Method for producing organic substance and method for proliferating plant body

Abstract

[Problem] To provide a method for producing an organic substance, the method having high efficiency in recovery of an organic substance while utilizing a plant body. [Solution] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing an organic substance, the method comprising: a first step for preparing a plant body having a first root spread underground and a second root artificially created in part of an aboveground portion; a second step for cultivating the plant body, thereby generating an organic substance within the plant body; and a third step for recovering the organic substance discharged from the second root of the plant body.

Description

Method for producing organic matter and method for propagating plants

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for producing organic matter and a method for propagating plants.

[0002] Chemical fertilizers such as nitrogen fertilizer, phosphate fertilizer, and potassium fertilizer have traditionally been used in plant cultivation. A fertilizer sheet has been proposed in which these fertilizer components are supported on a polylactic acid substrate (see Patent Document 1). However, only about 10% of the fertilizer components supplied to the soil are absorbed by the plants, with the majority being wasted. Meanwhile, useful organic substances produced by the plants are excreted into the soil via the roots, making recovery difficult.

[0003] Furthermore, many useful secretions collected from plants are known. For example, secretions collected from Anacardiaceae plants have long been used as paints or adhesives. Furthermore, secretions collected from rubber trees are used as natural rubber. These secretions are collected by scratching the epidermis of the plant. Studies have also been conducted on secretion promoters to promote the secretion of secretions from plants (see Patent Document 2). However, with the above-mentioned method, once the entire epidermis of the plant is scratched, it becomes difficult to collect any more secretions. As a result, the plant loses its utility value and must be cut down.

[0004] Utility Model Registration No. 3167415 JP 2004-115448 A

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a method for producing organic matter that utilizes plants and has high organic matter recovery efficiency. Also, in view of the above circumstances, the present invention provides a method for propagating plants that can be used continuously without cutting down the plants.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for producing organic matter, comprising: a first step of preparing a plant having first roots extending underground and second roots artificially created in a portion of the above-ground portion; a second step of cultivating the plant to produce organic matter within the plant; and a third step of collecting the organic matter excreted from the second roots of the plant.

[0007] According to this aspect, organic matter excreted from the artificially created second roots in the above-ground portion is collected, so that the efficiency of collecting organic matter can be increased.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for propagating a plant, comprising: a first step of preparing a plant having first roots underground; and maintaining a temperature of 45°C or less in an environment of 100% RH or less or in the presence of moisture in a state where a portion of the above-ground portion of the plant is shaded, thereby inducing second roots in the portion of the above-ground portion; a second step of continuing the state of the first step and allowing the second roots to grow until the tip of the second root reaches the surface or underground; and a third step of removing the shaded state and converting the second roots into a portion of the above-ground portion of the plant.

[0009] According to this embodiment, the plant body can be continuously used without being cut down.

[0010] Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a plant cultivation device that can be used in this embodiment. Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which second roots have been induced in the plant of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which second roots are being grown in the plant of Fig. 2. Fig. 6 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which a water retention unit of the cultivation device has been removed from the plant of Fig. 3.

[0011] The method for producing organic matter will be described in detail below based on preferred embodiments. First, a plant cultivation apparatus that can be used in this embodiment will be described. [Plant cultivation apparatus] Fig. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the configuration of a plant cultivation apparatus that can be used in this embodiment. Fig. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which second roots have been induced in the plant of Fig. 1. The plant cultivation apparatus 1 shown in Fig. 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as "cultivation apparatus 1") is an apparatus for cultivating a plant P that has first roots R1 (having a root system) in the underground UG.

[0012] This cultivation device 1 includes a water retention unit 2, a shading unit 3, a water supply unit 4, and a nutrient supply unit 5. The cultivation device 1 is configured to induce second roots R2 in a portion of the above-ground portion S by supplying water to a portion of the above-ground portion (shoot system) S via the water retention unit 2. The water retention unit 2 has a function of retaining water around a portion of the above-ground portion S of the plant P. The water retention unit 2 includes a retention unit main body 21 and a water retention body 22 arranged between the retention unit main body 21 and the plant P so as to contact the portion of the above-ground portion S.

[0013] The holder main body 21 may be made of a hard body or a soft (flexible) body. Examples of materials that can be used for hard bodies include hard resin materials such as polycarbonate, ceramic materials, and metal materials. Examples of materials that can be used for soft bodies include soft resin materials such as polypropylene and rubber materials. The moisture holder 22 may be integrated with the holder main body 21, or may be formed separately from the holder main body 21 and filled inside the holder main body 21.

[0014] The water retainer 22 may be made of any material that can retain the supplied water, but preferably contains a water-absorbent polymer. By configuring the water retainer 22 to contain a water-absorbent polymer, it is possible to retain a necessary and sufficient amount of water in the water retention section 2. Furthermore, since the water-absorbent polymer swells upon absorbing water, it can apply pressure to a portion of the above-ground part S of the plant P. This can be expected to promote the induction of second roots R2 in that portion.

[0015] Such water-absorbing polymers are not particularly limited, but examples thereof include polyvinylpyrrolidone, cross-linked polyvinylpyrrolidone, polyacrylic acid, polymethacrylic acid, sodium polyacrylate, gelatin, methyl cellulose, hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl cellulose, carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carboxyvinyl polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl ether, starch, polyethylene glycol, polypropylene glycol, polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene glycol, and dextran.

[0016] The shading portion 3 has the function of preventing light from reaching part of the above-ground portion S of the plant P (i.e., shading part of the above-ground portion S). Providing the shading portion 3 can sufficiently promote the induction of second roots R2. The shading portion 3 may be formed by forming the holder body 21 itself out of a shading film, or by forming a shading film on the outer periphery of the holder body 21, or by coloring the holder body 21 itself black or a dark color. In the former case, it is sufficient to cover part of the above-ground portion S together with the water retainer 22 with a shading film.

[0017] The water supply unit 4 has the function of supplying water to the water retention unit 2. The water supply unit 4 has a first container 41 that stores water, a tube 42 that connects (communicates) the first container 41 with the water retention unit 2 (retention unit main body 21), and a pump 43 provided midway along the tube 42. With this configuration, the amount of water supplied to the water retention body 22 can be accurately adjusted by controlling the operation of the pump 43 via a control unit (not shown). This makes it possible to control the induction of second roots R2.

[0018] In the illustrated configuration, the water supply unit 4 is fixed to the water retention unit 2, but it may be configured to be detachable from the water retention unit 2. In this case, the space required for arranging the water supply unit 4 (first container 41) can be omitted, thereby expanding the cultivation area for the plant P. Examples of a form in which the water supply unit 4 is detachable from the water retention unit 2 include a work vehicle equipped with the first container 41, or an aerial vehicle (e.g., a drone) having the first container 41. Aerial vehicles are advantageous from the perspective of expanding the cultivation area for the plant P, as they eliminate the need to secure space for the work vehicle to move around.

[0019] The nutrient supply unit 5 functions to supply nutrients necessary for the growth of the plant P via the second root R2. The nutrient supply unit 5 includes a second container 51 for storing nutrients, a tube 52 connecting (communicating) the second container 51 with the water retention unit 2 (retention unit main body 21), and a pump 53 installed midway along the tube 52. With this configuration, the amount of nutrients supplied to the water retention unit 22 can be accurately adjusted by controlling the operation of the pump 53 via a control unit (not shown). This allows for control of the induction of the second root R2. Examples of nutrients necessary for the growth of the plant P include nitrogen fertilizers such as ammonium sulfate and urea, phosphate fertilizers such as superphosphate and yolk phosphate fertilizer, and potassium fertilizers such as potassium sulfate and potassium chloride.

[0020] In the illustrated configuration, the nutrient supply unit 5 is fixed to the water retention unit 2, but it may be configured to be detachable from the water retention unit 2. In this case, the space required for arranging the nutrient supply unit 5 (second container 51) can be eliminated, thereby expanding the cultivation area for the plant P. Examples of a configuration in which the nutrient supply unit 5 is detachable from the water retention unit 2 include a work vehicle equipped with the second container 51 and an aerial vehicle (e.g., a drone) having the second container 51. Using an aerial vehicle eliminates the need to secure space for the work vehicle to move, which is advantageous from the perspective of expanding the cultivation area for the plant P. Furthermore, the aerial vehicle may further include a first container 41 for storing water and function as the water supply unit 4. In this case, the configuration of the cultivation device 1 can be simplified.

[0021] Using such a cultivation apparatus 1, a plant P can be cultivated and organic matter can be produced. [Method for Producing Organic Matter] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a method for producing organic matter through cultivation of a plant P using the cultivation apparatus 1 (hereinafter also simply referred to as a "production method") will be described. The production method of this embodiment includes a first step of preparing a plant P having first roots R1 extending underground UG and second roots R2 artificially grown in a portion of the above-ground part S, a second step of cultivating the plant P to produce organic matter within the plant P, and a third step of collecting the organic matter excreted from the second roots R2 of the plant P. Each step will be described in order below.

[0022] [1] First Step In the first step, a plant P is prepared that has a first root R1 extending underground UG and a second root R2 artificially created in a part of the above-ground part S. First, a plant P is prepared that has a first root R1 extending underground UG. This plant P may be a plant cultivated by the worker himself or a naturally grown plant. Then, a plant P suitable for cultivation is selected from multiple plants.

[0023] Next, second roots R2 are artificially created in a portion of the above-ground portion S of the selected plant P. The second roots R2 can be created by either a method of inducing second roots R2 in a portion of the above-ground portion S of the plant P (induction method) described below, or by root grafting. The induction method is described below. First, as described above, the water retention unit 2 and the shading unit 3 are attached to a portion of the above-ground portion S of the plant P, and the water supply unit 4 and the nutrient supply unit 5 are arranged to assemble the cultivation device 1. The above-ground portion S is preferably the trunk or stem of the plant P. It is relatively easy to induce second roots (aerial adventitious roots) R2 from the above-ground portion S of such a plant P. In this state, water is supplied from the water supply unit 4 to the water retention unit 2 (water retention body 22). Then, water is supplied to the portion of the above-ground portion S via the water retention unit 2. This configuration can suppress water loss due to evaporation from the water retention unit 2. At this time, the moisture held in the moisture holding section 2 may be heated as necessary.

[0024] That is, it is preferable to maintain a temperature of about 45°C or less in an environment of about 100% RH or less or in the presence of moisture, with a portion of the above-ground portion S of the plant P shaded. This allows the second root R2 to be appropriately induced in the portion of the above-ground portion S. The humidity of the environment (atmosphere) when inducing the second root R2 is set based on the type of plant P being cultivated and is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 30% RH or more and 100% RH or less, and more preferably about 40% RH or more and 90% RH or less. The temperature of the moisture when inducing the second root R2 is also set based on the type of plant P being cultivated and is not particularly limited, but is preferably about 20°C or more and 40°C or less, and more preferably about 20°C or more and 35°C or less. Setting the conditions within these ranges makes it easy to adjust the degree of induction of the second root R2.

[0025] In this way, second roots R2 are induced in a portion of the above-ground portion S, as shown in Figure 2. The method for inducing second roots R2 in a portion of the above-ground portion S is not limited to the method of this embodiment, and may be, for example, a method in which a drug or hormone that promotes the induction of adventitious roots is supplied (injected or applied) to a portion of the above-ground portion S.

[0026] [2] Second Step Next, in the second step, the plant P is cultivated to produce organic matter within the plant P. Specifically, a liquid containing nutrients is supplied to the water retention unit 2 (water retention body 22). This cultivates the plant P. At this time, organic matter is produced within the plant P. This method makes it possible to selectively provide the plant P with the amount of nutrients necessary and sufficient for its growth, thereby preventing the waste of nutrients and increasing the utilization efficiency of nutrient components (fertilizer components). Note that when nutrients are supplied to the first root R1, the amount of nutrients to be supplied is determined taking into account the amount that is not absorbed by the first root R1 and is dissipated into the soil.

[0027] In this embodiment, it is preferable to supply nutrients to the second root R2 at an amount of approximately 1% to 90% of the amount supplied to the first root R1. Even when nutrients are supplied to the second root R2 at such a small amount, the plant P can grow sufficiently. The amount of nutrients supplied to the second root R2 is more preferably approximately 1% to 70% of the amount supplied to the first root R1, and even more preferably approximately 1% to 40%. While the water supply unit 4 and the nutrient supply unit 5 are configured separately in the above embodiment, they may be integrated. That is, they may be configured to simultaneously supply water and nutrients (fertilizer components). For example, nutrients (fertilizer components) may be dissolved in water and supplied to the second root R2 (moisture retainer 22). Adjusting the amount of nutrients (fertilizer components) depending on the season and circumstances makes it easy to respond to disease outbreaks.

[0028] The produced organic matter is then excreted from the first root R1 and / or the second root R2. In this second step, it is preferable to stimulate the plant P so that it preferentially produces a predetermined organic matter in response to the stimulation. This allows the plant P to efficiently produce the desired organic matter. The stimulation to the plant P may be achieved by electrical or physical stimulation, but is preferably achieved by exposing the plant P to at least one of substances, microorganisms, and animals (birds, insects, etc.) that have a negative effect on the plant P. In this case, the plant P detects a threat to its life and produces organic matter that neutralizes or decomposes the substances and weakens or kills the microorganisms and animals. The stimulation to the plant P may be achieved by applying it to at least one of the first root R1 and the second root R2, but is preferably applied to the second root R2. This is expected to facilitate the excretion of the organic matter from the second root R2. The stimulation may be applied to other parts of the plant P (for example, leaves, fruits, trunk, etc.) or to the entire plant.

[0029] [3] Third Step Next, in the third step, organic matter excreted from the second root R2 of the plant P is collected. The organic matter is dissolved into the water retained in the water retainer 22. Therefore, first, the water retainer 22 is collected, and the retained water is separated from the water retainer 22. This water separation can be performed, for example, by compression, centrifugation, etc. Next, the organic matter is collected from the obtained water. This organic matter collection can be performed, for example, by distillation, crystallization, adsorption to an adsorbent, separation using a column, etc.

[0030] This method allows organic matter to be recovered without waste, i.e., increases the efficiency of organic matter recovery. Furthermore, simply by replacing the water retainer 22, organic matter excreted from the second roots R2 can be repeatedly recovered, resulting in high recovery efficiency (organic matter production efficiency). The recovered organic matter can be used, for example, as pesticides, chemicals, or pharmaceuticals. In this case, the plant body P can be used as a pesticide production system (chemical factory). Furthermore, the recovered organic matter can be stored as is, and depending on the type, it can be injected, for example, into an underground reservoir. In these cases, atmospheric carbon fixation can be achieved, contributing to the suppression of global warming.

[0031] The cultivation apparatus 1 described above can be used to propagate plants. [Plant Propagation Method] Hereinafter, one embodiment of a plant propagation method (hereinafter also simply referred to as "propagation method") using the cultivation apparatus 1 will be described. Fig. 3 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which second roots are being grown in the plant of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a conceptual diagram showing a state in which the water retention unit of the cultivation apparatus has been removed from the plant of Fig. 3.

[0032] The propagation method of this embodiment includes the following steps: a first step of preparing a plant P with a first root R1 extending underground under a shading condition, and inducing a second root R2 in the above-ground portion S of the plant P by maintaining a temperature of 45°C or less in an environment of 100% RH or less or in the presence of moisture while shading a portion of the above-ground portion S; a second step of continuing the first step and growing the second root R2 until the tip of the second root R2 reaches the surface or underground; and a third step of removing the shading condition and transferring the second root R2 to the above-ground portion S of the plant P. The preferred humidity and temperature ranges are the same as those described above. Each step will be described in order below.

[0033] [1] First Step: The first step can be performed in the same manner as described above. Instead of using the induction method to create the second root R2 in a portion of the above-ground portion S, the second root R2 may be created in a portion of the above-ground portion S by root grafting. That is, the second root R2 can be artificially created in a portion of the above-ground portion S. [2] Second Step: Next, in the second step, as shown in FIG. 3 , the condition of the first step is continued, and the second root R2 is grown until its tip reaches the surface or underground. Specifically, the size of the water retention unit 2 is increased, and a nutrient-containing liquid is supplied to the water retention unit 2 (water retention body 22). This cultivates the plant P and causes the second root R2 to grow. This method allows selective provision of nutrients necessary and sufficient for the growth of the plant P, thereby preventing nutrient waste and improving the utilization efficiency of nutrient components (fertilizer components). When nutrients are supplied to the first root R1, the amount of nutrients to be supplied is determined taking into account the amount of nutrients that are not absorbed by the first root R1 and are dissipated into the soil.

[0034] In this embodiment, it is preferable to supply nutrients to the second root R2 at an amount of approximately 1% to 90% of the amount supplied to the first root R1. When nutrients are supplied to the second root R2, even such a small amount allows the plant P to grow sufficiently. The amount of nutrients supplied to the second root R2 is more preferably approximately 1% to 70% of the amount supplied to the first root R1, and even more preferably approximately 1% to 40%. While the water supply unit 4 and the nutrient supply unit 5 are configured separately in the above embodiment, they may be integrated. That is, they may be configured to simultaneously supply water and nutrients (fertilizer components). For example, nutrients (fertilizer components) may be dissolved in water and supplied to the second root R2. Furthermore, adjusting the amount of nutrients (fertilizer components) depending on the season and circumstances makes it easy to respond to disease outbreaks. The second root R2 is then grown until its tip reaches the surface or underground.

[0035] [3] Third Step Next, in the third step, as shown in FIG. 4 , the shading state is lifted and the second root R2 is transferred to the above-ground portion S of the plant P. Specifically, the water retention unit 2 of the cultivation device 1 is removed from the plant P. This releases the shading state of part of the above-ground portion S. In this state, water is continuously supplied to the first root R1 from the water supply unit 4 and nutrients from the nutrient supply unit 5. In this way, the plant P is cultivated. At this time, the second root R2 is exposed to sunlight and grows, and is transferred to a trunk or stem (main axis), or a branch or lateral axis.

[0036] The above-described propagation method can be employed for various plants P, but is preferably employed for plants P used to collect secretions (particularly plants P from which secretions are collected by scratching the epidermis). By growing the parts of such plants P from which secretions can be collected, the plants can be continuously used without cutting them down. Specific examples of plants P from which secretions are collected by scratching the epidermis (bark) include urushi trees and rubber trees. Furthermore, the method may be provided in the following forms.

[0037] (1) A method for producing organic matter, comprising: a first step of preparing a plant body having first roots extending underground and second roots artificially created in a portion of the above-ground part; a second step of cultivating the plant body to produce organic matter within the plant body; and a third step of recovering the organic matter excreted from the second roots of the plant body.

[0038] (2) In the method for producing organic matter described in (1) above, in the second step, a stimulus is applied to the plant body, thereby preferentially producing a specified organic matter in response to the stimulus.

[0039] (3) In the method for producing organic matter described in (2) above, the plant body is stimulated by acting on the plant body with at least one of a substance, a microorganism, and an animal that has a deleterious effect on the plant body.

[0040] (4) In the method for producing organic matter described in (2) or (3) above, the stimulation of the plant body is applied to at least one of the first root and the second root.

[0041] (5) The method for producing an organic substance according to any one of (2) to (4) above, wherein the recovered organic substance is used as an agricultural chemical, a chemical product, or a pharmaceutical product.

[0042] (6) The method for producing organic matter described in any one of (1) to (5) above, wherein the above-ground part is a trunk or stem of the plant body.

[0043] (7) In the method for producing organic matter described in any one of (1) to (6) above, in the first step, the second root is induced in a part of the above-ground part of the plant body by keeping the part of the above-ground part of the plant body in a shaded state, in an environment of 100% RH or less or in the presence of moisture, and at a temperature of 45°C or less.

[0044] (8) In the method for producing organic matter according to any one of (1) to (7) above, in the first step, a moisture retainer is placed so as to contact a portion of the above-ground portion, and moisture is supplied to the moisture retainer.

[0045] (9) The method for producing an organic substance according to (8) above, wherein in the first step, a part of the above-ground portion of the water-retaining body is covered with a light-shielding film.

[0046] (10) In the method for producing organic matter described in (8) or (9) above, in the second step, a liquid containing nutrients necessary for the growth of the plant body is supplied to the water-retaining body.

[0047] (11) The method for producing an organic substance according to any one of (8) to (10) above, wherein the moisture-retaining body contains a water-absorbent polymer.

[0048] (12) In the method for producing organic matter described in (10) above, in the second step, the nutrients are supplied to the second roots in an amount that is 1% or more and 90% or less of the amount supplied to the first roots.

[0049] (13) In the method for producing organic matter described in any one of (1) to (12) above, in the second step, nutrients necessary for the growth of the plant body are supplied via the second root.

[0050] (14) A method for propagating a plant, comprising: a first step of preparing a plant having first roots underground; and inducing second roots in a portion of the above-ground portion of the plant by maintaining the plant in a shaded state with a temperature of 45°C or less in an environment of 100% RH or less or in the presence of moisture; a second step of continuing the condition of the first step and growing the second roots until the tips of the second roots reach the surface or underground; and a third step of removing the shaded state and converting the second roots to a portion of the above-ground portion of the plant.

[0051] (15) The method for propagating a plant according to (14) above, wherein the plant is used to collect secretions secreted from the plant.

[0052] (16) A method for propagating a plant according to (14) or (15) above, wherein the above-ground part is a trunk or stem of the plant.

[0053] (21) A method for cultivating a plant, comprising a first step of preparing a plant having first roots in the ground, and a second step of inducing second roots in a portion of the above-ground portion of the plant.

[0054] According to this aspect, fertilizer components can be supplied to the second roots induced in the above-ground portion, thereby increasing the utilization efficiency of the fertilizer components, for example.

[0055] (22) The method for cultivating a plant according to (21) above, further comprising a third step of supplying nutrients necessary for the growth of the plant through the second root.

[0056] (23) A method for cultivating a plant body according to (21) or (22) above, wherein in the second step, the plant body is cultivated in a state where a portion of the above-ground part is shaded, in an environment of 30% RH or more and 100% RH or less, or in the presence of moisture, and at a temperature of 15°C or more and 40°C or less.

[0057] (24) A method for cultivating a plant body according to (23) above, wherein in the second step, a moisture-retaining body is placed so as to be in contact with a portion of the above-ground part, and the moisture is supplied to the moisture-retaining body.

[0058] (25) The method for cultivating a plant according to (24) above, wherein in the second step, a part of the above-ground part of the water-retaining structure is covered with a light-shielding film.

[0059] (26) The method for cultivating a plant according to (24) or (25) above, wherein in the third step, the liquid containing the nutrients is supplied to the water-retaining body.

[0060] (27) The method for cultivating a plant according to any one of (24) to (26) above, wherein the water-retaining material contains a water-absorbent polymer.

[0061] (28) A method for cultivating a plant body described in any one of (21) to (27) above, wherein in the third step, the nutrients are supplied to the second roots in an amount of 1% to 90% of the amount supplied to the first roots.

[0062] (29) A method for cultivating a plant according to any one of (21) to (28) above, wherein the above-ground part is a trunk or stem of the plant.

[0063] (30) A cultivation device for a plant having first roots in the ground, comprising a moisture retention unit that retains moisture around a portion of the above-ground portion of the plant, and a moisture supply unit that supplies the moisture to the moisture retention unit, and configured to induce second roots in the portion of the above-ground portion by supplying the moisture to the portion of the above-ground portion through the moisture retention unit.

[0064] (31) The plant cultivation device according to (30) above, further comprising a shading section that shades a portion of the above-ground portion.

[0065] (32) The plant cultivation device according to (30) or (31) above, wherein the water supply unit is detachable from the water retention unit.

[0066] (33) The plant cultivation device according to (32) above, wherein the water supply unit is a flying object having a first container for storing the water.

[0067] (34) The plant cultivation device according to any one of (30) to (33) above, further comprising a nutrient supply unit that supplies nutrients necessary for the growth of the plant through the second root.

[0068] (35) The plant cultivation device according to (34), wherein the nutrient supply unit is detachable from the water retention unit.

[0069] (36) The plant cultivation device according to (35) above, wherein the nutrient supply unit is a flying object having a second container for storing the nutrients.

[0070] (37) In the plant cultivation device described in (36) above, the flying object further has a first container for storing the water and also functions as the water supply unit. Of course, this is not a limitation.

[0071] As described above, various embodiments of the present invention have been described, but these are presented as examples and do not limit the scope of the invention in any way. The novel embodiments can be embodied in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Such embodiments and their modifications are intended to be included within the scope and spirit of the invention, as well as within the scope of the inventions and their equivalents as set forth in the claims.

[0072] 1: Cultivation device, 2: Moisture retention unit, 21: Retention unit main body, 22: Moisture retention body, 3: Light shielding unit, 4: Moisture supply unit, 41: First container, 42: Tube, 43: Pump, 5: Nutrient supply unit, 51: Second container, 52: Tube, 53: Pump, P: Plant body, R1: First root, R2: Second root, S: Above-ground part, UG: Underground

Claims

1. A method for producing organic matter, comprising: a first step of preparing a plant body having first roots extending underground and second roots artificially created in a portion of the above-ground portion; a second step of cultivating the plant body to produce organic matter within the plant body; and a third step of recovering the organic matter excreted from the second roots of the plant body.

2. A method for producing organic matter as described in claim 1, wherein in the second step, a stimulus is applied to the plant body, thereby preferentially producing a predetermined organic matter in response to the stimulus.

3. A method for producing organic matter as described in claim 2, wherein the stimulation of the plant body is imparted by acting on the plant body with at least one of a substance, a microorganism, and an animal that has an adverse effect on the plant body.

4. A method for producing organic matter as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein the stimulation of the plant body is applied to at least one of the first root and the second root.

5. The method for producing an organic matter according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the recovered organic matter is used as an agricultural chemical, a chemical product or a pharmaceutical product.

6. A method for producing organic matter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the above-ground part is a trunk or stem of the plant body.

7. A method for producing organic matter according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein in the first step, a portion of the above-ground part of the plant body is kept in a shaded state, in an environment of 100% RH or less or in the presence of moisture, and at a temperature of 45°C or less, thereby inducing the second roots in the portion of the above-ground part.

8. A method for producing organic matter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein in the first step, a moisture retainer is placed so as to be in contact with a portion of the above-ground portion, and moisture is supplied to the moisture retainer.

9. A method for producing an organic substance as described in claim 8, wherein in the first step, a part of the above-ground portion together with the moisture retainer is covered with a light-shielding film.

10. A method for producing organic matter as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein in the second step, a liquid containing nutrients necessary for the growth of the plant body is supplied to the water retainer.

11. The method for producing an organic substance according to any one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the moisture retaining body includes a water-absorbent polymer.

12. A method for producing organic matter as described in claim 10, wherein in the second step, the nutrients are supplied to the second roots in an amount equal to or greater than 1% and equal to or less than 90% of the amount supplied to the first roots.

13. A method for producing organic matter according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein in the second step, nutrients necessary for the growth of the plant body are supplied via the second root.

14. A method for propagating a plant, comprising: a first step of preparing a plant having first roots underground, and inducing second roots in a portion of the above-ground portion of the plant by maintaining the plant in a shaded state with a temperature of 45°C or less in an environment of 100% RH or less or in the presence of moisture; a second step of continuing the condition of the first step to allow the second root to grow until the tip of the second root reaches the surface or underground; and a third step of removing the shaded state and transferring the second root to a portion of the above-ground portion of the plant.

15. A method for propagating a plant as claimed in claim 14, wherein the plant is used for collecting a secretion fluid secreted from the plant.

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