally biodegradable after 3 to 4 months, helping to improve crop conditions without the need for separate fertilization, thereby preventing soil nutrient deficiency, and since no separate separation work is required after seedling cultivation, there is no risk of damage to seedling roots, and labor can be reduced, as well as resolving soil contamination problems.

[0013] However, the "biodegradable seedling pot" presented in the prior art cannot specifically control the natural biodegradation period, so there is a problem in that the roots of the seedlings cannot quickly establish themselves in the farmland, seedling growth is slowed, and productivity is reduced.

[0014] In other words, if the pot biodegrades quickly, it is difficult for seedlings to adapt to the farmland environment and their roots are damaged by various pests; conversely, if the pot biodegrades slowly, it hinders the roots from establishing themselves in the soil and presents the problem of difficulty in supplying nutrients. Prior art literature

[0016] Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-0813403. Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-1176550. Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2223304. Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2291661. Republic of Korea Registered Patent No. 10-2596683. The problem to be solved

[0017] The present invention is a technology devised to improve upon the problems of "biodegradable seedling pots" presented in existing prior art. Since the pot is molded using agar and potato starch as main raw materials, it biodegrades in an environmentally friendly manner, allowing the seedling to be transplanted directly into farmland without separating the pot. Furthermore, the pot naturally biodegrades to provide nutrients to plants and reduces labor costs, while also facilitating mass production of a biodegradable seedling pot.

[0018] Furthermore, the present invention aims to provide a biodegradable seedling pot that improves farm productivity by forming a coating layer on the pot with olive oil and processing a plurality of micro-holes in the coating layer to control the biodegradation rate of the pot according to the type of seedling and soil environment, thereby enabling seedlings to quickly take root in farmland and protecting the roots of the seedlings from various pests to increase growth vigor. means of solving the problem

[0020] The present invention aims to realize the aforementioned intended purpose,

[0021] A method for manufacturing a biodegradable seedling pot according to the present invention comprises: a raw material preparation step of preparing agar and potato starch; a first composition creation step of placing the agar and water prepared in the above step into a container and stirring while heating over low heat to form a soft jelly-like state; a second composition creation step of mixing potato starch and water with the first composition created in the above step and stirring while heating over low heat to form a gel state; a film forming step of removing air bubbles from the second composition created in the above step and feeding it into a film forming machine to pressure-form it; a coating layer forming step of spraying olive oil onto the film formed in the above step and drying it by heating; a micro-hole processing step of processing holes with a laser on the film with the coating layer formed in the above step; and a pot forming step of placing the film with holes processed in the above step into a mold and forming it into a pot shape.

[0022] In addition, as an embodiment of the present invention, the first composition production step is characterized by placing agar-agar and water in a container at a ratio of 100g:3L, heating over low heat for 2 hours while stirring to produce a soft jelly-like consistency.

[0023] In addition, as an embodiment of the present invention, the step of creating the secondary composition is characterized by mixing potato starch and water in a 1:3 ratio with the primary composition, and stirring while heating over low heat to remove moisture and create a gel state.

[0024] In addition, as an embodiment of the present invention, the micro-hole processing step is characterized in that the holes are finely processed to a size of 10 to 100 μm and arranged at intervals of 500 to 1000 μm, and the biodegradation rate of the pot is controlled by varying the size and spacing of the holes.

[0025] In addition, as an embodiment of the present invention, Aspergillus oryzae is diluted in water and sprayed onto the surface of a seedling pot through a micro nozzle to shorten the biodegradation time of the seedling pot according to the type of seedling.

[0026] In addition, as an embodiment of the present invention, the seedling pot is characterized by having a plurality of ribs formed on the main body to increase durability and strength. Effects of the invention

[0028] In the embodiment of the present invention, since the pot is formed using agar and potato starch as main raw materials, the pot is biodegradable in an environmentally friendly manner, allowing the seedling to be transplanted directly into the farmland without separating the pot. Furthermore, as the pot naturally biodegrades, it not only provides nutrients to the plant but also reduces the labor of workers and facilitates mass production.

[0029] In addition, an embodiment of the present invention forms a coating layer on a pot with olive oil and processes a plurality of micro-holes in the coating layer to control the biodegradation rate of the pot according to the type of seedling and the soil environment, thereby enabling the seedling to quickly take root in the farmland and protecting the roots of the seedling from various pests to increase growth potential, which in turn has the effect of improving the productivity of the farm.

[0030] Furthermore, the embodiments of the present invention provide the effect of preventing soil and environmental pollution, reducing manpower and labor costs, and enabling application to recently emerging smart farm technologies, as the pot is biodegradable in an environmentally friendly manner. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0032] FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the manufacturing process of a seedling pot in the present invention. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a seedling pot in the present invention. FIG. 3 is another perspective view showing a seedling pot in the present invention. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the drainage hole of the seedling pot in the present invention. FIG. 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a key part showing the micro-holes of the seedling pot in the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the ribs of a seedling pot in the present invention. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0033] Before explaining the technical concept of the present invention in more detail using the attached drawings, the terms and words used in this specification and claims should not be interpreted as being limited to their ordinary or dictionary meanings. Instead, based on the principle that the inventor can appropriately define the concepts of the terms to best describe his invention, they must be interpreted in a meaning and concept consistent with the technical concept of the present invention.

[0034] Therefore, the embodiments described in this specification and the configurations illustrated in the drawings are merely one preferred embodiment of the present invention and do not represent all of the technical concept of the present invention; thus, it should be understood that various modifications capable of replacing them may exist at the time of filing this application.

[0035] Hereinafter, the technical concept of the present invention will be explained in more detail using the attached drawings. Since the attached drawings are merely examples illustrated to explain the technical concept of the present invention in more detail, the technical concept of the present invention is not limited to the form of the attached drawings.

[0037] A method for manufacturing a biodegradable seedling pot according to an embodiment of the present invention comprises: a raw material preparation step (a) of having agar and potato starch; a first composition creation step (b) of placing the agar and water prepared in step (a) into a container and stirring while heating over low heat to make a soft jelly-like state; a second composition creation step (c) of mixing potato starch and water with the first composition created in step (b) and stirring while heating over low heat to make a gel state; a film forming step (d) of removing air bubbles from the second composition created in step (c) and feeding it into a film forming machine to pressure-form it; a coating layer forming step (e) of spraying olive oil onto the film formed in step (d) and drying it by heating; a micro-hole processing step (f) of processing holes in the film with the coating layer formed in step (e) using a laser; and a pot forming step (g) of placing the film with holes processed in step (f) into a mold and forming it into a pot shape.

[0039] Next, the manufacturing process of a biodegradable seedling pot according to an embodiment of the present invention is described in detail.

[0040] ▶ [Preparation of Ingredients]

[0041] Finely chop and wash the agar-agar, then air-dry it to prepare it. Also, prepare potato starch and olive oil. Agar-agar is a type of red algae belonging to the family Gracilariaceae; it grows to a height of 10 to 30 cm, has a stem with many small branches resembling a tree branch, and is primarily dark red in color. It lives attached to sand or rocks in the sea and is used for food, medicine, or industrial purposes.

[0042] As mentioned above, Gracilaria can be used as a substitute for Gracilaria. Gracilaria is a red algae belonging to the family Gracilariaceae, and it is blackish-purple or dark brown in color and is mixed with Gracilaria to make agar.

[0044] ▶[Creation of Primary Composition]

[0045] Place the prepared agar-agar and water in a container at a ratio of 100g to 3L, and heat over low heat while stirring for about 2 hours to create a soft jelly-like consistency, thereby producing a primary composition. Adjust the heating and stirring time according to the degree of softness.

[0047] ▶[Creation of secondary composition]

[0048] Potato starch and water are mixed in a 1:3 ratio in the first composition, and the mixture is stirred while heating over low heat to remove moisture and create a gel state to produce the second composition. The first composition is added to the mixture of potato starch and water in a 1:3 ratio.

[0050] ▶[Film Forming]

[0051] The secondary composition generated above is introduced into a vacuum tank to remove bubbles, and then introduced into a film forming machine and pressurized with a screw to form a film through a slit and a roller.

[0053] ▶[Coating Layer Forming]

[0054] After drying the film formed above, olive oil is sprayed onto the surface of the film and heated to form a coating layer. The coating layer can be formed by repeatedly coating with olive oil multiple times.

[0056] ▶[Microhole Machining]

[0057] Holes are uniformly machined using a laser on a film having a coating layer formed thereon. The holes are finely machined to a size of 10 to 100 µm, spaced at intervals of 500 to 1000 µm, and machined to a size that prevents water from passing through.

[0059] ▶[Port Forming]

[0060] The film with micro-holes processed as described above is placed in a mold preheated to 85 to 95°C, and a port is formed into a circular or square shape by applying a pressure of 6 to 7 kg / ㎠ for 1 to 10 minutes while increasing the temperature to 110 to 220°C.

[0062] The biodegradable seedling pot molded as described above uses agar and potato starch as main ingredients and is biodegradable in an environmentally friendly manner, allowing the seedling to be transplanted directly into the farmland without separating the seedling and the pot, and since the pot naturally biodegrades, it can provide nutrients to the plant.

[0063] Meanwhile, the biodegradable seedling pot molded above can control the biodegradation rate of the pot according to the type of seedling and the soil environment by forming a coating layer on the pot with olive oil and processing a number of micro-holes in the coating layer and the pot.

[0064] That is, a number of micro-holes are processed in the coating layer that protects the surface of the port, and the biodegradation rate of the port can be controlled by the size and spacing of the micro-holes. The biodegradation period of the port according to the size and spacing of the micro-holes is shown in [Table 1] and [Table 2] below.

[0066] division Microhole spacing Biodegradation period Microhole size (10um) 500um 2~2.5 weeks 750um 2.5 to 3 weeks 1000um 3~4 weeks

[0068] division Microhole spacing Biodegradation period Microhole size (100um) 500um 1~1.5 weeks 750um 1.5 to 2 weeks 1000um 2~2.5 weeks

[0070] In addition, if it is desired to shorten the biodegradation time of seedling pots depending on the type of seedling during transplanting, the decomposition time of the pots can be rapidly reduced by coating the surface of the pots with Aspergillus oryzae, such as yeast mold, diluted in water and sprayed through a micro-nozzle.

[0071] As a result, since the pots are environmentally biodegradable, they can be transplanted directly into the farmland without separating the seedlings from the pots. Furthermore, by controlling the biodegradation rate of the pots according to the type of seedling and soil environment, the seedlings can quickly establish themselves in the field. Additionally, by protecting the roots from various pests, growth potential is enhanced, thereby improving farm productivity.

[0073] Next, a biodegradable seedling pot according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0074] In the present invention, the seedling pot (100) is formed using agar and potato starch as main ingredients, and as shown in Figures 2 to 3 of the drawings, it can be configured in a circular or square shape depending on the type of seedling, and as shown in Figure 4 of the drawings, a drainage hole (11) is formed on the bottom surface for drainage.

[0075] Meanwhile, a coating layer (30) is formed with olive oil on the surface of a main body (10) configured in a circular or square shape. The coating layer (30) is formed by spraying olive oil onto the surface of the main body (10), applying it, and then heating and drying it. It may also be formed by repeatedly coating with olive oil multiple times.

[0076] In the above, the coating layer (30) functions to protect the surface of the main body (10), and may be formed on the outer surface and the inner surface of the main body (10), or may be formed on the outer surface of the main body (10).

[0077] In addition, as shown in Fig. 5 of the drawing, a plurality of micro-holes (40) are formed in the main body (10) on which the coating layer (30) is formed, so that the biodegradation rate of the pot (100) can be controlled according to the type of seedling and the soil environment.

[0078] That is, a plurality of micro-holes (40) are processed in the coating layer (30) that protects the surface of the main body (10), and the biodegradation rate of the port (100) can be controlled by the size and spacing of the micro-holes (40).

[0079] In the above, the micro-holes (40) are finely processed using a laser to a size of 10 to 100 µm so that water cannot pass through, drain, or flow in, and are arranged at intervals of 500 to 1000 µm.

[0080] In addition, in order to increase durability and strength, the seedling pot (100) in the present invention may have a plurality of ribs (20) formed on the main body (10) as shown in Fig. 6 of the drawing, and the ribs (20) may be composed of protrusions or grooves.

[0082] An embodiment of the present invention, constructed in this manner, forms a pot using agar and potato starch as main ingredients, thereby enabling environmentally friendly biodegradability. This allows the seedling to be transplanted directly into farmland without separating the pot, and the pot can provide nutrients to plants as it naturally biodegrades.

[0083] In addition, the embodiments of the present invention control the biodegradation rate of the pot according to the type of seedling and the soil environment, thereby enabling the seedling to quickly take root in the farmland and protecting the roots of the seedling from various pests to increase growth potential, which in turn improves the productivity of the farm.

[0084] The present invention has been described above with reference to preferred embodiments, but is not limited to the above embodiments. A person skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may implement the invention with various modifications within the scope of the gist of the invention without departing from the above embodiments. Explanation of the symbols

[0086] 10: Main body 11: Drainage hole 20: Rib 30: Coating layer 40: Micro-hole 100: Port

Claims

Claim 1 A method for manufacturing a biodegradable seedling pot, characterized by comprising: a raw material preparation step (a) of preparing agar-agar and potato starch; a first composition creation step (b) of placing the agar-agar and water prepared in step (a) into a container and stirring while heating over low heat to form a soft jelly-like consistency; a second composition creation step (c) of mixing potato starch and water with the first composition created in step (b) and stirring while heating over low heat to form a gel-like consistency; a film forming step (d) of removing air bubbles from the second composition created in step (c) and feeding it into a film forming machine to perform pressure molding; a coating layer forming step (e) of spraying olive oil onto the film formed in step (d) and drying it by heating; a micro-hole processing step (f) of processing holes in the film with the coating layer formed in step (e) using a laser; and a pot forming step (g) of placing the film with holes processed in step (f) into a mold and forming it into a pot shape. Claim 2 A method for manufacturing a biodegradable seedling pot according to claim 1, wherein the first composition generating step (b) is characterized by placing agar-agar and water in a container at a ratio of 100g:3L, heating over low heat for 2 hours while stirring to produce a soft, jelly-like consistency. Claim 3 A method for manufacturing a biodegradable seedling pot according to claim 1, wherein the step of creating the secondary composition (c) is characterized by mixing potato starch and water in a 1:3 ratio with the primary composition, and stirring while heating over low heat to remove moisture and create a gel state. Claim 4 A method for manufacturing a biodegradable seedling pot according to claim 1, wherein the micro-hole processing step (f) is characterized in that the holes are finely processed to a size of 10 to 100 µm and arranged at intervals of 500 to 1000 µm, and the biodegradation rate of the pot is controlled by varying the size and spacing of the holes. Claim 5 A method for manufacturing a biodegradable seedling pot according to claim 1, characterized by diluting Aspergillus oryzae in water and spraying the mixture onto the surface of a seedling pot through a micro nozzle to shorten the biodegradation time of the seedling pot according to the type of seedling. Claim 6 A biodegradable seedling pot manufactured by the method for manufacturing a biodegradable seedling pot of claim 1. Claim 7 In claim 6, the biodegradable seedling pot (100) is characterized by having a plurality of ribs (20) formed on the main body (10) to increase durability and strength.

Images